Legendary Bach and Dynamite Society Founder PETE DOUGLAS offers a brief tour
here while espousing on his philosophy of music venues and jazz in today’s world
50 Years of Intimate Live Music on the Ocean
First time over the weekend at this wonderful experience -more that just a club . Loved Judy Wexler’s vintage vocals with quartet but might have enjoyed almost anyone at this amazing, intimate one-of-a-kind live music ‘venue ‘ on the Pacific Ocean at Half Moon Bay, CA. Congrats to Pete Douglas of the unusual named ‘Bach and Dynamite Society’ -no, you won’t normally hear Bach here – for not only 50+ years of great music but in such an ambient, intimate music experience ON THE OCEAN – unheard of in this day and age.
The performance ‘room’ holds a maximum 200 with no seat more than 35 feet ( seven rows) away. Performers come here as much for the experience as anything. (Simple math of $40 average ticket x 200 doesn’t leave a lot left over for anyone) Sure, there are rough edges to the place – and plenty of evidence of its pre-1964 origins – but that’s part of the charm. Savor the spectacular ocean views while sipping wine – you may bring your own (no corkage fees) – from the second story room adjoining the concert venue, which sort of resembles a cozy 1960s ski lodge with fireplace and wood-paneled walls. Food is available too, but not from Volume Services but a nice woman who makes it and services it herself – and and will tell you EXACTLY what you’re eating. Or, go downstairs between sets and walk right down to the beach and the soaring waves – only a few hundred feet walk to the right. In a more commercial setting, such as the Ritz Carlton up the road,
one would pay hundreds of dollars for such an experience – if one could even FIND music there.Here it’s less than $40 a ticket for most shows. (No , we’re not publicists or any relation to the B & D…)
‘We are the boutique venue,’explains Douglas.’
In the past I described the boutique music venue as a small room with 150 or less seats for discerning audiences prepared to pay the price to not be in an impersonal crowd. The dictionary describes boutique as a “specialty shop”. Well, the Douglas Beach House is a boutique music venue — designed to capture the musical spark that connects people to the music. No more jamming people in the room just to be able to pay for the talent. We are not going to book headliners exclusively, but continue to book the best emerging talent as well as proven veterans musicians from the past. But if our audiences want top talent with all the intimacy and comfort possible, then we must pay for it. We will charge anywhere from $35 to $45 and beyond. We will continue two sets of music, not a 1 1/2 hour show. Two sets give the audience and musicians a break to digest more demanding music and gives the audience a chance to talk to each other during intermission — which they will in a small room.’ continued
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‘Nobody planned its beginnings,’ says Pete Douglas, in his HISTORY of the Bach and Dynamite Society. It just evolved from the first private jam sessions at home in the summer of 1958. Growing up on the beaches of Manhattan and Hermosa in LA, I hung out in jazz clubs hearing Swing and early Be Bop and the cool sounds of West Coast Jazz of Shorty Rogers, Art Pepper, Shelly Mann, Chet Baker at the Lighthouse Café. Graduating from Santa Barbara College in 1955, I had no thoughts of operating a conventional jazz club, and eventually was hired as an Adult Probation Officer in San Mateo County just below San Francisco. Needing to get back to the beach, I purchased an abandoned beer joint on the ocean in Half Moon Bay, proceeding to live in it like a refugee from the Beat Hipster scene of the 50’s. I was later to be canned from the Probation Dept. for leading an undesirable life for a County official.’ continued
‘Our rustic Beach House has continued to be supported by our members and audiences since we were incorporated as a nonprofit in November of 1964. But will our audience continue to be those discerning people (with some money)? After all, the pop/rock audiences pay over $100 to be in a crowd of thousands just to say they heard the music live. An audience always senses when musicians have found their voice. Have a little patience and you’ll be rewarded. Today many people do not recognize musicians whose musicianship is incredible but do not have the notoriety of past innovators–a Dizzy Gillespie, Stan Getz and Lester Young. Perhaps what we have to charge at the door will be an indication of the best touring groups and musicians. ‘
Why did it take me so long to get to the Bach and Dynamite? It’s the Best kept musical secret around. Shhh! Don’t tell too many people… just enough to keep this place happening ! Check out Pete’s favorite current pianist (performed with Stan Getz and others) later this month- or others @ discount prices! Pete will likely be there in the audience , perhaps even dancing to the music.
50 Years of Intimate Live Music on the Ocean