Weekend Buzz: Events for July 22-23, 2017

The weekend starts on a rather sad note this week, with the iconic Whimsic Alley’s last two days open (we reported its upcoming closing back in April).  Remaining merchandise is marked down 60-90%, though, so it’s a good time to stop by for one last look around, and to pick up a few last fantasy-themed bargains, on either Saturday or Sunday.

The big food and cultural festival this week is Delicious Little Tokyo, which runs today (Friday) through Sunday in downtown’s Little Tokyo neighborhood.   Selected restaurants will offer special menu items, giveaways, demonstrations, tours, tastings and workshops. More info available at the link above, or at http://www.facebook.com/golittletokyo

Back in the Larchmont area, the Larchmont Village Neighborhood Association will host its annual block party from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, on N. Bronson Ave., between Rosewood and Clinton.  There will be live music, food (including both donations from local eateries and as potluck contributions from neighbors), a fire truck for the kids…and more. All neighborhood residents are invited.

At 2 p.m. (both Saturday and Sunday), the New Beverly Cinema’s weekly kids’ matinee this weekend features the 1986 “Spacecamp,” starring Lea Thompson, Kelly Preston and the pre-teen Joaquin Phoenix in a story about a group of young NASA Space Camp attendees who are accidentally launched into orbit.

For those in a more artistic mood, the Craft and Folk Art Msueum will host a panel discussion called Leader & Legend: The Legacy and Influence of Betye Saar, at 3 p.m. on Saturday.  Independent curator jill moniz moderates the discussion about legendary artist Betye Saar’s role in the Los Angeles arts community and her legacy as a woman of color, an assemblage artist, and her continued relevance among new generations of emerging artists. The panel features Monica Wyatt, Rosalyn Myles, and Duane Paul, who will speak of Saar’s influence on their lives and art practice.  The event is free with museum admission, but space is limited, so RSVPs are required at [email protected].

On Saturday evening, the New Beverly offers two more science fiction goodies – “The Andromeda Strain” at 6:30 p.m. and “The Terminal Man” at 9:20 p.m.

For music on Saturday, the Big Sunday organization will host the second night of its annual two-night “Big Sunday’s Weekend of Music,” featuring musicians from many facets of Big Sunday’s broad volunteer community.  Doors open at 7:30 p.m. at Big Sunday’s headquarters at 6111 Melrose Ave., and the show starts at 8 p.m.  Saturday’s musicians include George Hill, Big Sunday founder David Levinson, Michelle Mayne-Graves, Murphy’s Flaw, and David Yorkin with Kurt Kussulke.  Ages 21+ only; beer & wine will be served. Admission is free, but seating is limited, so please RSVP at https://bigsundayorg.wufoo.com/forms/r1hr61lz1dgefrm/  Also, in keeping with Big Sunday’s helpful traditions, please bring new pairs of kids’ socks to help Operation Schoolbell.

Sunday morning is fairly quiet this week (so feel free to linger over your weekly Farmer’s Market stroll), but the afternoon features some interesting opportunities.

First, still on Larchmont, the Windsor Square-Hancock Park Historical Society will be teaming with Salt & Straw Ice Cream for a “meet your neighbor” event at Salt & Straw, 240 N. Larchmont Blvd., from 12-2 p.m.  Stop by, have a delicious scoop with your neighbors and find out more about this great local non-profit organization.

Sunday afternoon also features two more interesting events at the Craft and Folk Art Museum.  First, at 1 p.m., is Liminal Spaces: A Presentation on The Possibility Project, which is an Australian social enterprise that collaborates with artisans who live at the poverty level in India. Together they create ethical and environmentally conscious products.  The event is free with museum admission, but – again – space is limited, so RSVPs are required at [email protected].

Second at CAFAM, at 2 p.m., is “Mending as Metaphor: A Mending Workshop with Ruth Souza.” The event will focus on reuse instead of waste, and attendees will learn techniques to repair, mend, embroider, patch, or even transform their beloved textiles or garments…while sharing stories about the items. Participants should bring a basic sewing kit and garments or materials to work on. A variety of needles, threads, yarns and fabric scraps will be provided. Cost is $25 for CAFAM members and $25 for non-members, including materials.  Registration is required at https://cafam.formstack.com/forms/mending_as_metaphor.  For more information, contact [email protected].

And finally on Sunday, another great event for sci-fi fans (or almost anyone who likes to laugh), Mystery Science Theater brings its live Watch Out for Snakes! tour (combining bad movies with hilarious live commentary) to downtown’s Ace Theater at both 5 and 8 p.m.  The 5 p.m. show will focus on 1962’s one-star sci-fi comedy “Eegah!,” and the 8 p.m. show will feature a “Secret Surprise Film.”

Have a great weekend!