The Bucket List • November 2017 • L.A. Edition

Alex Aronson

November is another big month for music in Los Angeles as Katy Perry, Guns N’ Roses and Bruno Mars all hit the stage and Moby returns with his animal activism event Circle V. For fans of theater “Hamilton” is still running strong at Hollywood Pantages, but November also sees the “Hamilton” spoof “Spamilton’ make its way to the L.A. stage. ComplexCon and Vulture Fest are both featuring the best panels and exclusives for pop culture junkies this month. With the holidays right around the corner, there are plenty of events from Knott’s Merry Farm and the L.A. Zoo Lights at Griffith Park to the Hollywood Christmas Parade to get you into the yuletide spirit. Whatever you’re looking for, our Bucket List has you covered.

Hamilton at Hollywood Pantages | Through Dec. 30
Broadway’s most expensive and hottest ticket finally comes to the West Coast. “Hamilton” is the story of America’s founding father, Alexander Hamilton, and features a mix of hip-hop, jazz, rap, and R&B. Don’t miss your opportunity to witness what is sure to become a contemporary stage classic.

Blackbird Presents Exodus 40 Live: Celebrating Bob Marley at Orpheum Theatre | Nov. 1
Experience an all-star tribute to Bob Marley’s iconic album, “Exodus,” in celebration of its 40th anniversary. The evening will feature never-before-heard performances by an exceptional lineup of musical artists including Stephen Marley, Tom Morello, Gary Clark Jr., Jim James, Citizen Cope, Aloe Blacc, Ziggy Marley, and more.

Halsey w/ PartyNextDoor & Charli XCX at The Forum | Nov. 3
Three of music’s hottest up-and-coming acts join forces for a one-night event. The chart-topping trio of artists are best known for their hits including, “Bad at Love,” “New Americana,” “Boys,” and “Come and See Me.” Halsey and PartyNextDoor’s latest records dropped in June and September retrospectively, while Charli XCX’s second album is expected very soon.

ComplexCon at Long Beach Convention Center | Nov. 4 – Nov. 5
ComplexCon is the largest event focused on gathering like-minded pop-culture enthusiasts for a convention that combines the best of streetwear fashion and musical performances by DJ Khaled, M.I.A., Gucci Mane. The two-day event also includes edgy art exhibitions, food vendors, panels, and more.

Spamilton at Kirk Douglas Theater | Nov. 5 – Dec. 31
Parody is the highest form of flattery. Now that the Broadway hit, “Hamilton,” is very much a part of the mainstream pop culture lexicon, it was only a matter of time before the parodies started rolling in. The hilarious send-off, created, written, and directed by Gerard Alessandrini, makes its way to the West Coast for a limited engagement.

Bruno Mars at The Forum | Nov. 7 + Nov. 8 + Nov. 10 + Nov. 11
In support of his third record-smashing studio album, 24K Magic, Mars’ world tour of the same name makes a stop in Los Angeles. Featuring special guest, Jorja Smith, the album features an eclectic mix of old-school ‘80s hip-hop infused with a touch of modern pop.

Katy Perry at Staples Center | Nov. 7 + Nov. 8 + Nov. 10
The Grammy Award winner takes her Witness world tour to Los Angeles for a three-night run. The “Swish Swish” singer hits the stage at the Staples Center with special guest Purity Ring, known for their electronic single “Asido.” The duo behind the band also co-wrote three of the songs off of Perry’s latest record.

Kyle Dixon & Michael Stein perform the music of “Stranger Things” at The Theatre at Ace Hotel | Nov. 8
Let’s be honest for a moment. Everyone has been feverishly spending every minute of their spare time binging the latest season of the Netflix mega-hit, “Stranger Things,” since it dropped on the streaming giant Oct. 29. Fans of the series won’t want to miss the live performance of the show’s soundtrack by its composers, Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein of S U R V I V E.

AFI Fest | Nov. 9 – Nov. 16
The American Film Institute Festival is the final major showcase prior to the awards show season. Many big stars and highly anticipated features will be showcased at the seven-day event. Screenings include, Mark Walberg’s “All The Money In The World,” Netflix’s Oscar contender “Mudbound,” and James Franco’s “The Disaster Artist.”

L.A. Comedy Festival | Nov. 9 – Nov. 19
Get ready to laugh with some of the up-and-coming stars of comedy. The 10-day festival is a place for comedy creators and enthusiasts to come together and enjoy great independent comedy films, acts, panels and other events to tickle your funny bone.

Morrissey w/ Billy Idol at Hollywood Bowl | Nov. 10 + Nov. 11
The iconic frontman of The Smiths, Morrissey, will hit the stage at the Hollywood Bowl to perform an array of classics hits, and new songs. The artist drops his 11th studio release “Low in High-School” this month. The recording legend will be joined on stage by English recording legend, Billy Idol.

Tropicalia Music & Taco Festival at Queen Mary Park | Nov. 11
Enjoy a lineup of musical performances by Jhene Aiko, Alina Baraz, Goldlink, Ivy Queen, King Krule, Jeanette, XXYYXX, and many other. Oh, and admission includes free all you can eat tacos from over a two-dozen vendors. But the deal only lasts until 4 p.m. Music and tacos? What could be better than that?

The Whisky Extravaganza at Millennium Biltmore Hotel | Nov. 16
Sip from a special curation of whiskey from some of the world’s greatest selections. The event kicks off with a masterclass on the art of Whisky, followed up by a tasting event. Your ticket includes access to the whisky tastings, masterclass, and a souvenir tasting glass. Ardbeg & Glenmorangie brand ambassador Travis Tidwell and spirits buyer Doug McIvor will be in attendance.

Fall Out Boy at The Forum | Nov. 17
In anticipation of their seventh studio album release, “Mania,” which is expected to drop in January, the band hits Los Angeles in the early legs of their North American “Mania” tour. The chart-toppers are joined on stage by special guests Blackbear and Jaden Smith.

L.A. Zoo Lights at Griffith Park | Nov. 17 – Jan. 7
Take a self-guided 60-90 minute tour of throughout various areas of the L.A. Zoo, featuring creative animal themes light shows, displays, 3D projections, lasers and thousands of glimmering bulbs. While you’re there, stop over to the “North Pole” to catch a musical laser show, visit Ole’ Saint Nick himself, and even spot a real reindeer.

LCD Soundsystem at Hollywood Palladium | Nov. 17 – Nov. 21
Hot off the release of their latest album, “American Dream,” which dropped in September, LCD Soundsystem brings their eclectic mix of alternative dance music and signature sounds to the Hollywood Palladium. The five-night residency follows the release of the band’s first album since 2010.

Circle V: A Music and Food Event That Celebrates Animal Rights at The Regent | Nov. 18
Moby’s Circle V is a unique single-night music and food event that celebrates animal rights. The festival features live music and DJs, vegan beers, food vendors, panels and artists, all in support of raising awareness for animal rights issues. Performers include Waka Flocka Flame, Dreamcar, Raury, and Reggie Watts and of course Moby.

Knott’s Merry Farm | Nov. 18 – Jan. 7
Every winter, Knott’s Berry Farm transforms into the merriest of places as it turns into a glorious Christmas celebration for all ages. The park is filled with special holiday-themed live performances, an ice show, lavish decorations, a nightly tree lighting ceremony, and, of course, a visit by the main man himself, Santa.

Vulture Festival LA at Hollywood Roosevelt | Nov. 18 – Nov. 19
Sort through a variant of panels, talks, and performances by some of the entertainment industry’s biggest and edgiest names. Highlight events include a conversation with Sophia Coppola and Adam Moss, an interview with James and Dave Franco of “The Disaster Artist,” a pop-culture trivia game show, and more. Tickets for individual events can also be purchased if you are looking to save your wallet.

American Music Awards 2017 at Microsoft Theater | Nov. 19
The most prominent names in music including, Bruno Mars, The Chainsmokers, Drake, Ed Sheeran, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, and many more, compete for the night’s top honors at the 2017 American Music Awards. So far, Selena Gomez, Christina Aguilera, and Diana Ross are scheduled to perform. Keep an eye out for more artists to be added to the roster. For those that can’t make the show, the American Music Awards 2017 airs live at 5 p.m. PST on ABC.

Kevin Hart at Pasadena Civic Auditorium | Nov. 19
Kevin Hart is irresponsible. Okay, not really. He stars in several hit movies a year. But that is the name of his stand-up tour which hits Pasadena Civic Auditorium for one-night of laughs. Hart can be seen next on the big screen in “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” alongside Dwayne Johnson when it hits theaters Dec. 20.

Painted in Mexico at LACMA | Nov. 19 – Mar. 18
The exhibition features the works from 18th century Mexican artists. In art history, the period of 1700-1790 was vibrantly marked with major stylistic developments and the invention of new incographies. Over 100 works will be on display, many of which have been restored specifically for the exhibition.

Tattoo at The Natural History Museum | Nov. 19 – April 15
The art behind marking skin with ink spans across cultures and continents for centuries in time. This exhibit features more than 125 images and objects, ranging from historical artifacts to contemporary designs. The cultural significance behind some of these markings is greatly symbolic and highly fascinating.

Something Rotten! at Ahmanson Theater | Nov. 21 – Dec. 31
Set in the 1590s, two brothers (Tony nominee Rob McClure and Josh Grisetti) are desperate to write a hit play, but are stuck behind the shadow of a Renaissance rock star played by Tony nominee Adam Pascal. A Thanksgiving week performance has been added due to an overwhelming popular demand.

Guns N’ Roses in L.A. | Nov. 24 + Nov. 25 + Nov. 29
The iconic and influential band take their “Not in This Lifetime Tour” to the City of Angel’s for a few different performances. You can catch the rockers at the Staples Center (Nov. 24) or The Forum (Nov. 25 & Nov. 29). Rock on.

Hollywood Christmas Parade | Nov. 26
After you have stuffed your belly with Thanksgiving turkey and shopped till you dropped on Black Friday, get into the yuletide spirit with Hollywood’s holiday celebration. Grand Marshal Mehmet C. Oz will helm the Hollywood Christmas Parade, which includes special live performances, celebrity guests, and travels all around the heart of Hollywood.

Chris Rock’s “Total Blackout” Tour at Dolby Theatre | Nov. 29 – Dec. 2
The legendary comedian makes a four-night stint at the Dolby Theatre for his “Total Blackout” tour. Recently, the comic made a guest-appearance on the Fox hit, “Empire,” and he stood behind the camera to direct “Amy Schumer: Live at the Apollo” for HBO.

Drunken Devil Presents: To Live and Di(n)e in LA | Nov. 30
Enjoy an intimate dinner where guests will sit down for a delicious meal crafted by Leslie Pollock of Sublime Cuisine. Only they’re not alone. Guests will be joined by some of the most infamous figures in Los Angeles’ true crime history. Sounds like a deliciously spooky good time.