This past Saturday, Bethany Cosentino of Best Coast put on quite the benefit show for Planned Parenthood. The lvening featured a variety of acts performing short, but fullfilling sets in support of Planned Parenthood. With 100 percent of the proceeds going to this great organization that has done so much for so many of us, it was uplifting to see so many people “put their money where the mouths are, and their bodies where it counts” (an awesome quote that was later shared by Liz Phair).

The evening started with The Side Eyes turning up the energy in the room. Up next were The Regrettes, laying down their punchy high school rock. Once the Lovely Bad Things came on stage, the room started to fill out as fans rocked the night away to Lovely Bad’s vibrant garage rock tunes. It wasn’t until rising pop act Muna took the stage and fans really let loose. I’ve never seen so many burly men sing their hearts out to such a female empowering group. It was pretty rad.

Grouplove at El Rey, Planned Parenthood Benefit — Photo: Wes Marsala

Things got real lit when L.A. favorites, Grouplove brought their infectious energy to the floor. The crowd had their hands in the air, jumping and dancing through every song. Grouplove know how to deliver an impressive show full of insane energy, cartwheels and all sorts of stage antics. Aside from their classic hits, Grouplove had the fans begging for more when they performed a wild cover of the Beastie Boys’ “Sabotage.”

Best Coast took the stage shortly after and charmed the crowd with their sweet indie rock tunes. The duo have a penchant for pummeling out delicious tunes that are catchy AF. You can’t help but sing-along to their So Cal drenched songs.

Through out the course of the night, many of the bands took a moment to voice their support for Planned Parenthood and the importance of this great organization, and the resistance of our current political climate. The most memorable speeches came from Best Coast lead, and event organizer, Bethany Cosentino, as well as the iconic Liz Phair (who also performed a few songs with Cosentino), Grouplove’s Hannah Hooper, and Katie Gavin of Muna. It was very inspirational to hear their words of support, something you don’t see many bands / artists taking a public stance with.

Photography: Wes Marsala