Fabulous Online And IRL Events Happening This Memorial Day Weekend: May 22-25

Coronavirus is wreaking havoc on schools, stores, businesses and events. With in-person concerts, talks, comedy shows, food festivals and other gatherings cancelled, we have turned our events column into a "nonevents" column. It will remain this way as long as social distancing and stay-at-home orders are in effect.

During this difficult time, please consider contributing to your local arts organizations or to individual artists and performers.

The three-day weekend ushers in the unoffical start of summer. A number of SoCal restaurants are offering holiday to-go specials. The Airborne Toxic Event, Scarypoolparty and Sublime all perform virtually. CHIRLA holds a star-studded music festival. And there's a drive-in movie at The Muck and a drink-in screening of The Thin Man.

Friday, May 22; 7 p.m.

Let Your Light Shine with Ernie G
The En Casa con LA Plaza series continues with comedian Ernie G. Watch via Zoom or Facebook Live as he chronicles his journey from comedy clubs to high schools and corporate TEDx Talks, advancing his messages of inspiration and purpose.
COST: FREE admission; MORE INFO

Learn how to make homemade gnocchi through an online workshop with the Italian Cultural Institute in Los Angeles. (various brennemans / Flickr Creative Commons)

Friday, May 22; 12 - 1:30 p.m. PDT

Making Gnocchi at Home
The Italian Cultural Institute of Los Angeles presents a Zoom cooking lesson with Elisabetta Ciardullo, founder of Think Italian! Events. She'll teach you how to make homemade gnocchi. The Zoom invite and ingredients will be sent upon registration, and the session will be recorded.
COST: $25; MORE INFO

A statue in memory of Johnny Ramone stands at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery on January 14, 2005. (Matthew Simmons/Getty Images)

Friday, May 22; 5 p.m. PDT

Los Angeles Tourism's Magic Hour
Film historian Karie Bible takes viewers on a visit through Hollywood Forever Cemetery. As the only sanctioned tour guide of the cemetery, Bible leads a Zoom tour of its nooks and crannies as well as examines the lives and final resting places of both stars and lesser-known personalities.
COST: FREE with RSVP; MORE INFO

A hiker stretches on the trails at Griffith Park in Los Angeles. (Andrew Cullen for LAist)

Friday, May 22; 7 p.m.

Discovering Griffith Park: A Local's Guide
The Autry hosts a virtual book launch by Casey Schreiner, founder and editor of Modern Hiker. He'll talk about his book, Griffith Park, its history and lesser known spaces.
COST: FREE, but registration required; MORE INFO

Friday, May 22; 12 p.m. PDT

Scarypoolparty
Sofar Sounds' Listening Room continues its series of live, online performances as a way to support independent artists during the pandemic. While all shows are free, optional donations can be given directly to the featured performers or to the Sofar Sounds global artist fund. 100% of the money donated will be distributed to artists. In addition to Pomona's own Alejandro Aranda (Scarypoolparty) performing on Friday, other performers this weekend include: Tuyo from Brazil, at noon on Saturday; and Yasmin Williams from Virginia at 3 p.m. on Sunday
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

Friday, May 22; 6 p.m.

Indie Indoors: Asembl (not so) live
This livestreaming series allows audience interaction from a safe distance. Check out performances by indie musicians Andy Cook and duo Megan Mahoney & Mariah Mercedez.
COST: Donations suggested $5 - $30; MORE INFO

The Airborne Toxic Event returns with a new release and as a quartet (since violinist Anna Bulbook left the band). (Courtesy of the artist)

Friday, May 22; 7 p.m. PDT

The Airborne Toxic Event
While the band has pushed back its tour to 2021, they're still going to perform songs from their new album, Hollywood Park, on Friday. The livestreamed event will be available on Facebook and YouTube.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

Saturday, May 23; 5 p.m. PDT

Diana Kennedy: Nothing Fancy Q&A
To celebrate the virtual cinema release of a documentary about Kennedy, a award-winning master of Mexican cuisine, join a virtual Q&A with director Elizabeth Carroll, chef Alice Waters (Chez Panisse), chef Gabriela Cámara (Tale of Two Kitchens), food writer David Tanis (New York Times) and moderator Lesley Tellez (author, Eat Mexico: Recipes from Mexico City's Streets, Markets and Fondas).
COST: FREE (donations encouraged); MORE INFO

Saturday, May 23; 6 p.m.

Kate Nash: Underestimate the Girl
This music documentary tells the story of the pop songstress as she goes punk in an attempt to take back control of her career. Nash rocketed to pop stardom at 18, was defrauded by her manager and wound up nearly homeless. Directed by Amy Goldstein, the film blends performance footage and dramatized sequences. It's being released via Alamo on Demand beginning on Friday, May 22. A live performance and Q&A with Nash (aka Britannica on Glow) takes place on Saturday at 6 p.m. for ticket holders
COST: $9.99; MORE INFO

Lupillo Rivera performs at RiseUp AS ONE at Cross Border Xpress on October 15, 2016 in San Diego. (Leon Bennett/Getty Images for Univision)

Saturday, May 23; 4 p.m. PST

Cuidate y Cuentate (Take Care and Be Counted)
Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles hosts a virtual concert that features artists, medical care experts, educators and influencers. Participants include Lupillo Rivera, Ozomatli, Miami Symphony Orchestra, Edward James Olmos, Kate del Castillo, Veronica del Castillo, Omar y Argelia, Henry Zakka, El Piolín, Elisa Beristain, Javier Ceriani, Pepe Garza, Gustavo Adolfo Infante, Erazno y la Chokolata, Chikilin and Anthony Valadez. Watch on LATV Network, KWHY Channel 22, IGTV, FB livestream and YouTube.
COST: FREE with RSVP; MORE INFO

Saturday, May 23

Film Festival Day
Enjoy a virtual screening of Angela Pinaglia's documentary Life in Synchro, focusing on the women of synchronized skating. The event benefits several film festivals around the country. The film is available to rent from May 22 to 31, with a live virtual Q&A on Saturday at 4 p.m. PT with Pinaglia and cast members.
COST: $10; MORE INFO

Andrew McMahon performs at Riviera Theatre on March 2, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Ryan Bakerink/Getty Images)

Saturdays, May 23 and 30; 4 p.m.

OC Parks Sound Checks
OC Parks continues its virtual concert series on Facebook (@OrangeCountyParks) or Instagram (@OCParks) for the next two weeks. This Saturday, listen to the music of Justin Ratowsky from Cali Conscious, followed by Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness on May 30.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

Saturday, May 23; 3 p.m. PST

Sublime with Rome
Join a virtual BBQ (BYOB and food, obvs) plus band performances that benefit the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund, helping musicians and artists through this tough time.
COST: $9.99 - $14.99; MORE INFO

Britney Spears performs on NBC's "Today" show on June 30 2000. (Chris Hondros/Getty Images)

Saturday, May 23; 10 a.m. - noon

Virtual Dance Class
If you've always wanted to dance like Britney Spears, this virtual workshop is for you. Choreographer Zae Northy, who has worked with both Spears and Janet Jackson, will teach moves to the best Britney jams. A session for beginners will kick off and run for 45 minutes followed by a session for intermediate/advanced dancers. These classes are for all ages.
COST: $15; MORE INFO

The Risk! storytelling show returns, virtually, this weekend, hosted by founder Kevin Allison. (Risk! Storytelling)

Saturday, May 23; 5 p.m.

RISK! Livestream Online Show
Host Kevin Allison leads a fantastic lineup of storytellers who tell tales they never thought they'd reveal in public. The show is accessible via Zoom and will feature stories from Allison, William Mullin, Jiji Lee, Katie Featherston and Ophira Eisenberg.
COST: Pay what you can but $12 suggested donation; MORE INFO

This 1934 studio shows the first drive-in theater in Los Angeles, which was located at 10860 West Pico Blvd., near what is now Westwood Blvd. Automobiles wait in line outside the theater, which has a sign advertising the movie "Handy Andy," starring Will Rogers. The adjacent property is planted with low crops. (Dick Whittington Studio/Huntington Digital Library)

Saturday, May 23; 6:30 p.m. PDT

Drive-In at The Muck
The Muckenthaler Cultural Center - 1201 W. Malvern Ave, Fullerton
Drive-in movies are making a comeback and the Muckenthaler Cultural Center partners with the Frida Cinema in Santa Ana to screen Rob Reiner's The Princess Bride. The film starts at 8:15 p.m., and please remember to maintain social distancing guidelines. Bring your own snacks and food. Limited capacity.
COST: $20 per car; MORE INFO

Alec Mapa performs on stage during Voices For The Voiceless: Stars For Foster Kids on June 29, 2015 in New York City. (Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Voices for the Voiceless)

Sunday, May 24; 7:30 - 9 p.m. PDT

Uncabaret: Zoom Edition #5
Beth Lapides hosts a night of live music and comedy via Zoom. This week's guests include Julia Sweeney, Alec Mapa, Abby McEnany, Moon Zappa, Alex Edelman, Hannah Eibinder and Jamie Bridgers. Plus, music from Mitch Kaplan and the band.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

Monday, May 25; 5 - 8 p.m.

Drink-In Theatre: The Thin Man
Watch the 1934 film starring William Powell and Myrna Loy as detective duo Nick and Nora Charles. Attend a virtual watch party on the Facebook Live channels at Thirsty in LA and Art Beyond the Glass. Join other guests for a cocktail at 5 p.m. before the movie starts streaming. There's a 15-minute intermission so you can remotely mingle.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

Monday, May 25; 10 a.m.

Virtual Memorial Day
Each year, Forest Lawn's annual Memorial Day commemoration draws thousands of visitors to its six memorial parks to honor those military members who have given their lives to protect our country. While we are still under stay-at-home restrictions, Forest Lawn holds a live virtual ceremony on Facebook with Scottish bagpipes and drums, guest speakers, a benediction and patriotic music.
COST: FREE admission; MORE INFO

Monday, May 25; 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Operation SoCal Strong
To commemorate soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice as well as COVID-19 frontline workers, historic planes and WWII warbirds are doing a slow flyover 19 locations in Southern California. Beginning with Loma Linda University Medical Center, the flight plan includes Newport Beach, the Queen Mary, Riverside National Cemetery and USC Medical Center.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

Tavern offers a special Memorial Day meal offering: harissa chicken dinner for two with sides and dessert. (Javier Espinoza)

Dine & Drink Deals

Who doesn't miss going out to eat or stopping by a bar for a drink? Here are a few options from restaurants and bars as we work our way back toward normal.

• The Curious Palate in Santa Monica Place has reopened for curbside pick up and takeout, offering select dishes, family meals and all-day happy hour deals on local craft beer and wine. Customers can use the promo code "CURB" at checkout when ordering online for a 20% discount.
• Spread Kitchen and Miry's List are offering Memorial Day picnic boxes featuring pita pockets, baba ghanoush and fattoush salad ($21/per person). Throw in a boozy watermelon granita for $14. You must place your order by midnight on Friday, May 22 for pickup on Sunday, May 24 or Monday, May 25.
  
• Conservatory West Hollywood has options for Memorial Day at home (takeout or delivery), including cocktails, ribs, sausages and all the fixings. The Memorial Day box special ($95) is available to order from Friday through Monday this weekend.
• Lucques Catering presents the 20th annual "All-American Summer Rib Fest - Quarantine Edition" featuring a feast of slow-cooked ribs, beef brisket, hot wings and sides. The barbeque menu is available for pickup on Saturday and Sunday. The meal is capped by an apricot and berry cobbler with vanilla crème fraîche. $65 per person.
• Suzanne Goin's Tavern offers a Harissa Chicken BBQ dinner for two ($39 pp) for the holiday weekend, available for pre-order and pick up through Tock, Friday through Sunday, 4 - 8 p.m. Tavern also offers a DIY burger box for six.
• Perch LA's delivery menu includes steak frites with truffle cheese fries, wild mushroom risotto, a mimosa kit as well as produce and meat from the Perch Pantry.
• Perch's sister restaurant, Mrs. Fish, also offers five different bento boxes (starting at $20), nigiri, hand rolls and a newly launched hot menu.
• TheGrub Gals (Betty Fraser and Denise DeCarlo) shuttered their Hollywood staple Grub in February and have pivoted to catering. Their weekly menus now offer each dish ($12) in vegetarian and vegan versions, too. Add-ons (like cookies) are available, as are bottles of organic red and white wine. There's a 48-hour pre-order required. Text order to 310-383-7028.
• Although Dry River Brewing's Boyle Heights taproom is still closed, customers can order its small batch, barrel-aged sours, new beers and Michelada kits to-go, for delivery or for Safe Pickup from 12 to 6 p.m. on Fridays and Sundays. Ages 21+.
• Three Weavers Brewing Company, which celebrated its sixth anniversary this year, recently updated its designs and reinvented one of their favorite seasonal beers: Return of Sassy has become Even Sassier now available in 4-packs of 16 oz. cans. It joins Cloud City Hazy IPA, a new year-round hazy IPA. The beers are available for delivery or pickup from the Inglewood taproom. 21+.