Top 10 Things to Do Around LA This Weekend: January 10-12

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Awards season is here! But before you get comfy on the couch to ooh and aah at the red carpet fashion and cry laughing at Tina Fey and Amy Poehler hosting the Golden Globes on Sunday, there is a slew of activities to get you out of the house. Your social life will thank me later.

Friday, January 10

CULTURE

First Fridays @ Natural History Museum of Los Angeles (South Los Angeles)

First Fridays at NHM are like a real-life version of Night at the Museum, except in Los Angeles and without Ben Stiller. What could be more fun than exploring the museum after hours, having some cocktails and then dancing the night away to live music and KCRW DJs Anthony Valadez and Jeremy Sole? Tonight’s musical lineup includes Conway and one of my favorite L.A. bands, Youngblood Hawke, whose new single “Pressure” just debuted on KROQ. If you haven’t seen them perform their hit song “We Come Running,” then this is your chance. The song is so fun and infectious, it’s going to be stuck in your head for days.

FILM

Second Looks with Illeana Douglas @ The Cinefamily (Mid-City West)

Actress/filmmakers Illeana Douglas recently served as the special guest programmer/host for TCM’s Second Looks series that sheds new light on overlooked, forgotten and under appreciated films that deserve a second chance. The Cinefamily invited her to continue the series with several screenings this month, including tonight’s feature, 2007’s The Hammer. The evening is co-hosted by the film’s co-writer, Adam Carolla, who also starred in it as a former amateur boxer who tries to make a comeback after turning 40.

MUSIC

Michael Kiwanuka @ Hotel Café (Hollywood)

From the first time I heard Michael Kiwanuka’s debut album, Home Again, when it released last March, his soulful vocals and deft guitar work captured my attention. The British singer-songwriter artfully balances influences from music’s past (Otis Redding, Bill Withers, the Band, Joni Mitchell) with a modern flavor that is all his own. Kiwanuka is easily one of the best new acts to hit the international scene, so don’t miss the opportunity to witness him live in a venue as intimate as Hotel Café.

Concert for the Philippines @ Club Nokia (Downtown)

Tickets for this one are a bit steep, but every dollar goes to Music for Relief’s typhoon aid effort. In addition to helping out those in the Philippines via Linkin Park’s charitable organization, you are treated to a concert from the L.A. band that is sure to include all your favorites from their Hybrid Theory breakthrough to their latest collaboration with Steve Aoki, “A Light That Never Comes.” Joining forces with Linkin Park for the evening are the Offspring, Bad Religion and other special guests.

TELEVISION

Nick Kroll @ LACMA (Miracle Mile)

The second season of the comedian’s sketch comedy series kicks off on Comedy Central on Tuesday (Jan. 14), and since the show is set in the City of Angels it’s only fitting that he holds a special event here in anticipation of the premiere. Film Independent at LACMA presents a screening of the first two episodes of season two of “Kroll Show” at 7:30 p.m. in the museum’s Bing Theater, followed by a conversation with its creator/star.

Saturday, January 11

FILM

Golden Globe Foreign-Language Nominees Panel @ Egyptian Theatre (Hollywood)

If you go gaga over films with subtitles and are always on pins and needles during the foreign-language film portion at awards shows, then this panel discussion is for you. Filmmakers from four of the films nominated for this year’s best Foreign Language Film Golden Globe Award are taking part in the panel moderated by Mike Goodridge. They are: Asghar Farhadi (The Past), Abdellatif Kechiche (Blues Is the Warmest Color – my money’s on this one to win!), Paolo Sorrentino (The Great Beauty) and Thomas Vinterberg (The Hunt).

Mary Poppins Sing-A-Long @ El Capitan Theatre (Hollywood)

Like many of you, I have such fond memories associated with every song from the Disney classic. Whether it’s “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Jolly Holiday, “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” or “Step in Time,” they all put a smile on my face. You can feel free to sing along with all of the magical melodies with carefree abandon, as the lyrics are projected onto the screen at these special screenings that run through Jan. 20. Today’s showtimes are 10 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m., and your $10 ticket includes popcorn.

SPORTS

L.A. Derby Dolls: Baby Doll Brawl @ The Doll Factory (Historic Filipinotown)

SoCal’s premiere, all-female roller derby league’s 2014 season kicks off tonight with a Baby Doll Brawl, featuring the up-and-coming skaters of the Punky Bruisers and Pound Garden. Watch the feisty ladies bump, block and race their way around the banked track. Your bout wristband gets you free admission into the after party ($5 without wristband) at the Airliner Bar where you can meet and hang out with all your favorite skaters.

Sunday, January 12

FOOD

Cheeseburger Week (Pasadena)

Did you know the cheeseburger was born in Pasadena in the mid-1920s? From today through Jan. 17th, Crown City celebrates the ‘accidental’ creation of the American favorite by Lionel Sternberger at his dad’s restaurant, the Rite Spot. Go taste some of the best burgers at Pasadena restaurants then vote on which one serves your favorite in the Cheeseburger Challenge. Participating establishments include the Counter, Pie ‘n Burger, Slater’s 50/50 and Umami.

SPORTS

Arizona vs. USC @ Galen Center (South Los Angeles)

The Trojans suffered a crushing defeat against the Bruins last weekend, and tonight’s game isn’t going to be any easier. They face the No. 1 team in the nation, the Arizona Wildcats, a squad that features the hyper-talented Nick Johnson and freshman phenom Aaron Gordon. If USC can pull off an upset, it’s guaranteed that a sea of Cardinal and Gold will stream onto the hardwood in celebration.

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