Between Two Palms

This episode closes out Season One of Between Two Palms with Derek and Mikey reflecting on the first year of the show and the current state of The Boardwalk.The conversation starts with the closing of iconic local and music venues, then shifts into what it takes to keep a place like The Boardwalk alive. Derek talks openly about the financial pressure, the learning curve, music licensing, and the challenge of booking shows in a tough economy.Mikey pushes the idea that The Boardwalk needs to become more than just a place where people check who is playing. The goal is to create a consistent experience where people know they can show up Thursday through Sunday and have a great time, whether it is rock, country, metal, line dancing, acoustic music, or a bigger national act.The episode also highlights Freedom Weekend, the upcoming patio improvements, the need for vendor partnerships and sponsored nights, and the long-term vision of making The Boardwalk cool again.Season One ends with a possible summer break and a clear direction for Season Two: growth, focus, and rebuilding The Boardwalk one smart move at a time.Get tickets to a show or play a show go to RockTheBoardwalk.com

Derek’s back from Portugal and immediately gets pulled into one of the most misunderstood topics in the live music industry: radius clauses and how they impact concert venues, ticket sales, touring bands, and independent promoters.What starts as a travel recap from Portugal quickly turns into an inside look at the real business of live music, including Ticketmaster and Live Nation’s monopoly problems, rising concert ticket prices, venue booking strategies, contract disputes, and why independent music venues are struggling to survive in today’s economy.Derek breaks down how radius clauses actually work, why “as the crow flies” matters in venue contracts, how bands and managers can accidentally damage ticket sales, and the behind-the-scenes realities of operating an independent concert venue like The Boardwalk in Sacramento.The conversation also dives into the future of live entertainment, community-driven events, charity work, nonprofit partnerships, Palm Tree Brewing Company, Flying with D, and how The Boardwalk is trying to build something bigger than just another music venue.Meanwhile, Mikey attempts to understand geometry, auctioneering, Air Canada flight disasters, and why every vacation somehow requires another vacation afterward.Topics include:Radius clauses explainedTicketmaster & Live Nation controversyIndependent venue strugglesConcert ticket pricingMusic industry contractsBooking shows & tour routingThe Boardwalk SacramentoPalm Tree Brewing CompanyCharity & nonprofit workPortugal travel storiesLive music business insightsCommunity outreach & events

On this episode of Between 2 Palms, Derek and Mikey get into the real reasons venue policies exist at The Boardwalk, from moshing and crowd safety to minors at all-ages shows, weed rules, alcohol laws, and the headaches that come with running a live room in the real world. Derek also talks about the hate mail, the balancing act between letting people have fun and keeping the venue open, and why some rules are not about killing the vibe ... they are about protecting people, staff, and the future of the room.The episode also shifts into a bigger conversation about ticket prices, community support, and why the Billy Bob Thornton & The Boxmasters show is such a major moment for The Boardwalk, with proceeds tied to the Firefighters Burn Institute and the Aloha Initiative. If you want the behind-the-scenes version of what venue owners deal with, this one is for you.For tickets and to see what shows are coming up, go to RockTheBoardwalk.com

Derek and Mikey go live from The Boardwalk stage in Orangevale to drop huge news: Billy Bob Thornton and The Boxmasters are kicking off their tour in an intimate, 200‑person room right here in the Sacramento area. They break down how the deal came together, the risk of spending tens of thousands on a major act, why this show will feel more like a private party than an arena nosebleed, and how the night will also raise money for the Firefighters Burn Institute and local families.🎟 Tickets & availability: RockTheBoardwalk.com

Inside the Ticketmaster MonopolyOn this episode of Between 2 Palms, Derek and Mikey pull the curtain back on Ticketmaster, Live Nation, and how their “partnership” turned into an illegal monopoly that’s choking out independent venues across the country. From ghost companies scalping their own tickets to 200-mile radius clauses that block bands from playing rooms like the Boardwalk, Derek explains what this looks like from the venue side in real life.They break down the proposed Department of Justice settlement, why a $280 million fine and 13 amphitheaters is basically a rounding error for Live Nation, and how fees “capped” at 15% just get baked into higher ticket prices anyway. You’ll hear stories about tours getting wiped out when Live Nation buys and shuts down venues, small festivals getting crushed by last-minute chargebacks, and why 70% of sub-500-cap rooms in the U.S. are struggling to survive.Derek also talks about what the Boardwalk is doing to stay alive—free Fridays, bringing in local acts, and slowly changing the “roadhouse” image—while still trying to give upcoming bands a real stage and keep tickets somewhat reasonable. They get into NIVA (the National Independent Venue Association), grassroots advocacy, and what fans can actually do besides just complaining about fees online.If you’ve ever wondered why ticket prices exploded, why it feels like Live Nation owns every show, or how long small rooms can hang on, this one will make you look at that “service fee” line a lot differentThe Boardwalk: rocktheboardwalk.comTicketmaster Live Nation ticket fees concert tickets live music industry venue owner perspective independent venues NIVA National Independent Venue Association ticket monopoly Boardwalk Sacramento Between 2 Palms podcast Jelly Roll live music tickets DOJ Ticketmaster lawsuit

What makes more money... all ages shows or 21+ nights?The answer isn’t what you think.In this episode of Between 2 Palms, Derek and Mikey pull back the curtain on how small venues actually survive. From bar sales vs ticket sales to why some Saturdays go 21+ and others don’t, they break down the real math behind concert programming.They also get into:• A national touring artist throwing a backstage tantrum• A band that blew their headline slot for 20 minutes opening somewhere else• Venue poaching and behind-the-scenes music politics• Why persistence gets you booked (and ego gets you blacklisted)• Police presence affecting genre decisions• And how a rock club ended up partnering with the American Red Cross and saving 70+ livesThis isn’t theory. It’s the real-life economics of running an independent venue in 2026.If you’re in a band, trying to get booked, or just wondering why venues make the decisions they do, this one’s for you.See what’s coming next, grab tickets, and check the full calendar at👉 RockTheBoardwalk.comAnd follow along for show drops, announcements, and and giveaways 👇📲 @rocktheboardwalk

Everyone says “support local music.” Very few people understand what that actually means.In this episode of Between 2 Palms, Derek Clark and Mikey pull the curtain back on the realities of running a live music venue and building a sustainable local scene. They talk openly about Free Fridays, booking decisions, why pay-to-play hurts everyone, and what bands need to do if they want more than a 20-minute opening slot.The conversation covers:Why venues take real financial risks on local bandsWhat “support local music” actually looks like in practiceWhy strong EPKs and self-promotion still matterHow bands move from openers to real billsWhy mentorship between bands matters more than egoThe difference between exposure and exploitationWhy consistency beats talent aloneThis episode is required listening for local musicians, promoters, venue staff, and fans who want to understand how scenes grow—or quietly die.🎶 Learn more about upcoming shows and how to play The Boardwalk:👉 RockTheBoardwalk.com

Booking shows isn’t just answering emails and filling dates and in this episode of Between 2 Palms, Derek breaks down exactly why.From the real cost of opening the doors, to why “pay-to-play” is usually a misunderstanding, to what venues actually need from bands in 2026, this episode pulls back the curtain on live music booking. Derek and Mikey talk partnerships, marketing responsibility, oversaturation, and why creating demand matters more than playing everywhere all the time.They also cover:Why venues carry the financial riskWhat bands consistently get wrong when submitting to bookWhy some great bands struggle while others growThe future of the Boardwalk, including Free FridaysCommunity giving, blood drives, and giving people a hand upNew plans for Palm Tree Brewing Company and the rooftop patioIf you’ve ever wondered why it’s “hard to get booked,” or what venues are really looking for, this episode answers it honestly.🎧 Listen, share, and if you have something to say, say it. Just know Derek will read it.If you want to see how live music actually survives, stop guessing and start showing up.Check the calendar, buy a ticket, and support the rooms that keep bands on stages.👉 RockTheBoardwalk.comLive music venue Sacramento, Sacramento concert venue, independent music venue California, live music Sacramento CA, book a band Sacramento, how to get booked at a music venue, band booking tips, live music booking process, pay to play music venues explained, support local music venues, Sacramento rock venue, all ages and 21+ shows Sacramento, small venue concerts Sacramento, Boardwalk live music, RockTheBoardwalk, Sacramento nightlife live music, local bands Sacramento, touring bands Sacramento, live music industry insights, music venue operations, behind the scenes live music, Between 2 Palms podcast, venue owner podcast, Sacramento music podcast, California live music scene

End-of-year reflections, real talk, and hard lessons from behind the curtain.In this episode of Between 2 Palms, Derek Clark and Mikey Muscatello close out 2025 with an honest, wide-ranging conversation about what it actually takes to run an independent live music venue without losing your mind, your money, or your values.Derek breaks down lessons learned from a year of wins, losses, sold-out shows, disappointing nights, promoter problems, and the reality of running a venue where culture, community, and sustainability matter more than hype. From cruise-ship epiphanies to booking mistakes, from Pablo Cruise to Mateo Mancuso, from staffing costs to why small venues are disappearing, this episode pulls zero punches.They also look ahead to 2026, including Free Fridays, bigger artists, smarter booking strategies, new production upgrades, and how The Boardwalk plans to survive while still giving back to musicians, charities, and the local community.If you love live music, care about independent venues, or want to understand what really happens behind the scenes, this episode is required listening.Follow Between 2 Palms for real conversations about live music, venues, and the business nobody explains.New episodes recorded live from the Boardwalk Stage.

In this episode of Between 2 Palms, Derek Clark and Mikey Muscatello deliver a full, transparent breakdown of what’s happening at The Boardwalk, one of Sacramento’s longest-running independent music venues. Derek addresses online complaints directly, from ticket pricing and bar costs to band quality and the lingering stigma of the old Boardwalk, and explains the real economics behind running a music venue in 2025. The guys also announce the launch of Free Fridays, a new monthly event bringing free, all-ages live music to the community starting January. They talk about why the venue streams every show, how national acts are booked, and why local bands will have new opportunities to perform. Derek opens up about growing up poor, fighting through bullying, dealing with haters, and why giving back through blood drives, charity partnerships, and community programs is at the core of the Boardwalk mission. The episode also covers the New Year’s Eve show, special ticket deals, returning-customer offers, Derek’s volunteer flights with Angels Flight West, and the upcoming launch of Palm Tree Brewing Company.This episode is packed with insights for musicians, concertgoers, Sacramento locals, and anyone curious about how modern independent music venues survive and evolve.Email [email protected] for New Year’s Eve ticket deals or returning-customer offers.

This week, Derek and Mikey break down one of the most important parts of venue life: the bad nights. From promoter misfires and accountability issues to bands melting down on stage, they dig into what really causes a show to flop and how all sides can avoid disaster. Derek shares behind-the-scenes stories about tough nights, surprise sellouts, national acts coming through, and the mindset it takes to make every show work. They also talk upcoming events, blood drives, holiday plans, and the future direction of The Boardwalk.Book your show or learn more at RockTheBoardwalk.comFollow The Boardwalk on social for updates, announcements, and new episodes.Boardwalk Orangevale, Orangevale music venue, Between Two Palms, live music venue, bad show turnout, promoter problems, band promotion tips, concert booking, music venue operations, low-attendance shows, band accountability, promoter accountability, live event production, Sacramento music scene, local bands Sacramento, show promotion mistakes, venue management, selling out shows, touring bands, band meltdown stories, soundcheck issues, mosh pit insurance, Mateo Mancuso, Jeff Beck tribute, ticket sales, venue marketing, booking advice, RockTheBoardwalk.com, holiday shows, blood drive events, music community, supporting local bands, live performance tips, concert economics, behind the scenes venue stories.

Derek and Mikey break down what really sets The Boardwalk apart for local bands — from how to get booked to what artists actually receive when they play here. They walk through everything from building a proper EPK and using social media wisely to the marketing support, professional sound, and full multi-camera recording setup that make The Boardwalk a rare kind of venue.If you’re a local musician looking to step up your game or finally land that Boardwalk show, this episode covers exactly what you need to know.Want to play The Boardwalk? Start here. Subscribe to Between Two Palms on Spotify, Apple, or anywhere you get podcasts to learn how to get booked, grow your band, and make the most of every show on The Boardwalk stage.🎸 Learn more or book your band now at rocktheboardwalk.comThe Boardwalk Orangevalle, Sacramento, Concert Venue, Between Two Palms podcast, local musicians, live music, Sacramento bands, Northern California venues, concert booking tips, EPK guide, music promotion, Boardwalk Stage, live venue podcast, Sacramento music scene, California live events.

Live from The Boardwalk Stage — Derek and Mikey pull back the curtain on what it really takes to run an independent music venue. From financial risks and booking headaches to artist expectations and passion-driven purpose, this episode dives deep into what keeps the lights on and the amps loud at one of Sacramento’s most iconic stages.Derek opens up about the realities of concert economics, why The Boardwalk markets harder than anyone, the importance of artist partnerships, and how they're building a non-profit mindset into everything they do. Expect honesty, humor, a few F-bombs, and some serious love for the local scene.🎧 Presented by The Boardwalk — Sacramento’s home for live music, community, and culture.📍 Learn more or book your band: rocktheboardwalk.com🎸 Want to play The Boardwalk?👉 Email [email protected] or [email protected]📞 Or come see a show, meet the team, and make it happen in person.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube and follow @RockTheBoardwalk for more Behind-the-Scenes stories.

Live from The Boardwalk Stage, Derek Clark and Mikey Muscatello sit between two palms and dive deep into what it really takes to run a legendary local venue. Derek opens up about battling COVID, his incredible staff who kept the ship afloat, and how passion—not profit—keeps The Boardwalk alive.They get brutally honest about ticket fatigue, lazy marketing, and the harsh economics of live music—breaking down how venues actually make money, how artists dilute their demand, and why grassroots hustle still beats social media algorithms.It’s raw, real, and a must-listen for anyone who loves the Sacramento music scene, runs a venue, or plays in a band that wants to get booked.🎤 Featuring: Derek Clark (Owner, The Boardwalk) & Mikey Muscatello (Muscatello Media / NOT That Damn Show / Mikey In The Pit)📍 Recorded Live: The Boardwalk Stage, Orangevale, CA🎸 Subscribe to Between 2 Palms wherever you listen.🎟️ RockTheBoardwalk.com for upcoming shows, tickets, and band bookings.🎧 Produced by Muscatello Media — Sacramento’s home for podcasts, live events, and production.Boardwalk Sacramento, Between 2 Palms, live music venue, Derek Clark, Mikey Muscatello, Sacramento concerts, Sacramento nightlife, local bands, how to get booked, music venue management, ticket sales, grassroots marketing, Sacramento podcast, Boardwalk Stage podcast

Live from The Boardwalk Stage! Derek and Mikey dive deep into the state of live music.This week, Derek admits something you rarely hear from a venue owner: “I was wrong.”From rising costs and ticket scams to corporate monopolies squeezing out small venues, this episode pulls back the curtain on what’s really happening in the independent concert world. Derek shares eye-opening stats from the National Independent Venue Association, explains how predatory resale practices are crushing stages nationwide, and reveals how The Boardwalk plans to fight back by putting local music first.The guys talk Aftershock’s $30M impact on Sacramento, the economics behind bar and ticket margins, and what happens if small venues disappear. Spoiler: no stages, no new bands.The Boardwalk is doubling down on community, charity, and local talent and this episode is your insider look at how.Support local music.Come out, buy a ticket, grab a drink, and be part of the movement to keep live music alive in Sacramento. Every show helps The Boardwalk give back to the community.🎟 Submit your band: rocktheboardwalk.com📧 Booking: [email protected] Between Two Palms wherever you listen to podcasts, and share this episode to help spread the word: independent venues matter.

A local band blasted The Boardwalk online for “not paying,” but the truth wasn’t what they thought. In this episode of Between Two Palms, Derek and Mikey lay out exactly what went down, why promoters and communication matter, and why posting your frustrations on social media only hurts your band.We dig into how ticket sales really work, the difference between pay-to-play and partnerships, and how legendary LA spots like Whisky a Go Go, the Viper Room, and the Troubadour handle their booking. If you’re in a band trying to book shows, build a following, or just understand why venues ask you to sell tickets, this one’s a must-listen.👉 Follow @RockTheBoardwalk 👉 Bands: want to play The Boardwalk? Apply at rocktheboardwalk.com.#BetweenTwoPalms #BoardwalkStage #LiveMusicBusiness #PayToPlay #BandLife #SacramentoMusic #WhiskyAGoGo #ViperRoom #Troubadour

This audio-only episode of Between Two Palms with Derek & Mikey dives into what really sets The Boardwalk apart in Sacramento’s music scene. It’s not just a stage—it’s food, service, seating, and a vibe you don’t get anywhere else. Derek and Mikey talk about why rock and metal thrive here, how the venue fights the “old dive bar” stigma, and the vision to make every night feel like more than just a show.They also break down the return of Some Fear None, upcoming sets from Pablo Cruise and Red Voodoo, and why The Boardwalk is quickly becoming the place for live music in Sacramento.👉 Don’t just listen, be there. Get your tickets now at rocktheboardwalk.com.🎸 BookingBands: want to get on stage at The Boardwalk? Email [email protected].

In this raw and real episode of Between Two Palms, Derek and Mikey dive deep into what it really takes to run and rebuild a legendary venue like The Boardwalk. From post-COVID struggles and the chokehold of Live Nation, to online trolls, bad Yelp reviews, and the constant grind of staying independent, nothing’s off the table.They set the record straight on everything from “there’s no AC” complaints to why karaoke costs money, explain how much cash (and sweat) has been poured into making the place better, and remind the community why supporting local stages is the only way live music survives.Oh, and yes, the bathrooms really are clean now.Episode HighlightsWhy Live Nation wants your venue’s soul (and only gives you bones).The real story behind “hot as hell” complaints and $10 karaoke.$400K later: what it took to rebuild a legendary venue.The charity math nobody sees: $90K already donated, $5K/week is the goal.What’s coming next: comedy, showcases, blood drives, and big shows.This is more than a podcast episode, it’s the truth about what it takes to keep local music alive.🎶 Support live music and local venues: Rocktheboardwalk.com📲 Follow Mikey on socials: @i_am_mikey | @notthatdamnshow💡 Subscribe to Between Two Palms for more conversations about music, venues, and the community that makes it all possible.#BetweenTwoPalms #TheBoardwalk #SupportLocalMusic #SacramentoMusic #LiveMusicMatters

In this episode of Between 2 Palms, Derek Clark sits down with producer and host Mikey Muscatello to uncover decades of stories behind The Boardwalk. From its origins as a country-western bar to becoming the hard rock hub of Northern California.Highlights include:How The Boardwalk went from “Williams Place” in 1955 to today’s multi-genre performance venue.Legendary acts that cut their teeth here — Green Day, Paramore, Cake, Tesla, Deftones, and more.Derek’s mission to keep the venue alive while giving back over $90,000 to local charities.The uphill battle of booking bands in the Live Nation era.Future plans for comedy nights, tribute shows, and major charity events.The conversation is equal parts music nostalgia, business insight, and heartfelt commitment to keeping local stages alive.Timestamps0:00 – Intro & history of the property before it was The Boardwalk5:33 – Bootleg booze, horses, and the early saloon days9:53 – The Aquarius Club, Cowtown Saloon, and other past lives12:02 – Big names that played The Boardwalk before they blew up16:36 – Fighting to keep small venues alive20:56 – Saving The Boardwalk after Mark’s passing27:03 – Why giving back is part of the mission31:07 – Diversifying into comedy, tribute bands & more34:18 – The nostalgia factor: bringing back ’80s, ’90s & local favorites42:10 – The case for secret shows & grassroots marketing53:23 – Why The Boardwalk matters to the community56:53 – What’s next for the venue🎶 Love live music? Subscribe to Between 2 Palms and follow The Boardwalk for upcoming shows, interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories.📍 Visit rocktheboardwalk.com for tickets & events.💖 Support our mission — come to a show, bring a friend, and keep Sacramento’s music scene alive.

Welcome to the very first episode of Live from the Boardwalk Stage: Between Two Palms with Derek Clark, a backstage pass to one of Sacramento’s most iconic music venues. In this premiere, Derek opens up about why he bought The Boardwalk, the power of live music, and the mission that drives it all.You’ll hear the venue’s history (8,500+ shows and counting), how The Boardwalk gives back through the Aloha Initiative, and what it really takes to run an independent venue post-COVID.Plus: an exclusive interview with Natalie Moore of CASA El Dorado, spotlighting the Hula for Hope fundraiser happening August 10th at The Boardwalk.Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the scene, this is your all-access look at the heart, hustle, and aloha behind the music.🎟️ Tickets + Events: rocktheboardwalk.com📲 Follow: @rocktheboardwalk📬 Contact: [email protected]