Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): Apr 6th - Apr 12th

A Handful of Show Alerts

Tuesday, Apr 8th: Bruvvy at Good Times at Davey Wayne's. Doors at 10 p.m.

Wrote a Song Spotlight for their song "Concealer" that you can read here.

Tuesday, Apr 8th: Gustaf at Zebulon. Doors at 8 p.m.

Shot the band back in 2019 for Buzzbands. You can read my review here.

Tuesday, Apr 8th: Mo Dotti and My Veronica at Gold-Diggers. Doors at 7 p.m.

I covered Mo Dotti's 2024 set for US Rocker Music. You can read that here. I listed My Veronica as one of my favorite new bands of 2024. You can read that post here.

Wednesday, Apr 9th: Ryan Hahn & The Believers at Harvard & Stone. Set time at 11 p.m.

One of the first bands I saw when venues re-opened. You can read about my night here.

Thursday, Apr 10th: Lael Neale at Zebulon. Doors at 8 p.m.
An album release show.

Thursday, Apr 10th: Smooth Jas at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 6 p.m.

Covered a 2022 Happy Sundays Long Beach set for Buzzbands. You can read my review here.

Thursday, Apr 10th: The Spyrals at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.

Wrote a review of their 2024 album release show that you can read here.

Friday, Apr 11th: Essenger at The Echoplex. Doors at 7 p.m.

Wrote a Song Spotlight for his song "After Dark" that you can read here.

Friday, Apr 11th: Primitive Ring at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.

They opened up for The Spyrals' 2024 album release show discussed above.

NFV Song Spotlight: Alice Sandahl's Walk It Off

I first came across Alice Sandahl at the Sage Brews stage at Echo Park Rising last year. I only caught a song or two. For those who don't know, I rush around Echo Park Rising like a wild man, shooting as many bands and artists as possible. I don't particularly remember a whole lot about her singing, but I do remember one thing specifically. There were three children hanging out next to the outdoor stage. Prior to her set, they had their hands and ears pressed against the stage monitors, feeling the vibrations of the DJ music. I almost went over to them and told them that putting their ears next to the monitors would damage their hearing, but then I didn't want to be the old person who basically was lecturing kids when their parents were only a few feet away. 

Alice Sandahl at Permanent Records Roadhouse

NFV Song Spotlight: The Morning Yells' These Days

BIG NOTE: The band announced a farewell show for April 5th at the Cinema Bar. See additional details here.

Phil Stancil of The Morning Yells recently played a set at Harvard & Stone. Though he was playing a solo set, he was still playing songs from The Morning Yells catalog. The set started off with "Hummingbird." That song hasn't been officially released, but there is a Youtube video that you can view here that was filmed in Mount Washington last year. It is a song not about a living hummingbird, but a Gibson Hummingbird guitar. It caught my attention at the Americana West Fest that I covered for US Rocker Music that you can read about here. "Oh sweet Hummingbird where are you now . . . once I held you safe in my arms . . . searched every pawn shop . . . Oh sweet Hummingbird, wherever you go, you know . . . your songs will stay with me forever and never grow old."

Phil Stancil of The Morning Yells at Harvard & Stone

NFV Song Spotlight: Meels' Falcon and the Loon

Take a teaspoon of Arrow De Wilde and give it an Americana twist and Meels emerges. Meels is the moniker for Amelia Einhorn who recently played a WFNM night at Bar Lubitsch. Einhorn is from Mill Valley and a recent graduate from NYU. Based on the Bar Lubitsch performance, I'd say that the Los Angeles Americana-country music scene is lucky that she decided to unpack her bags in the city and nto Nashville. 

Meels at Bar Lubitsch

NFV Song Spotlight: John Errol's Unbelievable

Heading to Zebulon for a Super Bowl after party has become my three year tradition: a time to see singers again for who-knows-how-many-times-this-particular-night makes it. In 2023, Ryan Pollie played the after party. I first came across Ryan Pollie in 2017 via a band called Los Angeles Police Department. In 2024, it was Sally Spitz. I first came across Sally Spitz in 2016 via a band called French Vanilla. Come 2025, it was Mercedes Kilmer playing the after party. I first came across her in 2023. Now this blog post isn't focused on Mercedes Kilmer. If interested, you can read my recent review of her set at El Cid with Gold Star here.

John Errol at Zebulon

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): Mar 30th - Apr 5th

A Handful of Show Alerts

Sunday, Mar 30th: Emily Rose & the Rounders, Eugene Edwards, Los Rock Angeles, and Tone Slingers at The Regent Theater. Doors at 3:30 p.m.
This is a fundraiser for those impacted by the fires. I've covered all these bands to some degree or other.

Sunday, Mar 30th: Mirror of Venue at Genghis Cohen. Doors at 7 p.m.

One of my favorite new bands of 2023.

Wednesday, Apr 2nd: Lower Merion (a Ryan Pollie project) at The Goldfish. Doors at 7:30 p.m.

I covered a 2022 Ryan Pollie set for Buzzbands, which you can read here.

Thursday, Apr 3rd: Disco Shrine and Revenge Wife at El Cid. Doors at 10 p.m.

Been following these two for years.

Friday, Apr 4th: Milly at Zebulon. Doors at 7 p.m.

I covered the band in 2024 for US Rocker. You can read my post here.

Friday, Apr 4th: talker at The Echo. Doors at 7 p.m.

One of my long time favorites.

Saturday, Apr 5th: Adriana McCassim at Gold-Diggers. Doors at 7 p.m.

One of my favorite new artists of 2023.

Saturday, Apr 5th: Sarah Julia at Scribble. Doors at 8 p.m.

One of my favorite new bands of 2023.

Saturday, Apr 5th: The Morning Yells at the Cinema Bar. Doors at 9 p.m.

The band is calling it a day. I fell in love with their song "Hummingbird" when I first saw them. You can catch the Youtube video here.

NFV Song Spotlight: Devon Williams' Futility

It was off to Permanent Records Roadhouse to see a Shannon Lay set for the first time since 2021. Of course, I made sure I saw the full line-up. The headliner was someone named Devon Williams. I figured this was the first time I'd ever seen Devon Williams perform live on stage. As I was getting ready to write up this blog post, I decided on a whim to see if that was true or not. Since I'm writing about this whim, the answer is that I obviously saw a prior set. One has to dial back the clock all the way to Dec 27th, 2010 when I hung out at The Smell. Back then (unless my camera time stamps were seriously off), The Smell had bands going on past the midnight hour. 

Devon Williams at Permanent Records Roadhouse

NFV Song Spotlight: Shannon Lay's All This Life Going Down

I've been following Shannon Lay since 2011 when she was in a band fronted by Laena Myers called Raw Geronimo (name later changed to Feels). She started to do solo gigs and I saw my first set at the Bootleg Theater (since closed) in 2017. I wrote the following about it:

"Shannon Lay from Feels started the night off. It reminded me of my first night during my New Zealand vacation. I was walking around and came across this music venue where folks were in a circle, singing. Her set was such a unique difference from Feels."

Shannon Lay at Permanent Records Roadhouse

NFV Song Spotlight: Lo Moon's Waiting A Lifetime

I'll be honest, I have not seen Lo Moon all that often. I first saw the band in 2016 at The Echo and didn't run across them again until their Zebulon residency in 2023. With that acknowledgement, I can't say that I'm a super fan, but I am a fan. 

Even though that is a long stretch of time, that first performance stuck with me. I wrote this brief little comment about the band at the time: 

"First up was LO MOON. They're dark and moody with pulsating drums and guitars. And then there was the hair toss and cracked smile when things went perfectly with a song."

Lo Moon at The Roxy

NFV Song Spotlight: Shi La Rosa's Want It All

I first came across Shi La Rosa via her band Drugs Cosmetics. It was 2022 and it was a WFNM night at the Black Rose. Almost three years in the past. Time flies. I was still shooting shows with my Canon 5D Mark IV. I've since upgraded to a Canon R5. And the Black Rose shined bright and then shut down. We had a very hot hot summer in 2022 and would you know it, the air conditioning went out. They had portable power fans blasting air through the venue for the summer, but that didn't really help matters. I felt super old on those particularly hot summer nights. I usually have no problem standing around throughout a music night, but on those nights I would find myself needing to sit during the middle of a set. Anyways, the venue shut down shortly afterwards. I was told that the Black Rose would have needed to shell out six figures to fix the air conditioning and they just didn't have that type of money.

Shi La Rosa at Bar Lubitsch

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): Mar 23rd - Mar 29th

A Handful of Show Alerts

Sunday, Mar 23rd: Bitter Half and Maryze at Club Tee Gee. Doors at 8 p.m.
You can read my Bitter Half Song Spotlight "FY IMY" here and my Maryze Song Spotlight "Playing Dress-Up" here.

Tuesday, Mar 25th: Self Improvement at Zebulon. Doors at 8 p.m.

I covered the band at Happy Sundays Long Beach 2024 for US Rocker, which you can read here.

Wednesday, Mar 26th: Suzie True and Teens in Trouble at Genghis Cohen. Doors at 7 p.m.

I've followed Suzie True for years. I covered their 2024 set for US Rocker Music when they opened up for VIAL.You can read that article here. I also covered Teens in Trouble in 2024 for US Rocker Music when they played the No Earbuds Fest, which you can read here.

Thursday, Mar 27th: Chelsea Rose at The Goldfish. Doors at 8 p.m.

I've been following Chelsea Rose since the Summer Twins days.

Friday, Mar 28th: Agender at Zebulon. Doors at 7 p.m.

I haven't written about this band yet, but I've seen sets in both 2023 and 2024.

Friday, Mar 28th: Jagged Baptist Club at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.

I covered the band at Happy Sundays Long Beach 2024 for US Rocker, which you can read here.

Saturday, Mar 29th: Anna St. Louis at Zebulon. Doors at 7 p.m.

Saw her back in 2019 opening for Shannon Lay at, of course, Zebulon. 

Saturday, Mar 29th: Soft Palms at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.
You can read my Soft Palms Song Spotlight "Rainbows" here.

NFV Song Spotlight: Pegzilla's Giver

I first crossed paths with Olivia Lee Saperstein of Pegzilla in 2018 when her band, at the time, Egg Drop Soup played The Echo during Slugs residency. That was a fun residency. Slugs had a team sports theme going for the night. I also might have caught Egg Drop Soup's last show ever (or close to their last show ever) at last year's Happy Sundays Long Beach. Lead singer and bassist Samantha Wastervelt announced around that time that it was off to New York City. Of course, never say never when it comes to Los Angeles bands. There is always the possibility that they'll have a reunion show. 

Pegzilla at Permanent Records Roadhouse

Review: Hot Load's Zebulon Night Has This Reviewer / Photographer Experiencing Flashbacks

I love the music residency. Pre-2020, I used to rotate between the Bootleg Theater, The Hi Hat, Silverlake Lounge, The Echo, and The Satellite on Monday nights. It was my must go out music night of the week. Unfortunately, music residencies aren't as ubiquitous as they used to be, but one can still find them going on around town. 

Hot Load at Zebulon

NFV Song Spotlight: The Letter Openers' Camerford, Where Ya Been?

I came across The Letter Openers via a music collective called Kiss or Kill that was a force to be reckoned with in the 2000s and was my introduction to the Los Angeles music scene. 

Based on one of my Instagram Q&As, the band broke up around 2009:

"We actually broke up for about a decade.  A couple years ago, Martin Ransbury and I [Mac Dunlop] reconnected and started jamming on some of my new songs.  We weren't planning to reform The Letter Openers, but that's what the new music sounded like.  So, we decided to revive the name, brought Matt Peter back into the fold, and drafted Jon Rygiewicz in, to play drums.  We started playing out a year ago, and have been gigging and recording ever since.  As far as what keeps us coming back for more . . . I think we really enjoying playing together, have a decent amount of overlap taste-wise, and we still get along pretty well."

The Letter Openers at The Escondite

NFV Song Spotlight: Pu$$y-Cow's Taco-Chariot

Pu$$y-Cow is one of the first bands I ever came across in the Los Angeles music scene. The band was part of a collective of bands that came under the umbrella of Kiss or Kill. When did I first come across the band? That's hard to pinpoint. My first photos of the band are from January 2007 when they played with The Dollyrots. I'm pretty sure that this was the night when Luis Cabezas (of The Dollyrots) went leaping pass me from the stage. I'm sure that I came across the band before that date because late 2006 was when I started to do band photography (with a really cheap point and shoot) and so there were a lot of nights hanging out at Kiss or Kill that I never photographed. Let's just say that I've followed this band since circa 2006. 

Pu$$y-Cow at The Escondite

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): Mar 16th - Mar 22nd

A Handful of Show Alerts

Sunday, Mar 16th: noworriesLMK at Scribble. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can read my song spotlight of their song "Trying for u" here.

Wednesday, Mar 19th: Giselle at Hotel Ziggy. Doors at 7 p.m.

Caught her prior set at Hotel Ziggy. Loved it.

Thursday, Mar 20th: Shannon Lay at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.

I've followed Shannon Lay for years, which includes when she played in Feels. 

Friday, Mar 21st: Gracie Gray at Highland Park Ebell. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my US Rocker review of her 2022 set here.

Friday, Mar 21st: Hinds at The Echo. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my US Rocker review of their 2024 set here.

Friday, Mar 21st: Meels at the Bigfoot Lodge. Doors at 8 p.m.

Saw a set at Bar Lubitsch this past Thursday night. Was really impressed. 

Saturday, Mar 22nd: Bruvvy and unpolished* at Daddy Diamonds Hollywood. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my Bruvvy song spotlight of "Concealer" here and my unpolished* song spotlight of "nobody knows" here.

Saturday, Mar 22nd: Primer at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.

You can read my US Rocker review of her 2024 set here.

Saturday, Mar 22nd: The Sleeperz at The Redwood Bar. Doors at 5 p.m.

The band made my 2024 list of favorite new bands. You can see the list here.

Review: SWEAT hits the mosh gym at Zebulon

How does one describe the band SWEAT? Screaming that would wake the dead. Grunts that caused fans to rush the stage and trampoline off into the crowd. Speed metal that was relentless. The Zebulon hosted this band on a Monday night. If you had a bad first day of the workweek, this was the night for you. Those passive aggressive feelings towards your boss or co-worker (who pissed you off in the first hour of the work day after having a wonderful weekend)? One could easily turn those feelings into acceptable non-passive aggression. 

SWEAT at Zebulon

NFV Song Spotlight: Escape-ism's Charge of the Love Brigade

I finally got to catch Escape-ism. I apparently had an opportunity to catch a set back in March 2024 during Escape Artist Lovers residency at Zebulon. I really don't know why I missed their set as I did attend that night. Maybe they were the first band playing and I just showed up late due to work. Or maybe they were the last band of the night and I had to get to work early and so had a hard get to bed time. There were additional chances throughout 2024 to catch the band, but it never worked out.

Escape-ism at Zebulon

NFV Song Spotlight: Me.Kai's Daylight

Me.Kai website describes her music as "a soulful vocal singer/songwriter . . . . genre-blending style encapsulates love for indie soul, heavy bass, and electro-pop." Not listed is that her vocals are smokey smooth. That's what struck me about her set during a WFNM night at Bar Lubitsch. 

Me.Kai at Bar Lubitsch

Review: Escape Artist Lovers headline Altadena Musicians Fundraiser

The Los Angeles fires that started on January 7th, 2025 will have long lasting impacts on the Altadena and Pacific Palisades communities. The local Los Angeles music community has galvanized together in a way that I don't believe I've ever seen. All to provide some glimmer of hope to those who lost so much. Zebulon shuttered for a few days to collect donations. Venues such as Permanent Records Roadhouse has held several events where door proceeds were donated to various causes. I covered a large dance party at The Bellwether (you can read about it here) that raised $70,000. 

Last week, the sense of community continued at Zebulon where Gift Horse Project put together a fundraising effort for Altadena Musicians, which is a nonprofit to help musicians who lost their gear in the fire. The nonprofit is headed by Brandon Jay, himself impacted by the fires. The website for the project has the following: 

Brandon Jay of Altadena Musicians at Zebulon

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): Mar 9th - Mar 15th

A Handful (Bucketful This Week) of Show Alerts

Sunday, Mar 9th: Valley Porno People at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.
I'm not sure this band is on social media. Either way, they made my list of favorite 2024 bands, which you can read here.

Cancelled. Tuesday, Mar 11th: Delanova at Zebulon. Doors at 8 p.m.

I haven't written about Delanova, but I caught a couple sets in 2023.

Tuesday, Mar 11th: Mikayla McLean at Hotel Ziggy. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight here.

Wednesday, Mar 12th: Emily Rose & the Rounders at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight review here.

Wednesday, Mar 12th: Powder Pink & Sweet at The Smell. Doors at 8 p.m.

I covered their set for US Rocker, which you can read here.

Wednesday, Mar 12th: TwoLips at Gold-Diggers. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight review here.

Thursday, Mar 13th: Fartbarf and The Mormons at Alex's Bar. Doors at 8 p.m.

I haven't written about either of these bands, but I've seen both of these band through the years. Bands built around personas. 

Thursday, Mar 13th: Hailey Wild at Bar Lubitsch. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight review here.

Thursday, Mar 13th: Mercedes Kilmer at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.

You can read my US Rocker review here.

Friday, Mar 14th: Buckets at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.

You can read my US Rocker review here.

Saturday, Mar 15th: Fidlar, Death Hymn Number 9, and Bushfire at Alex's Bar. Doors at 8 p.m.

I saw both Fidlar and Death Hymn Number 9 way back in 2012 (here). I covered Bushfire for Buzzbands when they played Happy Sundays Long Beach 2023. You can read about it here.

Saturday, Mar 15th: unpolished* at Supply and Demand. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight review here.

NFV Song Spotlight: Blu Jay and The lovebombs' Money Power Sex Fame.

I first came across Jade Duncan who releases music under Blu Jay and The lovebombs in December 2023 at a WFNM night at Hotel Ziggy. The band did a June 2024 residency at Harvard & Stone and I was able to catch the last night of the residency. I noticed that the band was supposed to play a Monday night at Harvard & Stone in January, but for some reason the band ended up not playing that night. Like it is in the Los Angeles music scene, you always get another chance. I noticed that the band was playing a WFNM night at Bar Lubitsch a few days later and so I circled the night on my calendar. 

Blu Jay and The lovebombs at Bar Lubitsch

Review: Crush's variety show entertains the crowd at Zebulon

I first came across Crush in 2022 at Zebulon. It was an interesting situation that resulted in that first encounter. A band called Clark And The Himselfs had a September residency at The Echo. There was a dispute that I won't get into as I obviously don't know the details. The end result was that the residency ending sooner than anticipated. Zebulon was kind enough to pick up the remaining part of the residency. Also playing that night was a personal favorite Laena of Feels and The Like fame. 

Crush at Zebulon

NFV Song Spotlight: Nightjacket's My Only Heart

I first came across Nightjacket in June 2020 via an online performance of "Lonely Archer" via Los Angeleno. You can see that Instagram video here. I fell in love with The Cranberries sound. "Lonely archer, take your aim. Might get lucky tonight. Shoot your arrows, and let ‘em rain. Yeah I might fall in love tonight." I got to catch the band live in 2021 and put them on my list of favorite 2021 new to me, but maybe not to you.

Nightjacket at Harvard & Stone

Review: Pistacioland Cracks Open the Yes

It was a Pistachioland night at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Were there any actual pistachios at the venue on a Saturday night? I didn't see any, but I did see a band called Harry Katz and the Pistachios and a tie with pistachios in the design. The night was hosted by Harry Katz and this night was apparently Pistachioland III. I missed the other two iterations of this festival of fun. It was a night filled with music as well as face painting, a juggler, and DIY shops. Hopefully, I don't miss Pistachioland IV.

Harry Katz and the Pistachios at Permanent Records Roadhouse

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

A Handful (Bucketful This Week) of Show Alerts

Sunday, Mar 2nd: The Blushes at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.
One of my favorite bands. The band played Echo Park Rising in 2024. You can read my review of the festival for US Rocker here.

Sunday, Mar 2nd: Eagle Rock Gospel Singers at Hotel Cafe. Set time at 7 p.m.
Came across this band back in 2014. 

Tuesday, Mar 4th: Bruvvy at Madame Siam.
You can read my NFV Song Spotlight here.

Tuesday, Mar 4th: Christina Apostolopoulos at Hotel Ziggy. Doors at 7 p.m.

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

Tuesday, Mar 4th: Escape Artist Lovers and Mercedes Kilmer at Zebulon. Doors at 8 p.m.
You can read my US Rocker reviews of Escape Artist Lovers here and Mercedes Kilmer here.

Thursday, Mar 6th: Jenny O at Gold-Diggers. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my Buzzbands review of Jenny O here.

Saturday, Mar 8th: Dear Elise at The Smell. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can read my US Rocker review here.

Saturday, Mar 8th: Lake at 2220 Arts. Doors at 8 p.m.

Been following this band since 2009.

Saturday, Mar 8th: Menea at Harvard & Stone. Doors at 7 p.m.

Saw her recently at WFNM.

Saturday, Mar 8th: Moonfuzz and Pegzilla at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.

This is a punk night.

NFV Song Spotlight: Perrin York's Keep Out

 

This is Los Angeles. When you hear fabulous vocals from a singer, your first thought is that this person competed in American Idol (okay, or The Voice). That is the case when it comes to Perrin York who was a contestant in Season 18 (aired in 2020) of American Idol. 

Perrin York at Hotel Ziggy

NFV Song Spotlight: Gretchen Klempa's A Little Bit.

Gretchen Klempa split her set at Zebulon into two. Her first three songs were from a previously released album called Human Nature. The next three songs were new songs. Then she ended the set with Dogbite that her fans recognized with cheers.  

Gretchen Klempa at Zebulon

NFV Song Spotlight: Ultraviolet Communication's No Return

I will admit that I was feeling this deep desire to catch some live music. I totally understand that due to the fires that hit Los Angeles starting January 7th that venues needed to shut down due to the potential for the fires to spread (as well as thick smoke that would have made for very uncomfortable situations inside the venues for both the musicians and audience) and a show of empathy. In fact, I was ready to go out on January 8th to Hotel Ziggy to catch Kat French, but then the Sunset Fires flared up and I thought that was a really stupid idea. 

Ultraviolet Communication at Club Tee Gee

NFV Song Spotlight: Ben Reddell's Tumbleweed

I have not seen Ben Reddell perform all that often, but he is a very familiar face in the Los Angeles music scene. He is one of the movers and shakers in the Americana-Country scene as he curates the Grand Ole Echo series each year at The Echo. The 2025 series should be starting up on the last Sunday of March or the first Sunday of April. I tangentially did a Q&A related to the Grand Ole Echo last year. If interested, you can read my interview with Charlie Overbey over on US Rocker Music. He was playing Grand Ole Echo to celebrate his In Good Company record release. I unfortunately wasn't able to make the record release party as I was up in Big Bear - that sounds like an Americana thing to do, right? 

Ben Reddell at Club Tee Gee

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): Feb 23rd - Mar 1st

A Handful of Show Alerts

Sunday, Feb 23rd: Osnova at Gold Diggers. Doors at 7 p.m.
Osnova was one of my favorite new bands of 2024. 

Tuesday, Feb 25th: Beeson at the Moroccan Lounge. Doors at 6:30 p.m.
You can read my NFV Song Spotlight here.

Thursday, Feb 27th: Jagged Baptist Club at the Redwood Bar. Doors at 8 p.m.
I covered the band at Happy Sundays Long Beach 2024 for US Rocker, which you can read here.

Thursday, Feb 27th: The Blank Tapes at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.
I've been following the band since 2018. 

Thursday, Feb 28th: Brenda Carsey at Healing Force Records. Doors at 8 p.m.
I covered her at Echo Park Rising 2018 for Buzzbands. You can find a photo here.

Friday, Feb 28th: Duderella at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 6 p.m.
I covered the band at Echo Park Rising 2019 for Buzzbands, which you can read here.

Friday, Feb 28th: Bonavega at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.
I covered the band at Echo Park Rising 2023 for Buzzbands, which you can read here.

Friday, Feb 28th: Bruvvy at The Virgil. Music at 7 p.m.

You can read my NFV Song Spotlight here.

Saturday, Mar 1st: Harry Katz and the Pistachios at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 6 p.m.

I've been following the band since 2019.

Saturday, Mar 1st: Death Valley Girls at Scribble. Doors at 7:30 p.m.

You can read my US Rocker coverage of the band here.

NFV Song Spotlight: Cesar Maria's on ur side now

I walked into Zebulon and John Williams was being blasted over the loudspeakers. The music sparked a sense of positivity. The massive Los Angeles fires had just started that day and evening (Tuesday) and there wasn't yet an understanding of the true magnitude of the damage. Yet, it is depressing when there are fires that burn across Los Angeles and the music gave that window of good cheer (that obviously did not last when the reality of the situation hit home). 

Cesar Maria at the Zebulon

NFV Song Spotlight: Maryze's Playing Dress-Up

Strangely, the last time I was at Permanent Records Roadhouse was June of 2024. That really needed to change quickly in 2025. I happened to notice via Night Talks that there was an Altadena Wildfire relief event occurring on a Friday night at 6 p.m. What better way to spend a Friday night: donate funds to those impacted by the Eaton Canyon fire and catch a favorite band called Night Talks. 

Maryze at Permanent Records Roadhouse

NFV Song Spotlight: Mara Connor's Someone New

It has been established that I saw Mara Connor's first Los Angeles set. It was over at The Hi Hat. For those unaware of that venue, the location is now The Goldfish. In regards to firsts, I also attended The Goldfish's first live music event (there had been some dance nights previously) and covered the night for Buzzbands. You can see the photos and review here. The venue had a rough start and basically had limited music nights from 2023 - 2024. During that time, I did happen to cover Jess Joy (formerly of Moon Honey) coming back into town from New Orleans for US Rocker, which you can read here. Good news for the venue; however, starting in mid-February they started booking shows again. Hopefully, I'll get to make it over shortly. 

Mara Connor with Ben Joyner at The Fable

NFV Song Spotlight: Tino Drima's Life on the Patio

As soon as the band Tino Drima started to set up their gear on the Zebulon stage, the crowd pressed close. The night was dedicated (I'm assuming) to songs that will appear on an upcoming record. After playing an unreleased song called "Mixed Tape," the audience was told, "I've been working on a new record. It's taken many years of doing a little bit at a time." 

Tino Drima at Zebulon

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): Feb 16th - Feb 22nd

A Handful of Show Alerts

Sunday, Feb 16th: Shana Sarett at the Moroccan Lounge. Doors at 6 p.m.
A Los Angeles fires benefit show.

Sunday, Feb 16th: Essencer at Supply and Demand. Doors at 8 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb 18th: Sally Spitz at Hotel Ziggy. Doors at 7 p.m.

I've been following Spitz since the French Vanilla days.

Wednesday, Feb 19th: The Mastersons at Gold-Diggers. Doors at 8 p.m.

I wrote about their Western Edge event at Zebulon here for US Rocker.

Thursday, Feb 20th: Adriana McCassim at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 6 p.m.

One of my favorite new 2023 artists that I came across for the first time.

Thursday Feb 20th: Paper Citizen at The Escondite. Doors either 8 p.m. or 9 p.m.

I caught a Paper Citizen set back in 2022 and did a review and photo gallery for Buzzbands that you can see here.

Friday, Feb 21st: Taylor Sackson at the Big Foot Lodge. Doors at 8 p.m.

One of my favorite new 2023 artists that I came across for the first time.

NFV Song Spotlight: Bitter Half's FY IMY

Bitter Half includes two former members of a band I used to follow: Stephanie de Santos and Jenny Sparkles. That's how I got my introduction to the two of them and I followed them in their new adventure, finally catching a set at Harvard & Stone in September 2024. The new band veers into punk pop territory with Santos and Sparkles trading lead vocals. 

Bitter Half at Harvard & Stone

NFV Song Spotlight: Fleece Kawasaki's Sea of Regret

I first came across Fleece Kawasaki (the project of New York City born, but currently residing in Los Angeles artist Kiazi Halpern) in 2022 at Club Tee Gee. He was opening up for Jenny O. Jenny O is a favorite of mine so that was a great way to get introduced to a singer. 

Fleece Kawasaki at Harvard & Stone

NFV Song Spotlight: noworriesLMK's Trying for u

It was the first Friday night of the new year and I decided to head off to Zebulon. My first music night of 2025. The decision to go out came down to the fact that I didn't know any of the two bands on the bill. In fact, I learned that the band closing out the night (Respira Raus) was playing their first set ever and I don't believe they even have a social media presence. If you've followed my music adventures throughout the years, you know I love heading out to catch new music. How else am I able to come up with my annual list of favorite new bands and artists?

Was it a good decision or just a blah decision? The first band up, noworriesLMK, charmed me so it was an excellent decision. 

noworriesLMK at Zebulon

Review: Zebulon reverberates with Tremours' Album Release Party set

Tremours celebrated the release of their debut album Fragments at Zebulon last Wednesday night. I first came across the band in early 2022 when they opened up for L.A. Witch at the Lodge Room. I got to cover the night for Buzzbands, which you can read here. I learned later in the night that Tremours' vocalist and guitarist Lauren Andino had joined L.A. Witch on guitar.

TREMOURS at Zebulon

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): Feb 9th - Feb 15th

A Handful (Bucketful This Week) of Show Alerts

Sunday, Feb 9th: Mercedes Kilmer at Zebulon. Doors at 8 p.m.
Zebulon always has the Super Bowl after party. You can read about my review of her set with Gold Star here.

Monday, Feb 10th: Velvet Penny at Club Tee Gee. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can read a brief note (here) I wrote about the band (with photo) while covering Echo Park Rising 2023 for Buzzbands. 

Tuesday, Feb 11th: Mara Connor at The Fable. Doors at 6 p.m.

You can read my Buzzbands review of her 2019 set here.

Wednesday, Feb 12th: Escape-ism Album Release Party at Gold-Diggers. Doors at 7 p.m.

Caught the band at Zebulon recently. I have an article that I'm still working on regarding that night.

Thursday, Feb 13th: Nightjacket at Harvard & Stone. Doors at 7:30 p.m.

You can read my Buzzbands review of their 2023 set here.

Thursday, Feb 13th: The Witching Hours presents For The Love Of Music Benefit Show at Non Plus Ultra. Mo Dotti headlines. Doors at 6:30 p.m. 

You can read my recent review of The Witching Hours night here.

Friday, Feb 14th: Slugs at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.

You can read my Buzzbands review of their 2019 set here.

Friday, Feb 14th: Zzzahara at The Roxy. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can read a brief note (here) I wrote about the band at Happy Sundays Long Beach.

Saturday, Feb 15th: Emily Rose and the Rounders at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.

You can read my NFV Song Spotlight of "Too Much Too" review here.

Saturday, Feb 15th: Rain on Fridays at The Roxy. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my US Rocker review of their 2014 set here.

 

NFV Song Spotlight: RIAH's Prom

RIAH (the project of Mariah McManus Goss) drew the crowd at Bar Lubitsch for a WFNM. That is not an exaggeration. Just a few minutes prior to her set, a group of people walked into the venue and then another and another. (For those who don't know about Bar Lubitsch, the bar is split into two rooms. The back room is the venue. The front room is the bar.) Too much info: I was heading to the bathroom after another singer on the bill had finished his set and all these people started entering the venue. After getting done with my business, I went back inside the venue and the place was packed and I needed to squeeze my way back to the front so that I could take my photos and video. Grant Owens of WFNM was literally giddy with the size of the crowd. It was definitely one of the larger crowds at a Bar Lubitsch WFNM night. 

RIAH at Bar Lubitsch

NFV Song Spotlight: Emily Rose & the Rounders' Too Much Too

I first came across Emily Rose & the Rounders back in January 2020. At the time, the band was playing under a different name. Like many a Los Angeles band for me at the time, this first encounter occurred at the Bootleg Theater (a venue that unfortunately closed down shortly after the pandemic; more due to partnership disputes than the pandemic shutdown). This night ranked as one of the top music nights of the year for me. Even if 2020 hadn't ended up being a truncated year, it would still have stood out as one of the top nights for me. Why? The night also included performances by Kate Clover and Strawberry Army. Everyone who loves the Los Angeles music scene should know who Kate Clover is. As for Strawberry Army, the band has ended their run, but they burned bright during their time, playing along side bands such as The Paranoyds. 

Emily Rose & the Rounders at Boyle Heights Bar