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, and it’s been a couple of years since we chatted, 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 have you been up to since we spoke in 2024??
Since we last spoke the band has been working hard on new material and doing a few showcase gigs and private functions. We did a big Halloween party in Palms Springs that was a huge success.
What recorded music is available — particularly the most recent?
We have a new cd that we are promoting. The title is ” Surf Heavy,” eight songs. Four original songs and four instrumental classic surf, and a reworking of familiar melodies done with a surf beat (check out our version of “Theme From The Godfather”).
What are your memories of your last Cinema Bar show?
Whenever we play Cinema Bar we have a blast. The crowd is always loud and enthusiastic, and Rod and Melania are perfect hosts.
What can we expect from the set this time?
We will be playing songs from the new cd and an entertaining mix of new songs with some classic OG indie rock.
What else do you have coming up?
We have more songs in the can that need some finishing touches for a new release this year. We are a busy group of players. Our drummer Chris Ross (Dwight Yoakam, Marie Muldaur) is always playing with someone and bass player Prescott Niles (The Knack) is also playing with Missing Persons.
Dana Gonzales & the Devilles perform at 9 p.m. on Sunday, February 8 at the Cinema Bar. Go to thecinemabar.com for more information about the show.
Elsewhere this week
Boulevard Music hosts The Idiomatiques at 8 p.m. on Saturday, February 7. Visit boulevardmusic.com for more info.