LAST CHANCE
Live entertainment at Santa Monica Place. This Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. is the last weekend to enjoy music from different performing artists. Santa Monica Place, The Plaza. 310.2608333, santamonicaplace.com/events/performers2012
Beyond The Natural Figure. The Santa Monica College Emeritus College Art Gallery concludes “Beyond the Natural Figure,” an exhibit of extraordinary drawings by Los Angeles-based artist Lillian Molina today, March 16. The show features large-scale charcoal works on paper, in which Molina uses deliberate exaggeration and experimentation to compose powerful figurative expressions. The gallery is located on the first floor of Emeritus College, 1227 Second St. in downtown Santa Monica. The gallery will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 310.434.4306
THIS WEEK
Saturday, March 17
INCOGNITO 2012. With original artworks by 500 contemporary artists, INCOGNITO features work by luminaries including John Baldessari, Mark Bradford, and Judy Chicago, as well as a host of emerging talent. This spirited evening from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. encourages attendees – from sophisticated art patrons to first-time collectors – to trust their instincts as they select treasures that speak to their unique aesthetic. Each piece is signed on the back and the artists’ identities are revealed only after purchase. Wine and spirits, food by Lene, and musical entertainment by NYC DJ Duo Cassie and Harley. Santa Monica Museum of Art, 2525 Michigan Ave. For last minute ticket information, call 310.586.6488 ext. 116 or visit smmoa.org
Buy Local Weekend. The Buy Local Weekend will be held today and Sunday. Restaurants, hotels, retail stores, and vendors will offer specials throughout the weekend encouraging consumers and visitors to spend locally. Various neighborhoods. buylocalsantamonica.com/buylocalweekend
Tales From Around The World – Tales from China at The Broad Stage. Join celebrated actress, arts education advocate and mother, Rosalind Chao, as she tells you a tale of courage, loyalty and the hero in all of us. SOL-LA’s Music Academy String Ensemble will be joined by traditional Chinese instrumentalists to immerse its youngest theater goers in the sounds and beauty of Ancient China. Event starts at 11 a.m. Admission $15. The Broad Stage, 1310 11th St. 310. 434.3200, thebroadstage.com/show_info.php?show_id=115
Spectral Scriabin. An extravaganza of lush music and spectacular lightshow at the Broad Stage at 7:30 p.m. Eteri Andjaparidze, piano Jennifer Tipton, and lighting Russian composer Alexander Scriabin caused a sensation in 1915, staging what was most likely the first multimedia concert in history. Now celebrated Georgian pianist Eteri Andjaparidze and MacArthur “genius” lighting designer Jennifer Tipton explore the legacy of this late Romantic composer through excerpts from his Poeme Languide in B Major and other works. Tickets $47-$75. The Broad Stage, 1310 11th St. 310.434.3200, thebroadstage.com/show_ info.php?show_id=33
Green Garden Academy: Compost Workshop. Santa Monica Public Library and the Santa Monica Office of Sustainability and the Environment present Green Garden Academy, the official school of sustainable gardening. This month’s class is Compost Workshop, taking place in the Multipurpose Room at the Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd., from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., then goes offsite to the Santa Monica Airport Garden from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. for a live compost demonstration and garden tour. No registration is required. Admission is free, and seating is first come, first served. More information about Green Garden Academy, including a complete schedule of monthly classes, can be obtained by visiting www.sustainablesm.org/ landscape or calling 310.458.8972
Women’s History Month Film Screening. The Santa Monica Public Library celebrates Women’s History Month with a screening of the biographical film Louisa May Alcott, the Woman Behind “Little Women” (2010), at 2 p.m. in the Main Library’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. Admission is free, and seating is first come, first served. All ages are welcome. 310.458.8600, smpl.org
Jacaranda, the Westside music series known for presenting rarely heard, modern and new classical music, will present two concerts ? Chill Upon the Heat ? today at 8 p.m. and Sunday, March 18 at 6 p.m. Both concerts will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica, 1220 2nd St.
Tickets are available at www.jacarandamusic.org, or by calling 1.800.595.4TIX. The cost online for the concert is $35 general/$15 for students, or at the door, $40 general/$20 for students. Ticket donations for The Forte Awards After Party are $175 or $150 for season subscribers
Sunday, March 18
INCOGNITO 2012 Second Opportunity Art Sale. The exhibition and art benefit sale continues with the remaining work from INCOGNITO from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. All the INCOGNITO guidelines apply. Admission: $10; Free for SMMoA members. Santa Monica Museum of Art, 2525 Michigan Ave G1 (Bergamot Station). 310.586.6488 ext. 116, smmoa.org
Mt. Olive’s Classical Music Series. Celebrate J. S. Bach’s 327th Birthday at Mt. Olive with a one hour informal concert at 3 p.m., followed by birthday cake and ice cream. Hear Pat Maimone on organ along with musical guests from students to teachers to soloists and Adult Choir, on piano, oboe, violin, and more. Free admission, free parking, freewill offering. Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 1343 Ocean Park Blvd. 310.452.1116, mtolivelutheranchurch.org
Music Lesson Day. Green Brooms Music Academy will host a $10 Music Lesson Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with all lesson proceeds going to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica’s Music Education Program. The all-day event will give students the chance to take a 30-minute private or semi-private lesson with instruments ranging from cello to ukulele, and drums to mandolin. Additionally, Green Brooms has pledged a follow-up gift to the SMBGC: It will match the amount of the event’s proceeds with an in-kind donation of instructional materials and music education training. Green Brooms Music Academy, 1445 Sixth St. Space is limited; reservations required: 310.310.2623
Monday, March 19
Tree Hugging Day 2012. This 4th annual “Tree Hugging Day” event is free and open to the public from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. All ages welcome. Participants at the Santa Monica “Tree Hugging Day 2012” event will encircle the huge Moreton Bay Fig Tree, creating a huge “Group Tree Hug”. People are also invited to literally hug trees anywhere and everywhere on this annual day of tree celebration, and, of course, any day throughout the year. Fairmont Miramar Hotel, 101 Wilshire Blvd. treehuggingday.com
Lucy Wang, 2012 Writer in Residence – Final Reading. Playwright and Annenberg Community Beach House 2012 Writer in Residence Lucy Wang concludes her 10-week residency with a reading of selections from her body of work, including new material written while in residence. The free event runs from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Annenberg Beach House, 415 Pacific Coast Hwy. Reservations required: 310.458.4904, annenbergbeachhouse.com/activities/cultural-programs-events-and-tours.aspx
Classic Film Screening and Discussion. Screening of “Murder, My Sweet” at 2 p.m. In this 1940s film noir adaptation of Raymond Chandler’s “Farewell, My Lovely,” detective Philip Marlowe (Dick Powell) searches for a two-timing woman, leading him to mayhem and murder. Followed by a talk with film scholar Vivian Rosenberg. The program is free and open to the public. 1704 Montana Ave. 310.458.8682, smpl.org
Tuesday, March 20
The Masters of Noir. Santa Monica Public Library presents The Masters of Noir, a special Citywide Reads panel discussion on authors Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett, and Ross Macdonald at 7 p.m. in the Main Library’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. Moderated by Los Angeles Noir and Los Angeles Noir 2: The Classics editor Denise Hamilton, The Masters of Noir panel will include Julie M. Rivett (Dashiell Hammett’s granddaughter and editor of her mother’s memoir Dashiell Hammett: A Daughter Remembers), Judith Freeman (author of The Long Embrace: Raymond Chandler and the Woman He Loved), and Tom Nolan (author of Ross Macdonald: A Biography). Panelists will discuss the lives and literary careers of these masters of hard-boiled detective fiction. This program is presented free to the public and is open to all. Seating is first come, first served. 310.458.8600, smpl.org/Raymond_Chandler.aspx
Engineering Happiness Talk. In keeping with its annual global citizenship theme, Santa Monica College presents a free talk by the co-author of “Engineering Happiness: A New Approach for Building a Joyful Life.” Dr. Rakesh Sarin, a member of the faculty at UCLA Anderson School of Management and holder of its Paine Chair in Management, will speak at 11:15 a.m. in Humanities & Social Science Lecture Hall 165 on the main SMC campus, 1900 Pico Blvd. 310. 434.4303, smc.edu/associates
Wednesday, March 21
The Best of Recent Belgian Cinema at Aero Theatre. Presented by the Consulate General of Belgium in Los Angeles, in cooperation with Flanders Image and Wallonie Bruxelles Images, and with the support of E.L.M.A. (European Languages and Movies in America). Screening starts at 7:30 p.m. General admission $11. 1328 Montana Ave. americancinematheque calendar.com
Pop-Up Studio and Benefit Art Sale. The Santa Monica Museum of Art’s popular gift shop GRACIE presents “Astrid Preston: Small Forest,” a special weeklong pop-up studio and benefit art sale of stunning new work by this internationally renowned local artist. On view March 21 through March 29, 2012 in the Museum’s Project Room 1 and GRACIE shop, Small Forest will feature a unique and luminous collection of vibrant and detailed paintings of trees and birds created exclusively for this special occasion. A long-time member and supporter of SMMoA, Preston will generously donate up to 70 percent of proceeds to support the Museum’s exhibition, education, and outreach programs. 2525 Michigan Ave G1 (Bergamot Station). 310.586.6488, smmoa.org
Montana Avenue Branch Book Group. Discussion at 7 p.m. of Raymond Chandler’s “The Lady in the Lake.” This year’s Citywide Reads’ title follows Philip Marlowe in and out of “Bay City,” Chandler’s stand-in for Santa Monica. 1704 Montana Ave. The program is free and open to the public. 310.458.8682, smpl.org
Miss Representation. View the critically-acclaimed documentary, “Miss Representation,” and join the YWCA’s and Commission on the Status of Women’s call-to-action campaign empowering women and girls to discuss and challenge limiting labels in order to realize their full potential at 6 p.m. Broad Topics – TV for smart, funny women – will cover the show with audience discussion featuring YWCA Girl Central middle and high school girls. Spaces will fill up fast, purchase $10 tickets at smywca.org
Thursday, March 22
Celebrity Poker Tournament. Star-studded night with poker, food, drinks, and celebrities at the Edgemar Center for the Arts fourth annual celebrity poker tournament. Play with professional poker icons Annie Duke, Joe Reitman, and surprise guests for an evening of poker and prizes. Registration at 6 p.m. Tournament begins at 7 p.m. $75 buy in and $10 registration fee includes all you can eat and drink. Spectator tickets are $40 and includes all you can eat and drink. For tickets, call 310.392.7327 or go online at www.edgemar.org
Music Benefit for the California Green Party. Special guest performers Glen Phillips, former Toad the Wet Sprocket singer/songwriter, Nick Luca, keyboardist for Iron and Wine, The Pleasure Field, Kornel Turnador, Christ v. Warhol, Lili Haydn. From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission $10. VLounge, 2020 Wilshire Blvd. 310.795.2322, cagreens.nationbuilder.com/green_party_music_benefit
Resumes and Interviewing. Businessman/headhunter Harvey Silver will help you to develop your resume and hone your interviewing skills at 7 p.m. The program is free and open to the public. Montana Branch Library, 1704 Montana Ave. 310.458.8682, smpl.org
MUSIC
Friday, March 16
Streetlamp Junkie, Brother Derek @ Rusty’s Surf Ranch
The Goods With DJ Anthony Valadez, KG Superstar @ Zanzibar
Duo Del Sol Showcase, Dj Tony Smooth @ Bar Pico
The Musicianers, Free People, Mexicans at Night, Frank Jung, Xue and more @ Trip
JT Ross the Harmonica Boss @ Harvelle’s
LA Vice ft Beach Life Kings @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club
Saturday, March 17
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration ft. Meet Me At The Pub, GFP (featuring Dogtown legend Tony Alva), Tone Def Allstars, Trees, DJ Sets by Brett Miller and DJ Skitch @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club
Minus Ned, Sweet Eve @ Rusty’s Surf Ranch
World Music Night @ Bar Pico
The Monophonics @ Harvelle’s
Janiva Magness @ McCabe’s
St. Patty’s Day Punk Blowout: Unglued, The Sickness, Sixth Sense, Scaredycat, Your X Girlfriend, Triple Bordego, Broken Patron Saints, and more @ Trip
Quality with DJs Haul & Mason @ Zanzibar
Sunday, March 18
Kristin @ Bar Pico
The Toledo Show @ Harvelle’s
The Goin’ South Band @ McCabe’s
Fourth & Jessie, Gorilla Blood, Ted Z and the Wranglers, The Cerny Brothers and Anya @ Trip
Channel(s) with Majors, Kali Mutsa, and special guests @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club
Monday, March 19
Vibragun, Bard Griffin, The Foreign Resort, Bonneville Power, and more @ Trip
Tumbao Salsa Dura @ Zanzibar
Philanthro LA presents: Mondays with A Cause Benefiting Youth Policy Institute ft. Hooves and Vanish Valley @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club
Ultra Love @ Harvelle’s
Tuesday, March 20
The Vignatis, Open Mic @ Bar Pico
La Vie and Friends @ Harvelle’s
Y LUV Free Every Tuesday in March with PK, Hello Vegas and DJ Sets by Izzi Willow @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club
Sylvan Productions Comedy followed by The New York Rifles @ TRIP
Wednesday, March 21
Luminous Movement: Electronic Awakening Screening & Equinox Celebration @ Zanzibar
Trip Tease Burlesque with special musical guests Ash Reiter and the Doug Conlon Band @ Trip
Masters Of Now, Jared’s Joker Comedy Show, DJ G-Rock @ Bar Pico
The Revivalists with Family Cave, Erik Kufs @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club
House of Vibe All-Stars @ Harvelle’s
Thursday, March 22
Afro Funke Thursday: Katia Moraes & Pure Samba @ Zanzibar
The VS (Versus) @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club
Harlow Gold @ Harvelle’s
K’Sandra, Nicole Lexi Davis, Good King Friday, and Sofa City Sweetheart @ TRIP
EXHIBITS
Marcia Roberts. Rosamund Felsen Gallery presents an exhibition of new paintings by Marcia Roberts opening March 17 through April 14. For this, her fifth exhibition at the gallery, Roberts will exhibit 13 new paintings and a selection of small drawings. Roberts has for many years been dedicated to a careful exploration of the phenomena of light. Opening reception Saturday, March 17, from 5-7 p.m. Gallery hours 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. 2525 Michigan Ave. B4 (Bergamot Station). 310.828.8488, rosamundfelsen.com
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. The opening reception for the first exhibit will be from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 22 in the 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. Galler hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. 310.434.4306, smc.edu/emeritus
Jerry McMillan: The Artist’s Image and Dennis Hopper: The Fort Worth 400. Craig Krull Gallery presents two exhibits through April 7. The Artist’s Image will focus on one aspect of McMillan’s artistic practice, his photographic portraiture of artists. This exhibition demonstrates his inventive techniques at creating a persona rather than a mere likeness. The Fort Worth 400 consists of the original and intact collection of more than 400 6×9” photographs that were included in Hopper’s 1970 exhibition organized by Henry T. Hopkins for the Fort Worth Art Center Museum. 2525 Michigan Avenue, B3 (Bergamot Station). 310.828.6410, craigkrullgallery.com
Rock ‘N’ Roll’s Not Dead, It Just Smells Funny. Santa Monica College Photography Gallery presents this exhibit by Josh Sanseri’s that features portraits and live photographs of musicians and bands who are both established and “up-and-coming” in the indie music scene. Included are images of The Flaming Lips, Little Dragon, Deadmau5, Built to Spill, The Avett Brothers and many more. The show runs March 10-30 in the gallery, located on the second floor of Drescher Hall on the main SMC campus, 1900 Pico Blvd. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. 310.4344289
Sharon Johnson-Tennant: DIFFUSION. Robert Berman Gallery presents this intimate collection of photographs by photographer Sharon Johnson-Tennant through March 31. In this collection of vibrant yet soothing photographs the viewer is taken to her personal visual escape of Los Angeles. This composed, yet organic series incorporates works from India, Hong Kong, Papua New Guinea, Malibu, and a large portion from Block Island, R.I. where Johnson-Tennant spent her childhood summers. Gallery hours 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. 2525 Michigan Ave. (Bergamot Station) C2 Gallery. 310.315.9506, robertbermangallery.com
Felicity Nove “Poured Paintings,” is on display at The Gallery at Edgemar Center for the Arts in Santa Monica through April 30. 2437 Main St. 310.392.7327, edgemarcenter.org
Surplus, is an exhibition by young Austrian photographer Michael Krebs at dnj Gallery through April 14. “Surplus” was exhibited at the Albertina Museum in Vienna and nominated for the International Photography Award in the category “Deeper Perspective”. In “Surplus” Michael Krebs uses powerful references to iconic war photographs to visualize the modern western consumer’s struggle. Tuesday-Saturday, 11a.m. to 6 p.m. 2525 Michigan Avenue, Suite J (Bergamot Station). 310.315.3551, dnjgallery.net
California Ocean and Coastal Amateur Photography Exhibit. From gorgeous coastlines and beautiful birds to underwater sea life and happy kids, photographs from the California Ocean and Coastal Amateur Photography Contest are coming to Heal the Bay’s Santa Monica Pier Aquarium for viewing during the month of March. The California Coastal Commission, the Thank You Ocean Campaign, and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts sponsor the annual contest. The photos selected for the exhibit represent winning entries from over the years. The Aquarium is open to the public from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. The marine center is closed Mondays. 1600 Ocean Front Walk
The Groundwork Indie Garage Presents Gary Palmer – Coffee Series. Palmer’s latest pieces were painted specifically for this exhibition that runs daily through April 23, measure approximately 16” x 20” each, and are available for purchase by lovers of art… and coffee. Groundwork, 395 Santa Monica Place. themarketsmp.com/gary-palmer-coffee-series
Oceanscapes. An exhibition of paintings by Santa Monica artist Karla Klarin 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
Cultural Illusions, TAG Gallery’s new exhibit will run through March 24. 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
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
THEATER
Private Eyes. CRE Outreach’s Theatre by the Blind puts its unique spin on Steven Dietz’s “Private Eyes,” a drama with comedy about jealousy and revenge through April 8. The play will be performed by an entirely blind cast, directed by Greg Shane, at the Promenade Playhouse. Friday and Saturday 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. General admission $20. 310.902.8220, creoutreach.org
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, the hit Broadway musical based on London’s urban legend with several stage adaptations dating as far back as 1847 opens at Morgan-Wixson Theater runs through April 7. Regular show times Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. $23 general, $18 students and seniors. 2627 Pico Blvd. 310.828.7519, www.morgan-wixson.org
“The Lonesome West,” is written by four-time Tony Award nominee and two-time Academy Award winning playwright Martin McDonagh, has been extended by Ruskin Group Theatre through Saturday, March 31. Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday 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
Ghosts. Mrs. Helen Alving’s struggle with the ghosts of her past is about to come to an end in this modern adaption of the classic play at the Edgemar Center for the Arts through April 8. Tomorrow, commemorating the tenth anniversary of her husband’s death, a new orphanage will be dedicated in his name. For 29 years, since her mother and two aunts arranged for her to marry the wealthy, charming Captain Alving, Helen has kept a dark secret – the reality of her late husband’s deviant excesses and his disease. Now, with her son Osvald finally home to stay after many years abroad, a triumphant new life begins. The past will be buried forever. Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 5 p.m. Tickets $34.99. 2437 Main St. 310.392.7327, edgemarcenter.org
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. 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’ 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
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS/ONGOING EVENTS
Follow That Chef Series, is excited to announce a delicious lineup of Chefs and Authors for their tours of the Santa Monica Farmers Market and demonstrations at The Gourmandise School every Wednesday through March 28. These events are free to the public and require registration. Each event begins with a meet up at the corner of 3rd and Arizona at 9 a.m., followed by a tour led by the Chefs and introduction to farmers. Students will then walk down to The Gourmandise School for a demonstration and light tasting, as well as Q and A with the Chefs. Some events include a cookbook signing. Follow That Chef is brought to you by the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market and The Gourmandise School, located inside The Market at Santa Monica Place. themarketsmp.com/follow-chef-series-0
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
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. You must RSVP: 310.433.2382
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
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