The Boardwalk Podcast - Between Two Palms

In this episode of Between 2 Palms, Derek Clark sits down with producer and host Mikey Muscatello to uncover decades of stories behind The Boardwalk. From its origins as a country-western bar to becoming the hard rock hub of Northern California.

Highlights include:

• How The Boardwalk went from “Williams Place” in 1955 to today’s multi-genre performance venue.
• Legendary acts that cut their teeth here — Green Day, Paramore, Cake, Tesla, Deftones, and more.
• Derek’s mission to keep the venue alive while giving back over $90,000 to local charities.
• The uphill battle of booking bands in the Live Nation era.
• Future plans for comedy nights, tribute shows, and major charity events.

The conversation is equal parts music nostalgia, business insight, and heartfelt commitment to keeping local stages alive.

Timestamps

• 0:00 – Intro & history of the property before it was The Boardwalk
• 5:33 – Bootleg booze, horses, and the early saloon days
• 9:53 – The Aquarius Club, Cowtown Saloon, and other past lives
• 12:02 – Big names that played The Boardwalk before they blew up
• 16:36 – Fighting to keep small venues alive
• 20:56 – Saving The Boardwalk after Mark’s passing
• 27:03 – Why giving back is part of the mission
• 31:07 – Diversifying into comedy, tribute bands & more
• 34:18 – The nostalgia factor: bringing back ’80s, ’90s & local favorites
• 42:10 – The case for secret shows & grassroots marketing
• 53:23 – Why The Boardwalk matters to the community
• 56:53 – What’s next for the venue

🎶 Love live music? Subscribe to Between 2 Palms and follow The Boardwalk for upcoming shows, interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories.
📍 Visit rocktheboardwalk.com for tickets & events.
💖 Support our mission — come to a show, bring a friend, and keep Sacramento’s music scene alive.

Welcome to the very first episode of Live from the Boardwalk Stage: Between Two Palms with Derek Clark, a backstage pass to one of Sacramento’s most iconic music venues. In this premiere, Derek opens up about why he bought The Boardwalk, the power of live music, and the mission that drives it all.

You’ll hear the venue’s history (8,500+ shows and counting), how The Boardwalk gives back through the Aloha Initiative, and what it really takes to run an independent venue post-COVID.

Plus: an exclusive interview with Natalie Moore of CASA El Dorado, spotlighting the Hula for Hope fundraiser happening August 10th at The Boardwalk.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the scene, this is your all-access look at the heart, hustle, and aloha behind the music.

🎟️ Tickets + Events: rocktheboardwalk.com
📲 Follow: @rocktheboardwalk
📬 Contact: [email protected]