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.

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

A Handful (Massive) of Show Alerts

Sunday, Jul 5th: Ben Reddell and Maybellene Ryder at The Echo. Doors at 5:30 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight for Ben Reddell's song "Tumbleweed" here.

In 2024, I happened to catch Maybellene 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.

Monday, Jul 6th: Adrian Bourgeois and McKail Seely at Hotel Cafe (second stage). Doors at 8 p.m.

Adrian Bourgeois made my list of favorite new finds in 2025. You can read that list here. 

I recently wrote a review of McKail Seely's set at Hotel Cafe, which you can read here.

Tuesday, Jul 7th: Maejoy and Yagki at Hotel Cafe (second stage). Doors at 7 p.m.
You can read my Song Spotlight for Maejoy's song "Blueberry Lemonade" here.  

You can read my Yagki Song Spotlight for "Something I Do" here.

Tuesday, Jul 7th: Mara Connor at The Fable. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can read my song spotlight for her song "Someone New" here. 

Wednesday, Jul 8th: Pearl Charles at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 6 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight for her song "Step Too Far" here.

Wednesday, Jul 8th: UGHH at The Airliner Bar. Doors at 8 p.m.

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

Thursday, Jul 9th: Andie Yagher at Hotel Cafe (second stage). Set time at 10 p.m.

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

Thursday, Jul 9th: Deathchant at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.

The band made my list of favorite new finds of 2024. You can read the list here.

Thursday, Jul 9th: Maejoy at Hotel Cafe (main stage). Doors at 7 p.m.

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

Friday, Jul 10th: Eli Tarantula at Healing Force of the Universe. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight for his song "Fire & Lightning" here.

Friday, Jul 10th: 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, Jul 10th: The What Four at The Redwood Bar. Doors at 8 p.m.

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

Saturday, Jul 11th: El Colmo and Mike Watt at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.

In 2024, I did a review of El Colmo's set for US Rocker Music, which you can read here.

In 2024, I covered Mike Watt's Happy Sundays Long Beach set for US Rocker Music, which you can read here.

Saturday, Jul 11th: Pegzilla at The Haven. Doors at 7 p.m.

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

Saturday, Jul 11th: Slowpoke at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 6 p.m.

Read my Song Spotlight for "Tiki Dream" here.

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