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19 Awesome Things To Do In Southern California This Week: Nov. 18 - 21

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Julie Andrews discusses her new memoir Home Work. Roxane Gay and Abbi Jacobson celebrate sister Corita Kent's legacy. Watch a workshop of Hilton Als debut play. Listen to Mariachi music. Check out a David Bowie-themed burlesque. Or head to KPCC's latest In Person event, which explores the impact of climate change on the Inland Empire.

Tallula's Hecho Con Amor dinner and class with Masienda promises to be tasty and educational. (Courtesy of Tallula's)


MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18; 5:30 p.m.
Tallula's Hecho Con Amor Dinner & Free Class with Masienda
Tallula's -- 118 Entrada Drive, Pacific Palisades
Jorge Gaviria, founder of masa supplier Masienda, focuses on bringing organic, non-GMO, heirloom corn to chefs and restaurants around the world. Along with Masienda's head of operations, Danielle Dahlin, he leads a free class on "The Life Cycle of a Table Tortilla," which examines the tortilla-making process. Stick around after the class for a dinner created by Tallulah's chef, Saw Naing, that showcases four different varieties of corn. RSVP for the class via email with the subject line "Masienda Class."
COST: FREE - $65+; MORE INFO


MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18; 7 - 9 P.M.
Roxane Gay and Abbi Jacobson in Conversation
Second Home Hollywood -- 1370 N. St Andrew's Pl., Hollywood
The Great Humans Series is a reboot of a lecture series first organized by late artist and educator Corita Kent (who would have turned 101 years old this week). The Corita Art Center, which preserves the legacy of the Catholic nun turned "artivist," welcomes Gay (Bad Feminist) and Jacobson, co-star and co-creator of Broad City.
COST: $30; MORE INFO

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18; 7:30 - 9 P.M.
Julie Andrews
The Orpheum Theatre -- 842 S. Broadway, downtown L.A
We love Julie Andrews as much as raindrops on roses. The Mary Poppins and Sound of Music star discusses her memoir, Home Work, with L.A. Times columnist Mary McNamara.
COST: $47.50; MORE INFO


Through THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21
AFI Fest
Several venues in Hollywood
This year's film festival screens 142 titles (80 features, one episodic, 40 shorts and 21 AFI Conservatory Showcase Shorts). Presenting a rich diversity of voices, 51% of the program features films directed by women -- and they come from 52 countries. The festival closes on Thursday with The Banker by George Nolfi. The festival and corresponding events take place at the TCL Chinese Theatre, the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres and the Hollywood Roosevelt.
COST: Individual tickets $9 - $20; MORE INFO

Let the holiday season begin as ice skating returns to Santa Monica, with a free community day on Monday, Nov. 18. (Courtesy Downtown Santa Monica)


MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18
Ice at Santa Monica
Fifth St. and Arizona Ave., Santa Monica
The holiday season is shifting into fifth gear. Head toward the beach for an 8,000-square-foot ice-skating rink. Skate rental and all-day admission included in tickets. There's a free community skate day on Monday, Nov. 18 from 2 to 10 p.m.
COST: $15; MORE INFO


MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18; 7 - 8:30 P.M.
Lives of the Performers
LAXART -- 7000 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood
Watch a workshop performance of the in-progress, debut play by writer and critic Hilton Als. The experimental narrative is loosely based on the life of Sheryl Sutton, who starred in many of playwright Robert Wilson's works including Deaf Man's Glance and Einstein On The Beach. The seats are on a first-come, first-served basis. The production features Helga Davis and Victoire Charles with direction by Peter Born.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

If you want a portable preview of Thanksgiving, Milk Bar begins serving its Thanksgiving croissants. (Courtesy Milk Bar)


MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18 - FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29
Thanksgiving Croissants
Milk Bar LA -- 7150 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood
Christina Tosi's L.A.-based outpost is offering a portable Thanksgiving preview for a limited time. A flaky, rye seed croissant is stuffed with roasted turkey, gravy, stuffing-spiced butter and a hint of cranberry sauce.
COST: $8 each; MORE INFO


MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18; 8:30 P.M.
#Hash(tag) America
Catalina Bar & Grill -- 6725 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood
What began as a concept album from American Idol alum Anthony Fedorov and Grammy Award-winner Jeeve Ducornet gets a stage version a cast that includes Fedorov, Isa Briones (Star Trek: Picard, Hamilton) and Eden Espinosa (Falsettos, Wicked, Rent). The musical and rock concert explores "true stories of social justice, gender identity, race, immigration and economic inequalities." This is an all-ages show.
COST: $25 - $35; MORE INFO

Listen to Mariachi music in Boyle Heights all day on Tuesday. (Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for MTV)
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19; 10 A.M. - 10 P.M.
Mariachi Plaza Festival y Fiesta Anual de Santa Cecilia
Mariachi Plaza Boyle Heights Station -- 1831 E. 1st St., Boyle Heights
To celebrate its 30th Anniversary and Fiesta Anual de Santa Ceciliahe, the Gold Line station presents a day of live music as part of the the Mariachi Festival. Shop the wares of local vendors as you listen to live entertainment throughout the day.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO


TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19; 7:30 - 8:30 P.M.
Hotter, Drier, And On Fire: Will The IE Still Be Livable In 2100?
Glenn Wallichs Theatre, University of Redlands -- 1200 E. Colton Ave, Redlands
A panel led by KPCC science reporter Jacob Margolis puts the Inland Empie under a microscope. By 2100, scientists predict that the San Bernardino area could be six to nine degrees hotter, rainfall could decline by up to six inches and wildfires could increase significantly in some areas. Come find out about the future of the IE at this KPCC In Person event.
COST: FREE with RSVP; MORE INFO

The Paley Center welcomes Emmy and SAG-award-winning actress Viola Davis from 'How to Get Away with Murder.' (Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Turner)


TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19; 7 - 9 P.M.
An Evening with How to Get Away with Murder
The Paley Center for Media -- 465 N. Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills
ABC and Shondaland's acclaimed drama is in the midst of its sixth and final season. The ensemble cast is led by Emmy-winning Viola Davis as professor Annalise Keating. Join Davis, executive producer Peter Nowalk and other cast members for a screening and panel discussion.
COST: $24 - $30; MORE INFO


TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19; 7 - 8:30 P.M.
Miranda July in conversation with Michelle Tea
Second Home Serpentine Pavilion -- 5801 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire
The event features writer, filmmaker and artist July alongside Michelle Tea, co-founder of the San Francisco-based lesbian-feminist spoken-word and performance art collective, Sister Spit. It also doubles as a fundraiser for the 826LA youth literacy nonprofit. The discussion focuses on creativity, community and making room. While the event is free, there are VIP options, including a reception with the authors from 6 to 7 p.m.
COST: FREE - $500+; MORE INFO


WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20; 7:30 - 9 P.M.
Tenebrae Choir of London
Christ Cathedral Campus -- 13280 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove
The famed Tenebrae Choir of London, conducted by Nigel Short, performs at the venue formally known as the Crystal Cathedral. The choir sings Owain Park's Footsteps, inspired by the pilgrimages of medieval travelers to Camino de Santiago in Spain. The performance also launches the Los Angeles Children's Chorus's season-long exploration of works affiliated with Camino de Santiago.
COST: $10 - $40; MORE INFO


WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20; 8 P.M.
Oh! These Pretty Things
Decades Bar and Grill -- 195 W. Center St. Promenade, Anaheim, CA 92805, USA
Get ready for a night of David Bowie-themed burlesque, presented by Peep Show Menagerie. The annual event honors the music and legacy of the artist. This show is 18+.
COST: $20 - $30; MORE INFO


THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21; 6:30 - 8:30 P.M.
Holiday Tree Lighting and Cocoa Concert
Union Station South Patio -- 800 N. Alameda St., downtown L.A.
The station's annual tree lighting under the stars will be accompanied by performances from the Grand Arts Chamber Singers, the Beverly Belles and the Toy Soldiers Drumline. Music begins at 6:30 p.m. with the lighting at 7:15 p.m.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO


THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21; 11:15 A.M.
Ballet to Hip-Hop; Folk to Rap; Watercolor to Graffiti - the Arts as 'democratic' Expression
Student Services Center -- 1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica
This interactive panel discussion explores why the arts (should) matter to public policy. Panelists include SMC art instructor Lizy Dastin, city of Santa Monica manager of cultural affairs Shannon Daut, SMC hip-hop dance instructor Marissa Moreno and Bakersfield College art historian and graffiti scholar Ronnie Wrest. Forum events run through Dec. 8.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO


THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21; 5 - 10 P.M.
The Winter Bazaar Holiday Night Market
Hollywood Night Market @Yamashiro -- 1999 N. Sycamore Ave., Hollywood
Get a jump start on holiday shopping (and eating and drinking) at this weekly event that features a light festival, live music, gift shopping from vendors, food and seasonal cocktails. Gift wrapping is also available at the market, courtesy of the Hollywood Heights Homeowners Association, with donations benefitting neighborhood initiatives. Holiday bazaar nights end on Dec. 19.
COST: FREE with RSVP; MORE INFO


THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21; 7 P.M.
Mark Z. Danielewski: Little Blue Kite
Vroman's Bookstore -- 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
The writer discusses and signs his latest book at the beloved bookstore (which celebrates its 125th anniversary this month). L.A.-based Danielewski, author of House of Leaves and Only Revolutions, once again plays with format and traditional text. The book revolves around Kai, who's afraid to fly a little blue kite but also craves adventure.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21; 7:30 - 9:30 P.M.
Dreamers and Schemers: How an Improbable Bid for the 1932 Olympics Transformed Los Angeles from Dusty Outpost to Global Metropolis
The Last Bookstore --
453 South Spring St., Los Angeles
Author Barry Siegel discusses his new book, Dreamers and Schemers, which tells the strange but true tale of William "Billy" May Garland, a real estate agent with an irrepressible zeal. His vision was to lift Los Angeles out of the Great Depression by hosting the 1932 Olympic Games.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

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