McCabe’s Guitar Shop, Santa Monica

It just looked like a normal music shop selling an eclectic mix of musical instruments. It was across the road from the hotel on Pico Boulevard where we were staying for two nights on our road trip through California, Nevada and Arizona back in August of this year.

We hardly noticed it. Except for the second night of our stay as we came out of Santa Monica and walked past the shop at 8.30 pm. It was open and that seemed odd. June suggested that we should go in and take a look.

As we stepped inside through the heavy wooden doors with guitar fretboards as handles, it struck us that this wasn’t an ordinary music shop. There were loads of people buzzing around inside. A member of staff – a tall guy – welcomed us into the store and asked us if we knew where we were and also where we were from. It turns out that this is the guy who organises the concert programme for the shop. He is really excited to show us around and tell us about the shop. At the back of the shop is a concert hall with instruments hanging all over the walls. There’s a gig that evening which is why it is still open and so busy. We are invited to have a look around and listen to some of the concert. We wait to hear one song by Dave Alvin and a beautiful song it is too. Our host then takes us upstairs to show us the corridor with framed photos of those who have appeared here. I see so many familiar faces and am awe-struck that this unassuming looking place has hosted all of these artists.

It’s a long list – the shop has been going since 1958. Here is a complete list. It’s an incredible list for its depth and breadth. Some huge names and such a diverse mix of musical genres.

The infectious excitement of the staff working in the shop leaves us feeling giddy. We head back to the hotel room and I sit in bed wading through the performers list on my iPad emitting a “wow” every few seconds. What an incredible place!

The following morning there is just enough time for us to call in again so that I can buy a T-shirt with the McCabe’s logo on it. What an incredible find!

(November Challenge 9/31)

Also published on Medium.