Well, the Downey Theatre show was quite fun and rewarding. I saw most of early years in Downey flashing before my eyes after the show! 

Of course, members of my family were there that could make it. But then there's fellow past students and friends from Tot-Time (Pre-Kindergarten!), Kindergarten, and from all the years of Elementary, Middle, and High school! 

BELOW: From the small stage on the left in the 70's, to the big stage in middle in the present!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BELOW: And with a different band, I've played on stage-right stage as well in my younger years!

BELOW: It has been brought to my attention, the middle stage hosted the Warren High Jazz Ensemble way-back-when, which I was a part of on guitar!BELOW: Looking out from the backstage, over on the right, the Downey City Library. I was just a little Stevie when I went here. I believe there is now a small display of "The Carpenters" memorabilia. They were from my town and lived here unbeknownst to me at first while I was working on my guitar skills in my bedroom on the other town side of town. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Below photos: Joyce Rybold

And then there's the NEWSPAPER ARTICLE! Check it out HERE

Well, I guess I'm "going home again"!

Hotel California - A Salute to the Eagles is set to play in my hometown, Downey, CA on January 25, 2019 at the Downey Theatre! The last time I played there it was for the "Way Outer Broadway" Talent Contest.... in the 70's! And I have the photos to prove it! (Different hair color - same guitar)

Check this out...

Stevie Ray Satin Pants!

 

 

 

My musical journey brings me back around, full circle. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Okay, who wants to see where I took guitar lessons, where my black 1974 Stratocaster (the one I still play today) was ordered by my dad from the Fender factory, and where it was placed in my teenage hands?

I was in town a while back, Downey-California, for a dentist appointment and I thought it would be fun to snap a few pictures and share some non-wikipedia-awesome musical history with you all!

First, in this very downtown structure on 3rd Street, I studied classical guitar (back when I could actually make sense of music notation) with Mike Bennett. Then I went to electric guitar, and in the same cozy little building I learned rock licks. I don't remember this teacher's name though (Dear teacher: If you happen to tread this. Please respond). 

One song in particular I remember being taught -  the guitar solo in "Dark Eyed Cajun Women" by the Doobie Brothers. It was perfect for a kid just getting acquainted with his blues scales.