EXPERIMENTAL*
Starting today, Machine Project hosts three days of banjo trance. Here’s how they describe it: “Conducting light particles passing through the Machine Project window, Emily Lacy will give a 3-day musical performance concerning the speed of light, gravitation, and matter, utilizing banjo, guitar, and violin.”

8 pm // Machine Project // 1200 D. North Alvarado St., Los Angeles // Free.

ART
Dan Cameron is the director and curator of Prospect.1 New Orleans, an exhibition of 75 contemporary artists that showcases New Orleans as a “unique cultural capitol.” Cameron will be speaking tonight at the Santa Monica Museum of Art. This exhibit reinforces SMMoA’s commitment to art and social action. The presentation is preceded by a reception at 6:30 p.m. To RSVP, please call 310 586-6488, ext. 119.

7:30 pm // Santa Monica Museum of Art @ Bergamot Station, Building G1 // 2525 Michigan Avenue, Santa Monica // Free, but reservations required.

TALK
Now that the Theatricum Botanicum’s season is in full swing, theatre-goers can take advantage of a few educational offerings as well. Tonight at Herta's Roundtable, the director and cast members of As You Like it will discuss the play’s themes, language and history with patrons. Proceeds from the roundtable will benefit the Herta Ware Scholarship Fund.

7 pm // Theatricum Botanicum // 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga // $15.

FILM
The Academy’s “It’s Great to be Nominated” series continues tonight with Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2006). Remember when director Ang Lee captivated audiences who didn’t even like Chinese martial arts films? The film received 10 Oscar nominations for its efforts. The animated short nominee Rejected will be screened before the film. There will also be a post-film discussion with panelists.

7 pm // Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences // 8949 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills // $5.

*Pencil pick of the day

Cast photo of As You Like It by Ian Flanders.