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.
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Hi Peter, Sid the painter girl. I got blogged too. Nice to be amongst the street elite!
I love your music and look forward to hearing some more gritty sounds about Venice.
The street elite! Love it. Gonna use that one, Sid!
Hi Peter,
I worked at the Figtree Cafe from 1984 – 1988 (mostly managed the evening shift on weekends) and have been living in Philadelphia since late 1988. Before my husband, Dennis (whom you may remember) and I left for the east coast, we purchased a cassette tape of a collection of your music (Phoeonix was on Sax) and have held onto it ever since, playing it for friends (all of whom absolutely love your sound). These were the days before CDs and our cassette tape is completely shot at this point. Do you have your music on CDs for sale? I would love to replace that album you recorded back in the 80′s. Shopping Bag Lady was on it. It is so great to see you are still out there performing on the Venice Beach Promenade. We haven’t had the pleasure of being in LA since 1996 and really miss it. Hope to hear from you. Let me know if we can buy some of your music on CD (even an old cassette tape). We have fond memories of you playing on that bench across from the Figtree Cafe — especially singing Silent night in December.
Best Regards,
Doreen (by the way, I am still in touch with Tami and Bill — they are living in Northern CA and doing well)
I just met Peter in Venice and just wanna say thanks for the insperation… I’ll see ya under a black palm tree
Peter Demian – Same question as Doreen above: I also purchased your STREET SMART cassette with Phoenix on sax back in 1984 – my favorite is Cold Winter Breezes – please drop me a note on how I can replace my old tape with a CD I can share with my kids – I’ve long since moved to Hermosa, then The Valley, finally Santa Clarita – but I’ve never forgotten your great music out there under the windy surf evenings of Venice Beach – I had even stopped by your place once near the canals – be well!
Hey Peter how are you going? Remember me fron Windsor Ontario & friend of Bobby Moffet and Wes Weriam. Just found out where you were and love hearing your music again. I will let Bobby know where you are. Good luck my friend and don’t forget the great meals Bob cooked up in electric fying pan at the Holiday Inn. love and hugs. dolores white now allen.
I live in Arizona and when in California I will look for you. Love your music.
Peter
I am trying to locate Peter Demian who was a student, a football player and wrestler at Hammarskjold High School in Thunder Bay ( Port Arthur) Ontario Canada.
You sure look like the guy I am looking for.
There is a Hammarskjold 50th Reunion coming up in 2013. I want to give give you some info..
If you are the guy give me an email address.
Brian McLeod a former teacher
Hey Peter … my goodness is all I can say! My cousin Kenny in Oxford, MI (near Detroit) knows all about u. We just visited him a couple of weeks ago. This is too cool. He sent my some utube music by you and I forwarded it to Gail + Ken West, Wayne Robinson and Irene (Chapeskie). My dearest friend in the world is Irene and she is dying of cancer. Just spent some time with her in Owen Sound. Very sad. Irene has been divorced for 15 yrs and has two sons in their 20′s. Would be nice to see you at the annual Thunder Bay Blues Festival man!
Really enjoyed the visit. Love you and want you to come play in London… can arrange gig if you can get here.. Mad Ad