Sporting a slightly fine-tuned name and a slimmer Jenny Craig profile, Culver City’s Boulevard Music Summer Festival returns one month from this evening, Thursday, July 12, for a four straight weeks’ run of free* concerts.
With an asterisk.
The setting, the performers and the impresario will be practically the same as most of the last 16 years.
Thursdays at 7 in the Courtyard of City Hall, which, typically, is taxed to the edge of the sidewalk.
Practically-the-same means that since Gov. Brown last winter put a pillow over the face of the Redevelopment Agency and killed off the concert series’ main sponsor, the summer concerts now are homemade.
Fewer, but with most of the frills except…
Entrepreneur Gary Mandell of Boulevard Music, in his 12th year as the maestro of the popular series, will try something new.
“I am going to sell 100 premium seats each week to help subsidize expenses,” Mr. Mandell told the newspaper this afternoon.
Ten dollars apiece.
The festival’s opening and the final Thursday night, on Aug. 2, will feature familiar performers, with new acts entertaining on July 19 and July 26.
Here is Mr. Mandell’s lineup:
July 12 – Rhythm, and blues with the Bonedaddys and Argentine rock with Los Pinguos.
Says Mr. Mandell: “If you like Rock, Funk, African, R&B, Soul, Reggae, Rock Steady, Jazz, Blues, Highlife, New Orleans Second-Line, Gospel, Hillbilly, Zydeco and things in-between, you'll dig these guys. The Bonedaddys’ beat has its roots in twin guitar Zulu rhythms in Fela’s horn-heavy Afro-beat; bass drenched zouk and soca music from the Caribbean; and the drum heaven of New Orleans rock and roll and second line rhythm. Direct from their native Buenos Aires, Los Pinguos (The Penguins) crosses boundaries, performing a mixture of Latin rhythms, salsa, flamenco, reggae, rumba, Argentine rock, and sambas with Spanish guitars, a Cuban Tres, Peruvian cajon (box-drum) and harmonizing vocals.”
July 19 – Gypsy jazz artist Stephane Wrembel and his band.
Mr. Mandell: “Stephane Wrembel scored a No. 1 hit with his song ‘Bistro Fada,’ which he composed for Woody Allen’s ‘Midnight in Paris.’ This song pushed the Midnight in Paris soundtrack to No. 1 for three weeks on the iTunes soundtrack charts. It has been in the top 25 for more than four months. The song has become a new guitar standard. A few months ago, Stephane played live during the Academy Awards. He performed along with Pharrell and Esperaza Spaulding among others as part of the All-Star Band. Stephane has released four critically acclaimed albums, including one with the legendary David Grisman. He has toured nationally with Mark O'Conner. Stephane will be touring behind his new album Origins.’”
July 26 – Motown and soul with Brenda Lee Eager.
Mr. Mandell: “Brenda Lee Eager presents an uplifting, rocking, show of classic soul and Motown music that brings the house down. She stirs memories and passion in people of all ages. With classic songs and stories, Brenda narrates her own history with artists with whom she has performed, Etta James, Jerry Butler, Smokey Robinson and Ray Charles. She recorded several chart hitting singles with Jerry Butler and had two R&B hits on her own. She will be performing with an all-star band with special guests.”
Aug. 2. – Americana Country with actor Robert David Hall (CSI Coroner) with guest guitarist Carl Verheyen plus Rockabilly with Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys.
Mr. Mandell: “Known to millions as the quirky coroner on ‘CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,’ actor Robert David Hall is an accomplished songwriter, singer and guitarist. His recently released CD, ‘Things They Don't Teach You In School,’ produced by Chris Wall, was praised in music magazines. Hall was called a ‘songwriter of uncommon depth.’ Joining RDH will be special guest on guitar Carl Verheyen plus his usual stellar bandmates…Pat Colgan (guitar), Ken Deifik (harmonica), Matt Cartsonis (almost anything), Putter Smith (bass), Sinclair Lott (drums), Craig Eastman (fiddle), Judy Hall (cello). Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys have been together since '87. Their musicianship and longevity have made them a touchstone within the roots music scene in the U.S. The group has consistently wowed audiences with their combination of rockabilly, Western swing and hillbilly boogie sounds. Jumpin' tunes, hot solos, and classic harmonies make their fans clamor for more.”
