Michele Reverte

Director Jason Reitman's live read of the Coen brothers' The Big Lebowski at LACMA's Bing Theater was the hottest ticket in town on March 29. The L.A.-set cult film capped off Reitman's Film Independent series, and the casting was inspired: Seth Rogen (The Dude), Rainn Wilson (Walter), Christina Hendricks (Maude), Hank Azaria (Donny), Jason Alexander (The Big Lebowski), Catherine Reitman (Bunny), Fred Savage (Brandt), Nick Kroll (Jesus) and Sam Elliott reprising his role as The Stranger.

Canadian singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Kathleen Edwards wrote her fourth album, Voyageur, in the wake of an unraveled relationship, and recorded it as a new one blossomed. These 10 songs stick with the listener as they traverse roads both familiar and less traveled.

Any evening with Portland-based "little orchestra" Pink Martini is a party, and their two New Year's Eve shows at Walt Disney Concert Hall will be the perfect way to welcome 2012. Yesterday, LAist spoke with Pink Martini lead vocalist China Forbes to discuss her recent vocal cord surgery, why she loves L.A.'s music venues, and what to expect on New Year's Eve.

Christine Marie's performance art has a way of eliciting wonder from children and adults alike. Though many of her tools are simple—lights, fabric and everyday objects—she's able to create entire worlds by blending ancient traditions with new ideas. This Halloween, she and her team will return to the REDCAT Theater for The Fifty Year Sword.

Dublin-based musician Lisa Hannigan has crafted a sophomore album just as strong as her first. "Passenger" explores themes such as travel, home and the passage of time—and no matter where you listen to the music, this album will make you yearn for the home Hannigan describes. Tuesday night, she and her band will take the stage at the El Rey.

July is National Parks & Recreation Month, and all month long LAist will be featuring a hand-selected park a day to showcase just a few of the wonderful recreation spaces—big or small—in the Los Angeles area.

With the release of her sixth solo album, "101," Keren Ann uses her deft sound-weaving skills to give the listener a glimpse into the lives of others. This is film noir folk-pop that sticks with you long after the music has stopped. Although she has also released French material in the past, this all-English record proves that her voice is hypnotic no matter which language she chooses.

If you're still looking for something to do tonight but can't decide between art, food, charity and music choices, check out the Bagavagabonds Art Explosion where you'll find all of the above. The theme for this Art Explosion is 'California,' and scores of art pieces will be available for sale via silent auction, with prices starting at $10.

Joy Williams and John Paul White of The Civil Wars met during a professional blind date after drawing straws at a 2008 songwriting workshop. It didn't take long for them to realize they were meant to make music together. Their debut album, Barton Hollow, has garnered praise from critics and fellow songwriters alike, and this week they're set to perform at the El Rey and Largo at the Coronet.

With the release of their third album, "Arrows," there are 12 new reasons to explore the sonic landscape of The Lonely Forest. This Pacific Northwest-based band will be Death Cab for Cutie's opener at the El Rey tonight. LAist caught up with guitarist Tony Ruland last weekend to get the scoop on the new album and the band's adventures on the Oregon Trail.