For the Cure fans reading this, The Show of the Lost World opens in multiple theaters in Los Angeles on Thursday, December 11. If news of this has escaped your timeline, The Show of the Lost World is the concert film based on the band’s 2024 performance in London, which is the only time they played their fantastic latest album, Songs of a Lost World, in full. It’s only in theaters for a few days, so get tickets while you can.
My other top recommendation for this weekend is the Depeche Mode Convention, which is happening at Avalon on Sunday, December 14. It’s really the most fun Depeche Mode fan party I’ve attended. There are two rooms with DJs, plus karaoke and giveaways throughout the night. This year Devotional: The Depeche Mode Experience and Faith and Devotion will be playing live and, of course, Richard Blade is the night’s host. A bonus: It’s an all ages event and runs from 6 p.m. until midnight. Tickets are available online, at various L.A.-area stores or at the box office on the day of the event.
As for the rest of the weekend and early next week, keep reading for more recommendations.
Concerts
If you’re in or around Long Beach on Thursday night, head to Alex’s Bar. Double Wish, who I caught opening for Big Black Delta earlier this year, are headlining and they’re terrific live.
Suzanne Ciani, the pioneering synth musician who made the sounds for classic pinball machine Xenon and has released 20+ albums over the years, is performing in quadrophonic sound at First Congregational Church of Los Angeles on Saturday night. That same night, Casey Dienel and Landlady will play Scribble.
On Sunday, December 14, Brainstory, É Arenas and Twin Seas play The Paramount in Boyle Heights. During the week, The Arab Blues, who merge traditional Arabic music and Chicago blues, play 2220 Arts + Archives on Tuesday.
Dance Clubs/DJ events
Before we get started on the club recommendations, I have two gigs later this month to mention. Saturday, December 20, is Klub Nocturno at Catch One, where I’ll be playing in the new wave vs. darkwave room. Tickets are available now on Dice. For New Year’s Eve, I’ll be DJing Club Underground’s party at the Grand Star in Chinatown, where both floors of the club will be open for dancing. Get your tickets as soon as possible. You can find them on Dice right now.
If you want to check out new South Pasadena venue Sid the Cat, Thursday night is a good time to do it. Ty Segall will be DJing in the bar from 5 p.m. until close.
As for this weekend, if you want to dance to the indie jams, head to Club Underground at the Grand Star on Friday night. For your French pop fix, Décadanse is back on Saturday, December 13, at the Grand Star. If you’re looking for darker sounds, Danse-X with residents Mark Label and Unholy is back at the Monty on Saturday night.
For weeknight shenanigans, Princemas is happening on Tuesday, December 16, at Vidiots. Presented by Museum of Home Video, the event includes a DJ, live performances and lots of Prince videos. On Wednesday, December 17, head over to Jungle in Hollywood for Clinic’s annual Ugly Christmas Sweater party, which includes Masha Mar and Heidi Lawden playing back to back this year.
Movies
Chess of the Wind, the 1976 Iranian film that was considered lost for decades and has since been found and restored, is screening at Philosophical Research Society on Thursday, December 11. It looks like tickets are going fast, so get yours if you want to check it out. Also happening at PRS is a screening of L.A. A Queer History on Sunday, December 14 and S/He Is Still Her/e, the Genesis P-Orridge documentary, on Wednesday, December 17.
On Saturday, December 13, Secret Movie Club has a killer double-feature happening at the Million Dollar Theater, albeit it unfortunately early. Barbarella is playing at 10 a.m. and Danger: Diabolik will follow at 1 p.m. Both movies are fantastic. If you’re into mid-century art and design and haven’t seen either film, change that on Saturday. You can get single film tickets or a double feature pass.
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.
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