NEWS

As we emerge from a stormy weekend, it’s the beginning of a new month and another great week of shows on The Sunset Strip. Here’s what’s happening:

Monday, March 1 the Viper Room presents the spacey alt-rock sounds of Costa Nova.  Drawing on a wide range of influences, this fusion rock act is reminiscent of the ambient and jammy feel of bands like Jane’s Addiction and Incubus. Also joining Costa Nova are Puss N Boots, Uriah, Laarks and Theory Of Flight. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door. www.viperroom.com

Get the most value for your funny money at The Comedy Store. Tuesday, March 2 check out 16 Headlining Comics, one of the longest running shows at The Store — and for good reason.  Where else can you experience back-to-back national headliners for about a dollar an act? This week check out Ari Shaffir, a Comedy Store favorite. He’ll have you gasping for breath with his irreverent brand of ethnic humor. Doors open at 9 p.m. and tickets are $15 at the door.  This show is ages 21 and older. www.thecomedystore.com

Wednesday, March 3 do your patriotic duty and head over to Book Soup to learn 50 Ways You Can Help Obama Change America. Michael Huttner and Rick Jacobs will be on hand signing copies of this invaluable resource guide that provides tips on everything from running for local office, to planting a garden, to utilizing social networking tools. Do your part! This event begins at 7 p.m. www.booksoup.com

PICK OF THE WEEK: Thursday, March 4 The Roxy Theatre presents the genre defying beats of alt-hopper K-OS. This Canadian, yeah Canada, who knew, artist blends the best of rap, funk, rock and reggae for a truly unique sound (think The Streets meet OutKast, meet Gnarls Barkley). Also taking the stage: U.N.I. and Audible Mainframe. Doors open at 8 p.m. and tickets are $10 at the door. The Roxy is an all-ages venue. www.theroxyonsunset.com

Friday, March 5 the Key Club presents Chicago-based hip-hop sensation The Cool Kids. The duo is one of a number of successful DIY acts born out of social networking and blog word of mouth. Come see what all the fuss is about as they share the stage with Pac Div, Dom Kennedy and HI Hatts. Doors open at 8 p.m. and tickets are $18. www.keyclub.com

Headbang till it hurts on Saturday, March 6 as The Roxy Theatre hosts The Black Dahlia Murder.  This Midwest ear bleeder will send you into seizures or at least give you a raging migraine with their signature brand of death metal. Also employing way too much double-kick this night, Obscura, Augury and Hatesphere. Party till you puke!  Doors open at 8 p.m. and tickets are $15 at the door. www.theroxyonsunset.com

Saturday and Sunday, March 7 KROQ and the House of Blues Sunset Strip present Rebelution Winter Tour with special guests Soja and Zion I. Blaze it with three of today’s best reggae bands as they jam it out on The Strip. There’s no better way to end a long week. Doors open at 7 p.m. and tickets are $17.50 at the door. This show is ages 18 and older. www.hob.com
 

--Brent X. Mendoza