Start the week off right in West Hollywood on National Tequila Day, engage with fellow book lovers on Larchmont mid-week, and end it on a high note at the LA Art Show in DTLA. There will also be a food distribution event at Television City, and virtual and in-person happenings all around town. LA history buffs, hot-rodders, and those seeking inner peace and love, should be marking their calendars…
Arts & Culture
Come celebrate the 100th birthday of the “Godfather of Hot Rodding,” Ed “Isky” Iskendarian, on Sunday, July 25 from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., at the Petersen Automotive Museum’s annual hot rod cruise-in. The Bruce Meyer’s American Car Cruise-In will feature a panel of hot-rodding legends, including the 100-years-young birthday boy himself! Advanced tickets are required. Rally: $100 / Vehicle Submission Package: $55 / Vehicle Submission: $35 / Spectators Package: $25. Face masks are required inside the museum. All ticket tiers include free coffee and Pinks.
Next up, former tour manager (Bob Dylan and The Band), movie producer, wealth management executive, internet entrepreneur and jack-of-all-trades Jonathan Taplin discusses his book The Magic Years on Wednesday, July 28 from 7-8 p.m. at Chevalier’s Books, 133 N. Larchmont Blvd.
And the book discussions continue with two virtual events on Thursday, July 29 from 6-7 p.m. and 7-8 p.m., respectively. First, you’ve got the LA Times Book Club pick, A Farewell to Gabo & Mercedes – a memoir by filmmaker Rodrigo Garcia, son of acclaimed writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez – register to join the online discussion sponsored by the Times. And second, going back to Chevalier’s, American actor and screenwriter Tommy Swerdlow discusses his crime fiction novel, Straight Dope, with commentary from author and composer David Ritz. RSVP to join via Zoom.
And last but certainly not least for culture this week…deemed “The Most Comprehensive International Contemporary Art Show in America”, the LA Art Show kicks off Thursday, July 29 withan Opening Night Premier Party, from 7-10 p.m., and continues through August 1 at the LA Convention Center. More than 120 galleries from more than 20 countries will be displaying work in a variety of media, including painting, sculpture, works on paper, installation, fashion, photography, design, video and performance. And all are are available for purchase. If you decide to attend the premier party, at the cost of $250, you’ll also get unlimited admission all weekend long, with special early access from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Plus, 15% of all ticket sales will benefit the show’s exclusive charity partner, St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital. General admission tickets are $30, but capacity is limited. Show hours are Fri-Sat, 12-8 p.m. and Sunday, 12-6 p.m.
Food & Fun
Let the sweet, fermented nectar of agave tequilana warm your belly, and your heart, this Saturday, July 24, on National Tequila Day at Gracias Madre. Located in West Hollywood, this Vegan-Mexican hot spot has you covered, with more than 75 different bottles of ethically sourced tequila and 275 bottles of mezcal. You can try their most popular signature cocktail,
the Paloma, with house-made grapefruit soda, or the exclusive Time Machine Margarita, made with a rare bottle of 1960s tequila. You can also buy a canned 4-pack of the Paloma (and other cocktails) to-go, which are now 50% off online through July 31 – use code CANDEMIC2021. But if I were me, which I am, I’d opt for the El Tesoro barrel-aged Tequila Flight. For just $45, you’ll not only get to try three different types of El Tesoro tequila, you’ll be giving back as well – $5 from each flight sold will benefit the charity, No Us Without You. Gracias Madre is open Mon-Sun 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Happy Hour Mon-Fri 4-6 p.m. Reservations are encouraged.
Health & Wellness
It’s time to come together and “activate the energy of love” at ETHERICA – Outdoor Sound Healing Journey – Full Moon in Aquarius. This will be Etherica’s final offering for now, so head over to Pan Pacific Park this Sunday, July 25 at 7:45 p.m., for a one-of-a-kind sound healing experience. The evening will include a light body warm up, breathwork, guided meditation, and sound bath. Tickets: $15-$35. The event will take place at the amphitheater, so be sure to bring a yoga mat and warm blanket, and a mask for arrival and check-in. Also available online via Zoom, but I’d give this one a try in-person.
History & Community
So far, the organizers of Larchmont2021 have conducted community conversations about the future of retail and how certain kinds of placemaking techniques could enhance Larchmont Boulevard. This week, on Monday, July 26 at 7 p.m. via Zoom, you can join in the third and final of these discussions, which will synthesize ideas and comments from the first two meetings, and seek community input on other ideas, big and small, that can help our favorite neighborhood business district become even more people-centered and successful into the future. The event is free and open to everyone, but registration is appreciated here.
For more than 50 years, photographer George Rodriquez captured images of famous movie and television stars while simultaneously documenting the culture and political events of LA’s Mexican-American community. Join the Los Angeles City Historical Society for a Q and A webinar – The Double Vision of George Rodriquez – featuring his life and work, on Tuesday, July 27 from 7-8 p.m. This is a free webinar, but donations are welcome, and registration is required. The webinar will also be published on the LACHS website.
And more about community…if you or someone you know is in need, Labor Community Services Los Angeles, in partnership with the LA County Federation of Labor, the United Way, the LA Regional Food Bank, the Mid City West Neighborhood Council and others, will be holding a Food Distribution Event at CBS Television City on Saturday, July 31 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Television City is located at 7800 Beverly Blvd, with access to the event through Fairfax Ave. You can simply walk up or drive-thru, no eligibility required. And if you’re just a local looking to help, please consider donating here.
Local Government
Lots of local council meetings this week, starting with the Mid City West Neighborhood Council’s, Homelessness, Refugees, and Renters’ Rights Committee, on Monday, July 26 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Click here for the meeting agenda and details on how to join. Next on the calendar is the MCWCC’s Economic Development Committee’s monthly board meeting, Wednesday, July 28 from 7-10 p.m. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85015889915
The Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council will also be Zooming it up this week, with a Transportation Committee meeting on Monday, July 26 from 7-9 p.m. Click here for details and supporting documents. Meetings are held every fourth Monday of odd-numbered months. And lastly, the GWNC’s Land Use Committee will meet on Tuesday, July 27 from 6:30-9 p.m. Click here for details and supporting documents. Meetings are held every fourth Tuesday of the month.
