Events for May 1-7, 2014

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THURSDAY, MAY 1

CULTURE

Cinco de Mayan Spectacular @ The Mayan (Downtown)
What could say 'let's celebrate Mexican heritage and pride' more than the high-octane lucha libre wrestling, burlesque striptease routines and hilarious comedic commentary of Lucha VaVoom? While they put on shows for various other holidays throughout the year, their Cinco de Mayo spectaculars are probably the most popular. If you're a regular, then you most likely already have your ticket for Thursday or tonight's show in hand. But if you have never experienced the outrageous sexo y violencia at one of their events, you better hop to it because it will undoubtedly sell out. Also Friday.

FRIDAY, MAY 2

FILM

In Theaters This Week
Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone are so adorable, I could watch them act together in anything, add Jamie Foxx, Paul Giamatti and Felicity Jones into the mix for The Amazing Spider-Man 2, and we've got ourselves a winner; Elizabeth Banks plays a reporter who is stranded in downtown L.A. without a phone, car, ID or money and only has eight hours to get to an important job interview in Walk of Shame. Also in theaters: Belle; Friended to Death; Ida

MUSIC

Philip Glass @ Royce Hall (Westwood)
If you've never heard of Philip Glass, I'm not sure I want you reading Jigsaw anymore. Just kidding, well, kind of. He is one of the most influential composers in the world today, and his scores for the Qatsi film trilogy are epic. He has also scored films like Kundun, The Truman Show and The Hours, written operas, symphonies and sonatas, and has collaborated with artists that range from David Byrne and Allen Ginsberg to Aphex Twin and Leonard Cohen. See Glass perform in his interpretation of La Belle et la Bête tonight, with the Philip Glass Ensemble Saturday or with Maki Namekawa and Sally Whitewell on Sunday. It's for your own good.

SATURDAY, MAY 3

LITERATURE

California Bookstore Day @ Various bookshops (Citywide)
Independent bookstores are taking part in this party throughout the state with 13 exclusive books and art pieces being offered in addition to their regular inventory. Think Record Store Day, but for book lovers. Some of the special items are a limited bound copy of Neil Gaiman's The Sleeper and the Spindle, a signed Hugo lithograph and a cool punk rock writers journal from artist Wendy MacNaughton. Local purveyors taking part include Skylight Books in Los Feliz, Small World Books in Venice and Book Soup in West Hollywood.

SPORTS

Kentucky Derby Day @ Santa Anita Park (Arcadia)
I've always wanted to go to the Kentucky Derby to wear and admire the crazy awesome hats that ladies put on their heads for the event. One or five Mint Juleps in those fancy silver cups sound so good right now, too. Although we are thousands of miles away from Churchill Downs, Angelenos can still take part in some derby fun at our local track in Arcadia. There will be live bluegrass music, a hat contest (YAY), food trucks, a craft beer garden and plenty of competitive races to wager on.

Kings vs. Ducks @ Honda Center (Anaheim)
It's a SoCal battle to advance to the Conference Finals in this year's Stanley Cup Playoffs, but aaahhh, who do I root for, my childhood hometown Ducks or my current hometown Kings? Anaheim finished the regular season at the top of the west, just one point behind Boston, while Los Angeles became only the fourth team in NHL history to win a series after losing their first three games when they overcame San Jose on Wednesday. For my own sanity, I think I'm going to stay neutral on this one and just be happy for whichever team goes on to face Chicago or Minnesota.

SUNDAY, MAY 4 - May the Fourth Be With You!

FILM

Spaceballs @ Egyptian Theatre (Hollywood)
If you got my little May the Fourth joke above, then a) we should be friends and b) you are probably already planning some kind of Star Wars-related activity for today. If you love the George Lucas movies and can't wait to see what J.J. Abrams does with the franchise, then you will love this Mel Brooks satire starring Bill Pullman, Rick Moranis, John Candy and Daphne Zuniga as much as I do. Even if you have seen Spaceballs 20-plus times, lines like "We were told to comb the desert so we're combing it" and "May the schwartz be with you!" never get old.

MONDAY, MAY 5

CULTURE

Cinco de Mayo Festival @ Olvera Street (Downtown)
The three-day festival begins on Saturday, but today is the official holiday that celebrates Mexico's 1862 victory over French forces near the city of Puebla. From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., there is plenty of popular and traditional music, dancing and food to be experienced. Grab a strawberry-filled churro, take in some mariachi music and party it up.

TUESDAY, MAY 6

FILM

Manhunter @ Egyptian Theatre (Hollywood)
I am such a scaredy cat when it comes to horror and suspense, but even I am intrigued by Thomas Harris' most famous character, Hannibal Lecter. In addition to the novels featuring the serial killer, I love The Silence of the Lambs and Hannibal films. Maynard Keenan, frontman of Puscifer and Tool, is also a fan of the character, as evidenced by his selection of Manhunter in the Modern School of Film's Film: Masters series, which screens works handpicked by renown cultural figures like Keenan. The 1986 film from Michael Mann was based on Harris' first novel to feature Lecter, Red Dragon, and stars William Peterson and Brian Cox. Keenan will be on hand after the screening for a discussion about the film moderated by Robert Milazzo.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 7

MUSIC

Frances Cone @ Hotel Café (Hollywood)
The Brooklyn-based trio of Christina Cone, Jeff Malinowski and Andrew Doherty just met within the past year, but as heard on their self-titled EP that released last week, they clearly belong together. With catchy choruses and beautiful harmonies, songs like "Better Man" and "June" will grab your ear and heart. This is the perfect show to get you through your mid-week slump.

Events for Feb. 13-19, 2014

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THURSDAY, FEB. 13

FILM

Blackmail/Psycho @ Aero Theatre (Santa Monica)
I just watched Hitchcock, the 2012 film about the making of Psycho starring Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren and Scarlett Johansson, so this Alfred Hitchcock double feature couldn't come at more ideal time. First in the evening's schedule is an 85th anniversary screening of the director's 1929 crime thriller Blackmail, starring Anny Ondra and John Longden, presented with live musical accompaniment by Cliff Retallick. Up next are Anthony Perkins and Janet Leigh in Psycho. The films serve as the closing night of American Cinematheque's The Hitchcock 9, Plus 8 series.

CULTURE

Lucha VaVoom @ The Mayan (Downtown)
Tonight's Valentine's-themed event promises all of the sexo y violencia that you've come to expect from the Mexican masked wrestling/striptease/comedy collision, but with an extra special added bonus. The awesome rock/electro musician and performance artist known as Peaches has signed on as the first-ever musical act to join a Lucha VaVoom lineup. She kicks the night off with a fabulous opening number, and she really is the perfect match to the in-your-face mayhem that is Lucha VaVoom.

MUSIC

Failure @ El Rey Theatre (Miracle Mile)
I know this show is sold out, but it's so critical for any fan of this influential L.A. band to try and get in anyway they can. It's been 17 years since the members of Failure parted ways, and tonight's performance reunites all four of them. Ken Andrews, Greg Edwards, Kellii Scott and Troy Van Leeuwen are sure to set the stage on fire with songs like "Stuck on You," "Saturday Saviour" and
"Undone" for a truly unforgettable night.

FRIDAY, FEB. 14 – Happy Valentine's Day!

COMEDY

An Evening with Bill Cosby @ The Pasadena Civic (Pasadena)
Ask anyone about their ideal traits in a mate, and sense of humor is probably high up on their list. Cry laughing with your beloved, basking in the greatness of this comedy legend. Long before he rocked the sweater vests on "The Cosby Show," Bill Cosby had people dying over his stand-up routines and best-selling comedy albums, of which I have several. Take a stroll or grab a bite at Old Town or Paseo Colorado before the show, and make a night of it.

FILM

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind @ The Cinefamily (Mid-City West)
Cap your Valentine's Day off with a midnight screening of one of my favorite movies of all time. Have you ever had a relationship that cause you so much anguish that you wish you could just erase it entirely from your mind? Michel Gondry's beautiful film, which combines science-fiction, romance and psychologically thriller, explores this notion. With an Academy Award-winning screenplay by Charlie Kaufman and fabulous performances from Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Kirsten Dunst, Mark Ruffalo and Elijah Wood, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is just… beyond words. Celebrate the film's 10th anniversary with someone you love (and hopefully don't want to ever forget).

In Theaters This Week
Kevin Hart, Michael Ealy, Regina Hall and Joy Bryant in About Last Night; Sorry, but Endless Love will always be the 1981 Franco Zeffirelli adaptation of the Scott Spencer novel with Brooke Shields and awesome theme song by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie to me, not this new one with Alex Pettyfer and Gabriella Wilde; "The Killing"'s Joel Kinnaman stars in the remake of 1987's RoboCop, along with Gary Oldman, Samuel L. Jackson and Abbie Cornish; Winter's Tale stars Colin Farrell, Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly and Jessica Brown-Findlay (Sybil from "Downton Abbey"). Also in theaters: Adult World; Beijing Love Story; Girl on a Bicycle; The Returned

MUSIC

Morning Parade @ El Rey Theater (Miracle Mile)
If your ideal Valentine's date includes great music, rocking out with your beloved, then I suggest spending some of your night with this British five piece. They just released a new EP, Alienation, with four great tracks that will have you nodding your head along to the beat ("Reality Dreams," "Culture Vulture"), thrashing around the dance floor ("Shake the Cage") and holding your lover close ("Alienation").

SATURDAY, FEB. 15

ART

Create:Fixate's I Art You @ Lot 613 (Downtown)
Spend the night surrounded by stunning art from over 40 emerging artists, designers, DJs and musicians at Create: Fixate's Valentine's-themed event. There is an "I Art You" letter writing station where you can write a some heartfelt words to ones you love. Just remember to bring their addresses because Create:Fixate is providing the stamps. If you're in the market to meet someone special, Matching Up is sponsoring a Singles Mixer from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. with several fun activities planned. There are plenty of works for you and your new friend to admire, including pieces from Cary Sullivan, Patrick Haemmerlein, Shana Koenig and Liz Huston, while KCRW's Mario Cotto sets aural atmosphere.

SUNDAY, FEB. 16

SPORTS

The Harlem Globetrotters @ Staples Center (Downtown)
Wrap up the weekend of love with a heart-pumping Harlem Globetrotters experience. Marvel at their gravity-defying dunks, crazy ball-handling skills and hilarious antics and interactions with the crowd. There is a show at 12:30 p.m. and another at 5:45 p.m., so you have two chances to participate in the fun with these gifted athletes and performers from all across the nation. Just be on your toes the entire time, because you never know when a ball could be thrown your way.

TUESDAY, FEB. 18

FILM

Dress Up: Valley of the Dolls @ The Cinefamily (Mid-City West)
Doesn't dressing up in costumes make everything that much more awesome? Cinespia invites you to don your 1960s Mod best – pastel suits, lamé gowns, heavy black eyeliner and bouffants – for this screening of Mark Robson's 1967 adaptation of Jacqueline Susann's dramatic novel. Although Patty Duke, Sharon Tate and Barbara Parkins are the focus of the film's storyline, the real stars are the glorious gown designed by Travilla, who not only dressed icons like Marilyn Monroe and Lauren Bacall but was responsible for the wardrobe for "Dallas" and "Knots Landing." Feast your eyes on the finery as you're all dolled up, in shimmering clothes, of course.

Events for Oct. 24-30, 2013

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THURSDAY, OCT. 24

Crystal Fighters (Neil Krug)

MUSIC

Crystal Fighters @ The Fonda (Hollywood)
The Basque/UK-based quintet recorded their latest album, Cave Rave, here in Los Angeles with Grammy-nominated producer Justin Meldal-Johnsen (Beck, Air, Paramore) and return to town to share the new songs with Angelenos. Be prepared to dance, because practically every track off their sophomore release is guaranteed to get you moving, from opener "Wave" to "LA Calling," "Love Natural" and "Are We One." They combine traditional folk instruments from their native land with African beats and synthesizers for completely unique dance music.

FRIDAY, OCT. 25

FILM

In Theaters This Week
Pulitzer Prize-winner Cormac McCarthy's first original screenplay, The Counselor, immerses a lawyer in the underworld of drug trafficking, is directed by Ridley Scott and boasts an impressive cast that includes Michael Fassbender, Penélope Cruz, Cameron Diaz, Javier Bardem and Brad Pitt; Spinning Plates is a documentary that follows three restaurants (Grant Achatz's Alinea in Chicago, Breitbach's Country Dining in Balltown, Iowa and La Cocina de Gabby in Tucson, Ariz.) and their stories of family, legacy, passion and survival. Also in theaters – Blue Is the Warmest Color; Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa; The Pin; Torn

SATURDAY, OCT. 26

HALLOWEEN

Muse Costume Ball @ LACMA (Mid-City West)
If you want to mix some art into your Halloween fun, then LACMA's 10th annual event is for you. Aside from the modern art in the museum's galleries, you can view Chris Burden's Metropolis II, Bruce Nauman's For Beginners, Richard Serra's Band, John Divola: As Far As I Could Get and See the Light – Photography, Perception, Cognition: The Marjorie and Leonard Vernon Collection. There is also a contest for Best Black-and-White Costume, Best Classic Movie Monster and Best Ghost of Hollywood Past and entertainment from Clairy Browne and the Bangin' Rackettes, Zombie Joe's Underground Theatre Group and a DJ set from Theophilus London.

Glasser (Jonathan William Turner)

KCRW's Masquerade @ The Legendary Park Plaza Hotel (Westlake)
The station's fifth annual costume ball and dance party adds live screen printing by Hit + Run, Harlow Gold's vintage burlesque revue (Blind Tiger) and Haunted Dancehalls to its usual costume contests, macabre storytellers, artisan food trucks, five themed rooms with music from KCRW DJs like Jason Bentley, Anne Litt, Liza Richardson and Chris Douridas, performers from Lucent Dossier and the Bella Donnas and Shana Koenig's amazing Solar Sculptures. The lineup of musical acts is not to be forgotten, either: Glasser, DJ Dave Sitek, Har Mar Superstar, the Lions, Grizfolk and DJ sets from Thievery Corporation's Rob Garza, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. and Tom Chasteen's Dub Club.

SUNDAY, OCT. 27

FOOD

Sausage Fest @ Fig (Santa Monica)
Chef Ray Garcia throws his second annual Sausage Fest (tee hee) with contests, live music and more. Participating chefs include Primal Alchemy's Paul Buchanan, Haven Gastropub's Greg Daniels, BierBeisl's Bernhard Mairinger, Ray's and Star Bar's Kris Morningstar, Short Order's Christian Page and Little Fork's Jason Travi. All hail meat in tube form.

L.A. Sriracha Festival @ Lot 613 (Downtown)
Organized by Food GPS and Randy Clemens, author of The Sriracha Cookbook, the afternoon pays tribute to the world's most iconic hot sauce. There are themed dishes and desserts aplenty from stations manned by Westly Avila (Guerrilla Tacos), Ernesto Uchimura (Plan Check), Tai Kim (Scoops), Neal Fraser (BLD, Fritzi Dog), Eric Greenspan (the Foundry) and more. Don't worry, you can fight the heat in your mouth with plenty of local craft beer, cocktails and sodas while enjoying live DJ sets.

THEATER

Joe Iconis

"The Black Suits" @ Kirk Douglas Theatre (Culver City)
One of the best moments in "Smash" was when you heard Jimmy Collins (Jeremy Jordan) sing for the first time, sitting at a piano belting out "Broadway Here I Come." The incredible song was penned by Joe Iconis, who is the composer and lyricist behind this world-premiere musical. "The Black Suits" follows a Long Island band as they try to win a battle of the bands and, more importantly, as they move from adolescence to adulthood.

TUESDAY, OCT. 29

MUSIC

Danny Elfman's Music from the Films of Tim Burton @ Nokia Theatre (Downtown)
There was a time when Halloween was always commemorated by Oingo Boingo's Dia de Los Muertos shows, and this string of three nights is sure to stir up lots of Angelenos' memories from those concerts. They also mark Danny Elfman's first live U.S. performances in 18 years. He is joined by the Hollywood Symphony Orchestra and the Page LA Choir conducted by John Mauceri in a celebration of his compositions from the many Tim Burton films he's worked on. The music is accompanied by visuals from those films that include Edward Scissorhands, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Beetlejuice, Pee-Wee's Big Adventure, Alice in Wonderland and more.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 30

HALLOWEEN

Lucha VaVoom @ The Mayan (Downtown)
For two evenings, Lucha VaVoom's Mexican masked wrestlers, burlesque dancers and comedy troupe take over the Mayan for a Halloween extravaganza. The nights include stripteases from stars like Michelle L'Amour, an all-mini Battle Royale and the return of the flying luchadore Stuka. You can get in on all the costumed fun on either night, but on Halloween there will be a special contest with a $250 prize.

MUSIC

Gov't Mule @ The Fonda (Hollywood)
The Southern rock jam band just released a new album, Shout!, which features a second disc with vocal interpretations from Elvis Costello, Dr. John, Ben Harper, Jim James, Grace Potter and more. This show is special for many reasons: It celebrates the release, keeps with their annual tradition of throwing a Halloween-themed concert and features Robby Krieger of the Doors sitting in with the group. Definitely the show not to miss this week.

Events for July 11-17, 2013

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THURSDAY, JULY 11

CULTURE

Lucha VaVoom "Cinco in July!" @ The Mayan (Downtown)
Were you totally bummed when you didn't get tickets for Lucha VaVoom's sold-out Cinco de Mayo show? Well, you're not the only one, so the organization decided to meet the public's demand for another Cinco show tonight. Take advantage of this second chance to get your fill of Mexican-style lucha libre wrestling, traditional burlesque and comedic commentary because they won't be back for a while. No other event mixes sex and violence quite as well.

MUSIC

Surfer Blood, Terraplane Sun @ Santa Monica Pier (Santa Monica)
The 29th annual Twilight Concert Series returns to the pier for a kick-off show featuring the Florida foursome of Surfer Blood, who just released their sophomore effort, Pythons. Also performing is local band, Terraplane Sun, and their single "Get Me Golden" couldn't be a more apt song to usher in the pier's free summer series that takes place every Thursday, from 7 p.m.-10 p.m., through Sept. 12.

FRIDAY, JULY 12

CULTURE

OC Fair @ Orange County Fair & Event Center (Costa Mesa)
Like most children, the county fair was always a highlight of my summers growing up, so the OC Fair will always hold a special place in my heart. Aside from the carnival games, rides and wacky food concoctions to sample, I loved checking out who was awarded the blue ribbon for best jam or quilt out of the many artists, farmers and craftspeople who enter the various competitions. As I got older, the concerts at Pacific Amphitheatre became the fair's big attraction. This year's lineup includes Colbie Caillat, Weezer, Flaming Lips, ZZ Top and Roger Daltrey.

FILM

Michael B. Jordan in Fruitvale Station

In Theaters This Week
Fruitvale Station is one of my most anticipated films of the season. It tells the true story of Oscar Grant (Michael B. Jordan) and the tragedy of his experiences on New Year's Eve 2008 in the Bay Area, and also stars Octavia Spencer and Melonie Diaz; Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock and David Spade reunite for Grown Ups 2; I am a Guillermo del Toro fan beyond words, yet I'm not sure if all the giant robot battles of Pacific Rim are for me. However, the fact that it stars Charlie Hunnam and Rinko Kikuchi could persuade me to check it out. Also in theaters: Bhaag Milkha Bhaag; Crystal Fairy & The Magical Cactus; The Hot Flashes; The Hunt; Pawn Shop Chronicles; Still Mine; V/H/S/2

Old Pasadena Film Festival
The free film series returns to Old Pas through July 27. Tonight's programming includes Woody Allen's gorgeous 2011 time-travel romp, Midnight in Paris, starring Owen Wilson as a screenwriter who gets to hang out with the likes of F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway and Gertrude Stein every evening at the stroke of midnight. It screens at 8 p.m. at Distant Lands (20 S. Raymond Ave.), while Fantastic Mr. Fox plays at 8:30 p.m. in the One Colorado Courtyard (41 Hugus Alley). The 2009 stop-motion animated fantasy-comedy from Wes Anderson features the voices of George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Bill Murray and Jason Schwartzman, and is based on the classic by Roald Dahl.

SATURDAY, JULY 13

FILM

Grease Sing-A-Long @ Hollywood Bowl (Hollywood)
The Bowl once again transforms into the world's largest movie theater for the family-friendly tradition, which coincides with the film's 35th anniversary. Hosted by Didi Conn ("Frenchy"), the pre-show features a performance by Sha Na Na followed by a screening of the film, complete with subtitles so that everyone can sing along with the lyrics to each song. From "Summer Nights" to "Greased Lightnin'" and "You're the One That I Want," the entire night is sure to be a blast.

Edgar Wright Double Feature @ Exposition Park (South Los Angeles)
In anticipation of Edgar Wright's Aug. 23 release of The World's End, Street Food Cinema presents an evening dedicated to the director's other works with Nick Frost and Simon Pegg. Up first is a performance from local band Fallen Riviera, then make sure to get a bunch of munchies from trucks like Mercedes Binge, Rollin' Rib BBQ and Ta Bom before settling in for the screenings of Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz.

MUSIC

Cash'd Out @ Saint Rocke (Hermosa Beach)
If you're a fan of Johnny Cash and have yet to check out the SoCal treasure known as Cash'd Out, then here's your chance. Vocalist Douglas Benson sounds just like Cash as he belts out the Man in Black's hit songs, but the entire band's musical prowess and showmanship pushes their performances from mere tributes to capturing the energy and spirit that is associated with the legend. You don't just have to take my word for it, members from Cash's inner circle from W.S. Holland to Loy Robin and even Cindy Cash have all endorsed Cash'd Out. So head out to the South Bay, and see them for yourself.

SUNDAY, JULY 14

 

CULTURE

Bastille Day @ Bouchon (Beverly Hills)
If you're a Francophile like me, then you know that today is French National Day, otherwise known as Bastille Day, commemorating the storming of the Bastille in 1789. While France celebrates with parades and fireworks, Thomas Keller and Co. pay tribute to the event with a special day at Bouchon, featuring $2 oysters, grilled treats, wine and cocktails, live music and a screening of Baz Luhrnmann's 2001 musical Moulin Rouge in the Beverly-Canon Gardens, part of their ongoing Sunday Movie Nights series.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 17

MUSIC

Mayer Hawthorne @ The Troubadour (West Hollywood)
Even though this show is sold out, I'm hoping you can score some tickets on Craigslist or at the door, because it's definitely the show of the week. My fellow L.A. transplant via Michigan has carved a niche for his thoroughly unique sound and celebrates the release of his third album, Where Does This Door Go, tonight with this hometown show. NPR is currently streaming the album, so you can practice dancing to the 14 tracks, which feature assists from Pharrell Williams, Jack Splash, Oak and Greg Wills.

Events for May 2-8, 2013

Get with THE PROGRAM

THURSDAY, MAY 2

Little Boots (Mari Sarai)

MUSIC

Little Boots, AVAN LAVA @ The Echoplex (Echo Park)
I can't think of a better show to get you in the party-mood for this Cinco de Mayo weekend. New York's AVAN LAVA get the night started with their infectious grooves. I am so addicted to "It's Never Over," from their Flex Fantasy EP, and other tracks like "Feels Good" and "Sisters" are just as catchy. British firecracker Little Boots brings the dance party to a crescendo with brand new tracks from her follow-up to the incredibly successful Hands and Illuminations EP, Nocturnes, which releases May 7. She chose to name the album Nocturnes because "it's an album indebted to the night," and this is one evening at the Echoplex that you won't want to miss.

CULTURE

Sunset Strip Market @ 8755 Sunset Blvd. (West Hollywood)
The seasonal farmers' market returns to spice up your Thursday nights through October with extended hours (from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.), delicious organic produce and artisan fare from California artisans. Returning farms and vendors include Cuyama Orchards, Suncoast Farms, Dairy Goddess and Old Village Bakery, while Denny's Organic Farm, enFuso, Bomba Paella, Hepp's Salt and T's California BBQ are all new to the market. Keep an eye out for musical performances and other special events as the season progresses.

FRIDAY, MAY 3

FILM

In Theaters This Week
Greetings from Tim Buckley stars Penn Badgley ("Gossip Girl") as the late, great Jeff Buckley as he prepares for his 1991 performance of his father's songs; Tony Stark wrestles with the question of whether the man makes the suit or the suit makes the man in Iron Man 3, starring Robert Downey, Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle and Guy Pearce; The always amazing Michael Shannon plays a notorious contract killer who appears to be living the life of a devoted family man in The Iceman; Also in Theaters: Aroused; Cinco de Mayo: The Battle; Generation Um…; Kiss of the Damned; Love Is All You Need; Midnight's Children

MUSIC

Jamaican Queens @ The Satellite (Silver Lake)
The Detroit duo of Ryan Spencer and Adam Pressley released their full-length debut, Wormfood, in March and just sold out their first New York show last month. With influences that range the gamut of Three 6 Mafia, Brian Eno and Lee Scratch Perry, it's impossible to fit their songs neatly into one genre classification. Why would anyone want to do that, anyway? Head to the Satellite to check them out for yourself.

SATURDAY, MAY 4

A Fragile Tomorrow

MUSIC

A Fragile Tomorrow @ Hotel Café  (Hollywood)
The Charleston, S.C. four-piece is literally a band of brothers – with twins Sean and Dominic Kelly on vocals and drums, their younger brother Brendan on guitar and Shaun Rhoades on bass. Over the past seven years, they have released four studio albums (including Be Nice Be Careful from earlier this year), putting their own unique stamp on power pop. The group has toured the country with artists like Matthew Sweet, the Bangles and the Indigo Girls, and tonight is your chance to experience them live in the intimacy of the Hotel Café.

COMEDY

Kathy Griffin @ Dolby Theatre (Hollywood)
The multi-faceted entertainer is a two-time Emmy winner, New York Times bestselling author, Broadway darling and five-time Grammy nominee, but she is primarily known for her fierce, rapid-fire wit. She brings the hilarious banter that epitomizes her stand-up specials to the Dolby Stage, and no subject or celebrity is safe from the spotlight.

SUNDAY, MAY 5

CULTURE

Lucha VaVoom Cinco de Mayo Celebration @ The Mayan (Downtown)
"We set out to top ourselves every year," says Lucha VaVoom founders Rita D'Albert and Liz Fairbairn, and they blow up this weekend with not one, but two, Cinco de Mayo celebrations – Saturday in Chicago and tonight in Downtown. Their fourth-annual L.A. event features everything you love: Mexican-style lucha libre wrestling, traditional burlesque and hilarious commentary, as well as mariachis, Aztec dancers, tequila, low riders, tamales and folkloricos. This year also rings in the debut of DJ ChuCuChu, L'il Homies, Medico Asesino and Li'l L'il Cholo.

FILM

Terry Gilliam @ The Egyptian (Hollywood)
Entertainment Weekly's Capetown Film Festival continues its programming in conjunctions with the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Los Angeles with an evening dedicated to the legendary film director, animator and actor Terry Gilliam. First is a screening of his 1995 sci-fi time-travel adventure, Twelve Monkeys, starring Bruce Willis, Madeleine Stowe and Brad Pitt, followed by a discussion with Gilliam.

MONDAY, MAY 6

Lauren Graham (Jeff Lipsky/
CPI Syndication)

BOOKS

Lauren Graham @ Barnes & Noble (The Grove)
While many love her from NBC's "Parenthood," Lauren Graham will forever be Lorelai Gilmore to me. However, she is poised to add bestselling author to her resume as well, with her recently released debut novel, Someday, Someday, Maybe. The novel is set in 1995 as Franny Banks struggles to achieve her dream of success as an actress in New York. Grab a copy and have it signed tonight at the Grove.

TUESDAY, MAY 7

THEATER

"Rain" @ Pantages Theatre (Hollywood)
If you aren't normally a fan of tribute fans, then maybe the fab fivesome of "Rain" can change your mind. They originally started out performing as a Beatles cover band in venues all over Los Angeles in the mid-1970s, became an offshoot of the "Beatlemania" production, ran on Broadway for 300 shows and have found success as a national touring show. They will fill the Pantages with songs from every phase of the Beatles' discography, from early hits to later classics, for a thoroughly entertaining evening of music.

Events for Feb. 14-20, 2013

Get with THE PROGRAM

THURSDAY, FEB. 14

CULTURE

Lucha VaVOOM @ The Mayan (Downtown)
What says romance more than Lucha VaVOOM's unique combination of Mexican masked wrestling, burlesque and comedic commentary? Their Besos Prohibidos Valentine's Spectacular invades the Mayan for an action-packed evening of sexo y violencia.

FILM

When Harry Met Sally @ Electric Dusk Drive-In (Downtown)
If you're in the mood for something a little more traditional, then head on over to the drive-in for Rob Reiner and Nora Ephron's classic rom-com starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan. If you aren't able to snag any day-of tickets, you can still grab a seat in their Outdoor Astroturf area right in front of the screen. Just bring a lot of blankets to snuggle with your Valentine.

FRIDAY, FEB. 15

FILM

In Theaters This Week
Beautiful Creatures, the first book in Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl's Caster Chronicles series, boasts an cast of Alice Englert, Emmy Rossum, Emma Thompson, Jeremy Irons and Viola Davis; Roman Coppola directs Charlie Sheen, Jason Schwartzman and Bill Murray in A Glimpse Inside the Mind of Charles Swan III; Bruce Willis returns as John McClane in A Good Day to Die Hard; Gael García Bernal in No; The latest Nicholas Sparks' novel to come to the big screen, Safe Haven, stars Josh Duhamel and Julianne Hough. Also in theaters: Escape from Planet Earth; Like Someone in Love; Shanghai Calling; The Jeffrey Dahmer Files

Constantine Maroulis & Deborah Cox (Chris Bennion Photo)

SATURDAY, FEB. 16

THEATER

"Jekyll & Hyde" @ Pantages Theatre (Hollywood)
Former "American Idol" contestant and Tony Award nominee (for "Rock of Ages"), Constantine Maroulis, assumes the lead role opposite R&B singer Deborah Cox (remember "Nobody's Supposed to Be Here" from the '90s?). Let their performances of classics such as "This is the Moment" and "Someone Like You" pull you into the dark and dangerous love story. Performances at 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. today, and running through March 3. Chris Bennion Photo

FILM

Chuck Jones Centennial Celebration @ The Cinefamily (Mid-City West)
The beloved animation legend is honored with a weekend of events at the Cinefamily. Today is Chuck Amuck! featuring 35mm prints of his greatest Looney Tunes shorts starring Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Elmer Fudd, a panel discussion led by historian Jerry Beck and distinguished animators and a rare showing os his 1973 TV special A Cricket in Times Square. Sunday is a screening of Jones' collaboration with children's author Norton Juster, the 1970 adaptation of The Phantom Tollbooth.

SUNDAY, FEB. 17

FILM

"FilmWeek" Oscar Preview @ The Egyptian (Hollywood)
KPCC 89.3 FM's "FilmWeek" on AirTalk previews this year's Academy Awards with a live show. Host Larry Mantle discusses all the nominees with the L.A. Times Community Papers' Andy Klein, USA Today's Claudia Puig, Amazon.com's Charles Solomon and KPCC's own Lael Lowewenstein among others.

SPORTS

The Harlem Globetrotters @ Staples Center (Downtown)
I vividly recall going to see the Globetrotters when I was a child and being totally in awe over their high-flying antics and ball-spinning maneuvers. Their games are exciting as ever, especially since they have female players in the lineup now too. This is the place to take your kids, nephews and nieces for a lifelong lasting memory.

Pete Wentz

MONDAY, FEB. 18

BOOKS

Pete Wentz @ Barnes & Noble (The Grove)
As Fall Out Boy fans anxiously await the group's first album in five years, Save Rock and Roll (coming on April 16), their anticipation can be satiated by reading a new novel the band's founder/bassist. Wentz celebrates the Feb. 19 release of Gray, which details the dark side of rock 'n' roll, with a discussion and signing.

TUESDAY, FEB. 19

BOOKS

Andros Georgiou @ Book Soup (West Hollywood)
Georgiou and his second cousin Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou (aka George Michael) were inseparable for most of their lives, but the singer's arrest in 1998 created a rift in their relationship. Georgiou seeks to make amends with his beloved cousin with a truthful telling of his life alongside the music star in ROCK: The Luckiest Man in Pop. He discusses and signs the biography that was released last November at Book Soup.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 20

MUSIC

In the Valley Below @ The Echo (Echo Park)
I'm completely on board with In the Valley Below's dreamy mix of male and female vocals from Echo Park's Jeffrey Jacob and Angela Gail. Whether they're making you dance to "Peaches" or cry to "Take Me Back," the pair's melodic duets won't fail to strike a chord in your soul.