A while back when guitarist Will Bernard moved to from Berkeley to Brooklyn, he suggested I hire guitarist David James for Doña Luz 30 Besos/Beth Custer Ensemble. I introduced myself to David at his place of work, asked him to jam w/BCE at the studio I shared with Jan Jackson in Hunter’s Point. We’ve been playing together ever since. Countless gigs and tours later BCE morphed into the ensemble Russian Telegraph, founded by David, named for two hills in San Francisco. Prior to RTs emergence, David asked me to be in his group GPS. We made a critically acclaimed recording, Billionaire Blues. Now after a few years of recording and performing, GPS & guests will present David’s seminal Mission Rebel No. 1: Looking for Reverend Jesse James, 9/22 in San Francisco, 9/24 in Palo Alto. Not to be missed, a rich tapestry of sonic excellence.

Find it here!

The New Farm director, legendary pianist/singer Andy Pollack (Life After Life) and I make a rare public performance at Maracuja Gallery, Texas St./22nd St., San Francisco, CA, Friday, 8/25/23, $20, only 50 sold in advance.

I first met Andrew Pollack in November of 2019, we became fast friends playing weekly at each other homes and at The New Farm. In a way, we saved each others souls during the performers nightmare that ‘twer the grey years of lockdown! Friday you’ll hear originals and a galley of tunes from Berlin to Cale in an all acoustic setting. Wander through, gaze at Mark Hensen art, sit with 3D goggles on, to the soft, sweet, sultry sounds of piano, voices, and clarinet.

Take public transport/walk/bike/driverless car,(!) eat at many fine establishments in Dogpatch and on Potrero hill, make an evening of it! 10% of ticket sales will be donated to TheNewFarm.org.

Peace, ya’ll

Beth

Super excited for my two solo shows this week: Wednesday’s Garden of Memory in Oakland. I’ll be in the Palm Garden this year near the front entrance. Then Thursday-Monday I’ll be artist in residence at The Tank Center for Performing Arts in Rangely Colorado where I’ll perform, record, and collaborate.

Russian Telegraph will be performing July 18th as part of the People in Plazas series. See you out there!

Hi Everyone,

Director Camera Obscura’s Virtue is playing at the Roxie Theatre Monday, June 5th, 6:30pm, director will be on hand and has invited me to sit in on the Q&A. The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence conduct a glorious wedding ceremony of two queens: