Bluesy rock ‘n’ roll outfit The Roosters–Matt Lomeo on lead vocals and harmonica, Luca Neroni on guitar, and Doug Mug Swanson on bass–perform at the Cinema Bar this week, so Swanson told the News what they have in store for Culver City…
When did you start playing and performing? When did the band form?
In the spring of 2024 Luca Neroni approached (me) Matt Lomeo about seriously forming a band together. It brought me back to my roots of playing Chicago Blues, and gave Luca a vehicle he could take more ownership of.
Describe your sound…
We play raw, improvisation-focused Chicago and Texas Blues, Rock N’ Roll, and R&B. We are tough and swaggering and call on some of the more underrated selections from our loved trove of classics.
What are your career highlights so far?
Headlining “Cadillac Zack Presents: The Best Blues in Southern California at the Maui Sugar Mill Saloon for a packed house.
What recorded music is available?
We are actually scheduled to go into the recording studio this holiday season to record one of Doug’s original songs “Worried Now” that we plan to release.
Have you performed at Cinema Bar before?
We have played the Cinema. The first time was for our bass player Doug “Mug” Swanson’s birthday bash. The Cinema always rocks! There’s nowhere to look but the bandstand and the place gets full really quick.
What can we expect from the set this time?
Expect a bravado-filled and diverse setlist.
What else do you have coming up?
We are expanding to the O.C. and playing the Marine Room Tavern in Laguna Beach in January 2027.
The Roosters perform at 9 p.m. on Friday, October 16 at the Cinema Bar. Go to thecinemabar.com for more information about the venue.
Elsewhere this week
The next concert at Boulevard Music is at 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, with the Cal Muse Guitar Quartet. Go to boulevardmusic.com for more info.