Thurs/Jan 20
All these months later, are you still depressed? Feel like nothing matters? Decided to start a blog and instantly go after whichever faction of Democrat (DLC/far-left-wing) you ain't, bringing our unprecedented unity to a halt as screeching as Barbara Boxer's voice? (No, seriously, what is with the in-fighting on the blogs? Is it fucking possible to blame the Republicans and not to blame each other?) Well, do something about it (or at least feel like you did). Join the Patrick Henry Democratic Club, Orange County Peace Coalitionand maybe even members of the Weekly staff to protest the Bush inauguration with speeches and a march for democracy, 11 a.m. Ronald Reagan Courthouse, 411 W. Fourth St., Santa Ana, www.patrickhenrythinktank.org.
Fri
Jesus got you down? Then join Satan's favorite son, Johnny Jones, along with his Suffering Halos, as they play the world's most perfect love songs. Oh, and really loud songs about junkies. With All Day, Chris Paul Overall and Thinking Aloud. 9 p.m. 21+. Blue Caf, 210 The Promenade N., Long Beach, (562) 983-7111; www.thebluecafe.com.
Sat
Hey, you know what sucks? NAMM—the National Association of Music Merchants' extra-double-plus-lame trade show. Geeks abound, and if you're a girl everybody will ignore you and not let you play their pretty guitars. You know what doesn't suck? A NAMM Industry Party with Lee Rocker and the Road Kings (with Jesse Dayton) at the one and only Doll Hut. 9 p.m. $15 ($10 presale). 21+. Doll Hut, 107 S. Adams St., Anaheim, (714) 533-1286;
www.dollhut.com.
Sun
Hey, is that Freedom Rock, man? Well turn it up! Eric Burdon N the Animals play at the Galaxy. That's pretty freakin' cool; almost as cool as the best show I've ever seen (ever), when Washburn took me to the Galaxy to see Ray Davies. That was a serious show, and I'm still sorry I embarrassed him by shouting for “Come Dancing” during a really intimate talking part. So. Eric Burdon. Cool. But, dude? You're just as famous as “Eric Burdon” as you are “Eric Burdon and the Animals.” So since you're the only original member, why don't you just ditch the tag? It's not like Ray Davies and his band of not-a-single-other-Kink played as Ray Davies and the Kinks. Okay, good. With Mountain; Mama Haglin. 8 p.m. $29.50. All ages. Galaxy Concert Theatre, 3503 S. Harbor Blvd., Santa Ana, (714) 957-0600; www.galaxytheatre.com.
Mon
You know where's a good place to eat meat? The District. I'm not huge on their salads (it's like going to Iowa for sushi), but every meat dish is a dish of meat. Take the macaroni and cheese, par example. There it is, all yummy and cheesy, served on a bed of loose, sweet meat. And the chili? Dave “Chairman” Mau, who's in charge of the kitchen, knows a thing or two about that. Also, there might be a brawl. Dinner served 5-10 p.m. The District, 223 W. Chapman Ave., Orange, (714) 639-7777.
Tues
Do you want to know what my homegirl Arrissia, authoress of our fabulous Special Events listings, has to say about the Judge Learned Hand Awards? “Who wants to watch a bunch of lawyers pat each other on the back? I have a feeling maybe Commie Girl.” That's how well my homegirl Arrissia knows me! I love this shit! And she continues, so I don't have to. “And maybe you. You never know, you two might hit it off. You can gaze into each other's eyes as the Orange County Chapter of the American Jewish Committeepresents very important and prestigious awards to three Orange County attorneys [. . .] who exemplify the thoughtful and humane spirit of Judge Learned Hand. Sounds like things are going to get steamy.”
No, you're a slut! 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Irvine Marriott Hotel, 18000 Von Karman, Irvine, (949) 660-8525; www.ajc.org.
Wed
What's the matter with Kansas? Thomas Frank broadens the question into the equally mystifying What's the Matter with America? Class War and Culture in the New Administration. Come on. You know you love it. 6 p.m. UC Irvine's Monarch Bay Student Center, University N Campus drs., Irvine, (949) 824-6503.
Thurs/Jan 27
Do you want to tour two pirate ships? No? Well, you're going to anyway! Come and try on the Hawaiian Chieftan and Lady Washington, which was featured in the movie Pirates of the Caribbean. That sounds fun. Super, super fun. Um, matey. (Shoot me now.) 4-6 p.m. $2-$8. Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, 151 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, (800) 200-5239; www.nhnm.org.
