The Whisky | the displayers

✈️ Notes from LA: Sunshine, Guitars, and a Night to Remember

LOS ANGELES, CA, September 2025

We landed in sunny Los Angeles with three goals:

Play a killer show at The Whisky a Go Go,
Reunite with old friends and bandmates, and
Take in as much of the majesty and lore that LA has to offer.

Mission accomplished.

Day 1 – College Radio & Coastal Reunions

First stop: KXLU, the college radio station at Loyola Marymount. I dropped off some swag for Peter and chatted with Ava, two music directors doing the good work of keeping real music alive on FM airwaves.

Then it was off to Marina del Rey to visit my old college bandmate — who, in the years since, has gone full Grammy-winner (as one does). Dinner with him and his wife reminded me how wild it is that some of the same folks who once gigged at a campus dance with you in the basement of a dorm now lead a music label team, have industry hardware, and hobnob with your musical heroes.

Day 2 – Bandmates, Bass Hunts & Hollywood Hikes

The next morning, I picked up Chris and Mike from the airport. First order of business: find a bass. Fortunately, a former displayer — also a Grammy-winning producer (apparently they hand those out at LAX now) — had one waiting for us in Altadena.

After a solid lunch there, we made the obligatory pilgrimage to Griffith Observatory to stare meaningfully at the Hollywood sign, then checked into our East Hollywood Airbnb. Had to grab a frozen treat at a nearby shop, where they offered us a chance at FREE treats if we could beat the buzzer clock — all you had to do was press a button and then press it again at EXACTLY 10 seconds. I came really close (9.99s). Another talented friend of ours came by for a drink before dinner. Our dinner at El Compadre involved sizzling plates, strong margaritas, and stories we probably shouldn’t tell in public.

Day 3 – Running, Drumming & The Whisky

Gig day! Chris convinced me to go for a “short three-mile jog,” which became four and a half miles because…Google Maps. Nothing says ready to rock like an extra unplanned mile in the LA sun.

We rewarded ourselves with brunch at Organico, then went on a hunt for an SD card and batteries. Along the way, we stumbled into The Professional Drum Shop — a literal museum of percussion history where the owner casually dropped stories about legendary drummers who hang out there. We left both humbled and late for soundcheck. Yet we made time to fuel up with a trip to another frozen treat shop, which happened to be next to a selfie museum (with a ridiculously long line of Genzers).

Early load-in at The Whisky, soundcheck with great engineers (thanks Evan and Robert!), and a few deep breaths before showtime.

The Show

And what a night. Sharing a bill with Mike Tramp of White Lion at The Whisky a Go Go — one of those stages that hums with history — was everything we’d hoped for and then some.

We had 35 advance tickets sold just for our out-of-town band, and the crowd was pure energy — friends from Boston and Chicago, childhood pals, LA locals, and a few new fans who found themselves up front the whole night. We took the afterparty next door to the legendary Rainbow Room, and then returned to catch the headliner’s set (and a selfie with the man himself).

Huge thanks to everyone who came out and cheered, sang, or simply existed with good vibes. You made it unforgettable. And to my bandmates Chris and Mike — let’s ride this wave into infinity (or at least to the next gig).

Check out some videos captured by old friends and fans...

Day 4 – Bourbon, Grammys & Goodbyes

The next day, we traveled back to Altadena to return the borrowed bass — remember that Grammy-winning producer with a home studio and, no joke, a speakeasy hidden behind a bookshelf. We talked music, toured his space, and may or may not have toasted to future collaborations in his underground bourbon lair. And capped off the last day with dinner at an LA club with Frank, followed by yet more frozen treats. Yum.

It was the perfect LA ending: a little glamour, a lot of inspiration, and the hum of creativity everywhere you look.

Until Next Time…

LA reminded me why I love doing this — the music, the friendships, the small miracles of connection that keep this whole ride worthwhile. And the fans — we LOVE the fans.

Now, back to Boston… where the only thing behind a bookshelf is, well, more books.

peace. - damian 😎❤️