There’s an outstanding selection of events happening in LA tonight, from a sonic overview of LA’s music scene with Exene Cervenka, Silversun Pickups and other LA musicians; to a bluegrassy-folky sounds of Joy Kills Sorrow; to an evening of songs from Robert Zemeckis films; a film shorts program dedicated to commercials from around the globe; art openings at SMMoA, Gallery1988 (East) and Lacen Project; plus a free comedy-live animation show. Read on for all the details.
SONIC OVERDRIVE*
Tonight at 7 pm, the Getty presents Sonic Overdrive, a one-night performance of “songs and stories that explore the eclectic sonic environment of Los Angeles.” Music critic, scholar and curator Josh Kun hosts the concert event that travels from East LA to the coast. The event complements the Getty’s current exhibition Overdrive: L.A. Constructs the Future, 1940-1990. Performers tonight include: Chris Hillman (The Byrds, Flying Burrito Brothers), Exene Cervenka (X, The Blasters), underground hip-hop veteran Busdriver, Latin fusion band La Santa Cecilia, soul and gospel legend Merry Clayton, the Silversun Pickups, and students from the Silverlake Conservatory of Music. Tickets: $20.
MOVIE MUSIC
Rockwell: Table & Stage opens The Record: Zemeckis tonight at 8:30 pm—part of the ongoing series that brings film music to life. Robert Zemeckis has directed Forrest Gump, Back to the Future, Death Becomes Her, Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, Flight, Contact and other films featuring songs like "California Dreamin", "All Along the Watchtower", "Blowin in the Wind", "Turn Turn Turn", "Power of Love", "Johnny B. Goode" and "Go Your Own Way." The music is performed live by actors/singers throughout the space. The show runs Thursday-Sunday at 8:30 pm through July 20. Tickets: $20-$40.
ACOUSTIC MUSIC
The Boston-based string band Joy Kills Sorrowplays a show tonight at the Mint in advance of their new seven-song EP Wide Awake, which will be released next week. Their sound mixes bluegrass, folk, swing, jazz and more bluegrass. Tickets: $10. Show at 9:30 pm. The Cerny Brothers open.
ART in SAMO
The Santa Monica Museum of Art opens three exhibitions tonight. In the Main Gallery is Joyce Pensato’s I KILLED KENNY, with her enamel paintings and large-scale charcoal drawings. SMMoA also opens multimedia artist’s Marco Rios: Anatomy of an Absent Artist with works in film, sculpture and photography; and the interactive Park Studio: Skaters and Makers, a skateboard ramp sculpture and drawings created by local high school students. The public opening reception is from 7 to 9 pm tonight.
ART
Lacen Project—an art and performance space—opens the group exhibition Mindset tonight with an opening reception from 7-10 pm. The show features artworks by Dave Kinsey, Mike Stilkey, Xavier De Nauw, Rahul Mitra and 9e Concept. Tonight's party (and art) pays tribute to vinyl. Curated by the artist Mambo, the show’s co-artists, who are music professionals and lovers, play music from their own collections. The show remains on view through June 29.
COMMERCIALS
Tonight at 7:30 pm, the Egyptian Theater presents an evening of crazy commercials in its ongoing short film program series. The Night of the Ad Eatersfeatures “jaw-dropping advertising” from around the globe, including North and South America, Eastern Europe, Asia and Africa. The three-hour screening features commercials old and new, with some celebs selling surprising wares. There’s a break between the touring program’s two parts with a reception for all ticket holders. Tickets: $15, $13 students/seniors and $11 members.
ART
Artist Glen Brogan makes his solo debut at Gallery1988 (East) tonight with a large collection of new pop-culture inspired prints. The works will be unveiled at the opening reception tonight form 7-10 pm. The show runs through June 22.
COMEDY
Tonight at 8 pm, NerdMeltpresents the live animation-comedy mashup Picture This!The standup show where professional animators draw life on a screen projected behind the comedian. The two work together to create a live performance that will probably never be repeated. It’s a free show, and they’ve gotten sponsored by Angel City Brewery, with beer available for free/suggested $3 donation.
*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).
