Small Voices: Inexpensive recording equipment and the...

Small Voices: Inexpensive recording equipment and the low cost of manufacturing compact discs has allowed performers such as Ritt Henn, above, to form their own record labels (F1). It’s “the best thing a band can do for itself,” says one industry observer. . . . In today’s Valley Weekend, part of Calendar: Five bands share the secrets of producing their own CDs.

Big Horns: Howard Johnson is the Abe Lincoln of tubas, determined to emancipate what he believes is a misunderstood horn (F1A). . . . His jazz ensemble, Gravity, features six tubas and a rhythm section. Johnson insists that “when you’re in the room with these instruments, there’s a sensual thing that happens in the air.”

Big Laughs: Robert Koehler reports that “Men Are Animals 2” is a hilarious sequel from Steve Greenberg and Bart Sumner (F20). . . . The revue offers a keen perspective on the male of the species.

Golden Years: No sooner had the 10th annual National Veterans Golden Age Games begun than Marty Fishman won two medals for the Sepulveda VA team. Fishman, 77, of Van Nuys is blind. He earned gold in shuffleboard and bronze in bowling. . . . The games continue in Loma Linda today.