Michele Reverte

Although Brooklyn-based band Apollo Run has yet to release a full-length album, word of mouth is spreading fast. These guys know how to have a good time. Whether it's through an old-fashioned stomp, robust harmonies, or a show-stopping trumpet solo, the audience is taken in by the music and the charisma. LAist caught up with the band last week to learn about their forthcoming album, their love for In-N-Out and tonight's gig at The Mint.

Throughout 2009, the music and comedy shows at Largo at the Coronet continued to surprise. LAist recently spoke with Largo owner Mark Flanagan to get a sneak preview of the venue's 2010 lineup. Read on to learn about Jon Brion's new monthly schedule, Largo's bluegrass festival in March, and upcoming shows for adults and kids.

Hawksley Workman just may be Canada's best-kept secret. The Juno Award-winning musician has already released 10 records and has gained a following across Canada, Europe and Australia. When Workman sat down with LAist after his recent set at the Hotel Cafe, the midnight chat covered such topics as the songwriting process, the evolution of car design, "Croc-offs," and the long-awaited release of his debut album "For Him and the Girls" in the United States.

When LAist interviewed Brandon Schott last year, he related the story of his battle with cancer and the charity efforts that arose from his struggle. Friday night at Molly Malone's, he and other singer/songwriters--who are also cancer survivors or advocates--will raise funds for the I'm Too Young for This! Cancer Foundation. The "Turning Toward the Sun" benefit and will also include a silent auction, door prizes, drink specials and more. LAist caught up with Schott yesterday for a brief chat about his new album and tomorrow night's event.

When Meaghan Smith decided to quit her career as an animator and pursue the singer/songwriter path, she took a big leap of faith. Thankfully, the leap was well worth it, and in October she released her first full studio album, "The Cricket's Orchestra." Though it may sound contradictory, the album is a throwback ahead of its time. By combining underappreciated instruments such as the mellotron with her fresh take on love songs, Smith has crafted her own batch of modern-day standards. And she has even returned to her roots to animate her own music videos.

The holidays seem to start earlier and earlier with each passing year. Soon after the Halloween decorations are taken down, cities become wrapped in tinsel and holiday music takes over the airwaves. However, amidst the grand seasonal spectacle, sometimes Hanukkah receives only a token decoration or the occasional play of the "The Dreidel Song." It is for that reason that Rob Tannenbaum and David Fagin formed Good for the Jews, a musical comedy group determined to "put the Ha! in Hanukkah."

When couples celebrate a major anniversary, it's often said that they've been making beautiful music together for a long time. In the case of Over the Rhine, that description is literally as well as figuratively true. The core of the group, which was named after a neighborhood in Cincinnati, is comprised of songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Linford Detweiler and his wife, songwriter/vocalist Karin Bergquist. This year marks the band's 20th anniversary.

If only there could be more pop stars like LIGHTS. The Toronto-based 22-year-old is a refreshing change in an industry where young singers are often better known for their exploits than for their talents. Not only does she make synth-driven "intergalactic music," but she has also created an alter ego called "Captain LIGHTS." The character first appeared in a comic book series on LIGHTS' website, and she has recently taken it to the next level with a short animated series on MTV called "Audio Quest: A Captain LIGHTS Adventure."

The sound of Melody Gardot's voice feels like a swath of dramatic black and white, evoking images of film noir and mint juleps. In describing her demeanor and jazz-tinged music, words such as vamp, moxie, sass, and verve can't help but emerge. However, Gardot's easy delivery has been hard won. Six years ago, when her involvement with music was more of a flirtation, she was struck by a Jeep Cherokee while riding her bike.

For the last 15 months, "Largo: A Film" has traveled the worldwide film festival circuit, and next week it's finally coming home. This award-winning documentary captures the spirit of the old Largo on Fairfax Ave., offering up the venue's signature blend of music and comedy. The event will take place Thursday, Oct. 29, at 11:30 p.m. Tickets are only $10, and the proceeds will support Autism Speaks.