Showing posts with label Los Angeles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Los Angeles. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

In Defense of Underground Music and Arts Venues

Every city needs an underground.
The first music event I attended after moving to Los Angeles took place in a warehouse. It was a psychedelic trance party thrown by a crew called Sixth Sense. The location was somewhere in pregentrification Hollywood, when many of its commercial districts were virtually derelict. Outside was an urban wasteland, but inside the party was filled with color, sound and life: loud, pulsating music, black lights, people in hippie/raver attire — phat pants, dreadlocks, fluorescent sneakers, T-shirts with mandalas printed on them. I made a lot of new friends and danced my ass off. It was fantastic.

In the years since — more years than I care to admit — I've probably attended hundreds of other underground events in various locales, from warehouses and lofts to deserts and forests. One event took place after hours in a gym, with a boxing ring doubling as a dance floor. Another happened at a paintball park. Soundstages, ranches, decrepit theaters, churches, abandoned storefronts, construction sites — anywhere you could set up a sound system and invite a few hundred of your closest friends, the underground was there.

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

The Iconic Punk Clubs of Los Angeles




The Iconic Punk Clubs of Los Angeles
When most people think of late 70's/early 80's punk, they immediately think of CBGB's in New York. However, there was a very large punk scene in Los Angeles, California!

Many of the venues, that hosted shows to west coast punk legends, are still in full swing today!

If you're visiting LA, and want to take punk trip down memory lane; or just read more about the scene and clubs that inspired an era of music, Check out Nile Guide

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Seeking True Character Depth? Look No Further Than Mark Mahnoey of Shamrock Tattoo

Deep thinker, tattoo artist and an overall man of action ready to play the next gangster kingpin in a film

Understanding depth of character and meeting a truly unique individual can be a relatively daunting task. The more real, honest and genuine that character may be, the more they almost recede into the background as our media is full of those seeking any miniscule amount of quick fame or fortune. Then there are those individuals that live in a fantasy land and never quite achieve what they set out to do.

I am a huge fan of dark and troubled characters as they seem to take on the flaws of humanity as a whole. These individuals tread through troubled waters as if they don't know of any other area or locale to call home, yet live resolutely within that space. After listening to Mark Mahoney of Shamrock Tattoo in Los Angeles talk briefly about his shop and thoughts on life, it immediately turns into a quick study about a true character that has survived through the tattoo underbelly of a society that yearns for characters with real depth.

Pro Skater Brian Lotti Talks About His Series Of Paintings On Echo Park In Los Angeles

Pro Skater Brian Lotti Talks About His Series Of Paintings About Echo Park In Los Angeles
Capturing a unique approach is always tough to realize and especially when you are living through the moment that you are trying to capture. This could be said for any unique discipline where you are working within your craft and living exactly in the moment. It could be that rhythmic bar chord that is creating a bombastic tone or in the case of Brian Lotti, lining up one trick after the next in a great skate session that ultimately culminates in looking at every landscape around you in a unique way.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Rock / Fight Photography Exhibition

The ROCK/FIGHT music and sports exhibition will feature iconic and historic photos
Find out more info at Art Daily

"LOS ANGELES, CA.- The renowned Morrison Hotel Gallery partnered with L.A.'s cultural destination Project Gallery and Peligroso Tequila in Hollywood, CA on Thursday, September 12th as they present ROCK/FIGHT, a photography exhibition that pairs iconic rock 'n roll images, with legendary figures in boxing and wrestling. A private press hour will take place from 6 to 7 PM on Thursday, September 12th, followed by a private reception from 7 to 9 PM, hosted by author, rock star and radio host Henry Rollins.

Project Gallery hours are Wednesday thru Friday from 12 PM to 6 PM, Saturday and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Also available by appointment. They are located at 1553 North Cahuenga Boulevard in Hollywood. The exhibition will be open to the general public September 13th thru October 6th.


The ROCK/FIGHT music and sports exhibition will feature iconic and historic photos, including many of the enormous personalities of the most important era at L.A.'s Grand Olympic Auditorium, from renowned photographer Theo Ehret. Ehret began taking pictures of boxers and wrestlers in and around downtown L.A.’s Olympic Auditorium in the mid 1960’s. Hired to shoot publicity “mug shots” and document the action in the ring, his haunting black and white images dramatically display the larger-than-life characters and the scene at one of the great fight venues in America. By 1980, the Olympic's reputation was that of a notorious Punk Rock venue where concerts were held with the likes of Suicidal Tendencies, Black Flag, Circle Jerks, Dead Kennedys and Bad Religion.


The pairings featured in this exhibition will include works from photographers Janette Beckman, Danny Clinch, Edward Colver, Henry Diltz, Lynn Goldsmith, Bob Gruen, Rene Huemer, Catherine McGann, Paul Natkin, Ebet Roberts, Mick Rock, Ethan Russell, Stephanie Pfriender Stylander and Barrie Wentzell. Featured subjects will include Muhammad Ali, Mando Ramos, Mil Mascaras, Sid Vicious, Stiv Bators, Circle Jerks and Minor Threat.


Says gallery co-owner and iconic photographer Timothy White of the exhibit, “This is a really exciting opportunity to take imagery that is so special and pair it with the best rock photography ever created. There is a law in motion that exists in the photography of fighting and violence that also exists in rock photography. This pairing is like a graceful ballet between the two. It’s fun and exciting to see these images paired and Morrison Hotel Gallery is excited to be working together with Project Gallery on this exhibit.”"


The ROCK/FIGHT music and sports exhibition will feature iconic and historic photos. Photo: Theo Ehret
 

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Fidlar Equals The Love Of Cheap Beer

Nothing is better than finding some new tunes that are flat out infectious. Thank you Fidlar for making the background music of the day. Stoked and Broke is our favorite jam on this album!

Find out about all things Fidlar

Sunday, March 31, 2013

The Green Lady Killers Invade El Cid On April 6th

Barrio Tiger, The Green Lady Killers, The Hitchhikers Sat, April 6, 2013

Doors: 9:00 pm / Show: 10:00 pm $5 cover. Please note: All set times are SHARP!

Link to the El Cid in the Silverlake neighborhood of Los Angeles

The Green Lady Killers invade El Cid on April 6th

Monday, February 4, 2013

Teaser For Reno Divorce's Latest Video, Sunsets & Corvettes

On Tuesday February 12th, Reno Divorce's album Lover's Leap will hit stores world wide and be available to all folks that didn't buy it directly through our online store or digitally. Coming up in a few short weeks, the LP will be available on 12" clear vinyl. For all you folks over seas waiting for this album, here is a teaser of the new video for Sunsets & Corvettes which will go live next Tuesday.

Buy this album now


Reno Divorce stoked to be shooting a new video in Los Angeles
Capturing that perfect southern California sun light
Ruben is a machine behind the drums

Brent Loveday of Reno Divorce never fails in commanding a performance

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Reno Divorce Will Launch Second Video In 2013 With Dillon Novak

Reno Divorce on set for the second video with film maker Dillon Novak
A month or so ago, we were fortunate enough to align the weather and Reno Divorce's tour schedule and were able to produce an epic new video in Los Angeles. The video will be for the second upcoming single off of Lover's Leap. With some quick coordination all of this was able to go down and in the midst of a major storm in LA and inclement weather, a full video was still able to be shot and that amazing result will be live in late January 2013. 

In the interim, we think you should learn some more about Dylan Novak and how he challenges his thirst in film making. Below are some questions we posed to him along with some of his other feature projects.

Check out more from Dillon Novak on RSM Creative


Give us a heads up on how you got into music videos and directing.

When I was in junior high, I used to make parody videos like Weird Al with my friends to the songs we didn't like or were overplayed on the radio. It was mostly for us, because it was a lot of fun making them, and our families who loved to watch them. Once I realized that people genuinely liked the videos, I started taking it more seriously when I got into High School, shifting my focus towards bands I actually liked and making stories that complimented their image. The last and final "cover video" I did was for The Killers' "Sweet Talk". The video went on to win a bunch of festivals and was my anchor point on getting actual bands to trust me with the amount of money they had to produce a music video for them. This lead to my first relatively big music video for Brightwood of Portland, Oregon. Once I had a solid video for a real band in my pocket it was so easy! Labels started calling, the emails from band managers started pouring in telling me they want me to do a video for their artist! (This is what I foolishly thought). 

I eventually produced approximately two videos a year, while attending High School. But it took about sending 400 emails a month to every band I could find who was along my style of music and only about 10 total ever replied back. It took hard work networking to find a band and sell them on an idea, while asking them to invest thousands into the project. 

After about eight music videos and volunteer work at FSU Film, I worked up the courage to move to Los Angeles in January of 2012. A mutual friend who was the cinematographer for The Epilogues "The Fallout" music video, Greg Ephraim, referred me to Robby Starbuck to join the roster of his production company. After I wrote a few treatments, I was in! Ever since then my job has been to attempt to write an idea for anyone who comes to RSM, the production company, with a song/budget. It's highly competitive and sometimes you can be competing again 30+ people depending on how many production companies the label went to. It's sure better than sending 400 emails a month! 


Smile Empty Soul "Afterlife" Music Video from Dillon C. Novak on Vimeo.


If you had the chance, what location would you choose for a new project.

If I had to pick a location it would either be the White Desert in Egypt or anywhere in Iceland.

The White Desert in Egypt
 Also, can you explain what type of music do you envision to be a part of the location

I'd love something very relaxing and instrumentally driven like Jonsi or something very punchy like The Epilogues or 30 Seconds To Mars.


The Epilogues "The Fallout" Music Video from Dillon C. Novak on Vimeo.


For the gear you use, what is your favorite type of camera

My favorite camera is the Arri Alexa. It's just a wonderful camera that offers arguably the closest image to film from a digital camera. We shot the Smile Empty Soul music video on this camera.  

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

The Green Lady Killers Embark On New Video

Between all the social media outlets, the phone ringing or buzzing from messages and the never ending amount of ads you see in one day, it is no wonder our brains are constantly feeling like they are on deep fry mode. Trying to keep a lid on work, keeping up with friends and still enjoying this thing called life, is a constant challenge.

In our case, we get damn near lost daily, in the deluge of projects coming down the pike, but this is indeed a good problem to have. Without the constant barrage of new ideas for all of our endeavors, the ol' cerebral cortex wouldn't be working in overdrive and we would be quite bored.

One of the new projects we are developing is a new interactive video with the Green Lady Killers. We don't want to give away too many details, but here are some basic clues within these photos.

The Green Lady Killers - Fire in My Eyes by RustyKnuckles
Ivy Rose, CherryBomb and Lady Van Buren on set in downtown Los Angeles
The Green Lady Killers are being visited by a mystery figure

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Fire In My Eyes, Brand New Digital Single From The Green Lady Killers

The Green Lady Killers - Fire In My Eyes, brand new digital single

The new album will be released in late February 2013.

2. How does the new material sound? Any influences while recording?

This album is a little bit of a different direction for GLK - it's a mix of our high energy rock with a thicker, heavier feel that's a little more out there at times.  It was funny, as we wrote out the song list for this record, we noticed a pretty dark theme with our song titles and you can definitely hear that in some of the new music. When we say dark, we don't mean melancholy, but a sinister, creepy kind of feel. 

Having Ivy Rose as a writing partner on this record brings a new infusion of riffage and freaky ideas, many of which made it into this record.  We've also had a lot of new experiences as a band over the past year, and those trips across the desert and the sound that you associate with flying down the highway has crept into some of the songs. We write about our experiences, life, people -- the encounters we've had and the places we've seen. I guess you can say this record tries to make sense of those experiences within those moments in time.

3. What are the future plans after the album is released?

We will be touring the US in spring and summer 2013, in support of the new album.  

There has also been talk about touring Europe in 2013...we're not sure if they're ready for a GLK assault, but we're definitely ready for them!


Green Lady Killers - Bio 
The Green Lady Killers are one part sultry, one part menacing and all parts rock 'n'
roll. Hailing from Los Angeles, CA, this all-female rock trio evokes elements of
The Cramps, delivers the heaviness of Wolfmother and struts with the bad girl
attitude of The Runaways. The Green Lady Killers are Lady Van Buren (vocals/
guitar), Cherrybomb (drums) and Ivy Rose (bass/vocals). Known for their versatile
sound and dynamic stage shows, The Green Lady Killers captivate audiences with
sludgy garage rock, melodic hooks and fierce vocals. They stir, shake and serve up
loud, high energy rapid-fire songs.

The Green Lady Killers debut full-length album, Just Fine, was released in the U.S.
and Europe in January 2011 on Rusty Knuckles Music (Nail Distribution). Just Fine
was recorded at StudioCat Productions with expert engineer, Jamison Weddle
(Dave Grohl, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Soulfly).

The Green Lady Killers (GLK) have shared the stage with Nekromantix (Hellcat
Records), punk rock legends, The Dwarves, Boots Electric (Dangerbird
Records), Detroit Cobras (Bloodshot Records), legendary garage rocker Sky Saxon
of The Seeds (Global Universe), Dex Romweber Duo (Third Man Records) and
more. Notable GLK performances include SXSW, Warped Tour, Ink-N-Iron Tattoo
Festival, Texas Rockfest, Hell City Tattoo Festival, Neon Reverb Music Festival and
Rumble in Ramona.

The Green Lady Killers are releasing new singles in the fall of 2012, followed up by
a full-length album release and tour in early 2013 – get ready to ROCK!!

The Green Lady Killers are endorsed by


Fender/Gretsch
D'Addario
Evans
Pro-Mark
Planet Waves
Puresound

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

KCRW’s Slick New System Lets Indie Bands Submit Their Own Tunes, Repost From Mashable.com

There are numerous ideas far and wide about how to get your music heard and we are just now finding out about another outlet called MALCOLM. We think its a clever idea in that it's on KCRW, Los Angeles public radio, but will there be enough bandwidth from their end to even listen to all the music? Surely they will be flooded with responses, but for a business that is funded by public donation, do they have enough resources?. Hopefully if KCRW's DJs can become taste makers to a much broader online audience, MALCOLM could really have a shot at working. 

Here is your challenge large corporate FM stations, take a clue from KCRW and give the listening audience what they want to hear instead of the same old programs day in and day out. Also, two great bands first submitted their music to KCRW and played to audience reaching half a million listeners. Beck and Fitz & The Tantrums are proof positive it works.



Malcolm from KCRW - NPR Los Angeles, California. A new program to solicit music to a public radio station
"KCRW, an NPR affiliate station and Los Angeles indie music mainstay, introduced on Tuesday a new digital music submission system that will help independent artists make their way onto public radio. 

The new-and-improved MALCOLM, as the station affectionately calls its internal record filing system, offers artists the chance to create profiles that include a bio, photo, social media links and three of their best tracks. Artists can then designate which DJs and/or shows their tracks are best suited for and receive notifications when a KCRW DJ has commented or rated their music.

KCRW prides itself on being one of the few radio stations that still accepts and listens to demos and unsolicited music. It’s what has long rendered the station a tastemaking hub for up-and-coming musicians and their fans. KCRW’s flagship program Morning Becomes Eclectic has been on the air for over 30 years. KCRW DJs have introduced listeners to such artists as Florence + the Machine, Coldplay, Massive Attack and Norah Jones. 

As a gracious and ardent supporter of independent musicians in Los Angeles and beyond, KCRW hopes that MALCOLM will just make it easier to get great new music out to its listeners.

“Independent artists are more important than ever and we want to champion as many as we can, yet the volume of submissions we receive has grown exponentially, said Anne Litt, Music Program Director. “We were asking ourselves how we can better serve these musicians and we came up with MALCOLM. It’s fast, easy and allows KCRW to do what we do best — support and share artist’s work.” 

Currently in beta mode, the digital system is going to be a major asset to DJs just as it will be to independent artists. Instead of passing physical CDs down the hallway, MALCOLM will function as an internal network for sharing music in a way that is both more efficient and environmentally friendly.

“[MALCOLM] will help us discover great new music faster,” said KCRW DJ and Music Librarian Eric J Lawrence. “KCRW has been instrumental in helping start the careers of a wide range of musicians, from Beck to more recent bands such as Fitz and the Tantrums and Quadron. In many cases, the music was sent to us out of the blue and we pledge to continue this tradition by listening to as many submissions as possible.” 

Los Angeles-based readers can check out KCRW on 89.9FM. The station broadcasts internationally at KCRW.com. Both music and news programs are also available on the station’s smartphone apps for the iPhone, Android and Blackberry."







Monday, June 11, 2012

The Green Lady Killers Invade the York Bar June 14

The Green lady Killers will be invading The York in Los Angeles on June 14th. Becherovka will be hosting the show so I believe that its free, but might want to double check for sure. Just go to the club website for more details.


Link to The York


Check out Becherovka Liquer, a drink from the Czech Republic


The Green Lady Killers at the York in Los Angeles

Becherovka Liquer, original drink from Czech Republic

Thursday, April 5, 2012

The Green Lady Killers Invade El Cid in Los Angeles on 4.21.12

The Green Lady Killers will be rockin' El Cid in Los Angeles on 4.21.12


More about El Cid:

El Cid was built around 1900 by D.W. Griffith. It was used to screen his famous and controversial film “Birth of A Nation”, which opened in 1915 and was the first twelve reel motion picture to set an all time box office record. For 11 years it was viewed by more than 100 million Americans at the high ticket price of $2.00!

Late in 1950 the building was converted into a playhouse theater and cabaret called “The Cabaret Concert Theater” which credits include “The Black Pipe”, “Jail House” and “The Drunkard”. It became notable not only as a theater but also as a hang-out for many well known actors and actresses of the day, including a young Marlon Brando who both performed and hung out there.

In 1961 El Cid Restaurant was born and the building was converted into an authentic replica of a 16th century Spanish tavern. From the exterior courtyard with its beautiful trees and greenery, fountains, original murals and bi-level patio to the interior theater with its Spanish décor, high wood beam ceilings, velvet drapery, fireplace and colorful vintage bricks and tile, El Cid is a rare gem.

It provides an extraordinary backdrop to the exciting flamenco dinner shows which feature the finest flamenco dancers, singers and guitarists in an intimate setting.

Nighttime events include the best national and local live bands and artists, djs, comedians, magicians and vaudevillian oddities. We also host film screenings and wrap parties utilizing the big screen hidden behind the drapery on the stage.

El Cid offers a romantic blend of dining, history and entertainment that is unique, enchanting and beautiful – hidden in the heart of the artistic community of Silver Lake, just minutes away from Hollywood. It is a truly magical place and is known today as a landmark of the Hollywood area.

El Cid - Show theater in the heart of the Silver Lake neighborhood in Los Angeles

Sunday, March 11, 2012

The Green Lady Killers Bring The Heat To Phoenix

This weekend, the femme fatales in the Green Lady Killers invaded the valley of the sun for some triumphant home town shows. As found in the article below by the Phoenix New Times, they were great shows and with new material being recorded, you can bet that 2012 is shaping up to be a great year for these ladies. 

Link to article on Phoenix New Times

The Green Lady Killers featured in the Phoenix New Times
Photo by Anthony Sandoval at Hollywood Alley in Phoenix, Arizona
The only thing hotter than two badass rock 'n' roll chicks? Why, that would be three badass rock 'n' roll chicks. I think the packed crowd at Hollywood Alley in Mesa will vouch for me on this one.

Los Angeles rockers The Green Lady Killers made a triumphant return to the Valley with a jamming set last night. Vocalist/guitarist Lady Van Buren and drummer Cherrybomb have been refining their act since their move to the coast. The ladies are playing as hard and as fast as ever, aided by the fat bass sound of new addition Ivy Rose.

The hour-long set showed off the shiny new bassist as well as some of the new tracks the band has penned.


IvyRose.jpg
Photo By Anthony Sandoval

It's hard to imagine that GLK could have added to their sultry visage but they have with the addition of Rose. Besides striking fat chords, she brought gritty vocals, flounced on stage, walked into the crowd, flicked her hair about and dropped to her knees at just the right times, throwing her head back. She paired perfectly with Lady Van Buren as the two played off of each other and really ramped up the energy in the crowd.

Van Buren's shrills were sharp and her guitar licks wicked, while Cherrybomb laid some foot-stomping rhythms and splashy cymbals. "Psycho Ellen" and "Power" reminded us of all the things we loved about them when they were still walking down Phoenix alleys on a daily basis, but new songs like "Beautiful Loser," with its sweet-sounding melody and steady strumming showed the influence L.A. is having on the band's music-making prowess.

"We've met a lot of really cool bands, played in a bunch of new places, and have become a part of this whole different scene," Lady Van Buren says. "There's a cool rock 'n' roll, downtown L.A. garage thing they got going on."

"It's dirty and we like it," Cherrybomb adds.


Cherrybomb.jpg
Photo By Anthony Sandoval

​ "I think we've written some of the best songs we have so far since we moved there," Van Buren says. "The songs we've collaborated on with Ivy Rose are more epic."

"It was a great change [moving to L.A.], but at the same time, it's great to be home and see all these familiar faces," Cherrybomb says. "We miss the people; and there's so much good music in this state."
While openers Grave Danger, Venomous Pinks, and The Herps set the tone for the night, the ladies mingled around the crowd, exchanged smiles with old faces, and shared stories with friends.

The Green Lady Killers play again tonight at the Inkenstein Tattoo Anniversary Party.

Critic's Notebook:
Last Night: The Green Lady Killers at Hollywood Alley
Personal bias: I now have two GLK T-shirts.
Random Notebook Dump: Damn, kid, you're gonna drink that entire pitcher of Guinness all by yourself? Rock 'n' roll.
 

Thursday, December 29, 2011

New Photos From The Green Lady Killers

The Green Lady Killers are ramping up for a big year and should be hitting the studio for a new album sometime in mid 2012. In the meantime they are busy playing shows all over the west coast. Here are a few photos from recent gigs and being on the road.

The Green Lady Killers are Ivy Rose, Lady Van Buren and Cherry Bomb
The Green Lady Killers in El Mirage, CA at sunset
The Green Lady Killers muggin' it up
Lady Van Buren of The Green Lady Killers
Cherry Bomb of The Green Lady Killers

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Boneyards II: Conspiracy with Trevelen About East LA Builders In The '50s

History and geography are linked like a brother and sister to their parents. Borders change and continents shift, but their story is told through the history of the earth, the air and the people. Bike builds and locations are also determined by geography and history. Take a look at the "Frisco" style that is so popular with many out there. Until you blaze up and down those great hills of San Francisco, you haven't a clue about mid mounts and gas caps mounted way up on the tank. Necessity is the mother of invention and this dictates history based on geography. Go out and make new stories based upon your geography.

Below is a video of Trevelen Rabanal of SuperCo and his thoughts on the 50's Latino bike culture of East LA Motorcycle clubs for Stussy Clothing.

Link to Stussy

"Trevelen from SuperCo explains the engineering innovations during the 1950s by a group of bike builders from East LA that inspired Boneyards II: Conspiracy.

Stussy has collaborated with Japanese fashion brand NEIGHBORHOOD for the second installment of Boneyards, entitled "Conspiracy." Inspired by East LA motorcycle clubs of the 50's-70's, this year's collection includes a limited edition Levi's trucker jacket and signature NEIGHBORHOOD denim. Boneyards, named after a secret surf spot in San Pedro, California, is a partnership between the two brands that started with the release of the initial Boneyards collection in the summer of 2008. In addition to the clothing, there will be a limited edition 'zine containing photos, interviews and artwork relating to the project. The second group of Boneyards II: Conspiracy product will be released on Friday, October 8th at Stussy.com and Stussy chapter stores."

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

The Green Lady Killers Playing Bar 107 Downtown Los Angeles

The femme fatales also known as the Green Lady Killers will be playing Bar 107 in downtown Los Angeles on December 15th. For our west coast brethren get out to the show if ya can. The event is for Frankie Loyale's 24th Birthday so its gonna be a killer bash. 

Green Lady Killers Poster for Los Angeles show on December 15th 2011

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Original 1965 Shelby Cobra With 427 CI Motor At Bob's Big Boy In Burbank, CA

How often do you get to see an original Carol Shelby Cobra and one that is being driven, not too often. We spotted this one at the longest running car show in the US, which happens to be at Bob's Big Boy in Burbank, CA every friday night since the 1950's.


Bob's Big Boy in Burbank, CA on a typical Friday night
Original 1965 Shelby Cobra with 427 CI motor
Original 1965 Shelby Cobra with 427 CI motor
Original 1965 Shelby Cobra with 427 CI motor
Original 1965 Shelby Cobra with 427 CI motor








































































The Bob's Big Boy Restaurant located at 4211 Riverside Drive in Burbank, California is the oldest remaining Bob's Big Boy in the United States. Built in 1949 by local residents Scott MacDonald and Ward Albert, it was designed by noted Los Angeles architect Wayne McAllister, "incorporating the 1940s transitional design of streamline moderne style, while anticipating the freeform 50s coffee shop architecture. The towering Bob's sign is an integral part of the building design and its most prominent feature." The building is said to have "made McAllister's reputation", and he is credited with creating the restaurant's circular drive-through design.

The restaurant was designated a California Point of Historical Interest in 1993. McAllister worked to preserve the structure as a historic landmark. McAllister was the architect for the original Lawry's restaurant on La Cienega Boulevard in Beverly Hills and the original Sands Hotel casino and Desert Inn casino in Las Vegas. He designed some 40 coffee shops in the Los Angeles area in the late 1940s, and each with a distinctive look. 

The Bob's Big Boy building represents a distinct period in the region's architectural history, often referred to as Googie architecture. Creative coffee shop designs started in Los Angeles because of the popularity of automobiles, and then spread across the nation. The building features curving windows and oversized roof overhangs with 1950s "free-form" style of cantilevered roofs and tall display signs. 

The Riverside Drive Bob's Big Boy was designed as a drive-in, in which carhops brought food to the cars, and now has a drive-thru window. 

On 14 December 1980, the restaurant on La Cienega Boulevard was the scene of a violent crime: Nine employees and two customers were forced at gunpoint into the meat freezer, where four people were shot dead and four others were wounded by armed robbers, one of whom was a former employee who was fired months earlier for making false claims of occupation-induced injury. ABC's 1986 telefilm The Right of the People was said to have been based on this case, since all of its victims were unarmed and questions were raised about the outcome if any of the victims were armed and able to fight back with handguns (e.g. if the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution means armed self defense for private citizens who are not members of organized militaries or militias). 

The MacDonald family acquired the restaurant in 1993, rehabilitating the tower sign, adding a patio and remodeling the dining room. Carhop service was reintroduced on weekends and a weekly classic car show is hosted in the parking lot.

Bob Hope and other movie personalities such as Mickey Rooney, Debbie Reynolds, Jonathan Winters, Dana Andrews, Martha Raye, Alexis Smith and Craig Stevens, were once regulars at the restaurant. Hope frequented the Burbank drive-in because it afforded him privacy. 

Famed British musical group The Beatles dined at the Burbank location during their 1965 California tour. The table is the last booth on the right as one walks in, where the end of the windows facing out toward Riverside drive stop. For many years a plaque described the event (the plaque has been stolen many times by fans, and has been replaced each time. Many regulars to the restaurant call this table and booth "The Beatle Booth".

Bob's Big Boy famous sign in Burbank, CA

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Derringer Cycles - Modern Day Boardtrackers

Nothing could be better to us than finding something new and distinct in an area that is already mined to the max. Every bike style imaginable or at least the ones with a solid past have been recreated and folks find a style they can get into, emulate or design from. It could be a bobber, cafe racer or the period correct and over hyped 70's stylized choppers that are finally starting to fade away. To us, we dig all the styles, as we are purveyors of two wheeled entertainment.

While reading one of our favorite magazines the other day, which happens to be Wired, we came across Derringer Cycles. What struck us immediately was the aggressive lines of the bike and how much fun it looks to ride. Not only could we pedal start it, but it looks damn good going down the road compared to the hornets nest of ugliness that is most 49cc scooters that many consider to be their main mode of transport as of late. The clubman bars, the gas tank, the frame style and that distinct motor all point to a well thought out and articulated design. This is the perfect city bike and one which seems ready to be customized in many cool ways.




Tech Specs 
Engine Overhead valve 4-stroke engine displacing 49cc,
CARB and EURO 2 emission compliance,
up to 180 mpg depending on usage. EZ-Start® Recoil
 
Transmission
GGB gearbox with centrifugal clutch and freewheel,
Freewheel allows pedals to remain stationary while driven via engine

Brakes
70mm drum front brake, coaster style rear brake

Capacity Fuel Tank
1.8 US Gallon, 87 Octane

Engine Oil
26 US Quart

Dimensions Length: 70"
Width: 24" (Board Track Style Handlebars)
Seat Height: Varies by saddle and seatpost type
Wheel Diameter: 26"
Bar Height At Stem: 36"


Derringer Cycles window display
Derringer Cycles gas tank
Derringer Cycles Bespoke Collection
Derringer Cycles Bespoke Collection
Derringer Cycles Custom Commission
Derringer Cycles Custom Commission