Lina LecaroMarch is a lucky month for going out in Los Angeles and it has absolutely nothing to do with St. Paddy’s Day. Our virtually nonexistent winter looks to have jump-started an early, spring fever–ish wave of eccentric events and shindigs you’ll want to check out. From women-driven art gatherings to charitable jam slams to crazy cosplay in the clubs, March is total madness in the best possible way. Here’s your Lina in L.A.–approved top 10 party picks for the month.
UFOs will crash land at MODA Friday night.; Credit: Courtesy of Kate Crash
(UFO) UNDERGROUND FASHION OBJECTS!
Friday, March 4
Art, live music, fashion and freaky self-expression make for an out-of-this-world bash as Kate Crash & UFO Club premiere their new video and play live. Designer Ernie Omega offers a fashion installation, and there will be performances by Dorian Electra, Mood Killer, Ernie Omega and Snatch Power. DJ Baby Beth spins all night. Projections by Ashley Walters with Linda Strawberry. Vendors include Marina Fini, Devo Wevo, Macy Daisy, Seven of Swords, Laney Chantal, Glam Chop, Omega Collektiv and many more. MODA (Museum of Digital Art), 7190 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood. 8 p.m. All ages. $5 suggested donation. More info.
(TEENAGE) LOBOTOMY
Saturday, March 5
L.A. punk legend Pleasant Gehman is in many ways the reason Lina in L.A. does what she does! (She helmed L.A. Weekly’s first nightlife/scene column, “LA Dee Da,” at its inception.) But before the bold names and debauched antics of those writings, there was “Lobotomy: The Brainless Magazine,” which she founded in Hollywood as a teen in spring 1978. Drunken interviews, gossip and iconic pics by photographer Theresa Kereakes of The Cramps, The Ramones, Blondie, Jeffrey Lee Pierce, Billy Idol, Joan Jett, The Germs, Go-Go’s and many more made the zine a seminal treasure. Lethal Amounts celebrates Plez and “Lobotomy” with a rare photo exhibit and party worthy of the bad old days. Lethal Amounts, 1226 W. Seventh St., Westlake. 7-11 p.m. All ages. Free. More info.
More Bowie tributes? Yes, please. (This group seen at the Lethal Amounts–hosted party at Monty Bar in January.); Credit: Levan TK
THE PRETTIEST STAR
Saturday, March 5
It was scheduled right after he died, but the final event we listed on our epic David Bowie celebrations list is finally here and the music tribute has added even more DJs (disclosure: including a set by yours truly at end of the night). Spike's, 7813 Garvey Ave., Rosemead. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. 21 and up. Free. More info.
ROCK AGAINST MS
Thursday, March 9
When rock stars put their egos aside and join forces for a cause, it’s a beautiful thing, ain't it? The fourth annual Rock Against MS returns to the Whisky A Go Go this month with another mega-jam, and surprises are expected. Founded four years ago by publicist Nancy B. Sayle, who herself has multiple sclerosis, the show hopes to raise awareness and funding for a new foundation benefiting those living with the disease. So far some biggies are scheduled: Billy Sheehan (Winery Dogs/Mr. Big), Stephen Perkins (Jane’s Addiction), Pat Torpey (Mr. Big), Rudy Sarzo (Ozzy/Whitesnake), Phil X (Bon Jovi/The Drills), Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake/Night Ranger), Dug Pinnick (Kings X), Phil Buckman (Filter/Fuel), Jeff Scott Soto (Yngwie Malmsteen/Journey) and more. Whiskey A Go Go, 8901 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 8 p.m. $35 and up. Tickets and more info.
The freaks always come out for the California Institute of Abnormal Arts.; Credit: Courtesy of CIA
FREAK SHOW
Saturday, March 12
If you’ve never been to the California Institute of Abnormalarts (CIA), now is the time! It's one of the weirdest and most unusual places in L.A. This “dark comedic variety show” from Tuesday and Cyrus offers a great excuse to check it out: comics, sideshow acts, bands and more. March’s mayhem starts with the drag-queen comedy of Disasterina, followed by wanton wickedness from Lisa Laureta, Amir Kalil, Henrietta Komras, Robbie Goodwin, Cyrus Naderpour, Toby Muresianu, Aida Rodriguez and Rooster Head. Free tours after the show of the CIA's various oddities and attractions. California Institute of Abnormalarts, 11334 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood. 8:15 p.m. $10. More info.
SOIREE D’EVOLUTION
Friday, March 18
Lethal Amounts showcases another female artistic force this month: White Zombie’s Sean Yseult, exhibiting Soiree D’Evolution, a series of “tableaux vivants” documenting a historically inspired secret society that delved into occult and murder, all set in a lavish Garden District mansion of New Orleans, circa 1873. Lethal Amounts, 1226 W. 7th St., Westlake. 8 p.m. Free. More info.
Sinister kitties at Bar Sinister's Alice In Wonderland Tea Party; Credit: Lina Lecaro
ALICE IN WONDERLAND COSTUME TEA PARTY
Saturday, March 19
Falling down the rabbit hole is never sexier than when it’s at Bar Sinister. The darkly decadent dance club hosts its seventh annual Alice in Wonderland costume ball, where one can expect curiouser and curiouser (and creepier and creepier) costumes each year. Bella's Femme Domme Fatale hosts and wonderous performances are promised. Come dressed in themed costume for a discount at the door. Egg hunt, Mad Hatter cocktails and a full-on fairytale environment are promised. Boardner's, 1652 N. Cherokee Ave., Hollywood. 10 p.m. $15. More info.
THE TRAILS OF LI'E
Sunday, March 20
Tonga Hut’s rum-soaked parking lot parties are legendary, and this spring fling at the landmark Valley bar should be no exception. Benefiting the Santa Monica Mountains Mountain Bike Patrol Unit (a nonprofit affiliate of the National Parks Service) with a sale and charity raffle, the shindig offers DJ Tonga Tom Kline outside followed by DJ Lee Joseph (Dionysus Records) inside for a dance party at 7 p.m. Mexican food and killer tiki drinks make for some serious tropical mayhem. Tonga Hut, 12808 Victory Blvd., North Hollywood. 2 p.m. 21 and up. Free. More info.
Das Bunker will rattle more cages and fences.; Credit: Levan TK.
DAS BUNKER OFFICIAL REOPENING NIGHT
Friday, March 25
Last month’s “sneak peek” party at the newly remodeled Catch One (now Union) saw lines down the block (most cloaked in black, of course). So we can’t begin to imagine what it will be like for this “official” Bunker opening bash. Let’s just say Bunker will be bonkers as it establishes its return to the venue for good. As always, industrial, EBM and hard goth fuels this bacchanal thanks to DJs Trauma, Rev. John, J. Short, G. Holger, Franck H-Bomb and The Operative. Live performance by Essaie Pas (DFA Records). Union, 4067 W. Pico Blvd., Arlington Heights. 10 p.m. 21 and up. $5 before 10:30 p.m., $10 after; $7 advance tickets available. More info.
GOLDEN YEARZ
Wednesday, March 30
L.A. might never stop celebrating the Star Man! This encore night of Bowie-dacious sounds plus music that inspired him is spun by LoveyDove's Azalia Snail and Dan West amid the swanky cool environs of the Ace Hotel rooftop. Visions (visuals) by The Mystery Machine and special guest DJ Kilroy Rogers add to the gilded glam and cosmic cool. Ace Hotel, 921 S. Broadway St., downtown. 8 p.m. 21 and up. Free. More info.
More from Lina Lecaro:
Goths, Galleries and Gentrification: The Year in L.A. Nightlife
Everyone From L7 to Nirvana (Yes, That Nirvana) Played '90s DIY Venue Jabberjaw
A Q&A With Gun N' Roses' Duff McKagan
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