LA’s Kulak’s Woodshed Live Streams LA Music Scene to the World
by John Mahoney
Kulak’s Woodshed (KulaksWoodshed.com), is an LA music venue that is a center of the LA singer/songwriter scene, live streams performances worldwide via the worldwide web.
One of LA’s best kept secrets is now making it known throughout the US and the world that live performances of seasoned players and new artists can be viewed for free on the Kulak’s Woodshed website.
Kulak’s Woodshed was started by Paul Kulak who had a dream about having a music club that streamed video on the web in 1997, and he actually opened the Woodshed in 1999. It became so popular with musicians and artists that it became its own self fulfilling prophecy.
The only problem Paul had was keeping the Woodshed open financially, when it became so popular with musicians, which led to how it operates today; completely with audience donations and the dedication of volunteers as a labor of love.
“Our shows are constantly praised by high ranking entertainment industry people here in L.A. and around the world who believe that live webcasting is the next big thing and artists from beginners to Grammy winners perform here because they want to be a part of it.” says Kulak, adding “I’m very hopeful that the timing is right for this to resonate with online audiences.”
Kulak’s Woodshed is like a television studio with props and a set that feels like a living room where friends can play to friends and seats 49 people. It has 6 cameras and a professional sound system which have all been donated.
The intimacy translates well via live streaming to help the online viewers feel part of the experience; and viewers can even email performers and get a response during the shows.
On Monday nights, the Woodshed broadcasts its very popular “Open Mike” Night where 35-40 mostly regular performers play their music to a full capacity crowd and many online viewers.
Some of the notable Woodshed “Featured Artists” include Jackson Browne, Paula Cole, Peter Case, and Delaney Bramlett. Other “Featured Artists” at the Woodshed have included Jack Tempchin, Guitar Shorty and Deacon Jones.
Tempchin was songwriter for “Peaceful Easy Feeling” and “The Girl From Yesterday” recorded by the Eagles. Guitar Shorty played with Ray Charles, Willie Dixon, Guitar Slim Big Joe Turner, and Little Richard. Jones was band leader for John Lee Hooker for 18 years.
A full list of Woodshed artists can be viewed at KulaksWoodshed.com/artists.
Current “Featured Artists” range from well known artists like Wendy Waldman to emerging artists like T. J. Doyle and Allan Frank.
The Woodshed broadcasts from 7:30pm to 10:00pm on Mondays for the Open Mike Night show, and Featured Artist performances are broadcast from 8:00pm to 10:00pm PST on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.
Paul Kulak refers to the Woodshed as a “labor of love.” Now people anywhere in the world can be part of his “labor of love”!
Article Source: Amazines.com
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Kulak’s is a great place to see good (no — great!) live (mostly) accoustic music, in a very relaxed, up-close and personal attmosphere.
While the music is enjoyable for all music lovers, it seems that probably more than half the audience is composed of musicians, many of them professionals themselves. It’s that good!
My wife and I try to get there whenever possible, even though that means a hundred mile drive each way. When we can’t get there, the live streaming saves the day.
The article mentions some of the great performers, such as Wendy Waldman and Jack Tempchin, who play there occasionally. But there are also many others who keep coming back on a fairly regular basis.
Some of these include James Lee Stanley, Freebo, Stephen Bishop, Aaron Wolfson and more.
Our particular favorite is Severin Browne with the 1st Friday Band. On the first Friday of each month (8/6/10 coming up!), Severin and his crew “start it up.”
The 1st Friday Band usually consists of Gary Popenoe (harmonica), Alex Del Zoppo (piano), Mike Bisch (bass), Jeff Kossack (percussion) and David Stone (drums and uke).
For those in the Southern California area, Kulak’s Woodshed is located at 5230 1/2 Laurel Canyon Blvd. in North Hollywood.
If you can’t make it in person, but sure to catch the webcast … the links are in the article above. (Won’t be there myself this month … got a gig!)
– Brian, Tips For The Band admin