Events for March 13-19, 2014

Get with THE PROGRAM

THURSDAY, MARCH 13

Kristen Bell returns as Veronica Mars (Warner Bros.)

TELEVISION

PaleyFest @ Dolby Theatre (Hollywood)
Calling all TV maniacs, this is your chance to see some of your favorite stars live on stage during the annual TV fan festival. Taking place through March 28, there are events with at least one show you love. There's tonight's "Veronica Mars" reunion, in addition to a lineup that includes a farewell to "How I Met Your Mother, a "Lost" 10th anniversary reunion and panels with cast members from "Orange Is the New Black," "Mad Men," "The Vampire Diaries," "Veep," "American Horror Story: Coven" and several other beloved shows happening throughout the schedule.

FRIDAY, MARCH 14

ART

ArtNight Pasadena (Citywide)
Sixteen of Pasadena's cultural institutions invite you in for a free evening of art, music and entertainment from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. tonight. Take a look at the Art Center's Ray Eames exhibit, be mesmerized by the dance company at Lineage Performing Arts Center or stroll through the Norton Simon permanent collection. Then, grab a bite from some of Los Angeles best food trucks (Kogi, Heirloom LA and Border Grill, among others) who are donating 10 percent of the evening's sales to a future ArtNight event. Free shuttles are running from venue to venue all night long, so just grab the first parking spot you see and hop on one.

CULTURE

VaVoom – A Rock 'N' Roll Circus @ El Rey Theater (Miracle Mile)
If you're a fan of Eurythmics co-founder Dave Stewart and never miss a Lucha VaVoom event, then this show is for you. Promising a night of mayhem, music and thrills, this rock 'n' roll circus features performances by characters from the famed Mexican wrestling and burlesque troupe, all presided over by Stewart "The Ringmaster." He and his band are set to provide musical goodness, and I expect the evening will turn out to be much like Stewart's latest music video for the first single from his Lucky Numbers album, "Every Single Night."

FILM

In Theaters This Week
Bad Words is Jason Bateman's feature-length directorial debut. He also stars in the film as a 40-year-old who enters a regional spelling bee; Nominated for the Best Animated Feature Oscar, Ernest & Celestine features the voices of Forest Whitacker, Lauren Bacall, Paul Giamatti, William H. Macy, Megan Mullally, Nick Offerman and Jeffrey Wright; Elijah Wood and John Cusack in Grand Piano; Aaron Paul and Dominic Cooper unleash their Need for Speed; Tyler Perry's The Single Moms Club; Speaking of "Veronica Mars," the Kickstarter-funded big screen reunion hits theaters today. Also in theaters: The Art of the Steal; Dark House; Patrick: Evil Awakens; The Right Kind of Wrong; Shirin in Love; U Want Me 2 Kill Him?; Le Week-end

SATURDAY, MARCH 15

Frida Kahlo (Lola Álvarez Bravo ©Frida Kahlo Museum)

CULTURE

Fridamania Women's Day Festival @ Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) (Long Beach)
Organized in support of the Frida Kahlo: Her Photos exhibit on view through June 8, the museum celebrates the contributions of women to art, movement and music all day today. With free museum admission, you can browse the exhibition of over 200 images from the artist's personal collection and take part in the many activities they are offering, from folkloric dance and Cumbia music to a Frida look-alike contest and the digital display of pieces from other women artists.

FILM

Philip Seymour Hoffman: An Actor's Actor @ Aero Theatre (Santa Monica)
American Cinematheque pays tribute to the amazing actor with this series of some of his best films. Tonight is a double feature that begins with Paul Thomas Anderson's Boogie Nights, in which Hoffman played a boom mic operator for porn films alongside the likes of Mark Wahlberg, Burt Reynolds, Julianne Moore and William H. Macy. The evening wraps up with 1998's Happiness from director Todd Solondz with Hoffman, Lara Flynn Boyle, Dylan Baker, Cynthia Stevenson and Jane Adams. Other films in this series that runs through March 27 include Punch-Drunk Love, The Big Lebowski, Almost Famous, Magnolia, Synecdoche, New York, Capote and The Savages.

SUNDAY, MARCH 16

BOOKS

Arthur Hoyle @ Book Soup (West Hollywood)
One of my favorite places in all of California is the Henry Miller Memorial Library in Big Sur, and  Miller's years spent in the Central Coast area are the focus of Arthur Hoyle's new book, The Unknown Henry Miller: A Seeker in Big Sur. Hoyle recounts the events of the literary great's life, quoting from Miller's correspondence during the years from 1944 to 1961 when Miller wrote The Rosy Crucifixion trilogy, married and divorced twice, raised two children and painted watercolors. Discuss the book with the author at 4 p.m., then have Hoyle sign your copy of the wonderful new biography at Book Soup.

MONDAY, MARCH 17

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!
There are so many drink specials and events at bars and pubs throughout the city. Head to your favorite one, have a pint for me and be safe!

TUESDAY, MARCH 18

Jacob Hashimoto's Gas Giant (Cesar Arredondo)

ART

Jacob Hashimoto's Gas Giant @ MOCA Pacific Design Center (West Hollywood)
Walking through this exhibit is a tranquil way to recover from last night's shenanigans. Thousands of paper sheets are used to transform the space into an entirely different environment at the hands of the New York artist. Hashimoto uses traditional Japanese kite-making techniques and painting to create the three-dimensional structures of this third and final edition of Gas Giant – its first L.A. presentation and the artist's first solo museum exhibition in California. Each installation is breathtaking and must be seen in person to be truly appreciated, so make sure to head over the Pacific Design Center before Gas Giant is over on June 8.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19

MUSIC

Bleachers @ Troubadour (West Hollywood)
This is a new project from fun. guitarist Jack Antonoff, who was also frontman of Steel Train. While he is set to release a debut album from Bleachers later this year, the debut single "I Wanna Get Better" should be enough to get you to this show. From the opening bars, it's incredibly hard not to jump up and start dancing to the song. I'm sure you'll be listening to it over and over on the way to the Troubadour so you can sing along to every word.

Events for Feb. 27-March 5, 2014

Get with THE PROGRAM

THURSDAY, FEB. 27

MUSIC

Diane Cluck @ Echo Country Outpost (Echo Park)
I am always up for a show at Echo Country Outpost since I can just roll down the hill there from my house, but even if you live across town, seeing this singer-songwriter perform is worth the drive. The neo-folk artist is kicking of a national tour in support of her first album in nearly eight years, Boneset, which releases Tuesday. Her compositions are as creatively innovative as ever on tracks like "Why Feel Alone," "Heartloose" and "Sara." See why Cluck has been touted by Devendra Banhart and cited as an influence by Sharon Van Etten, Florence Welch and Laura Marling tonight in the intimacy of the Outpost.

FRIDAY, FEB. 28

 

 

FILM

In Theaters This Week
Liam Neeson, Julianne Moore, Michelle ("Lady Mary") Dockery and Lupita Nyong'o in action thriller Non-Stop; Repentance stars Forest Whitaker, Anthony Mackie, Mike Epps and Sanaa Lathan; Stalingrad, the first Russian IMAX film and top grossing Russian film of last year, opens in the states. Also in theaters: Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (Super-Sized, R-rated version); Generation War; The Lunchbox; Shaadi Ke Side Effects; Son of God

MUSIC

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. @ El Rey Theatre (Miracle Mile)
Find out why Paste named the Detroit duo of Josh Epstein and Daniel Zott one of "The 25 Best Live Acts of 2013" when they perform tonight. They released their sophomore effort, The Speed of Things, last fall to additional critical acclaim, and with one listen to infectious tracks like "Run" and "If You Didn't See Me (Then You Weren't on the Dancefloor)," it's easy to see what all the hoopla is about. They're even better and more fun live, too.

Moistboyz @ The Satellite (Silver Lake)
I am a huge Ween fan, and while that band is no more, Mickey Melchiondo (aka Dean Ween) is taking time away from his fishing business to blast into town with his Moistboyz partner Dickie Moist (Guy Heller), as well as Stephen Hoss, Nick Olivieri and Michael "Hoss" Wright, in tow. The two released their fifth album, Moistboyz V, last year, and it's as explosive, dirty and offensive as you would hope. Expect the live show to be just as in-your-face crazy.

SATURDAY, MARCH 1

(Brazilian Nites Productions)

CULTURE

Brazilian Carnaval @ Club Nokia (Downtown)
The theme for the 14th annual celebration is World Cup 2014 since the international FIFA competition is taking place in Brazil this summer. If traveling to a Carnaval celebration in its native country isn't in the cards for you in the near future, then this party is a fantastic substitute. With performances from Chalo Eduardo's Electrico Carnaval Band, Brasilidade, the L.A. Samba Dancers and L.A. Samba Drummers, as well as choreography by Fransini Giraldo, DJ Chris Brazil in between sets, you are guaranteed to feel transported south of the equator for the evening. Come in your finest samba outfit or favorite player's fútbol jersey and join the sizzling hot festivities.

FILM

Best Picture Showcase @ AMC Theatres (Citywide)
For those of you who still need to see some of the Best Picture nominees before Sunday's Oscar ceremony, head on over to your local AMC (Burbank, Citywalk, Santa Anita) to watch five of them in a row. There's Nebraska at noon, Captain Phillips at 2:15 p.m., Her at 4:45 p.m., American Hustle at 7:55 p.m. and Gravity at 10:30 p.m. If need to catch up on all nine nominees, then you should drive down to Orange for AMC's marathon, 24-hour event for $60. You'll have just enough time for a nap before the telecast begins on Sunday.

FOOD

Dominique Ansel Pop-Up @ Barneys New York (The Grove)
The world has Chef Ansel to thank for the Cronut craze. The culinary mastermind behind the croissant and donut hybrid brings his famous creation out of New York City for the first time at this exclusive event benefitting Heart of Los Angeles. Los Angeles' queen of pastry, Sherry Yard, is helping Ansel bake stacks of Milk & Honey Cronuts topped with Tahitian vanilla milk ganache, honey jam and lavender sugar, which will sell for $5 each beginning at 10 a.m. Get there a little early to secure your place in line, because they are sure to sell out fast.

SUNDAY, MARCH 2

(Andrew Ryan Shepherd)

MUSIC

Pentatonix @ Orpheum Theatre (Downtown)
If a cappella is your thing, check out my favorite group out there, the L.A. quintet of Pentatonix. As seen from their dynamic song renditions on the way to winning the third season of "The Sing-Off," their ballads are good-chill inducing, while their more upbeat numbers are guaranteed to get you dancing. It's often hard to believe that this gigantic wall of sound is created by just five bodies; their vocal abilities are that powerful. I'm not alone in my love for PTX, either. Their Saturday show is completely sold out, and there are only a few tickets left for tonight's show so act fast or you'll miss their vocals soaring to the heights of the beautiful Orpheum.

COMMUNITY

Pop-Up Park @ The Figueroa-Riverside Bridge (Elysian Valley/Cypress Park)
EnrichLA and RAC Design Build host this pop-up in support of repurposing the historic bridge into a public park space, or landbridge, instead of just demolishing it once its wider, curved replacement is finished being constructed sometime next year. The event begins at the LA River Café (at the 24.7 marker on the river's west bank) at 11:30 a.m. where food prepared using produce from EnrichLA gardens will be served. Then, at 12:30 p.m. everyone will bike the few miles to the bridge. If you just want to join in on the park activities, bring some lawn chairs, a portable barbecue, a kite or frisbee and hang out for a while.

MONDAY, MARCH 3

MUSIC

DA & The Jones @ The Satellite (Silver Lake)
I don't tout the Satellite's free Monday nights as much as I should, and this Monday's lineup is definitely one not to miss. The L.A. based duo of Daniel Ahearn and Mindy Jones celebrate the March 4 release of their debut album, Sirens, with a record release show featuring performances of tracks like the plaintive "Could've Had It All" and more hopeful "Make It Right." While Ahearn has enjoyed a successful solo career and Mindy has been featured on several Moby tracks, this collaboration is truly electrifying. It's as if their voices were meant to be intertwined in song.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5

FILM

Wes Anderson @ Aero Theatre (Santa Monica)
American Cinematheque winds up its Wes Anderson: The Life Cinematic series with a screening of his upcoming film, The Grand Budapest Hotel, that releases March 7. After the film – which stars Ralph Fiennes, Tony Revolori, F. Murray Abraham, Adrien Brody, Tilda Swinton, Owen Wilson and, of course, Bill Murray and Jason Schwartzman – there is a discussion with the visionary director and screenwriter. If you aren't able to score tickets to tonight's event, some of his other films screen on March 3 (Rushmore, with Matt Zoller Seitz signing copies of The Wes Anderson Collection) and March 4 (a Bottle Rocket and The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou double feature).

Events for Dec. 19-Dec. 25, 2013

Get with THE PROGRAM

THURSDAY, DEC. 19

BOOKS

Julius Erving @ Barnes & Noble (The Grove)
Long before Blake Griffin, Jeremy Evans and Terrence Ross were even alive and dreaming of flashy slam dunk maneuvers, Dr. J took home the very first All-Star Game dunk title in 1976. If you have yet to be schooled in the basketball great's other accomplishments off and on the court and above the rim throughout his ABA career and 10 years as a 76er, the Dr. J: The Autobiography that was released last month should definitely be added to your holiday wishlist. Better yet, head down to the Grove this afternoon to pick up a copy and have it signed by the legend himself.

FRIDAY, DEC. 20

FILM

In Theaters This Week
Ron Burgundy fans rejoice! The long-awaited sequel to the 2004 comedy, Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, finally hits theaters with all of the beloved characters played by Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd, Steve Carell, David Koechner and Christina Applegate; Spike Jonze's Her, starring Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Rooney Mara and the voice of Scarlett Johansson, begins a limited run; The BBC series "Walking with Dinosaurs" makes its way to the big screen for a live-action/CG-animated, 3D adventure with the voices of John Leguizamo, Justin Long and Karl Urban. Also in theaters: Dhoom 3; The Past

It's A Wonderful Life @ The Cinefamily (Mid-City West)
I couldn't believe that my boyfriend had never seen the Frank Capra classic, so I forced him to watch it last Christmas. I wish I waited until this year, though, since the Cinefamily is screening it in 35mm every day from now until Dec. 26. If you still know anyone that hasn't seen it or if you could never possibly get enough of George Bailey, tickets are just $12.

STAGE

"Stomp" @ Saban Theatre (Beverly Hills)
For over two decades, the percussion group has delighted audiences around the world with their creative use of found items, from matchboxes and brooms to garbage cans and Zippo lighters, to fill venues with sound. Their explosive shows incorporate dance, music and theatrical performance for an electrifying experience that audiences of all ages will enjoy.

"'Twas the Night Martians Invaded Burlesque" @ Fais Do-Do (West Adams)
Peepshow Menagerie presents a holiday-themed burlesque show with performances from Scarlett Letter, Madeline Sinclaire, Lucky DeLuxe, Holly Rock-It, Japan's Nikita Bitch Project, New York's Belle-Morte Baudelaire, Oklahoma's Holli Would and many more. In addition to the dancers, there is live music and comedy. And, most importantly, the event benefits the Burlesque Hall of Fame/Exotic World museum in Las Vegas.

SATURDAY, DEC. 21

CULTURE

Lucent Dossier Experience @ The Fonda (Hollywood)
The Fonda is an ideal venue to experience the wonder that is Lucent Dossier up close and personal, and what better night to see them on than the longest of the year, Winter Solstice? The L.A. troupe unveil a new stage show, Solstice of the Dreamers, which combines dance, aerial arts, futuristic clowns, electronic and live music from Black 22's, in a post-apocalyptic vision of the world. Leave reality outside the theater doors, and step into the realm of Lucent Dossier.

FITNESS

Ugly Sweater Run @ L.A. State Historic Park (Elysian Park)
It seems like ugly holiday sweater parties are all the rage this year. Why not up the ante and sign up for this 5k that snakes around and through the park? The race begins at 11 a.m., and hot chocolate, Angry Orchard Hard Cider and Sam Adams Winter Lager are going to be served at different stations throughout the course. if you just want to watch, there are photo stations and holiday music at the start and holiday goodies, awards for best mustache, beard and sweater after the race.

MUSIC

Stevie Wonder @ Nokia Theatre (Downtown)
The Motown legend hosts his 18th annual House Full of Toys benefit concert, which collects and distributes toys and gifts to people in need. This year, Wonder has announced that he will perform his 1976 landmark album, Songs in the Key of Life, in its entirety at the show. He has hinted that several of the R&B, soul and jazz greats and musicians who played on the album will join him on stage for all of the songs that many of us know each and every word to, like "Isn't She Lovely," "As," "Sir Duke," "I Wish" and "Knocks Me Off My Feet."

SUNDAY, DEC. 22

FILM

Elf @ Aero Theatre (Santa Monica)
It's hard to believe it's the 10th anniversary of Jon Favreau's Christmas comedy that spawned a spaghetti with maple syrup craze, as well as a Broadway musical, and introduced the world to Zooey Deschanel's pipes. American Cinematheque celebrates the anniversary with a screening of the film that stars Will Ferrell, James Caan, Bob Newhart and Mary Steenburgen as part of their Holiday Spirit on the Big Screen series. Other screenings include Auntie Mame and White Christmas (Dec. 19), the first two Die Hards (Dec. 20), It's A Wonderful Life (Dec. 20, 21 & 23), The Bishop's Wife (Dec. 22) and The Poseidon Adventure (Dec. 28).

MONDAY, DEC. 23

MUSIC

Woody Allen & His New Orleans Jazz Band @ UCLA's Royce Hall (Westwood)
For fans of his films and anyone who has seen Barbara Kopple's 1997 Wild Man Blues documentary, it's no secret that Woody Allen loves jazz, but few probably know that 2013 marks the 40th anniversary of his musical performance career, which began at New York's Michael's Pub. Since the late 1990s, Allen and his New Orleans Jazz Band have performed a Monday-night residency at the Carlyle Hotel, building a repertoire of over 1,200 songs. With Allen on clarinet and band director Eddy Davis calling out the playlist as the night progresses, the Royce Hall audience is sure to be treated to several improvised numbers as well.

TUESDAY, DEC. 24

CULTURE

L.A. County Holiday Celebration @ Dorothy Chandler Pavilion (Downtown)
Looking for a way to occupy the kids for a few hours before Santa visits? Since 1959, the L.A. County Arts Commission has offered this cost-free event to Angelenos, and it's become the city's biggest holiday show that was even nominated for an Emmy. More than 20 choirs, music ensembles and dance companies represent the vast diversity of Los Angeles' neighborhoods and cultures in the three-hour celebration.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 25

Have a very Merry Christmas!!!

Events for Dec. 12-18, 2013

Get with THE PROGRAM

THURSDAY, DEC. 12

The Royal Concept (Connie Ha)

MUSIC

The Royal Concept @ The Roxy (West Hollywood)
After garnering two HypeMachine hits, "D-D-Dance" and "Gimme Twice" last year, the Swedish foursome signed to Lava and released the Royal EP in September. I am totally smitten with "On Our Way," just one of the tracks from the EP, which they have been touring the states in support of for the past month. They make their way to the legendary Roxy stage tonight, and with influences as diverse as Simon & Garfunkel, Daft Punk and the Strokes, you can bet that the rest of the songs in their arsenal are just as addictive.

FRIDAY, DEC. 13

ART

S.I.D.: Superman Is Dead @ Subliminal Projects (Echo Park)
The influence of the Sex Pistols' Sid Vicious is incredibly far reaching, although he only lived to the age of 21. Even if you're not a huge punk fan, his image is instantly recognizable. And now, Los Angeles' Shepard Fairey has teamed with British photographer Dennis Morris for a new collaborative exhibition of paintings, prints and photographs of the music icon (born John Simon Ritchie), which also features a life-size replica of a hotel room destroyed by Vicious in 1977. The pieces that fuse their unique styles with one another are stunning. Tonight's opening reception for the exhibit that runs through Jan. 11, 2014 features a once-in-a-lifetime performance by Ritchie Love, composed of Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones, Billy Idol, Leigh Gorman and Clem Burke. This is a must for any Sid Vicious devotee, and tonight's show shall prove unforgettable for any punk lover.

FILM

In Theaters This Week
Christian Bale with a combover, Bradley Cooper in a perm and a Jennifer Lawrence/Amy Adams kiss – who isn't down for David O. Russell's 1970s mafia drama, American Hustle; I am such a geek for J.R.R. Tolkien that I literally just yelled out, "YAY, finally here," at The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug's release this week. Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Lee Pace, Orlando Bloom and all of the dwarves return in Peter Jackson's continuation of the Tolkien classic, with the added character of Tauriel ("Lost"'s Evangeline Lilly). Tom Hanks as Walt Disney and Emma Thompson as P.L. Travers in Saving Mr. Banks, the story of bringing Mary Poppins to the big screen. Also in theaters: Here Comes the Devil; Hours; Tyler Perry's A Madea Christmas

Lightning Strikes: A Jerry Bruckheimer Retrospective @ Egyptian Theatre (Hollywood)
American Cinematheque pays tribute to the prolific film and television producer with a four-day film series with double features of several of his biggest hits. The retrospective begins this evening with two films directed by Tony Scott and starring Tom Cruise, 1986's hallmark of my childhood Top Gun and 1990's Days of Thunder. Bruckheimer joins the fun for Saturday's program which kicks off with him signing copies of Michael Singer's new book, Jerry Bruckheimer: When Lightning Strikes – Four Decades of Filmmaking, followed by the Michael Bay-directed The Rock and Bad Boys. In between Sunday's screenings of Thief and American Gigolo, there's a discussion with Thief director Michael Mann, and Monday's double feature of Enemy of the State and Black Hawk Down caps things off.

SATURDAY, DEC. 14

FILM

Love Actually @ Electric Dusk Drive-In (Downtown)
Since it was raining last weekend, the screening of Love Actually has moved to this evening and there are still a limited amount of tickets left. Act now to experience my favorite holiday rom-com ever at the drive in. The 2003 Richard Curtis film weaves several storylines together that simultaneously make you laugh and cry, leaving you a mushy, sentimental mess. There's the dashing Prime Minister (Hugh Grant) who falls for a staff member, Bill Nighty as a washed-up rocker, Colin Firth as a writer who finds love with a Portuguese housekeeper, Mark ("The Walking Dead"'s Andrew Lincoln) who is hopelessly in love with his best friend's wife (Keira Knightley), a dedicated sister (Laurey Linney), a grieving widow (Liam Neeson) and his stepson, a couple (Alan Rickman and Emma Thompson) dealing with adultery, adorable porn stand-ins (Martin Freeman and Joanna Page) and Colin (Kris Marshall) who heads to America to put his British accent to use in picking up some ladies.

MUSIC

Deap Vally @ Bootleg Theater (Westlake)
It seems fitting that Deap Vally are headlining this Christmas Sweater Festival since the duo first met at a class where drummer/vocalist Julie Edwards taught guitarist/vocalist Lindsey Troy how to crochet. Make sure to wear your most hideous Christmas sweater to rock out to songs from the ladies' debut, Sistrionix, released earlier this year. The night also features performances from Western Lows, Boardwalk, Heaven and Crash, and all proceeds benefit the Pablove Foundation.

SHOPPING

Renegade Craft Fair Winter Market @ L.A. State Historic Park (Elysian Park)
The curated indie-craft marketplace showcases the brightest talents in contemporary craft and design, and this weekend marks their fourth annual winter fair. Los Angeles' best and brightest, from La Cadelaria Candles and Waffles & Honey Jewelry to Z Confections and Coldwater Canyon Provisions, show off their wares from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Sunday. There are also free screen printing demos, art installations, free photos from Magnolia Photo Booth Co. and yummy goodness from trucks like No Jodas, Greasy Wiener and India Jones Chow Truck.

SUNDAY, DEC. 15

Brendan Jennings and Ron West in 'Twist Your Dickens!"
(Craig Schwartz)

COMEDY

The Second City's "A Christmas Carol: Twist Your Dickens!" @ Kirk Douglas Theatre (Culver City)
If you've never heard of Chicago's improv comedy troupe, the Second City, let me enlighten you with just a few of their notable alumni: Alan Arkin, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, Tina Fey and Tim Meadows, among many others, including Peter Gwinn and Bobby Mort, the writers of this holiday comedy that returns for another L.A. run this year. Both have worked on "The Colbert Report," and this hilariously irreverent satire of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol stars some of the group's brightest stars – as well as guests like Casey Affleck, Mindy Cohn, Jane Kaczmarek, Rhea Perlman and Matthew Modine – so you know you're in for a great time. Through Dec. 29.

FOOD

Taste of Tamales @ La Placita Olvera (Downtown)
I would always look forward to Christmas Eve, when my childhood best friend would make piles of tamales with her family and bring us a few bags of the masa-encased goodness. No other food says family and the holidays to Mexican-Americans quite like tamales, so it's no wonder that there is an annual festival here in Los Angeles to celebrate the food. You can enjoy every tamale flavor imaginable from a variety of L.A. vendors and restaurants, musical performances, arts and crafts, carnival games and free toys for children on a first-come, first-served basis from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

TUESDAY, DEC. 17

BOOKS

Joe Manganiello @ Barnes & Noble (The Grove)
C'mon, guys, you know that you would kill to have a body like the "True Blood" and Magic Mike star. You're totally in luck because he just released a new fitness book called Evolution: The Cutting Edge Guide to Breaking Down Mental Walls and Building the Body You've Always Wanted. In it, he helps you clear your mind to envision your body transformation, gives you the tools to do it and the ability to maintain the focus to keep up the program. You can meet your body-sculpting inspiration when he visits the Grove store to sign copies of the book at 7 p.m.

Events for Oct. 3-9, 2013

Get with THE PROGRAM

 

THURSDAY, OCT 3

Director Derek Cianfrance (middle) on the set of
The Place Beyond the Pines (Atsushi Nishijima)

 

FILM

Derek Cianfrance @ Aero Theatre (Santa Monica)
The director/screenwriter discusses his films in between an American Cinematheque double feature of his last two works, The Place Beyond the Pines and Blue Valentine. First up is The Place Beyond the Pines, a crime drama centered around carnival motorcycle stuntman Luke Glanton (Ryan Gosling) who turns to bank robbery as a way to provide for his son. Bradley Cooper and Eva Mendes also star. 2010's Blue Valentine was Cianfrance's first time working with Gosling, who, along with Michelle Williams, is part of a married couple whose relationship is documented over the course of several years. Both films are fantastic character studies that explore familial relationships in powerful ways.

FRIDAY, OCT. 4

FILM

In Theaters This Week
Adam Scott is a seemingly well-adjusted Adult Child of Divorce in A.C.O.D.; All is Bright stars Paul Giamatti and Paul Rudd as Christmas tree salesmen in NYC; "Childrens Hospital"'s Ken Marino stars as a man with a demon living in his intestine in Bad Milo!; The amazing Alfonso Cuarón directs Sandra Bullock and George Clooney as astronauts who, during a routine space walk, are stranded in space in Gravity; Parkland, with Zac Efron, Paul Giamatti, Billy Bob Thornton and Jacki Weaver; Runner Runner stars Ben Affleck, Justin Timberlake and Gemma Arterton. Also in theaters: Argento's Dracula 3D; Besharam; Concussion; Grace Unplugged; Let the Fire Burn; Linsanity; Nothing Left to Fear; Pulling Strings; Running Wild: The Life of Dayton O. Hyde; The Summit

FOOD

Thai and Korean Street Market Festival @ Heirloom LA (Eagle Rock)
Heirloom LA and Poketo are throwing an event to celebrate Korean and Thai street food and drink from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m in Heirloom LA's salon garden. Aside from the delicious Kyochon-style chicken wings, grilled Kalbi Beef and Bulgogi Pork, there are Boat Noodle Soup, meatballs, a lettuce wrap station (with Larb, crispy pork and spicy eggplant options) and sweet treats to round out the menu. The evening promises music, movies and a photo booth, too.

SATURDAY, OCT. 5

BOOKS

Nick Offerman @ New Beverly Cinema (Mid-City West)
The "Parks and Recreation" funnyman made his literary debut with Paddle Your Own Canoe: One Man's Fundamentals for Delicious Living this week and celebrates the release with an event where he presents and signs copies of the book. The $31.95 admission fee includes a copy of the book, which offers tales from his childhood, early days in theater and as a carpenter, as well as his courting of wife Megan Mullally. Expect hilarious anecdotes and life lessons concerning "manliness, love, style, religion, woodworking and outdoor recreation."

CULTURE

BEDROCKtoberfest @ Bedrock L.A. (Echo Park)
The studio and rehearsal space hosts its first annual music, magic and beer block party. Musical performers include Wu-Tang Clan mastermind RZA, Liam Finn, Twin Shadow & Wynn and Vanaprasta, while the magic stage features Jon Armstrong, David and Leeman and Rob Zabrecky. The $30 general admission ticket includes one drink ticket ($50 VIP includes food and a hosted bar), and festivities run from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.

MUSIC

Way Over Yonder @ Santa Monica Pier (Santa Monica)
The legendary Newport Folk Festival heads west for the first time with two days of musical greatness. Each day features acts on two stages with Neko Case, Brett Dennen, Justin Townes Earle, Calexico, Shovels & Rope and the Eagle Rock Gospel Singers on the Main Stage and Dave Simonett, Jessica Pratt, Neal Casal and Jenny O. on the acoustic Carousel Stage Saturday. Sunday's Main Stage lineup includes Conor Oberst, First Aid Kit, the Felice Brothers, Jonathan Wilson, Thao & the Get Down Stay Down and Joel Rafael, while Hurray for the Riff Raff, Spirit Family Reunion, Aaron Embry and Frank Fairfield are set for the Carousel.

SUNDAY, OCT. 6

FILM

Our Vinyl Weighs a Ton: This Is Stones Throw Records @ Exposition Park (South Los Angeles)
If you're a music lover living in Los Angeles, then you know of Stones Throw and its stable of artists that includes Mayer Hawthorne, Aloe Blacc, Dam-Funk and Madlib among many others. Founded by DJ Peanut Butter Wolf in 1996, the story of the label is being told to the world in a new feature-length documentary from director Jeff Broadway with plenty of concert footage, home video and interviews with the likes of Common, Mike D, Kanye West, Talib Kewli and Flying Lotus. Street Food Cinema screens the film at 7:30 p.m., but come early for DJ sets from PBW and KCRW's Garth Trinidad and food from food trucks that include Hungry Nomad, Romolo's and Bollywood Bites.

TUESDAY, OCT. 8

Sallie Ford & The Sound Outside (Liz Devine)

MUSIC

Sallie Ford & The Sound Outside @ The Satellite  (Silver Lake) 
Listening to songs like "Party Kids" and "They Told Me" from the Portland, Ore. quartet's latest album, Untamed Beast, that released earlier this year, it's hard to concentrate on anything other than having fun. It's a good thing they're swinging through Los Angeles again, because I'm in need of a good party with their soulful and gritty brand of rock that's anchored by the witty lyrics and powerful vocals of Sallie Ford.

THEATER

"Wait Until Dark" @ Geffen Playhouse (Westwood)
The world premiere of this new adaptation of Frederick Knott's 1966 play and 1967 film (starring Audrey Hepburn) of the same name puts a twist on the classic placing the story in a different time and setting. The production is just as full of chills and thrills, though. Alison Pill, from HBO's "The Newsroom," stars as Susan, alongside a cast that also includes Adam Stein, Mather Zickel, Rod McLachlan, Matt McTighe and Brighid Fleming. Running through Nov. 17.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 9

MUSIC

Dan Croll @ Troubadour (West Hollywood)
The Liverpool singer-songwriter made his US debut with the From Nowhere EP earlier this year, and with tracks like his latest single, "In/Out," Croll continues to capture acclaim across the country. As we await his first full-length release, he's touring the states with a stop at the Troubadour this evening. It's impossible not to smile while dancing to his fun songs that run the gamut genre-wise. I can't think of a better way to get through the mid-week slump than this show.

Events for Sept. 19-25, 2013

Get with THE PROGRAM

THURSDAY, SEPT. 19

DRINK

Los Angeles Beer Week @ Various locations (citywide)
Happening through Sept. 29, it's actually a bit longer than a week, but I don't think anyone will complain. There are so many events going on, beer lovers in every neighborhood have something to look forward to – from Stone's Kick-Off Celebration at Verdugo Bar tonight and Oinktoberfiesta at Oinkster Saturday to an opening gala at Union Station on Sunday with tastings from all your favorite breweries such as Allagash and Anchor, as well as locals like Angel City, Eagle Rock and the Bruery, and a Musical Beer Crawl in Echo Park on Tuesday evening.

BOOKS

Gunnar Hansen @ Book Soup (West Hollywood)
The actor who played Leatherface in the original The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is also an acclaimed poet and author. He celebrates next week's release of his new tell-all, Chain Saw Confidential: How We Made the World's Most Notorious Horror Movie, that goes behind the scenes and offers insights into the film. He'll also be signing the book at the Aero tomorrow evening before a screening of the 1974 movie.

MUSIC

Tommy Santee Klaws @ Harvard & Stone (Hollywood)
If you have yet to see the amazing group of musicians perform, you shouldn't miss this show because intimate venues like Harvard & Stone are the ideal settings to see Tommy Santee Klaws really shine. From guitar, violin and upright bass to mandolin, contrabassoon, xylophone and other toys, there isn't an instrument that you won't see on stage with this talented octet, anchored by Tommy's powerful and emotionally gripping vocals. A great time, guaranteed.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 20

FILM

In Theaters This Week
Couldn't believe my eyes when I glimpsed Sawyer from "Lost" (Josh Holloway) and "Drake & Josh"'s Josh Peck in a commercial for Battle of the Year, a dance movie that also stars Chris Brown. I support anything that celebrates dance, but… yikes; On the other hand, Prisoners – with Hugh Jackman, Viola Davis, Terrence Howard and Maria Bello as parents of missing girls (and Jake Gyllenhaal as the detective searching for them) – looks awesome; Comedy-drama Enough Said stars Julia Louis-Dreyfus, James Gandolfini, Catherine Keener and Toni Collette; Ron Howard directs Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl as rival Formula 1 race car drivers in Rush; Mark Ruffalo, Gwyneth Paltrow, Tim Robbins and Alecia "P!nk" Moore in Thanks for Sharing. Also in theaters: After Tiller; Blue Caprice; C.O.G.; Generation Iron; Haute Cuisine; IP Man: The Final Fight; Jewtopia; Mademoiselle C; Money for Nothing: Inside the Federal Reserve; Mother of George; My Lucky Star; The Short Game; A Single Shot; The Wizard of Oz: An IMAX 3D Experience

MUSIC

Free Dominguez (Brian Bowen Smith)

Free Dominguez @ The Mint (West Los Angeles)
The captivating Kidneythieves frontwoman celebrates the release of her new solo album, Volcano + the Sea. Dominguez's soaring vocals set to pulsating basslines and searing guitars make this the show of the week. Also on the bill are Paz Lenchantin, Sierra Swan and Echocell, and none of them should be missed, either.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 21

CULTURE

Mid-Autumn Moon Festival @ Central & West Plaza & Bamboo Lane (Chinatown)
There's more than just a stack of mooncakes to be be excited for at the 75th annual festival. In addition to exhibits from artisan calligraphers, sculptors, storytellers and magicians, Eddie Lin hosts a culinary stage with cooking demos and a dessert eating challenge. There are performances from dance, acrobatic and martial arts troupes, as well as music from the likes of Victory, Avid Dancer and the Little Ones. Plus, Griffith Observatory is providing telescopes to view the full moon.

Tarfest @ La Brea Tar Pits (Mid-City West)
The 11th annual festival packs so much art, music and culture into six hours, it's incredible. Aside from the live art by Greg "Craola" Simkins, AXIS, William Wray and David O. Johnson and performances from local bands Saint Motel, Nightmare Air, Echosmith, Tapioca and the Flea and Irontom, gourmet food trucks are going to be on hand, Lagunitas hosts a biergarten, there's a poem store and plenty of other activities to keep you busy well after sunset.

FILM

Flashdance @ The Aero (Santa Monica)
Can't believe it's the 30th anniversary of the dance movie that was everything to me when I was in grade school. I still love it; whenever it happens to be on TV I can't help but watch, sing-along to and dance to it. American Cinematheque commemorates its anniversary with a special screening and a discussion to follow with director Adrian Lyne and actors Jennifer Beals and Michael Nouri. Now, I'm going to have "What a Feeling" in my head all day.

MUSIC

Aloe Blacc

The Beach Ball Festival @ Santa Monica Pier (Santa Monica)
KCRW presents the first-ever Soul Revue and Reggae Fest, a beachside dance party taking over the pier for two days. Saturday's lineup brings the soul of the weekend with Aloe Blacc (who doesn't love his "Wake Me Up!" collaboration with Avicii and Mike Einziger?), Allen Stone, Maceo Parker, Lee Fields & the Expressions, Myron & E and the Funky Sole DJs. The Reggae festivities on Sunday include Michael Rose of Black Uhuru, Sly and Robbie, the Skatalites, U Roy, Soul Syndicate and the Dub Club Soundsystem.

TUESDAY, SEPT 24

THEATER

Radar L.A. @ Various locations (citywide)
This year's festival of contemporary international theater features some incredible productions during its week-long schedule. There's the premiere of David Roussève's "Stardust," a piece that combines dance, music and video; Basil Twist's puppeteering set to music by Yumiko Tanaka in "Dogugaeshi"; and an emotional and thrilling staging of Dennis Cooper's Jerk from director Gisèle Vienne and performer Johnathan Capdevielle  – and those are just three of the 18 productions.

Events for Sept. 12-18, 2013

Get with THE PROGRAM

THURSDAY, SEPT. 12

BOOKS

Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons @ Barnes & Noble (The Grove)
The rock legends teamed with author Ken Sharp for Nothin' to Lose: The Making of KISS (1972-1975). The book draws from more than 200 interviews with the band, their staff, producers, club owners and promoters, rock photographers and journalists, as well as musical contemporaries such as Alice Cooper, Aerosmith, Iggy & the Stooges and Bob Seger, to document KISS' formative years. It offers an intimate look at all the ups and downs on their path to superstardom. Simmons and Stanley will sign copies of the book tonight at the Grove.

MUSIC

Lovelife @ El Rey Theatre (Mid-City West)
Get set for the weekend on the dance floor tonight at the El Rey. Londoners Lee Newell and Ally Young spent half of last year in New York, garnering praise from the likes of Under the Radar, Noisey and Entertainment Weekly for their self-produced Eps, El Regreso and The Fourth Floor. The duo pays the west coast a visit in anticipation of their third EP, Stateless, releasing Oct. 1. If you can't catch tonight's show, Lovelife return to SoCal in support of the Neighbourhood Nov. 1 at the Observatory in Santa Ana.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 13

CULTURE

Lobster Fest @ Ports O'Call Village (San Pedro)
Since 1999, International Lobster Festivals has produced this celebration of all things lobster for the Port of Los Angeles. Strap on your plastic bib to prepare for the three-day event that offers $20 lobster meals, arts and crafts and vendor booths, the Pirate Camp sideshow and live performances from Big Black Delta, Sad Robot, Dead Sara, Deap Vally and the English Beat.

FILM

Friday the 13th Mini Marathon @ The Aero (Santa Monica)
Since it's Friday the 13th, American Cinematheque is paying tribute to the horror franchise by screening the first four installments of the series: the 1980 original, Friday the 13th Part 2 from the following year, 1982's Part III and The Final Chapter (1984) with Corey Feldman. There will also be costume and trivia contests with great prizes and a discussion hosted by BloodyDisgusting.com.

In Theaters This Week
The Family stars Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Dianna Agron and John D'Leo as a mafia family who enters the witness protection program and moves to France; Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne reunite with director James Wan and writer Leigh Whannel for Insidious: Chapter 2; Jayne Mansfield's Car, written and directed by Billy Bob Thornton, is an ensemble drama set in the 1960s with John Hurt, Kevin Bacon and Robert Duvall; Kate Bosworth in And While We Were Here. Also in theaters: Fire in the Blood; Grand Masti; Harry Dean Stanton: Party Fiction; Informant; The Muslims Are Coming!; Sample This; A Strange Brand of Happy; Touchy Feely; Wadjda

SATURDAY, SEPT. 14

FOOD

Ramen Yokocho Fest @ The Cultural Arts Center (Torrance)
Thankfully the temperature has cooled so that a bowl of steaming-hot noodles actually sounds appetizing right now, and if you're a sucker for ramen then you probably already know about this first-ever festival. Admission and parking are free to what promises to be the largest ramen show in the country, with $8 ramen from some of Los Angeles' finest: Daikokuya x Ninben, Ikemen, Silverlake Ramen (who serve my favorite vegetable ramen), Gomaichi, Jidaiya and Iroha, among others. If you're still hungry, Tsujita will offer nigiri sushi and Hannosuke will be dishing up their Jonathan Gold-approved tendon.

MUSIC

Mad Decent Block Party @ L.A. Center Studios (Westlake)
Every year the party gets bigger and bigger. This year's players include Diplo with Major Lazer, Matt & Kim, Big Gigantic, Clockwork, the Partysquad, Samo Sound Boy, Sasha Go Hard, DJ El Dusty and Liz. The fun runs from noon to 8 p.m., and make sure to drink plenty of water beforehand, because you're definitely going to work up a sweat dancing all day long.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 15

CULTURE

The Oddball Comedy & Curiosity Festival @ Verizon Wireless (Irvine)
Funny or Die presents this new comedy tour that's been crossing the country with Dave Chappelle, Flightof the Conchords, Al Madrigal, Chris D'Elia, Demetri Martin, Hannibal Buress, Jim Jefferies, John Mulaney and Kristen Schaal. Although most eyes will no doubt be on Chappelle, I've seen the Conchords a few times and they are definitely not to be missed. There will also be plenty of street performers, vendors, psychics and tasty treats to occupy your time as well.

FOOD

Fried Chicken Festival @ Lot 613 (Downtown Arts District)
Food GPS is throwing another afternoon dedicated to one of my absolute favorite foods. For $55 you get craft beer from Firestone Walker, specifically their Union Jack, Pale 31 and Solace brews, desserts from McConnell's Fine Ice Creams and Sugarbloom Bakery, side dishes and, of course, fried chicken from chefs Susan Feniger (STREET), David LeFevre (M.B. Post), Daniel Mattern & Roxana Jullapat (Cooks County), Jason Neroni (Superba Snack Bar), Bryant Ng (The Spice Table), Chris Oh (Seoul Sausage), Matt Poley (Heirloom LA), Eduardo Ruiz (Corazon y Miel), Ernesto Uchimura (Plan Check) and Ricardo Zarate (Picca).

TUESDAY, SEPT. 17

THEATER

"The Wizard of Oz" @ Pantages (Hollywood)
The classic musical is revived in Andrew Lloyd Webber's new production, complete with new songs from the composer and longtime collaborator, lyricist Tim Rice. If you've never seen the stage production, then now's your chance to enjoy all the beloved songs and characters come to life in front of your eyes.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 18

BOOKS

Aisha Tyler @ Book Soup (West Hollywood)
The comedian, actress and "The Talk" cohost is also an author. She follows up her 2004 debut, Swerve: Reckless Observations of a Post-Modern Girl, with Self-Inflicted Wounds: Heartwarming Tales of Epic Humiliation, which released in July. In the book, which was named for the popular segment of her "Girl on Guy" podcast, she shares brutally honest, and hilarious, tales from her standup career that have shaped her into the strong woman she is today.