Song Spotlight: Johanna Samuels' Circles (a night at Zebulon)

I first crossed paths with Johanna Samuels in 2018. The first two encounters were at the Bootleg Theater. The first encounter was when she was opening up for The Wild Reeds and Allie Buckley (it was her residency night). Later on that year, she had her own residency at the venue. I caught her again in 2019 and then venues shut down. It took a few years, but I crossed paths with her once again for her 2023 album release party that I covered for Buzzbands. The night was held at Zebulon. Fast forward to 2026 and I noticed that she was having a record release party for her third studio album Sorry, Kid. It was also being held at Zebulon (a Sid the Cat night). Buzzbands has gone into semi-retirement mode so I covered this particular night for US Rocker Music. You can read that review if you so wish.

Johanna Samuels at Zebulon

Song Spotlight: Pillow Fight's Jean Said (a night at The Airliner Bar)

Pillow Fight didn't bring any pillows to Rocknite's showcase at The Airliner Bar, but their lo-fi, garage rock set more than entertained. I have to say that lead singer-guitarist Adam Stafford made the move of the night by reaching up to a stage light and angling it from stage-center to stage-left. The reason it was the move of the night was because all three bands featured co-lead vocalists and all three bands avoided the middle of the stage. So it helped out the photographers (there were three of us out on this particular night) for the whole night.

Pillow Fight at The Airliner Bar

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): Aug 16th - Aug 22nd

A Handful of Show Alerts 

Sunday, Aug 16th: Harry Katz and the Pistachios at Alex's Bar. Doors at 2 p.m.

In 2025, I wrote a review of their set.

Sunday, Aug 16th: Nail Polish at Alex's Bar. Doors at 9 p.m.

I wrote a Song Spotlight for their song "Haunted Spells" back in January. 

Sunday, Aug 16th: UGHH at Gold-Diggers. Doors at 7 p.m.
In 2025, I wrote a review of their set.

Wednesday, Aug 19th: Ben Reddell and The What Four at The Escondite. Doors at 8 p.m.

I wrote a Song Spotlight for Ben Reddell's song "Tumbleweed" back in 2025.

In 2015, I wrote a review of The What Four's set.

Wednesday, Aug 19th: Sizzy Rocket at The Echo. Doors at 7 p.m.

In 2018, I wrote a review of their set.

Thursday, Aug 20th: Primitive Ring at Alex's Bar. Doors at 8 p.m.

In 2024, I wrote a review of their set.

Thursday, Aug 20th: Pu$$y Cow at The Escondite. Doors at 9:45 p.m.

In 2025, I wrote a review of their 20th Anniversary Party that was held at The Escondite.

Saturday, Aug 22nd: Livingmore with Child Seat, Dream Phases, and Andrea at The Echo. Doors at 7 p.m.

I recently wrote a review of Livingmore's set.

In 2024, I covered Child Seat for US Rocker Music. 

I wrote a Song Spotlight for Dream Phases' song "Turn Away" back in 2025.

Andrea is the brainchild of Emma Cole who I've followed for years.

Song Spotlight: Jenny O's Lazy Jane (a night at Zebulon)

Music that you hear when in high school or college is encoded into your being. I was past my college years when I started to hang out in the Los Angeles music scene all those many years ago and yet I feel like certain bands just stand out in my memory. In those very first years, there was Automatic Music Explosion and The Mulhollands. Shortly after that, there was Queen Kwong and Rocket. Those were all pop-punk-rock bands. Then the Americana wave (the precursor to the current country wave) hit Los Angeles and I got swept up in that via Eastern Conference Champions (Mondo Cozmo), Honey Honey and Local Natives. Jenny O was part of that wave of music. Many of the mentioned bands have long called it quits. Jenny O is still going strong and putting out music that has you (or maybe just me) getting misty eyed.    

Jenny O at Zebulon

Song Spotlight: Worthitpurchase's Postcard (a night at The Airliner Bar)

Worthitpurchase (the duo of Nicole Rowe and Omar Akrouche) came through The Airliner Bar for a Rocknite showcase. They were playing songs off their upcoming album. They mentioned that they just finished mixing the album that will be called Near Life Experiences. Akrouche gave a chuckle after making the announcement and Rowe responded, "Let us know in the comments if that is a stupid name." Someone in the crowd yelled out an alternative suggestion of Near Life Compilations. So are they set with the album title? The chuckle has me thinking there is a chance they were telling a joke. I guess we'll find out shortly.

Worthitpurchase at The Airliner Bar

Song Spotlight: Beaming's say goodbye (a night at The Airliner Bar)

Beaming (the duo of Braden Lawrence and Derek Ted) closed out the night at a recent Rocknite showcase at The Airliner Bar. Braden Lawrence is the drummer for The Districts while Derek Ted works with Field Medic. The duo brought their fan base to The Airliner Bar. I noticed it immediately when those in the crowd were singing the lyrics to the opening song "Stuck (here)" louder than the band. It only took that one song to sweep me into a sense of meditation. 

Beaming at The Airliner Bar

Song Spotlight: Gold Child's Angelina Jolie (a night at Permanent Records Roadhouse)

Gold Child (moniker for Emily Fehler) opened up the night for Gracie and Rachel at Permanent Records Roadhouse (a Sid the Cat night). Gracie and Rachel were celebrating the release of the album If We Could, Would We. In a way, this was a release party for Gold Child, as well. At the start of the year, she released her EP Angelina Jolie. It is a four track EP where she wears her heart on her shirt sleaves. 

Gold Child at Permanent Records Roadhouse

Song Spotlight: Sugermill Slim's Family Affair (a night at The Den Studios)

The Bluesadelic Sessions put on a showcase at The Den Studios with the headliner being One Tribe Nation, fronted by Living Colour's Corey Glover. Starting off the night was glam blues band Sugarmill Slim (fronted by Anders LaSource). This wasn't my first time coming across the band. I previously saw the band back in 2023 at Zebulon. I knew I was in for some good music. I'm not sure all were convinced about the music; however. There was The Den Studios' dog that was hanging out (Brisket, I do believe). For a portion of the set, the dog sat in the middle of the floor, facing the band. Yet, the dog seemed to be mesmerized by his toy. 

Sugarmill Slim at The Den Studios

Song Spotlight: Gracie and Rachel's WTF (a night at Permanent Records Roadhouse)

I had the opportunity to cover Gracie and Rachel for US Rocker Music for their recent set at Permanent Records Roadhouse (presented by Sid the Cat). I had not previously heard of the band before when I received the invite to cover the band (as is often the case for me). I took a listen to maybe one or two of their songs and agreed to cover the set. I liked their self described chamber pop tunes. It kind of reminded me of the soundtrack to a minimalist movie set out in nature, far from the population centers. 

Gracie and Rachel at Permanent Records Roadhouse

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): Aug 9th - Aug 15th

A Handful (Massive) of Show Alerts 

Sunday, Aug 9th: American Sigh at Oblivion. Doors at 7 p.m.

I wrote a Song Spotlight for their song "No Resolution" last month.

Sunday, Aug 9th: Buckets at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.

I wrote a review of their album release party back in June.

Sunday, Aug 9th: Caravan 222, Leslie Stevens, and Matt Hill & The Black Spurs at The Echo (Grand Ole Echo). Doors at 5:30 p.m.

In 2025, I wrote a review of both Caravan 222 and Matt Hill & The Black Spurs playing Grand Ole Echo.

In 2023, I wrote a review of Leslie Stevens for Buzzbands.

Sunday, Aug 9th: Nick Kivlen (of Sunflower Bean), Ricky Berger, and Tashaki Miyaki at The Fable. Doors at 7 p.m.

In 2024, I wrote a review of Sunflower Bean for US Rocker Music.

I wrote a Song Spotlight for Ricky Berger's song "My Insides" back in April.

I wrote a Song Spotlight for Tashaki Miyaki's "Somethin' Is Better Than Nothin'" back in 2025.

Sunday, Aug 9th: Ultraviolet Communication at Gold-Diggers. Doors at 7 p.m.

I wrote a Song Spotlight for their song "No Return" back in 2025.

Monday, Aug 10th: Monday Mondays at Hotel Cafe. Doors at 7 p.m.

The last Monday Monday's series at the current Hotel Cafe. Too many artists that I've written about to mention.

Tuesday, Aug 11th: J.R. Slayer at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 7 p.m.
In 2024, the band was part of the No Earbuds Fest that I covered for US Rocker Music.

Wednesday, Aug 12th: Gilbert Louie Ray at Maui Sugar Mill Saloon. Doors at 8 p.m.

I wrote a Song Spotlight for his song "What I Have Left" back in March.

Wednesday, Aug 12th: Powder Pink & Sweet at Gold-Diggers. Doors at 7 p.m.

I wrote a Song Spotlight for their song "Raspberry Lime" back in February.

Thursday, Aug 13th: Cody's Program and Ramonda Hammer at Gold-Diggers. Doors at 7 p.m.

In 2025, I wrote a review of Cody's Program.

I wrote a Song Spotlight for Ramonda Hammer's song "Eyelash" back in 2025.

Thursday, Aug 13th: Swimming Bell at Non Plus Ultra. Doors at 8 p.m.

I wrote a Song Spotlight for her song "95 at Night" back in 2025.

Friday, Aug 14th: Janelane at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.

I wrote a Song Spotlight for their song "Instincts" back in May.

Friday, Aug 14th: Satellite Citi at The Echoplex. Doors at 7 p.m.

In 2023, I wrote a review of the band for US Rocker Music.

Friday, Aug 14th: Shannon Lay at the Lodge Room. Doors at 7 p.m.

I wrote a Song Spotlight for her song "All This Life Going Down" back in 2025.

Friday, Aug 14th: Valley Queen at Oblivion. Doors at 7 p.m.

I wrote a Song Spotlight for their song "Ride" back in 2025.

Saturday, Aug 15th: Johanna Samuels at Zebulon. Doors at 7 p.m.
In 2023, I reviewed her set for Buzzbands.

Saturday, Aug 15th: MyVeronica at The Glass House. Doors at 6:45 p.m.

I listed the band as one of my favorite new bands of 2024. 

Song Spotlight: Olivia Barnes' Reds (a night at The Airliner Bar)

Country music arrived at the School Night (a collaboration between Make Out Music and KCRW) showcase. Olivia Barnes brought her Southern accent to The Airliner Bar. She grew up in Atlanta, but is currently living in New Orleans. A rather interesting coincidence of the night was the fact that the night's headliner, Macy Todd, also grew up in Atlanta.

Olivia Barnes at The Airliner Bar

Song Spotlight: Julez and the Rollerz's I Need Love (a night at The Fable)

I last saw a full Julez and the Rollerz's set in May 2025. I did see about two-thirds of their set three months later at Happy Sundays Long Beach. What was up with the band during that time gap? They released their debut album Dirty Little Rock 'n' roller. (Where's the 'z' in that album title?) They had an album release part at Zebulon and will be doing an 8 stop tour on the East Coast come September. For those in Los Angeles, you'll have an opportunity to catch them on August 30th (Sunday) at Echo Park Rising (yes, they're officially expanding to two days after a couple years of just holding the festival on Saturdays -- though there were unofficial sets being held on Fridays and Sundays).      

Julez and the Rollers at The Fable

Song Spotlight: Tanner Massey's Wish I Was Him (a night at Hotel Ziggy)

Tanner Massey arrived in Los Angeles the previous day after driving 32 hours from Oklahoma. He showed no signs of exhaustion from the drive during his WFNM showcase at Hotel Ziggy. If his name sounds familiar, it is because he was on the 24th (2023) season of The Voice and finished in the Top 12 while being part of Team Gwen Stefani. Could he had placed higher? He felt if he had done Shawn Mendes' "Mercy" that he would have gotten to the next stage. Either way, his fans showed up to catch his set and to spend a few moments afterwards to talk with him.   

Tanner Massey at Hotel Ziggy