Ann ‘The Raven’ (KCSN 88.5 FM Long Beach/Los Angeles)…Birthday Bash 2011
Ann ‘The Raven’ Birthday Bash 2011
By: Casey Reagan
For: American Blues News
Sometimes this job is just too cool. I’m always going new places and meeting new friends. Seeing all this great live music and rubbing elbows with folks who I admire and respect is surely the icing on the cake. Being an ‘insider’ in the Los Angeles blues community will often open doors and opportunities for me that may not be open to others and when that happens I feel it is my duty to take in all I can and share it with all of you.
The 10th of July 2011 was one of those days. As well as being the day my own son was born, July 10th is also a very special day in the LA blues world.
Ann ‘The Raven’ (Long-Dolan), who, has played a huge role in bringing the blues to Los Angeles for over 25 years with her weekly radio program on KCSN 88.5 FM ( www.kcsn.org ), Saturdays from 6-9 PM PST also celebrated her birthday that day and when Ann throws a party, watch out!
This year the celebration was at Harpers Bar and Grille (photo above) out yonder in the San Fernando Valley, (5545 Reseda Blvd. Tarzana, CA. to be exact) and a fine celebration it was. We were entertained by a handful of the best musicians in the country (see flyer below) and were treated like VIP’s by the venue (thanks Rob Harper for the outstanding hospitality).
Start to finish this party was first class. The bands who played were hand selected and Ann treated every one to a special care package just for being there and my good friend ’Scorch Sister’ Francesca Capasso (photos below) put the whole thing together, performed and was the co-hostess with the mostess.
Huge kudos to Fran and everyone involved in making this happen and especially to Ann for being the most gracious and coolest guest of honor this side of East Jersey.
I’ve been listening to ‘The Raven’ play the blues on the radio for almost as long as I can remember, she’s been a staple in my home for almost as long. Saturdays wouldn’t be the same without her and for that she has my highest gratitude. Every blues fan and artist I’ve ever spoken with feels the same way. 
Besides being the sexiest woman on the radio Ann’s appreciation and knowledge of the blues make her a very special and integral part of the blues community at large. Being an absolute sweetheart and great human being makes her a very special friend.
Harpers was packed with a who’s who of the blues and that doesn’t include the talent, every blues society in the southland was represented along with radio and television people from up and down the coast and everyone was there to celebrate the occasion, myself included.
The party lasted long into the night and like every good party, the fun didn’t end there. I heard of a bunch of ‘after party’s’ but honestly, I couldn’t keep up at the ’before party’ so I stayed till the end and drove the 20 something miles down the 134 freeway back home to reflect on a great day at the office.
I’ve got my request in to interview Ann currently and as soon as we get our schedules coordinated, you’ll be the first to know right here on Ameriblues.com. Until then, stay tuned, support live music wherever you are and …Thanks for the ride!
Ann ‘The Raven’ Birthday Bash 2011
Story/Photos By: Casey Reagan
For: American Blues News
