Check It. Honesty Day.

Today, April 30, is Honesty Day. Ok, so it's not one of the major holidays, but if I can "celebrate" a holiday by drinking delicious organic iced tea, I'm going to go there.

Before you take a sip of Honest Tea's Heavenly Lemon Tulsi tea, you can smell in the clove-like aroma of the tulsi how good it's going to be. It's one of the newer products for the brand, first introduced last fall, and I think it will be a keeper.

Native to India, tulsi is also called "holy basil", and is one of the most important plants used in Ayurvedic medicine, and is grown around Hindu temples. Dr. Andrew Weil notes the herb's importance for treating stress, "The most compelling evidence I've reviewed indicates that holy basil may counteract the effects of stress."

And who doesn't love some good lemon in iced tea? Heavenly Lemon Tulsi contains lemongrass and lemon peel (as well as lemon myrtle, lemon juice concentrate, and lemon extract--all organic).

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: the BEAT

Etc. Royal Wedding.

No, I didn't get up at 3:00 a.m. pacific time to watch the Royal Wedding, but when I was up at 8:00 a.m., I was glued to the TV watching coverage. So exciting!

Have a great weekend, and toast William and Catherine in true British style (even if you don't have a vintage Aston Martin to cruise around in).

From the BEAT archives:

a full English breakfast at home

English beer at the Village Idiot

an Essie manicure (one of the two shades used for Kate's wedding mani was 'allure')

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: telegraph.co.uk

Check It. Hipster Bingo iPhone app.

Think you've seen enough hipsters around L.A.? Well, there's an app for that.

Hipster Bingo gives hipster sightings an extra boost of fun by rewarding you for seeing that ridiculous stache or deep v-neck shirt. Just snap a photo using your phone, and you're on your way to filling up your bingo card. Extra points for using Hipstamatic? Instant win with a Bill Murray?

Hipster Bingo is free and available on iTunes.

-- Chau Tu

Check It. Cave of Forgotten Dreams.

You may have seen (or heard of) Werner Herzog films such as Grizzly Man, Rescue Dawn, or Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans. Whether you've liked anything he's made before, see Cave of Forgotten Dreams.

Almost two months ago, I attended a private screening, and it was a magical experience. It was so enchanting and beautiful and relaxing, yet thrilling at the same time.

The cave is the Chauvet Cave in southern France, and it contains the earliest known cave paintings (horses, lions, bears, all fascinating). It is so well-preserved because the cave has been enclosed by fallen rock for over 20,000 years. In 1994, it was discovered by some hikers, and scientists quickly discovered the importance of the ancient artwork inside, and shut off any public access. Herzog and his small crew had a very rare, fortunate, highly-regulated window of time to go in and film. With a team of select scientists, his Director of Photography Peter Zeitlinger, an extremely limited crew, and adapted 3D cameras, Herzog made a beautiful film.

Cave of Forgotten Dreams opens Friday April 29.

On Friday night, Herzog will be at the ArcLight Hollywood for a Q & A session following the 7:45 p.m. film, and he will introduce the 10:20 p.m. screening.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credits: history.com

Do It. TCM Classic Film Festival.

Where better to enjoy classic Hollywood than in, well, classic Hollywood? The TCM Classic Film Festival kicks off in Hollywood tonight at Grauman's Chinese Theatre and the Egyptian for a weekend filled with screenings of some of best films to ever grace the silver screen, including many that have now been remastered to look and sound better than ever.

Some of the highlights this weekend include An American in Paris, The Day the Earth Stood Still, The Godfather, To Kill A Mockingbird, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Citizen Kane, La Dolce Vita, Fantasia, Network and Taxi Driver (the 35th anniversary remastered edition of which I recently saw in theaters and loved), among many, many more. You'll surely find something you've yet to see or want to re-watch, and this is your chance to get it on a big screen. Plus, a few of the screenings will have special guests, like Peter O'Toole, Mariel Hemingway, Kirk Douglas, Leonard Maltin and Mickey Rooney.

Festival passes to catch all the screenings are all sold out -- but would have cost a pretty penny anyway -- but individual tickets for each of the screenings are still available on first-come, first-served basis and are cash only for $20. Time to indulge in the classics.

The TCM Classic Film Festival takes place today until Sunday, May 1st. Check here for more details on screenings and venues.

-- Chau Tu

Check It. Chanel Morning Rose.

I like a nice classic pink pedicure in spring and summer months, and this new Chanel shade is a really good one. Their summer 2011 collection just debuted--three colors--a sheer beige (Beige Pétale), yellow (Mimosa), and a medium pink (Morning Rose, shown above).

For hands, I'm usually most comfortable and happy with a pale Essie color, but mixing things up with a brand new color of the season is fun too.

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour is available at chanel.com, Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, and other department stores, $25 / bottle.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: temptalia.com

Advance Notice. Pacific Festival OC.

Hands down, one of my favorite performers live is the Australian dance indie pop band Cut Copy. Their catchy tunes make for great sing-alongs in the car, but seeing and feeling the band's energy and enthusiasm in person is a whole other ordeal. They get into the music as much as everyone else, and you can't help but leave their show with a smile on your face, and feet tired from all the dancing you did.

Cut Copy just played an enigmatic set at Coachella, but their return to Southern California is already booked. They'll be headlining Pacific Festival OC, taking place in August in Irvine. Sure, you'll have to drive down the coast to Orange County, but with Toro Y Moi, !!!, Classixx, the Growlers and Superhumanoids also on the line-up, it'll be worth the long trip. And if you purchase tickets now, you'll be paying nearly half the regular price -- $50 instead of $95. But these tickets are super limited, so get on it, and get ready to soon dance with some fun Aussies.

Pacific Festival OC is taking place on August 13 at Oak Canyon Ranch, located at 5305 E Santiago Canyon in Irvine. Get more info here.

-- Chau Tu

Check It. DODOcase.

Having ordered an iPad 2 online just a few weeks ago, I'm about to make my first foray into the tablet world. And that also meant getting just the right case.

I'll be carrying around my iPad quite a bit, but will be using it mostly for recreational purposes -- watching films and browsing the internet and such. So I didn't want something that was too clunky, while also making sure it would stay protected. I was originally enticed by Apple's own smart cover, but I knew I wanted something a bit more unique.

So after doing some research, I'm going with the DODOcase. Designed to look similar to the classic Moleskine, with its leather bound case and banded clasp, I figure this cover is the perfect aesthetic compromise for the booklover in me. Plus, it's got a great bamboo tray and they're all handmade locally in San Francisco. And even with all that, the price is still at the same rate as most other iPad covers, at $59.95. Getting tech-saavy and looking good while at it -- I'm moving up in this world!

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: DODOcase

Advance Notice. Calypso St. Barth for Target.

With Easter just behind us, spring is definitely in the air, and summer is just around the corner. Perfect timing for Target to feature their collaboration line with breezy designer Calypso St. Barth.

Target/designer pairings are always exciting, last summer we had John Derian to look forward to, and last fall, Mulberry.

I've spotted several items from the line I'd like to get my hands on--the natural sequins tote (online), the blue tunic dress/chic beach cover-up, the travel makeup cases, and maybe a couple rope bracelets for good measure. Oh, and then there's a home line with very cute cushions.

If you really want to go all in, pick up Calypso Marine perfume (a great summer scent) this week, and spritz yourself pre-Sunday shopping.

Calypso St. Barth for Target will be in stores Sunday May 1.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: blogs.babycenter.com

Check It. The Office's "Seasons of Michael" [The Monday Download].

Even if you haven't been keeping up with The Office for the past couple of seasons, you undoubtedly have heard that main cast member Steve Carell is leaving at the end of this season. And while the show's had its on and off moments since season 3, the writers have absolutely been doing a great job sending off Carell this season.

And so far, it's been best shown with this moment.

Steve Carell as Michael Scott signs off of The Office this Thursday on NBC in an extended episode beginning at 9pm.

-- Chau Tu

Check It. Beastie Boys' "Make Some Noise."

There's been a lot of buzz about "Fight for Your Right (Revisited)," the short film by the Beastie Boys' Adam "MCA" Yauch that's supposed to follow the group's memorable "Fight for Your Right" video from 1986. And now we've got a sneak peek at the film with the Beastie Boys' new video for the new song "Make Some Noise," featured above.

You may have already seen pictures that showed that the Beastie Boys were being cleverly portrayed by Elijah Wood, Seth Rogen and Danny McBride in the film, but this new five-minute clip shows the immense amount of star power behind the project -- I don't think there's a shot of anyone that isn't a celebrity. Try to catch them all, as a great way to kick off your weekend.

The entire "Fight for Your Right (Revisited)" short film is expected to premiere on MTV2 on April 27.
**UPDATE: You can now stream the whole short film on Hulu?

-- Chau Tu

Do It. Maria Menounos signing at Book Soup.

You probably recognize her face, or at least her name, from TV: Today and Access Hollywood.

Maria Menounos has some life tips to share, on everything from organization, to success at work, to weight loss and style. Her new book, Everygirl's Guide to Life, came out April 12, and tonight she'll be at Book Soup to discuss and sign it.

Book Soup is located at 8818 Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood. Info: booksoup.com, (310) 659-3110

Friday April 22 at 7:00 p.m.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: conventionscene.com

Do It. Mammoth Spring Fest.

It was scorching this weekend but has been cloudy since Monday. Guess spring isn't ready to warm up yet.

But there's a flipside: you just might still be able to catch some great conditions up at Mammoth Mountain. Apparently, there might still be some fresh snow even this late into April -- and more importantly, this weekend, when the Mammoth Spring Fest is taking place. There'll be DJs and happy hours and a live performance from the Moving Units. Plus, it's free and all ages.

It'll probably be your last time to see some snow this season, so take advantage, and have some extra fun at the same time.

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: Mammoth Mountain

Check It. Chocolate Easter eggs.

One of the best Easters of my childhood was one spent in London. Every friend and family member that came 'round brought me a chocolate Easter egg. I must have ended up with at least ten, of all different kinds! This year, I'll be about a month away from my twenty-sixth birthday on Easter, but am still looking forward to my kiddie-style Milkybar white chocolate egg.

There is definitely something different about chocolate from the U.K. It's sort of more full-tasting and creamier. Try some this Sunday.

Imported chocolate Easter eggs are available at three shops I know of in Santa Monica: The Continental Shop, Ye Olde King's Head Gift Shoppe (on the corner of 2nd and Santa Monica next to the pub) and the Tudor House Gift Shop (next to the tea room, on 2nd Street between Santa Monica and Broadway). They range in price from about $5 to $15 dollars each.

Happy hunting!

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: the BEAT

Eat Out. Oak Tree Inn. [Guest Post]

Touted by Caltech scientists as the best Chinese restaurant near campus, Oak Tree Inn serves great fine dining for Chinese cuisine. The name might throw off a lot of people and the outside may look a little off-putting, but that's part of the restaurant's charm. It is based on word-of-mouth -- and now you have mine.

Be sure to get the peking duck, with its succulent cracked skin and the white sweet fluffy buns they're served with. The walnut shrimp is pretty spectacular as well if you want a simple seafood dish. If you can't decide what you want, the chef's specials will be able to help you out. And of course, your entrees are served family-style. Your meal is finished off with white chocolate covered fortune cookies, a sweet ending to perfect meal.

Oak Tree Inn is located on 1315 Fair Oaks Ave. in South Pasadena.

-- Muriel Nacar

Photo credit: eatoaktreeinn.com

Do It. Gwyneth Paltrow book signing at Williams-Sonoma.

Gwyneth Paltrow will be signing her new cookbook, My Father's Daughter, on Thursday at Beverly Hills' Williams-Sonoma.

The food lover and loyal gym-goer is featured on Self magazine's May cover, and is rumored to be Bon Appétit's June cover girl.

With a forward by Mario Batali, the book's off to a good start.

Thursday April 21 at 5:00 p.m. at Williams-Sonoma (or you can pre-order now to secure a place in line/"ticket"), 339 North Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills. Info: williams-sonoma.com, (310) 274-9127

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: yourbellalife.com

Check It. Hair powder alternatives to shampoo.

This morning I read about the alternatives to shampooing, including using homemade hair powder instead of a traditional wash.

I've been aware of the detriments of daily washing, stripping hair of beneficial oils, but have yet to find an alternative. The suggested use of hair powder is to apply and soak up any access oils that may be caking up your hair.

This seems like an excellent alternative to maintain the health of your hair.

-- Lauren Williams

Check It. The Los Angeles Times' Pulitzer Prize-winning pieces.

It was announced yesterday that our very own Los Angeles Times had won the Pulitzer Prize gold medal for its coverage of the Bell city council corruption scandal. The paper also celebrated the feature photography award with Barbara Davidson, for her images of people recovering from gang violence.

It's been a tough couple of years for journalism, and particularly the L.A. Times, so it's really wonderful to know that good work is still being done out there, and being appreciated. Check out the award-winning stories on Bell here, and Davidson's photography here. And congrats!

-- Chau Tu

Eat Out. Blue Plate Oysterette.

I love when a magazine interview says where it takes place. The May Vogue cover story--Reese Witherspoon--starts at Santa Monica's Blue Plate Oysterette. As if the lobster rolls weren't reason enough to try the seafood joint with an ocean breeze.

If you're a fan of Witherspoon's (and who isn't, really?), Water for Elephants is out Friday.

Blue Plate Oysterette is located at 1355 Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica. Info: blueplatesantamonica.com, (310) 576-3474

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: blueplatesantamonica.com

Check It. Foo Fighters at Fingerprints.

Alth0ugh all 200 wristbands to the Foo Fighters album release sold out almost as soon as they became available, many people are heading to Fingerprints this Saturday to try and get a glimpse of the Foo performing live (and free!) at Fingerprints in Long Beach.

As part of Record Day this Saturday, the Foo Fighters are set to perform a few of their new and old hits in the East Village record store.

Other events are scheduled that day, including a free ticket give-away to the theatrical release of the Beastie Boys' "long-form video", a meet-the-bad with F*cked Up, and another live performance after the Foo's 2 hour show.
Fingerprints is located at 420 E. 4th Street in Long Beach. The Foo Fighters are set to perform at 5 p.m.

-- Lauren Williams

Check It. The new Dodge Challenger.

L.A. is undoubtedly a car city. East coast transplants often try to survive without, but it never lasts too long--at least not without having to ask a lot of friends for a lot of rides, and maybe even using the bus.

I've been spotting these new Dodge Challengers all over town, and I just love them. I never quite thought my taste in cars would get into "muscle" territory, but apparently it has. They're just so cool-looking.

Other favorite cars to spot:

Always a thrill to see Angelyne in her pink corvette

Well-maintained early-mid 80's Mercedes SL's (particularly cream-colored)

The fancy Ford Excursion Tom Cruise and family are driven around in

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: xeoco.com

Do It. Artisanal LA.

We wrote about Artisanal LA back in December, and it looks like the special foods community event is back for a spring edition. This time, it's taking place in the brand spanking new Santa Monica Place, which is just another reason to check out the scenery. Look out for all the cool artisanal vendors offering goods like special teas, pies, yogurts, chocolates, soaps, spices, wines and gelatos, among panels on local honey, craft beers and more. There'll even be a wine tasting, butchering and mixology demos and a food swap.

Check out all the goods for $10 bought in advance, or $15 cash at the door.

Artisanal LA is taking place this Saturday and Sunday, April 16-17, at Santa Monica Place, Dining Deck on Level 3, located at 395 Santa Monica Place in Santa Monica.

-- Chau Tu

Check It. Coachella weekend essentials.

You can't be a young person in Los Angeles and not at least acknowledge that Coachella is this weekend. Here's is a list of what you'll need to do it right. If I've missed anything, please leave your suggestions!

Basic road trip skills (a "BEAT" post from yours truly back in October)

Awesome sunglasses

A big hat

Good sunscreen

Comfortable sandals

Plenty of water

A place to hang your hat in the desert

A list of must-see bands, and their set times

... and of course a weekend pass!

Enjoy!

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: poorlittleitgirl.com

Check It. L.A. Times at Downtown Art Walk.

In addition to the usual Thursday downtown festivities tonight, the Los Angeles Times will be having a pop up photography show outside their building.

From 6 p.m.-10 p.m. the L.A. Times will have a free photography exhibit at the corner of 2nd and Spring Streets. So if you're going to be in the area tonight, it'd be interesting to swing by and see what they put together.

-- Lauren Williams

Check It. Coachella bands to see.

You've had the chance to mull over those Coachella set times for hours now. Have you got your weekend set?

You haven't, unless you've got these artists below. These are bands or musicians that may or may not know so much about, but are definitely worth your while, or at least can act as a great soundtrack to lounging in the sun:

Friday:
The tents and stages will definitely be rumbling around the 4pm hour, with the ever-hyped Odd Future going up against the entertaining Cee-Lo Green, local faves Warpaint and and sing-along-friendly Morning Benders, so get your adrenaline going by catching Titus Andronicus right before it all. The Jersey natives hit the Outdoor Theatre at 3:30pm and will rock the perfect anthem-driven tunes to begin your weekend like you're going into battle (because you basically will be).
Also don't miss: Cut Copy, Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears, Robyn

Saturday:
With Arcade Fire ending this night in all their glory, the day's filled with openers in the same indie music ilk -- Broken Social Scene, Bright Eyes, Two Door Cinema Club, Henry Clay People. Catch a still up-and-comer in Cults, a twosome from San Diego (but now based in New York) who craft fun, delightful pop tunes inspired by the '60s and doo wop. Their debut is set to release in May, so get a jump on knowing their new songs when they perform on the Gobi stage at 1:55pm.
Also: Thao and the Get Down Stay Down, Radio Dept., Rye Rye

Sunday:
It's all about the staples on this last day: Kanye, the Strokes, DFA 1979. Watch Delorean to start off your day right. The Spaniards will either get you up dancing or allow you dream off into a haze, but either way, the catchy dance tunes will put you in a euphoric mood. They'll be playing on the Gobi stage at 2pm, and will give you just the boost you need.
Also: Twin Shadow, Chromeo, MEN

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: Wired.com

Advance Notice. Blonde Redhead L.A. shows July 1 and 2.

In case you missed Blonde Redhead last time they came to town, get tickets now for their upcoming summer shows.

On July 1 they will be at Echoplex, and on the 2nd at El Rey.

Listen now: Falling Man on Misery is a Butterfly.

Both shows $25 general admission.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: blonde-redhead.com

Check It. Coachella set times.

They're finally up -- Coachella has posted the set times for this weekend's desert music festivities. Check them out here, and start planning! And check back tomorrow for some BEAT picks, courtesy of moi.

Happy Coachella-ing!

-- Chau Tu

Eat Out. Ben & Jerry's free cone day.

Today's the day! Get your free scoop of Ben & Jerry's ice cream today from noon to 8pm at your local participating scoop shop. Stick to the old faves like Chocolate Macadamia, Chunky Monkey or Cherry Garcia, or check out some of the new faves, like the inspired-by-late-night-talk-shows Late Night Snack or Americone Dream.

Sadly, you will only get to choose one. But you're bound to be happy either way -- it's free, after all! Check out the Ben & Jerry's site for more info and locations. Happy free cone day!

-- Chau Tu

Do It. Hanna at the Vista.

One of the best films out right now is playing at one of the coolest (and least expensive) movie theaters in L.A., which I wrote about last year.

We caught a Saturday matinee of Hanna at the gorgeous single-screen Vista Theatre and not only was the movie great, the whole theater experience was. From the amazing light fixtures (below), to plenty of legroom, to cute vintage ads for refreshments on the screen before the previews. Now I'll spend the rest of the day listening to the Hanna soundtrack on iTunes ...

The Vista is located at 4473 Sunset Drive in Los Feliz. Info: (323) 660-6639

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credits: the BEAT

Advance Notice. Last Remaining Seats.

With film programs like The Cinefamily and the American Cinemathque, Angelenos have regular chances to check out screenings of older movies on the big screens. But the Los Angeles Conservancy's own film program Last Remaining Seats is something more special and unique: allowing audiences to watch older movies in big, beautiful theaters, the types of venues these movies were originally for.

It's been 25 years since the Conservancy began doing these screenings, as "a way draw attention to the historic movie palaces of downtown Los Angeles, many of which were underused and in need of restoration." Today, these theaters include the Los Angeles Theatre, Million Dollar Theater, Orpheum Theatre and Palace Theatre, all wonderful marvels of dramatic and historical architecture. They're really something to see in person.

And Last Remaining Seats, happening Wednesdays from May 25-June 29, is offering a great lineup of films, too: from Rear Window to The Music Man to Sunset Boulevard. Tickets are $20 each, and go on sale on Wednesday, April 13 at 10am. That is, unless you're a Los Angeles Conservancy member, which means you can buy tickets now for $16 each, and be donating to a great Los Angeles cause. Find out more info here.

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: Los Angeles Conservancy/Ed Fuentes

Eat Out. Boneyard Bistro.

Last Saturday night we went out for barbecue at Sherman Oaks' Boneyard Bistro. The beer selection was vast, the music was live, and the fried macaroni and cheese (above) was as delicious as it sounds (and looks). And the pulled bbq chicken sandwich was pretty good too!

Other good BBQ joints in L.A. ...

Baby Blues BBQ (Venice and West Hollywood)

Zeke's Smokehouse

Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill (at The Grove and other locations)

My favorite part is always the sides!

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: the BEAT

Do It. Springfest and KXSC Fest at USC.

While its crosstown rival may have hosted Local Natives last week, USC is ready to up its game and give you a double whammy of music this weekend. The downtown campus will be holding not one, but two different music festivals, sure to entice all your musical taste buds.

First up is Springfest 2011 on Saturday, headlined by the ever-talented Mos Def. Other artists to perform include Kid Sister, Murs, Rooney, Steel Train and Hands, and Kogi BBQ and the Dim Sum Truck are expected to pop on by.

Then on Sunday comes the (local campus radio station) KXSC Fest 2011, leaning on the more indie rock spectrum. They've got local faves Abe Vigoda and Avi Buffalo lined up, as well as Puro Instinct, Julianna Barwick, and a very special secret guest. There'll also be DJ sets, and a visit from the Coolhaus truck.

It's all day, all free and all ages -- enjoy some music and get your Trojan love on.

USC is located 3551 Trousdale Pkwy. near downtown.

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: USC

Check It. Ledjam Radio.

One of the many gifts of the internet is that there are plethora of good radio stations and music sites that bring obscure and interesting bands to the forefront.

I love 8track, "handcrafted internet radio", where individuals create playlists and you can search by mood, band/group, or keyword (like "birthday," "happy," or "breakfast").

Another gem is Ledjam Radio, an "eclectic" radio station based out of Paris. Among the styles that appear on the show are jazz, funk, house, and a variety of very talented bands and musicians that are new to me.

I've found some amazing artists on both of these, and it has certainly helped me get through those hours at work when your mind begins to doze.

So enjoy the good music and happy Friday!

-- Lauren Williams

Drink It. Sidecar [Thirsty Thursdays!].

The sidecar was one of the first retro/classic cocktails I got into. I quickly learned that if a bartender doesn't immediately know what you're asking for, they won't make a good one. But, they are in fact very simple once you have the right ingredients.

This recipe is very similar to my martini-style margarita recipe, but with some lemon added to the fresh lime juice (Meyer lemons when available) and brandy (Calvados apple brandy is delicious here--but regular brandy/Cognac, like Hennessy or Courvoisier, works too) rather than tequila.

3 oz. Calvados apple brandy

1 oz. fresh lemon/lime juice

1 oz. orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Patrón Citrónge)

Shake well with ice in a cocktail shaker, and serve straight-up in a chilled martini glass. Sidecars can also be served on the rocks in a lowball glass.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: the BEAT

Do It. L.A. Beer Festival.

Some amazing breweries are heading out to Sony Studios this year for the third annual beerfest in Culver City. If you're a fan of beer, live music, or food trucks this will be the place to be this weekend.

Among the brewers that are scheduled to appear at the event are Angel City brew (one of my favorites), Alaskan Brewing Co., East Coast favorite Magic Hat, Pacific Northwest favorite Pyramid, Franzishaner, New Belgium, Stone, Blue Moon, and Sierra Nevada among tens more. The entry fee is $40, but for unlimited sampling this is probably a good deal.

So drink up! And enjoy the variety.

The Los Angeles Beer Fest will be at Sony Studios 10202 Washington Blvd. in Culver City. It will be open noon to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday.

-- Lauren Williams

Advance Notice. KJEE Summer Round-Up in Santa Barbara.

June sounds like a nice time for a weekend getaway, right? And if you needed a bigger excuse, you've got it with the KJEE Summer Round-Up happening June 3rd at the Santa Barbara Bowl. With a line-up that includes Lykke Li, Peter Bjorn and John, Foster the People and Cage the Elephant, you know you'll be starting off summer just right. Plus, tickets are only $18-25! Definitely a steal, and worth that beautiful drive up the coast.

Presale begins today at 10am with the password "elephant" or you can wait until the official onsale tomorrow.

The KJEE Summer Round-Up begins at 4pm on Friday, June 3rd at the Santa Barbara Bowl, located at 1122 N. Milpas St. in Santa Barbara.

-- Chau Tu

Advance Notice. TV on the Radio at the Music Box.

Just over four years ago, I saw TV on the Radio at the Music Box and wrote about the show for my college paper. The headline was "TV on the Radio wows Hollywood".

They're playing the same venue May 3, and I highly suggest getting tickets when the pre-sale starts tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. Password: WILLDO.

If you're not familiar with the band, check out their 2006 album, Return to Cookie Mountain (particularly songs I Was a Lover, and Wolf Like Me), and their new (fourth) album, Nine Types of Light, which will be released April 12.

The Music Box is located at 6126 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood. Tickets will be available at ticketmaster.com, $25. Info: themusicbox.la, (323) 464-0808

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: blogs.villagevoice.com

Check It. Pictogram movie posters.

I have a soft spot for posters. A really, really soft spot. Something about the combination of my love for art and my love for pop culture, probably. So when I see a good poster, my heart aches a bit.

It did a bit for the Pictogram movie posters. The work of artist Viktor Hertz, these movie posters are nearly the epitome of minimalism, using simple pictogram imagery to portray a key scene or theme from a film. There's just something so great about that little devil tail coming out of that cradle for Rosemary's Baby, or the figure of the tall house from Up. And it's simplicity like that that often makes the best kind of poster.

Check out all of Hertz's creations here, with more expected to be added in the future. And if your heart ached a bit too, posters start at around $24 each (and are also waterproof?), which is a pretty great price for some great art.

-- Chau Tu

Image credit: Copyright, all rights reserved by Viktor Hertz

Advance Notice. 'Dazed and Confused' beach screening.

Outdoor screenings are one of the many excellent summer Los Angeles activities, and this year it seems they're starting a bit early.

This upcoming April 20 there will (appropriately) be a screening of "Dazed and Confused" on the beach in Long Beach, near the intersection of Ocean Boulevard and Junipero Avenue.

There is parking on the beach and near the street. Admittance is free and blankets are encouraged.

-- Lauren Williams

Do It. Choose the wake-up song for NASA's next mission.

So let's say you're an astronaut, and you're floating in space. (Stick with me here.) You're not exactly going to get any sunrises or sunsets to help you track your days, so you figure a wake-up song is best way to begin your 'mornings.' What would you choose?

It's a pretty tough decision, and NASA is actually putting this into your hands -- quite literally. NASA is allowing people to vote for two wake-up songs to be played for astronauts on the upcoming STS-134 mission, which is jetting off April 19th and sending Endeavour to transport materials to the International Space Station. If you've been paying attention to the news, this also happens to be the mission led by Commander Mark Kelly, husband of Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was shot earlier this year in Tuscon.

Unfortunately, you won't be able to pick any old song for the astronauts. But the 10 songs up for voting are original songs made by unknown musicians, so consider this your own personal Simon Cowell moment. Check out all the songs (yes, they're all space-related) and musician bios here, and send the astronauts your well wishes in the form of a great wake-up song. Voting lasts until launch date, April 19.

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: NASA

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

Check It. Panda Bear's "Tomboy" [The Monday Download].

Like his main gig, Animal Collective, Panda Bear's solo music is pretty weird. It's experimental, ethereal, filled with strange noises. And yet, it also somehow manages to be catchy. There were many moments in Panda Bear's debut album, Person Pitch, that I felt reminded of the pop experimentalist nature of The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds. (It also helps that he has a voice that can reach up nearly as high as Brian Wilsons's).

The indie music community has been long awaiting the sophomoric release, and it's finally here. Although set to officially be released April 12th, NPR is streaming the entire album, named Tomboy, for free on its website. Check it out now, and give me your thoughts.

-- Chau Tu

Check It. Quidditch comes to L.A.

For all the Harry Potter fans who didn't want the magic to end with the final seventh book, Quidditch has made it's way into the world of real-life sports, and is coming to Los Angeles this weekend.

The sport was one of the many nuances of the world of Harry Potter, but was detailed with rules and objectives like any other sport.

This weekend 11 college teams are set to compete Saturday and Sunday at Cheviot Hills Park in West Los Angeles, according to the Los Angeles Times.

So check it out!

Cheviot Hills Park is located at 2551 Motor Ave.

-- Lauren Williams

Photo credit: Los Angeles Times.

Check It. LCD Soundsystem's "A Long Goodbye" farewell show.

It's time to say goodbye to a good friend. LCD Soundsystem is officially and gracefully bowing out this weekend, after nine years and three unforgettable albums. And although that sad farewell is set to take place this Saturday night at Madison Square Garden in New York City, we here in L.A. too have a chance to send our farewells.

Pitchfork will be broadcasting the at-least-three-hour show live on its website. So get dressed in all white (as was the requested dress code for the live audience), turn up the speakers and have a down and dirty dance show. It's the least you can do.

Thanks James Murphy and Co.!

"A Long Goodbye" will be taking place on Pitchfork at 6pm PST. For a primer before the show, be sure to check out Pitchfork's extensive history, track-by-track, of the band here.

-- Chau Tu

Eat Out. Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill.

The best sandwich I've had in recent memory was from Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill at L.A. Live.

From the lunch menu, it was roasted turkey, on grilled sourdough, with balsamic onions, and fontina cheese. And I ate it while driving--not actually driving, but riding in a car, with a boy. Not getting the sandwich to-go nor devouring it on the hectic 110 freeway could take away from its incredible flavors. I usually find turkey sandwiches so boring that I avoid them, but this one, I'd get again in a heartbeat.

The rest of the items on the menus look equally delicious. Creamy cauliflower soup with wild mushrooms and crispy parsley, almond crusted salmon with celery root puree and port-red wine sauce, dulce de leche parfait ... you get the idea.

Note: Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill does not have to-go cups for to-go drinks, but Lawry's Carvery (also at L.A. Live) does. And their turkey sandwiches are likely very good too.

Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill is located at 800 West Olympic Boulevard in downtown Los Angeles. Info: wolfgangpuck.com, (213) 748-9700

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: wolfgangpuck.com