At Home With Folk Concerts

Marie Poll hosts folk music concerts in her West Los Angeles home most Saturday nights and encourages families with older children to enjoy music in this intimate atmosphere. “It’s great for kids to hear music so close up, without mikes or anything else in the way,” she said.

The emphasis is on contemporary, original music in the folk tradition.

Tonight, Sara Grey and Ellie Ellis will play five-string banjo, acoustic guitar and Appalachian Mountain dulcimer in a two-hour concert. “Their music is an interesting combination of old-time, traditional and contemporary,” said Poll. “This particular concert would be fun for children age 9 and up.”

The two women will take time to explain their instruments and the origin of many of the songs they’ll be performing.

70 People at a Concert

By clearing the furniture out of her living room and opening the door to the patio, Poll can accommodate as many as 70 people at a concert. She serves refreshments and the audience has time to mingle with the performers. “There’s a nice exchange before, during and after the performance.”

On Aug. 28, Poll will host Martin and Jessica Simpson from Great Britain featuring traditional guitar and dobro music. On Aug. 29, Anita Saltzman, former lead singer with Mother Logo Band, will sing traditional and contemporary folk songs.

All concerts begin at 8 p.m. and reservations are necessary. Admission is $7 per person with all the money going to the performers. Information: (213) 836-0779.