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Party on, after the break!
Movies on Location - "Wayne's World" @ Cassell's Music (07/10/25)
Soundtrack for this adventure:
I've probably seen cult comedy masterpiece "Wayne's World" over a hundred times since experiencing the film on VHS back in the early 90s. This viewer still vividly remembers Ridley Scott's "1492: Conquest of Paradise" teaser trailer that played before the announcer presented "...our feature presentation". "Wayne's World" is a near perfect film that holds early musical memories for this cinephile. Of course I know every line & song presented in the film... what I didn't know until recently, was that parts of Wayne & Garth's "Aurora, Illinois" was actually just a few minutes away from my house.
And sadly, one of them were closing their doors after serving the community for decades.
Cassell's Music, in old town San Fernando, was a major location in "Wayne's World" playing host to "Excalibur"... a pricey highly sought after Fender Stratocaster that embodies Wayne's dreams throughout the film. I'm sure you know the scenes: "He does this every Friday" and "No Stairway to Heaven". They are pretty iconic and had given Cassell's and their owner - Ed Intagliata - cult status since the film premiered back in the early 90s. Forever changing the identity of a small corner music boutique into a mecca for hard rock movie fans.
The music shop has now become a famous hallmark in Hollywood's history upon its closure.
I immediately wanted to visit the shop when I heard that Cassell's Music was closing their doors in July, which led me down a rabbit hole. Discovering, thanks to a random comment on reddit surprisingly, that My Valley Pass were hosting a special screening of Wayne's World in Cassell's Music! One final party in such a special location? Couldn't miss that!
So I trekked down to the Valley to watch one of my favorite movies with Ed, his friends, family, and a bunch of hardcore Wayne & Garth fans.
The entire event ran smoothly as an attendee. I commend Jared & the My Valley Pass team for the hospitality. Quickly grabbed my provided drink & big delicious popcorn (presented by SFV's Kettle Kooked Popkorn) before saving a seat in the back. Made my way around the store soon after. Buying a Cassell's T-Shirt from Ed and taking Wayne's World memorabilia pictures... that includes a replica of "Excalibur" in its original plastic case and leftover set dressings used in the film. Love being a "Local Tourist".
Felt unreal in hindsight. Like I stepped into the film for a moment. You could feel the Hollywood energy, you know? The magic you usually feel in SoCal (whenever traffic isn't around). Something I felt ages ago when I worked on the Paramount & CBS Studios lots once upon a time.
The enchantment didn't stop as Jared & Ed shared their personal stories about how this film & SFV staple meant to both of them... before playing an additional funny video message from "Wayne's World" director, Penelope Spheeris, to begin the screening. All these little touches elevated this evening immensely. Even as the credits rolled and lights came on, Ed surprised us after the first screening with a special appearance from Cassandra herself, Tia Carrere!
*"Dream Weaver" by Gary Wright plays*
What I believe was going to be a quiet movie night turned out to be the "Mega Happy Ending" to lifetime for Ed & Cassell's Music. A final curtain call with all the best people and memories they had to offer. Leave no story untold! That's the best way to do it. Party On... forever more.
Enjoy the photos! More adventures (real) soon!
Photos
(Captured with my Samsung Galaxy S23 FE)
