Top 5 Things to Do This Weekend in L.A.

The weather is doing that weird thing we hate wherein there is a forty degree swing in temperature between noon and midnight. Advice: dress in layers if you're going to go out after work on Friday, or you'll be one of those poor fools standing in line outside the club in flip flops and a tank top, freezing your ass off. Is it worth venturing out in the crisp night air if I cannot wear flip flops, you might be wondering? It is, indeed.

FRIDAY MARCH 10: MIKE WATT AND THE MISSINGMEN AT THE ECHO

Mike Watt is someone you may know through his involvement with the Minutemen, a definitive California punk band; as of 2003, he is also the bassist for the reunited Iggy Pop & The Stooges and a member of the art rock/jazz/punk/improv group Banyan. His most recent endeavor consists of part three of a rock opera--this one delivered through a 30-song cycle called "Hyphenated-Man," which deals with themes such as getting older and middle age. Read an excellent interview with him here.

Where: the Echo
When: 8:30 pm
Info: $10 adv/$12 door/18+

SATURDAY MARCH 12: FUNKY SOLE AT THE ECHO

Funky sole is a weekly night hosted by the very busy and very talented DJ Clifton, whom we interviewed a while back for our "DJ of the Week" series. Come shake a tail feather to rare funk and soul records from the '60s and '70s as well as some newer funk records produced in that style. Gloria Jones' amazing "Tainted Love" is included as a video herewith for your previewing pleasure.

Where: the Echo
When: 10 pm
Info: Free, 21+

SATURDAY MARCH 12: DEVOTCHKA AT THE MUSIC BOX

Denver-based group DeVotchKa, whom you might know from the Little Miss Sunshine soundtrack, is bringing their gypsy/world music-meets-quirky indie rock aesthetic to the Music Box this weekend. Kind of like Gogol Bordello meets Arcade Fire. Featuring layers of vocals, violins, and mariachi-style horns, the band has been praised as the sound of a seasoned traveler--just one who's finally found a comfortable resting place. Check them out before they go back to where they came from.

SUNDAY MARCH 13: THE CAVE SINGER WITH LIA ICES AT THE AUTRY MUSEUM

The Cave Singers are a folky threesome from Seattle, making music that is cozy and downhome, but has an energy behind it that's also driving and dark. Think Fleetfoxes with maybe a little Cold War Kids mixed in. Their most recent release is their strongest yet; check them out while they're in town.

Where: Gene Autry Museum
When: 7 pm
Info: $13/all ages

SUNDAY MARCH 13: OLIN AND THE MOON AT THE SATELLITE

Olin and the Moon play delicate songs that blend indie rock and alt country to make toe-tappers like "Come and Go" seem simultaneously wistful and floor-filling. Named a rising star by the Daily Beast and praised by LAist, they won't disappoint fans of bands like Leslie and the Badgers. They go on first so get there early ...

Where: the Satellite
When: 8:30 pm
Info: 21+/$10