Santa Monica Cultural Affairs will present the 7th annual Fireside at the Miles performance series at the historic Miles Memorial Playhouse from Jan. 8 – Feb. 26.
This uniquely Santa Monica experience harkens back almost a century when the large period fireplace in the main auditorium was used as a centerpiece for performance and civic gatherings throughout the 1930s and 40s. It is in this spirit of community that the current series was started in 2010.
What makes it so unique? Just seven blocks from the ocean, the one of a kind Spanish-Revival style Playhouse, completed in 1929 is transformed into what feels like a large living room with risers and seating oriented around the fireplace.
A few couches, candles, intimate lighting and a coffee and tea bar add to the seasonal ambiance you simply cannot find anywhere else.
Events run the gamut from classical music, to jazz, to stand-up comedy to dance to storytelling all presented and performed by outstanding local and regional talent.
January performances feature Frances Livings, Greg Poree and the Ipanema Lounge, an audience favorite “a cappella” night, the Los Angeles Flute Orchestra, SHINE storytelling and an evening of original dance by Angela Todaro.
February brings Jazz guitarist Scott Detweiler and his Mardi Gras themed concert, an evening of stand-up comedy hosted by Joe Hernandez-Kolski, Orchestra Santa Monica’s Woodwind Quintet, an evening with Paul Linke, and the return of local dancer/choreographer Suchi Branfman presenting two nights of dance and movement with local artists.
Events are scheduled Friday and Saturday nights at 8 pm between Jan. 8 and Feb. 26, 2016.
Tickets are $10 for general admission, $5 for youth age 18 and under, adults age 55 and over and students of any age. Doors open at 7:30, shows run from 8 to 10 pm. For a complete line-up visit www.MilesPlayhouse.org and click on Fireside at the Miles.
For more information or to make a reservation please e-mail the following: name, date of performance, number of seats and phone number to MilesPlayhouse@SMGov.Net. Seating is limited, reservations highly recommended. Free underground parking is available at 808 Wilshire Blvd.. For more details, call 310.458.8634.
Schedule:
Friday, Jan. 8: Frances Livings – Ipanema Lounge (Jazz/World Music)
Saturday, Jan. 9: A Cappella Night (Vocal Music)
Friday, Jan. 15: Los Angeles Flute Orchestra (Classical Music)
Saturday, Jan. 16: Angeles Todaro Dance (Contemporary Dance)
Friday, Jan. 22: The Best of the Santa Monica Teen Film Festival (Short Films)
Saturday, Jan. 23: SHINE (Storytelling)
Friday, Jan. 29: The Colonials – An evening of Shakespeare (Theater)
Saturday, Jan. 30: Greg Poree Band (Jazz)
Friday, Feb. 5: Scott Detweiler – Mardi Gras Night (New Orleans Jazz)
Saturday, Feb. 6: Stand-Up Comedy Night ( Comedy)
Friday, Feb. 12: Orchestra Santa Monica Woodwind Quintet (Classical Music)
Saturday, Feb. 13: An Evening with Paul Linke (One-Man Show)
Friday, Feb. 19: Suchi Branfman & Friends (Dance & Movement)
Saturday, Feb. 20: Suchi Branfman & Friends (Dance & Movement)
Friday, Feb. 26: So Fresh & So Clean (Variety/Comedy)