Live From Laurel Canyon
THE STORY | The Birth of a Rock & Roll Neighborhood
Laurel Canyon is located in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles, CA. Laurel Canyon Boulevard connects northern LA suburbs in the San Fernando Valley to artsy West Hollywood and the now infamous Sunset Strip. The Canyon housed artists as early as the beginning of the 20th century as major motion-picture companies set up production around Los Angeles. The Canyon became a sort of de facto artist community as the entertainment and night life industry grew. Musicians especially enjoyed the rural feel and seclusion the canyon provided but also its proximity to the night life on Sunset Boulevard and beyond. Fast forward to 1965, when our story starts...
Based on the success of California Dreamin’ The Mamas & The Papas all took up residence in the Canyon in 1965 which almost started a movement of artists, both aspiring and successful, to be a part of this community. Follow the twists and turns of the side roads off of Laurel Canyon Boulevard between 1965 and 1975 and you’d find some of the musicians who redefined American popular music and inspired the “LA sound” of the early 70s; artists like the Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, the Doors, Crosby, Stills, and Nash, Neil Young, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt, America, and the Eagles.
THE SHOW | California Dreamin’ to Hotel California. Songs & Stories.
“Live From Laurel Canyon ~ Songs & Stories of American Folk Rock” is a 90-minute journey through a very special time in American popular music. A time when an entire generation of youth felt abandoned by their own culture and were searching for a sound that helped define them; a sound that shared the protest and awareness of folk music and the attitude and look of rock music. Join us as we follow these legendary artists and share stories on how they ended up in the Canyon and how this neighborhood of like-minded artists influenced the music that was created.
The show features some the finest singers and most well versed musicians in the country. Singers and musicians whose take on these classic songs draw from the musical history of Laurel Canyon and its vast influence.
Much more than a 'tribute' act, Live from Laurel Canyon not only performs the music you love, but shares with you the stories that inspired them. Live from Laurel Canyon is a journey through a special time in American pop music.
THE PLAYERS | Founders and featured artists
Brian Chartrand (vocalist/acoustic guitarist/creator of Live from Laurel Canyon) grew up in rural Massachusetts and made his way to Phoenix in 2003. Brian’s main focus is Live from Laurel Canyon and his original music with his bands The Sweet Remains and The Project. A longtime fan of 60s and 70s music and a rock and roll history fanatic, Brian came up with the idea for Live from Laurel Canyon while working as an entertainer on a luxury cruise ship in the Summer of 2012. Since it’s inception, the show tours all over the country and in Europe.
Holly Pyle (vocalist) was voted best vocalist of 2019 by Phoenix New Times. Holly channels her "liquid-like voice" and intense presence into a variety of local and traveling music projects, most frequently as the front-woman of progressive soul outfit House of Stairs. Holly completed studies in jazz, opera and psychology at Northern Arizona University in 2010, and since then has given nearly 1500 performances, released 3 albums and gives lectures about loop station technology and arranging.
David Freeman (vocalist) grew up in a musical family and started singing at a young age. He went to college at Missouri State University where he majored in vocal performance. He currently resides in Phoenix, AZ with his family and is involved in a plethora of musical endeavors but says what he enjoys most about his life today is getting to be with and bring his kids to school everyday, date nights with his wife, Ashlee, and taking their German Shepherd (Jack the Dog) on walks at night.
Todd Chuba (drums) is originally from rural Michigan but moved to Arizona to study music at ASU. He has been a professional drummer and percussionist, specializing in a variety of musical genres and styles, for over 35 years.
Lamar Gaines (keys) is originally from Cleveland, Ohio. He grew up immersed in music that turned into a life long passion. Apart from playing music professionally, he runs his own production company with his brother called Jeemusic.
Adam Armijo (electric guitar) is an in-demand session musician currently residing in the Phoenix area. Growing up in an art and music loving home, Adam took to guitar very early and began playing professionally at the age of 16. Adam is known for his unique approach, musicality and the ability to play many genres authentically. He has recorded and toured with a wide variety of GrammyTM award winners and BillboardTM chart toppers. Recently, Fender & Gretsch Guitars have featured Adam on dozens of youtube product demos which have been extremely successful and have racked up over 3 million views.
Will Gaines (bass) was born the son of a jazz musician in Cleveland. He now resides in Denver where he works as an independent musician, singer/songwriter, producer, film scorer and international touring artist. More recently he started a music production company with his brother releasing 3 albums under the moniker Gaines Brothers. He is currently working on his fourth album.