Warren G
One of Long Beach’s favorite sons, Warren G is the next in line on The Gaslamp’s surprisingly excellent summer concert series. Warren’s been quiet as of late, no real activity on his website or his Facebook account. In fact, one of the last projects he’s worked on was a series of commercials for—ahem—male enhancement pills, but when you have a catalog as rich as G’s, you can rely on the hits. Besides, who are you to call Warren out on a silly little boner commercial when he gave you Regulate? Reg-u-late!
Where: The Gaslamp, 6251 E. PCH, (562) 596-4718
When: Saturday, July 20, 8PM
Website:warreng.com
Admission: $20, Limited VIP seating $30
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Rumble on Pine
Fair warning, Rumble on Pine will be one of the more memorable events of the summer. The afternoon is a conglomeration of everything that made the America in the ‘50s ginchy: Rockabilly bands, chopped cars, burlesque dancers, beer, and BBQ. Way too much to list here—the fact that psychobilly quartet (and “scariest band in the world”) Deadbolt are performing is normally enough for any event. Yet the list of scheduled fun goes on: A pin-up girl pageant, bizarre performance art by Pollenland—and if you bring the kids—childrens’ arts and crafts. And like with every festival, bring cash—there’ll be tons of merch vendors.
Where: Pine Ave. between 6th St. & 7th St.
When: Saturday, July 20, 11AM-7PM
Website: www.facebook.com/partyonpine
Admission: Free, all ages
What else?: Parking’s gonna be bananas—your main lot is on 6th and Locust, but if you’re close by, consider riding your bicycle. There’ll be a free bike valet on 6th and Pine. (Bike valet? Hey, we’re just like Portland!)
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SAM at the Pike featuring The Olms
This is the other, more music-oriented festival of the day. If Rumble on Pine is grease-slapping rock & roll and tattooed girls with Bettie Page bangs, this particular Summer and Music event—SAM at the Pike—is its jangly, indie, shaggy-haired opposite. The Olms headline the show—lead by the critics’ darling Pete Yorn, but the line-up runs deep with The Blank Tapes—a positively charming trio that’ll remind you of a modern-day west coast Velvet Underground. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the performances at this one—possibly the sleeper hit of the summer.
Where: The Pike, Shoreline Drive and Aquarium Way (Just south of the Laugh Factory)
When: Saturday, July 20, 4PM-8PM
Website: summerandmusic.com
Admission: Free
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Cadillac Tramps
Couldn’t make Rumble on Pine? Was it too hot? Gave up when you couldn’t find parking? Never worked off that Friday night hangover? You’re in luck—The Cadillac Tramps are headlining the official after party one street east at is at MADhaus. The Tramps go on late, but get there when doors open—Dirty Black Summer’s opening (they’re an all-girl Danzig/Misfits tribute band) along with Bastard Wino. I know nothing about Bastard Wino, but how can you go wrong with a band named Bastard Wino?
Where: MADhaus Art Gallery, 624 Pacific Ave., (323) 428-7411
When: Saturday, July 20, 6:30PM-10:30PM
Website:www.facebook.com/events/458770250884957
Admission: $15
What else?: Also, a “Sexy Pin-Up Girl Fashion Show.” I’m not sure why they use the word “sexy”—I just assume pin-up girl fashion shows will be sexy.
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World Series of Beach Volleyball
This is it—the granddaddy of beach volleyball—the aptly named World Series of Beach Volleyball. The weeklong tournament is a pro final, but unlike most other sporting events of this caliber, it’s also open to walk-up amateurs. Everyone competes in 4-person co-ed or 6-person at all skill levels. There’ll be lots of music (national bands and DJs), international food, booze and bikini contests—a perfect storm for Long Beach funsters. Be careful though—NBC Sports will be broadcasting all week—do you really want to get caught drunkenly reenacting the volleyball scene from Top Gun in front of a national audience? Playing with the Boys, indeed.
Where: Marina Green, 386 E Shoreline Dr., (562) 570-3236
When: Monday, July 22 – Sunday, July 28 (Matches start at various times.)
Website:wsobv.com
Admission: Free general admission, VIP $50 and up
What else?: Seating is on a first come, first serve basis. Get there early or stand in the hot sand all day.