Friday, May 4
The Jacques Voyemont Septet – Spring Jazz Concert at SMC. The acclaimed modern acoustic jazz group features an adventurous compositional style, virtuosic trombone playing, and the outstanding musical artistry of some of LA’s top jazz artists. Seating is strictly on a first-arrival basis. 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Admission: $10. The Edye Second Space, SMC Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th Street. 310.434.3005.
Saturday, May 5
Saturdays with LA Opera. A talk presented by LA Opera Community Educators that allows you to learn about the operas before attending them. The season continues today where the classic La Bohème will be discussed from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The 2011/2012 series will close on Saturday, June 16, at 3:00 p.m. with a Grand Finale event, LA Opera Artists in concert singing some of opera’s greatest hits. The concert will take place in the Main Library’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. 310.458.8600, smpl.org
Vintage Fashion Expo. The original vintage fashion expo. You are invited to join your fellow clotheshorses, fashion designers, costumers, celebs and fashion editors from all over the globe who visit our 5 yearly shows. Featuring 85 dealers of vintage clothing, accessories, textiles and more. Saturday early buying hours 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Early buying admission $20.00. Regular hours Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main Street. Contact: Vintage Expositions, 707.793.0773.
Perla Batalla at The Broad Stage. The Sydney Opera House, The Brighton Dome, “The Fortress of the Sun,” and now, The Eyde — Grammy nominated vocalist and LA native Perla Batalla returns to the Westside for one night only at The Edye. This special evening will celebrate Cinco De Mayo and include music from Mexico and beyond. Admission: $35. Early reservations are recommended — this show will sell out! 7:30 p.m. The Broad Stage. 310.434.3200, perla.com.
Cause for Creativity: The Knotwork Workshop Let’s Make a Hammock. Create a giant, six-sided artistic rope hammock in the middle of Bergamot Station Art Center’s “People Park.” Kagan Taylor and Justin Rice, founders of the inventive do-it-yourself space, Knowhow Shop, and structural engineer Josef Taylor will explain the art and engineering of knots. Walk away with an original weaving shuttle tool created specifically for this project and instructions on how to build your very own hammock at home (while supplies last). Recommended for ages 10 to adult; younger participants are welcome if accompanied by an adult. Admission $10, FREE for SMMoA members. 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. RSVP: education@smmoa.org. Santa Monica Museum of Art, 2525 Michigan Avenue, Building G-1. 310.586.6488.
Sunday, May 6
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta. Every year locals and tourists come to Virginia Avenue Park for the annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta & Carnival. Join us as we celebrate with cultural performances including mariachi, salsa and folklorico, cultural education, activities and games for kids and delicious food. Last year, hundreds of people attended! Sorry no car show this year. 12 noon to 5 p.m. Virginia Avenue Park.
Samohi Architectural Home and Garden Tour. The inaugural Samohi Architectural Home and Garden Tour is Sunday May 6, 2012, with a behind-the-scenes look at distinctive residences in Santa Monica. The self-guided tour represents a rare opportunity for visitors to meet with homeowners, architects and landscape designers, and gain an insider’s perspective on unique designs for living and working. The tour is a fundraising event for the award-winning Santa Monica High School Orchestras program. Four homes are featured on the tour. The tour is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 6. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Will call at 705 San Vicente Boulevard. 310.739.3907.
Monday, May 7
Mother’s Week at The UCLA Family Commons. A week long celebration of the most important women in our community – Mothers! Visit The UCLA Family Commons for a week of FREE events, activities, and giveaways sponsored by some of Santa Monica’s best local businesses. Monday – Free Women’s Self Defense Classes and 5 Hour Energy Shot Giveaways! Tuesday – Mom Blog Summit & Community Discussion with Free Refreshments from Nothing Bundt Cakes and Salon Giveaways from Miakel Bishay. Wednesday – Whole Foods Market 5th & Wilshire Presents “Food For Thought,” at The UCLA Family Commons. A delicious presentation & tasting dedicated to nutritious snacks on-the-go. Thursday – Free Arts & Crafts at The UCLA Family Commons presented by Color Me Mine! Bring your children to create a special gift just for Mom. Friday – Mom’s Day Out! FREE Kids Club at The UCLA Family Commons. Moms can stop by and get their vouchers for FREE Cocktails at Border Grill and FREE Spa Services at Tikkun Spa. Saturday – Ruby’s Studio visits The UCLA Family Commons for a FREE Mommy & Me Storytime! Enjoy FREE refreshments from Cutie’s Juices! Free Admission. Call to register for these events today, space is limited! May 7 to May 12. Daily 12 Noon to 7 p.m. 1221 2nd Street. Cynthia Webb, 310.395.5650.
Tuesday, May 8
Santa Monica Rep Presents PROOF, by David Auburn. Upstart theater company Santa Monica Rep presents the 2001 winner of the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award at the non-traditional venue The Church at Ocean Park. With Santa Monica locals Ella Martin, Gugun Deep Singh, and Andrea Schell, as well as LA stage veteran John Ross Clark. Performances run Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 730 p.m. through May 12. General Admission $20 Students $15. Recurring weekly on Sunday, Friday, Saturday. The Church in Ocean Park, 235 Hill Street. Eric Bloom, 213.268.1454, www.santamonicarep.org.
Wednesday, May 9
SummerTASTE Wine Tasting Series. DJ music fills the air, wine fills the glass, and for one small price… food, wine, music, charity and an amazing setting. Social tasting, 10-12 producers sharing ideas, concepts, education, and sampling 200 consumers at Santa Monica’s great attraction, Santa Monica Place adjacent to the Third Street Promenade. Easy to park, easy to shop, easy to dine… and now great wine tasting gatherings on the second Wednesday of every month – May thru October! May 9: Roses are Red – Cabernets are Blue! June 13: Que Syrah Shiraz – A night for Rhones. July 11: BBQ and Wine. August 8: Dry Creek Vintners of Sonoma County. September 12 : INTERNATIONAL Wine Night – Wines of the World. October 10 : CHOCTOBERFEST – Wine, Beer and Chocolate! * Date(s): 05/09/2012 – 10/10/2012
• Recurring monthly on the 2nd Wednesday
• Times: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
• Location: Sonoma Wine Garden, 395 Santa Monica Place
• Phone: (310) 260-8333
• Admission: $50 IN ADVANCE, $60 DAY OF $180 FOR THE SERIES* (SAVE $120!)
Thursday, May 10
Santa Monica College Opera Theater presents “Cosi fan Tutte.” SMC Opera Theater performs the exquisitely problematic farce of “Cosi fan tutte” by Mozart. Starring Gregorio Gonzalez as Guglielmo. Placido Domingo Mr. Gonzalez one of the up and coming talents in opera today. Shana Blake Hill makes her directorial debut. Ms. Hill “known for her ravenously glorious sound” is a graduate of the LA opera Artist in Residence program. May 10 to 13. 7 p.m. May 10, 11, 12; 4 p.m. on May 13. Admission: $20 seniors & students, $35 general admission. The Broad Stage, SMC Performing Arts Center, 1301 11th Street. Vinnessa Cook, 310.434.3005.
