Do It. Aimee Mann's Christmas Show.

Aimee Mann's annual Christmas show, now in its fifth year, is happening this weekend.

It's at Largo--a favorite venue for L.A.-based Mann--and is already completely sold out. I recommend checking out Craigslist for tickets, because it's a really good show. She always has great special guests. This year they include Michael Penn, Zooey Deschanel, and Ben Gibbard, as well as Paul F. Tompkins (pictured above with Mann) and others. Aimee Mann herself is one of my favorite musicians and always puts on a great show, but the Christmas show is quite special--something all Angelinos should experience at least once.

December 9, 10, 11 & 12 at 8:00 p.m. Info: (310) 855-0350, largo-la.com, tickets $40

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: New York Times

Advance Notice. Ben Gibbard at Largo.

As strange as this may sound, one of the most rock star moments I have ever witnessed on a stage was done by Ben Gibbard. Yes, Ben Gibbard, the bespectacled, soft-spoken frontman of Death Cab for Cutie and the Postal Service (oh how I miss thee!).

It was at a taping of a television performance back in 2006 or so, and Death Cab was performing their single "Soul Meets Body," an uplifting, soaring jingle of the usual DCFC variety. And though it sounded great, the set had been raft with minor technical difficulties, causing them to stop and start over again. Then, after a final successful take, Gibbard proceeded to throw his guitar down and effectively smash it on the ground. He left the pieces of the instrument splayed across the stage and stormed off. Remember: this was a taped TV performance for a random show, and it was after "Soul Meets Body." So unexpected, but so absolutely rock star.

Anyway, I don't imagine Gibbard to be destroying any property as he hits Largo in a few weeks (but I guess you never know!). He's set to perform solo on April 10th, with a setlist sure to be filled with DCFC and Postal Service favorites, and tickets are on sale now.

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: Ryan Russell

Advance Notice. She & Him.

Indie darlings She & Him are playing the El Rey on March 25, and if you want to go, you may as well be prepared and buy presale. The password is VOLUMETWO, and it starts at 10:00 a.m. Friday (tomorrow) at goldenvoice.com.

Zooey Deschanel is best known for her acting (Elf, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, 500 Days of Summer) but her band is definitely a worthwhile venture too. With M. Ward in the mix it's hard to go too wrong, but L.A. native Deschanel holds her own. Their music is quite delightful.

Some trivia for the music fans who didn't already know: Zooey Deschanel and Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie married in September.

Tickets on sale at: www.goldenvoice.com

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: Goldenvoice