WEEKLY PICKS

This week features not to be missed musical performances by: QUETZAL GUERRERO, ROOTBEER, LOVE GRENADES,PURPLE MELON, DAVID RYAN HARRIS & ERNIE HALTER, DUSTY RHODES AND THE RIVER BAND, THE JOE CORSO BAND, TOMMY KING, LEERONE,

Club and Performance Events: INCANDESCENCE, L'EFFLEUR DES SENS, SOUP KITCHEN,

Art and Civic Events: KORIN FAUGHT, TWILIGHT DANCE SERIES,
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Purple Melon at The Kibitz Room - July 10 2009

PURPLE MELON rocks the stage for a special BIRTHDAY SHOW for band member JASON GANBERG at THE KIBITZ ROOM. Originally hailing from London this incredible rock quartet has truly embraced the season of "Charge" as they have Since 2005 changed their guitarist three times, their drummer twice and decided against keeping their keyboard player. But it has all been for the better as the band has coalesced into perfect lineup with Tom Hill (lead vocals and guitar), Eric Joyce (bass), Owen Barry (guitar) and Jason Ganberg (drums). The band sound is a delightful throwback to classic rock and the hippie loving era while still maintaining a fresh edge on the modern music scene. The band has also embraced the documentary movement by recording the bands musical journey since 2006 with snippets of the footage available on Vuze, Myspace and You Tube. In 2007 the band relocated to London where they became fan favorites at The Troubadour Club which was a perfect venue with it's Bohemian, laid-back, classy cool style and also gigged by an impressive legacy of music giants including Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin and Bob Dylan to name a few. Purple Melon has now relocated to LA with their latest EP "Melon Music" and is set to take the LA scene by storm playing gigs throughout the year. You can check them out online at www.myspace.com/purplemelonspace. The show starts at 10:30 and is FREE. Adjacent to the famous Canter's Deli's dining space, the Kibitz Room, a particularly congenial haven for music and matzo on Fairfax, features a full bar and a narrow stage filled every evening with jamming local bands. The Kibitz Room is located at 419 N. Fairfax Blvd. in Los Angeles and online at www.cantersdeli.com/kibitzroom.

Leerone at El Rey Theater - July 10 2009

LEERONE brings her amazing sound to the stage at the EL REY THEATER. Leerone is an amazing singer-songwriter who's music reflects her unique life's perspective having roots in both LA and the Middle East and her all-encompassing hands on approach to music (evident even in the name of her independent record company, Fussy Music) as she not only composes and sings all her material she also conceives and designs her cover art, snaps some of the photographs featured on her recordings, and designs her own stage attire. Her latest album Imaginary Biographies features 11 original compositions where British pop, classical-tinged balladry, Euro-rock influences and theater sensibilities collide with Leerone's uniquely impressionistic lyrics. Leerone will be performing with a full band and String quartet. You can check her out at www.leerone.com and www.myspace.com/mynameisleerone. There will also be performances by Stripes and Lines (www.myspace.com/stripesandlines), Stars Align (www.myspace.com/starsalign), Watch Us Burn (www.myspace.com/watchusburnmusic) and Dreams for Sale (www.myspace.com/dreamsforsaleband). Doors open at 7:30pm with a $12 cover charge. The El Rey is located at 5515 Wilshire Blvd in Los Angeles and you can get further info online at www.theelrey.com.

Tommy King at the Gibson Showroom - July 10 2009

TOMMY KING hits the keys for a performance at the GIBSON SHOWROOM. From playing keyboards in the house band on NBC’s “Last Call with Carson Daly” to his innovative original music and supporting work for many recording artists, Tommy King has become one of Los Angeles' most sought after keyboardists. Now at the age of 23, Tommy is an in-demand session musician, playing and writing for a wide array of artists, including Macy Gray, Snoop Dogg and Josh Kelly and is quickly establishing himself as a viable solo artist, one obsessed with expanding the boundaries of pop music. His soon to be released debut solo CD is a collection of material that truly features him in his own light as a singer and songwriter and is filled with strong hooks and melodies, as well as, intricate and exhilarating harmonies, as the album delivers a sophisticated blend of pop, rock and soul. You can check him out at www.tommykingmusic.com and www.myspace.com/tommykingmusic. The show starts at 9pm with a $10 cover. The Gibson Showroom is located at 9350 Civic Center Drive in Beverly Hills.

The Joe Corso Band at Abuelitas - July 10 2009

THE JOE CORSO BAND provide some good vibes and music at ABUELITAS MEXICAN RESTUARANT in Topanga Canyon. Joee Corso is often described as one of the brightest songwriting talents in Los Angeles. He music is influenced by the great storytellers and their ability to translate emotion through verse and song. Originally hailing from New Haven CT, Joee ventured out West in search of a sound that would incorporate his eclectic musical tastes with tribal rhythms. Thus The Joe Corso Band took shape with the additional musical talents of Falcon (bass/vocals/keys/noise) and Eric Onofrio aka EO (drums/percussion). You can check this amazing collaboration at www.thejoecorsoband.com and www.myspace.com/thejoecorsoband. This will be a FREE show starting at 10pm and the band invites you to have some great food, drinks and good night of music at the Abuelitas Mexican Restaurant (www.abuelitastopanga.com) located at 137 S. Topanga Canyon Blvd. in Topanga.

Halloween Swim Team at Bow and Sparrow - July 10 2009

THE HALLOWEEN SWIM TEAM rock it electronic style at the BOW AND SPARROW. The Halloween Swim Team is an awesome LA based punk/post-punk/triple-synth band and although it's been said drum machines have no soul in the twitchy hands of band members Dustin Krapes, Jon Navarro and Scott Carrillo, they have a sense of wonder that is definitely worth checking out on the LA scene. You can check them out online at http://enjoypress.com/artists/halloween-swim-team and www.myspace.com/halloweenswimteam. There will also be a musical sets by TPF! (www.myspace.com/thepressfire), Narwhal Party (www.myspace.com/narwhalparty666) and Not The Government (www.myspace.com/notthegovernment). The show starts at 8pm. The Bow and Sparrow is located at 838 S. Spring Street in downtown Los Angeles and online at www.myspace.com/bowandsparrow.

Soup Kitchen at The Edison - July 10 2009

THE EDISON provides some financial crisis relief with the weekly Friday event THE SOUP KITCHEN in downtown LA. In an effort to restore confidence in the community and its businesses, The Edison introduces The Soup Kitchen, Friday from 5-7 PM, to remind everyone to maintain perspective through this financial crisis and to support those truly in need. The Soup Kitchen features complimentary Grilled Cheese Melts and Tomato Soup along with two distinctive drinks: "Your 401 K" (A Gin Cocktail) and "The Bail Out" (Bourbon). 25% of net proceeds from the night go to local food banks and charities. Additional donations are welcome and will be passed along to those who need our support the most. Every cocktail will include a postcard at the bottom where Customers are asked to contribute their quote on how they feel about the economy that week. Included is a disclaimer stating that any complaints about the customer's 401 K or Bailout will be forwarded at no cost to their Congressional Representative. This Friday resident DJ Imagika (www.myspace.com/djimagika) will spin a special set featuring music of Michael Jackson in honor of the late King of Pop. The Edison is one of if not the best downtown LA night spot. Located in the basement of the original Los Angeles Edison Power Building it is a cool time warp to the 1930’s – 50’s. The Edison feature several lounge areas with furniture and spaces created from some of the original power plant machinery, background music and media visuals from the roaring era, and live dance acts throughout the night. You can get more info online at www.edisondowntown.com. This is a FREE event but Dress code is also STRICTLY ENFORCED so leave your tennis shoes and T-Shirts home. The Edison is located at 108 W. 2nd Street #101 in downtown LA with the entrance in the Harlem Place alleyway.

Ari Shine at The Knitting Factory - July 10 2009

ARI SHINE rocks the stage at THE KNITTING FACTORY in Hollywood. Armed with guitar, harmonica and songs, Shine is comfortable in front of all different types of audiences from folk to indie to punk. He is also known to bring out his full band to up the intensity level. Shine is a classic power popster of the stripped down new wave tense type, who sounds a good deal like 1977-1979 Elvis Costello when he was spitting hard into microphones and front rows. A favored support act, Ari has opened for many bands and artist including Ian Hunter, Great Lake Swimmers, Rhett Miller (Old 97s), Silversun Pickups, New Years Day, GOB, Kris Rowe (the Ataris), Gin Blossoms, Peter Case, John Doe, Danny Wilde (the Rembrandts) and Liam Finn. TV viewers have heard him, too—Shine’s songs have been heard on Veronica Mars, Kyle XY De Grassi: The Next Generation, and many other shows. You can check him out at www.myspace.com/arishine and www.arishine.com. There will also be musical sets by Boyce Avenue (www.myspace.com/boyceavenue) and Hana Pestle (www.myspace.com/hanatunes). The show starts at 7:30 with $12 cover. The Knitting Factory is also one of “THE” best live venues in Hollywood so you should definitely come check it out if you haven’t been. The Knitting Factory is located at 7021 Hollywood Blvd. in Hollywood and www.knittingfactory.com/kfhollywood online.

Purple Melon at the Silverlake Lounge - July 8 2009

PURPLE MELON rocks the house at THE SILVERLAKE LOUNGE. Originally hailing from London this incredible rock quartet has truly embraced the season of "Charge" as they have Since 2005 changed their guitarist three times, their drummer twice and decided against keeping their keyboard player. But it has all been for the better as the band has coalesced into perfect lineup with Tom Hill (lead vocals and guitar), Eric Joyce (bass), Owen Barry (guitar) and Jason Ganberg (drums). The band sound is a delightful throwback to classic rock and the hippie loving era while still maintaining a fresh edge on the modern music scene. The band has also embraced the documentary movement by recording the bands musical journey since 2006 with snippets of the footage available on Vuze, Myspace and You Tube. In 2007 the band relocated to London where they became fan favorites at The Troubadour Club which was a perfect venue with it's Bohemian, laid-back, classy cool style and also gigged by an impressive legacy of music giants including Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin and Bob Dylan to name a few. Purple Melon has now relocated to LA with their latest EP "Melon Music" and is set to take the LA scene by storm playing gigs throughout the year. You can check them out online at www.myspace.com/purplemelonspace. There will also be musical performances by The Monthlies (www.myspace.com/monthliesmusic) and The Faraway Places (www.myspace.com/thefarawayplaces). The show starts at 8pm with an $8 cover. The Silverlake Lounge is located at 2906 Sunset Blvd. in Silver Lake.

Joan Baez at the Twilight Dance Series - July 9 2009

JOAN BAEZ performs for the 25th Annual Season of the TWILIGHT DANCE SERIES at THE SANTA MONICA PIER. Joan Baez is one of the most iconic woman figures in music today. A celebrated advocate for peace and human rights throughout her 50 year career, Ms. Baez remains vitally involved in the issues of our time. From her first album in 1960 simply titled "Joan Baez" to her latest "Day After Tomorrow" she has charted a course in music and social activism the parallels modern history. Joan Baez remains a musical and social force of incalculable influence, championing a new generation of songwriters and singers. You get get more information on this musical icon at www.joanbaez.com and www.myspace.com/joanbaez. There will also be a musical performance by Tift Merritt (www.tiftmerritt.com). The show starts at 7pm and is FREE to the general public. You can get more information on the Twilight Dance Series at www.santamonicapier.org/twilight.html. The Santa Monica Pier is located at 200 Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica.

L'Effleur des Sens at King King - July 9 2009

L'EFFEUR DES SENS presents their Thursday Cabaret Show at KING KING in Hollywood. "Go L'effeur des Sens" means "flirting with the senses" and this amazing performance group does just that as they arouse the imagination and reinvent the stage as foreplay to whatever happens behind close doors. Cati Jean, French director and choreographer of L'effeur des sens, brings you a visual seduction unparalleled and unmatched by any other show as 8 professional trained dancers perform a variety show diverse in form, music and mood. The sensuous choreography on stage is complemented by the comedic antics of the shows male emcee, who interacts with the audience in playful interludes and entices them to expose their deepest desires. You can check this sensual Cabaret group out at www.leffleurdessens.com and www.myspace.com/leffleurdessens. The show starts at 8pm with tickets ranging from $15 - $40 available HERE. King King is an iconic Hollywood fixture located at 6555 Hollywood Blvd. and online at www.kingkinghollywood.com.

Alistair Tober Band at The Edison - July 9 2009

THE EDISON presents the weekly THURSDAY LIVE MUSIC. Thursday Live Music is a weekly FREE event showcasing some of the best local and visiting music talents on the LA Scene. This week will feature the amazing Jazz/rock sounds of the Alistair Tober Band (www.myspace.com/alistairtobermusic and www.alistairtober.com) who will be celebrating the release of his latest CD "From The Start" with a special appearance by Famed Jazz and Blues Vocalist Barbara Morrison (www.barbaramorrison.com). The show starts at 8:30. The Edison will also offer a Depression Era priced (35 cents) specialty cocktail from 5pm - 7pm. The Edison is one of if not the best downtown LA night spot. Located in the basement of the original Los Angeles Edison Power Building it is a cool time warp to the 1930’s – 50’s. The Edison feature several lounge areas with furniture and spaces created from some of the original power plant machinery, background music and media visuals from the roaring era, and live dance acts throughout the night. You can get more info online at www.edisondowntown.com. Dress code is also STRICTLY ENFORCED so leave your tennis shoes and T-Shirts home. The Edison is located at 108 W. 2nd Street #101 in downtown LA with the entrance in the Harlem Place alleyway.

Dusty Rhodes and The River Band at The Echoplex - July 9 2009

DUSTY RHODES AND THE RIVER BAND light up the stage at THE ECHOPLEX. Dusty Rhodes and the River Band is an amazing sextet hailing from southern California although if you've heard them before you'd swear they were snatched from the mountains of Kentucky as they blend roots rock, bluegrass, Country, gospel and even some 70's progressive rock sounds like they were made to go together. With lyrics and music that are both thought-provoking at one moment and foot stomping the next Dusty Rhodes establish themselves as a good time, feel-good party band with a flurry of accordion welding, violin toting, banjo twanging, mandolin plucking and harmonica puffing backing epic vocal-led interludes. You can check them out at www.myspace.com/dustyrhodes. There will be additional music sets by These United States (www.myspace.com/theseunited) and Olin & The Moon (www.myspace.com/olinandthemoon). The show starts at 8pm with a $10 cover. The Echoplex is one of the coolest clubs in Echo Park is located at 1822 Sunset Blvd and www.attheecho.com online.