Artists' Survival Guide

Summer 2016: Free Outdoor Concerts in LA

2016-07-09T21:55:00.001-07:00

Ah, outdoor concerts are back for summer and, best of all, these are all free! From the best tribute performers to bands representing genres from soul to big band, rock to country, this summer's line-up has you covered! To help you discover what's playing near you, the concerts are listed by location rather than chronologically. Have fun!

WOODLAND HILLS

8/14: Led Zepagain @ Warner Park in Woodland Hills

WHERE: Lou Bredlow Pavilion, Warner Park, 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA 91367

WHEN: starting at 6:00 PM

MORE INFO

7/4: David Marks (of The Beach Boys) and the Surf City Allstars + Fireworks
7/10: Wanted (Bon Jovi tribute band)
7/17: Glenn Leonard's Temptations Review (featuring original member of The Temptations)
7/24: Arrival from Sweden (ABBA tribute)
7/31: Billy Joel 2 Elton John (tribute performers)
8/7: Matchbox Twenty Too (Matchbox 20 tribute)
8/14: Led Zepagain (Led Zeppelin tribute)
8/21: The Long Run (Eagles tribute)
8/28: Taylor Dayne

MONTEBELLO

7/14: Tierra @ Montebello City Park Bandshell

WHERE: Montebello City Park Bandshell, 1301 W. Whittier Blvd., Montebello, CA 90640

WHEN: Thursdays 7/7-8/18, Festival from 4:30 pm, Music 6:30-8:30 pm

MORE INFO: Art Walk, Food Vendors, Int'l Booths, Raffles, Jumpers

7/7: Cold Duck
7/14: Tierra
7/21: Mariachi Divas
7/28: Stone Soul
8/4: The Wiseguys
8/11: Montebello United Concert
8/18: BomBam Boom & Joe May & The Tuxedo Junction

BREA

7/27: Ry Bradley Band @ Brea's City Hall Park

WHERE: City Hall Park, 401 S. Brea Boulevard, Brea, CA 92821

WHEN: Wednesdays 7/6-8/17, 6:30-8:00 pm

MORE INFO

7/6: The Symphonic Winds of the Pacific (Pops & Patriotic)
7/13: The Fenians (Celtic Rock)
7/20: CHICO (Latin Jazz/Top 40)
7/27: The Ry Bradley Band (Country)
8/3: The Urban Renewal Project (Soul & Hip Hop Big Band)
8/10: Southland Band (Classic Rock)
8/17: The Moonlight Express (Big Band)

SAN GABRIEL

7/2: Little Faith @ Mission Playhouse Plaza

WHERE: Mission Playhouse Plaza, 320 S. Mission Drive, San Gabriel, CA 91776 OR
Vincent Lugo Park, corner of South Ramona St. & Wells St., San Gabriel, CA 91776

WHEN: Thursdays 7/2-7/30, starting at 6:30 pm

MORE INFO

7/2: Americana Concert featuring Little Faith (Mission Playhouse Plaza)
7/9: Rockin’ in the Park Concert (Vincent Lugo Park)
7/16: Family Concert & Movie in the Park (Vincent Lugo Park)
7/23: Havana Nights Concert featuring Louie Cruz Beltran (Mission Playhouse Plaza)
7/30: Kollaboration at the Park Concert (Vincent Lugo Park)

June 2016: Free Movies, Concerts, Festivals in LA

2016-05-31T15:45:00.001-07:00

Summer 2016 is starting strong with free outdoor festivals, tribute band performances and more free events in LA! Here are a few to check out: (** indicates Editor's Choice)

6/9: Woody and the Longboards

**Saturday, June 4: "Inside and Out Plazacast" free community festival featuring live simulcast of Pacific Symphony concert, pre-concert talk and post-concert immersive musical experience, live performances by community music and dance ensembles, community mural painting, and food trucks, 5pm, Segerstrom Center for the Arts plaza and lobby in Costa Mesa. All the festival's activities and performances are inspired by Hector Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique, and the first 100 attendees will receive free tickets to future Pacific Symphony concerts. More info

Sunday, June 5: World Music and Cultural Arts Festival featuring musicians and artisans from around the world, 1pm to 8:30pm, Lou Bredlow Pavilion at Warner Park in Woodland Hills, More info

ALSO, "Very Very Romantic" free classical concert by CalStateLA Symphony Orchestra performing with Olympia Youth Orchestra, 3pm, San Gabriel Mission Playhouse in San Gabriel, More info

Thursday, June 9: "Surf's Up San Gabriel" free concert and community festival featuring Beach Boys' cover band Woody and the Longboards, food trucks, entertainment and kids' activities, 6pm to 9:30 pm, Mission District in San Gabriel, More info

6/30: Louise Cruz Beltran

Sunday, June 12: "DSB: Tribute to Journey" free outdoor concert, 6pm, Lou Bredlow Pavilion at Warner Park in Woodland Hills, More info

Thursday, June 16: "Rock'n the Park" free outdoor concert featuring Cold Duck, 6:30 pm, Vincent Lugo Park in San Gabriel, More info

Sunday, June 19: "Space Oddity: World's #1 David Bowie Tribute" free outdoor concert, 6pm, Lou Bredlow Pavilion at Warner Park in Woodland Hills, More info

Tuesday, June 21: "Pirates of the Carribean: Curse of the Black Pearl" free outdoor film screening, 8pm (dusk), Granada Beach in City of Long Beach, More info

Thursday, June 23: "Cinderella" outdoor film screening, Vincent Lugo Park in San Gabriel, 8:30 pm or dusk, More info

6/21 at Granada Beach

Sunday, June 26: "Ticket to Ride: Tribute to the Beatles" free outdoor concert, 6pm, Lou Bredlow Pavilion at Warner Parkin Woodland Hills, More info

Tuesday, June 28: "Pretty in Pink" free outdoor movie screening, 8pm (dusk), Granada Park in City of Long Beach, More info

Thursday, June 30: "Noche de Baile" free Latin jazz concert with Louie Cruz Beltran and his jazz ensemble, 6:30 pm, Mission Playhouse Plaza in San Gabriel, More info

Free Fun in LA: Poetry at the Playhouse (Apr. 26)

2016-04-23T03:01:00.003-07:00

On April 26th at 7pm, in celebration of National Poetry Month, the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse will present a free community event featuring three of L.A.'s finest poets:

Vickie Vértiz was the Lucille Clifton Scholar at the Community of Writers, and a Hillary Gravendyk Book Prize finalist in 2015 with works published in Los Angeles Review of Books, Huizache, The Offing, and Nepantla. Her first poetry collection, Swallows, was published in 2013 by Finishing Line Press.
Mike Sonksen has published over 500 essays and poems and his KCET column LA Letters celebrates literary Los Angeles. His forthcoming book Poetics of Location is published by Writ Large Press.
Naomi Hirahara’s Sayonara Slam, the sixth book in the Mas Arai mysteries series, is released this May. The first in her bicycle cop mysteries, Murder on Bamboo Lane, received the T. Jefferson Parker mystery award in 2014. A former editor of The Rafu Shimpo newspaper, she writes noir short stories and fiction/nonfiction related to the Japanese American experience.

The event will be held in the Playhouse's lobby. Although this event is free to attend, you will need to reserve your tickets in advance through the Playhouse box office either over the phone or by appearing in person on Tuesdays or Thursdays between 12pm and 5pm.

San Gabriel Mission Playhouse

320 S. Mission Drive

San Gabriel, CA 91776

(626) 308-2868

TOMORROW! Free Teleclass for Screenplay Writers: April 23

2016-04-22T14:17:00.000-07:00

ScreenwritingU is presenting a two-hour teleclass "Selling to Hollywood...for Real" at 12:00 p.m. PT on Saturday, April 23rd. You'll need to make a reservation online to receive call-in information (see link below). The call will cost you a couple of dollars in long-distance fees depending on your provider.

The class will cover the following topics:

5 keys to getting your script sold
How to light up Hollywood--from anywhere
Your most important screenplay marketing decision
How to get your network to sell you
What to do if producers aren't biting
Your direct paths to studios

You've seen these free tele-classes listed on this blog before but I have participated in a few myself now and have found them to be very well-prepared and informative. I always walk away with valuable information and feeling inspired to take action. Because they are so popular, the classes are now announced only a day in advance which is why this notice has not appeared sooner.

What distinguishes these classes is that the presenter continually interviews authorities in the movie business--from agents and managers to producers and professional writers--and compiles the information to present a real-life picture of the TV and film industry today. Each class includes a short pitch for a paid course but the free class is worth it, and if the topic is very relevant to where you are with your career or a particular project, you may want to consider paying for a more in-depth course because their alumni have generated productive results for their careers out of the work done for those courses.

Free Teleclass for Writers: April 12

2014-04-11T16:36:00.001-07:00

ScreenwritingU will hold a free 2-hour teleclass on April 12, 2014 on screenwriting rewrite strategies entitled "21 Steps to a Professional Rewrite" which will cover the following topics:

The #1 Key to Rewriting Success (change this one thing and rewriting gets so much easier)
The most important question you must ask to turn dull scenes into dramatic and valuable scenes
The key ingredient that will turn a simple conflict into an unforgettable one
Three ways to turn ordinary characters into extremely compelling story people
The #1 Reason writers won't cut bad scenes
And 16 other Advanced Strategies for rewriting

The class is free and open to the first 100 callers. You will be responsible for long-distance phone call fees which are estimated at around $5-8 depending on your phone plan. Click the link below for more information or to register for the class:

Click Here for Teleclass Information & Registration

Self Portrait Art Contest: April 6 Deadline

2014-03-26T11:54:00.001-07:00

Jerry's Artarama is hosting a Self Portrait Contest and 33 winners will be awarded gift cards to spend on art supplies with the Grand Prize being a $2000 shopping spree. It can be in any media so you can submit something you already have lying around. The contest is open to U.S. residents only and submissions are made on Facebook. But hurry! The deadline is April 6th!

Click Here for More information

Click Here to Submit Your Artwork

Los Angeles: Affordable Housing for Artists

2014-03-25T20:33:00.001-07:00

A new development in the Arts District of Los Angeles, One Santa Fe, will offer 88 studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments to artists at half the market rate to qualifying applicants. The project has been designed by award-winning architect, Michael Maltzan and will feature a 5,000 square foot gallery, a 99-seat theater and a state-of-the-art screening room where nightly art shows, performances and screenings are planned. The vision for the project is to create a center for the arts as well as a community of like-minded residents, merchants, chefs, and artists. At the same location as the residences will be a commercial development called The Yards at One Santa Fe which will feature the Ace Hotel, designers/specialty boutiques and restaurants.

The apartments will be awarded through a government-regulated selection process based on income and other criteria. An upcoming workshop will help you learn more about the development, eligibility requirements and how to apply:

Affordable Housing for Artists Info Session

Thursday, March 27 @ 2pm-4pm

Location:

The Actors Fund

5757 Wilshire Blvd., #400

Los Angeles, Ca 90036

Parking: Validated parking is at 5657 Wilshire Blvd. Entrance to lot is on Houser Blvd on west side of street.

RSVP by email to AffordableArtistHousing@gmail.com or by phone to Rebecca Sauer of The Actors Fund at 323-933-9266, ext. 419.

For more info about the development, click on the following links:

One Santa Fe Website

One Santa Fe Facebook Page

Two Free Photo Contests, Cash Prizes: March 31 Deadlines

2014-03-22T13:16:00.003-07:00

Two photo contests, no fees to enter, cash prizes, both with deadlines of March 31st. What're the odds? So search your archives and submit your pix!

ASCE Bridges Photo Contest

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) is sponsoring its ASCE Bridges Photo contest open to anyone. Original photos of bridges in various categories such as Small Town/City Bridges, Pedestrian Bridges, New Bridges and more can win cash prizes of $150-$250. Deadline for submissions is March 31, 2014.

Click Here for Contest Rules

Click Here to Submit Images

Friendly Faces, Friendly Places Photo Contest

Grantmakers in Aging (GIA) is sponsoring a photo contest open to anyone. Original photos that capture age-friendliness which are chosen as winners will split $6500 in cash prizes. Deadline for submissions is March 31, 2014.

Click Here for Contest Rules

Click Here to Submit Images

Free Workshop on 4/12: Professional Development for L.A. Artists

2014-03-22T13:16:00.002-07:00

The City of Torrance Cultural Services Division, Community Services Department and the Los Angeles County Arts Commission will sponsor a free workshop "Arts Tune-Up" on April 12th in Torrance, CA. The event is free to attend but advance registration is required.

The Tune-Up is open to individual artists (dance, music, visual arts, theater, writing; etc.), current and future arts practitioners, advocates and supporters at all levels of experience and organization structure. It is designed around an informal round-robin process in which participants visit five expert discussions and topic presentations. Scheduled topics include:

arts education in-school resources and working in arts education (K-12)
community and cultural outreach
creating compelling presentations
crowd funding
effective self-promotion
fundraising
individual artist resources
intro to public art
marketing
publicity
understanding health insurance and healthcare reform

WHEN
Saturday, April 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

WHERE
Ken Miller Recreation Center in the Torrance Cultural Arts Center
3341 Torrance Blvd
Torrance, CA 90503
Free Parking

Click Here to Register

Contact for more information:
Anji Gaspar-Milanovic
Professional Development Programs Manager
213 202-3981
amilanovic@arts.lacounty.gov

Playwriting Opp: May 1 Deadline

2014-03-16T01:35:00.000-07:00

Golden Thread Productions in San Francisco is accepting submissions for its ReOrient Festival of Short Plays through May 1, 2014. There is no fee for submissions. The criteria for submission are as follows:

Eligibility Criteria:

Playwrights of Middle Eastern heritage writing about any topic
Playwrights of all backgrounds writing about the Middle East
Plays must be written in English
Plays must be 10-30 minutes in length

Thematic Areas of Interest:

Comedies of all sorts, particularly political satire
Adaptations of classical texts and/or historical figures
Exploration of Middle Eastern performance traditions
Experiments with non-realistic forms

Submission Guidelines:
Please email play, resume & cover letter to GTPSubmissions@gmail.com. Specify ReOrient Festival in the subject line, if applicable. Hard copy submissions by mail will not be accepted. All submissions will receive a response within 12 months.

If you don't have a short play, full-length play submissions are accepted year-round for reading or production consideration. For more information about all submission opportunities, click here.

Free Classes for LA Artists - March/April 2014

2014-03-01T02:52:00.001-08:00

This season provides opportunities to learn from professional award-winning and famed artists in the areas of writing, dance and music such as the Kronos Quartet. Be aware that some classes require advance reservations; plan ahead and take full advantage of the educational offerings!

Analysis of a Successful Screenplay: "Her" film

WRITING

Life Story Writing
Saturdays @ 2pm: 3/1, 3/15, 4/5 & 4/19
Silver Lake Library in Silver Lake
More info

Analysis of a Successful Screenplay: "Her" film (teleclass)
Sunday, March 2 @ 12pm
More info

Write-Away
Tuesdays @ 12pm: 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25
Fairview Branch Library in Santa Monica
More info

Writing a Successful Book Proposal
Wednesday, March 5 @ 7pm
Ocean Park Branch Library in Santa Monica
More info

Writing the Poetry Landscape with Naomi Shihab Nye
(award-winning Palestinian-American writer)
Saturday, March 8 @ 7:30 pm
Space is limited; RSVP required
UCLA's Fowler Museum in Westwood
More info

Writer's Jam
Tuesdays @ 6pm: 3/18, 4/15
Eagle Rock Library in Eagle Rock
More info

Writing the Short Story
4 Wednesdays @ 1pm: 4/2, 4/9, 4/16 & 4/23
Montana Avenue Branch Library in Santa Monica
More info

Balinese Dance and Music Class

PERFORMING ARTS

Acting Class
Mondays @ 6pm: 3/3, 3/10, 3/17 & 3/24
Westwood Library in Westwood
More info

Process, Product, Art: A Workshop with Nao Bustamante (performance art workshop)
Friday, March 7 @ 2pm
Friends of the USC Libraries Lecture Hall Doheny Memorial Library 240
Free but RSVP required
More info

Hip-Hop Dance (w/ Versa-Style Dance Company)
Thursday, March 13 @ 7pm
Newhall Arts & Entertainment District in Newhall
More info

Balinese Dance and Music (w/ The CalArts Balinese Gamelan orchestra and dancers)
Thursday, April 10 @ 7pm
Newhall Arts & Entertainment District in Newhall
More info

Nigerian Talking Drums with Francis Awe (interactive dance class & performance)
Sunday, April 13 @ 2pm
UCLA's Fowler Museum in Westwood
More info

Leadership in the Arts: What Does It Mean? with Kronos Quartet
(interactive discussion/performance)
Thursday, April 24 @ 7:30 pm
Bovard Auditorium on USC's University Park Campus in Downtown LA
Free but RSVP required
More info

Hip Hop Dance with Versa-Style Dance Company

VISUAL ARTS

Art A La Carte (drawing, watercolors, and collage technique)
Wednesdays @ 2pm: 3/5, 3/12, 3/19, 3/26, 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23 & 4/30
San Rafael Branch Library in Pasadena
More info

Art for All with LACMA Artists
Wednesdays @ 4pm: 3/5, 3/12, 3/19, 3/26, 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23 & 4/30
Vermont Square Library in South LA
More info

Free Fun in LA - March/April 2014

2014-02-28T13:36:00.002-08:00

Spring is here and we benefit from programming for Women's History Month, St. Paddy's Day, L.A.'s puppet festival and more. It's hard to believe that we'll already have access to outdoor films long before the summer heat sets in. This post will not include Blog Picks because there were too many great events to highlight just a few. Explore all the offerings and enjoy the new season!

PERFORMING ARTS

3/4 (Tues): Unperformable: An Evening with Dance Pioneer Rudy Perez (dance performance), 7pm, Grand Ballroom at Ronald Tutor Campus Center on USC's University Park Campus in Downtown LA, free event but reservations are required, More info

3/5 (Wed): Los Angeles Sephardic Music Festival: Sarah Aroeste in concert, 7:30 pm, UCLA's Fowler Museum in Westwood, More info

3/6 (Thurs): Adaawe in concert (international fusion of African music, R&B/pop vocals, jazz-funk, Latin and Reggae), 12pm, Grand Park's Performance Lawn in Downtown LA, More info

Also, The Kitchenette in concert (acoustic reggae/rocksteady/ska), 6pm, UCLA's Fowler Museum in Westwood, More info

3/9 (Sun): Silver & Gold: A Performance by Nao Bustamante, 7pm, Tommy's Place at Ronald Tutor Campus Center on USC's University Park Campus in Downtown LA, free event but reservations are required, More info

3/12 (Wed): Truth Values: One Girl’s Romp Through M.I.T.’s Male Math Maze performance (one-woman show, winner of Outstanding Solo Show at the New York International Fringe Festival), 7pm, Grand Ballroom at Ronald Tutor Campus Center on USC's University Park Campus in Downtown LA, free event but reservations are required, More info

3/13 (Thurs): Ron Athey: Sebastiane performance (one-man show by political performance artist), 7:30pm, Billy Wilder Theater at Hammer Museum in Westwood, More info

3/17 (Mon): Celtic rock band Young Dubliners in concert at St. Patrick's Day Celebration (Irish food and beer garden), 11am, Pershing Square in Downtown, More info

3/20 (Thurs): Jim “Kimo” West in concert (slack key guitar), 12pm, Grand Park's Performance Lawn in Downtown LA, More info

4/3 (Thurs): Blue Morning Quintet in concert (jazz), 12pm, Grand Park's Performance Lawn in Downtown LA, More info

4/6 (Sun): Afro-American Chamber Music Society Orchestra in concert, 6pm, Bing Theater at LACMA in Mid-Wilshire District, free parking after 7pm, More info

4/16 (Wed): Armenian Music Ensemble performs Honoring the Armenian Masters (Armenian classical music by Spendiarian, Mirzoyan, and Komitas in commemoration of the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide), 7:30 pm, Hammer Museum in Westwood, free but tickets required, $3 parking after 6pm, More info

4/17 (Thurs): Multimedia Event and Opening Reception for Wonderland Unbound exhibit (digital animation, light projection and more), 8pm, Doheny Memorial Library on USC's University Park Campus in Downtown LA, More info

Also, Opa Opa in concert (salsa), 12pm, Grand Park's Performance Lawn in Downtown LA, More info

Also, A Capella Night (a capella concert), 6pm, UCLA's Fowler Museum in Westwood, More info

4/23 (Wed): Mehfil Massive: South Asian Religions Remixed through Poetry (musical and spoken word performance by internationally renowned South Asian artists), 7:30pm, Bovard Auditorium on USC's University Park Campus in Downtown LA, free event but reservations are required, More info

4/24 (Thurs): Concert by UCLA’s Dashew Center for International Students and Scholars (ethnic music and dance performance), 6pm, UCLA's Fowler Museum in Westwood, More info

4/25-4/26 (Fri-Sat): Single Wing Turquoise Bird performance (live light show), 7:30pm, Stage 4 at School of Cinematic Arts Complex on USC's University Park Campus in Downtown LA, free event but reservations are required, More info

FILM AND CINEMA

3/1 (Sat):   Gravity film screening (with Sandra Bullock and George Clooney), 3pm, Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium at Main Library in Santa Monica, More info

Also, Princess Kaʻiulani film screening, 2pm, Ascot Library near Huntington Park, More info

3/4 (Tues): All Is Lost film screening(with Robert Redford), 7pm, Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium at Main Library in Santa Monica, More info

Also, Steven Spielberg's Munich film screening (2005), 6pm, Ocean Park Branch Library in Santa Monica, More info

Also, The Man in the White Suit film screening (with Alec Guinness), 1:30 pm, Skirball Cultural Center in West LA, More info

3/5 (Wed): Poetry (2010) outdoor film screening, 2pm, Steinmetz Park in Hacienda Heights, More info

3/6 (Thurs): Crazy Horse (2011) film screening, 7:30 pm, Hammer Museum in Westwood,free but tickets required, $3 parking after 6pm, More info

3/8 (Sat): The Artist film screening (2011 Academy Award winner for Best Picture, with Jean Dujardin), 1pm, Meeting Room A at Central Library in Downtown LA, More info

Also, Great Women of Mexican Film: Dona Barbara film screening (with Maria Felix), in Spanish without subtitles, 2pm, Echo Park Library in Echo Park, More info

3/11 (Tues): The Detective aka Father Brown film screening (with Alec Guinness), 1:30 pm, Skirball Cultural Center in West LA, More info

3/13 (Thurs): The Book Thief film screening, 6:30pm, Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium at Main Library in Santa Monica, More info

3/14 (Fri): The Tree of Life (2011) outdoor film screening, 7pm, Multipurpose Room of the Steinmetz Senior Center at Steinmetz Park in Hacienda Heights, More info

3/15 (Sat): Be Cool (2005) film screening, 1pm, Mark Twain Public Library in South Central LA, More info

3/18 (Tues): La Danse (2009) film screening, 7:30 pm, Hammer Museum in Westwood, free but tickets required, $3 parking after 6pm, More info

Also, Roman Polanski's Cul-de-Sac (1966) film screening, 6:30 pm, Montana Avenue Branch Library in Santa Monica, More info

3/20 (Thurs): John Ford's The Informer (1935) film screening, 2pm, Montana Avenue Branch Library in Santa Monica, More info

3/21 (Fri): Even the Rain (También la Lluvia) film screening, 7pm, Multipurpose Room of the Steinmetz Senior Center at Steinmetz Park in Hacienda Heights, More info

3/22 (Sat): Gravity film screening (with Sandra Bullock and George Clooney), 2pm, Sherman Oaks Martin Pollard Branch Library in Sherman Oaks, More info

3/24 (Mon): Fair Game film screening (with Naomi Watts), 2pm, Sherman Oaks Martin Pollard Branch Library in Sherman Oaks, More info

3/25 (Tues): The Spy Next Door film screening (with Jackie Chan), 6:30 pm, Montana Avenue Branch Library in Santa Monica, More info

3/29 (Sat): Great Women of Mexican Film: Maria Candelaria film screening (with Dolores del Rio), in Spanish without subtitles, 2pm, Echo Park Library in Echo Park, More info

4/1 (Tues): Murder by Death film screening (with Truman Capote and Alec Guinness), 1:30 pm, Skirball Cultural Center in West LA, More info

4/4 (Fri): La Bamba (1987) outdoor film screening, 8pm, Montebello City Park in Montebello, More info

4/8 (Tues): Our Man in Havana film screening (with Alec Guinness), 1:30 pm, Skirball Cultural Center in West LA, More info

4/11 (Fri): Clara and the Secret of the Bears (2012) outdoor film screening, 8pm, Montebello City Park in Montebello, More info

4/18 (Fri): LACMA9 Shorts Program, 7pm, Montebello City Park in Montebello, More info

4/19 (Sat): East L.A. Film Shorts (emerging Latino filmmakers), 8pm, Montebello City Park in Montebello, More info

4/25 (Fri): Rock 'n' Roll High School (1979) outdoor film screening, 8pm, Montebello City Park in Montebello, More info

Wonderland Unbound

VISUAL AND GRAPHIC ARTS

3/1 (Sat): Premiere of Jacob Hashimoto's Gas Giant installation, MOCA Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, installation is on view through June 8th, More info

3/5 (Wed): Shirley Familian: 19.275 Stamps exhibit (free day at CAFAM), CAFAM in Miracle Mile dstrict, also free day on 4/2, exhibit closes on 3/27, More info

3/29 (Sat): Opening Party for Sinful Saints and Saintly Sinners at the Margins of the Americas  Exhibition (live music and libations + pre-party talk with curator at 5pm), 6pm, UCLA's Fowler Museum in Westwood, RSVP to the party by March 7, More info

3/30 (Sun): Opening Reception for Open Call L.A. 2014 exhibit, 2-5pm, LA Municipal Art Gallery at Barnsdall Park in Little Armenia, More info

4/17 (Thurs): Multimedia Event and Opening Reception for Wonderland Unbound exhibit (digital animation, light projection and more), 8pm, Doheny Memorial Library on USC's University Park Campus in Downtown LA, More info

Thru 4/26: 22nd Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design exhibit, FIDM Galleries in Downtown, More info

Thru 4/27: The Power of Photography: National Geographic 125 Years exhibit, Annenberg Space for Photography in Century City, More info

OTHER EVENTS

3/2 (Sun): Norouz - Persian New Year & Free Day, 10am-4pm, Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, More info

3/16 (Sun): Fridamania/Women's Day Festival & Free Day, 11am-5pm, MOLAA in Long Beach, More info

3/17 (Mon): St. Patricks Day Celebration with Young Dubliners in concert, Irish food and beer garden), 11am, Pershing Square in Downtown, More info

3/29 (Sat): Grand Park Downtown Bookfest, 12-5pm, Grand Park in Downtown LA, More info

3/30 (Sun): Open House Festivities at newly renovated and reopened Brand Library and Park (music, food trucks, games/prizes, demonstrations and art show), 12-4pm, Brand Library and Park in Glendale, More info

4/5 (Sat): Taco Madness (live music, art, bar and city's favorite taco vendors), 12-7:30 pm, Grand Park in Downtowon LA, More info

4/6 (Sun): LA Puppetfest: Million Puppet Parade, 10:30am-1pm, 3rd and Wilshire in Santa Monica, More info

Free Fun in LA - December 2013

2013-12-01T12:01:00.000-08:00

It's holiday time and that means lots of celebrations: Kwanzaa, tree lighting, tree decorating, festivals and toy drives, plus holiday concerts and film screenings--yippee! Have a wonderful holiday, everyone!

FESTIVALS AND OTHER EVENTS

12/1 (Sun): It's a Kwan zaa Bonanza (Target Free Sundays), 1pm-5pm, California African American Museum in Downtown LA, More info

**BLOG PICK!! 12/6 (Fri): Alhambra's First Friday and Tree Lighting Ceremony (live bands, face painting, vendors, more), 5pm-9pm, Renaissance Plaza in Alhambra, More info

Victorian Christmas Open House

12/7 (Sat): Allendale Holiday Literary Festival and Tree Lighting, 4pm-6pm, Allendale Library and Park in Pasadena, More info

**BLOG PICK!! 12/7-12/8 (Sat-Sun): Festival Navidenio en la Calle Ocho (Latin music festival, vendors and toy drive), 8th Street between Vermont Ave. and Irolo Street in Downtown LA, 12pm-10pm, More info

**BLOG PICK!! Also, Victorian Christmas Open House, 11am-4pm, The Banning Museum in Wilmington, More info

12/8 (Sun): Winter Family Festival plus Radio Disney's Festival of Giving, 1-4pm, Beeman Park in Studio City, More info

12/11 (Wed): Holiday and Tree Decorating Party, 2:30pm-4pm, Villa Parke Library in Pasadena, More info

12/12 (Thurs): Winter Wonderland Tree Decorating Party, 3:30pm, Lamanda Park in Pasadena, More info

12/13 (Fri): Christmas Tree Lighting and Santa, 3pm-5pm, La Pintoresca Library and Park in Pasadena, More info

**BLOG PICK!! 12/14 (Sat): Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade and Fireworks Display, 3pm, Burton Chace Park in Marina del Rey, More info

Also, Winter Holiday Festival 2013, 12pm-6pm, Pershing Square in Downtown LA, More info

Music Center Holiday Sing-Along

**BLOG PICK!! 12/15 (Sun): Taste of Tamales Food Festival, 10am-6pm, Placita Olvera in Downtown LA, More info

12/20 (Fri): The Music Center Holiday Sing-Along, 6:30pm, Music Center Plaza in Downtown LA, free tickets required, More info

12/21 (Sat): Beach Winter Wonderland, 11am-4pm, Dockweiler Youth Center in El Segundo, $8 parking, More info

Also, Naples Holiday Boat Parade, 6pm, Naples Island in Long Beach, More info

**BLOG PICK!! 12/24 (Tues): L.A County Holiday Celebration (live music & dance performances), 3pm-6pm, Music Center in Downtown LA, More info

12/27 (Fri): Kwanzaa Celebration (music, stories and food), 11am-1pm, La Pintoresca Branch Library in Pasadena, More info

**BLOG PICK!! 12/31 (Tues): New Year's Eve LA (live performances, food trucks, animated countdown, and more), 6pm-12:30pm, Grand Park in Downtown LA, More info

FILM AND CINEMA

12/1 (Sat): 42 film screening, 2pm, AV Library Community Room at Aliso Viejo Library in Aliso Viejo, More info

12/3 (Tues): The Palm Beach Story film screening, 1:30pm, Skirball Cultural Center in West LA, More info

12/5 (Thurs): Wilde film screening, 2pm, Tustin Branch Library in Tustin, More info

**BLOG PICK!! Also, Silent Movie Screenings w/ Piano Accompaniment: A Dog's Life (w/ Charlie Chaplin) and Where the North Begins (Rin Tin Tin), 6pm, Peninsula Center Library in Rancho Palos Verdes, More info

12/7 (Sat): Monsters University animated film screening, 3pm, Martin Luther King Jr. Auditorium at Main Library in Santa Monica, More info

Also, Monsoon Wedding film screening, 1pm, Meeting Room A at Central Library in Downtown LA, More info

12/8 (Sun): The Muppet Christmas Carol film screening, 11am, Hammer Museum in Westwood, free tickets required, More info

12/10 (Tues): The Truman Show film screening, 1:30pm, Skirball Cultural Center in West LA, More info

12/12 (Thurs): Miracle on 34th Street (1994) film screening, 2pm, Tustin Branch Library in Tustin, More info

Also, Remember the Night (1940 holiday romance w/ Fred MacMurray and Barbara Stanwyck), 2pm, Montana Avenue Branch Library in Santa Monica, More info

12/14 (Sat): Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure film screening, 2pm, AV Library Community Room at Aliso Viejo Library in Aliso Viejo, More info

**BLOG PICK!! 12/15 (Sun): La Sirga film screening (Columbian film) 2pm, Aliso Viejo Library in Aliso Viejo, More info

12/17 (Tues): Gus van Sant's Drugstore Cowboy (1970) film screening, 6:30pm, Montana Avenue Branch Library in Santa Monica, More info

12/19 (Thurs): Red Tails (2012) film screening, 2pm, Tustin Branch Library in Tustin, More info

12/20 (Fri): The Chorus film screening (multiple Academy-award nominated international film from France), 7pm, Rancho Santa Margarita Library, More info

12/26 (Thurs): The Last Station (2010) film screening, 2pm, Tustin Branch Library in Tustin, More info

12/30 (Mon): Despicable Me 2 (2013) animated film screening, 3pm, Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium at Main Library in Santa Monica, More info

12/31 (Tues): The Great Gatsby film screening (2013 film w/ Leonardo di Caprio), 2pm, Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium at Main Library in Santa Monica, More info

PERFORMING ARTS

12/1 (Sun): Cellist Ruslan Biryukov and Pianist Armen Guzelimian in concert, 6pm, Bing Theater at LACMA in Miracle Mile District, More info

Also, "Russian Tableau" program by Claremont Symphony Orchestra, 3:30pm, Bridges Hall of Music at Pomona College in Claremont, More info

12/5 (Thurs): Ecos de Espana performance (Spanish classical/flamenco music and dance), 7pm, DRW Auditorium at Pasadena Central Library in Pasadena, More info

Pomona College Balinese Ensemble

12/6 (Fri): Pomona College Choir in concert, 8pm, Bridges Hall of Music at Pomona College in Claremont, encore performance on 12/8 @ 3pm, More info

Also, Sakai Flamenco (dance and musical ensemble) performance,7pm, Santa Fe Springs Library in Santa Fe Springs, More info

12/7 (Sat): Benita Bike's DanceArt (interactive dance performance), 2pm, Lake View Terrace Library in Lake View Terrace, More info

12/8 (Sun): UCLA Camarades in concert (string ensemble), 6pm, Bing Theater at LACMA in Miracle Mile District, More info

12/9 (Mon): Pomona College Balinese Ensemble performance, Bridges Hall of Music at Pomona College in Claremont, More info

12/12 (Thurs): Songs of the Season with the Lyric Chorus of SMC Emeritus College, 11am, Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium at Main Library in Santa Monica, More info

12/13 (Fri): Lyric String Quartet in concert, 8pm, Harbor College in Wilmington, More info

Theatricum Botanicum

**BLOG PICK!! Also, Theatricum Botanicum presents A Midsummer Night's Dream performance, 7:30pm, Antelope Valley College Performing Arts Center in Lancaster, free but reservations required, More info

12/14 (Sat): Jewel City Flute Choir performance, 3pm, Rotunda at Central Library in Downtown LA, More info

Also, Staged reading of Ibsen's A Doll's House, 2pm, Great Hall at Plummer Park in West Hollywood, More info

12/15 (Sun): The Capitol Ensemble in concert (classical music), 6pm, Bing Theater at LACMA in Miracle Mile District, More info

Also, Lyric String Quartet performance, 3pm, Pacific Unitarian Church in Rancho Palos Verdes, More info

12/28: Grammy Award-nominated Pop Ups performance, 2pm, Magnin Auditorium at Skirball Cultural Center in West LA, More info

12/29: Multiple Parents' Choice Award-winning Jambo performance (journey through the roots of American music), 2pm, Magnin Auditorium at Skirball Cultural Center in West LA, More info

Monroe Hodder: Polyphonia

VISUAL AND GRAPHIC ARTS

**BLOG PICK!! thru 12/18: White Faux Taxidermy presents Wild Thing exhibit (various artists incorporate faux taxidermy into art works), PROJECT Gallery in Hollywood, More info

12/19 (Thurs): Venice Art Crawl, 6pm, various locations in Venice, More info

12/22 (Sun): Leimert Park ArtWalk, 1pm-8pm, Leimert Park in Leimert Park, More info

thru 1/4/2014: Monroe Hodder: Polyphonia exhibit, George Billis Gallery Los Angeles in West LA, More info

Free Classes for L.A. Artists - December 2013

2013-11-29T17:30:00.000-08:00

Some new classes to watch for this month: found art sculpture, acting, and more. Have a wonderful holiday season and stay creative!

VISUAL AND GRAPHIC ARTS

Art a la Carte (various media)
Wednesdays @ 2pm: 12/4, 12/11, 12/18
San Rafael Branch Library in Pasadena
More info

Southern Wind Chimes

Sunday, 12/8 @ 2pm

California African American Museum in Downtown LA

Free but RSVP preferred

More info

Found Art Sculpture

Thursday, 12/12 @ 4pm

Free but RSVP required

Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach
More info

Blind Contour Portraits

Sunday, 12/15 @ 1pm

Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach
More info

WRITING

Write Away
Tuesdays @ 12pm: 12/3, 12/10, 12/17, 12/31
Fairview Branch Library in Santa Monica
More info

Life Story Writing
Saturdays @ 2:30pm: 12/7 and 12/21
Silver Lake Library in Silverlake
More info

Hollywood Writing Group
Tuesday, 12/10 @ 1pm
Will and Ariel Durant Library in Hollywood
More info

Writer's Jam
Tuesday, 12/17 @ 6pm
Eagle Rock Library in Eagle Rock
More info

PERFORMING ARTS

Acting Class

Mondays @ 6pm: 12/2, 12/9, 12/16, 12/23, 12/30

Westwood Branch Library in Westwood

More info

Beginning to Advanced Salsa/Bachata

Sunday, 12/8 @ 12pm

Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach

More info

Free Fitness Classes in L.A. - December 2013

2013-11-29T12:59:00.000-08:00

With all the holiday feasting, you may want to put some free fitness on the table as well! Despite a thinning schedule, there are still plenty of aerobic, yoga and meditation classes available and this month there are also some new yoga classes in the mix, so find one in your area and unwind!

YOGA AND MEDITATION

Yoga
Mondays @ 11am: 12/2, 12/9, 12/16, 12/23, 12/30
Granada Hills Library in Granada Hills
More info

Mindful Meditation
Tuesday, 12/3 @ 7pm
Venice-Abbot Kinney Memorial Library in Venice
More info

Adult Yoga
Wednesdays @ 10:15am: 12/4, 12/11, 12/18
Venice-Abbot Kinney Memorial Library in Venice
More info

Lunchtime Yoga reTreat
Wednesdays @ 12:15pm: 12/4, 12/11, 12/18
Fridays @ 12:15pm: 12/6, 12/13, 12/20, 12/27
More info

Community Yoga
Wednesdays @ 7pm: 12/4, 12/11, 12/18
Patagonia Pasadena in Pasadena
More info

Meditation Workshop
Wednesdays @ 6pm: 12/4
John C. Fremont Library in Hollywood
More info

Mindfulness Meditation
Wednesdays @ 6pm: 12/4 and 12/18
Montana Avenue Library in Santa Monica
More info

Beginning to Intermediate Yoga
Wednesdays @ 6pm: 12/4, 12/11, 12/18
La Habra Library in La Habra
More info

Yoga and You
Thursday, 12/5 @ 10:30am
Hastings Branch Library in Pasadena
More info

Laughter Yoga
Tuesday, 12/10 @ 7pm
Montana Avenue Branch Library in Santa Monica
More info

Bfit Yoga
Saturdays @ 10am (ongoing)
2nd floor Macys Bridge
Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza in South Central LA
More info

AEROBIC FITNESS

Burton W. Chace Park Fitness Club
Wednesdays @ 11:30am: 12/4, 12/11, 12/18
Burton W. Chace Park in Marina del Rey
More info

Beginning to Advanced Salsa and Bachata
Sunday, 12/8 @ 12pm
Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach
More info

Ultimate Mt. Hollywood Motivational Hike
Saturday, 12/14 @ 10am
Griffith Park Vermont Ave. Entrance in Hollywood
More info

Bfit Zumba
Tuesdays @ 7:30pm (ongoing)
2nd floor Macys Bridge
Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza in South Central LA
More info

Bfit Cardio Kick
Thursdays @ 7:00pm (ongoing)
2nd floor Macys Bridge
Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza in South Central LA
More info

Dec. 4: Free Seminar for Actors in L.A.

2013-11-28T12:45:00.000-08:00

Intentional Acting and Performer Track will present a free seminar for actors entitled "Audtion Supremacy: How to PWN Every Audition" on December 4th in North Hollywood.

The presentation, led by Intentional Acting founder Loren E. Chadima and founders of Holdon Log/Performer Track Brain Vermiere and Kristina Hughes, will cover the following topics:

Breaking down a script in less than five minutes
Decluttering your acting brain and finding the clues in the script
Calming your cold reading anxieties
Building your relationship with the Casting Director as you Audition
What you NEED to know BEFORE you look at the sides
How to be more relaxed and confident with those you are Auditioning for
Why what you wear is the difference between a Callback and a "no-back"
What to do in the waiting room to set yourself up for the callback

While the seminar is free to attend, you must register to reserve your seat. Click on the link below for more info and to RSVP.

Click Here for Registration/More Information

WHERE:
Lankershim Arts Center/Gallery 800
5108 Lankershim Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91601

WHEN:
Wednesday, December 4th, 2013
6:30PM - 8:30PM

Free Classes for L.A. Artists - November 2013

2013-10-31T14:19:00.000-07:00

This month's classes include opportunities to learn from masters in mask making, performance art, drawing and guitar, as well as a full-day classroom in oil painting. Get creative!

VISUAL AND GRAPHIC ARTS

Mask Making w/ Emile Jordan

Art a la Carte (various media)
Wednesdays @ 2pm: 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 11/27
San Rafael Branch Library in Pasadena
More info

Hands on Art Workshop
Tuesday November 14 @4pm
Free but reservations required
Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach
More info

Mask Making Workshop w/ Emile Jordan
Saturday, November 16 @ 11am and also 2:30pm
A.C. Bilbrew Library in South Central L.A.
More info

Portrait Painting in Oil
Saturday, November 16 @ 10am-4pm
Sunland-Tujunga Library inTujunga
More info

Art Workshop: Charcoal Drawing
Sunday, November 17 @ 1:00pm
Art Studio at Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach
More info

WRITING

Life Story Writing
Saturdays @ 2:30pm: 11/2 and 11/16
Silver Lake Library in Silverlake
More info

Write Away
Tuesdays @ 12pm: 11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 11/26
Fairview Branch Library in SM
More info

Creative Writing Group
Saturday, November 9 @ 1pm
South Whittier Library in Whittier
More info

PERFORMING ARTS

Observation of Master Class w/ Guitar Virtuoso Scott Tennant
Saturday, November 2 @ 4pm
Pasadena Conservatory of Music in Pasadena
More info

Guitar Virtuoso Scott Tennant

Lecture and Workshop w/ Performance Artist Jeanne van Heeswijk
Lecture: 11/4 @ 7pm; Workshop: 11/6 @ 1pm
USC's University Park Campus in Downtown LA (various locations)
Free but RSVP required, More info

Unity Project (dance workshops for non-dancers)
11/3 and 11/10 @ 3pm, 11/8 @ 6:30pm, 11/9 and 11/16 @ 3:30pm
Diavolo Dance Theatre at The Brewery in Downtown LA
Free but RSVP require, More info

Beginning to Advanced Salsa and Bachata
Sunday, November 12 @ 12pm
Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach
More info

Free Fitness in LA - November 2013

2013-10-31T00:30:00.000-07:00

This month, there is an expanded schedule of yoga and mediation classes, while the aerobic classes include the usual zumba and other cardio classes. Have fun!

YOGA AND MEDITATION

Laughter Yoga
Saturdays @ 10am: 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/23, 11/30
Tustin Library Community Room in Tustin
More info

Yoga
Mondays @ 11am: 11/4, 11/18, 11/25
Granada Hills Library in Granada Hills
More info

Mindful Meditation
Tuesday, November 5 @ 7pm
Venice-Abbot Kinney Memorial Library in Venice
More info

Community Yoga
Wednesdays @ 7pm: 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 11/27
Patagonia Pasadena in Pasadena
More info

Mediation Workshop
Wednesdays @ 6pm: 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 11/27
John C. Fremont Library in Hollywood
More info

Sahaja Meditation
Wednesdays @ 6:30pm: 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 11/27
Memorial Library in Mid-Wilshire District
More info

Mindfulness Meditation
Wednesdays @ 6pm: 11/6 and 11/20
Montana Avenue Library in Santa Monica
More info

Beginning to Intermediate Yoga
Wednesdays @ 6pm: 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 11/27
La Habra Library in La Habra
More info

Meditation
Thursday, November 11 @ 7pm
Laguna Niguel Library Community Room in Laguna Niguel
More info

Laughter Yoga
Tuesday, November 12 @ 7pm
Montana Avenue Branch Library in Santa Monica
More info

Bfit Yoga
Saturdays @ 10am (ongoing)
2nd floor Macys Bridge
Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza in South Central LA
More info

AEROBIC FITNESS

Burton W. Chace Park Fitness Club
Wednesdays @ 11:30am: 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 11/27
Burton W. Chace Park in Marina del Rey
More info

Ultimate Mt. Hollywood Motivational Hike
Saturday, November 9 @ 10am
Griffith Park Vermont Ave. Entrance in Hollywood
More info

Beginning to Advanced Salsa and Bachata
Sunday, November 10 @ 12pm
Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach
More info

Bfit Zumba
Tuesdays @ 7:30pm (ongoing)
2nd floor Macys Bridge
Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza in South Central LA
More info

Bfit Cardio Kick
Thursdays @ 7:00pm (ongoing)
2nd floor Macys Bridge
Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza in South Central LA
More info

Free Fun in LA - November 2013

2013-10-30T22:24:00.004-07:00

Halloween may be over but this month is chock full of Dia de Los Muertos celebrations and fall gallery openings, so put the candy away and and hit the town!

FILM AND CINEMA

11/3 (Sun): Warm Bodies film screening, 2pm, Laguna Niguel Library in Laguna Niguel, More info

Also, Hyde Park on Hudson (2013) film screening, 2pm, Aliso Viejo Library Community Room in Aliso Viejo, More info

11/5 (Tues): The Fountainhead (with Gary Cooper), 1:30pm, Skirball Cultural Center in West LA, More info

11/6 (Wed): Deanna Durbin: First Love (1939) film screening, 1pm, Pasadena Central Library Story Room in Pasadena, More info

11/7 (Thurs): The Descendants film screening, 2pm, Tustin Library Computer Lab in Tustin, More info

11/8 (Fri): Live In Maid film screening (Argentinian/Spanish film), 7pm, Rancho Santa Margarita Library, More info

**BLOG PICK!! 11/8-11/10 (Fri-Sun): Comedy@SCA: Volume 2 festival of comedy in film/TV, Eileen Norris Cinema Theatre/Frank Sinatra Hall on USC's University Park Campus in South Central LA, event is free but reservations required, More info

11/9 (Sat): Herblock – The Black & The White film screening, 2pm, Meeting Room A at Central Library in Downtown LA, More info

Also, Spy Kids film screening, 2pm, AV Library Community Room at Aliso Viejo Library, More info

Thelma and Louise

11/12 (Tues): Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House film screening (with Cary Grant and Myrna Loy), 1:30pm, Skirball Cultural Center in West LA, More info

11/13 (Wed): Neptune’s Daughter (1949) film screening, 1pm, Pasadena Central Library Story Room in Pasadena, More info

**BLOG PICK!! 11/13-11/17 (Wed-Sun): L.A. Skins Fest (Native American film festival), L.A. Live Regal Cinema in Hollywood, free screenings but reservations required, More info

11/16 (Sat): Thelma and Louise film screening (with Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon), 1pm, Meeting Room A at Central Library in Downtown LA, More info

11/17 (Sun): Shun Li and the Poet (award-winning film from Italy - 2011), 2pm, Aliso Viejo Library in Aliso Viejo, More info

11/19 (Tues): Hollywood Canteen film screening (with Bette Davis), 3pm, Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium of Main Library in Santa Monica, More info

**BLOG PICK!! 11/20 (Wed): Medora (new 2013 documentary) film screening + post-screening discussion with director and film subjects, 7:30pm, Hammer Museum in Westwood, cash bar reception after screening, free event but tickets required, $3 parking after 6pm, More info

Also, Eleanor, First Lady of the World (1982) film screening, 1pm, Pasadena Central Library Story Room in Pasadena, More info

11/26 (Tues): Disney's Alice in Wonderland (1951) film screening, 7pm, Laguna Niguel Library in Laguna Niguel, More info

11/27 (Wed): Clash of the Titans (1981) film screening, 1pm, Pasadena Central Library Story Room in Pasadena, More info

Also, Plymouth Adventure film screening (with Spencer Tracy), 3:30pm, Aliso Viejo Library Community Room n Aliso Viejo, More info

PERFORMING ARTS

11/1 (Fri): Greg Poree Band in concert (Brazilian Jazz), 6pm, LACMA in Mid-Wilshire district, More info

Also, L.A. Youth Guitar Orchestra and Guitarreando (21 music students from Stuttgart, Germany) play original works by L.A.-based composer Andrew York, 7:30pm, Dabney Hall at Caltech in Pasadena, More info

**BLOG PICK!! 11/2 (Sat): Music & Dance of the Middle East, 8pm, Bridges Hall of Music at Pomona College in Claremont, More info

Mx America

11/7 (Thurs): Día de los Muertos with award-winning Mariachi de UCLAtlán, 6pm, UCLA’s Fowler Museum in Westwood, More info

Also, Mx America (performance by World-renowned writer, singer, painter and performance artist Justin Vivian Bond), 7pm, USC's University Park Campus Town and Gown (TGF) in South Central LA, refreshments will be provided, free event but reservations required, More info

**BLOG PICK!! Also, Dreams of Grandeur by Invertigo Dance Theatre (outdoor dance performance experience), 12pm, Grand Park in Downtown LA, More info

11/9 (Sat): The Statmen in concert (gypsy swing, bluegrass, Latin influenced music), 2pm, Ocean Park Branch Library in Santa Monica, More info

11/9-11/10 (Sat-Sun): PLAY/ground New Play Festival, 10am-4pm, Boston Court Performing Arts Center in Pasadena, free event but reservations recommended, More info

Tecza Puppet Theatre

**BLOG PICK!! 11/14 (Thurs): "Sheila" by Ate9 dANCEcOMPANY (outdoor dance performance experience), 12pm, Grand Park in Downtown LA, More info

11/16 (Sat): Tecza Puppet Theatre & Warsaw Village Band, 11am and 12:30pm, W.M. Keck Children’s Ampitheatre in Downtown LA, More info

11/17 (Sun): The Roots of Latin Music, 4pm, Pasadena Conservatory of Music in Pasadena, More info

11/21 (Thurs): Scott Linford and Friends in concert (West African akonting and the American banjo), 6pm, UCLA’s Fowler Museum in Westwood, More info

Also, "Action-scape" by Wookey and Tang (outdoor dance performance experience), 12pm, Grand Park in Downtown LA, More info

11/24 (Sun): Peruvian Dance and Music, 2pm, UCLA’s Fowler Museum in Westwood, More info

VISUAL AND GRAPHIC ARTS

11/1: 1st Opening Reception for 8th Annual Dia de Los Muertos Art Exhibition and Celebration, 5pm-9pm, dance performance by Life's Grand Jr. Dance Co. at 7pm,Gallery Azul in San Pedro, More info

8th Annual Dia de Los Muertos

11/2 (Sat): : Opening Reception for Metallic Tissue exhibit (graffiti art), 7pm, Fabien Castanier Gallery in Studio City, More info

Also, 2nd Opening Reception for 8th Annual Dia de Los Muertos Art Exhibition and Celebration, 5pm-9pm, dance performance by Life's Grand Jr. Dance Co. at 7pm, Warehouse 1333 in Long Beach, More info

Also, Opening Reception for Skin/Deep: Materiality, Sensuality and Paint group exhibition, 6pm-9pm, William Turner Gallery at Bergamot Station in Santa Monica, More info

Also, Opening Reception for 3 exhibits: Carol Kleinman: Paris Windows (photography), Linda Sue Price: Spiraling (neon art), and Kamil Vojnar: Life is a Journey, 5-8pm, TAG Gallery at Bergamot Station in Santa Monica, More info

Also, Opening Reception for Alain Laboile: La Famille (avant garde photography) and Dale Johnson: Paris Portfolio, 6-8pm, dnj Gallery at Bergamot Station in Santa Monica, More info

Alain Laboile: La Famille

Also, Opening of 2 exhibits: The Venus Paintings by Mary Heebner and William Dole: Selected Collages, Edward Cella Art+Architecture in the Mid-Wilshire District, both exhibits run through Dec. 28, More info

**BLOG PICK!! 11/7 (Thurs): Opening Reception for exhibit of legendary L.A. artist Frank Romero's 50-year career, 6:30pm, Muckenthaler Gallery in Fullerton, exhibit runs through Dec. 31, More info

Also, Free Night to see retrospective art exhibit of Bob Mizer and Tom of Finland (legendary erotic artists in media of illustration, photography, film and more), 5-8pm, Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, free nights repeat every Thursday night and exhibit runs through Jan. 26, 2014, More info

11/16 (Sat): Opening Reception for Machine Muse exhibit (kinetic sculpture group exhibit), 6-9pm, Lois Lambert Gallery at Bergamot Station in Santa Monica, exhibit runs through Jan. 5, 2014, More info

Also, Opening Reception for 4 new exhibits including Charles De Mar and Vintage Americana, 6-9pm, JNA Gallery at Bergamot Station in Santa Monica, exhibits run through Dec. 15, More info

thru 11/17: Story Time Group Show (40 local and international artists create characters they would have loved as children), Monkeyhouse Toys and Gallery in Silverlake, More info


Frank Romero

OTHER EVENTS

**BLOG PICK!! 11/2 (Sat): Grand Park's Dia de Los Muertos (altars, food trucks, free face-painting, live bands, and full bar), 3pm-11pm, Grand Park in Downtown LA, More info

Also, Day of the Dead Celebration, 3pm-9pm, San Fernando Pioneer Memorial Cemetery in Sylmar, More info

11/3 (Sun): L.A. SALT (craft fair), 12pm-5pm, Pehrspace in Echo Park, More info

Nov. 4: Free Civic Art Workshop for L.A. Artists

2013-10-24T23:47:00.001-07:00

Deborah Aschheim

Are you an artist with fantasies of getting paid lots of money to create giant artworks that tons of people will see? Welcome to the world of civic and public art! Fine artists interested in starting or developing their career creating public or civic art in Los Angeles should not miss an upcoming workshop to be led by two active installation and community project artists, Kim Abeles and Deborah Aschheim.

The event, sponsored by the Los Angeles County Arts Commission and entitled "A Conversation with Kim Abeles & Deborah Aschheim: Connecting with the Public in Your Art Practice," will be especially relevant for studio artists who are interested in transitioning to the public art field or artists with an interest in social practice. Attendees are encouraged to bring an object (objects should be portable enough to fit inside a tote bag), symbol or idea to share that represents how you access the public (or the world beyond your studio) in your work.

WHEN:
Monday, November 4, 2013
5:30 to 7:00 P.M.

WHERE:
Los Angeles County Arts Commission
1055 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 800
Los Angeles, CA 90017

This event is free, but RSVPs are required due to limited seating. Please reserve your ticket at the link below:

Click Here to Register for Civic Art Workshop

Free Tele-Class on Selling Your Screenplay: Oct. 20

2013-10-18T18:16:00.001-07:00

Screenwriting U is offering their free tele-class entitled "Selling to Hollywood...for Real" on October 20th. The 2-hour class will cover the following topics:

5 Keys to Getting Your Script Sold
How To Light Up Hollywood -- from anywhere
Your Most Important Screenplay Marketing Decision.
How To Get Your Network To Sell You
What To Do If Producers Aren't Biting!
Your Direct Paths To Studios

The class is available to anyone and the only fee is whatever your long-distance phone service charges you for the call (usually $5-$8). Click on the link below to register or for more information:

DATE: Sunday, October 20th 2013

TIME: 12 PM (noon) Pacific Time

Click Here for Tele-Class Information/Registration

Free Tele-Class for Screenwriters: Oct. 12

2013-10-10T20:26:00.000-07:00

In a tele-class on October 12th at 12pm PST, producer Mike Napoliello of Radar Pictures, the company that produced The Last Samurai, Spring Breakers, and last month's #1 movie Riddick, will discuss the five biggest mistakes screenwriters make in pitching, writing, and project selection. The class will include a question and answer session where participants can ask their questions.

The tele-class is open to the first 200 writers to register (participation is by telephone so anyone, anywhere can participate). Click on the link below for more information and to sign up:

Click Here for Tele-Class Info and Registration

Free Fun in LA - October 2013

2013-09-29T16:15:00.000-07:00

October is a fun month for Halloween-related events and spooky film screenings.

FILM AND CINEMA

Kind Hearts and Coronets

10/1 (Tues): Kind Hearts and Coronets film screening, 1:30pm, Skirball Cultural Center in West LA, More info

Also, Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window (with James Stewart and Grace Kelly) film screening + discussion with filmmaker Elaina Archer, 6pm, Ocean Park Branchy Library in Santa Monica, More info

10/2 (Wed): Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein film screening, 1pm, Pasadena Central Library Auditorium in Pasadena, More info

10/3 (Thurs): The Full Monty film screening, 2pm, Tustin Library in Tustin,

10/4 (Fri): The Wiz film screening, 8pm, Charles White Park in Altadena, More info

10/5 (Sat): Hunger Games film screening, live music @ 6pm and movies @ 7:30pm, Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, More info

Also, The Met in HD: Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin, 12pm Eileen Norris Cinema Theatre/Frank Sinatra Hall on USC's University Park Campus in South Central LA, free but reservations required, More info

10/8 (Tues): The Lavender Hill Mob film screening, 1:30 p.m., Skirball Cultural Center in West LA, More info

10/9 (Wed): Invaders From Mars film screening, 1pm, Pasadena Central Library Auditorium in Pasadena, More info

10/10 (Thurs): Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas film screening, 2pm, Encino-Tarzana Branch Library in Tarzana, More info

10/12 (Sat): Exit Through the Gift Shop outdoor film screening, live music starts @ 6pm and movies @ 7:30pm, Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, More info

10/17 (Thurs): Persepolis film screening, 2pm, Tustin Library in Tustin,

10/18-10/19 (Fri-Sat): Indian Film Centennial: 1913-2013, Eileen Norris Cinema Theatre/Frank Sinatra Hall and the Ray Stark Family Theatre, School of Cinematic Arts 108 on USC's University Park Campus, free but reservations required, More info

10/19 (Sat): 500 Day of Summer outdoor film screening, live music @ 6pm and movies @ 7:30pm, Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, More info

10/22 (Tues): Gus van Sant's Promised Land film screening, 6:30pm, Montana Ave. Branch Library in Santa Monica, More info

10/23 (Wed): Young Frankenstein film screening, 1pm, Pasadena Central Library Auditorium in Pasadena, More info

10/24 (Thurs): Mel Brooks' History of the World - Part I, 2pm, Tustin Library in Tustin,

10/30 (Wed): Arsenic & Old Lace film screening, 1pm, Pasadena Central Library Auditorium in Pasadena, More info

10/31 (Thurs): Wolfen film screening (w/ Edward James Olmos and Gregory Hines), 2pm, Montana Ave. Branch Library in Santa Monica, More info

VISUAL AND GRAPHIC ARTS

10/5 (Sat): Opening Reception for Group Show (Camey McGilvray, Katherine Rohrbacher and Della Rolle), 5pm-8pm, TAG Gallery in Santa Monica, More info

Della Rolle

10/6 (Sun): Italian and Mediterranean Festival + Last Free Day of Jewels of the Connoisseur exhibit, 10am-4pm, Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, More info

10/7 (Mon): Voices off the Walls, Music off the Walls exhibit + reception, 7pm, USC Fisher Museum of Art on USC's University Park Campus in South Central LA, free but reservations required, More info

10/11 (Fri): ArtNight Pasadena (multi-gallery event of art, music, entertainment and food trucks), 6-10pm, various locations in Pasadena, More info

10/12 (Sat): Opening of Marvels & Monsters: Unmasking Asian Images in U.S. Comics, 1942-1986 exhibit (free day), Japanese American National Museum in Downtown LA, More info

Marvels and Monsters

Also, 8th Annual Pasadena ARTWalk 2013, 11am-5pm, various locations in Pasadena, More info

Also, Constructed Visions: New Media From Korea exhibit (four contemporary Korean artists), Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena, exhibit continues through Nov. 24 but free only on 10/12, More info

10/13 (Sun): Closing Reception of Chasing Daylight: Philip Latimer Dike, 1927 - 1943 exhibit, 5 pm, The Ruth Chandler Williamson Gallery at Scripps College in Claremont, More info

thru 10/19 (Sat): 7th Annual Outstanding Art of Television Costume Design exhibit, FIDM Museum & Galleries in Downtown LA, More info

10/24 (Thurs): Opening of Global Citizen: The Architecture of Moshe Safdie exhibit (free day), Skirball Cultural Center in West LA, exhibit runs through March 2, 2014 but free only on Thursdays, More info

10/27 (Sun): Leimert Park Art Walk, 1pm-8pm, Leimert Park, More info

Brian Brooks Moving Company

PERFORMING ARTS

10/4 (Fri): Brian Brooks Moving Company performance, 7:30pm, Bovard Auditorium at USC's University Park Campus in South Central LA, free but reservations required, More info

10/5 (Sat): Performances by Grammy Award-winning Los Texmaniacs (conjuntos music) and Pacifico Dance Company, 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., W.M. Keck Children's Amphitheatre at Walt Disney Concert Hall in Downtown LA, More info

Also, MP3 Los Angeles (comedy improv, street dance party, food trucks and cupcakes), 1:30 pm, Walt Disney Concert Hall in Downtown LA, download the track before you show up, More info

Also, Way Over Yonder (afternoon folk music festival), 2pm to 7pm, Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, More info

Also, Poetic Piano Quartets with Genevieve Feiwen Lee and fellow members of the Garth Newel Piano Quartet, 8pm, Bridges Hall of Music at Pomona College in Claremont, More info

Pacifico Dance Company

10/9 (Wed): Staged reading of "Copenhagen" by Michael Frayn, 7pm, Joyce J. Cammilleri Hall at The Brain and Creativity Institute on USC's University Park Campus in South Central LA, free but reservations required, More info

10/11 (Fri): From Page to Stage: Moby Dick - Then and Now (featuring Ricardo Pitts-Wiley and Mixed Magic Theatre) performance + reception to follow, 7:00pm, Annenberg Auditorium on USC's University Park Campus in South Central LA, free but reservations required, More info

10/12 (Sat): Imagining New Communities in the Digital Age (a multimedia performance featuring Low End Theory), 7pm Bovard Auditorium on USC's University Park Campus in South Central LA, free but reservations required, More info

Also, Afrotango Ensemble performance, 11am-4pm, El Molino Jazz Stage in Pasadena, More info

Also, Our American Voice performance (two-person show in partnership with East West Players), 1pm, Japanese American National Museum in Downtown LA, More info

Navarasa Dance Theater

10/13 (Sun): Pomona College Orchestra Concert, 3pm, Also, One World Music Concert Sunday, 3pm, Crowell Public Library in San Marino, More info

10/17 (Thurs): Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique Symphony performed by USC Thornton Symphony with Maestro Carl St.Clair, 7:30pm, Bovard Auditorium on USC's University Park Campus in South Central LA, free but reservations required, More info

10/19 (Sat): Festival Supreme (comedy and music festival), 3pm-10pm, Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, More info

10/25 (Fri): An Evening with Navarasa Dance Theater, 7pm, Theater at Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, get stickers for guaranteed seating starting at 6pm, More info

10/26 (Sat): Claremont Concert Orchestra performance, 8pm, Garrison Theater of Scripps College Performing Arts Center in Claremont, More info

OTHER EVENTS

10/26 (Sat): Haunted History (Halloween program including pumpkin carving, Haunted Tours, spooky silent film screening and more), 3pm, Los Encinos State Historic Park in Encino, More info

Free Classes for LA Artists - October 2013

2013-09-28T01:14:00.000-07:00

This month is teeming with an extraordinary variety of classes including playwriting, game design and video production! A great month for artists!

PERFORMING ARTS CLASSES

A Taste of Dance: Tex, Mex and Tex-Mex
Saturday, October 5 @ 10am
Walt Disney Concert Hall in Downtown .LA
More info

Getting to Know the Guitar
Saturday, October 12 @ 11am and 1:30pm
Lloyd Stage G156 at USC's University Park Campus in South Central LA
Free but reservations required
More info

Improvisation and Theatre Games
Saturday, October 12 @ 11am and 1:30pm
McClintock 106 at USC's University Park Campus in South Central LA
Free but reservations required
More info

Playing Pop Piano (Despite Years of Lessons)
Saturday, October 12 @ 11am and 1:30pm
The Music Complex 112 at USC's University Park Campus in South Central LA
Free but reservations required
More info

Voice Over Acting
Saturday, October 12 @ 11am and 1:30pm
McClintock 110 at USC's University Park Campus in South Central LA
Free but reservations required
More info

Beginning to Advanced Salsa Bachata
Sunday, October 13 @ 12pm
Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach
More info

VISUAL ARTS CLASSES

Art a la Carte (various media/levels)
Wednesdays @ 2pm: 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30
San Rafael Branch Library in Pasadena
More info

Hands on Art Workshop
Thursday, October 10 @ 4pm
Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach
Free but reservations required
More info

In Your Hands: A Video-Making Workshop
Saturday, October 12 @ 9:30am
SCI Room 209 at USC School of Cinematic Arts Complex
USC's University Park Campus in South Central LA
Free but reservations required
More info

Drawing from the Model
Saturday, October 12 @ 9:30am
Watt Hall 102 A at USC's University Park Campus in South Central LA
Free but reservations required
More info

Functional Ceramics Workshop: Soft Slab Construction
Saturday, October 12 @ 9:30am
Watt Hall 107 at USC's University Park Campus in South Central LA
Free but reservations required
More info

Introduction to Game Development with Unity3D
Saturday, October 12 @ 9:30am
SCI Lower Level at USC's University Park Campus in South Central LA
Free but reservations required
More info

Video Remix
Saturday, October 12 @ 9:30am
SCI Lower Level at USC's University Park Campus in South Central LA
Free but reservations required
More info

Gigapixel Photography
Saturday, October 12 @ 1:30am
SCI Lower Level at USC's University Park Campus in South Central LA
Free but reservations required
More info

“Photo” + “graphy” = “writing with light”
Saturday, October 12 @ 1:30am
Harris Hall 120, Photo Lab at USC's University Park Campus in South Central LA
Free but reservations required
More info

Slide Design: Using Images That Resonate
Saturday, October 12 @ 1:30am
SCI Lower Level at USC's University Park Campus in South Central LA
Free but reservations required
More info

Fowler Out Loud: Draw Among Worlds with Mike D'Errico
(immersive art workshop: drawing to live music)
Thursday, October 24, 2013 @ 6pm
UCLA's Fowler Museum in Westwood
More info

WRITING CLASSES

The Courage to Write
Six Fridays @ 1pm: 9/20, 9/27, 10/4, 10/11, 10/18, 10/25
La Pintoresca Branch Library in Pasadena
More info

Write Away
Tuesdays @ 12pm: 10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29
Fairview Branch Library in Santa Monica
More info

An Afternoon with Tony Kushner (preeminent playwright and screenwriter)
Sunday, October 6 @ 4:00pm
Bovard Auditorium on USC's University Park Campus in South Central LA
Free but reservations required
More info

Playwriting
Saturday, October 12 @ 9:30am
McClintock 109 at USC's University Park Campus in South Central LA
Free but reservations required
More info

Creative Writing Group
Saturday, October 12 @ 1pm
South Whittier Library in Whittier
More info

Playwriting Workshop
Four Wednesdays @ 1pm: 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6
Montana Ave. Branch Library in Santa Monica
More info

Free Fitness in LA - October 2013

2013-09-27T00:41:00.000-07:00

In addition to the usual selection of classes, this month there's a great series of dance classes in various types of Tex-Mex style dancing!

AEROBIC FITNESS

BFit Cardio Kick

Walking Club
Tues. and Thurs. @ 10:30am: 10/1, 10/3, 10/8, 10/10, 10/15, 10/17, 10/22, 10/24, 10/29, 10/31
Burton Chace Park in Marina del Rey
Free but RSVP required
More info

Pilates Fitness
Thursdays @ 5pm: 10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/24, 10/31
Temple City Library in Temple City
More info

A Taste of Dance: Tex, Mex & Tex-Mex
Saturday, October 5 @ 10am
Walt Disney Concert Hall in Downtown LA
Free but tickets required
More info

Zumba Class
Monday, October 7 @ 6pm
Anthony Quinn Library in East LA
More info

The Ultimate Mt. Hollywood Motivational Hike
Saturday, October 12 @ 8am
Griffith Park's Vermont Ave Entrance in Hollywood
More info

Introduction to Pilates
Saturday, October 12 @ 1:30pm
McClintock 112 at USC’s University Park Campus in South Central LA
More info

Beginning to Advanced Salsa and Bachata
Sunday, October 13 @ 12pm
Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach
More info

Bfit Zumba
Tuesdays @ 7:30pm
2nd floor Macys Bridge
Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza in South Central LA
More info

Bfit Cardio Kick
Thursdays @ 7:00pm
2nd floor Macys Bridge
Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza in South Central LA
More info

YOGA AND MEDITATION

Laughter Yoga

Adult Yoga
Wednesdays @ 10:15am: 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30
Abbott-Kinney Memorial Library in Venice
More info

Feel Good Yoga
Wednesdays @ 11am: 10/2, 10/9
Encino-Tarzana Branch Library in Tarzana
More info

Dahn Yoga
Wednesdays @ 4pm: 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30
Mid-Valley Regional Library in North Hills
More info

Mindfulness Meditation
Wednesdays @6pm: 10/2, 10/16
Montana Ave. Branch Library in Santa Monica
More info

Sahaja Meditation
Wednesdays @ 6:30pm: 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30
Memorial Library in Mid-Wilshire District
More info

Laughter Yoga
October 8 @ 7pm
Montana Ave. Branch Library in Santa Monica
More info

Free Yoga for Beginners
Saturdays @ 11:30am: 10/12 and 10/26
Sylmar Library in Sylmar
More info

Mindfulness Meditation and Tibetan Singing Bowls
Thursday, October 17, 2013 @ 5:30pm
Rooftop terrace of UCLA's Fowler Museum in Westwood
More info

Bfit Yoga
Saturdays @ 10am (ongoing)
2nd floor Macys Bridge
Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza in South Central LA
More info