I don’t have any club gigs this week, but you can catch me on Sunday, December 17 in “The Conversation” with Mike Regalado at 8 p.m. on Boyle Heights radio station KQBH. It’s a talk show about music, so tune into 101.5 FM if you’re in Boyle Heights or listen online outside of the neighborhood to find out what we discuss. As for actual L.A. music events, I have some suggestions for those of you who aren’t heading to Crypto.com Arena (ugh, can they change that stupid name soon?) to see Depeche Mode this weekend. Keep reading for more info.
Friday, December 15
Koi No City @ Hello Stranger
Head to Hello Stranger on Friday for a night of “retro anime” vibes with a mix of live performances and DJ sets. Stephanie Yanez, who put together the line up, will be playing, as well as Polartropica, Shinkawasaki, Tune in Tokyo DJs, Ken Harada and rehabeatation. I’ve seen Stephanie play many times over the years, including once at The Lash where she and Polartropica did a killer cover of the Sailor Moon theme, and her shows are always a good time, so definitely check this out if you’re into J-pop, city pop, lo-fi, future funk and related styles of music. Advance tickets are available via Eventbrite for this 21+ party.
Hello Stranger, 320 E. 2nd Street, Little Tokyo 90012
Underground
This Friday, Jeffrey the DJ joins Larry G. at Underground for a night of indie, Britpop, post punk, new wave and all your other favorites. Head to Grand Star Jazz Club in Chinatown between 9:30 p.m. and 2 a.m. if you’re 21 or older and hit the dance floor. Advance tickets are available on Eventbrite and Dice.
(And don’t forget to get your tickets for Underground’s NYE bash, which I posted about earlier this week.)
Grand Star Jazz Club, 943 N. Broadway, Chinatown 90012
Playback Fantasy @ Moroccan Lounge
Unholy, Dormancy, Electric Eye and Sulkform are on the decks at Moroccan Lounge this Friday night for Playback Fantasy. Expect a mix of Italo disco and darkwave at this 21+ dance party. Advance tickets are available now and it’s $15 at the door.
Moroccan Lounge, 901 E. 1st St., DTLA 90012
The Good Foot w/ Jungle Fire and The Sure Fire Soul Ensemble @ Alex’s Bar
San Diego-based instrumental funk group The Sure Fire Soul Ensemble joins locals Jungle Fire for The Good Foot at Alex’s Bar this Friday night. In addition to the live sets, catch DJs Dennis Owens, Scott Weaver, Lili Bird and Nick at Nite. Advance tickets are available via Dice. This is a 21+ event.
Alex’s Bar, 2913 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach 90804
Saturday, December 16
Dancing Plague, Caress, Scimitar, DJ Malvada @Rubycon Records
For darkwave and EBM fans, Rubycon Records has Saturday night plans in place. Portland-based Dancing Plague headlines, with support from locals Caress and Scimitar. DJ Malvada will be dropping the jams for you. Tickets are available now via Restless Nites.
Rubycon Records, 4850 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood 90029
The Soul Shakedown @ Zebulon
When DJ Clifton plays, you know there’s going to be some heat, so head down to The Soul Shakedown at Zebulon on Saturday night and be prepared to dance all night. Party starts at 10 p.m. There’s no cover and it’s 21+.
Zebulon, 2478 Fletcher Drive, Elysian Valley 90039
Sunday, December 17
Riddim N Brews @ Creature Comforts Taproom and Brewery
Riddim N Brews, the monthly day party dedicated to Jamaican jams on vinyl, is moving back downtown after a stint in Lincoln Heights. Head to Creature Comforts Taproom and Brewery this Sunday to check out resident DJ Ted Morris and guests Alex Transistor (Transistor) and Robbie Liwanag (Rhygin Sound), as well as guest vendors. This is an all-ages venue and there’s no cover. Party goes from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m.
Creature Comforts Taproom and Brewery, 1124 San Julian Street, DTLA 90015
Wednesday, December 20
Princemas @ Zebulon
If you’ve never tuned into Museum of Home Video, you are missing out on some of the strangest, most intoxicating mixes of found footage around. On Wednesday night, IVOR and the Museum of Home Video host a special night of Prince clips at Zebulon. There will be dancers too. You might want to join them. Princemas is free and it’s 21+. Party starts at 8 p.m.
Zebulon, 2478 Fletcher Drive, Elysian Valley 90039
Juan MacLean, Capes, Midnite Mary @ Station1640
I never really got the “ugly sweater party” thing that’s become a holiday tradition, but that’s the theme for Clinic’s party on December 20. Juan MacLean, who is a killer DJ, headlining. Plus, if you RSVP on Dice, it’s free between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. *and* there’s a two-for-one drink special. General admission is $18.54, which is still a good price given the headliner, but since the event page says arrival by 10:45 p.m. is recommended, you might just want to get there early.
Station1640, 1640 N. Cahuenga, Hollywood 90028
Liz O. is an L.A.-based writer and DJ. Read her recently published work and check out her upcoming gigs.
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