The Musical Finale Of Abbot's Habit - The True End Of An Era

This was an all-time classic Venice weekend, kicked off with the farewell to an absolute Venice treasure. It's true. Abbot's Habit is closing for good this Wednesday, June 28th. The corner of Abbot Kinney and California will never be the same ... and this is the one that hurts the most. By far.

There are so many memories tied up within the walls of this legendary coffee shop you can almost see the ghosts of Venice past with your naked eye every time you enter. Last Friday night we gathered to have one last hurrah, with a musical celebration of both the people and the place that has been so special to so many.

My brother, Paul Gronner, managed Abbot's Habit for years, and during his tenure there he and our friend, Scott Passaglia (Scotty P!) hosted a music night most Fridays (setting off what became the dread First Fridays that are now nothing like they were). Many of the musical artists from those storied days returned on Friday to serenade what seemed like ALL of Venice crammed into Abbot's for one last throw-down. Those who didn't fit (many) spilled out on to the sidewalks, in a visual display of just how much this place meant to us, and how very much it will be missed.

The evening started when it was still light out ... and so did the tears. Mikel Farber opened up the music, and got me choked up right off the bat by remembering the friends who would hang out outside every day ... Abbot's Habit was their spot. Dr. John ... Zeta ... they've passed away now, but their presence was tangibly felt through Farber's touchingly beautiful musical tribute. He sang, "He'd hang for hours because he knew it was where it was at." Abbot's Habit was always where it was at in Venice ... people left for years, and Abbot's would be their first stop back, because they knew they'd run into someone they knew and get caught up on all the latest in Venice. Now that is no more. Farber posed the question ... "What's next?!" Indeed, what? Where do we go from here, Venice? What are we going to do about it?

Hugs, laughter, stories, beers, joints, and love were all being shared along with the music, and Holly Long continued the Irish Wake of a night. A motorcycle roared by in the middle of one of her songs, and she said, "That's what I remember!" She was a young mother, and would come to Abbot's Habit to get out of the house, meet other people, and find her community. That story was told often. Once the kids grew a bit and Long wanted to explore her music more, Abbot's was the place that gave her that opportunity. It was obviously a very special place to her, as she choked up, saying, "I'm amazed I can sing!" Looking around, she noted her first guitar teacher was there among all the familiar faces, adding, "When you're up here, it's super trippy." It was very much old home night.

Tom Freund was next, giving us the appropriate "East Of Lincoln", singing, "When I moved east of Lincoln, I started drinking ... I feel my heart sinking..." echoing many thoughts in the room. Next up was "Truly Mellow" about "the smells of Venice", complete with toke breathing flourishes. The singalong at the end "La di dah!" belted out by absolutely everyone might have been my favorite part of the night, as it was the "Venice Choral Society" all singing together in solidarity for a time and place we knew was fleeting. It was emotional once again, for sure. Steve McCormick and Heather Donovan joined Freund for his "Collapsible Plans", and it was beautiful. Freund had his last Abbot's coffee and said, " I send my love to you all, may it grow in another place!" Yes, please. But where?

Paul Chesne and Dutch Suoninen were up next (there were many acts booked, so we had to keep it moving!), and gave it their Venice all. Chesne spoke about playing here with wine in his coffee cup (which many of us had in our hands that moment), and kicked off their set with the fun, "Pink Champagne", which the crowd (now equally as large outside as in) ate up. They gave us a brand new one called, "It's Called I'm In Love With You" that was swoon-worthy, and for "one more song at Abbot's Habit", they got down with "Get Myself Right". Chesne ended up with a "Who you gonna call?!" chant that had everyone yelling back "Ghostbusters" in the Snapchat dig of the night. Ugh. Looking around now, it was like the All Star Game of Venice musicians in there ... and their fans. It was like the coolest family reunion possible ... which it exactly was.

Kim Michaelowski played a gorgeous set, but I didn't hear the specifics because it was very hot inside, and like musical chairs in that some would go outside to give others a chance to hear inside. I was outside at this point to catch my breath, and Kim sounded so good that even more people wanted to cram inside.

I returned just in time to see Kim taking the crowd's photo from the stage, and thanking Abbot's Habit, and its owner, Nina Santangelo, for everything over the years.

Nina was being thanked and hugged all night, and it was hard to hold back the tears when doing so. How do you even begin to sum it all up?! I mean, I remember when 9/11 happened and my brother was working early shift at the Habit, and some stoned guy called there to ask if what he was seeing was real. Paul called me and woke me up telling me to turn on the t.v. ... and I saw that horror show live. I found out Paul Wellstone died while getting coffee at the Habit. Love stories began here. I  know a dear couple who met and had their first date at the Habit. They just happened to be back in town this weekend, and went to have coffee at their old table, and renew their vows to each other there while they were at it. Their kids got to see where Mommy and Daddy met. We had so many art shows, naked poetry open mic nights, and the wonderful music nights we were honoring on this night. It's all just too much to even process yet ...

So let's keep talking about the music! Matt Ellis and Vavine Tahapehi took over the stage, and I again got teary, because we met these two now wonderful, lifelong friends, right there at the Habit music night. They were new to town from Australia, and instantly found their people there. As Vav said, "If we'd lived anywhere else in Los Angeles, we wouldn't be here anymore. Here's to you, Venice!" And they sang their lush and gorgeous "Seven Years At Sea", which is all about finding their way here. As we sat on the wooden pews, I heard someone behind me say, "It kind of IS our church." Exactly, and the solemn reverence Abbot's Habit was receiving on this night was both appropriate and well-deserved. "Heart Of Mine" was played first ever at the Habit music night, and Ellis' last Abbot's song - "Won't Let This Die" - was about the friendships forged within those walls, that will last "'Til the day we die!" Venice friends are forever.

Steve McCormick and Stan Behrens played the blues that everyone was feeling, and "Lying On The Bottom Of The Mississippi River" is just about how we felt ... but in a good way. David Ralicke joined them to rule the trombone. It was Venice Greatest Hits in there, man, and it was good. I feel for Stan maybe the most ... he and his cronies have hung out on the sidewalk in front of Abbot's Habit ever since I've been here ... a good twenty plus years. Where will he go for his morning joe and shooting of the breeze? It's all just sad. Period.

Stan stayed up there to accompany John Vester and Marky Lennon (of the band, Venice), and they played beautifully together, with Stan's artful harmonica weaving a spell around John's acoustic guitar and Lennon's harmonies. It was the world's greatest living room concert in a coffee shop. I miss it so much already just typing about it ...

Amilia K Spicer is one of my very favorite songbirds, and we were privileged to get her back at Abbot's Habit one more time before it's gone. She had a mandolin player with her, and together they astounded everyone with the beauty of the harmonies. The reception to the music was so great that she urged, "Come on the road with me!" It was so, so beautiful, and you can hear more at Spicer's c.d. release show at Beyond Baroque on July 15th. SO good.

Music Night co-founder, Scotty P. was next, with "She Has Magic In Her Heart", where she might have been Venice, and her heart might have been Abbot's. "This place is special. It's been a really great spot in Venice for everyone, and I'm gonna make up a song right now," said an inspired Scotty P. And did just that. While he was riffing on the spot, my friend Shane leaned over and asked me, "Can you imagine not coming here anymore?" All I could say was "No." I truly can't imagine it.

And we've only got until this Wednesday now - even though last Friday felt like the real goodbye. The final made-up lyrics from Scotty P's last Abbot's gig were, "Celebrate life, making memories that will last until the end of time ... remember the good times!" He's right. That's all we can do. And must do.

Crash was up next, and I must be forgiven because I was back outside trying to breathe again during his set, but my brother said the loungey vibe was great, and that Crash even sparked up a j while singing, in true Venice fashion. I'm sorry I missed being inside for it, but it sounded fun from outside - where it was also real fun. People were feeling it, and not wanting to let it go.

Scotty P. introduced my brother, and asked for a big salute to him for starting the music nights back in the day, and everyone hooted and hollered. "We've met some of our best friends here ... and now, Ladies and Gentlemen - spaceblanket!" A shiny silver spaceblanket back-drop was unfurled and Paul's shoegaze band mesmerized the room for the remainder of the night. There are no lyrics and no singing, which I think was apt for the occasion that there really were no words for. I looked around the room as they played, and saw so much love in the eyes that it really capped off the emotional night for me. After the last song, the mics had already been put away, so Paul just shouted "I love you! I love us all! We gotta stick together! Thank you, Nina! Thank you, Abbot's Habit!"

And that was that. The last music event ever at Abbot's Habit. The crowd didn't want the fun - or the camaraderie to end there, so everyone dispersed to after-party ... and another wonderful Venice night went down in history.

I love you! I love us all! We gotta stick together! Thank you, Nina! Thank you, Noah Farrell! Thank you, Abbot's Habit!!!

From us all.

Abbot's Habit
1993-2017

*Photos by Paul Gronner Photography
**Exterior shot by Ron Geren Photography

Big Red Sundays!

The very fun Sundays at Big Red Sun returned yesterday with an afternoon of music and friends in the charming backyard garden of this great space on Rose Avenue. Everyone is so busy these days, it was a true and rare delight to get the gang all together in the name of Summer fun, live music, and friendship.

We were out gathering up the BYOB supplies, so missed the opening set by our good friend, Scott Passaglia, but he got the party started, that's for sure. There was shopping in addition to music listening, and many friends left the day with new jewelry and art purchased from the little airstream trailer store set up out back. We arrived just in time to pull up a bench and listen to tunes brand new and old by one of our local favorites, Lacey Cowden.

Cowden fully entranced the garden party, and had every eye and ear riveted to her throughout her set. Even her dog, Bootsy, was rapt and totally flattened by the story-telling tunes of her very talented owner. It was honestly so quiet for her that I'm pretty sure all auto and pedestrian traffic had been held out on Rose out of sheer respect. It was silent - until massive applause pierced the skies at the end of every tune. Always take the chance to hear Cowden sing ... it's something special.

After a little mingling in the sun and enjoying the perfectly curated tunes from DJ Bright Moments (Paddy Wilkins) between sets, it was Matt Ellis' turn to beguile the garden. He too brought out new tunes to blend in with his well-known and loved selections, and we all tapped our toes along as the sun got a little lower and colors turned to twilight. Vavine Tahapehi joined her husband on a couple of numbers, and all was right in the world as you glanced around at all of our friends smiling and enjoying themselves, seemingly far away from any cares of the outside world. Which is precisely what afternoons like this are for  - to remind us of all the good that still exists. Right here.

We wound up the night at the always-wonderful Galley (where they had the Olympics showing out on the patio tv - excellent), and another Big Red Sunday was on the books. Be sure to keep an ear out for the next one, because it's a perfect way to while away an afternoon in Venice. Thank you to all who made it happen!

Lacey Kay Cowden - The Go Great Guns EP Release Jamboree

Sunday was a beautiful day, all about dear and talented friends celebrating that dearness and talent all day long. It was also Abbot Kinney's 164th birthday, and what way to honor the founder of our wonderful town than by dreaming dreams and making them come true.

The occasion was the release of Lacey Kay Cowden's spectacular new ep, Go Great Guns, and that we did for sure, in a beautiful garden party at Big Red Sun.

The party got started at 3 pm with a DJ set by Paddy Wilkins (aka Bright Moments) under the bright sunshine, as we sipped on lemon lavender cocktails in the garden. Scott Passaglia opened the live music portion of the say, as more and more friends arrived to fete Cowden and her new music.

Even little Boots was present to party with her owner, all decked out in her Sergeant Pepper jacket.

The place got increasingly packed with more pals, all loving both the chance to catch up all evening and to hear our friends rule.

Which Paul Chesne and his band certainly did - and always do. It's just always a total blast getting down to their tunes, and Sunday was no different.

Matt Ellis (who also produced Cowden's ep) was up next and played some selections from his new album, The Greatest Escape (I actually have no set list notes as my hands were full with going nuts with my friends, but it was all great, trust).

At some point around here, trays were passed with a treat from Cowden's boyfriend, Chef Brian Dunsmoor, who had whipped up some delicious chili and served it up right inside individual bags of Fritos.

It was the perfect party food, convenient and all set to soak up the drinks that had been going down easily for everyone all afternoon. YUM.

The sun began to set and it was fully dark by the time Cowden took the stage, with the whole garden illuminated with festive lights, as cozy as could be.

Cowden's voice is so strong and beautiful, people were completely silent as they sat and stood to hear her gorgeous new songs from the ep.

She had a band backing her up for this gig, and it really complimented her songs, as the drumming by Griffen Harris really made her "Walking Song" sound like we were all ambling along together, and the electric guitar by Nick Luca really fleshed out the sound of Cowden's own acoustic.

It was touching to see Cowden sing "Southern Boy" to her "Sugarnipples" Dunsmoor, and the support they both display for each others' artistic and culinary endeavors.

"Shotgun Loving" was the first song I ever heard Cowden play, sipping whiskey around the fire one late night, when she truly mesmerized us all. It was much the same Sunday night, when as rowdy as it was all getting, everyone zipped it every time Cowden opened her mouth to sing.

As Cowden took her bows and gave her thanks, the party carried on into the evening ... until just about now, really. Massive congratulations to my dear friend, Lacey, on both an ep and a launch that will be talked about for a long time to come.

It was a truly inspiring event in every way. The place was filled to the wooden rafters with people that live, breathe and walk the walk of their creativity. I think Abbot Kinney would have loved it (as he probably loved the drink sip he got poured for him on the ground). And we'd all do well to heed Cowden's advice, and Go Great Guns after whatever it is that you love.

Go Great Guns is available now everywhere. Get yours!

Big Red Sunday

Hello there! I'm a little behind on stories as I had to move. Again. More on that later, but amid the boxes and unpacking and re-situating (a little closer to the beach) and all the junk you have to do when you move, I found that my soul needed sunshine and friends more than organization. Thankfully, Big Red Sun and The Golden State on Rose Avenue hosted a day of music and fun in the sun last Sunday, where a whole crew of my favorite Venetians were participating.

Cup Cups were being served by Miss Vavine, and "The Dave" made my day. Delicious. If you're thinking about hosting an event and want some delicious party food to offer your guests, get a hold of Vav.

YUM. Miss Sophie was serving fresh roasted coffee alongside the Cup Cup cart, so I was all fed and set to get down to some of the best music in town.

Lacey Cowden started off the tunes, and I STILL cannot get her "Shotgun Lovin'" out of my head. I love her. Her rich, soulful voice just kills me. Get out to see her as soon as the opportunity arises, because a guy riding his bike by on Rose almost hit a parked car when he did a double take to see where the gorgeous music was coming from. So good she's causing accidents ... excellent.

Scotty P. took over the mic next, and I had a wave of nostalgia wash over me from the days when we'd sit on that dude's roof and hear him making up some of these very songs. He even made one up as he went along, about organic vegetables and Big Red Sun. I was a little disappointed that he left his shirt on, but it's still a little early in Spring, hence chilly. But still. Love you, Scotty P!

People came and went all day ... I stayed. People shopped, caught up, ate CupCups and BBQ from a cart parked in the street, and a taco truck pulled up in back as the party picked up.

It was a family affair too, as kids played among the plants and maybe even picked some flowers. Mia.

Paul Chesne rolled in with his band, and as usual, that's when it really got into the swing of things. He climbed up on the table and rocked the afternoon away.

I sat on a gorgeous red rocking couch with my friends and held my face up to the sun, listening to my friends jam, feeling awfully lucky. The stress of the previous week was totally forgotten for the moment, and I was able to simply sit and be grateful. And told people so all day, I couldn't help it.

The fun didn't stop there, however, as then there was a party to celebrate the short film by Venice's Joey Indrieri, Heading Weast, at the home of its star, Venice's Patrick Wilkins. In fact, almost the entire production company was made up of people who call Venice home, and it shows.

You may now watch it here:  http://hypebeast.com/2013/4/garrett-leight-presents-heading-weast-a-short-film-by-joey-indrieri

Yes! So many talented people mixed together all day, some of whom I hadn't seen yet all year, so the day was just completely great. And exactly what I needed the most.

Thank you to everyone involved in a perfect Venice Sunday elixir. Bless each one of you.

*Rumor has it that Big Red Sun is going to be throwing more of these Sunday Fundays this Summer. Stay tuned!

Venice Has Got Talent!

Venice's own William Close (our friend Billy) is in the FINALS - TONIGHT -  for America's Got Talent with his gigantic Earth Harp act, and you really should tune in and check it out -




Billy is a really interesting guy, and his Museum Of Music and Instruments (MOMAI) in Venice is super interesting, and has been host to a great many musical throw-downs. Billy thinks up an instrument and then just makes it happen. I remember the Earth Harp being strung up down at the beach for Venice's Centennial celebration, and it really was awesome, outside overlooking the ocean and sending the harp song up into the breeze. Special.

 Our dear friend Scotty P. is going to be there with Billy tonight, banging drums, and I really think they're going to win! But they need everyone to vote, so if you could do that too, that would be so nice. I could normally care less about reality t.v. - or most t.v. period, but these guys will win a million dollars and get their own show for a year in Las Vegas ... and we really want to visit Scotty P. and hang out by his Vegas pool, so please VOTE TONIGHT.

NBC. Check your local listings and tune in to witness our Venice homies take the prize!






UPDATE:  William and the Earth Harp took third. They lost to a comedian and a dog act. Extra lame.