We’re not doing Disco Matinee this month (stay tuned for details regarding our party in February), so I have a week off from club gigs. However, you can catch me on Dublab this Thursday, January 4, where I’ll be Moniquea’s guest on her show “Jammin’ Croquettes.” I’m really excited to start off 2024 playing alongside Moniquea, whose taste in music is impeccable, so make sure to tune in between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. As for IRL L.A. music events this week, I have a few recommendations listed below.
Thursday, January 4
96 Tears @ Grand Star Jazz Club
Every Thursday night, Grand Star Jazz Club goes retro with 96 Tears, where DJ perksandkisses digs into the sounds of the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. This week’s theme is Doo-Wop vs. Motown, which is always a great night for dancing. Tickets are available in advance online or at the door (cash only), plus there’s a discount available if you share the flyer on Instagram. This is a 21+ night.
Grand Star Jazz Club, 943 N. Broadway, Chinatown, 90012
Friday, January 5
The Charlatans, Ride @ The Wiltern
Tickets for this show are a little higher than what I usually recommend (I *try* to keep it at $30 and under and these start at $35), but should be well worth it for fans of Britpop and shoegaze. The Charlatans dropped jams like “The Only One I Know” and “Weirdo” in the early 1990s that fell into the same psychedelic dance-rock space as Primal Scream and have continued to make music. (Their most recent album, Different Days, came out in 2017.) During lockdown, singer Tim Burgess started his Twitter Listening Parties, which was really the only truly wonderful thing to ever happen on that platform, that has since morphed into the podcast Tim’s Listening Party. Meanwhile, in the early 1990s, Ride was one of the key bands labeled as shoegaze. Their song “Vapour Trail” is an anthem of something that was more a vibe than a genre and their 1992 album, Going Blank Again, is one of my personal favorites from that era. Now that TikTok is getting credit for a shoegaze revival (spoiler alert: it never went away) and clout-chasers are offering super sus recommendations, it’s a good time to check out the real deal.
The Wiltern, 3790 Wilshire Blvd., Koreatown, 90010
Finnish Postcard Presents New Memories on Old Media: Bands on VHS @ Whammy Analog Media
Local band Finnish Postcard will be premiering their concert film, How to Mute Crows, at Whammy Analog on Friday night. The film won’t be available to watch online, but you might be able to pick up a copy on VHS at the event, which will also include screenings of work from other DIY filmmakers and musicians. There’s a $5 cover and advance tickets are available via Whammy’s website. The screening starts at 7:30 p.m.
Whammy Analog Media, 2514 Sunset Blvd., Echo Park, 90026
Blue Man Album Group @ Kibitz Room
For the Weezer fans, the Blue Man Album Group, a tribute band dedicated to the band’s debut album who also plays while painted blue, will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of the “blue album” with a free show at the Kibitz Room inside Canter’s on Friday night. Get Off My Lawn will be opening the night.
Kibitz Room, 419 N. Fairfax Ave. 90036
Underground @ Grand Star Jazz Club
Join Larry G. at Grand Star Jazz Club for Friday night’s weekly dose of Britpop, indie, darkwave, new wave and more. Tickets are available online now, but you can get them at the door as well. And don’t forget to get your tickets for Underground’s Bowie Nite coming up on January 12, where both floors of the Grand Star will be open (and I’ll be DJing upstairs).
Grand Star Jazz Club, 943 N. Broadway, Chinatown, 90012
Saturday, January 6
Boombox @ Grand Star Jazz Club
Monthly hip-hop party Boombox hosts its 11th annual Native Tongues Appreciation Night at Grand Star Jazz Club this Saturday night. For the event celebrating the music of Native Tongues-affiliated groups like A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul and Jungle Brothers guest DJs Melo-D (Beat Junkies) and Platurn (Oakland Faders, The 45 Sessions) will join residents Inka One, Ben Diggin, Analog and Mantron. RSVP on Eventbrite for discounted entry.
Grand Star Jazz Club, 943 N. Broadway, Chinatown, 90012
Monday, January 8
No Credit, Cash Only: Cookie Mueller in Film + Video @ 2220 Arts + Archives
If you’re versed in the films of John Waters, then you’ll recognize the late actress and writer Cookie Mueller, who was in in Multiple Maniacs, Pink Flamingos, Female Trouble, Desperate Living and Polyester. She also appeared in Smithereens, the 1982 Susan Seidelman film that takes place in the New York club scene and is, essentially, a precursor to Desperately Seeking Susan. So, if you’re interested at all in late 20th century club and counterculture, you’ll likely find this visual lecture from Bradford Nordeen very interesting. Tickets are available on Dice.
2220 Arts + Archives, 2220 Beverly Blvd., Historic Filipinotown 90057
Tuesday, January 9
Dolce Vita @ The Mermaid
L.A.’s longest-running Italo disco party is Dolce Vita, which is every Tuesday night at The Mermaid in Little Tokyo. Stop by on January 9 for your dose of Fun Fun, Fancy, Ken Laszlo, Gazebo and more classic ‘80s disco. There’s no cover, lots of street parking and, The Mermaid is located about a block away from Metro’s Little Tokyo/Arts District station.
The Mermaid, 428 E. 2nd Street, Little Tokyo 90012
Liz O. is an L.A.-based writer and DJ. Read her recently published work and check out her upcoming gigs.