LA Weekly from Los Angeles, California • 86

CALENDAR THEATER-ROCK POP THE MUSIC MAN Outdoor dinner-theater production of Meredith Willson's musical Starlight Dinner Theater, Kanan Rd Roadside Dr Agoura, Fri -Sat 7 Sun 6 pm, thru May 12 (818)991-7970 OKLAHOMA Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic musical Glendale Center Theater, 324 Orange St Glendale, Tues -Sat thru June 1 (818) 244-8481 THE RAINBOW DIAMOND Dinner performance of John Aston's thriller Rueben's Summerhouse, 21870 Victory Blvd Woodland Hills, Wed -Fri 7 30 Sat 6 9 Sun 4 30 7 30 thru June 2 (81 8) 883-0641 SLEUTH Anthony Shaffer's thriller Granada Theater, 10648 Balboa Blvd Granada Hills, Thurs -Fri Sat 7 (supper follows show), Sun 11 30 a 5 30 thru June 9 (818) 363-6887 STEEL MAGNOLIAS The Kentwood Players community theater production of Robert Harlings comedy-drama Westchester Players, 8301 Hindry Ave Wstchstr, Thurs -Sat 8 mats Sun 2 thru June 8 (213) 645-5156 A SLICE OF RICE Asian-American performers Dan Kwong, Louise Mita, Nobuko Miyamoto and Young-Ae Park present excerpts from shows they have done in the past A Valley College, Monarch Hall, 5800 Fulton Ave Van Nuys, Fri May 10, 8 Long Beach City College, College Center, 4901 Carson St Sat May (213) 392-7937 WINGS Arthur Kopits drama revolving aroynd a former aviatrix and wingwalker who suffers a stroke Theater Palisades, Pierson Playhouse, Temescal Canyon Rd at Haverford Ave Sunset Blvd Pacific Palisades, Fri -Sat 8 om Sun 3 pm. thru May 18 (213)454-1970 WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION An audience- participatory dinner-theater production of Agatha Christie's courtroom drama Dinner is served 90 minutes prior to showtime Sheraton San Pedro Hotel, Sixth Palos Verdes streets, San Pedro, Fri -Sat 8 30 7 mat Sun 1 30 mdef (213) 548-5798 or 480-3232 Compiled by Melanie Kolden MUSIC ROCK POP The Stingrays, Seasons of Fee, Salomon Strut Wed The return of Nicole Jones (once called plus Elaine Summers and The Treehouse, and Patrick Tanner Thurs Self-described "sexplosive live band Rockhead (once known as the Royal Court of China), plus the West Arkeen Band (see Fri also Edan featuring an Everly Brothers son, bluesy, country swing from belter Laura Swenson and her band Sister Swing COUNTRY CLUB, 1841 5 Sherman Way, Reseda This venue features the best of a concert-type setting with all the comforts of a club, complete with a kitchen that serves real food, plenty of space to hang out, and an excellent sound system Pro boxing once a month No age limit Box office opens at noon, cover varies (818)881-5601 8121 CLUB, 8121 Sunset Blvd Adjacent to, or actually in the basement of, the Coconut Teaszer, is this little non-espresso-esque coffeehouse, where the tune's the thing, and quiet is king1 This is where one can actually hear the lyrical gems spouted by local muses Truly intimate, with a righteous happy-hour and valet parking Being bohemian has never been so convenient Bands start at 6 30 and play till 2 a on most nights, two shows some nights Drink min Thurs -Sat, over 21, valet parking (213) 654-4887 Fri Schadenfreude Night brought to you by Ovis and his pals with Fizz from Puppets of Mankind, plus Tim Brogden, Greg Alexdander, Daniel Brigbois, Lucky Lou, and more Sat Button Head, Tbe Ruby Trees, The Shikina Brothers, Sandra Bacdl aid the Naked Angels, Tom Coburn Tues Jane Bolduc, The Qkumbrz, Pam Dwinell, Life's Comedy, The Death Merchents Wed Ann Venzio, Simone Shook, Nicollette Auberg, and more Thurs Lmny Simpkin and Kirk Anderson, The Scraps, The Stranded Ramblers, and more ENGLISH ACID, 7969 Santa Monica Blvd Hlywd Pres ently Tze hangout of choice with stylish rockers of all stripes The back room features the best collection of videos around, rare-rock wise, so you may never emerge 9 -2 a Food served Two full bars, over 18 (213)654-0280 Wed The Junk Monkeys, New Improved God, Tribal Sex Cult, The Hate Breeders, Sludge FM STATION LIVE, 11700 Victory Blvd (at Lankershim Blvd), Hlywd Forget "frequency modulation" the "FM" at this station stands for proprietor Filthy McNasty, who, as those who attend with frequency can attest, provides one of the most comfortable clubs around to watch original rock and hard-rock bands, uh, modulate Rock-happy DJs, three full bars, billiards, a 18 foot high video screen for between-band entertainment, a separate room to socialize in, and a large stage and dance floor complete the ensemble Doors open at 8 over 21 (818) 769 2220 THE GASLIGHT, 1608 Cosmo St Hlywd (Rear-alley entrance is located next to the Ivar Theater, one block south of Hollywood Blvd and one block west of Vine St Attention, exiled East Coast rockers, if you're lonely for CBGB, the Rat, or any of the many divey Atlantic-bordering joints, the Gaslight is home away from home, with its tiny stage, dank, dog- legged sight lines and grunged-out pool-room Overseen by the talented Johnny Vargas, a man who knows genius when it pesters him nonstop for gigs, the Gaslight is a roaring garagey good time Low covers, cheap 'n' strong drinks courtesy mix manic mechanic Ron (who will actually remember your name1), and anti-fashion in full force Mon -Fri 1 0 a -2 a Sat -Sun 6 a -2 a Full bar Cover varies Over 21 wl (213) 466-8126 Fri Just about the best '60s-style, instrumental garage surf you could ask for, Tbe Mindreaders, Pet Clarke more 60s-styte garage punk from The Fugitive Kind, and Man Ray Sat No mercy night1 If the Runaways were the "Queens of Noise," then these grunge meisters from Echo Park surely must be the Kings, The Losers, hot 'n' sweaty, wild-eyed bar rockin from a flea-bitten bunch who're as at home in a real ter like the Gaslight as the roaches are in its bathroom, The Mutts, great waves of grungy surf rock from Insect Surfers, and the "insect" theme continues with The Gadflyz Highly recommended for those about to rock (Whom we do salute, by the way) Sun Mother's Day blues (probably) with Jay Gordon Blues Venom Call for details Mon Black Rock Coalition presents a funky show with Brothers Against Bullshit, Unstoppable, Voodoo Love, Les July Tues The Scud Club (where you never really know just what's gonna happen, but its always entertaining1). with Motherload, Debra Casey, Hippie Gone Bad, and a great little band out of Seattle who blend beautiful female vocals with some king hell, bitchen, Marshall-distorted guitar, Hammerbox Wed Fine, authentic country rock with female vocals from The Neon Angels, who sport one helluva gee-tar player, plus Neil Mooney (ex-Valvoleen), and his high-powered, countrified new combo Florida Slim and the Hurricanes, who during their short existence Sat The hottest thing to come outta' Texas not Austin, either since the creation of Tex Mex cuisine, Reverend Horton Heat, a rockin' little trio who combine serious blues and swing elements with their rockabilly A killer combo whose sweat soaked performances especially at the Blue Saloon), cain't be beat1 Highly recommended Wed A "rockin' circus" with The Juke Logan All-Stars, featuring Brenda Burns, Keith Wyatt, Jerry Angel, Greg Boaz and other very special guests (who've recently included Dave Alvin, Horton Heat, Dale Watson, King Cotton, Hook Herrera, Bill Mentzer, Dee Lannon and the Delgado Bros in other words, it's a-happenin') Thurs Derek and Dave, featuring some of A 's finest veteran rockabilly players BOGART'S. 6288 Pacific Coast Hwy (in the Marina Pacifica Mall), Long Beach Don't whimper over the clichb Casablanca decor, 'cuz this joint is actually fun The bands featured are happenin', the crowd is easygoing, and when you consider the fact that the late, great Joe Liggins gigged here every week for years, it's clear that the locale has soaked up a smattering of fine Long Beach woogie voodoo All this and a Mexican kitchen, too Drink specials weekly (21 3) 594-8976 or 594-8975 Fri Bogart's welcomes back the winners of the Texas Tune-Up Battle of the Bands, Trip the Spring, plus Standard Fruit, Smiling Face Down, Lead Thoughts Spears In the Bohemian Cafe Acoustic Carnival, Season of Fire, The Moment, Michael Killen Sat Although only a shadow of their former selves (member-wise), they still know how to rock the blues as well as any white men I can think of, A home-boys Canned Heat, who currently sport semi-original member (he played with the band during their late '60searly '70s period on albums like the classic Future Bluedi, guitar legend on his own (he played on the Stones' "Hot Stuff," and was infamous for turning them down as Mick Taylor's replacement), Haney Mandell, plus locals Whiteboy Jomes and the Blues Express In the Bohemian Cafe Da Da Oboe, tripped-out, freaky, avant-noize and saxual explorations from the horny end of 0 's legendary, now-defunkt El Grupo Sexo. Bazooka, plus life's Comedy, The Pivot Foots Tues Mute Over America tour hits (Mute being the exploratory label that brought us Wire, among others), with Renegade Soundwave, and DJ Derrick May playing all your favorite Mute videos and CDs, along with some special giveaways Wed The Husker in a contemplative mood, Bob Mould, solo acoustic, and Vic Chestnut! Thurs High-octane speed pop from Metal Blade artists The Goo Goo Dolls who do one fine cover of the Plimsouls' "A Million Miles plus locals Don't Mean Maybe, and more metallic power pop from the Goo Goo's Metal Blade labelmates, Junk Monkeys In the Bohemian Cafe the El Congo Dance Club featuring ex FunhouseBad Trip DJ Gary CAFE ULRGO, 432 Fairfax Ave Anna and Jean Pierre's intimate "nouveau bistro" serves eclectic French and Italian cuisine, including wonderful crepes and pastas Entertainment is avant-cabaret pop, rock, jazz, acoustic music and the infamous readings, which draw the finest of "brat packers" and paparazzi alike Full bar, cover varies (213) 852-1 073 or 852-1851 Fri The Godfather of reggae, Joe Higgs 2 shows 9 11 pm Sat Largo's own personal and soul revue, The Nighthners, featuring Michael Jackson's one-time guitarist, the amazing Greg Wright, along with vocalist Leah Santos (of Alan Parsons Project), and their friends Sun Actor, humorist Barry Yourgrau, speaking words at 7 then at 8 30 it's a Mother's Day Folk Special with Cindy Lee Berryhill, Kimm Rogers, and Jano Brindisi Tues Poetry in Motion Wed 'Stand-up Kirby Tepper, and folk from Garden Variety Thurs A glittering parody of a Las Vegas-style extravaganza, The les Stevens Cocktail Show THE CENTRAL, 8852 Sunset Blvd, Hlywd Famous worldwide for its Tuesday jam nights and the relatively glitz-free environment given its Strip location, the Central is a typically smoky hangout for Anglofied and mainstream rock Mr Chuck Weiss has been in residence for 10-plus years every Monday The above-mentioned jams are open to almost anybody, making them a little looser than the "celebrity" kind that smack of exclusivity Free space available Sunday for parties, too cover, over 21, parking in rear (213) 652-5937 Fri The Visionaries, Lost Luggage, Let's Talk About Girls, Bird That Whistles Sat Ian Salisbury Smith and the Snobs, Sam I Am, Machine Shop, Crosspatch Mon Good-time, big-band from the Central's longtime Monday-night favorite, Chuck E.

Weiss and the Goddamn Liars, plus Jomes Lykes and the Victims of Love Tues Jam Night Wed Just Us, Black Jack Thurs Call for info CHINA CLUB, 1600 Argyle Ave New York's dance club moves into the old home of A 's legendary Cathay de Grande But don't let that scare you, 'cause they've fixed it up real, real nice, gotten together one of the best sound systems in the world, the best in local bands Sun -Thurs and "the best rock DJs in town nightly Doors open at 9 pm Ample parking Full bar, over 21, picture I required Call (213) 469-1600 Fri Stefan Gilmore's Alternative Friday with Stevie Bensuson, Henry Sutro and the House Party, Big Sky Sat Soul House, a dance club spinning soul to hip-hop, and Sean Hollingsworth presents Singers, A 's finest vocalists showcasing live, 7 30-10 Sun Call for info Mon Projam with Kal David and Friends Tues Hang Dynasty, featuring some of the finest session players in A plus Jonathan Penn, Bill Madden Thurs Noche Latina, a night of red-hot salsa music from Son Mayor, a 10-piece all-star Latin band CLUB LINGERIE, 6507 Sunset Blvd Hlywd Terrific sight lines and incredibly varied bookings featuring the finest of Amer-indie rock grace this pleasant locale It pays to show up early, since sellouts are frequent, and the openers are almost always worth a tumble Two full bars Doors open at 9 over 21 (21 3) 466-8557 Fri A special appearance from New Haven, Connecticut's infectious pop-rock kings, Mirode Legion, who're in town recording their first post-indie album for the prestigious new upstart label Morgan Creek with producer John Porter (House of Freaks, School of Fish, Morrisey, and others) at the board, plus Altered State, Snap Dragons Sat True Sons of Laughter with original members Jack Grisham, Ron Emory, Mike Roche, etc plus Dirt Clod Fight, The Ninth Mon Mary Nixon's Gashouse presents a new band purportedly featuring one of the Stern brothers (of the Brigade and Royal Crown Revue), That's It, then it's original Bag member Craig Lee and his incredible new "girl band," Alormo, who in addition to featuring Lee's tasty, musical guitar work are downright nutty, Blood Brothers, and the swaggering snot of Madeline (ex Fallen Angel) and her latest band, Martini Draculas, whose name is so good I can hardly stand it1 Tues Grate Under Fire, Toro, Violet Stream Wed Isospin and The Steve Pryor Band Note Show starts at 11 pm Thurs Ten Inth Men, Knights of the Living Dead, and moreTBA CLUB WITH NO NAME, 836 Highland Ave Mondays Of fering cutting-edge Hollywood rock alternative, underground, glam and just plain twisted are the fare here Doors open at 9 Over 18 S8 cover with membership card (213)656-3226 Mon Excellent alternative alternative show with a band for those of us who think theres nothing arouna these days that compares to Minor Threats classic record, Seattle's and they sound absolutely nothing like Soundgarden or Mudhoney1 Coffin Breok, who besides being a great nuclear rock roll thrash band, also have themselves a cool name, Long Beach's own Claw Hammer, a band who on first listen seem to be comparable only to Captain Beefheart, sporting his twisted and downright bizzare-as to-be-dissonant approach to the blues, but upon closer inspection, seem to rock as hard as the MC5 (who must be one of their influences), Seattle's Hammerbox, whose tape I found to be an invigorating listen thanks to the apparent incongruity of their beautiful-voiced female singer and some classic, loud, Marshall-distorted guitar Swell stuff1 Also, Mother, possibly TVTVS, and more TBA COCONUT TEASZER, 81 17 Sunset Blvd, Hlywd Loud and proud, the Coconut Teaszer is a strange hybrid of the more mersh palaces farther west on the Strip and the dingy funk of downtown Hollywood boites Sundays sport up to 10 bands crankin', weenies roasting, and kegs busting for that all- out carbohydrate high Full bar, over 21 (18 okay Fri -Sun all night) (213)654-4773 Fri Last Hollywood appearance in a while for The Broken Homes, plus smokin', rockin' rock roll from The Freewheelers, also ex-WASP-man Randy Piper and King's Horses, who're going into the studio to do some demos for Atlantic, the debut of Guns N' Roses pal's combo, West Arkeen Band, the fellow who wrote some songs on GNR's debut, as well as some for their new one which should be out in a few weeks now, who has his own deal with CBS, and more TBA Sat Dancing to DJs and live bands until 4am Call for details Sun Benefit for A Rock Review with Block Coctus Stampede, New Improved God, Bootleg, Blackboard Jungle, Dumpster, Rain on Fire, Tribal Sex Cult, Yesterday's Tear, Hello Disaster, Ultraviolet Eye, Duchess De Sade, Grace Period, Mental Floss, The Pinners, an allstar jam and some surprise guests Show starts at 6 pm Mon The Hippy Shakes, Ragamuffin, Saints Ghosts and Thieves, Hello Disaster, Divine Weeks, The Modern Day Saints, Crash Club, The Myth, Monkey Paw. and a special surprise guest Tues Terrell, Darius and the Spea'al Deluxe Combo, Due to the erratic lives of LA. musicians and the capricious personalities of booking ogents, all of the following bookings are subject to change for no apparent reason. AL'S BAR, 305 Hewitt St dwntwn Downtown LA at night scares the bejesus out of some, but the brave know that this diamond in the rough is one of the best and only places to see those free-formish, unbridled acts that were standard in more enlightened times Thursday's "No Talent" night is the best open mike night in the city, an exercise in excess, torture and good fun Beer and wine, sorry, no minors (213) 687-3558 Fn Monkey Paw, plus Fuzztone Rudi Protrudi's alter ego Link, and his back-to-basics, '60s ga-ragepunk tribute to Link Wray-type combos, link Pro-Yrudi and the Jaymen, who also happen to rock, hard, and Muzza Chunk Sat Reptile, Weatherbell, Bob One Sun Super Collider, Leslie Keys Mon The world's first and still best rockin' polka band, Houston's Brave Combo, the band David Byrne chose to play at his wedding, plus two wonderfully experimental, primarily acoustic combos featuring female vocals The Underthings, and Red Poppies See Scoring the Clubs Wed Funky Hardcore Nation presents The Boys, The Stains Thurs No Talent Night ANTI-CLUB, 4658 Melrose Ave This East Hollywood club books both well-known and struggling undergroundodd-ball rock bands in a dim and smoky Bohemian atmosphere Full bar, cover varies, minors okay (213) 667-9762 or 661-3913 Fri Fizzy Bangers, The Dum Dums, Rozzi Lane, The Fraidy Cats Sat No Talking, Jaded Apes, Nervous Rex, The Mob AT MY PLACE, 1026 Wilshire Blvd Santa Monica This big, open room presents everything from to rock to contemporary jazz to comedy, with name acts making occasional one-mghters Good sound system, friendly service Drinks and food (sushi and sandwiches to full dinners) moderately priced, cover varies Full bar (213)451-8596 BLUE SALOON. 4657 Lankershim Blvd Hlywd One of the world's friendliest bars, with an emphasis on sports and rockabilly (there's also country, blues and rock roll) You can pick from billiards (they feature pool tournaments with cash prizes), darts, or take a 50-yard-lme seat at the big- screen TV (818) 766-4644 Fri Hot, rockin from a new band who improve with every performance, Hook and the Hitchhikers, who truly kicked-butt at their last Saloon gig and are so good Blaster Dave Alvin saw fit to join the band 86 LA WEEKLY MAYlO-MAy 16, 1991.