Happening today

COMEDY

‘Twas the Night Before New Year’s Eve This special holiday-tinged improv showcase is geared toward anyone who’s stuck in town for the holidays, fed up with their families or spouse, or simply in need of a night of laughter. Grab a party hat and a noisemaker and warm up for 2010 with style and wit. Hollywood Improv, 8162 Melrose Ave. 8 p.m. $14. (323) 651-2583. www.improv2.com.

JAZZ

Jane Monheit A favorite among jazz vocal aficionados since making a splash in the 1998 Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz vocal competition, Monheit offers tasteful and subtle takes on the pop and jazz songbooks that include Fiona Apple and Cole Porter. This run of shows also includes a special New Year’s Eve performance. Catalina Bar & Grill, 6725 W. Sunset Blvd., L.A. At 8 and 10 p.m. through Saturday, and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, $30-$70. (323) 466-2210. www.catalinajazzclub.com.

FOOD

Cream puffs, Eclairs and Croquembouche Holiday weight gain, not only do we welcome you, but we will also assist in your cruel destruction of our figures. At this baking class, Gourmandise Desserts will teach how to make pâte à choux, a versatile dough that is used to make cream puffs, eclairs, gougères, beignets and other treats. Surfas, 8777 Washington Blvd., Culver City. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $55. www.gourmandisedesserts.com.

MUSIC

Robby Krieger and Ray Manzarek Former guitarist for the Doors Robby Krieger’s fret-burning skills will be on display once again at the Waterfront, where he’ll be joined by Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek plus an all-star band for an evening of Doors classics and more. Waterfront Concert Theater, 4211 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey. 9 p.m. $10. (310) 448-8900. www.thewfr.com.