Features and Reviews
Brad Kay at the Unurban (Ongoing Performance)
By Ron Ross
I was fortunate enough to find a couple of hours on a recent Sunday afternoon to go listen to Brad at the Un-urban Coffeehouse in Santa Monica.
I heartily recommend this unique show, which consists of ragtime piano playing, complete with historical anecdotes and educational asides, as well as marvelous obscure and original songs that Brad delivers in a charming, offbeat singing style. At some point in the show, he switches to the cornet, which he also plays quite well, and on the Sunday I was there, he even included a duet with himself, playing both cornet and piano (bass accompaniment) at the same time.
Quite fascinating. Check it out on a Sunday afternoon from 2 to 4. Unurban Coffeehouse-3301 Pico Blvd (just West of Centinela). Going westbound Santa Monica Freeway (Interstate 10), continue past the 405 and exit at the Bundy Dr. (North) exit. At the bottom of the off ramp, turn right (only way you can go), but quickly get into the left lane, and turn left (west) on Pico, which is your first traffic light. Go past Centinela and look for 3301 on the right. It's a small place on a corner. Trader Joe's market is directly across Pico, so if you pass that, you've gone too far.
There is no cover charge. They serve coffee and pastries and, I think, sandwiches as well. It's too bad it conflicts with the Rose Leaf Club, or Brad would be able to come out to the club as he used to do. What we have seen him do at the Rose Leaf Club (playing ragtime, stride, and blues) is but the tip of a very deep iceberg.
Go see him.
