Last Chance
How I Became A Pirate. AARRRRGH! But these aren’t your average pirates at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre! There’s the meanest pirate on the seven seas – actually a sensitive guy who likes ballet and is a member of Mensa – and the pirate who thinks the stuffed plush parrot on his shoulder is actually real. And the pirate who serves French cuisine. And the pirate who has a cleanliness obsession. And the pirate who barks like a dog. And yes, even the pirate who is an intellectual and is constantly referring to his iPad. Final performances this weekend at 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Adults $10 ($7 for children 12 and under). All seats reserved. 2627 Pico Blvd. 310.828.7519, morgan-wixson.org.
SERE: Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape. Patrick Painter concludes this exhibition of paintings and an installation by New York-based artist Charlotta Westergren this Friday, May 25. The show takes on themes of control, time, death, and rebirth in serious ways, but also with irony and humor. 2525 Michigan Ave. B2 (Bergamot Station) 310.264.5988, patrickpainter.com.
Child’s Play Photography Exhibit at Santa Monica Pier. The historic walls of the Merry-Go-Round Building at the Santa Monica Pier will conclude a photography exhibit called “Child’s Play” this Monday, May 28. Explore the fun, awkward, whimsical, magical memories, and moments of childhood featuring the collaboration of three local photo-artists: Ellen Freyer, Judy Raffel, and Eileen Rapke. The exhibit is open to the public and children are welcome. The exhibit hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Sunday and Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Santa Monica Pier. 310.458.8901, santamonicapier.org.
SMC Emeritus College Student Photo Show I & II, will conclude this Thursday, May 31. 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 2. Gallery hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. 310.434.4306, smc.edu/emeritus.
This Week
Friday, May 25
“Live From Loews: California Classics” Concert Series. Held every last Friday of the month, this concert series features breathtaking ocean views, locally-crafted beer, fine wine, and California cuisine. Set in the hotel’s stylish five-story lobby lined with 45-foot palm trees, the event allows guests to mix and mingle in the cozy Fireside Lounge or relax outdoors on the beautiful oceanfront terrace while enjoying live music by the John Brown Band. General admission $45 in advance or $55 at the door, plus service charge, and includes beer, wine, Chef tastings, and complimentary valet parking. 1700 Ocean Ave. loewshotels.com/en/restaurants/ocean-vine/overview.
Saturday, May 26
Eat|See|Hear. The Open Air Society presents Eat|See|Hear – an outdoor movie night with food trucks and live music. “Anchorman” will be screened utilizing high definition audiovisual projection on a three story tall, 52-foot wide inflatable movie screen with local bands providing pre-show entertainment. Doors 5:30 p.m./Music 7 p.m./ Movie 8:30 p.m. Admission: $10 general/$20 VIP pass. Memorial Greek Theater at Santa Monica High School, 601 Pico Blvd. eatseehear.com.
Enchanted Fairytale Interactive Theatre. Interactive story-telling, sing-a-longs, crafts, face-painting, enactment of a beloved fairytale, theatre games, refreshments, and special surprise gifts make this delightful Santa Monica Playhouse special event the perfect Memorial Day weekend outing for children aged 4 to 10 and their grown-ups from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. $15 for children. One free adult admission with every paid child’s ticket; additional accompanying adults $5 each. 1211 4th St. 310.394.9779 ext. 2. santamonicaplayhouse.com.
Sunday, May 27
Cultural Competency Training, will be presented by the Crossroads Anti-Racism Organizing Team from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Virginia Avenue Park, Thelma Terry Building. This training will give insight into our own culture and the cultures of others. $12 at the door, but no one is turned away for lack of funds. All welcome. 2200 Virginia Ave. 310.399.1631 or churchop@aol.com.
Monday, May 28
Santa Monica’s 74th Memorial Day Observance. This event honors our nation’s brave military men and women who have paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we all enjoy today. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will honor Santa Monica’s current connection with and our history to the United States Military. Highlights include patriotic music by The Santa Monica Oceanaires. Solo performance by Santa Monica police Officer Shaun Dove. DC3 Flyover. Parking for this event is at the Santa Monica College, Lot 6. A shuttle will be provided to Woodlawn by Big Blue Bus. No parking on site. Free. 1847 14th St. 310.458.8717, smgov.net/Departments/Cemetery/content.aspx?id=16637.
Thursday, May 31
Olympic High School, hosts a weekly fundraiser Food Truck Night every Thursday evening from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The best food trucks are brought in each week, offering different cuisine choices from all over Los Angeles. Be sure to come out and enjoy live music and/or a DJ while you eat. Free parking – enter lot on Pine Street.
Kids on Stage Present The Wizard of Oz. Stage adaptation with actors aged 5 – 8 starting at 6 p.m. It all begins when Dorothy and her dog Toto are blown away in a tornado to Munchkinland. Together with her friends the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, Dorothy and Toto they travel along the Yellow Brick Road seeking the Wizard of Oz. Suitable for audience ages 3 and older. 2627 Pico Blvd. Adults $10, children 16 and under $5, lap sitters free (2 and under). 310.314.0035, kidsonstage.com.
Music
Friday, May 25
Chromosphere, The Roosters, Chu Me & Heath, Minus Ned, Jonny Come lately @ Rusty’s Surf Ranch
DJ Jedi, The Goods with DJ Anthony Valadez @ Zanzibar
Pico Joke Show, DJ Mike McCarthy @ Bar Pico
Adrian Hibbs, Dessy DiLauro @ Harvelle’s
Bob Lind, Danny O’Keefe @ McCabe’s
Hayah, Casey Wickstrom’s After Dinner Theatre, Mario Costa, and more @ Trip
Music Video? with Lo-Fi Sugar, and special guests @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club
Saturday, May 26
Pop/Folk Music from Ex-Yugoslavia, Zoka/MIki/Vladan @ Bar Pico
Silent Frisco: Daft Punk VS Radiohead @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club
Michelle Carter, Brother Derek, The Sign @ Rusty’s Surf Ranch
Soul 7 @ Harvelle’s
Quality with DJs Haul & Mason @ Zanzibar
Saturday Jam Sessions @ Trip
Sunday, May 27
Stylo Memoria Day Weekend Dance Party: DJ Cee Brown, DJ Spill, Mantron @ Zanzibar
The Toledo Show @ Harvelle’s
Bodhi with special guests @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club
Nicole Lexi Davis, Supernaw, Miscomunicado and more @ Trip
Monday, May 28
A Little Freak Out with DJs Ghost Lyon and softCORE @ Trip
Tumbao Salsa Dura @ Zanzibar
Ultra Love @ Harvelle’s
LLS Benefit of the Bands @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club
Tuesday, May 29
Kazha and friends @ Trip
The Vignatis, Open Mic @ Bar Pico
SUPERGOODMUSIC Presents: Austin Brown Residency @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club
La Vie and Friends @ Harvelle’s
Wednesday, May 30
Luminous Movement @ Zanzibar
Jared’s Joker Comedy Show @ Bar Pico
Special musical guest James Gentry and the Tequila Sundance Band, followed by the TRiP Tease Burlesque show @ Trip
House of Vibe All-Stars @ Harvelle’s
The Dead Ships with Hello Echo, News of the Fire, and Herculion @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club
Thursday, May 31
Afro Funke Thursday: Subatomic Sound (NYC) @ Zanzibar
Olivia May Rock Show @ Bar Pico
The Genie – ‘scratch guitar’ innovator, Daze Rich, NERDS & JERKS, and special guests @ Trip
Versus presented by Gotta Dance Dirty & DANCEiSM @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club
Harlow Gold @ Harvelle’s
Exhibits
ArtLA Gallery, presents its newest exhibition featuring artists Giorgio Tuscani and Jill Bogdanowicz as well as a unique display of neon rarities and pop-culture memorabilia from the 1950’s and 1960’s. The exhibition will run May 26 through June 24. The opening reception is May 26 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. 2525 Michigan Ave. D5 (Bergamot Station). 2525 Michigan Ave. 310.315.0282, artla.com.
Notes on a Gathering Crowd, is a new exhibition by Kathleen Henderson at the Rosamund Felsen Gallery. This will be Henderson’s fourth solo exhibition at our gallery; the exhibition will be comprised of nearly 40 new oil stick drawings on paper. The exhibition runs May 26 – June 30. An opening reception will be held Saturday, May 26, from 5 p.m. to 7 pm. Gallery hours: 10 am to 5:30 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. 2525 Michigan Ave. B4 (Bergamot Station). 310.828.8488, rosamundfelsen.com.
Emotional Transcendence, TAG Gallery presents its newest exhibition through June 16. The opening reception is Saturday, May 26 from 5-8 p.m. It features artists Shelley Adler, Shelley Lazarus, and Joan Vaupen who are all local to Los Angeles. An artist panel will be held June 9 at 3 p.m. 2525 Michigan Ave. D3 (Bergamot Station). 310.829.9556, taggallery.net.
Theater
Rent. The Santa Monica College Theatre Arts and Music Departments presents the Broadway smash hit musical and Tony Award-winning “Rent” – the socially relevant and moving story of the struggles of a group of young Bohemians – May 25-June 3 in the Theatre Arts Main Stage, 1900 Pico Blvd. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. A 2 p.m. show is added for Saturday, June 2. Tickets $15-$20. A $1-per-ticket service charge is added. Parking is free on Friday evenings and weekends. 310.434.4319, smc.edu/theatre.
Sideways The Play. Adapted by Rex Pickett from his own novel, is the story of two friends – Miles and Jack – and their journey across the Santa Ynez wine country, on one last blowout trip before Jack gets married. Miles and Jack must face their uncertain futures…just as soon as they figure out how to survive their chaotic present. Pinot Tasting included. Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through July 22 Tickets $25; seniors/students $20. Ruskin Group Theatre. 310.397.3244, ruskingrouptheatre.com.
A Very Adult Fairytale. Santa Monica Playhouse presents the world premiere of “Arnold Schulman’s Sleeping Ugly,” a two-time Oscar nominated show about business legend Arnold Schulman’s delightfully humorous, intensely romantic adult fairytale about love and lust, longing and belonging, sex and sensibility, parents and pediatrics, and the passion and pain of living with a werewolf. The show runs through June 17, 2012. Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25; $22.50 for students, teachers, seniors and members of the military; $17.50 groups of 8 or more. Advance reservations are required. 310.394.9779 ext. 1, SantaMonicaPlayhouse.com.
Ongoing Events
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.
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 life-coping skills. 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.
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. Excellent for athletes. Taught by Dr. Bonnie Hemauer, Ph.D. (Dr. B.) who has 25 years experience specializing in self help, therapies, and prevention of stress causing diseases. On going each Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Cost $25. 601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica. Must RSVP: 310.433.2382 .
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.
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.
Get into shape or learn a new skill with YWCA Santa Monica’s spring/summer class sessions. Sign up now for classes including: Barre, Belly Dancing, Commercial Acting for Adults, Core with Heart, 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, and Zumba Gold. For children and youth: Afternoon Kids Club (ages 4 to 6), Ballet (ages 6 1/2 to 9), Broadway Stars Gymnastics (ages 6 to 10), Creative Dance and Pre-Ballet (ages 3 to 6), Karate for Kids (ages 5 to 10), Little Tumbling Stars (ages 3 to 5), Parent & Me Yoga, Tiger Kick Fit (ages 3 to 5), Twinkle Toes Ballet and Tap (ages 2 to 3), Toddler Tumbling Fun (ages 2 to 3 1/2), Yoga Play (ages 3 to 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 and receive discounts at YWCA events, a free subscription to YWCA Newsletters, and easy access to life-changing programs that advance the goals and pursuits of women and girls at every life stage. To sign up for one or more of any of the above classes, visit smywca.org or call 310.452.3881.
