Don't forget to check out our constantly updated OC Concert Calendar.
Tuesday, December 17
Megadeth
City National Grove of Anaheim
Megadeth has had some kind of history, even for one of the world's most iconic thrash metal bands–starting with how founder Dave Mustaine partied too hard to be in Metallica, and then rocketing through the kind of high highs and low lows that make even Motley Crue's upanddown history seem a little sedate. When they shredded, they shredded to a point just past the prior theoretical limits of human shreddery, and when they hit hard times (like the longshot accident that came out of nowhere to temporarily eliminate Mustaine's ability to play guitar), they left a giant smoking crater. From Mustaine's rating as the greatest metal guitarist ever to Mustaine's, shall we say, “unpredictable” politics prompting no less than Gwar's extraterrestrial hellbeast front man Oderus Urungus demanding he “shut the fuck up,” it's been nothing less than fascinating. (Chris Ziegler)
]
The Writer's Den
Harvelle's
Musicians looking to turn aspirations into live performances get their shot with the Writers Den open mic night at Harvelle's in Long Beach. The weekly residency came to fruition thanks to celebrated local songstress, Stacy Clark–the New York native molded the event after her own encouraging experience with an open mic night in Buffalo. Clark offers other artists the same opportunity by creating a welcoming vibe in a noteworthy venue–seasoned acts warm up the house before the stage opens to the public (and nervous newcomers). Catering to a drinking-age crowd, Writers Den kicks off this week, running every Tuesday through December, and offers hopeful singer/songwriters a chance to step into the spotlight, if only for a night, and share their music with a captive audience. (Heidi Darby)
Wednesday, December 18
Hard Day's Night (Beatles Tribute)
The Continental Room
Nearly every night of the week, The Continental Room is one of the best places around to catch an exciting new band paired with an ice cold drink. Tonight is the night when Beatles tribute extraordinaires A Hard Day's Night reenact the spirit of the swinging '60s with cover tunes of one of the biggest groups of the 20th Century. Show up a little early tonight to catch resident DJ's Wrack 'Em Frack 'Em and Ody set the mood right, from quiet evening out to frenzied dance party. If you've been working like a dog like the rest of us, come out and enjoy A Hard Day's Night. (Aimee Murillo)
[
Thursday, December 19
Lil Jon DJ set
The Yost
When a musician decides to take a turn as a DJ, it's usually a desperate grab at street cred (or just some attention). But Lil Jon, the man with the most famous “Yeahh!” utterance of this millennium, has always been a DJ–his charttopping singles and collaborations are simply side dishes on his massive platter of musical talents. This Thursday night, the Yost Theater and White Rabbit Group present a DJ set by the “Shots! Shots! Shots!” man himself, recently returned from a club tour in France. Come see Lil Jon spin everything from Lorde mashups to hiphop classics to EDM–and slam down a few shots in his honor. Which ones? It's obvious: Jaegerbombs, Lemondrops, Buttery Nipples, Jello Shots, Kamikaze, Three Wise Men! (Erin DeWitt)
Friday, December 20
Merry Gypsy Christmas
Detroit Bar
With less than a week before Christmas to go, come down to Detroit Bar to celebrate the happiest of holidays with A Merry Gypsy Christmas. Featuring the rootsy folk music of Blackwater Jukebox and Noise Revolt DJ Rahfee Zahkee, this will definitely be a more memorable way to ring in the festivities. Alongside the music, live art and dance performances and even an open mic. Other DJ's providing sounds and ambience: DJ Mydjdrew, DJ Raskal and DJ Jesta. (Aimee Murillo)
See also:
10 Metal Albums to Listen to Before You Die
10 Best Shock Rock Bands of All Time
10 Goriest Album Covers
Follow us on Twitter @OCWeeklyMusic and like us on Facebook at Heard Mentality.
One Reply to “The Five Must-See Shows in OC This Week”