Musical Events of the Week: Katey Sagal, Karen O and Brian Wilson

Katey Sagal and The Reluctant Apostles play The Mint May 1 and May 2 - Courtesy image

By JOHN DALY

Katey Sagal and The Reluctant Apostles at The Mint, Karen O and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs at Just Like Heaven Festival and Bob Weir, Brian Wilson and Willie Nelson at Beachlife Festival start off the month of May with great music.

“Sons of Anarchy” fans won’t be disappointed when they see the core of the show’s musical heart at The Mint Wednesday and Thursday. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs are joined by a host of other  bands from the turn of the new century in Long Beach at the Just Like Heaven Fest. In Redondo, rock royalty takes the stage as Bob Weir, Brian Wilson and Willie Nelson headline the BeachLife Festival.

The Reluctant Apostles play The Mint May 1 and May 2 – Photo by Donna Balancia

Katey Sagal and The Reluctant Apostles at The Mint 

Katey Sagal and The Reluctant Apostles perform their great rock cover tunes at The Mint May 1 and May 2.

The band is comprised of some heavy hitters with Billy Harvey on guitar (Patty Griffin); Michael Urbano on drums (Cracker, Sheryl Crow, James Williamson); Davey Faragher on bass (Elvis Costello); Phil Shenale on keys (Tori Amos, Jane’s Addiction); Bob Thiele on guitar and vocals (Bonnie Raitt, Ray Charles) and of course Katey on lead vocals, guitar and tambourine (Bette Midler, “Sons of Anarchy”).

Sagal is known for her TV and film work but is devoted to the Apostles. Her voice is truly unique and she has a powerful and emotive delivery on covers of well-known songs including those from the Grateful Dead, Tommy James and the Shondells and Cliff Nobles among others. Their self-titled album is one for the collection. 

Wednesday openers for The Reluctant Apostles are Annika Bennett feat. Taylor Mackall and Greg Antista and The Lonely Streets; Thursday opener is Caleb Henry. The shows are presented by California Rocker.

Wednesday tickets

Thursday tickets

Karen O goes up to the rail and offers people a chance to sing - Photo © 2018 Donna Balancia
Karen O goes up to the rail and offers people a chance to sing – Photo © 2018 Donna Balancia

Just Like Heaven Festival

Do you ever feel like going back to the “oughts” fka the early 2000s when the music was carefree and life was beautiful? Well the Just Like Heaven Fest features some of the beloved bands of almost 20 years ago, all of whom are going strong. 

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs featuring colorful front woman Karen O, Miike Snow, MGMT and Tokyo Police Club are among those coming together for two days at the Queen Mary Park in Long Beach Friday and Saturday.

Saturday is sold out but tickets are still available for Friday 

BeachLife Festival

The inaugural BeachLife Fest brings the best of Americana Rock to Redondo Beach with outstanding headliners Bob Weir, Brian Wilson and Willie Nelson. It’s the first time for a music fest of this size to hit the Redondo Park and the only music fest of its size at an LA-area beach. 

Blending the SoCal loves of surfing and music, this fest promises some great sound waves. On Friday the lineup includes Bruce Hornsby, Slightly Stoopid, Steel Pulse and headliner Bob Weir; on Saturday it’s Chevy Metal, Berlin, Dawes, Jason Mraz and headliner Brian Wilson and on Sunday it’s Colin Hay, Grace Potter and headliner Willie Nelson.

Tickets are available here.