Music, History & Magic: The Story of Tiny Porch Concerts at Peter Strauss Ranch

In this exciting episode of On the Road with Paul Ward, we meet Mike Corridori, the visionary behind Tiny Porch Concerts. Mike shares the fascinating history of Peter Strauss Ranch, nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, where the concerts take place. From its roaring '20s past, to becoming an amusement park with animals, to finally becoming an iconic music venue, this ranch is full of stories. Mike also recounts the 2019 Wolsey Fire that impacted the area and how Tiny Porch Concerts rose from these challenges.

Mike explains how the concerts started in 2016 and evolved, overcoming the challenge of keeping the events free, intimate, and magical. He describes the variety of music that fills the ranch, highlights memorable performances like Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes, and shares how Nashville bands have become a staple in the lineup. Listeners will also learn how to make the most of their Tiny Porch experience, from bringing picnics and pets to supporting the concerts through donations to the Santa Monica Mountain Fund and/or becoming a sponsor.

 

Watch the full episode HERE:

 

0:00 Paul Ward introduces our guest, Mike Corridori of Tiny Porches Concerts

1:03 Mike Corridori gives us an awesome description of where Peter Strauss Ranch, where the Tiny Porch Concerts are held, is located

2:07 We learn the exciting history of Peter Strauss Ranch, how it ties to the Indy 500, and paints a beautiful picture of what the ranch looked like in the 1920s

4:20 Find out what happened to the ranch after the Roaring Twenties to include an amusement park, a pool and animals.

5:56 Mike Corridori tells us how Peter Strauss, an actor, became owner of the ranch

6:38 Peter Strauss donated the ranch to The National Park Service, who owns and operated the ranch now

7:02 The Wolsey Fire of 2019 destroyed portions of the ranch and the surrounding area  according to Mike Corridori 

7:54 We learn how Tiny Porches came about

9:16 Mike Corridori shares how he came up with ideas to overcome the request by The National Park Service for the concerts to be free

10:04 From the first concert in 2016 to now, Mike describes the evolution of Tiny Porches and how they find bands to play there

11:52 Learn about the type of music typically played, a few artists that have played, and how the setting makes Tiny Porches so magical

13:55 A story about when Taylor Goldsmith, of Dawes, performed at Tiny porches

15:03 Keeping Tiny Porches intimate and free is paramount for Mike Corridori’s vision

16:08 Find out what the future holds for Tiny Porches and how Mike Corridori hopes to keep improving on the overall experience 

18:24 How to learn more about Tiny Porches: www.tinyporchesconcerts.com, social media, and contacting Mike directly from the website and he will offer help in anyway he can

19:20 You can bring your own food and drink, including beer and wine, and make a picnic out of your concert experience

20:18 Why Nashville bands are attractive to Mike Corridori and how many concerts are in the Tiny Porch Series each year.

22:11 Where exactly The Peter Strauss Ranch is located.

22:47 Tiny Porches is a 501c3 and proceeds go to The Santa Monica Mountain Fund

23:36 A little more about the vibe of a Tiny Porches Concert, including the ability to bring your dog!

24:37 A little about the sponsors of Tiny Porches and they are always looking for more sponsors to keep the concerts going and enhance the experience

26:07 Thank you to our sponsor, Opus Escrow

 

Related Episodes:
Wings, Wrenches and Wise Cracks
Sage Brews: A Female-Owned Organic Brewery

 

For More Information on The Tiny Porches Concert Series:
www.tinyporchesconcerts.com 

 

Contact Paul Ward:
805-479-5004
paul@homeandranchteam.com

 

Have ideas for future episodes? We'd love to answer your questions - leave a comment! For any home buying or home selling needs in the Ventura County area of California, please reach out to Paul@HomeAndRanchTeam.com or visit www.HomeAndRanchTeam.com

 

A special THANK YOU to our sponsor, OPUS ESCROW! Farm Talk with Paul Ward would not be possible without the support of our sponsor Opus Escrow. Supporting our sponsor ensures Farm Talk can provide listeners with the best possible episodes.