The end of April is nigh, and with that revelation, May flowers should be on the horizon. Even though there haven’t been a whole lot of April showers to bring those flowers, perhaps a festival of books, a nature challenge, or a classic film fest can fill the void. LACMA is also gracing us with a new Alexander McQueen exhibit, as is Monsieur Marcel with a lesson in all things olive oil.
Arts, Culture, and Olive Oil
After three long years, the TCM Classic Film Festival is back and showing at one of our favorite local theaters, the Hollywood Legion! As one of the festival’s official venues, the Legion will be host to a screening of more than a dozen films, many of which will be presented in classic 35mm and even 70mm. Held over four days in the heart of Hollywood, this classic film fest is a place where movie lovers from around the world can gather to watch movies the way they are meant to be seen. Come share your love of old Hollywood and see films as they are seldom seen today! Festival Passes start at $399; individual tickets are $20 when available. The festival is happening now through Sunday, April 24. Check out the full lineup here.
If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about the fruit of the olive tree and the oil it produces, head over to gourmet French market and restaurant Monsieur Marcel this Saturday, April 23. Located within the Original Farmers Market, the Monsieur will be offering an Olive Oil 101 class from 3-4:30 p.m. At the cost of $60, students will learn how to “recognize a real extra virgin olive oil and identify flavor profiles while experiencing the unique tastes of oils based on different olive varieties, regions, growing, and storing conditions.” Enjoy a diverse discussion and Q&A with Nancy Ash, Master Taster, as she guides you through a tasting of 5 olive oils, each chosen for its outstanding quality, flavor, and aromas.
Now in its 27th year, the largest book fair in the country is back this Saturday and Sunday, April 23-24! The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books will gather writers, poets, artists, filmmakers, musicians and emerging storytellers on the campus of USC, with over 250 indoor and outdoor events for all ages. Engage in conversations on current issues, literature, and pop culture, plus readings, performances, cooking demonstrations, and more! GA indoor panel reservations available here. All outdoor stages and activities are FREE. Campus parking is $14.
Join award-winning actor and Ebell member Sharon Lawrence as she presents a staged reading of Robin Gerber’s play, The Shot, at the Ebell of Los Angeles on Sunday, April 24 at 2 p.m. Based on Robin Gerber’s book about Katharine Graham (The Leadership Journey of an American Icon), a self-described “doormat wife” of over 20 years, who secretly endured years of domestic abuse from her husband. After his suicide, she took over as publisher and CEO of the Washington Post, where she defied the government by publishing the Pentagon Papers, took on Nixon in Watergate, and stunned the paper’s male executives who had bet against her. There will be a talk-back following the reading focusing on domestic violence survivors. Tickets are $20.
If my budget allowed, Alexander McQueen would be a regular part of my wardrobe – one can dream, right? – and what better place to do just that than at the new Lee Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse exhibit, opening Sunday, April 24 at LACMA. If you didn’t already know, British fashion designer Alexander McQueen was one of the most significant contributors to fashion in the nineties and aughts. Even after his tragic death in 2010, his legacy and impact on the world of fashion and art live on. The museum is open everyday except Wednesday. Get tickets here.
Chevalier’s Books is not only a neighborhood treasure, but the gift that keeps on giving with another packed calendar of in-store and virtual things to do this week. From April 25-29, enjoy a flurry of Book Talks, including Woman on Fire by Lisa Barr, There are Moms Way Worse Than You by Glenn Boozan, and Hollywood and Israel: A History by Tiny Shaw & Giora Goodman. Written Out Loud: 7th grader Author Readings and Poetry Night will also be going down at your local bookshop this week. Check Chevalier’s website for more info. All events are FREE!
And lastly, just a heads up/shout out for the Craft Contemporary’s annual CLAY LA event, happening next Saturday and Sunday, April 30-May 1. Head out of the house for a weekend of shopping, music, air-dry clay activities, and fun! This yearly sale and fundraiser showcases some of LA’s most vibrant and dynamic ceramic makers. Meet and shop from emerging and established local artisans, celebrated for their unique approaches to art and design. Tickets for Saturday are $9 at the door. Sunday Funday is pay-what-you-can day. You can also beat the crowds for a more intimate shopping experience at the Preview Brunch on Saturday, April 30. At the cost of $40 ($35/members), you’ll enjoy early access to the market with first dibs on all the merch, a special clay workshop, and complimentary drinks and refreshments. So worth it!
Community
Take a heart healthy walk over to the Melrose Trading Post this Sunday, April 24, where the Mid City West Neighborhood Council’s Public Safety and Well-Being Committee will be hosting a Hands-Only CPR booth. Learn the live-saving steps to giving Hands-Only CPR from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sponsors include Save Beverly Fairfax, Melrose Trading Post, and the American Heart Association. To volunteer, please email: [email protected].
Starting Friday, April 29 – Monday, May 2, the Natural History Museum is rallying everyone in LA County to get outside and take pics of local wildlife during the 7th annual City Nature Challenge. Using cameras and smartphones, thousands of people in hundreds of cities across the globe will be partaking in this year’s collaborative challenge. These shared photographic records will be added to an international database of urban wildlife that will be used by scientists and naturalists all over the world! Learn how to become a novice naturalist here.
Local Government
For those following the local elections this year, the next Hang Out Do Good “Looking Local” candidate conversation will be held on Sunday, April 23, at 4 p.m., with City Council District 13 candidate Hugo Soto Martinez. Sign up here for the Zoom link if you’d like to attend.
Your local NC, the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council has just one get together this week in the form of an online Land Use Committee meeting on Tuesday, April 26 at 6:30 p.m. Click here to view the calendar for details.
And the Mid City West Neighborhood Council will wrap up this week’s events with a plethora of items on the calendar, starting with the Arts and Recreation Committee on Monday, April 25. The Transportation and Sustainability Committee and Social and Racial Equity Committee both have meetings on Tuesday, April 26, followed by MCW’s weekly in-person Wednesday Walks, and Economic Development Committee on Wednesday, April 27. Lastly, the Executive Council will finish things off for the month on Thursday, April 28. Click here to check Mid City’s calendar for details.
