Whats This Crap?!

I forgive JOE WALSHfor being in the Eagles because as laid-back '70s rock limp dicks go, he's not in a league with the rest of those fartknockers, and the band was much better with him than without ("Hotel California" vs. "Peaceful, Easy Feeling"? No contest!). Also because I enjoyed much of his pre-Eagles work, particularly with the James Gang, as much as anything that was around at the time. Also because he gave my pal Billy Bacon a live pig as a gift once (the fresh sausage was delicious, Joe!). But mostly because he's a really damn good guitarist whose variations in tone, attack and approach are often stunningly unique. And I still stay tuned when "Rocky Mountain Way" comes on the radio, too. Walsh has gone solo again and will play the Sun Theatre on Sunday night.

JAMES INTVELD will host a CD-release party Sunday night at the Blue Cafe. As I haven't heard the new disc yet, I can't relay anything about its merits, but a $10 cover not only gets you into the club but also gets you a copy of the new album. That's merit enough to warrant mention. Arturo Sandoval plays in Founder's Hall at Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, (714) 556-ARTS. Fri.-Sun. Call for times. $36-$42; Glen Campbell performs at the Orange County Performing Arts Center. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m. $23-$67; Merle Haggard performs at Crazy Horse Steakhouse Saloon, 71 Fortune Dr., Irvine, (714) 549-1512. Wed.-Thurs., March 9, 8 p.m. $15-$70; Joe Walsh plays the Sun Theatre, 2200 E. Katella, Anaheim, (714) 712-2700. Sun., 8 p.m. $45-$52; James Intveld performs at the Blue Cafe, 210 The Promenade, Long Beach, (562) 983-7111. Sun., 9:30 p.m. $10 (includes free CD).