By B. Noel Barr, Music Writer Dude
Before I could cross 6th Street, I had to make a quick trip to see what that righteous music that was pulling me down the block on yet another Third Thursday in San Pedro.
An energetic music happening was taking place with Soul Shot on 6th and Mesa streets. The group was burning the corner up with a free concert of your favorite rhythm and blues grooves. Delivering such way down deep funkiness, you could not help but smile and shake your bones.
One song as an example that Soul Shot played, was Bill Withers “Use Me Up.” That tune had a Latin funk feel so infectious that everyone was floating from the energy. This band has been part of The San Pedro scene for a while, one that if you haven’t seen, you should. Here is an example of a band who doesn’t just play covers, they embody the original. Soul Shot will be back at 6th and Mesa for another funk fest of soul classics on the next First Thursday, July 2.
Three performance venues were having quite the scene on June 18.
Off The Vine, Wine Shoppe and Lounge has presented quality music acts almost since they opened their doors. In November of 2013 owners Michael and Alie Koth first presented local artist and musician Mike Rivero, who is the founder of the Cuban salsa group, Calle 6. Rivero kicked off this long running series of live shows with a solo performance in November 2013. Other upcoming shows include San Pedro favorites: the soulful Chad Bishop and the rock outfit Twenty Eyes.
My mission on Third Thursday was to catch Dave Widow and Friends at Off The Vine. On this night the surprise friends were Joe Puerta and Burleigh Drummond of the band Ambrosia. This was a Dave Widow date I didn’t want to miss out. I was not disappointed in the least.
This current relationship between the veteran acts began this past summer. Dave Widow had his longtime friend Joe Puerta, along with keyboardist Christopher North played a date at Alvas showroom. Joining the band that night was veteran session percussionist Alvin Taylor in what was a sell out show.
This led to Dave Widow and The Line Up opening for Ambrosia at the House of Blues in Anaheim. On that evening, a jam ensued with the Grammy-nominated rock group (three of the original members are from San Pedro) who invited Dave Widow up to play with them.
On this Third Thursday, a very full room at Off the Vine waited in anticipation and was served some serious blues-rock. Dave Widow played songs from his CD Waiting For The World To End and random covers to everyone’s satisfaction. Throughout the two sets Widow maintained that soulful blues feel and tone, while the music went in new directions with Drummond and Puerta laying down the groove.
The energy between the players and the audience was palatable.
“I had a great time playing for a helluva enthusiastic crowd, in this oasis of joy at Off The Vine,” Puerta said. “My old comrade, Burleigh jumped head first into the fray and kept the joint rockin’. Dave was inspired to new heights and I enjoyed keeping that groove flowing and growing.”
“It was a fun show, I really enjoyed playing with Joe and Burleigh,” Widow said. “Those guys inspired me to a higher level in the second set. I felt we were playing off each other like we were all-as one”
Like all great players, the three men listened to one another finding their personal voice in a musical conversation that spoke volumes to those listening. For that moment in time, it was perfect.
“One thing I know for sure, blues is the truth,” Burleigh Drummond said of the evening. “I had a great time playing with my bandmate Joe Puerta and the impressive Dave Widow the other night at Off The Vine. The Blues was well served that night. I sincerely hope to do it again soon”
One of the many patrons who filled Off The Vine that night was Jim Wasti, owner of Jim’s Car Service on Pacific.
“I was right in the front and couldn’t believe how good it was,” Wasti said. “I’m a big fan of Ambrosia and have been following Dave’s music for a while. It was one of the best shows I’ve been too.”
The Whale & Ale an old English pub and restaurant is nestled in the heart of the Art District at 7th and Centre streets. This establishment has also has had some very fine entertainers over the years. On this particular Third Thursday, owner Andrew Silber had saxophonist Benn Clatworthy playing the be bop style of jazz to a receptive crowd. Clatworthy will be returning to The Whale & Ale July 18. Coming up on First Thursday is the outstanding Barry Anthony’s six piece Dixieland band.
Across the street is Godmothers Saloon run by Sandra Marchioli.
“We are now having live music seven nights a week,” the owner was proud to announce.
This venue is the spine of the community music scene. Bringing diverse local favorites like Americana artist Cliff Wagner & Old #7 or rockabilly performers like Deke Dickerson, as well as local favorites Seatbelt and classic rock cover bands.
However, blues is a staple here, recently Marchioli has brought the tremendous talents of Candye Kane, White Boy James and The Blues Express, The New Blue Revolution, The Mighty Mojo Prophets, Henry Carjaval of Rod Piazza’s Mighty Flyers. Making Godmothers a regular stop for a mix of other blues talents.
On June 20, Dave Widow played a second inspired show this time at Godmothers with Joe Puerta of Ambrosia and New Orleans drummer-vocalist Chris Couchois. The group scorched the room with fiery covers and originals, including Ambrosia classic “Holding on to Yesterday.” Dave Widow and Friends will return July 19. I can’t wait to see who will be playing on that date.
All three of these fine establishments are part of the downtown scene whether it is First or Third Thursday, or any other day of the week, downtown San Pedro is the place to be.
Off The Vine
600 S. Pacific Ave., Suite 103, San Pedro
(310) 831-1551; www.offthevinewines.com
The Whale and Ale
327 W. 7th St., San Pedro
www.whaleandale.com
Godmothers Saloon
302 W. 7th St., San Pedro
(310) 833-1589