Art has always been a reflection of time and place, and new artistic endeavors abound. In the old town of Nipomo, east of Highway 101, a new business venture called The Pastry Cutter celebrates its debut as not just a new shop, but as a live music venue. Its debut concert will feature the new Nipomo-based band Formal Proof.
Owner and proprietor Kevin Colton is an experienced chef who plans to deliver pastries made from fresh, local ingredients daily to Nipomites. The band performing at the grand opening celebration on Sept. 3 includes Kevin’s son Noah.
Made up of Noah Colton on bass, Carsten Hall singing lead vocals, Andrew Rubin on guitar, and drummer Jarrod, the quartet of high-school-aged Central Coasters performs classic rock covers and a few originals.
“We call ourselves Formal Proof—‘Formal’ as in classy and ‘proof’ as in proof that there is good music out there,” Andrew said. “We are really influenced by ’60s and ’70s rock and roll. We try to make it fresh and still bring that timelessness.”
Andrew—son of nationally syndicated, Nipomo-based Rubes cartoonist Leigh Rubin—has known Noah for several years. They’ve collaborated musically, but only now are forming a band. The pair is working on some original songs together that they plan to unveil in the future. For now, the group is excited to be debuting along with the Colton family’s new business venture.
“I hope my dad is able to have a good introduction, and I hope to represent him with my music and our performance,” Noah said. “My dad has worked really hard; I am really proud of him.”
Kevin has introduced a new twist on the scone he’s hoping will take off at his bakery. He was inspired to make the traditionally sweet pastry filled with fruit into a savory dish.
“I thought, ‘If ham, cheese, and spinach taste good in a quiche, then why not a scone?’” he said.
The savory scones will be paired with soups for lunchtime, along with local coffee and teas. The emphasis is on local ingredients, he explained, an idea that continues to the live music aspect he wants to bring to the shop.
“We already have a piano that we are getting in here,” he said, “and what I envision, even if there are no bands scheduled to play, we could have little sing-alongs.”
He also spoke of plans to collaborate with Nipomo High School music and drama students, an open mic family night, and a bluegrass jam. But Saturdays, he explained, he wants to reserve for professional bands. People could listen to them for a small cover charge, such as at the event on Sept. 3. Formal Proof will be performing at 7 and 9 p.m. at the bakery.
The Pastry Cutter is in Adobe Plaza on East Tefft Street in Nipomo, right next to Music School 101, where your humble columnist is a music teacher.
“It’s something Nipomo has needed for a long time,” Noah said. “Besides being next to the place where people go to get music lessons, I think it would be great for Nipomo to have a music scene. People will finally have a place to go to play and hear live music.
“And nothing goes better with rock’n’roll than fresh pastries,” he added.
Free music at Firestone
Firestone Winery presents the First Friday Free Concert Series featuring Do No Harm on Sept. 2 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Firestone, 5000 Zaca Station Road, Los Olivos. More info: prmarketingroup@yahoo.com.
Music at the Maverick
The Maverick Saloon in Santa Ynez hosts country band The Bellmores on Sept. 2 at 8:30 p.m., followed by DJPJ at 11:30 p.m. “Concert on the Deck” with The Bellmores is Sept. 3 at 3 p.m. The Bellmores perform Sept. 3 at 8:30 p.m., followed by DJPJ at 11:30 p.m. Karaoke Night is Sept. 6 at 9 p.m. Tickets are available at 688-0383.
Contact Calendar Editor Joe Payne at jpayne@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Sep 1-8, 2011.
