Need some last-minute plans? If you or your special friend/lover/bff happen to be Francophiles, you might want to buy some tickets for Chanson d'Amour, where you can enjoy French love songs from the 20th century with an American twist. more ›

Who doesn't love Flamenco? Guitarist David Maldonado is performing tomorrow night at the Ford Ampitheatre with dancers that you might have seen on "Dancing with the Stars" (Katie Miller) or as performers all over the world. more ›

There’s a work-in-progress preview tonight of Overtone Industries production of Songs and Dances of Imaginary Lands at the Actors' Gang in Culver City tonight at 8 pm. This stripped-down performance will feature songs and selections from the production by Musical Director David O and pianist Brent Crayon. (It doesn’t include the costumes, sets, choreography, and full orchestra for the site-specific contemporary opera). There will also be a feedback session with Director O-Lan Jones and Costume and Scenic Designer Snezana Petrovic. Tickets: $10. more ›

Now here's something you don't get a chance to see everyday: “Mild Light: An evening of Cantastoria from the Performance Department of the Museum of Everyday Life” comes to the Manual Archives tonight. "Cantastoria" involves the display of representational paintings accompanied by sung narration. Clare Dolan, Chief Operating Philosopher of the Museum of Everyday Life (Vermont), will demonstrate the "versatility and saucy immediacy of this performance form, with stories ranging from accounts of bloody crime in the 1930's written by Bertolt Brecht, to the dilemmas of a modern-day heroine trying to make a living and achieve total happiness." There are two shows tonight at 8 and 10 pm. Tickets are $12/$8. more ›

The Ford’s kicks off summer with its first J.A.M. (Jazzed and Motivated) Session of the season tonight at 7 pm. The free, interactive events are guided by artists, musicians and dancers, all Ford artists. Bring the whole family down for a little “Zydeco Inzanity” with dance instructor by Karen Redding of LouisianaDanceLA.com tonight. She’ll teach basic bayou moves to Creole accordion accompaniment. Laissez les bons temps rouler! more ›

MUSIC*: More than 1,000 artists have been lined up for the 16-day Festival of Sacred Music that started on Saturday. Tonight at 8 pm at the Barnsdall Gallery Theatre is Masar Wa Nisae – the Woman's Path, featuring the music of Northern Morocco's Arab, Jewish and Berber women. Featured performers are Vanessa Paloma (voice, medieval harp) and Samira Kadiri (voice), accompanied by Nabil Akbib (violin, oud, percussion), David Martinelli (percussion) and Romeo Guzman (nay). Tickets are $26. more ›

MUSIC JAM*: The Ford Amphitheatre’s J.A.M. Sessions series continues tonight with “String Along to Bluegrass.” Audience members can bring along their acoustic string instruments for an evening of bluegrass jamming. The event’s hosted by the Bluegrass Association of Southern California and begins at 7 pm. And make an evening by bringing your own food and drink (or buy it there) for a picnic. The Ford opens two hours prior to evening performances for picnicking in the terraced entryway. more ›

FILM*: There’s a great double feature starting at 7:30 pm tonight at the Egyptian Theatre honoring actress Celeste Holm. Up first is The Tender Trap (1955) with Debbie Reynolds stars as a romantic interest of a womanizing socialite, played by Frank Sinatra. Holm plays a rival for Frank’s attention. Following is a newly restored print of All About Eve, where an ingénue outshines a veteran actress (played by Bette Davis’). Celeste Holm plays Bette’s pal in the film. There’ll be a discussion in between films with Celeste Holm herself. more ›

Nearly 100 taiko drummers from across California congregated on the stage at the Ford Amphitheatre this weekend. LA-based Kitsune Taiko, Yukai Taiko, Isshin Taiko, and Bombu Taiko took turns performing the 4,000-year-old Buddhist drumming style and later, Grand Master Seiichi Tanaka -- credited with bringing taiko to the U.S. 40 years ago -- and San Francisco Taiko Dojo took over the night. more ›

Wednesday night's screening of American Teen at the Los Angeles Film Festival opened with a really fun, energetic set by Sunny Day Sets Fire, whose song "Lack of View", from upcoming July release Summer Palace, is included in the film's soundtrack. Sunny Day Sets Fire paid tribute to the night held at the Henry Ford Amphitheater by totally rocking out in front of the expectant movie screen, their shadows exaggerated on the walls around us, and framed by the trees in the back, all and all painting a very nice picture. more ›

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It is the best musical you’ve (probably) never heard of. It boasts music by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson of ABBA, and lyrics by Tim Rice. Its rich songs fuse classical Broadway influences with sprinklings of disco. And it’s the only musical gutsy enough to include songs like “One Night in Bangkok” alongside the beautifully patriotic “Anthem.” The musical is “CHESS,” which tells the story of Victor Korchnoi and Bobby Fischer-esque competitors in a... more ›

LA’s theatre scene is packed with good stuff this week: Dolly Parton serves as muse; a Korean family’s road trip goes wrong; and a bunch of people sing about chess at the Ford. So without further ado, here are LAist’s five theater picks for this week: Journey to Dollywood Jolene is a small-town waitress who idolizes obsesses over Dolly Parton. When a stranger’s car breaks down in town, her life, a rival co-worker’s, and their... more ›

There is a myth that Blues Legend Robert Johnson met the devil at a crossroads down south and traded his soul for ungodly skill with a guitar. A few dozen years later, the devil must have gotten fed up, took a trip to Mexico for some sun and margaritas and stumbled across Rodrigo Y Gabriela. That is the only way I can explain their other-worldly talent. Both members of the duo have such skill... more ›

Now that the frenzied first weekend is over, it should be much easier going at the L.A. Film Festival in terms of actually getting to see a movie. Virtually every film playing today shows either standby availability or tickets available at the door. Free events, unfortunately, are in short supply. Of course, there's the daily Bands on Broxton at noon and 7 p.m. at the Festival Promenade, but the only other free event is the Director Lunch Talk at 12:30 p.m. at the Target Red Room. Los Angeles Times entertainment writer John Horn will be speaking with Jeffrey Blitz, director of Rocket Science (at this year's LAFF) and the great spelling bee documentary from a few year's back, Spellbound. more ›

The Ford Amphitheatre opened its 2007 season last weekend with local favorite Charles Phoenix and yet another one of his slide show presentations culled from thrift shops in and around Los Angeles. Locally famous for his "Disneyland Tour of Los Angeles," Charles Phoenix knows his way around a good number of the city's landmarks, past and present. Opening entertainment was provided by an original roller rink organist who was then followed by a world... more ›

One Man: No War No War No War No War! A Crowd of Kids enters, watches the Man who goes from chanting to ranting Teacher (Crowd Leader): Look closely and listen up, kids. This is an antiwar protester. 1st Kid: Ancient History. 2nd Kid: Old School. 3rd Kid: Heavy. The Crowd watches the Protester as he works himself into a lather, repeating: "No War!" in as many different ways and with as much passion,... more ›

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