NEWS

Tired of the same old cover bands running through the same old tired sets? Monday, August 2 the House of Blues Sunset Strip shakes things up when they kick off their new weekly residency with Rock Sugar. Performing live mashups of your favorite classic rock and metal tunes, this is The Strip’s new Monday night destination. Doors open at 9 p.m. $5 show, $5 drinks and $5 beers. www.hob.com

Tuesday, August 3 the Viper Room continues their recession-friendly summer series It’s Free F*ckers. This week the spunky femme fatale fronted Some Hear Explosions take the stage along with Sage, Lovers Drugs and Satellite Crush. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and as the name states, it’s FREE FREE FREE! www.viperroom.com

The Comedy Store presents 16 Headlining Comics on Wednesday, August 4. This weekly laugh riot delivers exactly what’s promised: national headliners at a cost of less than a dollar per comic. Doors open at 9 p.m. Tickets are $15. The Comedy Store is ages 21 and older. www.thecomedystore.com Before settling in for a night of comedy, make sure you take advantage of Mass Happy Hour, offering extended happy hours and $4 Sunset Strip cocktails at participating businesses! www.thesunsetstrip.com/masshappyhour

PICK OF THE WEEK: Rock and roll storms the Viper Room when Lady Sinatra, The Binges and The Glory Stompers blow the speakers on Thursday, August 5. These three top-notch locals will have your pulse racing with their frenetic aggression. Those with a weak stomach be warned, one of these bands has been known to manifest their rage with a staple gun. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10. www.viperroom.com

Friday, August 6 the Key Club presents hip-hop legends The Pharcyde. Complete with a live band, the South Central born veterans will be dropping the groundbreaking beats that countless artists have stolen and sampled. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets are $28 - $30. www.keyclub.com

Saturday, August 7 deviantArt presents dA’s 10th BirthdAy Bash at House of Blues Sunset Strip. The 11 million member strong online art community gathers to celebrate ten years of exhibits and discussions with an entire days worth of tutorials, seminars, and of course art showcases. Don’t miss this multidimensional artstravaganza. Doors open at 3 p.m. Tickets are $14.50.  For a complete schedule of events, check out www.deviantart.com
www.hob.com  

Stop by the recently upgraded Cat Club on Sunday, August 8 for the budget friendly Pitcher Perfect Sundays! As the name suggests, this Sunday staple includes discounted pitchers of beer and live music. Kick back on the Cat Club’s renovated back patio or sit stage-side catching every last note. Admission is free! www.thecatclubonsunset.com

--Brent X Mendoza