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LAist gets a lot of event announcements, and we comb through them all to bring you a curated list of what’s happening in LA this weekend, including these 22 events. We'll be back tomorrow with our May Guide to help you plan the rest of the month.
FRIDAY, MAY 1
PARIS PHOTO: Paris Photo Los Angeles, is a photo art fair that’s dedicated to both historical and contemporary artworks. Paris Photo returns to Paramount Pictures Studios from May 1-3. Solo shows, exhibitions by emerging galleries and specialized publication house projects take over the studio’s New York backlot. One of the solo shows that intrigues us is Melanie Pullen’s photographic series: High Fashion Crime Scenes. The exhibition features photographic recreations of crime scenes. Admission: $20-$46.
PHOTO INDEPENDENT: Across the street from Paramount, Photo Independent—and its companion fair Photobook Independent—returns to Raleigh Studios for its second edition. It’s a photographer-only art fair that showcases the work of fine art photographers. Photobook Independent showcases artist’s photobooks and monographs from more than 25 photographers and publishers. And to confuse you even more, there’s also Photo Contemporary also at Raleigh, which will house various international galleries in one of the studio stages. Admission: $15-$25 ($95 for VIP party and weekend pass).
MUSIC+SCIENCE: The Natural History Museum continues its First Fridays 2015 series on Friday from 5-10 pm. The night begins with a tour (5 pm, 5:30 pm, 6 pm) on "Finding L.A.’s Hidden Wildlife One Photo at a Time" with Lila Higgins, Manager of NHM Citizen Science. It’s followed by a discussion at 6:30 pm: "Covalent and Ionic Bonding (with Suzy)" with Sandra Tsing Loh. Music by Salt Petal (8 pm) and headliners Kinky (9:15pm). Spinning tunes is resident KCRW DJ Raul Campos featuring DJ Panamami. Admission: $18.
TRUE ROMANCE: The 2nd Annual True Romance Fest returns Friday and Saturday to the Safari Inn in Burbank, where parts of the 1993 Christian Slater-Patricia Arquette love-on-the-run adventure were filmed. The two-day party features festivities hosted by actor Bronson Pinchot, including pool time, a cast and crew meet and greet, a night of karaoke and an outdoor sunset screening of the film. Other activities include live music, a pop-up art show, photo booth and a display of original movie props. General Saturday admission: $34, $85 for VIP.
COMEDY: The Groundlings' Kung Fu Battle Island, directed by Jim Rash (Community), runs from Friday, May 1 to July 11. The show features all new sketches and improv. The opening “gala” begins at 7:30 pm with an open bar, show at 8 pm, followed by eats from a local eatery. Otherwise, the show runs every Friday and Saturday for its run with tickets at $20.
PANCAKES + BOOZE + ART: The Pancakes & Booze Art Show is a pop-up art show this weekend for more than 125 local artists and musicians to showcase their works without the stuffiness and politics usually associated with gallery shows. The event takes over Lot 613 in DTLA’s Arts District on Friday and Saturday from 8 pm to 2 am. Live music, art and other performances each night, plus all-you-can-eat pancakes and booze (which you have to pay for) available. Cover: $5. 21+.
PROM: For The Record: Dear John Hughes hosts 80’s "Prom Weekend" Friday through Sunday DBA in WeHo. Beginning at 7:30 pm each night, there’s a springtime 80’s prom celebration that includes a custom photo booth and faux Ray-Ban sunglasses to take home. Come dressed in the best (or worst) prom outfits to possibly be crowned Prom King and Queen. The king and queen will win free drinks for themselves (up to $50 each) for the evening along with a free round of shots for the entire table. TIckets: $39-$59.
TIKI YES: Tiki No in North Hollywood turns May Day into Lei Day on Friday with $6 drinks all night (Hawaiian Punch, Pina Colada and Chief Lapu Lapu), free leis, hula dancing and a best Hawaiian shirt, muumuu contest at midnight and snacks from the Aloha Fridays food truck.
MUSIC: The Brooklyn stalwarts They Might Be Giants play The Regent on Friday night in DTLA in support of the band's latest release, Glean, which hit stores just last week. (The first of their three releases in 2015.) And because they're quirky cool, TMBG released a free album, Flood — Live in Australia, as well as a song a week through the band's toll-free number at 844.387.6962 and on www.DialASong.com. There is no opening act for Friday's show, which starts at 8 pm. Tickets: $24-$26.
SATURDAY, MAY 2
MINDFUL TRIATHLON: Wanderlust 108 is a being billed as the world’s first and only “mindful triathlon.” Taking place at the Santa Monica pier, the day is comprised of a 5K run, a 90-minute yoga class and guided meditation. Start with either the run or yoga (your choice) and everyone ends with meditation. Music from Bad Cactus Brass Band and DJ Drez, with other activities such as acroyoga, slacklining, hooping and craft vendors. Wanderlust 108 runs from 9:30 am to 5 pm. Tickets: $60.
ECLECTIC MUSIC FEST: The Eclectic Music Festival and Art Walk takes over Mission Street in South Pasadena on Saturday from 2-10 pm. The family friendly festival is headlined by Gardens & Villa, with other music performers Anenon (Brian Allison Simon), Daniel Rosenboom joining them on the bill. In addition Dublab, artists from the Orenda Records label and others will perform at various stages along Mission Street. In total, there are more than 30 bands playing five stages. Also along the route are open galleries and art studios. Free admission.
BOOKSTORE DAY: Saturday is Independent Bookstore Day, so go to your local neighborhood bookstore (if you’re lucky to still have one) and support the brick and mortar stores. Participating bookstores are doing giveaways, providing refreshments and selling exclusive items.
MUSIC: On Saturday night, The Decemberists play the Greek Theatre. The band’s touring in support of its latest release What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World. Lucius opens the night. 7:30 pm. Tickets: $40.30-$58.50.
FREE COMIC BOOK DAY: Saturday also marks Free Comic Book Day and to celebrate, the Knitting Factory Entertainment and Blastoff Comics team up to bring fans Blastoff Comicsfest at the Federal Bar in Noho from 10 am to 4 pm. Visit comic creators from Marvel; Dark Horse; Image; IDW Publishing; DC and more, as they sign comics, give away free sketches and more. Admission is free, but there will also be a beer garden, food stations, live DJ and tons of free comics.
CRAWL FOR A CAUSE: No Kid Hungry partners with Ludlows Cocktail Co. for Crawl for a Cause on Saturday night. Explore the Culver City Arts District while supporting No Kid Hungry, which is Share Our Strength’s campaign to end childhood hunger in America. Tickets include a choice or wine or beer tasting at Bar and Garden; Let’s Be Frank’s hot dog, chips and craft soda at Helms Bakery; Coolhaus ice cream sandwich while checking out the art galleries and custom No Kid Hungry craft cocktails at The Mandrake. Tickets: $40.
SPRING PARTY: On Saturday from 1-5 pm. The Oinkster Hollywood teams up with Best Coast for a little party to celebrate the band’s upcoming release California Nights (out next week). While at the Oinkster, shop at the band’s garage sale with some out of print merch, get the new album signed from 1-2 pm, adopt a pet from, spcaLA onsite, take photobooth pics and, of course, eat and drink. Proceeds from the purchase of Bethany's Bellini Shake at the Oinkster will benefit spcaLA.
SUNDAY, MAY 3
CHAMPAGNE + CROQUET: Barnsdall Art Park’s Champagne and Croquet spring fundraiser takes place on Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm. Join in one of the croquet games or just sip champagne under the sun on on the west lawn of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House. Music by The California Feetwarmers and DJ Ed Mattiuzzi. Tickets: $40 for adults and $5 for kids (3+). The admission price includes a three-flight sparkling wine tasting by famed Silverlake Wine and all the croquet you want to play. Food trucks will be onsite to feed the masses. Or bring your own picnic and a blanket. No formal dress required.
GLOBAL RACE: Wings for Life is a global race in which there are 35 simultaneous starts on Sunday morning in cities around the world—including Santa Clarita (Valencia area) with a race start time of 4 am. (Yep!). 30 minutes after the race starts, the runners are followed by a catcher car, and the runners are out once passed. The last male and female to be caught worldwide are the global champions. Produced by Red Bull with the Wings for Life Foundation, the worldwide race benefits spinal cord injury research, and raised more than $4 million in its inaugural year last year. Interested runners can still register onsite. Race fee is $50.
BIKE DAY: On Sunday from noon to 4 pm, Amoeba Music partners with the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition (LACBC) for RIDE ON! Bike Day at Amoeba in the store’s Ivar parking lot. Kick off national bike month with an afternoon of DJs, food, drinks and raffle tickets for prizes from Sole Bicycle, Bern Helmets, Converse and Amoeba. Treats from Ice Cream Ian (with free ice cream!), Hollywood Farmer’s Market, Pure Luck Vegan, Bicycle Coffee and Red Bull.
NIGHT OF NOIR: Captured Aural Phantasy Theater presents a Night of Noir show at El Cid on Sunday night at 8:30 pm. The live retro variety show blends noir, pulp fiction and comic books with multimedia, projected art, jazz/cabaret music and other surprises. They’ll premiere a comic story by legendary 1950’s comic book publisher EC just for this show. Doors at 7:30 pm. Tickets: $10.
FESTIVAL: The third annualAngel City Brewery’s Heritage Festival promises to be an epic Arts District party, from 12-8 pm on Sunday. The festivities include: live music from Christian Lee Hutson, Mariachi Los Toros, Blackwater Jukebox and Bloodhounds; performances by Olvera St. Aztec Dancers, Taiko Drum Center, Capoeira Brasil, and Native American Hoop Dance Champion Nanabah Keediniihii. Cartwheel Art curates an art gallery and UTI Crew artists will have live art demonstrations. Food onsite to feed the crowd are: Border Grill, Kogi Truck, Philippe The Original, and Peaches Smokehouse. Admission is free.
WINE RUN: The Chardonnay Run, a national 5k wine racing series, takes place on Sunday morning in Santa Monica. The social / race event where runners are rewarded with wine and cheese at the finish line at the Santa Monica pier. There will be food trucks, live music and more fun is planned after the race, which benefits the Surfrider Foundation. Start times are 9 am, 9:30 am and 10 am. Registration closes on Thursday at 5pm PST.
Want the 411 on additional events and happenings in LA? Follow @LAist or me (@christineziemba) on Twitter.
