Hot harmonies and cowboy cuisine
Enjoy a Western concert and a hearty meal for one low price at Coffee Gallery
By Carl Kozlowski 09/02/2010
These days, finding great entertainment deals is more important than ever. And that’s where Coffee Gallery Backstage owner Bob Stane has conceived a brilliant idea: Offering some of the region’s best musical shows on an intimate stage and then adding a chance to have a hearty meal — all for less than $20.
The first show to feature this deal (which happens occasionally, so check the club’s schedule) comes Monday when Foy Willing’s Riders of the Purple Sage, featuring Cody Bryant, take to the stage. While the Riders will play a full concert of fast-paced cowboy tunes with what their Web site describes as “burning tempos and hot harmonies” starting at 7:30 p.m., the night will kick off with a potluck dinner accompanied by Wild West ragtime piano playing by a fellow Rider intriguingly named Fingers Livingston at 7 p.m.
Those who just eat at the potluck pay $19.99, while those who actually bring a dish that can feed four people pay only $14.99.
The Riders go far beyond the piano in their instrumentation, employing not only drums, guitar, fiddle and bass, but also the penny whistle, accordion and saxophone while carrying on a proud tradition started by the late Willing way back in 1943. Willing had appeared in more than two dozen Western musicals before launching his band. Today the group centers on Bryant, the lead singer.
“Cody had met one of the founders of the Riders about 10 years ago and they wanted him to keep the band going,” explains Riders drummer Landon McCoy, who doubles as band manager. “We do some symphony jobs as well, but the Coffee Gallery is the one club we like since it’s very intimate and the furthest seat back is three rows back. It keeps us tight and helps us develop new songs. We have three-part harmonies, tell nice Western stories and everybody doubles and triples on instruments.”
Foy Willing’s Riders of the Purple Sage featuring Cody Bryant performs at 7:30 p.m. Monday at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N. Lake Ave., Altadena.
Call (626) 794-2424 or visit coffeegallerybackstage.com. Cash or checks only accepted.
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