Americana outfit the Old Man Group (or o.m.g.) is a bunch of buddies aged 60-plus, who got together during the pandemic to make the best of a globally bad situation. When the restrictions eased, the band carried on and they will perform at the Cinema Bar this weekend. It should be a holly-jolly good time. Singer and guitarist Thomas Holliday told the News about what Culver City can expect…
When did you start playing and performing?
Old Man Group, known as “o.m.g.,” was born out of the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to restrictions on gatherings and the absence of live music events, the founding members began playing acoustically. Every Saturday, we performed at Alexander Park in Culver City, maintaining social distancing measures. The music resonated with people, and soon, other musicians joined in. As restrictions eased, o.m.g. officially formed. They initially remained an acoustic act, featuring two guitars, a cajon, and a harmonica. The debut show at the Viper Room drew a fantastic turnout. Since then, the band has evolved into a full five-piece electric band while retaining elements of their acoustic origins. The band showcases original songs and covers a diverse range of artists from the Beastie Boys to Johnny Cash. With all members aged 60 and above, the name reflects the collective age. Beyond being a band, it’s a close-knit group of friends doing what we love—entertaining people of all ages.
Describe your sound/style?
Our music has been called Americana. Rock and country, mixed.
What are your career highlights so far?
Our first show was at the Viper Room. Since then we’ve played clubs all over town, including Molly Malones, Universal Bar & Grill, and Sunset Sessions at The Penmar.
What recorded music is available — particularly the most recent?
We do originals but aren’t looking for a record deal so don’t do much recording. We do have a YouTube channel with a few songs on it, and clips on our Instagram page. https://www.instagram.com/o.m.g.band/?hl=en
Have you performed at Cinema Bar before? Any memories?
We played the Cinema Bar in September with Ginger Merkin. We had everyone up and dancing. Our two shows at The Penmar Sunset Sessions were fun memories. I’ve never played on the back of a pickup truck before. It wasn’t on blocks so it would bounce every time you moved. We played The Trip with Moon Cougar. I don’t know if you are familiar with them, but they have a huge following. The audience is much younger than ours. We played first and had them all rocking.
What can the audience expect from the set this time?
Our specialty is mash-ups and putting a country twist on cover songs. We do some storytelling originals too. I think I’m going to bust out my National Steel resonator as well. We’re playing two sets: 9 p.m. then again at 10 p.m. We have Doug Birns on acoustic in-between. A super-talented performer.
What else do you have coming up?
Our next show is at the Lighthouse in Hermosa January 20th at 2 p.m. It’s our first time there and we’re really looking forward to playing the South Bay.
The OMG Band (Old Man Group) perform at 9 p.m. on Saturday, December 23 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.
The next show at Boulevard Music is Special Consensus at 8 p.m. on Saturday, January 20. Visit boulevardmusic.com for more info.
