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We found a theme running through our event picks tonight. Local filmmakers get to screen their films at Echo Park Film Center; local author Seth Greenland signs his new book at Skylight; and local band honeyhoney opens for James Morrison in Hollywood. Julie Andrews signs her latest book in Pasadena, and last, but not least, is a tribute to Johnny Carson. Read on for all the details.
JOHNNY CARSON*
The Paley Center plays tribute to the King of Late Night, Johnny Carson, tonight at 7 pm. Arguably the consummate TV host, Carson’s life and legacy is the subject of a film by Peter Jones. The filmmaker includes original interviews with friends, colleagues and performers who appeared or began their careers on The Tonight Show—including Conan O'Brien, Ray Romano, Don Rickles, Bob Newhart, Angie Dickinson, Carl Reiner, Mel Brooks, Jay Leno, David Letterman, Dick Cavett, David Steinberg, Jerry Seinfeld, Ellen DeGeneres, Garry Shandling, Steve Martin, Arsenio Hall, Joan Rivers and Jimmy Fallon. Appearing in person tonight are Jones and David Steinberg. Tickets: $10 Paley Center members, $15 general public.
FILM
Calling all auteurs...the Echo Park Film Center invites you to screen your film tonight at 8 pm. If you have a thick-enough skin to show what you got in front of a live audience, then bring your new, old or works-in-progress. Any genre, but must not be longer than 10 minutes. Formats accepted: DVD, VHS, mini-DV, DV-CAM, Super 8, standard 8mm, 16mm. One film per filmmaker. First come, first screened. $5 suggested donation for audience members. Filmmakers get in free.
BOOKS
Local author Seth Greenland (Shining City) reads and signs his new book The Angry Buddhist tonight at 7:30 pm at Skylight Books. It’s a satire of local politics that draws parallels to the national scene. It's probably great insight for a presidential election year.
MUSIC
Koffeehouse and BMI present a showcase of emerging bands and singer/songwriters tonight at Harvelle's in Santa Monica. Artists include the Song Preservation Society (8:45pm), John Brazzel (9:45pm) and Forest Day from San Fran (10:45pm). The evening kicks off at 7 pm with a JAM session featuring up-and-coming acts who get to play two songs each. Tickets: $10. 21+ show.
ART
Groundwork Coffee in The Market in Santa Monica opens the solo art exhibition HIP POP by Catherine Kaleel with a reception tonight from 5:30-8:30 pm. Her work consists of large oil paintings of toys, cassette tapes and games of the 80s and 90s, oozing with a nostalgia for the 'golden' age of video game controllers, joysticks and Speak & Spells. The exhibition runs through June 18.
MUSIC
Brit James Morrison hits Avalon in Hollywood tonight for his first US headlining tour to support his latest release The Awakening. Opening for Morrison is local band (Venice) honeyhoney.Tickets: $34.
BOOKS
We know there must be a few Mary Poppins or Sound of Music groupies out there. This one's for you: Julie Andrews signs her children's book The Very Fairy Princess: Here Comes the Flower Girl! tonight at 7 pm at Vroman’s Fine Writing, Gifts, and Stationery (667 E. Colorado Blvd.) Only copies of the latest book will be signed by Andrews, and she won’t sign any memorabilia, so leave The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins stuff at home. No photos and video will not be permitted at this event, either.
*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),
