The OC Art Blog

Depressed Mood

This past Saturday, after a nice short break from our gardening workshop during mid-day as part of the Little Pharma exhibition at Fringe, I headed out to Little Tokyo for some music. Performing at Cocaine was no other than Finishing School's very own Jason Plapp. He is part of a ukulele Depeche Mode cover band called Depressed Mood. This was the first time they performed live. They played three solid hits, including the one above.

This is such an interesting idea, I hope they will get to perform again. As you know there are tons of Depeche Mode hits, so this could easily become a full live set.

--James

Sparrow Love Crew @ Detroit Bar

If you want something closer to home to do this Thursday night, and you're into good hip-hop, check out the Sparrow Love Crew at Detroit Bar in Costa Mesa. They're somewhat of a regular there. I saw them in L.A., performing at an art opening, and I thought they were quite amazing.

--James

Sam Oak @ Proof

This was probably the best thing going during the Santa Ana Artwalk last night. I was definitely bored with the artwalk this month. My friend and I was about to leave the area when I noticed a poster that said simply "art show" along with a red arrow pointing the way. Following it led me to a bar called Proof.

Sam is the co-curator of a small show inside the bar. But when he said to me that there would be live musical performances I knew I had to stay. Well, actually he told me he was going to perform experimental music. He had me at "experimental."

I chatted up with Sam about Matmos and Phillip K. Dick. My friend recommended Charles De Lint for him to read. Oh, have I told you that Sam is a published writer as well? Just my kind of man.

We saw a great performance by the L.A. band The Magnificent Ambersons. Followed by Sam's performance above.

My apologies for the darkness of the video. It's sort of the nature of being inside a bar I guess. I wanted to shoot some footage of The Magnificent Ambersons performing, but it was way too dark to capture.

--James

The Submarines @ Fingerprints

Since I have been given the permission to post things outside of the visual arts, I am going to test the water a bit here for my inaugural post. I will try not to veer too far from Orange County very much. But for this one we will visit our neighbors in Long Beach.

So here is the rundown. The record store Fingerprints on Second Street is doing a free in-store performance with one of my favorite bands, The Submarines. I recently went to see them perform at The Echo a couple of weeks ago and thoroughly loved them.

The Submarines are real-life couple Jack Dragonetti and Blake Hazard. They have two albums out so far. Their latest, Honeysuckle Weeks, came out back in May. You may have heard their current single, You, Me & The Bourgeoisie, on the radio. They simply create cheery, fun pop music.

The performance is this Friday, July 18th at 7 p.m. You will have to call Fingerprints to RSVP at (562) 433-4996. I am there for sure. So try to spot me.

--James