Rockabilly Lives In Southern California

That is, when you can find it. You must track the individual bands (if they are trackable) in order to locate the shows. If you are an old fart like me, the idea of the late night club scene is way too much work. Fortunately, there is an inexpensive, easy and daytime rockabilly experience that happens every June at the OC Marketplace (AKA, The OC Swap Meet). This was a multi-weekend affair. Now it is limited to one weekend so catch it while you can! Given that rockabilly fandom spans generations, you might find rockabilly bands at some Disney properties.

Rockabilly Weekend at the OC Marketplace

For the uninitiated, rockabilly is that music style pioneered by early Elvis and Gene Vincent. It was resurrected in the late 70’s, most notably by the Stray Cats. A popular variant, psychobilly, emerged that mixed rockabilly, punk and 50’s horror B-movie themes/images (Not a family friendly genre. The Cramps are the best example). Resurrection continues with acts such as Reverend Horton Heat.

One of the draws to rockabilly are the mid-century visuals: clothes, hairstyles, partner dancing, cars, architecture and interior design. Indeed, mid-century has been the rage for the last 30 years and shows no sign of abating. Rockabilly promoters understand this and now include showcases such as car shows, dance contests, beauty contests and specialty vendors.

Rockabilly Style
Rockabilly Style

If you’ve followed rockabilly just a little over the years you may have noticed that Latinos have always embraced it and added their own spin (sometimes it is known as razabilly). Indeed, some of the initiators of the rockabilly revival were Latino (Big Sandy, The Paladins). This is due to reasons too numerous to list here. A big takeaway is the best rockabilly attire, dance moves, cars and bands are from Latinos.

Razabilly
Rockabilly meets Dia de los Muertos

Rockabilly Resources

Local Bands
The Alterbillies
The Buzz Jumpers
The Centuries
Hank Biggs and the Hardtops
The Hula Girls
The Jackpot Club
The Johnny Deadly Trio
The Rayford Brothers
Ry Bradley
Seat Belt
Sidewynders

Venues
Beatnik Bandito. Records, memorabilia, merch, and live bands, including rockabilly

Don The Beachcomber. Americana-oriented bands, including rockabilly

Rockabilly LA. A rockabilly event listing.

Roadkill Ranch and Boutique. Vintage and rockabilly attire.

Events
So Cal Hoedown. A full day of rockabilly, contests and showcases in Santa Ana on August 5.

The Voodoo Lounge. Several psychobilly bands. One night only: June 17 at the Airliner in LA.
Voodoo Lounge