Way before Austin, even before Nashville, California was the hub of the country music scene. California's Central Valley (Bakersfield) was the recording hub. With the mass migration of "Okies" to California during the Dust Bowl in the 1930's, they brought their music. The music found a home in the Central Valley.Hard working farmers and oil workers needed a place to let loose after a hard week, and Honky Tonks opened up all through California. I have talked to ol' timers who grew up in the valley, and they said that on a Friday or Saturday night, they would get in whatever running car they could find, race up and down the roads (drinking) stopping at Honky Tonks and Whore Houses, all night long. And from what they say, there was an abundance of both. (Ever feel like you were born to late)?Most of these Clubs are gone, some I was able to go to before they closed. Demarco's 23 Club in Brisbane is still open, but I believe the kids of the original owners are running it into the ground. I knew Lily Demarco before she passed away, and she told some great stories. Johnny Cash made his West Coast debut at this club. The Foothill in Long Beach is one that I made it to before it closed, it was a very cool time capsule. I have been to Trout's in Bakersfield (still open), but it feels more like a dive bar today. The Blackboard, is one of the most famous of the Bakersfield Roadhouses, (where many of the big names played, and got started. Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, the Maddox brothers and Rose, to name a few) and the city tore it down in the 1990's to build a strip mall. 
These places are going, or gone. They are such a amazing part of California history, that should be saved. Try to get to one before they are all gone, it's worth it.
Today would be a perfect time for Elvis to come out of hiding. Although at 75 he may not want to. Big week in Memphis, with events all over town. Other than the weather (15 degrees) it would be big fun. Note the progression or recession of Panhead to Shovelhead, on both the King and the machine. Great face on the youngster in the car, is he checking out the girl, or does he know Elvis is next to them?
Spent alot of time staring at these adds as a kid.... Dreaming
Ok, in honor of Brigitte Bardot singing on my new playlist, I thought I would show some pics of her. Well at least it's a good excuse. (she is so neat to look at, plus there are motorbikes in the pics).Whatever 
One quick last thing about Arizona... In Arizona you could, if you wanted, ride your motorcycle down the highway at 75 miles per hour, without a helmet, talking on your cell phone, with a pistol tucked into your belt, and not be breaking any laws. Everything is still legal. Thompson machine guns, AR 15's, riding in the bed of a truck, I could go on and on... but you get the idea.
It's funny how little things change... Or how history has a way of repeating itself. Other than the wooden wheels and the skip tooth sprocket, this 1898 "Safety Racer" could fit in, in any of the hippest urban circles today.
The Palace Saloon (1877) on Whisky Row in Prescott, this place (the downtown) burned on July 14, 1900 the Palace patrons managed to save most of the liquor and the historic bar, moving them to the park across the street, where drinks were served as the town burnt. It is said that Doc Holliday won $10,000 at one of the Palace's tables before he and the Earp's went to Tombstone (Virgil Earp owned a sawmill in Prescott, and was a deputy sheriff in the town) . We had new years dinner at the Palace, and it was a good time, with great food, bitchin' history (and many drinks). 
There are so many truly killer vintage signs to be found in the Arizona desert towns. Alot of history is intact down there (unlike California, where if it's more than 20 years old, it's time to tear down & re-build). Most of these signs are in Prescott Arizona.
You see the craziest things on the road...
Made it to Arizona, after 11 hours on the road. It's such a cool drive through the desert. Everywhere that you look is another picture that you "should" stop and take, but in the intrest of actually "getting there" you don't. It's New Years Eve morning, almost 2010... crazy! To guys like my buddy Matt @ Machine down under it's already 2010 (how is it?) Happy New Year. We are off to see the pawn shops and antique stores that Prescott Az. has to offer. Should be great!? I hope...
Heading out on a road trip to Arizona in the morning... We will be there for New Year's, but the primary reason is to go to a wedding (I'm bumbed, it's two weeks to early to hit the Love Cycles party). Anyhow, I put this sign together today for a present. It will be good to hit the road for a mini adventure, it's long overdue.
Came out of the hardware store and there this beauty sat. 1968 A100 van, freshly painted, (you could still smell the paint). Super rad! All that it needs, is to loose those wide white radials & ralley wheels for some Americans or Supreme's and a thin-line tire. (Radir tri-spokes with red line tires)? 
Just finished up the gold leaf/paint lines on the tank to match the fender. 
Crazy paint, anyone have this tank on their shop wall?
My daughter and I went and had some sushi the other night. The chef carved out these rad radish and carrot figures while we ate. Super cool he worked so fast with the knife. A real master. 
I wonder if this guy still has all of his fingers? Or hearing?
Now that Santa can't smoke in most of California, so many kids are going to miss out... 
Ok, for sure the little brother got the way better end of the straw.
I'll take one of each...
These places are going, or gone. They are such a amazing part of California history, that should be saved. Try to get to one before they are all gone, it's worth it.
