By Trisha Bennett
Venice celebrated its birthday with a pre-4th of July sing-a-long throughout Venice on Wednesday, July 3.
Local businesses came together and spruced up the famous Venice sign with red, white, and blue lights as part of a special lighting celebration.
Venice restaurants such as Dannys Venice, Hama Sushi, the Sidewalk Café, the Townhouse, and others offered a special birthday tribute to commemorate the day Abbot Kinney founded Venice.
The Venice Bistro continues the celebration with a free music event today, July 5 featuring the Country Legends.
Partake in a tasty happy hour, while enjoying classic country and watch the sun go down over the ocean.
The Venice Bistro has a rich history. Originally known as the Venice West Café back in 1958, the beachfront bar was the stomping grounds for Venice Beatniks, poets and singers such as Alan Ginsberg and Jim Morrison.
The Country Legends features many of the same players as The Venice Street Legends, who have gained notoriety as a local boardwalk band.
Bandleader Greg Cruz has been part of the Venice music scene for more than 25 years.
Last year, he teamed up with singer/songwriter Kathy Leonardo to form the Country Legends – a classic country tribute band.
Together this duo fronted country band takes it to the next level, offering lighthearted duets with solid and engaging performances.
In addition to performing the beloved songs of Johnny Cash and June Carter, the repertoire of the Venice band also includes memorable melodies by music legends Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn and more.
The Country Legends feature Greg Cruz on guitar and vocals, Kathy Leonardo on vocals, Petr Hromadko on stand up bass, and Mitch Montrose on drums.
The Country Legends will perform from 6:30-10 pm today, July 5.
Visit their Facebook page for more information, www.facebook.com/TheCountryLegends.
The Venice Bistro is located at 323 Ocean Front Walk, Venice (right on the boardwalk, one block South of Rose). Visit www.thevenicebistro.com for more information.
