I See Hawks In L.A., John Surge And The Haymakers, and Old Californio at DiPiazza's, 5-2-26

I experienced a bit of heaven in Long Beach last night, as three of the best bands around were all on the same bill, each delivering a special sort of magic. I'm always looking for those moments when the music transports me, when all worries and concerns are left behind, when the music becomes everything and I'm just completely in the present, immersed in the sound, in the emotion. That happened during each band's set last night, which is outstanding and rare.

Old Californio

Old Californio started the night, beginning the show promptly at eight. There was a somewhat different lineup for this show. Rich Dembowski and Justin Smith were on guitar and drums respectively, as usual, and Bob Roach was on bass, as he often fills in for Jason Chesney. Neither Woody Aplanalp nor Jon Niemann were present, and instead the band had Dan Wistrom sitting in on pedal steel. They opened with "Mother Road," and immediately the flavor of the pedal steel was appreciated. Dan delivered a good lead. Rich then strapped on his harmonica for a wonderful rendition of "City Lines," Dan's pedal steel helping to set the tone. This song featured some really nice stuff on both harmonica and bass. Rich kept the harmonica on for the third song, a new one titled "Free Ain't Easy," which was beautiful from the start, and soon kicked in to become a glorious number. Dan's lead toward the end was wonderful, especially the way it eased out, with room to breathe, the spaces between just as potent as the notes. Just absolutely beautiful. One of those moments when the music completely took over. You could feel it, the way everyone in the room was experiencing it. Then Justin's delicious rhythm drove the next song. Someone in the audience shouted out, "Old Californio!" Overcome in the moment, you understand.

The band delivered a good cover of "I Never Picked Cotton," the pedal steel being a prominent force from the beginning, setting the song in motion. There was also some great drumming there. Before "California Goodness," Rich told the crowd, "We're going to do something real pretty now." And indeed, that song was pretty, with the pedal steel adding another beautiful layer. The harmonica and pedal steel sounded so good together. Rich then introduced the band. When he mentioned Bob, there was an especially large cheer. Rich, pretending to be taken aback, remarked that Bob's fan club was here, and then joked, "Fired." Bob delivered some fantastic work throughout the set. Old Californio wrapped up the set with a really good rendition of "Kansas City Southern."

John Surge And The Haymakers

John Surge And The Haymakers were up next. John Surge is the host of this music series. And the band's set opened in wonderful fashion, with guitarist Chris Motter and drummer Kevin Jarvis first taking the stage, delivering a cool instrumental introduction. There was no formal introduction, and the guitar work at first seemed to grow out of the soundcheck, but quickly the audience caught on that the set had begun and their conversations ceased as they became rapt in the guitar work. Then the other band members joined them, one by one, first Teresa Cowles on bass, then Carl Byron on keyboard, and finally John Surge himself, and the band eased into a slow, beautiful rendition of "I Remind You." What a stunning way to open. The song featured a great lead on guitar. John then told the crowd, "Now we rock," and led the band into "Ricochet." And, as promised, the energy was there, with a great, strong beat. That was followed by "Almost Time," featuring some excellent harmonies, John and Teresa always sounding so damn good singing together.

John mentioned that David Serby is going to having his album release show at DiPiazza's on June 27th, and then played "Barstow To Baker," a song he wrote with him. There was barely a pause before the band went into "One Promise At A Time," a song with great energy. "Passing Through" followed, this song featuring some fantastic stuff on keys. The keyboard also helped to create the cool atmosphere of the song. Another highlight of the set was "Marisol," the band delivering a particularly fun rendition. The fun continued with "Don't Need No Man," a song with an excellent beat and featuring some delicious stuff on keys. They wrapped up the set with "Your Wonderful Life" and "Mercury Blues."

I See Hawks In L.A.

I See Hawks In L.A. kicked off the final set of this fantastic night with "Ohio." Yeah, right into the blazing fun with that one, no easing in. Victoria Jacobs didn't have a vocal microphone, so we couldn't hear her first "Sweet home" part, which is one of my favorite elements of the song. Dan Wistrom looked over at her, and seeing the problem, got up in the middle of the song, set up her vocal microphone stand and got back to his spot in time to deliver an excellent lead on electric guitar. It was that moment right there when we all knew this was going to be a special set. And Dan delivered a nice, extended guitar lead on "White Cross," which followed "Ohio." Rob Waller then mentioned a gig that was alluded to earlier in the evening, when he was supposed to play with John Surge, but had to cancel because his first kid was born that day. "Only gig I had to cancel," he added. And speaking of gigs, Rob told the crowd how this set was Dan Wistrom's third gig of the day (he almost had four). Earlier, his band Generic Clapton played in Sierra Madre (Justin, of Old Californio, is the drummer in that band). A totally delightful version of "Poour Me" followed, with Dan on pedal steel. "Thank you. Keep on pouring," Rob said afterward.

The band treated us to a new song, "Global Pandemic," Dan back on electric guitar for that one. Rob mentioned that they had challenged themselves to come up with an upbeat positive song about the pandemic. Well, they succeeded. The song had a fantastic energy, and the "La la la" vocal part was hilarious, with then a little nod to Talking Heads' "Psycho Killer" (the "fa fa fa" bit). That was followed by another of the set's highlights, a cover of "St. James Infirmary," with Paul Marshall on lead vocals. These guys did such a cool rendition, and Paul threw in lyrics about the venue and the band itself. Not only that, but Paul delivered a bass lead at the end, which received a big (and deserved) cheer from the crowd. That was followed by "Carbon Dated Love" and then "Grapevine," which featured an excellent vocal performance from Rob. After that, Victoria sang lead on "Skipping Stones," a fun song with a beat you can't help but love, and yet another of the set's highlights. Then "Hippie On The Road" had a terrific energy, especially to Rob's vocal performance. That was followed by a sweet rendition of Willie Nelson's "Me And Paul." It was really nice to see the band play this one again. Paul Marshall then delivered an absolutely wonderful vocal performance on "Drinker's Hall Of Fame." The band wrapped up the set with "Good And Foolish Times," which is always fun, even when they don't do that extended ending. It seemed like that was the intended ending, but the crowd wanted more, and John Surge urged the band to play "Humboldt." This was a phenomenal version of "Humboldt," with some excellent stuff on bass. And Dan Wistrom's guitar work was wild!

This is what life is all about. 

Slamdinistas, The Crazy Squeeze and Electric Children At Maui Sugar Mill Saloon, 5-1-26

The Maui Sugar Mill Saloon is one of my favorite places to catch music in Los Angeles, and last night there was a bill of fantastic high-energy rock and punk music featuring Slamdinistas, The Crazy Squeeze and Electric Children.

Electric Children

The music started at 9:17 p.m. with Electric Children, who opened with a short, moody number that went straight into "Reptilian Royalty," a song with a great driving force. That was followed by "Blood Red River," which featured some powerful, cool drumming. Someone in the audience called out "Happy birthday, Chanell." She thanked him. And the next song, "Scene Of The Crime," was dedicated to Cassie Jalilie, who died several days ago. She was the drummer for Glam Skanks and The Venomous Pinks. A photo of Cassie was attached the one of the amps, with electric candles placed in front of it, in honor of the punk drummer. And speaking of drummers, the drummer for Electric Children delivered a kick-ass drum solo, having dispensed with his T-shirt, the heat of his playing keeping him warm enough, for sure. "Was It Worth It" was dedicated to Stephen Reed, who was in the audience and who plays on the band's new album. One of my favorites was "Triste Journee," a cool number with something of a late 1960s vibe. That was followed by another of the set's highlights, "Elizabeth La Fey Will Have Her Revenge On Echo Park," a totally fun number. During that song, Eddie ran off the stage and through the audience, and then back, leading Chanell to comment, "Well, he didn't knock over my drink when he jumped back on stage." They wrapped up the set with "Judgment Day," and then a quick "Happy Birthday To You" to several people who were celebrating birthdays.

The Crazy Squeeze

The Crazy Squeeze was up next, taking the stage at 10:14 p.m. Johnny said, "Ladies and gentlemen, we are The Crazy Squeeze," the band immediately ripped into the first song of the set, "All Lies." "This is the smallest stage we've played on since before Covid," Johnny told the crowd. That's one of the things I love about this venue, its intimacy. The band is right there, and so you are right with the music. There isn't any separation, really. Frankie then sang lead on "The Boys Are Gonna Be Here Soon," a delicious rock and roll number. "Gimme A Kiss" came on fast and hard. Another highlight for me was "Sexual Activity Girls," which was a whole lot of fun. "All the men are crazy/They never leave you alone." I love that backing vocal part, a sort of return to earlier days of rock and roll. That was followed by "Let's Go, Let's Go," an exciting, driving tune. Oh yes! After "Blind Truth," Johnny joked, "Not bad for two practices." He then said, "This is dedicated to all the lonely ones out there," and the band played "To The Lonely Ones." And "Nasty" was dedicated to Gabriel Johns, of Slamdinistas. That song featured some great stuff on bass. They wrapped up the set with "I Need A Witness," and someone in the audience shouted out, "Happy birthday, Johnny!"

Slamdinistas

It was 11:13 p.m. when Slamdinistas kicked off the final set of the night with "Time Flies By." It does indeed! And this night of great rock music was flying by all too quickly. But when the music is hitting us right, when the music is shaping and driving reality, we are able to live in the moment, live in the present. "Good to be back at the Maui Sugar Mill Saloon, because this is where we belong," Gabriel said after that first song, and as an introduction to "Where I Belong," the lead track to the band's 2025 album Wild & Restless. A delicious rock song, and that was followed by that album's title track, which also follows it on the album. Though first there was a quick sound adjustment. "How much do we love Nubs?" Gabriel said, and Loren added, "Nubs is the glue." For people like me who love music, the sound at any venue is obviously of great importance. Poor sound quality kept me from frequenting places like Silverlake Lounge (though I heard that place recently got a new sound system). So Nubs is as appreciated by those in the audience as by those on stage. "Cut Me Some Slack" was particularly good last night. I love how this band does not hold back at all. That was followed by "Sick Of It All," the band just totally rocking. This is one of my favorites, and it feels so right during these twisted times. "This goes out to all you troublemakers," Gabriel said in introducing "Little Troublemaker." During that song, Gabriel ran out into the audience. That was followed by "Rock 'N' Roll Clown," and it was after that song that Gabriel introduced the band. He especially called out Bob Kiah, the bass player and the group's newest member. You probably know him from his work in The Ape Hangers. Well, he delivered some fantastic work last night, and his energy was tremendous. The band then went into "Latch Key Kids," with Loren encouraging dancing, and Gabriel again coming out into the audience. After that song, Loren mentioned that with the way things are going, there are going to be a lot more latch key kids. "Brand New Day" followed, and the band wrapped up the set with "Oh Yeah," having the entire audience under its spell. In fact, the audience demanded more from the band, and we ended up treated to two encores. The first was a cover of "All For The Love Of Rock 'N' Roll." The second was "I'm Okay," which was fanastic. The show ended a little after midnight.

Maui Sugar Mill Saloon is located at 18389 Ventura Blvd. in Tarzana, California. 

Saint Pierre Band and Dime Box Band at Hard Rock Cafe, 4-30-26: Photos

Saint Pierre Band

Silly me, I wasn't aware Hard Rock Cafe was still around, much less that the venue hosted concerts. But apparently the Hollywood location has been there for fifteen years, and bands perform there a couple of times a week. Seems like one of those things that tourists were probably aware of before residents. Once you move past the shop and enter the dining area, you'll see the stage on the lower level. A proper stage. Decent size, too. And if the tables were removed, there'd be plenty of space to dance if that were desired for a particular show. The booths in the upper level have individual screens showing the music, though anyone in those booths could simply turn his or her head the other way to see the stage. The sound was not great in the upper level, but was better on the lower level. Not perfect, but good.

booth in upper level

Kristi Callan of Dime Box Band

Last night two excellent Los Angeles bands performed: Saint Pierre Band and Dime Box Band. Dime Box Band was up first, starting just after 8 p.m., kicking off the evening with "Going My Way," a fun number from the band's 2019 album Happy. The band played several other songs from that album, including the title track, as well as some stuff I'd seen Kristi Callan perform at her solo sets at the Unurban in Santa Monica.

Dime Box Band

Saint Pierre Band

Then just after 9 o' clock, Saint Pierre took the stage, opening with "Wish You'd Said," the lead track from the Luck And Gravity album, which came out last year. They focused on material from that album, including great renditions of "Fine Ride West" and "Love Who You Love," and a particularly fun version of "Coming Around." Another treat of the set was "The Heart Knows Better," from Julia St. Pierre's solo album.

Hard Rock Cafe is located at 6801 Hollywood Blvd. in Los Angeles, California.