Eight Things

8

ALWAYS POWERFUL: Sure, it's over-performed, but Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" still has the power to move balletomanes and -phobes alike. ABT's acclaimed staging alights in Los Angeles for a four-day engagement this week. The rotating cast features superstar hotties Ethan Stiefel and Paloma Herrera on Saturday evening only. Pictured: Irina Dvorovenko and Maxim Beloserkovsky. 7:30 p.m. Thu.-Fri., 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sat., 2 p.m. Sun., Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. $25-$115. www.musiccenter.org

2. DISCOVERY CHANNELING

Two authors with unconventional takes on faith lost and found team up for a discussion of their books: "Grace (Eventually)," the latest from Anne Lamott (pictured), offers more ruminations on faith and family by the quirky and uncompromising author of "Bird by Bird," "Plan B" and "Operating Instructions." Elizabeth Gilbert's "Eat, Pray, Love" has similarly made waves; the memoir charts one woman's pan-cultural quest for spiritual fulfillment. Fri. 8 p.m. Royce Hall. $24-$48. (310) 825-2101; www.uclalive.org

4. DIRTY BLUES, TURNED UP

Anyone expecting a Cee-Lo cameo or Jay-Z mashup on the Black Keys' new Danger Mouse-produced album "Attack & Release" has another thing coming. It's a thicker and dreamier take on the duo's minimalist scuzz-blues, and might just be the classic fans suspected they had in them. With veteran ruckus-maker Jay Reatard. 7 p.m. Sun., the Glass House. $20. (909) 865-3802; theglasshouse.us. Also 9 p.m. Tue., the Wiltern. $25. (213) 388-1400;www.wiltern.com

6. FANCY FOOTWORK

Start with the 1980s-legwarmers-themed warm-up, then head to the tapping and stomping of the Latin Zapateado, the art of the Korean Fan Dance and even the Viennese Waltz at "A Taste of Dance." The daylong participatory festival serves up a cultural smorgasbord of 20-minute dance classes at Top Ramen prices. 11 a.m. (tickets on sale 10:30 a.m.)-4:15 p.m. Sat., Music Center Plaza. $1 per class. www.musiccenter.org

7. SO SECRET, IT'S SECRET

Kick up your heels at Club Manhattan, an evening of Prohibition-era jazz and gin complete with password and secret location. It has a speak-easy feel, so flappers, swells and ne'er-do-wells are welcome. We think. Details upon confirmation of reservation. 8-midnight Sat., Koreatown. (310) 659-3326

8. BERGAMOT STATION IS THE STAR

Santa Monica's Bergamot Station is the subject of the new installation there, "The Lines Are Drawn." For it, Ricky Sears uses string, sculpture and photography to construct a 10-foot-tall rendering. Sat.-April 25, Tarryn Teresa Gallery, tarrynteresa.com

3. MASTER AT WORK

He's pontificated with Brian Eno in Morocco and rolls deep with Bono, but über-producer Daniel Lanois reserves his real mental energy for the studio. The documentary "Here Is What Is" makes its L.A. premiere and captures one of rock production's most creative minds. He'll also perform a rare set with percussionist Brian Blade. 6:30 and 9:30 tonight, Vista Theatre. $20. clubspaceland.com

5. IT'S ALL IN THE METHOD

Marlon Brando. Jack Nicholson. James Dean. Some of the biggest actors of our generation (no, we're not trying to sound like James Lipton) were trained in the Method school. The weeklong Method Fest in Calabasas features indie films such as "Crazy," about guitarist Hank Garland, starring Waylon Payne and Ari Larter. Today-next Thu. Most screenings, $10. methodfest.com