YUCCA VALLEY, CA – Patrick “Hutch” Hutchison, renowned FOH for bands including Jack White, Them Crooked Vultures and Eagles of Death Metal, recently opened La Grange music venue in Yucca Valley, CA.
More details from La Grange (https://www.lagrangeoldtown.com):
In the spring of 2017, Patrick “Hutch” Hutchinson had a decision to make. Rock music heavyweights, Queens of the Stone Age were gearing up for a tour and, given his long history of mixing FOH for them, naturally had asked for Hutch. Hutch has a stellar reputation in the live sound industry, having mixed Jack White, Them Crooked Vultures, and Eagles of Death Metal in addition to QOTSA.
At the same time, there was this empty church building in Yucca Valley, CA, just down the road from where he and partner Amanda B’Hymer live in the artist rich area of Joshua Tree. It was calling out their name. The building’s owner was open to their idea of transforming it into something that the entire community could use so Hutch, after saying “goodbye to the road” for a spell, and Amanda took possession and began refurbishing.
The bulk of the work was done by the duo themselves which involved, among other things, removing all of the pews and adding a stage and acoustical treatment. Hutch says, “We liked the bones of this building but it needed some help.” The finished space consists of a main hall plus an assortment of small rooms that are set up as a green room, dressing rooms, and production type offices.
By the end of August, the new venue, called La Grange, had booked their first meeting with a group, appropriately, formed by a trade organization focused on supporting the local Morongo Basin businesses. In December, La Grange flexed its muscles by hosting its first concert – Oakland based band Dirtwire – and put the Midas/Turbosound sound system through its paces.
Already the venue has attracted notice and bookings are rolling in including a local theater group, more concerts, and photo shoots. Amanda explains, “We both like the idea of this being a place where people can express themselves. I’m interested in the idea of how we transform our souls, our beings through creative expression, which comes in all forms. We feel that we are hosting people here.”
And the name? The original Grange was a farmer’s association in the late 1800s that sponsored social activities, community service, and political lobbying. Throw in Hutch and Amanda’s affinity for ZZ Top and “La Grange” was the natural name for the building.
For more information visit http://www.lagrangeoldtown.com/
