From L.A. Record:

“I don’t remember a whole lot after the face-melting set Entrance
performed on Wednesday night. The trio walked on stage and played
their signature fuzzed-out blues-rock. It was at times distorted
beyond recognition and at other times so tightly locked in grooves and
riffage that the entire theatre was entrenched in full-on head
nodding. But let’s back up for a second… Wednesday night’s benefit
was exemplary of what makes Arthur so great. In one of L.A.’s offbeat
landmarks, a host of noise makers and poets and outsider freaks paid
tribute to the best magazine that’s been in existence of late, and
with any luck we’ll be getting a new Arthur issue next month! Arthur
(and L.A. RECORD) stalwart Oliver Hall spent the evening introducing
acts, offering bits of musical wisdom and hodgepodge, and occasionally
staring into the crowd causing patrons to squirm uncomfortably in
their seats. The line-up featured the old, the young, and a few
performers of indeterminate age. Forever youthful Ruthann Friedman
took to the stage and amidst plucks on her guitar reminisced about the
’60s, spending time with the Association, and reminding the crowd why
she is a folk legend by playing her hit “Windy.” The evening began
with Lewis MacAdams reminding the young ‘uns about the simplicity of
poetry. The founder of Friends of the Los Angeles River read several
brief and sweet selections from his book before making an early
getaway. Other younger poets and musicians would take the stage and
noise and dissonance and a singularly magical typewriter would add
entertaining affectation to their performances (and there was that
overwhelming Entrance set). It was a prolonged evening of
entertainment and a beacon of hope from an already legendary magazine.
(AG)”

All photos by/courtesy Ned Raggett unless otherwise noted.

Humorist Oliver Hall (E.S.P.S.), the evening’s emcee, surveys the full house…

…accompanied by Lavender Diamond‘s Steve Gregoropoulos on electric keys.

Poet/author/Friends of the L.A. River co-founder Lewis MacAdams reads from his latest collection, The River.

Singer-poet-action hero Paloma Parfrey in performance…

…accompanied by Tamala Poljak (right) on guitar and treats.

Timeless ’60s/now singer-songwriter Ruthann Friedman.

The Entrance Band (pictured: Guy Blakeslee and Paz Lenchantin; not pictured: drummer Derek James) in electric power trio formation by JENNIE WARREN

Entrance, again.

Elisa Ambrogio (Magik Markers) reads.

Author Joseph Mattson reads.

Six Organs of Admittance, featuring Ben Chasny at center, with Steve Ruecker (left) and Joseph Mattson (right).

Elisa Ambrogio and Ben Chasny, in their USA performance debut as a duo.

Venue: Silent Movie Theater (thank you Dan Harkham and Hadrian Belove!)

Poster by Alia Penner
Stage production by Zach Cowie
Back patio deejays: Buzz and Chad Brown (Small Town Talk)
Special thanks: Mandy Kahn, Laura Copelin, Sammy Harkham, dublab