Battling the torrential rains Friday, we sailed down to First Fridays at the Natural History Museum, where we were met by a towering Tyrannosaurus and Triceratops, lively atmosphere, well-stocked bars every few feet, plenty of halls to explore, and a performance by one of our favorite genre-bending up-and-coming bands, Yeasayer.

First Fridays offers extended museum hours, scientific discussions and custom curatorial tours. We caught Dr. Nate Lewis’ (recently named no. 17 on Rolling Stone’s top 100 people who are changing America) chat about sustainable energy and new developments on solar energy. You can download his presentation HERE.

We were lucky to be one of the 200 people admitted into the hall where Yeasayer and local indie-fem rockers Warpaint, who opened the show, performed. On the horizon of the release of Yeasayer’s highly anticipated and already lauded sophomore album Odd Blood (to be released Feb. 9), this was their only local tour date until Coachella, Apr. 16.

Amidst a family of polar bears and elephant seals, Yeasayer took the stage with the distorted din of “The Children” off Odd Blood and jumped into a few more songs from the album before blasting off hits “Wait For The Summer,” “Sunrise” and “Germs” from All Hour Cymbals (2007), energizing their fans to crowd-surfing proportions. Yeasayer closed with the two released singles off Odd Blood: the whimsical “Ambling Alp” and “ONE.”

The event completely surpassed our expectations. Hearing a live preview of Yeasayer’s up-coming album was a definite treat, we enjoyed checking out the numerous animal habitats drinks-in-hand, loved the discussion and look forward to getting a closer look at the Dyno Lab when we return.

Special thanks to Hayden Bennett for the Yeasayer photo.

Pasadena Playhouse benefit concert for Haiti

Mon., Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m.

Pasadena Playhouse is putting on a benefit concert for Haiti starring your favorite voices from productions such as Baby It’s You, Wicked, Sister Act, Camelot, Ray, and more. Also find raffles, prizes and refreshments. Festivities begin at 6 p.m, concert at 7:30 p.m. Pasadena Playhouse, 600 North Rosemead Blvd., Pasadena, 626.792.8672. www.pasadenaplayhouse.org

JACKIE CHAN, INTERNATIONAL FILM ICON, UNVEILS HIS WAX FIGURE LIKENESS IN PERSON

Mon., Jan. 11, 10 a.m.

Madame Tussauds Hollywood adds another stellar personality to its stable of stars immortalized in wax. Chan, star of star of “Rush Hour” and the upcoming “Little Big Soldier,” among other popular worldwide films, helps kicks off a month-long Chinese New Year’s Celebration as he unveils his figure in the courtyard on Hollywood Boulevard.

Chan, who’s fluent in multiple languages including Cantonese and Mandarin Chinese and will appear in person at Madame Tussauds Hollywood, joins the ranks of Alfred Hitchcock, Paul Newman and Humphrey Bogart, among many other film legends.

Madame Tussauds Hollywood salute to the Chinese New Year’s begins with the Jackie Chan event and culminates with the unveiling in February of a wax likeness of the late martial arts exponent and film star, Bruce Lee. 6933 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.798.1670 www.madametussauds.com/hollywood

Tiffany at Upright Cabaret
Oct. 27, 2009
Upright Cabaret presents an intimate evening with 80’s pop icon Tiffany. After years of chart topping success from her #1 smash hits “I Think We’re Alone Now” and “Could’ve Been” to her feel good dance singles like “Higher,” Pop Music Icon Tiffany presents a “back to the basics” intimate acoustic concert of Broadway Songs and Power Ballads. In addition to inventive cabaret, a welcoming staff dishes out charm, class and California cuisine. Table minimums apply. Upright Cabaret on Vermont, 1714 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. 310.652.5252. For more info, show times & tickets: www.uprightcabaret.com/events

PICASSO CERAMICS (1947-1969)
Oct. 9-Dec. 12

The Andrew Weiss Gallery presents this unprecedented exhibition of more than 50 rare ceramic works.

This exhibition represents one of the largest and comprehensive collections of Picasso ceramics to be offered by a private gallery. The collection spans over 20 years of ceramic works, from his first platters in 1947 to his last engraved plaques in 1969.

With these pieces, Picasso redefines the meaning of ceramics, and the very definition of art itself. The exhibition which includes drawings, etchings and lithographs exemplifies Picasso’s passion and life-long pursuit to explore and master all mediums. In addition, the exhibition will include important works by other 20th century masters, Salvador Dali, Joan Miro, Marc Chagall, and Henri Matisse.

Andrew Weiss Gallery, 179 South Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills. Mon-Sat. 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. or by appt. For more information call 310.246.9333 or e-mail info@andrewweiss.com.

Reserve Your Seat
Attend the live simulcast of Gustavo Dudamel’s Inaugural Concert on the Music Center Plaza

The Music Center celebrates the arrival of Gustavo Dudamel, incoming Music Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, with a live simulcast of his Inaugural Concert, the opening of the 2009-10 LA Phil Season.

Gustavo Dudamel’s inaugural concert as Music Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic is one of the great events in the history of the Music Center," said Stephen D. Rountree, President of the Music Center. "Rarely have we seen an arts figure as universally embraced as Gustavo and we are thrilled to work in partnership with the LA Phil to extend this wonderful celebration beyond the Walt Disney Concert Hall to an even larger community."

This simulcast takes place Thursday, Oct. 8, at 7 p.m. on the Music Center Plaza. Admission for this event is free, and reservation requests will be taken through the Music Center website: musiccenter.org, through Oct. 5 at 6 p.m. Reservation confirmations will be distributed through an e-mail public lottery, distributed via email on Tuesday, October 6. For more information, call 213.972.7211.

Pourtal offers free dog walking
Saturday, Aug. 15;
noon-3 p.m.
There’s never a better time to sip summer wines than on a Saturday afternoon, but it’s tough leaving Fido at home. Now you don’t have to when you grab a glass at Pourtal. Withany purchase, Pourtal offers to walk your dog for free. You can also always enjoy their dog-friendly patio and drink wine with your best friend at any time.

There’s plenty to taste right now too. This month Pourtal features a Bonny Doon Vineyards tasting tour. The first tour features three Bonny Doon Vineyard whites and one rose as well as four other whites from around the world; the second tour offer five Bonny Doon Vineyard reds and three other reds from Southern Rhone. Pourtal wine tasting bar, 104 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.393.7693. www.pourtal.com

EDEN ESPINOSA: ME WITH SPECIAL GUEST GRAMMY AWARD-WINNER PAULA COLE
July 24. Acclaimed star of Broadway, Los Angeles and San Francisco productions of WICKED makes a triumphant return to the Southland with her critically acclaimed solo show that recently sold out four nights in Manhattan! Espinosa will “shed the green” from her most famous role to share a piece of herself in "ME", singing songs that are close to her heart by the artists who have inspired her. With singer-songwriter (and niece of Judy Garland!) Audra Mae and special guest Grammy Award-winner Paula Cole. Directed by Billy Porter with Music Director James Sampliner and Chris Bratten, as part of Upright Cabaret’s Wicked Summer Nights Concert Series. Ford Amphitheater, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd, East, Hollywood, 323.461.3673. Tickets:fordtheatres.org/en/events/090724_2030.asp

Hollywood Bowl Opening Night Ushers In 10th Anniversary Season

Summer in L.A is officially arrived last Friday, June 19, when the Hollywood Bowl opened their 10th Anniversary season. Highlights of the night included performances by inductees Josh Groban and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Roger Daltrey and Angélique Kidjo, and a special appearance by Dame Edna, who’s witty “My First Last Tour” closed at the Ahmanson Theatre Sunday. The evening closed with composer John Williams conducting the Hollywood Bowl orchestra in the Star Wars theme.

Shoshana Bean: A Happening at the Ford selected as official “Pride Night Out” kick-off event for LA Pride 2009
June 11
Witness the evolution of a diva in this two-part theatrical concert at the Ford Amphitheater, as former Wicked star Shoshana Bean begins the night singing the legendary hits of Barbra Streisand in Shoshana sings Streisand, ending with My Name is Shoshana, featuring songs from Bean’s debut album Superhero. Bean also appeared in the original Broadway cast of Hairspray and the acclaimed 2001 Off-Broadway revival of Godspell. With special guest, Tony-nominated dancer Desmond Richardson with Legendary Los Angeles Music Director Gerald Sternbach and Matt Cusson. Directed by Billy Porter.
As part of Upright Cabaret’s Wicked Summer Nights Concert Series, which features a trio of shows that star pivotal performers and figures that have created and shaped Wicked, the powerhouse Broadway musical which tells the story of the two witches of Oz long before Dorothy showed up. Ford Amphitheater, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd, East, Hollywood, 323.461.3673. fordtheatres.org/en/events/Cabaret.asp