By DONNA BALANCIA
The west has long been a place of discovery and musician Lacey Kay Cowden and her Tuesdays at The Townhouse in Venice reinforce that belief.
“Calamity” Cowden, as she is known to pals, and her friend and bassist Jeff Smith, book indie bands on the subterranean stage at 103-year-old Venice Townhouse on Windward Ave. And the popular weekly showcase is giving people a reason to “go west” after their tacos on Tuesdays.
Chance for Musicians to Play at Townhouse
“I was given the opportunity to play on this stage and I want to give others the chance to play too,” Cowden said. “On the west side in general there are so few music venues. I was given an opportunity to have more stage time so I’m sharing that time with the great musicians in this town.”
Cowden’s alternative indie-Americana music nights each week with her “Live From Venice” show at the Townhouse gives musicians the chance to come and try out new tunes. And it gives people who live on the west side of Los Angeles a place to hear new and independent alternative music.
Cowden’s roots are in Americana, southern and country-western styles of music. Her own music is a blend of her youth in the West Coast town of Santa Cruz, but it’s spiked with some Louisiana flavor.
“I’m originally from Lafayette, Lousiana, so my music will always pay homage to the south,” she said.
Check out her music here:
Some of the musicians who have graced the Tuesday nights at the Townhouse include Andrew Stockdale of Wolfmother, The Bash Dogs, The Entire Universe, Particle Kid, Feisty Heart Band and Andrew Clockwise, among others.
Cowden said she owes thanks to Louie Ryan and Carlos Nino for giving her the chance to make Tuesday nights at the Venice Townhouse happen. And that positive belief has spurred on growth as the weekly happening draws more and more people.
Word of Mouth Leads to Growth at Townhouse
“It’s all been word of mouth,” she said. “People want to play. We’re a greater force if we all come together and we’re creating something beautiful together.”
Bonding with other musicians is important, she said.
“It’s about creating a heartbeat and that’s what this music is all about.”
‘Success’ in Music Gauged with New Measurement
With the ever-changing landscape of the music business, musicians may have a hard time measuring success. Cowden said independent musicians still can create opportunities.
“Having this growing platform, I feel it’s a true privilege,” she said. “The music business is different than it used to be, but I think if you can do what you love to do every day, that’s what success means to me.”
Tonight at Townhouse Tuesday: Lacey Kay Cowden, Mad Hawkes and Paul Chesne Band.
For more information or booking opportunities go to @livefromvenice on Instagram.