The Spring Equinox is upon us, people, so you best get to cleaning and doing as soon as possible (it is the season of renewal and growth, no?). The cleaning part I can’t help you with, but the ‘doing’ part is a different story, and there just so happens to be plenty of great events worth doing all in one place – here – courtesy of yours truly. Along with the onset of spring, March is also Women’s History Month, so prepare yourself for some fun and educational girl-power events like the ones listed below. I’d tell you what they are, but I’m out of time, so you’ll just have to keep reading. (Oh, wait, the photo exhibit mentioned above is one, but you’ll still need details!) Finally, no, we haven’t forgotten the fact that today is St. Paddy’s Day…but we’re guessing those who are celebrating have already booked their adventures. If not, though, check out the many bits o’ holiday green in last week’s column for some great options.)
Arts, Culture, and Honor
Leading things off for this splendid Spring week ahead will be a very cool veterans tribute event, Honor: In Their Words happening on Saturday, March 18 at the historic Hollywood Legion Theater. Presented by WORDTheatre, this literary tribute to military veterans, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, will feature stories of struggle and sacrifice, with live performances by A-list actors and more. Attending military veteran authors Richard Bausch, Tobias Wolff, Tim O’Brien, and others will have their stories brought to life by an impressive roster of actors, including Bill Pullman, Sharon Stone, and Ed Harris. Experience the “unique insights, experiences, and humanity of these authors who offer unique perspectives into the complex world of service and warfare.” The evening will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $15 for veterans, $30 for regular seating and $60 for premium. Bonus: FREE Parking will be available at Hollywood Bowl Lots D1-D3. Check the event page for details.
Don’t let your iPhone remind you of small failures this weekend, like not closing your “fitness loop” AGAIN, by going on the Hollywood Boulevard Art Deco Architecture Walking Tour this Saturday, March 18 from 9-11:30 a.m. Join your fellow Art Deco Society members and non-member Deco enthusiasts for the return of this highly anticipated event. Discover the birthplace of showbiz and experience the “glamour and modernity” that Hollywood Boulevard has to offer. “As a microcosm of LA’s post-WWI architectural boom, Hollywood Boulevard is an Art Deco lover’s dream.” Explore famous Hollywood landmarks such as the Kress and Max Factor buildings, as well as hidden gems that you probably never knew existed. The tour will begin outside the historic Pantages Theater, take you on a journey down Hollywood Blvd., and end around Hollywood & Highland (about a 1.5 mile walk). The tour is limited to 40 persons in two docent groups, so don’t wait to get tickets. Tickets are only $25, too, so no excuses!
Are you a movie music fan, who also loves the film artistry of Spike Lee and the trumpeting sounds of Terence Blanchard? Then the always reliable LA Phil has a treat in store for you. The Movie Music of Spike Lee and Terence Blanchard will be emanating from the Walt Disney Concert Hall stage this Saturday, March 18, starting at 8 p.m. Reward yourself to an evening filled with the music of some of the greatest films ever made, and watch as they come to life at the hands of its composer, trumpeter Terence Blanchard. “It’s a night showcasing the long and fruitful collaboration between the uncompromising filmmaker and the brilliant trumpeter and bandleader whose lush scores augment the humanitarian spirit and political heart of Lee’s movies.” The night will also feature Blanchard’s remarkable quintet and guest vocalists, along with specially-curated film images projected throughout the performance. Tickets range from $30-$140, so there are options for all budgets, to boot!
And on this Sunday, March 19, the Ebell of Los Angeles will continue honoring Women’s History Month, a.k.a. the month of March, by Celebrating The Life Of Dancer Raven Wilkinson (1935 -2018), who is credited with having been the first African-American woman to dance for a major classical ballet company – the Ballet Russe de MonteCarlo of NYC – to be exact. She later became a mentor to American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Misty Copeland. So please come join the City Ballet of Los Angeles Founder and Artistic Director, Robyn Gardenhire, along with dance historian, actress, television director, dancer and choreographer, Ariyan Johnson for a talk about the life and legacy of this legendary artist. Performers will include the LACHSA and Colburn School Dancers, and Colburn School Pianist Saiko. Event begins at 4 p.m. Tickets are $20 for members and $25 for non-members. Next up for the Ebell, and Women’s History Month, is an all-female Fine Art Photography exhibit: The Power of the Female Lens on display this Wednesday, March 22 from 5-8 p.m. The show will feature works by Janna Ireland, Johanna Siegmann, and Jane Szabo. Admission is FREE; kindly RSVP here. And a little history lesson never hurt anyone: The Ebell of Los Angeles is an educational and philanthropic organization founded by women for women in 1894, whose mission is to participate in and encourage the educational, cultural and social growth of the diverse Los Angeles community; and to conserve and protect its historic Clubhouse, collections, and Wilshire Ebell Theatre.
Larchmont Village sweetheart Chevalier’s Books has another in-store event for you this time ’round, and it’s all happening on the evening of Wednesday, March 22 from 6-7 p.m. Come join in the revelry and excitement around Dana Schwartz’s recently published novel, Immortality: A Love Story, the eagerly-anticipated sequel to her #1 bestselling gothic romance, Anatomy: A Love Story. This event is free, but be sure to reserve a spot just in case. Pre-order a signed copy of the book here. Dana Schwartz is an author, television writer, and creator of the #1 charting history podcast Noble Blood. As a journalist and critic, Dana has written for Glamour, GQ, Cosmopolitan, Vanity Fair, and more. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, and their cats Eddie and Beetlejuice. (That last bit of bio certainly wasn’t necessary; I just really wanted to include the cats’ names.)
And lastly, a call for all contemporary artists!! According to the folks at Tag Gallery, in conjunction with scientific fact, the river is one of the most critical factors for life on Earth, and is also the theme of this year’s juried invitational, River: The Ribbon of Life. “Rivers provide us with food, transportation, energy, and recreation. It allows for an ecosystem and wildlife that lives near and by the river on which we depend. The animals, fish, birds, trees, grasses, rocks, mosses, the vegetation, would not exist without the flow of the River.” The cost for one entry is $35, with up to 5 additional entries allowed at $5 ea. Cash prizes are $500 (1st), $250 (2nd), and $100 (3rd). Competition is open to US residents, 18 and older. Please check the website for art submission criteria and important dates. Founded in 1993, TAG is a fine art gallery that represents local award-winning contemporary artists working in all media and styles, with featured artists, exhibitions, and events every month. Deadline for submissions is April 1.
Community and Local Government
Good news! Sponsored by the Governor’s Office, Caltrans, and “their partners across California,” the Clean California Community Days: Spring Into Action volunteer service event continues this week, and into the next, through Monday, March 27. So if you haven’t yet signed up – Please do it here! CCCD is a statewide happening and celebration, whose goal is to clean up our communities and spread the word about taking pride in keeping California clean (I like that). And, bonus, all this hard work will lead to a “big splash” of activities and festivals on Saturday, March 25, so check the event map for that as well. Just click on the event map link and enter your zip code to find clean-ups and other happenings in your area. See, eazy breezy!
The Mid City West Neighborhood Council has a packed calendar this week and it starts with a MCW Candidate Meet and Greet at the Craft Contemporary Museum, this Sunday, March 19 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Find out what the candidates representing your neighborhood are all about! Next up, the Planning and Land Use Committee will meet on Monday, March 20, followed by the Homelessness, Refugees, and Renters’ Rights (HRRRTs) Committee, and the Public Safety and Well-Being Committee on Tuesday, March 21. And the Executive Council is the last on the list with a gathering on Thursday, March 23. Click here to check MCW’s calendar for details.
Finally, your local NC and all around do-gooding group, the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council is back, baby, on Tuesday, March 21 with an Outreach Committee meeting at 6:30 p.m. Check the GWNC’s full calendar here. P.S. All NC meetings will be back to IRL starting next month, so be sure to check the website for more info.
