Kevin Bronson on November 18th, 2013

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Quick notes about some important upcoming benefit shows:

‣ Sasha Vallely is well-known in L.A. music circles as a promoter and singer/multi-instrumentalist (with such bands as the Silver Chords, Spindrift and the Warlocks). Last March, Vallely was in an accident that required neck and spinal surgery, the aftermath of which has left her unable to use the right side of her body. So this year’s Echoes West Festival 2 – Saturday at the Echo and Echoplex – will help defray her medical expenses. The lineup is formidable: Sixties psych-rock stalwarts the Flamin’ Groovies headline and are joined by David J (who, backed by Sky Parade, will perform Love & Rockets songs), Magic Wands, Willoughby, Beach Party, the Abigails and many more. In addition, there is an Echoes West pre-party on Friday night at Los Globos that also benefits Vallely – it features Miranda Lee Richards, Magic Mirror, the Golden Ghosts and many more. Simply wanna help out a musician without medical benefits? Go here.
‣ The Christmas Sweater Festival is back after a two-year hiatus. The enormously fun charity event – attendees are asked to wear their “ugliest and Christmasiest sweater” – was masterminded by L.A. favorites the Deadly Syndrome (whom we miss) back in the day, and this year convenes Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Bootleg. It features a headlining set by raucous duo Deap Vally, whose drummer, Julie Edwards, has a history with the festival. (Edwards’ needlework skills helped her previous band the Pity Party win the best-sweater prize back in 2008.) Joining Deap Vally: Western Lows, Boardwalk, Heaven and Chris Richard (ex-Deadly Syndrome, now in Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros), doing business as Crash. Proceeds benefit the Pablove Foundation.
‣ And Giant Drag headlines the Hi-Fi Typhoon Relief Benefit on Tuesday night at the Bootleg, which also features Sweet Bump It and Manila-bred four-piece Wanda, among others. Proceeds go to the Red Cross Global Relief Fund for Typhoon Haiyan.