A veteran of the local scene and a survivor of punk/new wave, Dana Gonzales has seen and done it all. He’s performing at the Cinema Bar this week, alongside the band Cool Lava, so he told the News about what he has in store for Culver City…
When did you start playing and performing?
I’ve been playing and performing since I was 18 years old (so over 40 years). I grew up in Redondo Beach, and played places like the Light House Cafe. When I graduated high school, I moved up to Los Angeles and was part of the Hollywood punk/new wave scene with The Trax in the 1980’s.
Describe your sound/style?
Drawing from many influences, my style has settled into blues-rock with some soul, Latin, reggae, and surf thrown in.
What are your career highlights so far?
I have had some great playing experiences, like playing ’70s funk with members of Fishbone and Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, or touring Asia as lead guitarist for a Latin jazz band. Most recently, I traveled the United States in my Chevy van playing guitar and singing from Alexandria, W. Virginia down through the Southern and South Western states. Beautiful country, beautiful people. I was signed to an indie record label and released my first cd Music From The Ledge. I now operate as an independent artist, and have released numerous CD’s and singles.
What recorded music is available — particularly the most recent?
My current single, “Baja Mexico,” as well as almost all my recorded music, is available on all streaming platforms (Spotify, iTunes etc.). And you can see some live performances on YouTube.
Have you performed at the Cinema Bar before?
The Cinema Bar is by far one of my favorite places to play. Back in the early 2000’s I was playing there in a blues band fronted by Jesse Loya. I sometimes fill in on guitar with The Clams. Last time, I was able to bring in my band and played three lively sets.
What can the audience expect from the set this time?
I am very fortunate to have some great players with me. Chris Ross on drums (Maria Muldaur’s band), John Greathouse on keys (from legendary guitarist Albert Lee’s band), and Prescott Niles on bass (The Knack/Missing Persons). We will be mixing a large portion of original songs with classic covers spanning many genres and decades–The Clash, Marvin Gaye, Dick Dale, The Kinks, Neil Young and more.
What else do you have coming up?
We are planning to record some new material and hope to be premiering soon at the Cinema Bar.
Dana Gonzales & Cool Lava performs at 9 p.m. on Friday, November 29 at the Cinema Bar. Go to thecinemabar.com for more information about the show.
Elsewhere this week
The Culver Hotel will be hosting the likes of Sylvia & the Rhythm Boys, and Scotty Bramer. Go to culverhotel.com for more info.
Boulevard Music hosts Susie Glaze & the New Folk Ensemble (with special guest Laurence Juber) at 8 p.m. on Saturday, December 7. Visit boulevardmusic.com for more info.