Okay, so honestly?  Not the biggest Star Wars fan.  And by biggest I mean not really…at all…ever.  Of course, as a product of the ‘80’s, there was no way I could have made it through without seeing at least a few scenes of Empire Strikes Back, even if it was strictly for the Princess Leia side-bun inspiration or to drool over the oh-so-dreamy Luke Skywalker and his glowing sword.

This Friday, March 12^th, much to the delight of nerdy boys everywhere, and well…me, for that matter, a Star Wars-themed burlesque show will be gracing the stage at the Henry Fonda Theater in Hollywood.  Second in the satirical series so far, the Star Warz Burlesque & Cabaret will bring your Princess Leia slave-fantasies to life, inspire you to see Jabba the Hut in a whole new light, and watch Darth Vader transform into the sultry siren we all knew was hiding under that ominous mask.

Judging by the video filmed at the premier Star Warz event (Bordello Bar), the sexiest striptease will be performed by event producer, Courtney Cruz (of Devil’s Playground fame) in her fantastically-futuristic Stormtrooper ensemble, but then again…do you really need any further motivation?

CLEARLY: Star Wars + burlesque beauties = lightsaber MAGIC.

Presales are currently sold out for the Friday night event, so get your butts in gear and snag a last-minute ticket at the door to become a part of LA’s burlesque revival, Jedi-style.

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WHAT: Star Warz Burlesque & Cabaret
WHEN: Friday, March 12th, 9pm-2am
WHERE: Henry Fonda Theater
$$$: $20-$30

Anyone catch The Clientele last weekend? No? Why not? You had something better to do? I doubt it. Well fine. What about Chickens In Love at the echoplex? No again? Oh come on. You people need to start going to these things. Or if you answered yes to those questions and actually go to the shows, why not comment and let us know how they are? Hmmmm? Good!

PICK OF THE WEEK
Ok so I’m pretty sure I made a Big Pink show the pick of the week in the past, so I’m going to take a paragraph or two from that post, but the real band I’m excited about isn’t them. Yes they are headlining, but the show Tuesday night at the El Rey is all about New York’s A Place to Bury Strangers. First things first though.

I love shoegaze. I wish I was around when it was a big deal out of the UK, but I’m happy that it’s starting to creep into new, ‘popular’ music again. The Big Pink are very loosely connected with the genre. I mean they’re signed to 4AD for one thing, which automatically gives you some cred in that style. On occasion they do have that dreamy, kind of wall of sound aspect to their music, but for the most part theyre an electro, noise pop band. Nothing wrong with that, they’re a great band and a worthy headlining act. It’s just that the opener is too exciting.

A Place to Bury Strangers has that shoegaze revival sound and feel to their music. They’re known to blend noise rock, shoegaze, and space rock, all great genres that seemed to have begun to fade out in the early 90s. Fortunately for us we have bands like APTBS (as they’re commonly know, what with such a long full name and all) to start over with a fresh take on older styles. They’ve played with everyone from the legendary Jesus and Mary Chain to NIN to MGMT, so you can kind of get a sense that they appeal to a large, yet specific type of person. They’ll also be playing Coachella this year, so make sure to catch em here in a smaller venue environment before you head off to see em again in Indio. They’re known for being extremely loud live though, so I’d highly suggest taking some ear plugs with you. I know I didn’t bother when I saw a noise rock/shoegaze band last year and I really regretted it…for about four days (and that show was outside.)

As if those two bands weren’t enough, also playing is local act Active Child, an up-and-coming artist who, from what I’ve heard, has an amazing, synthy, kind of dreamy quality to his music. So be sure to go early and check him out.

OTHER SHOWS TO LOOK OUT FOR:
3/8: Moonrats w/Aska//Adanowsky//Soko at Spaceland. 8:30PM. Free. 21+. (First night of the Moonrats residency. Not sure why they didn’t play last week.)
3/8: The Delta Mirror w/Alexandra Hope//Sister Crayon//Corridor at the echo. 8:30PM. Free. 21+. (Night two of The Delta Mirror residency.)
3/8: Seaspin w/Wild Yaks//Repeater//The Romany Rye at Silverlake Lounge. 9:00PM. Free. 21+. (Seaspin residency. Check em out, they’re pretty cool.)
3/9: Red Tide w/Superhumanoids//Random Patterns//His Orchestra at Silverlake Lounge. 9:00PM. $8. 21+. (Check out our friends bands! They also happen to be pretty good.)
3/9: Laura Veirs w/Old Believers//Cataldo at Spaceland. 8:30PM. $12. 21+. (Real good folk rock.)
3/10: Abe Vigoda w/Lovvers//The Black Apples at the echo. 8:3oPM. $8. 18+. (Fun lineup.)
3/10: Delta Spirit w/We Barbarians//Johnny Corndawg at bootleg. 8:00PM. $12. 21+. (Delta Spirt is a great band.)
3/10: Little Boots w/Dragonette//Class Actress at the El Rey. 8:00PM. $20. All. (Dance away to this cute Brit.)
3/11: Slow Club at Spaceland. 8:30PM. $10. 21+. (Definitely a buzz band. I like what I’ve heard.)
3/11: Dawes w/Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons//Jason Boesel at Troubadour. 8:00PM. $12. All. (Dawes are a great local band with a classic sound.)
3/11: The Cave Singers w/The Dutchess and the Duke//The Moondoggies at the echo. 8:30PM. $12. 18+. (Should be a relaxing evening.)
3/12: The Happy Hollows w/The Veils//Twilight Sleep at Troubadour. 8:30PM. $15. All. (Some good acts here.)
3/13: The Fresh & Onlys w/Wounded Lion//Surf City//Pivot at Spaceland. 8:30PM. $10. 21+. (Nice poppy lineup.)
3/13: Choir of Young Believers w/Great Northern at Bootleg. 10:00PM. $8. 21+. (I’ve been a fan of these guys forever. Great stuff and they’re finally starting to get out here.)
3/13: A Sunny Day in Glasgow w/Pollyn at The Mint. 8:00PM. $13. 21+. (Another great shoegazey act this week.)
3/14: Blessure Grave w/Twin Crystals//Random Cuts at the echo. 10:00PM. $5. 18+. (Part Time Punks!)

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WHAT: The Big Pink w/A Place to Bury Strangers//Active Child
WHEN: Tuesday, March 9th @ 8:00PM
WHERE: The El Rey
$$$: $20 (worth it)
Ages: All

OK.

So I know the pick of the week music wise was to see The Clientele (which you should all go do tonight!), but this event goes far beyond just music.

On Saturday, March 6th (tomorrow..or today I guess, depending on when you’re reading this..) you should all head over to the echoplex for “Chickens In Love: An 826LA Benefit Show“. It’s hosted by Dianna Agron from GLEE and there will be live performances by The Submarines, The Pity Party, Summer Darling, and special guest Thao Nguyen. Tickets are $15 and the event is an all day thing, going from Noon till 7PM.

Along with the music the mini-fest is gonna feature a DJ set by the Origami Vinyl dudes, punk rock hair dos from The Hive Hair Shop (interesting..), accessories for sale by local designers, the Grill ‘Em All food truck, and more. You can also place an order to purchase the Chickens In Love LP at the show.

Chickens In Love is an album/event benefiting 826LA, which is a non-profit organization which aims to help young kids write creatively and essentially want to write. (You can find out more about them here.) Basically the album is twelve songs written by students at 826 and performed by LA based bands, including She & Him and Tim and Eric. Sponsors include Origami Vinyl and FILTER magazine, so you’re sure to have a good time.

The album portion of the event also happens to be a fundraiser. From now till April 30th, head over to the online pledge site thing, and make a monetary pledge for your favorite student song. You can pledge as much as you want, as many times as you want, for as many songs as you want. The most popular song will get the 826LA Gold Record! (Wow!).

The event is pretty important, as it’s the biggest fundraiser of the year for 826LA, so come out, have a good time, listen to some music, and show your support!

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WHAT: Chickens In Love
WHEN: Saturday, March 6th from noon till 7:00PM
WHERE: the echoplex
$$$: $15
Ages: All

How was last week for everyone? Fun? Dirty Projectors last Sat? Watch the amazing USA/Canada gold medal game yesterday? What a game. Poor USA.. Oh well..on to music.

PICK OF THE WEEK
In all honesty, the pick of the week this week is Magnetic Fields tomorrow, but it’s sold out. Boo. If you have tickets or want to head over to Wilshire Ebell Theatre and risk trying to scalp a ticket, go for it. Highly recommended.

Also, Midlake on Wednesday would be a great choice for the pick this week. They’re a great band and their new album is as solid as anyone could have asked for. But you guys probably know about that already..why should I have to tell you to go to that.

The band you may not (probably do, but go with it) know about that’s playing two shows this week is The Clientele. These guys are wonderful. They come from London, but seem to be gaining more popularity here in the States than over in their homeland. Their album God Save The Clientele seemed to get the attention of fans and critics alike (at least that’s what got to me..) and their wonderful followup, Bonfires on the Heath, which came out last October, shows that it was no fluke. The sound of the band is softer, more melodic pop music. It’s kind of melancholy music, but don’t get the idea that you’re gonna sit in the corner and cry for an hour. Lead singer Alasdair MacLean has a very soothing singing style that, combined with the music and surrealist inspired lyrics brings a relaxing atmosphere to wherever you may be. Their music is commonly described as “Autumnal”, which, as oddly as it sounds, kind of makes sense. The music makes you feel like you’re in nature, or in a park somewhere in the middle of London on a beautiful day. Don’t believe me? Go see them at Spaceland on either Friday or Saturday (or both. Up to you.) and see for yourself.

OTHER SHOWS TO LOOK OUT FOR:
3/1: White Arrows w/Superhumanoids//Spirit Animal//The Fling//The Damn Sons at Spaceland. 8:30PM. Free. 21+. (Not a residency show, but one you should go to. For the Superhumanoids. Wow what a surprise, right?)
3/1: Delta Mirror w/Nalepa//Healamonster & Tarsier//Full Frontal at the echo. 8:30PM. Free. 21+. (First of the Delta Mirror residency at the echo.)
3/2: Nice Nice w/We Break Cameras//Bullied By Strings at the echo. 8:30PM. $10. 18+. (A nice alternative to those of us that aren’t going to the Magnetic Fields show.)
3/3: Midlake w/Matthew and the Arrogant Sea at the El Rey. 8:00PM. $16. All. (They’re just a great band. Definitely worth seeing.)
3/3: El Perro Del Mar w/Taken By Trees at Troubadour. 8:00PM. $15. All. (It’s a toss up between this show and Midlake. Go to one though!)
3/3: The Pity Party at Mountain Bar. 10PM. $5(?). 21+. (We like The Pity Party.)
3/4: Phantogram w/Love Grenades at Bordello Bar. 8:00PM. $12. 21+. (Phantogram is definitely on the rise.)
3/4: The Pharmacy w/Pteroacdudes at L’Keg Gallery. 9:00PM. $5. All. (Good band for the first show since the fire there.)
3/5: Deer Tick w/Everest at the Natural History Museum. 5:30PM. $15. All. (First Fridays! Probably won’t be as crazy as last month..)
3/5: The Appleseed Cast w/Dreamend at echoplex. 8:30PM. $15. 18+. (They’re performing all of Low Level Owl 1 & 2.)
3/5: The Bird and the Bee w/Juliette Commagere at the El Rey. 8:00PM. $20. All. (Great indie rock.)
3/5: Black Apples w/Socorro/S. Pineda at pehrspace. 8:00PM. $5. All. (Black Apples are fun.)
3/5: Shadow Shadow Shade at the echo. 8:30PM. $8. 18+. (Formerly known as Afternoons.)
3/6: The Submarines w/Thao Nguyen//Pity Party//Summer Darling//more TBA at echoplex and the echo. 12 noon, $15. All. (It’s the 826LA/Origami Vinyl Chickens In Love benfit. Lasts all day.)
3/7: Audacity w/Film at Spaceland. 8:3oPM. $5. 21+. (Punk band from Fullerton.)
3/7: Part Time Punks at the echo. 10:00PM. $5. 18+. (The Cure nite.)

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WHAT: The Clientele
WHEN: Friday, March 5th (with The Wooden Pigeons and Spain) and Saturday, March 6th (with The Wooden Pigeons and Devon Williams) @ 8:30PM
WHERE: Spaceland
$$$: $14
Ages: 21+

The weekend don’t end Saturday night y’all; keep it going with a day party at Best Fish Tacos of Ensenada tomorrow. From 2pm-dark, come grub on indeed the best fish tacos around (with plenty o’ radish relish of course), listen to some beats courtesy of Moredillon, Osaka, St. Andrew, and possibly a special guest or two. This happens every last Sunday of the month, so if you don’t make it out tomorrow, there’s always March.

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WHAT: Most Awesome Sunday Day Party
WHEN: Sunday 2pm-dark
WHERE: Best Fish Tacos, 1650 Hillhurst Ave, Los Feliz, 90027
$$$: bring yo’ taco money ($1.50-$2) and BYOB

Break out your leopard print, top hats, and faux fur for this one because Friday night is all about the vixens and vamps at the downtown Venus in Furs & Femme Fatale party.  This Muzezon, Inc. journey, taking you back a few decades, will feature a runway show with hair and makeup by Hairroin Salon, body art by No.YTK, and live femme fatale models strutting their stuff to the best indie/electro beats by dj’s: Notorious Jen and Henry Strange.  Featured artwork includes: Pingping paintings, (pop-anime girly art), and Michelle Hinch photography, (recent contributor to Marie Claire: Tokyo), amongst other modern-day-heroine presentations.  Don’t miss the chance to take part in this Velvet Underground-inspired charade!  Donations are accepted at the door (CASH only!) in support of Haiti relief efforts, libations will be flowing, and there is a $5 secure parking lot from which a complimentary shuttle will escort you to all the fatale fun.

Calling all you jazz cats, and zoot-suit-wearing hipsters.  Saturday, we celebrate the yin to the femme fatale’s yang at the: Ode to the Lounge Lizard-A Cocktail Napkin Art Invitational.  Hosted by the E3rd Lounge in the heart of the downtown LA Arts District, this is second in the monthly Jerico Woggon-presented event series.  $10 gets you in the door, $5 with a shared recession tale (awesome = getting a discount to vent), and FREE admission will be granted to anyone brave enough to show up in an actual lizard costume (pictures, please!).  If this isn’t enough to draw you out already, there is plenty more where that came from: a blacklight art installation by Woggon himself, live painting by E3rd resident artist (and Little Tokyo art darling), Emmeric Konrad, and everything necessary to create your own cocktail napkin art for selling, trade, or a take-home flashback souvenir.

Moral of the story?  Whichever is truly the Leader of the Pack, both guarantee to be a swingin’ good time.

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WHAT: Venus in Furs & Femme Fatale & Ode to the Lounge Lizard
WHEN: Friday, Feb. 26th 9pm-4am & Saturday, Feb. 27th, 8pm-2am
WHERE: Catalyst Artist Collective (LOFT) & E3rd Lounge
$$$: Haiti relief donation-$10, CASH ONLY

This weekend check out the opening reception of SNAP- Benjamin Hoste’s exhibition of rock photography at Oragami Vinyl in Echo Park. Ben, photographer and director, has taken some pretty sweet concert photos and has interviewed and photographed some of the coolest musicians around these parts. In fact, he has a new project aptly titled This Ain’t a Scene which features interviews with Silverlake musicians; volume one of the online mag features the likes of Sarah Negahdari of The Happy Hollows (whom he partially credits for his burgeoning photography career), Evan Way of the Parson Redheads, Aaron Kyle of Le Switch, and more. SNAP will run at Oragami through March 28th and features photos of many more local bands, including No Age, Crystal Antlers, Henry Clay People, Dan Deacon, etc. Kicking it off this Sunday there will be a Dj spinning vinyl and free drinks from 6pm-8pm. He will also be raffling off two free prints (!), one of Brian Aubert of Silversun Pickups and one of Jeff Tweedy of Wilco. Awesomeee. Double your chances by joining his email list and entering the raffle early. See y’all there.

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WHAT: SNAP rock photography show
WHEN: opening reception Sun. Feb. 28th 6pm; show Feb. 28-March 28
WHERE: Oragami Vinyl, 1416 W Sunset Blvd, Echo Park
$$$: free

Nestled alongside the fabulously sleazy St. Moritz Hotel and across the street from The Only Arby’s In LA is The Bar — the kind of place you could drive past a million times over and never look twice at.

Your loss.

Especially on Monday nights.  That’s when they host Bent, an ongoing weekly shindig where big-club DJ’s from all over town come out to play whatever strikes their fancy.  You walk in and hear not Lady Gaga or Ludacris, but “Lady Madonna” banging proudly over the speakers.  The Beatles gradually find their way into “Town Called Malice” by The Jam, which morphs into The Virgins’ “Rich Girl” before melting into a ghetto-tech remix of MGMT’s “Electric Feel” that segues into Diana Ross’ “Someday We’ll Be Together.”  The whole thing feels vaguely conspiratorial, as if the guy at the turntables has secretly wiretapped into the pleasure centers of your brain — a Bush-era scandal you can dance to.

The vibe at Bent is idiosyncratically sexy — all angular bedhead, oversized glasses and muted indie garb.  You’ll see at least two Zack Galifianakis beards, one Elvis Costello lookalike, and a jolly Asian doorman who appears to have done time. The amber-glowing bar is run by heartbreakingly hot, gold-hearted LA natives who describe the event as “a place where people can hide out.”  It’s the kind of spot where if Shazaam doesn’t recognize the song playing, you can walk up to the DJ who will, without breaking his stride, shake your hand and clue you in.

Charles Bukowski drank here back when The Bar was known as Raji’s. The inner album cover of “Bleach” features a picture of Kurt Cobain passed out on a couch by the joint’s front door.  Mischa Barton has been known to stop by for a post-Promises nightcap.  Not that you necessarily need to be hell-bent on self-destruction to enjoy the place — all you need is an open ear, and the willingness to look twice at the places you drove past a million times over.

Work be damned; Monday nights beckon.

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WHAT: Weekly eclectic-style dance bar
WHEN: Monday nights, 10 pm – 2 am
WHERE: The Bar Hollywood
$$$: Six bucks per Newcastle

I missed last week. I am very sorry. I don’t know why or what I was doing that caused me to miss it. Unfortunately I didn’t see an outpour of emails and comments asking for the soundboard back…darn. Oh well. I’m back now!

PICK OF THE WEEK
I’m not seeing Dirty Projectors on Saturday. I know. I’m just as mad as you are, assuming you’re not going either. Not sure why I didn’t think tickets would sell out so quickly, but alas, no Disney Concert Hall for me. But instead of sitting at home pouting, like I was planning on doing, I have an alternative suggestion that should make all of us happy.

How about we all go see Four Tet at the echoplex?! Who’s Four Tet you ask? Well he’s British born electronic musician Kieran Hebden. His music incorporates many different styles, including hip hop, jazz, folk, and, of course, electronica. Hebden has released seven albums to date, the most recent, There Is Love in You, receiving countless positive reviews. The guy seems to be able to smoothly move from your typical dance track to solemn, calming post-rock, back to a catchy electronic beat. You could (and should) hear his music in the comfort of your own room or car or iPod, but Four Tet deserves a live listen. Somewhere you can go and dance the night away. Somewhere like the echoplex!

Playing with Four Tet are British Nathan Fake and Los Angeles based Active Child, an up-and-coming artist who would alone warrant a reason to go to this show. So take that Dirty Projectors and the LA Philharmonic!

OTHER SHOWS TO LOOK OUT FOR:
2/22: Useless Keys w/Free Energy//Repeater//Boxviolet at the echo. 8:30PM. Free. 21+. (Last Useless Keys residency night.)
2/22: Princeton w/Castledoor//LANME at Spaceland. 8:30PM. Free. 21+. (Last of the Princeton residency. Also the last Castledoor show ever. Boo.)
2/23: Dinosaur Jr. at Troubadour. 8:00PM. Free. All. (IT’S FIRST COME FIRST SERVED. YOU GOTTA RSVP HERE! I think I made that clear enough.)
2/23: Free Energy w/Mystery Lights//The Blank Tapes//Early Dolphin at Spaceland. 8:30PM. $7. 21+. (Some buzz around Free Energy.)
2/23: Glacier Hiking w/Haim//Kitten//Go West Young Man at the echo. 8:30PM. $8 ($5 if you RSVP here). 18+. (Buzzbands.la show. Always fun. Great bands too.)
2/24: Dan Black at Spaceland. 8:30PM. $1.06 (I guess cause KROQ is presenting?). 21+. (Fun British electro pop artist.)
2/25: Visqueen w/Bear Hands//Adam Bones at Spaceland. 8:30PM. $8. 21+. (Could be a fun time.)
2/26: The Strange Boys w/Chain and the Gang//Neverever at the echo. 8:30PM. $10. 18+. (The Strange Boys are great.)
2/26: Memory Tapes at Spaceland. 8:30PM. $10. 21+. (Chill Wave! This guy happens to be pretty good at it.)

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WHAT: Four Tet
WHEN: Saturday, February 27th @ 9:00PM
WHERE: Echoplex
$$$: $17
Ages: 18+

According to Berlin-native and house-producer, DJ KAOS, the answer is YES!  In a rare U.S. appearance this Saturday night at the Chase Loft Series-February Edition, the dj heavyweight promises to keep the crowd movin and groovin’ until the wee hours to his own version of Chicago-inspired house and disco beats.

Presented by The Chase, EVFA, and MEO, KAOS will be joined by rockin’ resident dj’s: JaseFromOuterSpace and Klassique at Junglerush, a hidden indoor/outdoor venue perfect for late-night dalliances or just a fun night out of the oh-so-predictable Hollywood scene. True to its downtown roots and promotional prowess, this event is one not to be missed.

Annd….that’s not all!  The recession-style OPEN BAR will keep the conversation flowing, not to mention your glass full for a mere $15 until 11pm and $20 thereafter.  I don’t know how much YOU typically spend on cocktails a night, but let me tell you, this is a STEAL in my drink-infused world.

Whether this inspires you late-nighters to at least consider making it in the door before the price increase or you still run a little late due to a last-minute addition to the perfect outfit, $5 more is a small price to pay for fun on the run, so I say let the rationalization takes its natural course. After all, the party will be poppin’ ‘til 3am and if Italians really do do it better, it will be well worth the wait.

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WHAT: Chase Loft Series-February Edition
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 20th, 10pm-3am
WHERE: Junglerush/EVFA, 542 S Alameda (Cross St. Palmetto)
$$: $15 before 11pm, $20 after with open bar, CASH ONLY

With February’s unseasonably warm weather upon us, it might be a good idea to enjoy some good fashion, interesting art and live music in sunny Costa Mesa.  Oh, also there’s bikinis.

Graffiti Beach will be showcasing Jonathan Bussiere’s self-aware commentary on high fashion, Hips and Hair, (he was in our art show last spring!) in the form of a Pop-up Shop at The Camp Site on the 20th and 21st of this month.  Hips and Hair will be presenting their fashion line along with some select pieces of art for your purchasing pleasure.  To add to this, live bands will be playing to the tune of free food, live portrait art, and a raffle of Hips and Hair merch.

And there’s a bikini fashion show.  Saturday at 6:30 PM.  In case you didn’t notice.

PS: Our good friend KDikio Vintage will also be a vendor at this event! Her ad is on our page on the right, so uh, you should click on it! Or click here.

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What: Graffiti Beach presents Hips and Hair Pop-up Shop
When: Saturday and Sunday February 20th and 21st
Where: The Camp Site in Costa Mesa
$$$: Free, unless you buy something

Every Friday and Saturday CC Beans, a cute little coffee shop downtown, hosts free music in the “BackRoom Gallery”. This Friday and Saturday is SOUNDING OFF, presented by dramastage-qumran…Friday features Ron Allen and Saturday features Sarah Cruse. There will also be an open mic section so if you’re feeling talented, you can join in! It’s a laid back place, and I’m sure it will feel more like a jam session than a serious show, which makes it even better! The best part is that while you enjoy the free shows, you can sip on some really great coffee and it’s so good you’ll want to start buying your beans from their personal collection. This is the sort of place that needs community support! It may not be in the most ideal place, but the owners are trying to add a little something to the downtown area that, although has cleaned up a lot, is still lacking in certain areas. So come out this weekend and support CC Beans!

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WHAT: CC Beans Live Music
WHEN: Weekend Nights, starting Friday, February 19th
WHERE: CC Beans
$$$: Free

Fat Tuesday is just around the bend, and with no special festivities in Los Angeles to speak of, now is as good a time as any to pull up a stool at Piano Bar.  As far as I know they make no claim to be a New Orleans bar, but it certainly does have a NOLA feel to it.  Darkly lit by faux gas lamps, with low ceilings, and nightly live music; enough to make me crave jazz music and a muffaletta sandwich.

Friendly good looking bartenders, keep well balanced mixed drinks, and a small selection of beer on tap coming, all for typical LA prices.  A courtyard next to the piano offers smokers both stools and a classy safe haven for their exile (non-smokers even venture out to enjoy the night air).  It can get a little loud inside with a crowd and live music, but the lively feel will keep you smiling.

Happy hour is offered every evening, and live music is served up nightly around 10pm.  A night at Piano bar cozied up near the piano, with a stiff drink and a good friend, might be just what the Mardi Gras King ordered.

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WHAT: New Orleans feel, Cahuenga Corridor location
WHEN: Nightly until 2am
WHERE: Piano Bar
$$: Around $8 for a mixed drink.

Echo Park’s Machine Project gallery and community space is playing host to lots of events all across Los Angeles in the coming weeks.

At their Echo Park location, the space itself is the art from now until the first week of March when artist Nate Page takes over. Page is working to transform Machine Projects physical space into “narrative sculptural vignettes” and he intends on shrink-wrapping all of the office supplies he doesn’t use – so make sure you don’t forget your keys, cell phone or wallet, unless you want them to become part of the exhibit.

Not to ignore the lovers out there, Machine Project is giving you the perfect soundtrack for whispering your sweet-nothings to that special someone (or body pillow) on Valentine’s Day. You can explore Nate Page’s installation while listening to live music at the second weekend of Machine Project’s music residency by Nowcloud featuring Max Markowitz and Corey Fogel. If that’s not tempting enough, Machine promises snacks, too. Who doesn’t love snacks?

If you’re not on the east side this weekend, but still want to get your fill of Machine Project, you can check out musical performances by Julia Holter and Casey Anderson at the Hammer Museum on Saturday the 13^th inside the Hammer’s Little William Theater.

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WHAT: Nate Page Installation// Nowcloud w/Max Markowitz and Corey Fogel// Julia Holter and Casey Anderson
WHEN: Weekends in February @ 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.// February 14th @ 12:00p.m.// February 13th @ 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
WHERE: Machine Project & Hammer Museum
$$$: Free

There are a TON of things to do in our wonderful city to celebrate the Lunar New Year! Frankly, the happenings going on around town are kinda cooler than regular new year’s festivities, if you ask me. Starting downtown at the Music Center, the Chinese song and dance stage show, Shen Yun Chinese New Year Spectacular, will be showing through the 14th. Tickets are at the cheapest $39 but take the Metro and you can save $9 on parking! Garden Grove is having their annual Tet Festival along Westminster Blvd. with dragon dancers, live music, dance performances, rides, and most importantly: food. Lots and lots of delicious, authentic Vietnamese food! From Friday to Sunday, this fest is only $5 a day and you can get more info on their website.

Back to the downtown area, more specifically, Chinatown, there will be an awesome scavenger hunt set up by Out of the Box Events. Teams of 6 will run around Chinatown answering trivia and finding hidden Chinatown secrets! It’s $25 to partake in the event and trust me, it is totally worth the money. These hunts are ridiculously elaborate and incredibly fun! A great way to kick off the new year! (Especially if you win!) Over in Monterey Park, the Chinese New Year Floral Street Fair and Lantern Festival will take place on Saturday, Feb. 20. Another festival with food and flowers, more food, and more flowers. This festival has free entry! More info here.

Oh, there’s more. Chinatown will be quite busy, because on February 20th and 21st, the Golden Dragon Parade will be taking place. Definitely try to take the Metro since parking will be extremely limited with all the streets closed offf! It’s a parade, so it’s free, but you can pay $25 for a grandstand ticket. Finally, even Olvera Street is joining in on the celebration, with the Chinese American Museum Lantern Festival taking place there on Saturday, March 6th. (Seriously, a whole freaking month of celebrations so you won’t miss out!) Lion dancers, acrobatics, music, dance, craft workshops, and more, all free. So yeah— uhh…. the lunar new year is way cool. Plus if you’re lucky, maybe you’ll get a little red envelope filled with hundreds of dollars! I definitely won’t be that lucky.

Everyone have a fun Super Bowl Sunday yesterday? I know I did, but I can’t say the same about today. Wow..do not drink consistently from 11AM till midnight and expect to feel good the next day.

PICK OF THE WEEK

St. Vincent. Go see her. You will like her. In my opinion, she has the ability to really please anyone. She’s a great musician, writes great songs, is a great singer, and well..looks pretty great (aka shes a babe).

Really though. Annie Clark’s (the woman behind St. Vincent) style of music is about as poppy as it can get without giving up artistic credibility. Her second album, Actor, was released May of last year and if you haven’t already, you should definitely check it out. I haven’t seen her live before, but based on how the album sounds, I can only imagine how good she will be live. She sings happy sounding songs that seem basic and light, but are definitely complex and well-crafted.

I don’t really have a whole lot more to say about her, other than she’s playing tomorrow night at The El Rey and you should strongly consider going.

OTHER SHOWS TO LOOK OUT FOR:
2/8: Useless Keys w/Light FM//The Black Apples//L.E.F. at the echo. 8:30PM. Free. 21+. (Useless Keys continue their residency.)
2/8: Princeton w/Casxio//Rafter//The Jubilee Singers at Spaceland. 8:30PM. Free. 21+. (More Princeton residency.)
2/9: Ferraby Lionheart w/Buddy//Josh Ottum//Evan Voytas at Bootleg Theater. 8:00PM. Free. All. (Ferraby Lionheart continues his residency.)
2/10: Wild Beasts w/Still Life Still//Magic Bullets at Troubadour. 8:00PM. $15. All. (These guys are amazing. I should’ve made this the show of the week.)
2/10: Findlay Brown w//Cobra Lilies//Pizza!//Superhumanoids at the echo. 8:30PM. $5. 18+. (You know the drill. Go see Superhumanoids. And Pizza! for that matter. They’re friends as well and are a fun band to see.)
2/11: The Thermals w/Thao with the Get Down Stay Down//Slang Chickens at Troubadour. 8:00PM. $16. All. (Saw The Thermals not too long ago. They put on a good show.)
2/12: Chicago Underground Duo w/Pit Er Pat//Pity Party at Bootleg Theater. 9:30PM. $12. 21+. (We like Pity Party around here.)
2/12: Shadow Shadow Shade w/Twilight Sleep//Marvelous Toy at Spaceland 8:30PM. $8. 21+. (Shadow Shadow Shade used to be called Afternoons. They were good then, I’m sure theyre still good now.)
2/12: Fitz & the Tantrums w/Sweater Girls at the echo. 8:30PM. $8. 18+. (Fitz have a great sound to em.)
2/13: The Album Leaf w/Sea Wolf at El Rey. 8:00PM. $17. All. (Love The Album Leaf.)
2/14: The Meek w/Weekend//Young Prisms at the echo. 10:00PM. $5. 18+. (Part Time Punks My Bloody Valentine Night.)
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WHAT: St. Vincent
WHEN: Tuesday, February 9th @ 8:00PM
WHERE: The El Rey
$$$: $18
Ages: All

More Valentine’s festivities coming ‘atcha: first up, David Lynch’s Wild at Heart screening at the Downtown Independent at 10:30pm on the 14th for $10 or $25 for two tickets and two beers! Next, the 3rd Annual Lovers and Strangers Valentine’s Art and Music Festival at the Echoplex, presented by the Hear Gallery, Solid Gold, and Everyday. Four bands will perform, lots of DJs, artists, catering by Bold Tacos, photobooths, and live documentary filming. Takes place the 13th at 8pm, 18+, $8 before 10pm, $10 after. Finally, City Sip LA (that tiny wine bar on Sunset in Echo Park known as “wine for the people”) is hosting a beer tasting on V-day featuring 8 beers, cheese, and chocolate for $35 per person. Shouldn’t be too hard to get laid with that combination. 4:30pm-6:00pm. Enjoy the so-called holiday.

*this is by no means an all inclusive roundup

WHAT: ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day
WHEN: Feb. 13th-14th
WHERE: the Downtown Independent, CitySip LA, the Echoplex
$$$: $8-$35

Got back from Sundance late last night. Let me tell you. Being in a car for 12+ hours takes its toll out on you, as does not sleeping much over a four day period. So this is just a heads up that I’m pretty dead right now.

PICK OF THE WEEK

The show I’m gonna pick this week is technically sold out at the moment, but more tickets will be released the day of.

Yeasayer is a pretty great band. Their debut All Hour Cymbals came out pretty much under the radar (at least to me) and rose the Brooklyn based band to indie stardom, leading up to a great deal of anticipation for their followup, Odd Blood. You should watch them play with local buzz band Warpaint on friday at the Natural History Museum.

The band can really only be described as experimental. The band itself describes their sound as “Middle Eastern-psych-snap-gospel”. Take from that what you will.

Odd Blood is set to be released on the 9th of February, but having heard an advance copy of it, I gotta say it’s pretty good. While it may seem disappointing at first, the album definitely grows on you as you listen and it may have one of the strongest first halves of any record I’ve listened to in recent times. With the album coming out next week, seeing them perform many of their new songs live this week will be a pretty nice treat. Go check them out this friday and go pick up a copy and your local record shop (you have one, just look for it) on the 9th.

Like I said, tickets are sold out, but more tickets will be available at the door starting at 12:00PM on Friday. Definitely go get tickets.

OTHER SHOWS TO LOOK OUT FOR:
2/1: Useless Keys w/Spirit Vine//The Arms//Special Guest at the echo. 8:30PM. Free. 21+. (Useless Keys begin their residency at the echo. The special guest should be good!)
2/1: Princeton w/60 Watt Kid//Active Child//TS and the Past Haunts at Spaceland. 8:30PM. Free. 21+. (Princeton begins their residency. They’re pretty great.)
2/2: Tenacious D w/Frank Black//James Mercer//Patton Oswalt//Russell Brand//Bob Odenkirk at The Wiltern. 7:00PM. $40-$75. All. (It’s a Haiti benefit and should be fun.)
2/2: Wale at The Roxy. $20. 18+? (Great rapper.)
2/3:  NOMO w/Orgone at Spaceland. 8:30PM. $12. 21+. (NOMO is an interesting band. Check em out.)
2/4: Thelonious Monster w/Dogweed//Horse Thieves//Sean Wheeler and Zander Schloss at the echo. 8:30PM. $8. 18+. (Heard good things. They’ve been around for a while.)
2/5: Daedelus w/Nosaj Thing//Jogger//Frosty at echoplex. 8:30PM. $15. 18+. (Good electronic music.)
2/6: Howardamb w/Missincinati//Kandyce and the Killdozer//Bobb Bruno//Sleepwalkers Local at Echo Curio. 9:00PM. $5. All. (Last chance to see Bobb Bruno as a bunny.)
2/7: No Age w/Vivian Girls//Darker My Love//Abe Vigoda//Best Coast//Nodzzz//Cowabunga Babes//Wounded Lion//Graham Forrest//Ale Mania//Animal Style at Undisclosed Location. 12:00PM. $10. All. (Arrive at noon or earlier. Free beer. It’s a benefit for a friend’s mom. RSVP at renee@ihaterocknroll.com for location.)
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WHAT: Yeasayer w/Warpaint
WHEN: Friday, February 5th @ 5:00PM
WHERE: Natural History Museum
$$$: $9
Ages: All.

If you like Avi Buffalo and the Soft Pack (which you should), you can see them this Saturday at a free house party in Venice. Now, instilling yourself in what will surely be a boozy afternoon amongst good friends may be awkward, but you’re invited, so why the hell not? Oh yeah, there is a reason for the house party- it is being presented by FMLY (who also have a fundraiser this Wednesday) and FYF.

WHAT: House Party featuring Avi Buffalo and the Soft Pack
WHEN: Sat. Jan. 30th 1pm
WHERE: 1210 Appleton Way, Venice, Ca 90291
$$$: free

Come out and support local college radio and a fine attempt at publishing ‘zines and raging against machines (harvey danger reference…so sly). KXLU (88.9- listen in your car instead of your ipod sometimes, it’s fun) and FMLY are hosting a gathering of musical performances and readings of poetry and short fiction to raise funds for their first ever magazine. They have over 85 submissions, just need a little money to put them together in a lovely package. The fundraiser will include performances by Gowns, Corridor, and Furcast, in addition to readings from various folks and $1 Colt 45 for those of age.

WHAT: FMLYzine Fundraiser Show
WHEN: Wednesday Jan. 27th 8pm
WHERE: 5011 W. Adams Blvd
$$$: $5 entry donation