Arts & Entertainment

Rock Rebellion Crashes Pike’s Bar

On Sunday, July 13, 4-7 p.m., four bands from the San Gabriel Valley – Fallen Angel, Sister Sister, The Sweet Unknown and The Rose Hooligans – will take the stage at Pike’s Bar and Restaurant, 1836 E. 4th St., in a free performance for all ages.

Most of these musicians are still in middle school and already they’re performing like lifers. The Rose Hooligans, all 15 and older, are the veterans of the bunch, playing with the fire and swagger of a band that knows exactly what it’s about.

This isn’t some weekend talent show. These kids aren’t riding trends – they’re creating something real. They came from garages and basements and backyard sheds, trading screen time for stage time. They’ve found their voices and they’re turning them all the way up.

Fallen Angel sounds like the Smashing Pumpkins if they grew up under SGV streetlights – melodic, moody and muscular.

Sister Sister, made up of two sets of sisters, delivers soaring harmonies with sharp, emotional edge. Their version of The Cranberries’ “Linger” is a change-of-pace show-stopper – tender, deliberate and deeply felt.

The Sweet Unknown spins from menace to melody and back again – part Iggy Pop, part Cure, all power.

The Rose Hooligans come in fast, tight and loud, with a sound that feels punk in spirit and precise in execution.

And Pike’s Bar is the perfect place for it. A neighborhood dive with just the right mix of grit and charm. The burgers have names. The lobster chimichanga is a legend. There’s a full non-alcoholic selection and vegan options for the kids with dietary convictions. It’s a place where toddlers wear earmuffs, middle schoolers tune guitars on the floor and parents split fries while nervously eyeing the setlist.

Instrument Petting Zoo

Long Beach Symphony continues its mission of music education and community enrichment through its Instrument Petting Zoo, a unique and interactive experience that introduces children to the joy of live music – one instrument at a time.

Designed to inspire curiosity and creativity, the Instrument Petting Zoo allows children to get up close and personal with orchestral instruments such as violins, trumpets, flutes and percussion. Children are invited to touch, hold and even play real instruments, sparking what could become a lifelong appreciation for music.

Each year, the program serves more than 2,000 children across the greater Long Beach area, with visits to libraries and public events. The program also plays a vital role in the Symphony’s broader community and education initiatives, including its RuMBa Foundation Family Concerts in September and June, which are dedicated to making music accessible and engaging for youth from all backgrounds.

“The Instrument Petting Zoo is more than just a fun activity – it’s a powerful tool for connection and discovery,” said Kelly Ruggirello, President of Long Beach Symphony. “We see the joy in young faces when they produce their first note or feel the vibration of the strings. That moment can open doors to a lifetime of musical exploration.”

This summer, Long Beach Symphony will be bringing its Petting Zoo to over 17 locations. For more information, visit LongBeachSymphony.org/instrument-petting-zoo

Classic Comedy Comes to Bixby Knolls

The Long Beach Shakespeare Company (LBSC) announced its upcoming production of William Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing,” a timeless comedy of love and mischief. The production will run from July 18 through Aug. 3, with performances July 18, 19, 25, 26, 31 and Aug. 2 at 8 p.m. Weekend performances July 20, 26, 27 and Aug. 3 are at 2 p.m.

This beloved play – often considered Shakespeare’s original rom-com – promises an enchanting summer experience filled with witty wordplay, romance and plenty of laughs. For those unfamiliar with the work, “Much Ado About Nothing” is a lively tale of courtship, rumor and hilarious trickery. The story centers on the scandal involving young Hero and her suitor Claudio, as well as the “merry war” of words between the sharp-tongued Beatrice and the confirmed bachelor Benedick. In true Shakespearean fashion, misunderstandings and masquerades abound – but ultimately, love triumphs overall. Audiences can expect to be swept up in a whirlwind of clever banter and comedic chaos before the play’s heartfelt resolution.

LBSC’s staging of Much Ado About Nothing will blend a fresh, playful energy with the company’s classic approach to Shakespeare. “We can’t wait to share this classic comedy with our community,” said Holly Leveque, Artistic Director of LBSC. “Much Ado is one of Shakespeare’s most charming comedies – it’s witty, fun and full of heart. Whether you’re a Shakespeare enthusiast or a newcomer, this show will have something for everyone.” The intimate Helen Borgers Theatre venue puts audiences close to the action, allowing every sly grin, dramatic gasp and heartfelt moment to shine. In keeping with LBSC’s mission to entertain and inspire audiences with the power of the classics.

As with all LBSC productions, “Much Ado About Nothing” showcases local talent on stage. The cast features a mix of seasoned professionals and emerging performers from the Long Beach area, staying true to the company’s commitment to nurturing local artists. After more than three decades in operation, LBSC remains the city’s only year-round classical theater company and it continues to make Shakespeare accessible and engaging for the community. This summer’s production of Much Ado is a testament to that legacy, inviting theatergoers of all ages to enjoy a classic story told with a decidedly Long Beach flair.

For tickets and additional information, call the box office at (562) 997-1494 or visit LBShakespeare.org. Don’t miss the chance to laugh and fall in love alongside some of literature’s most iconic characters. All performances take place at the Helen Borgers Theatre (4250 Atlantic Ave.), with tickets available through lbshakespeare.org.