LONG BEACH - The Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach has released its calendar of winter events.For tickets, go to carpenterarts.org. Perla Batalla, Dec. 14-15: Grammy-nominated and Los Angeles-born Perla Batalla gained international attention as a backup singer for Leonard Cohen, and 17 years later the critics and fans haven't stopped cheering. Prices vary Capitol Steps, Jan. 14: For 30 years, the Capitol Steps have put the mock in democracy, skewering both sides of the aisle with fresh, up-to-the-minute musical parodies that leave everyone laughing. The troupe returns to the Carpenter Center for a third time armed with new material. $40 Lou Reed and Bob Ezrin, Jan. 27: Hailed as the founding father of alternative rock music, Velvet Underground legend Lou Reed is revered by fans worldwide for reshaping underground music with his own style while pushing boundaries as an opera composer, playwright, poet and photographer. Reed sits down with Bob Ezrin, the noted music producer who has helped refine the sound of artists from Alice Cooper to KISS to Pink Floyd. The two legends share a combined 90 years of experience, giving voice to their thoughts, processes and motivations. $45 MarchFourt, Jan. 28: Stilt-walkers, unicyclists, fire eaters, puppets, flag twirlers, clown antics, acrobatics and more accompany this eclectic band with an electrifying 12-piece horn section, 10-piece drum corps and anchored by the thumping beat of electric bass. $32 Swinging with the Big Band, Jan. 29: Experience the sounds of the Gene Krupa Tribute Band as they perform the most popular swing hits of the big band era, including Krupa's signature song, "Sing, Sing Sing." The show also stars vocal groups String of Pearls, DeMarche Sisters and the Lawrence Welk Show's Mary Lou Metzger. $35 Doug Varone and Dancers, Feb. 4: One of the most kinetically thrilling dance companies, Doug Varone and Dancers will create an evening of mixed repertory that includes "Lux" and excerpts from acclaimed new work, "Chapters from a Broken Novel, Boats Leaving." $45 Rachel York, Feb. 29 and March 1: Known for her critically acclaimed Broadway performances in "City of Angels," "Les Miserables" and "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels," Rachel York is a Broadway star whose divine voice and charm engages fans every time she performs. Prices vary

********** Published: December 8, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 34