The Bucket List | January 2015

The New Year has arrived in Los Angeles and award season is officially underway. From the People’s Choice to the Golden Globes – all of Hollywood’s finest will be in tinsel town, and the best part is that you can see it all in person. Jennifer Lawrence and Michael Keaton are much better in the flesh, right? Along with all the awards, there are plenty of other things to do around the LA area in January from seeing chart topper Sam Smith live to laughing to funnymen like Tim Allen and Nick Kroll.

Rose Parade | Jan. 1

The 126th annual Tournament of Roses Parade will get underway as it always does on New Year’s Day in Pasadena. Almost 40 floats will fill the streets designed to fit this year’s theme, Inspiring Stories.” The late Louis Zamperini will be honored as the parade’s Grand Marshal. You may recognize his name, as he’s the subject of Angelina Jolie’s latest film, “Unbroken.” While it’s always a fun tradition to catch, also one takes planning. Make sure to get there the night before to get a good spot, as they go fast.

People’s Choice Awards | Jan. 7

It’s the awards show where you pick the winners! It’s also the one where every aspect of entertainment is highlighted. It’s not just for movies or television but for music as well. On deck to host is CBS’ “Mom” stars Allison Janney and Anna Faris. The TV mother/daughter duo will have a lot to live up to thanks to last year’s hosts; “2 Broke Girls'”  stars, Beth Behrs and Kat Dennings. They gave the audience burgers, so you’ll have to head out to see what the “Mom” stars dish out to compete. The list of nominees is quite impressive from Channing Tatum to Emma Stone to Chris Evans – so you’ll never know who’s going to show up to collect their win.

Nick Kroll at Largo | Jan. 9

He’s one of the most sought after comics out there today thanks to his hit Comedy Central show and FX series “The League,” so you’re going to want to make sure you get to see Nick Kroll any chance you get. He’ll be at Largo in the New Year so don’t miss out.

72nd Golden Globe Awards | Jan. 11

It’s the most fun night in Hollywood because it’s the only awards show where the celebrities get to cut loose. They’re not confined to stuffy auditorium seats, but rather at tables with champagne flowing. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler take on the hosting duties for their third and final time at the Beverly Hills Hilton.

Los Angeles Art Show | Jan. 15 – Jan. 19

Artistic folks and those who just appreciate the finer things in life will want to check out this event. It’s five days of culture that includes a premiere party on opening night, lectures from art like interior design artist Paul Vincent Wiseman, and other interesting things like Chinese Ink painting. Check out what happens when 120 galleries from across the US and from 22 different countries join forces for this annual event.

Jenny Slate and Friends at Largo | Jan. 16

You may know her as the woman who sang Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide” on “Conan” in the voice of an introverted shell. If that’s the case – you’re going to want to make sure you check out Jenny Slate and her comical friends this month. She’s been on countless “one’s to watch” lists and is only gaining steam as 2015 begins. So make sure to see her before she blows up even more.

Riot LA Comedy Fest | Jan. 16 – Jan. 18

This is necessary for anyone who fancies himself or herself a fan of comedy. Three packed nights featuring some of the best funny men and ladies in the scene right now. You’ll have a chance to see heavy hitters like Norm Macdonald and Jeff Ross, newcomers making waves such as Kumail Nanjiani and Cameron Esposito and even familiar faces from TV like “Fargo’s” Colin Hanks and “Orange is the New Black’s” Lauren Lapkus.

Don Rickles at Saban Theatre | Jan. 17

It’s not every day you get to see one of the greats like Don Rickles. So don’t miss that opportunity when in town. He’ll be performing his shtick at the beautiful Saban Theatre down on Wilshire Blvd.

dineLA’s Restaurant Week | Jan. 19 – Feb. 1

Two straight weeks of the best food LA has to offer. Sign us up! When else are you going to have a premier invitation to see what the City of Angels has to offer in the culinary arts category? Only the best of the best will be featured, so dig in.

“The Godfather Live” San Francisco Symphony at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live | Jan. 24

Watch the film that placed Marlon Brando and Al Pacino in moviegoers’ hearts forever accompanied by the sounds of the San Francisco Symphony. Watch Justin Freer conduct the Nino Rota score and hear that soundtrack as you’ve never heard before.

SAG Awards | Jan. 25

Head out to see if “Birdman” and “Modern Family” clean up at the SAG Awards. You’ll see the casts of that movie and television show as well as stars from “Boyhood” like Ethan Hawke, “The Big Bang Theory” and “How to Get Away With Murder.” Plus, you’ll never know who else will show up to present.

Tony Lucca at Hotel Cafe | Jan. 27

He made it to The Voice and before that shared his childhood with the likes of Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake on “The Mickey Mouse Club.” Now Tony Lucca is doing his thing to maintain his footing in the music scene as one of the leading up and comers in the singer-songwriter scene. Make sure to head out to see him live at Hotel Cafe for what can only be described as an intimate affair at one of the most close-knit venues in the city.

Tim Allen at Laugh Factory | Jan. 29

Stand up is where he started but then when he made the transition to television in “Home Improvement” he became a household name. However, Tim Allen never really abandoned his roots and continued to tell his jokes on a stage. Even today, he has a hit series on ABC with “Last Man Standing” and still does his thing at venues like the Laugh Factory. So make sure not to miss this comic great.

Sam Smith at The Forum | Jan. 29 + 30

Less than a year has passed since Sam Smith dropped his debut LP and already he’s playing one of the biggest venues in LA. That’s impressive. What’s even more impressive is his live show. Of course you’ll hear the inescapable “Stay With Me,” but you’ll also be tickled with other tracks from “In the Lonely Hour” as well as he plays The Forum not one night, but two in a row. So see, you have twice as many chances to check him out when he stops by.