Culver City's Boulevard Music Presents 6 free concerts July 11—August 15
Summer breezes… an intimate courtyard… free parking… and great music. Escape to Culver City for the 2019 Culver City’s Boulevard Music Summer Festival. Boulevard Music presents 6 free concerts on Thursday evenings at 7 pm from July 11 through August 15 in the palm-lined Dale Jones Courtyard of Culver City City Hall.
Curated by producer Gary Mandell of Culver City’s Boulevard Music, Culver City’s Boulevard Music Summer Festival offers something for everyone: The sounds of Americana/Bluegrass from Ryan Shupe and the RubberBand (July 11); Argentinian Rock with superb vocals and guitar from Los Pinguos plus Worldbeat/Funk/Rock/Mambo from the Bonedaddys (July 18); Afro/Cuban that can literally burn up the dance floor from Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca (July 25); Jazz/Blues/Motown with a tribute to Aretha Franklin from the George Kahn Jazz & Blues Revue plus the sounds of Surf Music/the Beach Boys with a tribute to Dick Dale from Big Wave (August 1); An Evening of the Music of John Denver with singalongs from Jim Curry (Aug 8); The ultimate vocal cover group—the most requested Pine Mountain Logs (Aug 15).
Avoid the crowds and parking hassles of other areas on the Westside. Parking is free for one hour (2 hours with festival validation) in designated structures in downtown Culver City, and dozens of dining options are available within walking distance. Culver City’s downtown area is Southern California’s best-kept secret, featuring a wonderful mix of historic buildings, boutiques, theaters, galleries, and unique restaurants opening onto tree-lined streets.
Culver City’s Boulevard Music Festival is sponsored by The City of Culver City, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Boulevard Music, John Riordan Plumbing, Culver City Volvo & Mazda, Swiss Motors, Sorrento Market, D & E Associates, Co-Opportunity Market & Deli, Cavanaugh Realty, Dolce Realtors, Michael Kayem Remax, LaRocco’s, Music Munchers, Dynagraphics, Culver City News, Culver City Observer, Steeldeck Inc, Eastman Guitars, Kremona USA, Ohana Ukuleles, Ernie Ball and more to be confirmed.
Culver City’s Boulevard Music Summer Festival takes place on Thursday evenings at 7 pm from July 11–August 15. The Dale Jones City Hall Courtyard is located at 9770 Culver Blvd. in Downtown Culver City (corner Culver Blvd. and Duquesne Ave.). Parking is free for the first two hours (with festival validation) in designated structures in the Downtown area. The courtyard opens at 4:30 pm. No glass containers or alcoholic beverages may be brought into the courtyard. For more information, call Boulevard Music 310-398-2583 or go to http://www.boulevardmusic.com.
DETAILS FOR CALENDAR LISTINGS
2019 Culver City’s Boulevard Music Summer Festival
WHAT:
Culver City’s Boulevard Music Summer Festival – Six free concerts under the stars in the intimate Dale Jones Courtyard of Culver City City Hall. The 2019 summer series offers something for everyone including Afro/Cuban, Classic Rock, Jazz/R& B/Soul/Funk, Americana/Country, the sounds of Surf Music, Argentinian Rock, Folk Music with singalongs and more types of music. Enjoy dozens of dining options within walking distance. Even the parking is free (with festival validation) for two hours in designated structures.
WHEN:
July 11 – August 15, Thursdays @ 7 pm (Dale Jones Courtyard opens @ 4:30 pm)
• Thursday, July 11 @ 7 pm: The sounds of Americana/Bluegrass from Ryan Shupe and the RubberBand
• Thursday, July 18 @ 7 pm: Argentinian Rock with superb vocals and guitar from Los Pinguos plus Worldbeat/Funk/Rock/Mambo from the Bonedaddys
• Thursday, July 25 @ 7 pm: Afro/Cuban that can literally burn up the dance floor from Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca
• Thursday, August 1 @ 7 pm: Jazz/Blues/Motown with a tribute to Aretha Franklin from the George Kahn Jazz & Blues Revue plus the sounds of Surf Music/the Beach Boys with a tribute to Dick Dale from Big Wave
• Thursday, August 8 @ 7 pm: An Evening of the Music of John Denver with singalongs from Jim Curry
• Thursday, August 15 @ 7 pm: Classic Rock standards (the best covers done of the band Venice) and originals from The Pine Mountain Logs
• WHERE:
Dale Jones Courtyard at Culver City City Hall
9770 Culver Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232
(corner Culver Blvd. and Duquesne Ave.)
ADMISSION:
Free
Also become an entry level sponsor by purchasing one of the 100 premium reserved seats at $10 each per show available at Boulevard Music.
Tickets may be purchased at Boulevard Music in person or over the phone starting June 20.
PARKING:
One hour free parking underneath City Hall in the City Hall Garage and in designated structures in the Downtown area. Two hours free with festival validation.
INFORMATION:
310-398-2583
OTHER:
Dozens of restaurants, as well as galleries and boutiques, are located within walking distance. No glass containers or alcoholic beverages may be brought into the Dale Jones Courtyard at City Hall. Only service dogs on leash are allowed.
MORE-MORE-MORE
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
July 11: Ryan Shupe and the RubberBand
Ryan Shupe and the RubberBand
With a unique sound that's hard to define, Ryan Shupe & the Rubberband mix acoustic sounds with slightly skewed lyrics to create something out of the ordinary. The closest comparison might be to Fishbone or the Presidents of the United States of America; however, Ryan Shupe & the Rubberband use much cleaner lyrics. Ryan Shupe is roaring back with his new album “We Rode On”.
“We Rode On” marks a striking career transition and a meaningful evolution in Shupe’s songwriting, his life, and the band’s sound. It strongly and deftly combines the rock side of their musical arsenal with the acoustic instruments and virtuosic jamming the band has become known for in their live shows.Like a mad musical scientist (and father/husband), Ryan Shupe recorded, arranged and tweaked the band’s newest creation in his personal studio. “I wanted to create a new sound and an evolution for the band’s music” said Shupe, “It’s the best album we’ve done and definitely the most rocking!” The album focuses on themes like family, love, and maturity. The epic title track, “We Rode On” triumphantly belts out the phrase “singing songs at the top of our lungs” while the anthemic “Sun Will Shine Again” is a mantra to Shupe’s children. The catchy, rocking “If I Stay” and “Just Say Yes” deal with love interest dilemmas. “Dream Big”, a revamped version of their Billboard charting Capitol Records release, is triumphant, inspirational and powerful. Being a 5th generation fiddler, an accomplished electric guitar, acoustic guitar and mandolin player, Shupe has been touring extensively across the US since he was 10 years old. He is no stranger to the national stage and the band has appeared on Good Morning America, E! TV, Mountain Stage, Woodsongs, GAC and CMT.
July 18: Los Pinguos plus The Bonedaddys
Los Pinguos
Los Pinguos came to the United States from Buenos Aires, Argentina, with a mixture of Latin rhythms, reggae, rumba flamenca and rock. The sound of the band has claimed fans worldwide. The story began in 1999 when Adrián Buono, Enzo Buono, José Agote, Juan Manzur and Juan Manuel Leguizamón (later joined by bassist Santiago Lee) formed the band. In early 2001, Los Pinguos arrived in the City of Los Angeles and began playing on the street (3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica) and local bars. Shortly, they participated in a new television show, “The Next Big Star,” hosted and produced by Ed McMahon from “Star Search.” Los Pinguos won the contest and received the Grand Prize. Since then, they have recorded all their CDs, Magia (2001), Camino Bueno (2002), Serenata (2003), Live in Los Angeles (2005), Peripecias (2006), California (2008) and 11.11 (2011). Los Pinguos have appeared on three of the famous Putumayo World Music compilation albums, Baila!, Radio Latino and World Party. They have performed worldwide in places such as India, Bali, The Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, Italy, Netherlands, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Canada, and throughout the United States.
Plus The Bonedaddys
The Bonedaddys, are L.A.'s original "Worldbeatniks" (since 1985) and one of the very first American bands to be described as Worldbeat. The Bonedaddys still take a "wide stance" stylistically, and claim influences ranging from Charles Ives to Burl Ives and much in-between; with the common musical denominator being a fun, dancable party ambience. The Bonedaddys were formed in Los Angeles by percussionist Michael Tempo and the group's sprawling, ever-changing roster would variously include singers Kevin Williams, King Cotton, Billy Sheets, Gregg Sutton and now Kaspar Abbo. Their album debut was in 1988 with A-Koo-De-A!, (although they had earlier written and recorded a song about Bo Diddley with Bo Diddley on vocals and guitar; which was not released until a shortened version of it appeared on their CD “Garage Sale. After “A-Koo-De-A The Bonedaddys subsequently issued a series of albums including "Worldbeatniks", “To Jam Is Human, to Gig Divine, Jungle/Jungle, and Garage Sale. The Bonedaddys have now released their 6th album "waterslide." The all original songs on "waterslide" are designed to move butts of all persuasions and feature soulful vocals by front man and tunesmith Kaspar Abbo and King Cotton (named after Elvis' favorite brand of bacon) who are accompanied by the twin guitar attack of Marcus Watkins and Phil Gough, with Jay Work on saxophones and propelled by bass (Rick Moors), drums (Casey Jones) and percussion (Mike Tempo.) The 13 grooves on "waterslide" are a merry-go-round of styles and range from funk, rock, blues mambo, soca, Latin, rock-steady and psycho-billy two-step to an afro-surf twang meets spaghetti-western instrumental. "waterslide" is a gumbo stirred up in light refracted through a prism called Los Angeles. For The Bonedaddys, Worldbeat has come full circle to include an expression of American roots music.
July 25: Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca
Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca is a dynamic 10-piece band that can literally burn up the dance floor by capturing all of the elements of African and Cuban music. The World Music ensemble blends African soukous and rumba with Cuban salsa and son. A native
of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire) Ricardo Lemvo sings some of the material in Spanish and some material in the African tongues of Kikongo and Lingala.
Makina Loca features a dazzling array of attacking horns, mesmerizing percussion, and a rolling piano that floats along. Grab a window seat on the rumba route dancing to Afro-Caribbean groove. "These guys play with an intensity that makes it impossible
to hold still".—San Francisco Examiner
August 1: The George Kahn Jazz and Blues Review plus Big Wave
The George Kahn Jazz and Blues Review
George Kahn Jazz & Blues Revue featuring pianist Kahn who is one of the few guys around who makes jazz both swinging and musical enough for the cognicenti and yet entertaining enough for their dates. Kahn does this balancing act by bringing together some of the best locals around, including, for this performance, Grammy winner Dr. Bobby Rodriguez on trumpet. Delivering accessibly driving tunes such as “Afro Blue” and “Cantaloupe Island” in a way that would satisfy either the hipster or Valley Girl. He does it by incorporating the terrific trio of vocalists Gina Saputo, Crystal Starr and Courtney Lemmon to deliver the lyrics in both lead and backup form in ways that can veer from cutsie as on the Andrew Sisters-inspired “Beat Me Daddy Eight To The Bar” to the a stomping STAX R&Bish “I’d Rather Go Blind.” The ladies deliver a funky take of the Crescent City classic “Yes We Can Can” while going even deeper down Bourbon Street with Rodriguez’s horn on a growling “Summertime.”
Plus Big Wave
A seasoned five piece band bringing you all of your favorite Beach Boys, Jan & Dean and Surf instrumentals including "Surfin' USA, Surfer Girl, Walk Don’t Run, Kokomo, plus a special tribute to Dick Dale the King of Surf Guitar. A perfect show for a Summer concert setting. These seasoned musicians have backed up the "Beach Boys", "Brian Wilson" and "Jan & Dean" for the last 15 years. Featuring Don Raymond on guitar/vocals( Jan & Dean and Big Daddy ), Phil Bardowell on bass/vocals( Beach Boys & Jan & Dean), Michael Chanslor on keyboards (Jan & Dean) Chris Farmer on bass/vocals, & Todd Tatum on drums( Jan & Dean ).
August 8: Jim Curry Presents the Music of John Denver
Husband and wife team, Jim and Anne Curry with backup deliver the multi-platinum hits of the great John Denver in a fun-filled evening of singing and stories. Jim plays the guitar and sings John’s songs in a crystal clear tenor that will take your breath away. Anne, his wife and musical partner, plays guitar and mandolin and sings harmony in all the right places. You’ll be invited to sing along, share in the memories, learn new songs and howl at the moon (literally!) The music of the late John Denver is like an old friend, outlasting trends and standing the test of time. Join acclaimed performer Jim Curry for this tribute to the music of one of the most beloved singer/songwriters ever to grace the stage. Tribute artist Jim Curry, who’s voice was heard in the CBS-TV movie Take Me Home: The John Denver Story, has performed Denver’s music in sold out shows throughout the country and has emerged as today’s top performer of Denver’s vast legacy of multi-platinum hits. Jim’s uncanny ability to mirror John’s voice and clean-cut look takes you back to the time when “Rocky Mountain High” “Sunshine” “Calypso” and “Annie’s Song” topped the charts, and his popular music had the heartfelt message of caring for the earth and caring for each other. Denver’s message is worth repeating: “Be kind to the Earth and to each other. ” Jim’s ensemble will include his wife, Anne who plays mandolin and guitar and sings harmony, a keyboardist with orchestral sounds, and flutist. Together, they will take you on a musical journey of the heart, where you will be invited to sing, clap your hands, stomp your feet and howl at the moon. Don’t worry, you already know the words to the songs.
August 15: The Pine Mountain Logs
Imagine a group as great as Venice with those amazing vocals doing covers and you have the Pine Mountain Logs. Their just for fun tribute band, and one of the best ones as you can imagine out there. In fact their covers of the band Venice sound just like them.
And who is Venice? Venice is a band from Venice Beach, California that consists of two sets of brothers: Michael and Mark Lennon, and their cousins, Kipp and Pat Lennon. Their newest release, the double disc CD “What Summer Brings,” debuted in the Top 10 of the national album charts in the Netherlands, and continues to win acclaim with fans and critics worldwide.
As a band, the Lennons have recorded and performed together since the 1980s. Their music is a reflection of many of their influences while growing up in the small, eclectic and culturally diverse beach town for which they are named. Their sound is at once familiar and fresh, their classic rock and folk influences apparent in their pop sensibilities. You might recognize some of Venice’s influences, such as Crosby, Stills & Nash, Fleetwood Mac, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan, the Eagles or Sly & the Family Stone. Their hybrid of folk/rock/soul is relevant, alive and still growing, with many fans worldwide considering them the torchbearers of the Southern California sound.
Venice’s trademarks are their harmonies, personal lyrics and high energy, communal shows. These garner them huge ovations and encores at virtually every performance they’ve given, from intimate theaters to sprawling festivals, from the US to Europe. And it’s earned them major record releases on Sony Records, Universal Records, Atlantic Records and Vanguard Records.
Their distinctive vocal sound and harmonies have allowed Venice and its members to perform and/or record with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, David Crosby, Stevie Nicks, Bon Jovi, Jackson Browne, Brian Wilson, Cher, Don Henley, Elton John, Michael McDonald, Phil Collins, Ozzy Osborne, Billy Idol, America, Heart, and the list goes on. The Lennons spent most of 2010-2013 as backing vocalists performing in the 219 show, record-breaking worldwide arena and stadium tour of “Pink Floyd’s The Wall” with Roger Waters. Recently, Venice was invited to contribute a track to the 2014 CD, “Looking Into You: A Tribute To Jackson Browne,” joining such artists as Bruce Springsteen, Bonnie Raitt, Don Henley, Ben Harper and Lyle Lovett.
For over fifteen years, Venice has enjoyed a great level of success in the Netherlands, where their harmonies and musicality are considered a modern extension of what many Europeans call “West Coast Music.” Venice continues to cultivate their reputation overseas and abroad on a longstanding friendship with their audiences, where their post-show meet & greets can sometimes last nearly as long as their shows.
With the release of "What Summer Brings," Venice reaffirms that they are still at the top of their game, ready to evolve and expand to new territories, musically and globally.
“Venice is the best vocal group in America right now. They're better than anybody else I know. They're fantastic. I’m a student of harmony. That’s my thing. I love all kinds of harmony. But I particularly love theirs, because it’s so natural. It’s not like anybody else’s. Very unforced, very from their hearts. I’ve been telling people about them since the first night I heard them. I’ve told everybody I could find that they were the best. This is my favorite band in the world.”
-- David Crosby
"Venice, one of my favorite bands, is quintessentially Californian, with soaring harmonies. They sing and play their asses off. I’ve seen them knock out many an unsuspecting crowd, taking the audiences, who had not come to see them, completely by surprise. It's such a pleasure to play with these guys, because they have that power."
-- Jackson Browne
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