Interview by Ryan Cash

One day I decided to be spontaneous and do something out of the ordinary (for me that is). I knew I wanted it to be an evening of great times and great music in a great location. I didn’t know where to go and didn't have much faith since I've been disappointed in the past.  A friend mentioned a venue that was the best spot to see live concerts and I didn’t think twice about it.  What did I have to lose?  

Off on a corner street I saw this sign of what looked to be a royal British lion and across it read, “Saint Rocke”. I didn’t know what to think. I entered, walked up to a hostel front desk and checked in with the friendly staff. 

Once I checked in I was directed to a door and soon I started to feel as if I was in a scene from ‘Alice in Wonderland’. While on my way in I entered through a long hallway that had records and pictures of what music signified in the past. 

Passed the main hallway and through another doorway I was surprised to arrive in music concert heaven.

SMC: Hello Katie, could you tell my readers what is it that you do at the AWESOME “Saint Rocke”?

KT: My name is Katie Henley (KT). I am an Assistant Talent Buyer/ Marketing Manager/ Move Maker and Soul Shaker.

SMC: Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On!! *shaking in seat* How long has Saint Rocke been in business?

KT: Saint Rocke has been in business for almost 4 years. This building has a ton of history. We kept the original architecture and revamped the decor. Man, if these walls could talk....whoa.

SMC: Really, do tell? *scooting in seat* What makes Saint Rocke different from a typical bar?

KT:  Saint Rocke is DEF not the typical bar, for so many reasons. We are a music venue first and foremost. We have one of the best sound systems in Southern California. We stream every show LIVE, world-wide. (Fans tuning in from all over the place: South Africa, Australia, Guam…IT’S RAD!) We showcase national artists in an intimate setting. It's like seeing huge bands in your living room!! We also offer local talent a home to build their fan-base. We always put local support on huge national shows too. It gives the smaller artists a chance to meet the right people and make connections. After all, Saint Rocke is "where music grows".

SMC: Why the name, "Saint Rocke"?

KT:  We can't speell? ;)

SMC: Oh I see what you did there *nodding head* It’s not just beauty with me *tapping finger on head* 

SMC: Does Saint Rocke do charity events?

KT:  You bet we do charity events. We hold all kinds of fund raisers here at SR, as well as produce large scale events outside of the club. We produced a "Walk with Sally" event with Smashmouth last month and helped raise thousands for an amazing organization that helps mentor children of cancer patients. This weekend we're helping a local guy who lost his leg in a motorcycle accident. Next week, we have an event to build a scholarship for families of fallen U.S. Soldiers. We do more than throw parties. We help people, ALL THE TIME. It's the best part of my job.

SMC: So it has nothing to do with the name having “Saint” in it??

KT:  We also produce the “Hermosa Beach Summer Concert Series.” It’s live music on the sand. Free, all ages and family friendly. It's awesome!!

SMC: What's your most memorable event at Saint Rocke?

KT:  I'd say Bush has been the most memorable event for me. It was my birthday and I was able to meet Gavin Rossdale. He made us turn the A.C off (trick for vocalists to sooth their throat while singing), and of course, it was mid July. Wow, it was a hot, sweaty, sexy show. I'll never forget it.

SMC: Yea, I’ve seen him a few times for our station events and… *drool*                

I noticed every day of the week there's a different scene, who implements the events?

KT:  When the bands change, the fans change. We try to mix it up and feature different genres of music, so every night is a different crowd.

SMC: That’s rad of you guys. Not many venues offer that which makes evenings and the crowd become BORRRINNNG…Sorry I got a little excited there.

SMC: SOOO…What drink specials do you offer?

KT:  It depends on the occasion and our mood. We like Jameson during Irish punk. We're also huge fans of Fireball, so we drink it every night after midnight for cheap. Our Happy Hours are also a good call. Our entire menu is only $5 and we offer live music and no cover. Shwing!!

SMC: Oooo…you know your whiskeys…very nice! Do you offer any food?

KT:  Kitchen is open daily until 10PM. Lots of variety and smaller plates so they come out quick. Get the sliders. They are delish!

SMC: The times I have been there I noticed the staff really friendly, why do you think that is?

KT:  We love what we do. And it shows.

SMC: What are the age restrictions?

KT:  21+ at all times.

SMC: Maybe next time kids. Is there a cover charge for every event?

KT:  Not Happy Hours or Mondays. But when we do charge, it goes directly to the artists.  

SO if you don't have anything to do and want to watch RAD bands give AMAZING performances then I suggest Saint Rocke is the place to be.