BEST BETS Friday 11/23

8pm

Dance

When “Tap Dogs” began its conquest of the U.S. five years ago, The Times called it “at once the ultimate bachelor party and a spectacular affirmation of the work ethic.” Originally performed by an all-male, all-Australian company of six tappers and two musicians, Dein Perry’s 90-minute industrial-style showcase is now more multinational in its casting but just as macho and fast-moving as it ricochets from Pasadena to Riverside to Malibu and beyond in its latest visit to the Southland. “Tap Dogs raises the decibel and energy levels of tap,” wrote USA Today, so expect work boots, denims and tank tops, not top hats, white ties and tails.

“Tap Dogs,” Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena, 8 p.m. Also Saturday, 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. $21 to $47. (626) 449-7360. Also next Thursday, 8 p.m., in the campus theater at UC Riverside, 3485 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside. $29. (909) 787-4331. Also Dec. 2 at 4 and 7 p.m. in the Smothers Theatre, Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. $10 (students) to $40. (310) 506-4522.

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5pm

Holiday

The seventh annual Holiday Light Festival at Griffith Park opens Friday. The one-mile stretch between Crystal Springs Drive and the Los Angeles Zoo will feature lighted displays of L.A. landmarks and traditional holiday themes in addition to a new patriotic display in recognition of the Sept. 11 tragedy. Visitors are invited to walk or drive through the festival. It is sponsored by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and the Recreation and Parks Department.

Holiday Light Festival, Crystal Springs Drive, Griffith Park, daily, 5 to 10 p.m. Ends Dec. 26. Free. (323) 913-4688, Ext. 9.

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5pm

Holiday

The historic Mission Inn will host its Festival of Lights, a holiday-themed lighting display featuring more than 2 million bulbs. This is the ninth annual festival at the Mission Inn, and the hotel is inviting Southern Californians to come see its most elaborate holiday display yet.

Festival of Lights, Mission Inn, 3649 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside, daily, 5 to 10 p.m. Ends Jan. 13. Free. (800) 843-7755.

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7:30pm

Pop Music

It’s been a pretty good comeback this year for the long-absent Weezer, with its self-titled album selling a million, songs such as “Hash Pipe” and “Island in the Sun” taking a bite of radio air time, and concerts capturing the plaintive exuberance that’s the Los Angeles band’s hallmark.

Weezer, with Tenacious D and Jimmy Eat World, Long Beach Arena, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, 7:30 p.m. $27.50. (562) 436-3636.

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8pm

Music

French pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet begins a two-week residency in Los Angeles with the Los Angeles Philharmonic by playing the Gershwin concerto three times this weekend; he also appears on the orchestra’s subscription concerts next week, plays chamber music at the Skirball Center (Monday), jazz at the Knitting Factory in Hollywood (Tuesday), meets elementary school students and gives a master class at the Colburn School. French conductor Emmanuel Krivine also leads the Philharmonic in music by Debussy and Ravel this weekend.

Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., L.A., 8 p.m. $12 to $78. (323) 850-2000. Also, Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2:30 p.m.

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8:15pm

Pop Music

Luther Vandross, reuniting with label chief Clive Davis and returning from a three-year hiatus, is back in his romantic R&B; milieu on his new album, “Luther Vandross.” He’s also back on the chart, with the singles “Take You Out” and “Can Heaven Wait” both ensconced on the R&B; list.

Luther Vandross, Universal Amphitheatre, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 8:15 p.m. $68.50 to $78.50. (818) 622-4440. Also Saturday, 8:15 p.m.