For the next two weeks in Los Angeles...

Friday, December 16
Star Wars Minute ("Star Wars Minute is a podcast that usually covers the Star Wars movies minute-by-minute, but join us as we finally tackle the topic of Star Wars toys! Special guests Paul Rust and Matt Gourley join us as we revisit the toys we grew up with, lament the ones we never got, and treasure the ones we still have as adults.")
NerdMelt, 7522 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood; 6:45 p.m.; $5-6.17. (323) 851-7223.
Sarah Jaffe discusses Necessary Trouble: Americans in Revolt ($27, Nation) ("Over the last few years, we’ve seen the growth of the Tea Party, a twenty-first-century black freedom struggle with BlackLivesMatter, Occupy Wall Street, and the grassroots networks supporting presidential candidates in defiance of the traditional party elites. Jaffe leads readers into the heart of these movements - as Jaffe argues, the financial crisis in 2008 was the spark, the moment that crystallized that something was wrong. For years, Jaffe crisscrossed the country, asking people what they were angry about - and what they were doing to take power back.")
Book Soup, 8818 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood; 7 p.m.; free. (310) 659-3110.
18th Nihilist Film Fest ("Includes two hours of short films from around the country and around the world. The films range from troubling to hilarious, from profound to completely silly. Pretty much, something for everyone (except children and clergy). As a special feature, all those who bring their own televisions and arrive fifteen minutes early will be able to include their appliances in the traditional ritual Blessing of the Televisions. Nihilist Film Festival director Elisha Shapiro is a Los Angeles-based conceptual artist.  He is known for presenting the 1984 Nihilist Olympics and the 1999 Nihilism Expo.")
Echo Park Film Center, 1200 N. Alvarado St., Echo Park; 8 p.m.; free. (213) 484-8846.
What Do You Mean, "In Concert"?
ADAMS @ 70: El Niño - performed by the Los Angeles Philharmonic (Grant Gershon, conductor; Julia Bullock, soprano; Jennifer Johnson Cano, mezzo-soprano; Davóne Tines, bass; Daniel Bubeck, countertenor; Brian Cummings, countertenor; Nathan Medley, countertenor; Los Angeles Master Chorale; Los Angeles Children's Chorus, Anne Tomlinson, artistic director - with video by Peter Sellars on Friday only ("Having set himself the extraordinarily ambitious goal of a nativity oratorio for our time, John Adams succeeded spectacularly. With multilingual texts drawn from Scripture, medieval tracts and contemporary poetry, the work is powerful, provocative and, ultimately, deeply touching. Composed in two halves, El Niño (“the child”) retells the Christmas story, following the traditional narrative: the annunciation to Mary, the visit to Elizabeth, the birth and  adoration of Jesus, Herod’s massacre of the Holy Innocents, and the flight into Egypt, but with added commentary and reflection from a wide range of poets across history,  including many women. One striking feature is the use of three countertenors to act as the narrator, much like the Evangelist in a Bach Passion.")
Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown Los Angeles; 8 p.m., a/a; $20-183. (323) 850-2000.
Blessed (Vancouver, B.C.), Hex Horizontal, Mikey & His Shame (Vancouver, B.C.)
The Smell, 247 S. Main St., downtown Los Angeles; 8 p.m., a/a; $5. (213) 625-4325.
Screening of the "Goodnight Brooklyn" documentary about all-ages performance spaces (also Saturday); with a "L.A. DIY State of The Union" Q&A panel with Max Baumgarten (Basic Flowers), Sean Carnage (Pehrspace, Il Corral), Matt Conboy (Goodnight Brooklyn director), Pauline Lay (Pehrspace), Randy Randall (No Age), Jim Smith (The Smell)
Non Plus Ultra, 4310 Burns Ave., East Hollywood; 8 p.m., a/a; $7. (213) 627-2453.
Weather today?

Saturday, December 17
Coaxial Arts Fundraiser Event ("Coaxial needs to raise $10,000 by the end of the year to stay open for 2017. Help us stay open so we can continue serving the artist community of Los Angeles. By donating $25 today we can start planning for next year's residency programs, have twice as many workshops, continue the music events, TV tapings, and art exhibitions.")
Coaxial, 1815 S. Main St., downtown Los Angeles; 6 p.m.; $10 donation. (213) 536-8020.
Opening reception for the Beneath The New Waves: An Exploration of Underwater Reality and Surreality group show ("Whether it's the weightless beauty of motion underwater or the refraction of images below the surface, artists have been forever intrigued by life beneath the waves. Artists rendering their visions under the sea in works created specifically for this exhibition include Camille Rose Garcia, Eric Joyner, The London Police, Adrian Cox, Andrew Brandou, others." Through January 14.)
Corey Helford Gallery, 8522 Washington Blvd., Culver City; 7 p.m.; $10 & $12. (310) 287-2340.
Rare performance by renowned composer Terry Riley with his son, composer and guitarist Gyan ("Performing in response to Untitled (Shepard-Risset Glissando with Color) a new artwork by New York conceptual artist Peter Coffin: an immersive projection of radiant fields of color that shift through the spectrum in tandem with the Shepard-Risset Glissando, an auditory illusion of oscillating soundwaves. Complements the current exhibitions The Art of Alchemy and The Alchemy of Color in Medieval Manuscripts, which explore the scientific and seemingly magical energies that surround the use of color in centuries past.")
Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Dr., Brentwood; 7:30 p.m.; free (but parking is $15 / $10 after 3 p.m.). (310) 440-7300.
What Do You Mean, "In Concert"?
Phog Masheeen, Jesus is Dead, Black Cat, Steuart Liebig, Whereas, Solomon Grundy, Giant Meteor, X Eyes, X-Bax, Misery Ritual, ruiner, Enrich'd White, Botched Facelift, Burnt Dot
Santa Ana Noise Fest VIII, Orange County Center For Contemporary Art, 117 N. Sycamore St., Santa Ana; 4 p.m., a/a; free (but RSVP).
DeaThLA presents Bath Salts XXX feat. Ashley-Domonique, DJ Emeyecee, Fun Game, JR Tate, Moon Ensemble
The Smell, 247 S. Main St., downtown Los Angeles; 8 p.m., a/a; $5. (213) 625-4325.
Electric Children, Sapphic Musk, Spirit in The Room
Maui Sugar Mill Saloon, 18389 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana; 9 p.m., 21+; free. (818) 344-0034.
Weather today?

Sunday, December 18
Journalist Oliver Hall moderating a panel discussion (Dennis Duck, Ace Farren Ford, Joe Potts, Paul McCarthy, Fredrik Nilsen, Rick Potts, Tom Recchion, Vetza) of the recent LAFMS BOX BOX release ("Documents every performance from the exhibition Beneath the Valley of the Lowest Form of Music - The Los Angeles Free Music Society 1972-2012 at The Box, Los Angeles in 2012.")
356 Mission / Ooga Booga, 356 S. Mission Rd., Boyle Heights; 2 p.m.; free. (323) 609-3162.
Michèle Lamy and Helen Molesworth in conversation ("For the opening of MOCA's "Rick Owens: Furniture" exhibition, Molesworth and Lamy - entrepreneur and wife to Owens - discuss punk/anarchist design sensibility, finding inspiration in both "high" and "low" forms of American culture, and the influence of Steven Parrino’s misshaped canvases. Parrino, also of the band Chic Mopà, died at age 46 on New Year's Day 2005 from a motorcycle accident.")
West Hollywood City Council Chambers, 625 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood; 3 p.m.; free / priority for MOCA members. (310) 659-3110.
Writer Marc Appleton and photographer Melba Levick present Ranches: Home on the Range in California ($65, Rizzoli) ("The romantic and intriguing homes set in the idyllic landscapes of the great California ranches. Set on this magnificent land are the homes and their interiors - from the 150-year-old Rancho Camulos of Ramona fame to Jack London’s Beauty Ranch on the slopes of Sonoma Mountain to the working ranches of today.")
Arcana Books on the Arts, 8675 Washington Blvd., Culver City; 4 p.m.; free. (310) 458-1499.
What Do You Mean, "In Concert"?
Matt Adams & Friends / Miranda Lee Richards / The Whispering Pines / Nora Keyes / The Children of Jack Acid / Ruthann Friedman / Steve Taylor / Helene Renaut / Darcey Leonard / Steve Gregoropoulos & Andrew Dalziel / Hollywood Knightz / Powers, Kent & Wheeler / Micaela Fernandez (San Francisco) / Walter Spencer / Sara Melson / Andre Sogliuzzo / Wes Johansen
The HM157 Christmas Extravaganza - hosted by Neil & Christof
hm157, 3110 N. Broadway, downtown Los Angeles; 7 p.m., a/a, $10. (562) 895-9399.
Fiona Apple, Patricia Arquette, Devendra Banhart, The Chapin Sisters, Kimya Dawson, Sky Ferreira, Jolie Holland, Riley Keough, Holly Miranda, Becky Stark, Moses Sumney, TV on the Radio, many more
Standing Rock Benefit
The Fonda Theater, 6126 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; 8 p.m., a/a; $25-35. (323) 464-0808.
Flytrap Collective presents Flytrap Collective Holiday Festival feat. French Vanilla, Janelane, Mo Dotti, Peach Kelli Pop, Post-Life
The Smell, 247 S. Main St., downtown Los Angeles; 8 p.m., a/a; $5. (213) 625-4325.
Weather today?

Monday, December 19
Rob Bell Christmas Gathering: A Counter-Intuitive Christmas ("Why thousands of years later do so many people still celebrate a story about pregnant Jewish teenagers on the move who eventually have a baby who grows up to be violently executed as an enemy of the state? Of all the stories floating around the ancient world, why has this one endured like it has? And what does that tell us about power and greed and rich and poor and grace and empire in our world here and now?")
Largo at The Coronet, 366 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Grove; 7 p.m.; $30. (310) 855-0350.
Sneak preview screening of The Autopsy of Jane Doe with Emile Hirsch in person to gab about the whole thing ("It’s just another night at the morgue for a father (Brian Cox) and son (Hirsch) team of coroners. Discovered buried in the basement of the home of a brutally murdered family, a young Jane Doe - eerily well-preserved and with no visible signs of trauma - is shrouded in mystery. Soon, a series of terrifying events make it clear: this Jane Doe may not be dead.")
The Theater at Ace Hotel, 929 Broadway, downtown Los Angeles; 8 p.m.; $16.50. (213) 623-3233.
Feliz Navipod’s Feliz Navidad Variety Show benefiting Planned Parenthood ("Things kind of suck right now. So, let’s try and make them not suck. Let’s have a fun night and get into the holiday spirit for a great cause. Plus, free Christmas treats and Comedy from Matt Gourley, Mark McConville of Superego, Jimmy Pardo, Paul Rust and Daniel Van Kirk and music from Garfunkel and Oates, Tiny Stills, and Sara & Sean Watkins.")
NerdMelt, 7522 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood; 8:45 p.m.; $15. (323) 851-7223.
What Do You Mean, "In Concert"?
The Echo's 15th Anniversary Party feat. Club Underground, DJ Shannon Cornett (Blundertown), DJ Larry, DJ Carlos Nino, Permanent Records, DJ Sloe Poke
The Echo, 1822 Sunset Blvd., Echo Park; 8:30 p.m., 18+; free (but RSVP). (213) 413-8200.
Weather today?

Tuesday, December 20
Opening of the Breaking News: Turning the Lens on Mass Media exhibition ("Beginning in the 1960s, artists increasingly turned to news media - both printed and televised - as a rich source of inspiration. Presents work by artists who have employed appropriation, juxtaposition, and mimicry, among other means, to create photographs and videos that effectively comment on the role of the news media in determining the meaning of images.")
Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Dr., Brentwood; 10 a.m.; free (but parking is $15 / $10 after 3 p.m.). (310) 440-7300.
Victory Lap Presents When Puppets Are Your Only Friends ("Victory Lap is back with some fabulous puppet friends! A stand-up/puppet show hybrid hosted by Molly Fite and Jared Ramirez. Feat. The Bob Baker Marionettes, Drennon Davis, Wesley Doloris, Sherry Layne, Pam Severns and more.")
The Virgil, 4519 Santa Monica Blvd., East Hollywood; 8 p.m.; free. (323) 660-4540.
You Get a Spoon! ("A special one-night-only L.A. edition of everybody's favorite variety show and audience prize giveaway. Each guest performs a set and then enthusiastically endorse things they love, which we give to the audience Oprah-style: candy bars, books, magazine subscriptions, kitchen appliances, nose flutes, and gaff tape. Every show, one lucky audience member receives a Tovolo mixing spoon (greatest spoon in the universe). Hosted by Chris Duffy (You're the Expert).")
NerdMelt, 7522 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood; 8:45 p.m.; $8. (323) 851-7223.
What Do You Mean, "In Concert"?
Spain
The Regent, 448 S. Main St., downtown Los Angeles; 8:30 p.m., 21+; free. (323) 284-5727.
Weather today?

Wednesday, December 21
Jane Lynch's A Swingin' Little Christmas! ("CD release show featuring Kate Flannery & Tim Davis, with The Tony Guerrero Quintet.")
Largo at The Coronet, 366 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Grove; 7 p.m.; $30. (310) 855-0350.
First-ever 35mm screening of Jack Frost (Not the Michael Keaton film of the same name; "One of the most outrageous holiday horror films of the VCR era! On the way to his execution, serial killer Jack Frost's prison bus crashes into a tankard full of chemicals, which transform him into a giant killer snowman. Discussion following with director Michael Cooney and star Scott McDonald.")
Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; 7:30 p.m.; $11 general / $7 members / $9 seniors 65+ and students. (323) 466-3456.
Sleeptalk ("A collaborative, experimental dance work about sleep talking and our relationship to the unconscious. Developed around actual recordings of sleep talking, it explores the revealing, disturbing, and even humorous things that can surface, translating them through an appropriately dreamlike mix of media. Conceived by Ashley Fargnoli in collaboration with the dancers, a videographer, composer, and set designer, Sleeptalk is inspired by Fargnoli’s own sleep talking, which began as a reaction to the vicarious trauma she encountered working as a trauma therapist.")
Bootleg Theater, 2220 Beverly Blvd., Westlake; 8 p.m.; $12. (213) 389-3856.
Weather today?

Thursday, December 22
70th anniversary (well, 70 years ago on December 20) screening of obligatory-yet-still-endlessly-wrenching holiday classic It's a Wonderful Life
Aero Theatre, 1328 Montana Ave., Santa Monica; 7:30 p.m.; $11 general / $7 members / $9 seniors 65+ and students. (310) 260-1528.
Cary Elwes appears in person for a Q&A and book signing of As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales From the Making of The Princess Bride ($26, Touchstone) with a screening of The Princess Bride
Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; 7:30 p.m.; $11 general / $7 members / $9 seniors 65+ and students. (323) 466-3456.
Swinging Christmas with the Arturo Sandoval Big Band ("Trumpet virtuoso and 10-time Grammy honoree Arturo Sandoval leads a Latin-flavored jazz program for the holidays.")
Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown Los Angeles; 8 p.m.; $37-97. (323) 850-2000.
What Do You Mean, "In Concert"?
Daniel The Security Guard’s Birthday Benefit Show with Mr. Wright & The El Salvadorians (feat. Daniel), Phlask, Psychic Driving, Teen Sex
The Smell, 247 S. Main St., downtown Los Angeles; 8 p.m., a/a; $5. (213) 625-4325.
Weather today?

Friday, December 23
White Christmas Sing-Along ("Gather your family and friends for this heartwarming holiday event, a showing of the beloved 1954 film with lyrics embedded on screen. You’ll enjoy singing along with such songs as "The Best Things Happen When You're Dancing," "Snow," "Sisters" and of course the iconic "White Christmas." No children under six years old will be admitted to this concert. Come early for holiday treats, seasonal cocktails, and photo booth fun.")
Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown Los Angeles; 3 & 8 p.m.; $33-68. (323) 850-2000.
Union Station Presents Cocoa Concert Series: A Very Salsa Christmas with La Picante ("Angelenos can enjoy a festive, family-friendly holiday celebration featuring free concerts, a “Cocoa Bar” with Elftenders, an “Ugly Christmas Sweater” contest, holiday crafts and cookie decorating, a Naughty & Nice photo booth and selfies with the most popular guy in Tinsel Town (Santa).")
Union Station, South Patio, 800 N. Alameda St., downtown Los Angeles; 6 p.m.; free. (213) 683-6875.
Writer-producer Craig Muckler shows up to talk about his film Microwave Massacre after the screening ("All that Donald (Jackie Vernon, who voiced Rankin-Bass favorite “Frosty the Snowman”) wants is a decent meal, but his wife's cooking is atrocious, so he shoves her into their brand-new microwave - and finds the results delicious." 1983, 76 min, USA, Dir: Wayne Berwick)
Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; 7:30 p.m.; $11 general / $7 members / $9 seniors 65+ and students. (323) 466-3456.
What Do You Mean, "In Concert"?
Joos, Lonely Bodies, Pity Party, The Side Eyes
The Smell, 247 S. Main St., downtown Los Angeles; 9 p.m., a/a; $5. (213) 625-4325.
Weather today?

Saturday, December 24
Matinee of the 1964 holiday classic Santa Claus Conquers the Martians ("Santa and a pair of Earth kids blast off to bring holiday fun to another world  - in the hope of having their alien children experience the joy of Christmas, Martian invaders kidnap the jolly Claus from his North Pole workshop. Whisked away to a foreign planet, Santa must fight for freedom and help teach the true meaning of the season. Featuring a young Pia Zadora in her film debut.")
New Beverly Cinema, 7165 Beverly Blvd., Fairfax; 2 p.m.; $6-7.20. (323) 938-4038.
57th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration ("Perfect for the whole family! Over 20 music ensembles, choirs and dance companies from the many neighborhoods and cultures of the region celebrate the season during this free three-hour holiday show. Highlights of this year’s Holiday Celebration include Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet Company with a folklórico dance from the region of Tabasco, Mexico; the Harmonic Bronze Handbell Ensemble, which will perform a classical handbell piece that celebrates Christmas and Hanukkah; holiday songs sung by the Palmdale High School Choral Union and Sunday Night Singers; the Southern California Brass Consortium, a 26-member brass ensemble from California State University of Long Beach; many more.")
Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown Los Angeles; 3 p.m.; free. (213) 972-3099.
30th Annual Matzoball ("Began as an annual Jewish singles event taking place on Christmas Eve in multiple cities across the U.S. Young Jews would find themselves on vacation with nothing to do on a night where practically everything was closed.")
The Association - not this one, though: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E55Ak8WCB1Q - 110 E. 6th St., downtown Los Angeles; 9 p.m.; $30. (212) 389-9922.
Weather today?

Sunday, December 25
Hang Out with Rabbits in Pasadena ("After you have opened your presents and eaten, hop on over to feed the bunnies their Christmas dinner. Delight in seeing a Christmas tree decorated with bunny ornaments, carrot-colored lights, and carrot-colored candy canes. You are welcome to bring vegetables and fruits to feed the real bunnies if you want.")
The Bunny Museum, 1933 Jefferson Dr., Pasadena; 2 p.m., $5 / members free / kids under 4 free. (626) 798-8848.
Christmas Day double-bill of The Marx Brothers in Animal Crackers and W.C. Fields in You Can't Cheat an Honest Man
New Beverly Cinema, 7165 Beverly Blvd., Fairfax; 2 p.m.; $8-9.27. (323) 938-4038.
Weather today?

Monday, December 26
Operation Jack Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K ("Takes runners on an out-and-back route just east of Los Angeles International Airport.This fast and largely flat race offers the perfect way to cap off your running year with the chance to set a new PR time, all while enjoying gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean for nearly the entire race. Operation Jack was started in 2009 as a non-profit charity designed to raise funds for autism-related charities.")
Dockweiler State Beach, 12000 Vista Del Mar, Playa Del Rey; 7:30 a.m.; $20-35 5K / $45-85 half-marathon / $55-95 full marathon. (310) 305-9503.
Opening Day Craft Beer & Cider Festival ("Celebrate the return of another winter meet with the best brews and ciders in So Cal right on the Santa Anita Park homestretch. Don’t miss the Opening Day Beer and Cider festival, with apron side seating, ice cold beverages and world class Thoroughbred racing. Get a bite to eat at gourmet food trucks, explore the park and ring in the new year right with this fantastic package.")
Santa Anita Park, 285 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia; 12 p.m.; $35-$65. (626) 574-7223.
The 6th Annual Greatest Classic Cartoons Ever ("Giggle along with Mickey Mouse, Bugs Bunny, Popeye, Tom & Jerry, Goofy, Donald Duck, Woody Woodpecker, The Roadrunner and many more of your favorites from the crème de la crème of Toons from movies’ Golden Age. Animation know-it-all Jerry Beck and director Frank Gladstone are back with brand new, classic toons the whole family can enjoy.")
Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale; 2 & 7 p.m.; $16 / $11 AFS members / $12 children, students & seniors 65+. (818) 243-2539.
Weather today?

Tuesday, December 27
Madison Page & Friends: this is for the living ("A two-part process made in collaboration with Samantha Mohr, Chelsea Rector, and Caitlin Adams and examines the relationship between audience and practitioner in the making of dance. Drawing from authentic movement, contemplative practice, and contemporary dance, the studio becomes a laboratory to investigate the performance and rehearsal process in real time.")
Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood; 11 a.m.; free. (310) 443-7000.
The New Negroes ("Hosted by Baron Vaughn and Open Mike Eagle. Imagine if you will a world where alternative comedians are black and black comedians do alternative comedy. Have you fallen down a rabbit hole entering a world of mayhem and absurdity? No. You've just found yourself in 2016 where black people are actively redefining "black people". So sit back and enjoy while we welcome you...to the New Negroes. "New Negro" is a term popularized during the Harlem Renaissance to imply an outspoken intellectual departure from long-standing racist ideology and institutions.")
UCB Franklin, 5919 Franklin Ave., Hollywood Hills; 8 p.m.; $6. (323) 908-8702.
Outside Dog Gets One Star ("Do you have a cold take on a hot restaurant? Dying to share an unpopular opinion about a beloved film? Ready to dish on your worst hotel experiences abroad? We want to hear it! After we listen to your story, we'll look up real one-star reviews culled from Yelp, TripAdvisor, Amazon, and other review sites to see what others have to say and then we'll spin the whole thing into an improvised set guaranteed to be the best show about the worst stuff ever!")
UCB Sunset, 5419 Sunset Blvd., East Hollywood; 10:30 p.m.; $6. (323) 908-8702.
What Do You Mean, "In Concert"?
Melvins, OFF!, Redd Kross
The Observatory, 3503 S. Harbor Blvd., Santa Ana; 7 p.m., a/a; $25. (714) 957-0600.
Penniback Records presents Beach Bums, Clit Kat, Matter Room
The Smell, 247 S. Main St., downtown Los Angeles; 9 p.m., a/a; $5. (213) 625-4325.
Weather today?

Wednesday, December 28
Communikate with Kate Berlant ("Comedian Kate Berlant - late of "The Meltdown with Jonah and Kumail" - will take you to the other side.")
UCB Franklin, 5919 Franklin Ave., Hollywood; 8 p.m.; $6. (323) 908-8702.
Morbid and mortifying comedy with the song stylings of comedy troupe Dead Inside as they develop Hermit The Musical: A Workshop of Songs
iO West, 6366 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; 10 p.m.; $5. (323) 962-7560.
Secret Santa Bit Exchange ("Just like a real secret Santa exchange, performers have drawn names and will be writing bits for each other. The only catch is nobody knows which bit they'll be performing until they go on stage to do it.")
UCB Sunset, 5419 Sunset Blvd., East Hollywood; 10:30 p.m.; $6. (323) 908-8702.
What Do You Mean, "In Concert"?
BOYO, Gap Girls (Reno), Tabloid Tea
The Smell, 247 S. Main St., downtown Los Angeles; 9 p.m., a/a; $5. (213) 625-4325.
Weather today?

Thursday, December 29
Jen George, Amina Cain, and Kate Durbin present The Babysitter at Rest ($16, Dorothy) ("Five stories, several as long as novellas, introduce the world to Jen George, a writer whose furiously imaginative new voice calls to mind Donald Barthelme and Kathy Acker. Combining slapstick, surrealism, erotica, and social criticism, Jen George's sprawling creative energy belies the secret precision and unexpected tenderness of everything she writes.")
Book Soup, 8818 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood; 7 p.m.; free. (310) 659-3110.
Neil Hamburger with Ian Abramson ("An evening of comedy with America's Funnyman and Ian "7 Minutes in Purgatory" Abramson.")
The Satellite, 1717 Silver Lake Blvd., Silver Lake; 8 p.m.; $8. (323) 661-4380.
A Kwanzaa Rap Battle ("Yes, Kwanzaa is an actual holiday that is observed from December 26 to January 1. Come celebrate it by watching comedians make fun of each other in a comedy rap battle! Hosted by Zora Bikangaga and Shaun Fisher. Featuring Ronnie Adrian, Ross Bryant, Sam Epstein, Jiavani Linayao, Carl Tart, Lou Wilson."
UCB Franklin, 5919 Franklin Ave., Hollywood Hills; 11 p.m.; $5. (323) 908-8702.
What Do You Mean, "In Concert"?
Minty Boi present Girl Pusher, Ghost Noise, Model/Actriz (Boston)
The Smell, 247 S. Main St., downtown Los Angeles; 9 p.m., a/a; $5. (213) 625-4325.
Weather today?

Friday, December 30
Bandfest ("Features the outstanding bands selected to participate in the 2017 Rose Parade. Over the course of two days, each band, along with its auxiliary performers, will present the field show that has led to its success." Also December 31.)
Pasadena City College, 1570 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena; 1:30 p.m.; $15 / free for children under 5. (626) 449-4100.
Gene Wilder & Fidel Castro's New Year's Rockin' Eve (in Limbo): An Immersive Theater Experience ("Part immersive theater, part comedy show, part scavenger hunt. Gene Wilder and Fidel Castro cordially invite you, yes, you to their New Year's Eve party in everyone's favorite afterlife hangout spot... Limbo! All you need to do attend is die, start making your way towards heaven or hell, and turn left towards the abode of the righteous who died before the coming of Christ. Once Gene and Fidel have welcomed you to their party, you'll be free to roam around the halls, back rooms, and elevators of Limbo and experience a world of pure and very strange imagination. Spend a few minutes in the Facebook Echo Chamber. We all know there's a Rock & Roll Heaven, but did you know there's a Ska Cover Band Limbo where you can hear ska covers of all of your favorite Prince and Bowie songs? And before the party ends, the four partygoers who find Gene Wilder's special Golden Tickets will receive a prize that's wonderful and also terrible beyond all imagination.")
UCB Sunset, 5419 Sunset Blvd., East Hollywood; 9 p.m.; $6. (323) 908-8702.
Screening of "The Love Witch" with director Anna Biller in person ("Biller, a high priestess in the dark art of cinematic enticement, created this adoring '60s throwback, which traces the left-handed path of a love-starved sorceress (Samantha Robinson), whose magical seductions spell toil and trouble for weak-willed men. Just as the lurid colors of classic Eurosleaze cloak the film’s unmistakably feminist heart, Biller’s celluloid fetishism is more than mere camp: shot, edited and projected at Cinefamily in dazzling 35mm, it summons the alchemical power of cinema as a medium for unleashing desire and as a communal form of ritual lovemaking.")
Cinefamily, 611 N. Fairfax Ave., Beverly Grove; 10 p.m.; $14 / members free. (323) 655-2510.
What Do You Mean, "In Concert"?
Dennis Quaid & The Sharks
The Canyon, 28912 Roadside Dr., Agoura Hills; 6 p.m., 21+; $28 / $33 / $38. (818) 879-5016.
Beach Bums, Beach Goons, The High Curbs, The Red Pears
The Smell, 247 S. Main St., downtown Los Angeles; 8 p.m., a/a; $5. (213) 625-4325.
The Black Queen, Telefon Tel Aviv, Vogel
Union, 4067 W. Pico Blvd., Arlington Heights; 9 p.m., 21+; $15. (323) 466-2971.
Weather today?