Events for Dec. 20, 2012-Jan. 2, 2013

Colin Firth in Love Actually (Universal)

Get with THE PROGRAM

 

THURSDAY, DEC. 20

FILM

Doug Benson's Movie Interruption: Love Actually @ The Cinefamily (Mid-City West)
Every time Love Actually airs on television, I have to watch it. I can't help myself. I guess I love Colin Firth that much. Not sure that Doug Benson and his comedian friends will have too many super lovely things to say about the cheesiness of the movie, but I bet even they aren't immune to the charms of Mr. Darcy... I mean, Firth.

Holiday Spirit on the Big Screen @ The Aero (Santa Monica)
American Cinematheque celebrates the season with a film series to get you in a festive mood, kicking off with Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney and Danny Kaye in White Christmas tonight. Director Jon Favreau is going to be on hand for a discussion after Saturday's showing of Elf. And It's a Wonderful Life screens three days in a row, at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Saturday (at the Egyptian) and Sunday. There's a Toys for Tots drop-off bin in the lobby, so bring a new, unwrapped toy to make a child's season a little brighter, too.

FRIDAY, DEC. 21

FILM

In Theaters This Week
My must-see film of the season is Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained (12/25); The Guilt Trip stars Seth Rogen and Barbra Streisand; I'm not a huge Anne Hathaway fan, but I still want to see her sing "I Dreamed a Dream" in Les Miserables (12/25); Garrett Hedlund and Kristen Stewart in On the Road; Judd Apatow revisits Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann's characters from Knocked Up in This Is 40; Kathryn Bigelow directs a cast that includes Jessica Chastain and Jason Clarke in Zero Dark Thirty. Also in theaters: Amour; Cirque Du Soleil: Worlds Away 3D; Jack Reacher; Monsters, Inc. in 3D; Not Fade Away; Parental Guidance (12/25); West of Memphis (12/25)

MUSIC

X, My Jerusalem @ The Fonda (Hollywood)
Exene, John, Billy and DJ celebrate X-mas 2012 the only way they know how, by gathering their faithful from the streets of Hollywood and riling them up with a no-holds-barred performance. Jeff Klein (formerly of the Twilight Singers and Gutter Twins) fronts opening act, My Jerusalem. who released their latest, Preachers, in October.

Big Black Delta

SATURDAY, DEC. 22

MUSIC

Big Black Delta @ The Satellite (Silver Lake)
Jonathan Bates, formerly of Mellowdrone, and the drum duo of Mahsa Zargaran and Amy Wood create have a new album coming out in the new year and just released a collection of remixes for their "Betamax" single. If "Betamax" is any indication, the trio is in for a very auspicious 2013.

Brian Setzer Orchestra: Christmas Rocks! Extravaganza @ Gibson Amphitheatre (Universal City)
The ninth annual holiday concert put on by the rockabilly and swing legend spreads infectious energy through the venue like wildfire with musicians "Jump, Jive an' Wail"-ing across the stage. Opening act, Totsy, promises "burlesque pop with a '40s throw back sound."

THURSDAY, DEC. 27

FILM

Vincente Minnelli & Leslie Caron Double Feature @ Egyptian Theatre (Hollywood)
My love for all things French has no limit, and this double feature seems perfectly tailored for Francophiles like me. First up is the director's most popular musical, Academy Award-winning An American In Paris, featuring Gene Kelly alongside Caron. Then comes one of my favorite films set in Paris, Gigi, which also won an Oscar for Best Picture. Maurice Chevalier and Louis Jourdan star with Caron.

Primus (Tod Brilliant)

SATURDAY, DEC. 29

MUSIC

Primus @ The Wiltern (Korea Town)
The NorCal trio bring their psychedelic 3D show to Los Angeles. Each audience member is given a pair of 3D glasses to fully enjoy the unique visual and audio extravaganza. They caution: "If feelings of dizziness or nausea become apparent, remove glasses, look away from the screen and try not to vomit on your neighbor. Enjoy the show."

MONDAY, DEC. 31 – NEW YEAR'S EVE

Along with the myriad of club events happening around town, here are a few of a different ilk:

Getting Even Mystery Murder Dinner @ Susan Feniger's STREET (Hollywood)
Chef Feniger takes you on a global death tour, from 'Shot in Cairo, Drowned in Mumbai' paneer and naan to a 'Shanghai Stabbing' (skewered crispy pork). At only $65 for six courses, it's like you're getting away with murder.

Idina Menzel @ Walt Disney Concert Hall (Downtown)
If you don't know this brilliant actress, singer and songwriter from her roles in "Rent" or "Wicked," then maybe you recognize her as Rachel Berry's birth mother from "Glee." This spring she released a CD/DVD, Idina Menzel Live: Barefoot at the Symphony, and she promises even more new material at her two NYE performances (one at 7 p.m. and another at 10:30 p.m.). Any chance to hear her amazing pipes live should not be passed up.

Lucent Dossier's Ravenous Rouge: A Playful Delight @ An Underground Warehouse (Downtown)
There will be live performance art, DJs and all that one can normally expect of a Lucent Dossier experience. Tickets start at $250, but you can enjoy an open bar all night long.

KCRW's The Black & White Ball @ The Viceroy (Santa Monica)
Don your finest black-and-white attire and dine on decadent appetizers from Whist's Chef Tony DiSalvo, a premium hosted bar and DJ sets from Jason Bentley, Anthony Valadez and Valida.

New Year's Eve Countdown Bash @ Universal CityWalk (Universal City)
Admission is just $15 if you take the Red Line train to Universal City station and the free shuttle up to CityWalk (Otherwise, it's $55.). There will be plenty of entertainment for everyone, even families, with four different stages with DJs, live music and fireworks.

Together As One @ The Shrine (South Los Angeles)
Go Ventures' 15th annual celebration returns with DJs on multiple stages, plenty of pyrotechnics and a special Midnight Multimedia Countdown.

TUESDAY, JAN. 1

CULTURE

Tournament of Roses: A Showcase of Floats in Pasadena
Every year after the parade, you can witness the floats up close and personal and notice details that you just can't see on TV. The floral masterpieces are parked along Sierra Madre and Washington Boulevards, and tickets are $10. Also on Wednesday.

FILM

Marx Brothers Double Feature @ The Aero (Santa Monica)
Ring in the New Year laughing at total Marx Brothers mayhem. Groucho's grandson, Andy Marx, is going to introduce the classic films, beginning with the trio's hijinks in Freedonia in Duck Soup. Then, they stowaway on an ocean liner to wreak more havoc in Monkey Business.