From Topanga Canyon to NDLON: James Houlahan Mobilizes for Immigrant Rights

Following a star-studded live performance of his seventh album On a Wing, the local folk musician prepares a charitable Woody Guthrie cover for November.

Topanga Canyon folk musician James Houlahan is proving that community and collaboration remain the beating heart of our local music. Earlier this year, Houlahan celebrated the release of his brilliant seventh studio album, On a Wing, with a rare, full-ensemble live performance at North Hollywood’s legendary Kulak’s Woodshed. Captured live on video, the special evening reunited Houlahan with the record’s stellar cast of all-star collaborators—including veterans who have played alongside legends like Lou Reed, Tom Waits, and k.d. lang. But Houlahan isn’t just making waves with his music; he is also using his platform for a cause, gearing up for a November release of Woody Guthrie’s “Deportee” to directly benefit the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON).

Recorded at Forward Motion Studios in Los Angeles and produced alongside Fernando Perdomo, On a Wing stands as a masterclass in collective talent. The album boasts unforgettable contributions from percussionist Danny Frankel (k.d. lang, Lou Reed), bassist Greg Cohen (Tom Waits, John Zorn), and multi-instrumentalist John Kruth (Ornette Coleman, Violent Femmes). The pristine live audio from the showcase was later re-mixed by Ronan Chris Murphy at Veneto West.

Watch the Live Performance

Check out the live performance of “These Changes“ from the June 19, 2026, album release show at Kulak’s Woodshed. The video captures the full magic of the evening, featuring Houlahan alongside Fernando Perdomo (keyboards), John Kruth (recorder), Greg Cohen (bass), Danny Frankel (drums), and Esther Houlahan (vocals).

Act Local, Think Global! How You Can Support

• Donate: You can support the cause directly by visiting the NDLON website at ndlon.org.
• Connect: Follow James on Instagram @jameshoulahan for updates on the November release.
• Listen: Stream or download On a Wing via his Bandcamp page.