Rock Around the Rocks

Tired of all the trendy culture that surrounds you? James Iansiti is, and he’s doing something about it.

Iansiti (pronounced ‘YAHN-city’) is about as close as you’ll come to a Renaissance man within the grass-roots-level arts community. In trying to forge a modicum of culture in a county notorious for its faceless movie, fast-food and other commercial chains, the painter-actor-lighting technician-concert promoter is determined to take art to the guy next door.

In 1991, Iansiti helped stage evenings of live music and poetry readings at coffeehouses. More recently, he has presented group art shows and theater productions in his studio gallery, including the staging of a localized interpretation of the Garden of Eden titled “Developing the Garden: The Fall of Orange County.”

Driven by the notion that art is not an elitist proposition, Iansiti thrives on providing a nontraditional setting for a variety of endeavors. Before his stage plays, for instance, he greets his guests as they mill about the studio, checking out the art and sampling refreshments. An all-are-welcome sense of hospitality prevails.

Iansiti, 34, has now taken his casual, unconventional approach into the musical arena. Having opened with a Valentine’s Day performance by singer-songwriter Mary Borgia, his Stonehenge Concert Series runs through March 7. Taken from Rob Reiner’s 1984 cult classic “This Is Spinal Tap,” the series’ name was inspired by the scene in which an aging heavy metal band accidentally orders an 18-inch monument to play before.

Compelled to furnish that group’s intended backdrop for his musical guests, Iansiti constructed an 18-foot-high replica of Stonehenge, the towering, circular arrangement of prehistoric megaliths on the Salisbury Plain of England. Made of papier-ma^che and wood-framing and taking a week to build, Iansiti’s Stonehenge--which simply glows under a variety of alternating colored lights during performances--is indeed impressive.

Before Saturday’s show--which featured a fine double bill of acoustic guitar instrumentalists in Newport Beach’s Tom Long and Santa Barbara’s Pat Milliken--Iansiti explained: “One day I was just thinking to myself, ‘What could I build?’ Then I thought about ‘Spinal Tap’ and maybe presenting some live music here. I play [music] too, and if someone asked me if I wanted to play in front of Stonehenge . . . I’d faint.”

“Let me tell you . . . when that image hits your retina, man, it’s bigger than the Imax.”

Iansiti fosters a cozy, informal atmosphere that you won’t find at typical nightclubs and concert halls. His concert room includes a mixture of fold-up chairs and wood benches, as well as several pillows sitting atop two large rugs for those preferring to lounge. Asking just a $5 contribution at the door, he and fiancee Claudia offer an assortment of food and beverages, including beer, wine, coffee, pound cake, cookies, crackers and cheese.

Saturday night’s crowd of about 50 included a mix of first-timers and returnees from the series’ opening night performance by Borgia. An unscientific sampling revealed that the warm, nurturing vibe was as well received as the night’s musical attractions.

“It’s like going to this cool party in somebody’s big living room,” said Leslie Smith, a Newport Beach hairstylist. “Have you noticed the mix of artists and musicians here? I like the community aspect of it, and James makes things pretty theatrical. On top of that, the price is right.”

Also enjoying the happenings was Mike Scott, a computer systems administrator--or “network wrangler”--at UC Irvine.

“For something ad hoc like that, I was pleasantly surprised with the Stonehenge,” he said. “It set this almost surreal, cinematic mood. It’s hard to imagine a place like this existing in Costa Mesa, particularly in this small business park. A lot of the art here is pretty intriguing too. I’m sure I’ll be back, and I hope others come out to support it.”

Iansiti says that if enough interest does develop, he’ll extend the series beyond its last scheduled performance by Film Star on March 7. The kinds of acts he’s willing to present, much like the variety of art that graces his studio’s walls, are virtually unlimited.

“I don’t want to go through a stack of tapes, and I don’t like to say no to people,” he said. “Because of the setting, I’m leaning toward the mellower side of the spectrum. I really don’t think you need amplification to reach people. Still, if a rock band wants to unplug and give it a try . . . hey, why not?”

With his minimal “cover charge”--and having just had his rent raised 40%--Iansiti isn’t in this venture for the money. He says it’s purely a case of art over commerce. Bringing those interested in the fine arts together for at least one night a week simply brings a smile to face.

“It’s fun, and just to meet people and share our ideas and passions--isn’t that what it’s all about?” he said. “I’m hoping that half of the returning guests will bring an influx of new blood. If that happens, then my Stonehenge gets to stay put.”

* The Stonehenge Concert Series continues through March 7 at the Iansiti Art Studio, 1011 Brioso, Suite 106, Costa Mesa. 8 p.m. Upcoming acts include contemporary rockers Satellite and the ambient trip-hop of Nightnoise on Saturday; torch singer Spidey, March 6; and Orange County’s artsy, garage-y Film Star, March 7. $5. (714) 650-5841.