Advance Notice. Ellen DeGeneres at Barnes & Noble.

Ellen DeGeneres is one of my favorite comedians, and I'd love to meet her. I saw her once on La Cienega in a silver Porsche and that was exciting, but going to a book signing would be so much fun!

Luckily for Los Angeles, Ellen will be at the Grove's Barnes & Noble next Tuesday night celebrating the release of her new book, Seriously ... I'm Kidding.

If you haven't seen Ellen DeGeneres - Here and Now, rent or buy it ($6.99 on amazon) immediately.

Tuesday October 4 at 7:00 p.m. Wristband distribution with book purchase begins at 9:00 a.m. day of event. Info: barnesandnoble.com, (323) 525-0270

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: Grand Central Publishing

Advance Notice. Jane Birkin at the Luckman Fine Arts Complex.

Serge Gainsbourg been in the L.A. mindset a lot lately, with the recent star-studded musical tribute at the Hollywood Bowl late last month and the release of the biopic Gainsbourg: A Heroic Life. Come December, though, it's time to take the focus off the man.

Because now it's Jane Birkin's turn. The original muse, as far as I'm concerned, Birkin became well-known in the late '60s after duetting with Gainsbourg on the unforgettably sexy "Je t'aime... moi non plus," and also starring in the film of the same name. They collaborated again on Histoire de Melody Nelson and had a daughter together (the now actress/singer Charlotte Gainsbourg). Birkin became a cultural icon, and the Birkin bag by Hermes that was designed especially for her is now beyond classic.

And Birkin continues to perform. On Dec. 3rd, Birkin will be making her first appearance in L.A. in seven years at the Luckman Fine Arts Complex. It'll surely be a pleasant, sexy stroll down memory lane as you witness the beauty and talent of a true icon.

Jane Birkin will be performing on Sat., Dec. 3 at the Luckman Fine Arts Complex, located at 5151 State University Dr. at Cal State L.A. Tickets are $35-$45.

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: Courtesy of the Luckman

Advance Notice. Moby at Book Soup.

Moby (an Angeleno who lives in this awesome Hollywood Hills castle) has a new album and book out, and on Monday he'll be at Book Soup for a signing. There are a few fantastic reviews on Amazon, so if you're already a Moby fan, or just curious about what he's been up to recently (other than eating/hanging out at Oaks Gourmet), check out Destroyed.

Monday September 12 at 7:00 p.m. 8818 Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood. Info: booksoup.com, (310) 659-3110

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images North America via zimbio.com

Advance Notice. Batman/Batman Returns at the Aero.

With all the recent hype surrounding the filming of the latest Dark Knight movie, it may be the perfect time to take a step back and remember the classics.

Besides these newest movies, my favorite Batman film would have to be Batman Returns. Tim Burton as superhero film director does still, even now, seem strange, but it all works out perfectly. Danny DeVito as Penguin quite possibly could be the best casting move ever -- those claws and that devilish snarl still give me nightmares today. And of course, there's Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman -- Anne could only wish.

In case you need a refresher, Batman Returns will be screening alongside its predecessor, Batman, on Sept. 23 at the Aero in Santa Monica. The event is intended to honor the release of the memoir by Michael E. Uslan, a man who's been credited as producer on every Batman film since Batman. The Los Angeles Times' Geoff Boucher will be holding a Q&A with Uslan before the films.

Batman/Batman Returns will be screening on Sept. 23 at 7:30pm at the Aero Theatre, located at 1328 Montana Ave. in Santa Monica. Buy tickets here.

-- Chau Tu

Advance Notice. 826LA's Everything You Know is Pong.

826LA is known for their fantastic charity events. An evening of summer fun is coming up, featuring Spike Jonze, Miranda July, and Ping Pong! What's not to love?

Everything You Know is Pong: Tournament of Champions will take place next Tuesday night at the Echoplex. There are options to join an existing team, create a team, or sign up as an individual player.

The Echoplex is located at 1154 Glendale Boulevard in Echo Park. Spectator tickets $10, donations also welcome. Info: attheecho.com & 826la.org, to register: 826la.org/pingpong

Related post--Check out this beautiful rehearsal video of my all-time favorite singer Ryan Adams (and his wife, the multitalented Mandy Moore), for an 826LA event last fall.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: 826LA

Advance Notice. The Earrings of Madame de ... at LACMA.

In 2008, Criterion put out a DVD of Max Ophüls' The Earrings of Madame de ... Sometime after that, we watched it at home and thoroughly enjoyed. It's a classic drama / romance film that is still a force nearly fifty years after its (1953) release. A "romantic masterpiece" according to the New York Times.

Have a low-key weekend after the holiday weekend, and catch Madame de ... on the big screen at LACMA on July 9.

Saturday July 9 at 5:00 p.m. Tickets $5 - (323) 857-6010, or order online.

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is located at 5905 Wilshire Boulevard.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: Dieter / doctormacro.com

Advance Notice. Outfest 2011.

It's been a momentous week for gay rights in New York. But while we can't yet celebrate in the same way here in California, Los Angeles is at least home to Outfest, a gay and lesbian film festival now entering its 29th year. The 10-day-long fest is aimed at exploring LGBT themes in film, features both major and indie movies, and this year is boasting some pretty big guest names. Look out for the likes of Margaret Cho, Lance Bass, and Clay Aiken to take part in panels, and even RuPaul to present an award on the opening night of the festival. Notable films like international favorite Weekend, documentary Becoming Chaz featuring Chaz Bono, The Perfect Family starring Emily Deschanel and Jason Ritter, and Dolly Parton classic The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, will all be screened, among many others. Check out the schedule here, and get your tickets now.

Outfest 2011 takes place July 7-17 at various locations around Los Angeles. Check the website for more details.

-- Chau Tu

Advance Notice. LA Street Food Fest.

L.A.'s food truck boom seems to have calmed down a bit now, but all that really means is that the best have stuck around. And many will surely be showing up for the grand L.A. food event: this year's LA Street Food Fest.

It's only the second year for this big foodie extravaganza, but last year's fest was an astounding success, so be prepared for a huge step up. The participants haven't even been announced yet, but they're already boasting more than 80 different street food vendors among celebrity chefs and L.A.'s own best restaurants. And what will be special this year are the different sessions, limited to 1,500 attendees each, so there won't be overcrowding, and participants will be able to enjoy their food and experience on a much more comfortable level. Two of the sessions are family-friendly, while the night one is 21+ only. But no matter what session you attend, the $60 price is all-inclusive, which means, yes: food, beers, cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, parking, music -- everything you'll need for the event. So all you've got to do is show and eat! Hooray!

Considering its popularity last year, and the limitations set for this year, tickets are sure to sell out fast. Pick your session now and get ready to grub.

The LA Street Food Fest is taking place July 16 at Brookside Park at the Rose Bowl, located at 360 N. Arroyo Blvd. in Pasadena.

-- Chau Tu

Advance Notice. FYF Fest.

Although it had its share of organizational problems last year, FYF Fest is still, in my opinion, one of the best music festivals offered in Southern California. The FYF crew is always able to round up a great lineup, mixing big names with small, and keep the price for admission reasonable. And being set in downtown on Labor Day weekend? What a way to say farewell to summer.

It feels like a long ways off, but it's time to prepare now. FYF Fest 2011 was announced last Wednesday, and tickets are now on sale. For $35 (early price) to $40, it's basically a steal to see awesome bands like the Descendents, Death From Above 1979 (who made a triumphant return from hiatus this year, and completely killed it at Coachella), Explosions in the Sky, Broken Social Scene (always amazing at festivals), Dan Deacon, Guided By Voices, Cults, Japandroids, Cass McCombs, Avi Buffalo, Fool's Gold and so many more.

Get your tickets now -- it'll likely be on the road to selling out soon.

FYF Fest 2011 is taking place Saturday, Sept. 3rd at (new location!) City Hall, located at 1st and Main in downtown.

-- Chau Tu

Advance Notice. Cinefamily's 2nd Annual Everything Is Festival.

If you're planning on staying in town for the 4th of July weekend, forget the summer blockbusters at your local crowded movie theater. Celebrate America with Andrew W.K., "Conan" writers, YouTube videos, Food Party's Thu Tran, weird martial arts movies, a live re-scoring of The Pelican Brief, sneak peeks at new animated features, Neil Hamburger and more. Sound random enough? It could only be the Everything Is Festival, going on at The Cinefamily at the Silent Movie Theater.

The 2nd annual event is being put on by the Everything is Terrible! crew -- the masters of weird, crazy found footage -- and appropriately this festival is just as schizophrenic. You're sure to find something you'll dig, and either way, it's a great way to kick back and enjoy some madness surrounding you. Each screening/event is $10 each (except for Andrew W.K.'s Party Lecture for $15), or you can go for a $90 festival pass that'll get you into everything plus some fun extras. Check out the schedule here.

The 2nd Annual Everything Is Festival takes place from June 30-July 4 at the Silent Movie Theater, located at 611 N. Fairfax Ave. in Mid-City.

-- Chau Tu

Advance Notice. L.A. Film Fest.

It's that time of the year again -- the L.A. Film Fest is back. It's the annual film festival in our city, the entertainment capital in the world, and it never fails to disappoint. Spanning 10 days, from June 16 to 26, and taking place mostly at L.A. Live, this year's event will feature both big summer blockbusters (Green Lantern) to indie Sundance favorites (The Future), and unknown directors and up-and-comers to huge superstars. The only downside is having to choose which ones you can see!

So you better start now. Tickets for individual screenings are now on sale (search by film title or the schedule), and some are sure to sell out far ahead of time. Check out the L.A. Times' guide as a primer, and don't forget about the free community screenings too!

The L.A. Film Fest takes place from June 16 to 26. Check the website for all showtimes and info.

-- Chau Tu

Advance Notice. Hero Complex Film Festival.

Ah, summer: the season of the movie blockbuster. But forget your Green Lanterns and Transformers, let's talk about the classics.

Think Superman, Star Trek, Iron Man. Throw in some Dick Tracy, and now you've got a film festival -- as in the second annual Los Angeles Times Hero Complex film festival, happening June 9-12. The paper's own superhero-comic-specialist-columnist Geoff Boucher will be hosting all the events, which will comprise of the above mentioned screenings coupled with Q&As with some greats, including Warren Beatty, Jon Favreau, Richard Donner and more. There's even a reported extra special message coming about the DC Universe with the screenings of the Superman movies.

Get your tickets now (single and festival tickets still available) and enjoy the true classic superhero.

The Los Angeles Times Hero Complex Film Festival takes place June 9-12 at the Grauman's Chinese Theater, located at 6801 Hollywood Blvd. in Hollywood.

--Chau Tu

Advance Notice. Savor Los Angeles: Pairings.

Peanut butter and jelly. Chocolate and strawberries. Wine and cheese. There's nothing quite like a good food pairing. And that is the BFF theme of next month's Savor Los Angeles event, where chefs from favorite L.A. restaurants will be presenting their own bites and versions of all those beloved pairings. And hey, you get the chance to taste them!

It's all taking place on Thursday, June 2nd at Siren Studios Orange in West Hollywood. Savor Los Angeles, Pairings! is celebrating Best Friends Foods (get it??) edition will feature goodies from restaurants like Malo/Mas Malo, Starry Kitchen, Reservoir, The Farm of Beverly Hills and more, with beverages provided by Veev acai and Duvel Belgian beer. The special event isn't free, but proceeds from your $55 will go to CoachArt, which provides free and personal lessons in arts and athletics to children and adolescents with life-threatening illnesses. So not only will you be eating amazing, probably once-in-a-lifetime cuisine, you'll be doing some good at the same time. It's early, but buy your tickets now because the intimate event will surely sell out.

Savor Los Angeles: Pairings! takes place on June 2nd at Siren Studios Orange, located at 1050 N. Orange Dr. in West Hollywood.

-- Chau Tu

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

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

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

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

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

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