Sunset Strip Picks of the Week: The Darkness, Children's Hospital L.A. Benefit Show and G. Love and Special Sauce

Monday, Feb. 13, two of the smoothest collaborators in hip-hop hit the Sunset Strip for a pre V-Day show at the . 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

For perhaps the most “interesting” sort of anti-Valentine’s day event on the Strip, head to the 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 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 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 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

Go “under the covers” on Saturday, Feb. 18 as the presents their monthly music series at hotel. The event features local L.A. artists as they showcase their original songs as well as covers of classic rock favorites. This month’s Under The Covers features songstress and rocker Queen Caveat. Performance begins at 8 p.m. on the mezzanine level. www.westhollywood.andaz.com.

Sunday, Feb. 19, return to the 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

--Brent X Mendoza, @brentXmendoza

Courtesy of http://thesunsetstrip.com