Events for Dec. 12-18, 2013

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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 Nov. 21-26, 2013

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THURSDAY, NOV. 21

Tom Jackson Greaves and Hannah Vassalo in
"Matthew Bourne's Sleeping Beauty" (Simon Annand)

DANCE

"Matthew Bourne's Sleeping Beauty" @ Ahmanson Theatre (Downtown)
Every young ballerina dreams of dancing in Tchaikovsky's "Sleeping Beauty," and now the award-winning choreographer, who breathed new life into Tchaikovsky's other ballets ("The Nutcracker," "Swan Lake"), has put a unique twist on the third and final work. Bourne's time-traveling take on "Sleeping Beauty" spans 1890 to present day and incorporates vampires into the fairy tale, which is why it's dubbed 'A Gothic Romance.' The thrilling production is sure to provide inspiration for ballerinas of every age. Through Dec. 1.

BOOKS

René Redzepi @ Williams-Sonoma (Beverly Hills)
Last month the Danish chef and his two-Michelin star restaurant Noma in Copenhagen were the focus of an entire episode of "Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown," and thousands of Americans were introduced to Redzepi's creative techniques that embrace foraging and push innovation to new heights. He just released his follow-up to the James Beard and IACP Award-winning Noma: Time and Place in Nordic Cuisine titled René Redzepi: A Work in Progress, a set of three books: a 100-recipe cookbook, personal journal and photo book. This is a rare opportunity to meet the force behind one of the best restaurants in the world, as he presents and signs copies of the new collection at 4 p.m.

FRIDAY, NOV. 22

CULTURE

Chill @ Queen Mary (Long Beach)
Why drive to the mountains to have an afternoon of fun in the snow when you can make a quick trip down to Long Beach and experience a 13,000 square-foot winter wonderland at the Queen Mary? Over two million pounds of ice and multicolored lights are used in their frozen igloo and handmade sculptures that recreate The Nutcracker story of Clara's adventures on Christmas Eve. For an additional fee, you can add ice skating or tubing on a six-lane, two-stories tall indoor run to your day. Temperatures drop to nine degrees, so just make sure to bundle up tight. Through Jan. 5, 2014.

FILM

In Theaters This WeekVince Vaughn is a man whose donated sperm led to 500-plus children who are suing to learn his identity in Delivery Man; Everyone in my family has read all of the Hunger Games books, so there's no question that Hunger Games: Catching Fire is our most anticipated movie of the week. Katniss Everdeen's (Jennifer Lawrence) story continues as she goes on the Victor's Tour and returns home with Peeta (Josh Hutcherson); Philomena stars Judi Dench and Steve Coogan as they search for Philomena's long-lost son. Also in theaters: The Christmas Candle; Contracted

SATURDAY, NOV. 23

FILM

'80s Teen Night Double Feature @ Electric Dusk Drive-In (Downtown)
Nothing says the '80s more to me than John Hughes and Steven Spielberg films. Take a trip back in time with two of the eras best teen movies shown in the setting where many people originally saw them, the drive-in. First up is Hughes' 1985 Brat Pack classic that trapped a quintet of high-school students in Saturday morning detention, The Breakfast Club. Produced by Spielberg, the Robert Zemeckis-helmed Back to the Future, Part II caps off the evening with Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) traveling to 2015, which seemed so far away when the film released in 1989.

FOOD

Eat to the Beat @ Grand Central Market (Downtown)
Two of the things I love most in this world, food and music, are combined in this pre-Thanksgiving event to promote the web radio station and creative collective known as dublab. The vendors of the historic Grand Central Market are offering special culinary collaborations in addition to their normal fare, such as DTLA Pupusas from Sarita's and the upcoming DTLA Cheese booth, a Smoked Nita pulled pork and egg sandwich from Eggslut and Horse Thief BBQ, and Chili & Red Mole Brownies from Valerie at GCM and Valeria's Spices. de Lab can take you on an architecture tour, and dub lab hosts a record potluck, DJ stand and record fair where you can get some holiday shopping done for the vinyl lovers in your life, as well as crafts by Little Junebugs and custom printed totes and shirts by HIT+RUN.

Eat My Blog 5.0 @ Coolhaus (Pasadena)
Please take a few minutes of your afternoon to pick up a sweet snack at this charity bake sale benefiting the Philippine Red Cross and its aid to victims of Typhoon Haiyan at Coolhaus' Pasadena storefront. You will thank me once you've taken a bite of the amazing treats from some of Los Angeles' best chefs (Animal/Sun of a Gun's cream cheese pumpkin bars, Roy Choi's brownies, Night + Market's waffle-breaded hot dog on a stick) and bloggers (The Food Librarian's mini bundts, Just Jenn's Yoda cookies, Julie's Kitchen's ginger-molasses cookies with candied persimmon). Fill your tummy for a great cause!

MONDAY, NOV. 25

TV

"Breaking Bad" DVD signing @ Barnes & Noble (The Grove)
There's probably at least one person on your holiday list that would love a copy of the groundbreaking series' final season on DVD. Grab a copy at Barnes & Noble  a day before its available to the rest of the world and make their gift even more special by having it signed by the show's creator (Vince Gilligan) and some of its stars (Bryan Cranston, Dean Norris and Bob Odenkirk). Trust me, you're going to score major points for this one.

MUSIC

Night Terrors of 1927 @ The Echo (Echo Park)
The duo comprised of former Rilo Kiley guitarist Blake Sennet and ex-frontman of the Honorary Title Jarrod Gorbel came together last year and just released their first EP, Guilty Pleas, full of anthems dripping with angst and synth beats. Although the band's name, which was lifted from Gorbel's great grandfather's journal, is a bit ominous and their lyrics are a rather melancholy, you'll be dancing and nodding along to the songs' infectious grooves. Don't miss this final evening of Night Terrors of 1927's Monday-night residency at the Echo, featuring openers Z Berg, Cillie Barnes and WATERS.

TUESDAY, NOV. 26

BOOKS

Mike Tyson @ Barnes & Noble (The Grove)
The antics of the former heavyweight champion of the world both inside and outside of the ring made him a notorious figure in pop culture, but it's hard to deny the honest sincerity he conveys while recounting his life tales in "Undisputed Truth," the one-man show directed by Spike Lee that garnered great reviews at Pantages Theater last March and aired on TV as an HBO special. He released a memoir of the same name earlier this month that is just as raw and brutally honest as the stage show. You can meet and have the legendary athlete sign a copy of the book at the Grove tonight.

Events for Nov. 7-13, 2013

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THURSDAY, NOV. 7

MUSIC

Mazzy Star @ The Wiltern (Koreatown)
"Fade into You" was a crucial song to my adolescence, and 17 years after their last album Mazzy Star returned with their fourth studio effort, Seasons of Your Day, in September. Co-written by David Roback and Hope Sandoval, the album features performances by all the original band members, as well as guests like My Bloody Valentine's Colm Ó'Cíosóig and the late Bert Jansch. Although the California natives no longer reside full-time here, they pay homage to the state with the haunting "California." If you loved the gorgeous sounds that characterized their previous releases, then you won't want to miss this show at the Wiltern.

FRIDAY, NOV. 8

FILM

Forest Whitaker @ Aero Theatre (Santa Monica)
American Cinematheque's tribute to the brilliant, Academy Award-winning actor/producer/director begins with an in-person discussion with him at 7:30 p.m. Then, there is a double feature of his latest work, kicking off with his star turn as White House butler Cecil Gaines in Lee Daniels' The Butler. Whitaker gives one of his finest performances alongside Oprah Winfrey, John Cusack, Robin Williams and Jane Fonda. Aside from his impressive screen resumé, Whitaker has also mentored some of Hollywood's brightest young filmmakers, including director Ryan Coogler, who directed the Whitaker-produced Fruitvale Station – the 2013 Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner. Michael B. Jordan shines in the true story of Oscar Grant who was tragically killed at the Oakland transit station. This is a night not to miss for fans of Whitaker's oeuvre.

In Theaters This Week
Alex Gibney's riveting documentary, The Armstrong Lie, follows the fall of the cycling star; Sophie Nélisse, Geoffrey Rush and Emily Watson in the adaptation of Markus Zusak's bestselling novel, The Book Thief; The cast of the original Marvel superhero's film – Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgård and Anthony Hopkins – returns in Thor: The Dark World. Also in theaters: Ass Backwards; Great Expectations; How I Live Now; Medora; Paris Countdown

SATURDAY, NOV. 9

BOOKS

Suzanne Goin @ Williams-Sonoma (Beverly Hills)
The award-winning chef and restaurateur of Lucques, A.O.C., Tavern and the Hungry Cat released her first cookbook, Sunday Suppers at Lucques, in 2005 and it went on to win a James Beard award. She just released a new book, The A.O.C. Cookbook, last week that contains recipes for the restaurant's delicious small plates, such as Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Parmesan, Lamb Meatballs with Spiced Tomato Sauce and S'Mores with Caramel Popcorn and Chocolate Sorbet. In the cookbook, Goin also takes you through each ingredient and the techniques that make each recipe sing. She signs copies of The A.O.C. Cookbook and gives a cooking demo at 1p.m.

FILM

Raiders of the Lost Ark @ Electric Dusk Drive-In (Downtown)
Star Wars put him on the map, but Raiders of the Lost Ark proved Harrison Ford to be a true leading man. Ford has become so synonymous with the trademark fedora, bullwhip and leather jacket of Dr. Henry "Indiana" Jones, that it's hard to imagine that Tom Selleck was producer George Lucas' first choice for the role. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film became the top-grossing film of 1981, won four Oscars and, more importantly, created a new action hero that is still beloved today. Watch Indy race the Nazis to find the Ark of the Covenant as many saw the film when it was released, at the drive-in.

MUSIC

Bass Player Live! @ The Fonda (Hollywood)
The annual two-day gathering celebrates the instrument with clinics and panel discussions at SIR Studios and is highlighted by an all-star concert at the Fonda tonight. The conversations at SIR include Billy Sheehan, Frank Bello, Rhonda Smith, David Ellefson and Ready Freddie Washington on topics like 'The Changing Face of L.A. Session Bass' and 'Beyond the Bass: Passion Plus Hard Work = Success?'. Performers at the Fonda show are: Black Sabbath's Geezer Butler, Lee Rocker, Charlie Benante, Zakk Wylde, Corey Taylor, Tal Wilkenfeld and Kerry King, among others. When it comes to slapping that thang, all of the participating artists represent the early days and bright future of bass playing.

Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival @ L.A. Memorial Coliseum (South Los Angeles)
The Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All (OFWGKTA) hip-hop collective bring their festival back for a second year in a bigger, better venue. All the usual Odd Future members are set to perform – from Tyler, the Creator and Frank Ocean to Earl Sweatshirt and Mike G – along with subgroups such as funk duo the Internet, MellowHigh and DJ Taco. Special guests this time out include the awesome Flying Lotus, Mac Miller, Sacramento's Trash Talk and, representing South Central, Schoolboy Q. If you need a break from the two musical stages, there are going to be plenty of carnival games and rides, food trucks and even a skate park to occupy your time.

MONDAY, NOV. 11

BOOKS

Ree Drummond @ Barnes & Noble (Glendale)
I am totally obsessed with Ree Drummond's "Pioneer Woman" show and frequently replicate many of her recipes at home. The blogger, bestselling author, photographer and "accidental cowgirl" just released her third cookbook, A Year of Holidays: 140 Step-by-Step Recipes for Simple, Scrumptious Celebrations, last week. She shares ideas and recipes for every special event you might find yourself hosting, from brunches and dinner parties to Halloween and Fourth of July. She beat Bobby Flay in a Thanksgiving "Throwdown" three years ago, and you can find some of those dishes in the 19 recipes she shares in the Thanksgiving section. The cookbook sold out in mere seconds when it debuted on QVC a few weeks back, so I know I'm not alone in my obsession. Heed my warning to arrive early to get your wristband and not miss out on the book signing.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 13

FOOD

Roy Choi @ Mark Taper Forum (Downtown)
The boundary-breaking chef, who rose to fame with his Kogi trucks and continues to fill Angelenos' bellies at Chego!, A-Frame and Sunny Spot, released his enthralling memoir, L.A. Son: My Life, My City, My Food, on Nov. 5. In it, he tells of childhood afternoons spent at his parents' Korean restaurant and studying at the Culinary Institute of America, while spotlighting the dishes that have peppered his journey – homemade kimchi, East L.A. street tacos, pho in Downtown's Jewelry District. Another of the city's culinary treasures, KCRW's Evan Kleiman, hosts the conversation with Chef Choi at 7:15 p.m.

MUSIC

Quasi @ The Echo (Echo Park)
Portland, Oregon's Sam Coomes and Janet Weis celebrated their 20th year together as a band with the release of a new double album, Mole City, last month and bring their national tour to Los Angeles with a stop at the Echo. Featuring tracks like the zany "Chrome Duck," melancholy "Chumps of Chance" or seething "An Ice Cube in the Sun," Quasi is just as genre defying as ever on their latest effort. One thing is for sure, they put on a great live performance, so don't miss this show.

Events for Oct. 17-23, 2013

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THURSDAY, OCT. 17

CULTURE

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
(Laure Vincent Bouleau)

Edward Sharpe's Big Top @ L.A. State Historic Park (Elysian Park)
Although huge red-and-white tents have popped up on its grounds, Big Top is no ordinary circus. The new festival experience, created and curated by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, takes over the park for the next four evenings with a wide array of activities that include vaudeville comedy, contortionists, magic, acrobats, puppetry, carnival games, interactive performance art from Lucent Dossier, beer gardens and a unique farmers' market. Of course there is music as well, kicking off with acts such as Fool's Gold tonight, Rocco DeLucca Friday, Frank Fairfield Saturday and Aaron Embry on Sunday. Each night, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros perform an intimate, in-the-round set.

FRIDAY, OCT. 18

FILM

In Theaters This Week
12 Years a Slave is Steve McQueen's epic based on the autobiography of Solomon Northrup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery, and also stars Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Alfre Woodard and Brad Pitt; Robert Redford is stranded at sea in All Is Lost; James Franco directs an adaptation of William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying, in which he stars with Danny McBride and Logan Marshall-Green; Broadway Idiot, a documentary following the process of turning Green Day's six-times Platinum American Idiot album into a Broadway musical; Chloë Grace Moretz and Julianne Moore in Carrie, a reimagining of the 1976 classic; The Fifth Estate follows the early days of WikiLeaks with Benedict Cumberbatch as Julian Assange and Daniel Brühl as Daniel Domscheit-Berg; The story of how Allen Ginsberg (Daniel Radcliffe), Jack Kerouac (Jack Huston) and William Burroughs (Ben Foster) were brought together by murder, Kill Your Darlings. Also in theaters: Big Ass Spider!; Escape Plan; God Loves Uganda; Hellbenders; I'm in Love with a Church Girl; Red Wing

SATURDAY, OCT. 19

COMEDY

Festival Supreme @ Santa Monica Pier (Santa Monica)
Tenacious D always puts on fun shows, mashing comedy and music together, so they decided to create a new comedy and musical festival. The lineup includes Patton Oswalt, Zach Galifianakis, Adam Sandler, Fred Armisen, Princess (Maya Rudolph and Gretchen Lieberum), Sarah Silverman, Reggie Watts, Neil Hamburger, Nancy and Beth (Megan Mullally and Stephanie Hunt) and, of course, Kyle Gass and Jack Black. Aside from the live entertainment, there are free arcade games, specialty cocktails and food vendors like Border Grill, Poke Poke, Fritzi Dog and Strawberry Fields.

CULTURE

Alton Brown @ Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts (Cerritos)
Whether it's baking a pie or roasting a turkey for the first time, whenever I try something new in the kitchen the first thing I do is watch an Alton Brown video on the subject. The best-selling author, "Good Eats" host and Food Network regular possesses a gift for translating the complex scientific principles behind cooking into easy-to-follow instructions on how to concoct dishes on your own. I am forever faithful to his biscuit recipe; it has never failed me. He brings a mix of food experimentation, stand-up comedy, multimedia lecture and live music to Orange County this evening with his Edible Inevitable Tour.

Rebel Bingo (Filip Milenkovic)

Rebel Bingo @ 333 Live (Westlake)
I must confess that I am a sucker for bingo. I even used to carry around a bingo dabber pen in my purse. Rebel Bingo, however, is nothing like the nursing-home game. Invented in a London church hall basement, rules and refinement are thrown out the window on these game nights. Instead, you can expect loud music, dancing, drinking, DJs, profanity-laced number calling, 'punishment' for claiming to have bingo when you don't and unorthodox prizes. Don't wear anything you wouldn't want covered in marker because you will inevitably be drawn on.

FILM

Halloween Double Feature @ Electric Dusk Drive-In (Downtown)
Get into the spirit of the season with two Halloween favorites. First up is Tim Burton's Beetlejuice from 1988, which follows a recently deceased couple (Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis) as they become ghosts and try to scare away their home's new inhabitants under the tutelage of the mischievous "bio-exorcist" title character played by Michael Keaton. Whenever I hear "The Banana Boat Song," I immediately think of this movie. To follow is the 1982 horror classic, Poltergeist, that is going to scare the bejesus out of you.

SUNDAY, OCT. 20

MUSIC

Story of the Year @ House of Blues (West Hollywood)
"And here I am, pouring my heart onto these rooftops… From up here the city lights burn like a thousand miles of fire, and I'm here to sing this anthem of our dying day." I have such great memories of sitting in a car with friends on the roof of a parking structure on the Sunset Strip, belting out the lyrics of "Anthem of Our Dying Day" from Story of the Year's debut album, Page Avenue. It's hard to believe it's been 10 years since its release, especially because it seems like just yesterday that I interviewed the St. Louis natives before a show a week after the album came out. It was so inspiring to be surrounded by these musicians who were so full of passion and hopes for the future. Page Avenue has since become a classic to those who love the genre, and to honor its anniversary, SOTY just released an acoustic/reimagining of the record, Page Avenue: Ten Years and Counting, and embarked on a celebratory tour that hits the Strip tonight.

MONDAY, OCT. 21

BOOKS

Shohreh Aghdashloo @ Book Soup (West Hollywood)
The award-winning actress shares her incredible life's story in The Alley of Love and Yellow Jasmines, which released over the summer. The memoir begins with her childhood in Teheran when her passion for film was born. It moves through the early years of her marriage, the 1979 revolution that toppled the Shah and saw the start of the stifling reign of Ayatollah Khomeini, her escape to Europe and eventually Los Angeles. She shares her struggles in assimilating to the new culture and breaking barriers in Hollywood. Aghdashloo has one of the most unique voices, both literally and as an author, so it's going to be a great experience to hear her discuss her story at Book Soup where she is also set to do a signing.

TUESDAY, OCT. 22

MUSIC

The Dig @ The Satellite (Silver Lake)
The New York quartet celebrates today's release of their new EP, You & I, with a show at the Satellite. The group's two vocalists, Emile Mosseri and David Baldwin, have been making music together since age 11, and when they met keyboardist/guitarist Erick Eiser, they began cultivating the Dig's sound. Joined by drummer Mark Demiglio, the band craft intelligent and catchy songs characterized by tight harmonies, gorgeous synths and sharp guitars. It's a real treat to see the songs translated to a stage in a venue as intimate as the Satellite.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 23

THEATER

"Evita" @ Pantages Theatre (Hollywood)
The Tony-winning musical, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, returns to the gorgeous Pantages in a new production directed by Michael Grandage (Tony-winner for "Red") and choreographed by Rob Ashford (Tony-winner for "Thoroughly Modern Millie"). If you've seen the 1996 film adaptation that starred Madonna and Antonio Banderas, then you know the story is based on Eva Perón's rise from the slums of Argentina to the presidential mansion with unforgettable songs like "High Flying, Adored" and "Don't Cry for Me Argentina."

Events for Aug. 1-7, 2013

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THURSDAY, AUG. 1

Join AWOL at the X Games and SSMF

MUSIC

Sunset Strip Music Festival (West Hollywood)
For three days the annual festival invades the Strip's legendary venues, culminating on the Boulevard for Saturday's street fest. Festivities begin with a Joan Jett Tribute at the House of Blues, Enuff Z'nuff at the Whisky and Ours at the Roxy tonight and continue with a pre-fest party across from the Roxy and Scott Weiland at the Viper Room Friday night. The street fest features Linkin Park, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Wale, Slick Rick & Doug E. Fresh and Warren G. So many friends are playing – tB5 Thursday, Hoobastank and the Vapes Friday, and AWOLNATION, Sad Robot and Terraplane Sun Saturday – that I'm a bit dizzy thinking about which venue I should be at during certain times.

SPORTS

X Games 2013 @ L.A. Live (Downtown) and Irwindale Event Center
It's hard to believe the Summer X Games have been around for 18 years now, and all the excitement descends upon Los Angeles through Sunday. From street and vert skateboarding to BMX and Moto X, competitions take place all over L.A. Live and at the Irwindale Speedway with athletes like Paul Rodriguez, Garrett Reynolds, Maria Forsberg and Will Hahn. There are also music performances from AWOLNATION, Robert DeLong and the Presets throughout the weekend.

FRIDAY, AUG. 2

FILM

In Theaters This Week
2 Guns stars Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg as two undercover agents who are each unaware that the other is working undercover; Neil Patrick Harris, Hank Azaria and Jayma Mays in The Smurfs 2, with the voices of George Lopez, Christina Ricci, Fred Armisen and Katy Perry; Based on the novel of the same name by Tim Tharp, The Spectacular Now has a screenplay by (500) Days of Summer's Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber and stars Shailene Woodley and Miles Teller. Also in theaters: The Artist and the Model; Cockneys vs Zombies; Drift; Drug War; Europa Report

MUSIC

Unity Tour @ Verizon Amphitheater (Irvine)
This is the 11th consecutive summer that 311 has embarked on the Unity Tour, and they join forces with Cypress Hill and G Love & Special Sauce for this year's installment. The headliners toured with Cypress Hill in 1996 and G Love in 2003, so it's a reunion of sorts, with plenty of their fan favorites like "Down," "Beautiful Disaster" and "All Mixed Up" in store.

SATURDAY, AUG. 3

My Morning Jacket (Danny Clinch)

MUSIC

AmericanaramA Festival of Music @ Verizon Amphitheater (Irvine)
All music fans should grab every chance they get to see Bob Dylan live while they can. Wouldn't you love to be able to tell the grandkids about it one day? Aside from the folk legend, there are performances from Wilco, My Morning Jacket and Richard Thompson, who could all headline their own tours, but choose to spend their summer supporting Mr. Zimmerman.

HARD Summer @ LA Historic Park (Elysian Park)
It's no surprise that two-day and Saturday general admission tickets are all sold-out, but you can still try and get Sunday general admission tickets or VIP passes for either day. Just make sure to drink plenty of water and wear comfy shoes because you'll be dancing from noon to midnight with the likes of Knife Party, Justice, 2 Chainz, Crystal Castles and Bassnectar keeping the beats pumping throughout the weekend.

FILM

Little Shop of Horrors @ Electric Dusk Drive-In (Downtown)
Whenever I think of the 1986 film, the lyric "feed me, Seymour" instantly pops into my head. Rick Moranis stars as the nerdy flower shop worker in love with his co-worker Audrey (Ellen Greene), who suffers at the tentacles of the blood-lusting plant he christened as Audrey II. Can Seymour save Audrey from the clutches of her abusive dentist boyfriend (Steve Martin) and the entire world from Audrey II? Spend the evening safely nestled in your car at Electric Dusk and find out.

FOOD

Plate by Plate @ Vibiana (Downtown)
Project by Project's 11th annual fundraiser features over 50 of SoCal's finest in food and drink, including Bestia, Seoul Sausage Co., Stella Barra Pizzeria and Starry Kitchen. This year's non-profit partner is the East West Players Asian-American theater troupe. Help the amazing volunteer organization raise money, while sampling some delicious food in the gorgeous venue set in the heart of Downtown.

MONDAY, AUG. 5

FILM

Paul Schrader @ Billy Wilder Theater (Westwood)
For almost a month, UCLA has featured a retrospective of the work of the writer-director in Hardcore: The Films of Paul Schrader with screenings of his films, from American Gigolo and Affliction to Auto Focus and Adam Ressurrected. The UCLA alumnus appears in-person to present his latest film, The Canyons, a neo-noir thriller written by Bret Easton Ellis and starring Lindsay Lohan, James Deen and Gus Van Sant.

Events for June 6-12, 2013

Get with THE PROGRAM

THURSDAY, JUNE 6

Bryan West in "Priscilla Queen of the
Desert" (Joan Marcus)

THEATER

"Priscilla Queen of the Desert" @ Pantages Theatre (Hollywood)
Get in the mood for this weekend's Pride festivities with an evening of drag queens and transexuals in the Tony Award-winning musical. Three friends take a road trip through the Australian outback in a battered old bus that they've dubbed 'Priscilla.' Along the way they encounter a variety of personalities and learn valuable lessons about themselves. The production features a slew of dance-floor favorites such as "It's Raining Men," "I Love the Night Life" and "I Will Survive" and runs through June 16.

FRIDAY, JUNE 7

CULTURE

Ink-N-Iron Festival @ The Queen Mary (Long Beach)
The 10th annual festival brings tattoo, hot rod/Kustom, music, '50s fashion, burlesque and art lovers together at the luxury ship for a three-day celebration. With 280 tattoo artists from 25 countries on hand, a pin-up pageant, the Kulture Klash Art Show, the Motorama Car Show, a vintage fashion bazaar and so much more, there is something happening for everyone over the weekend. Each day also features performances from bands like Sublime with Rome, Iggy and the Stooges, the Offspring, NOFX, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Bad Brains and Wanda Jackson, among many others.

L.A. Pride in West Hollywood
Every year since the early '70s, the city has hosted the largest gathering of the LGBT community in Souther California. This year's festivities take over West Hollywood Park through Sunday with a Dyke March and rally, performances by Uh Huh Her, Ciara, Chiddy Bang, Judith Hill ("The Voice") and the Pointer Sisters and culminating with the parade on Sunday at 11 a.m. Be prepared for all-out madness and exhaustion come Monday morning.

FILM

Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn in The Internship

In Theaters This Week
The Wedding Crashers duo of Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn reunite for The Internship as two salesmen who are downsized and decide to finagle internships at Google; Joss Whedon's highly anticipated take on Shakespeare's classic comedy Much Ado About Nothing stars Amy Acker and Alexis Denisof as sparring lvoers Beatrice and Benedick; The Purge stars Ethan Hawke and Lena Headey ("Game of Thrones"' Cersei) as a couple trying to survive an alternate America's annual night of criminal hijinks; Violet & Daisy with Alexis Bledel and Saoirse Ronan; Joel Edgerton, Teresa Palmer and Felicity Price in Wish You Were Here. Also in theaters: 1 Mile Above; Bidder 70; Dirty Wars; Évocateur: The Morton Downey Jr. Movie; Finding Joy; Hannah Arendt; The History of Future Folk; Lost and Found in Armenia; The Prey; Rapture-Palooza; Swan Lake Mariinsky Live; Tiger Eyes

MUSIC

Jubilee Music & Arts Festival @ The Arts District (Downtown)
The festival has altered its name and relocated from Silver Lake to Downtown's Arts District for its two-day event. Acts include Black Lips, the Drums, Free Energy, Fool's Gold, NO, Cayucas and Tashaki Miyaki. If you need to take a break from the music, there is a comedy stage, plenty of food trucks and vendor booths to keep you busy.

War Poets @ Whisky A Go-Go (West Hollywood)
The quintet of Minnesota music scene veterans stops in Los Angeles in support of their debut, Dulce et Decorum Est, which features 17 tracks that touch on topics from current events and social issues to history and timeless human emotion. Blending rock, pop and Americana, War Poets provide songs for your every mood, so make sure to catch this show while they're in town.

THE OUTDOORS

Great Horror Campout @ L.A. State Historic Park (Elysian Park)
Attention all horror lovers, if you've always wanted to experience the terror of summer camp as seen in flicks like Sleepaway Camp, then this interactive adventure is for you. Brought to you by the company behind the annual Haunted Hayride, don't expect to get much rest at the 12-hour overnight because activities like the Hell Hunt scavenger hunt (with such challenges as pulling worms from severed heads, avoiding kidnappers and participating in a sacrificial voodoo rite) and all-night movies (Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Friday the 13th Part 3 and Mama, among others) around a bonfire. If you even try to catch a wink in your tent, you might be pulled out in your sleeping bag by a stalker. Also June 8.

SUNDAY, JUNE 9

FILM

Drag Night at the Drive-In @ Electric Dusk Drive-In (Downtown)
Electric Dusk is hosting its first ever Pride Party with a special screening go Patrick Swayze, John Leguizamo and Wesley Snipes in To Wong Foo: Thanks for Everything Julie Newmar. There will also be a drag costume contest, gay trivial challenge and plenty of dancing and prizes.

TUESDAY, JUNE 11

MUSIC

Chrome Sparks @ Echoplex (Echo Park)
An evening with Chrome Sparks (aka Jeremy Malvin) is the perfect way to recuperate from all the craziness of your weekend and get you through to Friday. With a background in classical percussion and an obsession with synthesizers, he creates ethereal soundscapes that soothe, inspire and get your head nodding. This set features a five-piece band to bring his laptop visions to life on stage, making for a night to remember.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12

FILM

Ain't In It For My Health: A Film About Levon Helm @ The Cinefamily (Mid-City West)
From his days with the Band, his successful career as an actor and solo efforts, Levon Helm is a true legend. Join director Jacob Hatley for a screening of his documentary that focuses on the artist's recording and 2007 release of Dirt Farmer, and its subsequent catapulting of Helm back to in the international spotlight. Shot over the course of two years at Helm's home in Woodstock, NY, the film is an intimate and captivating look at the American musician. There will also be a Q&A with Hatley after the screening.

Events for April 4-10, 2013

Get with THE PROGRAM

THURSDAY, APRIL 4

MUSIC

NO @ Troubadour (West Hollywood)
The Echo Park indie rockers play their first L.A. show of 2013 tonight, and if you haven't seen them live this is definitely your can't-miss show of the week. Dancing and singing along to the fivesome's tracks, which run the gamut from to the heart-wrenching "Coming Down" to the heart-racing "There's a Glow," is the perfect way to get the week's end started off right. You don't just have to take my word for it, though. Give their video for "Big Waves" a gander for a glimpse at some of the fun the Troubadour is in store for this evening.

FRIDAY, APRIL 5

FILM

In Theaters This Week
Julianne Moore and Jonathan Rhys Meyers in 6 Souls; Robert Redford directs and stars in The Company You Keep with Shia LaBeouf, Stanley Tucci and Brit Marling; I can't even watch the trailer for Evil Dead, the highly anticipated remake of Sam Raimi's 1981 classic, by myself, so it's pretty much guaranteed that it's going to be a hit with horror fanatics; Danny Boyle delves into the art world with Trance, starring James McAvoy, Rosario Dawson and Vincent Cassel. Also in theaters: The Brass Teapot; Free Angela and All Political Prisoners; Jurassic Park in 3D; My Brother the Devil; The Story of Luke; Thale

SATURDAY, APRIL 6

BOOKS

Demetri Martin @ Book Soup (West Hollywood)
The stand-up comedian, actor, musician and writer is also an artist. His follow-up to the New York Times bestselling This Is a Book is a collection of hilarious drawings, poems and visual jokes called Point Your Face at This. Martin presents and signs the new book at 2 p.m.

FILM

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory @ Electric Dusk Drive-In (Downtown)
The 1971 classic, starring Gene Wilder as the eccentric titular character, is still my favorite big screen adaptation of a Roald Dahl work, and there's no better film to kick off EDDI's 2013 Family Night at the Drive-In series.

SUNDAY, APRIL 7

The Tontons (Megan Tipps)

MUSIC
 

The Tontons @ Central (Santa Monica)

The Houston quartet's frontwoman, Asli Omar, is the epitome of cool. Her commanding vocals paired with Adam Martinez's guitar set to the rumble of bassist Tom Nguyen and drummer Justin Martinez equals complete and utter sonic jubilation. Experiencing them in a venue as intimate as the Central is going to be quite the treat.

MONDAY, APRIL 8

BOOKS

Juanes @ Barnes & Noble (The Grove)
The Latin music icon and dedicated humanitarian grew up in the midst of Pablo Escobar's reign over Medellín. Even though there was a civil war raging around him, which greatly affected his life – his cousin was kidnapped and executed, a close friend was murdered by gunmen – his passion for music provided an escape and release of pent up emotions. He shares these stores in his memoir, Chasing the Sun, that was released last week, and he signs copies of the book tonight.

TUESDAY, APRIL 9

FILM

Debbie Reynolds @ The Egyptian (Hollywood)
The beloved actress just released a memoir, Unsinkable, which picks up where her first, Debbie: My Life, left off. American Cinematheque celebrates the release with a double feature of two musicals starring her – 1952's Singin' in the Rain and 1964's The Unsinkable Molly Brown – as well as a discussion with the screen legend herself. There's also a double feature of her films The Tender Trap and Mary, Mary on April 4 at the Egyptian, too.

FOOD

Free Cone Day @ Ben & Jerry's (throughout Los Angeles)
I am addicted to ice cream. It's my absolute favorite food, so Free Cone Day is always circled on my calendar. Ben and Jerry have been holding the holiday since their company's one-year anniversary in 1979, and this year they add new flavors like Candy Bar Pie and Liz Lemon Greek Frozen Yogurt to their lineup of classic flavors, which are all available for free!

MUSIC

Menage (Mary Maryanovich)

Ménage @ The Viper Room (West Hollywood)
The trio of siblings (Gabriel, Fernando and bELA Ferreira) spent their childhood living in Toronto, Canada and a small town in Portugal, infusing their musical tastes with a myriad of influences. As they moved into adulthood, spending time apart in settings such as New York and Los Angeles, they cultivated their musical passion and skills and eventually came together to form Ménage and release a self-titled debut. Experience the fruition of their labors as they celebrate the release of the video for "Promises," their third single from Ménage.

Heloise & The Savoir Faire @ The Satellite (Silver Lake)
The New Yorkers swing into Los Angeles in support of their just-released sophomore effort, Diamond Dust (via Elijah Wood's Simian Records). If you haven't been dancing around your house to the album's first single, "Vibezz," in preparation for the show, then get to it!

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10

MUSIC

San Cisco, Chaos Chaos @ Troubadour (West Hollywood)
This marks the Australian four-piece of San Cisco's first headlining tour in North America. While the release of their Awkward EP last year has steadily increased their buzz throughout the states, it's also built up the anticipation for their full-length's release later this spring. Joining them on the tour are the Saaverda sisters, Asy and Chloe, formerly of Smoosh and currently making waves as Chaos Chaos. They just unveiled an EP, S, and promise the incorporation of "the Toys R Us Big Piano, a trash drum kit and vocal processors" into their live set. Should be a thoroughly entertaining evening.