The Douglas Beach House, perched on Miramar Beach in Half Moon Bay, California, is a legendary oceanfront live music venue with a rich history dating back to 1964. It is home to the Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to presenting headliner jazz, classical, and world music in an intimate, beachfront setting. Just a short drive from San Francisco and Silicon Valley, the Bach offers a unique concert experience that combines the ambiance of a club with the beauty of the San Mateo County coast. The venue is known for its communal atmosphere, bringing musicians and audiences together in a special, intimate way, earning it the title of “the best small venue in the United States” from the many artists who have performed there.
After the passing of founder Pete Douglas in 2014, his daughter Barbara Douglas Riching took over as president, ensuring that her father’s legacy continues. Under her leadership, the Bach has entered a new era, continuing to offer the chamber-like setting that fosters a deep connection between performers and listeners. Over the years, the Douglas Beach House has hosted a roster of legendary musicians, including Betty Carter, Bill Evans, Dexter Gordon, and Etta James, along with classical greats like the Kronos Quartet. Its reputation as a premier music venue is further solidified by its inclusion in DownBeat magazine’s list of 2015’s “Great Jazz Venues.”
