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Here are 20 awesome events happening in L.A. this weekend. If you want even more suggestions, please check out our May Guide.
FRIDAY, MAY 5
THE HANDMAID’S TALE (Costumes)
The Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills presents a pop-up exhibition of costumes from Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale by award-winning designer Ane Crabtree. Check out the stunning creations up close. The pop-up exhibit is open to the public, and admission is free. The costumes will remain on view through May 14.
W. KAMAU BELL (Book launch)
W. Kamau Bell’s new memoir, The Awkward Thoughts of W. Kamau Bell: Tales of a 6' 4", African American, Heterosexual, Cisgender, Left-Leaning, Asthmatic, Black and Proud Blerd, Mama's Boy, Dad, and Stand-Up Comedian, was released earlier this week. Bell and his sociopolitical humor are at Largo (with Skylight Books) on Friday night at 8:30 pm. He’ll be on conversation with author Roxane Gay. Tickets: $40 ticket includes a copy of the book.
FIRST FRIDAYS (Science + music)
NHM’s 2017 First Fridays series continues this week (on Friday, naturally). With the theme of Serving Up Science: The Dish on Food, the programs explore the intersection of science, culture and food. Starting at 5:30 pm, there are science talks, tours and demonstrations mixed with live music and DJs throughout the night. Friday features a “Food for Thought” tour (at 5:30 and 6 pm) with Richard Hayden, Head Gardener, followed by a panel discussion “How Green is Your Plate” with Rachel Surls, Ph.D. and Judith Gerber. The music lineup includes: QUITAPENAS, Buyepongo and Chico Mann & Captain Planet. DJs: KCRW DJ Anthony Valadez and Subsuelo. Tickets: $18.
MADAMA BUTTERFLY (Screening + food)
Arena Cinelounge presents its first event under its Food + Opera series on Friday night. The indie film house’s "Puccini Al Dente" features a screening of Madama Butterfly. The Moshe Leiser and Patrice Caurier’s production of Puccini’s poignant opera is preceded by a tasty spread prepared by Ciabatta Bar. Puccini Al Dente takes place at Arena Cinelounge Sunset (6464 Sunset Blvd.). 5:30 pm. Tickets: $55-$65.
PARTS UNKNOWN (TV + Q&A)
Film Independent at LACMA presents a free screening of the CNN travel/food series Parts Unknown, Episode 808: “Rome,”on Friday at 7:30 pm. The program includes a conversation with writer/host Anthony Bourdain, executive producer Sandy Zweig, producer/director Tom Vitale, and directors of photography Zach Zamboni, Hunter Gross and Jeff Allen.
OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW (Music)
Old Crow Medicine Show, the renowned roots/Americana/country band, is on tour to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Bob Dylan’s Blonde On Blonde album. The band’s performing the album live in its entirety at The Wiltern on Friday. Doors at 7 pm, show at 8 pm. Tickets: $20-$45.
NO GREAT WOMEN ARTISTS (Film screenings)
Cinefamily’s No Great Women Artists series features the program Short Films curated for I Love Dick on Friday night at 7:30 pm. Jill Soloway and Sarah Gubbins' Amazon original series I Love Dick, based on Chris Kraus' book of the same name, includes several film snippets and references to pioneering feminist and experimental filmmakers. Now see the films in their entirety, including Leche, 1999; Removed, 1999 (both directed by Naomi Uman), At Land, 1946, by Maya Deren and others. Curator and I Love Dick consulting producer Logan Kibens and filmmaker Naomi Uman in person attend the screening and do a Q&A/discussion. Tickets: $14/free for Cinefamily members/$10 for Los Angeles Filmforum members. The series continues through Monday with other films by Chantal Akerman and Sally Potter.
LINKIN PARK MEAL PACK (Food)
The Linkin Park Meal Pack, which LAist posted about earlier this week, is pretty tasty—especially that Ahi Tuna Tostada (jalapeno ponzu, radish and avocado). It’s available at all four Plan Check locations for $39 or you can order the dishes a la carte, too.
SATURDAY, MAY 6
CAN I KICK IT? (Comedy + Hip Hop)
Can I Kick It? A Comedic Revue of Old School Hip Hop takes place at the NerdMelt Showroom on Saturday at 9 pm. Hosted by comedian Al Jackson, Joe DeRosa and Tone Bell for a show billed as “Mystery Science Theater meets Biz Markie,” the panel and guests comments on choice videos from from the ‘70s to ‘90s. DJ Josh Spoon spins before the show. Tickets: $8 in advance, $10 at the door.
FORCES OF NATURE (Classes + workshops)
REI presents a series of free Outdoor School classes designed to help women live their best lives outdoors, including Intro to Rock Climbing, Women’s Intro to Backcountry Skills and Women’s Learn to Stand Up Paddleboard. From 2-6 pm on Saturday, REI Outdoor School has a fun kick-off party in Pan Pacific Park in WeHo where Willow Smith performs.
AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL: TRUTH TO POWER (Free screening)
Fandango, Paramount Pictures and Participant Media host an advance screening of An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power—the much-anticipated follow-up to the documentary An Inconvenient Truth—at the Greek Theatre on Saturday night at 7 pm. In addition to the screening, there’s a live, introduction and Q&A about the film, conducted by actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt, with former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, who narrates and stars in the film. An Inconvenient Sequel debuts in theaters nationwide on July 28. Tickets are free with RSVPonline at Fandango or the Greek Theatre box office. Tickets will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis, while supplies last.
LITERATI (Comedy)
On Saturday night at NerdMelt Showroom, check out Literati: A Comedy Show About The Greatest American Novels Never Written. Hosts Colin O'Brien and Michael Wolf have read maybe one book between the two of them, and they want to spread that love of literature around with humor: “Literati is a night of comedians in character performing hilarious readings. Sophisticated, satirical, and sometimes wigs!” Guests on the show include: Josh Fadem, Christine Bullen, Lou Wilson, Mike Lane and others. 7 pm. Tickets: $8-$10.
DAY OWL ROSÉ LAUNCH POOL PARTY (Soiree)
Noise Pop and Day Owl present the official launch party for Day Owl Roséon Saturday from 1-6 pm at the W Hollywood. There’s a complimentary Day Owl Rosé tasting with DJ sets from Best Coast and Matt DiMona. The party is free with RSVP.
IRANIAN CINEMA (Film)
The UCLA Film & Television Archive and Farhang Foundation present the UCLA Celebration of Iranian Cinema, A Rare Look into Contemporary Iran from May 6-19. The festival begins on on Saturday at 7 pm with the LA premiere of Life and a Day, by writer-director Saeed Roostaee. Regular screenings during the festival are $10 for general admission; tickets to the Farhang Opening VIP reception on Saturday night are $100 each.
COREY HELFORD GALLERY: JOYNER, NELSON (Art openings)
On Saturday from 7-11 pm, Corey Helford Gallery in DTLA holds opening receptions for the new exhibitions, Tarsus Bondon Dot from San Francisco-based artist/illustrator Eric Joyner and Cryptotweens Are Like from Brooklyn-based Lori Nelson. The works will be on view through June 3.
#EVERYONEISWELCOME (Action)
Discover Los Angeles launched its #EveryoneisWelcome initiative—that highlights the importance of diversity and inclusivity—with a video. But now, they want to continue the theme and show people. On Saturday, Angelenos are invited to help create one of the largest human welcome signs ever. Nearly 1,000 participants will gather in the LAX flight path (visible from planes preparing for touchdown) to greet incoming visitors flying in. Sign up for a timeslot (either 8-11 am or 11 am - 2:15 pm) and gather at Carl E. Nielsen Park. There will be free parking, food, live music and giveaways. Family friendly.
FREE COMIC BOOK DAY (Art of comics)
Saturday is Free Comic Book Day 2017 (FCBD). Comic book stores around the country are giving away free comics while supplies last, including LA area favorites like Meltdown Comics, Earth 2, Blastoff Comics and Golden Apple. Check out the giveaways, special events and other participating stores on the FCBD site.
SUNDAY, MAY 7
MASTERS OF TASTE (Eat + drink)
The 2nd Annual Masters of Taste, a food and beverage festival held on the field of the Rose Bowl, returns to Pasadena on Sunday from 3 to 7 pm. Taste bites from more than 40 chefs and restaurants and handcrafted cocktails and other beverages from local cocktail bars, local California wineries, local craft breweries, pressed juices and hand roasted coffee masters. Some of the participating restaurateurs/establishments include: 118 Degrees, Bone Kettle, Church & State, HACHÉ LA, Mama Lion, SpireWorks, Redbird, The Raymond 1886, Venice Whaler and many more. 100% of the proceeds from Masters of Taste 2017 directly benefit Union Station Homeless Services. Tickets: $105 (general admission - entry at 4 pm); $185 (VIP - allows for entry at 3 pm).
FRIENDSHIP BUDDIES (Comedy)
Friendship Buddies is a weekly stand-up comedy show on the back patio of Verdugo Bar in Glassell Park. Starting at 8 pm, come enjoy craft beer, cocktails while listening to stand-up comedians througout Los Angeles. This week’s lineup includes: Riley Silverman; Chase Bernstein, Matt McClowry; Brian Frange; Daralyn Kelleher; Adam Alexander Hamil
ton and Luke Giordano. Hosted by Aaron Hertzog. Free admission.
BETA MAIN: MONTANA AND KÖNITZ (Art)
Beta Main, the test site for The Main Museum (which will open Downtown Los Angeles) opens exhibitions on Sunday that showcase the work of two L.A.-based artists. Star Montana’s photographic portraits of life in East L.A. and South L.A. are featured in Star Montana: I Dream of Los Angeles; and Alice Könitz’s experiments with museum seating (commissioned by The Main Museum) in her exhibition, Circle Chairs, Triangle Chairs. The opening reception for Star Montana and Alice Könitz is on Sunday from 2-5 pm. Entry is free with RSVP.
Want the 411 on additional events and happenings in LA? Follow @LAist or me (@christineziemba) on Twitter.
