TODAY’S BEST BETS

Jazz

Four days, eight stages, one hotel: This festival is designed to run sweet and hot with Dixieland, singers, big bands and more.

* Sweet and Hot Music Festival, LAX Marriott Hotel, 5855 W. Century Blvd. (310) 514-4800. 3 p.m. Also 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

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Theater

A space opera? Yes, that’s what Venice Visionary Performing Arts has in store, complete with bunraku and creature puppets, music, dance, film and digital effects.

* “The Everlasting Bonfire,” UCLA, Little Theatre, Westwood. (323) 655-8587. 8 p.m. Regular schedule: Friday-Sunday, 8 p.m. Ends Sept. 26.

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Jazz

Three concerts feature mainstream jazz played by some of the top local talent and a few imports, most notably Harry Allen, Scott Hamilton and Ken Peplowski.

* West Coast Jazz Party, Irvine Marriott, 18000 Von Karman Ave. (949) 724-3602. 7 p.m. Also 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

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Pop Music

Kid Ramos, the James Harman Band alumnus and current Fabulous Thunderbird, showcases material from his self-titled solo album.

* Cozy’s Bar & Grill, 14058 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. (818) 986-6000. 9:30 p.m. Also Saturday at the Blue Cafe, 210 Promenade, Long Beach. (562) 983-7111. 10 p.m.