Happy Bastille Day! Celebrate with our favorite French food: pomme frites. / Photo by jslander via LAist's flickr pool. 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......

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. TAIKOPROJECT's Rhythmic Relations 2008 continues tonight at the Ford at 8 p.m. John......

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,......

Imagine a stadium full of knitters tonight! / Photo by Atwater Village Newbie via LAist's flickr pool. MUSIC CLASS The Ford Amphitheatre is holding class tonight. Its “J.A.M. Sessions” will teach singers and musicians of all levels (string and chord instruments) learn how to transform a pop tune into a modern classical arrangement. At the end of the session, all will perform the song together with musicians from the upcoming “Notes From The Edge”......

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......

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......

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......

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 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......

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,......

FRIDAY • The Fold at El Cid features Willowz, Lion Fever and Bellmer Dolls tonight at 7 PM. • At the Egyptian Theatre, a double feature of Ebirah, Horror of the Deep and King Kong vs. Godzilla at 7:30 PM. • Local violinist and singer Petra Haden is at the Ford Amphitheatre covering The Who Sell Out, with Stephen Prina opening at 8:30 PM. Click here for our complete listing of events for the......