Country With a Twist at the Culver Saloon

The Culver Saloon is proof positive that all you need is a liquor license and a promoter to have a good time. This place was just another unremarkable Westside watering hole, with a houseful of regulars, a bar, a pool table, a stage and a dance floor. It’s a bit bigger than most bars, but not quite spacious. While not a dive, per se, she ain’t pretty.

Nevertheless, its western look and potential caught the eye of Long Beach promoter Ed Boswell, who, with the help of performers Ramblin’ James and Eddie Reed, put the Dixie Belle in Downey on the map in 1998 before a falling out with the owners.

Another promoter who was having success at the Saloon on Thursdays suggested Boswell bring his alternative country acts over on Fridays and the concept’s been a hit, with retro cowboys and cowgirls coming out of their vintage closets for a night on the town. The colorful rockabilly crowd, who look like extras from a classic sci-fi movie, are drawn to the club to hear such acts as Sleepy LaBeef, Jimmy Angel and the Cigar Store Indians. Boswell, who says he “masqueraded” as the manager of Carlos Guitarlos and Top Jimmy & the Rhythm Pigs in the ‘80s, had contacts in the alternative country scene and has an ear for cool music. Already, his 6-month-old success at the Saloon has led to additional nights and bigger monthly shows at another out-of-the-way club, the Iguana Cantina in Whittier.

Featured Bands Get More Time on Stage

To his credit, Boswell keeps things simple. He is no fan of opening acts, and would rather book a band people want to hear and have them play two sets--he aims for the big fish in a small pond concept.

“When [singer] Jimmy Intveld plays here, he does three sets a night, pockets all the money and barely breaks a sweat,” says Boswell, who is credited for bringing such artists on the scene as Johnny Dilks and the Cigar Store Indians, who now frequently trek to L.A. from Crabapple, Ga. (Veteran country performer Sleepy LaBeef, who hails from Smackover, Ark., also plays the Saloon regularly.)

The diverse crowd seems to appreciate the quality of the shows. The Saloon’s barn dance includes men who take their throwback-era look so to heart, you really can see the ghost of Tom Joad. Pairing up on the dance floor, women vogue in pedal pushers, Ellie May blouses and pigtails. Again, the age range is remarkable--from barely 21 gals hip to the rockabilly trend, to women in their 40s who look like they initiated the revival. That the Saloon is off the beaten path seems to work in everyone’s favor. It’s clear most of the guests wouldn’t want to go to a Hollywood club, and are happier at a place that’s, well, more countrified.

At a recent show featuring first-rate performances by the Lucky Stars and the Smith’s Ranch Boys (who return Dec. 18), the look of the crowd and the performers was so ‘50s-era country, I had to do a double-take. The high-sheen gloss associated with Hollywood clubs was notably absent, which made for a comfortable evening. People seemed to know one another, in a neighborly way that didn’t seem exclusive, and those who came with their dancing shoes enjoyed showing off their classic moves.

If you were to try to find a common denominator in the scene that’s been created here, it would be a love for Hank Williams. Think vintage country with a hillbilly twist, a bit of drunkenness and a lotta heart and you’d be halfway there. Hee-haw.

BE THERE

Culver Saloon, 11513 Washington Blvd., Culver City, (310) 391-1519. 21 and older. Cover varies.