Do It. Also I Like to Rock at the Hammer.

Now that Carmaggeddon has come and gone, it's time to try and venture out to the westside again, if you so dare. Also I Like to Rock, the summer music concert series at the Hammer Museum, is worth the trouble.

The series is already halfway through, but you've still got great performances ahead of you: Grouplove this Thursday, and the Henry Clay People the next. Put on by one of my favorite local bloggers, Kevin Bronson at BuzzBandsLA, and KCRW, you know you're getting a look into what's next and what's good in the indie music scene. And an extra plus: the concert and the museum are both free! A great way to enjoy a summer night.

Also I Like to Rock takes place Thursdays in July beginning at 7pm at the Hammer Museum, located at 10899 Wilshire Blvd. in Westwood.

-- Chau Tu
Photo credit: Laurie Scavo

Check It. Broadcast at the El Rey [The Monday Download].

Music lost a wonderful voice and presence in the passing of Broadcast's Trish Keenan earlier this month. If you missed out on the band's dreamy electronic sounds, it's never too late to start; and hey, we've even got an L.A. twist for you.

Buzz Bands has an amazing download of Broadcast playing at the El Rey on Nov. 1, 2000. The recording was ripped directly from the soundboard, so this isn't just a rough tape recording from the crowd. Check it out, and enjoy.

-- Chau Tu

Do It. Also I Like to Rock at the Hammer.

This whole museum + cool concert thing sure is catching on, isn't it? Tonight we're headed on over to the Hammer Museum, which is kicking off its own free outdoor summer concert series, called Also I Like to Rock.

This month-long program is curated by KCRW and Buzz Bands LA, who definitely know a thing or two about up-and-coming local bands. For tonight's edition, they're featuring the dance-worthy Saint Motel and the edgy-rock Kitten, which just so happens to be led by a 15-year-old (but a pretty darn talented one at that!). Next week, look for mini-supergroup Admiral Radley, and beyond that, the rising Fitz and the Tantrums. There'll also be appearances by your favorite KCRW DJs (Garth Trinidad's soothing voice in person?!), and of course, the galleries for your perusal (open until 9pm).

The fun is set to officially begin at 8pm, but seeing as how these cool free L.A. events have become quite the uber-popular, stretching-into-almost-annoying settings as of late, you better plan early. Not just an hour before showtime early, but really early. Trust me. Or you can invest in a "Rock the Summer" pass courtesy of KCRW, which will get you express (but not guaranteed) entry into all the AILTR shows plus some of those awesome KCRW benefits (and it's tax-deductible!).

The Hammer Museum is located at 10899 Wilshire Blvd. in Westwood. Parking is $3 after 6pm (but really..you might need to show up earlier).

-- Chau Tu