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There is seriously something for everyone happening in LA today. There's an evening of performance and installation that explores secular magic; a free musical tribute to Quincy Jones, a party for print with the release of the latest Slake magazine; NewFilmmakers LA's monthly screening series and the an exotica and hemp shows at the LA Convention Center. Read on for all the details.
PERFORMANCE
This sounds really out there, but oh so mind-trippy: tonight and tomorrow LA Filmforum, piXel (+) freQuency and the Disembodied Theater Corporation present Inquiry Towards the Practice of Secular Magic tonight and tomorrow night at 9 pm. It's an evening of live documentary performance, art installations and live music that explores secular magic, the "alchemical act of transmuting everyday life into fiction, and vice versa." Sure to be an evening of head-scratching, transfigured reality. Bring your own blankets and chairs to sit on. At piXel (+) freQuency. Tickets: $10, students/seniors $6; free for Filmforum members.
LIT PARTY*
The folks behind Slake No. 3 are celebrating the release of the literary magazine's latest issue War and Peace with a big bash at Atwater Crossing tonight beginning at 7:30 pm. There will be live music, art, wood-fired flatbread, LudoTruck fried chicken, Let’s Be Frank dogs, locally roasted coffee by Handsome Coffee and pie. And beer. Advanced tickets $5, at the door $8.
MUSIC
Tonight Grand Performances present the program From the Roots to the Fruits: A Tribute to Quincy Jones tonight at 8 pm. Jones has been an influential force in jazz, film, television for more than 50 years. Drummer Ndugu Chancler and pianist Patrice Rushen are joined by Alphonso Johnson, David T. Walker and others to celebrate the life and music of a man known as Q to his besties. Free.
FILM
NewFilmmakers LA holds its monthly screening series at Sunset Gower Studios tonight. The Short Film Program #1 screening begins at 6:15 pm, followed by Short Film Program #2 at 7:45 and a feature film screening of Heaven Strewn (by director Jeremiah Gurzi) at 9:45 pm. There are Q&A sessions, pre-screening receptions and after-parties for each program where attendees can meet both filmmakers, crews and talent. Please visit NewFilmmakers LA for the full program. Tickets: $6 per program.
XXX + HEMP CONVENTIONS
The Los Angeles Convention Center plays host to two conventions this weekend. EXXXOTICA Los Angeles teams up with Hempcon, the nation’s leading medical marijuana show. Both shows will have exhibits, seminars and talks by industry leaders. If you buy a ticket to one of the trade shows, discounted ticket prices will be available for the other. Tickets to EXXXOTICA range from $35-170, and $15-20 for Hempcon. Both shows are 18+.
*My pencil pick of the day
Want more events? Follow me on Twitter (@christineziemba). Or follow Lauren Lloyd—who takes care of Pencil on Wednesdays (@LadyyyLloyd).