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There was a lot of talk about the musical moments of the inauguration this week, from Lady Gaga’s rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” (my dad called me to tell me Whitney Houston’s version is still tops for him, but this might be No. 2) to J. Lo working a “Let’s Get Loud” reference into her performance of “This Land Is Your Land” and “America the Beautiful.”
And Claremont’s Ben Harper was part of the celebration, too.
But the thing I heard about the most from my music-loving friends was the reunion of the New Radicals to perform “You Get What You Give.” I appreciate the sentiment behind the selection, but I’ve never been a fan of this one. (I did try to revisit the whole record “Maybe You’ve Been Brainwashed Too” recently after seeing how many of my fellow music nerds were raving about it. Nope, still not for me.)
Anyway, this got me thinking about what ’90s one-hit wonder would I want to get back together for an inauguration? My first thought was Deee-Lite for the dance party that would ensue when “Groove Is in the Heart” came on, but you could argue that “Power of Love” cracked the Billboard Top 100, so they’re technically not a one-hit wonder. Now I’ve decided that in my imaginary dream world I would get the Marvelous 3 (the former power pop alt rock band of the great Butch Walker) back together for “Freak of the Week,” even though that’s actually nowhere near my favorite song from the band.
Anyway, we’ve got some news about Electric Mile, how some local photographers are helping out a beloved music venue and more.
Extended mileage
Insomniac’s Electric Mile drive-thru experience has been so popular that the drive-thru event has been extended through Valentine’s Day.
A welcoming tune
Ben Harper was one of the musicians who gave a musical performance for in the inauguration for the We the People concert. He did so from the Folk Music Center in Claremont, which has been in his family for generations. Columnist David Allen writes more about the performance.
Images of help
Alex’s Bar in Long Beach has played host to some epic shows over the years. With the venue being closed due to the pandemic, some local photographers pulled their favorite images together for a book to benefit the venue. Reporter Richard Guzman has more.
Let’s rock
Lee Rocker, best known for his work with the Stray Cats, took a road trip with his wife and their Airstream trailer over the summer to check in on his parents in New York. That trip inspired Rocker’s new album, out Jan. 22. Reporter Kelli Skye Fadroski has more.
Searching for monsters
The Vandals’ Joe Escalante has a side gig that’s equally entertaining: he’s behind the paranormal travel series “Monsters Across America.” Reporter Kelli Skye Fadroski has more.
Evil fun
If you love the “Evil Dead” movies, here’s a chance to watch the original alongside star Bruce Campbell. Reporter Richard Guzman talked to Campbell about filming the cult classic and more.
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