‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ with fireworks, a Fourth of July block party, Cate Le Bon live, Dynasty Handbag’s beloved ‘Weirdo Night’ and more.
Magic Bronson Vinyl Release Party
Monday, July 1, 2019 / 7:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. / Bardot
The Los Angeles-born duo of Matt Lieberman and Michael Nicastro make synthesizer-laced alt-pop, i.e. the perfect soundtrack for when you’re crawling out of an after-hours bar in search of a bacon-wrapped hot dog and a hug. They’ve got catchy, fun tunes for those seeking life’s meaning between bouts of debauchery.
They’re celebrating the vinyl release of their most recent Magic Bronson record, “Evil Ways,” at School Night!, a weekly free showcase at Bardot hosted by KCRW’s Chris Douridas. Starting off with the lead track “Nervous,” “Evil Ways” translates the duo’s anxieties about life in the information age into songs designed for unwinding on the dance floor.
Magic Bronson share tonight’s bill with Chela, The Citie and Cleopatrick.
Tickets: Free with RSVP / More Information
Jena Friedman: Miscarriage of Justice
Tuesday, July 2, 2019 / 8-9 p.m. / Dynasty Typewriter at the Hayworth
Jena Friedman is a stand-up comedian, writer and filmmaker with an unapologetic approach to political commentary. The former “Late Show with David Letterman” writer and “The Daily Show” field producer has several TV specials under her belt, including an ongoing feminist gonzo prank project called “Soft Focus with Jena Friedman” on Adult Swim.
She really messes with people, but getting frat boys to walk around campus with life-size blow-up dolls labeled “Cannot Consent Carrie” is poignant and necessary in a culture that seems to only respond when shocked. Let’s find out what she to say in this comedy hour described as “Jena celebrates free speech while she still has it.”
Tickets: $10-$15 / More Information
‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ + Fireworks
Wednesday, July 3, 2019 / 6:45-11:15 p.m. / Hollywood Forever
Watching box office hits at a cemetery seems like a morbid premise, but it’s become a beloved summer tradition for the Angelenos who bring along their best picnic rigs and often dress up according to the movie’s theme. Tonight’s screening of George Miller’s “Mad Max: Fury Road” should inspire some fine apocalyptic costumes which will undoubtedly be flaunted around at the photo booth designed by artist Alia Penner.
Swing by to enjoy the crazy car chases and butt-kicking onscreen, as fireworks cap off the night and usher in mid-week happiness because no one has to work the next day. Thanks, Fourth of July. Thanks, America.
Tickets: $38 / More Information
Grand Park + The Music Center’s Fourth of July Block Party
Thursday, July 4, 2019 / 3- 9:30 p.m. / Grand Park
You could spend Fourth of July in someone’s backyard eating potato salad, but for something a little more exciting, The Music Center is hosting a full day of free entertainment and fireworks in the heart of downtown L.A. There will be food trucks, a 75-foot Ferris wheel, and it’s a pet-friendly affair.
The biggest draw is certainly the two stages of live music, with performances by Latin soul group Boogaloo Assassins, East L.A. ska-reggae act The Delirians, Afro-Indigenous hip-hop band Earth Arrow, Mexican pop singer Victoria La Mala and more.
Attendance is free / More Information
Metro Art Presents: Salsa Night at Union Station
Friday, July 5, 2019 / 7:30-11 p.m. / Union Station Los Angeles
Feel the rhythm and get those hips moving – it’s salsa night under the stars, mi amor. Head over to Union Station and enjoy the live music performed by some of L.A.’s most sought-after salsa ensembles. Son Mayor, Rumbankete and SitaraSon are all well-established Latin party bands with proven track records for lighting up dance floors all over our fine city. Don’t know how to dance salsa? It’s OK, dance like nobody’s watching, or brush up on moves with lessons between sets provided by Kati Hernández & Kimbambula Cuban Dance Ensemble.
Attendance is free / More Information
Off the 405: Cate Le Bon
Saturday, July 6, 2019 / 6-9 p.m. / The Getty Center
After releasing four albums and spending some years living in Los Angeles, Welsh musician Cate Le Bon decided to take a break from crafting alternative puzzle pop and shipped herself to England to learn woodworking. During that year and a half, she refreshed her relationship to music and wrote her recently released album “Reward” on the piano during evenings after class. The result is her most introspective collection of bewildering songs, and there’s more synth and sax than ever before.
Catch the opening performance by Ghanaian xylophone player SK Kakraba, and DJ sets by Boom Bip and Warpaint’s Stella Mozgawa.
Attendance is free / More Information
Weirdo Night with Dynasty Handbag and Special Guests
Sunday, July 7, 2019 / 7-9:30 p.m. / Zebulon
On the first Sunday of every month, Jibz Cameron, the uncanny performance artist best known by the moniker Dynasty Handbag, brings together a smattering of strange and amusing acts for her beloved Weirdo Night. Tonight’s offerings include superstar comedian/musician Jack Black, __SKYNSUIT__, a duo out of Joshua Tree who refer to themselves as “karaoke in a black hole” and the improvisational operatic singer Like A Villain.
Of course, Dynasty Handbag herself will also take the stage, making strange faces and possibly rubbing a piano mat on her private parts til the song reaches climax, so to speak. Well, she’s done that before.
Tickets: $15 / More Information