Cinco de Mayo

The energy of downtown’s Olvera Street on Cinco de Mayo is hard to beat, but here are a handful of additional musical happenings:

Alligator Lounge, 3321 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, (310) 449-1844. The Alligator is going red, hot and Latin Saturday. Among the performers are Dread Zeppelin, Sauce and Dr. Loco’s Rockin’ Jalapen~o Band. (Dr. Loco’s is also scheduled to perform at the Hollywood Athletic Club on Monday night.) All ages, $10.

Billboard Live, 9039 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, (310) 786-1712. The new club on the Sunset Strip joins up with rockers Radio KAOS to celebrate on Monday. 18 and over, $15.

Brave Bull, 261 Mission Drive, San Gabriel, (818) 979-4950. This likable new San Gabriel Valley venue is aggressively attacking the competition with some brave bookings, and its coup of a pre-Cinco de Mayo party, featuring Poncho Sanchez on Saturday, should be conga-ratulated. Two shows: 9 and 11 p.m.; 21 and over. First show, $20 in advance, $25 at door; second show, $15 in advance, $25 at door.

Dragonfly, 6510 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood, (213) 466-6111. Here’s the mother of Mayo parties: El Vez and the Elvettes appear Saturday. El Vez (a.k.a. the Mexican Elvis) is the hardest-working man in show business and his passionate, political and witty portrayals of Eastside life are one of L.A.’s most topical offerings. 21 and over, $10.

Hollywood Athletic Club, 6525 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, (213) 962-6600. The new and improved billiard hall and performance venue is hosting a fun-filled affair on Monday night, with Dr. Loco’s Rockin’ Jalapen~o band. 21 and over, $12.

House of Blues, 8430 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, (213) 848-5100. One of L.A.’s premier rock en espan~ol bands, Maria Fatal, opens for Concrete Blonde y Los Illegals on Monday, and we could think of worse places to be on Cinco de Mayo than the festive Sunset Strip venue. 21 and over, $26.

LunaPark, 665 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, (310) 652-0611. What better way to celebrate a Mexican holiday than with world beat music? LunaPark, where the music ranges from Afro Cuban funk to ska mambo reggae--and that’s all in the same weekend--features three eclectic bands on Monday. 21 and over, $8.

McInerney’s, 2020 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, (310) 449-1300. The new club co-owned by actor Sean Penn hooked up a super cool suppertime gig for Sunday: Singer Fernando Allende comes to the Santa Monica venue for the night, after performing in both New Mexico and Arizona earlier in the day. 21 and over, no cover.

Rudolpho’s, 2500 Riverside Drive, Silver Lake, (213) 662-4021. The home of Dragstrip 66 and the upcoming new dance club Hubba Hubba is also a favorite salsa hot spot. On Monday, a salsa orchestra will keep your feet moving all night long. 21 and over, $8.

Small’s K.O., 5574 Melrose Ave., Hollywood, (213) 469-8258. Bands--Your Mom, the Reejers and the Get Hustle--are planning special Cinco de Mayo-flavored performances at this muy excellent H-wood bar. 21 and over, no cover.