the BEAT of the week: KCRW at Who Shot Rock & Roll.

This, no doubt, will be a fun one. L.A. public radio station KCRW is teaming up with the Annenberg Space for Photography for the museum's current exhibition -- Who Shot Rock & Roll, the first major museum exhibition of rock music photography -- for a series of outdoors concerts. Not only will you get to check out a fun, very L.A.-esque exhibit featuring works from a number of influential photographers -- Anton Corbijn, Dennis Hopper, Richard Kern, David LaChapelle, Annie Leibovitz, Laura Levine, Ryan McGinley, Mark Seliger, to name a few -- but KCRW has also rounded up some great musicians to bring the rock.

First up this Saturday is none other than Moby (with a DJ set by Morning Becomes Eclectic's Jason Bentley). Then there's Portugal. The Man next Saturday, celebrating the station's release of its “T. Rex vs. KCRW Soundclash” remix EP. And finally, on Aug. 4th, it's L.A.'s very own Band of Skulls and Raphael Saadiq, celebrating songs of Bob Dylan. Plus: It's all free. Just be sure to RSVP and arrive early!

Who said museums aren't cool?

Who Shot Rock & Roll is being shown until Oct. 7 at the Annenberg Space for Photography, located at 2000 Avenue of the Stars in Century City. For more information on the KCRW outdoors concerts, check here.

-- Chau Tu

Do It. Celebrate Kate Spade and Current/Elliott in Century City.

This event at the Century City Kate Spade shop on Thursday night sounds like a lot of fun! Creative director Deborah Lloyd is hosting, celebrating the 'Westward' collection, which is a collaboration with Current/Elliott designers Emily Current and Meritt Elliott.

I first heard of Current/Elliot a couple years ago when a lot of fashionable celebrities (Reese Witherspoon, Katie Holmes) were wearing their "Boyfriend" jeans. They're bringing their laid-back west coast style to the typically preppy NY-based line, and it's working--for me anyway, but that could just be the Malibu in me. There are six styles, ranging in price from $245 (wallet) - $1,295 (duffle).

Meet the designers and shop the collection Thursday night!

Thursday August 11, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Kate Spade Century City, 10250 Santa Monica Boulevard (in the mall).

RSVP - rsvp@starworksla.com

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: Kate Spade

Check It. The Green Hornet.

Michel Gondry's new film, The Green Hornet, is really fun, and funny. The reviews haven't been the best, so I didn't go in with very high expectations, but it was actually laugh-out-loud funny, and an exciting action-packed movie-going experience.

Many notable Los Angeles locations were used, including the Los Angeles Times building and Olympic plant downtown, and the CAA building in Century City.

Seth Rogen was his usual hilarious (I think) self, and Jay Chou was standout as Kato.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: comicsbulletin.com

Do It. Tim Gunn at Borders Century City.

Tim Gunn (of Project Runway and Tim Gunn's Guide to Style fame) will be at Century City's Borders on Thursday night discussing and signing his new advice book (peppered with fashion industry gossip), Gunn's Golden Rules: Life's Little Lessons for Making It Work.

In the spring of 2007, Gunn released the popular Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality, Taste & Style.

September 16 at 7:00 p.m. Borders is located at 10250 Santa Monica Blvd. in Century City. Info: (310) 552-1411, borders.com.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: papermag.com

Check It. Pictures of the Year Intl at Annenberg Space for Photography.

One of my favorite things about attending classes in the Annenberg building at USC (go Trojans!) was an annual art exhibit that took over the lobby every winter. The Pictures of the Year International show features the best documentary photography from the past year, from all over the world and across all different sorts of categories, like nature and sports to contemporary news and wars. And no matter what the subject, all the photographs are somehow able to elicit strong emotions within you, whether it be happiness or sadness, or just simple awe. The photographers are usually from news outlets, which means they're right in the middle of the action, and taking you with them.

Luckily (unluckily?) for you, now you don't even have to get to the USC campus to check out this awesome show (plus it's not showing there anymore). The exhibit is now being presented at the Annenberg Space for Photography, a newish venue set in Century City, and it's all free. It's an exhibition that doesn't usually get so much hype, but trust me, once you've walked through it and experienced it once, you'll come to appreciate photography in such a different way afterward. Highly recommended!

The Annenberg Space for Photography is located at 2000 Avenue of the Stars in Century City, and the Pictures of the Year International exhibit lasts until Oct. 10.

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: Charles Ommanney, Getty Images; courtesy of Pictures of the Year International; Barack Obama backstage at the Capitol before bring sworn in as the 44th President of the United States.

Eat Out. Houston's.

Last night I had dinner at Houston's. This mini chain is great because - like all chains - no matter which location you go to, you know what you're in for. Century City was the first Houston's I went to, and it remains a favorite. Other locations include Santa Monica and Manhattan Beach. The relaxing dim lighting and classic wood decor are really appealing in a restaurant. They also have a full bar. One of their best drinks, I think, is the sidecar. They make it with fresh juice and it's really delicious.

Popular appetizer choices are spinach dip (served with sour cream, salsa, and tortilla chips) and grilled artichokes. Sushi was added to the Houston's menu at least five years ago, but somehow it still surprises me that you're able to get such quality sushi at what seems to be a steak/burgers/salads place. They also do grilled fish really well - from salmon to yesterday's special, sea bass. I got the tuna avocado mango roll, which is a cut roll made with soy paper (my favorite). It's served with a trio of sauces, and also of course wasabi, soy sauce, and ginger. The flavors and textures all mix really well together.

The key lime pie at Houston's rivals any in Key West (I actually don't know that for sure, but I imagine, cause it's damn good). It's a pale natural color, creamy, sweet, and tart all at the same time, with a rustic graham cracker crust. YUM!

The bill is one of the least fun parts of the Houston's experience. All that quality doesn't come cheap. But I don't think anyone exits the big heavy doors with buyer's remorse.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: threebrownchicks

Eat Out. Haiti Benefit Dinner.

This Sunday night, January 31, Breadbar Century City is holding a Haiti Benefit Dinner. They'll donate 50% of all sales between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. to the American Red Cross. This is a substantial commitment they're making, making it an appealing event to take part in if you're looking to help Haiti (or if you're just looking to get a gourmet grilled cheese for 1/2 off).

Breadbar's standard menu will be available, which includes items such as cauliflower soup with curried croutons, croque monsieur, and steak frites. Plenty of options for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike.

Breadbar is located at 10250 Santa Monica Blvd. in Century City. For more info., (310) 277-3770.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: Breadbar