This Friday, May 29, is darkwave night at Club Underground. I’ll be playing from open to close and you can check out this set list from last month’s darkwave night if you want an idea of what you *might* hear on the dance floor. Friday is also the night that Ladytron plays The Novo. For those of you who are going to the concert, stop by Underground afterwards and you can enter for free. Just show your concert ticket at the door. Otherwise, tickets for Underground are available online now and in person at the Grand Star Jazz Club in Chinatown when the doors open at 9:30 p.m.
Tuesday, June 2, is primary election day in California and Cal State L.A. put together a guide to voter guides, which is super helpful if you happen to have a very healthy distrust of everything you’ve read or seen lately. And now for this week’s recommendations.
Concerts
Haley Fohr, aka Circuit Des Yeux, brings a new work, called Wordless Music, to 2220 Arts + Archives on Saturday, May 30. Joining her for this performance is Alan Sparhawk of Low and opening the night is Angel Deradoorian.
Next week, Camera Obscura heads to Los Angeles for two nights at Pacific Electric.Tickets are still available for both Monday, June 1, and Tuesday, June 2. (If you haven’t been to Pacific Electric yet, check out my post about the new Chinatown concert. Venue.)
Also on Tuesday night, The Red Krayola plays Zebulon. It’s the band’s 60th anniversary and this is their only show, so you might not want to miss it if you’re into classic psych.
Movies
There are two super cool film fests/series happening in the coming days. This weekend is UCLA’s Festival of Preservation, where they screen loads of newly restored films in the Billy Wilder Theater at The Hammer Museum. This year’s lot includes silents, film noir, movies from Mexico and Argentina, Fleischer Studios and Terrytoons animation, plus lots more. Screenings are free to attend, so check out the schedule and make plans for the weekend.
Sunday is the start of American Cinematheque’s annual Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair series. This year’s program includes a tribute to Isabelle Huppert, with the actress set to appear at multiple screenings of her films. There are loads of depressing films playing between the Aero, Egyptian and Los Feliz Theatres throughout next week. Unfortunately, a lot of the screenings are already sold out, but, there are a few that still have seats available, so check out the schedule.
Liz O. is an L.A.-based writer and DJ. Follow on Instagram or sign up for the weekly, Beatique newsletter for updates on new stories and gigs.
Listen to the May 2026 edition of Beatique, featuring music from Sextile, Fcukers, Kneecap, Dry Cleaning, Fontaines D.C. and more.
Keep Reading:
Imagine Peace with Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind at The Broad
New Kneecap, Ladytron + More of What You Heard Upstairs at Underground
My First Trip to New, Chinatown Concert Venue Pacific Electric