Harry Connick Jr. could very well be the next big thing in stand-up comedy. Playing to a packed house with members of his Big Band and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the N'awlins crooner invited the audience into his musical world--first on a sentimental journey through a songbook of cherished standards, then on a rousing trip to the Big Easy. Beyond the music, however, Connick managed to send the crowd into stitches with his meandering narrative and humorous remarks. more ›

Earlier this month, local singer-songwriter Gary Jules concluded his "Old School Tuesdays" residency at the Hotel Cafe (MySpace) in Hollywood, supported by openers Simone White (MySpace), Oren Lavie (MySpace), and Jim Bianco (MySpace). At first a space for jazz musicians, the Hotel Cafe was revitalized as an alternative to Largo -- for early-adopters Jules, Bianco, and Joshua Radin (MySpace) -- a fact that hasn't been lost on Jules, who reminsinced during his set about those early days. more ›

LA Weekly points us to some hot picks for tonight. About Girl in Coma: "Joan Jett knows a thing or two about rock & roll, and her latest protegees, Girl in a Coma, on her Blackheart label are one of the best and most interesting bands to come out of Texas in a long time," writes Falling James. They also play Alex's Bar in Long Beach tomorrow night. Also, Brian Wahl picks the "rare appearance" of Buddy Collette Big Band, who will be playing at the Terrace Court on the second level of Paseo Colorado at 8 p.m. more ›

There's a reason Charlie O's has been voted as one of 100 best jazz clubs in the world three times by Downbeat Magazine. You just can't beat a Valley classic. 1. Guaranteed to have excellent quality, straight ahead jazz seven nights a week, 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. 2. No Cover Charge (except Monday nights when they bring in a full-on Big Band). 3. Zero Attitude. 4. Immediate non-valet parking in the back. 5.... more ›

Plasticsoul, Brandon Schott, Brady Harris, The Karabal Nightlife @ Mr. T's Bowl
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Wires on Fire, Tsk Tsk, Die Die Die, Maps & Atlases @ Silverlake Lounge more ›

- Oxnard onion farmers must be shedding tears of joy. Taco Bell sez the green onions grown at Boskovich Farms did not cause the E.Coli. Then they re-opened some stores - AP - Find Saul Jaime Vaca Arceo (who threatened his ex-wife and tried to burn his two children alive in his car) and get $10,000 stuffed in your stocking - CBS2 - Despite a 25% drop in attendance, Magic Mountain wont be leveled... more ›

Tony Bennett - Duets: An American Classic (Columbia) Richard Cheese - Silent Nightclub (Surfdog) Natalie Cole - Leavin' (Verve) Al Di Meola - Consequence of Chaos (Telarc) Enigma - A Posteriori (Virgin) Dizzy Gillespie's All-Star Big Band - Dizzy's Business (MCG Jazz) Amy Grant - Time Again ... Live (Word) Emily Haines & the Soft Skeleton - Knives Don't Have Your Back (Last Gang) Hedley - Hedley (enhanced; Capitol) Alan Jackson - Like Red... more ›

We're changing things up a bit here at LAist. Because we live in such a vibrant, socially active city, there are things going on all the time. We have long wanted to be able to list events in advance (for the benefit of our wonderful readers), so starting today we have implemented a new strategy: a week's events in advance. We will still post featured events each day, but we've added a permanent sidebar (to the left) that will always link to a post containing this week's events. more ›