LAST CHANCE
“The Lonesome West,” is written by four-time Tony Award nominee and two-time Academy Award winning playwright Martin McDonagh, which will be concluded by Ruskin Group Theatre this Sunday, March 4. 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
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. Concludes this Saturday, March 3. 1404 Third Street Promenade. 310.656.8070, promenadeplayhouse.com
THIS WEEK
Friday, March 2
“Special Observing Event: Jupiter & the Moon,” which starts in Santa Monica College’s John Drescher Planetarium and – weather permitting – continues outdoors as participants observe the solar system’s largest planet and Earth’s satellite through telescopes. If clouds intervene, the program will stay in the Planetarium with high-resolution images of Jupiter and the Moon. The feature show is at 8 p.m. and preceded by “The Night Sky Show” at 7 p.m., which re-creates the night sky and provides the latest information on space exploration. The Planetarium is located on the second floor of Drescher Hall, 1900 Pico Blvd. $6 each or $11 for the “double bill.” 310.434.3000, smc.edu/planetarium.
Saturday, March 3
Live entertainment at Santa Monica Place. Each Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. through March 18 will feature different performing artists. Santa Monica Place, The Plaza. 310.2608333, santamonicaplace.com/ events/performers2012
5th Annual Super Seuss-a-bration. Calling all Dr. Seuss fans! Children and their families are invited to the Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Boulevard, for a Super Seuss-a-bration celebrating the wonderful world of Dr. Seuss. The celebration begins at 10:30 a.m. with a juggling show by the amazing David Cousin. Seating is limited and on a first arrival basis. Following the show, at 11:30 a.m., children can enjoy crafts and other fun activities. The event is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Santa Monica and is recommended for ages four and up. 310.458.8621, smpl.org
Jamaica Farewell at Santa Monica Playhouse. The story of Debra Ehrhardt’s struggle to get to America at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. 1211 4th St, 310.394.9779, santamonicaplayhouse.com
Jason Peters: L.A. DELUXE. Robert Berman Gallery presents a one-of-a-kind installation by internationally renowned artist Jason Peters. The opening reception from 5-8 p.m. will feature the unveiling of a unique work of sculpture and light in the Chapel Room, hosted by Elk. Free. 2525 Michigan Ave. (Bergamot Station) B7 Gallery. 310.586.9128, robertbermangallery.com
Noir Afloat: Tony Cornero and the Notorious Gambling Ships of Southern California. At 4:30 p.m., Santa Monica historian Ernest Marquez discusses his book “Noir Afloat: Tony Cornero and the Notorious Gambling Ships of Southern California” in the Santa Monica Place Community Room. Free. 310.496.3146, kintera.org. 395 Santa Monica Place, Level 3.
Tokyo String Quartet at The Broad Stage. Founded more than 40 years ago at Juilliard, the Tokyo String Quartet remains one of the world’s leading chamber ensembles. Haydn Quartet in G Major, Op. 77, No. 1 Grieg Quartet in G Minor, Op. 27 Intermission Debussy Quartet in G Minor, Op. 10. Performance starts at 4 p.m. Tickets $47-$75. 310.434.3200, thebroadstage.com
Upper West’s two year anniversary party, will be held at 10:30 p.m. with light appetizers, a champagne toast, and DJ. 3321 Pico Blvd. 310.586.1111, theupperwest.com
A Night of Beauty, to support Imagin Action’s local and global projects starting at 6:30 p.m. A celebration of life and transformation through art with music, theater, storytelling, and life drawing. $25 includes appetizers, Thai Dinner, and homemade desserts. The evening will end with live music and dancing. Church in Ocean Park, 235 Hill St. Reservations: 310.345.4883
Sunday, March 4
Marilyn Horne Song Competition Winners. In what has become an audience favorite, The Broad Stage welcomes first prize winners from the Music Academy of the West song competition at 4 p.m. Created by the great mezzo-soprano Marilyn Horne to “breathe new life into the vocal recital as an art form in the U.S.,” the competition is already putting the spotlight on future stars with a particular gift for audience communication and excellence in performing songs from the great repertoire. Tickets $20-$45. The Broad Stage, 1310 11th St. 310.434.3200, thebroadstage.com
O’Neill 365 Launch Party at The Yard. Come see the full O’Neill 365 athletic apparel line at The Yard while enjoying $5 Champagne cocktails, raffles, and the unveiling of The Yard’s new Veggie Burger from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. After the party, stop by O’Neill and receive 40 percent off your entire purchase of O’Neill 365, as well as, other special discounts. RSVP on Facebook or call O’Neill. 657.859.3721, facebook.com/ONeillSantaMonica
The Case Against Happiness: A One-Man Courtroom Comedy. An evening of true, funny stories about New York, being Jewish, and the power of a bowl of Cream of Broccoli soup at 7 p.m. In this hilarious and touching play, attorney Howard Smith practices in the courtroom of life arguing the case that happiness is overrated. It’s the truth, the whole truth, nothing but the truth. Honest. All proceeds benefit the Santa Monica Playhouse Save the Playhouse Campaign. $18 all seats. 1211 4th St. 310.394.9779 ext. 1, santamonicaplayhouse.com
Crossroads School presents improvisational piano concert featuring Richard Grayson. The annual piano improvisation recital will take place at 2 p.m. in Roth Hall at Crossroads School. Grayson joined the music faculty of Crossroads School in 2001 after retiring from Occidental College, where he taught for 32 years. The concert is free and open to the public.1714 21st St.
Support Meeting To Save Paul Conrad’s “Chain Reaction.” Artists, activists, students, and the public interested in saving the late three-time Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist Paul Conrad’s iconic 26-foot tall nuclear mushroom cloud public art sculpture “Chain Reaction” are invited to a public meeting at 5:30 p.m. Flying Saucers Caffeine and Art Café, 306 Pico Blvd. For more information, call 310.399.1000
Tuesday, March 6
Los Angeles Noir Now. Mystery lovers will have plenty of reasons to visit the Santa Monica Public Library for Los Angeles Noir Now, a panel discussion led by author Denise Hamilton and featuring a quartet of contemporary noir authors. The program will take place at 7 p.m., in the Main Library’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium, 601 Santa Monica Boulevard. The events is free to the public and is open to all. Seating is first come, first served. 310.458.8600, smpl.org/Raymond_Chandler.aspx
Thursday, March 8
Food Fare 2012. This once-a-year event is held for attendees to sample food and drink from the city’s premier restaurants, wineries, caterers, and beverage purveyors. There will be an auction featuring vacation packages, entertainment and sporting event tickets, gift certificates, and much more. Two sessions from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main St. For ticket prices, call 213.284.3316 or visit pplafoodfare.com
The Chamber Music Project. With the inquisitive spirit and commitment to pushing artistic boundaries that has become its hallmark, The Baryshnikov Arts Center unpacks the chamber music experience at 7:30 p.m. Featuring Geoff Nuttall and Livia Sohn (violin); Hsin-Yun Huang (viola); Nina Maria Lee (cello); and Pedja Muzijevic (piano), the BAC quintet has been lauded as “stately and wistful, with a thrilling wildness.” Hear them explore the possibilities in a program featuring Gulliver’s Suite for 2 violins by Telemann; Berger’s Sink or Swim for solo violin; Schumann’s Novelette, op. 21 no.8; and Faure’s Piano Quartet in G Minor, op. 45. Tickets $47-$75. The Broad Stage, 1310 11th St. 310.434.3200, thebroadstage.com
SMC Spring Literary Series, begins today with SMC alumna and English instructor Tupelo Hassman who will read from and discuss her debut novel, “Girlchild.” All lectures are free and are held at 11:15 a.m. in Humanities & Social Science Lecture Hall, 165 on the main SMC campus, 1900 Pico Blvd. Seating is on a first-arrival basis. For more information, call 310.434.4303
An Evening with Surfrider Foundation Executive Director Jim Moriarty. The Santa Monica Public Library presents the Quality of Life Forum with special guest Jim Moriarty, executive director of the Surfrider Foundation, at 7 p.m. in the Main Library’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. Moriarty, through his leadership of the Surfrider Foundation, has successfully combined his professional life with his passion for nature and the ocean. Admission is free, and seating is first come, first served. 310.458.8600, smpl.org
In Case You Missed It Film Series. Screening of “Larry Crowne” at 2 p.m. starring Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts in this romantic comedy about how it’s never too late to reinvent yourself. Montana Branch Library, 1704 Montana Ave. The program is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. 310.458.8682, smpl.org
MUSIC
Friday, March 2
McGrath, Orkestar Meze @ Rusty’s Surf Ranch
The Goods With DJ Anthony Valadez, KG Superstar @ Zanzibar
Nitant Duo, Scott Helmer, DJ Dulcet Collective @ Bar Pico
Blame Sally plus special guest The Farewell Drifters @ McCabe’s
Sci-Fi Romance, Redondo Bitch, The Co-Op, Day Above Ground and Psychedelic Milk @ Trip
John Lee Hooker Jr. @ Harvelle’s
Audio Absinthe Presents: Van Bitchin’ with DJ sets from Doc Hollywood, Vanville, and Jilly Hendrix @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club
Saturday, March 3
Model Citizen, LaGrange Concourse, Doña Oxford, and John Wayne Bro @ Trip
Get Shifty Party @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club
Little Sista, The Twains, Why Portland? @ Rusty’s Surf Ranch
DJ Sala @ Bar Pico
Guitar Shorty @ Harvelle’s
Diego Garcia @ McCabe’s
Quality with DJs Haul & Mason @ Zanzibar
Sunday, March 4
The Toledo Show @ Harvelle’s
The Bobs @ McCabe’s
HollowbodyLA Presents: Jen Armstrong, Doc Stewart, Sunride Divide, Erik Anders and more @ Trip
Mad Planet with The Open Feel, The Lillies, Minor Me @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club
Monday, March 5
Red on Red, Justin Wiggins, Derek Woodz, Barbarian Overlords, and Kilian @ Trip
Tumbao Salsa Dura @ Zanzibar
Mondays with A Cause Benefitting Free Arts for Abused Children @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club
Tuesday, March 6
Open Mic, The Vignatis @ Bar Pico
La Vie and Friends @ Harvelle’s
Y LUV Free Every Tuesday in March with Capital Cities, Polaris at Noon and DJ Set by Izzi Willow @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club
The Kristi McU’Laff Comedy Show, Followed by the very talented Fang-I Liu @ TRIP
Wednesday, March 7
Luminous Movement @ Zanzibar
The Dollface Dames present the TRiP Tease Burlesque show @ Trip
Masters of Now @ Bar Pico
Good Vibe Wednesdays @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club
Westside Wednesdays: CJ Emmons @ Harvelle’s
Thursday, March 8
Afro Funke Thursday: Live Percussion by Oneka Arika @ Zanzibar
Omband @ Bar Pico
The VS (Versus) @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club
Being Devious, Enjuillet, Brown Shoe, Elle Carpenter, and the Tammy Olea Band @ TRIP
EXHIBITS
Sharon Johnson-Tennant: DIFFUSION. Robert Berman Gallery presents this intimate collection of photographs by photographer Sharon Johnson-Tennant March 3-31. 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. Reception this Saturday, March 3 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. 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,” opens at The Gallery at Edgemar Center for the Arts in Santa Monica this Sunday, March 4 at 2437 Main St. with a reception from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Exhibition closes April 30. To RSVP for reception, contact info@edgemarcenter.org, 310.392.7327, edgemarcenter.org
Surplus, is an exhibition by young Austrian photographer Michael Krebs at dnj Gallery, opening March 3 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
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
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
Beyond The Natural Figure. The Santa Monica College Emeritus College Art Gallery present “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. 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
THEATER
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
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 & we hope you will join us. Suggested for ages 8 and up. Thursday through Saturday at 7 p.m. March 2-3 and March 8-10. Plus Special Matinee Saturday, March 3 at 2 p.m. $15 ($10 students). 310.395.3204, samohitheatre.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’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
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
