Laugh, Rage and Dance Outside the LAPC

Playing poker in Los Angeles at the start of the year usually means grinding out tournaments that stretch from January in to March. Playing day in and day out against the same pool of players adds to the monotony of the tournament grind.

Contrary to some arguments, Los Angeles is rich in culture with plenty of concerts, events and even masked Mexican wrestlers performing a burlesque and comedy show. A night out on the town is a good downswing buster and you should a story or two if you get away to any of the following events.

Music

Talib Kweli, Thursday Jan 19
The Seven Tour checks into the Belasco Theater for $25 with special guests Styles P and K’Valentine.

Prophets of Rage and Friends Anti-Inaugural Ball, Friday Jan 20th
Legendary rappers Chuck D and B-Real teamed with DJ Lord to join the band of Rage Against the Machine in reaction to 2016’s Presidential election. The Teragram Ballroom hosts a show running counter to Trump’s Inauguration which includes appearances from Audioslace, Vic Mensa and Tenacious D’s Jack Black.

Tiesto, Friday Jan 20
If revolution through a rap/metal hybrid doesn’t sound like a relaxing evening of partying, then a bit of Vegas can be found at the Create Nightclub with Tiesto and other DJs spinning deep into the night.

Run the Jewels, Wednesday Feb 1
Fresh of the release of their third studio album, “Run the Jewels 3”, the group is on their “Run the World Tour”. The show at the Shrine Expo Hall in LA is one of five in California – San Diego, San Jose, Oakland and Arcata – should a longer mental health break be needed for a road trip.

Sting, Thursday Feb 9
The iconic performer’s worldwide “57th & 9th Tour” is in support of a new album of the same name and a box set featuring eight of his solo studio albums. The historic Hollywood Palladium is the perfect setting for a setlist which spans five decades.

Richard Cheese & Lounge Against the Machine, Saturday Feb 25
The dirtiest, greasiest (charming) lounge singer of all time, Richard Cheese, turns music’s biggest hits upside down in a way only he can and performs at the El Rey Theatre – a truly, one of a kind experience.

Comedy

Dave Chappelle, Thursday Jan 19
Many consider Dave Chappelle simply the best comic of his generation. He’s been known to riff for hours, recently returned to the spotlight with a stand up tour and hosted Saturday Night Live. He’ll be at Club Bhaia with special guests opening the evening.

Bill Burr, Monday Jan 30
Bill Burr as a younger, angrier Louis C.K. whose humor comes from a being a brash Irish guy from Boston. He hosts a hugely popular podcast and he’s performing at Largo at the Coronet for an evening.

Patton Oswalt, Sunday Feb 12
Patton Oswalt returned to comedy following the surprise passing of his late wife and an Emmy win. He’ll be on stage at Largo at the Coronet as he’s one of comedy’s hardest working actors with 116 actor credits on IMBD.

Lucha Vavoom, Wednesday Feb 8 & 9
“Where authentic Masked Mexican wrestling, striptease and comedy collide.” – the tagline of Lucha Voom describes it better than anyone could. Two nights of insane action will pack out the Mayan Theatre for a card they’re calling “Twisted Valentine” is a can’t miss night you’ll never find anywhere else.