Falcon Fest

But the new chatter surrounding the Falcon is all about rock ’n roll. On Wednesday nights, music makers Bosh Berlin of the Living Things and Jay Raygun of the Grand Marquee put on their promoting hats and line-up a rad roster of bands and DJs plucked from the local scene. Music ranges from dissonant to dreamy to Rob Zombie-ish horror rock.

Here’s what you need to know to get in, fit in and find your mojo at this on-the-verge rock party.

 

The buzz: Though the rock night, simply coined “Falcon Wednesdays” is still heating up—and management seems wary of letting its swanky club turn into Spaceland—Berlin and Raygun are connected guys. So far, the caliber of bands and DJs has been delish—Peaches Geldof (in DJ mode), former Black Rebel Motorcycle Club drummer Nick Jago and Luke Paquin, guitarist for Hot Hot Heat, have all played sets.

 

The visuals: Bands set up around 10 p.m. along the back wall of the restaurant’s lounge area, creating a floor-level stage and altering the vibe from Hollywood living room to downtown art space. Hold on to that feeling though, because if the amps get too loud (which they will), the manager pulls the plug (which he did, two songs into local band Stab City’s adreneline-fueled set).

The dress code: With the aforementioned erotic portrait class visible via a huge glass wall from the rockin’ space, there’s a lot going on in terms of style. Lady looks range from Silverlake cool (short-shorts worn with vintage boots and a smirk) and vintage (50s dresses and red lipstick) to graduates of the Cory Kennedy School of Fashion (you know, sexy shlumpy) and, well, pasties. Guys are predictably East Side-looking (or maybe it's not so predictable West of LaBrea?) sporting tight leather jackets, skinny jeans and either Converse All-Stars or swanky British-style boots. And don’t forget the smattering of dad jeans seated in the courtyard below. Wear oversized accessories or anything ironic and you’re golden. Leave the button-down shirt at home, Chachi.

 

The hot seat:  First off, you should never be seated during a show. After the set, head for the sofa and oversized ottomans in the middle. Not only are you closer to the bar, but it positions you right in front of the stage for when the next band alights. When resident band the Tulsa Skull Swingers start playing, you’ll also have a clear view of their Halloween masks and gothic go-go dancers—creepy blonde twins wearing matching sparkly skeleton get-ups.

 

The drink: You’re not at the Silverlake Lounge, so if you’re down for a fancy bevy, take advantage of the stellar—and predictably over-priced—drink menu, which includes something called a Black Berrini ($11) and a Riviera ($11), both made with sparkling wines and seasonal ingredients from the local farmers market. Eat your heart out, Viper Room.

 

The entrance: There’s no cover on Wednesday and you don’t need to RSVP to any list. However, if guitar gods and trendsetters keep dropping in for surprise visits and spontaneous mini-shows, get ready to stand in line.

 

The parking: Valet is available for $8 right outside the main Sunset entrance. There’s also street parking in the surrounding neighborhood.

 

The eavesdrop: "I don’t know what’s weirder, the goth wraiths on stage or the fact that I’m really into it.”

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