Brian Wilson Presents a 40th Anniversary Tribute to Pet Sounds, November 1, 8pm
Are you interested in enjoying an evening of can’t miss, mega-entertainment? If so, then run, don’t walk (corny but sincere) to pick up a ticket to see this rock god and former leader of The Beach Boys with his terrific backing band.
Arguably the greatest American composer of popular music in the rock era, Brian Wilson is a true genius who has gifted us with classics such as “Good Vibrations,” “In My Room,” “God Only Knows” and “Don’t Worry Baby.” I was lucky enough to have caught Brian the last time he played in Los Angeles and let me tell you, he puts on a great show. You’ll be amazed at just how intricate and gorgeous his many seemingly “simple” harmonies are when performed live.
Expect to dance, clap, laugh and cry. One thing I can guarantee: you won’t be disappointed.
UCLA Live Performance Series, Royce Hall, Westwood, 310.825.2101, www.uclalive.org, $125/ $88/ $68/ $48/ $28 UCLA Students
John Lee Hooker, Jr., October 28, 9:30pm
Without question, being the son of one of the all-time blues greats had to be tough, and attempting to follow in his footsteps, nearly impossible. That said, John Lee Hooker, Jr. has done quite nicely for himself in carving out his own niche.
While Hooker, Jr. is quite capable of reproducing his father’s Delta Blues style, he tends to gravitate to a smoother, more urban approach.
By age eight, he was performing on Detroit’s WJBK radio, and by his teens, was touring with his father. He then went on to record with his dad, and the sky seemed the limit. Unfortunately, things got derailed for Hooker, Jr. as he found himself in a long-standing battle with substance abuse. After much deliberation, he conquered those demons and in 2004 released the Grammy-winning Blues with a Vengeance.
Harvelle’s, 1432 4th St., 310.395.1676, www.harvelles.com, $12
