GROOVES: HIGHLIGHTS: Dan Rather

HighlightsRock/PopOf Montreal, Grand Buffet, MGMT, DJ Jester The Filipino Fist at The Ex Plex (The Echo), 1/27Queen Mary Brazilian Carnaval 2006: Katia Moraes & Pure Samba, Robertinho Silva & The Remo Drums, Chalo Eduardo & The Samba Pimps, Nayzeth, Oya Samba Show Dancers, more at The Long Beach Queen Mary Exhibit Hall, 1/25Tom Gramlich, Byron Pfeifer at The Talking Stick, 1/30, 7 p.m.Jazz/ClassicalSpaghetti & Strings: The Samohi Orchestra at Santa Monica High School, Cafeteria 1/27, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. The award winning Santa Monica High School Symphony Orchestra has been invited to perform a series of special concerts in China. Tonight’s fundraiser helps raise funds to make this historic trip possible. Includes catered spaghetti dinner, silent auction and ticket drawing for local sporting events.Young Artist Concert Series with Riley Karp at the University of Judaism. 1/29, 2 p.m. 15600 Mulholland Dr., Bel Air. Reservations: (310) 440-1283.L.A. Philharmonic Piano Trio at The Istituto Italiano di Cultura, 1/30, 7 p.m. 1023 Hilgard Avenue, L.A. (310) 443-3250 The John James Quartet with John James, Joe Gaeta, Peter Marshall and Gene Stone at Schatzi on Main, 2/1, 7- 11pm. 3110 Main St., Santa Monica.Harris Einsenstadt, Torsten Mueller, Paul Rutherford at Cryptonight (Club Tropical), 1/26Cross Hart Jazz Experience with Bobby Rodriguez at The 10/20 Café (Bel Age Hotel), 1/30, 7:30 p.m., 1020 N. San Vicente, West Hollywood. (818) 784-7027Readings / Performance“Waves of Tales” Storytelling Festival with Henry Winkler, Katy Rydell, Kathleen Zundell, Ellaraino, Stephen Henniger, Barbara Clark, Donnae, and more at The Santa Monica Main Public Library, 1/28, 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. A day long festival which features activities for children and adults, including a Storytelling Workshop for parents, plus folktales, personal tales, family tales and more. Santa Monica Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa MonicaMasters of American Comics: Truth, Justice and the Politics of Comics with Lalo Alcaraz, Ho Che Anderson, David Rees, Jen Sorenson, more at The Hammer Museum, 2/1, 7 p.m. FREE.Gallery Talk: Masters of American Comics with Denis Kitchen at The Hammer, 1/28, 2 p.m.L.A. Writers Series: Percival Everett, Kate Gale, more at Antioch University, 1/26, 7 p.m.The Flypoet Spoken Word & Music Showcase: Sekou Tha Misfit, Steve Connell, “L” Debois & Sony Record’s The Wylde Bunch, DJ Brutha Gimel, Norton Wisdom at The Conga Room, 2/1John Carlin, Art Spiegelman at The Hammer, 1/31, 7 p.m.Ellen Reich, Roy Ringer at Diesel, A Bookstore, 1/29Cleopatra Mathis, Marjorie Becker at Poem.X (Barnes & Noble, 3rd St. Promenade), 1/27, 8 p.m.The Week AheadThursday, January 26Ninja Academy, Downtown (NYC), Crusader Crusader at The Silverlake LoungeAdrienne Pierce, Anya Marina, Fairmona at TangierBlue Ribbon Night at Bigfoot LodgeRebirth Brass Band, Scrappy Hamilton, Miles Mosley Band at 14 BelowMarah, Rossif Sutherland, Dave Adams, Bloodline at The EchoFriday, January 27Moris Tepper, Bruce Burton, Rose’s Pawnshop at TangierSatisfaction, The Plus Ones at El CidDJ Smokey P., DJ Grimm at The Bigfoot LodgeCEAIT Festival: Until Spring Revisited with Sue Constabile, Miguel Frasconi and Morton Subotnick, Charles Curtis, Eliane Radigue, HC Gilje & Maja Ratkje, Jon Rose, James Crutchfield & David Dunn, Kadet Kuhne at The Redcat Theatre (Walt Disney Concert Hall), 1/26 – 1/28. 631 W. 2nd St., Downtown L.A. (213) 237-2800.How to Destroy The Universe Part V: Blixa Bargeld, The Centimeters (Einsturzende Neubauten), Savage Republic, Sixteens at The EchoHouse of Low Culture, The Living Jarboe, MGR (with Matt Gallagher of Isis), Red Sparrowes at The Knitting FactoryDie Princess Die (S.D.), Guitar Licker (with members of Federation X of Yakima WA), Night Wounds, Shellshag (NYC) at The SmellHeadlining Band, Dread Zeppelin, Whiskey Circus at 14 BelowOf Montreal, Grand Buffet, MGMT, DJ Jester the Filipino Fist at The EchoLake Trout, Benzos, 31 Knots at SpacelandSaturday, January 28Moth Drakula, Allen Pyle, Redglare, Rubber O’ Cement, Toxic Loincloth at Il CorralBobby Birdman, Entrance, John Gake, Myrobobedroom (members of Blue Silk Sutures and Gowns), Veer Right, Young Pastor at The SmellCheb I Sabbah, Dhol Nation, DJ Sandeep Kumar, Rangla Punjab Dance Troupe at Temple BarWhich One’s Pink at The Canyon ClubBonfire (AC/DC), Electric Funeral (Black Sabbath) at 14 BelowThe Gossip, Numbers at The EchoBecky, The Japanese Motors at SpacelandPo’ Girl at SpacelandSunday, January 29Nous Non Plus, Kennedy and The Teenage Sex Machine, Gunshys (Acoustic) at TangierMovie Guy’s Dangerous Stranger at Bigfoot LodgeMonday, January 30Radius, Just Off Turner at TangierMeho Plaza, Red Lights, John Paul Yamamoto at The Silverlake Lounge. FREE.Wiskey Biscuit, Neighborhood Bullys at The EchoTribute to Tribute Bands Night: Anavan, BiPolar Bear, Captain Ahab, Gowns, Lacoste, On and Off Superfast, Sean Carnage & Kyle H. Mabson, Whitman at Il CorralRock n’ Roll Karaoke at Bigfoot LodgeTuesday, January 31The Open Mike Andrews at TangierBobby Gold, My Transformer, The Color Turning, Solare, Echo Division at The Silverlake LoungeRadius, Rayah, The G.O.D. at 14 BelowGirls’ Night Out: Mixtape at Bigfoot LodgeDaniel Lanois, Jonathan Rice at SpacelandWednesday, February 1Fly Better Broken, Satellite Class, Napolean in Rags at The Silverlake LoungeFacehumper, Fastball, Michael Shapiro at The Viper Room2673, Fierstein, Gerritt, Sixes, Jason Zeh at Il CorralClub London Calling at Bigfoot LodgeAfter, Fryday Band, Chris Chris Chris at 14 Below