EIGHT THINGS

HONOR THE KING: Local politicos, a dash of soap stars, some 20 drill teams and at least as many marching bands will entertain crowds from the intersection of Western Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to Leimert Park at the annual Kingdom Day Parade honoring Dr. Martin Luther King. And don’t stop there: Council member Bernard Parks will keep the good times rolling at a Gospel Celebration in Leimert Park Village. Want to start rocking the honors earlier? On Friday, the Temple Israel and World Center Church of Los Angeles choirs will join forces to celebrate the reverend, who delivered a sermon at the temple in 1965 (an excerpt will be featured). Temple Israel: 6 p.m. Fri., 7300 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. Free. Parade: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Mon. Gospel: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Crenshaw & 43rd Place, (213) 473-7008.

2. THE BIG ONE

Arguably the most brilliant antiwar film ever made, Stanley Kubrick’s 1964 masterpiece “Dr. Strangelove, Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb,” is based on the altogether serious novel “Red Alert,” by Peter George. Together, George and Kubrick recast the story into the blackest of comedies starring an actor for whom the word genius actually applies. Peter Sellers plays three characters, including the titular, Heil-Hitlering Strangelove (pictured) and the cunningly named President Murkin Muffley. Sterling Hayden as Brig. Gen. Jack D. Ripper only got one role, but made the most of it: You’ll never look at a soda machine the same way again. 8 p.m. Wed. ArcLight Hollywood. $14. www.arc lightcinemas.com

3. ORNETTE’S LEGACY

Jazz as history, jazz as African American legacy, jazz as freedom, invention, spontaneity -- even all that doesn’t quite describe the Art Ensemble of Chicago. Inspired by the free jazz movement triggered by Ornette Coleman in the 1950s, AEC vets Roscoe Mitchell, Famoudou Don Moye and guests provide a rare earful of their cutting-edge sounds. 8:30 p.m. Sat., REDCAT. $28-$35. (213) 237-2800.

4. THE OPPOSITE OF ROMANTIC COMEDY

Like some rare colorful comet, the David Hockney production of “Tristan und Isolde” appears once every 10 years or so. For the latest revival at L.A. Opera, the famed British artist has personally overseen the restoration of his vibrant storybook sets and costumes. Make sure you’re well rested before heading out: Wagner’s best-known opera clocks in at about five hours. 7 p.m. evenings, 1 p.m. matinees, check schedule for dates, ends Feb. 10, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. $20 to $238. www.laopera.com

5. THE STEINBECK OF ROCK

Though Dave Alvin has always had a special place in his music for the unique rhythms of SoCal life, the singer-guitarist -- part journalist, part poet, part bluesman, part rocker -- has never let geography get in the way of finding truths that resonate everywhere. 8 p.m. Fri., 8 and 10 p.m. Sat., McCabe’s Guitar Shop. (310) 828-44976. SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW

Ruby slippers are not required for this trip Behind the Emerald Curtain. Treat yourself to a peek behind the scenes of the smash-hit musical “Wicked,” at the Pantages Theatre. Members of the L.A. cast personally guide the curious through a backstage display of props and costumes. 6 p.m. every Fri. through May 16, $25. (213) 365-3500.

7. SNAPPING BEAUTY

The luscious Brigitte Bardot (left) is one tantalizing example of the 125 celeb images in “Freeze Frame: 5 Decades of Photographs by Douglas Kirkland.” You’ll also be treated to shots from the sets of blockbusters like “The Sound of Music” and “Titanic.” Ends April 20. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Grand Lobby Gallery, 8949 Wilshire Blvd. Free.

8, HULA ON DOWN

What happens when the guitar is introduced to a culture (Hawaii) minus the tuning techniques? A type of music called ki ho’alu (“loosen the key”), also known as slack key guitar. The Southern California Slack Key Festival shines a light on the masters of this endangered art form. 2 p.m. Sun., Redondo Arts Center. www.so calslackkeyfest.com