Friday, April 5
The Broad Stage presents “Birds of Paradise: Extreme, Bizarre, Extraordinary” at 10 am. Renowned photographer and forest canopy researcher Tim Laman and ornithologist Ed Scholes will soon publish a major National Geographic book, “Birds of Paradise Revealed: Extreme, Bizarre, Extraordinary,” taking readers deep into the New Guinea rainforests to observe these astonishing avian creatures. Evolved to attract mates with their extraordinarily colorful feathers, which they display in dances executed with ballerina-like grace, these birds are a living laboratory of evolution. Meet all 39 species and enjoy their secret lives, bizarre displays, and dazzling courtship antics in breathtaking visuals. Admission $47-75. 310.434.3412, thebroadstage.com.
Mi’s Westside Comedy Theater presents “Unnecessary Evil” at 8 pm. This stand-up comedy show showcases some of the best comedians in the country. Hosted by Tushar Singh and Neel Nanda, each week there is a special celebrity drop in. Past guests have included the likes of Demetri Martin. Admission $10. 1323-A 3rd St. westsidecomedy.com.
Saturday, April 6
Santa Monica Public Works will give away free compost from 7 am to 2 pm at the City Yards while stocks last. Residents may fill five large burlap sacks with compost. The bags are donated by Groundwork Coffee. 2500 Michigan Ave. 310.458.2223, smgov.net/r3.
Montana Branch Library presents “Esther McCoy: The View From Santa Monica” at 12 pm. Author Susan Morgan gives a presentation on McCoy, one of the foremost architectural writers of the 20th century, and how her writing and life were influenced by her experiences in Santa Monica. This program is free and open to the public. 1704 Montana Ave. 310.458.8682, smpl.org.
Santa Monica Public Library presents a solo piano recital by Lana Chae at 2:30 pm. The gifted local pianist will perform solo pieces by Schubert, Ravel, and Beethoven in the Main Library’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. This event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and on a first arrival basis. 310.458.8600, smpl.org.
Sunday, April 7
New West Symphony presents its Masterpiece Series concert at 4 pm at Barnum Hall on the campus of Santa Monica High School, 601 Pico Boulevard. The program includes “Seven Pieces for String Orchestra” by Bulgarian composer Pancho Vladigerov and the Symphony No. 41 in C Major, K.551, “Jupiter” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Tickets $25-$98. 866.776.8400, newwestsymphony.org.
Jacaranda music will hold a concert at 7:30 pm at the First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica, 1220 Second St. The concert takes its theme from February House, the storied Brooklyn residence where Benjamin Britten and his partner, tenor Peter Pears, lived in the early 1940s with legendary writers. $40 general, $20 students. 213.483.0216, jacarandamusic.org.
Santa Monica Public Library presents a discussion with New York Times bestselling author Jayne Amelia Larson at 2 pm in the Main Library’s MLK Jr. Auditorium, 601 Santa Monica Boulevard. Larson, author of “Driving the Saudis,” discusses the process of writing her book. This program is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and on a first arrival basis. 310.458.8600, smpl.org.
Movies on the Beach at Coast. Hang out on the Coast patio every Sunday for a movie night! Show times begin at 6 pm. Food/drink specials from 6-9 pm. Tonight’s screening is of “E.T.” 1 Pico Blvd. shuttersonthebeach.com.
