Michele Reverte

In recent years, the Bagavabonds have hosted some of the best art-centric events in the city. This year, their popular Art Explosion has evolved into a three-city Art Migration. Tonight's free event will feature a silent auction that will include six pieces by Matt Maust of Cold War Kids, with all proceeds benefiting Room 13 L.A.

Whether revealing the certainty in subtlety, or the question in a foregone conclusion, Tift Merritt's music is arresting in the best possible way. LAist caught up with her last week to learn about her duet with Andrew Bird, her favorite guitars and her shows this week in L.A.

Watching people flip through an issue of 'Smoke and Mirrors' is almost as entertaining as reading the comic book itself. It's not uncommon for a reader to gasp or exclaim, "How'd he do that?" The comic combines compelling storytelling with actual magic tricks, and LAist caught up co-creators Jon Armstrong and Mike Costa to learn more.

Tonight, speculative fiction author Neal Stephenson (Snow Crash, Cryptonomicon, Anathem, REAMDE) will appear at Skylight Books to discuss his newest book, Some Remarks: Essays and Other Writings. LAist caught up with him last weekend to get the scoop on the book, his new video game project and one of his favorite things about Los Angeles.

Musician Blake Mills has quickly become one of the most sought-after guitarists and producers in the music industry. He has performed with everyone from Lucinda Williams to Band of Horses, and tonight he'll pull double duty at the Hollywood Palladium as Fiona Apple's opener, as well as a member of her backing band. When LAist spoke with him, the conversation turned to guitars, improvisation and his debut album, "Break Mirrors."

We caught everything from a naughty Thundercat to a chill Rainbow Brite wandering the halls of the convention center Friday and Saturday at Comic-Con.

Battlestar Galactica will celebrate its 35th anniversary next year, and enthusiasm still runs high. This year's packed panel at Comic-Con on July 12 delighted fans of the original series as well as the reboot.

We're just getting started, but here are a few sights from Thursday, July 12, the first full day at Comic-Con 2012. Among other things, we spotted Waldo and caught Starbuck hanging out with She-Ra. Which costume's your favorite?

LAist sat down with UK musician Ben Howard a few hours before his first-ever (and sold out) L.A. shows at the Troubadour. We got the scoop on his debut album, the curious cows that tried to eat the props in his music video, and the tree that inspired a song and came close to taking his life.

It's hard to believe it's been three years since Origami Vinyl first opened its doors. Since then, the record shop/box office/concert loft has been embraced by the Echo Park community, and has hosted some unforgettable events. LAist sat down with store owner Neil Schield to chat about tonight's cupcake-filled anniversary celebration, the latest vinyl trends and Origami's plans for Record Store Day on April 21.