Arts & Entertainment

Spirited Tracy Newman to Play Talking Stick Thursday

The witty TV writer and sing/songwriter spreads some song and cheer Thursday night.

The co-writer of the groundbreaking “coming-out” episode of Ellen, Tracy Newman brings her brand of original acoustic folk songs to The Talking Stick Thursday at 8 p.m.

The Emmy Award-winning TV writer turned award-winning singer/songwriter will perform new music and fan favorites, including "Mama, I know You Ain’t Santa," described by Los Angeles Times pop music editor Randy Lewis as one of “The Saddest Christmas Songs Ever.”   

Her first big league TV comedy writing gig was for the iconic show Cheers.  In 2001, she co-created According to Jim, which ran for eight seasons. When Jim sold into syndication, Newman left TV behind to return to her desire of being a full-time singer/songwriter.

“I would never be able to successfully tell a story in 3 or 4 minutes [a typical song length,] if I hadn’t had the pressure to write 22-minute stories the length of a typical sitcom]," she said. 

Ever the artist, Newman is also one of the founding members of the legendary Los Angeles improv company, The Groundlings.

Newman has recorded two albums: "I Just See You,” her second CD, includes "Fire up the Weed," the first place special music winner in the Great American Song Contest, and "Table Nine," a tribute to Merle Haggard. Her debut album, “A Place in the Sun” was released in 2007.

Newman will be joined by her band The Reinforcements and bluegrass singer songwriter Tom Corbett at The Talking Stick Thursday. A suggested donation of $15 will be taken at the door.

The Talking Stick is at 1411C Lincoln Boulevard.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here