Company at the Crossroads: Blues Singer Janiva Magness Makes Life's Journeys A Little Less Lonely

THE BAR AT THE RITZ-CARLTON in South Pasadena has hand-rubbed wood on the walls and a copious amount of plush sofas and chairs. Bookcases stocked with vintage volumes and 19th century paintings bring about a sudden taste for brandy. Tonight, blues singer Janiva Magness will turn this place into a rural southern roadhouse.