Nicholas Clark Ashbaugh

Though most people recognize Imogen Heap from her contribution (via Frou Frou) to the watershed "Garden State" soundtrack, her latest release, "Speak for Yourself" is actually her second solo album, and her third studio album, counting her work with Frou Frou. Her experience and newfound studio savvy shines through on her new CD, which was self-produced and released. In our Q&A, Immi addresses the challenges of writing and producing her own album. She also...

The Pasadena Jazz Institute stops by Cafe 322 for a jam session. The show starts at 8:30 PM. Call (323) 466-2210 Dub Club play echodelic sounds of roots, rocksteady, ska, dub, dancehall, and reggae at the echo at 9 PM. The show is free before 10 PM. Call (213) 413-8200. Catch guitarist Tommy Kay’s trio with Clarence Johnston at Coda every Wednesday at 9 PM. Call (818) 783-7518. The Manicures & Martinis takes the...

Trumpeter Elliott Caine, pianist Sergey Kyosayan take the stage at Revo Cafe every Tuesday starting at 8 PM. Call (818) 549-0809. L Young plays Cozy's Bar & Grill at 9 PM. Call (818) 986-6000. Shari Puorto takes the stage at the Lighthouse Cafe at 9:30 PM. Call (310) 372-6911. See a complete list of free, local gigs. (Unless otherwise noted, all shows are free of charge. Dates subject to change without notice.)...

Unless otherwise noted, all shows are free of charge. MONDAY, 11/21 The Pepperdine Jazz Ensemble perform a concert at the Raitt Recital Hall at 7:30 PM. Call (310) 506-4522. The Chapin Sisters and I See Hawks share a dual Monday night residency at the echo. The show starts at 8:30 PM. For details, call (213) 413-8200. Circus Minor continue their Monday residency at Spaceland. The doors open at 8 PM and the show begins...

Sample these tracks and let us know what's in your iPod playlist this week. Greater California | Local Rock Missing Summer [download] A horns section and dreamy vocals make us lament the passing of summer, even if there is only one season here. You can hear the band at Spaceland on November 22 with the Clean Prophets. Ernie Halter | Local Soul Love in LA [free MP3 | download] Despite the title, the song...

Unless otherwise noted, all shows are free of charge. Dates subject to change without notice. Please report any late-breaking changes and we'll update accordingly. SUNDAY, 11/20 Cellist Alexander Suleiman and pianist Valeria Morgovskaya perform Brahms, de Boismortier, Piazzolla, Tchaikovsky and others at the Beverly Hills Public Library at 2 PM. For info, call (310) 937-7275. Chamber Music Palisades perform for LACMA's Sunday Live series. The concert begins at 6 PM in LACMA's Leo S....

Movies... one of the few surviving American traditions from the 20th Century. What's not to like? Popcorn, soda and experiencing a good movie in the company of others. OK... we forgot a few things. In an effort to survive amidst the clamor of new media, cinemas have succumbed to the commercial demon and lost track of their main draw: escapism. We used to go to the theatre to escape advertisements. Now they're everywhere. Even in the movie.

'Tis the season for turkey, stuffing, football and.... yes, pink slips. Though the practice is not exclusive to Hollywood, Tinseltown is notorious for laying off people between Thanksgiving and New Year's. With the sweeps period coming to a close, shows go into reruns and production wraps until January. That leaves many people shuffling from store to store shopping for holiday employment instead of stocking stuffers. This particular editor has been laid-off twice in the...

Tired of the same-old holiday tunes? Ever wish "Santa Baby" had more punch to it? Fear not, a new holiday mix is here to save the day and wreak some Santa sacrilege on the masses. The disc, aptly titled "Merry Mixmas," includes 15 remixed classics. You won't hear this ripping up the floor at West Hollywood's Factory. Rather, this is a good CD for holiday cocktail parties. Best Remixes: Ella Fitzgerald's "It Came Upon...

LACMA's Friday Night Jazz Series features the Roberta Picket Trio in the LA Times Central Court at 5:30 PM. Dogs of Ire, The Fixtures and The Mormons take the stage at Mr T's Bowl starting at 8:30 PM. Call (323) 256-7561. Vincenzo Amato, The Estate, Eric Lynn play On The Rox at 9:30 PM. Call (310) 276-2222....