Best things to do this week in Los Angeles and Southern California: February 23-26

Please forgive me while I become an insufferable art person for the next week and a half as Frieze Art Fair kicks off, inspiring countless art openings, smaller fairs and funky events before and after. You finally have an opportunity to pull out those colorful glasses frames you’ve tucked away in the back of your closet. I can’t recommend highly enough putting on your best aspirational "supporter of the arts" attire and heading out to one of the many (mostly free!) openings ahead of next week’s official events. It's worth it just for the people-watching, but also for the art!

Elsewhere on LAist, you can learn how be a supportive coworker to those celebrating Ramadan, find out what Diane Warren says is the best vegan food in L.A. and prepare for April’s Bagel Fest.

Events

Slamdance Festival

Through Wednesday, February 25 
Various locations
Hollywood
COST: Individual tickets $19; MORE INFO 

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Courtesy 42West

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Monday is Market Monday at Slamdance, where industry experts will hold sessions all day long about the state of film and how to get your work seen. It’s sold out, but more tickets will be released day-of, plus you can still catch some great indie films at a range of Hollywood venues before the fest wraps up on Wednesday.

Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour

Tuesday, February 24, 7 p.m. 
Toyota Arena
4000 Ontario Center, Ontario
COST: FROM $44; MORE INFO

Harlem Globetrotters walk the runway during the Actively Black NYFW Runway Show.

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Rob Kim

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Getty Images

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Hammer, Torch, Bulldog, Cheese, Jet, Wham, Thunder, TNT and more have been handed down a Globetrotters legacy, bringing their wild basketball showcase skills to the Toyota Arena for their 100th-anniversary tour. Take in all the dazzle and dunking as they take on the Washington Generals.

Here Lies Love

Through Sunday, April 5
Mark Taper Forum 
135 N. Grand Ave., Downtown L.A. 
COST: FROM $40; MORE INFO 

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Jeff Lorch

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Center Theatre Group

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David Byrne and Fatboy Slim scored this absolute party of a show about Imelda Marcos and the People Power Revolution in the Philippines. Center Theatre Group artistic director Snehal Desai directed this version of Here Lies Love (it was originally off-Broadway at the Public), and it’s been reimagined for an L.A. audience, with sleek choreography inspired by Filipino traditional dance, vibrant costumes, smart video projections and good use of the Taper space. I’m not convinced we’re at the party part of the revolution just yet, but Here Lies Love shows it’s possible to get there. I do wish there’d been more of Joan Almedilla, who plays resistance leader Ninoy’s mother — her one song wasn’t nearly enough! Put on your dancing shoes, and if you’re sitting in the front, be ready to get pulled on stage. It’s now been extended for a run through April 5; check the Center Theatre Group's website for a special talkback night with Filipino community leaders and more.

Barry McGee takeover

Through Sunday, March 1, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
99CENT 
6121 Wilshire Blvd., Miracle Mile
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

Artist Barry McGee is teaming up with The Hole @theholenyc to turn an abandoned 99 Cent Store on Wilshire into an artist flea. Over 100 artists will participate in the takeover, with art by McGee and his friends and work from his personal collection.

Zócalo Public Square: How do museums resist censorship?

Monday, February 23, 7:30 p.m.
Herald Examiner Building 
1111 S. Broadway, Downtown L.A.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO 

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Courtesy Zócalo Public Square

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We’re at a tenuous time for art at the country’s most established institutions, with threats both financial and curatorial coming from all sides. Some of the biggest art world names in L.A. will be on hand for this very timely discussion of museums and censorship with Zócalo Public Square. Speakers include Hamza Walker, who curated the current Monuments show at MOCA and the Brick, and Ann Burroughs, who is the President and CEO of the Japanese American National Museum.

Boyle Heights Walking Club 

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5 p.m. 
Cafe Niña 
3264 E. 4th Street, Boyle Heights
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

The rain is gone, so get your steps in and meet some new neighbors at this twice-weekly walking club in Boyle Heights. They meet and chat every week, starting and ending at Cafe Niña.

The Meeting: Diva Corp

Thursday, February 26, 7 p.m. 
Pio Pico 
3311 E. Pico Blvd., East L.A.
COST: FREE, MORE INFO

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Courtesy Diva Corp

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I don’t have enough space to explain Diva Corp to the uninitiated, or even to tell you what this show is going to be about (I have no idea). Short version is: These folks are trying to disrupt the art scene, and it’s sure to be talked about the next day. Diva Corp publishes a magazine of art criticism with art responding to other art. They flipped the tables at an ArtCenter event last week. I think you should check it out and report back. Definitely wear a black turtleneck and those funky glasses.