Home » Coverstory

Valley Music Scene
By Jen Kay

As the Jan Brady, the middle child between Los Angeles and San Diego, The Valley competes with the hype in its own understated way. While not as flashy, the music scene is enthusiastic, appreciative, with a mature allure that attracts the finest talent in the industry.

More refined than its trendy neighbors, it tends to host the likes of those who have stood the test of time. Truly, the valley is a time capsule for music history makers, both past and present. With summer warming up, the musicians dust off their guitars, come out of hibernation, and set out on the lonely road. Always on the calendar is California - next stop: San Fernando, Simi and Conejo Valleys.

SPURS REQUIRED

The Valley is the Texas of California, with a rich history involving the worlds' most famous country and blues musicians.

The Palomino Club in North Hollywood (which closed in 1995) continues to inspire tales of the good ole' days. Johnny Cash, Buck Owens, Patsy Kline, Willie Nelson and in more recent times, Lucinda Williams, Dwight Yoakam and Victoria Williams were all Palomino players. There is actually a group called the Palomino Club. Members who were either patrons or musicians can voice a collective sigh of nostalgia for this Cali-Cowboy's Paradise on their myspace page:

(myspace.com/palominoalumniclub)

Stepping to the beat of such historic venues, alt country lives on and is more popular then ever. Attracting the attention of the tattooed, greased up rockabilly crowd, this music has found a trendy new audience, which has revitalized this often slandered genre. "I love everything but Rap and Country" is all too familiar cliché that is quickly working its way out of the hipster lexicon.

Real cowboys always wear their boots - even in summer. Tie up your best bolo, and buckle up your finest for some must-see shows. Mike Stinson, one of the most respected Los Angeles born and bred country musicians will saddle up at The Cowboy Palace (www.cowboypalace.com). Stinson will be hosting the weekly talent show on May 29th, as well as performing a set of his original songs.

The Cowboy Palace has been an institution since it opened its doors thirty years ago. Set in rural Chatsworth, this hotspot is a favorite of the locals and beyond, matching the talent with its own brand of kitschy aesthetic and western sensibilities. The Cowboy Palace is a favorite Hollywood backdrop, and lure for random celebrities like William Shatner, Lou Diamond Philips, and the "sweetest man in rock-n-roll", Eddie Money.

Grammy award winning country artist Brad Paisley will be performing at the Verizon Amphitheatre center on June 14th as part of "The Paisley Party" tour, supporting his latest release, 5th Gear. After six consecutive #1 hits on the charts, Paisley is positioned as a staple within the country rock scene. Tunes like "Online", "Alcohol", and "Letter to Me" have dominated the airwaves, and expanded Paisley's fan base well above the Mason-Dixon Line.

Laden with catchy hooks and pop culture references, Paisley's songwriting has made country fans out of the most ardent city slickers. Paisley's most recent accolade was the "Best Country Performance" Grammy for his instrumental, "Throttleneck". Paisley's a triple threat: songwriting, technical prowess, and the magical quality of a first rate entertainer.

Not to be overshadowed, poet / musician Jewel shares this bill with Paisley. Jewel has crossed over from pop rock to pop country in the last few years, and this shift seems to suit her. Also a Grammy award winning songwriter and accomplished guitarist, Jewel gives her male counterparts a run for their money. Known for her lively stage shows and witty stage banter, the Paisley / Jewel ticket promises to be well worth admission price.

VALLEY GIRLS

Simi from Suffrajett and Leyla's Cute Phase

Suffrajett (www.suffrajett.com), an L.A. / Chicago hybrid has recently been in the spotlight, receiving national press for their new record, Black Glitter. Along with rave reviews for their new recording, they are also performing at The Vans Sponsored Warp Tour (www.warpedtour.com on the SHIRA STAGE), touching down in Ventura on June 22nd. This festival features the most promising (and hyper-energetic) up and comers to hit the rock scene. Simi, vocalist / violinist / guitarist of this bluesy-rock outfit feels right at home in her Topanga Canyon vacation ranch.

Since retreating to Topanga Canyon to write, Simi has redefined herself as an artist. "California is so inspirational because this is where I come to get away from the bullshit, and focus on my writing. Since I've started spending time here, I've really been able to focus in on the direction of the music. And Jason, (the other half of Suffragette) is very connected to California, so he's also been writing and recording a lot as well".

Being a part of the Vans Warped tour will shine a well deserved spotlight on Suffrajett. As one of the hardest working touring bands in America, they have developed a cult following that reaches far beyond the boundaries of genre and gender. Although present in their latest recording is a classic Americana feel, an inherent edgy etherealness defies the standard confines of traditional classic rock. Their fan base is incredibly diverse, a result of the various influences present in their sound.

Even Simi's writing style has shifted as a result in her recent change of environment. Previously, Suffrajett was known for having elaborately produced vocal and instrumental arrangements. Their latest effort sounds gritty and punky with just the slightest taste of the Wild West. Whether or not this has anything to do with her new ruralized rock-n-roll hideaway remains to be seen.

Turning the beat around to a straight groove, Leyla Saberi (and her 'guylinered' counterpart) Adam Unknown comprise the two halves of Cute Phase (http://www.cutephase.com), a new wave/rock duo. A recent favorite of KROQ and Indie 103.1, Cute Phase is stylistically new wave, marked by melodic keyboard lines and danceable rhythms. Never too airy, the songwriting is built on a raw, solid punk guitar foundation. Cute Phase will be playing a string of shows in the San Fernando Valley this summer, details T.B.A.

For newcomer Saberi, knowing only how to play Cute Phase songs adds a commitment and purity not often found in this Mecca of accomplished and sometimes OVERLY polished professional studio musicians. There is consistently an electric energy just underneath the surface of the Cute Phase live show. Leyla's confidence and the band's musical evolution has come a long way since the early days, although from the start, Miss Saberi has kept her stomach butterflies safely locked in the bell jar before show time.

KARAOKE FOR THE VERY TALENTED, VERY BRAVE (or VERY DRUNK)
If you're an armchair quarterback, or a living room rock star, you are IN LUCK. You can combine your love for sports and the love of your own voice with any one of MANY sports bars to host Karaoke nights. Karaoke reigns supreme in this neck of the woods. You can satiate your deepest Karaoke desires, belting out your best Tina Turner, Aretha or Ken Lee to a new crowd every night. The valley offers both the traditional and the innovative in the realm of the D.I.Y. entertainment.

On Tuesdays at Howl at the Moon at Universal City Walk, take part in the spirited dueling pianos, and try your very best to get caught in the crossfire. This joint is more of a throw down-sing-along, with the crowd joining in for ridiculous and rowdy versions of classic and popular songs. The interesting twist here is the live band karaoke element. This season, the biggest karaoke phenomenon of all, American Idol introduced live musicians - with many live clubs following suit.

And of course, one cannot mention Karoake in the Valley without paying homage to the Big Mama of all karaoke joints, Dimples in Burbank. This feel-good establishment has deflowered many a karaoke virgin. For all those who dare to peruse the daunting plastic covered song catalogs, Dimples is the Olympic playground of the most polished karaoke singers. If you feel you need to put in some ROCKY-like training, here are a few playgrounds to build up 'your chops'.

Nightly karaoke can be found Sardo's in Burbank, Nora's Place in North Hollywood and Vincenzo's in Simi Valley, which is all ages. On one such night out, an unnamed no-nonsense attention seeker passed out disposable cameras to the crowd, resulting in a flurry of flashes as he walked onstage. With spectacles of this magnitude, it is hardly surprising that karaoke is so strangely addictive.

VALLEY OF THE DO-GOODERS

Cheryl Holland is a longtime resident of Valley Village, and a clinical music therapist at The Childrens' Hospital of Los Angeles. As the only music therapist to assist the largest inpatient population west of the Mississippi, Miss Holland is a favorite face on hospital grounds. Her intuitive relationships with patients help them through unimaginable difficulties with music as the tonic. She has developed programs in the areas of physical rehabilitation and pain management through the use of musical instruments and recordings.

Tahnee Smith, writer and college student, spent much of her childhood years at CHLA, to which she credits Cheryl Holland as making bearable. "The first two years after my surgery, it was Cheryl who inspired me to get out of bed every morning. There was one day when she walked in with a drum and gave me a drum. I don't think we spoke one word that entire session. She would come up with a beat and I would repeat it, and then I would make a beat and she would play it. It was really cool. I would've gone insane if it wasn't for the artists and musicians that visited."

In June, the non-profit program Operation Pop (www.operationpop.org) and partner TFS Studios will hold a celebrity studded bowling benefit, details TBA. Proceeds from this fundraiser will be used to purchase a new MAC computer and recording equipment for the CHLA music therapy program. The ability to record original music will give these youngsters a positive focus, and will also provide a lasting memory if the worst should happen, which is a heartbreaking reality.

ALL AGES

Named "The Best of the Season" by The New York Times, one of the most critically acclaimed children's musical theater shows is coming to the WCW Festival (www.wcwpexpo.com)in Northridge on May 18th. Created by Laurie Miller and Ben Tolivson, The Ohmies (www.theohmies.com) explores the world of yoga and meditation for those in the under 5 age group. Colorful sets and costumes are accompanied by group sing-along numbers and interactive movement exercises.

Many of the audience members are repeat offenders, all having a personal favorite cast member. Whether it's "Grasshopper", "Downdog", or "Dragon", each character addresses many common problems young children face during the early stages of socialization. All of the actors in this production have extensive music backgrounds, making this show engaging for the post-preschool bracket as well.

The Ohmies provides stress reducing techniques, giving youngsters the tools to help develop a sense of control over their well- being. Using music as a vehicle to communicate with kids is as entertaining as it is effective. Described by the L.A. Times, "The audience sings, dances and stomps with the cast!", The Ohmies sell out nearly every show, so get your tickets early.

Other all-ages highlights include the Ninth Annual Teen Choice Awards (www.fox.com/teenchoice), which will be held at the Gibson Amphitheatre at Universal CityWalk on Sunday, August the 3rd. Winners take home the biggest prize in awards history - literally. A branded surfboard doubles as the Teen Choice Awards trophy. Past hosts include Dane Cook, Jessica Simpson, Hilary Duff, Nick Cannon and David Spade.

For those young'uns who want in on the action, the Goldenpac musical theater camp revs up in late June, and continues through August. Roll on your hippest green tights for this year's production of Peter Pan. For five days a week from June 23rd to August 1st, 9 am - 3 pm, young thespians are trained in the areas of acting, singing, dancing, improvisational acting, and stagecraft. Tuition is $545 for early sign-up, and the camp is located at The Goldenpac Theater in Canoga Park.

For more yoga-music fusion, check out eclectic gypsy-like singer songwriter Donk promoting his latest recording, DONKSONGS with a live performance at Yoga Groove (www.yogagroovestudio.com) on June 6th at 8 pm. The music is accompanied by a brutally awesome yoga set with instructor Jen Swain. With 'zen' as a new subset of rock n roll, knock back a few herbal teas and dance on the bar in your breathable fabrics.

ADULT SWIM

Hollywood Bowl, the premiere venue for jazz and orchestral concerts is holding the annual Playboy Jazz Festival on June 14th and 15th. Pull the gingham tablecloth out of the garage, as tradition dictates bringing your own picnic basket to the festivities. This year, Bill Cosby will be the guest MC, and performers include:

Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band
with special guest Eddie Floyd
The James Moody Quartet
Dr. John
Tower of Power
R n R featuring Rick Braun and
Richard Elliot
Hiromi's Sonicbloom
Cos of Good Music featuring
Ambrose Akinmusire, Dwayne
Burno, Ndugu Chancler, Benny
Green, Billy Harper, Jerry Peters,
David T. Walker
Robert Glasper
Hamilton Academy of Music
Jazz Ensemble "A" under the
direction of Dan Taguch
(www.playboy.com/arts-entertainment/features/jazzfest2008)

For more jazzy pleasure, carefully dart across Highland Blvd. to the John Anson Ford Amphitheater, located just across the way from the Hollywood Bowl. The all female production, Lady Jazz in the Key of Grand will take place on Sunday, August 31 at 6:00 p.m., and is the perfect note on which to end the summer. Karen Hernandez's grand piano stylings are meshed with the most accomplished female jazz musicians, in this 'jazztacular' super group.

Local jazz-fusion musician Ben Thomas (www.myspace.com/benthomasquartet) with fellow music makers Jamie Kime, Chris Roy and Kats Konecky will also be performing throughout the summer, workshopping their latest material. Always the consummate perfectionist, Thomas' live show is a mixture of intricately orchestrated arrangements, interspersed with incredibly random and witty stage banter. In a genre where musicians can take themselves too seriously in a bid for respect, it is refreshing to see such an accomplished talent self-assured enough to play for laughs, as well.

Fries on the Side (www.friesontheside.com) is a theater group that reads, quasi-memorizes and performs comedy sketches within a heart thumping two hour time span. Located at the SMC Theater on Lankershim Blvd. in North Hollywood, Fries on the Side features the latest 'buzzworthy' musical guests as part of the show, S.N.L. fashion. This is an excellent showcase for local musicians, as the crowd is always welcoming, warm and refreshingly un-jaded. This season's musical highlights include the folk duo The Kin, and Rock/Electronica chart-topper Unknown Boy.

(http://www.thekin.com)

(ww.unknownboy.com).

EVERYBODY DANCE NOW

Whether you sashay onto the dance floor with the grace of a gazelle - or you just rock the white man's overbite, here are a few places to shake your booty. Oil Can Harry's (www.oilcanharrysla.com) on Ventura Blvd. in Studio City has line dancing every Tuesday night, a kitschy way to move and meet some other fun-lovin' foot fancy fools. The mixed crowd is friendly and not afraid to get their 'cowboy on'. If you are inspired to suit up for the occasion, purchase some classy snakeskin accessories at the western wear shop located directly next door.

In direct contrast is the infamous Chapter 8 (www.opentable.com) in Agoura Hills, a mod dance club and steakhouse. The décor is bold and varies from section to section, each with a themed aesthetic. The bar seating features plush mid century modern furniture, lighting and round couches that conjure images of films Barbarella and Danger Diaboligue. On any given night, there are a variety of musical styles to choose from, with live DJs cranking out the best remixes and mash-ups until way past bedtime.

Harper's Bar and Grill is Northridge's loud and rowdy sports bar, featuring crowd pleasing live shows by replicas of classic rock's best bands. Grab your sweetie and dance to "Legs", the song that you put on her first mixed tape. Whether you're missing old school Motley Crue, or classic Van Halen, relive the glory days with bands like True 2 Crue and Atomic Punks, regular cover bands at Harper's. As the valley's low key celeb hotspot, Harper's is a playground for the overgrown child. Pool tables, dart boards, video games, foosball, make this spot a local "pretension-free" favorite.

(www.harpersbar.com)

From the highbrow to the hilarious, the valley has the best in every genre of musical entertainment. From the Playboy Jazz Festival to the Vans Warp tour, this summer offers ample distraction from the impending oppressive heat. No need to brave the traffic over the hill, the best is in your backyard.






back to top