Down and Derby roller disco at the Echoplex

THURSDAY, 11.19

The Down and Derby roller disco takes over the Echoplex tonight like a throbbing, glittery tumor. Wiggle into short shorts and knee socks and brave foot fungus in rented skates, then circle around to the tunes of DJ Royale in an evening that promises the golden trio of skating, drinking and dancing -- which, from a purely logistical standpoint, is probably a recipe for some wicked bruises. We’re told that skate guards Mike Bee and Steve 1der will “lace you with that crazy juice,” and while we don’t know what that means, we can’t say that we object to it.

The Echoplex, 1154 Glendale Blvd., Echo Park; 9 p.m.; $5-$10

WEDNESDAY, 11.18

Mortified’s ‘Angstgiving’ at King King

Before next week’s tryptophan paralysis sets in, celebrate Thanksgiving with some good ol’ American shame. Mortified takes over King King with “AngstGiving,” inviting orators to revisit their cringe-inducing pasts. Jenn Fee unearths journals chronicling an obsession with her high school’s marching band; Bo Price shares his “Saved by the Bell” script, which was penned -- and rejected -- at the age of 15; and Jessica Bogli will leaf through dairies from her semester abroad, squandered pining for hot guys and watching American television. Mortified creator David Nadelberg dryly reports that “AngstGiving” is a show devoted to “pieces where you’re the ugly American.”

King King, 6555 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; 8 p.m.; $15-$20

FRIDAY, 11.20

‘It Came From Left Field’ closing party at L’Keg Gallery

Although L’Keg Gallery sounds like quite a party destination, its name is actually derived from a lyric in the film “Velvet Goldmine” (“lipstick kissed elbow glove”), rather than a barrel of beer. But the misnomer doesn’t mean it doesn’t throw a good gathering. Tonight, it’ll be closing its “It Came From Left Field” exhibit, featuring gritty, graphic imagery by Jason Baldwin, Herb Joseph Reith III and Ming Donkey. Take in art inspired by the underground comic book scene and then loiter around for live music from Big Whup and Moses Campbell while partaking in the abundant beer and wine. Sounds like a L’Kegger to us.

L’Keg Gallery, 311 Glendale Blvd.; Los Angeles; 8-11 p.m.; $5

SATURDAY, 11.21

Pablove benefit concert at the Avalon

While we were eating Halloween candy, Jeff Castelaz, co-owner of Dangerbird Records, was plodding through a six-week, cross country bike ride in the name of the Pablove Foundation. Established after his 5-year-old son Pablo was diagnosed with fatal cancer, the nonprofit raises money in his memory for treatment and research. Castelaz’s 3,100-mile ride ended at Pablo’s grave in Los Angeles, and as a fundraiser and homecoming, the Pablove Foundation presents a concert at the Avalon featuring sets by Band of Horses, Sea Wolf, Shirley Manson, Tom Morello, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and more. Pediatric cancer = bad. This concert = good.

Avalon, 1735 Vine St., Hollywood; doors 7 p.m.; $35-$60

SUNDAY, 11.22

Harlow Gold burlesque at Bordello

The resurgence of burlesque happened so long ago that we’re due for a resurgence of a resurgence. Choreographer and “Dancing With the Stars” alum Tracy Phillips -- along with other ladies of Forty Deuce fame -- has whipped up the weekly Harlow Gold show at Bordello, a onetime brothel. Prepare for dance numbers choreographed to Tom Waits and Mary J. Blige, a blur of vaudeville-inspired costumes and countless provocative gyrations. And if you have a keen eye, you may just spot audience members like the Princess of Dubai or Queen Latifah, neither of whom wore a spangly bikini during their last visit.

Bordello Bar, 901 E. 1st St., downtown L.A.; 9 p.m.; $15-$20

MONDAY, 11.23

Ice Skating at Pershing Square

There’s something slightly wrong about sweating while ordering an iced pumpkin spice latte. But while Los Angeles may feel like the poster child for global warming, its citizens are entitled to pretend that they have seasons. Ignore the mercury and hop downtown for the start of Pershing Square’s winter session of ice skating and whirl around the rink for a few laps while gazing up at our mini version of a downtown skyline. No you won’t need earmuffs -- or long sleeves -- but at least you can say you hit the ice. Hopefully not with your face.

Pershing Square, 532 S. Olive St., downtown L.A.; noon-10 p.m.; $6-$8

TUESDAY, 11.24

‘Arias With a Twist’ at REDCAT

Before the saccharine crush of gingerbread-themed holiday shows, treat yourself to a theater full of drag queens, rock opera and subversive puppetry. Legendary New York ambisexual singer Joey Arias teamed up with renowned puppeteer Basil Twist to create a full-length show that comes alive with sets made of marionettes and costumes dreamed up by designer Thierry Mugler. There are no sugar plum fairies, but “Arias With a Twist” does deliver a transgendered chanteuse in a leotard eating magic mushrooms, fending off extraterrestrial probing and taking a journey to Hades with anatomically correct demon puppets. May we suggest that you leave Grandma at home?

REDCAT, 631 W. 2nd St., downtown L.A.; 8:30 p.m.; $28-$40

alie.ward@latimes.com