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Pencil This In: 'Eureka' Cast at the Paley Center, Sapphire on 'The Kid,' an Afro-Cuban J.A.M. Session and the DFFLA
Looking for something to do tonight? There's plenty happening in LA: The Paley Center welcomes the cast and crew of 'Eureka'; Sapphire talks about her work at the Central Library; learn Afro-Cuban jams at the Ford; the Downtown Film Festival LA continues; and, of course, KCRW rocks on a school night.
SYFY SNEAK*
Syfy’s Eureka ends its five-season run next week, and tonight the Paley Center hosts a sneak peak of the finale and a panel discussion with cast and crew at 7 pm. The show—“with its quirky and inventive take on an everyman sheriff of a Pacific Northwest town inhabited by brilliant scientists working on top secret projects for the U.S. government”—has quite a loyal following. Expected in attendance are creator and executive producer Jaime Paglia, actors Colin Ferguson, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Neil Grayston and Joe Morton. Tickets: $15, $10 for Paley Center members
DANCE
The Ford Amphitheatre hosts a free J.A.M. Session for ages 12 and up tonight at 7 pm. Explore rhythms of Afro-Cuban music led by Collective Events and play a variety of instruments (provided) including congas, shekeres (shakers) and claves (wood blocks). The session focuses on folkloric traditions that came to Cuba via Nigeria, Togo and the Congo. Free.
ALOUD
Tonight at 7 pm, ALOUD at the Central Library welcomes author Sapphire, who discusses her book The Kid: A Novel with Brighde Mullins, director, Masters in Professional Writing Program at USC. The book traces the story of Abdul Jones, the son of Precious, the heroine of her novel Push. Free, but reservations required.
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MUSIC
It’s a School Night welcomes live music and DJ sets from both up-and-coming and seasoned artists every Monday night at Bardot in Hollywood. Tonight’s lineup includes live performances by MS MR, Alekesam (featuring Sal Masekela, son of the great Hugh Masekela), Of Verona (album release party), Shana Halligan and Drake Doremus (DJ set). Free with RSVP for those 21+; $10 for 18+ with RSVP. Doors at 8 pm.
FILM
TheDowntown Film Festival Los Angeles continues screening narrative, documentary and short films today and through July 13. Also check out the festival’s workshops, lectures, art exhibits, receptions and after-hour events. Screening venues include the Downtown Independent Theater, Regal Cinemas L.A. Live 14, the Hayworth Theater and Los Angeles Center for Digital Art.
*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).
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This work is only possible with community support. Every investigation, service guide, and story is made possible by people like you who believe that local news is a public good and that everyone deserves access to trustworthy local information.
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