Originally from Auckland, New Zealand Matt Dowd has been ripping up the riffs on Venice Beach for over seven years. Influenced by Deep Purple and Kiss, Matt can often be found near the Sidewalk Cafe–singing and rocking for the crowd.
Archive for the 'Street Musicians' Category
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Live from Japan–it’s Funny Tombow! How can you not love this guy? Tomoyo Kobayashi started out playing on Bourbon Street. Influenced by the colorful street musicians of New Orleans, he then took his act home to Japan.
Well he’s back in the USA, and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch him on the beach one of these weekends singing classic American songs like “It’s A Wonderful World” and “Blowing In The Wind”. Here’s a link to him performing on Bourbon Street.
Harry Perry is one of the most famous street musicians in the world and an icon of Venice Beach. In his early days, Harry studied Kundalini Yoga, eventually becoming a member of the Sikh Dharma–thus the Sikh turban and robes. The Sikh community has given him the honorary title of “Nihang Baba”, indicating that he’s considered an elder within the Sikh community. In addition to his rock music which you can explore at the link above, Harry is also known for his renditions of traditional Sikh music.
While others entertain to live, I live to entertain!
Dr. Geek’s a wordologist extraordinaire. He can rap, rhyme and tell jokes with great skill while always staying positive. He started out making up jingles when he used to sell ice cream to little kids. Originally from Detroit, Dr. Geek made up an unrehearsed ryhme for BluBlocker that sold 20 million pairs–which is how he got his new name.
Nathan Pino is a classically trained pianist who’s been performing on the Venice Boardwalk for over six years. He’s an outstanding musician who loves to play year-round on the beach. Even in the dead of winter, when most of the tourists are gone, I know that when I stroll down the boardwalk playing my guitar–there will be Nathan–caressing the keys. The link is to a video of him playing an original song of his “Sister Lucretia.”
Peter Israel’s a singer-songwriter who’s originally from San Antonio, Texas. He’s been a street musician on Venice Beach for about a year and a half. He’s a classically-trained guitarist who’s always ready to jam on the Boardwalk.
Peter cites Reggae, Bruce Cockburn and Neil Young among his many influences. You’ll likely find him by The Sidewalk Cafe–ready to rock.
Peter Demian is a singer-songwriter who has entertained crowds on the Venice Boardwalk for over 31 years. He’s one of Venice Beach’s all-time favorites, with a soulful voice and classic blues-folk acoustic guitar style. He’s inspired by “the poetry of Venice” and he told me this story:
In 1978 I was new to LA and living out of my ’69 Valiant. One day, near Mulholland, a motorcycle cop confronted me. He asked me what I do and I said “I was a singer and guitar player.” He said “prove it,” so I got my guitar out and played. I’ll never forget what he said (and this was a motorcycle cop!). He said: “If you believe in what you do, there’s a place called Venice Beach.”
Peter followed the setting sun and drove down to the beach in his old rusting Valiant—and he’s still there, believing in what he does—in a place called Venice Beach.
Davie’s a guitarist and singer who’s been making the street performer scene on the beach for about a year. His musical inspiration comes from the guitarists of the 60s and 70s.
If you’re passing the Sidewalk Cafe, you’ll likely find him rocking the crowd.
Neptune’s fire is back! No, that’s not Jimi. That’s a shot I took of Anthony Aquarius last week. Originally from Youngstown, Ohio, Anthony has been rocking out the boardwalk lately with the best tribute band performance Los Angeles has seen in a long time. Left-handed shredding riffs and a great stage presence make this act a standout in any era. Check him out.
Anthony has some great original tunes and is repped by Vince Wills Music Management.
If you stroll by the Figtree Cafe these days you may come across Kevin Gant strumming in the sun. Kevin sites Richie Havens and Cat Stevens as his influences. Check out his Ballad of O.J. Simpson on his MySpace page.
