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The true definition of a “renaissance man,” Harry Shearer has tried his hand at nearly every genre of the entertainment industry – typically with hilarious results. Probably best known for breathing life into classic Simpsons characters such as Ned Flanders, Mr. Smithers, Montgomery Burns and Principal Skinner, Harry is also a Saturday Night Live alumnus. Additionally, he’s an accomplished musician, this evidenced by memorable performances in the films A Mighty Wind and This is Spinal Tap. On this evening, Shearer will be promoting his new novel, Not Enough Indians at one of Santa Monica’s more popular bookstores.

Barnes and Noble, 1201 Third Street Promenade, 310.260.9110, barnesandnoble.com, free

Billy Vera and the Beaters, January 6, 9pm

A veteran of the LA music scene and then some, Billy Vera is a singer-songwriter who’s been making music for decades. His first hit, “With Pen in Hand” was on Atlantic in 1968. Since then, he’s released numerous albums, toured extensively and has gone on to establish a formidable career penning and performing television theme songs – a couple of these being “Family Ties” and “Empty Nest”.

Rusty’s Surf Ranch, 256 Santa Monica Pier, 310.393.7437, rustyssurfranch.com, $15