Wednesday, May 14
Incandescent featuring Lucent Dossier at the Edison
What: Venture into the basement-y bowels of the Edison for dim lighting, a creepy boiler-room feel and a cabaret put on by our favorite elegant circus freaks, the Lucent Dossier Vaudeville Cirque. The gorgeous gaggle of rag-doll dancers and acrobats always leaves us wishing we'd run away—if not with the circus, then at least with one of them at the end of the night.
Why: If "sensuous vaudeville" and "aerial sprites" don't do it for you, there's always the Edison's Carnival Platter—an array of deep-fried sandwiches, Twinkies and other items to hasten your onset of diabetes.
Thursday May 15
"Tooth and Nail" opens at the Lillian Theater
What: This new 90-minute comedic offering from playwright Gena Acosta touches upon family dysfunction at its greatest, with a patriarchal identity crisis and Shakespearean alter egos and probably a lot of generation-gap foibles. It runs through June 14, but catch tonight's opening event, which features a celebratory champagne reception afterward.
Why: Because a play about screwed-up families really wouldn't be the same without indulging your alcoholism afterward in the lobby.
Friday, May 16
Sins and Sprockets Ride hits the Westside
What: It's officially Bike Week, so we'd be remiss not to tip you off to Sins and Sprockets, an informal gathering of social riders who cruise the streets at night. Dust off the mountain bike Uncle Ron gave you for graduation, slap a light on it, and join up with the gang, who will cruise the Westside for 10-20 miles of bawdy humor and calorie burning.
Why: Meet some new folks and get reacquainted with the balcony barnacle known as your bicycle. (And if you find yourself suddenly addicted to the wind in your hair, head to the Urban Bicycle Commuter Expo in Pasadena the following day for more bike tips.)
Saturday, May 17
Warung comes to Made in Brazil
What: The folks behind the Brazilian nightclub mecca Warung head north from their Southern Hemisphere digs to set up shop at the Avalon's ongoing Made in Brazil dance night. Expect deep, heavy Brazilian-style DJ-ing (Digweed has actually titled remixes after Warung) and scores of Giselle Bündchen look-alikes baring their beach-ready booties.
Why: Did we mention Giselle look-alikes and their booties? OK, just checking.
Sunday, May 18
The Moonlight Rollerway Jubilee in Glendale
What: Beloved nutball, vintage-photo aficionado and frequent Martha Stewart guest Charles Phoenix hosts a night of all things quad with a slide presentation of other people's unearthed roller-themed snapshots. Bonus: The show also features music from "The World's Greatest Roller Rink Organist," copious snack bar treats and an open skate session afterward.
Why: If you're going to go roller, you might as well go all the way.
Monday, May 19
**UPDATE** The show has been cancelled tonight
Duncan Trussell saves the World
What: In an age when sincerity is the new irony, comedically minded Duncan Trussell presents an "exploration of happiness," which involves a serotonin-elucidating presentation on what exactly makes the brain happy, as well as unabashed gestures toward making you smile—like a pre-show puppy adoption.
Why: As the poster art proclaims, "If you don't walk away feeling better about your life, then you probably don't have a soul."
Tuesday, May 20
The Presets at the El Rey
What: The one and only time I saw the Australian dance duo the Presets perform live was at Spaceland, where stoic and folded-arm Eastsiders tend to stay still at all costs. Seconds into the Presets' set, the room was throbbing like an orgy.
Why: The El Rey will likely be jammed with a hyperactively bouncy crowd. For anyone who remembers foam parties, expect a similar feel, but without the foam.
With that, my fine friends, we'll see you out there.
Alie Ward is events editor for Metromix Los Angeles.
