Look, I know that summer isn’t a time for learning, it’s about taking a mental break even if you’re no longer a student, and the mindset of summer will never change for some of us. But anyhoo – what was my point? Oh yeah, learning. It’s never a bad thing to come back smarter after a summer off, so why not add some Route 66 knowledge to your repertoire, or tour the Gilmore Adobe with the Windsor Square Hancock Park Historical Society, or simply discover new music, a book, or even a movie you’ve never seen? The possibilities are truly endless, and knowledge is power, so go forth and learn something new, damnit!
Arts, Culture, and Wellness
If you’ve never been over to ROW DTLA, and enjoy supporting local artists, then head on down to the Creative Communal Artisan Market on Saturday, July 30 from 12-5 p.m. The brainchild of two moms who both sold at local pop-up shops, Creative Communal is a unique curated market that brings local artisans and families together. So come discover a little something for everyone and maybe stock up on some thoughtful handmade gifts. Entry into the Market is free, with accompaniments such as live music, kids activities, open air, and good old vitamin D from the sun. The next Creative Communal will be on Saturday, August 27. Shop small and support your local artisan community!
For all you poetry lovers, and people who just like being read to, a Poetry Reading and Reception with Los Angeles Poet Laureate Lynne Thompson, and fellow award-winning poets Matthew Dickman, and Michelle Bitting, will be happening at Craft Contemporary this Saturday, July 30 from 6-8 p.m. Enjoy an evening of new works and collections by this celebrated group of poets. The reading will be in-person and indoors, with an outdoor reception. The event is free, but an advanced RSVP is requested (please and thank you). Please note that a mask will be required during check in, as well as in all indoor spaces. Regular museum hours are Wednesday-Sunday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cinespia at Hollywood Forever Cemetery continues screening the classics this weekend with Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds, playing this Saturday, the 30th of July. This special evening spent alongside dead celebrities, and maybe a few live ones scattered about, includes a free themed photobooth and beer and wine bar (not free). However, you’re welcome to bring your own picnic if you’d like. Tickets and parking range from $20-$30 and are sold separately. Gates open at 7:15 p.m.; movie starts at 9 p.m. Next Saturday’s showing will be of A League of Their Own, a film made in a time long ago, when Madonna and Rosie O’Donnell were bffs and I was just a little seal pup in the 7th grade. Get tickets for next Saturday, August 6, here.
Grand Performances never disappoint and they’re back again this weekend with a KCRW Summer Nights team up featuring Sly5thAve and sets from KCRW’s DJ SiLVA. Head Downtown on Saturday, July 30 between 6-10 p.m. for this special night of Grammy award-winning Sly5thAve, a project of multi-instrumentalist, producer, arranger and composer Sylvester Uzoma Onyejiaka II, whose “sophisticated compositions are shaped by his faith in hip hop, and deep understanding of soul, R&B and jazz.” For more than 15 years, Summer Nights has brought dozens of free concerts to communities throughout the greater Los Angeles Area and beyond. Grand Performances are free, all-ages, and outdoors. Click here for location, parking and FAQ; RSVP here.
The Griffith Park Shakespeare Festival continues this week with (a friend of Shakespeare) Francis Beaumont’s rarely performed The Knight of the Burning Pestle. However, Sunday, July 31 is the last performance date, so don’t miss out on this free, family-friendly show! (Bonus: totally last minute, but on Saturday, July 30 there will also be a Celebrate the Summer Faire happening before the performance at 5 p.m.) The festivities will take place at The Dell at the top of the Old Zoo. Seating is limited and first come, first served. Registration is required. Performances of Macbeth will follow starting on August 6 through September 4. P.S. Hygiene supply kit donations to support the work of SELAH Neighborhood Homeless Coalition will be collected throughout the festival, so if you can, please bring items to donate.
Chevalier’s Books seems to be the most happening spot in Larchmont Village this year with something new taking place week after week. This time ’round, four book talks are coming to town, starting on Monday, August 1 with Bruna Dantas Lobato, discussing the first ever English translation of one of Brazil’s greatest queer writers, Caio Fernando Abreu. Known for writing “surreal and gripping stories about desire, tyranny, fear, and love,” Abreu’s latest book, Moldy Strawberries, is filled with 18 gripping stories about a Brazil transformed by the AIDS epidemic and the stifling military dictatorship of the ’80s (sounds like a light read). 
Next, on Tuesday, August 2, celebrate the release of the Properties of Thirst, Pulitzer Prize finalist Marianne Wiggins’ new book, with an in-store discussion of this “sweeping masterwork” about an American family during World War II. Then, on Wednesday, August 3, Sara Connell gets to talk about her new book The Science of Getting Rich for Women: Your Secret Path to Millions, which aims to be “a catalyst for women’s financial freedom and empowerment.” And closing things out for the week on Friday, August 5 is author Adam White, discussing The Midcoast, a national bestseller and NYTs Editors’ Choice that “explores the machinations of privilege and the dark recesses of the American dream.” Check Chevalier’s calendar for more info. Please note that masks are required for all in-store events.
Looking for a reset? Yes, you say? Then sign up for Open at ROW DTLA: Breathe & Sound happening on Thursday, August 4 from 6-7 p.m. Blending tradition and technology to strengthen the mind-body connection, Open offers a space for meditation, music, movement, and practice on and offline. Designed to be an immersive sensory experience, this week’s in-person class will focus on breathing – “to ground you in your senses and help you find your equilibrium.” Sounds like a good time, no? This class is suitable for all levels, but is not recommended if you are pregnant or suffer from certain medical conditions (please check website for list). P.S. There will be two more Open classes at ROW on August 18 and 25, so be sure to sign up for at least one! You can also get unlimited live and on demand breathwork, meditation, yoga, pilates, etc. ($12.50/mo.) through Open’s website.
Local History
The Windsor Square Hancock Park Historical Society has something up its vintage sleeve this week, and it’s happening at the historical Gilmore Adobe this Sunday, July 31 from 1-5 p.m. The Gilmore was built in 1852 and will play host to the WSHPHS’s Annual Meeting and BBQ. Located in that mysterious space at The Grove hidden between Maggiano’s and Umami Burger (at 6333 W. 3rd St. to be exact), the Gilmore Adobe is one of the oldest homes in Los Angeles. It has served the Gilmore family since Arthur Gilmore purchased the house and surrounding 256 acres in 1880. The afternoon will include a guest speaker, food and wine, and full access to the grounds and its museums. The cost is $55/members and $65/non-members. Get tickets here.
And the Petersen Automotive Museum is honoring the ladies this week by hosting a screening of documentary film ROUTE 66: The Untold Story of Women on the Mother Road. As the car took over personal transportation in the last century, America’s roads became central to connecting people and places. This film investigates the history of America’s “pathway to the west” by looking at how women overcame segregation and gender discrimination to build lives of their own on America’s most beloved road! The evening will include a screening and panel discussion with the filmmakers, authors, and historians. Admission is free and will include light refreshments, including complimentary beer provided by the cool cats at Mother Road Brewing Company. Screening will take place on Thursday, August 4 from 7- 9:30 p.m. in the Meyer Gallery, on the 2nd floor. Kindly RSVP here.
Local Government
Your local NC, the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council has just two meetings on the sched this week. First up is the Sustainability Committee on Tuesday, August 2 at 7 p.m., followed by the Resilience Committee on Wednesday, August 3 at 7 p.m. Click here to view the calendar for deets.
And the Mid City West Neighborhood Council will wrap up our events list with just two meetups on the books this week, starting on Monday, August 1 with the HRRRTs Committee (Homelessness, Refugees, and Renters Rights), followed by weekly Wednesday Walks on Wednesday, August 3. Click here to check Mid City’s calendar for details.
