From hipster dads, to Ranchero-loving uncles and head-banging brothers—if there’s a father figure in your life that you’re looking to celebrate this upcoming Father’s Day (Sunday, June 21st) we’ve got some music gift ideas that will help you show them how much you care. So ditch the Hallmark card in favor of something more rock ‘n’ roll. Whether you spend a little or you spend a lot, we’ll help you think of something special for your pops. Happy Father’s Day from Grimy Goods!
— Live Experience! —
My dad used to take me to tons of shows as a youngster and those were some of the best concerts of my life. We saw everything from Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros to The Temptations. When Father’s Day rolls around it’s a keen reminder that I wouldn’t have gone to nearly as many cool concerts as I have without him. So what better way to make Father’s Day memorable than to go see a show and enjoy a shared experience. Selfies allowed.
Classic Cumbia & More – Baile con Doble Poder! Dance with Doble Poder at La Cita Bar from 2-9pm on June 21st for a Father’s Day jam packed with Cumbia, Banda and Norteño tunes. A perfect event to kick it with the familia and if they start to drive you a little bonkers don’t worry, the build your own Bloody Mary and Michelada bar on the patio will be open. We’ll drink to that!
Strange Days at Santa Fe Springs Swap Meet – Photo Source: Strange Days Facebook
Tributes Galore – The Santa Fe Springs Swap Meet hosts some of the best tribute bands in Southern California and their June line-up is no exception with performances by Phat Sabbath, Hard Days Night, Strange Days and The Ultimate Stones, just to name a few. Grab a few large format beers, kick back at a picnic table or get right up in front of the stage and before you know it, you and your dad will be singing along to all those classic rock gems that you both grew up with. Bonus: entry is only $1/1.50 and you can double up on some shopping on your way out.
Grimy Goods’ The 40 Best Los Angeles Concerts This June – Not to toot our own horn (ok, maybe a little) but we’ve got 40 badass shows listed this month that will give you and your pops something to smile about. From Butch Walker to Robert Glasper to Brian Wilson (The Beach Boys)—be sure to grab some concert tickets stat if you want to really treat your pops to a true Father’s Day experience to remember.
— Splurge! —
If you’ve got some extra cash or perhaps you haven’t blown all your tax return money yet consider splurging a little on the father figure in your life. If you’ve got the dough, a little extra gratitude may go a long way.
Box Sets – Send your dad on trip down memory lane by splurging on a solid box set, which will include not only a plethora of music but also liner notes, resources and historical references—perfect for immersing oneself in the music of a specific artist or genre. For starters try The Doo Wop Box, Led Zeppelin II (Super Deluxe Edition Box) or Nuggets: Original Artyfacts from the first Psychedelic Era, 1965-1968. 2015 also boasts some new releases such as the Little Richard Directly From My Heart: The Best of the Specialty & Vee-Jay Years, Yes, Progeny: Seven Shows From Seventy Two, and Lead Belly – The Smithsonian Folkways Collection. Still not sure what to get? Check your local record stores for your pops’ favorite artist(s) or ask about best-sellers.
Noise Cancelling Headphones – A set of high end noise cancelling headphones, such as a pair of Bose or Klipsch will not only allow poppas to hear, enjoy and get lost in their music, with great clarity and sound, but it’s the perfect gift to protect what’s left of their hearing. #Fathers #AdultProblems
— Small Stuff (but straight from the heart)! —
Donate to a Music Kickstarter Campaign: Not only will you help fund a worthy musical project of your choosing, but your pops can reap the rewards once the project is funded. Double win!
Customize It: The beauty of the internet is that a fine range of handmade and customizable gifts are at your fingertips. Etsy, in particular, is a perfect one-stop shop for this. Our top picks (under $25) include: a custom music quote vinyl print (choose your dad’s favorite lyrics), billfold wallet with guitar print (put your money where the music is), Rockin’ Fatherhood guitar pick keychain (a practical reminder of how rad your dad is), and a Heart Headphones music eco-friendly tote bag (for all that record shopping!).
Record a Cover Song: By now you probably have a good idea of what your dad’s favorite songs are. Why not make a YouTube video or audio track of one of them to send him on a proper nostalgia trip! Plus, he’ll probably love the fact that he can share it on Facebook with all his family and friends. Just make sure it’s not too embarrassing in case it goes viral.
Grimy Goods fans share via Facebook and Twitter what musical influences their dads had on them and what artists they love!
Sasha M. – “My bio dad instilled Bob Seger and James Taylor. Stepdad introduced me to Zeppelin, The Cars, and Aerosmith.
Armando C. – “Vicente Fernández, La Sonora Santanera, Rocio Dúrcal.”
Bryan L. – “Salsa music and some ’80s ska. Where I get my dancing genes from.”
@TerryLDilport – “He loved Butch Walker, Bob Seger and Kid Rock, with a large side of Motown.”
@Coachroque – “Super old school r&b and soul…Ray Charles, Jackie Wilson, Lil Richard, Etta James, Aretha (Franklin), Clyde McPhatter.”
@bbbertie – “An abundance of Doobie Bros., Linda Ronstadt, Rolling Stones, Juan Gabriel, etc!”
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