Calendar Motorcycle Show
Phil Shane
If you’ve seen Phil Shane in action before, I’m preaching to the choir—unless you can’t find a babysitter or you’re out of town, you’re already going to this show. For those who haven’t seen Shane, it can be a transcendental experience (given the right amount of spirits and depending on how great the crowd is). This is exactly why Phil Shane’s monthly residency at Alex’s is so simpatico: cheap, strong booze and a crowd of regulars that “get” Shane’s brand of Neil Diamond-meets-‘70s Elvis lounge stylings.
Where: Alex’s Bar, 2913 E. Anaheim St. (562) 434-8292
When: Friday, July 12, 9PM
Website: www.philshane.com
Admission: FREE!
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Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me
One more score for the Art Theatre! This hard-to-find documentary about legendary Memphis band Big Star digs deep into the obscure band’s history and asks, ‘How did this band fail at mainstream success, yet influence so many rock legends?’ Another look at classic American art showing for a limited time. Afterwards, go to Fingerprints and pick up a used vinyl copy of any of the band’s three LP—something tells me there’s quite a few waiting to be discovered by new ears.
Where: Art Theatre, 2025 E. 4th St., (562) 438-5435
When: Debuts Friday, July 12, 4:45PM & 9PM, runs through July 18
Website: arttheatrelongbeach.com
Admission: Senior/Child $8, Adult $8
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Long Beach Derby Gals
The Derby Gals are back! After a short hiatus and a move of headquarters to San Pedro, the Long Beach Derby Gals are returning this Saturday with “The Fun in the Sun: Fresh Meat Bout.” It’s part exhibition, part tryouts for potential talent that looking to make the official Derby Gals squad. I’ve been to a couple of these bouts and they all make some my favorite Long Beach moments. Kids? Bring ‘em along—this is a daytime event and the Gals keep the show clean.
Where: Bayshore Roller Hockey Rink, 14-54th Pl., (562) 570-1736
When: Saturday, July 13, 3PM-5PM
Website: longbeachderbygals.com
Admission: Free
What else?: There’s a theme for this derby: Totally ‘80s. Dress accordingly.
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2013 LA Calendar Motorcycle Show & Calendar Girl Music Festival
Badass vintage motorcycles, boozy American bar rock and bikini models standing around while putting up with creepy guys asking if they can take pictures with them. What’s not to love about this bike show, now in its 22nd year? This is a biggie among the sickle industry: It gets people from all over the globe, specifically for the open-entry custom bike competition (last year, the infamous Hoshikawa Hideki, flew in from Japan for the Best In Show win). Lots of high-end vendors, beer and food at this event, too—bring money.
Where: Queen Mary’s Seawalk Village, 1126 Queens Hwy, (562) 435-3511
When: Sunday, July 14, 10AM-5PM
Website:calendarmotorcycleshow.com
Admission: $20 general, $40 VIP with lunch & Queen Mary tickets, $45 with bike contest entry
What else?: Don’t be that creepy guy who asks the models to take weird photos with them.
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No Duh
With Gwen Stefani canceling No Doubt’s recent tour for “mysterious reasons” (I know why—if you’re interested, email me—it’s a whopper), this might be the closest you’ll ever get to seeing No Doubt again. Of course, most of the original No Doubt fans are “old” now: a mortgage, a minivan, kids—yeah, it’s rough. Your babysitting budget probably hits triple digits a night. Not a problem—this is an all-ages afternoon show. Bring the kids, it’s encouraged (plus, this is a great way to familiarize them with The Gaslamp—a venue they’ll surely frequent when it’s called something else five years from now).
Where: The Gaslamp, 6251 E. PCH, (562) 596-4718
When: Saturday, July 13, 1PM
Website:www.noduh.net
Admission: $10
What else?: Heather Lounsbury, No Duh’s lead singer, looks just like Gwen, circa 1996—the resemblance is scary.