A new bill would require that nannies, babysitters and housekeepers get treated more like other workers, under a bill proposed by state legislators. That has drawn howls of protest from critics of the nanny state and others who say it's just not practical, given the nature of domestic work. more ›

The second installment of The Los Angeles Conservancy’s Last Remaining Seats welcomes LA historian/pop culture enthusiast Charles Phoenix and actress Susan Luckey to a screening of The Music Man at the Los Angeles Theater tonight at 8 pm. The Technicolor version of the Broadway hit musical stars Robert Preston, Shirley Jones, Buddy Hackett and a young Ron Howard. The theater is normally closed to the public, so tonight might be your chance to check it out first-hand. Doors at 7 pm. Tickets going fast: $20. more ›

Unemployment benefits are set to expire for many today and 2 million people are expected to lose unemployment benefits by Christmas without another extension by Congress, says the U.S. Labor Department. KTLA reports, "the pending loss of benefits will affect up to 450,000 jobless in CA alone," who receive on average $300 per week. Republicans contend unemployment benefits encourage the jobless to stay jobless while Democrats argue that with 9% of the population out of work, there are not enough jobs available. more ›

Tired of the same old margarita and nachos? Friday night go upscale and raise a glass of California's best wines to toast Mexico's Bicentennial. We're talking wineries the likes of V. Sattui Winery, Maldonado, and Beringer. Union Station will be the location of Altamed's 5th annual East LA Meets Napa Valley Benefit. In addition, this year's event will present some of Baja California’s best wineries from the Valle de Guadalupe region like L.A. Cetto Vineyard and J.C. Bravo more ›

Tonight legendary English new wave/post-punk act the Psychedelic Furs will be headlining the Wiltern. LA's own rock and roots singer-songwriter Dave Alvin is poised to head a spectacular bill of local acts at the Echo to benefit the Musicares Nashville Flood Relief Fund. And, lastly, local retro 60s soul act Fitz and the Tantrums, who recently inked a deal with Dangerbird Records, will be concluding their month-long residency at Spaceland. But we strongly suggest heading over to the Bootleg Theater to catch local indie folk sextet Family of the Year. Fullerton-bred indie rock quintet the Steelwells are slated to kick things off. more ›

Sunday, the 30th annual Picnic des Chefs was held in Elysian Park. The event benefits several charities, including the Concern Foundation and The Hope Program at Children's Hospital. The Picnic is one of several events held by Club Culinaire, a nonprofit organization of gourmands and people in the restaurant profession who specialize in French food. more ›

Tonight local electronic mastermind James Tamborello, otherwise known as Dntel, will be gracing the Airliner in Lincoln Heights. Nebraska-based Cursive front man Tim Kasher is poised to take on the Bootleg Theater with... more ›

This week we're doing something a little different. With the tragic events that have recently unfolded in Haiti, there's been an amazing outpouring from entertainers of all kinds, and comedians are certainly no exception. So, in the interest of mobilizing you folks out there who need a little motivation to donate, here's a list of shows that will benefit you and Haiti at the same time. Like Mark Vonnegut said to his humanist father, Kurt Vonnegut: "We are here to help each other get through this thing, whatever it is." more ›

Tonight famed Pixies front man Frank Black will be performing under his stage name Black Francis at the Echoplex for Winston Calling: A Rock and Comedy Benefit for Baby Winston Bertrand. Brooklyn-bred electro-infused shoegaze outfit ZAZA are slated to perform in-store at Origami Vinyl. And, lastly, Seattle-by-way-of-Michigan folk songstress Rosie Thomas will be gracing Largo at the Coronet (CANCELED!). But we strongly suggest heading over to Spaceland to catch local indie rockers Army Navy (LAist Interview, #2, Review). LAist favorites White Arrows are slated to kick things off. more ›

At VH1 Classic's Rock & Bowl last night, hosts from a variety of shows, especially those airing on VH1 also made a strong showing to support the cause. So let's hear it for the people who bring us our gameshows and clip shows. You know you'd be lost without them. Let's just call them "nonfiction" shows. more ›

VH1 definitely knows how to throw a party! Remember that pizza-addled dream about Corey Feldman, Scott Ian and Billy Gibbons? It really can come true! Here is the first batch of red carpet photos from VH1 Classic's Rock & Bowl event last night at All Star Lanes to benefit autism charities. more ›