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No fooling! We found a number of notable events happening in L.A. in April to help plan your social calendar. Read on for all our event picks and details.
April 1-June 4
REYKJAVÍK FESTIVAL (Music)
Curated by Esa-Pekka Salonen and Daníel Bjarnason, the Reykjavík Festival highlights the creativity thriving in Iceland’s capital. There are a number of concerts, installations and more planned through the festival, which ends on June 4. Opening night is Made in Iceland - Live At Walt Disney Concert Hall concert on April 7 at 7 pm. Performers include amiina, múm, Skúli Sverrisson & Ólöf Arnalds, dj. flugvél og geimskip (Airplane & Spaceship) and JFDR. All tickets are $25. Other headliners in the festival later this month include Sigur Rós, Jóhann Jóhannsson, too.
April 3
DODGERS OPENING DAY (Baseball)
It’s time for Dodger baseball…(but it won’t be the same without ya, Vin!). The L.A. Dodgers take on the San Diego Padres at 1:10 pm in Chavez Ravine for opening day on Monday, April 3. Clayton Kershaw is scheduled to pitch. What more could you ask for?
April 5-9
INDIAN FILM FESTIVAL OF LOS ANGELES (Film fest)
The Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) runs April 5-9 at Regal L.A. LIVE, with feature and short films from the Indian filmmaking community across the globe. The festival bridges the gap between Hollywood and India’s industries, and opens with Alankrita Shrivastava’s Lipstick Under My Burkha—a film about women and faith—and closes with the L.A. premiere of Shubhashish Bhutiani’s Hotel Salvation. Festival passes: $100-$225. Individual tickets: $15-$20.
April 6-9
TCM CLASSIC FILM FESTIVAL (Classic film)
The eighth annual TCM Classic Film Festival opens in Hollywood on April 6 with a great lineup of classics and rare gems. Although the theme this year is Make ‘Em Laugh: Comedy In The Movies, the festival’s Opening Night Gala, however, isn’t a comedy, but instead celebrates the 50th Anniversary of In the Heat of the Night (1967) with the film’s director Norman Jewison, producer Walter Mirisch, actors Lee Grant and Scott Wilson, composer Quincy Jones and casting director Lynn Stalmaster appearing. Individual tickets (which run $20) will not be sold for the Opening Night Red Carpet Gala screening, the poolside screenings or panels—as they’re passholder exclusive events. (Passes: $299-$2,149.)
April 7
A TRIBUTE TO SHARON JONES (Music)
There’s a tribute show to Sharon Jones on April 7 at the Regent Theater in DTLA. The lineup is fantastic and includes: Adryon de Leon featuring members of Orgone, Allensworth, Arise Roots, Boogaloo Assassins, Breakestra, Brainstory, Buyepongo, Ethio Cali, Jackie Mendez, The Delirians, DJ Beyondadadoubt, DJ Clifton aka Soft Touch, DJ Cochema Gastelum (SJ&TDK), DJ Connie Price, DJ Erick Boss, DJ Expo, DJ Joe Altruda, DJ Laroj, DJ Little Sarah, DJ Music Man Miles, DJ Soul Marcossa. 8 pm. Tickets: $15-$20.
April 8
REX MANNING DAY (Button quest + film screening)
Fans of Empire Records (1995) remember Rex Manning—the aging pop star played by Maxwell Caulfield who makes an appearance at the record store, causing a big hubbub about town. April 8 is Rex Manning Day, and to celebrate the movie and the 90s, Nerds Like Us are holding a midnight screening / cosplay event at the Vista Theater (tix are $11.50). There will also be the first-ever Rex Manning Day Button Quest (button scavenger hunt) organized by Empire Records screenwriter Carol Heikkinen before the movie through Hollywood. There’s no charge to participate in the button quest, which begins at Groundwork Coffee on Cahuenga on Cahuenga.
April 8
BROKE LA (Music)
Seventh Annual Broke LA Music & Arts Festival returns on Saturday, April 8, to 4560 Worth St, Los Angeles, near DTLA. The day-long art and music festival (from 3 pm to 12 am) features more than 50 musical acts on four stages, including Brasstracks, James Supercave, Bloodboy, La Bouquet, Kid Wave, Kolaj, Ugly Sweaters, BRAEVES and more. The fest also includes up-and-coming comedians, art installations, street food, drinks, activism areas, boutique vendors, puppy adoption, merchandise and more. The ticket price—$25—certainly won’t break the bank. Ages 21+.
April 8
JASON REITMAN AND MR MUDD PRESENT A JUNO LIVE READ
(Film read)
Writer/director Jason Reitman and Mr Mudd (production company) present a 10th anniversary Juno live read on April 8 at the Theatre at Ace Hotel. The reading will feature the film’s actors Ellen Page and Jennifer Garner, joined by an all-female cast onstage to benefit Planned Parenthood. Tickets: $25-$150. Doors at 6:30 pm, show at 7:30 pm. If you make an additional $105 donation at time of live read ticket purchase, you’ll get an invitation to the after-party at Ace Hotel.
April 8
REGINA SPEKTOR (Music)
Regina Spektor plays the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on April 8. She’s currently on tour to promote her latest release, Remember Us To Life. Tickets: $49.50, $69.50 and $89.50. 8:30 pm.
April 8
ICONIC: BLACK PANTHER (Art)
Iconic: Black Panther is a group art exhibit that celebrates the history and legacy of the Black Panthers. It opens on April 8 at Gregorio Escalante Gallery with a reception from 7-10 pm. The show features 50 artists who interpret the impact of the Black Panther movement. Some of the participants include: A partial list of confirmed artists includes: Sundus Abdul Hadi, April Banks, Lili Bernard, Jonathan Blackwell, Chuck D, Justin Dixon, Kristen Downing, Emory Douglas, Jorge R. Gutierrez, Zeal Harris, Akinsanya Kambon, Dr. Samella Lewis, Michael Massenburg, Ryan McCann, Mohammed Mubarak, Noni Olabisi, Tsilil Tsemet, Lexx Valdez, Lauren YS, among many more. The show remains on view through May 14.April 9, 22
GOOGIE WORLD EXPO (Architecture + design)
Googie World Expo is a two-day celebration of the “exuberant and futuristic mid-century modern” Googie design. Taking place on April 9 and 22, the Expo focuses on the architectural firm of Armet & Davis, designers of Norms, Pann's, Johnie's and other futuristic coffee shops, churches, bowling centers and cocktail lounges in the 1950s and 60s. The first day of the Expo—featuring a series of lectures will be held in the hall adjacent to the Armet & Davis-designed Corky's restaurant (1959, Armet & Davis) in Sherman Oaks, beginning at 2 pm. Admission is free. Unfortunately, the April 22 component—a guided bus tour of architectural Googie landmarks—is already sold out.
April 14-16 and April 21-23
COACHELLA (Music)
Coachella takes over the desert for two weekends this month (April 14-16 and April 21-23) with Radiohead, Lady Gaga and Kendrick Lamar headlining. Other major acts performing are the XX, Father John Misty, Bon Iver, Lorde, Future, Bishop Briggs and so many more. Of course, everything’s sold out, but where there’s a will—and a lot of money—there’s a way.
April 20
SNOOP DOGG + WIZ KHALIFA + CYPRESS HILL (MUSIC)
On April 20—when else?—Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa and Cypress Hill play the Greek Theatre. Doors at 6 pm, show at 7:30 pm. Tickets: $29.50-$150. No one under 5 years old will be admitted.
April 22
RECORD STORE DAY (Music)
Record Store Day—the day set aside to celebrate records, musicians and record stores—is 10 years old this year. So on April 22, head to one of the participating stores and pick up any number of special releases, including the tribute album Like A Drunk In A Midnight Choir - Record Store Day Celebrates the Music of Leonard Cohen (one of Record Store Day’s first actual label releases).
April 22-23
L.A. TIMES FESTIVAL OF BOOKS (Books)
The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books returns to the USC campus on April 22-23 for two days of readings, panels, music, comedy, film, art and food. There are so many great authors and artists coming, but check out our earlier post of the 10 Most Exciting Panels at the Festival. Free admission, but festival passes (which allows access to ticketed events): $35; advance conversation tickets for $1 each or free stand-by on day of event.
April 25
ED WOOD’S PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE (Live stage read)
Comedian Dana Gould presents A Live, Stage Reading of Ed Wood's... Plan 9 from Outer Space on April 25 at Largo at the Coronet. The cast for the great B-movie live read includes: Bobcat Goldthwait, Dana Gould, David Koechner, Ron Lynch, Jonah Ray, Paul F. Tompkins, Janet Varney, Debra Baker, Jr. and Nate Mooney with music by Eban Schletter and puppetry/effects by Pam Severns. The theater’s not that big, so get your tickets sooner than later. Doors at 7 pm, show at 8:30 pm. Tickets: $30.
April 28
WERD: A LIVE MAGAZINE (Music + activism)
WERD: A Live Magazine Celebrating Music and Activism takes center stage at the Theatre at Ace Hotel on April 28. Werd is a night of celebrating music and activism, with iconic musicians coming together to discuss both topics. In conversation are: Jane’s Addiction’s Perry Farrell and artist Shepard Fairey in conversation together; an interview with Garbage’s Shirley Manson and a rare appearance by Doors drummer John Densmore. Of course, in between the talking, there’s going to be a little acoustic music in between and an all-star jam session, too. Tickets: $33.50-$55.00. 7:30 pm. The night benefits PS Arts, whose mission helps provide arts education for underserved schools and communities. The show is all ages.
April 29-30
BREWERY ART WALK (Art)
The Brewery Art Walk’s Spring Edition happens on Saturday and Sunday, April 29-30, from 11 am to 6 pm at the Brewery Art Complex in DTLA. The twice annual open studio weekend, held at the site of the former Pabst plant, includes more than 100 participating resident artists opening their studio doors to the public. Check out new works, installations and get a chance to meet and talk to the artists and makers themselves. Admission and parking are free. Check out Barbara's At The Brewery for beer and sustenance. Also, take public transportation or carpool because parking is at a premium.
April 29-30
RUPAUL’S DRAGCON (Drag convention)
RuPaul’s Drag Con returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center on April 29-30, and tickets are going fast. This con provides a platform for fans to meet “celebrities and icons in a friendly and accessible environment.” The convention features more than 200 vendors and exhibitors, panels, screenings and shopping opportunities. The show welcomes all ages and backgrounds. Only single-day passes ($30-$40) and weekend passes ($60) are left. The party and special event tickets are gone.
April 30
TASTE OF THE EASTSIDE (Eat + drink)
The Taste of the Eastside food and drink festival returns to The Los Angeles River Center and Gardens on April 30 from 4-8 pm (3 pm for VIP). Dozens of restaurants and vendors will be onsite to provide a sampling of the Eastside’s food and drink scene, including Diablo Taco, Little Dom’s, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Go Get Em Tiger Coffee, Fat Dragon, WOOD pizzeria, Red Herring, FrankieLucy Bakeshop, Greenbar Distillery, El Segundo Brewing, Highland Park Brewery and McConnell's Fine Ice Creams (and more). Tickets: $45-$55, VIP: $75-$85. All proceeds from Taste of the Eastside will be donated to local organizations, including Rose Scharlin Cooperative Nursery School, The Pablove Foundation and Friends of the LA River.
Want the 411 on additional events and happenings in L.A.? Follow @LAistor me (@christineziemba) on Twitter.
