Bernie Larsen on Music, Arts & Ojai

Bernie Larsen, owner, producer and engineer and session musician for Spinout Records and the impresario behind the Underground Exchange, joins the podcast to catch up on what he's been up to since the pandemic hit Ojai like Keith Moon on a drum kit. Larsen's shift to a virtual space for performers created a community around the weekly webcasts with audiences thirsty for live music. He's fully open at his new location at 616 Pearl Street where the venue has become integral to Ojai's music scene, hosting some of the best musicians in the region. We talked about his life in music, beginning at age 10 under the influence of his music-loving mother and forming his first band, playing surf music, and through to his years touring and in the studio with Melissa Etheridge and David Lindley, the slide-guitar virtuoso. And how he came under Ojai's spell during a brief visit years, sitting in Libbey Park and absorbing the sights and sounds. We also talked about the Ojai Sessions, his project to bring together and produce a record with the many talented local musicians and singer-songwriters. Bernie talked about the challenges and benefits of a life in the arts, and how he's always focused on bringing artists together to express themselves with authenticity and loving support. For example, he cobbled together an arts community in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with a performing space and an annual festival. While the pay ain't always great, the joys and rewards compensate. We did not talk about John McPhee's book on shad migrations, John Dee's alchemical experiments or raccoon dogs. Check out The Underground Exchange for information on coming shows and events. https://www.ojaiundergroundexchange.com/