Funk Fest.
First Fridays in Bixby Knolls
If you’re like me, you’re burnt out after a Thursday night jam-packed with fireworks, BBQ, and various adult beverages that probably shouldn’t have been mixed (two glasses of cab after tequila shots, vodka and three bottles of Sam Adams Chocolate Cherry Bock—what was I thinking?). Tonight calls for rehab—a serene night of old-timey goodness with an “American Beauty” theme. That’s BK’s First Fridays in a nutshell: classic cars, folk music, sound installations, antiques, farmer’s market and a lot more of the same sort of thing we’ve all come to expect from small town America.
Where: Atlantic Avenue in Bixby Knolls between Bixby Road & San Antonio Drive
When: Friday, July 5, 6:30PM – 10PM; Book reading with Alan Lowenthal starts at Dana Branch Library at 5:30PM, Flag retirement ceremony starts at 8PM.
Website: www.firstfridayslongbeach.com
Admission: Free
What else?: If you’re a masochist and you’re still up for a party, Nino’s, The Factory, BIS, and EJ Malloy’s stay open late for drinks.
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Funk Fest: “Funk of July”
The Fourth of July weekend isn’t over yet. For the fifth year, Long Beach Funkfest is extending the festivities with a street party for the ages. It’ll be a full day of pure funk—no hip-hop hybrids, no soft elevator jazz—real funk, headlined by Shuggie Otis. This one’s good for kids too, event organizers will get the little ones out of your hair for a bit with the help of a Kid’s Zone of “Funkativity”, art booths and cordoned-off dance floors. If you’re still standing by 9:20PM, look up for the Freedom of Fun Fireworks Show. Remember, our forefathers fought for you to be funky.
Where: Downtown Long Beach on the Promenade at Broadway
When: Saturday, July 6, noon to 11PM
Website: lbfunkfest.com
Admission: $15 presale, $20 at the door
What else?: If you can’t make it to this event, there’s an official after party at Harvelle’s.
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Agent Orange
What’s going on with the Gaslamp all of a sudden? They’re booking some pretty great acts this summer—perfect example is this afternoon Agent Orange show—one of several flashback acts that’ll be on the Gaslamp stage in the coming weeks. Agent Orange goes back to 1979 when KROQ’s Rodney Bingenheimer played a demo of their first single Bloodstains—it became one of the station’s biggest hits that year and made the power trio gods among Orange County punks and skate rats. If Social Distortion is the king of mopey, misanthropic punk, AO is their upbeat, crunchy punk-pop counterpart.
Where: The Gaslamp, 6251 E. Pacific Coast Highway (562) 596-4718
When: Sunday, July 7, 3PM
Website: www.facebook.com/events/377127605720441/
Admission: $12, all ages
What else?: If you’re just coming for Agent Orange, don’t expect them to come on when the doors open. There are about 9 punk bands performing before them—this is going to be a marathon.
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Sunday Drag Queen Brunch with The Brunchettes
A few things you need to know about Hamburger Mary’s Sunday brunch. It’s all-you-can-shove-down-your-maw. It’s bottomless mimosas. It’s inexpensive, and the service is fast and efficient—your champagne flute will never be less than half empty before someone refills it. In short, Mary’s Sunday Brunch is another one of those sweet Long Beach secrets. Plus, if you’re hesitant about going to a legit drag joint, this is a good way to try one out—the show is clean and fun. It’ll get crowded though so you’re gonna have to be OK with crowds.
Where: Hamburger Mary’s, 740 E. Broadway, (562) 436-7900
When: Sunday, July 7, 11AM
Website: hamburgermarys.com
Admission: No cover, but the brunch is gonna cost you—prices are very reasonable though and the mimosas? They’re bottomless.
What else?: Bring $1 bills to tip the performers. It can’t be easy doing what they do in Spanx and heels on a Sunday morning. Also, call ahead for reservations—those who don’t will be waiting for a table unless there’s room at the bar.