New Release Tuesday 5/14/13

MAY 14, 2013

MUSIC RELEASES

Eluvium – Nightmare Ending (Temporary Residence Ltd)
The double album is Matthew Cooper's first proper full-length since 2010's Similes, and the highly anticipated effort proves to be well worth the wait. Nightmare Ending was originally intended to be released as the follow-up to 2007's Copia as a way of helping Cooper "loosen his self-imposed ideals of perfection." He labeled each track as either a "dream" or an "imperfection" (i.e. dream vs. reality) but became reluctant to release any of them. The songs remained in the back of his mind and, he eventually returned to the project with renewed passion that is evidenced in tracks like "Don't Get Any Closer," "Envenom Mettle" and "Happiness," which features Yo La Tengo's Ira Kaplan.

The Features – Self-titled (Serpents and Snakes/BMG)
The Nashville quartet journeyed to Vancouver, Wash. to record their self-titled fourth album, spending a month honing the 11 tracks they had conjured up in the two weeks leading up to the trip to the cabin-like atmosphere of Ripcord Studio. The change of setting proved fruitful in the resulting The Features, with songs such as the bold opener "Rotten," the sweeping, show-stopping rock of "With Every Beat" and the thoroughly addicting "This Disorder."

Marques Toliver –  Land of CanAan (Bella Union)
One might never guess that the gifted violinist and vocalist who calls Antwerp, NYC and London his current home bases was actually born in Daytona, Fla. Regardless of his birthplace, Toliver had me at the opening bars of the title track and opener of his debut album, The Land of CanAan. He successfully blends voice and violin to create tension and harmony, building each song into a thrilling crescendo. In addition to mixing classical with unique R&B elements, songs like "If Only," "Try Your Best" and "Weather Man" seethe with a soulful swagger akin to the genre's greats.

MS MR – Secondhand Rapture (Columbia)
The New York duo of Neon Gold co-founder Lizzy Plapinger and Max Hershenow unleash their debut, a successful marriage of synth-pop and goth theatrics polished with MS MR's own unique flourishes. Plapinger's husky voice gives even more texture to the the setting created by Hersehnow's musical layers on tracks like "Dark Doo Wop," "Salty Sweet" and "Hurricane." See them perform live at the Fonda on June 15.

Snowden – No One In Control (Serpents and Snakes)
Jordan Jeffares, the mastermind behind Snowden, spent nearly six years on the 10 tracks that landed on No One in Control. Save for a cover of Love and Rockets' "No Words No More," each song is a result of his ambitious creativity and infused with emotion. From the haunting vocals of "Anemone Arms" to the pulsating rhythm of "So Red" and "The Beat Comes," you'll become curious to experience the songs live. Mark your calendars for June 12 at Bootleg Theater.

Vampire Weekend – Modern Vampires of the City (XL)
It's hard to believe that it's been six years since the New York foursome burst onto the scene with songs like "Mansard Roof," "A-Punk" and "The Kids Don't Stand a Chance" quickly becoming ingrained in the public's subconscious. The band recorded Modern Vampires of the City at various locales in New York, Martha's Vineyard and Los Angeles (Hollywood and Echo Park), and are poised for even more success with this third effort. If the cheekiness of "Diane Young" doesn't grab you, the hand claps of "Ya Hey" will. They play the KROQ Weenie Roast this Saturday (May 18) and the Hollywood Bowl on Sept. 28.

Also available – The Abramson Singers' Late Riser; Adult.'s The Way Things Fall; Amy Grant's How Mercy Looks From Here; Andy Cato's Times & Places; Army of the Universe's The Hipster Sacrifice; Bibio's Silver Wilkinson; Bobby McFerrin's spirityouall; Candace Bellamy's In My Lane; Deep Purple's Now What?!; Demi Lovato's Demi; Dungeonesse's Self-titled; Eve's Lip Lock; Fabrizio Sotti's Right Now; George Strait's Love Is Everything; Gold & Youth's Beyond Wilderness; John Grant's Pale Green Ghosts; Here Come the Mummies' Cryptic; Keith Top of the Pops & His Minor UK Indie Celebrity All-Star Backing Band's TOTP2; Kisses' Kids in L.A.; Koji's Crooked in My Mind; Laura Mvula's Sing to the Moon; Mindless Self Indulgence's How I Learned Not to Give a Shit and Love Mindless Self Indulgence; pacificUV's After the Dream You Are Awake; The Phoenix Foundation's Fandango; PJ Morton's New Orleans; Pure X's Crawling Up the Stairs; Saltland's I Thought It Was Us But It Was All of Us; Scott Tournet's Ver La Luz; Small Black's Limits of Desire; This Century's Biography of Heartbreak; Trace Adkins' Love Will…; Vår's No One Dances Quite Like My Brothers; Wampire's Curiosity; The Wonder Years' The Greatest Generation

DVD RELEASES

Film – Adapted from David Mitchell's 2004 novel, Cloud Atlas was written, produced and directed by Lana and Andy Wachowski and Tom Tykwer and stars Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Jim Broadbent and Hugo Weaving in six interwoven tales that span six different eras; Roman Coppola wrote, directed and produced the comedy A Glimpse Inside the Mind of Charles Swan III, starring Charlie Sheen, Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, Katheryn Winnick and Patricia Arquette; Texas Chainsaw 3D picks up where the original 1974 film left off.

TV – 3rd Rock From the Sun – The Complete Series; Dexter: The Seventh Season; Liz & Dick; MythBusters: Collection 9; Roseanne – The Complete Series; That '70s Show – The Complete Series; Top Gear 19

Also available – Back to 1942; Battle for the Elephants; Beware of Mr. Baker; The Bletchley Circle: Brave New World; Colorful: The Motion Picture; Cracking a Killer's Code; Crimewave; Escape; Face 2 Face; Frankie Go Boom; Grindhouse Galore: Guns, Babes & Gore; Home Sweet Home; If I Were You; The Life and Times of Allen Ginsberg; Leonie; Locker; The Mulberry Tree; Neighboring Sounds; Of Two Minds; Rolling; Save the Farm; Second Life; Stripped; Tomorrow You're Gone; Transmigration; White T

SHOW REVIEW - Jim James 5/11/13

Jim James performed songs from his solo debut, Regions of Light and Sound of God, at the Fonda.

 

JIM JAMES

May 11, 2013 @ The Fonda Theatre (Hollywood)

Although I've long been a My Morning Jacket fan due to my best friend's borderline obsession with their music, the first time I witnessed Jim James sing live was on his own as part of the original Monsters of Folk Tour in 2004. While there are currently few bands who rival MMJ's explosive energy and chemistry on stage, I was excited for another chance to see James shine independent from his main group when the tour in support of his solo debut, February's Regions of Light and Sound of God, was announced.

Upon initial exposure to James live, I was blown away by the incredible range of his unique voice, one that has been compared to everyone from Neil Young and John Lennon to David Bowie and, yes, Kermit the Frog. As he spun and leapt around the stage on Saturday night, though, another Muppet sprang to mind: Animal. With his mop of shaggy blond hair, he never stood in one place for very long – flailing his head as he strummed his Gibson Flying V, jumping in the air in front of Dave Givan's drum kit, moving in time to the music while blowing into a saxophone or standing at the edge of the stage singing and gesturing to the audience.

After a beautifully dark and soulful set from Cold Specks, led by the amazing Al Spx, James had the sold-out crowd singing along to Regions' lead track, "State of the Art (A.E.I.O.U)." Looking smart in a chocolate brown suit, matching tie and white dress shirt, he continued to move smoothly through his new tracks in order as they appear on the album, transitioning into the highly danceable, spaced-out soul of "Know Til Now" followed by a thrilling drum spectacle during "Dear One." "A New Life" also provoked audience members to sing along, while the instrumental beauty of "Exploding" and the searing guitars of "Actress" took their breath away. The rich yet intimate vocals of "God's Love to Deliver" brought the initial set to a close.

Returning to the stage for one of the most satisfyingly long encores I've experienced, James appeared armed with his acoustic guitar for a touching version of "Wonderful (The Way I Feel)," off MMJ's latest album, 2011's Circuital. He then switched gears for the remainder of the evening with material from his work with Monsters of Folk and the Woody Guthrie tribute New Multitudes. During "Dear God (sincerely M.O.F.)," his MOF bandmate Conor Oberst came on stage wearing James' trademark cape to sing a verse. Oberst continually pulled the cape across his face like Dracula as he traipsed across the stage, perched atop Givan's bass drum with his back to the crowd and his arms raised in a "V" then disappeared off stage.

James finished the night with three more MOF songs – "His Master's Voice," "The Right Place" and "Losin Yo Head" – and New Multitudes' "Changing World." As the song's final lyrics "Change the ways of this changing world" still echoed in the audience's ears James picked up a golden bear statue that had presided over the set and held it in front of his face as he bowed "Namaste" to each section of the crowd.

Events for May 9-15, 2013

Get with THE PROGRAM

THURSDAY, MAY 9

MUSIC

Pokey LaFarge @ Carpenter Performing Arts Center (Long Beach)
Join the St. Louis-based musician and songwriter as he leads the South City Three through an evening full of his trademark blend of country blues, ragtime and western swing. LaFarge's songs have the ability to transport listeners to eras past, but don't mistake him for a simple nostalgia act. His infectious energy and keen musicianship are utterly timeless. The night is part of the Carpenter Center's Cabaret Series, so you can opt to add a three-course meal to your experience.

FRIDAY, MAY 10

FILM

In Theaters This Week
Aftershock stars Eli Roth as an American tourist in Chile in the Nicolás López-directed horror/suspense thriller; The Baz Luhrmann adaptation of The Great Gatsby finally releases in theaters, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Carey Mulligan and Joel Edgerton, and is one film that is truly meant to be seen in all its 3D glory in a theater; Craig Robinson, Kerry Washington and David Alan Grier are hilarious in Peeples. Also in theaters: Assault on Wall Street; Desperate Acts of Magic; He's Way More Famous Than You; Java Heat; One Track Heart: The Story of Krishna Das; Sightseers; Venus and Serena

MUSIC

Touché @ The Echoplex (Echo Park)
The L.A. duo of Alex Lilly (the bird and the bee, Obi Best) and Bram Inscore (Beck, Thurston Moore) celebrate last week's release of their debut album, It's Fate, with a show at one of their usual haunts, the Echoplex. With their unexpected beats and trippy vocals, they make for a unique soundtrack to an evening. One thing that you can assume will happen, though, is the eruption of an all-out dance party throughout the club.

SATURDAY, MAY 11

COMEDY

Bill Maher @ Terrace Theatre (Long Beach)
For the past seven years, there has been one constant to my weekends: "Real Time with Bill Maher." Whether I watch it live on Friday night or at some point over the following two days, the comedian and politics satirist's monologues, witty banter and final New Rules bits never fail to make me laugh even if I don't always agree with everything he says. His stand-up specials are hilarious, too, so seeing him for a full live set is going to be a guaranteed good time.

FILM

Alien @ Electric Dusk Drive-In (Downtown)
I know it's crazy, but being the gigantic horror-movie chicken that I am I just barely watched the Ridley Scott sci-fi/horror classic for the first time a few months ago. Although it was released 34 years ago, the film still holds up today; it successfully had me holding my breath in petrified anticipation and hiding my eyes at certain parts. Whether it's your first or 15th viewing, being engulfed by the darkness of Downtown at night watching the suspenseful moments and performances from Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerrit, John Hurt, Ian Holm and Harry Dean Stanton will leave you breathless.

MUSIC

The Laurels @ The Satellite (Silver Lake)
The Aussie quartet is know for their mind-blowing live shows, so if you haven't witnessed them live now is the chance to see them up close and personal at the Satellite. They just released their U.S. debut, Plains, last month, and the fuzzy, dreamlike atmosphere of the 10 tracks grab you at the get-go. Also on the line-up for the night are Acid Mothers Temple and Tjutjuna.

SUNDAY, MAY 12

FILM

The Sound of Music @ The Aero (Santa Monica)
Psycho/Mommie Dearest @ The Egyptian (Hollywood)
After taking your mom out to brunch, you can relive childhood memories of singing along with Maria (Julie Andrews) and the seven Von Trapp children as they traipse through the hills that are alive with The Sound of Music, run from Nazis and become a whole family once again. Or, perhaps you and your mom like films with a darker edge? Then the double feature of Alfred Hitchcock's horror classic Psycho and Faye Dunaway as Joan Crawford in cult favorite Mommie Dearest is sure to hit the spot.

TUESDAY, MAY 14

DRINK

Eastside Critter Crawl @ La Cuevita (Highland Park), Thirsty Crow (Silver Lake) and Bigfoot Lodge (Atwater Village)
From 7 p.m. to midnight, Lyft is offering rides between each of the three locations, so you can drink and be merry all night long without having to worry about driving. Start off with some free tacos and $5 margaritas at La Cuevita (formerly Little Cave). Then partake of $5 absinthe cocktails at Thirsty Crow and $5 Jameson at Bigfoot Lodge. If you successfully make it to all three bars, you will receive a shot on the house.

MUSIC

The Egg and Sophie Barker @ The Satellite (Silver Lake)
British electronic music pioneers the Egg and Sophie Barker (of Zero 7, Groove Armada) join forces for a West Coast tour that stops at the Satellite tonight. The Egg released their latest, Something To Do, at the end of last year, while Barker has new songs from the forthcoming Gold Dust EP as well as the full-length follow up to her first solo album, 2011's Seagull. Aside from performing separate sets, they will treat the crowd to some classics, such as "Walking Away," together.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15

BOOKS

George Lopez @ Barnes & Noble (The Grove)
The comedian/actor released his latest book, I'm Not Gonna Lie: And Other Lies You Tell When You Turn 50, last week and will be on hand to sign copies tonight at the Grove. The book chronicles Lopez's experiences being ready to start a new decade as a healthy and newly single man yet facing all the challenges that life after turning 50 brings.

L.A. HAVENS - Sage Bistro

 

SAGE ORGANIC VEGAN BISTRO

1700 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles (Echo Park)

When most people think of Echo Park cuisine, taco trucks like Tacos Arizas, Taco Zone or El Flamin' Taco are the first to spring to mind, but none of them offer potato tacos, which I often crave. I've sampled the potato tacos from neighborhood joints such as Señor Fish, and I've even tried to satiate the craving with the various vegetarian options at Guisados. But, hands down, the best hard shell potato tacos I've had so far have been at Sage Organic Vegan Bistro. Sage's mashed potatoes are the perfect consistency, with just the right amount of chunks left in, and they mix a flavorful adobo into the potatoes giving them a little zing. Topped with lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole and creme, the tacos are served with rice and beans, making for the perfect mid-day meal.

Spinach Avocado Walnut Sausage Florentine at Sage

In fact, if it's a weekend afternoon, you can usually find me at Sage with a plate of the Potato Hard Shell Tacos. While there is no shortage of brunch spots in the area, Sage stands out for it's cruelty-free, plant-based menu boasting farm-to-table dishes that vegans, vegetarians and even carnivores will love. The ingredients are so fresh that you will often see vendors cart in boxes full of produce as you're sitting in the restaurant. There are plenty of gluten-free items for those with food allergies as well.

Aside from the potato tacos, I often get the scrumptious Spinach, Avocado and Walnut Sausage Florentine or the BLTA (tempeh bacon, lettuce, tomato and avocado on a croissant) with a side of roasted potatoes. Portions are always generous at Sage, but if you're super hungry you should order the gigantic Burrito Mole filled with seitan, black beans, no pales, red pepper, jalapeño, potatoes and guacamole, and smothered in housemade mole and red enchilada sauce.

Sage's BLTA

Sage is a great place to go for a light lunch during the week, too. I always see lots of people diving into a mound of salad comprised of of heart of palm spears, roasted beets, rosemary cashew cheese, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, cucumber, artichoke hearts, pine nuts, pomegranate seeds and shaved fennel on baby greens with a garlic vegetable vinaigrette.

Other popular lunchtime choices are the bowls like the Mole Bowl with brown rice, quinoa, kale, avocado, pickled cabbage, black beans, edamame, corn, carrots and peas sautéed in mole sauce and topped with fried jalapeño and crispy tortilla strips or the Brazilian Bowl (black beans, plantain, guacamole, jalapeño, pico de gallo, leeks and crimini mushrooms with rice or quinoa).

I've heard diners swear that the homemade black bean chili on the Bacon Chili Cheese Burger is the best chili they've ever had, but my lunch favorite is the Eggplant Parmesan sandwich. Grilled olive bread gives the sandwich of lightly breaded eggplant with a smear of cashew Alfredo and marinara sauce the perfect crunch.

The restaurant is frequently packed during brunch and lunch, but dinnertime isn't quite as hectic on most nights. Start with Baked Artichoke Spinach Dip served in a bread bowl with organic corn chips or some Crispy Samosa Rolls with tamarind sauce and lemon mint chutney. Potato Broccoli Pierogies, the Mushroom Steak Dinner or the Spinach Basil Ravioli Pomodoro are great entree choices.

KindKreme at Sage

No matter what, make sure to save room for dessert because there is a KindKreme located within Sage.

The raw, vegan, gourmet icekreme vendor serves up amazing coconut-based flavors such as coconut milk gelato, caramel apple and tart blueberry, as well as almond milk- and cashew-based flavors like espresso bean and maple pecan.

You can get individual scoops, a shake, a smoothie, a banana split, a brownie sundae or even a decadent waffle sundae. Ice cream is my absolute favorite food, and even I love icekreme from KindKreme.

If you would rather get some sweetness from fresh juice, there are a ton of flavor combinations to be had. The Go Green contains cucumber, kale, celery and lemon, while the Sunburn has carrot, apple and ginger. You can even make your own flavor by selecting four fruits or vegetables. A glass of frothy fresh juice is the perfect compliment to any meal at Sage.

For more information, call (213) 989-1718 or visit sageveganbistro.com.

New Release Tuesday - 5/7/13

May 7, 2013

MUSIC RELEASES

AM & Shawn Lee – La Musique Numérique (Park the Van)
The title for the duo's sophomore album translates to 'digital music' in French. While it is indeed full of electric elements that will have you dancing in no time, there are surprising sonic touches and lyrics that span the course of music's history as well as its future. Pulsating beats punctuated with funky keys and searing guitar riffs inhabit album opener "Two Times," the words of "In the Aftermath" touch those of any age and there's an electric sitar on "Automatic." Mark your calendar for June 28 because their show at the Echo is one that shouldn't be missed.

Fitz and the Tantrums – More Than Just a Dream (Elektra)
The Angelenos unveiled sone of the songs from their follow up to 2010's Pickin' Up the Pieces when they opened for No Doubt at Gibson Amphitheater at the end of last year, and it was clear that the new material possesses the same mix of pop and soul that put them on the map. Produced by Tony Hoffer (Beck, Depeche Mode, Phoenix), More Than Just a Dream is the six-piece's debut on Elektra and boasts super danceable tracks like first single "Out of My League," "6am" and "Spark." The group appears on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" May 8 and at KROQ's Weenie Roast May 18 before heading on out on tour with Bruno Mars for select dates this summer.

Savages – Silence Yourself (Matador/Pop Noire)
The intense debut album from the English all-female quartet will alternately have you thrashing your head and plunging into the darkest depths of your soul and will eventually leave you breathless. If you didn't catch them at the Echo or at Coachella last month, you only have to wait a little while to witness their unique brand of post punk at one of their compelling live shows. They're currently crisscrossing Europe, but they just announced a concert at the El Rey on July 23.

She & Him – Volume 3 (Merge)
Most of you know of my love for M. Ward, so it's no surprise that this is my most anticipated album of the week. Although he has never been the main attraction for most She & Him fans – he provides guitars, arranges and produces, while Zooey Deschanel acts as primary singer-songwriter – there's no question that their chemistry and blending of talents really make the band what it is, as evidenced by their two previous albums. They continue to transport listeners to another era in American pop with covers of "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me" and Blondie's "Sunday Girl," as Deschanel's charisma seems to have the ability to effervesce through the speakers. That said, the only appearance of Ward on vocals during "Baby" makes it my favorite track on the album. See their chemistry on stage (backed by the Chapin Sisters) June 23 at the Hollywood Bowl, with Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell.

Tess Henley – High Heels & Sneakers (Hey! Listen to This!)
Aside from winning a slew of songwriting competitions (Budweiser Superfest, Soul Tracks International Song Competition, John Lennon International Songwriting Competition), the Seattle singer/pianist also won an Independent Music Award for Best R&B Song. Born to a professional-singer mother and avid record-collector father, Henley started taking Suzuki lessons when she was 3 and could belt out songs when she was 5. Her soulful debut arrives today and was produced by the Roots' Dice Raw and Grammy nominee Khari Mateen.

The Uncluded – Hokey Fright (Rhymesayers)
Hokey Fright marks the debut of the union between acclaimed rapper Aesop Rock and Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Kimya Dawson, a rapport that began when Rock sent a fan e-mail to Dawson in 2007. They appeared on one another's recent solo efforts and eventually decided to hatch a collaboration. The result is an incredibly exciting blend of irreverent yet poetic lyricism that is in-your-face yet playful at the same time. Witness the duo in action at the First Unitarian Church on July 25.

Also available – 98 Degrees' 2.0; Ann Pragg's Bitter Fruit; Banquets' self-titled; Beware of Darkness' Orthodox; Bracher Brown's Broken Glass and Railroad Tracks; The Child of Lov's self-titled; Co La's Moody Coup; Courtney Jaye's Love and Forgiveness; Deerhunter's Monomania; Devour the Day's Time & Pressure; Eksi Ekso's Archfiend; Grandchildren's Golden Age; Havoc's 13; The Hussy's Pagan Hiss; Jim Guthrie's Takes Time; Joe Satriani's Unstoppable Momentum; Karl Hyde's Edgeland; Lady Antebellum's Golden; Little Boots' Nocturnes; Kid Congo & The Pink Monkey Birds' Haunted Head; Michael Feuerstack's Tambourine Death Bed; Mikal Cronin's MCII; Mother Falcon's You Knew; Mylets' Retcon; Natalie Maines' Mother; Northcote's self-titled; Patty Griffin's American Kid; Phaseone's If I Tell U; Pistol Annies' Annie Up; The Reflections' Limerence; Rod Stewart's Time; Shannon Wright's In Film Sound; Still Corners' Strange Pleasures; Straight No Chaser's Under the Influence; Sun Angle's Diamond Junk; Talib Kweli's Prisoner of Conscious; Tim & Adam's self-titled; We Are Loud Whispers' Suchness

DVD RELEASES

Film – The latest Nicholas Sparks big-screen adaptation, Safe Haven, stars Josh Duhamel and Julianne Hough as a couple taking risks for a chance at love; Christopher McQuarrie (The Usual Suspects, The Tourist) directs Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher; The horrifying Mama stars Jessica Chastain and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau.

TV – 30 Rock: Season Seven; Cake Boss: Season 4, Vol. 2; Flashpoint: The Fifth Season; Fringe: The Complete Series; Private Practice: The Complete Sixth Season; Rookie Blue: The Complete Third Season; Royal Pains: Season Four

Music – Bon Jovi – Survivors; Rihanna 777 Documentary: 7countries7days7shows

Also available – ABC's of Death; The Assassin's Blade; Barrymore; The Briefcase; Bunohan: Return to Murder; Cars 3; Citizen Hearst; Clandestine Childhood; The Condemned; In the Hive; Man Who Will Come; Mark 2: Redemption; Mighty Fine; The Oranges; Revenge for Jolly; She Cat; Silver Case; Somebody's Child; Starlet; Strawberry Summer; Superman: Unbound; Trouble in the Heights; Upstream Color; Wolf Head

STREET SIGNS - Stay Golden

I'm sure you've seen wide-eyed girls like the one at the center of Stay Golden around town. This specific piece is by Westlake's Crazy Riders is on the side of the building at 711 South Alvarado Street (at 7th St.) near MacArthur Park.

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.