Alex’s Bar is one of Long Beach’s prized music venues. A “Y2K” blessing for artists all over Southern California, turning down the suck when established in 2000. Moshing to punk? Skanking to ska? Rocking out to roots, indie, Latin? Good! Dance your heart out and grab a drink as the night begins and the music fills the bar. A beautiful light up patio to smoke and socialize adds to the lively culture brought in by local love.
Local musicians will come showcase their sound and perform at the epic 562 staple, bringing in crowds to engage with all the artists present. Small business vendors and independent creatives often join the festivities and you can find them selling food, handmade pieces of clothing, art, or even more to share.
Photo By Krystal Kozak
Turning It to the Artists
Nick from Frankie and the Witch Fingers shares, “I love Alex’s Bar for many reasons which is why I’ve worked there for so long now, but what I love about it the most is that it’s a cesspool of diversity and truly a dive at heart. Welcoming to everyone who wants to come through — as long as they aren’t an asshole of course. We have punk shows and soul shows, rockabilly and country shows, dance nights, trivia, karaoke, drag shows, benefit shows; and anyone can come…as long as you aren’t an asshole.”
Members from the Sleeperz (Alec, Landon, and Jordan) were also able to answer some of my questions, and let me in on some of the aspects of their music.
How long have you three have been playing together? Landon responds, “We’ve been in a band for five years, but Jordan and I have been playing in bands together for about 6 or 7 years. I met Alec through playing music as well but we were never in a band together before. The band formed in 2019. Our original lead guitar player and best friend Chaz passed away in 2020. Him and I were in a band before Sleeperz and formed this project together after that one fell apart, pretty much.”
I am so glad I have the chance to ask how they keep up with their mental health, especially while on tour. Jordan shares, “I care for my mental health on tour by being as completely present with the people I am with. I think just enjoying the process, and constantly reminding myself that I want to do this…and I am doing it with the people I want to do it with.”
The Local Countdown
Turning down the suck for New Year’s Eve at Alex’s was quite epic, with the Countdown To Chaos that started December 29th, 2023. Frankie and the Witch Fingers had a successful residency at one of the scene’s favorite spots in town, and were joined by nearly a dozen other artists: The Paranoyds, Watt from Pedro (Mike Watt) and Missingmen, Bombón, Spiritual Cramp, OFF!, The Schizophonics, and Expensive $hit (Paul from Osees). Along with local DJs like Boss Harmz, Ryan Baxley, and Caja Magica, whom we can all get to know and love.
God Is Evil playing at Alex’s Bar Photo by Izzy Dier
Even before the countdown to 2024, Fear played at Alex’s Bar with Slaughterhouse, The Rails, and The Sleeperz. Marlon X spun for the Rock Inquisition night; live alternative music was played by God Is Evil, X-Acto, Zodiac, Modern Man, and Pyrrhic. If you’re into turning down the suck, make sure to keep up with the joint and follow the team on Instagram and keep supporting your local artists and the venues that host them!
