Two Movies seen on TCM: The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit (1956) and Hollywood Canteen (1944)

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: Marika Christine's Enjoy the Clouds (a night at The Fable)

In support of her third studio album Enjoy the Clouds, Marika Christine (Marika Christine Stuurman) dropped by The Fable to open up the Ryan Pollie Tuesday night showcase. Since I try to limit how many nights a week I head out to catch live music, I was considering going out on either Monday or Tuesday night. I knew specific artists that were playing on Monday and Tuesday, but there were also artists that were new to me. I decided to go out on the night where I liked the music of the unknown artist the best. I went to Spotify and took a listen. I decided I enjoyed Marika Christine's music the best. It was kind of a coin flip as both were solid, but I leaned towards Tuesday night. 

Marika Christine at The Fable

Song Spotlight: Sierra Spirit's Rodeo Clown (a night at The Airliner Bar)

Back in 2024, I wrote up a review of a Sierra Spirit (Sierra Spirit Kihega-Pyrzenski) set for US Rocker Music, which you can read here. I happened to notice that she was playing School Night (a collaboration between Make Out Music and KCRW) at The Airliner Bar and circled the date. I was interested in seeing her progress as a singer. 

Sierra Spirit at The Airliner Bar

Song Spotlight: Marni's 99¢ (a night at Permanent Records Roadhouse)

Marni recently played Permanent Records Roadhouse. The band is fronted by Nicolas Lara and Michaela Gradstein. Can one be blown away by a band when they're just doing their instrumental intro song? I don't know how wise it is to make an immediate judgement call just based on a band jamming together to start off the set, but they sent my heart pumping with adrenaline. I was sold and that feeling lasted throughout their set, which focused on their 2025 EP release fml era (f*ck my life) as well as a trio of unreleased songs.  

Marni at Permanent Records Roadhouse

Song Spotlight: Brookelen's moon (a night at The Fable)

Brookelen (moniker for Brooke Tannehill) recently played The Fable for a Ryan Pollie showcase night. I first crossed paths with her in December 2024. Coincidentally, it was at another Ryan Pollie showcase at The Fable. Since then, I've learned that she's one of the more collaborative musicians in Los Angeles. In 2025, I crossed paths with her via Lower Merion (read about that night here) and We Shrunk. Lower Merion is a project that includes Ryan Pollie. Then in 2026, she popped up as the lead singer for Host Family for an El Cid set (read about that night here).  

Brookelen at The Fable

Review: Livingmore Dials Up the Red Phone at LAX (with opening band Sonica)

This past Friday night, Livingmore came into town to celebrate the upcoming release of their fifth studio album, the eponymous named album Livingmore at LAX. The band formed back in 2014 as a collaboration between Los Angeles based singer-songwriters Alex Moore and Spencer Livingston. I say came into town as the now married couple has since moved to Japan (though based on their bio, they still spend time in Los Angeles). If you're interested in how expats live or spend time scanning Zillow listings (both apply to me), you can see a reel of the home they purchased here.

Livingmore at LAX

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): Jun 28th - Jul 4th

 A Handful (Massive) of Show Alerts

Sunday, Jun 28th: Dreyted and I'll show you magic at Old Towne Pub. Doors at 8 p.m.

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

You can read my Song Spotlight for I'll show you magic's song "Feel You" here.

Sunday, Jun 28th: Julez and the Rollerz at Zebulon. Doors at 7 p.m.
You can read my Song Spotlight for their song "Call Me Up" here.

Sunday, Jun 28th: Mo Dotti and Valley Porno People at Oblivion. Doors at 7 p.m.

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

Valley Porno People made my list of favorite 2024 bands. You can read that list here.

Sunday, Jun 28th: The What Four at Gold-Diggeres. Doors at 7 p.m.

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

Monday, Jun 29th: Annie Hardy and Paige Stark at Harvard & Stone. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight for Annie Hardy's song "Man Downn" here.

Paige Stark is also in Tashaki Miyaki. You can read my Song Spotlight for the band's song "Somethin' Is Better Than Nothin' here. 

Monday, Jun 29th: Escape Artist Lovers at the Lodge Room. Doors at 7 p.m.

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

Monday, Jun 29th: Faydean at The Hotel Cafe. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight for her song "Rock 'Em-Sock 'Em" here. 

Monday, Jun 29th: Nick Flessa at Club Tee Gee. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight for his song "Medicine Hat City Slogan" here.  

Tuesday, Jun 30th: Anna Thoresen at Harvard & Stone. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight for her song "Dear Soulmate" here.

Tuesday, Jun 30th: Christina Apostolopoulos at Hotel Cafe. Doors at 8 p.m.

If you look carefully, you'll see a photo I took for Buzzbands at Echo Park Rising here.

Tuesday, Jun 30th: Maryon King at Revolver WeHo. Doors at 7 p.m.
Read my Song Spotlight for her song "What's a Girl To Do" here.

Tuesday, Jun 30th: Primitive Ring at Zebulon. Doors at 8 p.m.

In 2024, I wrote a review of the band, which you can read here.

Wednesday, Jul 1st: The Blank Tapes at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.

I've been following the band since 2018. 

Wednesday, Jul 1st: Declan Palmer at Hotel Ziggy. Doors at 7 p.m.

Read my Song Spotlight for his song "Am I Into You" here

Wednesday, Jul 1st: Ryan Pollie at The Airliner Bar. Doors at 7:30 p.m.

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

Thursday, Jul 2nd: Escape-ism at Zebulon. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight for their song "Charge of the Love Brigade" here.

Thursday, Jul 2nd:  Jessy Fury at Bar Lubitsch. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight for his "Heaven" here.

Thursday, Jul 2nd: Lilliana Villines at Oblivion. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight for her song "yours" here. 

Friday, Jul 3rd: Fartbart at the Moroccan Lounge. Doors at 9:30 p.m.

In 2013, I wrote a review of Fartbart, which you can read here.

Friday, Jul 3rd: Tashaki Miyaki at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 6 p.m.

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

Song Spotlight: Ella Hunt's Six Hours (a night at the Airliner Bar)

Back around the 2018 time frame, Play Like a Girl (no longer around) and Purple Bite joined forces to put on Friday night events at Stories Books and Cafe. They called the nights Commune. It was an evening where singer-songwriters would both sing and discuss their tunes. On a recent adventure out to the Airliner Bar, I had a sense of déjà vu to those nights at Commune. This time, instead of Commune, it was School Night (a collaboration between Make Out Music and KCRW). Closing out the night was Ella Hunt who was doing a west coast release party celebration of her debut album Blindspot (a few days earlier, she had one in New York).   

Ella Hunt at The Airliner Bar

Song Spotlight: Tyler Ballgame's Matter of Taste (a night at The Fable)

It was a Tuesday night and I decided it was going to be spent at the The Fable. It was a Ryan Pollie showcase night and there was going to be a secret headliner. This is when my hunch came out correct. If someone had asked me for a guess on who the secret headliner would be, I would have said Tyler Ballgame. At the previous showcase in May, I noticed Tyler Ballgame and Ryan Pollie huddling together. I felt something was up. I was proven correct three weeks later when I noticed an Instagram story where it was mentioned he was playing a set, but it did not mention where. I knew where that was going to be. 

Tyler Ballgame at The Fable

Song Spotlight: Pablo Lynn's Blue Room (a night at Bar Lubitsch)

I will say I didn't know what to expect when Pablo Lynn (moniker for lead singer Ilan Eskenazi) hit the stage at Bar Lubitsch during a recent WFNM showcase. All I knew was that the band had only 26 followers on Instagram. That just led me to believe they were a super new band that Grant Owens (WFNM founder) had uncovered. As the band was setting up their gear, I was hanging at the front of the stage, at one of my two normal spots. I was likely on my phone, reading a random article from the Internet, because I didn't realize that a crowd had followed the band into the venue (for those who don't know, Bar Lubitsch has two rooms: a bar and a venue area). 

Pablo Lynn at Bar Lubitsch

Song Spotlight: Stella Prince's The Replay (a night at Bar Lubitsch)

Folk singer Stella Prince brought her talents to the WFNM showcase at Bar Lubitsch. She describes her music as Gen Z folk. The generation is making their cultural mark on America. As those who follow movie box offices, you know that Gen Z made a big splash in May. Obsession was directed by 26 year old Curry Barker. It is the rare movie that saw it's wide release (not a platform release) box office increase in the second weekend. Then Backrooms came out, which was directed by 20 year old Kane Parsons. It rather immediately became A24's biggest domestic box office movie. When it comes to folk music, Stella Prince is wanting to have a similar impact.

Stella Prince at Bar Lubitsch

Song Spotlight: Jady's TMSTIDK (a night at The Fonda Theatre)

Jady (the Ohio due of vocalist Jarrett Doherty and drummer Ashton Bergdorf) took to the stage at The Fonda Theatre as one of the opening acts for The Cab. I got to review the night for US Rocker Music. You can read that review here. Bergdorf was the first to walk out onto the stage and take a seat behind his drum kit. What I immediately noticed was that he had a chain necklace circling his head. Being a fan of both the Dune books and Dune movies, my mind went directly to the Bene Gesserit sisterhood.

Jady at The Fonda Theatre

Photo Review: CARR at The Fonda Theatre

CARR (the moniker for Carly McClellan) dance-bounced her way across the stage throughout her set at The Fonda Theatre. She was one of the opening acts for The Cab. You can read my US Rocker Music review of the night here. In many ways, she reminds me of a favorite band The Dollyrots. 

CARR at The Fonda Theatre

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): Jun 21st - Jun 27th

A Handful (Bucketful) of Show Alerts

Sunday, Jun 21st: Dave Harrington at the Zebulon. Doors at 7 p.m.
In 2025, I wrote a review of his Zebulon set, which you can read here.

Tuesday, Jun 23rd: Primitive Ring at Zebulon. Doors at 8 p.m.

In 2024, I wrote a review of the band, which you can read here.

Wednesday, Jun 24th: Andie Yagher at The Hotel Cafe. Doors at 9 p.m.

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

Wednesday, Jun 24th: Jamma at Harvard & Stone. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight for her song "Farewell" here. 

Wednesday, Jun 24th: Taylor Jules at Hotel Ziggy. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight for her song "All Time Low" here. 

Thursday, Jun 25th: Chalk Teeth at the Moroccan Lounge. Doors at 9:30 p.m.

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

Thursday, Jun 25th: The Paranoyds at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.

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

Friday, Jun 26th: Beck Pete at The Hotel Cafe. Doors at 9 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight for her song "Scared of Everything" here. 

Friday, Jun 26th: Livingmore at LAX. Doors at 7 p.m.

In 2021, I covered their set for Buzzbands, which you can read here. 

Saturday, Jun 27th: Horse Rider at The Haven. Doors at 6 p.m.

The band made my list of favorite new finds in 2025. You can read that list here.

Saturday, Jun 27th: Niantic plays June Gloom at PA Rehearsal Studios. Doors at 1 p.m.

In 2023, I covered the festival for US Rocker Music. You can read about the night here.

Saturday, Jun 27th: OP ED at Gold-Diggers. Doors at 7 p.m.

The band made my list of favorite new finds in 2025. You can read that list here. 

Saturday, Jun 27th: June Swoon at Healing Forces of the Universe. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight for her song "Denver" here. 

Saturday, Jun 27th: Sunder and Taleen Kali play Dum Dum Fest at The Echo. Doors at 6 p.m.

In 2026, I covered both bands for US Rocker Music. You can read about that night here. 

Song Spotlight: The Cab's Back From The Dead (a night at The Fonda Theatre)

I got the opportunity to catch The Cab at the The Fonda Theatre. I covered the night for US Rocker Music. You can read the article here. Below are just some miscellaneous additional observations and my Song Spotlight.  

The Cab at The Fonda Theatre

Song Spotlight: Drauve's Wool (a night at The Airliner Bar)

Drauve closed out a recent Rocknite showcase night at The Airliner Bar. They were the primary reason why I decided to drive down to the venue on this particular Wednesday night. A couple days prior, I went to Spotify and took a listen to their 2025 EP Timeline while tapping away at my work computer. The first two songs off the EP ("Wool" and "Sink In") got me hooked. If interested, I found this Atwood Magazine article (link here) where they discuss the songs from the EP. 

Drauve at The Airliner Bar

Song Spotlight: Ryan Raines' Please Quit Your Job (a night at The Fable)

Ryan Raines took out all the stops for his set at The Fable (a Ryan Pollie showcase night). His backing band included the standard bass, drums, and guitar setup; but he also added on a saxophone, and for the last two songs of the set a harmonium. Along with vocal duties, he added to the instrumental orchestral sound by switching between guitar and keyboard. His alt-rock sound had me thinking retro indie Los Angeles from back in the day when Spaceland (link here for some music history) was the center of the Los Angeles music scene. It was a night of dreamy music, highlighted by Raines' bass vocals.  

Ryan Raines at The Fable

Song Spotlight: Electric Guest's Take It Slowly (a night at The Airliner Bar)

Electric Guest had The Airliner Bar packed for their It's A School Night set (hosted by KCRW and Make Out Music). This was my first time at The Airliner Bar since 2022 when I covered a Jenny O set for Buzzbands (see link for the review and photos). I know that after that point in time, the bar venue went through an ownership change. When I noticed that they were once again putting on shows, I knew I wanted to head there again. I actually wanted to go in January, but something popped up that prevented me from going. Jump to April and I noticed that Electric Guest (as well as Theo Moss) were playing School Night and off I went. What did I notice when I first got to the venue (which is above the bar)? The hole-in-the-wall vibes are now replaced with a sleek modern touch that is similar to The Peppermint Club. 

Electric Guest at The Airliner Bar

Review: Fervent Supporters of Lauren Lakis and Buckets Enjoy a Double Records Release Party

Lauren Lakis and Buckets teamed up for a double album release party at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Lakis recently released her fourth studio album Deadlights and it was her penultimate tour stop. Buckets released their third studio album Horse To Water and will be embarking on an album supporting tour in July. The night was presented by litany of Los Angeles music scene supporters: KCRW, Big Top Booking, and Slouch Records (the record label behind Buckets' album). 

Lauren Lakis at Permanent Records Roadhouse

Song Spotlight: Nick Flessa's Medicine Hat City Slogan (a night at Zebulon)

Nick Flessa opened up the Rocknite showcase at Zebulon on a recent Tuesday night. I first crossed paths with him back in 2019. Then again in 2021 when he fronted his band Dayton Swim Club. Back in 2019, he responded to an interview inquiry, which you can read part of the response below:

How would you like your music to impact people who listen to your music or see you play live? As a performer I want to amaze and surprise people. I want to challenge assumptions in a way that’s entertaining and engaging. Musically, I want to build worlds that audiences and listeners can travel through. I want to combine seemingly disparate styles, genres and musical personalities in ways that haven’t existed yet. I want to move people while also making them think. 

Nick Flessa at Zebulon

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): Jun 14th - Jun 20th

A Handful of Show Alerts

Monday, Jun 15th: Jesse Jo Stark at The Roxy. Doors at 7 p.m.

In 2022, I covered her set at The Echo for Buzzbands, which you can read here.

Tuesday, Jun 16th: Maybellene Ryder at Gold-Diggers. Doors at 7 p.m.
I happened to catch Ryder playing violin for a band called Oh, Rose at the Shrine. I wrote a review of that night on US Rocker Music, which you can read here.

Tuesday, Jun 16th: Primitive Ring at Zebulon. Doors at 8 p.m.

In 2024, I wrote a review of the band, which you can read here.

Tuesday, Jun 16th: Slotcar at The Smell. Doors at 8 p.m.
You can read my Song Spotlight of the band's song "exacto" here.

Wednesday, Jun 17th: Jessy Fury and Modern Cult at the Airliner Bar. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight for Jessy Fury's song "Heaven" here.

You can read my recent review of Modern Cult here.

Song Spotlight: ROSIE's Mr. Blue Jeans (a night at The Echoplex)

ROSIE (moniker for Rosaileen Scher) was the recent opener for Katelyn Tarver at The Echoplex. You can read my review of that night here. One thing I noticed immediately was the crossover in fans. From the very start when she sang "Never the 1," the crowd was singing the lyrics back to her. 

ROSIE at The Echoplex

Song Spotlight: Glyss' Inside My Eyes (a night at The Airliner Bar)

Back in the day, there was a band called Gliss that played the Los Angeles music scene for a handful of years. They've since moved back to their home country of Denmark. As an indication of how long I've hung out in the Los Angeles music scene, I listed them as one of my favorite new bands of 2010 (you can read that list here). The biggest name off that 2010 list would be Cold Cave. Nico Vega had a reunion show at the Lodge Room back in 2023. The Like spawned Z Berg and Laena (Feels). Eastern Conference Champions spawned Mondo Cozmo. Lucy Schwartz may not play that often in the LA music scene anymore, but she's known for film and television music contributions. Not that bad of a list there. 

Glyss at The Airliner Bar

Song Spotlight: Sidney Bird's Suburbia (a night at Hotel Ziggy)

What defines suburbia? Having lived in Los Angeles county for most of my life, I've always found this a confusing concept. I grew up in Lancaster. That would definitely qualify as an exurb, not the suburbs. I currently live in Glendale. Some might say that is the suburbs, but Glendale is closer to DTLA than Woodland Hills is. It also takes a 15 minute walk to cross into Atwater Village. And anyways, I consider much of Los Angeles county as one massive population center where you really can't tell when you've crossed from one city to the next. Those were the strange thoughts that crossed my mind while catching Sidney Bird's (moniker for Sidney Hulburd) set at the WFNM showcase night at Hotel Ziggy. 

Sidney Bird at Hotel Ziggy

Song Spotlight: Intercurrent's Arrow (a night at The Airliner Bar)

When it comes to photography, sometimes the joke is on me. I went to Rocknite at Zebulon to catch a favorite band, Valley Queen. I reach into my camera bag to pull out my RF 15-35mm so that I could shoot a wide angle shot (to take a photo of the full band). Instead of pulling out my RF 15-35mm, I pulled out my RF 28-70mm. I had packed the wrong lens. That happens on occasion. For me, the two lenses are hard to tell apart when just picking them up. This is where the joke is on me. I went home after the set and took out the RF 28-70mm from my bag and put in the RF 15-35mm. The next day, there was another Rocknite, but this time it was at The Airliner Bar. I went home after work and my mind flashed back to Zebulon and I was thinking, "I better pack my RF 15-35mm." So I went and switched out the lenses (totally forgetting what I had done at around 11:30 p.m. the night before). Up first at the The Airliner Bar was Intercurrent. At some point during their set, I switched my lenses and I pulled out what I thought was my RF 15-35mm. I put the camera viewfinder up to my eye and was like, "I am so stupid." 

Intercurrent at The Airliner Bar

Song Spotlight: emory's half (a night at The Fable)

Singer emory (moniker for Emory Wellons) opened up the night at The Fable for the Ryan Pollie showcase night. This was not a night where people showed up after the opener. The bar was at maximum capacity for her set. Her music is minimalist hyperpop. There was sleight of hand misdirection in the set. She had two bandmates, one playing the bass while the other played a synth. Yet, it felt like she was doing a solo set all on her own. That perception was emphasized by the fact that all three wore headphones and their eyes were focused downward on their individual instruments. It creating an atmosphere of each being in their own headspace.

emory at The Fable

Song Spotlight: Gina Jacqueline's Medicine (a night at Hotel Ziggy)

Three months passed since I last went to a WFNM showcase at Hotel Ziggy. Those three months were instead spent hanging out at the Bar Lubitsch showcase location. As I walked into the venue, Gina Jacqueline (Gina Jacqueline Binder) was finishing up her first song of the set. I was immediately struck by how her outgoing personality shined through her singing style. I was immediately disappointed that I had missed that first song. I knew I had walked into the venue at 7:15 p.m., which I thought was the perfect time to arrive. 

Gina Jacqueline at Hotel Ziggy

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): Jun 7th - Jun 13th

A Handful (bucketful) of Show Alerts

Sunday, Jun 7th: Dave Harrington at the Lodge Room. Doors at 7 p.m.

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

Sunday, Jun 7th: Whitney Tai at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 6 p.m.

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

Monday, Jun 8th: Dylan Rodrigue at Club Tee Gee. Doors at 8 p.m.
Read my Song Spotlight for his song "Pink Balloon" here. 

Tuesday, Jun 9th: Blue Wistaria and Dreyted at Oblivion. Doors at 9 p.m.

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

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

Tuesday, Jun 9th: Primitive Ring at Zebulon. Doors at 8 p.m.

In 2024, I wrote a review of the band, which you can read here.

Tuesday, Jun 9th: Brookelen at The Fable. 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.

Wednesday, Jun 10th: Blue Wistaria at The Airliner Bar. Doors at 7 p.m.

They're doing a double shift this week with their show on Tuesday, as well.

Wednesday, Jun 10th: Lilliana Villines at Healing Force of the Universe Records. Doors at 8 p.m.

Read my Song Spotlight for her song "yours" here. 

Wednesday, Jun 10th: Sister Gemini at Gold-Diggers. Doors at 7 p.m.

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

Thursday, Jun 11th: Dutch East Indians at Zebulon. Doors at 8 p.m.

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

In 2023, I covered Lauren Lakis for US Rocker Music, which you can read here.

Thursday, Jun 11th: Sierra Spirit at The Airliner Bar. Doors at 7 p.m.

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

Friday, Jun 12th: Buckets and Lauren Lakis at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.

Read my song spotlight for Buckets' song "Judy" here.

Friday, Jun 12th: Mingko at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 6 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight for their song "Get A Job" here.

Friday, Jun 12th: The Mormons at Harvard & Stone. Doors at 8 p.m.

I always have fond memories of seeing this band playing outside music festivals as fans were heading home.

Song Spotlight: J Laconn's Church (Speaking In Tongues) (a night at Bar Lubitsch)

It was a fun night at Bar Lubitsch for the WFNM showcase night. The night included a backing band that played for the singers on the bill: keyboard, bass, drums. It allowed for rapid switch-overs from singer to singer and let everyone perform with a full band. Also, on specific tunes for each performer, Sean Kellz came up on stage to play the saxophone. 

J Laconn at Bar Lubitsch

Song Spotlight: Slotcar's exacto (a night at The Airliner Bar)

A thunderous start is how one would describe Slotcar's set at The Airliner Bar for the Rocknite showcase. Drummer Daniel Bermudez hit the drum kit so hard that the floor shook. The three piece band also includes guitarist-vocalist Frankie Provenzano and bassist Elliot Rick. Provenzano's vocals punctuated every beat.  The band's sound combines influences from shoegaze to alternative rock to punk rock that had the crowd pressed close to the stage and throughout the set chanting out, "Slotcar! Slotcar! Slotcar!" 

Slotcar at The Airliner Bar

Song Spotlight: Mossybot's HYTI (a night at The Airliner)

The three piece band Mossybot has a dual personality. How so? Guitar and drum duties were shared between two of the band members with the one playing guitar stepped into the lead vocals role. It led to two distinct sounds during the thirty minute set at The Airliner Bar (a Rocknite showcase night). The first half of the set was driven by raw vocals that swayed the band in the alternative rock direction. The band had a machine like efficiency during that half, softened with a touch of the ambient. Then the switched between the drummer and guitarist occurred. The music went much heavier, fueled by aggression. Screaming vocals were a necessity. 

Mossybot at The Airliner Bar

No matter the version of the band, they highlighted their instrumental composition skills. To end the set, they went on a metal-psychedelic instrumental riff that would make L.A. Witch proud. The Rocknite crowd definitely appreciated the 3 minute ending to the set as a mosh pit broke out. 

Mossybot at The Airliner Bar

Comment of the set: "Bring it all in. We're all friends here." 

The band played their first show in early 2025 so they're a relatively new band. On this night, they were mainly testing out new material. The song spotlight goes to "HYTI" that was released as part of their four song debut EP Fissure. (I'm just making a guess that HYTI is short-hand for "How you take it.") The song was part of the first half of the set so it had those raw vocals with a double dose ambient sounds that created a brooding atmosphere. The song has a hint of Depeche Mode that cuts open wide  the emotional scars of a breakup.

Mossybot at The Airliner Bar

It's up to you
Just how you take it

Setlist: Omelas, Talent, HYTI, Diver, Sky King, Informatica, Burn.

Song Spotlight: Sean Fleming's Love Crimes (a night at the Bigfoot Lodge)

I've crossed paths with Sean Fleming a couple times in the past. I first came across him in 2021 at the Silverlake Lounge when The Little Miss was celebrating her birthday party. A year later, he was playing The Echo along side Night Talks. When I noticed he was playing the Americana Joy showcase at the Bigfoot Lodge, I decided I'd make the walk over to catch a third set. Yeah, that's right, I walked over there. It is about a 3 mile round trip to get the blood going on a Friday night. 

Sean Fleming at the Bigfoot Lodge

Song Spotlight: Jack West's Missing Out (a night at Hotel Ziggy)

Jack West dropped on by the WFNM showcase at Hotel Ziggy. It was part of a mini-tour for the New Yorker that took him all the way to Tokyo for a set at the Ruby Room Tokyo. I took a look at the music venue's Instagram page and I suspect it is an expat hang out. Something to keep an eye on should I ever make my way back to Japan for a vacation. He then stayed in Los Angeles for a few days, playing sets at Nalu Vida in Venice and Desert 5 Spot in Hollywood before concluding his visit at Hotel Ziggy.

Jack West at Hotel Ziggy 

Song Spotlight: Ciggy Bop!'s Gentrify (My Soul) (a night at Harvard & Stone)

I first came across the Cigarette Bums in 2010. They were playing a favorite venue at the time called The Blue Star. It resides just north of Vernon and a lonely walking distance from 1720. It was a bar/music venue that eventually closed down. I wrote "it resides" on purpose, because there is still a Blue Star. It is now a dedicated restaurant. I don't know if this is still the case, but underground parties would occur in that area. So you'd see punk rockers slipping into the Blue Star while fashionistas would be making their way to the warehouse party.  

Ciggy Bop! at Harvard & Stone

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): May 31st - Jun 6th

A Handful of Show Alerts 

Sunday, May 31st: 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.

Monday, Jun 1st: 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.

Monday, Jun 1st: Janelane at Zebulon. Doors at 8 p.m.
You can read my Song Spotlight for the band's song "Instincts" here.

 

Wednesday, Jun 3rd: High Tatras and Nightjacket at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 6 p.m.

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

You can read my Song Spotlight for Nightjacket's song "My Only Heart" here.

Thursday, Jun 4th: Chalk Teeth and Dildox at The Escondite. Doors at either 8 p.m. or 9 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight for Chalk Teeth's  song "Floor It" here.

In 2025, I covered Dildox at Happy Sundays Long Beach for US Rocker Music, which you can read here.

Thursday, Jun 4th: OP ED at Zebulon. Doors at 7 p.m.

The band made my list of favorite new finds in 2025. You can read that list here. 

Friday, Jun 5th: Madam Bombs at Harvard & Stone. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight for the band's song "Girl with a Fuse" here. 

Song Spotlight: Katelyn Tarver's $82 at Erewhon (a night at The Echoplex)

Katelyn Tarver recently released her third studio album Tell Me How You Really Feel. The album's subject matter is about her divorce and subsequent feelings around it. I got the opportunity to photograph her The Echoplex set for US Rocker Music. You can read the review here. If you're interested in an official review, I would suggest going there.

Katelyn Tarver at The Echoplex

Song Spotlight: Amy Jay's Margins (a night at Bar Lubitsch)

I was trying to figure out if I wanted to head out to a WFNM showcase on either Wednesday or Thursday night. I decided to do some research on Instagram. I went looking at all the artists / bands that were playing those two nights (less the individual I had previously seen) and checked out their Spotify accounts. I got to Amy Jay and took a listen to her music. I don't recall exactly which songs I played, but it was most likely her most listened to songs: "Reliance" and "Sorrow." It was an obvious choice, which night I was selecting. It was going to be Thursday night at Bar Lubitsch. 

Amy Jay at Bar Lubitsch

Song Spotlight: Mr. Dinkles' Eat Chips and Talk Shit (a night at Gold-Diggers)

The Seattle to Los Angeles band Mr. Dinkles blends a young Jane Fonda activism with punctuated punk rock edge. Many of their songs are furious bursts of energy, often clocking in at the 2 minute mark. The two piece band has Mac Rettig on vocals / guitar and Rocco Ramos on drums. 

Mr. Dinkles at Gold-Diggers

Song Spotlight: Silverdeer's Open Mouth (a night at Gold-Diggers)

It was a Friday night and Silverdeer (previously known at Saturn 17) wanted everyone to enjoy the start of the weekend. They played a relatively short 20 minute set to open up the Rocknite showcase at Gold-Diggers, but those minutes were packed with a festive attitude that had the crowd dancing. 

Silverdeer at Gold-Diggers

Song Spotlight: Andrew Benjamin's Healthy Heart (a night at Bar Lubitsch)

Andrew Benjamin (aka Andrew Benjamin Maldonado) took to the Bar Lubitsch stage at the WFNM showcase. He used the opportunity to showcase some niffy guitar playing. He seamlessly would transition between root rock to blues. One moment, he took his guitar to a high pitch level riff that had me thinking Top Gun soundtrack. His song "Vessel" had guitar scratching that had me thinking back to the prom scene in Back to the Future.   

Andrew Benjamin at Bar Lubitsch

Song Spotlight: Sara Jean Kelley's Down, Down, Down (a night at Bar Lubitsch)

A last minute slot opened up at the WFNM's Almost Acoustic Showcase and Nashville based-Sara Jean Kelley jumped in to play the opening set. Bar Lubitsch was filled with friends and family, many hanging out with her dad in the corner of the venue. I overheard that she wasn't sure if he would be able to show up or not, but show up he did.   

Sara Jean Kelley at Bar Lubitsch

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): May 24th - May 30th

A Handful (Bucketful) of Show Alerts

Sunday, May 24th: Downtown/Union at The Fable. Doors at 8 p.m.

I saw the band a couple times back in the day. In Sonic Dreams continues their reunion series of Los Angeles DIY bands.

Sunday, May 24th: Katelyn Tarver at The Echoplex. Doors at 7 p.m.

In 2015, I wrote a little review that you can read here.

Sunday, May 24th: Jagged Baptist Club at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.
You can read my Song Spotlight for the band's song "Temptation Death House" here. 

Monday, May 25th: Bitter Half at Harvard & Stone. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight for the band's song "FY IMY" here

Monday, May 25th: Dave Harrington at Zebulon. Doors at 7 p.m.

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

Tuesday, May 26th: Memo PST at Oblivion. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight for the band's song "I Used To Be A Pretty Boy" here.

Tuesday, May 26th: Valley Queen at Zebulon. Doors at 8 p.m.
You can read my Song Spotlight for the band's "Ride" here.

Wednesday, May 27th: Audrey Lisette at Hotel Ziggy. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight for her song "Take Back the Memories" here.

Thursday, May 28th: Suzy Clue at the Lodge Room. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight for her song "Uneasy" here.

Friday, May 29th: Self Improvement at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.
You can read my Song Spotlight for the band's song "Change My Mind" here.

Saturday, May 30th: Ella Woolsey at the Moroccan Lounge. Doors at 6:30 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight for her song "a million" here.

Saturday, May 30th: Mingko at The Smell. Doors at 8:30 p.m.
You can read my Song Spotlight for their song "Get A Job" here.

Saturday, May 30th: Ron Blakely at Hotel Cafe. Doors at 9 p.m.

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