Events for Aug. 30-Sept. 5

Get with THE PROGRAM 

Cobra Starship performs Sept. 3 at L.A. Fair

THURSDAY, AUG. 30

CULTURE

Dinner and Show @ Bootsy Bellows (West Hollywood)
David Arquette presents a dinner theater extravaganza at his new club. With a 3-course dinner and show by Lynda Kay, Selene Luna and juggler Michael Rayner, the event promises to be "the night of all nights."

Fireman's Brew Firefighter Bachelor Auction @ House of Blues Sunset Strip (West Hollywood)
You've seen this kind of bachelor auction on TV shows and in movies, and tonight 14 of Los Angeles' finest firefighters strut their stuff on stage in the hopes of attracting the highest bids to benefit the Los Angeles Firemen's Relief Association - Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen's Fund. Tickets start at just $35, and '80s cover band Flashback Heart Attack are going to perform. Don't miss your chance to buy a fireman.

FRIDAY, AUG. 31

CULTURE

L.A. Fair @ Fairplex (Pomona)
Celebrating 90 years, the fair not only brings you all the fried food and carnival rides you could imagine, the Grandstand Concerts offer a range of acts. From the Wanted and Carly Rae Jepson to Cobra Starship, the B-52s and Chaka Khan, this year appeals to lovers of any genre.

Pico Robertson Block Party @ Komodo Cafe (West Los Angeles)
The last block party of the year hosted at the Komodo brick and mortar location features Lime Truck, Bun Truck, No Tomatoes, Fashion Truck, B Sweet, Trailer Park Truck and more.

The Good Doctor (Magnolia Pictures)

FILM

In Theaters This Week
Apocalyptic warfare with Dominic Monaghan and Ashley Bell in The Day; Ari Graynor and Lauren Miller in For a Good Time, Call…; Orlando Bloom and Elvis' granddaughter Riley Keough in The Good Doctor; With a screenplay by Nick Cave (adapted from the Matt Bondurant novel), Lawless stars Tom Hardy, Shia LaBeouf, Jessica Chastain, Mia Wasikowska, Guy Pearce and Gary Oldman; From producer Sam Raimi, The Possession. Also in theaters: The Flying Swords of Dragon Gate;   Sleepwalk with Me.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 1

FILM

Talladega Nights @ Bloch Field at L.A. Port (San Pedro)
Ricky Bobby takes over Street Food Cinema for the night, with a screening of the film, a performance by JD Bender and goodies from the After School Special Truck, Munchie Machine, Ta Bom! Rounds Truck, Fun Time Kettle Korn and a ROCKin ICE!

FOOD

Los Angeles Times' The Taste @ Paramount Pictures Studios (Hollywood)
The second annual food and wine festival is one of SoCal's biggest, with three days full of events, tastings and seminars with the likes of Thomas Keller, Nancy Silverton, Jonathan Gold and Susan Feniger. Topics range from Field to Fork and Flavors of L.A., and the culinary weekend culminates in a Labor Day Picnic on Monday celebrating the sandwich.

USC vs. Hawaii Lawry's Tailgate Party @ L.A. Coliseum (Exposition Park)
It's that time of year, and I'm all verklempt! All eyes are on my No. 1-ranked Trojans as they break free of sanctions and strive for the national championship, helmed by QB Matt Barkley. Lawry's is catering tailgates at a bunch of USC and UCLA home games this season. This first game is against Hawaii, so the menu will be luau style.

Two Gallants perform Saturday at FYF Fest. (Burditt/Schiek)

MUSIC

FYF Fest @ L.A. State Historic Park (Downtown)
Festivals always make holiday weekends seem more festive, no? FYF Fest certainly has grown. This year is split into two days of nonstop music and comedy. Saturday's acts not to miss: the Refused, M83, Warpaint, Two Gallants, Redd Kross and the Eric Andre Show. Sunday: the Faint, Beirut, Desaparecidos, Cursive and David Cross.

Shoreline Jam @ The Queen Mary (Long Beach)
Featuring over 12 hours of reggae by groups like the Wailers, Tribal Seeds and L.B.D.A., the festival takes place right on the waterfront, aboard the Queen Mary. Tickets are only $35 and gates open at 11 a.m., so be prepared for an entire day of singing along to your favorite reggae anthems.

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers @ Pantages Theatre (Hollywood)
The other night I watched Give Me the Banjo, an amazing documentary on the history of the instrument, narrated by Steve Martin. Don't miss the opportunity to see Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers, who won Entertainer of the Year at the 2011 International Bluegrass Association Awards, at one of Los Angeles' most gorgeous theaters.

MONDAY, SEPT. 3

MUSIC

Something Fierce and Occult Detective Club @ Redwood Bar  (Downtown)
Dirtnap released a limited edition split 10-inch to commemorate this tour with a duo of Texas bands. Partying to the sounds of two solid punk bands at my favorite pirate bar sounds like the best way to spend the last night of the holiday weekend.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 5

MUSIC

Blues Night @ Hollywood Bowl (Hollywood)
Blues master B.B. King returns to the Bowl with his fierce guitar licks and charismatic storytelling. Tedeschi Trucks band warms things up with their unique blend of Delta blues, soul and funk-rock.