We’re heading into one of those weekends/weeks where there is too much to do in Los Angeles. It can be overwhelming. Trust me, I know, because I’m also overwhelmed with options, since I’m not DJing at a club this week. (I am, however, playing Halloween tunes with Hoseh on Dublab’s Version Sounds next Tuesday at 4 p.m.) Just narrowing down this list was tough, so keep reading for the highlights.
Concerts
It’s a little bit more of an extravaganza than a concert, but Bob Baker Marionette Theater’s 3rd annual costume ball is Saturday, October 25, and the event will include a live performance from Ora the Molecule, who was featured here on Beatique back in June.
Read: ‘INTERGALACTIC DANCE’ DIVA ORA THE MOLECULE HAS A MESSAGE FOR THE DANCE FLOOR
If you haven’t seen Ora the Molecule’s euphoric live show, and want to support a historic L.A. theater that brings the arts to children of all ages, definitely make plans for this.
Pets is a fantastic East Coast band who just released their debut album, Spiral Question Mark, and they’re playing three shows in L.A. this week. Catch them Friday at Non Plus Ultra, Saturday at Elysian Park or Sunday at Zebulon. And watch out for an interview with the band coming to Beatique next week.
For a Halloween vibe, Ghoul & the Gang, featuring Chaki, Nick Murray, Robin Hatch, Bret Berg, Katie Fern, Andy Moresi and more, play at Canter’s Kibitz Room on Friday night. It’s a free show that starts at “9 ish,” according to the flyer, and costumes are encouraged.
On Monday, October 27, Sophie Ellis-Bextor heads to The Regent Theater. Then, on Tuesday, Miki Berenyi Trio plays The Roxy in support of Tripla, which is a terrific album.
Read: MIKI BERENYI TRIO MAKES DANCE FLOOR-FRIENDLY DREAMPOP ON TRIPLA
I saw Miki Berenyi Trio at The Fonda in 2024 and definitely recommend catching the band live if you haven’t already, especially since this is said to be their last North American tour. Under the Radar has a good write-up the D.C. show that gets into the whole ordeal of tour here right now.
Dance Clubs and Bars
Start the weekend early with a dose of Italo disco on Thursday night. Dancing Therapy is throwing an Italoween bash at Club Tee Gee with resident Colours 87 and guest DJ Tiffany Roth (Midnight Magic).
Club Underground is on at Grand Star Jazz Club this Friday with Larry G. playing the bangers from open to close. (Don’t forget to get your tickets for Club Underground’s Halloween Party on October 31. Both floors of the Grand Star will be open and I’ll be DJing as well.)
Saturday, October 26, is Disko Sa Disco! over at Hello Stranger. This is a night of Filipino disco, funk and jazz DJ sets from Manila Sound and live music from The Workers and Players.
Also happening on Saturday night is Blvckout, a goth night from Club Synth, with Drayk, Virtigo and my old pal Frankie Macchia. It’s happening at The Stowaway and there’s no cover.
On Sunday, over at The Mermaid, Dolce Vita presents Splash with David Christian and Industria Nova will be spinning spooky tunes and Thomas Mellan, will perform a live soundtrack for Nosferatu. Last year, Thomas played an amazing live set of horror film music for Dolce Vita’s Italo Horror Disco, so do try to catch him this year.
Movies
There are far too many killer movie screenings happening around L.A. this weekend. However, I do want to highlight a couple. On Friday, The Wolf House, plays at Philosophical Research Society, with an intro from the filmmakers. Also known as La Casa Lobo, the 2018 Chilean film combines hand-drawn and stop motion animation. It’s a visually wild movie where the aesthetic shifts throughout the film. If you’re a fan of the Brothers Quay or Jan Švankmajer or Phil Tippett, definitely check out The Wolf House.
Also on Friday night, horror comedy classic Elvira Mistress of the Dark screens at Videotheque. The Love Witch heads to the Academy Museum on Saturday with Anna Biller in person. While this is already sold out, check The Academy Museum website on Saturday morning in case standby tickets are released. In Santa Ana, The Frida hosts their 5th Annual Spooktacular, a local filmmaker showcase, on Saturday. When it comes to horror, though, there are a ton in the theaters right now, so check Revival Houses for more options.
As for music films, Dirty Looks and Dais Records present a screening of The Coil Sex Tapes at 2220 Arts + Archives on Saturday night. On Tuesday, October 28, Depeche Mode: M hits the big screen at multiple theaters. I bought tickets for one screening a few days ago and it was very close to sold out at two different theaters, so, if there are still tickets left, act fast.
Cultural Events
On Saturday, both Gloria Molina Grand Park and Olvera Street begin their Dia de los Muertos celebrations, which will continue through November 2. These are the two that I always try to visit at least once and their both definitely worth the trip. The two locations are walking distance from each other, but it’s a bit of a hilly walk, so select your shoes accordingly. Olvera Street has Danza de la Muerte nightly at 6 p.m., with a procession to follow, so, ideally, I would head to Grand Park first and then walk down to Olvera Street for the performance.
Liz O. is an L.A.-based writer and DJ. Read her recently published work and check out her upcoming gigs or listen to the latest Beatique Mix. Follow on Instagram or Bluesky for more updates.
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