4316 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, CA 90230 - (310) 398-2583
Boulevard Music is a retail music store, music school, and intimate concert venue. We specialize in fine acoustic and electric instruments (Authorized dealer for Martin, Taylor, Gibson (Banjos and Mandolins), Fender, Ibanez, National, Roland, Takamine, Eastman, Big Muddy (formerly Mid Missouri Mandolins), Ramirez and Vasquez) as well as selling and renting band and orchestra instruments including pianos. We feature in concert some of the finest acoustic musicians and performers in the world. To purchase advance tickets for our shows please see ticket purchasing information below.
What's New at the Shop/In This Issue-Didn't get the big guitar gift you dreamed of over the holidays. Buy it yourself here cheap, you deserve it.
Boulevard Music now stocks and sells Gibson Banjos and Mandolins plus National Reso-Phonic and Ramirez classical guitars
Stonebridge and Baden two fantastic and unique guitar lines come to the Blvd.
Orchestra and Band instruments for rent at the Blvd.
Guitars, basses, amps, violins, violas, cellos, flutes, clarinets, saxes, acoustic pianos & more. 10 Months of Rental Payments apply to your instrument purchase! Generous Discounts if paid off in 3-6 months
The following list is only a partial list (brief descriptions of the artists at this time) of the concerts at Boulevard Music in the near future. Others pending are going to be added, so stay in touch. Please note all shows start at 8pm and doors open at 7:30pm unless indicated otherwise. People with tickets purchased in advance will be admitted first at 7:30. People needing to buy tickets at the door will be admitted after the people who already have their tickets. See below for ordering tickets in advance. Just in case you were wondering, Blvd Music does not have a 2 guitar minimum.
Acoustic/Electric Instrument Repair Available Now at the Blvd. Set-ups, refrets, pickups installed. Please call for an appointment.
Herb Pedersen (Banjo Great) joins our fine roster of instuctors. Herb is now accepting students!!
The City of Culver City has confirmed that for the 8th consecutive year that I, Mr. Excitement (Gary Mandell), will produce the Culver City Music Festival for the City of Culver City. These free concerts begin Thursday night at 7pm starting July 10 for 8 consecutive weeks in the courtyard of beautiful Culver City City Hall. Some great surprises this year, see you there!!
Saturday, Mar 29 (On Sale Now) The Ojai Valley Boys-$12
A special blend of blues and western music featuring actor John Perry (Mathew's dad) formerly of the Serendipity Singers, Dewayne Bocalli formerly of the Countrymen, and Bob Jones blues guitarist extroardinaire. Guitars, hot dobro, and upright bass. No need to feed the meter for your horse after 6pm.
Friday, Apr 4 (On Sale Mar 21) Richard Smith with Julie Adams on Cello-$15 (Guitar Workshop also, call for details)
Incredible fingerstyle player and also one of the hottest Bebop/Django/Flatpicking players in the world. "The most amazing guy I know on the guitar." Chet Atkins. Chet and Jerry Reed refer to Richard as "My Hero." Plus superb cellist, Adams, joining Richard for some fine duets in assorted styles. A five star guitar show. Mandell says "Two Thumbpicks Up! Way up."
Saturday, Apr 12 (On Sale Mar 29) The Folk Collection-$15
The Folk Collection takes you on a trip down memory lane in the footsteps of the Kingston Trio, Peter, Paul and Mary, John Denver, and the Limelighters with songs like "Blowin' in the Wind" and the "MTA." A great family show that works for all ages, full of sing-alongs and good clean humor. Their motto-"Playing and singing your favorite songs of the 60's folk era." Think about that.
Monday, Apr 14 Spring Music Classes Begin Here This Week. Click the link to classes above.
Saturday, Apr 19 (On Sale Apr 5 ) Michael Chapdelaine-$17.50
The only guitarist ever to win First Prize in the world's top competitions in both the Classical and Fingerstyle genres: the Guitar Foundation of America International Classical Guitar Competition and the National Fingerstyle Championship at Winfield. Performing musical styles from blues to Bach to country to rhythm n' blues. "Other young guitarists have excellent technique, but few have such style and musicality"- Acoustic Guitar Magazine.
Sunday, Apr 20 Variety Nite with Robert Morgan Fisher-$4
Special Guest folk singer/songwriter/guitarist/screenwriter Robert Morgan Fisher. Plus our sign-ups which begin being taken Apr 6 at 1pm. Signups will be taken up until showtime unless all 8 slots are filled. Variety Nite at the Blvd, See it or Be it. Plus Sunburst Recording, studio time giveaway. Performers may purchase a live recording of their stage performance for only $8!
Friday, Apr 25 (On Sale Apr 11) Legendary Mandolinist Roland White from the Kentucky Colonels, with Herb Pedersen-$20. Mandolin workshop with Roland on Sunday Apr 27, 10am. Click link to classes above.
The legendary White is one of the true 2nd generation bluegrass/mandolin greats who played with his brother Clarence in the Kentucky Colonels, with Bill Monroe, with Lester Flat, the Grammy-award winning Nashville Bluegrass Band, and his self-named Grammy nominated band. Plus Pedersen of Laurel Canyon Rambler and Chris Hillman fame on Banjo, Diane Bouska (founding member of the Roland White Band) on guitar, plus Dean Knight on upright bass. A night with a true icon of bluegrass!!
Saturday, Apr 26 (On Sale Apr 12) Rick Ruskin-$15. Rick will also be available for private lessons at Blvd 4/27-4/30.
Ragtime/pop fingerpicking great (The best). Rick mixes the likes of Reverend Gary Davis with his vast knowledge of pop and R&B guitar styles. A master of blues, ragtime and gospel guitarist. "...so brilliant at times that he seems to transcend normal approaches to the guitar...Flashy, fast, inventive and musical and that isn't easy." (GUITAR PLAYER). Often copied, with his own unique sound.
Saturday, May 3 (On Sale Apr 19) Tracy Grammer-$15
Gracefully gifted multi-instrumentalist/singer/producer Grammer with her class collection of folk originals. "A brilliant artist, her voice is distinctive, as is her mastery over the instruments she plays."-Joan Baez. Her album "Flower of Avalon" was the most played album on folk radio in 2005. A touching show.
Friday, May 9 (On Sale Apr 25) Del Rey-$15 (a huge hit playing with Maria Muldaur returns with her own great show)
International woman of the blues comes down to the crossroads. Del Rey started playing classical guitar when she was four. As a teenager, she met bluesman Sam Chatmon who inspired her to become a blues queen. Her guitar playing combines country blues, stride piano, classic jazz and hillbilly boogie through the sensibility of an autodidact trailor-park esthete. Her live show is full of complex guitar grooves and sly humor. Del was a huge hit opening for and backing up Maria Muldaur at the Blvd.
Saturday, May 10 (On Sale Apr 26) Stephen Bishop-$20
Oscar and two time grammy nominee Bishop, known for his hit songs, "On and On," "Save it for a Rainy Day," "It Might Be You," from the movie "TOOTSIE" and "Separate Lives" a hit for Phil Collins. His songs have been recorded by Clapton, Streisand, Garfunkel, Kenny Loggins, The Four Tops, and Pavarotti.
Saturday, May 17 (On Sale May 3) Rocket to Stardom with Matt Cartsonis, Brian Wendt, and surprise guest-$15
Cartsonis and his funny renditions of Old Blevins & Yuletide in the double-wide. Plus inventive fingerstyle "rising star Wendt", -Guitar Player Magazine, and a surprise guest in a Rocket to Stardom evening. Three great sets.
Sunday, May 18 Variety Nite
Special Guest Classical/Pop guitarist Dan Cantrick. Plus our sign-ups which begin being taken May 4 at 1pm. Signups will be taken up until showtime unless all 8 slots are filled. Variety Nite at the Blvd, See it or Be it. Plus Sunburst Recording, studio time giveaway. Performers may purchase a live recording of their stage performance for only $8!
Friday, May 30 (On Sale May 16) Terri Hendrix and Lloyd Maines-$15
Hendrix is an amazing performer and a great writer. Innovative and rootsy Texas music. With six albums to date accompanied by Veteran Texas producer/guitarist Lloyd Maines (Dixie Chicks producer), Hendrix mixes sunny humor and sparkling melodies with striking instrumental and vocal chops. This is first class-GM.
Saturday, May 31 (On Sale May 17) Susie Glaze and Hilonesome CD Release Party plus Rick Shea-$15
Glaze's versatility as a vocal stylist is impressive and moving. Folk music legend Jean Ritchie has called Susie Glaze "a fresh young voice - a communicator - to me the most important of qualities in a singer..." and Bluegrass Unlimited calls her "an important voice on the California Bluegrass scene." Susie's last CD "Blue Eyed Darlin'" was the winner of the Just Plain Folks 2006 Music Awards for Best Roots Album, and Folkworks Magazine's Pick for Best Bluegrass Album of 2005. She now proudly announces her newest CD "Green Kentucky Blues", produced by Bluegrass legend Laurie Lewis. Backed by Hilonesome with their excellent playing and harmonies they embellish her doing new originals from the album plus classics by Jean Ritchie, Iris Dement and Bob Dylan. Add to this fine mix the SPECIAL GUEST Rick Cunha performing with Susie. Plus Shea with his superb guitar playing, story songs and mellow baritone. Rick Shea has for a long time been a well known and well respected member of Southern California's music community. He's toured England, Scotland, Germany, and Switzerland, and played and recorded with Dave Alvin, Jann Browne, Chris Gaffney, Syd Straw and Heather Myles. The L.A. Weekly said Shea "seems poised to make a strong artistic case for coast country." Rick has been a regular on So. Cal. radio programs and a featured guest on Folkscene on KPFK.
Saturday, June 7 (On Sale May 24) Robby Longley plus Trio Gonzalo-$15
Guitar virtuoso Longley whose music is a combination of flamenco, classical and jazz ideas all fused together. His elegant guitar work and sophisticated instrumentals transcend the boundaries of established genres. Plus guitarist Gonzalo who's toured worldwide in the Jorgenson quintet. The superb argentinian guitarist presents music from his new CD which has received glowing reviews.
Friday, June 13 (On Sale May 30) The Gibson Brothers-$15
East Coast bluegrass greats the Gibson Brothers make a rare stop in Southern California. The Sugar Hill Records recording artists are comprised of Eric (vocals, banjo, guitar), Leigh (vocals, guitar), Mike (upright bass) plus Clayton Campbell (fiddle) and Rick Hayes (mandolin). "The Gibson Brothers recall a lot of the true, real feelings of country's roots. What truly stands out about their music is that, although they're solidly based in traditional styles, they're also songwriters working with a contemporary lexicon of language and issues. If you think country music is about rhinestones and wretched excess, these guys'll change your mind. This is good music: intense, soulful, technically exciting -- it's damn near perfect. Get out and see these guys."-Chuck Thurman, Coast Weekly
Saturday, June 14 (On Sale May 31) Laurence Juber-$17.50
The former lead guitarist for McCartney's band Wings (78-81) and featured on the hit singles Goodnight Tonight and Coming Up, Juber won the first 'Best Rock Instrumental' Grammy award. Laurence has also worked with Beatles George Harrison and Ringo Starr and Al Stewart. Laurence was voted #1 Guitarist by the readers of Fingerstyle Guitar Magazine and was honored by the venerable Martin guitar company with his own 'L J' signature model which coincidentally is available for you at Blvd Music.
Saturday, June 21 (On Sale June 7) High Hills-$15
Stong solid and energetic bluegrass are the trademarks of this group featuring superb instrumental leads on fiddle, mandolin, guitar, and banjo joined by a magical blend of vocal harmonies. Formed in 1996, High Hills has headlined at many festivals and has shared the stage with the Dixie Chicks and Ricky Skaggs. Humor and multi-instrumental diversity make for a memorable evening.
Sunday, June 22 Variety Nite (moved to this date due to Father's Day on the 15th) Special Guest Ed Munter plus our talented signups-$4
Special Guest singer/songwriter Ed Munter. Plus our sign-ups which begin being taken June 1. Signups will be taken up until showtime unless all 8 slots are filled. Variety Nite at the Blvd, See it or Be it. Plus Sunburst Recording, 2 hr. studio time giveaway.
Saturday, June 28 (On Sale June 14) Berkley Hart-$17.50
Masters of two part harmony and dazzling song craft, San Diego's Berkley Hart have established themselves as one of the premier acoustic duos touring the country. In concert the obvious camaraderie & virtuoso playing from Kerrville New Folk winner Jeff Berkley (guitar) and Calman Hart (guitar, harmonica) as well as their good-natured humor, show why they've become favorites.
Purchasing Tickets for Shows At Boulevard Music
Tickets for all shows go on sale 2 weeks, 14 days, before each show. They may be purchased in person at Blvd Music or by phone using a major credit card. A $1 service charge per ticket is added on phone orders. People who already have their tickets (purchased them in advance) get in first when doors open at 7:30 pm. After the people who already have their tickets are admitted any remaining tickets will go on sale. Please note all ticket sales are final. They are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
Retail Hours of Operation
Monday-Thursday 11am-7pm
Friday 11am-6pm
Saturday 10am-6pm
Sunday 1pm-5pm
Monday-Thursday lessons go on until 10pm and we are open for small purchases during the time after normal retail hours. You might give us a call before you come down if it's after 7pm Monday-Thursday.
How to Get Here Going South
Take the 405 freeway 2 exits south of the 10 freeway to the Washington/Culver Blvd. offramp. Get off and at the bottom of the offramp make a left. Go about 200 feet to Culver Blvd. South and make another left. Go about 200 yards to the corner (crossroads) of Culver and Sepulveda Blvd. That's us across the street next to the south/east corner. 4316 Sepulveda Blvd.
How to Get Here Going North
Take the 405 freeway north (about 3 or 4 exits north of LAX) to Culver Blvd. Get off and at the bottom of the offramp make a left and go a couple hundred feet to Braddock and make a right. You'll go down a long block to Sepulveda Blvd. and then make a left. We're a couple blocks up on your right. 4316 Sepulveda Blvd.
Where to Park When You Get Here
Parking is available in our lot on the north and rear of Boulevard Music. In addition, or if our lot is full, we encourage our concert goers to please park on Sepulveda Blvd rather than the adjoining residential areas as an alternative. Thank you.
Where to Dine Near Our Shop
Right across the street from us is Dear John's. This is like a trip to the 50's in the Twilight Zone. Good American cuisine. Across the street and about 2 blocks south is El Rincon with tasty Cuban Cuisine. Across the street and about 6 blocks south is Thai Klang Dong (Song Sung Blue in Thai I guess). Good food. . . great fortunes. Across the street and a couple doors north of Washington Place is Villa Italian. Good basic Italian dishes. For specialty coffees, juices, and desserts these items can be found 1 block south on our side of the street at Tanner's Coffee Shop. For sandwiches and soups and desserts 2 -3 blocks south of us on the same side of the street is Dolce Vita. All of these places serve meat and veggie dishes. Addresses and phone numbers listed below. Thank you, the Guitarist's Gourmet.
Dear John's-11208 Culver Blvd-(310) 397-0276
El Rincon Criollo-4361 Sepulveda Blvd-(310) 391-4478
Thai Klang Dong-4903 S. Sepulveda Blvd-(310) 390-7399
Villa Italian-3973 Sepulveda Blvd-(310) 391-3243
Dolce Vita-4410 Sepulveda Blvd-(310) 390-5733
Tanner's Coffee Shop-4342 Sepulveda Blvd-(310) 636-2727