Advance Notice. Rodarte designers Kate and Laura Mulleavy in conversation.

Last month we told you about the Rodarte exhibit opening at MOCA's Pacific Design Center.

On April 21, the label's designing duo, sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy, will be in conversation at the SilverScreen Theater (adjacent to the design center). They'll discuss their work and the current exhibition Rodarte: States of Matter.

SilverScreen Theater, Pacific Design Center - 8687 Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood.

April 21 at 6:30 p.m. Free. No reservations necessary. Info: moca.org, (213) 621-1745

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: wornthrough.com

Advance Notice. Autobiography of Mark Twain Celebration at the Hammer.

Last fall, 100 years after Mark Twain's death, the first of three volumes of his complete and unexpurgated autobiography was released, and immediately became a smash hit.

So many great books came out last year, and I haven't had a chance to read all the ones I'm interested in (I'm way behind the crowd, and still on Freedom). My boyfriend is currently powering through Keith Richards' autobiography, and I'm hoping he'll read Twain's after that so I can grab it when he's done.

Next Tuesday, UCLA's Hammer museum is having a celebration of the book with Twain scholars and even a band--The Americans--performing renditions of classic American rockabilly and folk blues. Awesome.

February 8 at 7:00 p.m. Free. Info: hammer.ucla.edu, (310) 443-7000

The Hammer is located at 10899 Wilshire Boulevard in Westwood.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: hammer.ucla.edu

Do It. Go to the Hammer Museum for free.

Considering that the Hammer Museum in Westwood is still putting together hip and cool exhibits, and hosting fun nights like sleepovers and free concerts, it can be difficult to believe that it's already turning 20 years old this year. But it's keeping up with the fun by offering free admission for 20 days, starting this Friday, Nov. 26 until Dec. 18.

While you're there, be sure to check out its contemporary collection exhibition, and its new exhibit from L.A. artist Mark Flores, who uses photographs as inspirations for his paintings. You can also stop by on Dec. 14th for a free event on 75 years of DC comics, or on Dec. 15 for a free screening of The Deep, "in which metal objects of the past come to life in the depths of the sea."

This free admission will be a great way to kick-off your long weekend after the stress of Thanksgiving, especially if you want to avoid the crazy Black Friday crowds.

Happy birthday, Hammer Museum! Keep up the great work.

-- Chau Tu