BUZZ CLUBS
L.A. clubs will take no chances
The scene is still recovering from last week’s devastating news from Rhode Island. It seems inconceivable so many people could have perished when their sole intent was to have a good time. Rock ‘n’ roll has made a strong comeback in L.A., and with it came a lot of fire and flash. No mas. I spoke with multiple venue owners, and each said there would be no pyrotechnics without the fire marshal present and permits pulled. Some are banning all fire effects.... Speaking of fireworks, the rock band Betty Blowtorch, which routinely used blowtorches in its live show before singer Bianca Halstead died in an auto accident last year, just completed a much-anticipated documentary.
Stripes in advance
Although tons of fun happened last week, including the opening of the new Hollywood hotspot White Lotus, Beauty Bar’s third anniversary bash and the sexy New York band Interpol’s two-night stay at the Henry Fonda Theatre, clubbers have had a tough time shaking out the sadness. The good news is that Hollywood rockers are a tough breed and they live to rock. So here are some hot tips: DJ Roky Manson scored an advance of the new White Stripes record, and he’s playing it tonight at King King club in Hollywood. Also performing are the bands Alternator, Maxeen and Critter Jones.... Next chance to see the hot young band the American Dream is March 8 at Hoagie Barmichaels in Irvine. A mash-up of Aussie flavor (lead guitarist Stress is from Down Under) and O.C. attitude, (sexy singer Stevie Sheely is from Huntington Beach), the American Dream is dreamy.... Rocker Coyote Shivers glammed up the Viper Room last week. Shivers debuted his new drummer Kevin Haskins (Bauhaus, Love ‘n’ Rockets) to an audience that included Guns N’ Roses and Cult drummer Matt Sorum. Check out Shivers again at the Viper Room on March 31. And the Scotland band Driveblind hits the Viper on March 7.... The club Hot Pants returns to Mr. T’s Bowl in Highland Park with its second annual “Melting Pot” festival. Five bucks will get you 12 bands, including the always fabulous Kids of Widney High, featuring special education students who write and perform original songs. Now that’s rock ‘n’ roll.
-- Heidi Siegmund Cuda
