Events for Oct. 18-24, 2012

Get with THE PROGRAM

Stars (Norman Wong)

THURSDAY, OCT. 18

MUSIC

Stars, California Wives @ The Mayan (Downtown) Norman Wong
Stars made their highest debut on the charts with their sixth album, The North. Witness what all the fuss is about when the Canadian quintet invades Downtown with support from the new-wave anthems of California Wives.

FRIDAY, OCT. 19

FILM

In Theaters This Week
Tyler Perry stars as Alex Cross up against an evil villain portrayed by Matthew Fox; Just in time for Halloween, Paranormal Activity 4. Also in theaters: Nobody Walks; Tai Chi Zero; Wake in Fright

SATURDAY, OCT. 20

CULTURE

Egyptian Theatre 90th Anniversary Masquerade Ball @ Egytpian Theatre (Hollywood)
I absolutely love 1920s fashion, and this night celebrating the theater's 90th anniversary is all about the fabulous decade. Don an 1920s-appropriate costume or dress like your favorite Hollywood icon of the time, drink vintage-inspired cocktails, eat, dance, gamble and view film shorts from the era.

Los Angeles Oktoberfest @ Vanguard (Hollywood)
Get on your Lederhosen and pick up your stein for a weekend of German beer, food and entertainment. Raising funds for local charities, the event also features wine tasting, a silent auction and DJ sets. Through Sunday.

Taste of Soul

Taste of Soul @ Crenshaw Boulevard (between Stocker St. and Rodeo Road in Mid-City)
One of the largest street fairs in Los Angeles, this seventh annual celebration of food and music brings barbecue, creole, Caribbean and soul treats and performers such as El DeBarge, Eric Benet and Johnny Gill. I'm salivating at the thought of a plate from M & M Soul Food's booth.

SUNDAY, OCT. 21

BOOKS

John Taylor @ SIR Studios (Hollywood)
The Duran Duran bassist signs his recently released memoir, In the Pleasure Groove: Love, Death & Duran Duran, as part of Bass Player Live! There will also be a Q&A, and Taylor discusses and signs copies of the book at Book Soup's special event at Cinespace Oct. 24 as well.

MUSIC

M. Ward @ Orpheum Theatre (Downtown)
Whether he's singing at a piano or in the midst of a dazzling guitar solo, M. Ward is one of the most striking live performers today. If you like hearing him on the radio or are continually listening to his albums, like this year's A Wasteland Companion, then you will absolutely love seeing him live.

Mika @ The Fonda (Hollywood)
The British songsmith follows up his multi-million selling smash, The Boy Who Knew Too Much, with his third album, entitled The Origin of Love, which released on Tuesday. Featuring collaborations with Pharrell Williams, Greg Wells (Katy Perry, Adele) and Kias Ahlund (Robyn), as well as unsigned musicians he found online, Mika pushed himself to new limits on the album, and his live shows are always just as innovative. Also performing Monday, Oct. 22.

MONDAY, OCT. 22

Kaki King (Shervin Lainez)

MUSIC

Kaki King @ The El Rey (Miracle Mile) 
The Brooklyn-based musician, artist and visionary brings mesmerizing tunes from her recently released album, Glow, to the El Rey. Although she is widely known for her masterful guitar work and vocals, King samples an array of sounds on Glow, from bagpipes to string arrangements. However, the focus always firmly remains on her voice and guitar.

TUESDAY, OCT. 23

FOOD

Big Gay Ice Cream Pop-Up Truck
For five days only, the New York soft-serve mavens bring their sweet treats to L.A. streets. From their Salty Pimp cone, Marker's Mark Bourbon Butterscotch sundae and Ginger-Curry shake, there's something to please everyone. Check their Twitter feed for the most up-to-date info on times and locations.

MUSIC

Crime & The City Solution @ The Fonda (Hollywood)
With the release of their An Introduction To… A Crime & The City Solution/A History of Crime – Berlin 1987-1991 compilation in September, the latest incarnation of the rock band geared up for their first shows in over 20 years. Look forward to old favorites, as well as new tracks from their upcoming American Twilight album.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 24

MUSIC

Vintage Trouble @ The Wiltern (Koreatown)
After performing 80 shows in 100 days throughout Europe, the L.A. quartet returns to the states as part of the Soul Sessions Tour with Joss Stone. Vintage Trouble can truly transport you to another time during their shows, whether it's somewhere in the past, future or another musical dimension altogether, I'll leave it up to you to determine.