For the next two weeks in Los Angeles...

Thursday, December 1
Artists on Artists: Mayo Thompson on R. H. Quaytman ("Thompson, visual artist and The Red Krayola spokesman, discusses the work of Quaytman as part of Artists on Artists, a series that builds upon MOCA’s tradition of examining artworks and exhibitions through the voice of the artist.")
MOCA Grand Avenue, 250 S. Grand Ave., downtown Los Angeles; 7 p.m.; free. (213) 626-6222.
New Light on the Egyptian Origin of the Hebrew Alphabet ("The publication of a new inscription from Theban Tomb 99 sheds new light on the early history of the Hebrew Alphabet. This ostracon is a bilingual "abecedary" written in Egyptian Hieroglyphic and Semitic. It gives further evidence for an Egyptian connection to the origins of the early Hebrew alphabet.")
Charles E. Young Research Library, 280 Charles E. Young Dr. E., Westwood; 7 p.m.; free. (310) 825-4732.
Giant Robot Comedy Night ("Comedy hits the streets of Sawtelle. Yes, parking is always tough, but that's the price you pay for free comedy. Feat. Kevin Camia, Faith Choyce, Nick Flanagan, Chris Garcia and regulars George Chen, Jesse Elias, Jessica Sele.")
Giant Robot 2, 2062 Sawtelle Blvd., Sawtelle; 8 p.m.; free. (310) 445-9276.
What Do You Mean, "In Concert"?
Helga Fassonaki (amplified pocket trumpet) & Rob Magill (woodwinds)
Biliana Voutchkova (violin) solo
~~intermission~~
Rob Magill (woodwinds) & Biliana Voutchkova (violin)
Helga Fassonaki / Rob Magill / Biliana Voutchkova trio
Presented by The Unwrinkled Ear and Black Editions, Dynasty Center, 818 N. Spring St., Chinatown; 8:30 p.m., a/a; $8.
Ron Carter Trio (feat. Russell Malone & Donald Vega)
Catalina Bar & Grill, 6725 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood; 8:30 & 10 p.m., a/a; $45. (323) 466-2210.
Art opening featuring a new mural by Ni Santas Collective, and music from DJ Gomez Comes Alive, War Of Icaza
The Smell, 247 S. Main St., downtown Los Angeles; 9 p.m., a/a; $5. (213) 625-4325.
Weather today?

Friday, December 2
Michael J. Locke unveils Silver Lake Bohemia: A History ($22, American Chronicles) ("Since the early 1900s, Silver Lake has been a magnet for iconoclastic writers, architects and political activists. Famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright drew a wave of visionary modernists to the area. Local civil rights advocate Loren Miller spearheaded the fight against housing discrimination. Silver Lake’s Black Cat bar and Harry Hay’s Mattachine Society were central to the early gay rights movement. Literary artists Anais Nin and James Leo Herlihy made the neighborhood their home, as did other notables like first lady of baseball Effa Manley and Hobo Millionaire James Eads How.")
Vroman’s, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena; 7 p.m.; free. (626) 449-5320.
Holiday screening of Miracle on 34th Street (1947, Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, Natalie Wood. "During filming, then eight-year-old actress Natalie Wood was convinced that actor Edmund Gwenn was actually Santa Claus - until she saw him out of costume at the wrap party. One of the American Film Institute's "Most Inspiring Movies of All Time".")
Old Town Music Hall, 140 Richmond St., El Segundo; Friday 8:15 p.m. / Saturday 2:30 p.m. & 8:15 p.m.; $10 / $8 seniors 62+ : cash only. (310) 322-2592.
Arguments & Grievances ("Makes its triumphant return to Los Angeles; a live comedy series and podcast featuring comedians debating outlandish topics with audiences choosing the victor. An outrageous enterprise exploring the heated issues of the day, including: "Hugs vs. Drugs", "Dr. Dre vs. Dr. Seuss", and "Batman vs. Spider-Man." Half-comedy show, half-rhetorical fight to the death, it's an impressive showing of live comedy, absurdity, and engaging fun.")
NerdMelt Showroom, 7522 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood; 8:45 p.m.; $8. (323) 851-7223.
What Do You Mean, "In Concert"?
Bushwick Bill
The Airliner, 2419 N. Broadway, downtown Los Angeles; 9 p.m., 21+; $10. (323) 221-0771.
Celebrity Crush, Fringe, Negro Galacticus, Vitamin Daughter
The Smell, 247 S. Main St., downtown Los Angeles; 9 p.m., a/a; $5. (213) 625-4325.
Weather today?

Saturday, December 3
Saturday Morning Cartoons: Christmas Special ("It’s time to send 2016 off (it’s been a tough year) and celebrate the winter solstice, with a tall glass of ice cold milk and a punch bowl of cereal! This month, Saturday Morning Cartoons showcases our favorite cartoons straight from Santa’s workshop. Gone are the days of snuggling up in front of the TV on December mornings to watch holiday magic and mischief visit all our favorite cartoon worlds, so we’re bringing this cornerstone of any good Christmas tradition straight to Cinefamily’s screen. Pajamas not mandatory, but encouraged.")
Cinefamily, 611 N. Fairfax Ave., Beverly Grove; 11 a.m.; $10 / free for members and kids under 14. (323) 655-2510.
Opening of the America Matters group exhibition ("Artworks depicting thoughts and ideas on the 2016 Presidential election, American politics, civil rights protests, state of the Union, and future fears through visual imagery.")
Bellum (formerly Antebellum) Gallery, 1643 N. Las Palmas Ave., Hollywood; 5 p.m.; $5 donation. (323) 856-0667.
Todd Hido offers up Intimate Distance ($65, Aperture) ("The first comprehensive monograph charting the career of acclaimed American photographer Hido. Well-known for his photographs of landscapes and suburban housing across the United States, and for his use of luminous color, Hido casts a distinctly cinematic eye across all that he photographs, digging deep into his memory and imagination for inspiration.")
Arcana Books on the Arts, 8675 Washington Blvd., Culver City; 5 p.m.; free. (310) 458-1499.
What Do You Mean, "In Concert"?
Hana Vu, Poolboy, Vitamin Daughter
The Smell, 247 S. Main St., downtown Los Angeles; 9 p.m., a/a; $5. (213) 625-4325.
Weather today?

Sunday, December 4
Hammer Conversations: Ibram X. Kendi & Brenda Stevenson ("Despite myths of a postracial world, racism is alive and well. In his “engrossing and relentless intellectual history of prejudice in America” (Washington Post), the historian Kendi traces the arc of antiblack racist ideas from 15th-century Portugal to the founding of the United States, arguing that we must confront the history of racist ideas in order to grapple with racism’s insidious hold on America.")
Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood; 1:30 p.m.; free. (310) 443-7000.
Baggage Review presents poet Michelle Sinigayan of The Swords of Fatima playing her music and reading her lyrics ("Be a part of the journey as her character travels the world following the golden mirage searching for his/her true love and his/her hardships along the way.")
Beyond Baroque, 681 Venice Blvd., Venice; 2 p.m.; $5. (310) 822-3006.
Gloria Steinem and Jill Soloway converse ("Two extraordinary people who have devoted themselves to changing despair into hope.")
Royce Hall, 10745 Dickson Plaza, UCLA, Westwood; 7 p.m.; $29-$59 / $25 UCLA faculty & staff / $15 students. (310) 825-2101.
What Do You Mean, "In Concert"?
Jeff Carey, Matmos
Bootleg Theater, 2220 Beverly Blvd., Westlake; 8:30 p.m., 21+; $17-20. (213) 389-3856.
Weather today?

Monday, December 5
Plan B: A Benefit for Planned Parenthood ("An event to benefit Planned Parenthood with comedy from Kate Berlant, Tashi Condelee, Emily Heller, Corie Johnson, Clare O'Kane, Chris Thayer, more. DJ sets by Bethany Cosentino & Tamaryn. Free gift bag with proof of prior Planned Parenthood donation.")
Resident, 428 S. Hewitt St., downtown Los Angeles; 7 p.m.; $10 suggested donation. (213) 628-7503.
Warren Ellis gabs about his new novel Normal ($13, FSG Originals) with BoingBoing's Cory Doctorow ("When Adam Dearden, a foresight strategist, arrives at Normal Head, he is desperate to unplug and be immersed in sylvan silence. But then a patient goes missing from his locked bedroom, leaving nothing but a pile of insects in his wake. Adam uncovers a conspiracy that calls into question the core principles of how and why we think about the future - and the past, and the now.")
Pieter Performance Space, 420 W. Ave. 33, Unit #10, Lincoln Heights; 7 p.m.; $20. (323) 660-1175.
Contributors read from Good Girls Marry Doctors: South Asian Daughters on Obedience and Rebellion ($19, Aunt Lute) ("The first anthology to examine the multiple facets of daughterhood in South Asian American families. Reveals how a Good Girl is trained to seamlessly blend professional success with the maintenance and reproduction of her family’s cultural heritage. Gratitude for her immigrant parents’ sacrifices creates pressure to perform and embody the role of the "perfect daughter".")
The Last Bookstore, 453 S. Spring St., downtown Los Angeles; 7:30 p.m.; free. (213) 488-0599.
What Do You Mean, "In Concert"?
Folktale presents: Foxx Bodies (Tucson), Human Behavior, RØÅR (Phoenix)
The Smell, 247 S. Main St., downtown Los Angeles; 9 p.m., a/a; $5. (213) 625-4325.
Weather today?

Tuesday, December 6
Has Political Correctness Really Killed Humor? ("Have we really gone too far? And what is the right balance between freedom of speech, be it humorous or not, and the need to acknowledge social diversity? Performance artist/comedian Kristina Wong, Skidmore College comedy scholar and author of All Joking Aside: American Humor and Its Discontents Beck Krefting, and UCLA grad and stand-up comedian Max Amini visit Zócalo to ask what - if anything - is funny anymore.")
MOCA Grand Avenue, 250 S. Grand Ave., downtown Los Angeles; 7:30 p.m.; free. (213) 626-6222.
The WW Club presents Pia Arrobio ("Join WW Club founder Phoebe Lovatt for a live conversation with Pia Arrobio - founder and creative director of fashion label, LPA.  The discussion will focus on Pia's history as a designer in Los Angeles and New York, the story behind the launch of LPA, and the future of womenswear in LA and beyond.  The conversation will be followed by an audience Q&A.")
The Theater at Ace Hotel (Segovia Hall) , 929 Broadway, downtown Los Angeles; 7 p.m.; $25. (213) 623-3233.
Smart Funny & Black: The MTV Edition ("A live comedic competition show where using their brains, their jokes, and audience interaction, professional funny folks (comics/writers/producers/etc) compete in various games that test their knowledge, their taste, and their understanding of black popular culture.")
NerdMelt Showroom, 7522 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood; 8:45 p.m.; $8. (323) 851-7223.
Weather today?

Wednesday, December 7
Echo Park Film Center's 15th Anniversary Celebration ("Join us for five glorious days of events that illuminate the power of love, community and cinema as we forge ahead with hope and optimism for the future. Thank you for believing in the dream of equal and affordable access to media empowerment and activism! All events are free with donations in any amount most gratefully accepted." Through Sunday.)
Echo Park Film Center, 1200 N. Alvarado St., Echo Park; 7 p.m.; free. (213) 484-8846.
Screening of Racing Extinction feat. panel discussion with experts in the field following the film, moderated by former Santa Monica College Geography and Earth Science professor Bill Selby (2015, 90 min, dir: Louie Psihoyos. "Psihoyos’ follow-up to Oscar winner "The Cove" is an urgent look at environmental crisis. With pressure mounting on endangered species from the illegal wildlife trade and greenhouse gas emissions, we may be on the brink of another mass extinction.")
Aero Theatre, 1328 Montana Ave., Santa Monica; 7 p.m.; $11 general / $7 Cinematheque Members / $9 seniors 65+ and students. (310) 260-1528.
El Joe of the River + Friends ("Singer-songwriter El Joe of the River presents an immersive night of L.A. based music and literature, including readings from authors Ginger Buswell and Deenah Vollmer. Music from Axel Mansoor, followed by a projector-based light show set to a live performance from El Joe of the River. Beer and wine will be served.")
The Last Bookstore, 453 S. Spring St., downtown Los Angeles; 7 p.m.; free. (213) 488-0599.
What Do You Mean, "In Concert"?
P22, PRESENT, Pure Shit
The Smell, 247 S. Main St., downtown Los Angeles; 9 p.m., a/a; $5. (213) 625-4325.
Marques Wyatt (also December 8)
Couture, 1640 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood; 10 p.m., 21+; $17. (323) 464-2065.
Weather today?

Thursday, December 8
George Geary presents L.A.’s Legendary Restaurants: Celebrating the Famous Places Where Hollywood Ate, Drank, and Played ($45, Santa Monica Press) ("Geary leads you into a lively narrative filled with colorful anecdotes and illustrated with photographs, historic menus and ephemera. Over 100 iconic recipes for entrees, appetizers, desserts, and drinks are included, including tales of ice cream sundaes at C.C. Brown’s, cafeteria-style meals at Clifton’s, or a mai tai at Don the Beachcomber?")
Book Soup, 8818 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood; 7 p.m.; free. (310) 659-3110.
Anne Rice talks with her son Christopher and signs Prince Lestat and the Realms of Atlantis: The Vampire Chronicles ($29, Knopf) ("Vampire Lestat de Lioncourt, hero, leader, irresistible force, irrepressible spirit, battling (and ultimately reconciling with) a strange otherworldly form that has somehow taken possession of Lestat's undead body and soul.")
All Saints Church, 132 N. Euclid Ave., Pasadena; 7 p.m.; $32.70. (626) 449-5320.
Screening of Birth ("Uses simple elements - a camera angle, a particular cut within a shot - to dig deeper than the film’s visual starkness first suggests, cutting both emotionally and intellectually through subjective character experiences to explore concepts of doubt, faith, denial, and love within the rigid confines of Manhattan’s stuffy, upper class elite. Featuring subtle performances from Anne Heche, Ted Levine, Lauren Bacall, and a career-best turn from Nicole Kidman, "Birth" posits that once the walls of knowing have been taken apart, you can’t unlearn that which you’ve discovered." Dir. Jonathan Glazer, 2004, 35mm, 100 min.)
Cinefamily, 611 N. Fairfax Ave., Beverly Grove; 7:30 p.m.; $12 / free for members. (323) 655-2510.
Weather today?

Friday, December 9
Talk: Distinguished Architects Lecture Series: Odile Decq ("French architect and landscape designer Decq came to international renown in 1990 when she won her first major commission: La Banque Populaire de l’Ouest headquarters in Rennes, France. Decq’s work materializes a complete universe that embraces urban planning, architecture, design, and art. Decq has taught architecture for 25 years, a commitment ratified by the opening in 2014 of her own school in Lyon.")
Bing Theater, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire; 7 p.m.; $18 general / $12 members / $5 seniors 65+ and students. (323) 857-6000.
Screening of Harmony Lane in 3-D ("Co-presented by 3-D Space & part of the LA 3-D Movie Festival; an evening of 3-D rarities from the 3-D Film Archive, including the U.S. premiere of the 1954 British 3-D film "Harmony Lane," a delightful 27-minute short featuring a panorama of variety acts including; dancing by the Jack Billings Trio; a song by the Beverley Sisters; "Swan Lake" by Svetlana Beriosova and David Paltenghi of the Sadler's Wells Ballet; precision dancing by The Television Toppers and a comedy routine with Dora Bryan and Max Bygraves.")
Velaslavasay Panorama, 1122 W. 24th St., University Park; 7:30 p.m.; $13 general / $10 VPES & LA 3-D Club. (213) 746-2166.
Screening of the documentary John Fleck Is Who You Want Him To Be and discussion with Fleck and director Kevin Duffy ("Documentary profiles legendary performance artist Fleck, who was the target of government-sanctioned homophobia at the height of the so-called "Culture Wars" and the AIDS crisis, leading ultimately to a landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling with implications for the freedom of speech, government funding for the arts and the separation of church and state.")
Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; 7:30 p.m.; $11 general / $7 Cinematheque Members / $9 seniors 65+ and students. (323) 466-3456.
What Do You Mean, "In Concert"?
The Daydreams, DRUG APTS, KATE NV, David Scott Stone, The BJ Rubin Show (special screening)
The Smell, 247 S. Main St., downtown Los Angeles; 8 p.m., a/a; $5. (213) 625-4325.
Pere Ubu play "Coed Jail!": songs from 1975-1982
The Echo, 1822 Sunset Blvd., Echo Park; 8:30 p.m., 18+; $19.50 - $24.50. (213) 413-8200.
Weather today?

Saturday, December 10
12th Annual Los Angeles International Children's Film Festival ("Presenting more than 100 films from around the world - full-length and short animation, live action, and documentary films - the festival is organized for different age groups, from toddlers through teenagers. Select filmmakers and actors are present for Q&A sessions after each screening." Through Sunday.)
Bing Theatre, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire; 10:30 a.m.; free. (323) 857-6000.Opening of the PIXAR Art Collection group show ("17 images hand picked by John Lasseter, 1 image to represent each Pixar film. Many people don’t realize that Pixar has almost as many artists working in traditional media-hand drawing, painting, pastels, sculpture-as they do in digital media. Most of their work takes place during the development of a project, when they are working out the story and the look of the film. This is the first time a coordinated assortment of Pixar concept art has been released, celebrating each milestone film release in Pixar’s history.")
Gallery Nucleus, 210 E. Main St., Alhambra; 7 p.m.; free. (626) 458-7477.
Comedian Lewis Black presents his new routine of satire and apoplexia, "The Emperor's New Clothes: The Naked Truth"
Orpheum Theater, 842 S. Broadway, downtown Los Angeles; 8 p.m.; $40-75. (877) 677-4386.
What Do You Mean, "In Concert"?
The Audacity, The Buttertones, Cumstain, Feels, The Garden, The High Curbs, Terry Malts, The Memories, Peach Kelli Pop, Pity Party, Prettiest Eyes, The Red Pears, The Spits, Saccharine Trust, Walter, others
Midnight Mass II, The Packard Building, 205 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach; 1 p.m., a/a; $20 advance / 25 day of.
Cinder Cone, FeatherWolf, The Loyalists (Oakland)
The Smell, 247 S. Main St., downtown Los Angeles; 9 p.m., a/a; $5. (213) 625-4325.
Weather today?

Sunday, December 11
11th Annual Gingerbread House Decorating Party ("Join us and decorate a house that you can take home! Houses and candy are provided but you are welcome to bring extra candy or anything that might add to the décor.")
Vroman’s, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena; 11 a.m.; $24 + tax = house and decorations. (626) 449-5320.
Perennial ice cream man Reggie Bannister and maverick director Don Coscarelli join cast of Phantasm: Ravager to sign the DVD
Dark Delicacies, 3512 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank; 2 p.m.; $25. (888) DARKDEL.
Book Binding Workshop with Rachel Curry ("Come make a handmade gift for your friends!")
Book Show, 5503 N. Figueroa St., Highland Park; 3 p.m.; free. (213) 438-9551.
What Do You Mean, "In Concert"?
Panthar, Pylon, Sex Stains, The Tissues
The Echoplex, 1154 Glendale Blvd., Echo Park; 9 p.m., 18+; $15-18. (213) 413-8200.
Weather today?

Monday, December 12
2016 Afrolicious Hair Show ("A natural hair convention that celebrates, educates & demonstrates natural hair care, techniques and natural hairstyles. Featuring an Afrocentric fashion show, professional hair panels, natural hair contest for adults, with natural Hair product vendors & unique fashion and accessory vendors. Our theme this year touches on Ankara (African print), so wear your favorite outfit with a touch of Ankara.")
Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St., downtown Los Angeles; Sun., Dec. 11, 11 a.m.; $5-400. (424) 262-AFRO.
Tara Bennett, Ronald Moore, Toni Graphia & Anne Kenney present and sign The Making of Outlander: The Series: The Official Guide to Seasons One & Two ($50, Delacorte) ("A veritable feast of lavish photographs including an array of images spotlighting the stars in all their characters grandeur and up-close personal portraits. Featuring an introduction by Diana Gabaldon herself, this magnificent insider’s look at the world of the Outlander TV series is the companion all fans will want by their side.")
Vroman’s, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena; 7 p.m.; free. (626) 449-5320.
David Bromberg, a godfather of Americana, appears "for an intimate conversation on his latest album and career, moderated by Scott Goldman, Vice President of the GRAMMY Foundation and MusiCares; the conversation will be followed by a performance"
Grammy Museum, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Ste. A-245, downtown Los Angeles; 7:30 p.m.; $20. (213) 765-6800.
Weather today?

Tuesday, December 13
Screening of Thank You for Smoking ("Director Jason Reitman lampoons the art of lobbying in this dramedy starring Aaron Eckhart, William H. Macy, Rob Lowe, Robert Duvall, and Katie Holmes.")
Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Brentwood; 1:30 p.m.; free. (310) 440-4500.
Local Author Day featuring Patty Wipfler & Tosha Schore presenting Listen: Five Simple Tools to Meet Your Everyday Parenting Challenges ($25, Hand-in-Hand Parenting) ("Offers a new and practical understanding of children’s emotions and upset moments and shares effective tools for easing the stress of parenting during even the most challenging interactions parents face each day.")
Vroman’s, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena; 7 p.m.; free. (626) 449-5320.
Giant Tuesday Night of Amazing Inventions and Also There is a Game's 15th Annual Holiday Special ("Francisco Guglioni - "Conan" writer/performer Andres du Bouchet - is a fictional character, and he knows it. Armed with nothing more than a vague "sketch comedy accent," and the most minimal of backstories, he has been entertaining crowds here in the states for 15 years with his extravaganza 'Giant Tuesday Night of Amazing Inventions and Also There is a Game', a rollicking variety show that is exactly what it sounds like. Now, along with his trusty fictional keyboardist, manager and parrot wrangler Hank Mayonnaise (Adam Felber from "Real Time with Bill Maher" and NPR's "Wait Wait Don't Tell Me"), Francisco brings his absurdist show to NerdMelt for a rollicking fun holiday-themed time. With special guests Dana Gould, Dan Cronin (another "Conan" writer/performer), Brandon Wardell, Ed Salazar and singer Rebecca Schiffman.")
NerdMelt Showroom, 7522 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood; 8:45 p.m.; $10. (323) 851-7223.
What Do You Mean, "In Concert"?
Jonathan Richman
El Rey Theater, 5515 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire; 8 p.m., a/a; $18-20. (323) 936-6400.
Spain
The Regent, 448 S. Main St., downtown Los Angeles; 8:30 p.m., 21+; free. (323) 284-5727.
Weather today?

Wednesday, December 14
MOCA Grand Avenue, 250 S. Grand Ave., downtown Los Angeles; 7:30 p.m.; free. (213) 626-6222.
Sherilyn Fenn unveils No Man’s Land ($8, Imagine Nation) ("In a story that may not be too uncommon, Fenn sensitively helps explore a seemingly troubled boy's life and how, in his great despair, he copes with being alone. She seeks to reveal how the smallest of adjustments in perception change and uplift one's life.")
Vroman’s, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena; 6 p.m.; free. (626) 449-5320.
Daniel Lopez in conversation with author Jade Chang about his novel The Show House ($16, The Unnamed Press) ("When news of a serial killer that targets gay men at nightclubs rocks their community, over-worked pharmacist Laila grows concerned for her handsome and arrogant younger half-brother, Alex, who has been missing for several months. Meanwhile, the calculating murderer’s own life begins to spiral out of control as he unwittingly falls for a would-be victim.")
Book Soup, 8818 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood; 7 p.m.; free. (310) 659-3110.
What’s So Bad About GMOs? ("How should we weigh the risks of GMOs against other concerns they are meant to address, like preventing famine or adapting crops to changing climates? How are chefs and even casual cooks using GMO ingredients and responding to the backlash against them? UCLA plant molecular biologist and director of The Seed Institute Bob Goldberg, former Los Angeles Times food columnist Russ Parsons, and UCLA Emmett Institute co-director Edward Parson visit Zócalo to examine the way we grow, buy, eat, and think about food. Moderated by Evan Kleiman, Host, KCRW's Good Food.")
Weather today?

Thursday, December 15
D-list celebrity Kathy Griffin signing copies of Kathy Griffin's Celebrity Run-Ins: My A-Z Index ($27, Flatiron)
Barnes & Noble, 189 Grove Dr., Ste. K-30, Fairfax; 7 p.m.; free. (323) 525-0270.
Screening of Le père Noël est une ordure (Santa Claus is Garbage) ("Two well-meaning but inept volunteers get stuck working the phones at a suicide hotline on Christmas Eve. When their mentally unbalanced callers decide to pay them a visit, their yuletide quest to bring hope to the disenfranchised snowballs into a manic spree of sexual misadventure and holiday-induced violence. Like the film’s boozed up, gun-toting Santa who distributes strip-tease pamphlets to children, "Le père Noël est une ordure" gleefully reminds us that Christmas is the most wonderful time to kill yourself." Dir. Jean-Marie Poiré, 1982, Blu Ray, 88 min.)
Cinefamily, 611 N. Fairfax Ave., Beverly Grove; 7:30 p.m.; $12 / free for members. (323) 655-2510.
Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles Presents Holiday Spectacular: Cool Yule ("Celebrate the season with traditional holiday classics, some of your favorite childhood songs, and a few fabulous surprises. Joining GMCLA is the Out Magazine‘s ‘Entertainer of the Year,’ Cheyenne Jackson, known for his appearances on everything from "Curb Your Enthusiasm" to "CSI".")
Alex Theater, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale; 8 p.m.; $20-90. (818) 243-2539.
What Do You Mean, "In Concert"?
HoliDJ Benefit for Inner-City Arts feat. Cat 500, D Tiberio, Daedelus, Teebs, other Dublab luminaries
The Novo, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown Los Angeles; 8 p.m., 21+; $10. (2130 765-7000.
Los Angeles Philharmonic presents Handel’s Messiah (Bernard Labadie, conductor / Matthew Brook, bass-baritone / Allan Clayton, tenor / Karina Gauvin, soprano / Ann Hallenberg, mezzo-soprano / La Chapelle de Québec, chorus)
Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown Los Angeles; 8 p.m., a/a; $20-112. (323) 850-2000.
Weather today?