Review: Bloody Death Skull brings the offbeat to The Fable

I've followed Bloody Death Skull for over a decade. I first came across the band at a long gone music venue called Pehrspace (which still lives on as part of 2220 Arts). The night was hosted on by the New L.A. Folk Festival. Going back a little further in time, in 2012 the actual festival was held at Zorthian Ranch. I covered the festival for the first blog site that I started working for called inTraffik. I'm sure if one looked hard enough via the Wayback Machine, one can find my write-up and photos. The festival had a really solid line-up, some of whom are still active and would be a festival highlight if we jumped to the present day: Dust Bowl Revival, Guy Blakeslee, and Leslie Stevens are just three that pop to mind. 

Bloody Death Skull at The Fable

Song Spotlight: Destinee Alera's Horizon (a night at Hotel Ziggy)

The Oakland raised, SoCal based Destinee Alera hit all the perfect R&B and jazz notes at a recent WFNM showcase at Hotel Ziggy. She had a four piece backing band (guitar, bass, keys, drummer) that highlighted the lovely nuances of her music. 

Destinee Alera at Hotel Ziggy

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): Mar 1st - Mar 7th

A Handful (Bucketful) of Show Alerts

Sunday, Mar 1st: Dreyted at Oblivion. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my recent Zebulon review here.

Sunday, Mar 1st: Ultraviolet Communication at Alex's Bar. Doors at 8 p.m.
You can read my Song Spotlight for the band's "No Return" here. 

Monday, Mar 2nd: J.R. Slayer at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 6 p.m.
In 2024, the band was part of the No Earbuds Fest that I covered for US Rocker Music, which you can read here.

Tuesday, Mar 3rd: John Errol at The Airliner Bar. Doors at 7 p.m.

He made my list of favorite 2025 new finds, which you can read here.

Wednesday, Mar 4th: Slowpoke and Young Lovers at Oblivion. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight for Slowpoke's "Tiki Dream" here.

In 2024, I did a review of Young Lovers' set, which you can read here. 

Thursday, Mar 5th: Dave Harrington at The Airliner Bar. Doors at 7 p.m.

In 2025, I wrote a review of his Zebulon set, which you can read here.

Thursday, Mar 5th:  Disco Shrine at The Roxy. Doors at 8 p.m. 

I've known the genius behind Disco Shrine, Jessica Delijani, for years. You can read my 2019 US Rocker Music Q&A here.

Thursday, Mar 5th: Dutch East Indians at The Escondite. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight for the band's "All Time High" here.

Thursday, Mar 5th:  talker at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.
In 2022, I covered the band for US Rocker Music, which you can read here.

Friday, Mar 6th: Dutch Interior at the Lodge Room. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight for the band's "I'll Be Damned" here. 

Saturday, Mar 7th: Harry Katz Presents Pistachioland at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 6 p.m.

You can read my 2025 review of this event here.

Song Spotlight: Faydean's Rock 'Em-Sock 'Em (a night at Hotel Ziggy)

Faydean (Faydean Drew Kielty's mononymous name) brought her folk-country tunes to the WFNM showcase at Hotel Ziggy. The Los Angeles native mentioned that she wasn't able to perform much in 2025 due to nodules. She has recovered and is rearing to go in 2026. Based on a recent Instagram post she had 8 performances scheduled just in January and February (a couple as a backup vocalist). 

Faydean at Hotel Ziggy

Song Spotlight: PEGGY's ALICE (a night at Hotel Ziggy)

If PEGGY (Peggy Owens' mononymous name) needs a backup plan in life, she'll be a most beloved high school English teacher. She sang a series of songs that were inspired by her voracious reading habits ("DEAR READER," "WRITTEN BY A WOMAN," "ALICE," and one may as well toss in "FRANKENSTEIN," which was technically based on the recent movie). But that backup plan for the Berklee College of Music graduate is just imagined on my part, because at the moment she is highlighting her music talents at venues such as Hotel Ziggy (a night presented by WFNM). 

PEGGY at Hotel Ziggy

Song Spotlight: Scout Gillett's Too Fast To Last (a night at Zebulon)

Scout Gillett was the headliner for the post-Super Bowl party at Zebulon. It should be said upfront that the night was a mash-up of music genres -- and I say that in a positive way, because the three bands that I saw were all excellent (Lackey and Dreyted were the first two bands). Lackey and Dreyted provided the audience with punk rock performances. Gillett shifted the music genre (she did rock her way through some of her songs, but I would not call her music punk). Her website bio describes her sound as follows, "Her acumen as a lyricist and musician are on full display, blending velvety vocals with twangy guitars, lo-fi harmonica, and dreamy pedal steel across the album and merging a variety of genres into a haunting sonic landscape."

Scout Gillett at Zebulon

Review: Dreyted gives a Super Bowl performance at Zebulon

A tradition of mine is to head out to Zebulon after the Super Bowl. I've always had a good time hanging out there after the big game. In 2024, I got to run into a long time favorite Sally Spitz. Last year, I saw John Errol who ended up making my list of favorite new bands / artists of the year (you can read that list of favorites here). This year, after watching the defensive dominance of the Seattle Seahawks, I came across another band that will surely make my list of favorite bands of 2026: Dreyted (the moniker for DeRon Munroe).   

Dreyted at Zebulon

Song Spotlight: Anastasia Coope's Pink Lady Opera (a night at Zebulon)

Brooklyn based Anastasia Coope headlined Zebulon recently. The artist has been spending the beginning of 2026 touring the two coasts of North America (there were some stops in Canada). Her tour will conclude with short trip through Europe. 

Anastasia Coope at Zebulon

Song Spotlight: Harmony Index's Drifting (a night at Zebulon)

I first came across Harmony Index (the moniker for Nico Leibman) in 2023. She was headlining a set for a Safe Travels Presents showcase at the Resident DTLA. I should just mention that the Resident DTLA closed its doors in October 2025. It isn't necessarily a shock to me. I remember talking to the manager back in 2024, because they were putting a stop (I believe it was just temporary) on live performances. It was a reason why Alphabet Soup (a collaboration between The Witching Hours and Safe Travels Presents) had to move locations that year. It was mentions that alcohol purchases had declined post-2020. Pre-2020, I always considered the venue to be The Arts Districts answer (smaller in size) to Zebulon. You'd hang out at the venue and occasionally run into people such as Victoria Justice.

Harmony Index at Zebulon

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): Feb 22nd - Feb 28th

A Handful (Super Sized) of Show Alerts 

Sunday, Feb 22nd: Anna Ash at Zebulon. Doors at 7 p.m.
In 2025, I wrote a review of the Murder Ballads & Dark Songs event that she took part in, which you can read here.

Sunday, Feb 22nd: Soft Palms at Gold-Diggers. Doors at 7 p.m.

Read my Song Spotlight to the band's "Rainbows" here.

Sunday, Feb 22nd: Valley Porno People at Lodge Room. Doors at 6 p.m.

They take part in a fundraiser for Non Plus Ultra. Valley Porno People made my list of favorite 2024 bands. You can read that list here.

Monday, Feb 23rd: Ben Reddell Band at The Escondite. Doors at 9 p.m.

Read my Song Spotlight for his "Tumbleweed" here.

Monday, Feb 23rd: Blue Wistaria, Chelsea Rose, and mop at Oblivion. Doors at 7 p.m.

Read my Song Spotlight for Blue Wistaria's "Members Only" here.

Chelsea Rose was in one of my favorite bands from way back when: Summer Twins.

Mop made my list of favorite new 2025 bands, which you can read here.

Tuesday, Feb 24th: MacGregor Burns at The Redwood Bar. Doors at 8 p.m.

Read my Song Spotlight for his "Paradise Motel" here.

Tuesday, Feb 24th: The Mastersons at Gold-Diggers. Doors at 7 p.m.
In 2024, the band was part of a Roots Rock tribute night at Zebulon that I covered for US Rocker Music. You can read my review here.

Wednesday, Feb 25th: Andie Yagher at Hotel Cafe (second stage). Set time at 7 p.m.

Read my Song Spotlight for her "twenty something" here.  

Wednesday, Feb 25th: Jagged Baptist Club at The Goldfish. Doors at 8 p.m.

Read my Song Spotlight for the band's "Temptation Death House" here.

Wednesday, Feb 25th: Maejoy at Hotel Cafe (main stage). Set time at 7 p.m.

Read my Song Spotlight for her "Blueberry Lemonade" here. 

Wednesday, Feb 25th: Baba Jenkins at Hotel Ziggy. Doors at 7 p.m.

Read my Song Spotlight for the band's "Wild" here.

Wednesday, Feb 25th: Host Family and Mo Dotti at Zebulon. Doors at 8 p.m.

Read my Song Spotlight for Host Family's "Dromedary" here.

Read my Song Spotlight for Mo Dotti's "dead to me" here.

Thursday, Feb 25th: American Mile and Anna Thoresen at Bar Lubitsch. Doors at 7 p.m.

Read my Song Spotlight for American Mile's "Photograph of You" here. 

Read my Song Spotlight for Anna Thoresen's "Dear Soulmate" here.

Saturday, Feb 28th: Rose's Pawn Shop at Hotel Cafe (second stage). Set time at 7 p.m.

In 2024, I covered their set for US Rocker Music, which you can read here.

Saturday, Feb 28th: SadGirl and The Paranoyds at Oblivion. Doors at 7 p.m.

This is a fundraiser for CHIRLA. 

In 2024, I covered SadGirl's set for US Rocker Music, which you can read here.

In 2022, I covered their set for Buzzbands, which you can read here.

Song Spotlight: Chloe Saavedra's Physics (a night at The Fable)

Playing perhaps the shortest set I've seen in years, drummer Chloe Saavedra was the headliner at the Ryan Pollie showcase at The Fable. How short was the set? I say it clocked in at 15 minutes. She played a trio of songs from her upcoming record with the highlight being her single release "Physics." The short set was more than made up by her magnetic personality. 

Chloe Saavedra at The Fable

Song Spotlight: Jordana's Still Do (a night at The Fable)

It was one of the best Ryan Pollie's showcases at The Fable that I've attended. It ranks up there with the night that Madison Cunningham played a set (you can read about that night here). What made The Fable the place to be on the first Tuesday of February? Jordana (the mononymous name for Jordana Nye) played a short opening set for her friend Chloe Saavedra, who was having a single release party. 

Jordana at The Fable

Song Spotlight: Rett Madison's Pin-Up Daddy (a night at Permanent Records Roadhouse)

Rett Madison recently played a set at Permanent Records Roadhouse, opening up for Valley Queen. (If interested, I did a Valley Queen write-up a few months back, which you can read here.) I've seen Rett Madison a couple times prior. I first saw a set back in 2019 at the Bootleg Theater. During our online lives of 2020, I caught another set via a WFNM showcase. I did happen to mention in another blog post that I nearly caught a set back in 2018, but my arrival time was off by 30 minutes or so. 

Rett Madison at Permanent Records Roadhouse

Song Spotlight: The Album Leaf's Falling From The Sun (a night at Zebulon)

Over a decade ago, I got to see The Album Leaf play at the 2015 Culture Collide music festival. It was the final year of that festival that brought bands into Echo Park from across the globe. Bands from South America, Asia, and Europe would fly in and play a couple sets at different venues. And then sometimes, Culture Collide would play a little loose with the facts and say that so and so band was from Sweden even though they lived in Los Angeles. No matter, it was a fun festival. 

The Album Leaf at Zebulon

Song Spotlight: Power Pink & Sweet's Raspberry Lime (a night at Gold-Diggers)

I first came across Powder Pink & Sweet in 2023 at Permanent Records Roadhouse. The band was playing with my favorite New York based band Laveda. You can read my US Rocker Music post from the night here. As is often the case when it comes to Los Angeles bands that I find intriguing, way too much time had passed since I last crossed paths with the band. By chance, as I was putting together my weekly Show Alerts for this blog site, I checked out what Swyndle LA had scheduled for their Harvard & Stone Monday night showcase and noticed that the promotor was putting on a Friday night show at Gold-Diggers. It just so happened that Powder Pink & Sweet was playing. An opportunity presented itself and so off I went. 

Powder Pink & Sweet at Gold-Diggers

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): Feb 15th - Feb 21st

A Handful (Bucketful) of Show Alerts

Sunday, Feb 15th: Alice Sandahl at Gold-Diggers. Doors at 2 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight for her "Walk It Off" here.

Sunday, Feb 15th: Bloody Death Skull at The Fable. Doors at 7 p.m.

In 2013, I wrote a short review of their set that you can read here.

Sunday, Feb 15th: Dream Phases at Gold-Diggers. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight for their "Turn Away" here.

Monday, Feb 16th: McKail Seely at Hotel Cafe (a short set for Monday Monday). Doors at 8 p.m.

She is a member of Harry Katz and the Pistachios. You can read my 2025 review of the band's set here. 

Tuesday, Feb 17th: Marcus Buser at The Fable. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight for his "Right Man" here.

Wednesday, Feb 18th: Caravan 222 at Zebulon. Doors at 8 p.m.
In 2025, I wrote a review of their Grand Ole Echo set that you can read here.

Wednesday, Feb 18th: Slugs at The Goldfish. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight for their "Super Sane" here.

Thursday, Feb 19th: Laena Myers at Gold-Diggers. Doors at 7 p.m.

In 2025, she performed at a C.A.P.O. Center fundraiser where she volunteers her time. You can read my US Rocker Music review of that night here.

Thursday, Feb 19th: Yagki at Bar Lubitsch. Doors at 7 p.m.
You can read my Song Spotlight for her "Something I Do" here.   

Friday, Feb 20th: Cissi.TV at Zebulon. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight for her "I Guess I Made It" here.

Friday, Feb 20th: Gilbert Louie Ray and Luke Pelletier at the Bigfoot Lodge. Doors at 8 p.m.

In 2025, I wrote a review for their sets (same review as McKail Seely above) that you can read here. 

Friday, Feb 20th: Self Improvement (opener) at Lodge Room. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight for their "Change My Mind" here.

Friday, Feb 20th: Surprise Baby at Oblivion. Doors at 7 p.m.

I've been following Sarsten Noice since 2018, when I covered her Hydro Kitten set at Echo Park Rising for Buzzbands. Find a photo here. 

Two Movies seen on TCM: Week-End at the Waldorf (1945) and Biloxi Blues (1988)

I've been hooked on TCM for years now. I just always remember being a fan of Humphrey Bogart, Cary Grant, Errol Flynn, Audrey Hepburn, Katharine Hepburn, James (Jimmy) Steward, John Wayne, and many many more. The following two movies are Biloxi Blues and Week-End at the Waldorf.

Song Spotlight: Noël Tsoukalas' Pull the Plug (a night at Hotel Ziggy)

Noël Tsoukalas no doubt wishes she had advanced further in American Idol's Season 21 (2023), but her time there left a positive lasting impression none the less. As her WFNM showcase set came to a conclusion at Hotel Ziggy, she told the audience her fond memory when she sang her song "The Girl In Your Story" during the competition, "I was scared out of my pants. Literally about to pee myself. Shaking, having to play piano. I thought I was done for . . . I remember looking Lionel Richie in the eyes. And you know what he told me? 'Girl, you got to keep writing music to the day you die.'" She took that to heart. In 2025, she graduated with a music degree from  Point Loma Nazarene University and released her debut album I Still Hear You. 

Noël Tsoukalas at Hotel Ziggy

Song Spotlight: Olivia Soli's thanks to you (a night at Hotel Ziggy)

It was an American Idol night at the WFNM showcase at Hotel Ziggy. The night included Lola Bonfiglio (Season 23 -- 2025) and Noël Tsoukalas (Season 21 - 2023). A third former contestant of the music competition was Olivia Soli who was also in Season 21 and made it to the Top 20 -- and is the focus of this particular blog post.

Olivia Soli at Hotel Ziggy

Review: Lola Bonfiglio Pays Homage to Family Legacy at Hotel Ziggy

Sometimes you head out and the unexpected occurs. There was that time back in 2022 when I went out to cover Night Talks at The Troubadour. Cherie Currie of the Runaways showed up to sing "Cherry Bomb." Currie's cameo appearance was due to the fact that her son Jake Hays was opening up the night. You can read my Buzzbands article here.  

Lola Bonfiglio at Hotel Ziggy

Review: DIY Artist Mars Rodriguez Shines at The Whisky a Go Go

I first came across Mars Rodriguez (the moniker for Maria Alejandra Rodriguez Serrano) in 2019 when I got an out of the blue invitation to catch her set at Hotel Cafe. You can read my US Rocker Music interview that I conducted after the set here. I got to catch another Hotel Cafe set in early 2020 (prior to all the venues shutting down). The final time I caught one of her sets was in 2022, which resulted in an interesting adventure on my part in my attempt to get home for the night. 

Mars Rodriguez at The Whisky a Go Go

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): Feb 8th - Feb 14th

A Handful of Show Alerts

Thursday, Feb 12th: Giselle at Bar Lubitsch. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my song spotlight for "Skeletons" here.

Friday, Feb 13th: Nail Polish at Non Plus Ultra. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can read my song spotlight for "Haunted Spells" here. 

Two Movies seen on TCM: Fort Apache (1948) and The Naked Spur (1953)

I've been hooked on TCM for years now. I just always remember being a fan of Humphrey Bogart, Cary Grant, Errol Flynn, Audrey Hepburn, Katharine Hepburn, James (Jimmy) Steward, John Wayne, and many many more. Around a decade ago, I used to do some reviews of movies I saw on TCM. I figured I'd start it up again. If you're interested, click on through.

Song Spotlight: Johnny Majestic's Weep All Over (a night at The Three Club)

In January, I walked into The Three Clubs for the first time in likely over a decade. The venue does hold a special place in my heart, because it is where I first saw Rocket (the band fronted by Lauren Rocket). Over the years, I'd drive by it or walk pass it (while walking towards Sassafras Saloon) and always wondered what bands were playing inside the venue. An opportunity to return presented itself via the band Mystic Knights (you can read my US Rocker article here) and I was eager to attend. I showed up in time to catch most of Johnny Majestic's set. 

Johnny Majestic at The Three Club

Song Spotlight: Mystic Knights' Count (a night at The Three Clubs)

Mystic Knights came to my attention last year in June when I was invited to cover Band of Skulls at The Troubadour. The Mystic Knights were the opening band (you can read that US Rocker post here). The band name may not sound familiar to many, but lead singer Chris Cester's better known band Jet is likely a known quantity (hits include "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" and "Cold Hard Bitch").

Mystic Knights at The Three Clubs

Song Spotlight: DanDan's Next Year (a night at Hotel Ziggy)

DanDan (moniker for Daniel Leese) is a recent USC Thornton graduate with a degree in Jazz Vocal Performance. He recently opened up the night at a WFNM showcase at Hotel Ziggy. I was immediately struck by the potential symbolism in the set. It started with what he wore for the night: a white robe that reminded me of a Medieval monk. Perhaps that impression was implanted due to his first song of the night that was called "Savior's Song." On his Soundcloud account he mentions that the song is about a "fear-mongering troubadour on a busy street corner . . . the evil intentions of the troubadour become frighteningly clear." I'm speculating that his dressing up in white is him trying to avoid being put until the evil spell of the troubadour. 

DanDan at Hotel Ziggy

Song Spotlight: Andie Yagher's twenty something (a night at Hotel Ziggy)

I noticed that the WFNM showcase featured Andie Yagher three or so times last year. After seeing her name pop up on the schedule a few times, I wanted to catch a set, but it just never worked out for me. One time I was shooting the Greek Theatre. Another time, it was squeezed into a rather busy week. One other time, a favorite local band of mine, Ramonda Hammer, was playing. Luckily for me, she popped up on the January 13th WFNM schedule at Hotel Ziggy. 

Andie Yagher at Hotel Ziggy

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): Feb 1st - Feb 7th

A Handful (Bucketful) of Show Alerts

Sunday, Feb 1st: Valley Queen at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 6 p.m.

Read my Song Spotlight for "Ride" here.

Monday, Feb 2nd: Salem's Bend at The Redwood Bar. Doors at 9 p.m.

The band was one of my favorite new finds of 2024, you can read that list here.

Wednesday, Feb 4th: Devon Ross and Jawdropped at Zebulon. Doors at 8 p.m.
Read my Devon Ross Song Spotlight for "All the Things" here.
Read my Jawdropped Song Spotlight for "Skully" here.

Wednesday, Feb 4th: Cuffed Up at El Cid. Doors at 7 p.m.

In 2022, I did a review of their set for US Rocker Music, which you can read here.

Wednesday, Feb 4th: Izzy Outerspace at Gold-Diggers. Doors at 7 p.m.

In 2025, I did a review of her set, which you can read here.

Wednesday, Feb 4th: Mars Rodriguez at Whisky a Go Go. Doors at 6 p.m.

In 2019, I did a US Rocker Music Interview with her, which you can read here.

Wednesday, Feb 4th: Neska Rose at Hotel Ziggy. Doors at 7 p.m.

Read my Song Spotlight for "Very Green" here.

Wednesday, Feb 4th: Young Lovers at The Goldfish. Doors at 8 p.m.

In 2024, I did a review of their set, which you can read here. 

Thursday, Feb 5th: Self Improvement at Oblivion. Doors at 7 p.m.

Read my Song Spotlight for "Change My Mind" here.

Thursday, Feb 5th: Shannon Lay at Healing Force of the Universe. Doors at 8 p.m.

Read my Song Spotlight for "All This Life Going Down" here.

Friday, Feb 6th: Pu$$y-Cow at The Escondite. Doors at 9 p.m.

In 2025, I did a review of their 20th Anniversary Party, which you can read here.

Saturday, Feb 7th: Crisis Actor at Non Plus Ultra. Doors at 8 p.m.

In 2025, I did a review of their set, which you can read here.

Song Spotlight: Allegra Ondine's Museum of Houses (a night at Harvard & Stone)

Allegra Ondine's soprano vocals that take on operatic qualities hit the Harvard & Stone stage during a Swyndle LA showcase. I ran across Ondine previously back in 2023. I first ran across her in July when she was a back-up vocalist for Gaia Calista. Then in August, I happened to catch a Paradise Lovers set, which is a duo with Maybellene Ryder. In regards to Ryder, I happened to mention her in a US Rocker Music when she was playing violin for Oh, Rose (you can read that article here). Paradise Lovers is an interesting pairing. Ondine has classical vocals while Ryder has alternative pop / folk vocals. 

Allegra Ondine at Harvard & Stone

Song Spotlight: O.S. Coleman's Natural Way (a night at Harvard & Stone)

O.S. Coleman (initials for Odin Scott) opened up the night at the Swyndle LA showcase at Harvard & Stone. It was a set filled with bluegrass and gospel tunes with Coleman switching between the banjo and violin while his bandmate Troy Dillinger (known for playing with Harry Katz and the Pistachios) took up accordion duties. 

O.S. Coleman at Harvard & Stone

Song Spotlight: Yagki's Something I Do (a night at Hotel Ziggy)

Yagki (aka Sarah Yagki) took the stage during my first WFNM showcase of 2026 at Hotel Ziggy. The Lebanese heritage, Australian born, current Los Angeles resident (apparently ended 2025 moving to Los Angeles) had an infectious enthusiasm during her 35 minute set. She made sure people were aware that her accent was Australian and "not a bad British accent." Personally, I'd like to know why Vegemite is a thing. 

Yagki at Hotel Ziggy

Song Spotlight: Chase Burnett's Penny I Promise (a night at The Fable)

Chase Burnett was the opening performer for Ryan Pollie's first 2026 showcase at The Fable. He's Texan born and currently living in Los Angeles. He wanted to spend a month in Oakland, but will have to stick it out in Los Angeles for awhile as someone stole his catalytic converter. Though I do believe his current home base is Los Angeles, it would seem he spends significant time away from the city, as his Instagram page indicated that he spent a month or more in Austin, Texas. Time to time, when doing these write-ups and the corresponding research, I do notice the travel that various musicians do in life (beyond just touring), and I do say it gives me that travel itch. 

Chase Burnett at The Fable

Song Spotlight: Sharon Silva's Underachiever (a night at The Fable)

I believe I first caught a Sharon Silva set in 2022 when she opened up for Jenny O, which I covered at the time for Buzzbands. Prior to that; however, I was familiar with her via The Wild Reeds and that dates back to 2013. I always seem to catch her playing with some awesome singer-songwriters. In 2023, she was on the same bill with Adriana McCassim. In 2024, she played a night that included Johanna Samuels and Valley Queen. I didn't happen to catch a set in 2025, but the opportunity popped up in early 2026 to catch a set at The Fable for Ryan Pollie's biweekly showcase. 

Sharon Silva at The Fable

Song Spotlight: Never Knows Best's Wait and See (a night at the Redwood Bar)

Prior to headliner Never Knows Best taking the stage at the Redwood Bar, Spiral Teeth (you can read my review of that set here) told the audience "Happy New Year's Eve Eve." It was nearly the last day of 2025 and I finally made it to the Redwood Bar for the first time that year. The Redwood Bar isn't part of my standard rotation of venues that I visit, but you'd think I would have hit up the venue more than once in 2025. 

Never Knows Best at the Redwood Bar

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): Jan 25th - Jan 31st

A Handful of Show Alerts

Monday, Jan 26th: Sierra Spirit and Sharon Silva at Healing Force of the Universe. Doors at 8 p.m.
In 2024, I covered a Sierra Spirit set for US Rocker Music, which you can read here.

In 2022, I covered a Sharon Silva set for Buzzbands, which you can read here. 

Monday, Jan 26th: Slowpoke at Harvard & Stone. Doors at 8 p.m.

Read my Song Spotlight for "Tiki Dream" here.

Wednesday, Jan 28th: D.A. Stern at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 6 p.m.

Read my Song Spotlight for "I Never Said I Was The One" here.

Thursday, Jan 29th: Fashion Club at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.
Read my Song Spotlight for "Confusion" here.

Thursday, Jan 29th: Sister Gemini at the Airliner. Doors at 7 p.m. 

Read my Song Spotlight for "Elvira" here.

Saturday, Jan 31st: Photo Ops at Healing Force of the Universe. Doors at 8 p.m.

Read my Song Spotlight for "Walking Under The Trees" here.

Saturday, Jan 31st: Shannon Lay at Zebulon. Doors at 7 p.m.
Read my Song Spotlight for "All This Life Going Down" here.

Two Movies seen on TCM: Boom Town (1940) and Thief (1981)

I've been hooked on TCM for years now. I just always remember being a fan of Humphrey Bogart, Cary Grant, Errol Flynn, Audrey Hepburn, Katharine Hepburn, James (Jimmy) Steward, John Wayne, and many many more. The following two movies are Boom Town and Thief. 

Song Spotlight: Spiral Teeth's Monochrome (a night at the Redwood Bar)

I came across Batcave Lark (moniker for Lark Detweiler) in November at Substance Fest. They were a backup dancer for Pink Stiletto. Flash forward to the last few days of December and I was weighing two choices: head off to The Smell or the Redwood Bar. I took a look at the bands / artists playing at each venue. Playing the Redwood Bar was a band called Spiral Teeth. I quickly made the connection that Spiral Teeth was another artistic avenue of Detweiler's (maybe I figured this out back in November, but then just forgot about it). Decision was made, if Valery Kvochkova of Pink Stiletto had a connection with Spiral Teeth, I would head out to the Redwood Bar.

Spiral Teeth at the Redwood Bar

Song Spotlight: Nail Polish's Haunted Spells (a night at Harvard Stone)

I'm always looking for new bands in order to do write-ups on this blog site. It was the week of New Year's Eve and so not a whole lot was happening in the Los Angeles music scene. I wanted to head out a couple nights, because I do have a goal of writing at least 3 or 4 posts a week. There are a handful of weekly promotor inspired nights that I target when looking for new bands: AM Presents Music, Rocknite LA, and WFNM. All three were shut down for the week. Not all was lost. There was one final promotor that I track that was still holding a night of music. It was Swyndle and their Monday night at Harvard & Stone. 

Nail Polish at Harvard & Stone

Review: Less of This creates a frenzy at Zebulon

Less of This who uses the hashtags post-hardcore and metalcore on their Instagram account were the main attraction at Zebulon. It was a post-Christmas night of music that had them as the opening band, but it would not be an exaggeration to say that the crowd showed up early to see them. The crowd was still in the festive mood of Christmas and spent plenty of time yelling their love for lead singer Aiden Grillo and wildly pogo dancing through many of their six song setlist. 

Less of This at Zebulon

Song Spotlight: D.A. Stern's I Never Said I Was The One (a night at Club Tee Gee)

Before Los Angeles was flooded by a series of holiday storms, D.A. Stern opened up the night at Club Tee Gee for an AM Presents Music showcase. Based on his Spotify bio, he's a New Jersey native who eventually made his way to Los Angeles. He must be a big baseball fan as his bio mentioned that while in New Jersey he'd spend time watching the Yankees with his mom and that once in Los Angeles he lived close to Dodgers Stadium. As for his music, "Stern’s laid back, tongue-in-cheek lyrics effortlessly compliment his dreamy pop rock arrangements of dense guitars and swirling organs. The music of D.A. Stern, who is more inspired by filmmakers Albert Brooks and Mel Brooks than any songwriter . . . "

D.A. Stern at Club Tee Gee

Song Spotlight: Photo Ops Walking Under The Trees (a night at Club Tee Gee)

I took off to see Mirrorball at AM Presents Music showcase at Club Tee Gee. Luckily for me, they played last. Why? Because I got to catch Photo Ops (the moniker for Terry Price). Based on the Instagram poster, I figured that Mirrorball would be up second and I was going to take off after that and jump into bed early. That plan was disrupted when Photo Ops took that slot.   

Photo Ops at Club Tee Gee

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): Jan 18th - Jan 24th

A Handful of Show Alerts

Sunday, Jan 18th: Alex Andre at The Haven. Doors at 7 p.m.
In 2021, I covered his set for Buzzbands, you can read that article here.

Sunday, Jan 18th: Moonfuzz at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 6 p.m.

Read my Song Spotlight of "Hell Week" here.

Monday, Jan 19th: Monday Monday at Hotel Cafe featuring artists Brenda Carsey, Broadway B, and Matt Axton. 

In 2018, I covered Brenda Carsey at Echo Park Rising for Buzzbands, you can see a photo of the set here.

In 2023, I covered Broadway B at November Haze for US Rocker Music, you can read that article here.

Read my Song Spotlight of Matt Axton's "Golden Times" here.

Wednesday, Jan 21st: Host Family at Oblivion. Doors at 7 p.m.

Read my Song Spotlight of "Dromedary" here.

Wednesday, Jan 21st: Maryon King at Hotel Ziggy. Doors at 7 p.m.
Read my Song Spotlight of "What's a Girl To Do" here.

Friday, Jan 23rd: Chemical Therapy at Gold-Diggers. Doors at 7 p.m.

Read my Song Spotlight of "East Los Luv" here.

Friday, Jan 23rd: Hailey Wild at Harvard & Stone. Doors at 7 p.m.

Read my Song Spotlight of "Wake Up" here.

Friday, Jan 23rd: Pu$$y-Cow at Maui Sugar Mill Saloon. Sets start around 9 p.m.

In 2025, I covered their 20th anniversary, you can read that article here.

Friday, Jan 23rd: Shannon Lay at Lodge Room. Doors at 7 p.m.

Read my Song Spotlight of "All This Life Going Down" here.

Photo Review: Devon Thompson (a night at El Cid)

I first came across Devon Thompson in 2023 at The Smell and a couple times at WFNM in 2024. My 2025 encounter with the rising rocker was in December at El Cid (you can read my song spotlight for "Wishing" and other photos from the night here). Yes, a bit of a long wait to catch another set, but that is just how it is. The one thing I know about Devon Thompson is that she is one of the more photogenic musicians in Los Angeles. There is just a composure to the way she presents herself onstage. I knew I wanted to capture a photo that you'll see after the jump.

Song Spotlight: Mirrorball's Red Hot Dust (a night at Club Tee Gee)

I came across Mirrorball at the 2024 Echo Park Rising festival. I was an official photographer for the festival and so I only caught a couple songs of their Bar Henry set before I was off to catch another performer. Bar Henry is a bit off the beaten path when it comes to Echo Park Rising so I was making a bee line all the way to Sticky Rice to snap photos of a favorite band of mine, Slugs. Along the way, I came across Beauty Queen playing a sidewalk performance. That was a pleasant surprise as I caught a couple of her sets back in 2019 and this was the first time connecting back up. Why am I bringing up all these random bands? Well, the purpose of this blog over the last year plus has been to randomly incorporate my memories of the Los Angeles music scene.

Mirrorball at Club Tee Gee

Song Spotlight: Street Play's Choke (a night at the Lodge Room)

Street Play opened up a mid-December night at the Lodge Room in support of Faetooth. Of interest, both bands have a commonality. Ashla Razzano played in both bands, ending her run with both in 2023. If the reader is interested, she is currently fronting the folk band Rabbit Rabbit Rabbit. This was my first time catching the band that currently has Jenna Reynoza on lead vocals and guitar, Jake Pavlica on drums, and replacing Ashla Razzano on bass is Keely Martin. Back in 2021, Martin directed a Street Play music video called "Teeth Puncture Lust" for the band. I love all these connections between bands. It just reminds me of last year's Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown and how all these artists randomly connected during the same timeframe.   

Street Play at the Lodge Room