Music Options Abound on NYE in LB

In the first edition of Tony's Takes, I'm bringing the scoop on New Year's Eve in the Long Beach music scene. Here are my takes on what's crackin, in no particular order.

1) Aquarium of the Pacific's Night Dive features all the trippy bands and local DJs that Prognosis LB brings, and then some.

Fresh off of new music with Innovative Leisure and Beach Goth Fest, Long Beach-based Buttertones (pictured above) are a must-hear. Local artist Mike Becerra is also bringing fresh visual projection art to the theatre in one of the event's many side-spaces. Also, look out for live beats from Chip.Monk of the Grn+Gld crew (they just pressed a fantastic compilation LP, linked below).

On the practical level, the event's typically very well run, but the sound on the main stage often leaves something to be desired for audiophiles like myself, as the building has a lot of echo. Of course, the fact that there's aquarium displays behind the bands can't be beat (unless, of course, you're a sleepy fish).

2) DTLB's outdoor event has epic potential with Cut Copy and Big Data bringing electronic gnosis, and Citizen Cope and NPR favorites St Paul and the Broken Bones bringing pasty soul satisfaction. The real must-see, though, are local favorites Boogaloo Assassins!

We'll see about rain, though, and many of the logistics and food/drink options. DLBA has been pretty quiet on the event page and their website about what to expect. Overall, it could be great, but it's a bit of a risk.

3) There's also a donation-based house show uptown at the Chic Farm with endlessly diverse local bands, including local favorite Bearcoon, punk/trap duo Crimewave 5150 (pictured), and my new favorite rockers, Freeman's Dead. Expect to end up in a patio mosh pit-type scenario, or in a number of interesting conversations.

4) Last but not least, Dengue Fever is bringing a special performance to Alex's Bar, blending elements of Cambodian music with really legit garage / indie rock.

It's also easy to over look the lesser known "psychedelic Cumbia punk" outfit known as Thee Commons, opening the show. They sound great, and will have folks moving and feeling new vibes.

My guess is that, regardless of which event you check out, we're all going to be dancing our way into the new year in Long Beach music!