What better month than February--Valentines month--to celebrate all things French and romantic.

So Cinespia (the movie org that hosts screenings at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in the warm months) is launching the 'Vive L'Amour' screening series with the assistance of the French Ministry.

It features films like Leos Carax's Boy Meets Girl and of course the movie that made Brigitte Bardot a global sex symbol: And God Created Woman.

The series launched this Thursday, February 3rd at Cinefamily at the Silent Movie Theater (611 N. Fairfax) with Catherine Deneuve's classic The Umbrellas of Cherbourg. Cinespia's resident DJs will also be on-hand to spin you into la nuit.

Doors open at 7:30. Tickets are $10.

Photo: Michel Bernanau/Wikipedia Creative Commons

If you're itching for an exotic vacation and keen to get rhythmically inspired in that direction, DJ Nu-Mark may have the answer for you.

His music CD/mix Take Me With You pulls beats from music he's collected throughout his global travels and conjures up a blend of Afro-Beat, Balkan Beats, Calvoso, Samba and Cumbia. KCRW's DJ Garth Trinidad calls the work "sugar for the ears."

This Friday, production house Mochilla will throw a CD release party for the former Jurassic 5 member at E3rd Lounge at 734 E. Third Street, in Downtown LA vicinity in the Traction area.

The night will also feature artists like Coleman of Mochilla, Sloepoke of Rootdown, Melaaza of Bodega and KCRW and Afro Funke DJ Jeremy Sole.

The 21 and over show costs $10 all night (free before 10 p.m.) The first 50 people will receive a free CD. Doors open at 9 p.m. and the party goes on until 2 a.m. More info at Mochilla's website.

Flyer Image Courtesy of Mochilla

Long before the House of Blues was dubbed a 'legendary' Sunset Strip venue...ages prior to The Viper Room becoming decidedly uncool, there was Rodney Bingenheimer, also known to die-hard LA music-heads as 'Rodney on the Roq' (for his long-standing KROQ DJ'ing gig).

A documentary on the life of this Hollywood music scene fixture, taste arbiter and star-lover The Mayor of Sunset Stripcame out a few years back. Unfortunately, I only just got around to seeing it, as it's been playing on cable.

I highly recommend this to anyone who thinks they know the music scene in LA. I guarantee you don't. And Rodney--who had a hand in elevating bands like Coldplay and Oasis to pop star heights--does. Those celebrating the life of Rodney in the film include long-time pal Cher, David Bowie and members of The Doors.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Rodney for a Los Angeles Times story, in one of his favorite hang-outs, West Hollywood IHOP (the other is Gower Gulch Denny's since 'Rocker Denny's' closed).

He was soft-spoken and seems to inspire care wherever he goes (the IHOP staff even cut up bananas into pieces for him as part of his 'special' meal).

Rodney's quite a character and has certainly led a fascinating life complete with club launches (Rodney's English Disco in the 70s), DJ gigs (KROQ) and backstaging with the likes of just about every huge band in town.

If you're new to LA and to the music scene, this is a must-rent.

Photo: Matthew Simmons/Stringer/Getty Images

Some people are born with epicurean palates; others need a little nurturing to develop their taste for food and wine. That's what LA Wine Tasting's food/wine pairing and tasting events are for.

Although this week's 'Wine: From A to Z' is filled to capacity, it's never too early to sign up for their next class/event.

There are still a few spots left for next the Friday, February 4th 'Aroma Tasting.' It takes place between 7 and 9 p.m. at SB Lofts at 548 S. Spring Street - Loft #610 in Downtown Los Angeles.

For $66, you'll get six wines and an appetizer buffet. More important (and long-lasting), the evening will teach you how to recognize aroma families like 'fruity,' 'flower' and 'spicy'.

You'll receive guidance on improving  your sense of smell, and learn how to taste a wine's aromas, flavors and textures.

Just think, now you can say things like "nice nose," and "nice bouquet" and actually know what you're talking about.

Related: Top Wine Bars in Los Angeles

Photo Via Wikipedia Creative Commons (André Karwath)