2 Benefit Shows for a Rockin’ Cause

The quake that rocked and rolled Southlanders out of their beds two weeks ago could be written off as a memory for most Orange County residents, whose only inconvenience was losing a little sleep or having to straighten a picture or replace knickknacks on a shelf.

While it’s easy to avoid the incessant TV coverage on the disaster by escaping to a nightclub or bar, some folks in the local music scene aren’t letting patrons off so easy. Nightclub owners, promoters and bands are trying to shake off the apathy with a pair of concerts next week to benefit the American Red Cross.

Besides putting only a tiny dent in your pocketbook, the shows are a perfect opportunity to check out what’s happening among local alternative bands--all in the name of a good cause. All proceeds from both shows will go to the Red Cross.

First up, on Sunday, the Electric Circus in Anaheim will hold Richter Relief, a marathon charity benefit featuring 21 bands in 11 hours.

Club owner Allen Ornstein organized the event in part because of relatives living in Northridge, the quake’s epicenter, who suffered from the Jan. 17 temblor.

Just $4 gets patrons of all ages a wristband with in-and-out privileges during the 1 p.m. to 2 a.m. concert. Additional money and donations of clothes and canned food will also be accepted. Ornstein estimates the event will draw about 2,000 fans throughout the day; the club holds a maximum of 400 patrons at any one time.

Local performers include Joy Ride, National Peoples Gang, Lidsville, Sol and Bitch Funky Sex Machine. Each band will jam for a 25-minute set.

Local sponsors involved in getting equipment, printing posters and coordinating the show include the county-based Bionic Records chain, Dr. Dream Records in Orange, Band West of Anaheim, Little Caesar’s Pizza and the Nomad Production Co.

Electric Circus will keep its kitchen open throughout the day, serving a menu of burgers, hot wings and other Americana fare.

Richter Relief, Sunday, Feb. 6, at Electric Circus, 314 N. Beach Blvd., Anaheim. (714) 826-9686. Cover is $4. Hours: 1 p.m. to 2 a.m.

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In Huntington Beach, “Shake, Rattle & Rock,” a showcase of live music ranging from rap to blues, will hit Wednesday, courtesy of Club 5902, Lethal Records and club promoters J.P. Productions.

The event will feature Lethal recording artists Rule 62 and Raggabash, in addition to bands not on the Fullerton-based indie label such as Bitch Funky Sex Machine, Back Lash, the Grabbers, Milk N Honey and Manhole. Not to be missed is the last band, Manhole, from Los Angeles, which dishes out a caustic mesh of funk-flavored rock fronted by a hard-core rapping female.

The lineup is hush until the night of the show, according to organizers. A minimum donation of $6.60 is requested, and doors open at 8 p.m.

“Shake, Rattle & Rock,” Wednesday, Feb. 9, at Club 5902 is at 5902 Warner Ave., Huntington Beach. (714) 840-6118. Cover is $6.60. Hours: 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.

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More Club Talk . . .

Tonight and every Thursday night hereafter, the Newport Beach super-club Bacchus becomes Alive, with guest host Bonzo. Live bands will perform weekly, debuting this evening with local favorites, the Shrinky Dinx. The Inside performs acoustic sets through the month in the VIP room, while deejays Scorchman and Ewok spin the vinyl in the dance rooms. This is one night when you can see the Egyptian-themed fantasy club for cheap. Cover is only $5.

Alive at Bacchus, 3505 Via Oporto, Newport Beach. (714) 675-8712. Hours: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Irvine comes out of the closet this weekend with the opening of the Sunday night-only PleasureDome at Metropolis. “Boys will be boys” is the motto, but everyone with an open mind is encouraged to dance the night away, promoters say. D.J. Eddie-X of the Temple in L.A. will spin the tunes. The club and its sushi bar, Octopussy, will open at 7 p.m. Drink specials run from 7 to 9 p.m. Freebies include condoms.

PleasureDome at Metropolis, 4255 Campus Drive, Irvine. (714) 725-0300. Cover is $5 after 8 p.m. Hours: 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.