Review: Monday Monday at Hotel Cafe celebrate the life of John Skoog

It was a hot minute since I last went to Hotel Cafe (April 2025). Since learning that they were moving locations, I had long wanted to head out to the venue one last time. I kept taking a look at what Monday Monday at Hotel Cafe offered up. I saw an Instagram post that mentioned that long time supporter of the showcase, John Skoog, passed away in November. The post has this tidbit, "John loved music and the artists that create it. He would say that Monday Monday was his church and would often explain how he felt that it was more of a pure example of what church represents to so many people. The community, the music, the messages and the human connection resonated so much for him as it does with the rest of us." 

John Skoog Table at Hotel Cafe

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): May 3rd - May 9th

A Handful of Show Alerts 

Sunday, May 3rd: Jawdropped at The Echo. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight for their song "Skully" here.

Tuesday, May 5th: SIMI (Hannah Simi Hughes) at The Viper Room. Doors at 6:30 p.m.
You can read my song spotlight for her song "Stranger With My Secret" here.

Wednesday, May 6th: Lola Bonfiglio at Hotel Ziggy. Doors at 7 p.m.
I wrote a recent review of one of her sets, which you can read here.

Thursday, May 7th: The Blushes at Alex's Bar. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight for their song "Celebrity Sex Cult Party" here.

Friday, May 8th: Baba Jenkins at Hotel Ziggy. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight for their song "Wild" here.

Friday, May 8th: Gilbert Louie Ray at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 6 p.m.

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

Song Spotlight: Janelane's Instincts (a night at Permanent Records Roadhouse)

Janelane (fronted by Sophie Negrini) recently headlined at Permanent Records Roadhouse. It was a night to introduce a trio of recently released songs to her loving fans. That fan base includes me as I've followed the band since running across them at Echo Park Rising in 2017. She mentioned that she hadn't played a set since 2024, which shocked me. I knew I had written up two blog posts about Janelane and it all felt so recent. Time just flies by. In early 2024, I wrote up a review of her Love Letters album release party at Zebulon for US Rocker Music (you can read that article here). I actually caught three sets that year and none in 2025 (for obviously stated reason). When I noticed a couple months back that she was playing a set at Permanent Records Roadhouse, I circled the date. 

Janelane at Permanent Records Roadhouse

Song Spotlight: The Silverados' The Public Opinion (a night at The Smell)

The Silverados closed out a recent night at The Smell. It looks like this band started up around March of 2025. In just over a year, it seems like they've played every possible venue in Los Angeles. Okay, that's an over-exaggeration, but not by much. Scanning through their Instagram page, they started off at Harvard & Stone and The Offbeat. Soon thereafter they were playing Permanent Records Roadhouse and The Escondite. Mercy, they even got to play Resident DTLA before it shut down. Viper Room. Moroccan Lounge. DiPizza's. Call me impressed. I found this Instagram post from their lead singer, Patrick Silvers, that mentions 26 gigs in 7 months.  

The Silverados at The Smell

Song Spotlight: The Anti Groupies' Nice is Not an Invite (a night at The Smell)

I am embarrassed to say that my last time hanging out at The Smell was a very long time ago. My excuse is that I've been putting limits on how often I go out and so the venue fell out of my rotation. Starting in late 2025, I started to realize that I needed to head out to The Smell again. Recently I took a look at their schedule with the intension that I was going to head out to The Smell on either a Friday or Saturday night no matter what. The Anti Groupies were playing Friday night and I looked them up on Instagram. The first thing I noticed was this post, which is a Rocknite Long Beach interview with the band. If you've glanced through this blog site, you know I have a lot of respect for Rocknite's ability to find talented bands and singers. (My familiarity is Rocknite LA vs Rocknite Long Beach.) The decision was made: I was off finally off to The Smell. 

The Anti Groupies at The Smell

Song Spotlight: Taylor Sackson's Leonard (a night at Bar Lubitsch)

I first crossed paths with Taylor Sackson in 2023 at a WFNM night. Flash forward to 2026 and she was collaborating with WFNM at a recent Thursday night at Bar Lubitsch. The night was advertised as We Found New Music Presents Sackson and Friends. For me, there is a rather unique commonality between me and a couple of those on her list of friends. In 2023, I ran across both Sackson and two of her friends and all three made my list of favorite new finds of the year. Sackson made the list along with Maddi Fraser via her old band Fresh Hot Waffles (who performed after Sackson) and Gal Musette (aka Grace Freeman who was doing backup vocals during part of Sackson's set). What are the chances? I should add that I saw all three on different nights -- though Fraser was singing backup vocals when I first came across Sackson. 

Taylor Sackson at Bar Lubitsch

Song Spotlight: Maddi Fraser's Phone Calls (a night at Bar Lubitsch)

I ran across Maddi Fraser in 2023 via the band Fresh Hot Waffles. I loved the band's harmonies so much that I listed them as one of my favorite new finds of the year. The band appears to have ended their run in 2024 (or maybe just taking an extended break). Fraser continues to sing across Los Angeles and I got to catch her recent set at Bar Lubitsch, which was hosted by both WFNM and Taylor Sackson. Interestingly enough, I also crossed paths with Taylor Sackson for the first time in 2023 and she made my list of favorite new finds of the year -- saw both Fresh Hot Waffles and Taylor Sackson at a WFNM night. Fraser took part in Season 16 (2019) of The Voice. Sackson took part in Season 19 (2021) of American Idol.  

Maddi Fraser at Bar Lubitsch

Song Spotlight: Ali Angel's Disco (a night at Bar Lubitsch)

With the backing of a pedal steel guitar, Los Angeles-born Ali Angel's set at Bar Lubitsch took on a country tone. Her denim skirt and boots gave the impression that she would be totally at ease on a Texas cattle ranch helped set the mood. The set was part of a WFNM and Taylor Sackson collaboration on a recent Thursday night.

Ali Angel at Bar Lubitsch

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): Apr 26th - May 2nd

A Handful (Over-Load) of Show Alerts 

Sunday, Apr 26th: Annabelle Freedman at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.
Been following them since the days of MetronOhm (circa 2017).

Sunday, Apr 26th: Pop Hysteria at Oblivion. Doors at 7 p.m.

In 2024, I caught the band at Happy Sundays Long Beach. See a photo I took for US Rocker Music here.

Monday, Apr 27th: Maejoy at Hotel Cafe (main stage). Set time at 7 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight for her "Blueberry Lemonade" here. 

Tuesday, Apr 28th: Brenda Carsey at Hotel Cafe (second stage). Set time at 8 p.m.

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

Tuesday, Apr 28th: Dagger Polyester at Zebulon. Doors at 8 p.m.
In 2023, I covered the band for Buzzbands, which you can read here.

Wednesday, Apr 29th: Horse Rider at Oblivion. Doors at 7 p.m.

One of my favorite new finds of 2025. You can see that list here.

Wednesday, Apr 29th: Nightjacket at El Cid. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight for the band's "My Only Heart" here.

Thursday, Apr 30th: Anna Thoresen at Bar Lubitsch. Doors at 7 p.m.

Read my Song Spotlight for her "Dear Soulmate" here.

Thursday, Apr 30th: Emily Rose & the Rounders at Zebulon. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight for their "Too Much Too" here.

Thursday, Apr 30th: Mo Dotti at Oblivion. Doors at 7 p.m.

I recently wrote a review of a set, which you can read here.

Thursday, Apr 30th: Sierra Levesque at Harvelle's Santa Monica. Doors at 8 p.m.

You Can read my Song Spotlight for her "U Are My Drug" here.

Friday, May 1st: Andy Clockwise at Hotel Cafe (main stage). Set time at 10 p.m.

In 2021, I wrote a review of a set, which you can read here.

Friday, May 1st: Bruvvy at Gold-Diggers. Doors at 7 p.m.

In 2016, I wrote a review of a set, which you can read here. 

Friday, May 1st: Fiona Grey at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 6 p.m.

In 2018, I wrote a short review of a set, which you can read here. 

Saturday, May 2nd: Gottlieb at Oblivion. Doors at 7 p.m.

In 2025, I reviewed a set for US Rocker Music, which you can read about here.

Saturday, May 2nd: Scout Gillett at Non Plus Ultra. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight for her "Too Fast To Last" here.

Song Spotlight: Eli Pafumi's If Miles Could Talk (a night at Bar Lubitsch)

WFNM and Taylor Sackson put on a joint showcase at Bar Lubitsch on a recent Thursday night. Up first for the night was crooner Eli Pafumi. The band gave a jazz-lite performance that stood out among the remaining performers that explored the Americana-folk-country genres. 

Eli Pafumi at Bar Lubitsch

Song Spotlight: Joey Nebulous' You're Straight (a night at The Fable)

Joey Nebulous (fronted by Joseph Farago) took to the Ryan Pollie showcase stage at The Fable and there was something vaguely familiar about the night. It was like Rocknite had transported itself to The Fable (the band had played that showcase on Mar 11th). In the audience were baby fischgrund (you can read a Rocknite write-up here) and Marcus Buser (you can read another Rocknite write-up here). Even Ryan Pollie (once again you can read another Rocknite write-up here about his side project Lower Merion) is an alum of Rocknite. Others from the Los Angeles music scene were also represent via Sharon Silva and Shannon Lay. I'm sure there were additional artists I've seen that were also hanging out to catch Joey Nebulous -- I apologize for not mentioning you all in this above list.  

Joey Nebulous at The Fable

Song Spotlight: Ricky Berger's My Insides (a night at The Fable)

It was Ryan Pollie showcase night at The Fable. A very unique set was performed by Ricky Berger. As the set progressed, some in the bar started to edge closer to the stage area (I would exactly call it a stage stage) with a look of fascination. How could they not find the set fascinating. She started off the set playing the flute. Then it was on to the guitar. The keyboard was next - she played the keyboards with such classical skill that she later got a call out by the final performer of the night. What other instrument could she possible use during the performance? She added a xylophone for a song. She performed the final song of the night, "I Want a Cowboy," with a guitar capo. During the song, she shifted the capo down a notch. After she accomplished this task flawlessly, the crowd erupted with cheers. 

Ricky Berger at The Fable

Song Spotlight: Telescreens' Baby I Know You Well (a night at the Regent Theater)

Telescreens's PR firm reached out to US Rocker Music about covering the band at the Regent Theater. I had never heard of the band before. I did notice that they were opening for Quarters. Since the days when there were residencies in Los Angeles, I've always had a soft spot for catching the opening band. I decided to say yes without thinking about it (other than making sure I had no work issues interfering with making it to the venue). You can read my US Rocker Music review of the night here.  

Telescreens at the Regent Theater

Song Spotlight: talker's Gold Rush (a night at the Moroccan Lounge)

I first came across talker (moniker for Celeste Tauchar) in 2018 at a WFNM night. Zealyn (my favorite American Idol) was the reason I went to this particular night at Madame Siam, but I came away with another artist that I've continued to follow through the years. I loved her so much that I put her on my favorite new bands /artist list of 2019. You can see that list here. That's not I typo. Yes, I first saw talker in 2018, but I put her on my 2019 list. I admitted to making a big error when I wrote, "First, what was I thinking in 2018? I left talker off my 2018 list. How dumb. She rocks from the first song to the final song." I've got to say, looking through that 2019 list, I'm rather impressed with my selections. Yes, patting myself on the back. 

talker at The Moroccan Lounge

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): Apr 19th - Apr 25th

A Handful (bucketful) of Show Alerts 

Sunday, Apr 19th: Caravan 222 at The Echo. Doors at 5:30 p.m.

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

Sunday, Apr 19th: Giant Waste of Man at Gold-Diggers. Doors at 7 p.m.

One of my favorite new found bands of 2022.

Sunday, Apr 19th: Iress at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.
In 2025, I wrote a US Rocker Music review about the band, which you can read here.

Monday, Apr 20th: Brookelen (moniker for Brooke McKnight) at Zebulon. Doors at 8 p.m.
Brooke McKnight is in a series of music projects. I recently wrote about Host Family (she's the lead vocalist), which you can read here.

Tuesday, Apr 21st: Sister Gemini at The Fable. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight for her "Elvira" here.

Wednesday, Apr 22nd: Janelane at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.

You can read my song spotlight for the band's "Killing Time" here. 

Wednesday, Apr 22nd: Sego at Gold-Diggers. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my song spotlight for the band's "Danny's Song" here.

Thursday, Apr 23rd: Powder Pink & Sweet at Alex's Bar. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can read my song spotlight for the band's "Raspberry Lime" here.

Friday, Apr 24th: Laveda at Zebulon. Doors at 7 p.m.
In 2025, I wrote a US Rocker Music review about the band, which you can read here.

Friday, Apr 24th: Sour Tongue at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 6 p.m.

You can read my song spotlight for the band's "SOAP" here.

Song Spotlight: Luna Aura's HONEY (a night at the Moroccan Lounge)

Unfortunately, Rocknite is searching for new home as The Goldfish is ending (mostly) live music. They're off searching for a new home via a Rocknite tour across various Los Angeles venues. They started off on April 1st at the Moroccan Lounge. It was a line-up to remember. This Song Spotlight post is dedicated to Luna Aura, but I should make mention of opener Katy Kenny. It was April Fool's day and as she said the joke was on her. She mentioned that she's a punk rocker, but had to turn her set into an acoustic one because both her bassist and drummer had to bail due to totally legit reasons (illness and car problems). She said that she also had to make a couple trips back and forth from the Moroccan Lounge, because she had forgotten her merch at home. 

Luna Aura at the Moroccan Lounge

Song Spotlight: Velvet Chains' Dead In The Head (a night at the El Rey Theatre)

I recently got to cover a night at the El Rey Theatre for US Rocker Music (you can read my article here) and the band that perhaps impressed me the most was the opening band Velvet Chains. Why? They've a hard rock band that just took me back to the days when Def Leppard and Poison ruled the airwaves. As I mentioned in my review, their song "Dead Inside" reminded me of Evanescence. 

Velvet Chains at the El Rey Theatre

Song Spotlight: Molly Bergman's Nothing to Show (a night at Bar Lubitsch)

Bar Lubitsch was the place to be on a recent night for a WFNM showcase. WFNM was testing out a new concept called the Almost Acoustic Showcase. There will be a second round on April 27th. It is similar in nature to the long running Monday Monday at Hotel Cafe series. WFNM starts earlier than Monday Monday so performers got to play 5 songs as compared to 3 songs at Monday Monday. This debut Almost Acoustic Showcase culled performers from the WFNM family. Of the ten performers, I had already seen 7 of them at a WFNM showcase. Of those 7, I've written up articles on 3 of them (you can read those articles by clicking on the following links: Dama Blake, Nikki Hahn, Yagki). 

Molly Bergman at Bar Lubitsch

Song Spotlight: EZ Tiger's Outside Your Sun (a night at Frogtown Brewery)

I missed the first trio of songs of EZ Tiger's set at Frogtown Brewery. I misjudged how long it would take to do my Friday evening exercising. Others did not make the same mistake as the outdoor venue (that is walking distance from Zebulon) was packed. It was potentially the most packed crowd I've seen at the venue. The impetus for the crowd was twofold. First, the band was celebrating the single release of "Outside Your Sun." Second, it was the birthday celebration for drummer Kristy McInnis. I was told that McInnis used to be in one of my favorite "back in the day" bands called The Randies. I think her time as their drums ended after I crossed paths with the band. My first photos of The Randies are from Dec 2006, at which time they had a different drummer. Though I saw them once prior to that -- maybe she was on drums for that show, but I can't recall. 

EZ Tiger at Frogtown Brewery

Song Spotlight: Honeychain's Easy to Forget (a night at Frogtown Brewery)

The last time I crossed paths with Honeychain was in 2017. I actually saw them 4 times within about a 1 year's timeframe that stretched between 2016 - 2017. Three of those four moments occurred at a Los Angeles river location called The Frog Spot, which I'm rather sure no longer exists. Let's just say that I was waiting for them to play another set in the Frogtown area in order to break my Honeychain drought. That opportunity arose in late March at Frogtown Brewery. 

Honeychain at Frogtown Brewery

The three-piece band includes vocalist-guitarist Hillary Burton, backing vocalist-bassist Andre Tusques, and drummer Loye Aubrey Jr. I've known Tusques for years via the band Silver Needle. So even if I first came across the band in 2016, my connections with the band dates back much further. 

The set started off with Tusques wanting to put the foot to the pedal, but he had to go into neutral as drummer Aubrey was getting his gear settled, which included putting on his Ahead drummer gloves (which looked like race driver gloves). Once the gloves were put on, the band kicked off the set, led by Burton's Kay Hanley-like vocals.   

Honeychain at Frogtown Brewery

For this old-timer Los Angeles music junky, the first two songs of the set had me in flash back heaven. "Bombs Away" took me back to the Kiss or Kill Club days of The Randies and Bang Sugar Bang while "Crushed" had that Letters to Cleo (Kay Hanley's band) touch. 

The band put on an entertaining stage show with headbutts and instrumental battles. When they were particularly pleased with certain aspects of their set, smiles were broad. In his band Silver Needle, Tusques has guitar duties while John Arakaki plays the bass. For Honeychain, he took on the spirit of Arakaki and the showmanship of a bassist by taking a stand on the beer barrels at the front of the stage. 

Honeychain at Frogtown Brewery

What did I notice: there were some young adults off to the side who were supporting their elder family members.

Song spotlight goes to "Easy to Forget" which "starts on G." A song about a two-timing guy.  

Honeychain at Frogtown Brewery

I see you walking with another girl.
What made you think that you could play me for a fool?

Setlist: Bombs Away, Crushed, Easy to Forget, Let's Get Pretty, Pocket Full of Good Luck, Little Sin, Go Away, Z89, Ready for the World to End, Going Thru Your Purse, Lucky One. 

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): Apr 12th - Apr 18th

A Handful (Bucketful) of Show Alerts 

Sunday, Apr 12th: Dutch East Indians at The Escondite. Doors at 3 p.m.

Read my song spotlight of the band's "All Time High" here.

Sunday, Apr 12th: The What Four at The Echo. Doors at 5:30 p.m.

In 2015, I wrote a review of their set, which you can read here.

Monday, Apr 13th: The Doohickeys at Zebulon. Doors at 8 p.m.
Read my song spotlight of the band's "This Town Sucks" here.

Wednesday, Apr 15th: Maryze at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.
Read my song spotlight of her "Playing Dress-Up" here.

Wednesday, Apr 15th: Me.Kai at Hotel Ziggy. Doors at 7 p.m.

Read my song spotlight of her "Daylight" here.

Thursday, Apr 17th: Kate Clover at the Alex's Bar. Doors at 8 p.m.

In 2015, I wrote a review of her set, which you can read here.

Friday, Apr 17th: Kate Clover at the Moroccan Lounge. Doors at 9:30 p.m.

Doing a quick tour of Los Angeles county.

Saturday, Apr 18th: Fartbart, Ramonda Hammer, and The Shakers at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 6 p.m.
In 2013, I wrote a review of Fartbart, which you can read here.
Read my song spotlight of Ramonda Hammer's "Eyelash" here.
In 2015, I wrote a review of The Shakers, which you can read here.

Saturday, Apr 18th: Faydean, Gal Musette, and Nat Lefkoff at The Hotel Cafe. Doors at 7 p.m.

Read my song spotlight of Faydean's "Rock 'Em-sock 'Em" here

Gal Musette was one of my favorite new artists of 2023.

Read my song spotlight of Nat Lefkoff's "Broken Down House here.

Saturday, Apr 18th: Kora Puckett at Zebulon. Doors at 7 p.m.

Read my song spotlight of his "Far as I Can Tell" here.

Song Spotlight: Bossi's Cassandra (a night at Bar Lubitsch)

Theatrical and expressive. Those are two words to describe Bossi's WFNM showcase set at Bar Lubitsch. Her set opened up with a 3 minute recitation of a personal poem.

So many missteps and redirects.
A thousand threads that don't connect. 

Bossi at Bar Lubitsch

Song Spotlight: Vince Palmeri's SO GOOD (a night at Bar Lubitsch)

Wearing denim, Vince Palmeri took to the Bar Lubitsch stage for a WFNM showcase night. His set started off with "RENT" that had my 1980s mind pinpointing his sound as a combination of Bon Jovi and Richard Marx. Throughout the set, he griped his microphone stand like a dance partner, turning it into an extension of the set.  

Vince Palmeri at Bar Lubitsch

Song Spotlight (a night at The Fable): Joey Siara's I Was Half Asleep (technically The Henry Clay People tune)

Joey Siara (best known in Los Angeles for The Henry Clay People - 2003 thru 2013) played a recent In Sonic Dreams showcase at The Fable. He mentioned that he had just moved back to Los Angeles from New York. He was welcomed back via a packed house at the venue. I personally was not sure what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised as the back half of the set was dedicated to playing songs from The Henry Clay People music catalog. As for the first half of his set, he played songs from his other two bands Near Beer and Rat City Sunrise. 

Joey Siara at The Fable

Song Spotlight: Pisces' Driver (a night at The Fable)

In Sonic Dreams has been bringing back the Los Angeles bands from yesteryear to The Fable. In February, Bloody Death Skull and Eli Tarantulas of The Monolators were featured performers. This March, one of those yesteryear bands was Pisces (the moniker for Sarah Negahdari). For those who have been hanging out in the Los Angeles music scene, you are likely more familiar with Negahdari's other band Happy Hollows.   

Pisces at The Fable

Song Spotlight: Ted Z and The Wranglers' Williamsburg (a night at the Bigfoot Lodge)

The five piece Ted Z and The Wranglers band came up from Orange County to play the Americana Joy showcase at Atwater Village's Bigfoot Lodge. Fronted by Ted Zakka, the set was filled with Americana and roots rock music.  

Ted Z and The Wranglers at the Bigfoot Lodge

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): Apr 5th - Apr 11th

A Handful (bucketful) of Show Alerts

Sunday, Apr 5th: Lasers Lasers Birmingham at Grand Ole Echo (The Echo). Doors at 5:30 p.m.
In 2021, I made mention of his set during a Week of Music review I did, which you can read here.

Monday, Apr 6th: Buckets at The Airliner Bar. Doors at 7 p.m.

Read my song spotlight for the band's "Judy" here.

Monday, Apr 6th: Dave Harrington at Club Tee Gee. Doors at 8 p.m.

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

Wednesday, Apr 8th: Darienne Savoy at Hotel Ziggy. Doors at 7 p.m.
Read my song spotlight for her "Frozen in Time" here.

Wednesday, Apr 8th: Leslie Stevens at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.
 In 2023, I covered her set for Buzzbands, which you can read here. 

Thursday, Apr 9th: Escape-ism and Julia, Julia at Alex's Bar. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can read my song spotlight for Escape-ism's "Charge of the Love Brigade" here.

In 2023, I covered Julia, Julia for Buzzbands, which you can read here.

Thursday, Apr 9th: Hysteria and My Veronica at the Moroccan Lounge. Doors at 6:30 p.m.

You can read my song spotlight for Hysteria's "Reason to Pray" here.

I listed My Veronica as one of my favorite new bands of 2024. You can read that post here.

Thursday, Apr 9th: Maddi Fraser and Taylor Sackson at Bar Lubitsch. Doors at 7 p.m.

Both made my list of favorite new artists of 2023. Fraser did so via Fresh Hot Waffles.

Friday, Apr 10th: Lael Naele at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 6 p.m.

Read my song spotlight for her "Down On The Freeway" here.

Saturday, Apr 11th: Soft Palms at the Moroccan Lounge. Doors at 6:30 p.m. 

Read my song spotlight for the band's "Rainbows" here.

Saturday, Apr 11th: Sunder at Non Plus Ultra. Doors at 8 p.m.

Read my song spotlight for the band's "I Guess I'll See You in the Movies" here.

Saturday, Apr 11th: Izzy Outerspace, High Tatras, and The Spyrals at Oblivion. Doors at 7 p.m.

In 2025, I did a review an Izzy Outerspace and High Tatras night, which you can read here.

In 2024, I did a review of The Spyrals, which you can read here.

Song Spotlight: Avery Tucker's Knots (a night at El Cid)

Avery Tucker (formerly one-half of Girlpool) opened up the night for Witch Post at El Cid a couple weeks back. (If interested, you can read my Witch Post article here.) His singer-songwriter set was played solo with an electric guitar. His vocals were filled with emotional depth. If I heard right, one of his song lyrics included the lines, "I feel life. I feel death." 

Avery Tucker at El Cid

Song Spotlight: Karissa Bone's Life Plan (a night at Bar Lubitsch)

Michigan transplant Karissa Bone currently lives in Los Angeles, but that hasn't diminished her loyalties to her home state. When she took to the WFNM showcase stage at Bar Lubitsch, she immediately discussed college sports. Based on her t-shirt and her friendship with fellow showcase singer Alison Albrecht, she meant Michigan and not Michigan St. Due to the calendar month of said comment, I'm assuming that she was focused on basketball. Should Michigan not win March Madness, someone (or thousands) will be feeling a sense of temporary fan depression. As of the time of this post, the team has advanced to the Final Four.

Karissa Bone at Bar Lubitsch

Song Spotlight (a night at The Peppermint Club): Kate the Dreamer's LEO (you are the sun)

I got an invite to cover googly eyes' EP paint me like one of your fav american girls release party at The Peppermint Club. For all the time I've lived in Los Angeles, this was only the second time I've gone to this venue. One added incentive for heading out to the venue on a Friday night was the fact that electronic artist Kate the Dreamer (the moniker for Katie Donnelly) was opening for googly eyes. Back in 2023, I got to catch her twice and both times she played with some favorite singers. In late September, she played a WFNM showcase at Bar Lubitsch with Tender Misfit. Then in October, she played a set with Zealyn. So after about 2.5 years, I got to catch up with her once again. 

Kate the Dreamer at The Peppermint Club

Song Spotlight: googly eyes' EVERYWHERE (a night at The Peppermint Club)

I got an invite to catch googly eyes at The Peppermint Club. I was unsure if I could attend due to my real life work and how certain days of the month required longer hours. On the other hand, the show was on a Friday night and I figured that no one was going to want to work late on a Friday night (as weird as it is to say, that is not always the case). I accepted and it all worked out well. You can read my US Rocker Music review here. 

googly eyes at The Peppermint Club

Song spotlight: Alison Albrecht's Two Hearts (a night at Bar Lubitsch)

It was a special night for Alison Albrecht at her WFNM showcase. The day before, she had celebrated her 26th birthday and Bar Lubitsch was buzzing with good wishes. A friend who took to the stage earlier, gave her a shoutout. Her set ended with her full band (guitar, bass, keys, trombone, drums) playing "Happy Birthday" while the crowd sang the lyrics. While the tune was sung, she looked grateful and then maybe a touch awkward hanging out in front of the microphone. Eventually, she resolved the matter by stepping off the stage. A fun way to celebrate a year around the sun. 

Alison Albrecht at Bar Lubitsch

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): Mar 29th - Apr 4th

A Handful (Bucket Full) of Show Alerts

Monday, Mar 30th: Dama Blake, Nikki Hahn, and Yagki at Bar Lubitsch. These are all short sets with the night starting at 7:10 p.m.
You can read my Dama Blake song spotlight for "Mr. Right" here.
You can read my Nikki Hahn song spotlight for "another 13" here.
You can read my Yagki song spotlight for "Something I Do" here.

Monday, Mar 30th: Will Brahm at Club Tee Gee. Doors at 8 p.m.

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

Tuesday, Mar 31st: Pom Poms at Harvard & Stone. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can read my song spotlight for their "I Think You're Right" here. 

Wednesday, Apr 1st: talker at the Moroccan Lounge. Doors at 9:30 p.m.

In 2022, I covered the band for US Rocker Music, which you can read here.

Wednesday, Apr 1st: Vial at The Echo. Doors at 7 p.m.

In 2024, I covered the band for US Rocker Music, which you can read here.

Thursday, Apr 2nd: Jessy Fury at Hotel Cafe. Set time at 9 p.m.

You can read my song spotlight for his "Heaven" here.

Thursday, Apr 2nd: Noah Vonne at Bar Lubitsch. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my song spotlight for "I Call B.S." here.

Thursday, Apr 2nd: UGHH at Alex's Bar. Doors at 8 p.m.

In 2025, I wrote a review of the band, which you can read here. 

Friday, Apr 3rd: Georgia Maq at Zebulon. Doors at 7 p.m.
You can read my song spotlight for her "You'll Be Singing My Name" here.

Friday, Apr 3rd: Mirrorball at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 6 p.m.

You can read my song spotlight for their "Red Hot Dust" here.

Song Spotlight: Joe Bourdet's Amongst the Pines (a night at Zebulon)

Joe Bourdet and his band The El Caps was the opening band for Leroy from the North's album release party at Zebulon. I've crossed paths with Bourdet a couple times. The first time was in 2023 during the Americana West Fest where he shared the stage with Leroy from the North. (You can read my Buzzbands coverage of the festival here and find a photo of Bourdet.) Last year, I caught a short set at the pre-Halloween event titled Murder Ballads & Dark Songs. In neither or those two occasions did I catch a full set.  

Joe Bourdet at Zebulon

Song Spotlight: Zelma Stone's Want You All The Time (a night at The Goldfish)

I went over to The Goldfish for the Rocknite showcase to catch Zelma Stone (the moniker Chloe Zelma Studebaker). I ran across them twice in 2022, but hadn't gotten another chance to catch a set since. When I noticed they were scheduled for Rocknite, I circled the date and off I went. 

Zelma Stone at The Goldfish

Review: Leroy from the North unleashes a Zebulon party for My Favorite Gun

Americana rocker Leroy from the North (the moniker for Eli Wulfmeier) recently celebrated his sophomore album release My Favorite Gun at Zebulon. The packed venue was filled with people wearing trucker caps and cowboy hats. It didn't take long for couples to take to the front of the stage to show off their dancing skills. Whenever the band hit the 70s rock beat, the back step bleachers shook. His Spotify bio describes his music as follows, "LA based, Americana/rock band, Leroy From the North, could best be described as a velour track suit with a Cowboy hat. influenced by the sounds of 70's country gold, mixed with a little Detroit steel . . . "

Leroy from the North at Zebulon

Song Spotlight: The Strumbellas' Come Back Around (a night at the Regent Theater)

I was hanging out at the Regent Theater on a Friday night to cover Hotel Fiction. The headliner band was The Strumbellas. I had no clue who they were (I actually didn't know who Hotel Fiction was, either), but learned quickly that they're a Toronto, Canada based band. I was thinking, "Hey, I have this photo pass, why not take photos of The Strumbellas. I didn't sign anything that restricted me from shooting the band." I was allowed into the photo pit without any issues and so I started to photograph the band. 

The Strumbellas at the Regent Theater

Song Spotlight: Witch Post's Twin Fawn (a night at El Cid)

Former Los Angeles-based singer Alaska Reid (if I'm not mistaken, at some point she moved back to her home state of Montana), returned for a one-off show at El Cid with her new-ish band Witch Post (co-founded with Scottist musician Dylan Fraser) in tow. The venue was packed with friends and fans to welcome her back.  

Witch Post at El Cid

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

A Handful (Bucket Full) of Show Alerts

Sunday, Mar 22nd: Hex Code at Alex's Bar. Doors at 2 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight for the band's "Walk Into It" here.

Tuesday, Mar 24th: Hysteria at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.
You can read my Song Spotlight for the band's "Reason to Pray" here.

Wednesday, Mar 25th: Skullcrusher at The Lodge Room. Doors at 7 p.m.

In 2021, I covered the band for Buzzbands, which you can read here.

Thursday, Mar 26th: June Swoon at Alex's Bar. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight for the band's "Denver" here.

Thursday, Mar 26th: Adriana McCassim at Oblivion. Doors at 7 p.m.

I listed her as one of my favorite new artists of 2023.

Friday, Mar 27th: Skating Polly at The Echoplex. Doors at 7 p.m.

In 2024, I covered the band for US Rocker Music, which you can read here.

Friday, Mar 27th: Suzie True at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.

In 2024, I covered the band for US Rocker Music, which you can read here. 

Saturday, Mar 28th: Crisis Actor at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.

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

Saturday, Mar 28th: Dreyted at Non Plus Ultra. Doors at 8 p.m.

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

Saturday, Mar 28th: Lasers Lasers Birmingham and West of Texas at The Goldfish. Doors at 8 p.m.

In 2021, I mention both sets during a Week of Music review I did, which you can read here. Also, is this the last live music nigh ever at The Goldfish?

Saturday, Mar 28th: Mystic Knights at The Lodge Room. Doors at 7 p.m.

I recently covered the band for US Rocker Music, which you can read here.