The hip quotient is rising in Atlantic City and at the Hard Rock. 

Queens of the Stone Age is about to make its return to Atlantic City after 20 years. 

Many of the headliners that perform in Atlantic City are riding the retro wave. It's common for veteran recording artists who haven't released new material in years to rest on their laurels as a nostalgia act

However, Queens of the Stone Age cannot be filed in that category. 

The band led by singer-songwriter Josh Homme is not just relevant but also uncompromising. Their big riffs and rhythmic hard rock has connected with a loyal group of fans. 

"Go With the Flow," "Little Sister" and "The Lost Art of Keeping a Secret" are among the alternative radio hits for Queens of the Stone Age.

The band performing Friday at the Hard Rock continues to create new music and tread where no other band has stepped. 

"Queens of the Stone Age: Alive in the Catacombs" has recently been released. The audiovisual document of the band's long-rumored performance in the tunnels of the famed Catacombs of Paris, was recorded and filmed in last July. 

They were the first band to ever be sanctioned by the city of Paris to perform live inside the Catacombs. 

Fans who can't make the show at the Hard Rock and those who do experience the event should check out the film to witness an ever evolving band deal with adversity and break new ground.

Parading pride

Atlantic City is having what promises to be its first annual Great Pride Festival on Sunday, June 22, at the ByrdCage, the city's newest LGBTQ+-owned and operated venue.

Sandy Beach will host the event that kicks off at the ByrdCage at 3426 Atlantic Ave., extending into neighboring O’Donnell Park. 

There will be live music, DJ's, local craft vendors, a kid zone and drag shows.

The city kicked off Pride Month on Thursday with a flag raising.

"As we launch the Great Pride Festival, we are honoring the past, embracing the present and building a future where every member of the LGBTQ+community feels seen, supported and celebrated," said Judah Dorrington, director of Atlantic City's Office of Multi-Cultural Affairs.

The event is from noon to 7 p.m. but the party will continue into the evening at ByrdCage.

(NOTE: This story originally had the Hard Rock show as the Queens of Stone Age Atlantic City debut. The previously performed at the House of Blues in 2005.)