NEWS

Tonight, two of the smoothest collaborators in hip-hop hit The Sunset Strip for a pre V-Day show at the Key Club. Join Wale & Miguel, along with BJ The Chicago Kid and Bridget Kelly, for a panties droppin’ night of velvety jams. Doors open 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $45-$55. www.keyclub.com

With perhaps the most “interesting” sort of anti-Valentine’s day event on The Strip…head to the Viper Room this Tuesday, Feb. 14 for "Eric’s Got Talent." This bizarrely intriguing variety show hosted by Sam Tripoli is set to feature a karaoke/pole dancing competition along with an appearance by Howard Stern’s own wack-pack sidekick “Eric The Midget.” Don’t miss this cluster-F of naughty entertainment. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10. www.viperroom.com (For a full listing of Valentine’s Day events on The Strip, check out the Valentine’s Day guide.)

Is your wallet feeling a little lighter post-Valentine’s Day? Then stop by The Standard for a night of music that’s heavy on talent but light on price. Wednesday, Feb. 15 enjoy Desert Nights, a free weekly music showcase features acoustic performances in the hotel’s intimate Cactus Lounge. Hosted by KCRW DJ Valida, this week’s lineup includes sets from roots and indie rock artists Chris Laterzo, Shane Alexander and David Serby. The music begins at 7:30 p.m. www.facebook.com/TheStandardHollywood

Thursday, Feb. 16 burn one down at the House of Blues Sunset Strip with fun time, alt-hop/blues rockers G. Love & Special Sauce. Catch the Philly-based four piece as they return to The Sunset Strip along with one-man band Scott H. Biram. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 for general admission. This show is ages 18 and older. www.hob.com

Pick Of The Week:  Much like rigging an election, this week’s Pick on Friday, Feb. 17 is your very own Brent X Mendoza’s benefit show for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. This birthday/benefit show at the Viper Room is set to feature I Will Never Be The Same (CD release), the debut of Omniflux, 8mm, Into The Presence, Gina & The Eastern Block, DJ Shaun Lopez (Crosses), as well as an absinthe tasting by The Los Angeles Absinthe Club.  Support a great cause while listening to the best of the best in local bands, handpicked by “the picker of picks.” Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 advance/$12 day of show. Net proceeds from ticket sales to be donated to CHLA. www.viperroom.com

Laugh it up on Saturday, Feb. 18 with comedians Jeff Garlin, Chris D'Elia, Owen Smith, Melissa Villasenor and 12 others as part of The Comedy Store's 16 Headling Comics. Show begins at 10:30 p.m. and tickets are $20. Ages 21 and older only. www.thecomedystore.com

Sunday, Feb. 19 return to the House of Blues for satirical glam rockers The Darkness with special guest Foxy Shazam. That’s right kids, the band that crafted that masterful earwig “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” return to The Sunset Strip with their over-the-top rock-stravaganza. Doors open at 7 p.m. and tickets are $25 advance / $27.50 day of show. This is an all ages show. www.hob.com

Stay up to date on all events and news by following @TheSunsetStrip and Facebook.com/TheSunsetStrip.

--Brent X Mendoza, @brentXmendoza