Will Rogers State Historical Park is hosting the Will Rogers’ Dust Bowl Birthday Party on Sunday, November 7, from noon to 3 p.m. at the park in Pacific Palisades. (Rogers was born on November 4, 1879.) Dutch Newman and the Musical Melodians will perform 1920’s and 1930’s music from noon to 2 p.m., while ranch house tours and kids’ activities are also offered. Period-attired guests will add to the Dust Bowl theme. ‘Newman, influenced by Duke Ellington, Ted Weems, Louis Armstrong, Fletcher Henderson and the California Ramblers, finds inspiration from silent and classic-era films and by listening to his collection of 78-rpm records on his portable Victrola. A regular performer in the Los Angeles area since 2002, Newman and his band incorporate the sounds of ukulele, stand-up bass, piano, clarinet, trombone and other horns as well as guitar and violin to fully realize that special sound.’ Chanteuse Mikal Sandoval, also a Will Rogers park ranger, is a veritable encyclopedia of songs from that era. With her trained voice, dance skills and the art of costume, Sandoval provides the finishing touch. The new Will Rogers Ranch Foundation gift shop will also offer a 10-percent discount to celebrate Will’s birthday. In honor of Will Rogers’ legacy of philanthropy, a canned food and fund drive to benefit the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is ongoing through Sunday. Non-perishable food and personal hygiene items are gratefully accepted at the ranger’s office at the park. All monetary contributions are tax-deductible. Guests who donate five or more items will receive a complimentary ‘Will Rogers Cookbook.’ Contact: (310) 454-8212, ext. 6.
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