LAST CHANCE
The Lonesome West. An idealistic and flawed young man stumbles into the lurid world of two brothers, who are locked in an endless cycle of petty grudges. He puts his life on the line in an effort to get them to reconcile. Is there hope for the brothers…in this comedy of unexpected proportions? Tickets $25. Concludes today, Feb. 10. Ruskin Group Theatre. 3000 Airport Ave. 310.397.3244, ruskingrouptheatre.com
Our Town, Oscar-winner Helen Hunt stars in this groundbreaking new version of Wilder’s iconic American that concludes this Sunday, Feb. 12. Our Town tells the story of young lovers George and Emily, whose life in a small New England town becomes a microcosm of every day life. The wisdom of the play, rendered through a deceptively simple story, makes Our Town an enduring treasure of the American theater. Tickets $40-$175. Performances daily at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The Broad Stage. 1310 11th St. 310.434.3200, thebroadstage.com /show_info.php?show_id=24
Play It Again, Sam. Woody Allen’s hilarious and actually rather moving comedy is the Morgan-Wixson’s second show of its 2011-2012 season. Allan Felix, film critic and recently-deserted husband, lives in a lonely apartment and talks to his imaginary idol, Humphrey Bogart. When his friends Dick and Linda try to set him up with women, his attempts to be suave and sexy lead to a series of comic disasters – until Allan starts to fall for Linda, his best friend’s wife. Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. through this Sunday, Feb. 12. Tickets $18 ($15 students/seniors). 310.828.7519, morgan-wixson.org
THIS WEEK
Friday, February 10
McKinley Elementary’s Dancin’ In The Moonlight Family Dance & Silent Auction. McKinley families and their friends and neighbors will enjoy hor d’ourves served by Student Council, bid on 100 plus exciting auction items, then dance in the moon’s glow to raise funds for school programs. Tickets $10. McKinley Elementary School, 2401 Santa Monica Blvd. 310.828.5011, mckinley.smmusd.org
Saturday, February 11
“SEALAB” author to speak and sign new book. Journalist Ben Hellwarth, who grew up surfing at Santa Monica beaches, will discuss his first book, “SEALAB: America’s Forgotten Quest to Live and Work on the Ocean Floor,” from 2 p.m. at Third Street Promenade Barnes & Noble Bookstore. Admission is free. Following Hellwarth’s presentation and reading there will be a Q&A and book signing. Shortly followed at 5 p.m. with Steve Boman, to sign his new book, Film School. 1201 Third St., in Santa Monica. 310.260.9110. benhellwarth.com
‘Create. Love.’ A Valentine Art Show. Hosted by Radiance Movement from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., enjoy a one-night exhibit of unique artistic styles by artists, Christine ‘Kesara’ Dennett, Lacey Kay Cowden, Steven Darden, Selah, LA CAt, Sybil Brazen-Yee and Sun Cho. Curator, Cat ‘LA CAt’ Ramos. Live music by Brandon West, LA CAt and more. 424.259.1881. 1334 Lincoln Blvd. Ste.140.
Green Garden Academy: Lawn Be Gone, Part I. Join the Green Garden Academy and learn tips for safe lawn removal, how to choose plants to replace lawn, and the best plants for parkways. This 12-part monthly series of classes is for Santa Monica gardeners who want to grow a beautiful, worry-free garden that will last for years. Held from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room at the Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. 310.458.8972. sustainablesm.org/landscape
The James Gray Gallery: Robert Riser. Entitled Road Trip, the exhibition features works that embody Piser’s inspired fascination with iconic Americana and its use in travel centric art. The opening reception for this unique and impressive Road Trip collection will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Exhibition runs through to March 11. James Gray Gallery, 2525 Michigan Avenue, Building D4. 310.586.9789.
YWCA’s 3rd Annual Father/Daughter Valentine’s Day Dance. All ages are welcome, from toddlers to teens with their fathers from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Festivities include music/DJ, games, prizes, balloons, face-painting, dress-up photo booth, plenty of treats, and more. $25 per couple ($30 at the door) $10 for each additional daughter. Book tickets online at smywca.org/5-news-and-events/fatherdaughter-valentines-day-dance/2012-dance/purchase-tickets.html?nlc=105-3449&. YWCA Santa Monica / Westside Gym
Spaghetti and Strings Silent Auction. Join the award-winning Santa Monica High School Orchestras at 6pm for their Ninth Annual “Spaghetti and Strings” silent auction, dinner, and show. Catering by Il Forno Trattoria. Tickets are $20 for adults, $12 for students, available at the door, or can be ordered in advance by contacting steve.nemzer@yahoo.com. Santa Monica High School Cafeteria, 601 Pico Boulevard. 310-739-3907.
Allied Artists of the Santa Monica Mountains and Seashore. Come along to the artist’s paint-out at Leo Carrillo Beach. All artists, new or experienced, are welcome to join and paint the beauty of the pacific beaches from 9:30 a.m. The seaside inspiration includes huge rock formations, shoreline views, the crashing surf on the rocks below, and the lifeguard stations standing sentinel over the vast Pacific. PCH north of both Kanan Road and Trancas Market, at 23200 PCH, Malibu. Contact: Carole 310.383.1374, or Annie 310.339.8396. allied-artists.com
Romancing the Screen: Valentine’s Day Weekend at Aero Theatre. Spend Valentine’s Day at the Cinematheque watching a classic romance film, “His Girl Friday” starring Rosaline Russell and Cary Grant. See it on a double bill with the first film to win all five major Oscars, Frank Capra’s “It Happend One Night” starring Claudette Colbert and Clark Gable. Screening starts at 7:30 p.m. Admission $11. Aero Theater 1328 Montana Ave. americancinemathequecalendar.com/content/his-girl-friday-it-happened-one-night
An evening with the artists at Jeanie Madsen Gallery. From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. there will be live music with DJ London Shover in the west side from Viper Room, Roxy, and Hotel Cafe. Each artist’s collection comes from unique and inspiring experiences. Sculptures, paintings, and wearable art artists including Emily Van Horn, Sara Abbott, Kaleo, Jennifer Verge, Scott Horton, Helena Gullstom, Cynthia Berg, and Ana Maria Valdez. With designers, Jennifer Verge, Fahmina, Carolyn, by Olive, Cielo, Jodi B Wise, Hurt Couture, and Jeanie Madsen. Jeanie Madsen Gallery, 1431 Ocean Ave. 310. 393.7436, jeaniemadsengallery.com
A Day at the Beach with Claire’s Place Foundation. Join Claire’s Place Foundation featuring Jeff Blair Fitness and special guests Joe Manganiello and Chad Lowe. From 10 a.m. to noon, there will be live music, scheduled celebrity appearances, a silent auction, and Lionheart Fitness Kids will host fun activities for all ages including an obstacle course, races, and tug of war. There will be live music by Adam Darling, Franchot Tone, and Adam Topol. Ocean View Park, 2701 Barnard Way. clairesfitnessfundraiser.eventbrite.com
The Life of Paul Robeson. In celebration of Black History Month, Santa Monica Playhouse and Stogie Kenyatta present a special engagement of Kenyatta’s acclaimed solo show about African-American artist/activist Paul Robeson, a powerful and poignant, entertaining and educational, heartfelt, and humorous evening of theatre. Robeson was witness to the artistic wonders of the Harlem Renaissance and the Jazz- Bebop era, the horrors of the slave trade, the shame of the Holocaust, McCarthyism, blacklists, racism and oppression. His life’s work celebrates our common humanity as he fought globally for social justice. Tickets $30. Show starts at 8 p.m. 1211 4th St. 310.394.9779 ext.1, SantaMonicaPlayhouse.com
Sunday, February 12
Singer-song writer, Fox Fagen. Los Angeles troubadour Fox Fagan takes the dimly lit and moody stage of O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Restaurant. His sweet tunes bring feelings of nostalgia, sixteen in love and a voice that melts hearts. This is an intimate occasion not to be missed. Think Bon Iver meets Arctic Monkeys. Show starts at 9 p.m. Admission is free. 2941 Main Street. Foxfagan.com
Bleicher Gallery presents Simone Gad: Solo Exhibit. As part of the Getty’s Pacific Standard Time initiative, the Bleicher Gallery is pleased to present an exciting exhibit by Los Angeles based artist Simone Gad. An actress herself, Gad’s work focuses on Hollywood, exploring ideas of celebrity and stardom and providing unique insight into the world of fame. Show runs till Feb 25. Viewing hours: 12:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday. 1431 Ocean Avenue. 310.237.6423. om@bgartdealings.com
The Janice Anderson Ensemble. In celebration of Valentine’s Day, join The Janice Anderson Ensemble at the Jazz Vespers series at Mt Olive Lutheran Church at 5 p.m. Jazz Concerts are held on the second Sunday of every month. Admission, parking, and childcare are free. 1343 Ocean Park Blvd. 310.452.1116. mtoliveluthernchurch.org
Itty Bitty Art 2012. More than 200 pieces of postcard-sized original art will be available for sale at the Fourth Annual Itty Bitty Art Sale, presented by PS1 Pluralistic School, an independent school in Santa Monica. The creator of each piece of Itty Bitty art may be anyone with a passion or idea – a well-known artist or architect, a talented amateur, a Hollywood celebrity, professional designer or a student. The viewing begins at 10 a.m., with the same starting at 11 a.m. Lois Lambert Gallery of Functional Art Bergamot Station. 2525 Michigan Avenue. 310.709.0716. info@ittybittyart.org ittybittyart.org to preview artwork.
Snowy Plover Walk with the Los Angeles Audubon Society. All ages are welcome for this unique experience with the Los Angeles Audubon Society. From 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. explore the habitat and life cycles of the federally threatened Snowy Plover, a small white bird that makes Santa Monica and surrounding beach cities its home this time of year. Binoculars will be provided. The walk is free but a reservation is needed. Walk starts at the Guest Services office. Annenberg Beach House, 415 Pacific Coast Hwy. beachhouse.smgov.net/activities/cultural-programs-events-and-tours.aspx
An Evening With Amy Poehler In Conversation With Jane Lynch at Aero Theatre. Live Talks Los Angeles features an in-depth discussion at 7:30 p.m. with comedy actresses Amy Poehler (SNL, and Parks And Recreation) and Jane Lynch (Glee, and The 40 Year Old Virgin). Admission $25, $45 (includes book by Poehler’s character on Parks and Recreation), $115 (includes pre-reception from 6:30-7:30 PM, Poehler’s book and Jane Lynch’s memoir, Happy Accidents) Aero Theater 1328 Montana Ave. Tickets available only at livetalksla.org
Tuesday, February 14
Be a great Mother-in-Law in the 21st Century. This five session workshop will focus on creating more satisfying relationships with Daughters-in-Law, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Santa Monica. The workshop leaders are Linda Smukler, MS, State licensed MFT with more than 25 years’ experience, and a Mother-in-Law Meryl Maler, MA, Teacher and Mother-in-Law. Cost $200. For more information, call Linda at 310.373.6151 ext. 2
Romancing the Screen: Valentine’s Day Weekend at Aero Theatre. Spend your Valentine’s Day in 1960s post-collegiate limbo from 7:30 p.m. with Ben Braddock and Mrs. Robinson, set to the tunes of Simon and Garfunkel. Tickets $11. Aero Theater 1328 Montana Ave. americancinemathequecalendar.com/content/the-graduate-0
Valentine’s Day Concert: Songs of Love with Victoria Kirsch & Friends. Enjoy a special Valentine’s concert on the theme of love with selections from operas and musicals. The 6:30 p.m. to 7:40 p.m. program includes Jewel Song from Faust, C Gounod Coat aria from La Bohème, G. Puccini The Red Dress, Ricky Ian Gordon I loves you, Porgy from Porgy and Bess, G. Gershwin One Hand, One Heart from West Side Story and, L. Bernstein. Back on the Beach Café is serving a prix-fixe three course dinner from 4:30 – 9 p.m. especially for Valentine’s Day. Dinner reservations can be made by calling the Café at 310.393.8282. Capacity is limited. $42.50/person plus tax & gratuity. Annenberg Community Beach House, 415 Pacific Coast Hwy. 310.458.4904
Wednesday, February 15
HopHead Heaven Bitter Beer Event at Library Alehouse. HopHead Heaven Feb. 15-26. Kick-off Event includes local bitterness, IPAs, double IPAs, hoppy pales, and other hop monsters from LA and OC, local brewers in attendance, and street taco specials. Library Alehouse, 2911 Main St. 310.314.4855. libraryalehouse.com
Thursday, February 16
¬Portrait and Candid Photography Photo Workshop. Learn portrait photography at Barnes and Noble from 7 p.m from the woman who literally wrote the book. Erin Manning will show you how lighting techniques, location selection, angle, and other tricks can help your portraits come to life. 1201 Third Street Promenade. 310.260.9110.
Introduction to Mindful Awareness. Learn the art of paying attention to the present moment with openness and curiosity at 7 p.m. in the Main Library’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium. Diana Winston, Director of Mindfulness Education for UCLA’s Mindful Awareness Research Center (MARC), will share the science behind how mindfulness works on our body and brain, and offer several exercises that teach the basics of mindfulness meditation. 601 Santa Monica Blvd. 310.458.8600. smpl.org
Visions of India in California. Santa Monica Museum of Art Conversation: Visions of India in California: Bringing South Asia to the Sunshine State 7 p.m. Independent scholar Edward L. Rothfarb discusses the mythology of India in California’s visual culture. Rothfarb will explore the visual connections between California and India, each the font of rich imaginaries. Free admission. RSVP to rsvp@smmoa.org or 310.453.9184.Santa Monica Museum of Art, 2525 Michigan Avenue, Building G-1. smmoa.org/index.php/home/display
Deep Ancestry Inside The Geographic Project Population Geneticist Spencer Wells. Since 2005 Spencer Wells, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence and director of the Genographic Project, has led a team of scientists in collecting hundreds of thousands of DNA samples from participants around the world. Join Wells at 7:30 p.m. showing how the latest scientific tools are providing new answers to some of our oldest questions: where did we come from, and how
did we get to where we live today? Meet the speaker at a book signing in the lobby after
the event. Tickets $47 to $75. 310.434.3200.
The Broad Stage 1310 11th St. thebroadstage.com/show_info.php?show_id=25
MUSIC
Friday, February 10
Jen Armstrong, Caitlin Notey, Orkestar Meze @ Rusty’s Surf Ranch
The Goods With DJ Anthony Valadez, KG Superstar @ Zanzibar
Matt Bradford Acoustic Showcase, Mark Catalano & The Group @ Bar Pico
‘‘Nette Radio Night @ The Talking Stick
Solidbody Fridays @ Trip
Gino Matteo @ Harvelle’s
LA Vice @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club
Saturday, February 11
Vago @ Pier View Pub.
Silent Frisco feat. Michael Jackson vs James Brown with Midnight Surfer and the Bonnaroo Silent Disco resident: MOTION POTION @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club
Olio, Charles Locke & The Keys @ Rusty’s Surf Ranch
“Chicks with Picks” Hosted by Olivia May, DJ Paul Loeb @ Bar Pico
Delgado Brothers @ Harvelle’s
Punk Rock Night with The Gloryholes, Tora Tora Tora, Hi Star Jacks, Adam West the Bat and friends @ Trip
Grassroots Acoustica @ The Talking Stick
Quality with DJs Haul & Mason @ Zanzibar
Sunday, February 12
The Toledo Show @ Harvelle’s
Jazz Funk Fest @ The Talking Stick
Ancient Lasers, Ama Evolution, The Antechamber, Vago, and The Hi Z’s @ Trip
Pico Joke Show @ Bar Pico
Garland with Ralph Torrefranca,
and Landers @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club
Monday, February 13
The Disparrows, Alexi Blue, Travis Peery @ Trip
Tumbao Salsa Dura @ Zanzibar
MoZaic Open Mic @ The Talking Stick
Mondays with a Cause: Philanthro LA Presents: Project Cupid (Charity Date Auction) @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club
Ultra Love @ Harvelle’s
Tuesday, February 14
Open Mic, The Vignatis @ Bar Pico
Danny Moynahan @ The Talking Stick
Mind The Gap with Saint Sea Hat, SeanShuan, Danni Rosner, BS Murda (DJ Set) @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club
Love In Da House: DJs Justin Paul, Joplin, Todd Spero, Fatfinger, Loomer @ Zanzibar
Open Mic Comedy Night @ Trip
Wednesday, February 15
Open Mic with Carolyn and Nancy @ The Talking Stick
Luminous Movement: Electronic/ Hip Hop/ Dubstep/World Music Vibes @ Zanzibar
Jen Armstrong, TRiP Tease Burlesque @ TRIP
Small Animals @ Bar Pico
House of Vibe All-Stars @ Harvelle’s
Thursday, February 16
Harlow Gold @ Harvelle’s
Hurry Date @ Bar Pico
Afro Funke Thursday: Marushka ft Tribe @ Zanzibar
Peter Quentin’s Variety Night @ The Talking Stick
The VS (Versus) @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club
The Royal Party, City of Blue, Crashing Star, My Empty Phantom and Ender @ TRIP
EXHIBITS
“Faces and Places:” Marc Trujillo/Sean Cheetham. The Santa Monica College Pete & Susan Barrett Art Gallery is excited to present, in their first show together, two contemporary Los Angeles painters, Marc Trujillo and Sean Cheetham The show runs Feb. 14-March 10, with the opening reception from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24. Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. SMC Performing Arts Center on Santa Monica Boulevard at 11th St. 310.434.3434.
Breaking in two: provocative visions of motherhood, is the first comprehensive exhibition of work by women artists who are mothers where the work itself integrates the maternal experience, the relationship to the body, the child, the family, and the society at large. Showing through April 14 from noon till 6 p.m Tuesday through Saturday. The exhibition will feature a multi-cultural group of four generations of nationally and internationally recognized artist-mothers. The exhibition includes painting, drawing, sculpture, collage and assemblage, installation, photography, film/video, poetry/writing, and performance. Santa Monica Art Studios, 3026 Airport Avenue.310 251 4299. Bruriaart@roadrunner.com
Our Shifting Subconscious: Form vs. Perception. A new exhibition at TAG Gallery, Bergamot Station, through Feb. 25. It features artists Ty Bowman, Jane Peterson, and David Twamley. Opening reception will be held Feb. 4 from 5-8 p.m. Artist panel Feb. 11 at 3 p.m. 2525 Michigan Avenue, D3. 310.829.9556, taggallery.net
Helen K. Garber, Encaustic Noir Brassai and Other Vintage Noir Photographers are on display through Feb. 25. Dnj Gallery. Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 2525 Michigan Ave, J-1. 310.315.3551, dnjgallery.net
287 Steps. Craig Krull Gallery will present a solo exhibition through Feb. 25 of a new body of work by seminal Los Angeles based artist Lita Albuquerque in conjunction with the Getty’s “Pacific Standard Time: Art in Los Angeles 1945-1980.” The exhibition, entitled “287 Steps,” will also coincide with Albuquerque’s Spine of the Earth 2012 a large scale ephemeral work created for the Pacific Standard Time Performance and Public Art Festival, organized by Glenn Phillips of the Getty Research Institute and Lauri Firstenberg of LA-Art. 310.828.6410, craigkrullgallery.com
Just Occupy, Robert Berman Gallery presents Just Occupy – a pop-up exhibition documenting the Occupy movement featuring photojournalists Ted Soqui and Christopher Felver through Feb. 28. Also featured in Just Occupy will be a series of photographic collages by photojournalist Christopher Felver, who is known for his documentary photographs of the beats, poets. and musicians. Gallery hours Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 2525 Michigan Ave, C2/D5. 310.315.1937, robertbermangallery.com
NY/LA, an innovative program initiative that diversifies Santa Monica Museum of Art’s curatorial voice through an all-new, annual exhibition series. Developed by New York-based independent curator Jeffrey Uslip and SMMoA Deputy Director and curator Lisa Melandri, NY/LA connects emerging contemporary artists on the East and West coasts. NY/LA will debut at SMMoA with two exhibitions on view through Feb. 25: Adam Berg: Endangered Spaces (LA) in Project Room 1 and Georgi Tushev: Strange Attractor (NY) in Project Room 2. 2525 Michigan Ave G-1. 310.586.6488, smmoa.org
The Dead Are Here, in his first solo Los Angeles show in more than two decades, New York artist Izhar Patkin, will début “The Dead Are Here” (2009), a room wrapped with 14’ tall wall size paintings in ink on tulle curtains. It runs through Feb. 18. Shoshana Wayne Gallery. 2525 Michigan Ave. Suite B1. 310.453.7535, shoshanawayne.com
Peter Fetterman Gallery, through March 1, 2012, is featuring two exhibitions: a series of images by distinguished contemporary photographer Jerry Uelsmann and introducing the work of Finnish photographer Pentti Sammallahti with a selection of images shown in Los Angeles for the first time. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 pm. 2525 Michigan Avenue A-1, 310.453.6463, peterfetterman.com
Wall Works: The Walls Have Eyes, at the Santa Monica Museum of Art is its most extensive educational public art program, connecting acclaimed contemporary artists with the imaginations of local students. The exhibit is a collaboration with Los Angeles-based ceramic artist Peter Shire, and will be on display through Feb. 26, 2012. Bergamot Station G-1, 2525 Michigan Ave. 310.586.6488, smmoa.org
Beatrice Wood: Career Woman-Drawings, Paintings, Vessels, and Objects, through Feb. 25, 2012. Santa Monica Museum of Art, Bergamot Station G1. 2525 Michigan Ave G-1. 310.586.6488, smmoa.org
THEATER
Pentagon Papers. For the first time on stage, the hidden history of the Vietnam War that destroyed more than one president is dramatized at the Santa Monica Playhouse through March 25 each Sunday at 3:30 p.m. President Richard Nixon referred to the Watergate break-in which eventually lead to his resignation as ‘silly’ and ‘incredible’ in grand jury transcripts made public in November 2011. J-Powers’s new play Pentagon Papers presents key passages from the recently declassified Pentagon Papers revealing the shocking secrets that led him to create a team of Watergate burglars and eventually to the self-destruction of his presidency. Tickets $19.50, $17 (students, teachers, seniors, members of the military), $15 (groups of eight or more). 1211 4th St. 310. 394.9779 ext. 1, santamonicaplayhouse.com
Romeo and Juliet, or The Old “You-Know-I-Really-Love-You-But-My-Father-Really-Hates-You” Blues, will perform through Feb. 19 at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre. Throw away everything you think you know about Shakespeare – and for that matter, about theatre. Join two raucous, irreverent storytellers, spinning the tale of Romeo and Juliet. The story is about, well, frankly, teenagers. You know the species. They fall in love at the drop of a hat always with the very person Mom and Dad can’t stand. And in the case of Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet, their families have hated one another for as long as anyone can remember. Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. Adults $10 ($7 children 12 and under). 2627 Pico Blvd. 310.828.7519, morgan-wixson.org/?p=834
The Dining Room, is a two-act play by A. R. Gurney that consists of 18 overlapping and unrelated vignettes, all staged in one elegant dining room at different time periods. In what has been described as “a seamless collection of moments,” the show presents a spectrum of glimpses into the human condition: the joys, sorrows, love and comedy that accompany family life. The play’s 57 characters are portrayed by just six actors. Friday and Saturday through March 3. 1404 Third Street Promenade. 310.656.8070, promenadeplayhouse.com
Fireside at the Miles. through Saturday, Feb. 25, the Miles Memorial Playhouse will be presenting 13 separate events featuring contemporary music, opera, jazz, dance, puppetry, poetry, beat boxing, a capella singing, and more. Most performances begin at 8 p.m. Admission to all shows is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors (55 and over), students, and children under 17. 1130 Lincoln Blvd. 310.458.8634, Fireside.milesplayhouse.org
Filthy Talk For Troubled Times. City Garage, resident company at Track 16, Bergamot Station, under the patronage of Tom Patchett, will commence its West Coast premiere of Neil LaBute’s Filthy Talk for Troubled Times through Feb. 26. LaBute, known for his biting portrayals of misogynistic and deceitful men, subtitles the work “scenes of intolerance.” Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 4 p.m. Building C1, 2525 Michigan Ave. 310.319.9939, citygarage.org
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS/
ONGOING EVENTS
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
Cirque du Soleil’s “OVO,” is a headlong rush into a colorful ecosystem teeming with life, where insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy and movement. The insects’ home is a world of biodiversity and beauty filled with noisy action and moments of quiet emotion. When a mysterious egg appears in their midst, the insects are awestruck and intensely curious about this iconic object that represents the enigma and cycles of their lives. Tickets $45-$145. Under the Big Top at the Santa Monica Pier. Daily (except Mondays) through March 25. 800.450.1480, cirquedusoleil.com/OVO
Ceramics Classes at the Clayhouse. New six-week ceramics classes for all levels begin the week of Jan. 17. Classes meet once a week for two hours; fee is $280. Learn basic clay hand building methods, or try the potter’s wheel in a friendly, creative environment. The Clayhouse also offers studio memberships, supplies, and a gallery of members’ work. Call for registration information: 310.828.7071. 2909 Santa Monica Blvd. Visit www.theclayhousesantamonica.com for more information.
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. Taught by Dr. Bonnie Hemauer, Ph.D. (Dr. B.) with 25 years specializing in self-help, relaxation/meditation therapies, and prevention of stress causing diseases. Sundays at 1:15 p.m. for one hour in Santa Monica. Cost $25. RSVP: 310.433.2382
The American Red Cross is looking for volunteers. Various positions are available. To volunteer, call Tom Viscount at 310.394.3773 ext. 112 from 1-5 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
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
The Downtown Santa Monica Farmers Market is held Wednesdays at Arizona Ave and Second St. and Saturdays at Arizona and Third St. The two weekly 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/
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 general well-being. 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
Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, a 12-step program for those struggling to control their relationship with food, has three meetings every week in Santa Monica. Tuesday, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, Youth Lounge, 1220 Second St., Santa Monica; Wednesday, 7 to 8:30 a.m., Unitarian Universalist Community Church, The Cottage, 1260 18th St., Santa Monica; and Saturday, 9 to 10:30 a.m., First United Methodist Church, Room 101, 1008 11th St.., Santa Monica. Free. Call: 800.600.6028 or see: foodaddicts.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
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
YWCA Winter class sessions are now under way. Sign up now for classes for adults and teens: Barre, Belly Dancing, Core Pilates, 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, Zumba Gold. For children and youth: Afternoon Kids Club (ages 4 to 6), Ballet (ages 6 1/2 to 9), Basketball (ages 4 to 14), Broadway Stars Gymnastics (ages 6 to 10), Creative Dance and Pre-Ballet (ages 3 to 6), World Dance Fusion (ages 7 to 12), Karate for Kids (ages 5 to 10), Little Tumbling Stars (ages 3 to 5), Tiger Kick Fit (ages 3 to 5), Twinkle Toes Ballet and Tap (ages 2 to 3), Toddler Tumbling Fun (ages 2 to 3.5) 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. To sign up for one or more of any of the above classes, visit smywca.com or call 310.452.3881
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
