Woody Guthrie at 100: This Party Is Your Party

The words of some songs seem to ring true forever. Especially Woody Guthrie’s “Do-Re-Mi,” with its scathing appreciation of life in the Golden State:

California is a garden of Eden, a paradise to live in or see;
But believe it or not, you won’t find it so hot
If you ain’t got the do-re-mi.

This Saturday, July 14 (Bastille Day!), A Better World’s A-Coming honors the Dust Bowl Bard’s 100th birthday with “An Echo Park Tribute to Woody Guthrie” – what its organizers, the Trailer Trash Project (TTP), are calling “a free backyard picnic celebrating the life and music of Echo Park resident Woody Guthrie.” But wait, there’s more! “Enjoy an afternoon concert of hip-hop, blues, jazz, psychedelic and bluegrass by Woody-inspired musicians. Art activities [including children’s music and storytelling] will take place throughout the day. End the day with a second line parade led by Superbroke Brass and Tin Marching Band Ensemble.”

The festivities, which advertise appearances by Michelle Shocked and Krip Hop Nation’s Leroy Moore, take place at El Centro del Pueblo, 1157 Lemoyne Street, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Immediately afterward, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Echo, 1822 W. Sunset Boulevard, the TTP joins with Occupy Fights Foreclosures to raise funds for Skid Row housing. Alt-hip hoppers Olmeca will be headlining (suggested donation: $10).