BEST BETS Friday 12/22

Friday 8:30 and 10:30pm

Jazz

Art Davis has a PhD in clinical psychology, hence the “Dr.” that often precedes his name. But the veteran bassist is equally schooled in jazz, having worked with greats such as John Coltrane, Art Blakey and Max Roach. Here, he leads his quintet in what promises to be a master’s clinic.

Art Davis Quintet, Catalina’s Bar & Grill, 1640 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood. 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. $12. (323) 466-2210. Also Saturday.

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8pm

Theater

In “A Private Spirit . . . A Celebration of the Music and Wit of Noel Coward,” singer and actor Don Snell portrays Coward, performing 14 of the theater legend’s songs in his solo show. Directed by Robert Schrock, former Celebration Theatre producing artistic director, the show opens with a special holiday run.

* “A Private Spirit . . . A Celebration of the Music and Wit of Noel Coward,” Tiffany Theater, 8532 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 7 p.m.; Wednesday-Dec. 29 at 8 p.m.; and Dec. 30-31 at 8 and 10 p.m. Beginning Jan. 4, the show will run Thursdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 7 p.m. Ends Jan. 21. $25-$32.50; New Year’s Eve shows, $60. (310) 289-2999.

all day

Movies

Tom Hanks and “Forrest Gump” director Robert Zemeckis are repackaged for the drama “Cast Away,” about a quick-thinking, problem-solving Fed Ex executive who is the sole survivor of a plane crash and is marooned on a small tropical island. The ordeal forces the exec to question his existence and reevaluate his life. Helen Hunt co-stars as Hanks’ girlfriend.

* “Cast Away,” rated PG-13 for some intense images and action sequences, opens Friday in general release.

MEI LISA: THE FAMILY MAN BET NEEDS TO RUN RIGHT AFTER THE CAST AWAY BET>THANKS

all day

Movies

Another character with a fast-paced lifestyle, Nicolas Cage’s playboy stockbroker in “The Family Man,” faces a jarring change when he awakens to find he has a wife and two children. Director Brett Ratner (“Rush Hour”) switches gears with this holiday romance, co-starring Tea Leoni and Don Cheadle, that is drawing comparisons to “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

* “The Family Man,” rated PG-13 for sensuality and some language, opens Friday in general release.

7pm

Pop Music

In 1972 a Japanese band called Carol introduced the rock experience to its homeland. Since going solo in 1975, the group’s leader Eikichi Yazawa has become Japan’s premier rock icon, claiming total album sales of some 14 million. Yazawa played his first U.S. dates last year, and now he’s back with another round of his arena-flavored rock.

* Eikichi Yazawa, the Palace, 1735 N. Vine St., L.A., 7 p.m. $45. (323) 462-3000.

8pm

Singing

In the mood for “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “White Christmas,” “Winter Wonderland,” “Silent Night”? L.A.’s sophisticated sing-along troupe, “Sing! Sing! Sing!,” led by pianist and founder Judy Wolman, presents “Candlelight Carols,” its annual, family-friendly holiday celebration of traditional, sacred and popular songs, with commentary by Howard Lewis. The program of traditional sacred and popular songs will include selections by Jimmy Van Heusen, Johnny Mandel, Alan and Marilyn Bergman, Frank Loesser, Sammy Cahn, Irving Berlin and many more. You don’t have to know all of the lyrics by heart--as always, song sheets will be provided.

* “Candlelight Carols,” Jazz Bakery, 3233 Helms Ave., Culver City, 8 p.m. Adults, $17; children, $8. (310) 546-5470; (310) 271-9039.

8pm

Music

“The All-American Boys Chorus’ 30th Anniversary Holiday Concert,” featuring special renditions of familiar carols and works by J.S. Bach and Charles Gounod, will be performed by the group’s 95 singers, ranging in age from 9 to 14 years old.

* “The All-American Boys Chorus’ 30th Anniversary Holiday Concert,” La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada, Friday at 8 p.m. $20 to $28. (714) 708-1670.

FREEBIE

Susie Hansen’s Latin Jazz and Salsa Band produce sounds hot enough to melt the ice rink that’s seasonally installed in the heart of downtown L.A. Catch them at noon in Pershing Square, 5th and Olive, L.A., noon. (213) 847-4970.