Michele Reverte

April Smith and the Great Picture Show's fan-funded debut album, "Songs for a Sinking Ship," is chock full of toe-tapping retro pop with a decidedly modern spin. LAist caught up with Smith last week to learn about some of the band's unique instruments, their history of cursed tour buses, and their gig Thursday night at the Hotel Cafe.

For one weekend each year, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena opens its doors to the public for a massive open house. This year's theme was "Worlds Beyond," and the event took place May 15 and 16.

When the Chamberlin keyboard made its debut more than 50 years ago, Harry Chamberlin intended for it to revolutionize home entertainment. Little did he know that his invention would change the landscape of rock 'n' roll forever. By incorporating eight-second sound clips into an electro-mechanical keyboard, he essentially created the first music sampler. Read on to learn about the new documentary featuring this fascinating instrument.

When LAist interviewed songstress/comic book aficionado/World of Warcraft enthusiast LIGHTS last year, she had just finished traversing the country on the Warped Tour. Earlier this month, she came back through town with gigs at the Fox Theater and Club Nokia in support of Owl City (who just remixed her song "Saviour"--see below for the video).

It's going to be a great couple of months for book lovers in LA. In addition to the Festival of Books this weekend, it's just been announced that David Mamet, Chuck and Bret Easton Ellis will be taking the stage at Largo at the Coronet this May and June. These won't be your average book readings--they'll include special guests, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit PEN Center USA.

In celebration of Origami Vinyl's one-year anniversary today, the shop will feature free concerts, free beer and cake, and 10 percent off everything in the store. Yesterday LAist sat down with shop owner Neil Schield to talk about some of the best moments from the past year, the 826LA "Chickens in Love" project, and the fact that Origami will soon be stocking used records to complement its selection of new vinyl.

It's no surprise that Biffy Clyro's fifth studio album, "Only Revolutions," made many of the UK's "Best of 2009" lists. The Scotland-based trio has crafted an engrossing record that thoroughly rocks while remaining melodically intriguing. Today marks the release of "Only Revolutions" in the US, and it's sure to become a top pick here as well. Last Friday, LAist sat down with lead singer/guitarist Simon Neil and twins Ben Johnston (drums/vocals) and James Johnston (bass/vocals) on the set of their new music video.

Jill Hennessy's music career has followed an unlikely trajectory. Prior to her high-profile acting gigs on shows like Crossing Jordan and Law & Order, Hennessy's dream was to become a musician. She's never relinquished this passion, and in recent years her music has come to the fore. LAist caught up with Hennessy earlier this week to learn about the new album, her strangest busking experience, and her gig Monday night at the Hotel Cafe.

When LAist stumbled upon the gorgeous 20s bungalow that houses the Society of the Spectacle eyewear boutique in Highland Park/Eagle Rock, we fell in love. LAist recently caught up with co-owner Katie O'Connell to learn about the history of the shop, tips everyone should keep in mind when selecting new eyewear, and why Highland Park is such a fantastic and "mysteriously convenient" neighborhood.

In the coming days, musicians and comedians from around Los Angeles will gather at Largo at the Coronet for three very special shows to raise funds for the ongoing humanitarian efforts in Haiti. After the charity events, Largo will update attendees on how much was raised and how the funds are being used to save lives.