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22 Awesome Things To Do In Southern California This Weekend
The pop-up Breakup Bar features cocktails like a Cold Day in Hell and Ghosted. (Photo: Breakup Bar)
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These events have nothing to do with the Super Bowl this weekend but they're all super. Aside from (or instead of) the Big Game, check out music by I See Hawks in L.A., Chris Thile and friends and Ólafur Arnalds. Take an audible history lesson on black music in America or visit one of 40 SoCal museums for free. And Smorgasburg LA goes (a little bit more) vegan.
FRIDAY, FEB. 1; 8 p.m. doors
I See Hawks in L.A.
Mr. T's at Highland Park Bowl -- 5621 N. Figueroa St., Highland Park
See Hawks in HP when the SoCal alt-country outfit headlines an acoustic show, with Gwendolyn Sanford and Rich Dembowski from Old Californio opening.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, FEB. 1; 7:45 - 10 p.m.
Live from Here with Chris Thile
The Wiltern -- 3790 Wilshire Blvd., Koreatown
KPCC In Person presents a live taping of the radio variety show hosted by Chris Thile. There's a great lineup of music and comedy guests including Sarah Silverman, Andrew Bird, Jenny Lewis, and Nickel Creek -- plus Tom Papa reports from Out in America.
COST: Tickets start at $63.50; MORE INFO
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FRIDAY, FEB. 1; 7:30 p.m.
Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror
Egyptian Theatre -- 6712 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
Shudder TV's first original documentary, based on a book by Dr. Robin R. Means Coleman, is a critical look at a genre of films that "by turns utilized, caricatured, exploited, sidelined and embraced both black filmmakers and black audiences." The film starts in in the silent era and covers films including Night of the Living Dead, Blacula and Candyman. A discussion follows with co-writer/producer Ashlee Blackwell, director Xavier Burgin and several actors including Rachel True (The Craft). Stick around for a free screening of Blacula at 10 p.m.
COST: $12; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, FEB. 1 - THURSDAY, FEB. 14
Breakup Bar Popup
7276 Melrose Ave., Fairfax
If you're feeling bitter about love, this pop-up might might be for you. The event includes champagne, cocktails, food, screenings of breakup movies and a Wall of Broken Relationships where you can write your heart out. Our favorite drink on? I Dealt with Your Parents for Years (Caperitif, lime, grapefruit soda, habanero bitters, black salt rim.) The admission fee includes a cocktail or sparkling wine flight. The bar is open Tuesday through Saturdays beginning at 7 p.m.
COST: $20 admission; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, FEB. 1 - SATURDAY, FEB. 2
Rare Books LA Sale and Expo
Pasadena Convention Center -- 300 E. Green St., Pasadena
This rare book fair brings together 100 specialists and dealers in antiquarian books, fine prints, maps, photography and ephemera from around the U.S. and the world.
COST: $10 - $20; MORE INFO
SPONSORED
FRIDAY, FEB. 1; 8 p.m.
Ólafur Arnalds
The Orpheum Theatre -- 842 S. Broadway, downtown L.A.
The Icelandic composer performs his mix of piano, strings, beats and loops -- a perfect soundtrack for a vortex-less winter night in L.A.
COST: Tickets start at $12.50; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, FEB. 1; 6 p.m. - 12 a.m.
Night of Ideas
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County -- 900 Exposition Blvd., Exposition Park
The museum teams with the Consulate General of France in L.A. for an event that explores the challenges around ecological and climate change through art and science. With discussions, performances, live music and film screenings throughout the museum, the lineup features a live "Liminal Soundbath" with Jónsi of Sigur Rós. There will also be a performance about climate change by Los Angeles Baroque, led by seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones; a vegan fashion show; French films; and sets by DJ Bobby French and DJ Mr. Swift.
COST: FREE with RSVP; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, FEB. 2 - SUNDAY, FEB. 3
Museums Free for All
Various locations
More than 40 museums around Southern California open their doors for free this weekend. Please check list of participating institutions because some are offering the free deal on one day only. Some of the participants include Japanese American National Museum, California African American Museum, LACMA, MOCA, Orange County Museum of Art, Museum of Latin American Art and the Zimmer Children's Museum by Sharewell. The offer covers general museum admission only and does not apply to specially ticketed exhibitions or parking costs.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
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SATURDAY, FEB., 2 - SUNDAY, FEB. 17
Astaire Dances 2: Fred & Ginger
Cooper Design Space -- 860 S. Los Angeles St., 11th floor, downtown L.A.
Just in time for Valentine's Day, the American Contemporary Ballet presents a tribute to the Fred Astaire. Along with Ginger Rogers, he performed some of the most romantic and iconic dances on screen. The program includes "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" from Roberta, "Cheek to Cheek" (Top Hat), "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off" (Shall We Dance) and "Never Gonna Dance" (Swing Time).
COST: $45 - $90; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, FEB. 2; noon - 2 a.m.
Four Years of Beer
Boomtown Brewery -- 700 Jackson St., downtown L.A.
The brewery throws a four-year anniversary bash with special beer releases -- an Anniversary Ale, a Single Barrel Imperial Stout, a Hazy IPA and a collaboration with Dry River Brewing -- and grub onsite from Burger Shop CA and Jeni's Ice Cream. DJ Peanut Butter Wolf spins a set at 9:30 p.m. Ned Casual, Danny Detox, Jack Tompkins and DJ.R. will perform throughout the day. The birthday party is kid-friendly until 6 or 7 p.m. then 21+ only for the rest of the evening.
COST: FREE admission; MORE INFO
The Grand Central Art Center presents Yevgeniya Mikhailik, 'A Slow Conflict,' paintings, drawings and mural installation. (Image: Courtesy of Yevgeniya Mikhailik and GCAC)
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SATURDAY, 2; 7 - 10 p.m.
First Saturday Opening Receptions
Grand Central Art Center -- 125 N. Broadway, Santa Ana
The center holds opening receptions for two shows: Yevgeniya Mikhailik's A Slow Conflict and Angel Nevarez and Valerie Tevere's Layers of the City. Mikhailik aims to create empathy toward the evolving natural environment, while the latter exhibition examines spaces in Santa Ana and the immigrant experience. Both shows remain on view through April 14.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, FEB. 2; 8 p.m.
Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra
Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts (The Soraya) -- 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge
Pianist Arturo O'Farrill leads the 18-piece ensemble through a repertoire that includes music from hia latest CD, Fandango at The Wall, as well as two earlier Grammy-winning albums. Also on the bill: the LA-based Changüí Majadero, performing danceable Afro-Cuban tunes.
COST: Tickets start at $34; MORE INFO
Subliminal Projects presents a solo show of works by Chad Kouri. (Image: Chad Kouri)
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SATURDAY, FEB. 2 - SATURDAY, MARCH 16
The Center: New Works by Chad Kouri
Subliminal Projects -- 1131 Sunset Blvd., Echo Park
Along with new color-forward paintings, editioned works and research materials, the Chicago-based artist reimagines the commercial gallery as a community center. A series of programs, including performances, workshops and conversations, will be presented on Saturday afternoons. Local artists and nonprofit organizations collaborating with Kouri include The Women's Center for Creative Work and The David Lynch Foundation.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
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SATURDAY, FEB. 2; 3 - 7 p.m.
2019 Port of Los Angeles Lunar New Year Festival
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium -- 3720 Stephen M. White Dr., San Pedro
The port ushers in the Year of the Pig with live entertainment and family activities like face painting, crafts, a petting zoo and a fireworks finale. This event will be held rain or shine.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, FEB. 2; 1 - 8 p.m.
Japanese Food Expo 2019
Hilton Hotel Los Angeles/
COST: $30 - $60; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, FEB. 2; 8 p.m.
Jérôme Bel Gala
The Theatre at Ace Hotel -- 929 S. Broadway, downtown L.A.
The French choreographer offers a different approach to dance, bringing together professionals and amateurs of diverse backgrounds. The dancers span a range of ages, backgrounds and abilities, interpreting the same dance step with their imagination. Bel asks the audience to not pass judgement, but to view dance as something that should be accessible to all.
COST: $29 - $59; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, FEB. 2; 8 p.m.
Obsessed with Janie Stolar
Pack Theater -- 6470 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood
Stolar hosts a campy variety show that features comedians riffing on their latest and greatest pop culture obsessions. The lineup includes Jenny Yang, James III, Malin Von Euler-Hogan and Alyssa Limperis.
COST: Pay what you wish; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, FEB. 2; 6:30 - 9 p.m.
An Evening of Gospel, Jazz, and Blues
Forest Lawn -- 6300 Forest Lawn Dr., Hollywood Hills
Celebrate the history and roots of African American music with a lineup that includes nearly 100 soloists, musicians, comedians, choirs, African dancers and poets, including Janice Freeman of NBC's The Voice and comedian Carl Six Foota Slimm.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Smorgasburg LA presents the return of Super Vegan Sunday, with even more vegan food vendors. This is Cena Vegan's burrito. (Photo: Anne Huffman/Brooklyn Flea)
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SUNDAY, FEB. 3; 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
2nd Annual Super Vegan Sunday
Smorgasburg LA -- 777 S Alameda St., downtown L.A.
The Sunday food fair brings in a dozen pop-up vegan vendors. Superiority Burger comes all the way from NYC, and Modern Times collaborates with Beyond Meat in the Smorgasburger Stand. Eat Drink Vegan also curates a select group of other vegan vendors. Don't worry if you're a meat eater, Smorgasburg isn't going entirely plant-based for the day.
COST: Varies; MORE INFO
SUNDAY, FEB. 3; 5-7 p.m.
It's Five O'Clock Somewhere
Chevalier's Books -- 126 N. Larchmont Blvd., Windsor Square
L.A.'s oldest independent bookstore presents an afternoon of readings with authors Janet Fitch, John Tottenham, Derek D. Brown, Diana Wagman and Sandy Yang, hosted by Julia Ingalls. Libations and light refreshments will be served.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Learn to play mahjong at the Pasadena Playhouse on Sunday afternoon. (Photo: joeannenah/Flickr)
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SUNDAY, FEB. 3; 12 - 4 p.m.
Mahjong at the Playhouse
Pasadena Playhouse -- 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena
What football game? Here's something a little different: To celebrate Lunar New Year -- and the Year of the Pig -- the theater hosts a free mahjong workshop in its courtyard. The tile-based game was developed in China during the Qing dynasty and has only grown in popularity since then. It got another bump last year, thanks to a crucial scene in Crazy Rich Asians.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
SUNDAY, FEB. 3; 7 p.m.
All About Valentina
The Luckman Fine Arts Complex at Cal State LA -- 5151 State University Dr., El Sereno
Fresh from her role as Angel in Rent Live, Mexican-American drag star Valentina (RuPaul's Drag Race) performs in a full-length theatrical production of song, dance and video projection.
COST: $29 - $49; MORE INFO
How are you spending your weekend? Let us know on Twitter @christineziemba and @LeoHasACat.
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