Life — and music — have their different chapters, and Ranchers have been turning pages in new places, new directions, for most of the last year or two. But, reading ahead, we see that “the story” brings us back to the original starting point for a reunion of sorts:

“BIG VARIETY NIGHT”

Sunday, Dec. 16 @ Linnaea’s Cafe

1110 Garden Street, SLO

The evening begins at 5:30 and runs ’til 9:00 or so. Admission is free. Both Ray & Chas will perform short sets of their own music, then combine for a set of R4P favorites, including their original version of the song “The Light Of Christmas Day,” featured in the 2015 movie “Love The Coopers” in a version produced by T Bone Burnett and sung by Alison Krauss and Robert Plant — any of whom are welcome to join us on stage, if they happen to be in town.

It will be a sweet and “Peaceful” way to celebrate the season — hope to see you there.

Yeah! As part of their 3-day “Deep-Ecology Collaboratory” Ecologistics have invited us to help with their celebration of “Protest Song” — and present the winners of their song-writing contest. The whole event is very much worth your attention — but if you want to get a good look at what they’re up to in a shorter time, come out to Rancho El Chorro this Saturday Night at 7:00 for the concert — just $10. See you there!

Yeah, time for this song again — sorry to say. Love to see a day when it’s finally out of context. Until then: “Get your cowboy hats on for the gangster parade…”

Yeah — she’s written a batch of dynamic and powerful songs and packaged them in her own dynamic and powerful way in a new collection called “THIS ROAD.” Come celebrate with us:

EP Release Concert: Sunday May 22, 7:30 PM, Steynberg Gallery

1531 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. Tickets, $10. For reservations: (805) 547-0278 

Further info: http://gator3041.hostgator.com/~steynberg/upcoming/

Audio previews at Ray’s new site: http://www.rayduncanmusic.com/

It’s more than four years now, and Zimmerman is in the news again — auctioning off the gun he used to do the deed. Words fail — but music still works, and it’s a nice Spring day (for those of us still breathing) so: let’s all sing along — one more time!

We’re joining the local singer-songwriter crowd for this edition of the long-running series, hosted by SLO icon Ted Waterhouse at Linnaea Phillips’s original oasis of sanity on Garden Street. Music starts early — sometimes before 6:00. Ranchers for Peace usually close the show, 9:30 or thereabouts. But come earlier for solo sets by individual Ranchers Charles and Ray — and to catch up on the range of crafty and creative artistes on the bill. “Big Variety” — guaranteed.

No cover. 1110 Garden St, San Luis Obispo, 805-541-5888

http://www.linnaeas.com/calendar/

We’re joining some new friends from up north — and old pal Randall Lamb — for an evening of song-swapping “in the round,” with a focus on the kind of songs that have inspired social activism, in the past and here today: come on down and get your New Year’s dose of “give a damn.”

SUNDAY, JAN. 31 — 7:00 PM, Steynberg Gallery, 1531 Monterey St., SLO.

Details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1572659232979556/