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Arts & Entertainment

Best Things To Do This Week In Los Angeles And Southern California: May 20 - 23

Laura Hertzfeld
Laura Hertzfeld
Published May 20, 2024 5:00 AM
Eddie Vedder performs on stage, crouched down as he sings into a microphone under green lights. Other members of Pearl Jam are out of focus on stage behind him.
Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam performs onstage at Madison Square Garden in 2022.
(
Kevin Mazur
/
Getty Images for PJ
)

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Don’t let May Gray get you down! If the marine layer has been taking its toll, take a hike, see a play, let cool art inspire you, or just listen to some jazz that fits the mood. And yes, I know Bridgerton is back and the impulse not to leave the couch is strong!

This week, renowned author Amy Tan turns to nonfiction to reflect on the birds in her backyard, DJ Black Museumist hosts a deep dive on John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme in Long Beach, Angel City FC takes on the San Diego Wave, and two legendary bands in vastly different genres – Pearl Jam and Kraftwerk – hit the stage at the Forum and Disney Hall, respectively.

For more to explore, visit LAist.com, where you can grab a ticket to join Austin Cross and the James Beard Foundation at the Crawford for a talk about restaurants and community as part of the We Are Where We Eat series. Also, follow food writer Gab Chabran on a DIY taco tour in the arts district or get a sneak peek at all the spring flowers blooming at Descanso Gardens.

Events

  • A portrait of Amy Tan. She's wearing black and has a short salt-pepper bob. She's looking at the camera, half-smiling while resting her chin in her right hand.
    Tue, May 21

    Amy Tan In Conversation With Rev. Rodrick Echols

    • Neighborhood Congregational Church
      340 St. Ann’s Dr., Laguna Beach

    Joy Luck Club author Amy Tan joins Rev. Rodrick Echols to discuss her new book, The Backyard Bird Chronicles.
  • A saxophone lies on a slate gray table in moody lightining.
    Tue, May 21

    'A Love Supreme' Listening Session

    • Good Luck Vinyl Club
      2105 East 4th St., Long Beach

    DJ Black Museumist is your guide for this listening session honoring John Coltrane’s 1965 masterpiece, A Love Supreme.
  • Messiah Bright, a Black woman, tosses her head back and yells while clutching her jersey, as if celebrating during a game. Her red-orange braids are captured mid-flip, fanned out around her. She's standing in from of a pink background.
    Thu, May 23

    Rivalry Night: San Diego Wave vs. Angel City FC

    • BMO Stadium
      3939 S. Figueroa St., Exposition Park

    Women’s pro soccer favorites Angel City FC take on our neighbors to the south, the San Diego Wave.
  • Eduardo Robledo and Quetzal Guerrero stand on stage playing guitar and violin in the play 'Ghost Waltz.'
    Sun, Jun 2

    'Ghost Waltz'

    • The Los Angeles Theatre Center
      514 S. Spring St., Los Angeles

    New play Ghost Waltz uses magical realism to tell the story of classical Indigenous Mexican composer Juventino Rosas.
  • Four members of the electronic music group Kraftwerk stand on stage in front of podiums holding what appear to be computers used for their performance. The stage is bathed in green, criss-crossing light as if they're in a mainframe.
    Thu, May 30

    Kraftwerk Residency

    • Walt Disney Concert Hall
      111 S. Grand Ave., Downtown L.A.

    See Kraftwerk's short residency at Disney Hall, where they will play a complete album from their extensive catalog each night.
  • The members of the band Pearl Jam stand together in a row on stage with their arms around each other's shoulders while wearing black, casual clothing. They're taking in the audience cheering for them below.
    Wed, May 22

    Pearl Jam

    • Kia Forum
      3900 W. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood

    Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder and crew come to the Forum, touring behind their 12th studio album, Dark Matter.

  • Theater staging for 'Turandot.' Two people in floor-length red capes stand on opposite sides of a staircase, facing one another. On stage behind them are rows of actors dressed in blue.
    Sat, Jun 8

    'Turandot'

    • Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
      135 N. Grand Ave., Downtown L.A.

    Puccini favorite Turandot returns to L.A. Opera this week at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.

  • A poster announcing the 30th anniversary exhibition for David Zwirner galleries. It features an illustration of a man walking by Robert Crumb.
    Thu, May 23

    David Zwirner 30th Anniversary Celebration

    • David Zwirner Gallery
      606 N. Western Ave., Melrose Hill

    David Zwirner's new gallery in Melrose Hill opens this week and will celebrate 30 years of supporting artists.

Outdoor Pick

  • A landscape view of a scenic cliffside in Rancho Palos Verdes as the sun sets over the ocean.
    Mon, May 20

    Let’s Walk (8,000 Steps!)

    • Pelican Cove Park
      31300 Palos Verdes Dr. S. , Rancho Palos Verdes

    Join the South Bay Walking & Hiking Group and start your week off right with this walk in Pelican Cove.

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