Advance Notice. Chuck Palahniuk and Bret Easton Ellis at Largo.

Largo at the Coronet is known for bringing comedians like Sarah Silverman and musicians like Jon Brion to its intimate stage, but now the venue is getting more varied by featuring authors for book events. The new initiative is starting out with a bang, presenting two of the literary world's most prolific writers.

Chuck Palahniuk, acclaimed author of grim novels like Fight Club and Choke, will be appearing on May 13, where he will have a discussion with author Brad Listi followed by a Q&A and reading and signing of his new book, Tell-All. Tickets are $35 and include a signed copy of the new book.

Then, on June 16, L.A. native Bret Easton Ellis takes to the stage with fellow authors Jerry Stahl and Joseph Mattson, where each will read sections from Ellis' highly regarded novels on troubled and privileged youth (such as American Psycho and Less Than Zero), followed by a Q&A and book signing. Tickets are $40 including a signed copy of Ellis' latest book Imperial Bedrooms, or $25 without.

Though the ticket prices do seem quite pricey, these events aren't your usual book readings. Take a chance to delve into the minds behind some of your favorite stories, who knows what you might discover.

Largo at the Coronet is located at 366 N. La Cienega Blvd. near the Bevery Center. Tickets are available by phone at 310.855.0350.
-- Chau Tu

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

Do It. 'Parks and Recreation' at Largo.

I didn't like Parks and Recreation when it first premiered on TV. Everything felt stunted and it seemed like too much of a rehash of The Office, from (the hot) Rashida Jones character to Amy Poehler's Michael Scott-like demeanor.

So I gave up on for a bit, until I was convinced enough by the end of its first season by loyalists that it had finally found its place. They were right, and now in its second season, Parks and Rec has totally hit its stride. There's just a great chemistry among all the cast members, and they all play off each other really well and connect on hilarious levels. (Go Andy and April!)

Which is why this live show at Largo at the Coronet tomorrow night is sure to be an entertaining time. The cast of the show is set to hit the live stage with Tig Notaro, whom admittedly I don't know much about, but is apparently a comedian who's appeared on the Sarah Silverman Show. There'll be a Q&A with the cast, and basically everyone, including Poehler, Jones, (the always spot-on) Aziz Ansari and Aubrey Plaza, is expected to appear. Don't forget to put on your nice suit--gotta look fly!

Largo at the Coronet is located at 366 N. La Cienega Blvd. The show on Saturday starts at 8pm and is $25.

-- Chau Tu