Author Archives: Shirley Pena

Shirley Pena

About Shirley Pena

A native of Southern California, Shirley Peña began her career as a music journalist almost twenty years ago, writing for her websites "Stars In My Eyes: the Girlhowdy Website" and "La Raza Rock!" and progressed to creating various fan sites on Yahoo, including the first for New Zealand singer/songwriter Tim Finn. From there, she became a free agent, arranging online interviews for Yahoo fan clubs with various music artists (Andy White, John Crawford, Debora Iyall, John Easdale, etc.). She also lent her support in creating and moderating a number of Yahoo fan clubs for various music artists from the 1990s-today. As a music journalist, Shirley Peña has contributed to a number of magazines (both hard copy and online), among them: Goldmine, American Songwriter, Classic Drummer Magazine and UK-based Keyboard Player (where she was a principal journalist). A self-confessed "fanatic" of 1960s "British Invasion" bands, Classic Rock and nostalgic "Old Hollywood ", she also keeps her finger on the pulse of current trends in music, with a keen eye for up and coming artists of special merit. Shirley Peña loves Los Angeles, and is thrilled to join the writing staff of The Los Angeles Beat!

LA Welcomes Back The Babys With a Gala CD Release Party!

Posted on June 27, 2014 by Shirley Pena

Wednesday night, June 25th, the legendary British band The Babys were welcomed back to the Los Angeles area music scene with a fun-filled party that celebrated the official release of their first album in over thirty years, ‘I’ll Have Some of … Continue reading →

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Review: Super Duper Alice Cooper (Deluxe Limited Edition)

Posted on June 8, 2014 by Shirley Pena

Described as “The first doc-opera” by its creators and distributors Scot McFadyen,  Sam Dunn and Reg Harkema, this ambitious (and at times fragmented) blend of rock opera, documentary and animation comes just this close to biting off more than it can … Continue reading →

Posted in Interviews, Movies, Music | Tagged , | 3 Comments

CD Review: Last Day on Earth by Robert Nix

Posted on June 7, 2014 by Shirley Pena

On a blazing hot day like today, with the temperature rising as businesses all over town are either closing their doors early or not opening them at all, the icy-cool sound of Robert Nix was exactly what my fevered brow … Continue reading →

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CD Review: The Babys-I’ll Have Some of That!

Posted on June 6, 2014 by Shirley Pena

“The whole premise is to keep The Babys alive and have a good time doing it” observes Wally Stocker, original lead guitarist for the legendary British rock group The Babys. With a string of classic, am rock radio-friendly hits like … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

Review: The Pink Floyd and Syd Barrett Story

Posted on June 5, 2014 by Shirley Pena

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqpFs8L1NWk “It’s boring sometimes, but it’s still fun. I keep busy with so many things at once that I forget sometimes where I leave stuff! My book ( a history on Art) is almost finished, and of course there’s the … Continue reading →

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Review: Sensation-The Story of the Who’s Tommy [Blu-ray]

Posted on May 31, 2014 by Shirley Pena

I’ve gotta admit that when this was sent to me in the mail I let out a soft groan, as I quietly thought to myself,  “This is territory that Townshend and company have traveled upon far too many times already! … Continue reading →

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David Amram Remembers His Friend Pete Seeger

Posted on January 28, 2014 by Shirley Pena

“I’d like to be remembered as the sower of seeds. That’s the greatest parable in the Bible as far as I’m concerned. Some seeds fall in the pathway and get stomped on and don’t grow, but some fall on the … Continue reading →

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Gary U.S. Bonds To Launch Autobiography at Book Soup in Hollywood!

Posted on June 10, 2013 by Shirley Pena

Legendary performer and songwriter Gary U.S. Bonds can now add yet another title to his resume: published author. On Monday, June 17th, Gary U.S. Bonds will make a special in-store appearance at West Hollywood’s popular book store “Book Soup.” His … Continue reading →

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CD Review: Simon Townshend: Looking Out/Looking In

Posted on November 30, 2012 by Shirley Pena

  “Life has served up some interesting stuff that’s inspired me! I think it’s my best CD yet. Now let us know what YOU think. You may have to buy it first though. Damn!” – Simon Townshend I agree, Simon. … Continue reading →

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EPA Issues Cleanup Plan For Arizona Power Plants

Posted on November 29, 2012 by Shirley Pena

Dear LA Beat readers, Good News! The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has honored its obligation to our national parks by issuing a final cleanup plan for three ’70s-era Arizona power plants that will better regulate some of the biggest park … Continue reading →

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