Tuesday 03.16.10: WHITE STRIPES UNDER THE GREAT WHITE NORTHERN LIGHTS SCREENING @ echoplex

Join Us for a FREE all ages screening of
White Stripes Under the Great White Northern Lights! || Watch the Trailer

Screening starts at 8pm!
Film will be projected over the stage with seating and peppermint candies provided.

Click here to RSVP

@ Echoplex
enter at 1154 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

Doors at 7:30pm — Screening begins at 8pm / FREE / all ages

Tuesday 03.16.10: SPLEEN UNITED / TERRY POISON / MAD PLANET @ echo

Spleen United || Spleen United || Watch

For Danish band Spleen United, success in their home country came relatively quickly. Their high-energy synth-heavy rock earned them a gold record for their 2005 … (more) debut, Godspeed into the Mainstream, and by the time they released their 2008 follow-up, Neanderthal, their growing popularity sent the album straight to Number 1 – and garnered them yet another gold album and an arsenal of awards.

Led by brothers Bjarke and Gaute Niemann, Spleen United (which also includes members Kasper Nørlund, Rune Wehner and Janus Nevel Ringsted) now has its sights set on America: Neanderthal will be released Stateside through their producer Michael Patterson’s (She Wants Revenge, Ladytron, Beck) popantipop records in January 2010, followed by a proper U.S. tour.

with:
Terry Poison || Listen
Mad Planet || Listen

8:30pm / $8 / 18+

Sunday 04.04.10: Spaceland Productions & KCRW present An Evening with NELLIE MCKAY @ echoplex

Nellie McKay || Listen || Watch

What could notoriously eccentric young New York singer-songwriter Nellie McKay have in common with notoriously normal Hollywood icon Doris Day? The comparison only begins with McKay’s new album, Normal as Blueberry Pie: A Tribute to Doris Day.

McKay first declared her love of Doris Day in a 2007 book review she wrote for The New York Times. McKay wrote of the exemplary pop singer, whose wholesome persona made her Hollywood’s biggest female draw: “Her music is uncluttered, sensual and free, driven by an irrepressible will to live.”

But while Normal as Blueberry Pie wouldn’t be a Nellie McKay album if it weren’t a little kooky, McKay’s arrangements find a graceful midpoint between her postmodern cabaret and Day’s popped-up big-band singer with chops for miles. It emphasizes the purity McKay’s voice shares with Day’s. It, too, is uncluttered, sensual and free. – NPR

@ Echoplex
1154 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

Tickets purchased for Nellie McKays’ show at Alex Theatre on 3/28/10 will be honored at the Echoplex or 100% refunds are being offered. For a refund, please contact the point of purchase.

9pm / $23 advance, $26 day of show / All Ages

Friday 03.05.10: FIRST FRIDAYS with DEERTICK / EVEREST @ Natural History Museum

LIVE FROM FIRST FRIDAYS:

In the diorama hall:

Deer Tick
Everest

Labeled as one of Rolling Stone’s Top 5 Bands from SXSW in 2009, Deer Tick, will be kicking off their US tour this month at First Fridays. Don’t miss their country-rock must-see show. Los Angeles based Everest, who have opened for the likes of Neil Young and Wilco, have been hailed as the new face of American rock-and-roll.

DJs:

DJ Shortee
Them Jeans

@ Natural History Museum
900 Exposition Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90007

FMI: Natural History Museum

5:30pm / concert + museum pass= $15, museum pass= $2-$9 / All Ages

Sunday 03.28.10: The Los Angeles Rock N Roll Preservation Society presents POW FEST with THE STANDELLS / THE ZEROS / PETER CASE / PIERCED ARROWS / GIANT DRAG / TY SEGALL / LORDS OF ALTAMONT / SEAN WHEELER AND ZANDER SCHLOSS / LULLABYE ARKESTRA / GESTAPO KHAZI / LE FACE / CHARLIE AND THE MOONHEARTS / ROUGH KIDS / OKIE DOKIE / THE SPURTS / LUXURY SWEETS / THE JONES ACT / VOLAPIKE @ echoplex

with:
The Standells
The Zeros
Peter Case
Pierced Arrows
Giant Drag
Ty Segall
Lords of Altamont
Sean Wheeler & Zander Schloss
Lullabye Arkestra
Gestapo Khazi
Le Face
Charlie and the Moonhearts
Rough Kids
Okie Dokie
The Spurts
Luxury Sweets
The Jones Act
Volapike

@ Echoplex
enter at
1154 glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

12pm / $20 / All Ages

Sunday 03.07.10: PART TIME PUNKS – THE CURE NITE w/ guest DJ Alex (from AM/FM & TRANSISTOR) @ Echo

with:
DJ Alex (from AM/FM & TRANSISTOR)

resident dj Michael Stock spinning mutant disco * Postpunk * indiepop

FMI: Part Time Punks on Myspace

10pm / $5 / 18+

Thursday 04.01.10: The Onion & The AV Club present OUR DUMB BOOK EVENT with DIVISION DAY / TOM LENNON / BEN GARANT / MEGAN GANZ @ echoplex

OUR DUMB BOOK EVENT

Beautiful people of Los Angeles, reschedule your Botox appointments. Put that anal bleaching on hold. Stop doing whatever other lazy L.A. stereotype we can’t think of, and point your Prius in the direction of Echo Park: We’re coming to see you.

That’s right, the multimedia caravan around our Inventory book is coming to the Echoplex on April 1, and this time we’re bringing with us our siblings, The Onion—who have their own awesome book to promote. (Buy them together for a low low price here!) For one night only, staff members from both publications will be on hand to read, show videos, talk, and generally goof around for your enjoyment.

And we won’t be alone. Joining us will be Tom Lennon and Ben Garant (of Reno 911!, The State, and a bunch of other stuff), reading their guest lists from Inventory, Important Things With Demetri Martin writer—and former Onion scribe—Megan Ganz, L.A. band Division Day, and others TBA. It’s going to be crazy and fun, and you should most certainly come.

@ Echoplex
enter at
1154 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

7:30pm / $10 / 18+

Wednesday 05.05.10: DOSH / WHITE HINTERLAND / BATHS @ echo

Dosh || Listen || Watch || Mp3

Minneapolis-based electronic/ambient electronic musician Martin Dosh returns with his fifth album, which will feature a guest vocal by collaborator Andrew Bird (who used a track from Dosh’s last CD as a rhythm track on his Noble Beast CD). The CD is the follow up to 2008’s Wolves & Wishes and is touted as being more improvisational and instrumentally full than that effort. Along with sampled sounds, 15 musicians were employed, chiming in on everything from acoustic bass to pedal steel to Mini Korg. The album’s title isn’t a reference to the Who’s rock opera; instead it’s a tribute to Dosh’s longtime soundman and friend, Tom Cesario, who died two years ago. – Prefix Mag

with:
White Hinterland || Listen
Baths

8:30pm / $8 advance, $10 day of show / 18+

Wednesday 04.21.10: When You Awake Presents MEGAFAUN / BREATHE OWL BREATHE / HI HO SILVER OH @ echo

Megafaun || Listen || Watch

“Plant that flag on solid ground,” advise the members of Megafaun on their second album, Gather, Form & Fly. The trio– comprised of brothers Brad and Phil Cook and Joe Westerlund– sing that admonition repeatedly, in boisterous unison, yet they have no intention of taking such advice, at least not musically. In fact, since the disbanding of their previous band DeYarmond Edison (with Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon), they have celebrated the joys of shaky foundations, creating ingeniously ramshackle folk rock that combines acoustic instruments and mountain harmonies with obtuse sound collages, meandering song structures, and abstract passages featuring the most psychedelic banjo imaginable. As if to illustrate this point, they’ve even designed the album cover so that it works either as a square or as a diamond, the subtle shift of landscape revealing new ambiguities.

“Solid Ground” kicks off with a dirty guitar riff and a walking bass line, unfolding as a formally repetitive blues. This type of structure– the same line three times, followed by a new fourth line– is perhaps the most solid ground in rock, yet Megafaun make it slippery by adding a squealing solo whose feedback emanates not from a guitar, but from a closely mic’ed blues harmonica. Near the end, the casual midtempo groove threatens to fall apart as the instruments break stride, but Megafaun manage to keep it together. Averse to predictability and sentimentality, the band is restless with established forms, yet instead of subverting blues and folk traditions, they upend them. Their ends are deconstructive, not destructive. – Pitchfork

with:
Breathe Owl Breathe || Listen
Hi Ho Silver Oh || Listen

8:30pm / $8 advance, $10 day of show / 18+

Sunday 03.07.10: EARTHWORM ENSEMBLE @ echo (Early show – Kid’s show)

Earthworm Ensemble || Listen

Earthworm Ensemble, a new group which includes members of the acclaimed Los Angeles alt-Americana band I See Hawks in L.A., will release its first family friendly CD by the same name on February 16, 2010. Rocking guitars, fiddles, steel guitar, accordion, psychedelic bass and drum grooves, and rich vocal harmonies, make Earthworm Ensemble the new standout in family music.

Featuring a diverse range of musical styles, including country, folk, Americana, rock and New Orleans funk, Earthworm Ensemble includes 11 original songs that will bear repeated listening by kids of all ages. These songs offer an imaginative, child’s eye view of nature and the universe, with light and humorous touches throughout. “Bang a Drum” is a deceptively simple percussive piece that will get kids up off the couch and banging along to the beat. A healthy, DIY message is humorously delivered in the father-to-son song “Pizza Moon,” and we can come along for the ride on old-timey songs like “The Traveling Train” and “Walking Boy.”

The authentic and fresh sound of Earthworm Ensemble comes from a who’s who of California folk/country artists. I See Hawks in L.A. artists Paul Lacques, Shawn Nourse and Paul Marshall are joined by host of talented friends and family. The artists have variously played in bands with Emmylou Harris, Dwight Yoakam, Sly Stone, the Strawberry Alarm Clock and John Denver. The wistful voices of the Chapin Sisters (including two of Tom Chapin’s daughters) add a sweet and soulful element to three of the tracks, including the resonant lullaby “Good Night Little Spaceship.” The CD also features Discovery Science Channel host and country rapper Zachariah and TexMex/bluegrass vocalist Christina Ortega.

2pm / $5 / All Ages

Monday 03.15.10: Echo & Warp Records present GONJASUFI (dj set) / GASLAMP KILLER / MAIN FRAME @ echoplex

GONJASUFI || Watch (dj set)

In pairing with L.A. producer Gaslamp Killer, Gonjasufi has found a powerful outlet for his otherworldly strain of singing. Together they’ve created A Sufi and a Killer, one of the most fascinating slabs of hallucinogenic head-nod music to arise from Southern California’s post-hip-hop vanguard. Unlike the digital bleeps and squelches of SoCal contemporaries FlyLo and Nosaj Thing, however, Gaslamp Killer and Gonjasufi draw from their hip-hop background to create an LP that could as easily fit on the Stones Throw roster as well as it does IDM-centric Warp. The beats knock, but for every moment of b-boy-friendly atmosphere, there’s another moment– or a simultaneous one– that makes like 21st century acid rock.

Gonjasufi’s vocals are both haunting and haunted, coolly assertive yet frequently fixated on mortal matters, and they bleed vividly through Gaslamp’s corroded analog wall of zero-fi psychedelic noise. The results are stark: Brooding, bad-trip laments (“Kobwebz”), a doo-wop number punctuated by spacey twang (“Duet”), a warping of the blues (“Ageing”). Even the more straightforward stuff has a grimy quality to it, particularly the heavy soul of “Change”, the bar-jazz tension of “Advice”, and the woozy “Kowboys & Indians” with its Eastern vocals looped against a rust-covered revision of club rap beats circa 2003. – Pitchfork

with:
THE GASLAMP KILLER
MAIN FRAME

plus specials guests

@ Echoplex
enter at 1154 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

9pm / $8 advance, $10 day of show / 18+

Saturday 03.06.10: 826LA, Origami & Echo present CHICKENS IN LOVE with THE SUBMARINES / THAO NGUYEN / PITY PARTY / SUMMER DARLING @ echoplex & echo

Chickens In Love: An 826LA Benefit Show

with live performances from:

The Submarines || Listen
Thao Nguyen
The Pity Party
Summer Darling || Listen

+ More artists TBD!

A one-day all-ages MINI MUSIC FESTIVAL is scheduled for March 6, 2010 at the Echoplex, featuring The Submarines, Summer Darling, The Happy Hollows, The Growlers, and more! Get in the mood with punk rock hairdos from The Hive Hair Shop, rocker accessories from local LA designers, burgers from Grill ‘Em All Food Truck, and more.

CHICKENS IN LOVE is a full-length album of original songs with lyrics written by 826LA students and recorded by Los Angeles recording artists. This album will feature recordings by She & Him, Fiona Apple, Cold War Kids, Tim and Eric, The Submarines, Summer Darling, The Happy Hollows, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Dum Dum Girls, The Growlers, Crystal Antlers, and The Pity Party!

Enter at
Echoplex
1154 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

12pm / $15 / All Ages

Saturday 02.20.10: MISHKA LA GRAND OPENING PARTY with WAVVES / BEST COAST / THE FRANKS / 12TH PLANET / FRANKI CHAN / KILLING SPREE / hosted by ANDY MILONAKIS @ echoplex

So I’m sure you guys all know we’re opening the Los Angeles chapter of Мишка on February 20th in Echo Park. The shop will open at noon and there will be exclusives, Spring 2010 product and just an all-around jovial atmosphere. From 7-9pm we’ll also be having an opening reception in the shop with some drinks and music and invite everyone from the community and greater Los Angeles area to come by. But as soon as that’s over we’re going to show the West one of those things we do best, and that’s throw a party! And boy do we have a party for you guys…

It’ll be a riotous evening as we brought in DJs like your West Coast Dubstep Champion, 12th Planet who’ll be doing a set w/ Ras Kass (yes that Ras Kass), Franki Chan of IHEARTCOMIX and the Killing Spree duo of Gibby & Zane is Trouble who’ll bring the dark and dancey to the dance floor. And if that wasn’t already enough for a great party, we couldn’t not have a few bands perform now could we? We brought in West Coast Lo-Fi heavy weight such as Wavves and Best Coast along with very awesome The Franks to keep the party rocking all night long. But wait… that still isn’t everything! The cherry on top of it all is that your host of the evening will be none other than Andy Milonakis, who’ll be gracing you all with laughs and I’m sue a few impromptu freestyles. Who knows, he may even battle the elusive Turd Wolf if we get enough liquor in him.

with:
Wavves || Listen
Best Coast
The Franks || Listen
12th Planet
Franki Chan
Killing Spree

Hosted By:
Andy Milonakis

@ Echoplex
enter at
1154 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

RSVP: rsvp@mishkanyc.com

FMI: MishkaNYC.com

9pm / FREE with RSVP / 21+

Tuesday 03.23.10: ASTEROIDS GALAXY TOUR / WALLPAPER / WHITE APPLE TREE @ echo

The Asteroids Galaxy Tour || Listen

The current fascination with mid-60s soul isn’t just confined to British performers. The Asteroids Galaxy Tour are a Danish duo, with additional musicians for gigs, who give the sounds of Stax and Motown a sort of sunny, summery, almost psychedelic air. The rhythms are basic, direct and insistent, the melodies so instantly infectious you’ll probably think you’ve heard them before, and there is a horn section (including trumpet and sax) to give the songs that all-important soul-revue feel – the group’s name even sounds like a cosmic version of one of those 60s soul package tours. – Guardian

with:
Wallpaper
White Apple Tree

8:30pm / $15.00 / 18+

Saturday 03.27.10: Aquarium Drunkard & Spaceland Productions present WAVED OUT Music Festival with SURFER BLOOD / BEST COAST / TURBOFRUITS / ACTIVE CHILD / THE COATHANGERS / DIRST DRESS / GAMBLE HOUSE / THE PO PO / MOON DUO / SANDWITCHES / FAMILY PORTRAIT / SUPERHUMANOIDS / TAPEDECK MOUNTAIN / GIANT CLOUD / PIZZA! / APES OF WRATH @ Echoplex & Echo

Aquarium Drunkard is pleased to be teaming up with Spaceland Productions to present WAVED OUT: an all ages – two room festival at The Echo and Echoplex in Los Angeles on Saturday March 27th. 

The first of more to come, WAVED OUT will showcase the best of new music with performances by
Surfer Blood
Best Coast
Turbofruits
Active Child
The Coathangers
Dirt Dress
Gamble House
The Po Po
Moon Duo
The Sandwitches
Family Portrait
Superhumanoids
Tapedeck Mountain
Giant Cloud
Pizza!
Apes of Wrath

Plus:
KXLU
Origami Vinyl
Hit & Run
Ice Cream Man

Hosted by:
Matt Dwyer
Matt Braunger

Enter at
Echoplex
1154 Glendale Blvd
Los Aggeles, CA 90026

3:30pm / $10 / All Ages

Friday 03.05.10: Club Underground & Echo present SHADOW SHADOW SHADE / BIXBY KNOLLS / RHONE OCCUPATION @ echo

Shadow Shadow Shade

A year ago last week, I wrote that L.A. septet Afternoons were a good bet to release one of the finest albums of 2009. So much for my crystal ball.

Instead, the business of writing, recording and releasing new material has moved glacially (and carefully) for the band, whose operatic pop anthems grabbed L.A. by the ears in 2008. Finally, at the outset of 2010, there is news to report: The group has changed its name to Shadow Shadow Shade (no MySpace page for that moniker yet) and has nearly completed a six-song release of all-new material.

Setting aside local favorites such as “Say Yes” and “Love Is a Western Word” for the time being, the band worked much of the year on new songs — as well as paid attention to its new management/legal team, which told the band in no uncertain terms that a name change was in order because the Welsh pop band the Afternoons were there first.

“It’s been six months of wracking our brain for a name,” says singer-guitarist Brian Canning, who explains that he and mates Aaron Burrows, Brent Turner, Claire McKeown, Sam Johnson, Steven Scott and Thomas Biller finally thrashed out a new name during a band meeting at a bar. That followed, Turner says, one 24-hour stretch that saw more than 250 e-mails exchanged between members.

The new material? It’s 35-plus minutes of music, somewhere between and full-length and an EP, and still subject to some editing, Canning says. “I want to call it a concept EP, but I shouldn’t say that because it sounds too indulgent,” he says. “Let’s just say the songs are long, and flow into one another.”

OK, so … Bands to Watch, 2010: Shadow Shadow Shade. – Buzz Bands

with
The Bixby Knolls
The Rhone Occupation

CLUB UNDERGROUND
resident DJs spinning the best in Brit / Indie / Soul / Twee / Madchester / Punk / Glam

FMI: ClubUnderground.net

8:30pm / $8 / 18+

Monday 04.12.10: CRYSTAL CASTLES / HEALTH / DJ PAUL V. @ echoplex

Crystal Castles || Watch

Crystal Castles played a typically raucous show at the Leeds Festival this afternoon (August 29), with singer Alice Glass leaping into the crowd and spending much of the set propped up by audience members as she sang.

The electronic duo – with Ethan Kath on keyboards and effects and a live drummer – were playing on the NME/Radio 1 Stage on the second day of the event.

It wasn’t long into the set before black-clad Glass began her high-octane stage antics, mounting the drum kit to sing during ‘Courtship Dating’.

Then, during ‘Reckless’, she leapt into the front row, still singing as fans and security guards held her aloft.

She eventually clambered back onto the stage, grabbing a strobe lamp during ‘Crimewave’ and spitting into the photo pit.

She later returned to the front row, where she spent most of the final 20 minutes of the set.

The band ended their set with ‘Intimate’, Glass curling up onstage to rest, before leaving the arena clasping a bottle of whisky to huge cheers. – NME

with:
Health || Listen
DJ Paul V.

@ Echoplex
Enter at 1154 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

9pm / $20 advance, $23 day of show / 18+

Friday 03.26.10: Echo and FYF presents YACHT / BOBBY BIRDMAN / SMALL BLACK / WASHED OUT / PICTUREPLANE @ echoplex

YACHT || Listen || Watch

Jona Bechtolt– founding member of YACHT, former member of the Blow– is a huge talent, something that may not have been readily apparent on any of his three previous LPs. Those albums, created largely as solo endeavors, will not have prepared listeners for See Mystery Lights. Now an official partnership between Bechtolt and Claire L. Evans, who performed on several songs on 2007′s I Believe In You, Your Magic Is Real, YACHT finally feel like a full-fledged band with direction and vision, particularly given the added weight (or rather, levity) of Evans’ influence.

The songs on See Mystery Lights– from the bouncy, burbling you-can’t-take-it-with-you screed “The Afterlife” (which plays like a less spastic companion piece to the Mae Shi’s “Run to Your Grave”) to the roller rink-ready vocoder vocals of “I’m In Love With a Ripper”– represent YACHT at their most poppy. It’s a collection of stone jams that finds the band finally as hellbent on experimenting and expanding the boundaries of its sonic scope as it is on having fun. Built on electronic foundations– laser effects, skittering computerized beats, and spacey synth lines (or guitar riffs that have been tuned or distorted to sound like synths)– these new songs are giddy with creative freedom while remaining tethered in service of their melodies. The vocal melodies are bright and buoyant, but delivered (by either band member, or in unison) in a chanted, oftentimes detached monotone that plays up the repetitive lyrics’ mantra-like feel and adds a welcome undercurrent of slacker cool to their otherwise sugary optimism.- Pitchfork

with:
Bobby Birdman || Listen
Small Black || Listen
Washed Out || Listen
Pictureplane || Listen

@ Echoplex
enter at 1154 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

8pm / $12 advance, $14 day of show / All Ages

Wednesday 03.10.10: ABE VIGODA / LOVVERS / THE BLACK APPLES @ echo

Abe Vigoda || Listen || Watch

Along with Women, Dirty Projectors and Wavves, Abe Vigoda is chipping away at our expectations of how a 21st century rock band should function.

Reviver doesn’t simply take the concepts laid down in Skeleton and give them a novel new twist. Instead, this is the sound of a completely different band, barely recognizable from the fumbling, itchy and trebly guitars that prickled through tracks like “Dead City/Waste Wilderness” from the preceding record. They’ve undergone a process of attrition, of paring down the Abe Vigoda sound until it represents something totally new. All the energy and ideas poured into their music have been un-learned and spewed out into a different musical space. – Prefix Mag

with:
Lovvers || Listen
The Black Apples

8:30pm / $8 advance, $10 day of show / 18+

Thursday 02.18.10: CROOKED COWBOY AND THE FRESHWATER INDIANS / CAIRO GANG / JOHNNY O’DONNEL AND FAMOUS PLAYERS / JOHN WEBSTER JOHNS @ echo

Crooked Cowboy and The Freshwater Indians || Watch

Crooked Cowboy are a little hard to define. You could say they play folk music, or country, or folk-rock, and you wouldn’t necessarily be wrong. But after seeing them live, these labels would be so limiting. When you look at them as whole, the best way to describe them would be ghost-cowboy rock on acid.

That’s right, ghost cowboy rock on acid. Marianne Williams’ voice was ethereal, an otherworldly call above Brendan Willard’s steady, growling vocals. The guitarist didn’t provide a predictable country twang, but instead sounded a lot more on the psyche rock side. And with his drum sticks pounding away at a giant tom-tom drum, their drummer, Nick Murray could really drum. Not to mention Williams’ use of a celesta, a small metal-xylophone piano.

Crooked Cowboy sang songs about silver six shooters, gypsy lovers, and bumpy roads. A few band members stayed true to the cowboy theme, wearing old Wild-West-style hats and clothes (the nice looking kind, not the cheesy looking kind). All throughout their set, giant stage projections displayed above their heads. The multimedia often multiplied a live feed of the band, creating a trippy feel. Distorted clips from Todd Browning’s 1932 film Freaks mixed with blurred videos of strippers pole dancing. It was a little bizarre and completely fitting for the band. – Loudvine

with:
Cairo Gang
Johnny O ‘Donnel and Famous Players
John Webster Johns || Listen

8pm / $7 / 18+

Saturday 03.06.10: BOOTIE LA with DJ MORGOTH (from Bootie Berlin) @ echoplex

BOOTIE LA
LA’s monthly mashup bootleg party

BOOTIE BERLIN comes to LA!
From Germany, special guest:
DJ MORGOTH
Creator of the Rick Astley vs. Nirvana Rick-Rolling YouTube internet meme!

Resident Bootie DJs:
ADRIAN & the MYSTERIOUS D
DJ PAUL V.

Midnight Mashup Show: resident dance crew
R.A.I.D. (Random Acts of Irreverent Dance) –

BOOTIE BERLIN is coming to LA! DJ MORGOTH, the party-starter behind Bootie’s branch in Berlin, is the infamous creator of last year’s Rick-Rolling internet meme sensation, the ridiculous Rick Astley vs. Nirvana mashup, “Never Gonna Give Your Teen Spirit Up,” which got over two million views on YouTube before being pulled down. The video garnered media attention around the world, from VH1′s “Best Week Ever”, to The Guardian UK, to Justin Timberlake’s own web site!

And for the Midnight Mashup Show, resident dance crew R.A.I.D. (Random Acts of Irreverent Dance) will take over the stage in all their gold-suited glory for another show-stopping dance performance.

Launched in 2003, Bootie was the first club night in the United States dedicated solely to the burgeoning artform of the bootleg mashup — and is now the biggest mashup event in the world, with monthly parties in eight cities on three continents. Mixing and matching every conceivable musical genre, era, and style into one big dance party where everyone feels welcome, Bootie provides the soundtrack for the A.D.D. generation.

Resident DJs Adrian, Mysterious D, and Paul V. keep your brain guessing and body dancing with creative song combinations, celebrating — and satirizing — the many different forms of music. And free mashup CDs will be given away like candy!

FREE Bootie CDs to the first 100 people through the door!

@ Echoplex
enter at
1154 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

9pm / $5 before 10 pm, $10 after / 21+

Saturday 02.13.10: The Hear Gallery, Solid Gold, and Everyday Presents THE 3RD ANNUAL “LOVERS & STRANGERS” VALENTINES ART & MUSIC FESTIVAL with THE IDYLLIST / RADIO FREQ / WHITE ARROWS / XANIMO @ echoplex

The Hear Gallery, Solid Gold, and Everyday Presents:

THE 3RD ANNUAL “LOVERS & STRANGERS” VALENTINES ART & MUSIC FESTIVAL!

Bands:
9- THE IDYLLISTS
10- RADIO FREQ
11- WHITE ARROWS
12- XANIMO

Djs inside:
- DJ N
- ANA CALDERON
- DORIAN
- MAURICE DE LA FALAISE
- DIRTY DAVE
- more TBA

Djs outside:
- FRESH 2 DEATH
- ED GOLD
- more TBA

Artists:
- A mash up 30 LIVE artists total!
presented by: The Hear Gallery, Hive Gallery, & Everyday Art Collective.

PHOTOS:
- SHADOWSCENE
- LEO SHOOTS YOU
- GET FAMOUS

PHOTOBOOTH :
- JOHNNY MARONEY (A SPEICAL VALENTINE ART BOOTH )

***LIVE DOCUMENTARY FILMING BY: THE INDIE WORKFORCE

HOST:
- PINGPING
- BJ PANDA BEAR

***CATERING BY: BOLD TACOS

@ Echoplex
enter at
1154 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

8pm / $8 before 10pm, $10 after / 18+

Monday 03.29.10: Monday Night Residency – THE DELTA MIRROR / PITY PARTY / SPIRIT VINE / BORNEO @ echo

The Delta Mirror || Listen || Watch || MP3

A certain strain of recent indie rock seems to be taking an unusual interest in illness and death. You could blame Arcade Fire, the sad loss of whose family members only happened to lead to one of the most universally acclaimed independent releases of the past decade. Last year, the Antlers’ Hospice focused an entire album on the subject of a man with terminal bone cancer. Now L.A. trio the Delta Mirror’s upcoming Lefse debut, Machines That Listen, sets each of its nine songs in a different room of the hospital.
This slow, layered ballad “He Was Worse Than the Needle He Gave You” stands out not for its pathos-ridden subject matter– I’m still not sure I know exactly what it’s about– but rather its restrained emotional gutpunch, which it achieves with a simple but catchy tune and dramatically expansive production. Imagine the Big Pink’s electro-shoegaze explosions sounding vulnerable. “I’ve got too much time on my hands,” goes a gothy male vocal, and before long we find out the reason why– and the guy responsible won’t fucking be held responsible. The next time the Delta Mirror sing those words, at the end of the song, their meaning has changed. Damage done. – Pitchfork

with:
The Pity Party
Spirit Vine || Listen
Borneo

8:30pm / FREE / 21+

Monday 03.22.10: THE FREQUENCY / C-HORSE / THOUSAND DOZEN GLOVES @ echo

The Frequency || Listen || Watch || MP3

Haven’t posted a 15 minute plus track on here in ages – actually, come to think of it I’m not sure I ever have, which is a travesty as most of the best songs stretch to a good quarter of an hour.

LA’s The Frequency aren’t afraid to take you on a pyschedelic meander and this opus clocks in at 17’34″, rinsing your ears with woozy slide guitar for a quick four minutes before taking you off to planet pachouli for an epic trip that’s by turns Jonestowny, Floydy and Spiritualizedy.

So slow down, stop, turn off Twitter and shut out the outside world for a bit. Or play Battleships. – NME

with:
C-Horse
Thousand Dozen Gloves

8:30pm / FREE / 21+

Monday 03.15.10: Monday Night Residency – THE DELTA MIRROR / POP NOIR / CANNONEERS / TIGERS CAN BITE YOU @ echo

The Delta Mirror || Listen || Watch || MP3

A certain strain of recent indie rock seems to be taking an unusual interest in illness and death. You could blame Arcade Fire, the sad loss of whose family members only happened to lead to one of the most universally acclaimed independent releases of the past decade. Last year, the Antlers’ Hospice focused an entire album on the subject of a man with terminal bone cancer. Now L.A. trio the Delta Mirror’s upcoming Lefse debut, Machines That Listen, sets each of its nine songs in a different room of the hospital.
This slow, layered ballad “He Was Worse Than the Needle He Gave You” stands out not for its pathos-ridden subject matter– I’m still not sure I know exactly what it’s about– but rather its restrained emotional gutpunch, which it achieves with a simple but catchy tune and dramatically expansive production. Imagine the Big Pink’s electro-shoegaze explosions sounding vulnerable. “I’ve got too much time on my hands,” goes a gothy male vocal, and before long we find out the reason why– and the guy responsible won’t fucking be held responsible. The next time the Delta Mirror sing those words, at the end of the song, their meaning has changed. Damage done. – Pitchfork

with:
Pop Noir || Listen
The Cannoneers
Tigers Can Bite You

8:30pm / FREE / 21+

Monday 03.08.10: Monday Night Residency – THE DELTA MIRROR / ALEXANDRA HOPE / CORRIDOR / SISTER CRAYON @ echo

The Delta Mirror || Listen || Watch || MP3

A certain strain of recent indie rock seems to be taking an unusual interest in illness and death. You could blame Arcade Fire, the sad loss of whose family members only happened to lead to one of the most universally acclaimed independent releases of the past decade. Last year, the Antlers’ Hospice focused an entire album on the subject of a man with terminal bone cancer. Now L.A. trio the Delta Mirror’s upcoming Lefse debut, Machines That Listen, sets each of its nine songs in a different room of the hospital.
This slow, layered ballad “He Was Worse Than the Needle He Gave You” stands out not for its pathos-ridden subject matter– I’m still not sure I know exactly what it’s about– but rather its restrained emotional gutpunch, which it achieves with a simple but catchy tune and dramatically expansive production. Imagine the Big Pink’s electro-shoegaze explosions sounding vulnerable. “I’ve got too much time on my hands,” goes a gothy male vocal, and before long we find out the reason why– and the guy responsible won’t fucking be held responsible. The next time the Delta Mirror sing those words, at the end of the song, their meaning has changed. Damage done. – Pitchfork

With:
Alexandra Hope
Sister Crayon
Corridor

8:30pm / FREE / 21+

Monday 03.01.10: Monday Night Residency – THE DELTA MIRROR / NALEPA / HEALAMONSTER & TARSIER / FULL FRONTAL @ echo

The Delta Mirror || Listen || Watch || MP3

A certain strain of recent indie rock seems to be taking an unusual interest in illness and death. You could blame Arcade Fire, the sad loss of whose family members only happened to lead to one of the most universally acclaimed independent releases of the past decade. Last year, the Antlers’ Hospice focused an entire album on the subject of a man with terminal bone cancer. Now L.A. trio the Delta Mirror’s upcoming Lefse debut, Machines That Listen, sets each of its nine songs in a different room of the hospital.
This slow, layered ballad “He Was Worse Than the Needle He Gave You” stands out not for its pathos-ridden subject matter– I’m still not sure I know exactly what it’s about– but rather its restrained emotional gutpunch, which it achieves with a simple but catchy tune and dramatically expansive production. Imagine the Big Pink’s electro-shoegaze explosions sounding vulnerable. “I’ve got too much time on my hands,” goes a gothy male vocal, and before long we find out the reason why– and the guy responsible won’t fucking be held responsible. The next time the Delta Mirror sing those words, at the end of the song, their meaning has changed. Damage done. – Pitchfork

With:
Napela || Listen
Healamonster and Tarsier
Full Frontal

8:30pm / FREE / 21+

Sunday 02.14.10: The Center for Nonviolent Education and Parenting presents FAMILY DANCE PARTY & FUNDRAISER @ echoplex (early show – enter on sunset)

@ Echoplex
enter through Sunset Entrance
1822 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

2pm / all ages

Saturday 04.24.10: FUNKY SOLE @ echo

with DJs:
Music Man Miles
Clifton AKA Soft Touch

FMI: Funky Sole on Myspace

10pm / FREE / 21+

Saturday 04.17.10: FUNKY SOLE @ echo

with DJs:
Music Man Miles
Clifton AKA Soft Touch

FMI: Funky Sole on Myspace

10pm / FREE / 21+

Saturday 04.10.10: FUNKY SOLE @ echo

with DJs:
Music Man Miles
Clifton AKA Soft Touch

FMI: Funky Sole on Myspace

10pm / FREE / 21+

Saturday 04.03.10: FUNKY SOLE @ echo

with DJs:
Music Man Miles
Clifton AKA Soft Touch

FMI: Funky Sole on Myspace

10pm / FREE / 21+

Wednesday 04.28.10: DUB CLUB @ echoplex

with Resident DJs:
Tom Chasteen
Roy Corderoy
The Dungeonmaster
Boss Harmony

Spinning the best in classic reggae, dub and dancehall

@ Echoplex
1154 Glendale Blvd
(Main Entrance is through Alley)
Los Angeles, CA 90026

9pm / $5 / 21+

Wednesday 04.21.10: DUB CLUB presents MICHAEL ROSE backed by DUBTONIC KRU / ELJAI @ echoplex

Michael Rose

Michael Rose started his recording career as a solo artist for record producers Yabby You and Niney the Observer. He joined Black Uhuru in 1977 after the departure of Don Carlos and Garth Dennis. He led them to international success in the early 1980s, with hits like “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner”.

They won the first-ever Grammy Award for reggae in 1985 for the album Anthem, with the hallmark voice of Rose in the forefront.
After the release of Anthem, Rose left Black Uhuru and retired to the Blue Mountains in Jamaica to start a coffee farm. He returned to record a new string of Sly and Robbie produced singles.

Since then he has continued to record and tour , performing recently at the Hollywood Bowl. He is one the few roots singers who can still claim to rule the dancehall in Jamaica. In 2007 he recorded the number 1 Jamaican single “Shoot Out” for producer John John. This will be a big night at Dub Club!

backed by
Dubtonic Kru
Dubtonic Kru are one of the top studio and backing bands out of Jamaica

Opening the show will be the powerfully voiced LA based Belizean reggae artist
Eljai

@ Echoplex
1154 Glendale Blvd
(Main Entrance is through Alley)
Los Angeles, CA 90026

9pm / $10 advance, $15 at the door / 21+

Wednesday 04.14.10: DUB CLUB presents MAD PROFESSOR @ echoplex

Mad Professor

The name Mad Professor was first given to Neil Fraser by friends at school, who were amazed by the experiments he carried out as a youth. Having built a radio and telephone system at the age of 10 years, it was no surprise that his interest and subsequent career in electronics along with a love of Motown, Philadelphia International, Treasure Isle and music of all types propelled him onward. In the early Eighties, having built his own mixing desk, he launched the Ariwa Studio/ label . Early works include sessions with Ruts DC, Mikey Dread, Johnny Clarke and many more international artists. DUB ME CRAZY, the first in a 12 part series of albums, was to become his beacon for the label. With an episode being issued every year, the titles all told a different story. Beyond the Realms of dub – Dub me crazy Pt2, The African Connection – Dub me crazy Pt3, and Dub me crazy Pt 7 – Adventures of a dub sampler. The distinct variation and surprising sound effects were unique for this time. Dub, and the cool sound and clarity of his mixing encouraging many artists to the growing label. By the mid Nineties, Mad Professor’s profile increased to legendary status after remixing Massive Attack’s second album, Protection. By 1998 the Ariwa record catalogue contained over 155 titles including over 30 dub albums from Mad Professor, 3 albums from U-Roy including the classic True Born African, 7 albums from the Upsetter, Lee Scratch Perry and many classic Lovers Rock albums.Fresh demand for the live dub show has taken the Ariwa Sound to many far flung places. In 2003 Mad Professor was invited to play at the Greenpeace festival in Manáus, Brazil. Since then, Mad Professor has become an annual visitor to South America, Playing also Argentina, Chile, and Venezuela, Australia, New Zealand, Estonia, Portugal. In 2005 the dub show played Seoul in Korea, driving several hundreds of fans crazy to the warbler sounds. Bangkok in Thailand in 2006 and Goa in India in 2007, courtesy of the Big Chill. the Mad Traveller also played Dakar, courtesy of the Senegalese govt. Mad Professor is also involved in the Back to Africa festival, an annual celebration in the Gambia, committed to the positive movement of descendants of Africans, back to Africa.

with Resident DJs:
Tom Chasteen
Roy Corderoy
The Dungeonmaster
Boss Harmony

Spinning the best in classic reggae, dub and dancehall

@ Echoplex
1154 Glendale Blvd
(Main Entrance is through Alley)
Los Angeles, CA 90026

9pm / $10 / 21+

Wednesday 04.07.10: DUB CLUB @ echoplex

with Resident DJs:
Tom Chasteen
Roy Corderoy
The Dungeonmaster
Boss Harmony

Spinning the best in classic reggae, dub and dancehall

@ Echoplex
1154 Glendale Blvd
(Main Entrance is through Alley)
Los Angeles, CA 90026

9pm / $5 / 21+

Wednesday 03.31.10: DUB CLUB @ echoplex

with Resident DJs:
Tom Chasteen
Roy Corderoy
The Dungeonmaster
Boss Harmony

Spinning the best in classic reggae, dub and dancehall

@ Echoplex
1154 Glendale Blvd
(Main Entrance is through Alley)
Los Angeles, CA 90026

9pm / $5 / 21+

Wednesday 03.24.10: DUB CLUB @ echoplex

with Resident DJs:
Tom Chasteen
Roy Corderoy
The Dungeonmaster
Boss Harmony

Spinning the best in classic reggae, dub and dancehall

@ Echoplex
1154 Glendale Blvd
(Main Entrance is through Alley)
Los Angeles, CA 90026

9pm / $5 / 21+

Wednesday 03.17.10: DUB CLUB @ echoplex

with Resident DJs:
Tom Chasteen
Roy Corderoy
The Dungeonmaster
Boss Harmony

Spinning the best in classic reggae, dub and dancehall

@ Echoplex
1154 Glendale Blvd
(Main Entrance is through Alley)
Los Angeles, CA 90026

9pm / $5 / 21+

Wednesday 03.10.10: DUB CLUB presents RAS MICHAEL AND THE SONS OF NEGUS mixed by SCIENTIST / ALL STAR SABAR ORCHESTRA / CLAUDIUS LINTON @ echoplex

A Night of Roots and Culture

RAS MICHAEL and the Sons of Negus
mixed by Scientist

with special guests:
All Star Sabar Orchestra

and a acoustic set from:
Claudius Linton

Ras Michael was born George Michael Henry in Kingston, Jamaica. He grew up in the Rastafarian community in the ghettos of Kingston. He is known throughout the world as a reggae vocalist and Nyabinghi drum specialist whose style is the heartbeat of roots reggae.

In the early 60′s, Ras Michael formed the Sons of Negus, a rastafarian group of drummers and singers who had grown up in the tradition of burra drumming, one of the few surviving remnants of their African heritage. In Jamaica, the burra and kumina drums first sounded to celebrate the religious and social gatherings of the African people in Jamaica. Gradually, the Rastaman took over, beating the drums at their prayer meetings, or groundations. While Ras Michael’s music is drawn from an amalgam of biblical and African chants, he distinguished himself from the other drummers in the early Rastafarian movements by forging the connection between the traditional hand drums and the modern electric instruments used in commercial music, thereby taking his message of equal rights and unity from a few scattered communities in Jamaica’s parishes out to the entire world.

Ras Michael has worked, recorded and performed with some of the most legendary musicians in the world, including Peter Tosh, Lee Perry, Burning Spear, Stevie Wonder and Roberta Flack. He performed with Bob Marley at the One Love Peace Concert in Jamaica in 1978. Later that year, Marley was asked what he thought of Ras Michael. “Ras Michael is a roots master and a Nyabinghi specialist” he said. “He tells it like it is.” Ras Michael has recorded more than 24 albums over the years, including the memorable Kibir Am Lak (Glory to God) , Rastafari Dub featuring Peter Tosh, Robbie Shakespeare, and Earl “Chinna” Smith , Love Thy Neighbor ),and Zion Train .His tune “None Of Jah Jah Children No Cry” is a reggae anthem. Ras Michael is one of the founders and president of the Rastafarian International/Marcus Garvey Culture Center in Los Angeles, and and he continues to tour internationally .”The music is spreading” Ras Michael says, “and the people are getting more of an understanding. Without the one drop hard-core reggae music, without the Nyabinghi drop, reggae would not be reggae and have no true identity. It brings the elders, it brings the old man, it brings the young guys, it brings the ghetto people, the uptown people, downtown and suburbs…everyone, with true expressions of themselves, so it is reality.”

The All Star Sabar Orchestra is a young group of musicians recently arrived in LA from Dakar , Senegal where they were frequent performers in the nightclubs and cultural gatherings of that African capitol. Composed of 5 percussionist/vocalists , their music is a modern urban take on traditional styles. They rap in the Wolof language over intricate and fiery drumming in the “Bayefaal” mode.

At the mixing board for both of the bands will be the dubmaster Scientist. The late King Tubby is generally recognized as the father of Dub music, the style of reggae known for heavy drum and bass tones and wild reverb and echoes. Scientist was Tubbys apprentice and learned at his side, mixing reggae records from the age of 13 onwards. Many of Scientists albums are dub classics , such as “Scientist Rids The World of the Evil Curse of the Vampires”. With him at the controls the bass will be in the place!

@ Echoplex
1154 Glendale Blvd
(Main Entrance is through Alley)
Los Angeles, CA 90026

9pm / $5 BEFORE 10PM, $12 AFTER / 21+

Wednesday 03.03.10: DUB CLUB @ echoplex

with Resident DJs:
Tom Chasteen
Roy Corderoy
The Dungeonmaster
Boss Harmony

Spinning the best in classic reggae, dub and dancehall

@ Echoplex
1154 Glendale Blvd
(Main Entrance is through Alley)
Los Angeles, CA 90026

9pm / $5 / 21+

Friday 04.30.10: CLUB UNDERGROUND with NITE JEWEL / SUGAR & GOLD / LUXXURY @ echo

Nite Jewel || Listen || Watch || MP3

When the news came last week that Nite Jewel was releasing a 7-inch through Stones Thr–err, “1984 Records,” it seemed surprising that a historically hip-hop (+ funk/soul) label would drop a waxy gem from one of this city’s leading ladies of lo-fi. But upon further inspection, it makes perfect sense: Ramona Gonzales’ synth-heavy tracks are stoney, catchy, rhythmic and full of funk — thrift store funk, at least. Both of these tracks appeared on her excellent and out-of-print Good Evening LP, but they’re given new warbly, warmth on this release. “Weak For Me” sports a strange brand of ’80s pop refracted through a dingy lens and colored with the beat-oriented eccentricities of Gary Wilson. Gonzales’ high keen lords over reverberating drum rolls here, while “Suburbia” finds her spacing out over a subdued but driving soundscape. Neither was meant for the crispness of digital audio. Download the MP3 below, but do your turntable a favor and pick up the 45. – LA Weekly

with:
Sugar and Gold
Luxxury

with resident DJs spinning the best in Brit / Indie / Soul / Twee / Madchester / Punk / Glam

8pm / $8 advance, $10 day of show / 18+

Friday 04.23.10: CLUB UNDERGROUND and Filter present EVERYBODY WAS IN THE FRENCH RESISTANCE… NOW / EZRA FURMAN AND THE HARPOONS @ echo

Everybody Was In The French Resistance…Now

If you don’t know the gimmick yet, Everybody Was In The French Resistance… Now is all about rewriting the biggest mistakes in pop history. Whether it’s telling Avril Lavigne to back off or correcting the likes of Bob Dylan on “Think Twice (It’s Not Alright)”, they’ve corrected some grave injustices in the popular musical landscape. But if you’re still not sure what’s going on, you can get a first-hand look when the band, lead by Art Brut’s Eddie Argos and The Blood Arm’s Dyan Valdes, tour the U.S. and Canada this April and May.

The tour kicks off April 23rd in Los Angeles, CA and darts all across the U.S. and into Toronto and Montreal before wrapping up on May 26th in Phoenix, AZ. In an interview with NME recently, Argos said he was excited to get out on the road, especially to get ahead of work on his day job band.

“I’m really looking forward to the tour,” Argos said. “Unfortunately Dave Newton, who played the European tour and SXSW shows, can’t make it. We have Ian Catskilkin from Art Brut instead, which will be useful for writing the next Art Brut album.” – Consequence of Sound

with:
Ezra Furman and The Harpoons || Listen

with resident DJs spinning the best in Brit / Indie / Soul / Twee / Madchester / Punk / Glam

FMI: ClubUnderground.net

9pm / $8 / 18+

Friday 04.16.10: ECHO & CLUB UNDERGROUND present MICACHU (DJ Set) / 22-20s @ echo

Micachu || Listen

Micachu is the moniker of major new talent, 21 year old songwriter and producer Mica Levi.

Despite her relative youth, Mica arrives as something of a Midas touched, Renaissance artist: equally at home writing and producing stunning, experimental pop with the likes of Matthew Herbert, as MCing with friends in various grime collectives and balancing this with her day time tutorage at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama where she’s studying composition.

Perhaps the real beauty of Mica’s talent is despite her prodigious musical ability she without fail keeps things rough around the edges: no polished beats when bit fat dirty ones will do, obvious choruses eschewed for intricate yet subtle melodies that grow and grow…

with:
22-20s

plus resident DJs spinning the best in Brit / Indie / Soul / Twee / Madchester / Punk / Glam

FMI: ClubUnderground.net

9pm / $8 advance, $10 day of show / 18+

Friday 04.09.10: CLUB UNDERGROUND presents SPIRIT ANIMAL featuring GRAY KID / KOZMONAUT @ echo

Spirit Animal || Listen

The new band fronted by singer Steve Cooper (the Gray Kid) is heady confection of electro, funk and blue-eyed soul. Spirit Animal’s forthcoming album “The Cost of Living” was hatched in collaboration with Jordan Richardson and Jesse Ingalls (now bandmates of Ben Harper), Daniel De Blanke (Robotanists) and Computer Jay, among others. When Cooper sings “When we try / too hard to dance / We look like / ANTS!,” you will not be able to stand still, promise. – Buzz Bands

with:
Kozmonaut || Listen

plus resident DJs spinning the best in Brit / Indie / Soul / Twee / Madchester / Punk / Glam

9pm / $8 / 18+

Friday 04.02.10: CLUB UNDERGROUND & ECHO Present TORCHES IN TREES / SWEATER GIRLS / TREMELLOW / CLUB UNDERGROUND DJS @ echo

TORCHES IN TREES
“Anchored by solid melodies with a poignant melancholy edge, the band plays unhurried, hazy psychedelia that lured me right into the middle of the atmosphere they set out to create. It’s a heady, intoxicating mix, and I think in fairly short order this band could have a large following…The smooth, insinuating vocals are treated as another of the instruments and as such, perfect pitch is required and this band does that with a remarkable concentration that appears easy for them. They are well represented on their first EP, released last January, New Blood, New Sight, and I look forward to a full length from them.”
-feedyourheadtoday

“Any band that plays a guerrilla gig in Chinatown after being told they were too young to play at the venue they had been booked at, is an instant favorite in our book. The surreal combination of beautiful music, rent a cops on bikes and LAPD’s finest searching frantically for the power outlet, while suprised shoppers and wanderers looked/cheered them on one night in Chinatown square, is something one cant easily forget. One of our favorite gigs of the year.”
-club underground

SWEATER GIRLS
Sweater Girls are not all girls and are infact 2/5 boys (one of which is former Siddeley Allan Kingdom!). They play catchy indiepop with nice female vocals and twinkly leads aplenty. The demos on their MySpace page are wonderful and I’d highly recommended listening to them all, perhaps a few times. Indiepages described them as a “full band Softies” a little while back, which not only sounds a bit like a dream, but is also relatively accurate! They’ll be heading off the New York City Popfest Thursday, May 20 at the Cake Shop. I would definitely consider them a “don’t miss”.- skatterbrain

TREMELLOW
Reminiscent of the shoegaze bands from the eighties at times, but fresh enough to bring some flair to the table, Tremellow played a strong set with a lot of energy. – LA Record

with CLUB UNDERGROUND DJS spinning the best in Brit / Indie / Soul / Twee / Madchester / Punk / Glam

FMI: Club Underground on Myspace

9pm / $5 advance, $8 day of show / 18+

Friday 02.19.10: I PROMOTE GOOD BANDS, BeatCrave and Echo present RADARS TO THE SKY / ONE TRICK PONY / MISSISSIPPI MAN / RADEMACHER @ echoplex

Radars To The Sky || Watch

In a set also peppered with such ‘classic’ material (some of which will reappear on the new album) as “I Might,” “Zurich,” and “Victoria,” Radars offered a glimpse into their new direction as a band since the departure of guitarist Seamus Simpson in January (Simpson is now working with the excellent Thailand)—dense, insular and bruising, with just as many nods towards complex indie-rock as there were towards hooky new wave.

Opener “Sharpen Your Teeth” began as a dreamy, slow-motion metallic clash of guitars and keys, which unfurled into the sci-fi bounce of the suite-like, multi-part jangle of “As the Nurses Scurry.” A crucial tension in the music of Radars to the Sky is the tug-of-war between epic, long-form art-rock and crushing, melodic indie; with those two opening songs, the band seemed to be signaling a move in the direction of the former. However, they can still detonate a catchy rock ‘n roll tune when the inclination strikes—“The Apple Never Falls” was all slash and burn guitar kinetics, while “Sergeant,” was a series of stop-start grooves and crunching, anthemic hooks, as well as one of the evening’s strongest tunes.

The highlight of the set, though, may have been the closer, “1624.” A driving song of divebomb guitar swoons and rhythmic surges wrapped within a rumbling new wave dirge, “1624” exemplifies the sound of Radars to the Sky as it is today—a band far more interested in grooves, texture and detail, or as Mouse of Classical Geek Theatre put it, they’re playing “indie rock for the indie rocker.” – Web In Front

with:
One Trick Pony || Listen
Mississippi Man
Rademacher

@ Echoplex
enter at
1154 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

8:30pm / $10 / 18+

Tuesday 02.23.10: BUZZ BANDS LA presents GLACIER HIKING / HAIM / KITTEN / GO WEST YOUNG MAN @ echo

Glacier Hiking’s glossy, adrenaline-pumping pop-rock has been a work-in-progress for about four years now. Collaborators Ross Golan and Tommy Walter, when not busy on other projects (Golan as a songwriter-for-hire and Walter as a writer/producer), last year scrapped a plan to release an EP every three months in favor of finishing a full-length album with producer/mixer Neal Avron, who has worked with Yellowcard, Fall Out Boy, Say Anything and New Found Glory, among others.

“We feel we’ve finally found our voice,” says Golan, whose quartet also includes drummer Daniel James and bassist Yutaka Sao. “We’ve gone through a lot of phases. … But now we’ve worked hard at writing fresh music that we think represents who we are.”

Haim’s sister act started generating buzz last year when the quintet — which includes Haim siblings Este, 23, Danielle, 20, and Alana, 18, along with Alex Fischel and Jeff Conrad — started bringing its classic take on rock to local clubs. Danielle spent part of the year as a touring member of Jenny Lewis’ band, and then Julian Casablancas’ band. Haim (Hi-EEM) has been writing new material and getting a bit of weekend studio time with producer Tony Berg.

Kitten’s urgent indie-pop sounds a bit like early Metric (if you remember what Metric sounded like in its L.A. days), with 15-year-old Chloe Chaidez’s breathy vocals (she’s an admirer of both Karen O and Cat Power) striking a balance between vulnerable and worldly.

Go West Young Man’s self-titled 2009 album, all too deplorably overlooked, is full of sticky melodies and bright imagery, showing off multi-instrumentalist Damin Suarez’s slick pop songwriting chops.

- Buzz Bands LA

RSVP at buzzbands(at)gmail(dot)com

8:30pm / $5 with RSVP, $8 without / 18+

Tuesday 03.02.10: THE MOTH GRANDSLAM V: Uncharted Territory @ Echoplex

The Moth GrandSLAM V: Uncharted Territory

The Moth presents the GrandSLAM, a battle of wits and words – fierce, hilarious, heartbreaking and all points between. Listen as ten StorySLAM champs tell five-minute tales of uncharted territory. Stories of new places on the map or in the mind.

The Moth is dedicated to finding intriguing people to tell inspired stories. At The Moth StorySLAM, those people find us. On this night, using words as weapons, they word- it-out to determine The Moth’s NY GrandSLAM Story Champion. No notes, no scripts – just pure, old-fashioned, unadulterated storytelling. Fun, fast, furious.

Hosted by Brian Finkelstein

Stories by:
John Grady
David Baer
Anne Flanagan
Matteson Perry
Stephen James
Mariana Williams
Carlos Kotkin
Jamie Leake
Alan Zarembo
Riley Ray Robbins

Music by
Alex Burke on the Vibraphone

@ The Echoplex
1154 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

Doors at 7pm, Show at 8pm / $17 / 18+

Friday 03.12.10: Echo & Club Underground present SLEEPY SUN / SLANG CHICKENS @ echo

Sleepy Sun || Listen || Watch

their debut album, Embrace, dispenses its earth-quaking riffage in such carefully measured, perfectly spaced-out rations, it tricks you into thinking the band is much heavier than it actually is.

Their long hair, nature-kid press photos and onstage face paint seemingly align Sleepy Sun with San Fran’s tie-dyed tradition, but the band’s palette is actually smeared with a whole lotta Blacks: Sabbath, Mountain (whose producer, Colin Stewart, works the boards here), Angels and– when singer Bret Constantino busts out a boogie-summoning wail on “Snow Goddess”– even the Crowes. But if the opening “New Age” establishes Sleepy Sun as archetypal stoner-rockers– with Constantino’s vaporous vocals floating atop a subterranean fuzz bassline, molten guitar leads, and drum fills that roll right off of Bill Ward’s tom-tom rack– the song’s follow-up, the surprisingly affecting piano-based spiritual “Lord”, shows the group has designs on writing songs that still move you after the drugs wear off, and that Constantino can be the sort of emotionally assertive vocalist who doesn’t always have to hide behind the haze. – Pitchfork

with:
Slang Chickens || Listen

8:30pm / $8 advance, $10 day of show / 18+

Thursday 03.18.10: KCRW presents XIU XIU / TUNE YARDS / NOVELLER @ echo

Xiu Xiu || Listen || Watch

The seventh full-length record for these Oakland, Calif., art-rockers on long-time label home Kill Rock Stars is their first since the departure of long-time member Caralee McElory and follows the 2008 release of Women As Lovers. New recruit Angela Seo joins percussionist Ches Smith and Jamie Stewart, the groups’ founder, principal songwriter, and sole constant member (who moonlights in Former Ghosts). Dear God I Hate Myself follows other provocatively titled Xiu Xiu releases like Fag Patrol and features a number of songs composed on the Nintendo DS. – Prefix

with:
Tune Yards || Listen
Noveller || Listen

8:30pm / $10 advance, $12 day of show / 18+

Friday 03.26.10: Echo & Club Underground Present FOREIGN BORN / JAIL WEDDINGS @ echo

Foreign Born || Listen || Watch

Foreign Born are an L.A. indie rock outfit that exist further west and outside of the Smell or Silver Lake, a band that seems to have germinated over the years outside all semblances of scene in a city whose guitar music rarely sounds genuinely Californian. I’m writing from the opposite coast, but Foreign Born have made a record that feels like a conversation with the Pacific coastline and sounds like endless summer. – Pitchfork

with:
Jail Weddings || Listen

8:30pm / $8 advance, $10 day of show / 18+

Thursday 03.04.10: LESLIE AND THE LYS / CHRISTOPHER THE CONQUERED / THE MONOLATORS @ echoplex

Leslie and The Lys || Listen || Watch

For the rest of this review, body glitter = sweat. Iowa’s mainframe zaftig-white-female hip hop star, Leslie Hall, cleaned house at the Echoplex Friday night with her traveling circus act Leslie and the Lys. It looked like a neon fringe and gold lamè factory exploded all over Echo Park.

More than a musician, Leslie Hall is a movement, because Leslie could not do what she does (and she does it so well) at any other time than the present. She exists now as the result of a culture in whiplash from several pop commodity crashes: Suzanne Somers, Jazzercise, heroine-chic, daytime talk shows, the celebutante, Tony Robbins, and, of course, the Bedazzler.

For the rest of this review, body glitter = sweat. Iowa’s mainframe zaftig-white-female hip hop star, Leslie Hall, cleaned house at the Echoplex Friday night with her traveling circus act Leslie and the Lys. It looked like a neon fringe and gold lamè factory exploded all over Echo Park.

More than a musician, Leslie Hall is a movement, because Leslie could not do what she does (and she does it so well) at any other time than the present. She exists now as the result of a culture in whiplash from several pop commodity crashes: Suzanne Somers, Jazzercise, heroine-chic, daytime talk shows, the celebutante, Tony Robbins, and, of course, the Bedazzler. – LA Weekly

with:
Christopher the Conquered || Listen
The Monolators || Listen

@ Echoplex
enter at 1154 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

8:30pm / $11 advance, $13 day of show / all ages

Thursday 03.04.10: SHRINEBUILDER (feat. members of Melvins, Neurosis and Om) / STORM OF LIGHT / NIGHT HORSE @ echo

Shrinebuilder (feat. members of Melvins, Neurosis and Om)

When this collaboration between Neurosis’ Scott Kelly, Melvins’ Dale Crover, Om’s Al Cisneros and Scott ‘Wino’ Weinrich was announced, the weight of expectation could hardly have been greater. After all, considering some of the jewels in their collective discography, who would dare bet against them? Wino alone has blessed the metal world with a string of great albums by The Obsessed, Spirit Caravan, The Hidden Hand and the legendary Saint Vitus. Neurosis and Melvins, meanwhile, have done much throughout their careers to broaden and break down heavy rock’s sometimes rigid boundaries.

Their styles may differ, but as guitarists, Scott Kelly and Wino complement each other perfectly. This blend of apocalyptic doom and repetitive, mantra-like space rock sounds like the work of one man. With Cisneros’ bass throbbing ominously below and Crover’s drumming nailing it all to the floor, they could scarcely hope for a better rhythm section.

Clocking in at an average of over seven minutes, these tracks blaze and smoulder in turns, shifting smoothly between the two states with consummate ease. Like some vast force of nature, the four pull together, erecting sheets of guitar noise overlain with howling vocals before melting it all down into sublime, almost pastoral instrumental passages.

When four combustible, competitive musicians are locked in a room for three days with a tape machine rolling, the results are rarely dull. Great things were forecast for this unlikely project and great things have duly been delivered. It might just be a bridge too far to call Shrinebuilder spiritual, but these guys have clearly tapped into forces far greater than themselves. – BBC

with:
Storm of Light || Listen
Night Horse

8:30pm / $15 advance, $18 day of show / 18+

Tuesday 03.02.10: NICE NICE / WE BREAK CAMERAS / BULLIED BY STRINGS @ echo

Nice Nice || Listen || Watch || MP3

Portland duo Nice Nice have been playing their brand of hard-to-categorize post-punk for nearly a decade. And while they’ve built a solid fan-base with that slow-building career, they’ll be reaching a whole new audience when their upcoming LP is released by Warp Records.

Titled Extra Wow, the album is expected from Warp this spring on April 6. As a press release explains, “Extra Wow is an extremely apt title for an album that presents itself as a constantly unfolding collection of kaleidoscopic musical sediments. Each song effectively builds on the one before it to create the effect of an album-length crescendo that encompasses everything from forward-reaching psychedelia and neo-primitive electronic experiments to dub rhythms and learned lessons from the pillars of krautrock.” – Exclaim.ca

with:
We Break Cameras || Listen
Bullied By Strings || Listen

8:30pm / $8 advance, $10 day of show / 18+

Tuesday 02.02.10: MANHATTAN MURDER MYSTERY / SEASONS / YELLOW ALEX / CASTANO @ echo

Manhattan Murder Mystery
Seasons
Castano
Yellow Alex

PLUS BINGO!

8:30pm / $5 / 21+

Friday 04.02.10: GRAM RABBIT / ANDY CLOCKWISE / CROOKED COWBOY AND THE FRESHWATER INDIANS / THE CALIFORNIAN @ echoplex

Gram Rabbit || Listen || Watch

They’ve gone from strange to stranger, those Joshua Tree denizens known as Gram Rabbit. On their third album, RadioAngel and the RobotBeat, they come out spitting, with lead singer and co-songwriter Jesika von Rabbit coming off like Grace Jones with a bunny fetish on the fed-up-with-technology electro-ditty “American Hookers.” Considering they go to sleep every night under a sky filled with more stars than the rest of us can only dream of, it’s not surprising their lyrics express a great deal of concern for “the world gone wrong.” They also come from a place with fewer teeth per capita than the rest of the state, hence references to priests smoking crystal meth and pit bulls. Even weirder is “The Rest of Us Sleep,” which sounds like video-game effects. My pick hit is “Fancy Dancy,” with what may be the best line of the summer: “Any way you slice it, it’s still bologna.” They even wrote a song about Landers, called “Landers,” which is some blips and plucks and pounds and maybe some voices. Bonus: Most of the new tunes are excellent for doing “The Robot.” – LA Weekly

with:
Andy Clockwise || Listen
Crooked Cowboy and The Freshwater Indians
The Californian

@ Echoplex
enter at
1154 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

8:30pm / $10 advance, $12 day of show / 18+

Wednesday 03.17.10: St Patrick’s Day with OLLIN (Performing the Pogues ‘Rum, Sodomy and The Lash’) / BRANT BJORK @ echo

Ollin || Listen || Mp3

On St. Patrick’s Day, Ollin, the world-folk-punk fusion outfit from East L.A. will perform Rum, Sodomy and the Lash by The Pogues as well as many other traditional Irish tunes. This yearly tradition has a following unto its own. Ollin themselves have opened for The Pogues, in San Diego, LA and in New York on St. Patrick’s Day at The Roseland Ballroom 2008. Opening for this years show is singer songwriter Brant Bjork, a true artist of Mexican and Irish descent.

with:
Brant Bjork
DJ Tumors
DJ Jake

8:30pm / $10 advance, $12 day of show / 18+

Wednesday 03.31.10: TERROR PIGEON DANCE REVOLT / THE POLISH AMBASSADOR / THE SHAKES / JESSE COOPER @ echo

Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt || Listen

Lead singer Neil was dressed in his usual stuffed animal suit, and we were able to score some amazing hats from the communal costume box. Mr. Sparkle, and Ms. Hamburgler, respectively. In a world where bands have been taking themselves seriously for far too long, this show gave me hope that the people can be unabashedly silly and passionately serious at the same time. We sang, we danced, we cried…fine, no one cried, but it was an emotional experience. Neil and the band, er, ipod, played five or six songs, each one with more lust than the last. It’s impossible not to get wrapped up in the commotion – the costumes, the lights, the screaming – you could walk into on of their shows completely sober and moments later feel like you’re tripping balls. It’s craziness in the best sense of the word.

Tromping up and down the narrow hallway, falling on himself and everyone around him, scaling benches and tables, Neil sang and screamed and sweat. Backed by the Grrrrl Police,( Neil’s entourage of backing singers dancers and performance lighting artist’s wearing a vest of balloons) this show turned into something out of a pre school mad house, full of ADD generation kids who just want to dance, be silly, and bang on the drum all day. – Quiet Color

with:
The Polish Ambassador || Listen
The Shakes
Jesse Cooper

8:30pm / $8 advance, $10 day of show / 18+

Sunday 02.28.10: SCREAM (Original Lineup) / THE HOLLOYS / DJ TRAVIS (Buddyhead) @ echo (early show)

Scream (Original Lineup)

Scream, like most of the bands in DC, obviously had been extremely influenced by the Bad Brains, but they seemed to be more advanced musicians and had more of a rock and roll sensibility than the others. In 1982, they went into Inner Ear Studio with Ian and Eddie to record Dischord’s first full length album, Still Screaming. Scream released four albums on Dischord (as well as one on RAS Records, No More Censorship) and continued to play until the beginning of the 90′s, doing a number of U.S. and European tours.

with:
Holloys || Listen
DJ Travis (Buddyhead)

7pm / $10 advance, $12 day of show / all ages

Saturday 03.20.10: BETH HART / JEFF YOUNG @ echo

Beth Hart || Listen || Watch

The first time I heard/saw Beth Hart was at an electronics show a few years ago. I was strolling down the aisle ways minding my own business and there she was, a dirty rock n’ roll chick seducing me with her hypnotic banshee songs on a big screen flanked by a towering pair if speakers. I stood there mesmerized watching this rock n’ roll dream until I was forced to move on when those at the booth changed the DVD.

I immediately sought out every CD she had produced and tracked down the live DVD she had released. I was and am enthralled by Beth Hart and her music. This photo gallery captures her moments and her dangerous beauty. You can’t capture the power and beauty of her music in photos, for that you will have to track down a CD or two. Never mind which one, they all have their merits. Get them all if you can and the must have DVD, Live at the Paradiso.

Many have compared her to Janis Joplin, and I think that is fair, but don’t be mistaken, this girl has her own identity. Someone over at Amazon described her something like this: Her creation was a collaborative work between God and Satan. They combined the best of Janis Joplin, Tina Turner, Otis Redding, and John Lee Hooker then added a bit of spice like atomic energy, several forces of nature such as hurricanes and tornadoes, the pure unapologetic sexuality of the most sensual of strippers, the humanity of mankind, and coated the whole mess with nitro glycerin, then dropped it from the sky…waiting to see what would happen. The result was Beth Hart. – Rock N Roll View

with:
Jeff Young

6:30pm / $15.00 / all ages

Wednesday 02.10.10: FINDLAY BROWN / PIZZA! / COBRA LILIES / SUPERHUMANOIDS @ echo

Findlay Brown || Watch

Brown’s sophomore album, Love Will Find You (out now) takes a remarkable u-turn from the humble, acoustic sound of his debut. Donning a pompadour and layering up his tracks with a Spectorlike wall of sound, Brown traded in the simplicity of his first record for what he calls “an onslaught.” The album bubbles over with orchestral arrangements and vocals that have already drawn too many Roy Orbison comparisons to count, all grounded by Brown’s uncanny knack for vintage-styled songwriting. It would sound more at home playing on an RCA Victor radio than iTunes. “Really, the most important thing to me is writing good songs,” he says. “A lot of the songs I’ve fallen in love with have been from the Brill Building. The hits, you know? Those classic hits that are always going to be around.”

The title track of the new album fits in quite nicely among the hits of Brill writers like Burt Bacharach and Carole King, thanks in part to Brown’s refusal to add any modern twists to the classic style. – Paste Magazine

with:
Cobra Lilies || Listen
PIZZA!
Superhumanoids

8:30pm / $7 / 18+

Sunday 02.28.10: THE MACAROONS / STORYTIMEFUNLAND @ Echo (Early Show)

The Macaroons || Listen || Watch

The second incarnation of The Leevees (All Things Considered’s “best holiday record of the decade!”), the Macaroons feature musicians Dave Schneider (the Zambonis, the world’s only all-hockey rock band), Shawn Fogel (Golden Bloom, The Zambonis), Dan Saks (DeLeon, a Sephardic indie rock band also on JDub Records) and Michael Azerrad.

The record, comprised of 17 power-pop tracks for the petite set, is perfect for parents looking for an alternative to the boring lullabies of their youth. The Macaroons’ new sound signals a return to the sincerely silly, exemplified by Jerry Garcia’s folksy Not For Kids Only or the freshness of Jonathan Richman. Still, the Macaroons handle Jewish cultural traditions with a particularly kind and nostalgic humor that is as evocative for kids as it is for parents. Take “Elijah,” a sweet and wistful ode to the invisible prophet who makes his nighttime rounds during Passover, in which the kid-narrator vows to “leave the bathroom light on just for him.”

with:
StoryTimeFunLand

12pm / $8, family 4-pak $30.00 / all ages

Friday 02.12.10: VTech & Beat Junkie Sound present NIGHTLIFE – THE BEAT JUNKIES / SLUM VILLAGE @ echoplex

with resident DJs THE BEAT JUNKIES:
J.ROCC
BABU
RHETTMATIC
MR. CHOC

plus special guest:
SLUM VILLAGE

@ Echoplex
enter at 1154 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

10pm / $5 before 11pm, $10 after / 21+

Tuesday 02.09.10: LACO$TE / MICHAEL NHAT / FAWN AS WOMEN / FANTASTICA BASTIDAS @ echo

LACO$TE || Listen

Laco$te’s X rolled around, climbed tables, and bent backwards during a short, electric set—so high charged it blew some fuses, including the band members’. Most people believed the sound splitting was a deliberate trippy effect. Laco$te could’ve mimed their remaining songs and kept the audience bobbing along. – LA Record

with:
Michael Nhat
Fawn As Women
Fantastica Bastidas

8:30pm / $5 / 18+

Wednesday 02.03.10: GRAHAM FOREST / EMILY LACY / THOUSAND DOZEN GLOVES @ echo

Graham Forest || Watch

Rumor has it that Graham Forest sits cross-legged on the ground while entertaining Native American children, strumming his guitar and spinning tall tales. It’s also suggested that Graham Forest lives in a trailer in the forests of, um, Fresno, and his quarters are overrun with marionette parts, leatherworking tools and ancient mortar holes. Graham Forest, it is said, hones his powers from the Indian burial ground and nonworking satellite dish that his backyard comprises. Whether all this is true or not, the mostly unknown yet easily embraced Central Valley Neil Diamond known as Graham Forest possesses a wholesome goodness that is greatly appreciated amid much of the F Yeah Fest’s chaos. – LA Weekly

with:
Emily Lacy || Listen
Thousand Dozen Gloves

8:30pm / $5 / 18+

Thursday 02.25.10: ANDREW LYNCH / THE SECTION QUARTET / DOWNTOWN/UNION / EAGLE & TALON / DJ CHRIS ZIEGLER (L.A. RECORD)@ echo

Andrew Lynch || Watch

Crafting mordant pop songs in the vein of Randy Newman, Josh Ritter or Jeff Tweedy, Lynch consistently hides fractured characters, twisted narratives, and bittersweet love stories beneath cryptic metaphors and shimmering production. “My Head Around”, an orchestral, mid-tempo rocker moves along so smoothly that it takes the whole song to realize the narrator is not smitten by love but beaten down and blind sided, his head turned backwards to the mistake he is about to make. “This Bird” layers a tale of a man imprisoned who can’t fight his murderous tendencies over catchy, jangly, piano and staccato strings. “The Thrill Is Gone” paints a portrait of a relationship gone sour and the vices we use to hide the truth from ourselves and fool ourselves into staying against a bombastic musical backdrop featuring downbeat guitar and grandiloquent horns and bells.

Sun Incisions is a wonderful album that will reveal more and more upon every listen. Lynch uses unique perspectives and unreliable narrators to create a bittersweet world of insecurities and foibles that seems sentimental, comical, twisted and relatable at the same time. – Radio Free Silverlake

with:
The Section Quartet || Listen
Downtown/Union
Eagle & Talon

DJ:
Chris Ziegler (LA Record)

8:30pm / $5 / 18+

Thursday 02.25.10: DOWN AND DERBY ROLLER DISCO @ echoplex

The Los Angeles event is set apart from Down and Derby parties in other cities by its authentic 70s feel. The resident DJs don’t just spin popular tunes for which the era has become known—they reach into the depths of 70s music to bring partiers the obscure hits that may not be recognizable by most, but are truly indicative of the culture and lifestyle of the era.

Down and Derby, is a retro-inspired roller-skating party created and designed to give attendees a unique nightlife experience. The interactive throwback events combine décor reminiscent of a 70s roller disco with attendees participating through wearing fashion attire evocative of the era. DJs known for pushing the limits of mixing and music production are procured, adding vibrant energy to the event with both underground and popular mixes.

The entry fee is $5 with RSVP, $10 at the door and quad skates of every size will be available to rent for another $5. Guests are welcome to bring their own roller skates to the event.

@ Echoplex
enter at 1154 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

RSVP at www.downandderby.org

9pm / $5 with RSVP, $10 at the door / 21+

Wednesday 02.24.10: OLIVER FUTURE / THE DELTA MIRROR / JESUS MAKES THE SHOTGUN SOUND / QUEEN KWONG / CHRIS ZIEGLER (L.A. RECORD) @ echo

Oliver Future || Listen

In Oliver Future’s new configuration, Lit will remain out front, his brother will man a bank of keyboards affectionately called “rig-zilla” and Raver will drum. “Sam just went out and bought a kit and said, ‘I’m going to be your drummer and we’re going to be a three-piece,’” Noah Lit says. “So the story is we just downsized because of the economy.” Lit says the trio “locked ourselves into an antique storage warehouse” and thrashed out new songs. “If you like the more epic and weird stuff on the first record, you’ll like his,” he adds. “There’s no feeling anymore that we have to write a single. But in a weird way, when there’s just three people playing — even though the songs are out there — everything just sounds more simple. “Before we were like an aircraft carrier. But there’s something to be said for being minimalistic.” – Buzz Bands

with:
Jesus Makes the Shotgun Sound
The Delta Mirror || Listen
Queen Kwong

DJ:
Chris Ziegler (LA Record)

8:30pm / $7 / 18+

Sunday 02.14.10: KiDROCKERS with DENGUE FEVER / BUDDY @ echo (day show)

Dengue Fever || Watch
Buddy || Listen

KiDROCKERS is a concert series that began in January 2007. These All Ages shows are designed to bring families together to experience some of the most engaging and vital artists in indie music and comedy. Artists perform original (not specifically made for children) songs in a manner that is both authentic and kid-friendly. Past artists include Tad Kubler (and members of the Hold Steady), Matthew and Ira of Nada Surf, Ra Ra Riot, Langhorne Slim, The Jealous Girlfriends, Harlem Shakes, Rogue Wave, The Subjects, Looker, Bishop Allen, The Spinto Band, Locksley, Phonograph, Palomar, Pela, Los Campesinos!, Chris Baron and LEVY.

Hosted by Matt Dwyer

Ages 3-13 recommended. Adults must be accompanied by a kid and vice versa.

1pm- 2:30pm / $9 in advance $12 at the door / All Ages

Thursday 02.18.10: FYF Presents COLD CAVE / SMITH WESTERNS / BEST COAST @ Echoplex

Cold Cave || Watch

Synth-pop, post punk, new wave, atmospheric industrial– all these references, which came and went and were fashionable again a half-decade ago, somehow manage to feel fresh here. It’s probably because the songs on Love Comes Close are consistently catchy and well constructed– once you have that down, genre concerns become secondary. Still, these are some awfully icy landscapes, and Cold Cave do have a way with mood. Take, for instance, opener “Cebe and Me”, which exhibits a pulsing, Ambien-addled dry cold that threatens to wear thin if over-exercised. But this track turns out to be an entry-level teaser, as album highlight “Love Comes Close” chimes in right on time, an inspired, bittersweet New Order-style dance-pop track that’s as morose as it is curiously uplifting, constantly refreshing itself on that earworm of a guitar hook. From here on out, Love evens out, outfitting those creepy, dead-eyed synthetics in more pop-friendly garb. – Pitchfork

with:
Smith Westerns
Best Coast || Listen

@ Echoplex
enter at
1154 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

8:00pm / $12 / All Ages

Thursday 02.18.10: Spaceland Productions presents A Solo Acoustic Evening with Chris Shiflett of Foo Fighters & Audra Mae @ LaBrie’s (Formerly The Scene Bar)

Chris Shiflett

with:
Audra Mae

At LaBrie’s
(Formerly The Scene Bar)
806 E. Colorado St
Glendale, CA 91205

8pm / $12 advance, $15 day of show / 21+

Tuesday 02.16.10: Fat Tuesday Party with OLLIN / LAS CAFETERAS / MENTIRITAS / UPGROUND @ echoplex

Ollin || Listen || Mp3

For over 300 years, Mardi Gras has been a tradition in New Orleans that defines a city rich in music and culture. So what does that have to do with bands from LA (most of which hail from East LA)? OLLIN, Mentiritas, Las Cafeteras and Upground are bands that love to party and live to share their music with the masses, that’s what. Several years back party host, Ollin, began to use Fat Tuesday as a means to learn a different style of music and to pay tribute to one of America’s coolest traditions, the music of Mardi Gras. Known for fusing Mexican folk music with rock, Irish, Klezmer and punk, Ollin adds yet another feather to its musical hat by playing some traditional music from the Bayou. Las Cafeteras are pure entertainers. Playing traditional music from Veracruz, Mexico, this female heavy band sings, dances and rocks any stage they come in contact with. Mentiritas is more than a band. Mentiritas (which translates to “little lies”), is a hilarious musical show fronted by the boys from Ozomatli. Their infectious dance grooves are riddled with comedy, insight and mayhem. With members from the Beastie Boys, Cava and Ozo this rare appearance is a perfect addition to the night. Upground has a vibe all its own. From hard grooving Latin soul to high voltage Ska, hips WILL be moving when these East L.A. natives take the stage. This line up is hotter than the sun. Attendees are encouraged to go all out and dress in Mardi Gras colors and costumes; after all, this is fucking Mardi Gras ya’ll.

with:
Las Cafeteras
Mentiritas
Upground

@ Echoplex
enter at 1154 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

8pm / $10 advance, $12 day of show / 18+

Saturday 02.27.10: FUNKY SOLE @ echo

with DJs:
Music Man Miles
Clifton AKA Soft Touch

FMI: Funky Sole on Myspace

10pm / FREE / 21+

Saturday 02.20.10: FUNKY SOLE @ echo

with DJs:
Music Man Miles
Clifton AKA Soft Touch

FMI: Funky Sole on Myspace

10pm / FREE / 21+

Saturday 02.13.10: FUNKY SOLE @ echo

with DJs:
Music Man Miles
Clifton AKA Soft Touch

FMI: Funky Sole on Myspace

10pm / FREE / 21+

Saturday 02.06.10: FUNKY SOLE @ echo

with DJs:
Music Man Miles
Clifton AKA Soft Touch

FMI: Funky Sole on Myspace

10pm / FREE / 21+

Tuesday 02.16.10: Spaceland Productions & LA Weekly present An Evening with RICKIE LEE JONES @ Vista Theatre

Rickie Lee Jones || Listen

There is only one Rickie Lee Jones and you can experience her unique mixture of R&B, jazz, soul and pop in February. That is, if your town is lucky enough to be on the routing sheet.

Has it really been more than thirty years since Jones recorded “Chuck E.’s In Love?” As the story goes, Jones was with Tom Waits while the gravel-voiced singer spoke on the phone with friend and musician Chuck E. Weiss.

After ending the call, Jones supposedly asked Waits about the conversation, and he replied, “Chuck E.’s in love,” thereby giving her the song title that would eventually become her signature tune and help launch her career.

Jones has a short tour beginning Feb. 13 in Sparks, Nev., at John Ascuaga’s Nugget. Valentine’s Day has her in Santa Cruz at the Rio Theater and she appears in Los Angeles at the Vista Theatre Feb. 16. – Pollstar

@ Vista Theatre
4473 Sunset Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027

This is a general Admission seated show.

Special tickets are available for preferred seating and a special Meet & Greet with Rickie Lee Jones

7:30pm / $30 general admission, $75 Preferred seating & Meet and Greet / All Ages

Thursday 02.04.10: THELONIOUS MONSTER / DOGWEED / HORSE THIEVES / SEAN WHEELER & ZANDER SCHLOSS @ echo

Thelonious Monster || Watch

A sort of all-star collection of L.A. scenesters and musicians, Thelonious Monster formed in 1986 and specialized in what would best be described as drunk-rock in the tradition of the Replacements. Ramshackle, loose live performances — one was never sure if the band would actually turn up or finish out — seemed to be their hallmark, yet at times lead vocalist and lyricist Bob Forrest was capable of brilliance. No matter the lyrical scenario, nothing was ever good enough for him. The band began with a messy, four-guitar record, Baby….You’re Bumming My Life Out in a Supreme Fashion in 1986 with Pete Weiss, drums; Jon Huck, bass; K.K., guitar; Bill Stobaugh, guitar; Chris Handsome, guitar; and Dix Denney, guitar. They followed it with Next Saturday Afternoon, a more coherent effort. The John Doe-produced Stormy Weather in 1989 was a step up, as the band had since been taken under the wing of X and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, serving as a support act and getting some informal studio help from Doe and Flea on occasion. The lineup revolved, but in the end, Weiss, Denney, and Handsome remained true to Forrest. Beautiful Mess, an uneven, all-star gala (appearances by Tom Waits, Al Kooper and Soul Asylum) came out three years later. Forrest occasionally appears as a solo acoustic act, and the band tours sporadically. ~ Denise Sullivan, All Music Guide

with:
Dogweed
Horse Thieves
Sean Wheeler / Zander Schloss

8:30pm / $8 / 18+

Sunday 02.28.10: PART TIME PUNKS – SMITH / MORRISSEY NITE @ echo

resident dj Michael Stock spinning mutant disco * Postpunk * indiepop

FMI: Part Time Punks on Myspace

10pm / $5 / 18+

Sunday 02.21.10: PART TIME PUNKS – FACTORY RECORDS NITE with DJ TIM BURGESS @ echo

guest DJ Tim Burgess (THE CHARLATANS)

resident dj Michael Stock spinning mutant disco * Postpunk * indiepop

FMI: Part Time Punks on Myspace

10pm / $5 / 18+