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Best things to do this week in Los Angeles and Southern California: April 7 - 10

Two L.A. music things caught my eye online this week. The first is an interview with Elton John and Brandi Carlile about their new joint album, filmed at the Troubadour for Apple Music. It’s a lovely look into our collective rock history with one living legend and one incredible performer who just has a knack for bringing out the best in everyone, from Elton John to Joni Mitchell.
Also on the music front, local favorites Dawes — who lost their homes in the Eaton Fire — have been a source of inspiration to so many these past few months. This week, they released a new version of their L.A. love letter, “Time Spent in Los Angeles,” with some help from Andrew Bird and Alan Hampton. Have a listen (and maybe a cry) here.
For more to explore, visit LAist.com, where you can check out the latest SoCal James Beard nominees, join the debate over whether L.A.’s official cocktail is the margarita, and remember Top Gun actor Val Kilmer.
Events
Tuesday, April 8, 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Impact Investor Night: Building a Sustainable Future
1149 S. Hill St., Ste. 900
Downtown L.A.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
It’s been hard to find bright spots these days, so if you need a dose of good news and have some ideas of how to innovate around climate change, head to this Los Angeles Climate Week event to get inspired — and shoot your shot. Designed to foster collaboration and actionable outcomes between climate funders and founders, the evening also includes a special screening of the upcoming docuseries How to Change the World, a panel addressing climate investing, and a live student pitch competition for L.A. wildfire relief.
Tuesday, April 8, 7 p.m.
Wet Leg
The River
2929 Knox Ave.
Frogtown
COST: $49.37; MORE INFO

The Grammy-winning indie rock band Wet Leg is playing their first show in L.A. in two years. The “Chaise Longue” duo are bringing their quirky brand of indie girl power all the way from the Isle of Wight to The River, a unique new venue in Frogtown. The intimate space is a far cry from their last L.A. gig — opening for Harry Styles at the Forum.
Tuesday, April 8, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Stacy Nathaniel Jackson in conversation with Dan Lewis
Octavia’s Bookshelf
1353 North Hill Ave.Pasadena
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Afrofuturist Stacy Nathaniel Jackson, author of The Ephemera Collector, will join the Huntington Library senior curator for science and technology, Dan Lewis, for a talk about his timely new book at Octavia’s Bookshelf. Jackson’s novel is set in L.A. in 2035 amid a wave of wildfires, a protagonist suffering from long COVID, and other of-the-moment references.
Wednesday, April 9, 8 p.m.
An evening with Gretchen Rubin (in-person, virtual broadcast on 4/16)
Glorya Kaufman Performing Arts Center at Vista Del Mar
3200 Motor Ave.
Culver City
COST: $25 - $44; MORE INFO
The Happiness Project creator Gretchen Rubin is back to tell us how to make it all better. Rubin’s latest book, Secrets of Adulthood: Simple Truths for Our Complex Lives, breaks down adulting by looking at aphorism — “the ancient literary discipline that demands that a writer convey a large truth in a few words” — to help overcome indecision in our lives. The event will also be available virtually for $42 with a signed book starting Wednesday, April 16.
Wednesday, April 9, 7 p.m.
India Ramey
Gold-Diggers
5632 Santa Monica Blvd.
East Hollywood
COST: $19.57; MORE INFO

Nashville comes to L.A. when India Ramey hits the stage at Gold-Diggers with her honky-tonk vibes. Her new album, Baptized By The Blaze, came out last summer and explores her journey out of addiction — and her love of horror and b-movies — with a country kick.
Through April 19
'Toys as Art, Art Inspired by Toys'
Corey Helford Gallery
571 S. Anderson St.Arts District
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Inspired by Barbie and Matchbox and every type of kids' plaything in between, dozens of contemporary artists draw from their childhood memories in this unique show at Corey Helford, celebrating Mattel’s 80th anniversary.
Outdoor Pick
Every Monday, 7 p.m.
Koreatown Run Club
Meet at the corner of Wilshire Blvd. and Oxford Ave.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

Koreatown may have just won the “worst parking in L.A.” award, but that’s no matter if you’re running. Koreatown Run Club, like many others around town, has grown in popularity and takes joggers through the historic neighborhood while meeting new people and getting those steps in.
Viewing Pick
April 8-9, 7:30 p.m.
French Film Festival
Fullerton College Campus Theatre
321 East Chapman Ave.
Fullerton
COST: $12.51; MORE INFO
Get a little bit of je ne sais qua at Fullerton College’s annual French Film Fest, dubbed the “Paris of Orange County” — I know, I know. This year’s picks are Louis Garrel’s crime-comedy The Innocent and the heartwarming comedy Les Petites Victoires. Both nights also feature French food, art and music on the Campus Theater patio area.
Dine & Drink Deals
Monday, April 7 Food Day in WeHo
Fiesta Hall
7377 Santa Monica Blvd.
West Hollywood
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Plant Based Treaty and the City of West Hollywood are hosting a full day of panels with climate experts, plant-based breakfast, lunch and dinner, and climate-focused activities. Plus, the first 25 attendees will get a free swag bag from SoCal VegFest.
Wednesday, April 9, 4 p.m.
Experiencias de Paseo: Crudo & Tequila
Paseo
1580 Disneyland Dr.
Anaheim
COST: $45; MORE INFO

Head to Downtown Disney for an event led by Paseo’s Executive Chef Rudy Lopez, where you can experience a culinary demonstration and tasting focused on the story behind Kanpachi crudo, plus munch on chips and salsa, and drink Paseo’s Sonrisa Margarita.
Monday, April 7, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
National Beer Day with Best Day Brewing
Rivian Venice Beach
660 Venice Blvd.
Venice
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
It’s National Beer Day, but that doesn’t mean you have to have alcohol to enjoy it anymore. Non-alcoholic beer company Best Day Brewing is throwing a "brew-thru" pop-up in Venice to mark the occasion, plus they are giving away a free six-pack of their award-winning NA craft beer to anyone who stops by.
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