Overheated bodies are packed together like sardines. Heads bob and knees bend to the music. Audience members croon along with the lead singer, dressed in tight white pants with a Superman shirt on, commanding the stage similar to the man he is imitating: Freddie Mercury.
The band behind him, all costumed as Freddie’s band mates, Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon, play their parts seamlessly, joining in with their fans celebrating the music of the much loved band, Queen, in their tribute band, Queen Nation.
Queen Nation is one of several bands that play at The Canyon, a restaurant/bar/music venue in Agoura Hills that offers a wide selection of musical acts and comedians. The Canyon is unique in that it hosts fantastic headliners and smaller bands all at a price befitting college student budgets.
“Every now and then you want to go have fun and not think about it or finance your house,” said The Canyon owner, Lance Sterling. The Canyon opened in 2000 after Sterling lost his job as a higher-up at the House of Blues to corporate takeover. His wife encouraged him to get back into the entertainment business and The Canyon was born.
The Canyon welcomes one to two country, alternative and punk bands, three to four rock bands and one large headliner a month. According to Sterling, The Canyon will be open about 320 out of 365 days this year.
The Canyon also acts as a base for a number of up and coming bands as well. Back in the day, Hoobastank used to play at the venue. Now a young band called Jetliner is in their old shoes.
“We love new bands,” said Sterling. “From 100 new bands we weed out 80 percent and from the 20 guys on stage, we get about four.”
There are a couple weekly attractions students may love to visit at The Canyon. One particularly popular with the college crowd is The Spazmatics, a group that pays homage to the 1980s with fun costumes, blasts from the pasts and popular dance tunes. The Spazmatics play The Canyon every Thursday at 10:30 p.m. and students can see the group for only $10.
“We try to keep the bands for young people shows between $10 and $20,” said Sterling. “We keep the ticket price low because it is a really good night out.”
Arguably, one of the most special things about The Canyon is the air of familiarity about it.
According to Sterling most guests come from about 10 miles away and come about eight times a year on average. This is something that recurring bands at The Canyon notice, including Queen Nation.
“I see so many familiar faces when I’m up onstage,” said Queen Nation guitarist Mike McManus. “Then you give everyone about 10 seconds of your time, then you go see another ‘family member.'”
For a list of upcoming acts and ticket information, visit www.CanyonClub.net. For more information about Queen Nation, visit www.QueenNation.com.
