Reality Awaits, the new album from The Strokes, comes out this Friday, July 24, and you can listen to the whole album with us at Club Underground that night. It’s time for another Strokes Nite at Underground and, this time, it’s a Reality Awaits listening party too. Doors are at 9:30 p.m. and album play starts at 9:45 p.m. Both rooms of Grand Star Jazz Club will be open, with Larry G. and I on the decks. Tickets are available now on Eventbrite and Dice.
As for the rest of this weekend, and early next week, here are my recommendations.
Concerts
For the new wave crowd Howard Jones, Wang Chung, The English Beat and Modern English play the Greek Theatre on Thursday, July 23. Richard Blade hosts the night and, when I checked on Wednesday morning, tickets were available for a very good price. It’s an early show, with a start time of 6:30 p.m. (gates at 5 p.m.).
KCRW Summer Nights heads to Grand Performances at California Plaza on Saturday, July 25, with a free show featuring Mariachi El Bronx and Tijuana Panthers. I saw Mariachi El Bronx at La Cita late last year and they put on an incredible show. Definitely check them out if you haven’t seen them before. You can’t beat the price. Bonus: California Plaza is Metro-adjacent. There are loads of dinner spots nearby and plenty of places to hang after the show (I’d recommend La Cita or Slipper Clutch).
Tuesday, July 28, is the Bad Brains 50th anniversary show at The Regent and tickets are still available. This looks like it will be a fun night. There will be two all-star bands, both featuring Israel Joseph I of Bad Brains, one playing a hardcore set and the other playing a dub set. HR will be a guest of honor. Vernon Read (Living Color), Norwood (Fishbone), Rocky George (Suicidal Tendencies) and Money Mark (Beastie Boys), will be amongst the musicians. Mario C, known for his production work on the Beastie Boys albums Check Your Head, Ill Communication and Hello Nasty, will be the DJ.
Dance Clubs/DJ Nights
Looking for a day party? On Saturday, Deliciosa Cumbia and Vibra take over Somewhere Special (Stile hotel rooftop) on Saturday from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. It’s free with an RSVP and 21+.
If you haven’t been to LP Vinyl Bar before, do try to check it out on Saturday night. It’s a small bar with great sound and an all-vinyl format. (It’s also home to DJ Raul Campos’ collection.) This Saturday, July 25, John Tejada is playing with Cez and there’s no cover.
Movie Screenings
In connection with The Broad’s current exhibition, Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind, 2220 Arts + Archives is screening multiple Yoko Ono films on Sunday, July 26. The screenings start at 2 p.m.
And, on Monday evening, House of Dark Shadows, the 1970 film that reimagines the best known storyline from 1960s/70s soap opera Dark Shadows, will show at the NoHo7.
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:
This Is the Dark Shadows Movie You Should See
Imagine Peace with Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind at The Broad
Mariachi El Bronx Introduces New Songs to Fans at L.A. Bar La Cita