Down & Out in LA: The Viper Room, Beetle House, Dum Dum Fest and What’s Going On This Week
Plus, shout-outs for DIY street journalism, the zine scene and much more
(Photo by backwardzrakker)
DIY Girl Summer
Remember “Hot Girl Summer”? Megan thee Stallion’s sexy seasonal anthem hit the spot as a perfect skimpy dress/scorching temps soundtrack for a couple of years, until it was replaced by Charli xcx’s “Brat Summer” — not a song but a frame of mind, and another shameless celebration of audacious allure and attitude.
Summer Solstice was just last week so it’s time to declare a new definitive jam of the moment, or an artist that captures our cultural mood. Sadly, for a lot of us it’s Doechii’s “Anxiety” (the rap hit that glides over Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know”).
The world is a very stressful place these days. Human rights are being violated daily, families are being torn apart and an egotistical lunatic is leading it all. Tone deaf thirst traps and selfie brags continue to drench social media, of course, but I’m so glad my algorithm serves up both info and promo.
It might be less upsetting to bury our heads in makeup tutorials and goth chick clothing tips and clips, but most of us want to know what’s going on in the world, too. DIY “citizen journalism” as MSNBC recently called it, is all over the web and we should all be grateful for it.
For LA watchdog news, I follow Union del Barrio, VC Defensa, Brown Issues to name a few. And I prefer the term “street journalism,” as these groups are literally on the streets every day, relentlessly and fearlessly using social media in a new way that’s not just about getting people to click over to their websites. Social platforms are being used for real time news reportage now more than ever and though it might be hurting traditional journalism, it’s become vital.
Street Beat: LA Taco, De Los, High Times
LA Taco is also doing great work in the streets and as a former events columnist for the publication, I’m proud to report that they haven’t given up the fight. They recently announced a pivot focusing on social media for on-the-ground-reportage of ICE raids and how they are affecting the immigrant community. I wish them much luck (and lucre) moving forward.
Another shout-out goes out to Jared Muros, an East LA-based fashion content creator known for his hyperactive style spotlighting alternative lewks at events in LA. and beyond. The Boyle Heights native has been covering the protests, raids and the impact both are having in his own backyard and he just got a gig with De Los, the LA Times Latinidad verticle. Check out his latest report on the decreased foot traffic for local vendors in the city.
Last year, I reached out to collaborate with Muros for this Coachella 2024 Style List and I think he was spot-on highlighting monochromatic looks, ageless fashion and western chic, which is bigger than ever thanks to Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter Tour.
One more media news “hit” to hype: High Times is back! Josh Kesselman, founder of RAW Rolling Papers purchased the pub a few weeks ago (along with partner and former 2000s-era co-owner Matt Stang) for $3.5 million. The eccentric entrepreneur is vowing to return the mag to its former glory and it’s exciting to see. The brand had grown as stale as an ashtray roach in recent years, which made no sense considering cannabis culture’s growth; it’s now legal in two dozen states for recreational use.
Josh Kesslman (Photo Courtesy RAW)
The print magazine will launch sometime next year in limited, collectible editions and the digital version will feature cannabis “podcasts, experts and community voices.” They’re also bringing back their Cannabis Cup event series, “with third-party judging and zero pay-to-play involvement,” states the release.
“This is a ‘pinch yourself’ kind of moment for me, just unbelievable," Kesselman shares. “Eighteen-year-old stoner Josh would be in complete disbelief that I get to bring back a piece of history that has played such an important part in culture and impacted so many lives, including my own. This feels like a dream.”
“Business as Usual” at the Viper Room
It was just about a month ago when news came out that 8850 Sunset (the much-maligned redevelopment project on the Sunset Strip that many fear will take out The Viper Room) went into foreclosure. According to WeHo Online, documents show that the default was actually recorded on February 12th, 2025 and the foreclosure proceedings took place on June 17, 2025.
So what now? Well, the situation remains very much in the air, but the good news is, for the time being, one of LA’s best live music venues is rocking on. And if this past month has been any indication, the Viper’s bite remains strong. Just last week, Shooter Jennings had a big Father’s Day/Waylon Jennings birthday bash that included his pop’s unreleased music and original band (Variety’s Chris Willman did a great recap). The venue also had a wild reunion show from 90s rockers Blackboard Jungle recently, featuring an opening set from the cleverly monikered outfit Ringo’s Carr, led by Viper Room GM Tommy Black.
If anybody knows what’s going on the Strip and in the legendary nightclub, it’s Mr. Black, a longtime pal whom I’ve known and covered many times over the years via his bands GoldenState, PaloAlto, Sparkler and Scott Weiland and the Wildabouts. Tommy says “it’s business as usual” at Viper Room right now, mentioning recent events, private parties (a biggie was hosted by Supreme, their Sunset Strip neighbors, last week) and pop-ins from Married with Children’s David Faustino (who joined Black’s band on stage) and the The Bear’s Matty Matheson (who happens to front a rock band called Pigpen) at Shooter’s shindig.
Beetlehouse dinner show with Jack and Sally (Photo by Lina Lecaro)
Bye Bye Beetle House?
While the Viper lives, another popular nightlife locale may not be as lucky. Beetle House, the restaurant and club that hosts horror-themed dinner shows and dance clubs in Hollywood, has been hinting that a trip to the afterlife was coming on its socials and just this week they laid out the full situation:
“ We’re facing some really hard decisions. Whether we close, or move, or take one last shot to save this place… we don’t know yet. How did we get here? The pandemic shut us down for over a year. An investor pulled out, leaving us with a $500,000 hole. A manager stole $60,000 and vanished. Then came the LA fires. Now the immigration crisis that’s devastated hospitality in this city.
We’re not just a restaurant. We’re a restaurant, a bar, a nightclub, dinner theater, and a spooky immersive experience—all rolled into one. And that comes with huge operating costs: $50,000 a week just to break even, $40,000+ monthly rent, $30,000+ weekly payroll. We’ve drained our finances. Borrowed during the pandemic. Pushed as hard as we could for as long as we could. We’re not posting this for sympathy. We’ve never asked for help before—not even during COVID. We’re just tired. As it stands today… Beetle House LA, in its current form, will cease to exist after July.
Could that change? Possibly. Could we get the miracle we need? Possibly.Could this be the end? Also possible. We’re exploring everything: fundraising, private investors, relocating… but right now, we need people in the building spending money if we’re going to survive.”
Go to the Save Beetle House LA: Keep the Spooky Spirit Alive GoFundMe page for the full post and hit up their Burton Rave at the venue tonight to support.
Featured interview: Dum Dum’s Taleen Kali
Speaking of DIY journalism and the local music and club communities— I had a great chat with local zine queen and musician Taleen Kali about all of it. The LA native and creative mind behind Dum Dum zine, Dum Dum Records and Dum Dum Fest III at the Echo this Saturday, just toured with Ringo Deathstarr (not to be confused with Ringo Carr mentioned above) and she’ll be deejaying her third annual extravaganza headlined by Male Tears this Saturday at the Echo. Edited video chat below.
This newsletter is evolving, so please let me know what you like and what could be improved. Do you want more info on events or will flyers and links (see below) for What’s Going On picks suffice? Thanks to all of my subscribers and supporters! Please share this newsletter far and wide!
What’s Going On (June 27-Jul 3)
Click links for more info and to get advance tickets now!
🪩 Lords of Acid at Teragram Ballroom - Fri., June 27
🪩 Sunset People at OR Bar - Fri., June 27
🪩 CALIFORNIA LOVE: An Orchestral Celebration of Dr. Dre at Grand Performances - Sat., June 28
🪩 The Cobalt, Toads and Audioeclectica live band showcase at Hotel Ziggy - Sat., June 27
🪩 Dum Dum Fest 3 at the Echo - Sat., June 27
🪩 Love Connie’s Miss Pop-a-Pill Pageant at Akbar - Sun., June 28
🪩 Summertramp at 411 Hewitt- Sun., June 28
Another great newsletter, Lina! And honestly, I think I like this better (or perhaps in addition to what you do) because I know I'll definitely see your writing every time. Which sometimes didn't happen even happen when you were at The Weekly etc. And same deal with hoping I'll see you sharing something in my Facebook feed or other socials. So easily missed, you know? Anyway, keep up the great work! x Paul
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