Sponsored message
Logged in as
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen

This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

Arts & Entertainment

Pencil This In: 'Play it as it Lays' Screens, David Lynch Signs and 'Slake' Readers Drink

The_Christmas_Present.jpg
The Christmas Present—a holiday hooker story—opens tonight at Sacred Fools Theater.

One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.

Tuesday night and we've found a ton of events happening around LA. There's a great film series at Fellows of Contemporary Art that screens Play it as it Lays and Pumping Iron; The Christmas Present onstage at Sacred Fools; Slake wine party at Silverlake Wine; David Lynch signs at Amoeba; Lou Beach book signing at Book Soup; and a benefit for Richard “Steelo” Vazquez.

WINE
There’s a Holiday Wine Party with Slake tonight at 6 pm at Silverlake Wine. Enjoy $4 glasses of wine or a flight of three specially selected for the event ($12). SLW will put out a a spread of charcuterie, cheese, and bread from Heirloom L.A. to make sure you’re not drinking on empty stomachs. Slake co-editors Laurie Ochoa and Joe Donnelly will be on site to talk about Slake’s one-year of print existence in a digital world, and talk about the magazine’s Kickstarter campaign, too. RSVP here.

THEATER
The Christmas Present, a dark British comedy, opens tonight at 8 pm at Sacred Fools Theater. Written and directed by Guy Picot, the play focuses on Colin who hires some company for Christmas. Unfortunately, the girl who shows up isn’t exactly the goddess he was hoping for. The play runs on Tuesdays and Wednesdays until Dec. 21, with a special run from Dec. 22-24.

FILM*
The film series Sublimated Los Angeles kicks off tonight at 7:30 pm with a double feature of Play it as it Lays and Pumping Iron. The series screens little-seen films either shot in, or with strong ties to Los Angeles and suppressed for various reasons. Joan Didion’s Play it as it Lays was considered a failure and has been rarely shown since its 1972 release. Arnold Schwarzenegger attempted to suppress Pumping Iron (and his pot smoking) prior to his campaign for governor of California. Curated by Scott Benzel. Popcorn provided, BYO. Free.

CD SIGNING
Tonight at 7 pm, Amoeba hosts filmmaker/musician David Lynch to celebrate and sign his latest release Crazy Clown Time. Buy a copy of the CD at the store today and get it signed by Lynch. DJ set by David Hurley (a Lynch collaborator who’s featured on the new album).

BOOK
Tonight at 7 pm, Book Soup hosts Lou Beach to discuss and sign 420 Characters, a collection of flash fiction and miniature stories that began as Facebook status updates. The book marks a new direction in the acclaimed artist and illustrator’s career. 420 Characters also features original collages by the author.

BENEFIT
LA’s dance community comes together tonight for a benefit honoring fellow dancer Richard “Steelo” Vazquez, who has worked with the likes of Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, and Gwen Stefani. He suffered a brain aneurysm that left him unable to walk and speak. Ticket proceeds from tonight’s event will be used to underwrite living expenses for Steelo and his family over the next year during his rehabilitation process. Performances tonight from Jabbawokeez, i Luminate, Beat Freaks, Super Cr3w, Twitch, The Groovaloos and comedy by Wayne Brady. 7:30 pm. Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills. Tickets: $25-$100.

Sponsored message

*Pencil pick of the day

Want more events? Follow me on Twitter (@christineziemba). Or follow Lauren Lloyd—who takes care of Pencil on Wednesdays (@LadyyyLloyd).

One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.

You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.

If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible donation today