“The Coolest Block in America” presents Abbot Kinney First Fridays, a monthly showcase of the best artists, gifts, products and music from the Venice Beach area. Local charities benefit as art junkies, couples and families descend on the creative beach community. Food trucks and beverages are available as well. Free admission, 6-10 p.m.

Widely known as one of the most respected musicians working today, Denny Seiwell has travelled from the intimacy of New York’s top jazz clubs to rock’s biggest stadiums and countless sessions in the studio. On Friday, Jan. 3, the Denny Seiwell Trio is playing two sets at Vitello's in Studio City, at 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Online tickets start at $20 for General Admission, with options for VIP seats and tables.

The iconic character actor and acclaimed musician, Harry Dean Stanton, is the subject of filmmaker Sophie Huber’s Harry Dean Stanton: Partly Fiction, screening at Cinefamily at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 4. Filmed in exquisite black and white, Huber traces Stanton’s career with the help of his close friends David Lynch, Wim Wenders, Sam Shepard, Debbie Harry and Kris Kristofferson. Schedule permitting, filmmaker Sophie Huber will participate in a Q&A after the screening.

Beginning at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 5, the docent-led Metro Art Tour focuses on getting around town using Metro, introducing riders to a variety of artworks in Red Line stations, and shining a spotlight on various destinations served by Metro. Meet at the information booth inside the entrance to historic Union Station, where the tour begins and ends. 

Welcome the new year at Kotohajime 2014, taking place at 1 p.m. at the Aratani Japan America Theatre (JACCC) in Little Tokyo. The celebration includes a mesmerizing performance titled Hatsu-Kagami (First Mirror) featuring the traditional Japanese dance by Mme. Hisami Wakayagi, the Japanese court music and dance by Kinnara Gagaku/Bugaku, harmonica by Tetsuya Nakamura, and Zen archery by IKKYU. The ritual shooting of the arrow, purification ceremony, kagami biraki (breaking of the sake barrel) and other Japanese cultural traditions are performed in celebration of the New Year. General Admission is $20, $18 for JACCC members.