BEST BETS Thursday 8/3

6pm

Benefit

The Center for Political Graphics’ “[Un]Convention 2000” offers voters an irreverent alternative to election year politics just in time for the Democratic National Convention. The event, which will benefit the nonprofit center, will transform the El Rey Theater into a convention hall where guests can choose from alternative presidential candidates compiled by local artists, writers, entertainers and activists. Artist Robbie Conal will host the event with special musical guests Weba Garretson and Eastside Sinfonietta. The winner will be announced at the benefit.

* “[Un]Convention 2000” at El Rey Theater, 5515 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. 6 p.m. $65 to $125. (323) 653-4662.

8:30pm

Pop Music

Folk-country maverick Steve Earle has added to an increasingly impressive body of recent work with his latest album, “Transcendental Blues.” With a blend of rock, folk, blues, bluegrass and other strains, the singer-songwriter ranges from personal introspection to another take on the issue of capital punishment.

* Steve Earle, with Marah at the Sun Theatre, 2200 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim. 8:30 p.m. $25. (714) 712-2700. Also Saturday at the House of Blues, 8430 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 9 p.m. $25. (323) 848-5100.

7pm

Pop Music

Disco was dead and punk was the driving force in pop music in the early ‘80s, but when all was said and done two groups still knew how to party: the Go-Go’s and the B-52’s. Two decades after their effervescent arrivals, they’re teaming up to show they’ve still got the beat.

* The B-52’s and the Go-Go’s, with the Psychedelic Furs, at the Greek Theatre, 2700 Vermont Canyon Road, Griffith Park. 7 p.m. $35 to $85. (213) 480-3232. Also Friday at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, 8808 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine. 7:30 p.m. $25 to $52. (949) 855-2863.

8pm

Theater

In the West Coast premiere of Lisa Loomer’s comedy “Expecting Isabel,” a couple goes through a wild reproductive roller coaster ride of fertility treatments, support groups, obstetricians and adoption facilitators.

* “Expecting Isabel” at the Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 2:30 p.m. Dark Aug. 12. Ends Aug. 27. $29 to $42. (213) 628-2772.

Freebie

Saxophonist Dale Fielder’s quintet with pianist Jane Getz plays at the Museum of Contemporary Art’s Geffen Contemporary, 152 N. Central Ave., Little Tokyo. 5 to 8 p.m. (213) 626-6222.