Looking for something to do this weekend? The Santa Monica Mirror has you covered with local events, live music, theater, and art gallery listings.
Last Chance
Psycho Beach Party. Written by Charles Busch, directed by William Wilday, produced by Saul Saladow. Concludes this Sunday, May 20 at Morgan-Wixson Theatre. Gidget Goes Berserk! Charles Busch’s cult-classic takes an already silly genre – early 1960s surf and beach blanket movies – and sends it to camp heaven by giving it a shotgun marriage with the Hitchcock psychological suspense thriller to create a fun, farcical send-up of many Hollywood genre flicks. Young teen Chicklet wants to be a surfer, but in late 50’s Malibu that’s a male-only recreation. Her ingenuous battle to gain acceptance with the surfer dudes is complicated by her tendency toward multiple personalities, and even more complications arise when a movie starlet flees the set of her latest movie to hide among the surfers. Catch the wave of laughter. 2627 Pico Boulevard. 310.828.7518, morgan-wixson.org/?page_id=49.
Ruskin Group Theatre, concludes Clara Mamet’s “Paris” and “The Solvit Kids” by Clara Mamet and Jack Quaid this Saturday, May 19. The two plays, penned by two talented young playwrights, will be presented as a double bill. Performances Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. 3000 Airport Road. Tickets $10. 310.397.3244, ruskingrouptheatre.com.
This Week
Friday, May 18
Filmanthropy Festival, has moved from its former venue in Hollywood to Santa Monica this year, taking place in Building I at the Bergamont Station, 2525 Michigan Ave. today and Saturday, May 18. Best Feature, Short Film, and Audience Favorite will receive Torch Awards at the Gala Benefit closing night, which will feature a silent auction for charity and band performances by The Californian and Bandito Royale. Festivalgoers can pay at the door, or pay online via the festival website (where schedule and more information is available) at www.filmanthropyfestival.org.
My Favorite Bead Show. Admission $6. Children 9 – 16 are free when accompanied by an adult. Children 8 years and under are not permitted. Friday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main St. 301.294.1640, intergem.com.
Olakino at The Broad Stage. Santa Monica College’s Global Motion World Dance Company is proud to present “Olakino,” a program of choreography from throughout the world. Performances are 7:30 p.m. today and 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 19 at The Broad Stage at the SMC Performing Arts Center on Santa Monica Boulevard and 11th Street. $18 general admission and at the door and $15 for SMC students with ID and senior citizens. Parking is free. 310.434.3005, smc.edu/eventsinfo.
Symmetry Exhibition. The Santa Monica College Design Technology will host a free exhibition called “Symmetry” showcasing the work of students in the widely popular animation, digital media, game design, graphic design, interior architectural design, and web design programs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the SMC Academy of Entertainment and Technology. 1660 Stewart St. Parking at the AET Campus is free. The SMC Foundation will generously provide refreshments. 310.434.3720.
Saturday, May 19
Montana Avenue Sidewalk Sale. The annual sidewalk sale from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. will feature sales and deals along the 10 upscale blocks from 6th to 17th streets featuring 150 great stores. montanaave.com.
Los Angeles Arthritis Walk, held at Santa Monica Pier, will feature live entertainment, Kids Zone, activities, refreshments, and food. At the event, choose either a three-mile or one-mile walk route. Enjoy the fun, festivities, food, and free health information, live entertainment at the Festival Zone and along the route. Children are welcome; City of Santa Monica does not permit animals at this event. 7:30 a.m. registration opens; walk begins at 9 a.m. for both distances. Santa Monica Pier, Lot 1 North, next to the Pier. 323.954.5760. Free; donations appreciated. kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1001905.
Yoga For Hope, is an event for yoga beginners and experts alike to bring awareness to the benefits of yoga practice for patients with life-threatening illnesses. Yoga for Hope is a nationwide initiative born out of City of Hope’s awareness of the vital role complementary and integrative therapies play in healing the whole person. City of Hope seeks to understand the importance of the mind-body-spirit connection to the prevention, treatment and recovery of those battling cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases. Registration 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., Yoga from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Vendors from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Adults $40, Students $30, Yoga Instructors $30. Santa Monica Place, 395 Santa Monica Place. 213.241.7308, cityofhope.com/ yogaforhope/la.
Circuit Works BeneFIT, is an hour and a half-long variety show and party starting at 8 p.m. benefitting Autism Society National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) and the Boys & Girls Club of Venice. Tickets prices are as follows: Yellow wristband – $15/ticket; Green wristband – $30/ticket; Red wristband – $60/ticket; Blue wristband – $90/ticket. Exclusive wristbands will be distributed the night of the event depending on contribution level. Best of all, you can choose which of the three charities your ticket goes to. Can’t decide? No problem, select the appropriate option to evenly distribute your contribution. Featuring music by Arian Saleh. Santa Monica Women’s Center, 1210 4th St. 310.664.1017, circuitworks.ticketbud.com/benefit.
Edgemar Center for the Arts Fourth Annual Celebrity Poker Tournament. Star-studded night with poker, food, drinks, and celebrities. Registration 6 p.m. for a 7 p.m. start. $75 buy-in and $10 registration fee includes all you can eat and drink. Spectator tickets are $40 (include all you can eat and drink). All proceeds are 100 percent tax-deductible and support Edgemar Center for the Arts. 310.392.7327, edgemar.org.
Sunday, May 20
Santa Monica College Concert Chorale. Experience “Whitacre: Five Hebrew Love Songs” as well as “Vaughan Williams: See The Chariot At Hand.” Directed by Jeffe Huls at 4 p.m. Tickets $11 at the door. The Broad Stage. 1310 11th St. smc.edu/ACG/Marketing/Events/Pages/Music-Concerts.aspx.
Music, Meditation, and Movement Event. It’s time to activate your creativity through music, meditation, and movement! Join music artists, yoga teachers, meditation instructors for an exploratory day that engages your mind, body, and spirit designed to vitalize your deepest creative self. Cost: $65. YWCA, 2019 14th St., Santa Monica. Register at smywca.org, 310.452.3881.
Santa Monica Classic 5K/10K, to benefit Heal the Bay. Run a spectacular point-to-point course through the heart of Santa Monica. The event finishes with a post-race party on the Santa Monica Pier. 5k at 7:30 a.m.; 10k at 8 a.m. Barnard Way south of Ocean Park Blvd. 2600 Barnard Way. 213.542.3013, santamonicaclassic.com.
A Man’s Home: An Ode to Kafka’s “Castle.” Santa Monica Public Library presents Theatre Dybbuk’s reading of the darkly comic play A Man’s Home: An Ode to Kafka’s “Castle” at 2 p.m. in the Main Library’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. Written and directed by Aaron Henne, A Man’s Home examines the nature of power and authority and is inspired by Franz Kafka’s novel The Castle, which ends mid-sentence. Free tickets will be available one hour prior to program. 310.458.8600, smpl.org.
Jacaranda, the classical music series known for new and rarely heard music, culminates its 2011-12 season at 6 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica. The evening will feature two large works by California mavericks: Terry Riley – Mark Alan Hilt, director “Olson III” (1967) and Lou Harrison/Richard Dee – Alyssa Park, violin; Mark Alan Hilt, conductor “Suite for Violin, Strings, Piano, Celesta and Two Harps” (1974/1993). $40 general, $20 students at the door. 1220 2nd St. jacarandamusic.org.
Monday, May 21
The Brad Mehldau Trio at The Broad Stage. Making his highly anticipated Broad Stage debut, Brad Mehldau is universally admired as one of the most adventurous pianists to arrive on the jazz scene in years. Internationally celebrated for explorations of formal musical architecture that inspire expressive improvisations, Mehldau also brilliantly reworks popular songs by The Beatles, Cole Porter, Nick Drake, and Radiohead into the jazz idiom. Performance starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $59-$98. 1310 11th St. 310.434.3200, thebroadstage.com/The-Brad-Mehldau-Trio.
Tuesday, May 22
Planned Parenthood Los Angeles Fundraiser. The community is invited to an 80’s themed night in support of Planned Parenthood’s Los Angeles health services, education, and advocacy efforts while participating in the wildest game of Bingo you’ve ever played from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event will include a taco bar, raffle, auctions, prizes, and of course Bingo Boy! Tickets are $45 in advance, $55 at the door, 21 and over. Reserve a table to ensure the most righteous seats in the house. 1210 4th St., Santa Monica. 213.284.3300, tinyurl.com/BingoForChoice2012.
Samohi Orchestra’s Pops Concert. The theme this year is “Heroes and Villains,” so get your light sabers ready. 7 p.m. Directed by Joni Swenson and conducted by Jason Aiello. Adults $10; Student/seniors $5. Barnum Hall, Santa Monica High School. 601 Pico Blvd. For more information, email steve.nemzer@yahoo.com or call 310.739.3907.
Wednesday, May 23
Free Ukulele Workshop at Santa Monica Family YMCA. Why Ukulele? It’s fun to play and easy to carry and store, allows you to play and sing at the same time, inexpensive way to get into making music, play any kind of music you like… oldies, folk, rock, jazz, reggae, Hawaiian, classical. Presented by Lori Apthorp from 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. in the DeWind Room. 1332 Sixth St. 310.393.2721 ext. 129 or e-mail lidiam@ymcasm.org.
Thursday, May 24
Is This Thing On? Find yourself confused by the differences between PCs and Macs? Disoriented by all the technology options out there, from iPhones to iPads, e-readers, smart phones and everything else? Join Abby Stokes for “Is This Thing On?,” an introductory primer to all things digital, at the Santa Monica Public Library, Multipurpose Room, 601 Santa Monica Boulevard, at 6 p.m. This event is presented free to the public and is open to all ages. 310.458.8600, smpl.org.
Ray Kappe: Apotheosis. Architectural historian Dana Hutt presents a lecture on the work of Ray Kappe, one of Southern California’s most treasured architects, at 7 p.m. in the Main Library’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. Admission is free and all ages are welcome. 310.458.8600, smpl.org.
“LA Mode” Fashion Show. The renowned Santa Monica College Fashion Program presents its annual fashion show in which students will showcase their cutting-edge designs. “LA Mode” will be held at 7 p.m. at the California Market Center Fashion Theater, 110 E. 9th St in downtown Los Angeles. Tickets are $25 and can be obtained by calling 310.434.3005.
Gardening Workshop. Warm weather is on the way and it is time to start planning planting gardens. Whether you live in an apartment with a patio or a regular home this free workshop series will guide you in the direction of a successful gardening result. Advice will be given to learn how, what, when, where to plant. The course from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. will help those who want to plant for decoration or use, such as vegetables and fruit trees. Future dates include May 31 and June 7. Offered by Daryl Hosta, Landscape Designer. DeWind Room. Santa Monica Family YMCA. 1332 Sixth St. 310.393.2721 ext. 129 or e-mail lidiam@ymcasm.org.
Music
Friday, May 18
Chromosphere, The Roosters, Chu Chu @ Rusty’s Surf Ranch
The Goods with DJ Anthony Valadez @ Zanzibar
DJ Dave Paine @ Bar Pico
Chris Pierce, Orlando Napier @ Harvelle’s
Big Joe Hurt, Fearmia, DJ Rick One, Gaby Borromeo, Roxie Sakura & Ki, Lenny Ukulenny, Clint Gamboa, and Zupanova @ Trip
DJ Brett Miller and Adam Nello @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club
Saturday, May 19
Chicks with Picks, World Music Night @ Bar Pico
LLS Benefit ft. Mk & The Gentlemen, Epic Jam & More @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club
Solspeak, The Beatsoles, Nightmare @ Rusty’s Surf Ranch
Blowin’ Smoke and the Fabulous Smokettes (with opening act: Jamie James) @ Harvelle’s
Quality with DJs Haul & Mason @ Zanzibar
The Connections, Sandbox, Wild Ginger Kitchen @ Trip
Sunday, May 20
The Holmes Brothers @ McCabe’s
The Toledo Show @ Harvelle’s
Pico Joke Show @ Bar Pico
Stage Kids with Miscellaneous Ailment and Rubberneck Lionss @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club
Fourth & Jessie, Counterpoint Culture, Session, Ruiz and PigStone, and Water District @ Trip
Monday, May 21
Nolan Stands Alone, Prettydead Ferrari, Multi Stage Space Challenge, Noel Peterson, and Kristin Center @ Trip
School of Rock @ Rusty’s Surf Ranch
Tumbao Salsa Dura @ Zanzibar
Ultra Love @ Harvelle’s
Philanthro LA presents: Band-Aid Mondays: Benefitting MSS ft. Kissing Tigers, Nuthin’ Under A Million with DJ sets by Midnight Surfer @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club
Tuesday, May 22
The Ben Brooks Comedy Show, followed by Starsix and special guests @ Trip
Crossroads Soul Roads @ Rusty’s Surf Ranch
The Vignatis, Open Mic @ Bar Pico
SUPERGOODMUSIC Presents: Austin Brown Residency @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club
La Vie and Friends @ Harvelle’s
Wednesday, May 23
Galactronic Album Release Party with Love in the Circus & Malarkey @ Zanzibar
STP @ Bar Pico
Drinking Liberally, Trip Tease Burlesque @ Trip
House of Vibe All-Stars @ Harvelle’s
We Like Fun ft. electro, house, and nu disco @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club
Thursday, May 24
Danny Sandock @ Sonny McClean’s Irish Pub
Afro Funke Thursday: Will Magid Trio (SF) @ Zanzibar
The Other Mother Brother Band @ Bar Pico Jo Elless, Mars Gana, Rebels of Analog and more @ Trip
Versus ft No Body & Sam Hiller presented by Gotta Dance Dirty & DANCEiSM @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club
Harlow Gold @ Harvelle’s
Art Exhibits
Emotional Transcendence, TAG Gallery presents its newest exhibition from May 22-June 16. The opening reception is Saturday, May 26 from 5-8 p.m. It features artists Shelley Adler, Shelley Lazarus, and Joan Vaupen who are all local to Los Angeles. An artist panel will be held June 9 at 3 p.m. 2525 Michigan Ave. D3 (Bergamot Station). 310.829.9556, taggallery.net.
SERE: Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape. Patrick Painter presents this exhibition of paintings and an installation by New York-based artist Charlotta Westergren through May 25. The show takes on themes of control, time, death, and rebirth in serious ways, but also with irony and humor. 2525 Michigan Ave. B2 (Bergamot Station) 310.264.5988, patrickpainter.com.
Child’s Play Photography Exhibit at Santa Monica Pier. The historic walls of the Merry-Go-Round Building at the Santa Monica Pier will be home to a new photography exhibit called ‘Child’s Play’ through May 28 and explore the fun, awkward, whimsical, magical memories, and moments of childhood featuring the collaboration of three local photo-artists: Ellen Freyer, Judy Raffel, and Eileen Rapke. The exhibit is open to the public and children are welcome. The exhibit is open during regular Merry-Go-Round business hours: Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. It’s closed on Tuesdays. Santa Monica Pier. 310.458.8901, santamonicapier.org.
SMC Emeritus College Student Photo Show I & II, is showcasing the exceptional talent of students, that will be held in two parts: March 22-April 26 and May 3-31. Emeritus College Art Gallery, located on the first floor at 1227 Second St. in downtown Santa Monica. Parking is available next door in Santa Monica Public Parking Structure No. 2. Gallery. Gallery hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. 310.434.4306, smc.edu/emeritus.
Theater
How I Became A Pirate. AARRRRGH! But these aren’t your average pirates at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre! There’s the meanest pirate on the seven seas – actually a sensitive guy who likes ballet and is a member of Mensa – and the pirate who thinks the stuffed plush parrot on his shoulder is actually real. And the pirate who serves French cuisine. And the pirate who has a cleanliness obsession. And the pirate who barks like a dog. And yes, even the pirate who is an intellectual and is constantly referring to his iPad. Performs 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays through May 27. Adults $10 ($7 for children 12 and under). All seats reserved. 2627 Pico Blvd. 310.828.7519, morgan-wixson.org.
A Very Adult Fairytale. Santa Monica Playhouse presents the world premiere of “Arnold Schulman’s Sleeping Ugly,” a two-time Oscar nominated show about business legend Arnold Schulman’s delightfully humorous, intensely romantic adult fairytale about love and lust, longing and belonging, sex and sensibility, parents and pediatrics, and the passion and pain of living with a werewolf. The show runs through June 17, 2012. Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25; $22.50 for students, teachers, seniors and members of the military; $17.50 groups of 8 or more. Advance reservations are required. 310.394.9779 ext. 1, SantaMonicaPlayhouse.com.
Free easy 60 minute workout. Take part in a free ‘Community Get in Shape’ program in the park starting Sunday March 4 offered for the next 90 days. Enjoy a great out door workout for men and woman. A professional instructor trained to help you achieve results no matter where you’re with your current fitness level. They are dedicated to helping you have a healthier life style through better nutrition and exercise. Call Patricia now to reserve a space and find out which park at 310.453.2630 or email smfreeworkout@gmail.com.
Ongoing Events
Santa Monica Farmers Markets. The Downtown Farmers Market is held Wednesdays on Arizona Ave (between 4th and Ocean) from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Saturdays on Arizona Ave. (between 4th and 2nd streets) from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Pico Farmers Market is held Saturdays at Virginia Park at Pico and Cloverfield from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Main Street Farmers Market is held Sundays at 2640 Main Street (in Heritage Square) from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. All of these markets are widely considered to be among the best on the west coast and feature field-fresh produce, hundreds of kinds of vegetables, brilliant cut flowers, breads, cheeses, delicious foods, live music, and more. 310.458.8712, smgov.net/portals/farmersmarket.
Sixth Annual Green Prize for Sustainable Literature. The Santa Monica Public Library announces a call for entries for the sixth annual Green Prize for Sustainable Literature. It was created to encourage and commend authors, illustrators, and publishers who produce quality books that make significant contributions to, and broaden public awareness of, sustainability. Authors, illustrators and publishers are encouraged to submit titles for consideration. Books may be submitted by following the guidelines on the Santa Monica Public Library website at smpl.org/Green_Prize.aspx. The submission deadline is April 30, 2012. The winners will be announced later this year, preceding an awards program in September. 310.458.8600. smpl.org/Green_ Prize.aspx.
Do You Have the Heart for Hospice? Roze Room Hospice seeks volunteers to provide support and companionship to terminally ill patients and their families. Training is free. We have patients at home and in nursing facilities throughout the Westside and Los Angeles. For more information, contact Kathleen McMahon, Volunteer Coordinator, at 323.938.1155 or volcoord@rozeroomhospice.org.
Donate blood on Monday and Wednesdays at the American Red Cross of Santa Monica, 1450 11th St. Hours for donations vary, so call to schedule an appointment. 1.800.GIVE.LIFE or 1.888.POR.FAVOR.
Free help with anxiety, depression, stress, and anger. Recovery International provides tools and practice in changing thinking habits so individuals can gain personal control over distressing emotions and improve life-coping skills. This worldwide non-profit organization, founded in 1937, holds weekly meetings every Saturday, 12 p.m., at Trinity Church, California and Eleventh Street, Santa Monica. Donations are requested but not required. For more information, call Randy at 310.828.9328 or go to lowselfhelpsystems.org.
Homeless discussion and advocacy group, Side By Side, for homeless and non-homeless citizens every first, third, and fifth Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Ken Edwards Community Center, located at 1527 4th St., Any resident interested in listening to and talking with local homeless can come to this regular meeting. Side By Side has met continuously at Ken Edwards since 1996.
Joel S. Goldsmith Tape Group meets Mondays to listen to the taped class work of Joel S. Goldsmith on his spiritual teaching known as The Infinite Way. 7:15 p.m. (silent meditation), 7:30 p.m. (tape played), 8:30 p.m. (silent
meditation). New Age Bible and Philosophy Center, 1139 Lincoln Blvd. (rear entry only off alley) in rear classroom. $5 minimum donation appreciated. 310.963.9377 or email in.stillness@yahoo.com.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation Therapy Classes for pain management without the use of drugs and their harmful side effects! Easy to learn, practical to use anywhere or anytime healing body and mind. Excellent for athletes. Taught by Dr. Bonnie Hemauer, Ph.D. (Dr. B.) who has 25 years experience specializing in self help, therapies, and prevention of stress causing diseases. On going each Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Cost $25. 601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica. Must RSVP: 310.433.2382 .
Meals on Wheels West needs volunteers to deliver meals to homebound people in Santa Monica. Deliveries are from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. To volunteer call 310.394.7558.
Free Qigong class for cancer survivors in Clover Park, located at 2600 Ocean Park Blvd, on Mondays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. These classes are offered through the Cancer Support Community-Benjamin Center, and are taught by Michael Sieverts, an 11-year brain cancer survivor. For more information, call CSC at 310.314.2555 or go to www.cancersupportcommunitybenjamincenter.org.
Zen meditation group led by Sensei Daishin Buksbazen, teacher at Zen Center of Los Angeles meets weekly on Wednesday evening at the Hill Street Center, 237 Hill St., Santa Monica. Meditation instruction for newcomers held from 7 to 7:30 p.m., Zazen from 7:30 to 9 p.m., Dharma talk the first Wednesday of each month. Contact Sensei Daishin at 310.315.3506.
Get into shape or learn a new skill with YWCA Santa Monica’s spring/summer class sessions. Sign up now for classes including: Barre, Belly Dancing, Commercial Acting for Adults, Core with Heart, Dancing like the Stars Ballroom Dance, Gentle Exercise, Life Drawing, Step Aerobics and Step Interval, Strength Training, Strong and Stretched, Timeless Body, Women’s Basic Ballet, Yoga, Yoga for Cancer Survivors, Yoga with Bhavani, and Zumba Gold. For children and youth: Afternoon Kids Club (ages 4 to 6), Ballet (ages 6 1/2 to 9), Broadway Stars Gymnastics (ages 6 to 10), Creative Dance and Pre-Ballet (ages 3 to 6), Karate for Kids (ages 5 to 10), Little Tumbling Stars (ages 3 to 5), Parent & Me Yoga, Tiger Kick Fit (ages 3 to 5), Twinkle Toes Ballet and Tap (ages 2 to 3), Toddler Tumbling Fun (ages 2 to 3 1/2), Yoga Play (ages 3 to 5). For just $25/year (youth ages 17 and under), $30/year (seniors 55+) and $45/year (adults), you can become a member of the YWCA Santa Monica / Westside and receive discounts at YWCA events, a free subscription to YWCA Newsletters, and easy access to life-changing programs that advance the goals and pursuits of women and girls at every life stage. To sign up for one or more of any of the above classes, visit smywca.org or call 310.452.3881.
