This Weekend: Gorey Ball, Indian Tea Party, Cut Chemist

— by Caroline on Crack

I can’t get this song, or the dance moves, out of my head!

Since I’m not a football fan, the importance of this weekend is lost on me. (Although I do still like going to those Super Bowl parties!) If you feel the same way, no parties to plan or superstitious rituals to perform, here are some other things you can do.

Friday, January 30

The Crocker Club Opens Downtown
Man! Another Downtown L.A. opening. This one sounds like a really cool bar, very speakeasy-like as it’s in the basement of the former Crocker Citizens National Bank building. But judging by the pics on UrbanDaddy it also looks tres fancy, like a hotel lobby..with a big bank vault. Hmm. And apparently they serve up classic cocktails.

  • The Crocker Club, 453 S. Spring Street, Downtown (map). (213) 239-9099.

Conga Room Grand Opening Party at L.A. Live
And then there’s this one. Conga Room is opening up its new digs in L.A. Live. And it’s huge, with 15,000 square feet of drumtastic space, with live music and DJs. Sounds like a scene but if you want to check it out before anyone else RSVP with Celebrity Nightlife Events. If you get there before 10:30pm, entrance is free. Just make sure you say you’re on the CNE list.

  • Doors open at 9pm. Free before 10:30pm. RSVP here via Celebrity Nightlife Events. Conga Room, 800 W. Olympic Boulevard, Downtown (map).

Saturday, January 31

Indian Tea Party at Surfas
Sick of the same ol’ tea parties? Scones. Blah. At Surfas’ test kitchen in Culver City you can enjoy an Indian Tea Party with a cup of masala chai. You’ll also learn how to make tea treats like spiced potato puffs with cilantro chutney, sweet pumpkin “puri” cookies, and vermicelli kheer (pudding) with saffron and almonds.

  • 1pm. Free. Surfas, 8777 Washington Boulevard, Culver City (map). (310) 559-4770.

Edwardian Ball Los Angeles 2009
Break out your turn of the century ball gown, the Edwardian Ball is in town; at the historic Tower Theater to be exact. This spectacular Edward Gorey-esque evening of circus arts, ballroom dancing, art and even DJs sounds like a hoot. Costume attire is requested so don’t show up in your usual duds. If you go VIP ($75) you get reserved balcony seating and a hosted absinthe bar.

  • 8pm-1am. $25-$75. Tower Theater, 802 S. Broadway Street, Downtown (map).

Sunday, February 1

Mochilla, Dublab, and ArtDontSleep present Timeless feat. Cut Chemist
This night kicks off a new music series, called Timeless, which pays homage to forward-thinking composer/arrangers. This night, Mulatu Astatke, the father of Ethio-jazz, will blend his tunes with a 15-piece orchestra. Cut Chemist, Quantic and DJ Egon spin a global-fusion ode to the Ethiopian musician/arranger.

  • 7-10pm. Tickets: $22.50. Cal State LA Luckman Theater, 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles (map). (323) 343-6604.