Get Into the LA Groove: May 6-21, 2024
The Best Los Angeles Nightclub Events
This week’s big ticket event is Cruel World, the one-day festival that brings together classic alternative artists with the new stars of the underground. This year, Duran Duran, Interpol and the Jesus and Mary Chain are amongst the longtime fan-favorites heading to Brookside at the Rose Bowl. Joining them are darkwave club favorites TR/ST, French Police and Nuovo Testament. For those who want to dance, the festival also boasts Club Doom with a DJ lineup that includes Veronica Vasicka, of the record label Minimal Wave, and synthpop artist Riki. Check Cruel World’s website for the full lineup. There are still some General Admission tickets available, although there is a waiting list for other ticket tiers.
Whether or not you’re heading to Cruel World, there will be pre- and post-festival events happening Thursday through Saturday night at local venues. But, Cruel World isn’t the only show in town. Carl Cox is bringing his Purple Party to LA, All Day I Dream returns with a bash at Pershing Square and turntablist icons Cut Chemist and Mix Master Mike both head to Venice. Keep reading for the details on these and more happening in LA between May 6 and May 12.
Teini-Pää - Zebulon (May 6)
Finnish band Teini-Pää stop by Frogtown favorite Zebulon on Monday night, where they will be playing alongside Lisa Marr, of the beloved 1990s indie pop outfit cub. Spinning tunes throughout the night are DJs from LA’s popular non-profit punk ‘zine Razorcake. Tickets on sale at Dice.
Tuesicals: Showtunes Night - Precinct DTLA (May 7)
Showtunes take the center stage at Precinct DTLA on the first Tuesday of every month. The event, which is open to all, also includes trivia and a drag show at 11 p.m. and this month’s special guest is Drag Race alum Laganja Estranja. There’s no cover, but table reservations will cost about $30.
Lara Sarkissian - Philosophical Research Society (May 7)
Held inside Philosophical Research Society’s lecture room, this intimate event offers the chance to hear cutting-edge electronic music in a historic LA setting. Lara Sarkissian brings together field recordings, dance music influences and traditional Armenian sounds in her work. Also on the bill are sound and visual artist Caroline Partamian and No Translation. Tickets to the all-ages show are on sale at Eventbrite.
BBymutha - The Paramount (May 8)
Rapper BBymutha makes a stop in Los Angeles on Wednesday night for her tour in support of new album, Sleep Paralysis. Catch her at historic Boyle Heights concert venue, The Paramount. Tickets to the all-ages show are on sale at Dice.
Light That! - Scribble (May 9)
Bringing together deaf and hearing folks, Light That! encourages attendees to use American Sign Language or phone notes to communicate at the event, which features light and video installations as well as a burlesque performance. Tickets to the all-ages show are on sale at Dice. Proceeds benefit the Scribble Community Center.
TR/ST + ADULT. - Fonda Theatre (May 9)
TR/ST, a favorite of darkwave club kids, hits the Fonda Theatre on Thursday night with ADULT., the long-running Detroit duo who is revered amongst fans of dark, electronic music. Both TR/ST and ADULT. are set to play Cruel World this weekend, so consider this a pre-party, or a fantastic alternative if you aren’t into festivals.
Cut Chemist - The Venice West (May 9)
Cut Chemist, the master turntablist and founding member of Jurassic 5 and Ozomatli, hits the decks at The Venice West on Thursday night. This is an early event, with doors at 6pm and showtime at 8pm. Tickets on sale at Ticketweb.
Josie Cotton + Jesika Von Rabbit - Harvard & Stone (May 9)
New Waver Josie Cotton, best known for her appearance in the cult classic Valley Girl, headlines Harvard & Stone on Thursday night. Joining her is Joshua Tree darling Jessika von Rabbit. Tickets on sale at Eventbrite.
Cruel World Official Pre-Party - Zebulon (May 10)
Cruel World’s official pre-party is taking place on May 10 at Zebulon. Riki and synthpop duo Body of Light, both of whom will appear at Saturday’s event, are performing live. Club Doom DJs will keep the party going. Tickets on sale at Dice.
Mix Master Mike - The Venice West (May 10)
Mix Master Mike, the turntablist best known for his work with Invisibl Skratch Piklz and his contributions to the now-classic Beastie Boys album, Hello Nasty, plays an early show at The Venice West on Friday night. Doors at 6pm and showtime at 8pm. Tickets at Ticketweb.
Carl Cox: Purple Party - The Spotlight (May 10)
Carl Cox is bringing his funk and disco-fueled Purple Party, a Burning Man hit, to Los Angeles on Friday. Note that The Spotlight has a dress code. Tickets at Dice with table reservations available via email.
Rebirth Brass Band - The Miracle (May 10)
Listen to the sound of New Orleans when Grammy-winning Rebirth Brass Band stops in Los Angeles on May 10. They’ll be playing at Downtown Inglewood’s arts & culture hub, The Miracle. Tickets to the 18+ show are on sale at Dice.
Cruel World Official After Party - Zebulon (May 11)
If you made it through Cruel World with energy to burn, head over to Zebulon for the festival’s official afterparty. Club Doom DJs will be joined by special guests Riki and Body of Light. There’s no cover for this afterparty.
All Day I Dream of Love - Pershing Square (May 11)
Lee Burridge’s popular gathering All Day I Dream of Love returns to Los Angeles on Saturday, May 11. Spend your afternoon and evening with Burridge, Christian Löffler, Tim Green and Sinca at Pershing Square in Downtown LA. Tickets on sale at Dice.
Venice Gets Deep - The Rose Room (May 11)
Marques Wyatt’s Venice Gets Deep party joins forces with Wonderwheel Recordings for a special event celebrating the release of La Misma Fuente, the new album from DJs Yemanjo and Nickodemus, who will be performing for the duration of the event. Tickets at Dice.
Interplanetary Criminal - Avalon (May 11)
Dance music festival HARD teams up with underground party crew Lights Down Low to turn up the bass at Avalon on Saturday night. Interplanetary Criminal headlines the night, which also includes Miami-based INVT, Lake Hills and a back-to-back set from Corey Sizemore and Richie Panic. Table reservations are available through the venue.
Club Cowboy Carter - Echoplex (May 11)
Ladera Hearts is known for fashion-forward theme events, so be sure to dress up for Club Cowboy Carter on Saturday night. Ed Wynn hosts and DJs Rosegawd and Amorphous are bringing the bangers. Tickets on sale at Live Nation.
Arto Lindsay - Zebulon (May 12)
Acclaimed artist, musician and producer Arto Lindsay has worked with everyone from Ryuichi Sakamoto to Animal Collective. Catch him at Zebulon on Sunday, May 12. Opening act TBA. Tickets at Dice.
Everyday People - The Beehive (May 12)
The popular traveling day party Everyday People hits Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon. Head to The Beehive to dance as the sun sets with music provided by DJs mOma, Suga Shay, Kene O., Mode Nads and Rich Knight. Tickets on sale at Dice.