The Standard

The seasons in L.A. don’t change much, the weather is pretty much fantastic year round. Nevertheless, we’re easing into Fall, which in LA means more of a change of temperament rather than temperature. The Fall LA attitude is easy, cozy, and mellow—just the right mood for some California folk. Join us this Wednesday for The Standard, Hollywood’s Desert Nights, a night of toe-tapping music, stiff drinks, and good friends.

Psychedelic Cowboy: Established in 1997, The Psychedelic Cowboys were an initial “spark” in the resurgence of the West Coast Americana music scene. Founding member and songwriter John Harlan formed the band on the concept of “weaving together a blend of folk, country, jug band and psychedelic music” in a way that would sound unique yet tip a hat to noteworthy sixties influences such as The Byrds, Kaliedescope, and Hearts and Flowers. In 1999 the group delivered their debut record entitled, “Tragic Songs and Hop-A-Longs”. The “Tragic” record was met with high critical acclaim from publications such as Rolling Stone, The Washington Post, and The Los Angeles Daily News.

“…psychedelia and melancoholic country rock. May confidently be called Cosmic American Music…An impeccable record.” – Wolfgang Doebeling, ROLLING STONE (Four Star review)

Chris Laterzo: Los Angeles based singer-songwriter Chris Laterzo has recorded a number of well received albums since arriving in California. Originally from Colorado’s Front Range and with roots in such varying places as Belgium, Massachusetts, Santa Fe, and Washington, D.C. Laterzo is an artist who emphasizes melody and lyric, and whose music evokes a sense of the restless spirit and open road. Chris Laterzo’s style of music is best described as folk-rock, alt-country- even American cowboy rock.

George Krikes: George Krikes has been playing in the LA music scene since he was a youngster. He studied jazz guitar at USC and now writes and produces music for TV commercials and shows. His song “Different Worlds” recently went #1 on the Australian iTunes download chart. Apart from his television work, he has been amassing a personal library of songs. In them, he evokes his musical roots–stringing together beautiful melodies and intricate guitar work with folk storytelling. A student of music, he has absorbed the styles of his favorite greats–Paul Simon, Tom Waits, and Harry Chapin–and has begun writing his own chapter of American music.

What is Desert Nights?

Desert Nights is a weekly gathering at The Standard, Hollywood, hosted by KCRW’s DJ Valida. Every Wednesday, Valida curates three acoustic musical acts to perform a set in the Cactus Lounge. The vibe is warm and intimate, evoking an impromptu jam in a musician’s living room. The music begins at 7:30pm, it’s always free and always a good time. Guaranteed.