Story and photos by Alan Clift (SmartShotImages.com)
Lew Abramson, Brixton’s new operations manager, has injected new energy into the Redondo pier’s Brixton South Bay, judging from the line-up and capacity crowd on Friday night.
Dale Bozzio’s Missing Persons, the headline act, reminded old fans and demonstrated to new fans why her groundbreaking, mid-80’s MTV videos made her a star, especially in LA. Her “Words,” “Walking in LA,” and “Destination Unknown” sounded as strong today as when they were first recorded in 1984.
The evening opened with State of Grace, a tight, crowd-pleasing indie rock band.
Next up was the Bixby Dicks, a local garage band featuring brothers Mark and Derek Levy, fellow paddleboarders Mike Lee, Jim Cowherd and Miles Pritzkat and computer whiz Lee Hudspeth. They didn’t start taking themselves seriously until their fans did, and now they fill rooms all over the beach cities with the late ‘80s sounds they and their fans grew up with.
The atmosphere in the room underwent a sea change when The Eli James Experience took over with a solo drum performance worthy of Tommy Lee. Anybody who’s ever sat on the edge of their bed, cranked up the tunes and played the air drums till they’re bodies ached would have felt inspired.
In addition to providing a great Friday night line-up, Abramson deserves credit for a spirited and efficient bar staff that actually poured a good drink. ER
