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19 Of The Coolest Things To Do In Southern California This Week

The Queen Mary throws a special party to celebrate the Chinese New Year, featuring food, music and live performances. (Photo: Courtesy of Wushu Shaolin Entertainment)
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Celebrate the Lunar New Year -- this will be the Year of the Pig -- with music, dance and food (natch). There are two new costume exhibtions, one focusing on movie costumes and the other on Dolly Parton's outfits. Documentaries on Anita Hill and Lorena Bobbitt screen, and the Red Bull Music Festival begins its run.

MONDAY, FEB. 4; 7 p.m.
To Disney With Love
El Capitan Theatre -- 6838 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
Rob Richards celebrates his 20th anniversary as the theater's organist with a concert on its historic Mighty Wurlitzer Organ. Richards has played the instrument since its installation in 1999. Guests will hear Disney tunes and crowd favorites, and Richards will accompany a screening of Disney's Get a Horse (2013), starring Mickey Mouse.
COST: $10 - $20; MORE INFO

MONDAY, FEB. 4; 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Trust the Chef
Chez Melange -- 1611 S. Catalina Ave, Redondo Beach
The restaurant holds a multicourse mystery dinner where guests know nothing about what will be served. Bring your own wine as the restaurant is waiving its usual corkage fee.
COST: $39 per ticket; MORE INFO

TUESDAY, FEB. 5; 6 - 10 p.m.
Chinese New Year: Shanghai Nights
The Queen Mary -- 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach
Celebrate the Year of the Pig with traditional Chinese culture, cuisine, art and entertainment. Watch The Sound of China Guzheng Ensemble, the Wushu Shaolin dragon dance, Chinese martial arts and live theater. The buffet dinner, included in the ticket price, begins at 6 p.m. with entertainment following.
COST: Tickets: $49 - $129; MORE INFO

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TUESDAY, FEB. 5; 8 p.m. (doors)
Emo Night
Echoplex -- 1154 Glendale Blvd., Echo Park
The Echo -- 1822 W. Sunset Blvd., Echo Park
Come and commiserate! Or share your love of emo music at both venues. Live performances at the Echo with outsideOUTSIDE, PRESSERS, LilNarnia and Guccihighwaters. The first 100 people at the door get in free. This event is 21+.
COST: $15; MORE INFO

TUESDAY, FEB. 5; 7:30 p.m.
Speaking Truth to Power: From Thomas to Kavanaugh
Hammer Museum -- 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood
The museum screens the 2013 documentary Anita, which follows Anita Hill's turmoil as she testifies in 1991 before the Senate, alleging that Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas' engaged in lewd conduct. (Sound familiar?) A post-screening discussion features UCLA law professor Kimberlé Crenshaw, who assisted Hill's legal team, and author Rebecca Traister
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

TUESDAY, FEB. 5 - FRIDAY, APRIL 12
Art of Motion Picture Costume Design
FIDM Museum -- 919 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A.
Now in its 27th year, the annual exhibition showcases costumes from more than 20 films, including fan favorites and Academy Award-nominated designs.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

Matthew Bourne's version of 'Cinderella' opens at the Ahmanson Theatre. (Photo: Johan Persson)

TUESDAY, FEB. 5 - SUNDAY, MARCH 10
Cinderella
Ahmanson Theatre -- 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown L.A.
Choreographer/director Matthew Bourne reimagines the classic fairytale as a romance during the Blitz of WWII. Two dozen dancers perform the tale to Prokofiev's score. This production is recommended for those ages 10 and older.
COST: Tickets start at $29; MORE INFO

TUESDAY, FEB. 5; 8 p.m.
Inside Scoop: A Free Comedy Show
Carmela Ice Cream -- 7920 W. Third St., Beverly Grove
There's ice cream and comedy the first Tuesday of every month. Hosted by Salma Zaky, Matt Duckett and Katie Green, guests include Trevor Wallace, Felicia Folkes, Vince Caldera and Josh Lanzet. There's a one-item minimum purchase required.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

Dolly Parton (left) and Dolly Parton impersonator Jason CoZmo arrive at the premiere of Netflix's "Dumplin'" at the Chinese Theater on December 6, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

TUESDAY, FEB. 5 - SUNDAY, MARCH 17
Diamond In A Rhinestone World: The Costumes Of Dolly Parton
The Grammy Museum -- 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown L.A.
Dolly Parton is a singer, songwriter and performer known for her extravagant fashions. The museum opens an exhibition that showcases costumes and pieces from her personal archive, the first such exhibition outside of her Tennessee theme park, Dollywood.
COST: $13 - $15; MORE INFO

TUESDAY, FEB. 5 - SATURDAY, FEB. 23
Witness Uganda
Wallis Annenberg Center for Performing Arts -- 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills
The documentary musical has its West Coast premiere with a cast that includes Grammy nominee Ledisi, Jamar Williams (Wild Goose Dreams), Amber Iman (Hamilton) and Emma Hunton (Wicked). It follows an American volunteer who arrives in Uganda to help build a school and escape his church's condemnation of his sexuality. "When he falls into a complicated relationship with a group of destitute, orphaned teenagers, he finds himself driven by a mission that will change his and their lives forever."
COST: $50; MORE INFO

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TUESDAY, FEB. 5; 6:30 and 9 p.m.
Tết Feast
Không Tên -- 11520 W. Pico Blvd., Sawtelle
The Vietnamese restaurant creates a feast in honor of the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. Executive chef Kim Vu and culinary historian Richard Foss co-host a four-course dinner that presents the restaurant's "New Vietnamese" take on traditional dishes alongside the same authentically prepared items.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

TUESDAY, FEB. 5; 4 - 8 p.m.
Free Family Night
Kidspace Children's Museum -- 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena
Here's a night for parents and their kids, giving everyone a reason to step away from their screens. Visitors can learn about the history of textiles and how they're made. Hands-on activities allow families to create art. At 6 p.m., there's the performance of a traditional Chinese ribbon and fan dance in the Central Courtyard.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 6 - THURSDAY, FEB. 7; 8 p.m.
Chinese New Year with the L.A. Phil
Walt Disney Concert Hall -- 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A.
The L.A. Phil presents a mix of compositions from the East and West to celebrate the lunar new year, including the world premiere of the L.A. Phil's commissioned piece, Thirst, by Du Yun. The program features young violinist Ray Chen, DiaoQiang Opera Troupe and the philharmonic, all led by rising conductor Elim Chan.
COST: $55 - $194; MORE INFO

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 6 and WEDNESDAY, FEB. 20; 7 p.m.
Salazar Mezcal Tasting Series
Salazar -- 2490 Fletcher Dr., Elysian Valley
The restaurant holds its final two mezcal classes featuring a different brand at each class. Learn about the history and culture of the drink while tasting different expressions, paired with snacks by executive chef Jonathan Aviles.
COST: $40; MORE INFO

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 6; 7:30 p.m.
Lorena
ArcLight Hollywood -- 6360 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood
Jordan Peele executive produced this this four-part docuseries about Lorena Bobbitt's life before and after the infamous day in 1993, when she cut off her husband's penis after years of abuse. The story fed into a new 24-hour news cycle, becoming the punchline of countless jokes. She's managed to find strength in her ordeal nearly 30 years later. The event includes a conversation with director Joshua Rofé and Lorena Bobbitt.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 6; 6:30 p.m.
Is Instagram Ruining Restaurants?
Segovia Hall at the Ace Hotel -- 929 S. Broadway, downtown L.A.
Eater LA presents a discussion on how marketing and social media, particularly Instagram, is affecting the way restaurants prepare and serve food -- and the way we eat. Eater restaurant editor Hillary Dixler Canavan is joined by Christine Larroucau, general manager of Majordomo; Sang Yoon of Father's Office and Lukshon; and Stan Lee, photographer and creative director, Fried Chicken Sandwich Studios. Admission price include two drink tickets.
COST: $25; MORE INFO

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 6; 7 - 9 a.m.
Satan's Summer in the City of Angels
The Los Angeles Breakfast Club -- 3201 Riverside Dr., Griffith Park
The club has been hosting speakers on a number of topics for more than 90 years. This week, author Glynn Martin discusses his book about the Night Stalker. Richard Ramirez's crimes nearly paralyzed L.A. in 1985. To attend, please RSVP by emailing LABC1925@gmail.com by Monday, Feb. 4 at 11 pm. Business casual attire and no one will be seated after 7:15 a.m. A related exhibition at the Central Library's History and Genealogy Department -- Satan's Summer in the City of Angels: The Social Impact of the Night Stalker -- runs through July 14.
COST: $15 (includes buffet breakfast); MORE INFO

THURSDAY, FEB. 7 - SATURDAY, FEB. 23
Red Bull Music Festival Los Angeles
Various locations
The international series returns to L.A. with events that explore how music intersects with film, gaming and photography. The festival opens with local singer-songwriter San Cha at Vibiana and closes with an auditory installation of Rockstar Game's Red Dead Redemption 2 with composer Woody Jackson. In between, there are concerts and events with Swedish pop star Robyn, Trina and CupcakKe, and films including a screening of Alex Ross Perry's Her Smell.
COST: Varies; MORE INFO

THURSDAY, FEB. 7 - FRIDAY, FEB. 8; 6 p.m.
Love You Down III
Echoplex -- 1154 Glendale Blvd., Echo Park
The Echo -- 1822 W. Sunset Blvd., Echo Park
Now in its third year, this two-day event celebrates LA's music and art scenes as well as Warpaint's 15th anniversary. There'll be live performances and/or DJ sets by SWIMM, Jennylee, TT, Devendra Banhart and Warpaint. Single night and two-day passes available.
COST: $35 - $60; MORE INFO


How are you spending your week? Let us know on Twitter @christineziemba and @LeoHasACat.

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