Pencil This In: Howard Zinn Tribute, Up in the Air Author at Book Soup, Art in Downey and Klezmer at the Skirball
There's a Howard Zinn tribute tonight at the Santa Monica Museum of Art. | AP Photo: Michael Dwyer
TRIBUTE
Howard Zinn was going to speak at SMMoA about his new documentary, The People Speak, which uses dramatic and musical performances of diaries, letters and speeches by everyday Americans to give voice to those who fought for social change. But since his death last week, the event has become a tribute to Zinn instead. The 8 pm event is now full, but a stand-by line opens at 7 pm (seating is not guaranteed). Admission $25; $10 SMMoA members. Proceeds from the event will go to support the Educational Fund of The People Speak, a charitable initiative which brings this powerful documentary into schools and communities free-of-charge.
BENEFIT
Help Haiti with George Lopez & Friends is a benefit for Haiti relief that takes place tonight at the Nokia Theater at 7:30 pm. On the bill are comedians Lopez, Cedric the Entertainer, Margaret Cho, Russell Peters, Cheech & Chong and Ray Romano with musical guests Cypress Hill, Slash, Beth Hart and Andy Garcia (who will perform with the Lopez Tonight house band, The Ese Vatos). Celebrities Kobe Bryant, Samuel L. Jackson, Larry David, Don Cheadle, Amber Valetta, Eva Longoria Parker, Magic Johnson, Charlie Wilson and Jennifer Love Hewitt will all serve as special guest hosts for the evening. Tickets $50, $75. Proceeds will go to CARE.
BOOK*
Walter Kirn, author of Up in the Air (on which Jason Reitman’s film of the same title is based) is in town for an event at Book Soup tonight at 7 pm. Besides Up in the Air, Kirn is also known for his second novel, Thumbsucker, which was made into another movie in 2004. Tonight, he'll discuss his latest book, a memoir published last May: Lost in the Meritocracy: The Undereducation of an Overachiever.
KLEZMER
The Skirball Cultural Center’s presents its new music series, Klezmer Across Borders, tonight at 8 pm with the Toronto-based ensemble Beyond the Pale. The group Infuses klezmer, Balkan and Romanian music with bluegrass, jazz, reggae and funk. Tickets: $30; $25 Skirball Members;$20 Full-Time Students.
SONG
Koffeehouse Music Productions partners with BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) for the latest Koffeehouse Session tonight at Harvelle's in Santa Monica. The sessions feature the best in emerging bands and singer/songwriters each month. This month, the featured artists are Keaton Simons, Ryan Calhoun, Dave Lichens and Austin Hartley-Leonard. An open mic and jam session will take place from 6:30-8 pm. Tickets are $10.00. Slots for the open mic will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
PHOTOGRAPHY
The Downey Art Vibe hosts Ambivalence: A Photo Exhibition tonight at the Downey Theatre at 8 pm. The event showcases the works of two local artists, Valentin Flores and GabeOne (Gabriel Enamorado). “While GabeOne has an affinity towards shooting urban and industrial pieces, Flores is a travel photographer who focuses on natural and candid landscapes. It is with this convergence of differing styles that the artists have titled their exhibition Ambivalence.” The artists will be in attendance at 9 pm. The event is free, however donations of $10 will be accepted to help fund future arts and culture events benefiting the City of Downey.
*Pencil pick of the day
Want more events? Follow me on Twitter.