This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Here is the holiday edition of your Weekly Agenda, LA. It’s our take on our favorite events happening throughout the city this week, giving you more time to plan your extra-curricular schedule (especially if you have guests in town). We’ll be back later this week to help you plan the weekend, too. Read on for all the details.
MONDAY, DEC. 23
MUSIC: The LA Phil’s Deck the Hall concert series continues at 8 pm with A Swingin’ Christmas by The Count Basie Orchestra. The band brings its Kansas City sound to LA, playing both Christmas classics and Basie’s best band tunes. Tickets: $54.50-$101.
ART: The Petersen Automotive Museum is has special hours today (it’s usually closed on Mondays) and a good time to check out the exhibitionLicense Plates: Unlocking the Code. In 1914, California began issuing license plates and the exhibition features more than 220 license plates that, in a way, examines the history of California, the U.S. and the world. Admission: $5-$15.
FILM: Doug Benson’s Movie Interruption is at Cinefamily at 7:30 pm, this time skewering How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), directed by Ron Howard. Benson and friends will sit in the front-row couches and then say whatever pops into their minds while the film rolls. He’ll also be taping the Doug Loves Movies podcast, too. Bring a movie-themed name tag for a chance to win the evening’s prize bag. $14/free for members.
MUSIC: For the past decade, Woody Allen & His New Orleans Jazz Band has been playing at The Carlyle Hotel in Manhattan every week, and now the band brings its music to UCLA’s Royce Hall at 8 pm. The band had an inauspicious and informal start beginning as Monday night jam sessions before evolving into regular concerts. Tickets: $70.20-$134.80.
MUSIC: There’s a free night of music tonight at the Bootleg Bar with Froth, Sunblock, Santoros and Hindu Pirates. Doors at 8 pm with the show at 9 pm.
HOLIDAYS:The Original Farmers Market has live holiday music and activities through 7 pm, including gingerbread man decorating, carolers and bands. Grab a Bob’s Donut, listen to some tunes and finish that shopping!
TUESDAY, DEC. 24
FILM: At 10:30 pm, Cinefamily screensDial Code Santa Claus: “France’s 3615 code Père Noël aka Dial Code Santa Claus aka Deadly Games aka Game Over aka Hide and Freak was made a year before Home Alone, and has pretty much the exact same plot — only way more stylized, much bloodier, and underrated to the billionth degree.” In the French version, Macauley Culkin and bungling burglars are replaced by a 10-year-old, his diabetic grandfather and a perverted, bloodthirsty vagrant. Tickets: $12/free for members.
HOLIDAY: It’s Christmas Eve and time once again for the L.A. County Holiday Celebration, now in its 54th year. The seasonal music and dance spectacular is performed live at the Music Center for free—as well as streamed and broadcast live on KCET. More than 20 music ensembles, choirs and dance companies from the many neighborhoods and cultures of Los Angeles celebrate the season during this free, three-hour holiday show. The program includes the Gypsy Allstars, featuring sons of the Gipsy Kings; the Chicano rock band Quetzal; the Colburn Children’s Choir and Young Men’s Chorus, singing in Hebrew and English; Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles; and Immaculate Heart of Mary Children’s Choir, performing traditional Filipino songs, among many more acts. 3-6 pm.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 25
If you celebrate, Merry Christmas! If not, then happy Wednesday!
THURSDAY, DEC. 26
RACING: While Hollywood Park closed its doors for good on Sunday, Santa Anita opens for the season with live thoroughbred racing. The gates open at 10 am with the first of 10 races at noon. Grab a beer and a racing sheet and place your bets for win, place and show. Admission: $5-$10.
MUSIC: DJ and electronic music producerDillon Francis begins a four-night stand at the Fonda Theater at 8 pm. Joining him on the bill tonight are Anamanaguchi and LOUDPVCK. Doors at 8 pm. Tickets: $28.
ART: LACMA has extended holiday hours Dec. 26-28 where the special exhibitions and art on view in the Broad Contemporary Art Museum (BCAM) and the Resnick Pavilion are on view until 10 pm. Late-night access includes the exhibitions James Turrell: A Retrospective and Calder and Abstraction (which both require separate, timed tickets). And seriously, if you haven’t been to Turrell yet...what are you waiting for? A great place to bring out-of-town guests, too.
Want the 411 on additional events and happenings in LA? Follow @LAist or me (@christineziemba) on Twitter.
