The Return of Live Music
Now that the world is starting to open up again, and by open up I mean quite literally open venue doors that have been closed since March of 2020, we rounded up a list of our favorite upcoming shows in the Southern California zone that we think you should attend. Live music not only inspires and encourages creativity, it connects a community where artists and freaks of all shapes and sizes can vibe off one another. This pandemic, to say the least, has been hard on local music. Most of these bands haven't played for over a year and they need our support. And don’t you miss the throbbing pain in your ears the night after a sweaty show? I’m ready. Are you? –Maya Eslami.
The Schizophonics @ Alex's Bar – Long Beach – Jul 17
Is your neck feeling unusually strong, free of knots and kinks and strain from a night of twisting and banging your head around like a rag doll? The Schizophonics will put that ache back into your morning with one of the first live shows of the summer.
The Paranoyds @ the Echo – Los Angeles – Jul 22
You know we’re huge fans of the ‘noyds. These babies played some of their first shows on the Echo’s stage. Their latest releases, “Pet Cemetery” and “Hotel Celebrity,” see the band evolving in style while maintaining their trademark sound, only tighter, honed.
Richard Rose + Repeater @ OC Tavern – San Clemente – Jul 23
Technically this show hasn’t been announced yet, but we thought we’d throw it on your radar for now. Richard Rose features members of Ex-Cult, GØGGS, and Grave Flowers Bongo Band, on sax no less. Wrap that up and you’ve got a heavy stage presence. Playing with Repeater, a ripping band we think you should keep an eye on. They’re about to have a huge summer…you’ll see.
PHOTO: TONY ACCOSTA
FEELS + Grave Flowers Bongo Band @ the Echo – Los Angeles – July 29
Head back to Echo Park for FEELS the following week and get another round of face-melting, heart-pounding rock ‘n’ roll bangers with fresh music and a new lineup from this LA-based quartet. Check out their latest video to get a preview here.
PHOTO: JONAH FREEMAN & JUSTIN LOWE
Superwolves @ Hollywood Forever Cemetery – Hollywood – Aug 2
Bonnie “Prince” BIlly and Matt Sweeney bring their infectious blend of folk rock ‘n’ roll spoken word whimsical and sometimes shreddy renditions about popsicles and a blue suit to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, the perfect setting for an intimate show full of surprises. And say hi to Dee Dee while you’re there.
Glitter Wizard @ Alex’s Bar – Long Beach – Aug 8
More fast-paced freak rock to damage your body and make your soul soar. San Francisco-based Glitter Wizard alternate between metal and psych to keep you on your toes. Watch them blow the dirt off the floor at Alex’s Bar.
Pachyman @ Zebulon – Los Angeles – Aug 13
Zebulon Cafe in Frog Town returns with the record release party for one-man dub band Pachyman, the project of multi-instrumentalist Pachy Garcia. Press play above. Imagine that for a full set. We’ll see you there.
H.E.R. @ Hollywood Bowl – Hollywood – Aug 13
On the other side of town, H.E.R. performs with the LA Philharmonic. What could that possibly entail? Grammy award-winning R&B artist. World-renowned orchestra. If you can front the ticket on this one, do it. Go find out for us. Send footage.
Limp Bizkit @ Hollywood Palladium – Hollywood – Aug 24
Are we serious about this one? Maybe. Maybe not. Either way, could be a fun night back in the world of large theater concerts. Fred Durst. Bet you haven’t thought about him in a long while. Choose your own adventure.
If you didn’t see a show you liked, check out Bandsintown, an exhaustingly comprehensive site for all upcoming shows.
