Friday, April 26
Los Angeles Children’s Film Festival will be held today through May 5 on various days and times at the Aero Theater, 1328 Montana Ave. New York International Children’s Film Festival heads west for a debut Los Angeles engagement at the American Cinematheque. Founded in 1997, this festival is dedicated to intelligent, passionate, provocative cinematic works for ages 3-18 and to help define a more compelling film for kids. A selection of live action, animated, experimental shorts and features will be shown along with premieres of the latest and greatest work for young people. Guest speakers and demonstrations will accompany film screenings. 323.466.3456, americancinemathequecalendar. com/content/los-angeles-international-childrens-film-festival.
YWCA Santa Monica will hold a “Stand Against Racism” rally from 4 pm to 5 pm, which is created by the YWCA and educator/activist Kesa Kivel. Join the event for a peaceful, affirmative Stand Against Racism. Bring your own sign – ideas include: I Stand Against Racism, Equality For All, Celebrate Diversity, Racism Hurts Everyone, and more. It will start at the corner of 14th and Pico Boulevard, rain or shine. It will conclude at 5:15 pm at the YWCA, 2019 14th St. smywca.org.
Saturday, April 27
Santa Monica High School presents a Buster Keaton double bill with original score by Robert Israel on pipe organ at 7 pm at Barnum Hall, 601 Pico Blvd. Declared one of the 100 funniest movies of all time, “Sherlock Jr.” is packed with ingenious sight gags and impossible stunts. Keaton performed them all himself and literally broke his neck during shooting. And, “In The Cook,” Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle and Buster Keaton juggle everything in the kitchen from pancakes to butcher knives, but the real star of the movie is Luke the Dog in the most relentless chase on film. Suggested donation $10 ($5 for students/seniors). 310.255.0445, samohiband.org.
The Broad Stage presents Paris Combo at 7:30 pm. This chic, offbeat Parisian cabaret lands on Santa Monica shores with a refreshing new sound that will seduce with its quirky attitude and charm. Fronted by alluring chanteuse and accordionist Belle du Berry, this clever and engaging combo has carved out a truly distinctive niche in contemporary jazz. Admission $49-$79. 1310 11th St. 310.434.3200, thebroadstage.com.
Barnes & Noble Santa Monica presents local author Jason Hinojosa at 2 pm. Read his debut novel “The Last Lawsons” and meet the author to hear this powerful multi-generational tale. 1201 3rd Street Promenade. 310.260.9110, bn.com.
Rusty’s Surf Ranch will host a Chain Reaction fundraiser at 8:30 pm featuring the New Roads Jazz Band with Kaya Mandissa, The Lefteous Sisters, Sessions Stars, and Half Brother. Doors open at 8 pm. $10 student/child admission; $20 adult admission. Savechainreaction.brownpapertickets.com.
Santa Monica Public Library presents “The Curiosity Mars Rover: From Launch to Landing,” and “Bringing the Findings Back Home” at 1 pm in the Main Library’s MLK Jr. Auditorium, 601 Santa Monica Boulevard. Keith Novak, a Senior Engineer at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, will discuss how this amazing feat of engineering was accomplished, and presents images and science results from the mission. The event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and on a first arrival basis. 310.458.8600, smpl.org.
Jacaranda’s three-concert celebration of Benjamin Britten’s centenary continues with a concert staging of “Curlew River,” a chamber opera (1963) intended for performance in a church. This all-male opera is based on Sumidagawa the most famous drama of the classical Japanese Noh theater, in which a traditional all-male ensemble told the story of a distraught noblewoman driven mad by the kidnapping of her son. Jacaranda will give “Curlew River” its first known Los Angeles performance, featuring tenor Steven Tharp in the lead role and members of the Los Angeles Gay Men’s Chorus. It will be held at 8 pm at the First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica, 1220 Second St. $40 general; $20 students. 213.483.0216, jacarandamusic.org.
Sunday, April 28
St. Vincent’s Meals on Wheels 18th Annual Walk/Bike A Thon will be held at 9 am. Registration/check-in 8:30 am. Participants will bike 10 miles along bike path; walkers walk 3.7 miles. This is a leisure ride, not a race. $20 registration. Crescent Bay Park, corner of Main and Bay Street. stvincentmow.org/2013/01/18th-annual-beach-walkbike-a-thon.
Wilshire Restaurant presents a Backyard Pig Roast from 1-4 pm. Chef Nyesha Arrington hosts a gathering of Los Angeles’ Top Chef, Top Chef Masters, and Top Chef Just Desserts contestants for a backyard pig roast at Wilshire Restaurant in Santa Monica benefiting Share our Strength Taste of the Nation Los Angeles and helping to end childhood hunger in the United States. Admission $55. 2454 Wilshire Boulevard. 310.586.1707, ce.strength.org/ events/top-chef-pig-roast.
Santa Monica Playhouse presents “The Case Against Happiness,” a one-man courtroom comedy at 7 pm. In this hilarious and touching play, attorney Howard Smith practices in the courtroom of life arguing the case that happiness is overrated. Admission $18. 1211 4th St. 310.394.9779 ext. 1, santamonicaplayhouse.com.
Rusty’s Surf Ranch on the Santa Monica Pier presents two performances of the band The Bonedaddys at 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm to support the Church in Ocean Park. The early 5:30 pm show includes dinner ($50). The 8:30 pm show is $15. churchop.nationbuilder.com.
Monday, April 29
Mi’s Westside Comedy Theater presents Razowsky & Clifford at 10:30 pm, a two-person improv show that has become one of LA’s “must see” performances. David Razowsky (Spin City, The Weekenders) and Carrie Clifford (The Slammin’ Salmon, HBO’s Funny or Die Presents, The Office) have performed their signature long form style at improv festivals around the globe. No cover. 1323-A Third Street Promenade. 310.451.0850, westsidecomedy.com.
Tuesday, April 30
A free health seminar “Preventing Childhood Obesity” will be held from 7-8:30 pm at UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica, Auditorium, 1250 16th St. David Feazell, M.D., UCLA pediatrician, will discuss the keys to healthy living as it pertains to preventing obesity in our community’s youth. Among other things, diet and exercise guidance/counseling will be addressed. RSVP: 800.516.5323.
Wednesday, May 1
Hotel Shangrila will present world-renowned British artist KESH for the unveiling of her KESH 4 Shangrila art project from 7-10 pm. Seven specially created custom art pieces will be debuted to the public for the first time at Hotel Shangrila’s Penthouse deck with 360 degree views of Los Angeles/Santa Monica in association with BritWeek. The event is free and open to the public. Reservations are highly recommended at RSVP@Shangrila-Hotel.com or call 310.394.2791.
Thursday, May 2
The 23rd annual Santa Monica National Day of Prayer will be held at 7 am at the east patio next to the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main Street. This year’s theme is “Pray for America,” inspired by Matthew 12:21, “In His Name the nations will put their hope.” Community leaders, including Santa Monica Police Chief Jacqueline Seabrooks and Fire Chief Scott Ferguson, and area pastors will offer prayers for the president, governor, and other governmental leaders, the armed services, peace officers, legislators, judges, the community, and nation. Coffee will be available.
Santa Monica Public Library presents “One Hundred Years of Health” from 7-8:45 pm. Join David Allen, M.D., leading integrative and anti-aging medicine expert, for a fascinating and informative discussion of some of the latest advances in longevity medicine, including the all-important areas of cardiac and brain health, and learn how you can stay healthy and vital until you are 100 years old, or even longer. MLK Jr. Auditorium, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. Admission to this lecture is free and open to the public. 310.445.6600, davidallenmd.com.
