Culture

Folk-Psychedelic Album Release Show at Rancho Los Cerritos

Songwriter, Alyssandra Nighswonger, celebrates her new album, Will You Stay, with a unique sonic experience in the garden atmosphere of the historic Rancho Los Cerritos June 18. 

The evening will also feature performances by renowned poet, Derrick Brown, theatrical composer, Ellen Warkentine and DJs Lono Calls and Lili Bird. Nighswonger said, Will You Stay is an album about “those bittersweet times when you say goodbye to a part of yourself and get pushed to bloom.” 

It was recorded locally at The Compound Studio in Signal Hill. Inspired by influences like The Moody Blues and King Crimson, the work is immersed heavily in the Mellotron, played by Los Angeles multi-instrumentalist and producer, Fernando Perdomo. To create Nighswonger’s whimsical universe, the album also has R. Scott Dibble on Hammond B3 Organ, Joy Shannon on harp and percussionist, Slam, on vibraphone. Also featured at the event, Derrick C. Brown, who is a novelist, comedian, poet, storyteller and former paratrooper for the 82nd Airborne. Winner of the 2013 Texas Book of The Year award for Poetry, he is also owner and president of Write Bloody Publishing, which Forbes and Filter Magazine call “…one of the best independent poetry presses in the country.” 

Opening the event, Ellen Warkentine is a theatrical multi-instrumentalist composer/performer from Long Beach, now based in Brooklyn, New York. Her melodic work references avant-pop, early jazz, and vaudeville. She will be accompanied by harpist Chris Lyles. 

Rancho Los Cerritos is a landmark that echoes with history of indigenous, Spanish, Mexican and American California. The five-acre site contains beautifully preserved historic gardens. Tickets are available on Eventbrite, and the album is available on Bandcamp. 

The evening promises to be a dreamy one and stay tuned for an upcoming album review for Will You Stay.

June 18 — Will You Stay Album Release Show 

Time: 6:30 p.m. doors open

Cost: $12 General Admission or $28 VIP 

Details: www.eventbrite.com/e/alyssandra-nighswonger-will-you-stay-album-release-show 

Venue: Rancho Los Cerritos, 4600 Virginia Road, Long Beach.

Melina Paris

Melina Paris is a Southern California-based writer, who connects local community to ARTS & Culture, matters of Social Justice and the Environment. Melina is also producer and host of Angel City Culture Quest podcast, featured on RLN website and wherever you get your podcasts.

Recent Posts

County to Protect Medi-Cal and CalFresh Access for 1.7 Million Residents Amid New Federal Work Requirements

The motion also calls for the expansion of workfare and volunteer opportunities across county departments…

14 hours ago

Governors Briefs: CalRx® Insulin, $11 a Pen, Will Soon be Available and Appointment Announced

This launch marks a significant step in the state's ongoing effort to lower prescription drug…

14 hours ago

Purdue Student Paper Shows Solidarity With Rival

  After the Indiana University Media School fired its director of student media and banned…

15 hours ago

POLA Lead Attorney Steve Otera Named Corporate Counsel of the Year by LA Business Journal

  LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Business Journal has given a top legal honor…

15 hours ago

Ports Briefs: POLB Cargo Slows as Clean Truck Study and Air Quality Report Highlight Progress

The Final 2024 Class 8 Drayage Truck Feasibility Assessment Report focuses on battery electric and…

18 hours ago

Public Health Investigating Possible Local Spread of Clade I Mpox; Third Case Confirmed in Los Angeles County

So far in 2025, Public Health has reported 118 cases of clade II mpox.

2 days ago