Members of the Towne Street Theatre are on stage tonight in a double bill. First is The 10 Minute Play Festival, which features plays ranging from comedy to satire to drama brought to you by 23 actors and 9 director. Second is PassingSOLO, a one-woman show based on their play version of Nella Larsen's 1927 novella Passing. There will be a talkback after every show. more ›

Although some Dia de los Muertos events were held last weekend, most notably Hollywood Forever and Festival de la Gente, most events will take place on November 2nd, following the traditional date. more ›

In honor of the the 16th International Los Angeles Photographic Art Exposition (aka Photo L.A.) being this weekend I thought I would make sure every photographer, novice to pro, knows about the event. So, here are some details: more ›

As promised, LAist attended the Opening Reception event for this year's magnificent photo l.a.. This LAist, an ardent east-sider/Valley girl, was only a little bitter about making the rush hour trek to the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, but since we know our south and west-bound streets well, made it there in record time. The place was brimming with all sorts of minglers, from young bohemians in scruffy denim, to older men and women in elegant evening wear and pricey suits. The Santa Monica Civic isn't the prettiest of venues, particularly with its arena concrete floors and sixties design aesthetic, but photo l.a. used the space well to set up a seemingly seamless maze of booths, each hung with representative photography and staffed with plesant and eager reps to show their wares. Our first stop was the food patio--it was dinnertime, and that drive made us hungry--to check out what kind of wine and cheese was being offered. Not only is this LAist an ardent east-sider/Valley girl, but she's also the LAist food girl, and we were tickled to see the food sponsors, like Border Grill/Ciudad (where aren't those two tamales?), Grace, Cinch, Cobras & Matadors, and Sonora Cafe. But, bestill our heart--is that Susina Bakery? And plates of gorgeous treats from La Provence? The most neglected table, curiously enough, was the one loaded with boxes from Krispy Kreme; can it be that their once-hot donuts are now passe? more ›

It's being touted as "the largest photographic art exhibition in the United States" and it's happening in Santa Monica at the end of this week. It's photo la 2006, where photography from the 19th Century to current contemporary photos and photo-based art will be showcased, and in some instances, be available for purchase. This is the 15th year of this large-scaled event, and 2006 brings representative works from over 70 of the world's premiere galleries and exhibitors. Things get going on Thursday with the Opening Night cocktail reception, hosted by LA-centric conservancy and photography advocate Diane Keaton, who has edited and created several photography books during her career, including Local News, a collection culled from the LA Herald-Express archives. We'll be there to see if we can rub some elbows with Ms. Keaton, and you can be, too; tickets to the Opening reception are $50, and benefit the Photographic Arts Council of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The rest of the event includes a lecture and seminar series, as well as public exhibition viewing hours. The scoop: Exhibition hours are Friday, January 20 and Saturday, January 21, noon to 7p.m. and Sunday, January 22, noon to 6p.m. Tickets are $20 for a one-day pass (includes catalog). Lectures are $10 per person, per speaking engagement and onsite collecting seminars are $80 (includes weekend pass to fair and catalog). Student discounts for lectures and the fair are available with valid I.D. more ›

LAist is happy to note that MONA has just opened a new installation this week, and this one's a special one: MONA Celebrates 24 Years with 24 Artists. Celebrate with them! The Opening Reception is Saturday, April 16th, from 7:30-10:30 p.m., featuring live music and refreshments. MONA members are free, for non-members the admission is $5.00. more ›