Ever the phoenix in a chameleon's skin, impresario Cherry Vanilla discusses Lick Me: How I Became Cherry Vanilla (Chicago Review Press, $24.95), her madcap life of multiple acts — some of which may still be in their infancy. Born Kathleen Dorritie in Queens in 1943, Ms. Vanilla was a '60s party girl, '70s groupie and businesswoman who helped break David Bowie in the U.S. She also toured Britain with The Police as her backing band — Sting's crap sunglasses and all. It's a story of sex/drugs/rock/roll (circle one or more), but more importantly her story is that of a free woman whose tenacity and openness placed her at some of the most pivotal moments in 20th-century pop culture — and adventure is really one of the sexiest things there is.

Mon., Nov. 15, 7 p.m., 2010

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.