This Friday is The Killers vs. Arctic Monkeys Night at Club Underground. Both floors of Grand Star Jazz Club will be open with Larry G. and I in the DJ booths all night. Party starts at 9:30 p.m. and it’s 21+. Get your tickets now on Eventbrite or Dice.
Been bogged down with work for the past few weeks and am exciting to get out into the real world and away from my laptop (maybe) this weekend. Fortunately, there’s a lot of really cool concerts, DJ nights and movie screenings happening in Los Angeles this weekend and early next week. Keep reading for my recommendations.
Concerts
I’m going to assume some of you reading this will be seeing Eartheater at Hollywood Forever on Thursday night, since all three shows are sold out, but if you aren’t, and want to catch some live music, head to the Viper Room for the full band debut of Sonica. I DJed a couple of Olya Sonica’s shows at Hotel Ziggy last year and am excited to hear what’s next. Definitely worth checking out if you’re into rock with a ‘70s glam-meets-‘90s Britpop kick.
For those who are on the Westside this weekend, or if you’re willing to sit in traffic to hang out somewhere with an ocean breeze, Los Lobos is playing a free show at Burton Chace Park in Marina del Rey on Saturday, July 18, at 7 p.m. On Sunday, Bob Moses and Canons are playing Hollywood Bowl and it looks like there are still some tickets available.
The show I’m most looking forward to seeing, though, is happening on Wednesday, July 22. Moviola released a fantastic album last year, Earthbound, and their song “Slage Wave” (see the video above) became one of my favorite political songs of 2025.The band has been around since the 1990s, but their only going on their first West Coast tour now and on Wednesday, they’ll be playing at The Escondite. It’s a free show. I have no idea what the set times are, but you shouldn’t miss this one. Stay out late. You can do it.
Dance Clubs/DJ Events
Have you ever wanted to learn how to DJ? If so, there’s a cool, free workshop happening on Saturday, July 18. I don’t normally recommend how-to-DJ kind of programs for reasons, but this one I would trust because it’s at Leiminspace, the art gallery in Chinatown where we held the Monday Nights exhibition last year, and they are super cool people. Plus, one of the hosts is my pal Initial Rhi, who is a fantastic DJ. Plus, it’s a Rekordbox workshop and that’s the program that I recommend. The workshop is from 5 – 9 p.m. Check the Instagram flyer for signups.
Sunday, July 19, is the World Cup final and Copa del Rave is heading to Los Angeles State Historic Park for a watch party with DJs Awsumo, DIMA, Pangea Sound, Ronald and special guests. RSVP for the free tickets, but, as of writing this, it looks like they’re going fast. ¡Vamos España!
Also happening on July 19 is Sunday Sessions at Gloria Molina Grand Park, which is a day party series that the park throws every summer. (I played last year and it’s a ton of fun.) This Sunday’s edition is with Baile World and features DJs CQUESTT, Spiñorita, Dos Flakos and Josh Peace. Party starts at 3 p.m. and goes until 8 p.m., so you can head down after the World Cup.
Movies
The Greystone in the Movies series at Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills is screening Phantom of the Paradise on Thursday, July 16, and Paul Williams will be in the house. If you’re a mega-fan of the Brian de Palma film, and I know some of you are, then you won’t want to miss this.
Robert Rodriguez will be at the Academy Museum all weekend. Saturday, July 18, is a 30th anniversary screening of From Dusk Till Dawn with a performance from his Chingon Band. The following day is a 25th anniversary of Spy Kids with The Rodriguez Family Spy Band playing live. Both screenings are kinda sold out, but check on the day of the event to see if more are released or arrive early for standby tickets, which are first come, first served.
While it’s not a screening, the Twin Peaks lecture series at Philosophical Research Society continues on Wednesday, July 22, and it’s also a Laura Palmer birthday celebration.
At Alamo Drafthouse on Wednesday, Einstürzende Neubauten: Liebeslieder is screening as part of the Weird Wednesday series. I haven’t seen this 1992 film, but have heard about it and it sounds pretty interesting. It was co-directed by Klaus Maeck, of the incredibly wild 1984 German sci-fi film Decoder. The screening is at 6:45 p.m.
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 Beatique Mix for July, 2026, featuring music from Madonna, Tomora, Basement Jaxx, Saint Etienne and more.
Read more:
Moviola Captures the Difficulty and Absurdity of American Life on ‘Earthbound’
Best of 2025: The Year in Political Songs
Decoder Is the Punk Sci-Fi Film, and Soundtrack, You Need in Your Life
Phantom of the Paradise Is the ’70s Rock Musical You Need to See