Born Free #5 Pre-Party
Chances are you’re not going to be attending the Born Free #5 vintage chopper festival on Saturday at Oak Canyon Ranch. It’s admittedly a bit of a hassle to get to. Not a big deal though because this pre-party is essentially going to be a condensed version of the bike fest with much better music. The Black Tibetans along with Thee Cormans bookend a night of weird monster surf stomp that wavers between The Cramps and early White Stripes. A night of pure ‘70s-influenced Americana.
Where: Alex’s Bar, 2913 E. Anaheim St., (562) 434-8292
When: Thursday, June 27, 8PM-1AM
Website: http://bornfreeshow.blogspot.com/
Admission: $5
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“Everything” Expansion Party
If you’ve driven past TREBOR/NEVETS on Retro Row and wondered what the “under construction” signage is all about, this open house party should explain it all. The vintage furniture shop acquired the space next to the shop it’s been at for five years and this party officially launches its new expansion. An intoxicating combo of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and dizzying music should loosen you and your wallet up just enough to leave with a little something for your home.
Where: TREBOR/NEVETS, 2116 E. 4th St., (562) 901-0600
When: Friday, June 28, 7PM
Website: http://www.trebornevets.com/
Admission: Free
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The Shoreline Symphonic Winds Free Concert
It doesn’t get much more simple than a free concert in the park. All you need for this one is a blanket, maybe some folding chairs and a picnic basket full of cheese, crackers and whatever you plan on drinking—I’d say wine here, but I’m not sure on the policy for this event—just be careful is all. The Shoreline Winds (Long Beach’s community classical ensemble band) continue a 63-year-old performance tradition with a tight little set of orchestral standards before a screening of Disney’s Madagascar. It’s gonna be a warm night and if you’re like most homeowners in Long Beach and you don’t have air conditioning (I do, but I feel for those who don’t), this is the perfect reason to get out and cool off.
Where: Bixby Park, 130 Cherry Ave.
When: Friday, June 28, 6:30PM
Website: http://www.shorelinewinds.org
Admission: Free
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Dog Sees God
“Death, group sex, drugs, the afterlife, hippies, gangsters, goth kids, eating disorders.” All this and a lot more are parodied by the Garage Theater’s students in this alter-universe take on Charles Shultz’ Peanuts cartoon strip. In a sentence, Dog Sees God imagines what the characters of Peanuts would have turned into as teenagers. This is the second and final weekend of the Garage’s production and a friend who saw it last week is still raving about it. A gritty, morosely funny performance clocked in by young, raw talent.
Where: The Garage Theater, 251 E. Seventh St. (866) 811-4111
When: Thursday through Saturday, June 27-29, 8PM
Website: http://thegaragetheatre.org
Admission: $15-$18
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Pirate Invasion of Belmont Pier
Another action-packed event tailored for the family by day and slightly more for the adults by night—and the best part? Free, and it’s exactly how you’d expect a weekend-long pirate invasion in 2013 to be (if you’ve seen any one of the four Johnny Depp “Caribbean” movies). The first half of the event is pretty much all kids: treasure hunts, kids’ costume contests, staged sword fights, bounce houses, and interactive performances. Once the rum kicks in and the sun sets a bit, the belly dancers appear, the corsets seem to show a bit more cleavage, and things just get a little looser—like lonely pirates’ inhibitions. If you like the Renaissance Faire, you’ll be into this event.
Where: Belmont Pier, E. Ocean Blvd and 39th Place
When: Saturday, June 29, 10AM-9PM, Sunday, June 30, 10AM-6PM
Website: alfredosbeachclub.com
Admission: Free (Lots of food, drinks and merch though, so bring your doubloons.)
What else?: Dressing up as a pirate is highly encouraged—you’ll be accepted as one of their own immediately. I know this from experience.