It’s been nearly four years since the News chatted with instrumental band The Everglades, prior to a Cinema Bar show. They’re back this weekend, so we asked band member Ben Vaughn about what they have in store for Culver City…
When did you start playing and performing?
We started playing together about four years ago. I’ve known Pete Curry for a long time. He’s a member of Los Straitjackets and I produced several of their albums. He’s their bass player but is also a great drummer and guitar player. We were talking and he said he’d love to play more guitar and I said I’d like to play more drums so we started getting together and learning songs as a duo. It sounded good right away so we brought in Teresa Cowles on bass and started booking gigs. Then Teresa got the bug and wanted to play drums and guitar too! Now we rotate on stage from instrument to instrument. It’s definitely a unique act. Audiences always act surprised and really like it.
Describe your sound/style?
We’re an instrumental band but not exclusively a surf band. Our playlist casts a wide net of styles. Even “I’m A Believer” [the Monkees] gets the Everglades treatment.
What has the band been up to since we spoke in 2022?
We played quite a few shows. Mostly at Dogtown Coffee in Santa Monica.
What recorded music is available — particularly the most recent?
We have no recorded music available. We enjoy being a live band only. And we don’t have to lug merch around!
What are your memories of your last Cinema Bar show?
Our last show there was great. Lots of dancing.
What can we expect from the set this time?
We have a few new songs to unleash this time. We love playing the Cinema.
What else do you have coming up?
We have nothing else booked but that could change any minute. We’re pretty impulsive.
The Everglades perform at 9 p.m. on Saturday, January 24 at the Cinema Bar. Go to thecinemabar.com for more information.
Elsewhere this week
The next concert at Boulevard Music is on January 24, with Gareth Pearson. Go to boulevardmusic.com for more info.