For the next two weeks...

Monday, February 6
Closing of the Mickalene Thomas "Do I Look Like a Lady?" exhibition ("For this exhibition, Thomas has created a group of silkscreened portraits to be featured alongside an installation inspired by 1970s domestic interiors, and a two-channel video that weaves together a chorus of black female performers, past and present, including standup comedians Jackie "Moms" Mabley and Wanda Sykes, and pop-culture icons Eartha Kitt and Whitney Houston. An incisive, moving, and at times riotous portrait of the multiplicities of womanhood, Do I Look Like a Lady? builds upon Thomas’s ongoing reconsideration of black female identity, presentation, and representation through a queer lens."
MOCA Grand Avenue, 250 S. Grand Ave., downtown Los Angeles; 11 a.m.; $15 general / $10 seniors 65+ / $8 students with ID​. (213) 626-6222.
Greg Palast discusses The Best Democracy Money Can Buy: A Tale of Billionaires & Ballot Bandits ($15, Seven Stories) ("An investigative journalist provides an exposé of intrigue, financial misdeeds, and other machinations at the highest level of American politics.")
Book Soup, 8818 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood; 7 p.m.; free. (310) 659-3110.
Michael Tolkin in conversation with author Chris Kraus ("The Player and The Return of the Player defined Tolkin as the modern chronicler of Hollywood. With his new novel NK3 ($25, Atlantic Monthly), Tolkin moves to new ground - a dystopic view of the immediate future in which we’ve lost to a North Korean biological weapon accident: individual and thus collective memory.")
Goethe-Institut L.A., 5750 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. #100, Mid-Wilshire; 7:30 p.m.; $20. (323) 525-3388.
What Do You Mean, "In Concert"?
Mark Menzies: from the islands… to fragments ("Concert of solo violin and viola music by internationally celebrated New Zealand-born virtuoso Menzies promises to open up our contemporary understanding of those instruments - and the solo concert experience itself. Program consists of work by Béla Bartók, György Ligeti, Elliott Carter, Carolyn Chen, Liza Lim and Vinko Globokar, as well as pieces by New Zealand composers Samuel Holloway, Helen Bowater and Jack Body.")
REDCAT, 631 W. 2nd St., downtown Los Angeles; 8:30 p.m.; $20 general / $16 members and students / $10 CalArts faculty, staff and students. (213) 237-2800.
Weather today?

Tuesday, February 7
Viet Thanh Nguyen reads from his new collection of short stories The Refugees ($25, Grove) "Nguyen’s novel "The Sympathizer" is a New York Times best seller and won the Pulitzer for Fiction. He is the Aerol Arnold Chair of English and Professor of American Studies and Ethnicity at the University of Southern California.")
Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., Los Feliz; 7:30 p.m.; free. (323) 660-1175.
Put Your Hands Together with Cameron Esposito and Rhea Butcher ("Created/hosted by marrieds Cameron Esposito (L.A. Weekly Comedy Act to Watch 2013) and Rhea "Take My Wife" Butcher, it's 75 minutes of the best & brightest comics. Content from the show - full sets & backstage interviews - is released as a first-of-its-kind weekly standup podcast.")
UCB Franklin, 5919 Franklin Ave., Hollywood Hills; 8 p.m.; $8. (323) 908-8702.
Smart Funny & Black: Black History Month Double-Header ("A live competition where, using their brains, their jokes, and audience interaction, professional funny folks (comics / writers / producers / etc.) battle in various games that test their knowledge, their taste, and their understanding of black popular culture.")
NerdMelt, 7522 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood; 8:45 p.m.; $8. (323) 851-7223.
What Do You Mean, "In Concert"?
Kodo: Dadan 2017 ("Having appeared on five continents and given over 3,500 performances since 1981, Kodo is one of Japan’s best-known drumming ensembles. They return with an exciting and vibrant re-working of the show Dadan, featuring just the men of the ensemble.")
Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown Los Angeles; 8 p.m., a/a; $41-105. (323) 850-2000.
Island of Misfit Toys 2-Year Anniversary (feat. DJ Lance Rock, DJ Professor Cantaloupe, Ahnnu, M. Geddes Gengras, Kid606, Sana Shenai)
La Cita, 336 S. Hill St., downtown Los Angeles; 8 p.m., 21+; free. (213) 687-7111.
Carl Stone ("Celebrating the release of Electronic Music from the Seventies and Eighties - a selection of his early works on the Unseen Worlds label. This 3LP set contains a selection of seven early works by American composer Carl Stone, all previously unpublished except for Shing Kee, which appeared on the 1992 New Albion CD release, Mom’s. Notorious, formerly elusive recordings like Sukothai, Shibucho, and Dong Il Jang exemplify how Stone masterfully guided his art through the transition period when New Music exited the loft scene of the 1970s for a stab at commercial presence in the 1980s, satisfying both impulses by fusing his compositional ambition with systems of live performance that were simultaneously pop savvy, commercial suicide, and technologically and aesthetically forward-thinking.") in solos and combos with William Roper [horns]; the LABMS [Los Angeles Burger & Marching Society: Kio Griffith [visuals], Roland Kato [viola], Alan Nakagawa [electronics / other], William Roper [horns], Carl Stone [computer / electronics]
bluewhale, 123 Astronaut E. S. Onizuka St., Suite #301, Little Tokyo; 8 p.m., a/a; $20. (213) 620-0908.
Weather today?

Wednesday, February 8
Margaret Cho's American Myth Show with Garrison Starr & Band in a Grammy Nomination Celebration
Largo at The Coronet, 366 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Grove; 7 p.m.; $30. (310) 855-0350.
Lucha VaVoom Twisted Valentine ("No one gets your heart pounding like Lucha VaVOOM - it’s the perfect date night! Action packed Lucha Libre - amazing aerialists - comedic-comedians - beautiful burlesque!")
The Mayan, 1038 S. Hill St., downtown Los Angeles; 7 p.m.; $40, (213) 746-4287.
Joel Whitney offers up Finks: How the C.I.A. Tricked the World's Best Writers ($26, OR Books) ("When news broke that the CIA had colluded with literary magazines to produce cultural propaganda throughout the Cold War, the reputations of some of America’s best-loved literary figures - including Peter Matthiessen, George Plimpton, and Richard Wright - were tarnished as their work for the intelligence agency came to light. "Finks" demonstrates how the good-versus-bad CIA is a false divide, and that the cultural Cold Warriors again and again used anti-Communism as a lever to spy relentlessly on leftists.")
Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., Los Feliz; 7:30 p.m.; free. (323) 660-1175.
What Do You Mean, "In Concert"?
We Are Friends: A Lifetime Party of 70's Hawaiian Music ("Featuring performances by Henry Kapono, Johnny Valentine, Alx Kawakami, Blayne Asing, Malani Bilyeu, Gaylord Holomalia, GRAMMY nominee Kalani Pe'a, and more! Taking place the week prior to the 59th Annual GRAMMY Awards, the special event will be held in conjunction with the opening of the Museum's latest exhibit, We Are Friends: A Lifetime Party of '70s Hawaiian Music.")
Clive Davis Theater, Grammy Museum, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Ste. A-245, downtown L.A.; 8 p.m.; $35. 213 765-6800.
Weather today?

Thursday, February 9
Hammer Conversations: Walter Murch and Lawrence Weschler ("Three-time Oscar winner Murch is sound editor and an amateur astrophysicist. His insights into planetary systems and musical harmony have sparked intrigue about invisible forces of the universe. Weschler delves into Murch’s quixotic quest in his new book, "Waves Passing in the Night," "taking us to the very edge of an abyss of meaninglessness and asking us which side of it we think we’re on" (Errol Morris).")
Billy Wilder Theater, Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood; 7:30 p.m.; free. (310) 443-7000.
8th Annual L.A. Bachata Festival ("Provides a welcoming environment of freedom, expression and fulfillment through dance. Over 3,000 dance enthusiast from all over the world gather annually for an unforgettable life time experience. Discover new passions, meet new friends, network with like minded individuals and celebrate the joy of dance and life." Through February 13.)
The Westin Los Angeles Airport, 5400 W. Century Blvd., Westchester; 8 p.m.; $15-250. (310) 616-6494.
Dahlak Brathwaite: Spiritrials ("A young African-American man is stopped by the police without clear cause. Again and again and again. The 10th stop leads to entanglements with the courts, jail, and attorneys with potentially life-changing results. Brathwaite’s incisive humor and poetic wisdom transforms this chilling personal story into a vivid theatrical event in collaboration with celebrated DJ Dion Decibels and gifted director Marc Bamuthi Joseph.")
REDCAT, 631 W. 2nd St., downtown Los Angeles; 8:30 p.m.; $20 general / $16 members and students / $10 CalArts faculty, staff and students. (213) 237-2800.
What Do You Mean, "In Concert"?
Adam Ant: Kings of the Wild Frontier 2017 (performing the Kings Of The Wild Frontier album in its entirety; their guitarist died a couple of weeks ago on tour!)
The Fonda, 6126 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; 8 p.m., a/a; $35. (323) 464-0808.
The Unwrinkled Ear presents solos, duos and trios with Kathleen Kim (violin) / Mankinda: Improv Concert (Steve Flato on voice & electronics; A. F. Jones on synth & guitars; Nick Lesley on drums & electronics) / Marc Riordan (keys) / Jacob Wick (trumpet)
Collective Arts Incubator, 1200 N. Avenue 54, Highland Park; 8 p.m., a/a; $8 (all previous performers in The Unwrinkled Ear series get in half-off). (818) 653-7062.
Die Group, Nots (Memphis), Side Thing
Non Plus Ultra, 4310 Burns Ave., East Hollywood; 9 p.m., a/a; $10 advance / $12 door. (213) 627-2453.
Weather today?

Friday, February 10
Signs of Life: Psychedelic Valentine’s Day Love-In Dance Party & Happy Hour ("Enjoy a wild silent dance party to launch Signs of Life, iconic Southern California artist John Van Hamersveld’s large scale pop-art installation.  Dance amongst the dynamic and vibrant retro graphics featured in Signs of Life, and enjoy free candy, themed happy hour drinks, a photo booth and more.")
FIGat7th, 735 S. Figueroa St., downtown Los Angeles; 5 p.m.; free. (213) 955-7170.
Author Richard Adams and actor John Hurt remembered with a 35mm screening of Watership Down (1978, Janus Films, 91 min., dir. Martin Rosen. "This faithful adaptation of Adams’ classic novel about a community of rabbits in southern England struggling to survive boasts beautiful hand-drawn animation. Dark and sometimes violent, the journey Hazel (John Hurt) and his allies take to find refuge at Watership Down can be seen as an allegory about freedom and tyranny.")
Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; 7:30 p.m.; $11 general / $7 members / $9 seniors 65+ and students. (323) 466-3456.
Rules of the Game: Daniel Arsham x Jonah Bokaer, with an original Score by Pharrell Williams arranged & co-composed with David Campbell ("A multidisciplinary work for eight dancers inspired by the Pirandello play "Il gioco delle parti." Represents the largest collaboration between Bokaer (choreography) and  Arsham (scenography) and their first partnership with Williams (score), collectively.")
Royce Hall, 10745 Dickson Plaza, UCLA, Westwood; 8 p.m.; $29-$49 general / $25 UCLA faculty and staff / $15 UCLA students. (310) 825-2101.
What Do You Mean, "In Concert"?
Los Angeles Philharmonic and composer/pianist/conductor Thomas Adès: Dances of Death ("Has its origins in a 15th-century German frieze (destroyed in WWII) depicting death as a skeleton who dances a series of people, from the most exalted to the most innocent, to their ultimate fate. In addition to the images, the frieze included a poem describing this morbid dance, and those words became the text that Adès set for mezzo-soprano and baritone, the latter always giving voice to the Grim Reaper. For this evening, Adès as conductor has programmed two French classics that refer to death, one stately, the other comic, as well as his 2009 cello work Lieux retrouvés, with a new orchestral accompaniment." Also Saturday.)
Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown Los Angeles; 8 p.m., a/a; $20-158. (323) 850-2000.
Folktale Records presents Fragile Gang, SEXTILE, Susan, TRÈS OUI (Austin; members of dreampop band Literature)
The Smell, 247 S. Main St., downtown Los Angeles; 9 p.m., a/a; $5. (213) 625-4325.
Weather today?

Saturday, February 11
Opening of the "Selection of Cinematic and Oscars Photographs with Finch and Partners" photography exhibition ("Selection of unique on-set, and behind-the-scenes movie stills.")
KP Projects, 170 S. La Brea Ave. (in the ART 170 Bldg.), Hancock Park; 7 p.m.; free. (323) 933-4408.
Art By People In Love ("We’re in love with love and what better way to celebrate (or commiserate) than a pre-Valentine’s Day mash note mishmash of films, poems, performance songs and dances? The theme is simple: we ask that those in love - with someone, something or some place - present some work (10 minutes or less) dealing with this theme. Special musical guests Fawns of Love and IOI on tour from lovely Bakersfield.")
Echo Park Film Center, 1200 N. Alvarado St., Echo Park; 7:30 p.m.; $5. (213) 484-8846.
Manual Cinema: Lula del Ray ("L.A. premiere! The Chicago-based ensemble uses overhead projectors, shadow puppets, actors in silhouette, and live music. Inspired by the music of Hank Williams, Roy Orbison, and Patsy Cline and set in the American Southwest of the 1950s, Lula del Ray is the tale of a lonely adolescent girl who lives with her mother in the middle of the desert. Be mesmerized by this mythic reinvention of the coming-of-age story." Also Sunday at 2 p.m.)
Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Brentwood; 8 p.m.; $20 general / $15 members / $12 full-time students and children over 10. (310) 440-4500.
What Do You Mean, "In Concert"?
Aluk Todolo (playing "occult rock"), Blue Hummingbird on the Left, Insect Ark
Complex, 806 E. Colorado St., Glendale; 8 p.m., 21+; $12 advance / $15 door. (323) 642-7519.
Jessica Fichot ("journeys from French chanson to Chinese '40s swing to international folk; returns as a trio and armed with her accordion and toy piano"), Willie Watson ("folksinger, multi-instrumentalist - guitar, banjo, harmonica - and songwriter formerly of Old Crow Medicine Show")
Warner Grand Theater, 434 W. 6th St., San Pedro; 8 p.m., a/a; $25-140. (310) 548-2493.
Branford Marsalis Quartet with special guest, singer Kurt Elling ("The tight-knit working band featuring Marsalis on saxophones, Joey Calderazzo on piano, Eric Revis on bass, and Justin Faulkner on drums form a nearly telepathically cohesive unit. The addition of Elling’s deep jazz vocabulary, technical versatility, and outstanding intonation will enable the band to perform a variety of material in new ways, looking beyond the Great American Songbook.")
Royce Hall, 10745 Dickson Plaza, UCLA, Westwood; 8 p.m., a/a; $39-79 general / $25 UCLA faculty and staff / $14 UCLA students. (310) 825-2101.
Karina Denike + Sargent (solo project of Gretchen Lieberaum, one-half of Prince cover band Princess)
Hotel Café, 1623 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood; 9 p.m., 21+; $12.50. (323) 461-2040.
Weather today?

Sunday, February 12
Opening of the "Moholy-Nagy: Future Present" retrospective exhibition ("The first comprehensive retrospective of the work of László Moholy-Nagy (1895–1946) in the United States in nearly 50 years, this long overdue presentation reveals a utopian artist who believed that art could work hand-in-hand with technology for the betterment of humanity. Also an influential teacher at the Bauhaus, a prolific writer, and, later, the founder of Chicago’s Institute of Design. Includes more than 250 works in all media from public and private collections across Europe and the United States, some of which have never before been shown publicly in the U.S." Through June 18.)
Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire; 11 a.m.; $15 adults / $10 seniors 65+ & students with ID / members free. (323) 857-6000.
Mark Sundeen unveils The Unsettlers: In Search of the Good Life in Today’s America ($26, Riverhead) ("Follows a diverse group of Americans on their complicated quest for a simpler life in modern times, raising fascinating and subversive questions about the way we live, eat, and work. So many people have anxiety about the state of the world - climate change, extinction, financial inequality - but so few have an idea of what they can do to extract themselves from the system, much less change it.")
Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., Los Feliz; 5 p.m.; free. (323) 660-1175.
The Golden Age of Adult Cinema ("An increasingly scarce chance to hear candid conversations about the semi-glorious olden days of adult films. Actors Christy Canyon, Nina Hartley, Porsche Lynn and Seka head up this edition; other speakers in the coming (!) weeks include Veronica Hart, Amber Lynn, and Annie Sprinkle. This evening’s symposium benefits the Komen Breast Cancer Fund, and is the final initiative of pornography historian and longtime L.A. X-Press film critic William Margold, who died of a heart attack during a broadcast on January 18, talking about dirty movies and loving every minute until the very end. ")
Cupcake Theater, 11020 W. Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood; 6 p.m.; $25 / $60 VIP. (323) 391-3416.
Weather today?

Monday, February 13
How to Write Romance: A Special Valentine’s Day Panel ("Join three of today’s bestselling romance authors for discussion of a literary genre that’s become a billion-dollar industry. Panelists include New York Times bestselling authors Laurelin Paige ("Chandler") and CD Reiss ("Marriage Games and Separation Games"), as well as USA Today bestselling author Vanessa Fewings ("Enthrall Secrets"). Panel moderated by Peter Katz.")
The Last Bookstore, 453 S. Spring St., downtown Los Angeles; 7:30 p.m.; free. (213) 488-0599.
Screening of How To Tell You're a Douchebag followed by a Q&A with director Tahir Jetter ("Ray Livingston is a relationship-blogging hack responsible for Brooklyn’s infamous blog Occasionally Dating Black Women. The well-written, if not controversial, blog has generated some notoriety, but Ray is chafing from an overextended stay in New York, romantic ennui, and a stagnating writing career. After a particularly crappy week, he goes off on a tirade and harasses a gorgeous random passerby, only to discover that it’s Rochelle Marseille, one of New York’s up-and-coming authors.")
Albert & Dana Broccoli Theatre, George Lucas Bldg., USC, 900 W. 34th St., University Park; 7:30 p.m.; free. (213) 740-8358.
Boast Rattle ("A roast-style COMPLIMENT contest. Comedians compete to see who can compliment one another in this showdown of sweetness, this clash of consideration, this barrage of benevolence. Two comedians go head-to-head, delivering alternating blows of the nicest order. Two rounds. One lucky crowd member will even get some on-the-spot boasting. Featuring Ian Abramson, Kate Berlant, Joe DeRosa, John Early, Nikki Glaser, Martha Kelly, Ryan Singer, Beth Stelling.")
NerdMelt, 7522 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood; 8:45 p.m.; $8. (323) 851-7223.
Weather today?

Tuesday, February 14
Los Angeles DIY V-Day ("We're hosting some lovebird festivities Upstairs with a special Valentines live performance from Cousin Liar, vinyl DJ sets from Nina Tarr, Travis Waddell, and Day Dripper, make-your-own ice cream flavor with Smitten Ice cream, and make-your-own corsage and boutonniere with guidance from Black Leaf Flower Shop Do it yourself. Together.")
The Theater at Ace Hotel, 929 Broadway, downtown Los Angeles; 6 p.m.; free. (213) 623-3233.
Comedian Iliza Shlesinger does her "The Confirmed Kills Tour" (Most people talk about physical comedy without acknowledging the pain and misery that goes into giving comics their unique type of physicality. Each comic moves through the space of a stage differently - and making her big move this time is Iliza as she does The Confirmed Kills Tour. Telling jokes with seemingly every fiber of her being, she's wrung big laughs out of everyone from hired killers to chairborne rangers, navigating her way through morasses of harassment, dating by gaslight, caustic commentary and other random indignities heaped upon her world - her prosperous, triumphal, Netflix-monied world.")
Wilshire Ebell Theater, 4401 W. 8th St., Mid-Wilshire; 6:30 p.m.; $30. (323) 939-1128.
The Anti-Valentine's Day Party (This year's anti-V-Day-bash will offer guests evening access to all of MOBR's exhibits plus a fantastic assortment of entertainment that's sure to make you forget about this whole true love thing. The festivities will include DJs spinning anti-love anthems all night long; food trucks Pico House and The NoMad Truck; a 'wall o' break-ups' where visitors can offer testimonials of lost love (and even Instagram said messages if they choose); and a special raffle with prizes from the MOBR gift shop.  Hands-down the most 'anti' Anti-Valentines Day atmosphere in L.A.")
Museum of Broken Relationships, 6751 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; 8 p.m.; $10 & $12. (323) 892-1200.
What Do You Mean, "In Concert"?
Panache's Valentine's Day Village of Love: Planned Parenthood of Los Angeles Benefit Concert ("Special performances by these artists performing their favorite love songs and cover songs by Ty Segall, Kevin Morby, King Tuff, Mikal Cronin, Jennifer and Jessie Clavin (Bleached), Entrance, Tim Rutili, The Cairo Gang, Shana Cleveland (La Luz), Shannon Lay, DINNER, Gal Pals, Warm Drag, Rodrigo Amarante, plus special guest and Permanent Records DJs.")
Teragram Ballroom, 1234 W. 7th St., Westlake; 6 p.m., 18+; $35 advance / $40 door. (213) 689-9100.
Kera and the Lesbians, Reggie Watts (and Karen)
The Satellite, 1717 Silver Lake Blvd., Silver Lake; 8:30 p.m, 21+, $10, (323) 661-4380.
Weather today?

Wednesday, February 15
Immersive Journalism: Nonny de la Pena ("De la Peña, founder of Emblematic Group, uses digital reality technologies to tell important stories both fictional and news-based that create intense, empathic engagement on the part of viewers. Called the "Godmother of Virtual Reality" both by Engadget and the Guardian. Experience virtual reality at stations in the museum before the program.")
Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood; 7:30 p.m.; free. (310) 443-7000.
Sam Sweet talks about All Night Menu Vol. 3 ("A history of Los Angeles told in five installments. In Valley Village, a British embroiderer puts the finishing touches on dream suits for country stars. American Indians on Skid Row repossess the parking lot of an all-night fried shrimp stand. At East L.A.’s oldest handball court, schoolchildren and ex-cons alike adopt a Japanese grocery owner as their personal Mother Theresa.")
Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., Los Feliz; 7:30 p.m.; free. (323) 660-1175.
Dr. Paul Koudounaris lectures on the history of animal trials ("Learn the whole sordid history of animals being arrested, prosecuted, and even sued. Pigs tried for murder in medieval Germany! A donkey put on trial for adultery in Renaissance France! Be inspired by Bartholomew Chasanee, the Johnnie Cochran of animal defense attorneys, who got the field mice of Autun, France, acquitted of grain stealing charges!" Also with musical guests Sapphic Musk ("female Viking kitten-metal") and Saucy Yoda ("fun and frantic frat-grrrl sound").
Hyperion Tavern, 1941 Hyperion Ave., Los Feliz; 9:45 p.m.; free. (323) 665-1941.
What Do You Mean, "In Concert"?
West Coast Chamber Jazz Trio ("Composer/percussionist Andrea Centazzo‘s tribute to the cool jazz which inspired him as a youth. Joined by L.A.’s own Ellen Burr on flutes and Soundwaves co-curator Jeff Schwartz on bass, he reinterprets compositions from across his over forty year career. Their debut album "L.A. Strictly Confidential" was released in September 2016 on Ictus Records.")
Santa Monica Public Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica; 7:30 p.m.; a/a; free. (310) 458-8600.
The Crazy World of Arthur Brown (first U.S. tour in 47 years), Electric Citizen, White Hills
The Regent, 448 S. Main St., downtown Los Angeles; 8 p.m., 18+; $27.50-62.50. (323) 284-5727.
Dror Feiler (Israel) and Lasse Marhaug (Norway) performing solo and duo noise and avant-garde sounds
Collective Arts Incubator, 1200 N. Avenue 54, Highland Park; 8:30 p.m., a/a; $10. (818) 653-7062.
Weather today?

Thursday, February 16
Kevin McDonald's Kevin McDonald Show ("Kevin McDonald of "The Kids in the Hall" performs a live old-school variety hour that features famous friends, musical acts, new sketches, and uninhibited tomfoolery! With special guest and fellow Kid Scott Thompson, musical guest Gin Blossoms and more!")
NerdMelt, 7522 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood; 6:45 p.m.; $10. (323) 851-7223.
Shakespeare in Today’s America: James Shapiro and Lisa Wolpe in conversation ("Celebrating the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s extraordinary legacy, Wolpe and Shapiro will explore the defining guidelines of performing his work today, and consider how Shakespeare still matters in contemporary America. Wolpe, actress, director, teacher, and producer, is the Artistic Director and founder of the Los Angeles Women’s Shakespeare Company; Shapiro, professor at  Columbia University, is the author of numerous books and essays on Shakespeare, including his most recent work, "The Year of Lear: Shakespeare in 1606".")
Mark Taper Auditorium, Los Angeles Central Library, 630 W. 5th St., downtown Los Angeles; 7:15 p.m.; free. (213) 228-7500.
Hammer Conversations: Robert Storr on The Art and Life of Louise Bourgeois ("Bourgeois’s remarkable artistic career spanned more than 75 years. Renowned critic and curator Storr’s new book surveys her immense oeuvre in unmatched depth. Writing from a uniquely intimate perspective as a close personal friend of the artist and drawing on decades of research, Storr reveals the complexity and passion of one of the greatest artists of the 20th century.")
Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood; 7:30 p.m.; free. (310) 443-7000.
What Do You Mean, "In Concert"?
Black Sand Desert + Circuit Wound (Los Angeles; "heavy-duty Americanoise collaboration"), CBN (Omaha; "dark, brooding and dank power electronics"), FILTH (Texas; "esoteric, dark industrial music for weirdos"), Gnawed (Minneapolis; "cold, dark and thick death industrial soundscapes"), Pedestrian Deposit (Los Angeles; "oppositional and articulate difficulties")
Coaxial, 1815 S. Main St., downtown Los Angeles; 9 p.m., a/a; $9. (213) 536-8020.
Weather today?

Friday, February 17
Baby Wants Candy: Improvised Musical ("Begins with the cast asking the audience for a suggestion of a musical that has never been performed before. The first title the group hears becomes the title and theme for that evening's 60-minute show.  Each performance is its own opening and closing night, completely unique and a once-in-a-lifetime premiere. Baby Wants Candy has performed over 1,800 completely improvised musicals to thousands from New York to Singapore.")
UCB Sunset, 5419 Sunset Blvd., East Hollywood; 7:30 p.m.; $12. (323) 908-8702.
Culture Clash shows up to perform Sapo ("Loosely based on Aristophanes's "The Frogs," "Sapo" takes place in mid-1970's Latin music scene. It's a slithery world of mischief, deception, and slippery hippie lily pads where anything goes.")
Villa Theater Lab, Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Dr., Brentwood; 7:30 p.m.; free (but parking is $15 / $10 after 3 p.m.). (310) 440-7300.
Split Britches: Unexploded Ordnances (UXO) ("The pioneering feminist theater company cofounded by Lois Weaver and Peggy Shaw, develop their new in-progress project. Inspired by the unexploded Civil War ammunition buried in N.Y. Harbor, Kubrick’s "Dr. Strangelove," and interviews with elder women, UXO invites the audience into "The Situation Room" to contribute to this intergenerational work about aging, unexplored desires, and looking forward to an uncertain future." Also Saturday.)
Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Brentwood; 8 p.m.; $10 general / $8 members / $5 full-time students. (310) 440-4500.
What Do You Mean, "In Concert"?
Church of the 8th Day presents Highland, Icon of Phobos, Incantation, Marduk, Svart Crown
The Regent, 448 S. Main St., downtown Los Angeles; 6 p.m., a/a; $20-25.50. (323) 284-5727.
Penniback Records presents Hot Brothers, Keif Season, Plumber, Sabrina Is Not In This Chat
The Smell, 247 S. Main St., downtown Los Angeles; 8 p.m., a/a; $5. (213) 625-4325.
David Lindley (Jackson Browne, Kaleidoscope)
McCabe's Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica; 8 p.m., a/a; $25. (310) 828-4497. Also Saturday.
Weather today?

Saturday, February 18
L.A. Cookie Con and Sweets Show 2017 ("The West Coast's biggest baking and pastry convention." Through Sunday.)
Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St., downtown Los Angeles; 9 a.m.; $13.65-48.47. (800) 448-7775.
Wikipedia Day L.A. ("Celebratory day of presentations and discussions to honor Wikipedia's 16th birthday featuring Peter Lunenfeld (Digital Media Arts, UCLA), Juliet Lapidos (Sunday Opinion Editor, L.A. Times), Jessica Yellin (former Chief CNN White House Correspondent) and more. Includes cake.")
The Theater at Ace Hotel, 929 Broadway, downtown Los Angeles; 11 a.m.; free (but RSVP). (213) 623-3233.
HBO Presents The CRASHING Tour ("In support of the new HBO comedy series "Crashing," Pete Holmes and Artie Lange are hitting the road. Join them and select special guests in 4 cities as they take the stage to perform their unique brands of stand-up all to raise money for various charities.")
The Regent, 448 S. Main St., downtown Los Angeles; 6:30 p.m., a/a; $29.50-59.50. (323) 284-5727.
What Do You Mean, "In Concert"?
Sounds of L.A. Iraqi-American oud virtuoso Rahim AlHaj ("His forthcoming album Letters from Iraq features eight original compositions inspired by a collection of recent letters by Iraqi women and children, which range from the banal to the brave. AlHaj says this stunning labor of love is written "with tears that lead to hope." This concert is presented in collaboration with Smithsonian Folkways Recordings.")
Harold M. Williams Auditorium, Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Dr., Brentwood; 7 p.m.; free (but parking is $15 / $10 after 3 p.m.) - advance ticket reqd'. (310) 440-7300.
Tashi Dorji, Eyvind Kang and Bill Orcutt in solo and group actions ("Orcutt played guitar in the legendary, world-ending Harry Pussy and has electrified the world of solo guitar with a uniquely intense and soulful music. Kang is a viola master having recorded with everyone from John Zorn to the Sun City Girls. Dorji is a Bhutanese improvising guitarist who has taken the world by storm with his one-of-a-kind style.")
MiMoDa Studio, 5772 W. Pico Blvd. (entrance through Paper or Plastik Café); 7:30 p.m., a/a; $16.52. (323) 935-0268.
Kan Wakan, Moon Honey
Bootleg Theater, 2220 Beverly Blvd., Westlake; 8:30 p.m., 18+; $15. (213) 389-3856.
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Sunday, February 19
Shaolin Warriors: The Legend Continues ("Celebrates the art of kung fu with mesmerizing skill, stunning movements, and spectacular imagery. In a fully- choreographed production, the martial arts masters offer insight into the warriors’ daily life and Zen philosophy.")
Valley Performing Arts Center, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge; 3 p.m.; $38-63. (818) 677-3000.
12th Annual Italian Film Fashion & Art Fest ("Features many world and U.S. premieres of recent Italian movies, as well as retrospectives, tributes and musical performances." Through Saturday.)
TCL Chinese Theatres, 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; 8 p.m.; free. (310) 443-3250.
Los Angeles Vampire Ball 2017 ("Impresario Father Sebastiaan hosts the ball for this "Anti-Valentine's Day" celebration. A gathering of the spirit, mystery, magic, romance, sensuality of the Vampire World and a selection of amazing DJs, along with dance, ritual and vocal music performances.")
Globe Theater, 740 S. Broadway, downtown Los Angeles; 8 p.m., 18+; $25-666 (!). (213) 489-1667.
What Do You Mean, "In Concert"?
Terence Blanchard (trumpet) / Herbie Hancock (piano) / Wayne Shorter (saxophone) with Vincent Colaiuta (drums), James Genus (bass), and the Los Angeles Philharmonic (James Gaffigan, conductor)
Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown Los Angeles; 7:30 p.m., a/a; $85. (323) 850-2000.
Karman, Palmistry, Saro
The Echo, 1822 Sunset Blvd., Echo Park; 7:30 p.m., 18+; $11.50-14.50. (213) 413-8200.
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Monday, February 20
Hammerstein Bavarian Musik ("An authentic Bavarian band performing traditional Bavarian folk music, and surprising reinterpretations of pop and rock songs, all on traditional instruments. During this fun performance, expect yodeling, lederhosen, dirndls, and dancing.")
L.A. Times Central Court, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire; 12:30 p.m.; free. (323) 857-6000.
The Rumble: A Storytelling Show ("That moment where you get brave enough to own your story. Deep, right? We didn't make that up. Shame and vulnerability researcher Dr. Brene Brown did. Screwing up is quintessential to the human experience. It tends to lead to the funniest stories. This month's theme: Endings. Cancel your therapy session and come Rumble with us instead. It may not be as effective, but it'll definitely be cheaper.")
UCB Sunset, 5419 Sunset Blvd., East Hollywood; 7 p.m.; $6. (323) 908-8702.
Forgotten: A Night of Love Song (Bridgid Ryan, Host. "L.A.'s best musical comedians perform songs about love, a full six days after Valentine's Day.")
UCB Sunset, 5419 Sunset Blvd., East Hollywood; 10:30 p.m.; $8. (323) 908-8702.
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