Dick Dale and Agent Orange, July 13, 9:30pm
When one gets the opportunity to witness a true musical pioneer on a sultry Southern California summer night – and for free, it’s not a bad move to take advantage of such a graciously groovy offering. Dick Dale is probably best known to the modern day masses as the guy who did those cool surf tracks for the classic Quentin Tarentino film, Pulp Fiction, but far more important, he pretty much invented the entire genre. In spite of all those who followed and were influenced by him (Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eddie Van Halen), no one has ever matched his technical prowess as well as the ferocity with which he rips into his songs. The alarming rate at which this guy shreds through both guitar strings and picks is indicative of just this. Come witness the man who started it all. Cowabunga, Dude! Twilight Dance Series, Santa Monica Pier, 310.458.8900, www.twilightdance.org, no cover.
Paul Roessler, Midget Handjob (w/ Keith Morris) and Raymond Pettibon, July 8, 7:30pm
This is a chance to experience an entertaining evening of L.A. indie vets pooling their creative resources in the name of rock and roll and spoken word. Paul Roessler has played with DC3 and Nina Hagen as well as Mike Watt. Keith Morris is the former lead singer of punk gods, Black Flag and Circle Jerks. Midget Handjob (Billy Barty would be so proud!), formed by Morris, is an outlet for several musicians to experience both musical and lyrical freedom. The Midgets have played with such artists as Laurie Anderson, Detox and Lou Reed. Raymond Pettibon is also a former member of Circle Jerks and Black Flag. Additionally, he’s an amazing visual artist who’s worked with Sonic Youth, Minutemen, Foo Fighters as well as many others. See what these rock and roll mutants can muster up for your amusement. Beyond Baroque, 681 Venice Blvd., Venice, 310.822.3006, www.beyondbaroque.org.
