Affordable Los Angeles

Halloween Hoedown at the Hammer

2009-10-27T05:26:00.000-07:00

This Friday, the Hammer Museum at UCLA will host a bluegrass-infused Halloween party. Joshua Tree's Shadow Mountain Band will provide live music. JP Craft Captain (aka Julianna Parr, the mastermind behind Craftnight), will help you make your own Halloween decorations.

From the Hammer website: "Your hostess Darlin’ will serve up drag hospitality in gingham as you enjoy the cash bar and seasonal menu at the Café Hammer. Costumes encouraged… think Westwood Hillbillies!"

Friday, October 30, 7:00 pm. FREE. Seating is on a first come, first served basis. Hammer members receive priority seating, subject to availability. Reservations not accepted, RSVPs not required.

Day of the Dead celebration

2009-10-23T09:43:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the 10th annual Day of the Dead festival (Dia de los Muertos) at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Coinciding with Halloween, this Mexican holiday commemorates both one's ancestors and the dearly departed.

The historical roots of this celebration date back to the pre-Hispanic cultures of Meso-America, especially those of the Nahua (Aztecs, Mayans, Toltecas, Tlaxcaltec, Chichimec, Tecpanec) and others. At the center of Hollywood Forever's celebration are a traditional procession and viewing of community altars.

The festival also includes food, live music, cultural performances, arts and crafts, and family activities. Admission is $10.

Saturday, October 24, 4 pm to 11 pm. Hollywood Forever Cemetery is at 6000 Santa Monica Blvd. in Los Angeles. For more information, visit the official website.

Discover new musical talent in NoHo

2009-08-05T17:40:00.000-07:00

Hear NoHo is a new festival showcasing emerging musical acts in North Hollywood. On the first Thursday of the month, various businesses in the NoHo Arts District will host different local bands and performers. Admission to all venues is only $10 for the whole evening.

This month's event will be produced in conjunction with the Los Angeles Women in Music Association and features the music of some of Los Angeles’s best emerging female singer-songwriters. Artists will include: Abbot Kinney, Canon, Ready-Set-Go, Steve Bardwil, Two Spot Gobi, and many more!

Purchase a wristband for $10 at your first stop on this self-guided musical tour, and it will get you into all the other concerts that night. Businesses in the NoHo Arts District will have extended business hours, many featuring their own musical events. The fun starts at 6 pm on Thursday, August 6, and goes until 11 pm.

For more info, click here.

Swim in Marion Davies' pool for $1

2009-07-28T10:20:00.000-07:00

The new Annenberg Community Beach House in Santa Monica has glamorous Hollywood past. It was originally the beach house that William Randolph Hearst built for Marion Davies back in the 1920's. It's been renovated and reopened as a public pool and recreation center.

Admission is normally $10 to use the pool and facilities, but on Mondays you can get in for just $1. Passes go on sale at 8:30 a.m. and there's no advance purchase for Dollar Splash Mondays.

Docent-led tours of the Beach House are offered at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on weekdays. There are two beach volleyball courts and a beach tennis court. Food is available from the Back on the Beach Café from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and from the Take Out Window from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, visit the Beach House website.

Free concert at the Hollywood Bowl

2009-07-27T09:22:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the 3-month absence, folks. I almost decided to give up this blog, but for now I'm going to continue with it and try to get more traffic. If you find these posts useful, please tell your friends!

There will be a free concert at the Hollywood Bowl on Saturday, October 3. The program, called "Bienvenido Gustavo!", will culminate in the Los Angeles Philharmonic's new conductor, Gustavo Dudamel, leading the LA Phil and the LA Master Chorale in Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, with fireworks.

Tickets will be available beginning this Saturday, August 1, at noon, from Ticketmaster or at the Bowl box office. For more information, click here.

JPL Open House this weekend

2009-04-28T07:39:00.001-07:00

Once a year, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory opens it doors to the public. This year, JPL, located in Pasadena, will be open on Saturday and Sunday, May 2-3, from 9 am to 5 pm.

Take part in interactive spacecraft exhibits, watch science and engineering demonstrations, and talk to many of JPL's scientists and engineers about how spacecraft are sent to other planets, how space technologies are used explore Earth and how researchers are searching for planets beyond our solar system.

Models of several of JPL's Mars rovers, including the Mars Exploration Rovers and the Mars Science Laboratory, will also be exhibited. The annual open house is a fun and educational experience, with special hands-on activities designed for children.

Admission and parking are free. For more information, click here.

Festival of Books this weekend

2009-04-23T07:41:00.000-07:00

This weekend is the annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, held on the campus of UCLA. According to the official web site, it's the largest and most prestigious book festival in the country. How about that?!

The festival consists of seemingly endless rows of publishers' booths showcases their wares, multiple stages with author panels and entertainment, book signings, and various book-oriented activities for adults and kids. Celebrity authors will be in attendance, as well as celebrities who have written books, including David Baldacci, T.C. Boyle, Michael J. Fox, Arianna Huffington, Alyssa Milano--hundreds of authors in all.

Saturday April 25, from 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday, April 26, 10 am to 5 pm. Admission is free, but parking at one of the UCLA lots is $9. For more information including directions, click here.

Earth Day at Wilshire Center

2009-04-21T14:33:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is Earth Day! Founded on April 22, 1970, Earth Day marks the beginning of the modern environmental movement and is commemorated annually as a day to learn about and focus on efforts to protect the natural world.

Here in Los Angeles, tomorrow is also the 2nd Annual Wilshire Center Earth Day festival.

The full title of the event is the Wilshire Center Earth Day/Car Free Day, but I'm not sure what the "Car Free" part entails. There are no road closures planned, and I can't find any information about what, if anything, is being done to encourage people to go car-free. I guess if you can do without your car for a day, then go for it!

You'd think they'd at least put some info about how to get to the event using public transportation on the official web site. As it turns out, the Metro Red Line stops about a block away. Get off at the Wilshire/Western stop.

The event itself takes place from 11 am to 2 pm in Wilshire Center, at 3700 Wilshire Blvd. There will be live music, drumming, ethnic dance performances, a farmer's market, a fruit tree giveaway, and electronic waste recycling. Everything is free and open to the public. For more information, click the link above.

Two free art walks this month

2009-04-08T05:11:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the monthly Downtown Art Walk, which happens on the second Thursday of every month. It's a free, self-guided tour of various arts venues including private galleries, nonprofit arts organizations and many of Los Angeles' major museums.

Park at Athena Parking, a garage at 415 S. Main Street, for only $5 (flat rate, no in and out). Then hop on the Hippodrome, the free shuttle sponsored by Esotouric, those wacky folks who do the crime bus tours. It's a retrofitted 1940's school bus that doubles as a performance venue, entertaining art walk patrons.

Hours are noon to 9 pm. Click here for a map.

The weekend of April 18-19 is the semi-annual Brewery ArtWalk. The Brewery, located in downtown Los Angeles, is the world's largest art colony. Over 100 resident artists participate in the event, opening their homes and studios to the public.

Hours are 11 am to 6 pm, Saturday and Sunday. Admission and parking are free. Click the link above for more information and directions.

Free tribute to Forrest J. Ackerman

2009-03-04T08:29:00.000-08:00

Continuing with the movie theme (this is Los Angeles, after all)... The American Cinematheque will host a 2-hour tribute this Sunday to one of movie fandom's greatest personalities, Forrest J. Ackerman, who passed away last December.

"Forry," as his friends knew him, was perhaps the most influential fan of science fiction for decades. He was the founding editor of Famous Monsters of Filmland, a magazine that helped promote and influence the genre film and generations of filmmakers. He was also an avid collector of movie memorabilia, and gave tours of his collection at his private home in Los Feliz.

The event will include testimonials from those who knew and loved Forry, plus film clips, slides, performances and more! Profiles in History will display a few of the Forrest J. Ackerman auction items they are handling, including some Bela Lugosi Dracula costumes and the robot from METROPOLIS.

Sunday, March 8, 4:00 pm. The Egyptian Theater is at 6712 Hollywood Blvd. A reception preceding the tribute starts at 3:00 pm. For more info, click here. FREE.

Catching up on the Oscar nominees

2009-02-25T09:12:00.001-08:00

So now that the Academy Awards are over, maybe you're thinking about seeing some of the nominated movies you missed. This is what's known in the movie biz as the post-Oscars box office bump, when ticket sales spike right after the awards ceremony.

The problem is, at $10 or more per ticket, seeing a bunch of movies can add up quickly... so you think, I'll just wait for the DVD. But who wants to wait? And sometimes, watching a DVD at home just can't compare to the experience of seeing a movie on the big screen.

What if you could see movies on the big screen for less than the cost of a movie rental? I happen to love the Academy Cinemas in Pasadena, run by Regency Theaters. It's what's known as a second-run theater, showing movies that have already disappeared from the major movie-plexes. Tickets are only $2 before 6:00 pm and $3 after 6:00.

This week, the Academy (not the one that puts on the Oscars) is showing "Revolutionary Road," "Frozen River," "Waltz with Bashir," "Frost/Nixon" and "Rachel Getting Married." All of which were nominated for Oscars. Regency also operates the Fairfax Cinemas on Beverly, which is currently showing "Doubt," "Milk" and "Revolutionary Road."

Go to the Regency Theaters website for more information on these and other theaters and for showtimes.

AMC Best Picture Showcase

2009-02-17T10:22:00.000-08:00

It's not an Oscar freebie, but it's still a great deal.

If you're free this Saturday and want to see the Best Picture nominees before the awards ceremony, you can head to select AMC theaters and see them all at once for $30. That's only $6 a movie if you see all five!

But you're free to come and go throughout the day if you want to skip one (or two). Showtimes are as follows:

Milk 10:30 a.m.
The Reader 1:05 p.m.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button 3:45 p.m.
Slumdog Millionaire 7:15 p.m.
Frost/Nixon 9:45 p.m.

The $30 also gets you a large popcorn with free refills throughout the day.

Click here for more information, to find a theater near you, or to buy tickets.

Oscar season freebies

2009-02-16T05:24:00.001-08:00

This post is long overdue, what with the Oscars less than a week away. Even if you can't attend the award ceremony itself, you can still take advantage of the many Oscar-season events that are open to the public.

Every year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences gives awards for achievement in filmmaking, commonly known as... the Oscars! OK, so you knew that already. But did you know that the Academy also puts on a whole slew of free public programs related to the Oscars?

"Oscar Week" kicks off with “Shorts!” on Tuesday, February 17, featuring screenings of all the 2008 Academy Award-nominated films in the Animated and Live Action Short Film categories. The program includes an onstage discussion with the nominated filmmakers.

Other programs this week include the Animated Feature Symposium, the Foreign Language Film Nominees Symposium, and the Makeup and Hairstylist Symposium. Admission is free but all events are already sold out.

According to the Academy website, a standby line will form at the theater’s west doors on the day of the event. Standby numbers will be assigned at approximately 5:30 p.m. Any available tickets will be distributed shortly before the program begins. The Academy is located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills.

The American Cinematheque at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood also offers two Oscar-week programs this Saturday, February 21. At 10:00 am, "Invisible Art, Visible Artists" Editors’ Seminar is an open discussion with all of this year's Oscar-nominated film editors.

The Oscar-Nominated Art Directors Seminar, a panel discussion with this year’s Academy Award-nominated art directors and set decorators, follows at 2:30 pm. Art Directors Guild President Thomas A. Walsh will moderate the event, which will include screenings of excerpts from the five films nominated by the Academy.

Both programs are free, and tickets will be available at the theater box office on the day of the event. No online ticketing. The Egyptian Theater is located at 6712 Hollywood Blvd.

Finally, the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising hosts an exhibition of all the Oscar-nominated costume designs each year. This year, The 17th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design is open through Sunday, March 29.

Hours are Wednesday-Sunday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Free and open to the public. FIDM is located at 919 South Grand Avenue in downtown Los Angeles.

Happy Lunar New Year!

2009-01-26T11:47:00.000-08:00

Today is the Lunar New Year, celebrated in many Asian cultures. Today also marks the beginning of the Year of the Ox in the Chinese zodiac. There are several New Year celebrations taking place in the Southland this weekend, the major ones being the Chinese New Year festival in downtown L.A. and the Têt Festival in Little Saigon.

Los Angeles' Chinatown marks the event with the annual Golden Dragon Parade, scheduled for 2:00 pm this Saturday, January 31 along North Broadway. The parade is part of a two-day Lunar New Year Festival taking place all weekend.

Also this weekend, Southern California's Vietnamese community celebrates Têt, the Vietnamese New Year, with the largest Têt Festival in the U.S. This three-day cultural festival in Little Saigon includes food, live entertainment and something called a "Culture Village."

There is another Têt Festival the following weekend, February 6-7, in South El Monte. The program includes a lion and dragon dance, a beauty pageant, martial arts demonstrations, traditional music and dance performances, orchid and bonsai exhibits and carnival rides.

Golden Dragon Parade and Lunar New Year Festival, Chinatown. Saturday, January 31, 10 am to 8 pm and Sunday, February 1, 10 am to 5 pm. Free. Click here for more information and directions.

Têt Festival, Garden Grove Park. Friday, Jan. 30, 2-10 pm, Saturday, Jan. 31, 10 am to 10 pm, and Sunday, Feb. 1, 10 am to 9 pm. Admission $5. Free for children under 4' tall. Click here for more info.

L.A. Têt Festival, Whittier Narrows Regional Park, South El Monte. Saturday, Feb. 6, 11 am to 11 pm and Sunday, Feb. 7, 11 am to 10 pm. Admission $5 for adults and $3 for children. Click here for more info.

Doo Dah Parade this Sunday

2009-01-16T17:07:00.000-08:00

The 32nd “Occasional” Pasadena Doo Dah Parade celebrates the post-holiday season in its typically loud, irreverent style on Sunday, January 18th, stepping off at 11:30 am. The boisterous, twisted sister to Pasadena’s genteel Rose Parade is known for subversive spirit.

Over 1,500 revelers, many in outrageous costumes and carrying bizarre props, will be led by 2009 Grand Marshal Charles Phoenix, beloved by fans for his wacky Retro Slide Show performances, riding atop a vintage Fire Marshal's station wagon and trailed by dozens of roller skaters.

The parade is preceded by an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast at the Pasadena Senior Center at the corner of Holly and Raymond, the start of the parade route, from 8:30 to 11:30 am. The cost is $7.00 per person. The parade is free!

Pasadena Senior Center, 85 E. Holly Street, Pasadena. Parade route travels down Colorado Blvd. between Raymond and Pasadena Avenues in Old Town Pasadena. For more info, visit the official website.

Party like a Barack-star

2009-01-15T14:17:00.000-08:00

Looking for somewhere to go on Tuesday to watch--and celebrate--the Presidential Inauguration? I just found out about this super-cool party happening downtown. Admission is only $10.

Tuesday, January 20. The West Coast "Art of Change" Inaugural Ball, featuring The Mutaytor with extra special guests The Crystal Method, at the Mayan Theater in downtown Los Angeles.

Doors open at 7:00 pm, with a reshowing of the Inauguration on a giant screen at 8:00 pm. At 9:30 The Mutaytor will take the stage, followed by DJs spinning until midnight.

The Mayan Theater is located at 1038 South Hill Street. For more information, click here.

World premiere at the Ford

2009-01-14T12:51:00.001-08:00

Sorry for the long absence, folks. I was out of town for a week, without my laptop, and I'm currently preoccupied with trying to find a job! But I wanted to tell you about a new play opening this weekend at the Ford.

"Battle Hymn" is a fantastical epic that follows a young girl's 150-year pregnancy and kaleidoscopic journey through history. This world premiere production runs January 17 through February 21 at the 87-seat [Inside] the Ford at the Ford Amphitheater.

From the press release:

On the eve of the Civil War, sixteen-year-old Martha (Los Angeles newcomer Suzy Jane Hunt) finds herself pregnant and ostracized. As Martha travels through and fights in the Civil War, she settles on one incontrovertible fact: she will not raise her baby in a blood-soaked, violent country. Martha stays pregnant for over a century, until she arrives in San Francisco in 1967. For a moment Martha thinks she's landed in heaven, but before she knows it, half the world is at war once again. From the mud and the blood of Fort Sumter to singing cows and the summer of love, Martha's journey embodies the tragedy, humor and hope that have shaped the last 150 years of U.S. history.

Tickets are $20, but two previews on January 15 and 16 (that's tomorrow and Friday), as well as all Sunday 2:00 pm performances, are pay-what-you-can.

"Battle Hymn" runs Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm and 7 pm, January 17 through February 21. Two previews take place on January 15 and 16 at 8 pm.

[Inside] the Ford is located in the Ford Theatres complex at 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East, just off the 101 Freeway across from the Hollywood Bowl and south of Universal Studios. On-site parking is free.

For reservations and information, call the Ford Theatres Box Office at (323) 461-3673 or click here.

Disneyland free on your birthday

2008-12-31T08:11:00.000-08:00

Sorry, this is late notice if your birthday happens to be January 1. Disneyland is offering free admission on your birthday in 2009!

You have to register on the Disney website here. In other words, you can't just show up on your birthday and expect to get in free--unless you've already registered. You also have to show picture ID at the gate.

For more information, and to register for your free birthday ticket, click on the link above.

And Happy New Year! Best wishes for an affordable 2009!

FREE New Year's Eve at CityWalk

2008-12-26T08:54:00.001-08:00

Looking for something to do on New Year's Eve, but reluctant to pay the exorbitant ticket prices for parties held at various clubs, hotels and restaurants on December 31st... and equally reluctant to stay home, watching the ball drop on TV by yourself?

Universal CityWalk is having a free New Year's Eve party from 9:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. with live music, giant video screens and fireworks at both ends of the street. The Cinema Plaza Stage will feature the band Fast Times. The Globe Fountain Stage will feature 80s Rewind.

The event is free but general parking at CityWalk is $10.00. For more info, click here.

Magic Mountain season pass on sale

2008-12-24T09:00:00.000-08:00

Six Flags theme parks just announced a one-day sale on their Play Pass. Between now and midnight on Thursday, December 25, a 2009 Play Pass is 20% off, which makes it less than the price of a single admission.

If you buy now, you get in free for the rest of 2008 as well, including the Rock 'n' Ride New Year's Eve Party, with a midnight countdown and fireworks. A great way to ring in the New Year with kids!

Even better, the Play Pass gets you into all 15 Six Flags theme parks nationwide, including Hurricane Harbor, the water park next door to Magic Mountain. You also get four free tickets for friends to use on selected dates in 2009.

If you love roller coasters or plan on visiting Magic Mountain at any time next year, this is a great deal. Click here for more info and to purchase a 2009 Play Pass.

Six Flags Magic Mountain is located in Valencia, CA.

Ice skating in downtown L.A.

2008-12-23T07:39:00.001-08:00

Yes, that's right! You can actually go ice skating in Los Angeles... on real ice! Who knew?

Well, I guess I didn't, since this post is a little late to the party. Downtown on Ice, sponsored by our professional hockey team, the Los Angeles Kings, has been open since last month. But it's open for another month, until January 19, 2009, so there's still time to get down there and lace up your skates!

Admission is only $6.00 and skate rental is another $2.00. For those who don't skate (maybe your kids or friends do?) there are free lunchtime concerts during the week, on Friday nights, and during the day on Saturday and Sunday. On select Thursday nights in December and January, Spaceland will present the best of L.A.'s alternative, hip hop and world beat music.

Downtown on Ice, located in Pershing Square, 532 South Olive Street in downtown L.A. Open 7 days a week. Check schedule for hours.

Last-minute, green holiday cards

2008-12-22T14:50:00.000-08:00

Did you forget to send holiday cards this year? Or maybe you left it until the last minute and don't have time to sit down and stuff envelopes now...

Here's a great way to send your season's greetings, save some money and help the environment all at once. English artist Jacquie Lawson designs beautiful animated e-cards that you can send with the click of a mouse. Instant delivery, in time for Christmas!

In order to send cards from her site, you have to purchase a membership, which is only $12 for one year or $18 for two. A membership allows you to send as many e-cards as you like throughout the year--a great deal when you consider that the average greeting card costs about $3.

Besides holiday e-cards, she also offers cards for every occasion. Sure, there are lots of free e-cards out there, but these are truly lovely and unique. (I'm not getting paid to say that, either!) And because the site is supported by membership fees, there are no annoying ads or pop-ups included in the cards.

Not only are you saving money by sending e-cards, you're also saving the trees that paper cards are made from, and the fossil fuel used to transport them across the globe. Good for your pocketbook, good for the planet.

Holiday Arts Celebration on Christmas Eve

2008-12-20T12:10:00.000-08:00

Since 1964, the Los Angeles County Arts Commission has produced a free, annual holiday show--the biggest in L.A.--at the Music Center. The best-kept secret in town happens on Wednesday, December 24 from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Forty-seven performing arts groups - totaling about 1,200 artists - will appear in the 49th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Acts include handbells, choral performances, ballet, mariachi bands, klezmer music, taiko drums, and well-known groups like Dengue Fever and Celtic Spring.

The celebration is a gift to the people of Los Angeles County from the Board of Supervisors, so admission and parking under the Music Center are FREE.

No reservations are necessary. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. You can come and go as you please throughout the afternoon and evening. For those who can't make it downtown, the show is broadcast live on KCET.

For more information, and to download a take-along schedule and program, click here.

Free holiday movie screening

2008-12-17T08:42:00.000-08:00

This Saturday, December 20, at the historic Egyptian Theater in Hollywood. A free family matinee with holiday carolers, juggling, and free hot chocolate!

SCROOGE (1970) - Albert Finney is the gleefully wicked miser who spreads the "humbug" at yuletide in this glorious musical adaptation by Leslie Bricusse of Dickens’ holiday classic. When elderly Scrooge retires to bed on Christmas Eve, he’s confronted by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future – who show him the lonely consequences of the selfish path he’s taken. Co-starring Alec Guinness, Edith Evans and Kenneth More.

Saturday, December 20, 2:00 pm. The Egyptian Theater, 6712 Hollywood Blvd. Free hot chocolate, carolers & juggling start at 1:00 pm. For more info, click here. FREE ADMISSION!

McCabe's Annual Holiday Show

2008-12-06T08:24:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, December 7th, McCabe's Guitar Shop will host its Annual Holiday Show. From the McCabe's newsletter:

This decades-long tradition sees McCabe's uber-talented staff, friends, and hangers-on take to the stage in a semi-spontaneous expression of seasonal joy. Sometimes Bob destroys stuff, too, which is always a good time. We'll provide the victuals, libations, and spectacle, and you just show up. Did we mention that it's all FREE!? Doors open about 6:45. Show starts at 7:00.

McCabe's is at 3101 Pico Blvd. in Santa Monica. Click here for parking info.

Green expo and new play

2008-12-06T07:59:00.000-08:00

Moving Arts presents a world premiere play by the winner of the 2008 Francesca Primus Prize as part of the New Play Series at [Inside] the Ford.

Song of Extinction is about the science of life and loss, the relationships between fathers and sons, Cambodian fields, Bolivian rainforests and redemption. Max Forrestal, a musically gifted high school student, is falling off the edge of the world, and his biology teacher, Khim Phan, is the only one who’s noticed. His attempts to help the boy, however, push Khim into a magical journey of his own – from the Cambodia of his youth into the undiscovered country beyond.

On Sunday, December 7, [Inside] the Ford will host an environmental expo in conjunction with the play. Inspired by the strong environmental themes within Song of Extinction, the Green Mini-Expo is a way to connect audiences with local green organizations and businesses that provide access to emerging green issues and eco-friendly lifestyle techniques. Participating vendors include The Center for Sustainable Practice in the Arts, All Shades of Green, Jenneration Fix, Earth Resource Foundation, Large Marge Sustainables & Smart Car.

The Green Mini Expo will take place from 1:00 to 7:00 pm, followed by a pay-what-you-can performance of Song of Extinction at 7:00 pm. Tickets are regularly priced at $20.

Sunday, December 7, 2008. [Inside] the Ford at the Ford Amphitheater. 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East in Hollywood. For more info, visit the Ford's website.

Skateboard and street art show

2008-12-05T17:02:00.000-08:00

It's a record release party! It's a group art show! It's a film screening! It's a celebration of skate-punk subculture, graffiti and custom motorcycles. MOVERS & SHAKERS SESSION 1 will take place tomorrow night, December 6, in Pasadena.

Los Angeles-based band Rebirth will be celebrating their latest release, Episode 6. The art show will feature work by several stars of the skate world, including Lance Mountain, Steve Caballero and Christian Hosoi. There will be custom bikes on display from Earl's Bikes and Shinya Kamura.

As if that weren't enough, there will also be two movie screenings: "Bomb It!", a documentary about graffiti art, and "Choppertown," a doc about renowned motorcycle gang The Sinners. The event is free and open to the public.

Saturday, December 6, 6-11 pm. Salon Sessions Studio, 112 S. DeLacey Ave. in Pasadena. For more info, click here.

Free family concert

2008-12-05T09:50:00.000-08:00

Travel four hundred years in one hour with John Schneider and the "Classic" Guitar on Saturday, December 6 at 2 p.m.

Southwest Chamber Music, in collaboration with the Luckman Fine Arts Complex, will present Music Unwrapped in the Luckman Intimate Theatre at California State University, Los Angeles. Music Unwrapped is a free family series where audiences learn about music through various compositions and interaction with prominent musicians and composers.

This special program will feature John Schneider, an internationally recognized guitarist and acclaimed host of KPFK’s Global Village. Mr. Schneider will focus on the evolution of the classical guitar and its immense repertoire. He will discuss his career as a guitarist and perform compositions from the past four centuries by Isaac Albéniz, John Dowland, Johanne Sebastian Bach, Fernando Sor, Mauro Giuliani, Agustín Barrios, Heitor Villa-Lobos, and Mason Williams.

Mr. Schneider will “unwrap” the music with examples, questions and answers with the audience, and insights into the preparation and performance of the works presented. Click here for more information about Music Unwrapped.

The Intimate Theater, Luckman Fine Arts Complex is located at 5151
State University Drive in Los Angeles. Click here for more info and directions.

Put on your dancing shoes!

2008-12-03T11:12:00.000-08:00

Two opportunities to learn some new moves and try them out this week:

Tonight! Wednesday, December 3: Salsa Night @ J Restaurant and Lounge

Free salsa class with Laura Canellias from 8:00 to 9:00 pm followed by live DJ sets until 1:30 am. No cover. 1119 South Olive Street (at 11th Street, downtown). For more info, click here or call (213) 746-7746.

Tomorrow! Thursday, December 4: "Keeping it Country" Night @ The Casting Call Lounge

Free country line dance lessons at 7:00 pm, followed by Justice Daniels and the Blue Lightnin' Band at 8:00 pm! Located in the Holiday Inn Burbank, 150 E. Angeleno Ave. (between San Fernando and 1st Street). No cover and free parking across the street on Angeleno Ave.

DWP Holiday Light Festival

2008-11-25T10:17:00.000-08:00

I'm sure you already know about the annual holiday light extravaganza in Griffith Park. Every year, the Department of Water and Power decorates a one-mile stretch of Crystal Springs Drive, the main thoroughfare through Griffith Park, with a gazillion electric lights. Cars line up to drive through and gawk at the display, which includes animated scenes and every imaginable holiday cliché.

I did it once a few years ago with a carload of friends, and vowed never to do it again because it took so long just to get to the start of the display... and then it felt a lot like sitting in traffic, with better decorations. We saw people walking alongside the cars, and they seemed to be going a lot faster--but then we realized they were breathing in all the exhaust from the long line of vehicles.

Well, it turns out that for the first two weeks this year, the path is closed to cars but open to pedestrians! Apparently this is to demonstrate the city's commitment to a "greener L.A." I say, Hallelujah! The pedestrian-only nights are Nov. 24-Dec. 7th, from 5 to 10 pm. On Dec. 5-7, there will also be Family Fun Mini-Fair along the festival route.

Parking and shuttle info from the official website:

Visitors may park at the L.A. Zoo parking lot or the parking lots on the south side of the festival near the Merry-Go-Round, or the lots near the pony rides. Parking will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Walkers are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and to dress warmly to walk the full one-mile route each way. It is also recommended that walkers have outerwear, as it can get chilly. Shuttles will assist in bringing guests from the remote parking lots to the route entrance.

Mariachi Festival

2008-11-22T06:55:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is the 18th Annual Mariachi Festival in Boyle Heights, featuring Jose Hernandez y su Mariachi Sol Mexico. There will be children’s art activities, local artisans and food booths.

Sunday, November 23, from 10 am to 4:30 pm. Historic Mariachi Plaza, First Street and Boyle Ave. Free! Click here for info on taking the Metro.

Depression-era cocktails at 1930's prices

2008-11-21T10:31:00.000-08:00

OK, so I've been neglecting this blog for a couple of months. I toyed with letting it go entirely, but on second thought, I've decided to keep it going a while longer. It would help me stay motivated if I knew someone besides me was reading it! So feel free to leave comments and feedback :)

Tonight is the weekly Soup Kitchen happy hour from 5 to 7 at The Edison. Here's the deal:

Financial markets in crisis; $700 Billion bailout of Wall Street; Global Financial Meltdown!

The Edison Lounge responds to the crisis with a meltdown of its own. FREE Grilled Cheese Melts and tomato soup as well as Depression Era cocktails at the Depression Era price of 35 cents. The Edison brings a much needed respite to those in need. In an effort to restore confidence in the community and its businesses, The Edison introduces The Soup Kitchen, Friday from 5-7 PM: to remind everyone to maintain perspective through this financial crisis and to support those truly in need.

25% of net proceeds from the night go to local food banks and charities. Additional donations are welcome and will be passed along to those who need our support the most.

At the door, you are handed a postcard that asks you to check a box saying whether your 401(K) is Half Full or Half Empty, and a buffalo nickel. You hand the bartender your card to get your one 35-cent cocktail: either a 401(K), a gin drink, or a Bailout, a bourbon drink. There's space to write something about the state of the economy, and the best quote wins 2 VIP tickets to the Wednesday-night Lucent Dossier show.

You redeem your nickel for a tiny cup of tomato soup and a postage-stamp size square of grilled cheese sandwich. Cute, but not very filling. I suspect the giveaway is designed to encourage you to order the real grilled cheese and tomato soup from the Edison's very extensive bar menu, to the tune of $14.

Wear a vintage dress, fishnets and heels, if you're a lady, or a snappy waiscoat and fedora, if you're a gent. The Edison, a converted 19-century power station, is all about atmosphere and attitude. There's no street parking from 4 to 6, so park in one of the lots nearby, or use the valet.

The Edison, in the basement of the Higgins Building at the corner of 2nd and Harlem Place (between Spring and Main), 108 W. 2nd Street #108, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

Festival of Sacred Music

2008-09-17T12:52:00.001-07:00

First of all, apologies for abandoning this blog for the past two months. (Did anyone notice, I wonder? I suspect my readership is small, if not completely imaginary.) Between working 14-hour days, 6 days a week, not actually being in L.A. during that time, and having spotty Internet access at my hotel, it just became impractical to keep up.

But then, to add insult to injury, my laptop died a month ago. The truth is, it was murdered. I ran over it with a 15-ft. cube truck. Not on purpose, mind you--so it was perhaps more like involuntary machine-slaughter than outright murder.

But now I have a brand-new computer, and I'm slowly getting back to normal in terms of my Internet activity. I realize I have a lot of catching up to do, so I'd better get started!

The Festival of Sacred Music got underway this past weekend. This 16-day extravaganza of performing arts takes place all over the city, and only happens once every three years. Tickets range in price, but many of the events are free and open to the public.

For instance, tomorrow night, there is a concert at the Japanese American National Museum of traditional and contemporary world music by artists from Iran and Greece. Thursday, September 18, 6:30 pm. 369 E. 1st Street (Little Tokyo). Free. For more info, go to janm.org

The festival will close on Sunday, September 28 with a giant ceremony and celebration on Santa Monica Beach. There will be an opening procession of Oaxacan brass and Scottish drums and bagpipes, followed by a performance of traditional Hawaiian chant and hula. And that's just the beginning! Three hundred artists will present sacred traditions from seven world cultures. The event is free.

For more information about the closing ceremonies and other events, click here.

Celebrate historic preservation in Pasadena

2008-07-15T15:51:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the long absence! I started a new job in Kansas last week, so it's been a busy 10 days of packing, traveling and working 6 days a week. But I haven't forgotten about you or the need to keep you posted on affordable happenings back in L.A.

This Saturday is the annual Celebration on the Colorado Street Bridge in Pasadena. Sponsored by Pasadena Heritage, which supports historic preservation in Pasadena, this evening event will incorporate live music, dancing, vintage cars, food and drink from local eateries and children's activities.

Saturday, July 19, 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Admission is $15 for adults and $7 for children ages 7-12. Children age 6 and under are free. For more information or to purchase discount tickets, call (626) 441-6333 or visit the Pasadena Heritage web site.

A Hawaiian 4th of July

2008-07-04T08:03:00.001-07:00

Looking for a different kind of Independence Day celebration? Tonight, there will be a special free concert at Levitt Pavilion in Macarthur Park. One Hawaii is a gathering of top musical acts from the 50th state, including Keali'i Reichel and Na Leo, performing along with guest hula dancers.

Levitt Pavilion will host free concerts throughout the summer, every night of the week except Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday is Musica Latina, Thursday is World Music, Fridays are Night Rhythms, Saturdays are American Roots, and Sunday is Children's Night. Click here for the full schedule.

Fourth of July celebration with One Hawaii. Friday, July 4, 7:00 pm. Macarthur Park. Free. Click here for more info.

Family fun at the Ford

2008-07-02T19:12:00.000-07:00

The Ford Amphitheatre's summer series for kids, Big!World!Fun!, starts this Saturday with SPLASH! A Celebration!

Viver Brasíl Dance Company will show kids how to "dance with mermaids, drum with kings and parade with queens" using Afro-Brazilian folklore and music. Subsequent Saturdays will showcase other performance traditions from around the world.

Saturday, July 5, 10:00 am. Free for children, $5 for adults. Visit the Ford website to make reservations or call the Ford box office at 323 461-3673.

Have some bugs with your culture

2008-07-01T06:50:00.000-07:00

As if summer weren't already buggy enough, Culture Crawl L.A. aims to increase kids' knowledge of insects and encourages them to bring some home.

Pick up a punch card at any of the 5 participating institutions, get your free bug kit and collect a different bug at each location (plastic, not real bugs). Of course, this also encourages families to visit the California Science Center, the Getty Center, Kidspace Children's Museum, the Los Angeles Zoo, and the Natural History Museum of L.A. County this summer.

Program continues through September 1. Click the link above for more info.

Chinatown Anniversary Party

2008-06-26T10:19:00.000-07:00

Los Angeles' Chinatown was founded 70 years ago this week. Back then it was called "New Chinatown" because it replaced the original settlement, which was displaced by the construction of Union Station.

This weekend, Chinatown celebrates the 70th Anniversary of its birth with a free celebration in Central Plaza, located at 951 N. Broadway Street. There will be live 1940's style Big Band music, dancing, a costume contest, vintage cocktails, martial arts demos, lion dances and more.

Saturday, June 28, 7:00-11:00 pm. Chinatown. For more info, visit the Chinatown web site.

Get your groove on at the Getty

2008-06-25T18:55:00.000-07:00

This Friday, celebrate the end of the work week with an evening of free music and spectacular city views at the Getty Center's Fridays Off the 405. Art-pop duo No Age will perform outdoors in the museum courtyard, preceded by reggae-infused grooves from DJ King Shade. In addition, the galleries will be open late.

Friday, June 27, 6:00-9:00 pm. Free. Visit the Getty website for directions and parking info.

Free concerts at Caltech

2008-06-17T11:06:00.000-07:00

This weekend, Caltech presents "Dance Under the Stars", free outdoor concerts featuring two different local artists.

On Friday, June 20, I See Hawks in L.A. will present their unique blend of alt-country songcraft, social commentary and environmental awareness. On Saturday, June 21, Grammy-nominated Spanish-language vocalist Perla Batalla will perform.

Both concerts take place on Beckman Mall on the Caltech campus at 8:00 pm. Free. Bring a blanket to sit on and a picnic. For more info, click here.

Free Irish concert at the Getty

2008-06-13T11:20:00.000-07:00

Friday Nights at the Getty is a free performance series featuring an eclectic mix of music, dance, theater, and spoken word events. Tonight is the final performance of the 2007-2008 season; the series resumes in September.

From the Getty web site:

Two of Ireland's most celebrated musical ambassadors, soprano Ailish Tynan and pianist Hugh Tinney, perform a recital of songs by Brahms and Faure and arrangements of Irish folksongs by Herbert Hughes from Tynan's recently released CD A Purse of Gold. This concert is part of the Music for Museums series, a collaboration with the National Gallery of Ireland.

Friday, June 13, at 7:00 pm in the Harold M. Williams Auditorium. Free; reservations required. Call (310) 440-7300 or click here to make a reservation.

Amazing art under your feet

2008-06-11T11:36:00.000-07:00

This weekend is the 2008 Pasadena Chalk Festival. Billed as the world’s largest street painting festival, it will draw nearly 600 artists from across Southern California who will use pastels to create artwork covering an area equal to two city blocks.

The two-day celebration of sidewalk painting and competition will take place inside Paseo Colorado, June 14-15, from 10 am to 7 pm. Prizes will be awarded in 10 categories, including Best of Show, Best 3D Effect and Most Humorous.

Admission is free. Click the link above for more info.

Free summer Shakespeare

2008-06-10T10:32:00.000-07:00

Since 1998, Shakespeare By The Sea has been presenting free performances of the Bard's works in San Pedro and other locations around Los Angeles.

The 2008 season gets underway on Thursday, June 12, at 8:00 pm with "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in Point Fermin Park. They will perform Shakespeare's classic romantic comedy in repertoire with "Antony and Cleopatra" through August 9. Check the schedule for other outdoor venues.

Get there early for the best seats, bring a blanket to sit on and a picnic, and enjoy free theater under the stars. Click here for more information.

Free J.A.M. sessions at the Ford

2008-06-09T16:39:00.000-07:00

Get your creative juices flowing at the Ford Amphitheatre’s FREE J.A.M. (Jazzed and Motivated) Sessions. Dance, sing, play your favorite instrument and engage in other activities guided by artists from the Ford season. Beginner, intermediate and advanced participants are all welcome.

The next one is called "The Groove Divine" with Viver Brasil Dance Company and takes place on Tuesday, June 17, at 7:00 pm. Come for an orixá dance movement workshop with live music and get a sneak peek at their upcoming performance.

If you've never been to the Ford Amphitheatre, it's a wonderful outdoor theater in the Hollywood Hills, on the other side of the Cahuenga Pass from the Hollywood Bowl. During the summer, they have a variety of programs and performances for the whole family.

Click this link or call the Ford Box Office at 323 461-3673 for more information and to make a reservation.

Free history tour: Port of Los Angeles

2008-06-06T11:03:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of posts all week. I came down with a nasty cold that cut into my Internet time. Still getting over it, but couldn't let the week end with no tips for you!

Tomorrow, The Port of Los Angeles will offer a free narrated bus tour of the harbor area. Shuttle buses will stop at six different sites: the Los Angeles Maritime Museum, Point Fermin Lighthouse, Fort MacArthur Military Museum, Drum Barracks Civil War Museum and the Banning Residence Museum. Buses will make a continuous loop all day, so you can board at any time and visit each site at your own pace.

Food, parking, historical maps and book signings will also be available.

Saturday, June 7, 10 am to 4 pm. For more information, click here.

Cemetery screenings in Hollywood

2008-05-30T13:32:00.000-07:00

Every summer, Cinespia screens outdoor movies at Hollywood Forever cemetery. The first one was last weekend, but the weather wasn't great for sitting outside on the grass.

Tomorrow, May 31, they will show "The Party," starring Peter Sellers and directed by Blake Edwards. Bring a picnic dinner and a blanket to sit on. A DJ will be spinning music before and after the screening.

Gates open at 7:30 pm and the movie starts at 9:00. Hollywood Forever is at 6000 Santa Monica Boulevard (at Gower). Parking is $5 and the suggested donation is $10. For more information, click here.

Culver City ARTWALK

2008-05-28T09:24:00.000-07:00

Saturday, May 31, is the 3rd Annual ARTWALK Culver City. This free, self-guided tour celebrates the Culver City Art District, a cluster of galleries centered around the intersection of Washington and La Cienega Boulevards exhibiting new and distinguished artists.

Over forty galleries will be open from 12 noon to 6pm and some galleries will remain open until 8pm. There will also be live jazz and neighboring restaurants will be offering special promotions. For more information, call the Culver City Cultural Affairs Hotline at (310) 253-5716 or click here to download a map and flyer.

New Ferris wheel debuts

2008-05-27T13:50:00.000-07:00

A new, solar-powered Ferris wheel on the Santa Monica Pier will open to the public tomorrow night, May 28, with a lighting ceremony. The new Pacific Wheel uses energy-efficient LED bulbs and will feature computer-generated light displays.

The festivities will begin at 8:00 pm with live music, followed by the lighting ceremony and fireworks at 8:30 pm. Guests may ride for free from 9:15 pm to midnight, and Pacific Park will provide free popcorn and cotton candy.

Pacific Park is an amusement park located on the pier, at the end of Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica. Click the link for directions and parking.

Options for Memorial Day Weekend

2008-05-22T14:17:00.000-07:00

You have your choice of street fairs and festivals over the 3-day weekend.

There's the Memorial Day Street Fair on Saturday and Sunday. The location is given as Wilshire Blvd. and Alvarado, which is right next to Macarthur Park downtown. Organized by Hispanic Events Marketing, this festival should attract lots of Spanish-speaking families. Expect food, live music and carnival rides. Free.

Then there's Topanga Days, an annual celebration in Topanga Canyon. Now in its 35th year, the festival includes two stages of live music and dance performances, an arts & crafts fair, and a parade on Monday. Expect lots of hippies, vegetarians and nature lovers. Tickets are $18 for adults and $10 for kids.

Finally, there's the 35th Annual Valley Greek Festival at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Northridge. Three days of traditional Greek music and dancing, Greek food and pastries, and Greek handicrafts. There will also be cooking demos and tours of the church. Expect a lot of Greeks. Free.

Cool Creepy Crawlies

2008-05-16T10:33:00.000-07:00

The 22nd Annual Bug Fair is happening this weekend at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.

The attractions include live spiders and scorpions, private bug collections for sale, two world-renowned insect chefs doing live cooking demos, plus over 60 vendors with books, entomological equipment and supplies, artwork, toys, etc.

May 17 & 18, 10 am to 5 pm. Free with admission. The Natural History Museum is downtown in Exposition Park. For more info, click here.

Little Tokyo FunFest

2008-05-15T11:43:00.000-07:00

There's a lot going on this weekend in Los Angeles' historic Japanese neighborhood, located downtown near the civic center. On Saturday, May 17, it's the 2nd Annual Nikkei Community Day and the San Tai San Youth Basketball Tournament (for boys and girls ages 7-12).

"Nikkei" is the Japanese word for Japanese people living abroad: in other words, Japanese nationals in America and Japanese-Americans. The event will include community information booths, live stage performances and workshops.

"San tai san" means "3 on 3". However, registration for the youth basketball tournament is already closed. More information is available here.

Sunday, May 18, is the 25th Annual Children's Day Celebration. (Children's Day is a national holiday in Japan and is celebrated on May 5.) Activities include a kids' fun run and cultural discovery workshops. An Asian Pacific Arts & Crafts Fair will run both days.

JACCC Plaza, Center Building and San Pedro Street downtown, 10 am to 4 pm, Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free. For more info, click here.

Earth Day in May?

2008-05-07T11:12:00.000-07:00

WorldFest, billed as "LA's Largest Earth Day Festival!", takes place on Saturday, May 10. Earth Day, you may recall, was April 22. So while it's not actually on or near Earth Day, it still looks like a really great environmental-awareness event.

The festival will include several different venues, including a main stage with bands and celebrity speakers, an Earth Lounge with smaller acts, a Healthy Hut with presentations on diet, health and exercise, and a Kids' Zone. Information on eco-friendly products and green non-profits, as well as live animal adoptions.

Woodley Park, Encino. 10 am - 6:30 pm. $7 admission for adults, $5 seniors, kids under 12 are free. Click here for more info.

Classic Cars in Culver City

2008-05-06T17:26:00.001-07:00

This Saturday, May 10, is the "Cruisin' Back to the 50's" Culver City Car Show.

George Barris, creator of the Batmobile, the Munsters' Koach and the Beverly Hillbillies' jalopy, will present some of his iconic creations for film and TV. Over 400 classic cars and hot rods will be on display, along with food, live music and vendors.

Downtown Culver City, on Culver and Washington between Duquesne and Ince. 9 am to 3 pm. Free.

Pacific Islander Festival

2008-05-02T09:08:00.001-07:00

This weekend is the 19th Annual Pacific Islander Festival in Harbor City. The Pacific Islander Festival celebrates the culture and traditional arts of the Polynesian, Melanesian and Micronesian communities of Los Angeles.

See authentic ongoing stage performances from local Pacific Island dance troupes and musicians and view demonstrations of flower and feather lei making, gourd carving and other traditional arts. Food booths will offer local specialties from the islands of Guam, Hawai'i, Samoa and others. This year's Festival celebrates the indigenous people of Hawai'i.

Saturday and Sunday, May 3-4. 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park, Harbor City. Admission is free. For more info, click here.

Cinco de Mayo

2008-04-30T11:54:00.000-07:00

This weekend is the annual Cinco de Mayo celebration at the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument in downtown Los Angeles. Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) is the Mexican holiday commemorating an important victory against the French in 1862.

Festivities will take place around Olvera Street, the oldest street in Los Angeles, from 10 am to 10 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 2-4. There will be live entertainment, educational activities, storytelling and crafts for children. Free.

Festival of Books

2008-04-24T15:27:00.000-07:00

For you bookish types (and yes, they do exist here in Los Angeles, contrary to popular belief), this weekend is the annual L.A. Times Festival of Books at UCLA. Non-stop panels on all aspects of the literary world, from writing to publishing, will run both days, along with entertainment, children's activities, readings, book signings, famous authors, and of course, lots and lots of books for sale.

The festival takes place on the UCLA campus, Saturday and Sunday, April 26-27. Admission is free and parking is available at UCLA lots for $8. There will be free shuttles from outlying lots.

Outdoor events are free, but tickets are required for the indoor panels and speaker sessions. These can be purchased in advance for 75 cents at various locations and through Ticketmaster. Some tickets will be available on site. Click here for more info on ticketing procedures.

ARTWATER in Atwater

2008-04-23T11:51:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, April 26, is the ARTWATER Festival in Atwater Village. If you haven't been to Atwater Village lately, it's a vibrant, funky neighborhood with many new restaurants, galleries and boutiques. "A Celebration of Music and Arts" will take place along Glendale Blvd. between Brunswick and Glenfeliz from 2 to 10 p.m. There will be three stages for live music and dance performances, local artisan vendors and interactive art activities. Free.

Happy Earth Day!

2008-04-22T10:25:00.000-07:00

The City of Los Angeles is having its official Earth Day celebration in the Mid-Wilshire district. Wilshire Blvd. between Western and Harvard is car-free today, and there will be an all-day street festival with live music, green vendors and demonstrations, and kids' activities. 10 am-5 pm. Free.

Free family arts festival

2008-04-21T15:29:00.000-07:00

The next Getty Family Festival will be Sunday, May 4, at the Getty Villa in Malibu.
Held in conjunction with the exhibition The Color of Life, the all-day festival includes live performance, flamenco dancing, music by Fishtank Ensemble, storytelling and children's art workshops.

It's free but a ticket is required. (Parking is $8 per vehicle.) Tickets available beginning tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. Call (310) 440-7300 or visit the Getty website for more info or to make a reservation.

Mermaids, Poppies and Cheese

2008-04-17T15:38:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a range of options you have before you this weekend. There's something for everyone! Or, if you're like me and can't choose, a little of everything.

For good old-fashioned family fun, head up to the Antelope Valley for the annual Poppy Festival. Held Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm in Lancaster City Park, the festival will have all the traditional attractions: live entertainment, arts & crafts, and food, as well as a "Healthy Living Pavilion" and an International Market. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children and seniors.

For more high-brow family fare, you can check out "Splash! A Celebration of Mermaids and the Sea" at the Fowler Museum at UCLA. Sponsored by Heal the Bay and held in conjunction with the exhibition "Mami Wata: Arts for Water Spirits in Africa and Its Diasporas," this water-themed festival includes a costume contest and procession, live music, children's art workshops, face painting, and a live touch tank. Saturday, April 19, 11:30 am-3:30 pm. Free admission, $8 parking. For more info, click here.

Finally, we have a festival dedicated to every schoolkid's favorite, that comfort-food staple, the humble grilled cheese sandwich. The Grilled Cheese Invitational has apparently been traveling the country, spreading the joy of melted cheese on bread to the masses. On Saturday, it arrives in Griffith Park. It's too late to register to be a competitor, but for free you can show up, sample the "sammiches" (as they're called on the official website) and be a judge.

All I can say is, any contest that advises its entrants to "Have sex with somebody before the competition - Let your hair down and relax, then come and grill cheese. You'd be surprised how much of a difference it really makes in the grill" must be fun. 5:00-9:30 pm, somewhere in Griffith Park.

Los Angeles Art Weekend

2008-04-11T08:44:00.001-07:00

This is what happens when you don't have a computer or Internet access for a week. You find out about Los Angeles Art Weekend after it's already started!

This 4-day celebration of the visual arts, with events held all over the city, started yesterday and runs through Sunday. Today's events include the opening of an exhibition of photographs of Soviet cold-war architecture, at an L.A. outpost (or "pop-up storefront") of New York gallery Storefront for Art and Architecture. The new Broad Contemporary Art Museum at LACMA will offer extended hours and free live jazz from 6 to 8 p.m.

There's a nice overview of the whole weekend on the L.A. Times website.

Los Angeles Art Weekend is presented by ForYourArt. You can download their 16-page .pdf map and guide to arts in L.A. by clicking here.

Far East Film Festival Frenzy!

2008-04-10T13:31:00.000-07:00

OK, I'm on my fourth hard drive in less than a year--my second in two weeks!--and the laptop is still acting strange. Let's see if I can get a post in before it goes back to the shop.

The Japan Film Festival starts tomorrow at the Imaginasian Center downtown, close to Little Tokyo, through April 17. Then it moves to Orange County, at the Starplex Cinemas in Irvine, April 18-20.

Highlights include contemporary offerings from Japan, anime, Kurosawa classics, and "Hula Girls," Japan's official entry for the 2007 Foreign Language Academy Awards and one of my favorite movies of last year. Everything is subtitled. $20 buys you a pass good for three screenings; individual tickets are $10.

Right after the Japan Film Festival ends, the Indian Film Festival begins. Held at the Arclight Hollywood, IFFLA runs April 22-27. The largest Indian film festival in North America, it will include four world premieres, five U.S. premieres, and nine features making their L.A. debut, as well as Bollywood musicals, documentaries and English-language films.

Purchase tickets from the Arclight box office or online.

You have a few days to catch your breath, and then the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival begins. Hosted by the Directors' Guild of America, it runs May 1-8, with additional screenings at the Laemmle on Sunset, the Aratani/Japan America Theater and the Imaginasian Center.

In addition to screenings of films from around the globe, there will be special events and seminars. Unfortunately, the website is difficult to navigate, and some links, as of this posting, are broken. I wasn't able to find any specifics on this event, mentioned in the official press release, but believe me, I'll be there:

TOKE 2: THE HAROLD & KUMAR STORY – join the writers/directors of HAROLD & KUMAR: ESCAPE FROM GUANTANAMO BAY – Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Scholossberg - along with actor John Cho, as they discuss the films and its franchise which has now achieved "classic" status amongst a new generation.

Brewery Art Walk

2008-04-02T16:27:00.000-07:00

Can you believe I just got my computer back today?! And the problem still isn't fixed... But at the moment, it seems to be working, so to celebrate, we have a new post!

This weekend, April 5-6, is the semi-annual Brewery Art Walk in downtown L.A. From 11 am to 6 pm on Saturday and Sunday, the resident artists of the "world's largest art colony" will open their studios to the public. Admission is free and many will have works for sale.

The Brewery is a community comprised of 21 former warehouses, including two former breweries, that now house 300 studios and about 500 people. There is also a restaurant on the premises. I found a good article about the Brewery on the L.A. Times website.

It's been many years since I did the Art Walk myself, but I remember it being a lot of fun, as much for the opportunity to explore the complex as for the chance to see local artists' work. Here's a nice review with lots of photos from the Spring '06 Art Walk.

The Last Emperor of India

2008-03-28T16:53:00.000-07:00

Still experiencing technical difficulties. Laptop was in the shop all week but didn't get fixed, so it's going back. Sorry for the delay between posts! Here's something interesting AND educational:

On Saturday, March 29 (tomorrow), the Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena will present a lecture by British historian William Dalrymple as part of its "Authors on Asia" series.

The Last Mughal: The Fall of a Dynasty: Delhi 1857

Bahadur Shah Zafar II, the last Mughal Emperor, was a mystic, accomplished poet and skilled calligrapher who succeeded in creating a court of great brilliance, and presided over one of the great cultural renaissances of South Asian history. But while his Mughal ancestors controlled most of India, the aged Zafar was king in name only. Award-winning historian William Dalrymple shapes his powerful retelling of end of the Mughal Empire from previously unexamined manuscripts and eyewitness accounts.

Books will be available for purchase and signing. Program starts at 6:00 pm. Free for museum members, $5 non-members. Limited parking in museum lot. Reservations strongly advised. Call 626.449.2742, ext. 20.

Giant outdoor pillow fight

2008-03-19T17:33:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the delay between posts. We've been experiencing technical difficulties here at Affordable Los Angeles. (My hard drive crashed last week and my computer has been in the shop until today.)

My friend Alissa told me about this event taking place on Saturday in Pershing Square: International Pillow Fight Day. Yes, that's right: a giant pillow fight, held simultaneously in cities across the globe. As far as I can make out, you just show up at the appointed time and place, pillow in hand, and join the mayhem. It's free (minus any costs to your dignity) and starts at 3:00 pm.

For more information about the Los Angeles pillow fight, click here.

Pasadena Art Weekend

2008-03-13T10:12:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow night, ArtNight Pasadena kicks off Pasadena Art Weekend, a three-day free festival of the visual and performing arts.

From 6 to 10 pm on Friday, March 14, Pasadena's museums and cultural institutions will open their doors, offering free admission and special presentations of music, dance and other arts. Free shuttles and organized bike tours will be available as well.

On Saturday, March 15, ArtTalk will feature a full day of performances ranging from spoken word and theater to music and storytelling at the Pasadena Playhouse District, 11 am to 5 pm. Once again, admission is free.

The weekend will end on Sunday, March 16 with ArtMarket, an all-day outdoor art exhibition of works for sale by students, faculty and alumni of Art Center College of Design and Pasadena City College. The market will be held at One Colorado from 10 am to 5 pm.

Free screening: King Corn

2008-03-12T13:02:00.000-07:00

Maybe you've been hearing more in the media about the Farm Bill and wondering what the fuss is all about. Maybe you've heard that you should avoid high-fructose corn syrup but you're not sure why. For the answers to these and other mysteries, you might want to see this feature-length documentary.

King Corn chronicles the adventures of two recent college grads who decide to move to Iowa, grow an acre of corn, and follow its journey from harvest to processing. Along the way, they learn about U.S. agricultural policy, the many uses of corn, and how cheap corn affects our nation's diet and health.

As part of its "Hungry for Change" series, the California Endowment will hold a free screening of King Corn on Thursday, March 20 at 6 pm. After the screening, Alex Cohen of NPR's Day to Day will moderate a discussion with director Aaron Wolff, who will take questions from the audience. Visit the California Endowment web site for more info and to RSVP.

Rose Bowl Flea Market this Sunday

2008-03-07T16:46:00.001-08:00

The Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena, touted as the largest of its kind on the West Coast, takes place on the second Sunday of every month. Attendees range from veteran antique-dealers to Hollywood hipsters, experienced collectors to casual browsers, and the wares also cover the spectrum. Regular adult admission is $8.00, although early admittance (before 9:00 am) is available for an additional fee. Visit the official web site for more information.

Also on Sunday, and just down the road in Altadena, The Coffee Gallery Backstage will be having a free bluegrass jam from 12:30 to 3:30 pm. No reservations are necessary; just show up with or without an instrument. The jams will continue on the second Sunday of every month--just like the Rose Bowl Flea Market! The Coffee Gallery is at 2029 N. Lake, Altadena, CA 91001. For more information, contact David Naiditch at (626) 797-1827, or french10 at pacbell.net.

First Fridays at the Natural History Museum

2008-03-04T15:34:00.000-08:00

This Friday, March 7, expand your mind at The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. First Fridays are monthly events incorporating after-hours tours, discussions and live music, all for less than $10.

The current series is called "Discovery in the Age of Mammals: Building Brains and Making Minds." Following a behind-the-scenes tour at 5:30, distinguished guest lecturer Daniel Dennett of Tufts University will speak on the topic “From Animal to Person: How Cultural Evolution Furnishes Our Minds With Thinking Tools” at 6:30.

From 7:00 to 10:00 pm, live bands will play and DJs will spin in the African Mammal Hall. Personally, I can't think of a cooler setting for a dance party.

Admission is $9 for adults, $6.50 for seniors and students with ID, $2 for kids and free for museum members. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the First Fridays web site.

The Art of Sound: Oscar winners

2008-02-28T11:40:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but I wasn't able to get tickets to the Oscars this year. Did you know that, in addition to putting on the Academy Awards, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences offers many other events throughout the year which are open to the public?

I got my Academy Foundation newsletter yesterday, both e-mail and print versions, and as usual, there are lots of great movie-oriented events happening next month.

For instance, on Saturday, March 8 at 7:30 pm, the Academy presents "The Art of Sound: An evening celebrating nominees and winners from the 80th Academy Awards." According to the newsletter, "The Art of Sound" will feature clips from each of the motion pictures nominated for a 2007 Academy Award in the Sound Mixing and Sound Editing categories. Academy Sound Branch governor and 20-time nominee Kevin O’Connell will moderate a panel discussion with the winners in each category.

This is a great opportunity to find out, once and for all, what the difference is between Sound Mixing and Sound Editing, and why they need two separate Oscars. To me, this is a continuing source of bafflement, year after year. But then I'm no sound engineer!

Tickets are only $3 but you should purchase in advance, as I'm sure this will sell out. For more information, call (310) 247-3600 or visit the Academy's website. You can also subscribe to the Academy's newsletter online.

Unusual puppet and mask show

2008-02-25T10:49:00.000-08:00

I've been to the Ford Amphitheatre a few times, and it's a wonderful outdoor venue, but I didn't know there was another performance space there called [Inside] the Ford, which is--you guessed it--indoors. At just 87 seats, it's smaller and more intimate than the outdoor theater.

This weekend, Ziggurat Theatre Ensemble presents three free performances of Fafalo, a fairy tale for adults incorporating custom-made Balinese masks and huge, spectacular puppets. The show is appropriate for children over 8, and times are Friday, Feb. 29 at 8:00 pm, and Saturday, March 1 and Sunday, March 2 at 3:00 pm. For more info, visit the Ford's web site.

Fafalo opens March 14 at the Miles Memorial Playhouse in Santa Monica, with tickets costing $20, but you can see it this weekend for free at the Ford. For more information about the production, click here.

Hot Cajun music in a cool setting

2008-02-20T16:38:00.000-08:00

They say that the best things in life are free... Well, I can think of a few things in life that aren't free that are pretty darn great. Like food. But I digress. It's true that some of the best things in L.A. are free, like Friday Nights at the Getty.

This monthly concert series features diverse bands and musicians from around Los Angeles and the world. This Friday, for example, "3 Leg Torso's eclectic synthesis of modern chamber music, tango, and Middle Eastern and Eastern European folk traditions is coupled with a cinematic sense of musical storytelling." That's pretty darn eclectic.

Unfortunately, 3 Leg Torso is already sold out. (The series is free but reservations are required.)

However, the reservation line opens tomorrow for the next concert on March 14: The Savoy Family Band, a Cajun group from Louisiana. "The band brings the raw energy of the dancehalls of southwest Louisiana to the stage, peppered with humorous and informative anecdotes about life on the Louisiana prairies."

Call (310) 440-7300 or go to the Getty's web site to make reservations. Parking at the Getty Center is $8 per vehicle.

A day for (art) lovers

2008-02-13T10:28:00.000-08:00

Well, tomorrow's Valentine's Day, and depending on how you feel about that fact, you're either trying to figure out what to do with your sweetheart to commemorate the occasion, or hoping that something will come along to distract you from its existence.

Luckily, I have just the thing--in either case! For the couple looking for an alternative to inflated Valentine's Day menu prices at upscale restaurants, and for the single (or couple) looking to escape the hearts, flowers and cupids, an evening of art appreciation could be the perfect answer.

As it turns out, Thursday happens to be free admission day at many local museums. Downtown, the Museum of Contemporary Art and its satellite location, The Geffen Contemporary, are free every Thursday from 5 to 8 pm, as is the Japanese American National Museum.

On the west side, both the Skirball Cultural Center and the Hammer Museum at UCLA are free and open until 9 pm every Thursday. The Fowler Museum, also at UCLA, and the Getty Museum's two locations (in Brentwood and Malibu) are always free.

Best of all, the Downtown Art Walk is the second Thursday of the month, which happens to be February 14th. Print out the map of participating museums and galleries, hop on the free DASH shuttle, and take this free self-guided tour of the downtown art scene between 12 and 9 pm. "DASH shuttles will be hosted by local historians Matt Goulet, Richard Schave and Mike the Poet, providing fascinating information on the history of downtown Los Angeles."

Best of all, the only cupids you're likely to see will not be the Hallmark variety.

Fun with Oscar!

2008-02-11T17:30:00.000-08:00

The Academy Awards ceremony is only 2 weeks away, and with the writers' strike almost over, it looks like we'll have a traditional, celebrity-stuffed production with all the glitz. Don't have an invitation? Not to worry! There are great Oscar-season events around town that are open to the public.

My favorite of these (not least because it's free) is the annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition at FIDM (the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising) in downtown L.A. Every year they showcase the best of the previous year's movie costumes, including all 5 Best Costume Oscar nominees. Open Monday through Saturday, 10 to 5, until April 12.

Also free, and new this year, is Meet the Oscars, an exhibition of all 50 golden statuettes that will be handed out on Feb. 24th, at Hollywood & Highland. Visitors will be able to hold an actual Oscar in their sweaty little hands! Open 7 days a week through February 23. For more Oscar-related events, check the Academy's web site.

Finally, if you haven't had a chance to see all the Best Picture nominees yet, AMC Theaters will hold a one-day marathon screening of all five films on Saturday, February 23. This special offer is available at several Los Angeles-area theaters for only $30 (that's $6 a movie, and includes a free popcorn!)

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

2008-02-08T10:41:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my new blog. It's built upon an idea I've had for a while: a place to share information about free and cheap things to do in and around Los Angeles.

There's already plenty of information out there about the big-ticket shows, the headliner concerts, the swank new restaurants and the latest hot clubs... But I can't afford those things, except as an occasional splurge, and neither can a lot of people I know.

This is a blog for the rest of us: the non-Beautiful People, the below-the-line crew, the ordinary folks living in Tinseltown alongside the big spenders, but not among them.

Luckily, there are a lot of things to do in L.A. that don't cost a lot of money. The problem is finding them and even knowing where to look. My mission will be to sift through all the community calendars, museum newsletters, organization web sites, etc. and post the most interesting events for you to check out. I'll also be on the lookout for cheap but good eats around town.

And what better occasion to kick off this endeavor than Chinese New Year? Yesterday was the first day of the Year of the Rat, but the celebration in Chinatown begins tomorrow. The Lunar New Year Festival will take place at Broadway & Cesar Chavez from 10:00 am until 8:00 pm, with the 109th Annual Golden Dragon Parade scheduled from 2:00 to 5:00 pm. The festivities continue on Sunday from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm.

The Vietnamese also follow the lunar calendar, and will celebrate Tét (New Year) with a three-day festival this weekend in Little Saigon. The Southern California festival is the largest Tét Festival and the largest Vietnamese cultural event outside Vietnam. The event starts today at 2:00 pm and continues through Sunday in Garden Grove Park. Tickets are $5 for adults and $4 for children.