MUSIC: Risky Vision
Risky Vision is a club night dedicated to the underground world of house, techno, and, hard disco. Described as a dance music sanctuary, Risky Vision presents Stay Deep (L.A. based DJ Michael Gushansky), house aficionado Cromie, and master of smooth retro house with a decidedly European vibe, Urulu. More information (January 2; The Echo)
COMEDY: The (Kinda) Open Mic Night
Hosted by comedians and writers Megan Koester and Alison Stevenson, this open mic night takes a different approach to the classic standup format. Half of the people cracking jokes here are booked in advance, the other half are not. Open mic spots are chosen randomly so bring your best material. More information (January 4; The Satellite)
MOVIES: Palm Springs International Film Festival
Movie buffs can stroll in the desert sunshine between screenings of independent films from all over the world, discussions with moviemakers, and a fashionable gala. More information (January 2-12; Various locations, Palm Springs)
MUSIC: Salute to Vienna – New Year’s Concert
The European New Year’s concert tradition has become increasingly popular on a global scale and this year Walt Disney Concert Hall welcomes back the Strauss Symphony Orchestra of America conducted by Niels Muus, for an evening of the best Strauss waltzes, polkas and excerpts from Die Fledermaus, Merry Widow, and more. More information (January 4; Walt Disney Concert Hall)
MOVIES: Bladerunner
Watch director Ridley Scott’s 1982 sci-fi thriller masterpiece, Bladerunner, based on the novel by Philip K. Dick, on the big screen. Bladerunner’s aesthetic was highly influenced by post-modern L.A. architecture and downtown’s Bradley building famously plays an important part, too. The Nuart Theatre is screening the director’s cut edition. More information (January 2; Nuart Theatre)
KIDS: Young Readers League Pajama Party
Think of it as a literary slumber party. Kids don their pj’s for an evening of crafts, games, and pizza. Vroman’s will also announce the winner of the El Deafo (a children’s book written and illustrated by Cece Bell) caption contest. Bring your reading glasses, nightlight, and a sleeping bag. More information (January 3; Vroman’s Bookstore, Pasadena)
MUSIC: Cherry Glazerr
Downtown L.A.’s longstanding punk rock flagship, The Smell, turns seventeen this weekend and what better way to celebrate an angry teenager than by inviting a bunch of prominent L.A. musicians by and cranking up the volume. L.A. trio Cherry Glazerr is headlining the bill, which also features Surf Curse from Nevada, Girlpool, Moaning, Roses, and Sacred Destinies. BYO earplugs. More information (January 2; The Smell)
MOVIES: Tarkovsky’s The Sacrifice
Tarkovsky’s film The Sacrifice is a hypnotic portrait of madness. Cinefamily has gotten a hold of a brand new 35-mm print of the Russian auteur’s final masterpiece, which promises show-stopping cinematography and epic sound design. More information (January 3-6; Cinefamily)
MUSIC: Nina Schallman
L.A. born Chanteuse Nina Schallman has performed with a cappella groups and jazz ensembles in the past, but it’s her solo work that really sets her apart. From intimate love songs to grand ballads, Schallman’s mesmerizing voice guides you through a poetic landscape. More information (January 3; The Mint)
