Passing up a tour with Queens Of The Stone Age, Patrick ‘Hutch’ Hutchinson his longstanding FOH seat in order to renovate and repurpose an empty church building in Yucca Valley, California, close to the home he shares with partner Amanda B’Hymer in the artist-rich area of Joshua Tree. The building’s owner was open to their idea of transforming it into something that the entire community could use, and so, saying goodbye to the road, they took possession and began work.
They did bulk of the work themselves, which involved removing all of the pews and adding a stage and acoustical treatment: ‘We liked the bones of this building but it needed some help,’ Hutchinson says. The finished space consists of a main hall plus an assortment of small rooms that are set up as a green room, dressing rooms, and production type offices.
By the end of August 2017, the venue – now called La Grange – had booked their first meeting with a group, appropriately, formed by a trade organisation focused on supporting the local Morongo Basin businesses. In December, La Grange flexed its muscles by hosting its first concert – Oakland-based band Dirtwire – and put the Midas mixing/Turbosound Ploudspeaker system they has installed through its paces.
Already the venue has attracted notice and bookings are rolling in including a local theatre group, more concerts, and photo shoots. ‘We both like the idea of this being a place where people can express themselves,’[B’Hymer explains. ‘I’m interested in the idea of how we transform our souls, our beings through creative expression, which comes in all forms. We feel that we are hosting people here.’
The original Grange was a farmer’s association in the late 1800s that sponsored social activities, community service, and political lobbying. The couple’s affinity for ZZ Top ensured La Grange was the right name for the building.
More: www.lagrangeoldtown.com
