Recently voted the Best Open Mic in the Los Angeles area.
One little store front on Laurel Canyon Boulevard is home to one little funky music spot. Kulak’s Woodshed is a professional recording studio/listening room and one of the Valley’s best kept secrets. Its eclectic setting has a vibe that is all its own and is a great place to hear both up-and-coming artists as well as the music of seasoned professionals.
Want to play and be heard? Then just take a look around and you’ll find everything from guitars to stand up basses and a plethora of percussion instruments, including a full size drum kit. The dark green painted walls are a treasure trove for vintage items such as record albums, collectors’ books, toys and other bric-a-brac of a bygone era. It’s also impossible to miss the baby grand piano standing proudly in the middle of the room.
My eyes danced around the room and landed on the coolest thing in the world – A high definition camera mounted on the ceiling via an upside down skateboard! The skateboard’s wheels are set on an aluminum track and when the control is triggered, the board and camera roll down the track capturing an amazing view of the room.
I took the time to have a chat with the General Manager of the Woodshed, Jeremy Goldsmith, whom originally hails from London, UK. About six months ago Jeremy encountered Kulak’s Woodshed while exploring open mics throughout Los Angeles.
“I’m pleased to be a part of a very warm community of people who love music and encourage creativity in others. I’m somewhat of a rare breed; a musician who’s good with paperwork!”
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Paul Kulak was looking for volunteers so Jeremy offered to help. Changes are underway as Jeremy revamps the website and live webcast. Kulak’s Woodshed is looking at ways to increase revenue to help fund continuing improvements. The Woodshed is staffed entirely by volunteers. There are ongoing volunteer positions available for fundraising and marketing. Kulak’s Woodshed volunteers also enjoy the exciting opportunity to practice and learn all of the skills required to run a television and recording studio!
The Woodshed, which is a project of the Pasadena Arts Council (itself a nonprofit organization) is a 49 seat, professional recording studio/listening room with 5 HD TV Cameras that broadcast all their events live on the internet. Check out their upcoming events on their Calendar or contact them to book your own studio recording time. Just visit www.kulakswoodshed.com for more information or contact Jeremy at jeremy@kulakswoodshed.com. He’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Author: Caroline McElroy
The muse struck at a young age and began with Ernie’s Record Shop on Lankershim Blvd. In North Hollywood where I purchased my first Beatle record “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” and a record by Major Lance titled “Um,Um,Um,Um,Um,Um”. From there I saw the Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl and I was hooked…on Rock N’ Roll. At the age of 13 it seems as if the magical world of Rock N’ Roll opened up and welcomed me. A trip to Indio with Frank Zappa and possee, and subsequent gigs as a dancer at The Teen Fairs at the Hollywood Palladium sealed the deal. As a trained journalist, I’ve written for magazines, newsletters,newspapers and blogs. In addition, I have run a nightclub by the name of The Cave. Music is the thread that weaves a patchwork quilt of genres, venues and experience out of my life and in the process have introduced many fine acts to my followers. For the rest of my story dear readers, read my articles and it will unfold like the petals of a lotus flower. Sometimes you’ve gotta wear the hat to remind people who they are dealing with. LOL
