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

Song Spotlight: Elizabeth Bowersox's Red Hot Summer (a night at the Bigfoot Lodge)

San Diego based Elizabeth Bowersox came up north to play the Bigfoot Lodge on a recent Friday night. The night was a collaboration between two Americana-country promotors: Americana Joy and Small Town Friday Nights. This is embarrassing to admit, but when I was walking up to the Bigfoot Lodge, I saw Jack from The Doohickeys standing outside next to Bowersox who was wearing a bright red cowgirl hat. Perhaps it is time to head off to the optometrist, because I was thinking for sure that was Haley (okay, okay, Haley wears blue). As I walked closer, I was like, oops. Hey, maybe I did right by giving Jack the heads up about a recently (enough) opened venue in Highland Park, Oblivion.  

Elizabeth Bowersox at the Bigfoot Lodge

Song Spotlight: Lua & the Nightflowers' Pretty Baby (a night at The Fable)

Lua & the Nightflowers (fronted by Lara "Lua" Norton) opened up the night at The Fable (an In Sonic Dreams showcase) with some old school funk and jazz packaged with Americana and psychedelic rock. It was a genre blending set that had friends sitting up close. 

Lua & the Nightflower at The Fable

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): Aug 2nd - Aug 8th

A Handful (Bucketful) of Show Alerts

Sunday, Aug 2nd: Ryan Hahn and The Believers at The Echo. Doors at 5:30 p.m.

I wrote a Song Spotlight for his song "Farmers Son" back in 2025.

Monday, Aug 3rd: Dave Harrington at Club Tee Gee. Doors at 8 p.m.

In 2025, I wrote a review of his set.

Tuesday, Aug 4th: Draag at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 6 p.m.

In 2022, I wrote a review of their set for US Rocker Music.

Tuesday, Aug 4th: Jenny O at Zebulon. Doors at 8 p.m.
In 2022, I wrote a review of her set for Buzzbands.

Tuesday, Aug 4th: Moonfuzz at Redwood Bar. Doors at 8 p.m.

I wrote a Song Spotlight of their song "Hell Week" back in 2025.

Tuesday, Aug 4th: Ryan Pollie at The Airliner Bar. Doors at 7:30 p.m.

In 2022, I wrote a review of his set for Buzzbands. 

Wednesday, Aug 5th: Juneswoon at El Cid. Doors at 7 p.m.

I wrote a Song Spotlight for her song "Denver" back in March.

Thursday, Aug 6th: Shi La Rosa at Bar Lubitsch. Doors at 7 p.m.

I wrote a Song Spotlight of her song "Want It All" back in 2025.

Friday, Aug 7th: The Sleeperz at Alex's Bar. Doors at 8 p.m.

The band made my 2024 list of favorite new bands. 

Friday, Aug 7th: UGHH at Zebulon. Doors at 7 p.m.

In 2025, I wrote a review of the band's set.

Saturday, Aug 8th: Goon at the Lodge Room. Doors at 7 p.m.

In 2023, I wrote a review of their set for US Rocker Music.

Two Movies seen on TCM: The Sea Wolf (1941) and Semi-Tough (1977)

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: Girlstupid's The Beans (a Megan Winsor night at Bar Lubitsch)

I first came across Megan Winsor in 2023 at a WFNM night so I was familiar with her sound when I recently showed up at Bar Lubitsch for a WFNM showcase. I was expecting to hear a singer-songwriter set. I was in for a surprise from the now Nashville based artist's set. There was a set within a set performance where she brought up her band mates from Girlstupid. The trio performed three songs. It was a pleasant surprise, because I was aware of the band and had wanted to catch a set back in 2025, but had a conflict. The trio is rounded out with Diana Thale (in 2025, I wrote a Song Spotlight article) and the artist that goes by Yugs. 

Girlstupid at Bar Lubitsch

Song Spotlight: Nymphlord's Paper or Plastic (a night at The Airliner Bar)

Nymphlord (moniker for Tia Rabinovitz) closed out a Make Out Music showcase at The Airliner Bar. Including Nymphlord, this night was a both a flash-back, anticipated, and unexpected night. I circled the date, because I'll show you magic was on the bill. I saw them earlier in the year and became an immediate fan. The flashback happened when I talked to Gigi after the set. You'll have to click on that link to read the story. The unexpected happened when Nymphlord hit the stage. This was my first time seeing the band and I didn't do any research on the band prior to heading out. I made an assumption based on the band's name on what I might expect to hear. I honestly was expecting a sound similar either Patriarchy or Lord Friday the 13th. I was in for a surprise as the sound was, using her own description,  "angsty, ethereal, dissonant and hopeful."  In some ways, it was a flash back moment, as well, as the music reminded me of Happy Hollows (circa 2009). 

Nymphlord at The Airliner Bar

Song Spotlight: Hardcastle's Mundane (a night at Bar Lubitsch)

My introduction to the alternative rock band Hardcastle was back in 2022 at a WFNM showcase. Time passed and I happened to notice that the band was playing Bar Lubitsch for another WFNM showcase. Somethings change and somethings do not change. Like what doesn't change is seeing the band at a WFNM showcase. While writing up this blog post, I decided to return to those 2022 days and checked out my photos of the Graham Laderman fronted band. I scrolled through my photos and then decided to go looking for my videos of the band. I didn't find a single video. Then it dawned on me that their set was prior to my decision to start taking videos of band performances. I did one additional check. I decided to see if I took a photo of their 2022 setlist. That, I did find. Here's a comparison of the two setlists:

Hardcastle at Bar Lubitsch

Song Spotlight: Gigi's PAC (a night at The Airliner Bar)

Blast from the past. My primary reason for heading out to the Make Out Music showcase at The Airliner Bar was to catch I'll show you magic, a band I recently wrote about in a Song Spotlight article. The first band up for the night was Gigi. The band has an eclectic sound that just might remind you of the beatnik music that accompanied Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face. 

Gigi at The Airliner Bar

Song Spotlight: Macy Todd's someone to you (a night at The Airliner Bar)

I do love Americana-country music, but I specifically went out to School Night (a collaboration between Make Out Music and KCRW at The Airliner Bar) to catch one of my favorite Los Angeles based rock bands, Bruvvy. I did a quick listen to the other two artists and noticed that they were both country singer-songwriters. I thought that was rather amusing and even mentioned it to Bruvvy's lead singer Liz Varum. One has to put trust into the brain trust behind School Night and their genre mixing, because Macy Todd is making my 2026 annual list of favorite new finds.

Macy Todd at The Airliner Bar

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): Jul 26th - Aug 1st

A Handful (Bucketful) of Show Alerts

Sunday, Jul 26th: Buckets and Janelane at Oblivion. Doors at 7 p.m.

I recently wrote a review of Bucket's album release party at Permanent Records Roadhouse.

I wrote a Song Spotlight for Janelane's song "Instincts" back in May.

Sunday, Jul 26th: The Doohickeys at The Echo. Doors at 5:30 p.m.
I wrote a Song Spotlight of their song "This Town Sucks" back in 2024.

Monday, Jul 27th: Maybellene Ryder and Scout Gillett at Oblivion. Doors at 7 p.m.

In 2024, I happened to catch Maybellene Ryder playing the violin for Oh, Rose.

I wrote a Song Spotlight for Scout Gillett's song "Too Fast To Last" back in February.

Wednesday, Jul 29th: AZRA at the Moroccan Lounge. Doors at 6:30 p.m.

I wrote a Song Spotlight for her song "if It wasn't for you" back in 2025.

Wednesday, Jul 29th: Joey Nebulous at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 6 p.m.
I wrote a Song Spotlight for their song "You're Straight" back in April.

Wednesday, Jul 29th: Mr. Dinkles at The Smell. Doors at 8 p.m.
I wrote a Song Spotlight for their song "Eat Chips and Talk Shit" back in May.

Wednesday, Jul 29th: Ned Casual at The Escondite. Doors at 8 p.m.
I wrote a Song Spotlight for his song "Gentrification Blues" back in 2025.

Thursday, Jul 30th: Me.Kai at The Hotel Cafe. Doors at 8 p.m.

I wrote a Song Spotlight for her song "Daylight" back in 2025.

Friday, Jul 31st: Dildox at The Roxy. Doors at 7 p.m.

In 2025, I covered the band at Happy Sundays Long Beach for US Rocker Music.

Friday, Jul 31st: Fartbarf at Alex's Bar. Doors at 8 p.m.

In 2013, I wrote a review of the band when they played El Cid.

Friday, Jul 31st: Peg Leg Love at The Redwood Bar. Doors at 8 p.m.

In 2019, I wrote a review of band for their set at Old Towne Pub.

Saturday, Aug 1st: Drauve at Oblivion. Doors at 7 p.m.

I wrote a Song Spotlight for the their song "Wool" back in June.

Saturday, Aug 1st: Geneva Jacuzzi at Zebulon. Doors at 7 p.m.
In 2025, the band played Substance Fest, which I covered for US Rocker Music.

Saturday, Aug 1st: Slowpoke at Old Town Pub. Doors at 8 p.m.

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

Song Spotlight: American Sigh's No Resolution (a night at The Fable)

American Sigh (moniker for Theo Matz) recently closed out a night of music at The Fable (a Ryan Pollie and Make Out Music collaboration). The band's Spotify bio describes the music as such, "Their songs wrap meditations on a world in flux in a beguiling blend of up-tempo indie folk, second-wave emo guitar squall, and articulate, chiming melody."

American Sigh at The Fable

Song Spotlight: The ACA's Dos Capital (a night at Zebulon)

The ACA opened up the night at Zebulon. It was the final residency night for Primitive Ring (you can read a 2024 review I wrote of the band here) and The ACA was a heart pumping way to start off the night. By the end of the set, the crowd was chanting "ACA! ACA! ACA!" If you're wondering what exactly is the meaning behind their band name, the song title of the final song is "The Affordable Care Act."

The ACA at Zebulon

Song Spotlight: Jake Manzi's The Trouble (a night at The Airliner Bar)

Jake Manzi dropped by The Airliner Bar on a recent Rocknite showcase night. He's an Americana musician from Western Massachusetts who now lives in Los Angeles and he recently released a new album titled Getting Somewhere. His official record release party was scheduled for the following week at The Kibitz Room, but it did feel like this was a sneak preview set as he played the first six tracks from the album. I think one can also call a practice run on his part as he had a full backing band of 5 musicians that included keyboards, steel guitar, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, bass, and drums. 

Jake Manzi at The Airliner Bar

Song Spotlight: Gaptooth's Funhouse (a night at The Fable)

When I noticed that Gaptooth (moniker for Margaret Haesler) was playing a Ryan Pollie and Make Out Music collaboration night at The Fable, I was eager to catch the set. Though this was my first time seeing her, the moniker did ring a bell as she had shared a bill with Adriana McCassim earlier in the year and I had mentioned the night on my Show Alert post for that week.   

Gaptooth at The Fable

Song Spotlight: Zig Zags' Why I Carry A Knife (a night at Zebulon)

The self described heavy metal, punk rock band Zig Zags shook the foundations of the Zebulon throughout their 13 song set - that being from the stage to the floor to the back step benches. As the band said, "Not bad for a Tuesday night." It was a free night, but they didn't treat it as one. They obliterated the more than willing crowd with a 45 minute set.

Zig Zags at Zebulon

Review: Stars Align for Tender Misfit at Oblivion (with Jesse Detor)

Tender Misfit (the moniker for Ariel Beesley) recently concluded her first headliner tour that took her across California to celebrate the release of her Stargirl album. I got to catch her at the Los Angeles Oblivion stop. It was my first time catching a set since seeing her twice in 2024 -- a close to two year gap. During that time frame, she was busy writing up new songs. I did a setlist check and the only song that was similar between 2026 and the previous time I crossed paths with her was "Dirt."

Tender Misfit at Oblivion

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

A Handful (bucketful) of Show Alerts 

Sunday, Jul 19th: Julez and the Rollerz at The Fable. Doors at 7 p.m.

I wrote a Song Spotlight for their song "Call Me Up" back in 2025.

Sunday, Jul 19th: Mr. Dinkles at Alex's Bar. Doors at 8 p.m.
I wrote a Song Spotlight for their song "Eat Chips and Talk Shit" back in May.

Sunday, Jul 19th: 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.

Sunday, Jul 19th: Colleen Green and DA Stern at Zebulon. Doors at 8 p.m.

In 2025, I wrote a review of Colleen Green's set at El Cid. 

I wrote a Song Spotlight for his song "I Never Said I Was The One" earlier this year.

Sunday, Jul 19th: Guantanamo Baywatch at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Two sets with doors at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

In 2023, I covered the band for Buzzbands.

Monday, Jul 20th: Tashaki Miyaki at Oblivion. Doors at 7 p.m.

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

Tuesday, Jul 21st: Simi at Harvard & Stone. Doors at 8 p.m.

I wrote a Song Spotlight for her song "Stranger With My Secret" in 2025. 

Thursday, Jul 23rd: Alex Andre at The Woodbridge. Doors at 7:30 p.m.

In 2021, I covered the band for Buzzbands.

Thursday, Jul 23rd: Bruvvy at The Airliner. Doors at 7 p.m.

In 2025, I wrote a review of their set at  Good Times at Davey Wayne's.

Thursday, Jul 23rd: Ricky Berger at Scribbles. Doors at 7:30 p.m.

I wrote a Song Spotlight for her song "My Insides" earlier this year.

Thursday, Jul 23rd: The Paranoyds and Suzie True at Oblivion. Doors at 7 p.m.

In 2022, I covered The Paranoyds for Buzzbands. 

In 2024, I covered Suzie True for US Rocker Music.

Friday, July 24th: Ron Blakely at Hotel Ziggy. Doors at 7 p.m.

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

Saturday, Jul 25th: Brookelen at The Woodbridge. Doors at 7:30 p.m.

I wrote a Song Spotlight for her song "moon" just last month.

Saturday, Jul 25th: Dutch East Indians at Alex's Bar. Doors at 2 p.m.

I wrote a Song Spotlight for the band's "All Time High" in 2025.

Saturday, Jul 25th: Mirrorball at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 6 p.m.

I wrote a Song Spotlight for their song "Red Hot Dust" earlier this year.

Saturday, Jul 25th: Sunder at Oblivion. Doors at 7 p.m.

In 2025, the band made my list of favorite new finds.

Song Spotlight: Laguna Hill's Can't Buy Time (Even with a Million Dollars) (a night at Bar Lubitsch)

It was a special night at Bar Lubitsch. Grant Owens of WFNM was celebrating his birthday. Opening up was the recently formed Laguna Hill. The band is the husband-wife team of Ryan and Lena Doyle. They mentioned during the set that they formed the band on the inauspicious date of April 1st, 2026. Also, the recently married couple moved from New York to Laguna Beach. The folk-pop band has Lena on violin and Ryan on guitar. They share vocal duties. Their Spotify bio has this detail about their music, "their music reflects real-life experiences and a shared creative chemistry."

Laguna Hill at Bar Lubitsch

Review: OP ED Revs Ups the Celebration Antics at Gold-Diggers

I came across OP ED at Echo Park Rising last year. Megan Tracy suggested that I catch them as one of the members of the band is Marlon Rabenreither. He fronts the band Gold Star and both of us are fans of the band. The rock-punk set was so dynamic and awesome that I put them on my list of favorite new bands of 2025 (see link here). 

OP ED at Gold-Diggers

Song Spotlight: Small Forward's Hollywood Con (a night at The Fable)

I was trying to figure out how I was going to plan out a recent week of music. I knew I had two days locked down towards the end of the week. I had a random day to plan out. On Monday, I checked out Ryan Pollie's Instagram page to see what he had scheduled for his showcase at The Fable. One of the bands playing was Small Forward and I knew I was going to do the short drive from Glendale to Eagle Rock. 

Small Forward at The Fable

Song Spotlight: Sāde Frame's I Need You (No I Don't) (a night at Bar Lubitsch)

Grant Owens, founder of WFNM, was celebrating his birthday at Bar Lubitsch. One of the artists performing was vocal talent Sāde Frame. Back in 2021, she got an American Idol golden ticket. A year later, she won one of the the weekly "Love Song" contests held by the John Lennon Songwriting Contest for her song "Dating Isn't Fun," which was the first song she performed for the birthday party festivities.    

 Sāde Frame at Bar Lubitsch

Song Spotlight: Maudlin Strangers' Spaghetti Western (a night at Hotel Ziggy)

When I saw that Maudlin Strangers was on the schedule at Hotel Ziggy for a WFNM showcase, I immediately recognized the band name. It was a flashback to 2014 when I went off to the Bootleg Theatre (the current location of 2220 Arts) to catch their August Residency. What's a residency, some Los Angeles music fans might ask? Back in the day, local venues across Los Angeles would set aside Monday nights as a free night of music and a specific band would play each of those nights. It was always free entrance. Zebulon still carries on that tradition off and on. 

Maudlin Strangers at Hotel Ziggy

Review: It was a Theatrical Night at Healing Force of the Universe (Eli Tarantula, Max Meteor, Sisters of Black Mountain)

Healing Force of the Universe opened up in late 2023 and it only took me a little over a year and a half to make it out there. What's my problem? I'm an unfortunate creature of habit these days, rotating around specific venues / promotors. In Sonic Dreams gave me a necessary push as the promotor was putting on a show at the record store-venue. The venue is located in Pasadena and I would say that most of my visits to the city is driven by a trip to Samy's Camera. Off I went with a good idea of where the venue was located and ended up accidentally driving past Walnut St. Pasadena is the city of one way streets and so I ended up with a couple failed attempts to get one block north. I do have a tendency to drive past spots. The next day, I drove over to a restaurant and instead of turning into the parking lot of the restaurant, I drove past it and turned into the parking lot of an auto service business.  

Sisters of Black Mountain at Healing Force of the Universe

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

A Handful (Massive) of Show Alerts

Sunday, Jul 12th: El Colmo and OP ED at Alex's Bar. Doors at 2 p.m.
In 2024, I did a review of El Colmo's set for US Rocker Music.
OP ED made my list of favorite new finds of 2025.

Sunday, Jul 12th: Izzy Outerspace at The Monty Bar. Doors at 7 p.m.

In 2025, I wrote up this review.

Monday, Jul 13th: Dreyted at Oblivion. Doors at 7 p.m.

I recently wrote up this review. Can also catch the band on Wednesday.

Tuesday, Jul 14th: Dear Elise at Harvard & Stone. Doors at 8 p.m.

In 2021, I covered the band for US Rocker Music.

Tuesday, Jul 14th: Deathchant at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 8 p.m.

The band made my list of favorite new finds of 2024.

Tuesday, Jul 14th: I'll show you magic at The Airliner Bar. Doors at 7 p.m.

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

Wednesday, Jul 15th: Dreyted at The Airliner Bar. Doors at 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Jul 15th: Giselle and Neska Rose at Hotel Ziggy. Doors at 8 p.m.
I wrote a Song Spotlight for Giselle's song "Skeletons" in 2025.
I wrote a Song Spotlight for Neska Rose's song "Very Green" in 2025.

Thursday, Jul 16th: Cosmic Kitten at The Redwood Bar. Doors at 8 p.m.

I wrote a Song Spotlight for their song "Hole in my Soul" in 2025.

Thursday, Jul 16th: Mr. Dinkles at Gold-Diggers. Doors at 7 p.m.

I wrote a Song Spotlight for their song "Eat Chips and Talk Shit" back in May.

Thursday, Jul 16th: Tender Misfit at Oblivion. Doors at 7 p.m.

Ariel Beesley, the creative force behind Tender Misfit made my list of favorite new finds in 2019.

Friday, Jul 17th: Ella Woolsey at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 6 p.m.

I wrote a Song Spotlight for her song "a million" back in May.

Friday, Jul 17th: Ryan Hahn at the Bigfoot Lodge. Doors at 8 p.m.

I wrote a Song Spotlight for his song "Farmers Son" back in 2025.

Friday, Jul 17th: talker at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.

I wrote a Song Spotlight for her song "Gold Rush" back in April.

Saturday, Jul 18th: Stella Prince at the Moroccan Lounge. Doors at 6:30 p.m.

I wrote a Song Spotlight for her song "The Replay" last month.

Song Spotlight: Aden Black's for me (a night at Hotel Ziggy)

Aden Black has been a fixture at the WFNM showcase over the last couple years. Back in 2024, I covered Hailey Wild and she was a backup singer (click on this link for a photo that has Aden Black in it). She's also done a couple of WFNM sets. I was finally able to catch one of those sets at Hotel Ziggy. It was a rare Tuesday night event and the venue was packed. In fact, I might say it was an over flow situation as people were standing out in the lounge area of the hotel. Those fans ranged from their twenties to their sixties. 

Aden Black at Hotel Ziggy

Song Spotlight: The Mormons' Assholes and E Waste (a night at The Escondite)

I'm not certain when I first came across The Mormons. A possible date was in 2007 when they played the Eagle Rock Music Festival. If that was my first encounter, it was very appropriate. I've always associated The Mormons with Los Angeles music festivals. In 2010, I shot the FYF Festival and as I left the festival (exhausted from a full day of shooting), one of my hopes was to run across the band playing somewhere outside the festival grounds. I was not disappointed.  

The Mormons outside FYF in 2010

Song Spotlight: Stephanie Wittmer's Texas Is Haunted (a night at the Bigfoot Lodge)

It was a Friday night so why not enjoy a full night of music. I did a rare venue jump (for me, maybe not for others) by starting out at Zebulon where I caught the full line-up. Then I went off to the Bigfoot Lodge to end the night at just past the stroke of midnight. Stephanie Wittmer was playing the Americana Joy showcase and was celebrating the release of her "Texas Is Haunted" single. 

Stephanie Wittmer at the Bigfoot Lodge

Song Spotlight: Jana Horn's Without (a night at Zebulon)

Jana Horn let fate decide the outcome of her set at Zebulon. But the question should be: did fate push back and argue for free will? Before that answer, if there is one, she grew up in Glen Rose, Texas but has since moved to New York. I decided to see where Glen Rose is located and just went down a small rabbit hole. As of the 2020 census, the population was only 2,659. It doesn't seem to be a boom to bust type of city. Since 1880, it has always been a small town. Yet, I was thinking this has to be a deserted town in the middle of nowhere like Niland, California (last year, I wrote about that city, which is where Katie Ward's parents grew up). Glen Rose is sort of away from it all, about 44 miles from Fort Worth, but then I checked out Zillow and got a shock. There are multiple million dollar listings. A number of other homes were in the $300,000 to $400,000 range. Small town living can be more expensive than you think. 

Jana Horn at Zebulon

Song Spotlight: ModPods' Detox (a night at The Smell)

I happened to notice that the ModPods were playing a show at The Smell. Interesting note is that Danbert Nobacon (former singer for Chumbawamba) was also on the night's bill. According to my band catalog list that I keep, I've only seen the band perform live once and that would have likely been only for a song or two as my records indicate that I saw them in 2018 at Echo Park Rising (I was shooting for Buzzbands so I would have been jumping from one band to the next). 

ModPods at The Smell

Song Spotlight: Alexander Biggs' Mostly I Feel Nothing (a night at The Fable)

Alexander Biggs took to The Fable stage where he played a number of new songs that will likely end up on a new album. It was a Ryan Pollie showcase night and his set was a sublime way to begin the night. He started off the set on guitar, letting his tender vocals shine.  

Alexander Biggs at The Fable

For those who are unaware of Alexander Biggs, he comes to Los Angeles via Australia. Per Concord, his debut album Hit or Miss "was written and recorded in many places — from blanket fort hideaways in a noisy city to a suburban kitchen . . . " That is a true DIY effort.  

His sophomore album is titled Stay with the Horses. It is possible that his second album will also stick with the animal theme. Before launching into his song "Greyhound," he told the audience, "I'm playing a bunch of songs and most of them mention dogs. Don't worry about, don't think about it. Think about how it makes you feel." It is a song that has you relaxing in a bar that often times has people talking loudly during a set, but during this particular set there was not a word spoken. Later in the set, he even brought up the topic of the rapt attention from the audience as he joked about using AI to write his song "Motorbike." "I wrote it on ChatGPT. I stole in from Small Forward [the band that was playing next]. Why don't you sit in silence and think about that?"

Alexander Biggs at The Fable

For a couple songs, he switched from guitar to keyboards. His playing of chords focused the mind on an atmospheric reflection where memories rushed in (wonderful and maybe some sad ones, as well). 

The song spotlight goes to "Mostly I Feel Nothing." He was on the keyboard on this particular song. He said it was a love song, but is it? A singer songwriter tune with melancholy vocals. 

Alexander Biggs at The Fable

mostly I feel nothing . . .
when I'm curled up right against you

Setlist: Baby 2 Bed, Greyhound, Don't Want To But You Will, Big Wave, Mostly I Feel Nothing, Motorbike, Games.

On July 8th (Wednesday), he'll be playing Hotel Ziggy for a WFNM showcase.