Michele Reverte

Thursday night was a busy one and I probably could've used more of a decompression stop between the Hotel Cafe and the Avalon to give my brain ample time to switch genres, but it was enjoyable nonetheless. It all began at 7 p.m. at the Hotel Cafe with Amy LaVere. I immediately knew I liked her when she took the stage with an upright bass that had a Bass (fish) sticker in the middle...

It certainly doesn't sound like a musical from the 50s. Among other things, it includes kidnapping, a dance-off, literal shotgun weddings, one woman moving in with seven men, and an opening number in which the main character expresses thanks for an unknown woman's beautiful "hide." But these elements come together to create the thoroughly enjoyable musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. For the last two weeks the Cabrillo Musical Theatre Group has presented this energetic...

Brandon Schott's CD release party at Bordello in downtown Los Angeles last Saturday night was like something out of Moulin Rouge! Backed by a string quartet and 11 other musicians, Schott--a singer and multi-instrumentalist--performed his new CD, Golden State, in its entirety and threw in a few surprises as well. And did I mention there were belly dancers?...

Thursday night's Watkins Family Hour performance at Largo was a humdinger. At one point, they must have broken some kind of a Largo record, because they fit NINE people on that tiny platform. Throughout the three-hour set, eight additional performers joined Sean and Sara Watkins on the stage. The lineup included Fiona Apple, Benmont Tench, Glen Phillips, Greg Leisz, Mike Elizondo, Willie Watson, Jay Bellerose and Dave Rawlings. They performed more than 20 songs...

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...

A fire has just been reported in Simi Valley and it appears to be near the 118 freeway at Madera. Those planning to travel to or from this area in the next two hours might want to adjust your route. A couple photos after the jump....

If you live in LA, you're probably familiar with the on-ramp traffic lights that limit the number of cars entering a freeway at any given time--usually allowing one or two cars per green depending on the number of lanes. But some people don't notice these bright lights. In fact, twice in the last two months, I've nearly been hit by drivers who apparently failed to see the traffic signal. The first person was in an...

Over the last few months, there have been rumblings about a possible Largo concert film. And 24 hours ago, a trailer popped up on YouTube that confirmed it all. Produced by Largo owner Mark Flanagan and Andrew van Baal, the film will be sure to highlight the intimate magic of this unassuming venue on Fairfax Ave. Featuring snippets of performances by Jon Brion, Fiona Apple, Paul F. Tompkins, Zach Galifianakis, Nickel Creek, Grant Lee...

If you'll be renting a car anytime soon, take heed: You'll want to keep your final gas receipt or it could end up costing you an extra $10.50. While waiting for a flight at LAX yesterday, I chatted up an Avis employee who told me that, as of this week, the company is implementing a new gas policy. They now require a receipt upon the return of a rental car as proof that the...

It doesn't get much better than this. For those of you looking to score a (legal) break on your 2007 taxes, 93.1 Jack FM is offering 50 pairs of tax-deductible pit tickets for "Jack's Second Show." The concert will take place on Aug. 18 at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater and will feature Stevie Nicks, ZZ Top, Sugar Ray, Stray Cats and The Pretenders. The first 50 people to purchase a pair of $500 pit...