Tuesday, May 28
Insane Clown Posse
City National Grove of Anaheim
A rap duo that dons elaborate clown face paint, Insane Clown Posse boast obsessively about drinking an obscure soda called Faygo and having a legion of fans who refer to themselves as Juggalos. Why wouldn't you go see them? Whether or not you can get on board with the whole circus motif, you have to appreciate the awkward wonderment with which these two clowns look at simple phenomena such as rainbows. Dig the lyrics for the song “Miracles”– “Fucking rainbows, after it rains. There's enough miracles here to blow your brains.” Definitely not to be missed. (Brandon Ferguson)
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Fleetwood Mac
Honda Center
Fleetwood Mac resonates with lovers of all music genres and transgresses generations. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees fill record crates, airwaves, and iPods, making them arguably one of the most recognizable bands of all time. Not only did they provide the world with blistering rock tunes, touching ballads, and iconic album art, they helped define a decade with their style and scandals. After a three year break between tours, the band's back together again–well, mostly. Mick Fleetwood, Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham and John McVie embark on a worldwide tour without the pleasantries of keyboardist/vocalist Christine McVie. The group is currently trekking across the US, hitting larger venues and performing songs off their new EP, aptly titled Extended Play, in addition to their beloved classic hits. With four out of five staple members performing, Fleetwood Mac is back. (Heidi Darby)
Wednesday, May 29
The Blank Tapes
Constellation Room
Listening to Blank Tapes' 2013 release of Vacation right now feels truly relevant in the wake of recent warning signs for summer. Matt Adams, the Orange County native behind Blank Tapes, knows how to channel sun-drenched paradise into his songs, every once in a while adding in the fuzz guitar reminiscent of some of his earlier albums like 2010's Home Away From Home. This time around, Vacation spills enough easy- going California pop sounds to make you reach for a Piña Colada. Check out Blank Tapes tonight at The Constellation Room with fellow fuzz/Garage band The Abigails, Blackfeet Braves, and Summer Twins. (Aimee Murillo)
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Friday, May 31
The Kids
Alex's Bar
The Kids were punk stormers of the highest order, blowing through their native Belgium in the late '70s with high-speed, high-intensity songs that owed more to wreckers like the Ramones, the Damned, and Rose Tattoo than (for example) the comparatively more sedate Sex Pistols. Their two must-have major label LPs (and the associated singles, two of which have just been reissued) are pretty much unstoppable. Maybe that's why the Kids got back together in the mid-2000s after the usual fade-out/break-up in the '80s–when you go this fast, you can't ever truly slow down. Expect a show with a ferocity index up there with Sonny Vincent's Testors sets last spring. The Kids are in California for the first time ever this week, so–as we say far too often–get it now or regret it later. (Chris Ziegler)
Dance Craze Dance Party
Art Theatre of Long Beach
CinemAttack! pays homage to cult classic films, and they do it in style. Kicking off their first attack at the Art Theatre in Long Beach, the Dance Craze Dance Party! celebrates the 1981 2-Tone ska British music documentary–but this event is more than a typical screening. Legendary cinematic genius Joe Dunton participates in a brief Q&A and discusses his role in conceptualizing the visuals of Dance Craze, plus DJ Lawless sets the tone with a selection of ska classics for your skanking pleasure. While the atmosphere is geared towards being laid back (seating is available), dressing “sharp” is strongly encouraged. Check out the Dance Craze Dance Party for a night of dancing and potential sing-alongs in honor of the cult classic film. (Heidi Darby)
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