APAK,
Aya Kakeda,
Betsy Walton
Through December 21 Portland-based husband-and-wife duo APAK (Aaron Piland and Ayumi Kajikawa) will enhance the walls of Junc Gallery with their enchanting and uplifting illustrations. In the tradition of the best folktales, Apak, Betsy Walton and Aya Kakeda have developed the ability to manifest familiar experiences and truths in an updated adaptation that applies elements of pop culture, illustration, Asian and European folktales, combined with personal flourishes.
Junc Gallery
4017 W. Sunset Blvd.
Silver Lake
www.juncgallery.com
ART
THROUGH DEC. 11: MEARASMA
Street artist Mear One takes his work indoors, offering a taste of his often political and always meaningful works in a variety of media. 01Gallery, Barker Block, 530 S. Hewitt St., #141, Downtown. 213-689-0101 or www.01gallery.com
DEC 6: CREATE:FIXATE
This multi-media event is on its seventh year and is still going strong. Over 20 artists display work and a few paint live. You’ll also find DJs, vendors and more. $15 before 10 p.m., $20 after, 7 p.m. – 2 a.m. Premiere Events Center, 613 Imperial St., Downtown. 213-613-0381 or www.createfixate.org
DEC. 6: ONE NIGHT ONLY
A unique event brings six local artists together for one night to show off their current works. Expect drawings, paintings, sculpture and more. Gallery 016, Brewery Art Complex, 2020 N. Main St., #016, Los Angeles. 323-224-8116 or www.gallery016.com
DEC. 6 – 28: PRINTED
This exhibition features an exclusive mix of hand-printed urban art by up-and-coming L.A. artists. In this digital age when duplication and reproduction are commonplace, this show is fighting to brick back old-school-style hand-printed artwork. Participating artists: 2 Cents, 20mg, Branded, Brandy Flower, David Flores, Gustavo Alberto Garcia Vaca, John Carr, Karen Fiorito, Mear One, Max Neutra, Project Rabbit, WERC and more. Opening reception Dec. 6, 6-9 p.m. Crewest Gallery, 110 Winston St., Downtown. 213-627-8272 or www.crewest.com
DEC. 11 – 31: BROKEN TOYLAND OF LOVE AND MADNESS
Valery Milovic’s lowbrow paintings mix the innocence of childlike concepts with the dark reality of her worldview. Drunk bunnies, clowns and more. Opening reception Dec. 11, 7-9 p.m. Dalessio Gallery, 838 S. Spring St., Downtown. www.dalessiogallery.com
DEC. 12 – JAN. 2: MOSTLY MEMORY
Armsrock and Elbow-Toe’s drawings and paintings are 99% from memory. Jon Todd’s mixed media works will also be up in the project room. Opening reception Dec. 12, 7-11 p.m. Thinkspace, 4210 Santa Monica Blvd., Silver Lake. 323-913-3375 or www.thinkspacegallery.com
DEC. 12 – JAN. 9: UNDER THE COVER OF TREES
A new environmental installation–based exhibit of fine art paintings and prints showcases vignettes within an encroaching forest installation, incorporating natural materials. Artists include Shannon Ingraham, Christine Monohan, Allie Peck, Jane G Pryor and ZOSO. L’KEG Gallery, 311 Glendale Blvd., Echo Park. 323-799-7887 or www.lkeggallery.com
DEC. 13 – JAN. 19: IDEALIST PROPAGANDA
Glen E. Friedman’s Idealist Propaganda encompasses the artist’s first major retrospective, featuring a rare selection of Friedman’s oeuvre, including 25 never-before-exhibited photographs of skate, punk and hip-hop subcultures, along with political and polarized subjects in the natural world. Opening reception Dec. 13, 8-11 p.m. Subliminal Projects, 1331 W. Sunset Blvd., Echo Park. 213-213-0078 or www.subliminalprojects.com
DEC. 20: MIRACLE MILE ARTWALK
Explore the Miracle Mile’s galleries and art spaces. This free self-guided tour includes over 40 venues, and the Holly Trolley shuttle will loop the area to offer a free lift to attendees. Free, 12-6 p.m. Info and map at www.midcitywest.org
BOOKS/LITERATURE/DISCUSSION
DEC. 6: FROM THE OUTSIDE IN
In an era when popular culture shuns the mysterious, Alexandra Gibson cultivates a deeper, innate ideal of sexuality and Eros. In her first book, “From the Outside In,” Gibson offers unexpected visions of passion: there are men and women entwined as serpents, spells inscribed with razor and blood, nymphs tamed by rope ’round slender neck, and near-spectral figures emerging from inky black. An exhibition of Gibson’s photos will also be on display. Free, 6-9 p.m. La Luz de Jesus, 4633 Hollywood Blvd., Los Feliz. 323-666-7667 or www.laluzdejesus.com
DEC. 10: THE MAGICIAN’S BOOK: A SKEPTIC’S ADVENTURES IN NARNIA
A conversation with author Laura Miller on her book that explores Narnia through an adult’s eyes with David L. Ulin (book editor of the L.A. Times). Free, 7 p.m. Central Library, 630 W. 5th St., Downtown. www.lfla.org/aloud
DEC. 11: DOPE MENACE: THE SENSATIONAL WORLD OF DRUG PAPERBACKS
A collection of hundreds of fabulously lurid and collectible covers in color, from xenophobic turn-of-the century tomes about the opium trade to the beatnik glories of reefer smoking and William S. Burroughs’ Junkie to the spaced-out psychedelic ‘60s and, of course, the gonzo paranoia brought on by Hunter S. Thompson in the ’70s, when anything was everything. Free, 7-9 p.m. La Luz de Jesus, 4633 Hollywood Blvd., Los Feliz. 323-666-7667 or www.laluzdejesus.com
DEC. 16: WHAT’S THE STORY?
Come hear the bold, brave and often hilarious voices of the writer/performers of What’s the Story? Workshop. $10, 8 p.m. Café Metropol, 923 E. 3rd St., Downtown. 213-613-1537 or www.whatsthestoryla.com
FILM
DEC. 11: JOHN AND COSMO’S ANIMATION NIGHT
John Cannizzaro and Mark Cosmo Segurson present a night of rare and wonderful animation from around the world. The program includes 16mm prints of many bizarre gems encompassing many different styles of animation. $5, 8 p.m. Echo Park Film Center, 1200 N. Alvarado St., Echo Park. 213-484-8846 or www.echoparkfilmcenter.org
DEC. 13: EDWARD SCISSORHANDS
In a modern day fairytale, Edward, the man created by an inventor who died before finishing him, oddly becomes “adopted” by the local Avon lady who takes him home to stay with her family. He must adapt to a new life and environment and that is where the adventure begins. $10, $5 kids, 7:30 p.m. Angel City Drive In, 240 W. 4th Street, 2nd floor, Downtown. www.devilsnight.com
DEC. 13: VALLEY OF THE DOLLS
The story of three young women who embark on careers that bring them to the dizzying heights of fame and eventual self-destruction. Fast friends, pills and bad men all play a part in their struggles. This film is a double-bill with “The Love Machine.” $10, 7:30 p.m. Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. 323-466-3456 or www.egyptiantheatre.com
holiday & new year’s eve fun
DAILY: ICE SKATING AT PERSHING SQUARE
An outdoor ice rink – in this weather? Interesting. $6, Mon. – Thurs., noon – 9 p.m.; Fri. – Sun., 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Pershing Square, 532 S. Olive St., Downtown. 213-847-4970 or www.laparks.org
DAILY: GRIFFITH PARK FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Jump on a shuttle or trek through your car and get a great view of hundreds of thousands of lights. Nights are also available to those wanting to cruise through on bikes and horses! Free, 5-10 p.m. 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Griffith Park. 213-367-1255 or www.dwplightfestival.com
DEC. 7: WHITE CHRISTMAS
A classic 1931 movie palace screens the holiday classic starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Vera-Ellen, and Rosemary Clooney. $10, 2 p.m. Los Angeles Theatre, 615 S. Broadway, Downtown. 213-430-4215 or www.laconservancy.org
DEC. 9 – JAN. 4: THE NUTCRACKER
Tired of the usual ballet performing the classic holiday story? Check out this version performed by puppets and marionettes. $15, Tues. – Fri. 10:30 a.m.; Sat. & Sun., 2:30 p.m. Bob Baker Marionette Theater, 1345 W. 1st St., Los Angeles. 213-250-9995 or www.bobbkermarionettes.com
DEC. 11 – 21: A CHRISTMAS CAROL
The Scrooge saga is narrated by Charles Dickens himself and performed by the Independent Shakespeare Co. $20, Thurs.- Sat., 8 p.m.; Sat., 3 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. The Lillian Theatre, 1078 Lillian Way, Hollywood. 323-836-0288 or www.independentshakespeare.com
DEC. 19 & 20: SUGAR PLUM FAIRY CHILDREN’S TEA
In conjunction with the City Ballet of Los Angeles’ performance of this time-honored classic, the Biltmore hosts a special tea event for children and parents with a holiday children’s tea menu with sweets and milk. $40, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Millennium Biltmore Hotel, Rendezvous Court, 506 S. Grand St., Downtown. 213-612-1562 or www.thebiltmore.com
DEC. 20: HOLIDAY LIGHTS NEON CRUISE
A double-decker bus tour of holiday lights throughout downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. $60, 8 p.m. Museum of Neon Art, 136 W. 4th St., Downtown. 213-489-9918 or www.neonmona.org
DEC. 20: SCROOGE
Albert Finney is the gleefully wicked miser Scrooge, who spreads the “humbug” at yuletide in this glorious musical adaptation by Leslie Bricusse of Dickens’ ode to brotherhood and the terrible power of karma. Free, 7:30 p.m. Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. 323-466-3456 or www.egyptiantheatre.com
DEC. 20 & 21: TWAS THE WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Join the Los Angeles Philharmonic for spirited and festive orchestral music of the season with members of the Westside ballet dancing to movements from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite. David Prather narrates the timeless classic ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, plus angels, sleigh rides, jingle bells and more. $24-$195, Sat., 2 p.m.; Sun., 7 p.m. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Downtown. 323-850-2000 or www.laphil.org
DEC. 22: A SWINGIN’ CHRISTMAS
The Count Basie Orchestra cooks up a jazzy Christmas celebration featuring their inimitable Kansas City sound – from holiday favorites to the best of Basie’s hits. $28-$82, 8 p.m. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Downtown. 323-850-2000 or www.laphil.org-2000 or www.autrynationalcenter.org
MUSIC
WEDNESDAYS: LOW END THEORY
Dub step, avant-rap mixed by Nobody, D-Styles, Gaslamp Killer and Daddy Kev. $10, 10 p.m. – 2 a.m., 18+ The Airliner, 2419 N. Broadway, Lincoln Heights 323-221-0771 or www.lowendtheoryclub.com
DEC. 6: SMOG
The City’s original Dub Step event, with music from Breakage, Incyde, DLX, MC Kemst and Unit. $10 before 11 p.m.; $15 after, 21+, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. Echo, 1822 W. Sunset Blvd., Echo Park. 213-413-8200 or www.attheecho.com
DEC. 11: CSS
It’s electro. It’s post ‘80s. It’s fun. With Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head. $23, 8 p.m., 18+ Echoplex, 1154 Glendale Blvd., Echo Park. 213-413-8200 or www.attheecho.com
DEC. 13: STEVIE WONDER
One of the most prominent singers and songwriters takes the stage for a legendary performance. $45-$115, 8 p.m. Club Nokia, 777 Chick Hearn Ct., Downtown. 213-763-6020 or www.clubnokia.com
DEC. 17: JAIL WEDDINGS
A hard-driving 10-piece band that pumps out modern ’60s-style tunes with a dark edge. Influenced by Elvis Costello, Phil Spector’s “wall of sound” and British songwriters like Scott Walker. With The Growlers and Some Days. The Echo, 1822 W. Sunset Blvd., Echo Park. 213-413-8200 or www.attheecho.com
DEC. 27: BASSNECTAR
Also known as Lorin Ashton and considers his music an ‘electronic music freeform project.’ The rest of it just call is good. $16, 8 p.m. El Rey, 5515 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. 323-936-6400 or www.theelrey.com
DEC. 31: PINK MARTINI
Jump-start your new year with their extraordinary blend of French chanson, Argentine tango, soft merengue beats and vintage-chic style. $65-$195, 7 p.m. Walt Disney Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Downtown. 323-850-2000 or www.laphil.org
SHOPPING
THROUGH DEC. 21: SILVER LAKE ART/CRAFT & VINTAGE
Every Saturday and Sunday local artists and crafty types gather to sell their goods to the local hipsters. Free, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Citibank Parking Lot, 2450 Glendale Blvd., Silver Lake. 323-912-0008 or www.ghettogloss.com
DEC.6: GLOBAL BIZARRE
Local and international pottery, jewelry, folk art and more. Free,10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Craft and Folk Art Museum, 5814 Wilshire Blvd., Miracle Mile. 323-937-4230 or www.cafam.org
DEC. 7: CHRISTMAS HANDMADE ARTS & CRAFTS BOUTIQUE
All handmade arts, crafts and goodies by local artisans. $2, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. California State University at Los Angeles, 5151 State Dr., Los Angeles. www.2008handmadeboutique.typepad.com
DEC. 13 & 14: UNIQUE LOS ANGELES
Over 165 vendors set up to sell just about every artsy and craft item you can imagine. Think fashion, jewelry, art and even edibles. $5, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. California Market Center, 110 E. 9th St., Downtown. www.uniquelosangeles.com
DEC. 14: HANDMADE IN LA
A celebration of all things made in Los Angeles. Expect all types of gifts, plus Mexican food, baked goods and music. Free, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Camino Nuevo High School, 3500 W. Temple St., Los Angeles.
THEATER/LIVE/PERFORMANCE
DEC. 12: WHAT’S ON OUR MINDS
Nine original short plays, created and performed by 100 students of the Inside Out Community Arts 2008 School Project, a free five-month after-school arts program that builds self-esteem and inspires positive choices. Free, 7 p.m. Bovard Auditorium, USC, 3551 Trousdale Parkway, Los Angeles. 310-397-8820
THROUGH DEC. 17: THE SCHOOL OF NIGHT
Everyone’s a suspect and everyone has a hidden agenda in this thriller that searches to solve the murder of Christopher Marlowe. $20, Tues. – Sat., 8 p.m. Sat., 2:30 p.m.; Sun., 1 & 6 p.m. Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., Downtown. 213-628-2772 or ww.centertheatregroup.org
THROUGH DEC. 18: ALL ABOUT WALKEN
A handful of actors take the stage to show us their best impressions of Christopher Walken. $15, 8 p.m. Theatre 68, 5419 Sunset Blvd., Suite D, Hollywood. 323-466-6922 or www.myspace.com/allaboutwalken
DEC 19-31: GEORGE LOPEZ
Along with having a self-titled television show, this comedian stays on the road tickling the funny bones of consistently sold- out audiences. $55.50 – $79.50, 8 p.m. NOKIA Theatre L.A. Live, 777 Chick Hearn Ct., Downtown. 213-763-6020 or www.clubnokia.com
THROUGH DEC. 20: JOE’S GARAGE
A stage adaptation of Frank Zappa’s rock opera tells the story of Joe – a simple guitar player in a garage band – as he is drawn into the dark and nightmarish world of the music business. As Joe deteriorates from betrayal, disease and madness, our narrator, the Central Scrutinizer, asserts that music is responsible for his demise – and is therefore evil. $25, Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 7 p.m. Open Fist Theatre, 6209 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. 323-882-6912 or www.openfist.org
DEC. 28: NEIL HAMBURGER
Dubbed as ‘The World’s Worst Stand-Up Comedian’ makes him oddly intriguing and someone to check out at least once. $8, 9 p.m., 21+ Spaceland, 1717 Silver Lake Blvd., Silver Lake. www.clubspaceland.com