HOME ON THE RANGE

I can’t believe I read the words “L.A. is no cowboy mecca” in the Jan. 24 cover story “Starring as Your Hometown.” For true country music lovers, there’s Cowboy Nick’s radio show on KCSN-FM, plus many other programs across the college/public radio sphere. As for a place to ride horses, everyone knows the real cowboys frequent the Burbank Equestrian Center, and post ride, grab some Mexican food and listen to live country at Viva Cantina.

Another spot: SW Hill Country in Eagle Rock, a western wear store, hosts a local roots music showcase and a monthly swap meet where musicians can trade music and gear. And there’s Ronnie Mack’s Barn Dance, a 20-year tradition promoting not just Texas but all American music, now at Silver Lake’s El Cid.

The list goes on: the Cinema Bar in Culver City, Joe’s Great American Bar & Grill in Burbank, Route 66 Roadhouse in Duarte and, from May through October, the weekly all-ages hoedown the Grand Ole Echo in Echo Park. There are pockets of country all over. Gee, even if your tastes run more to the late KZLA than Cowboy Nick, there’s the Cowboy Palace bar in Chatsworth, where there’s still a hitch for your horse out back.

Sabrina Kaleta

Pasadena