the BEAT of the week: PLAY MOCA.

Art and music come together once again in L.A. with PLAY MOCA, a three-part multimedia series event happening at the Geffen Contemporary in downtown. IAMSOUND Records is curating the shows, bringing up and coming musical acts like Salem, Zola Jesus and Lord Huron. Meanwhile, there'll be art exhibitions from Drew Barrymore (yes, that one!); a performance from the L.A. Dance Project / Benjamin Millepied and Rodarte; and DJing by Ariel Pink and Health.

All hip, all free. Get on reserving your tickets, though -- they'll go quickly! Get more info on the upcoming shows here.

PLAY MOCA takes place July 27, August 17, and August 24 at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, located at 152 N. Central Ave. in downtown.

-- Chau Tu

the BEAT of the week: IAMSOUND at the Ace Hotel.

So it's fall. That doesn't mean you're not in need of a vacation. How about a little mini-trip to the desert?

This weekend before Thanksgiving is the perfect excuse for an escape. And hey, there's actually something going on in that desert land of Palm Springs this weekend beyond the bingo games. Local record label IAMSOUND is hosting a showcase at the always-hip Ace Hotel this Saturday and Sunday, urging everyone to come poolside and enjoy some good tunes. In the lineup is one of my favorite new up-and-coming bands, Electric Guest (the frontman is Jorma Taccone's brother!), as well as Sean Bones and Fidlar. And there'll be some DJing, too, of course, with maybe some surprises?

Best part: the showcase with the bands is free for everyone, and the daytime DJ sounds by the pool come with a $16 swim pass. So all you've got to do is get yourself to the desert! As if you needed any more prodding.

The IAMSOUND Showcase takes place this Saturday and Sunday at the Ace Hotel, located at 701 E. Palm Canyon Dr. in Palm Springs.

-- Chau Tu

Do It. Mondrian Sessions at Skybar.

We've written about the excellent concert series put on by IAMSOUND Records at the Skybar at the Mondrian Hotel in the past. And if you missed such excellent acts like Jens Lekman and Lykke Li perform intimate sets at a location that is L.A. to its core (plus, can you beat that view?), you've got yet another chance.

The spring series of the Mondrian Sessions is about to begin. Light Asylum kicks it off tomorrow with a set at 8pm. Then look out for performances from buzzworthy acts like Cults and Dirty Beaches.

It's all free, but you have to RSVP, and you should do it early, as these events are rightfully popular and fill up. RSVP doesn't guarantee your entry, either, so make sure you show up early. Check the Mondrian's Facebook page for likely more band announcements soon.

Mondrian Sessions will be taking place at Skybar at the Mondrian Hotel, located at 8440 Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood.

-- Chau Tu

Do It. Mondrian Sessions at Skybar.

The Mondrian Sessions are back! This past fall, local record label IAMSOUND Records sponsored the bi-weekly event at the hip and swanky Skybar at the Mondrian Hotel, and now it's back for another round.

The sessions feature intimate performances by up and coming bands -- Men, Glasser and Warpaint are already among the alums. This time, they've got great must-see performers like Fool's Gold, Dum Dum Girls, Ted Leo and Zola Jesus coming up. And did we mention this was all free? Just gotta RSVP at mondrianlasessions@morganshotelgroup.com (21+ only). Check out the Mondrian Hotel's Facebook page for more info -- the first performance is this Friday!

I happened to catch the always entertaining Jens Lekman in December, and totally loved it -- although you're separated from the performers by a classy pool, and you're surrounded by typical Hollywood and hipster types, you're still able to enjoy a pretty intimate performance. And considering Skybar's amazing view of the city, it's about as "L.A." as you can get -- but that's not a bad thing. Plus, it's free! You really can't pass this up.

Mondrian Sessions will be taking place Jan. 14-Apr. 8 at Skybar at the Mondrian Hotel, located at 8440 Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood. Check here for more info.

-- Chau Tu