LAST CHANCE
Fireside at the Miles. Concludes this Saturday, Feb. 25. It is the end to the Miles Memorial Playhouse 13 separate events featuring contemporary music, opera, jazz, dance, puppetry, poetry, beat boxing, a capella singing, and more. 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 conclude its West Coast premiere of Neil LaBute’s Filthy Talk for Troubled Times this Sunday, Feb. 26. LaBute, known for his biting portrayals of misogynistic and deceitful men, subtitles the work “scenes of intolerance.” Friday, and Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 4 p.m. Building C1, 2525 Michigan Ave. 310.319.9939, citygarage.org
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 concludes this Saturday, Feb. 25: Adam Berg: Endangered Spaces (LA) in Project Room 1 and Georgi Tushev: Strange Attractor (NY) in Project Room 2. 2525 Michigan Ave. G1 (Bergamot Station). 310.586.6488, smmoa.org
Beatrice Wood: Career Woman-Drawings, Paintings, Vessels, and Objects, concludes this Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012. Santa Monica Museum of Art, Bergamot Station G1. 2525 Michigan Ave. G1 (Bergamot Station). 310.586.6488, smmoa.org
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 conclude this Sunday, Feb. 26. Bergamot Station G1 (Bergamot Station), 2525 Michigan Ave. 310.586.6488, smmoa.org
Our Shifting Subconscious: Form vs. Perception. An exhibition at TAG Gallery, Bergamot Station, concludes this Saturday, Feb. 25. It features artists Ty Bowman, Jane Peterson, and David Twamley. 2525 Michigan Avenue, D3. 310.829.9556, taggallery.net
Helen K. Garber, Encaustic Noir Brassai and Other Vintage Noir Photographers conclude their display this Saturday, Feb. 25. Dnj Gallery. Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 2525 Michigan Ave, J1 (Bergamot Station). 310.315.3551, dnjgallery.net
287 Steps. Craig Krull Gallery will conclude a solo exhibition this Saturday, 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 concludes Just Occupy – a pop-up exhibition documenting the Occupy movement featuring photojournalists Ted Soqui and Christopher Felver this Tuesday, 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 (Bergamot Station. 310.315.1937, robertbermangallery.com
THIS WEEK
Saturday, February 25
Closing Day: Beatrice Wood, Adam Berg, and Georgi Tushev. Don’t miss your last chance to see these critically acclaimed exhibitions from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Docent led tours: 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4 p.m. Main Gallery: Beatrice Wood: Career Woman–Drawings, Paintings, Vessels, and Objects; Project Room 1: Adam Berg: Endangered Spaces; Project Room 2: Georgi Tushev: Strange Attractor. Santa Monica Museum of Art, Bergamot Station G-1, 2525 Michigan Ave. 310.586.6488, smmoa.org
Santa Monica Citywide Reads, as a kickoff event for the annual community reading program, Santa Monica Public Library presents An Evening with Michael Connelly and Robert Crais at 7 p.m. at the Lincoln Middle School Auditorium, 1501 California Avenue. Santa Monica Citywide Reads is a community reading program that is produced by Santa Monica Public Library and encourages everyone to read and discuss the same novel in book discussions and special events held throughout the city. 310.458.8600, smpl.org/Raymond_Chandler.aspx
Producers Forum 2012 at Aero Theatre. Some of Hollywood’s most esteemed and knowledgeable studio and independent producers will come together at 2 p.m. to share their tried-and-true wisdom about the ways in which the industry is rapidly evolving, and the steps you can take to become a smarter, more successful filmmaker. Come for the knowledge, stay for the networking. $12 member, $15 senior/student, $20 general. 1328 Montana Ave. americancinemathequecalendar.com/content/producers-forum-2012
Restored Georges Méliès Short and Documentary. Watch Georges Méliès’ classic short film “A Trip to the Moon” at 7:30 p.m. in its fully restored original 1902 colors, featuring a new, kinetic soundtrack by AIR – the restoration that premiered at Cannes 2011 and was hailed by the New York Times as “surely a cinematic highlight of the year, maybe the century.” It’s followed by a feature-length documentary on the process of the restoration, featuring interviews given by Michel Gondry, Michel Hazanavicius, and Jean-Pierre Jeunet on Méliès’ influence. Tickets $11. Aero Theater 1328 Montana Ave. americancinemathequecalendar.com/content/%E2%80%9Ca-trip-to-the-moon%E2%80%9D-the-extraordinary-voyage
Santa Monica Pet Fair and Chip-a-Thon. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will be free micro-chipping and registration (while supplies last). Low cost vaccinations, training demonstrations, animal adoptions, pet contests and prizes, people and pet emergency preparedness supplies. Clover Park, 2600 Ocean Park Blvd. 310.458.2263, www.smgov.net/Departments/OEM/Programs/Pet_Fair.aspx
VDay Santa Monica. Celebrate VDAY and be a part of the global movement to end violence against women and girls at 8 p.m. at The Broad Stage. One hundred percent of proceeds raised at VDay Santa Monica benefit the Peace Over Violence organization and the Global VDay Spotlight for 2011 – Haiti. There will a reading from “A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant, and A Prayer” by Eve Ensler with Dylan McDermott, Jack McGee, and other notable performers. Special musical performance by soul singer Chris Pierce. Directed by Iona Morris. Ticket includes the After Party on March 26 at Lexus of Santa Monica. $50-$200. 1310 11th St. 310.428.7258, vdaysantamonica.com
Yogathon. As part of its 30-year anniversary celebration, the Cancer Support Community–Benjamin Center has brought together leading Yoga Instructors to host the first ever city-wide fundraising event to benefit the organization. From noon to 6 p.m., participants will benefit from a full day of mind, body, and spiritual classes taught by 10 prominent Yoga instructors all in one studio. Each attendee is committed to raise at least $500. Proceeds will be used to sustain free-of charge programs offered at the Cancer Support Community-Benjamin Center. Limited space available. Naam Yoga, 1231 4th St. yogathonla.org
Los Lonely Boys at The Broad Stage. On the heels of their latest album release, Los Lonely Boys brings their pop-lyrical charm and irresistible grooves to The Broad Stage at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Rockpango, a Spanglish term coined by the Tex-Mex triumvirate, is the band’s fourth studio album and embraces the spirit and sound of infectious Latin rhythms. Tickets $47-$75. 1310 11th St. 310.434.3200, thebroadstage.com/show_info.php?show_id=94#
Finding Your Mojo: Workshop Helps You Find that Elusive Quality that Sets You Apart. UCLArts and Healing, a program that facilitates the use of the arts as a tool for mind and body healing, will sponsor a special retreat for personal and professional growth from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The unique one-day workshop will cultivate our unique qualities and help us develop practical tools to understand how we see ourselves and how we want to be seen; how to reduce stress and stay in the present moment, and how to think on our feet and change our reality. Tickets from $75. First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica, 1220 2nd St. uclartsandhealing.net
“Saturday Scenic Excursions Train Rides.” Relax onboard the 1930s vintage passenger or dining cars as the train travels through century old citrus and avocado groves. The first stop of the day will be at Loose Caboose Garden Center and Gift Emporium with the second stop in downtown Santa Paula. Depart Fillmore at 12 p.m., return at approximately 4 p.m. (rain or shine). Adults $24, Seniors $22, youth 4-12, $14, child 2-3 $10 Infant under 2 free on lap. Fillmore &Western Railway: 805.524.2546 or 800.773.8724, fwry.com
Sunday, February 26
Free February Sundays at Santa Monica Aquarium. This is your last chance to visit the aquarium from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the aquarium for free thanks to Cirque du Soleil’s “OVO” in the pier’s car park. 1600 Ocean Front Walk. healthebay.org/santa-monica-pier-aquarium
Monday, February 27
NoirFest Santa Monica 2012: A Touch of Naomi. Mystery author Naomi Hirahara gives a tour of noir, accompanied by the torchy songs and sax of Doc & Renee at 6:30 p.m. Beach=Culture events are free but reservations are required. Annenberg Beach House, 415 Pacific Coast Hwy. noirfestsm.com/Events.html
M.i.’s Westside Comedy Theater, is offering a week of free shows and classes today through Sunday, March 4. All of its regularly scheduled shows will be free of charge as will be introduction to Improv classes. For the full schedule, visit westsidecomedy.com, or email info@westsidecomedy.com. 1323-A Third Street Promenade
Tuesday, February 28
Free Sustainable Works Green Living Workshop. Be part of an energy workshop from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Santa Monica Public Library. Learn about the main problems related to energy, review energy solutions where participants can implement very quickly and easily after completing the workshop, and Jake Hakim from Alcon Lighting will discuss and demonstrate LED light bulbs. 601 Santa Monica Blvd. SustainableWorks.eventbrite.com
Santa Monica Child Care and Early Education Task Force, present a Kindergarten Information Night for parents from 7-9 p.m. Virginia Avenue Park, Thelma Terry Center. 2200 Virginia Ave. Admission is free, but space is limited.
Child care not available RSVP: coday@saintanneschool.com or 310.829.2775
Wednesday, February 29
Fitdog Sports Club, Santa Monica’s premier full service dog care facility, has partnered with Bark Pet Photography, to host a Leap Day Book Signing & Doggie Social event from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Kim Rodgers and Sarah Sypniewski, owners of Bark Pet Photography, have released their first book, Dog Photography For Dummies.” To celebrate, the event will feature a book signing by the authors, human and canine refreshments, raffles, and plenty of doggie fun in a safe and welcoming environment. 1712 21st St. 310.828.3647, fitdogsportsclub.com
2012 Outlook from the State Legislature: Vision of the Future. Meet State Senator Ted Lieu at 7 p.m. who will be the representative for State Senate District 26, formed as a result of the redistricting committee. The area had previously been served by State Senator Fran Pavley, who is a candidate for election in the neighboring district. There is free parking at this no charge Q &A event with light refreshments. Ocean Park Branch Library, Community Room, 2601 Main St.
Thursday, March 1
South Pacific. From “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair” to “Some Enchanted Evening,” Rodgers’ & Hammerstein’s classic story of love, conflict, and prejudice contains some of musical theatre’s favorite songs. Santa Monica High School’s spring musical is an annual community event and the community is invited to attend. Today through Saturday, March 3 at 7 p.m. and March 8-10 Plus Special Matinee Saturday March 3 at 2 p.m. Tickets $15 ($10 students). Barnum Hall, 601 Pico Blvd. 310. 395.3204, samohitheatre.org
“The Geography of Bliss” is the account of one man’s journey across the globe to find the key to happiness in places as far flung as Iceland and Bhutan, Switzerland, and Thailand, The Netherlands and Qatar. Author Eric Weiner will give two lectures at 11:15 a.m. and 7 p.m. in Humanities & Social Science Lecture Hall 165 on the Santa Monica College main campus, 1900 Pico Blvd. 310.434.4303, smc.edu/associates
MUSIC
Friday, February 24
Steely Jam, Top B.A.S.E., Small City Calling, Cities @ Rusty’s Surf Ranch
The Goods With DJ Anthony Valadez, KG Superstar @ Zanzibar
Blue Dolphins, Greater Pacific, DJ Mike McCarthy @ Bar Pico
I See Hawks In LA CD Release Show plus special guest Tony Gilkyson @ McCabe’s
HollowbodyLA presents Solidbody Fridays, with Ian Tepper, Kirsten Proffit,
The Working Hour and The Navs @ Trip
Double Header: Dessy DiLauro,
Tasha Taylor @ Harvelle’s
Jimmy Edgar (DJ Set) with Toy Bombs, Blowing up the Moon and Dirty Names @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club
Saturday, February 25
The Paul Chesne Band @ O’Brien’s Main Street
Operation Pool Party with Word, Mario Noir (DJ Set) @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club
The Weasels, Ruby Bluesday @ Rusty’s Surf Ranch
Pop/Folk Music from Ex-Yugoslavia, Zoka/MIki/Vladan @ Bar Pico
Dennis Jones Band @ Harvelle’s
Garland Jeffreys @ McCabe’s
Quality with DJs Haul & Mason @ Zanzibar
Sunday, February 26
Project Live LA Presents Jhene Aiko with openers J Nice, Polyester the Saint, and DJs Cee Brown, Uncle Pauly, Spill @ Zanzibar
The Toledo Show @ Harvelle’s
Pico Joke Show @ Bar Pico
Cate Le Bon plus The Blank Tapes and White Fence @ McCabe’s
LUMIS, The Smokering, The Super Hiphoppa Crew, Caddy One & Michelle, 498 The Fam, City Kriz, Rashondra Angelle, Black Mouth withTommy Phen & Bigg Hailo, and DJ CVD @ Trip
Unknown Mortal Orchestra with White Arrows, Jenny O @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club
Monday, February 27
A Little Freak Out, with DJs Ghost Lyon and softCORE @ Trip
Tumbao Salsa Dura @ Zanzibar
Philanthro LA Presents: Mondays with A Cause @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club
Ultra Love @ Harvelle’s
Tuesday, February 28
Open Mic, The Vignatis @ Bar Pico
La Vie and Friends @ Harvelle’s
Mind The Gap with Maniac, Tien, Pressed And, LA Font (DJ Set) @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club
Ben Brooks Comedy, followed by The McHandsomes and Action 45 @ TRIP
Wednesday, February 29
Luminous Movement: Lantz Lazwell. DJ sets by Metaphase, DJ Dhatu and Mr. Numberonderful @ Zanzibar
TRiP Tease Burlesque show, with musical sets by Your 33 Black Angels and Redrick Sultan @ TRIP
Small Animals @ Bar Pico
Jane Jane Pollock with Hargo (CD Release Party) @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club
Westside Wednesdays: Dessy DiLauro @ Harvelle’s
Thursday, March 1
Koffeehouse Sessions @ Harvelle’s
Afro Funke Thursday @ Zanzibar
Megg, Other Mother Band, DJ Tony Smooth @ Bar Pico
The VS (Versus) @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club
Spin Cycle at TRiP Presents OMBB and Chicago Farmer @ TRIP
EXHIBITS
Cultural Illusions, TAG Gallery’s new exhibit will run from Feb. 28 through March 24. The opening reception is Saturday, March 3, 5-8 p.m. The exhibit features artists Katie Crown, Ernie Marjoram, and Juan Rosenfeldt, who are all local to Los Angeles. An artist panel will be held Saturday, March 10 at 3 p.m. 2525 Michigan Avenue, D3 (Bergamot Station). 310.829.9556, taggallery.net
Oceanscapes. An exhibition of paintings by Santa Monica artist Karla Klarin Feb. 25 through March 21.Klarin’s new oils are both expressionistic and geometric at the same time. This show of “Oceanscapes” represents the past three years of her work and while they are directly related to her previous cityscapes, because they refer to water, they are distinctly different as well. 2525 Michigan Avenue, E3A (Bergamot Station). Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 310.453.5757, SchomburgGallery.com
James Gray Gallery, presents five new exhibits through March 11, which includes works from Robert Piser, John Ridings Lee, and the Parkinson Association. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 2525 Michigan Ave, D4 (Bergamot Station). 310.315.9502, jamesgraygallery.com
Beyond The Natural Figure. The Santa Monica College Emeritus College Art Gallery spresent “Beyond the Natural Figure,” an exhibit of extraordinary drawings by Los Angeles-based artist Lillian Molina. The show features large-scale charcoal works on paper, in which Molina uses deliberate exaggeration and experimentation to compose powerful figurative expressions. The exhibit runs through March 16 at the gallery, located on the first floor of Emeritus College, 1227 Second St. in downtown Santa Monica. Gallery hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. 310.434.4306
Rosamund Felsen Gallery, presents a new exhibition featuring the work of Los Angeles-based Tim Ebner, with an installation in its West Gallery by Steven Hull through March 10. This will be Ebner’s 15th exhibition at the gallery, and Steven Hull’s eighth. Gallery Hours from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. 310.828.8488, rosamundfelsen.com
“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 through 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
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
THEATER
“The Lonesome West,” is written by four-time Tony Award nominee and two-time Academy Award winning playwright Martin McDonagh, which will be presented by Ruskin Group Theatre through March 4 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. 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 dark comedy of unexpected proportions Tickets $25. Reservations: 310.397.3244, ruskingrouptheatre.com
The Adventures of Little Red (Riding Hood, of course). Santa Monica Playhouse Musical Matinee Series presents this enchanting journey through the Bavarian Black Forest replete with romance, lots of laughs, and musical and lyrical ideas brazenly borrowed from Gilbert & Sullivan… filled with ever-surprising delights that will lift up your spirits. Saturdays at 3 p.m. and Sundays at 12:30 p.m. Feb. 25 through May 20. General admission is $12.50; $10.50 for kids 12 and under. 1211 4th St. Reservations are necessary. Call the Playhouse Box Office at 310.394.9779 ext. 2, santamonicaplayhouse.com
“Why We Have A Body,” is Tanna Frederick’s directorial debut at the Edgemar Center for the Arts through April 8. Lili’s a private eye. Her specialty is divorce cases, investigating adulterous husbands. But Lili herself is having an affair with a married woman, Renee, who is (or was, up until this point) a heterosexual. Lili has a sister, Mary (Frederick), a career criminal who compulsively robs convenience stores at gunpoint. But Mary is trying to make an effort at having a non-criminal life. For this, she will have Lili’s assistance. Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. Admission $34.99, 310.392.7327, edgemarcenter.org
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
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
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS/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
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
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
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