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

Amanda Nolan

A New Year means a chance for new experiences. You can start off with one of LA’s oldest and dearest traditions with the Tournament of Roses Parade. If you missed “Rent” in 1996, now is your opportunity to see the 20th Anniversary Tour at the Pantages. Or Wine and dine at the “Uncorked” event at Union Station or Dine L.A.

Tournament of Roses + Rose Bowl | Jan. 2
Ring in the New Year with Pasadena’s premier parade event, with the floral extravaganza starting at 8 a.m. The parade and game skips Sunday and will be on the Monday after New Year’s Day. Los Angeles can see their own USC Trojans face off with the Penn State Nittany Lions at the 103rd Rose Bowl game.

British Academy of Film and Television Arts Tea Party | Jan. 7
Amidst the busy award season, nominees, members and guests can gather for a classy spot of tea. The exclusive member event takes place at the Four Seasons Hotel to honor the nominees before the award show takes place. BAFTA promotes and supports film and television acting and arts.

Fame: The Musical at the Fred Kavli Theatre | Jan. 5 – Jan. 8
Grab your leotards for a night of music and spectacular choreography for “Fame: The Musical.” The show is a revival of the 1980 movie about young performers and musicians who dream of hitting it big. But first they have to prove that they have what it takes to attend New York’s High School of Performing Arts. Songs include “Hard Work,” “I Wanna Make Magic” and the title tune.

Golden Globe Awards | Jan. 10
See who wins at the Golden Globe Awards, which include categories in movies, television, drama, and comedy. With a reputation for unpredictable behavior, the award show will take place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel and air live on NBC. Jimmy Fallon will host, and Sylvester Stallone’s three daughters, Scarlet, Sistine and Sophia, will serve as the Miss Golden Globes.

Los Angeles Art Show | Jan. 11 – Jan. 15
The Los Angeles Art Show takes place at the LA Convention Center. The event brings together artists, collectors, curators, and galleries, with almost 70,000 attending. The opening night party on Jan. 11 will have specialty beverages and a food selection from local restaurants.

Dine L.A. Exclusive Series | Jan. 13 – Jan. 27
Twice a year, Dine L.A. gives the opportunity to sample cuisine from local restaurants at discounted prices. It’s a chance to try out a new place or visit an old favorite during the two weeks the series lasts. More than 300 eateries participate, and many are offering special lunch and dinner menus.

93.5 Presents The Rap Show ft. Nelly, DMX, Too $hort, Cam’ron and Jayo Felony at Shrine Auditorium | Jan. 14
Hip-hop and R&B radio station 93.5 is hosting a full night of rap, an event that follows their successful Hip-Hop Harvest show. Headlining is three-time Grammy Award winner, actor and entrepreneur Nelly.

36th Annual Asian American Expo | Jan. 14 – Jan. 15
The Annual Asian American Expo has brought local Asian businesses and consumers together to mark the Lunar New Year Festival, and also to celebrate Asian culture. It now boasts more than 1,000 vendors at the Pomona Fairplex. The expo will also feature food, music, shopping and art performances.

LA Works MLK Day of Service 2017 | Jan. 16
Volunteers will help revamp Dorsey High School by repairing weathered murals, painting school buildings, bagging treats, and expanding the garden. Volunteers may also help with the set up and break down of the event.

People’s Choice Awards | Jan. 18
The annual People’s Choice Awards honors fan favorites via online vote. Categories cover the best of movies, television, music, and digital. “Deadpool,” Kevin Hart, Margot Robbie, “The Big Bang Theory,” and Rihanna are among the nominees. Comedian and actor Joel McHale will host the event at the Microsoft Theater, which will also stream online and broadcast on CBS.

Riot LA Comedy Fest | Jan. 19 – Jan. 22
The Riot LA Comedy Fest presents four days of hilarity at various Los Angeles venues. Jan. 20 show features a live conversation with legendary filmmaker Mel Brooks, and includes a screening of his film “Blazing Saddles” at the Microsoft Theater. The fest also includes “Literary Death Match” featuring Whitney Cummings, Mary Lynn Rajskub, and Sam Richardson.

Uncorked: LA Wine Festival at Union Station | Jan. 21
Wine lovers have an opportunity to sample delectable beverages at this swanky evening event. There will be plenty of options with more than 150 wines, a champagne bar and international wine section. Entertainment includes live music, food trucks and photo booth. Cocktail attire requested.

Rent: The 20th Anniversary Tour at the Pantages Theatre | Jan. 24 – Jan. 29
Based on the opera “La Boheme,” the story follows a group of artists and musicians with various struggles. Hope flickers amid the modern turbulence of HIV, drugs, and complicated relationships in New York’s Lower East Side. Revisit the Pulitzer Prize winning show with songs “Light My Candle,” “Take Me or Leave Me” and “Seasons of Love.”

Art Los Angeles Contemporary | Jan. 26 – Jan. 29
The art event features more than 60 local and international galleries, lectures, panels, and screenings. Taking place in Santa Monica at the Barker Hanger, the fair brings together curators, artists and art lovers.

Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs Tour at LA’s Walt Disney Concert Hall | Jan. 29
Multi-talented actor Alan Cumming is singing sappy songs across the country and lands in Los Angeles on Jan. 29. Cummings has enjoyed an enduring career on stage, film and television. Cummings will delve into the pop landscape, covering Katy Perry, Billy Joel, Annie Lennox, Adele and more.

Screen Actors Guild Awards | Jan. 29
SAG members can enter a lottery to buy tickets, but if they don’t win you can still watch the 23rd Annual SAG Awards live on TNT and TBS. Some of the actors and actress nominated this time around are Denzel Washington, Amy Adams, Bryan Cranston, and Sarah Paulson. Lily Tomlin will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Motown the Musical at the Pantages Theatre | Jan. 31 – Feb. 12
“Motown the Musical” portrays the artists behind the groove of Motown music. Tap your toes to classics such as “You’ve Really” Got a Hold on Me,” “My Girl,” “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” “Dancing in the Street,” and many more.

Run the Jewels w/ The Gaslamp Killer at Shrine Expo Hall | Feb. 1
El-P and Killer Mike take the successful Run the Jewels collaboration live at the Shrine. The rap duo is promoting the latest album, “Run the Jewels 3.” Supporting acts Gaslamp Killer, Sparkmaster Tape and Cuz round out the night of alternative hip-hop.