Dave Alvin joins the Museum’s Michael McCall to discuss growing up in Downey, California; forming the acclaimed roots-rock band the Blasters with his brother Phil; embarking on a solo career to emphasize his songwriting; and playing a pivotal role in the roots-rock and punk-rock communities in Los Angeles in the 1980s and 1990s. Accompanied by photos and videos, the program features acoustic performances of “Dry River,” “Fourth of July,” and “Border Radio.” This program was recorded on April 23, 2023, and offered in support of the Museum exhibition “Western Edge: The Roots and Reverberations of Los Angeles Country-Rock,” presented by City National Bank. This program was made possible in part by the Academy of Country Music.

California native Dave Alvin has been an active contributor to the Los Angeles roots-rock scene since the late 1970s. He was a founding member and lead guitarist of the Blasters and the Knitters and a key supporter of emerging acts such as Los Lobos and Lone Justice. As a solo artist, he has collaborated with his brother, Phil Alvin, Chris Gaffney, and Jimmie Dale Gilmore. Songs he has written have been recorded by the Blasters, X, and Dwight Yoakam, and he has produced music for Sonny Burgess, the Derailers, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, and Tom Russell.

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