Saint Rocke to host music showcase
by Garrick Rawlings
The newly reopened Saint Rocke will host a monthly songwriter showcase featuring local musicians performing original songs. The opening showcase is Wednesday, May 31.
Musicians wishing to perform may submit samples of their music at MicDropMedia.me.
Michele Crispin, the showcase creator, and curator, said she was motivated to produce the showcase by the lack of local venues for original music.
“I was dismayed by the fact there aren’t any venues promoting original material. It’s mostly cover and tribute bands. I know so many musicians who perform original music and thought there should be an opportunity to showcase them,” Crispin said.
“I heard the new owners of Saint Rocke, Dani Grant and Larry Little, were in the music industry, A&R, record labels, that sort of thing. So it sounded like they would be artist-friendly. As soon as I presented this idea to them, they told me to run with it. I started putting the word out to artists and was pleasantly surprised at the response. I realized I would have to whittle the list down and curate this, and we won’t be able to fit in everyone who submits every month. But that’s a good indicator of how much interest there is.”
Local singer songwriter V Torres said she plans to perform two new songs from her upcoming record. “It’s so important to have a home to showcase original music, and what better venue than Saint Rocke,” she said.
The husband and wife duo Mark & Miss, also plan to perform, “Music is all about community. We can’t wait to reconnect with other South Bay music lovers and musicians.”
Bedweaters, a band of South Bay musicians, said of the showcase. “We’re excited to be playing at home. We are an indie rock band formed at Berklee College of Music, born and raised in the South Bay.”
Showcase sponsors include Crispin’s Mic Drop Media, Evelyne Ouellet Homes & Lifestyle, the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce, Cultured Slice and Indie Advance.
Editor’s note: Writer Garrick Rawlings will be hosting and performing Mic Drop Media Songwriter Showcase, Saint Rocke, 142 Pacific Coast Highway, Hermosa Beach. Wednesday, May 31 Doors at 7 p.m. $5 cover. ER