I'm really happy to be announcing my CD Release Concert. I'm even happier that the producer, Shane Butler of Ojai Concert Series, has agreed to stage this show as a benefit for a cause I hold close to my heart: the support of landmine victims. Here's the scoop: Tuesday Oct 28th 7pm TICKET Costs: $10 advance, $12 @ door, or $20 including pre-show dinner Smitty West "CD Release Concert" and Benefit for Landmine Victims PLEASE GET YOUR TICKETS SOON. THE SHOW IS ALREADY 1/2 SOLD FROM ADVANCE SALES. The club only holds about 100 seats. I wish everyone could fit, but they just can't. This may be the only time that these musicians, who played on my CD, will be performing together live. Here's the producer's press release with all the details: Announcing the release of his first solo CD, "Your World," songwriter-pianist-singer Smitty West performs a concert of the original music from his CD as well as a few favorite covers, backed up by some of Southern California's finest musicians. Smitty West (stage name for Scott Smith) has just released this eclectic solo collection of 12 original songs, spanning genres of folk, rock, metal, and country. Backing Smitty are some of Southern California's finest musicians: Legendary bass guitarist Jim Monahan, drummer/percussionist Bob Nichols, Scott Luedke on guitar, and vocalist Julija Zonic. This is a first time assembly of this band for a live performance. Smitty will be returning from Washington DC, where he is performing his new song, "The Apple Tree Stands and Waits," a ballad written in support of landmine action. He was commissioned to write this song for the Marshall Legacy Institute's "Clearing the Path Gala" and is singing it live on Tuesday, 10/21st at the Fairmont Hotel Ballroom. This benefit is attended by world leaders, diplomats, congressmen, and supporters of landmine action. Smitty has been a strong advocate of mine action since he inadvertently walked into a minefield in Lebanon in 2004 while visiting his grandfather's home village. Smitty will perform a multimedia rendition of "The Apple Tree Stands and Waits," and a donation will be made to the Marshall Legacy Institute for every ticket and CD sold at the CD Release Concert. Smitty (www.smittywest.com) is the founder of Ojai Songwriters Anonymous, a collaborative support group of local songwriters. He has recently completed the scoring of Christopher Devine's, Fighting With Sticks, a high-definition movie shot in Ojai. Just this month, Smitty produced and recorded Jim Monahan's political satire Wasilla Girl, which has received national radio play and is a YouTube favorite with over 10,000 views in three weeks. He owns and operates Euterpe Farms, a California native plant farm: http://www.geocities.com/surfohi/euterpe.html All profits from Smitty's music and farm are donated to supporting "Landmine Action"...helping bring hope to people in war-torn countries. This show will be held at the beautiful Ojai Valley Woman's Club, 441 E. Ojai Avenue, Ojai, California. Show starts at 7:00 PM, with doors open at 6:30 for will-call and at 6:45 for ticket buyers. All seating is first come, first served. Ticket prices for kids under 14, are 1/2 of the parents' ticket price. If you want to meet Smitty and the band for a bite before the show, join us at Il Giardino Restaurant for a special Italian buffet at 5:45pm. It's just a one-minute walk to the Woman's Club from the restaurant at 401 E. Ojai Ave. ONLY $20 INCLUDES THE DELICIOUS ITALIAN BUFFET AND A TICKET TO THE SHOW! (drinks, dessert, etc. are extra) Please call ahead for a reservation 805.640.7381. Ramiro Santana, the owner of Il Giardino's, is a strong supporter of local music and landmine action as well, and he was happy to support this show with this great deal on some delicious food. If you already have a ticket to the show, they'll knock $10 off the $20 price. Purchase Advance Tickets at these Ojai locations: Ojai Creates 606 E. Ojai Ave, Serendipity Toys 221 E. Matilija, and Cardinali Brothers Music 139 W. El Roblar (Meiners Oaks)