A Van Halen tribute band featuring comedian Hal Sparks already tells everyone this is aiming for something a little more weird and self-aware than standard bar-band cosplay. The trick with Nerd Halen is that the joke only works if the band can really play, and by all appearances, that is the whole point. This should land somewhere between shred showcase and affectionate obsession, with enough smart-ass energy to keep it from turning into museum-piece classic rock worship. At The Ritz, that mix of chops, speed, and nerd commitment feels like it could get very fun, very fast.
Fri, June 12, 8pm, $20-$25
The Ritz, San Jose
