Pencil This In: Friday

For those of us not stuck on the 15 to Vegas, here's what's going on around town tonight:

FILM
The So Bad It's Good Film Fest presents the movie that showed how crazy Joan Crawford really was: Mommie Dearest. But it's "Faye Dunaway's over-the-top performance in the lead role has become legendary." There are prizes for the best Joan Crawford costume at the show: dinner for two at Saddle Ranch Chop House and a guest appearance on Fox TV's "That's So Hollywood." And until noon on Saturday, the coffee shop next door (Cafe at the Vista) will offer a free cup of coffee with purchase. All you have to do is go up to the counter and say, "No wire hangers!"

Midnight // Vista Theatre // 4473 Sunset Blvd. // $10 (cash only).

BLUES
1921A is celebrating its first WPA record release with a show at McCabe's tonight. The music combines Dust Bowl era blues -- with a few modern, electric touches. Also on the bill are other WPA artists Water Bears and Ferris & Caravello.

8 pm // McCabe's Guitar Shop // 3101 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica // $10.

THEATRE
So you’ve already seen Wicked in LA a dozen times? But have you taken a peek behind the scenes? For a price, you can sign up for a 90-minute tour of “Behind The Emerald Curtain” – led by cast members.

5 pm // Pantages Theatre // 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood // $25.

UKULELE
We hear that Jake Shimabukuro is an amazing uke player. (Listen for yourself here.) According to a Los Angeles Times review: "Images of a Rudy Vallee crooning while lightly strumming this toy-like four-string instrument melt away when Shimabukuro offers a virtuosic rendition of George Harrison's 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps' that likely would have Eric Clapton bowing down before him."

7:30 pm // Canyon Club // 28912 Roadside Drive, Agoura Hills // Call for price.

SOUL FOOD
The kitchen at Royale on Wilshire cooks up something special on the last Friday of the month: soul food. Items like pork spareribs and mac ‘n cheese appear on the special menu, and soul food appetizers are 1/2 off.

Until 2 am // 2619 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles // Price varies.