MUSIC The Knitting Factory presents Verano Alternativo, showcasing a great collection of unique and up-and-coming Latin musicians. Music stylings range from the East L.A. chicano sounds of Quetzal to the son jarocho influenced music of ZocaloZue. Also on the card is the Salvador Santana Band, led by the son of legendary guitarist Carlos Santana. They are sure to bring the house down with their unique blend of R&B, Hip-Hop, Jazz and Latin sounds a... [continue]

Only a few days after the turmoil of losing their head coach and their club President/General Manager, the Galaxy took the field on Thursday night for this year's final installment of the Honda SuperClasico against Chivas USA. The Galaxy looked like a new team, perhaps not so much from a technical standpoint, but certainly a different spirit. Looking at their faces, one could tell that they felt relieved, as though the weight of the... [continue]

EAT Chef Salvatore Marino of Il Grano invites tomato fans to join him for tomato-tasting Wednesdays. Over 40 different tomatoes are featured, some of which are not available anywhere except Italy. Menu selections include: bottarga spaghetti with Amish gold tomatoes and celebrity tomato and mascarpone gelato. Through October 1st. 5:30 - 10 pm // Il Grano // 11359 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles // Prices Vary THEATER The New World Flamenco Festival presents Compañia... [continue]

Spanish language soccer commentators have a saying which loosely translates to: players win games and coaches lose them. Ruud Gullit validated the adage earlier today when he stepped down as Galaxy head coach, citing personal reasons for his decision. It is difficult to accept that there isn't more to the story. For the last few days, rumors and stories had circulated that Gullit and today's second cast off, Alexi Lalas, were not getting along,... [continue]

The LA Galaxy announced today that they are parting ways with first year coach Ruud Gullit, as well as President/GM Alexi Lalas. Assistant coach Cobi Jones will take the reins as interim coach while the team searches for Gullit's replacement, and assistant GM Tom Payne will oversee front office duties in place of Lalas. The official announcement is available here. More on this matter later today.... [continue]

MUSIC Heralded pianinst Otmaro Ruiz and his band headline at the valley's jazz hotspot The Baked Potato. Ruiz' music is a unique blend of classical rhythms ranging from Chopin to Piazzolla with some Latin American flavor in between for good measure. 9:30 pm // The Baked Potato // 3787 Cahuenga Blvd West., Studio City // $15 FILM The Grove presents two classic Pixar films this month to close out its Movies in The Park... [continue]

Earlier today, our friends at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the Univ. of Arizona confirmed that the Phoenix Mars Lander has found water ice on the surface of the red planet. The confirmation came yesterday after some further experiments on Martian soil located where the lander has made home for itself on the Martian arctic. Scientists were said to have popped open the champagne in celebration according to coverage of today's press conference on the... [continue]

FILM George Lucas' classic film American Graffiti screens tonight in Glendale. The film immortalizes the cruising lifestyle of young Americans and helped launch the careers of Hollywood heavyweights such as Richard Dreyfuss, Harrison Ford and Ron Howard. 7:30 pm // Alex Theater // 216 North Brand Blvd., Glendale // $10 DRINK One of the great things about living in L.A. is the ability to host outdoor events almost year round. Twilight at the Club... [continue]

The more exciting portion of the MLS season is now upon us. The pointless MLS All-Star Game is behind us, and teams will now focus on the more important task of qualifying for the playoffs. Arguably, no other team in the league has as much pressure to make the playoffs and perform well than do the Galaxy. The arrival of David Beckham has drawn the attention -- and criticism -- of many soccer fans,... [continue]

EAT Have you ever wondered what a lamb burger would taste like? How about a kobe beef burger? Wonder no more. Larchmont Grill presents Gourmet Burger Night where one can all of those, plus a salmon burger. Not into meat or fish? No problem, they also offer a house-made veggie gourmet burger. 5:30 - 10 pm // Larchmont Grill // 5657 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles // Prices Vary THEATER Shakespeare Festival/LA brings Shakespeare's greatest... [continue]

Saturday's Galaxy match versus New York Red Bulls was the beginning of what will arguably be the toughest part of their schedule this season. The blue-and-gold have embarked on their longest road trip of the year and will not play in the friendly confines of the Home Depot Center until August 21 when the Chicago Fire pay a visit. The timing could not be any worse for the Galaxy. Notoriously bad on the road,... [continue]

MUSIC One of the pioneers of Rock en Español music, Aleks Syntek, hits the House of Blues. Helping to establish the music genre in the 80s, Aleks has had numerous hits in his long and illustrious career. 7:30 pm // House of Blues // 8430 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood // $29 MORE MUSIC The Hollywood Bowl presents Swing Night!, featuring Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, The Manhattan Transfer, Sophie Milman and Hollywood Hornets. A great... [continue]

Bit late notice, but if you are interested in catching some International soccer this weekend, the L.A. Coliseum is hosting Honduras (U-23) vs. Guatemala on Saturday night @ 7PM. Tickes: $25 - $40.... [continue]

A Galaxy team eager to change their recent fortunes will take the field tonight at the Home Depot Center against bitter rival Chivas USA. While Chivas USA are starting to come into form, the Galaxy are as unpredictable today as they were when the season started, winning 4 out of 5 matches leading up to their tie against Columbus on June 14, then failing to win in the three games since then, one of... [continue]

The Philadelphia Daily News is reporting that the Jacksonville Jaguars are looking for new ownership, which might in turn lead to an eventual relocation of the team to L.A. If true, where would they play, and how soon??... [continue]

Photo by dopey via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr EAT Pastry Chef Mariah Swan offers a selection of gourmet doughnuts every Wednesday night at Grace Restaurant. Selections vary on a weekly basis and include interesting combinations such as caramalized banana filled and cinnamon sugar glazed doughnuts. Various ice cream selections and warm spiced milk are also available to accompany your selection. 6 pm // Grace Restaurant // 7360 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles... [continue]

The Galaxy have officially confirmed rumors that had been floating around for the last few days pertaining to a new defensive acquisition in the form of Argentina's Eduardo Dominguez. While the new arrival won't see any action till all the paperwork is taken care of, the addition of an experienced defender should help the Galaxy stabilize the team as they prepare for the second half of the season. The team will also need to make... [continue]

Almost exactly three years ago, an excited Galaxy team ran onto the field in Texas to celebrate a victory over FC Dallas. The manner in which the team celebrated could have easily lead one to believe they had just won a hard fought championship after many years of shortcomings, or the like. However, it was merely a mid-season regular season victory. Why all the commotion over a regular season victory? Prior to that game,... [continue]

ART Military photographers take center stage in the Eye of the Storm: War through the Lens of American Combat Photographers exhibition at the Reform Gallery. Featuring pictures from nine of the most decorated American military photographers, the exhibition focuses on the recent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Proceeds from photograph sales benefit The Wounded Warrior Project. Through July 5th. 1 - 5 pm // Reform Gallery // 816 N La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles... [continue]

Galaxy defender Ante Jazic got things going early for the blue-and-gold against D.C. United, but unfortunately, it got them going in the wrong direction. Jazic fouled D.C. United midfielder Santino Quaranta in the penalty box as Quaranta was making a run towards the Galaxy goal. Referee Jair Marrufo did not hesitate to call the penalty which United forward Jaime Moreno then converted into a goal, all within the first 5 minutes of the game.... [continue]