Hollywood Palladium

Greeted by 4,000 fans holding up their hands in the shape of a diamond, Jay-Z took the stage Wednesday night at the newly remodeled Hollywood Palladium, the landmark facility that had been shuttered for the last year to undergo extensive restorations courtesy of promoter Live Nation. Despite the salute of affluence, Jay-Z wasn't out there as his nattily suited Chairman of the Board persona but Hova, a flash-tongued performer in his Rocawear ready to play -- and pitch for his candidate, Barack Obama.

MUSIC The Dublin-based Mexican acoustic guitar duo Rodrigo Y Gabriela will appear at the Hollywood Palladium in support of their new album, "Area 52. " They're known for speed-metal inspired shredding but have broadened their palette in recent years. C.U.B.A. opens. Hollywood Palladium, 6215 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood. 8 p.m. Sat. $53. http://www.livenation.com.

MUSIC The young electronica producer Skrillex is as divisive as they get, with fans flinging themselves at the feet of his skittish, bass-heavy tracks, while detractors deem him "bro-step" and mock his sideswept goth haircut. But over a rash of purposefully smallish club shows in L.A. he'll underline the one thing everyone can agree on — he is really, really popular and entirely embodies this moment in dance music. Hollywood Palladium, 6215 Sunset Blvd., L.A. 9 p.m. Sat. $53.50.

MUSIC Axl Rose and his band Guns N' Roses perform a rare club gig as part of their three-show L.A. Takeover. Although Rose is the only original member playing in the lineup, the band features longtime players Richard Fortus, Tommy Stinson, Bumblefoot and others. Expect to be taken down to the Paradise City more than once during this walk down acid-washed memory lane. Hollywood Palladium, 6215 Sunset Blvd., L.A. 9 p.m. Fri. Ticket prices vary. (323) 962-7600; http://www.livenation.com.

The electronica festival Identity is a mini-version of the mega-raves that have swept the Southland, but it's arguably smarter and more ambitious. Pretty Lights, Etienne de Crecy, Booka Shade and Pete Tong are among the headliners pulling from disco, electro and deep house. Hollywood Palladium, 6215 Sunset Blvd., L.A. 1:30 p.m. Sun. $50. http://www.livenation.com.

POP MUSIC Ric Ocasek's defining New Wave band the Cars helped set the tone of the '80s with their synth-slicked guitar pop. They haven't done much recording or touring since 1987, but an unexpected new album finds them in overdrive, deploying the same tricks that made them essential listening. Hollywood Palladium, 6215 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood. 7 p.m. Thurs. $48.50. http://www.livenation.com.

Originally scheduled for September, an Iggy Pop outing at the Palladium was nixed when the singer injured his foot on a microphone stand during a performance in Romania. The Stooges frontman, who recovered at his home in the Cayman Islands, is now back in action and ready to slither onstage with both of his feet to regale the crowd with classics like "Search and Destroy" and "Raw Power. " Hollywood Palladium, 6215 Sunset Blvd. 7 p.m. Thu. $39.50. livenation.com.

Wielding kitsch and camp like two disco-glam boxing gloves, the NYC-based Scissor Sisters are set to take Hollywood by storm on the heels of their long-awaited third album, "Night Work. " Electroclash pioneers Fischerspooner and DJ Sammy Jo will open. Hollywood Palladium, 6215 Sunset Blvd., L.A. Sat. 8 p.m. $48.20. (323) 962-7600. http://www.livenation.com.

ART Lasting Legacies: A Tribute to the Chicano Art Movement In conjunction with Pacific Standard Time, the exhibition "Lasting Legacies" illuminates the work of artists who captured the cultural and political landscape of 1960s and '70s Los Angeles. Featuring art by Wayne Alaniz Healy, Judy Baca, Willie Herron, Linda Vallejo and others. La Plaza de Cultura y Artes, 501 N. Main St., L.A. Noon-7 p.m. Sat.-Mon. Free. (213) 542-6200. http://www.lapca.org STAGE Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour Cirque du Soleil's tribute to the King of Pop fuses visuals, dance and music to immerse audiences in the late pop legend's creative inspirations.

A list of upcoming concerts across the Southland, with on-sale dates in parentheses. Empire Polo Grounds Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival with the Black Keys, Radiohead and Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, April 13-15 and 20-22 (Fri.) Gibson Amphitheatre Foster the People, July 1 (Thurs.) Hollywood Palladium Snow Patrol, May 8 (Fri.) The Music Box The Joy Formidable, March 14 (Thurs.); Lucero, March 21; Delta Spirit, May 11 (Fri.) Nokia Theatre Martina McBride, Feb. 14; Lenny Kravitz, Feb. 16; KTWV The Wave's 25th Anniversary show with Toni Braxton, Feb. 19 (Fri.)

EVENTS Gem Faire At this gathering of jewelry designers, importers and manufacturers, shoppers can peruse gems, beads, crystals and minerals or learn to make their own charms at the DIY jewelry classes and demonstrations. OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. 12-6 p.m. Fri.; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. $7 for a weekend pass. (503) 252-8300. gemfaire.com Progressive International Motorcycle Shows Hundreds of new bikes from leading manufacturers including Aprilia, Beta, BMW, Brammo, BRP, Darwin, Ducati and more.

Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and California native Sara Bareilles returns home to promote her sophomore album, "Kaleidoscope Heart. " Expect her signature piano-and-vocal pop songs and perhaps the new holiday single "Love Is Christmas. " Joshua Radin opens. Hollywood Palladium, 6215 W. Sunset Blvd., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Fri. $32. (323) 962-7600. livenation.com

Originally scheduled for September, an Iggy Pop outing at the Palladium was nixed when the singer injured his foot on a microphone stand during a performance in Romania. The Stooges frontman, who recovered at his home in the Cayman Islands, is now back in action and ready to slither onstage with both of his feet to regale the crowd with classics like "Search and Destroy" and "Raw Power. " Hollywood Palladium, 6215 Sunset Blvd. 7 p.m. Thu. $39.50. livenation.com.

A jury has ordered an investment management firm to pay more than $50 million in damages to its partner in four Hollywood real estate projects, including a renovation of the landmark Hollywood Palladium concert hall. Newport Capital Advisors had accused money manager Commonfund of reneging on an agreement to partner in the construction and renovation of office, hotel, condominium and retail properties. A jury in Los Angeles County Superior Court ordered four Commonfund subsidiaries to pay $16.3 million in compensatory damages and $34 million in punitive damages to the Orange County firm.