When the iNGRATES (the weird formatting is part of the name) broke up in 2016, three former members decided that they wanted to continue playing together so the Hollywood Rivieras were born two years later. The band performs all over town, playing covers of classic power pop tunes. They play the Cinema Bar this weekend, and drummer Chris Bailey told the News about what they have in store…
When did you start playing and performing?
The Hollywood Rivieras are Steve Kobishigawa on bass and vocals, Tom Gardner on guitar and vocals, Jeff Jourard on lead guitar and Chris Bailey on drums. Tom and I were in a band called the iNGRATES! which broke up in 2016. Tom, Steve and I started getting together a few months later, and we were in search of a second guitarist. I ran into Jeff at a benefit called Radio Free Hollywood at the Bootleg Theater in 2018. He had been retired from playing shows but agreed to play in a reuniting band that night. I caught him at the right moment and he agreed to come jam with us. We rehearsed regularly and started playing around town several months later. We have all played in bands since the 1980s.
Describe your sound…
We perform lost hits from the 45 RPM singles of ‘60s, pop, soul and bubblegum. There is so much material out there is no need to play originals.
What are your career highlights so far?
I’ve been able to play venues like the Troubadour, perform for the Latin Grammy pre-shows, We have played in clubs all over the city. It’s been a lot harder since the pandemic, with many clubs closing and more becoming pay to play. Every gig is a highlight!
What recorded music is available — particularly the most recent?
We have not released any recorded music.
Have you performed at Cinema Bar before? Any memories?
We play at the Cinema Bar regularly. We started just getting added to bills, but the Cinema likes us enough to let us book our own nights now. We have had nights when the crowd stays late, and we keep playing as long as they’d like, as long as we don’t run out of material.
What can the audience expect from the set this time?
Our usual variety of songs we love, with a few songs we will be playing for the first time. The Bloody Brains will be performing after us. They are a fun punk rock band and old pals. We go on 3/9/2024 at 9PM, the Bloody Brains go on at 11PM.
What else do you have coming up?
We will have some shows coming up in a month or so.
The Hollywood Rivieras perform at 9 p.m. on Saturday, March 9 at the Cinema Bar. Go to thecinemabar.com for more information about the show.
Elsewhere this week
The Culver Hotel will be hosting the likes of Sylvia & the Rhythm Boys, and Scotty Bramer. Go to culverhotel.com for more info.
The next show at Boulevard Music is Kyran Daniel at 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 16. Visit boulevardmusic.com for more info.