POP MUSIC REVIEW : An Eclectic Memorial to Slain Businessmen

Weapon of Choice, the first and most intriguing act at a memorial concert on Sunday for two young African-American music businessmen who were shot to death last November outside a Hollywood nightclub, was typical of the eclectic and biracial composition of the evening’s nine acts at the downtown Glam Slam club.

The colorful group mixes beat poetry, blues-rock and new jazz swing--and includes in its lineup a violin, a trombone and a gum-smacking, hip-grinding waif sporting only her Calvin briefs.

In the performance of Weapon of Choice and such other attractions as Pharcyde, Bronx Style Bob and Common Grounds, one could sample a panorama of the newfound imagination in Los Angeles’ emerging hip-hop and rock scene.

They joined Sunday to salute the memory of and raise money for the families of Adrian Thames, 23, and Eric Pierce, 25, who were allegedly shot and killed by a security guard at the Blak & Bloo club.

Highlights in the five-hour program ranged from rapper-singer Bronx Style Bob’s fiery interpretation of U2’s angry “Sunday Bloody Sunday” to the aggressive, evening-closing performance by rappers House of Pain.

“We came in peace and we’ll leave in peace,” remarked a benefit volunteer. “We want to make sure this case isn’t forgotten, but we also want to have fun. That’s what Adrian and Eric would have liked, saying goodby in a nice way.”