The Five Must-See Shows in OC This Week

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Monday, July 1

La Luz
The Continental Room
To call La Luz's take on 1960s surf rock 'infectious' would be an understatement. Truly their sound, which features dreamy vocal harmonies reminiscent of girl group wonders The Shirelles, is a bubbly reincarnation, but no less swoon-worthy. Hailing from Seattle, La Luz's twangy electric guitar and “Walk Don't Run”- esque homages should fit in well here in Southern California, home of surf rock and sunshine. Tonight they play The Continental Room with Tashaki Miyaki. (Aimee Murillo)

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Tuesday, July 2

Outer Minds
The Constellation Room
Chicago's Outer Minds do the '60s like the '80s did the '60s–or even like the '00s did the '60s with bands like the Deadly Snakes and Reigning Sound, whose revved-up songs proved that you could listen to 45s by Love and the Turtles right after 45s by punkers like the Pagans and the Shit Dogs and it'd somehow make your band more awesome. (In that same go-for-broke spirit, Outer Minds definitely aren't shy about hammering on their organ.) So back in the '80s, Outer Minds would've been right at home on a label like Voxx and on a bill with the Pandoras. But since it's 2013, their most recent LP is on South Paw and they're right at home on bills with similar everything-new-is-old-again outfits like Black Apples or Dante Vs. Zombies, who are opening for them at this show. (Chris Ziegler)

Focus
Tapas Newport Beach
Focus Tuesdays, the mid-week house music dance party at Tapas in Newport, might just the most underrated club in OC. With years (years!) of experience bringing in some of the best deep house DJs in the business, Focus attracts a young, beautiful crowd of house fanatics and party people each week. With resident DJs like Nonfiction, Josh Billings and Wobs, the opening sets are as much a draw as the headliners. Plus, there are three-dollar drink specials and the club's famous one-dollar tacos on the patio. Pretty great for a Tuesday night! (Erin DeWitt)

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Wednesday, July 3

Snakebit Drifters
Detroit Bar
For those in need of some pre-Hootenanny action this week, local band Snakebit Drifters headlines at the Detroit Bar for an Independence Day show presented by the Kings Inn. A rockabilly band with heavy emphasis on the rock part, this trio (whose entertaining story starts with meeting in a desert “east of Costa Mesa,” hallucinating from mysterious snakebites) cuts right though to the meat of Americana rock: a wicked stand-up bass, volatile drums and desolate, gritty vocals. With influences ranging from old school honky tonk to the Misfits, Robin San Jose (bass), Thunderfoot McStomperson (drums) and Tim Willis (guitar, vox) know how to bring one hell of a party. Good thing you don't have to work on Thursday. (Erin DeWitt)

Thursday, July 4

4th of July Extravaganza
Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
While many Americans celebrate this holiday barbequing, drinking beer and trying to keep the dog from freaking out at the sound of bottle rockets in the street, those looking for something a little different might enjoy the Pacific Symphony's July 4th Extravaganza and Neil Diamond revue at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater. Led by Principal Pops Conductor Richard Kaufman and cover band Super Diamond featuring singer Randy Cordeiro, this open-air event treats audiences to both an American standard catalogue of adult contemporary as well as classical music honoring the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. Of course, no Independence Day concert is complete without a glittering fireworks display, which will close this holiday event. (Erin DeWitt)

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