Ocean Beach has always been a bit mystical in my mind. I never thought my life included enough pot, dreads, or hula hoops to fit in in over there. So the idea of live music in OB left a lot of questions in my mind. Live music in OB? That’s a thing?
Enter The Holding Company. Mid-August 2016, Gallagher’s on Newport was bought, sold, and renamed “The Holding Company” paying homage to the 1960’s band of the same name. You might recall their lead vocalist, Janis Joplin. Steve Yang, who also owns OB Noodle House and Bar 1502, is the proud new owner of The Holding Company. A quick search into Steve Yang reveals more than your normal Ocean Beach resume. Steve Yang was born in Cambodia of Chinese dissent, and spent time in a Thai refugee camp during the era of the Khmer Rouge. His family was then sponsored by a family in OB to come to the United States, and he’s been committed to the OB community ever since. Voted OB citizen of the year in 2015, this guy is on to something. Not only have his restaurants been voted “Best Asian Fusion in San Diego,” but his new music venue is spot on.
I can’t quite put my finger on it, but my first thought when I walked it was “I want to be here.” It’s cozy, welcoming, and slightly edgy. Tables have been replaced with wooden kegs. There are a few places to perch in the shadows to enjoy a drink and conversation. Otherwise, most of the floor plan is wide open and centered around the stage with a bar running the length of the room.
We caught two sets while we were there. My favorite was Quel Bordel. Singing in French and English, this band is best described as Gypsy Punk. Their lead vocalist is the real deal, born in Ukraine, traveling Europe with gypsy bands, and eventually meeting up with some southern Californians to form this pearl of a group. Check out the song “La La” on their website and you’ll be singing along within one verse. (Who knew you spoke French?!?) My sister once told me that I was part gypsy. Now I hope I am. San Diego Gypsy Fest anyone?
Quel Bordel leaves the stage. And then I notice the kilts. And leather jackets. And tattoos. For a moment, I’m concerned I’m in the middle of a white supremacist meeting. A raised white fist on the back of the leather vest in front of me has me even more concerned. (Still no verdict on that one.)
I didn’t give much thought to the headlining band The Real McKenzies. I should have. The Real McKenzies formed in 1992 in Vancouver and play traditional Scottish songs with a punk flare. Celtic punk, who knew. Founding member Paul McKenzie looks like he has led a weathered life. He also looks like he’ll beat the living daylights out of you if you look at him funny. Bagpipes, electric guitars and a guy on the drums who reminded me of Animal from Sesame Street—these guys were too much for such a small space. Their prerecorded stuff is much more palatable.
In the end, I think it was just a lot of white folk excited about Celtic Punk which involves leather and tattoos and songs about whiskey. I’m not going to lie though, I wouldn’t have been surprised if they sang about White Power instead.
We ducked out before the show ended and ducked into Pizza Port just as they were closing. Best way to score free slices! Thanks to Katie and Sean for sitting on the curb and eating pizza with me on a school night. And I hope your eardrums stopped bleeding.