Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society — Attraction in Half Moon Bay

Bach Society History History of the Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society and the Douglas Beach House How I started a unique, somewhat personal, music venue that reflects the founder’s taste in a diversity of music styles.

by Pete Douglas

Nobody planned its beginnings. It just evolved from the first private jam sessions at home in the summer of 1958. Growing up on the beaches of Manhattan and Hermosa in LA, I hung out in jazz clubs hearing Swing and early Be Bop and the cool sounds of West Coast Jazz of Shorty Rogers, Art Pepper, Shelly Mann, Chet Baker at the Lighthouse Café. Graduating from Santa Barbara College in 1955, I had no thoughts of operating a conventional jazz club, and eventually was hired as an Adult Probation Officer in San Mateo County just below San Francisco. Needing to get back to the beach, I purchased an abandoned beer joint on the ocean in Half Moon Bay, proceeding to live in it like a refugee from the Beat Hipster scene of the 50’s. I was later to be canned from the Probation Dept. for leading an undesirable life for a County official.

The oceanfront cottage attracted the usual wayward, if not dysfunctional, youth seeking action at the beach. From the beginning when my wife and I and our first child moved into the seven-stool beer joint in November 1957, open spontaneous gatherings evolved. Regular drop-ins included hard-core Beats, artists, gays and SF show people.

In the early 60’s, during one of these weekend soirees, a few drop—ins decided to set off dynamite on the beach while others were swing dancing to JS Bach, thus the name, Bach Dancing and Dynamite Society – the name being a put on, as we thought of ourselves somewhat Bohemian, hardly a “society.”

However, the first of many Jazz jam sessions began in the summer of 1958. After becoming a registered non—profit for the musical arts in 1964, regular Jazz and Classical programs began, open to the public. After 50 years, the rest is history.

I was, and still am, on a musical adventure that needs a live, not virtual, audience to enjoy and support it so that the Bach, as well as other smaller venues will continue to give people an authentic experience and human touch with live talent. Perhaps new boutique venues will emerge for discerning audiences who will be prepared to pay the price to “be there”, not in an impersonal crowd.

The Bach Society may be an anachronism from the past that presented many now deceased jazz musicians. We hope, however, a it will continue as a good example for future presenters and a comfort to musicians.

Regarding the future of the Bach, under the right conditions, I’m prepared to sell the Douglas Beach House to the Bach non-profit organization. However, I may need some equity for my survival. The Society presently has little funds to purchase California beachfront property. If any organization with deep pockets may be interested, just call to open a dialogue.

Yours, Pete Douglas

Founder, Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society Owner, The Douglas Beach...

A Melodious Hideaway at Half Moon Bay

Review:

Tucked away on the breathtaking beachfront of Half Moon Bay, the Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society offers an enchanting and intimate experience for lovers of live music. With its idyllic location by Miramar Beach, this venue has quickly become my local favorite, providing a unique blend of delightful auditory pleasure and stunning natural beauty.

The charm of this place is its quaint and cozy atmosphere. The performance room, while modest in size, emanates an intimate vibe that adds to the overall experience. As with all good things, spots here are limited and tend to fill up quickly, making it worth your while to book well in advance.

Music aficionados will find themselves at home in the Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society. The venue hosts a vibrant spectrum of artists, spanning jazz musicians to vocalists, and everything in between. Each performance is a testament to the passion and dedication of the artists, creating a tapestry of memorable nights filled with captivating melodies and rhythmic tunes.

In addition to the soul-stirring music, they also provide a food and drinks service, which varies depending on the evening. It's an accompaniment that further elevates the concert experience, providing a dash of gastronomic delight to the already sensorially rich evening.

Overall, the Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society offers a remarkable platform to support local artists, while promising a delightful and engaging evening for the patrons. Nestled in an awe-inspiring location, it is a music lover's haven, coupling captivating performances with an intimate, unique setting. I wholeheartedly recommend experiencing the melodic magic that this place...

This is a cute little venue, set right opposite the ocean with seating outside to have your pre concert drink. Inside the set up is a little unusual, kind of like a multi level house with a small stage in the second level and more seating on a third mezzanine level. Be careful if choosing seats there as it is difficult to manoeuvre and does not have chairs. One seat place is also obscured by the roof beams (where my ticket was seated), so you get a sore neck trying to see! If you have mobility issues, better to sit by the stage. No real bar set up, but they do sell from a couple bottles. Better idea to bring your own picnic and drinks to enjoy throughout. There is no elevator so no wheelchair access. As I say, a...