Friday, June 12, 2009
Yay, Friday update thing... First, congrats to Nosaj Thing on the release of his new brilliant record Drift. The show was momentarily shutdown by the fire department (pictured above) but things picked up back where it left off after the big red truck left (and it was still as crowded as before). Be sure to pick up the album asap. He's performing a few more times this weekend to celebrate its release before heading out to rock the Asians next week so get on it.
Chances are by now you've heard about this little benefit tonight at Spaceland for a one beloved taco truck called Taco Zone, which one week ago was set afire by suspected arsonists. The late night eatery parked nearly every night on Alvarado and Montana has been an Echo Park institution for years. It's known for their decadent suadero and chorizo meats, their excellent assortment of salsas and sauces, and of course the lovely ladies in the truck who serve the community until the wee hours of the early morning. It's also known for being a great gathering place for after shows, after Dodger games, and in between recording sessions from nearby studios -- hence the reason for the lines around 2am. On one evening, we went three times alone and saw members of HEALTH, The Flying Tourbillon Orchestra, and Summer Darling. In any case, this benefit is more of a show of love than anything else since they've already replaced the truck and everyone is safe and sound but we think it's great that everyone rallied so quickly to put this show together. Just goes to show the power of community (and their suadero). Also, of note, there's actually another benefit being held at the Bandit Gallery tonight as well so those closer to Echo Park can check that out as well if Spaceland sells out, which it'd better. Red Cortez, Kenan Bell, Robert Francis, Barrio Tiger perform tonight at Spaceland with DJ sets by The Mae Shi and Gangi.
Also tonight, listen up for So Many Wizards on "Demolisten." Laura Jansen celebrates the release of her new EP at the Hotel Cafe with with Come Gather Round Us and others. Del the Funky Homosapien at the House of Blues. Shark Toys opens for Love Is All and Still Flyin' at the Echoplex. Nosaj Thing, The Gaslamp Killer, and Free the Robots at Undefeated. Saint Motel and others at Viper. Avi Buffalo opens for Agent Ribbons at Open. Tijuana Panthers, Dirt Dress, No Paws (No Lions), and others at pehrspace. Michael Runion and Furcast at the Bootleg. And the L.A. Pride Fest begins today and lasts through the weekend.
Saturday, Emma Kathan debuts her new photo exhibit "don't be long" at pehrspace. Wendy and Lisa perform for the first time in ages at g'net. The Night Marchers, Japanese Motors, Lamps, and others at Lot 613. Nikka Costa plays Saint Rocke. Blaqstarr, Nosaj Thing and others at The Standard downtown. Casxio opens for Datarock at the Key Club. Abe Vigoda, Nite Jewel, and Blue Jungle open for Telepathe at The Smell. Chuck Dukowski Sextet, The Kris Special, and others at Echo Curio. LA Ladies Choir play Immaculate Hear High. Bolero and Pink Snowflakes at The Prospector. Naked Hearts, Pwrfl Power, and Cap Lori at Origami. Holly Brook at Room 5. And festivals galore with Playboy Jazz Festival, Tour Des Artistes, and Love at the Park.
Sunday, Kissing Cousins celebrate the release of their first full-length record Pillar of Salt (produced by Richard Swift) at Silver Factory Studios with Restavrant and Cobra Lilies. We just bought the album on iTunes and it's fantastic -- their cover of The Monolators' "Red Lamb" is a revelation. Venus Infers, Useless Keys and others at Viper. Naked Hearts, Alex & Sam, Pwrfl Power, Cap Lori at the Hotel Cafe.
Full listings here.
