Music, Art Mark Day of the Dead

“SPIRITS RISING” (John Anson Ford Amphitheatre, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. E., [213] 628-2772). A celebration featuring music, dance, poetry and comedy in the style of a tanda (early vaudeville). El Vez is master of ceremonies. Presented by the Mark Taper Forum’s Latino Theatre Initiative. Tonight and Saturday, 8 p.m. (Procession of spirits, 7 p.m.).

“CHICANO ALTERNATIVO VS. CULTURA VAMPIRO” (Art & Commerce, 209 S. Garey St., Little Tokyo, [213] 368-6115). An alternative Day of the Dead event with music by Yeska, Los Olvidados, Lysa Flores, Quetzal, Aztlan Underground and others. Saturday at 8 p.m.

“FLORES DE ESPERANZA” (Self-Help Graphics, 3802 Cesar Chavez Ave., [213] 881-6444). The art center’s annual celebration features an exhibition, procession, live music by Ollin, Jazz From Hell and others, theater and dance performances. Saturday, 3-10 p.m. (Procession at 2:30 p.m.) Free admission. (Exhibition continues through Nov. 30.)

GALERIA LAS AMERICAS (2307 Main St., Santa Monica, [310] 452-9573). The gallery hosts a community altar-building today from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and an evening of lectures tonight from 6-9. Saturday there will be a blessing ceremony and evening of reflection from 6-9. An exhibition by several artists is also part of the celebration.

“THE HOUSE OF THE SPIRITS” (Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St., [213] 225-4044). Sunday’s closing matinee performance of the Bilingual Foundation of the Arts production is a Day of the Dead-themed benefit for the company. Performance at 3 p.m., festivities at 5:30 p.m.

“HOUSEWORK” (1637 18th St., Santa Monica, [310] 829-2166). A roving living room work-in-progress event hosted by Marcus Kuiland-Nazario and Cindy Desantis with performances by Danielle Brazell, Denise Uyehara and others. Sunday, 8 p.m.

ALTARS & EPHEMERA EXHIBTION (The Folk Tree, 217 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, [818] 795-8733). The store’s 13th annual exhibition closes Sunday. Hours: Today-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m.