A traditional Southern California Halloween staple, Dead Man’s Party performs at the Wavehouse on Oct. 29, 8 p.m. The group is the ultimate Oingo Boingo cover band. Not only does the group sport a Danny Elfman look-a-like for a frontman, but the band is so exacting in its performances that former members of Boingo have sat in with them. Expect all the hits for this concert: from “Only a Lad” to “Weird Science” — all from one of the best tribute bands going today. Deadman’s Party: 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 29, at the Wavehouse, 3125 Oceanfront Walk. $30. 21 and up. www.deadmansparty.com The Jazz Project Big Band, which performs at Tango Del Rey on Nov. 1, is just that. Sixteen members strong, the group features new players — as well as a host of well-known veterans that include director Michael Smith, trumpeters Marty Conley and Bruce Cameron and saxophonist Lee Elderton. The band has released one album to date: “The Music of Ken Downin: Thanks for the Memories” in 2006. It’s an excellent recording to be sure, but with an eight-piece brass section and a mix of new and classic material, this is a group that should be experienced live. Jazz Project Big Band: 8 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 1, at Tango Del Rey, 3567 Del Rey St. Cover TBD. All ages. www.jazzproject.com Hard rock and Lady Gaga may seem like a long way apart, but not for Joker Face, which performs at the 710 Beach Club on Nov. 6. Taking the sound of Metallica and combining it with tunes by Gaga and other pop heroines like Britney Spears, the band has come up with a fun, melodic new brand of hard rock. Though played just slightly tongue in cheek, the songs work surprisingly well in their new settings. Joker Face: 9 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 6 at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. Cover TBD. 21 and up. www.myspace.com/-jokerfacemusic Access Music continues to be one of the best spots to catch up-and-coming rappers and hip-hop artists. On Nov. 6, the music store will host an appearance from Los Angeles-based Pigeon John, promoting his new album “Dragon Slayer.” If response so far to his new album is any indication, Pigeon John looks set to be a major player in 2011. The first single from his new disc, “The Bomb,” is now heard on TV several times a day, via its inclusion in a current Volkswagon commercial. Pigeon John: 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 6 at Access Music, 1537 Garnet Ave. Free. All ages. www.myspace.com/pigeonjohn