Sunday, May 24
William Wellman Jr. discusses Wild Bill Wellman: Hollywood
Rebel ("The extraordinary life of the legendary, undercelebrated
Hollywood director, whose 82 movies (six of them uncredited) were
iconic; many of them sharp, cold, brutal; others poetic, moving.
Among his pictures: the pioneering World War I epic Wings
(winner of the first Academy Award for Best Picture), Public Enemy
(the toughest gangster picture of them all), and the original A Star is Born.)
Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd.; Pasadena; 4 p.m., free, (626) 449-5320.
Dudley Cinema presents Folk Rock Music Films ("When asked
"Are you a poet?" Bob Dylan said, "No, I'm an escape artist".")
Beyond Baroque, 681 Venice Blvd.; Venice; 7 p.m., free, (310) 822-3006.
Don't Knock the Rock presents a screening of My Secret
World: The Story of Sarah Records with label co-founder Clare Wadd in
person ("In March 2015, the NME declared Sarah Records to be the second
greatest indie label of all time, directly behind 4AD - and for good
reason. Between 1987-1995, Sarah was possibly the most "indie" of all UK
indie labels: one where the participants’ principles prevailed, and
attitude and actions were just as important as the music. The label that
released gems by twee-pop pioneers Heavenly, The Field Mice, Another
Sunny Day, 14 Iced Bears, The Orchids, Boyracer and many more was buoyed
over the years by heroics and belligerence, ephemeral-eternal-pop,
fanzines and its incorruptible founders Clare Wadd and Matt Haynes. Dir. Lucy Dawkins, 2014, HD presentation, 102 min.")
Cinefamily, 611 N. Fairfax Ave.; Mid-Wilshire; 7 p.m., $12, (323) 655-2510.
Weather today?
Monday, May 25
Walk for Warriors Memorial Day 5K
New Directions for Veterans, WLA Veterans Affairs Medical Campus, 11303 Wilshire Blvd., Bldg. 116; Westwood; 10 a.m., $20 & $45, (323) 938-4038.
The Five Minutes Game: 2015 Edition ("It’s one of our oldest
Cinefamily traditions, having lasted since our very beginnings. And
it’s been damned fun, too, every time. We’re firm believers in “Every
movie is interesting for at least its first five minutes” - those
fascinating moments when you’re still entering the new world a film
presents you, and trying to figure out what the hell’s going on. What
we’re gonna do is choose fifteen movies you’ve likely never seen before
(with most of them still unavailable on DVD), line ‘em up and only show
you the first five minutes of each, not counting their opening credits.
After all that, you, the audience, votes on which film out of the
fifteen we all then peep in its entirety. So bring something to cook on
our grill and let’s get started!")
Cinefamily, 611 N. Fairfax Ave.; Mid-Wilshire; 5 p.m., $12, (323) 655-2510.
Seven Minutes in Purgatory with Ian Abramson ("Challenges
comedians to perform directly to a camera alone in a soundproof room,
while audience watch a live feed in another room. This social
experiment/comedy show offers a chance to watch performers attempt to do
their act without the benefit of audience feedback. The Laugh Button
called the show "one of the coolest and most creative additions to the
comedy world," and it's been hailed by The AV Club as "hilarious".")
UCB Sunset, 5419 Sunset Blvd.; Hollywood; 7 p.m., $5, (323) 908-8702.
Weather today?
Tuesday, May 26
Sonia Sanchez, John Bracey Jr. & James Smethurst discuss
and sign SOS - Calling All Black People: A Black Arts Movement Reader ("covers topics ranging from the legacy of Malcolm X and the impact of
John Coltrane's jazz to the tenets of the Black Panther Party and the
music of Motown") Eso Won Books, 4327 Degnan Blvd.; Leimert Park; 7 p.m., free, (323) 290-1048.
Exortionately rare 35mm double-bill of sword-and-sandal epics Hercules and the Captive Women and The
Avenger
New Beverly Cinema, 7165 Beverly Blvd.; Mid-Wilshire; 7:30 p.m., $8, (323) 938-4038.
Screening of The 11th Hour with discussion following with
director Anders Morgenthaler and actress Kim Basinger ("Basinger plays
Maria, a successful business executive who has been trying for years to
have a child; told her biological clock has run out, she takes
increasingly desperate measures to get the baby she wants. Basinger is a
revelation here, applying single-minded drive to a quest that draws
Maria into a world of con-men and criminals.")
Aero Theatre, 1328 Montana Ave.; Santa Monica; 7:30 p.m., $7/9/11, (310) 260-1528.
Weather today?
Wednesday, May 27
Audrey Shulman discusses Sitting in Bars with Cake: Lessons
and Recipes from One Year of Trying to Bake My Way to a Boyfriend
("After living in L.A. for several years as a single lady, Shulman
turned to baking. She brought her confections to bars, luring guys with a heady
dose of butter and sugar.")
Book Soup, 8818 Sunset Blvd.; West Hollywood; 7 p.m., free, (310) 659-3110.
Jacqueline Suskin discusses and signs Go Ahead & Like
It ("In this scrapbook-style art book you are invited to write lists of
things you like. Things that excite you and meaningful things that make
every day special. It’s a self-help book for people who might not be
drawn to the standard self-help style of writing. Above everything else,
it presents a simple, dependable method to notice the good that’s all
around us.")
Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd.; Pasadena; 7 p.m., free. (626) 449-5320.
The Music of Osvaldo Golijov & Kaija Saariaho: A Visual
Concert ("Soprano Terri Richter and the UCLA’s Contempo Flux ensemble,
conducted by Geoffrey Pope, present a multimedia concert of live music
by two contemporary composers, Osvaldo Golijov and Kaija Saariaho. The
evening will showcase Saariaho’s Lonh and Golijov’s Ayre, a song
cycle for soprano, electronics, and chamber ensemble, along with the
video graphic design of Keith Skretch.")
Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd.; Westwood; 7:30 p.m., free, (310) 443-7000.
Weather today?
Thursday, May 28
Gwendolyn Womack reads from her debut novel The Memory
Painter ("Two lovers who have traveled across time. A team of
scientists at the cutting edge of memory research. A miracle drug that
unlocks an ancient mystery.")
Pages, a Bookstore, 904 Manhattan Ave.; Manhattan Beach; 7 p.m., free, (310) 318-0900.
Rainer Werner Fassbinder retrospective (including Fassbinder: To Love Without Demands, a new documentary on the
director), The Marriage of Maria Braun, Fox and Friends, Ali: Fear Eats the Soul, Veronika Voss and The Bitter Tears of
Petra von Kant. Through Saturday, May 30.)
Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Blvd.; Hollywood; 7:30 p.m., $7/$9/$11, (323) 466-3456.
Zócalo Presents: How Do You Film the (Mexican) American Story? (Moderated by
film critic Claudia Puig. "Mexican-Americans make up the third largest
ethnic/racial group in the United States. Yet few mainstream movies have
explored the range of the Mexican-American experience. Two of those
films - La Bamba and Selena - have become iconic. These movies deal
with the broad themes of integration, mobility, the American dream, and
the question of what it means to be Mexican-American. La Bamba writer
and director Luis Valdez and Selena producer Moctesuma Esparza discuss
the challenges and complexities of making these films.")
ArcLight Cinemas, 6360 Sunset Blvd.; Hollywood; 7:30 p.m., free, (323) 464-1478.
Weather today?
Friday, May 29
Bats Day ("Started in August 1999 as a joint
effort between the promoters of the goth/industrial and deathrock clubs
Absynthe and Release the Bats, it has since turned into a 3-day event." Through Sunday, May 31.)
Sheraton Hotel at the Anaheim Resort, 1855 S. Harbor Blvd.; Anaheim / Disneyland, 1313 Disneyland Dr.; Anaheim; 7 a.m., $50-$135, (813) 922 8799.
Dwell on Design ("America's largest modern design
event; exhibition and conference featuring world-class speakers, product
demonstrations, continuing education classes for design professionals,
and seminars for design-seeking consumers." Through Sunday, May 31.)
Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St.; downtown Los Angeles; 10 a.m., $30/40/60, (800) 448-7775, lacclink.com
Friday Night Frights screening of 1982's Madman
("Brand-new restoration, producer Gary Sales and hulking star Paul
"Madman Marz" Ehlers in person. We now have the legend of Madman Marz -
now a total maniac who murdered his family and who will supposedly
appear if you call out his name near his old cabin. Of course, a foolish
and curious camp counselor does just that, unleashing a gory massacre.
Wonky and oddly wonderful, Madman is a must-see to round out your
slasher subgenre education. Front-and-center in this film is actress
Gaylen Ross, whose only three onscreen roles were in this, Dawn of the
Dead and Creepshow.")
Cinefamily, 611 N. Fairfax Ave.; Mid-Wilshire; midnight, $12, (323) 655-2510.
Weather today?
Saturday, May 30
Opening of Deborah Martin's The Slabs: The Last Free Place
In America photography exhibition ("Originally constructed in 1942,
Camp Dunlap was expected to prepare U.S. Marine Corps for combat duty. In
1956, all buildings were ordered to be dismantled. The slabs remained. In
1965 Riverside County ordered people to leave a camping area in Painted
Canyon near Mecca, California. Some migrated to Bombay Beach on the
Salton Sea; others to the abandoned Camp Dunlap. The subculture that has
formed in Slab City enables an individual to be in part free from the
burdens of "traditional society".")
George Billis Gallery, 2716 S. La Cienega Blvd.; Palms; 5 p.m., free, (310) 838-3685.
Opening of the Catascopes solo exhibition of new work by
Pop Surrealist and Low Brow artist Anthony Ausgang (along with a performance by the artist on guitar as Cat Museum)
Copro Gallery, Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Ave., Ste. T5; Santa Monica; 8 p.m., free, (310) 829-2156.
How Was Your Day? with Arts and Athletics ("A longform
improvised show in which the Arts and Athletics comedy troupe will
interview an audience member about the appointments on their mobile
phone calendar and do a show based on what they find.")
UCB Sunset, 5419 Sunset Blvd.; Hollywood; 10:30 p.m., $5, (323) 908-8702.
Weather today?
Sunday, May 31
826LA@Hammer: Build Your Own Treasure Map ("Ages 8-13. Learn how to give clear, step-by-step instructions while building a
real-life treasure map. Instructor Neil Gordon is a publishing
professional who has ghostwritten how-to books seen on shows like Ellen
and Dr. Oz.")
Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd.; Westwood; 11 a.m., free, (310) 443-7000.
Los Angeles Review of Books Quarterly Brunch / Launch ("Copies of the Journal will be available at the store for purchase, and bagels and beverages will be provided. If you are not yet a QJ member, you can subscribe here. We will also be toasting to our 75 years of independent bookselling! Special readings by Samantha Dunn, David L. Ulin, and Sonia Greenfield.")
Chevalier's Books, 126 N. Larchmont Blvd.; Koreatown; 11:30 a.m., free, (323) 465-1334.
Screening of the director's cut of the 1984 spy spoof Top Secret!
(this verison has only been shown once and is not available on DVD).
movie followed with a Q&A with filmmakers David Zucker, Jim Abrams,
and Jerry Zucker.
Vidiots, 302 Pico Blvd.; Santa Monica; 6:30 p.m., $15 & $20. (310) 392-8508
Weather today?
Monday, June 1
Former longtime Cinefamily programmer Bret Berg's launch
party for his new pop-up used bookstore Mindwebs
Meltdown Comics, 7522 Sunset Blvd.; Hollywood Hills West; 7 p.m., free, (323) 851-7223.
Zócalo Presents: Is L.A.’s Past Worth Saving? ("When iconic sites like the
Ambassador Hotel or Ray Bradbury’s home are demolished, we wring our
hands collectively, wondering whether we don’t respect our past enough.
To help us get a grip on our local heritage, the Getty and the City of
Los Angeles have created HistoricPlacesLA, the first online system to
inventory, map, describe, and help protect Los Angeles’ significant
cultural resources. To celebrate the launch of HistoricPlacesLA, crime
novelist Denise Hamilton, Libros Schmibros founder David Kipen, L.A.
Office of Historic Resources manager Ken Bernstein, L.A. Weekly staff
writer Dennis Romero, and KCET arts and culture columnist Lynell George
discuss the places from the past that make L.A. feel
like home today.")
The Plaza on Olvera Street, El Pueblo De Los Angeles, 845 N. Alameda St.; downtown Los Angeles; 7:30 p.m., free, (213) 485-6855.
Kid in the Hall Bruce McCulloch signs Let's Start a Riot:
How a Young Drunk Punk Became a Hollywood Dad ("Chronicles his journey
from wild early days as a "young punk" in 1980s Alberta, to his flannel
plaid days and futon nights in 1990s Toronto, to becoming a "pajama-clad
dad" living in the Hollywood Hills.")
Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave.; Griffith Park; 7:30 p.m., free, (323) 660-1175.
Weather today?
Tuesday, June 2
Screening of the documentary Take Away One followed by a
Q&A with director William Lorton ("The true story of Mary
Baratta-Lorton, whose work revolutionized how American children were
taught math - until her mysterious death in 1978.")
Ray Stark Family Theatre,
SCA 108, George Lucas Bldg., University of Southern California, 900 W.
34th St.; University Park; 7 p.m., free, (213) 740-2804.
The Kids in the Hall (venerable Canadian quintet of intensely gifted comedians)
The Theater at Ace Hotel, 929 Broadway; downtown Los Angeles; 8 p.m., $50. (213) 623-3233.
FYC @ UCB: Brooklyn Nine-Nine ("Conversation with the cast
and executive producers of Brooklyn Nine-Nine including Andy Samberg,
Chelsea Peretti, Terry Crews, Melissa Fumero, Stephanie Beatriz, Joel
McKinnon Miller, Dirk Blocker, and Dan Goor. Jason Mantzoukas (The
League) will moderate.")
UCB Sunset, 5419 Sunset Blvd.; Hollywood; 8:30 p.m., $5, (323) 908-8702.
Weather today?
Wednesday, June 3
Mark Haskell Smith in conversation with Los Angeles Times Books editor David Ulin to discuss Naked At Lunch: A Reluctant Nudist's Adventures in the
Clothing-Optional World
Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd.; Pasadena; 7 p.m., free, (626) 449-5320.
Lauri Taylor presents The Accidental Truth ("When Taylor’s
mother went missing one day in 2006, no one expected her body to turn up
ten days later in a remote Mexican desert, and no one could solve the
crime. The O.C. housewife set out to investigate the murder. In the
process, she was forced to investigate her mother’s life and her own
childhood, filled with uncertainty and pain. Combines the suspense of a
true crime page-turner with the emotion of a mother-daughter saga.")
Pages, a Bookstore, 904 Manhattan Ave.; Manhattan Beach; 7 p.m., free, (310) 318-0900.
Bronson soundtrack LP release party with filmmaker Nicolas
Winding Refn in person ("To celebrate Milan Records’s new release of the
full soundtrack to Refn’s classic film Bronson - on gatefold double-vinyl no less - we present a very special screening and record-signing.
Bronson is based on the true story of Britain’s most violent and
expensive prisoner, the ultra-violent career criminal Charles Bronson.
An unnervingly bizarre and disturbing performance by Tom Hardy fills
every minute of the film, narrating his tale to an anonymous audience
from an Edwardian music hall stage whilst dressed as a circus
strongman.")
Cinefamily, 611 N. Fairfax Ave.; Mid-Wilshire; 7:30 p.m., $12, (323) 655-2510.
Weather today?
Thursday, June 4
Lou Ureneck discusses and signs The Great Fire: One
American's Mission to Rescue Victims of the 20th Century's First
Genocide
Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd.; Pasadena; 7 p.m., free, (626) 449-5320.
Lye Soapmaking with Angharad Caceres ("Learn to make bar soap from
olive, coconut, and other oils, aromatics and lye. Use safe kitchen
chemistry to make versatile holiday and hostess gifts, and explore
different wrapping and decorative techniques to make your gift soaps
stand out! Caceres is a lifelong crafter and founder of the Urban Craft
Center.")
1450 Ocean Ave. Auditorium, 1450 Ocean Ave.; Santa Monica; 7 p.m., $20, (310) 458-8300.
Poetry: James Merrill: Life and Art ("Langdon Hammer is chair
of the Yale English Department. The New Yorker calls James Merrill: Life and Art, his new biography
of Merrill, "as vivid and artful an account as we are likely to
encounter." Stephen Yenser, Merrill’s co-literary executor, joins to
discuss the work of this great 20th-century poet.")
Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd.; Westwood; 7:30 p.m., free, (310) 443-7000.
Weather today?
Friday, June 5
Daniel Clowes discusses and signs The Complete Eightball
("Clowes will make his first L.A. appearance in several years to
celebrate the release of the two-volume collection of the influential
and iconic comic book series on a night complete with prizes, a book
signing, costume contest, and an interview between Clowes and Mark
Frauenfelder from BoingBoing.")
Meltdown Comics, 7522 Sunset Blvd.; Hollywood Hills West; 7 p.m., free, (323) 851-7223.
Max Ophüls double-feature with special prints and
Andréas-Benjamin Seyfert, great-grandson of Max Ophüls introducing the screenings of Sarajevo (1940; John Lodge as Archduke Franz Ferdinand)
and Letter from an Unknown Woman (1948, "Shy young Lisa (Joan
Fontaine) nurtures a lifelong love-from-afar for debonair composer and
worldly lothario Stefan Brand (Louis Jourdan, who died this past
Valentine's Day at age 93), who lives upstairs in her building. Ophüls’
device of Brand finally learning of Lisa’s deep feelings from a letter
to him as he readies for a duel at dawn bookends the narrative with a
tragic anguish that is extremely moving.")
Aero Theatre, 1328 Montana Ave.; Santa Monica; 7:30 p.m., $7/9/11, (310) 260-1528.
UnCabaret: I'm With The Band ("In conjunction with the
exhibition Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution listen as
host Beth Lapides joins comedian Greg Behrendt (co-author of He’s Just
Not That Into You), TV writer John Riggi (30 Rock), Grammy-, Emmy-,
Tony-, and Webby-winning songwriter Allee Willis, and Moon Zappa (Curb
Your Enthusiasm) for a night of rock & roll comedy, featuring
stories about some of rock’s biggest legends.")
Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd.; Brentwood; 8 p.m., $8/10/15, (310) 440-4500.
Weather today?
Saturday, June 6
Patrick O’Neil with Jim Brown discusses and signs Gun,
Needle, Spoon ("Memoir follows a punk rock pioneer on his slide into
drug abuse and life as an armed robber, all the way through life in
recovery. During punk's heyday, Patrick O'Neil worked at the San
Francisco's legendary Mabuhay Gardens. He went on to become the road
manager for Dead Kennedys and Flipper, as well as T.S.O.L. and the
Subhumans.")
Book Soup, 8818 Sunset Blvd.; West Hollywood; 5 p.m., free, (310) 659-3110.
Inaugural Los Angeles Bread Festival ("A free
celebration of the local artisan bread renaissance. Hands-on family
friendly activities will include a participatory butter-making/aerobic
class, tortilla-making, sourdough starter 101 and more. The Festival
will also include a 12-minute sneak peek of the documentary The Grain
Divide" a film by JD McLelland that aims to change society's
perceptions of wheat and mend the broken relationship between humans and
grains. The panel discussion "Field to Table" will explore the L.A.
bread movement from the perspective of local farmers, millers, bakers
and chefs." Through Sunday, June 7.)
Grand Central Market, 317 S. Broadway; downtown Los Angeles; 8 p.m., free, (213) 624-2378.
L.A. Weekly presents the 3rd Annual Tacolandia ("More than 80
top taco vendors curated by the World's First Tacorazzo, Bill Esparza;
live mariachi music, cash bars with beer, wine and cocktails as well as
awards for best tacos in various categories presented by The Vendys.")
El Pueblo de Los Angeles, 125 Paseo De La Plaza; downtown Los Angeles; 8 p.m., $45 & $50, 21+, (213) 622-3694.
Weather today?
Monday, May 25, 2015
Saturday, May 9, 2015
For the next two weeks...
Sunday, May 10
Opening of the Ed Moses: Drawings from the 1960s and 1970s exhibition ("The first museum presentation of the artist’s drawings since 1976; comprised of approximately 100 works from LACMA’s collection, the artist’s own holdings, and those of other museums.")
Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., BCAM, Level 2; Mid-Wilshire; 10 a.m., $10 / $12, (323) 857-6151.
Katia Kvinge: 140 Karakters ("Scottish BAFTA-Nominated character comedian Katia Kvinge (as seen on BBC, MTV & Channel 4) Hits Los Angeles with previews of her fast-paced, one-woman, multi-character, debut hour-long comedy show.")
iO West Theater (in the Del Close Theater), 6366 Hollywood Blvd.; Hollywood; 9:30 p.m., free, (323) 962-7560.
Dennis McGrath discusses Heaven ("Professional skateboarder Lennie Kirk started his career in the early ‘90s at the age of 16. He was a wild child, fearless and invincible. He was only 18 when he was run over by a truck. Board broken but otherwise unharmed, he walks away and "found God." After being ‘saved’ his wild antics were no different, if anything crazier. His passion was manic and dangerous, and often got him into trouble. Lennie is currently serving 13 years in jail.")
Arcana Books on the Arts, 8675 Washington Blvd.; Culver City; 4 p.m., free, (310) 458-1499.
Weather today?
Monday, May 11
Jerry Stahl discusses his new collection of stories Old Guy Dad: Weird Shit Happens When You Don't Die Young and Jonathan Shaw reads from his novel Narcissa: Our Lady of Ashes
Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave.; Griffith Park; 7:30 p.m., free, (323) 660-1175.
Mexrrissey (Spanish versions of Morrissey and Smiths songs; "The renditions will add horns and accordions, borrow from cumbias and rancheras to interpret a new Mexican spirit into the songs.")
The Regent, 448 S. Main St.; downtown Los Angeles; 7:30 p.m., $20 / $23, (323) 284-5727.
On the Lot in Los Feliz ("Dinner at one of the Los Angeles eastside's longest-running food truck lots at On the Lot's community food truck night.")
OMGC Parish, 2060 N. Vermont Ave.; Los Feliz; 5:30 p.m., free.
Weather today?
Tuesday, May 12
Janice Nimura discusses Daughters of the Samurai: A Journey from East to West and Back ("In 1871, five young girls were sent by the Japanese governmentto the U.S. with the mission to learn Western ways and return to help nurture a new generation of men to lead Japan. These three ambassadors were raised in traditional samurai households. Upon their arrival in San Francisco they became celebrities. Ten years later they returned to Japan to revolutionize women’s education.")
Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd.; Pasadena; 7 p.m., free, (626) 449-5320.
The Low Stakes Workshop with Maria Bamford ("Comedian Bamford workshops 45 minutes with two openers")
The POP-HOP, 5002 York Blvd.; Highland Park; 7:30 p.m., $5, (323) 259-2490.
Zachary Leader discusses and signs The Life of Saul Bellow: To Fame and Fortune, 1915-1964
Book Soup, 8818 Sunset Blvd.; West Hollywood; 7 p.m., free, (310) 659-3110.
Weather today?
Wednesday, May 13
Do Our Rivers Have A Chance? ("River ecosystems have become some of the most endangered places on Earth. Growing human populations, as well asagriculture and industry, are all placing increasing demands on limited water supplies while climate change is exacerbating drought and reducing snow fall conditions. SteveFleischli, Director and of the Water Program at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), and hydrologist Dennis Lettenmaier, UCLA Professor of Geography, willspeak on the threats to the world’s rivers and what we can do to protect them.")
Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd.; Westwood; 7:30 p.m., free, (310) 443-7000.
Dorie Clark discusses Stand Out ("A guidebook for breaking out with your idea in today’s ever-changing world. She helps you to develop your expert niche,generate brand new research, and branch out to find the network, audience and community")
Pages, a Bookstore, 904 Manhattan Ave.; Manhattan Beach; 7 p.m., free, (310) 318-0900.
Special screening of Glen Campbell: I'll Be Me (Santa Monica College Public Policy Institute’s 4th annual Spring Symposium “Stop, Look, Listen: CommunityAdvocacy for Public Health” takes place from May 11 to 14 in venues across Santa Monica. Discussion following with producer Trevor Albert, moderated by SMC FilmProduction program director Salvador Carrasco.")
Aero Theatre, 1328 Montana Ave.; Santa Monica; 5 p.m., $5. (310) 260-1528.
Weather today?
Thursday, May 14
35mm screening of John Waters' Desperate Living with star Mink Stole
Cinefamily, 611 N. Fairfax Ave.; Mid-Wilshire; 7 p.m., $14, (323) 655-2510.
Avant-garde cinema screenings as Los Angeles Filmforum at MOCA presents: Different Every Time ("Featuring Ken Jacobs’ Soft Rain (1968), Hollis Frampton’s Works and Days (1969), Cauleen Smith’s Chronicles of a Lying Spirit (by Kelly Gabron) (1992), Jill Godmilow’s tribute to the late Harun Farocki, What Farocki Taught (1997), and Mariah Garnett’s Encounters I May Or May Not Have Had With Peter Berlin (2012).")
MOCA Ahmanson Auditorium, 250 S. Grand Ave.; downtown Los Angeles; 7 p.m., $12, (213) 626-6222.
Eagle-Con 2015 ("Students, faculty, and staff are invited to experience the best in comic books, science-fiction and fantasy through a cultural and academic perspective as we explore this year’s theme, "Engineering Science Fiction." Through Friday.)
CalState Los Angeles, University-Student Union, 5154 State University Dr.; El Sereno; 1 p.m., free. (323) 343-2450.
Weather today?
Friday, May 15
Double-bill of Stop Making Sense (1984, 88 min., USA, Dir: Jonathan Demme; "Demme revolutionized the art of shooting rock concerts with this innovative masterpiece about Talking Heads, considered by many to be the best concert film of all time.") and Big Time (1988, 87 min., USA, Dir: Chris Blum; "Singer-songwriter Tom Waits takes the stage for this superb concert film, shot in San Francisco and L.A. while he was touring behind his Frank's Wild Years album. Working with one of his best bands (including guitarist Marc Ribot), Waits’ take on blues and jazz is off-kilter, flecked with humor and altogether gripping.")
Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Blvd.; Hollywood; 7:30 p.m., $11, (323) 466-3456.
The Best Friends Show ("Our Theory: Comedians are never as funny on stage as when they are with their friends. Our logic: The Best Friends Show invites comedians to tell a shared story with their best friend. Having more than one perspective on a single story creates a storytelling experience in which miscommunications are resolved, exaggerations are subdued, and hidden details are exposed. With stories from Jake Weisman & Dave Ross, Beth Stelling & Mary Hollis Inboden, Drennon Davis & Karen Kilgariff, Moses Storm &+ Zack Pearlman, Ian Abramson & Scott Blacks.")
NerdMelt Showroom, 7522 Sunset Blvd.; Hollywood Hills West; 7 p.m., $8, (323) 851-7223.
James McGrath Morris signs Eye on the Struggle: Ethel Payne, The First Lady of the Black Press ("A self-proclaimed “instrument of change” for her people, Payne broke new ground as the Washington correspondent for the Chicago Defender. She publicly prodded President Dwight D. Eisenhower to support desegregation, and her reporting on legislative and judicial civil rights battles enlightened and activated black readers across the nation. In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson recognized Payne’s seminal role by presenting her with a pen used in signing the Civil Rights Act.") Eso Won Books, 4327 Degnan Blvd.; Leimert Park; 7 p.m., free, (323) 290-1048.
Weather today?
Saturday, May 16
RuPaul's DragCon (Jody Watley! Julie Brown (the other one, not the Downtown one)! Chi Chi LaRue! Through May 17.)
Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St.; downtown Los Angeles; 10 a.m., $30 / $50. (800) 448-7775.
Director John Waters signs the paperback edition of Carsick: John Waters Hitchhikes Across America (a "wild and wonderful memoir about what happened (and what might've happened) to him while hitchhiking across this great nation of ours")
Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave.; Griffith Park; 5 p.m., free, (323) 660-1175.
Historical Roast: Walt Disney ("Gives comedians the chance to roast history's greatest achievers. This month we set our sights on the magical creator of the mouse: Walt Disney. Join Melissa Villasenor, John Roy, Beth Stelling & Brad Gage, along with hosts Eddie Furth and Ryan Pigg as we defrost Walt's head.")
NerdMelt Showroom, 7522 Sunset Blvd.; Hollywood Hills West; 7 p.m., $8. (323) 851-7223.
Weather today?
Sunday, May 17
Olivier Cri de Coeur & Margeaux Bancoft sign A Tiny Tale (with a reading by Michael Rayner + Gillian Bellinger; A Tiny Tale is a book for everyone who appreciates that what you believe and what you know are the same thing. It is also for those who have yet to be convinced.")
Arcana Books on the Arts, 8675 Washington Blvd.; Culver City; 4 p.m., free, (310) 458-1499.
Librarians' Choice screening of The Red Balloon ("Local librarians helped select the films in this series, including Le Ballon Rouge (The Red Balloon) (1956, France, 34 min. Dir. Albert Lamorisse). A red balloon that seems to have a mind of its own follows young Pascal through the streets of Paris in this classic short, which won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay and inspired a beloved children’s book. Additional films to be announced!")
Aero Theatre, 1328 Montana Ave.; Santa Monica; 3 p.m., $11, (310) 260-1528.
Filigree Supper: Sunfolk Seventies Supper ("We are heading West for a special supper that draws upon the vintage vibe and sunset hues of '70s Los Angeles. Diners will get a chance to peek inside the studio of famed florist Kristen Caissie of Moon Canyon, and be surrounded by her inspired blooms while enjoying a delicious meal from Paper Palate. Handmade plates by Humble Ceramics will serve as the canvas for what is sure to be an unforgettable meal. a monthly pop-up dinner series that pairs imaginative food with American-made design.")
The Studio of Moon Canyon, 3520 Council St.; Echo Park; 5:30 p.m., $125.
Weather today?
Monday, May 18
Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann signs Deal: My Three Decades of Drumming, Dreams, and Drugs with the Grateful Dead
Barnes & Noble, 189 Grove Dr., Ste. K-30; Mid-Wilshire; 7 p.m., free, (323) 525-0270.
Funny On Purpose: The Book: The Release Party ("Join Joe Randazzo for an evening of standup and real talk on making it. Joe, former editor of The Onion and former creative director of adultswim.com, will be joined by Tim Heidecker, Megan Amram, Doug Lussenhop, Justin Willman and more.")
NerdMelt Showroom, 7522 Sunset Blvd.; Hollywood Hills West; 9 p.m., free, (323) 851-7223.
Peep Show: 35mm double-bill of Fantasm and Vanessa ("The premise behind 1976’s Fantasm is nothing short of porn genius: a series of (mid-'70s softcore) sexual fantasies, with the viewer guided through each segment by a grimly Freudian German psychiatrist, one Professor Jurgen Notafreud. This psychoanalytic sex session serves as the perfect pairing for 1977’s Vanessa, the tale of a young orphan girl raised in a Bavarian convent who discovers she’s heir to both a citrus plantation and…a chain of Hong Kong bordellos!")
Cinefamily, 611 N. Fairfax Ave.; Mid-Wilshire; 7:30 p.m., $12. (323) 655-2510.
Weather today?
Tuesday, May 19
Hammer Forum: The Militarization of America's Police Forces ("With the cop on the beat armed with military-grade hardware and the streets of America often resembling war zones, we look into what is driving the militarization of our police. Elizabeth Beavers, legislative associate for militarism and civil liberties at the Friends Committee on National Legislation in discussion with former Seattle Police Chief Norm Stamper, who now openly regrets the use of military-style policing during the infamous WTO riots of 1999, is the author of Breaking Rank: A Top Cop's Exposé of the Dark Side of American Policing.")
Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd.; Westwood; 7:30 p.m., free, (310) 443-7000.
Magician Steve Spill discusses and signs I Lie for Money: Candid, Outrageous Stories from a Magician's Misadventures
Book Soup, 8818 Sunset Blvd.; West Hollywood; 7 p.m., free, (310) 659-3110.
Leonard Mlodinow (in conversation with Mindy Farabee of the L.A. Weekly) discussing and signing The Upright Thinkers: The Human Journey from Living in Trees to Understanding the Cosmos ("Mlodinow guides us through the critical eras and events in the development of science, all of which, he demonstrates, were propelled forward by humankind's collective struggle to know.")
Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd.; Pasadena; 7 p.m., free, (626) 449-5320.
Weather today?
Wednesday, May 20
TV host and actress Melissa Rivers signing The Book of Joan (about her comedian mother Joan) Barnes & Noble, 189 Grove Dr., Ste. K-30; Mid-Wilshire; 7 p.m., free, (323) 525-0270.
Little Esther Goes Through Your Stuff ("Esther (Key & Peele) and her stand-up guests perform and get to know their audience members by going through their personal belongings.")
UCB Franklin, 5919 Franklin Ave.; Hollywood Hills; 8 p.m., $5, (323) 908-8702.
A History of Refusal: Black Artists and Conceptualism ("This panel explores the politics and legacy of African American artists, both of Charles Gaines’s generation and after, who use strategies of conceptual art to investigate identity, representation, and American culture. The panel also considers the impact of past exhibitions that examined black conceptual practices and questioned what constitutes a “black aesthetic.” With Thelma Golden, director and chief curator, the Studio Museum in Harlem; Hamza Walker, associate curator and director of education, The Renaissance Society, Chicago; and artist Rodney McMillian.")
Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd.; Westwood; 7:30 p.m., free, (310) 443-7000.
Weather today?
Thursday, May 21
Up From the Depths: screening of The Sexorcists ("This tripped-out, early-'70s new age encounter group sexy sendup, set at an Esalen-like health spa on the California coast, has long been one of the great white whales of sexploitation cinema - so elusive and rare, even we haven’t seen it yet. From the Temple of Schlock website: “Dr. Voxuber (Steven Vincent) is operating a mysterious ‘Health Spa’ training center at a rustic retreat on the California coast known as Godiva Springs. After interviewing fifty weirdly assorted people he selects eight for his next session. With this unlikely group in tow, Dr. Voxuber puts them through a strange series of exercises and rituals designed to make them aware of their bodies in a way they haven’t ever dreamed about.” Interestingly, this was the only film directed by TV and film scribe Louis Garfinkel, who went on to create the story for The Deer Hunter. Don’t miss this one-time-only 35mm screening!")
Cinefamily, 611 N. Fairfax Ave.; Mid-Wilshire; 10:30 p.m., $12. (323) 655-2510.
Andrea Mays discusses The Millionaire & the Bard: Henry Folger’s Obsessive Hunt for Shakespeare’s First Folio ("When Shakespeare died in 1616 half of his plays died with him. No one believed that his writings would last, that he was a genius, or that future generations would celebrate him as the greatest author in the history of the English language. Seven years later, in 1623, Shakespeare’s business partners, John Heminges and Henry Condell, gathered copies of the plays and manuscripts, edited and published thirty-six of them. Today, the First Folio is the most valuable book in the world, with one copy recently selling for five million dollars.")
Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd.; Pasadena; 7 p.m., free, (626) 449-5320.
PXL THIS 24 Toy Camera Film Festival ("Are you ready for the 24th annual toy camera film festival featuring Pixelvision films made with the Fisher-Price PXL-2000 camcorder? PXL THIS celebrates visionary moving image artists from seminal experimental filmmakers to 10-year-olds to homeless to professionals. Founder and filmmaker Gerry Fialka in person for screenings and discussion.")
Echo Park Film Center, 1200 N. Alvarado St.; Echo Park, Los Angeles; 8 p.m., free, (213) 484-8846.
Weather today?
Friday, May 22
Television: A Reunion (20 Years Later) ("Imagine all the stars of your favorite TV show reuniting to share stories and reminisce. Now imagine that none of them could show up. A fake reunion of a real TV show acted out by your favorite comedians. This month...FRIENDS!")
NerdMelt Showroom, 7522 Sunset Blvd.; Hollywood Hills West; 8:30 p.m., 8, (323) 851-7223 .
D. McKinney discusses Morrissey FAQ: All That's Left to Know about This Charming Man
Book Soup, 8818 Sunset Blvd.; West Hollywood; 7 p.m., free, (310) 659-3110.
MIA presents The Motherhood Archives (2013), a film by Irene Lusztig ("An essay film on the complicated history of maternal education and childbirth. Assembled from a fascinating range of educational, industrial, and medical training films in homage to '70s feminist filmmaking, Lusztig traces the implications of postmodern birthing suites and natural birth movements back to the first emergence of anesthetic ether in the 19th century.")
Armory Center for the Arts, 145 N. Raymond Ave.; Pasadena; 8 p.m., free, (626) 792-5101.
Weather today?
Saturday, May 23
Marathon screening of all 8 Harry Potter films (four each day; through May 24)
Aero Theatre, 1328 Montana Ave.; Santa Monica; 12 p.m., $18 / $20 / $25 / $30. (310) 260-1528.
Fiesta Hermosa ("Since 1972, the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce has produced Fiesta Hermosa, the "largest arts-&-crafts fair in Southern California." Over 300 artists and crafters are featured, including painters, photographers, ceramicists, jewelers, sculptors, and handcrafters. With the ocean as a backdrop, Hermosa Beach is an ideal place for a summer festival with temperatures of 80 degrees and balmy sea breezes." Through May 25.)
Throughout downtown Hermosa Beach, 10 a.m., free, (310) 376-0951.
42nd Annual Valley Greek Festival ("The festival evokes the sights, sounds and tastes that define the traditional Greek way of life. Enjoy the hospitality of the Valley's Greek community, and experience the simple pleasures of life in a Greek village. Dance the afternoon away, eat delicious Greek food, shop in the Greek marketplace, relax and enjoy yourself under the trees in the warm embrace of the best Greek culture has to offer." Through May 25.)
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 9501 Balboa Blvd.; Northridge; 1 p.m., free, (818) 886-4040.
Weather today?
Opening of the Ed Moses: Drawings from the 1960s and 1970s exhibition ("The first museum presentation of the artist’s drawings since 1976; comprised of approximately 100 works from LACMA’s collection, the artist’s own holdings, and those of other museums.")
Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., BCAM, Level 2; Mid-Wilshire; 10 a.m., $10 / $12, (323) 857-6151.
Katia Kvinge: 140 Karakters ("Scottish BAFTA-Nominated character comedian Katia Kvinge (as seen on BBC, MTV & Channel 4) Hits Los Angeles with previews of her fast-paced, one-woman, multi-character, debut hour-long comedy show.")
iO West Theater (in the Del Close Theater), 6366 Hollywood Blvd.; Hollywood; 9:30 p.m., free, (323) 962-7560.
Dennis McGrath discusses Heaven ("Professional skateboarder Lennie Kirk started his career in the early ‘90s at the age of 16. He was a wild child, fearless and invincible. He was only 18 when he was run over by a truck. Board broken but otherwise unharmed, he walks away and "found God." After being ‘saved’ his wild antics were no different, if anything crazier. His passion was manic and dangerous, and often got him into trouble. Lennie is currently serving 13 years in jail.")
Arcana Books on the Arts, 8675 Washington Blvd.; Culver City; 4 p.m., free, (310) 458-1499.
Weather today?
Monday, May 11
Jerry Stahl discusses his new collection of stories Old Guy Dad: Weird Shit Happens When You Don't Die Young and Jonathan Shaw reads from his novel Narcissa: Our Lady of Ashes
Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave.; Griffith Park; 7:30 p.m., free, (323) 660-1175.
Mexrrissey (Spanish versions of Morrissey and Smiths songs; "The renditions will add horns and accordions, borrow from cumbias and rancheras to interpret a new Mexican spirit into the songs.")
The Regent, 448 S. Main St.; downtown Los Angeles; 7:30 p.m., $20 / $23, (323) 284-5727.
On the Lot in Los Feliz ("Dinner at one of the Los Angeles eastside's longest-running food truck lots at On the Lot's community food truck night.")
OMGC Parish, 2060 N. Vermont Ave.; Los Feliz; 5:30 p.m., free.
Weather today?
Tuesday, May 12
Janice Nimura discusses Daughters of the Samurai: A Journey from East to West and Back ("In 1871, five young girls were sent by the Japanese governmentto the U.S. with the mission to learn Western ways and return to help nurture a new generation of men to lead Japan. These three ambassadors were raised in traditional samurai households. Upon their arrival in San Francisco they became celebrities. Ten years later they returned to Japan to revolutionize women’s education.")
Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd.; Pasadena; 7 p.m., free, (626) 449-5320.
The Low Stakes Workshop with Maria Bamford ("Comedian Bamford workshops 45 minutes with two openers")
The POP-HOP, 5002 York Blvd.; Highland Park; 7:30 p.m., $5, (323) 259-2490.
Zachary Leader discusses and signs The Life of Saul Bellow: To Fame and Fortune, 1915-1964
Book Soup, 8818 Sunset Blvd.; West Hollywood; 7 p.m., free, (310) 659-3110.
Weather today?
Wednesday, May 13
Do Our Rivers Have A Chance? ("River ecosystems have become some of the most endangered places on Earth. Growing human populations, as well asagriculture and industry, are all placing increasing demands on limited water supplies while climate change is exacerbating drought and reducing snow fall conditions. SteveFleischli, Director and of the Water Program at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), and hydrologist Dennis Lettenmaier, UCLA Professor of Geography, willspeak on the threats to the world’s rivers and what we can do to protect them.")
Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd.; Westwood; 7:30 p.m., free, (310) 443-7000.
Dorie Clark discusses Stand Out ("A guidebook for breaking out with your idea in today’s ever-changing world. She helps you to develop your expert niche,generate brand new research, and branch out to find the network, audience and community")
Pages, a Bookstore, 904 Manhattan Ave.; Manhattan Beach; 7 p.m., free, (310) 318-0900.
Special screening of Glen Campbell: I'll Be Me (Santa Monica College Public Policy Institute’s 4th annual Spring Symposium “Stop, Look, Listen: CommunityAdvocacy for Public Health” takes place from May 11 to 14 in venues across Santa Monica. Discussion following with producer Trevor Albert, moderated by SMC FilmProduction program director Salvador Carrasco.")
Aero Theatre, 1328 Montana Ave.; Santa Monica; 5 p.m., $5. (310) 260-1528.
Weather today?
Thursday, May 14
35mm screening of John Waters' Desperate Living with star Mink Stole
Cinefamily, 611 N. Fairfax Ave.; Mid-Wilshire; 7 p.m., $14, (323) 655-2510.
Avant-garde cinema screenings as Los Angeles Filmforum at MOCA presents: Different Every Time ("Featuring Ken Jacobs’ Soft Rain (1968), Hollis Frampton’s Works and Days (1969), Cauleen Smith’s Chronicles of a Lying Spirit (by Kelly Gabron) (1992), Jill Godmilow’s tribute to the late Harun Farocki, What Farocki Taught (1997), and Mariah Garnett’s Encounters I May Or May Not Have Had With Peter Berlin (2012).")
MOCA Ahmanson Auditorium, 250 S. Grand Ave.; downtown Los Angeles; 7 p.m., $12, (213) 626-6222.
Eagle-Con 2015 ("Students, faculty, and staff are invited to experience the best in comic books, science-fiction and fantasy through a cultural and academic perspective as we explore this year’s theme, "Engineering Science Fiction." Through Friday.)
CalState Los Angeles, University-Student Union, 5154 State University Dr.; El Sereno; 1 p.m., free. (323) 343-2450.
Weather today?
Friday, May 15
Double-bill of Stop Making Sense (1984, 88 min., USA, Dir: Jonathan Demme; "Demme revolutionized the art of shooting rock concerts with this innovative masterpiece about Talking Heads, considered by many to be the best concert film of all time.") and Big Time (1988, 87 min., USA, Dir: Chris Blum; "Singer-songwriter Tom Waits takes the stage for this superb concert film, shot in San Francisco and L.A. while he was touring behind his Frank's Wild Years album. Working with one of his best bands (including guitarist Marc Ribot), Waits’ take on blues and jazz is off-kilter, flecked with humor and altogether gripping.")
Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Blvd.; Hollywood; 7:30 p.m., $11, (323) 466-3456.
The Best Friends Show ("Our Theory: Comedians are never as funny on stage as when they are with their friends. Our logic: The Best Friends Show invites comedians to tell a shared story with their best friend. Having more than one perspective on a single story creates a storytelling experience in which miscommunications are resolved, exaggerations are subdued, and hidden details are exposed. With stories from Jake Weisman & Dave Ross, Beth Stelling & Mary Hollis Inboden, Drennon Davis & Karen Kilgariff, Moses Storm &+ Zack Pearlman, Ian Abramson & Scott Blacks.")
NerdMelt Showroom, 7522 Sunset Blvd.; Hollywood Hills West; 7 p.m., $8, (323) 851-7223.
James McGrath Morris signs Eye on the Struggle: Ethel Payne, The First Lady of the Black Press ("A self-proclaimed “instrument of change” for her people, Payne broke new ground as the Washington correspondent for the Chicago Defender. She publicly prodded President Dwight D. Eisenhower to support desegregation, and her reporting on legislative and judicial civil rights battles enlightened and activated black readers across the nation. In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson recognized Payne’s seminal role by presenting her with a pen used in signing the Civil Rights Act.") Eso Won Books, 4327 Degnan Blvd.; Leimert Park; 7 p.m., free, (323) 290-1048.
Weather today?
Saturday, May 16
RuPaul's DragCon (Jody Watley! Julie Brown (the other one, not the Downtown one)! Chi Chi LaRue! Through May 17.)
Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St.; downtown Los Angeles; 10 a.m., $30 / $50. (800) 448-7775.
Director John Waters signs the paperback edition of Carsick: John Waters Hitchhikes Across America (a "wild and wonderful memoir about what happened (and what might've happened) to him while hitchhiking across this great nation of ours")
Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave.; Griffith Park; 5 p.m., free, (323) 660-1175.
Historical Roast: Walt Disney ("Gives comedians the chance to roast history's greatest achievers. This month we set our sights on the magical creator of the mouse: Walt Disney. Join Melissa Villasenor, John Roy, Beth Stelling & Brad Gage, along with hosts Eddie Furth and Ryan Pigg as we defrost Walt's head.")
NerdMelt Showroom, 7522 Sunset Blvd.; Hollywood Hills West; 7 p.m., $8. (323) 851-7223.
Weather today?
Sunday, May 17
Olivier Cri de Coeur & Margeaux Bancoft sign A Tiny Tale (with a reading by Michael Rayner + Gillian Bellinger; A Tiny Tale is a book for everyone who appreciates that what you believe and what you know are the same thing. It is also for those who have yet to be convinced.")
Arcana Books on the Arts, 8675 Washington Blvd.; Culver City; 4 p.m., free, (310) 458-1499.
Librarians' Choice screening of The Red Balloon ("Local librarians helped select the films in this series, including Le Ballon Rouge (The Red Balloon) (1956, France, 34 min. Dir. Albert Lamorisse). A red balloon that seems to have a mind of its own follows young Pascal through the streets of Paris in this classic short, which won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay and inspired a beloved children’s book. Additional films to be announced!")
Aero Theatre, 1328 Montana Ave.; Santa Monica; 3 p.m., $11, (310) 260-1528.
Filigree Supper: Sunfolk Seventies Supper ("We are heading West for a special supper that draws upon the vintage vibe and sunset hues of '70s Los Angeles. Diners will get a chance to peek inside the studio of famed florist Kristen Caissie of Moon Canyon, and be surrounded by her inspired blooms while enjoying a delicious meal from Paper Palate. Handmade plates by Humble Ceramics will serve as the canvas for what is sure to be an unforgettable meal. a monthly pop-up dinner series that pairs imaginative food with American-made design.")
The Studio of Moon Canyon, 3520 Council St.; Echo Park; 5:30 p.m., $125.
Weather today?
Monday, May 18
Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann signs Deal: My Three Decades of Drumming, Dreams, and Drugs with the Grateful Dead
Barnes & Noble, 189 Grove Dr., Ste. K-30; Mid-Wilshire; 7 p.m., free, (323) 525-0270.
Funny On Purpose: The Book: The Release Party ("Join Joe Randazzo for an evening of standup and real talk on making it. Joe, former editor of The Onion and former creative director of adultswim.com, will be joined by Tim Heidecker, Megan Amram, Doug Lussenhop, Justin Willman and more.")
NerdMelt Showroom, 7522 Sunset Blvd.; Hollywood Hills West; 9 p.m., free, (323) 851-7223.
Peep Show: 35mm double-bill of Fantasm and Vanessa ("The premise behind 1976’s Fantasm is nothing short of porn genius: a series of (mid-'70s softcore) sexual fantasies, with the viewer guided through each segment by a grimly Freudian German psychiatrist, one Professor Jurgen Notafreud. This psychoanalytic sex session serves as the perfect pairing for 1977’s Vanessa, the tale of a young orphan girl raised in a Bavarian convent who discovers she’s heir to both a citrus plantation and…a chain of Hong Kong bordellos!")
Cinefamily, 611 N. Fairfax Ave.; Mid-Wilshire; 7:30 p.m., $12. (323) 655-2510.
Weather today?
Tuesday, May 19
Hammer Forum: The Militarization of America's Police Forces ("With the cop on the beat armed with military-grade hardware and the streets of America often resembling war zones, we look into what is driving the militarization of our police. Elizabeth Beavers, legislative associate for militarism and civil liberties at the Friends Committee on National Legislation in discussion with former Seattle Police Chief Norm Stamper, who now openly regrets the use of military-style policing during the infamous WTO riots of 1999, is the author of Breaking Rank: A Top Cop's Exposé of the Dark Side of American Policing.")
Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd.; Westwood; 7:30 p.m., free, (310) 443-7000.
Magician Steve Spill discusses and signs I Lie for Money: Candid, Outrageous Stories from a Magician's Misadventures
Book Soup, 8818 Sunset Blvd.; West Hollywood; 7 p.m., free, (310) 659-3110.
Leonard Mlodinow (in conversation with Mindy Farabee of the L.A. Weekly) discussing and signing The Upright Thinkers: The Human Journey from Living in Trees to Understanding the Cosmos ("Mlodinow guides us through the critical eras and events in the development of science, all of which, he demonstrates, were propelled forward by humankind's collective struggle to know.")
Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd.; Pasadena; 7 p.m., free, (626) 449-5320.
Weather today?
Wednesday, May 20
TV host and actress Melissa Rivers signing The Book of Joan (about her comedian mother Joan) Barnes & Noble, 189 Grove Dr., Ste. K-30; Mid-Wilshire; 7 p.m., free, (323) 525-0270.
Little Esther Goes Through Your Stuff ("Esther (Key & Peele) and her stand-up guests perform and get to know their audience members by going through their personal belongings.")
UCB Franklin, 5919 Franklin Ave.; Hollywood Hills; 8 p.m., $5, (323) 908-8702.
A History of Refusal: Black Artists and Conceptualism ("This panel explores the politics and legacy of African American artists, both of Charles Gaines’s generation and after, who use strategies of conceptual art to investigate identity, representation, and American culture. The panel also considers the impact of past exhibitions that examined black conceptual practices and questioned what constitutes a “black aesthetic.” With Thelma Golden, director and chief curator, the Studio Museum in Harlem; Hamza Walker, associate curator and director of education, The Renaissance Society, Chicago; and artist Rodney McMillian.")
Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd.; Westwood; 7:30 p.m., free, (310) 443-7000.
Weather today?
Thursday, May 21
Up From the Depths: screening of The Sexorcists ("This tripped-out, early-'70s new age encounter group sexy sendup, set at an Esalen-like health spa on the California coast, has long been one of the great white whales of sexploitation cinema - so elusive and rare, even we haven’t seen it yet. From the Temple of Schlock website: “Dr. Voxuber (Steven Vincent) is operating a mysterious ‘Health Spa’ training center at a rustic retreat on the California coast known as Godiva Springs. After interviewing fifty weirdly assorted people he selects eight for his next session. With this unlikely group in tow, Dr. Voxuber puts them through a strange series of exercises and rituals designed to make them aware of their bodies in a way they haven’t ever dreamed about.” Interestingly, this was the only film directed by TV and film scribe Louis Garfinkel, who went on to create the story for The Deer Hunter. Don’t miss this one-time-only 35mm screening!")
Cinefamily, 611 N. Fairfax Ave.; Mid-Wilshire; 10:30 p.m., $12. (323) 655-2510.
Andrea Mays discusses The Millionaire & the Bard: Henry Folger’s Obsessive Hunt for Shakespeare’s First Folio ("When Shakespeare died in 1616 half of his plays died with him. No one believed that his writings would last, that he was a genius, or that future generations would celebrate him as the greatest author in the history of the English language. Seven years later, in 1623, Shakespeare’s business partners, John Heminges and Henry Condell, gathered copies of the plays and manuscripts, edited and published thirty-six of them. Today, the First Folio is the most valuable book in the world, with one copy recently selling for five million dollars.")
Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd.; Pasadena; 7 p.m., free, (626) 449-5320.
PXL THIS 24 Toy Camera Film Festival ("Are you ready for the 24th annual toy camera film festival featuring Pixelvision films made with the Fisher-Price PXL-2000 camcorder? PXL THIS celebrates visionary moving image artists from seminal experimental filmmakers to 10-year-olds to homeless to professionals. Founder and filmmaker Gerry Fialka in person for screenings and discussion.")
Echo Park Film Center, 1200 N. Alvarado St.; Echo Park, Los Angeles; 8 p.m., free, (213) 484-8846.
Weather today?
Friday, May 22
Television: A Reunion (20 Years Later) ("Imagine all the stars of your favorite TV show reuniting to share stories and reminisce. Now imagine that none of them could show up. A fake reunion of a real TV show acted out by your favorite comedians. This month...FRIENDS!")
NerdMelt Showroom, 7522 Sunset Blvd.; Hollywood Hills West; 8:30 p.m., 8, (323) 851-7223 .
D. McKinney discusses Morrissey FAQ: All That's Left to Know about This Charming Man
Book Soup, 8818 Sunset Blvd.; West Hollywood; 7 p.m., free, (310) 659-3110.
MIA presents The Motherhood Archives (2013), a film by Irene Lusztig ("An essay film on the complicated history of maternal education and childbirth. Assembled from a fascinating range of educational, industrial, and medical training films in homage to '70s feminist filmmaking, Lusztig traces the implications of postmodern birthing suites and natural birth movements back to the first emergence of anesthetic ether in the 19th century.")
Armory Center for the Arts, 145 N. Raymond Ave.; Pasadena; 8 p.m., free, (626) 792-5101.
Weather today?
Saturday, May 23
Marathon screening of all 8 Harry Potter films (four each day; through May 24)
Aero Theatre, 1328 Montana Ave.; Santa Monica; 12 p.m., $18 / $20 / $25 / $30. (310) 260-1528.
Fiesta Hermosa ("Since 1972, the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce has produced Fiesta Hermosa, the "largest arts-&-crafts fair in Southern California." Over 300 artists and crafters are featured, including painters, photographers, ceramicists, jewelers, sculptors, and handcrafters. With the ocean as a backdrop, Hermosa Beach is an ideal place for a summer festival with temperatures of 80 degrees and balmy sea breezes." Through May 25.)
Throughout downtown Hermosa Beach, 10 a.m., free, (310) 376-0951.
42nd Annual Valley Greek Festival ("The festival evokes the sights, sounds and tastes that define the traditional Greek way of life. Enjoy the hospitality of the Valley's Greek community, and experience the simple pleasures of life in a Greek village. Dance the afternoon away, eat delicious Greek food, shop in the Greek marketplace, relax and enjoy yourself under the trees in the warm embrace of the best Greek culture has to offer." Through May 25.)
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 9501 Balboa Blvd.; Northridge; 1 p.m., free, (818) 886-4040.
Weather today?
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