Friday, May 10
Schomburg Gallery concludes “Malibu Art Association: Still Life and Beyond” this Saturday, May 11. 2525 Michigan Ave. E3A (Bergamot Station). 310.453.5757, schomburggallery.com.
Synapse Dance Theater presents a program of new repertory by professional guest artists, award-winning faculty artists, and up-and-coming student choreographers. Today at 7:30 pm and repeated at the same time on Saturday, May 11. Barnum Hall at Santa Monica High School, 601 Pico Blvd. Tickets $15-$18. 310.434.3005, smc.edu/eventsinfo.
The Salastina Music Society will present the fifth set of concerts of its third season at 8 pm at the Edye Second Space at The Broad Stage. Classical KUSC’s Brian Lauritzen hosts an in-depth exploration of Schoenberg’s ultra-romantic, powerful, dark, and transcendent Verklarte Nacht in its original version for string sextet. Salastina Music Society Artistic Directors/violinists Kevin Kumar and Maia Jasper are joined by Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra Principal Cellist Andrew Shulman, UCSB Cello Professor and accomplished chamber musician Jacob Braun, Pacific Symphony Assistant Principal violist Meredith Crawford, and Lyris Quartet violist Luke Maurer. General tickets $35 (students $10). 1310 11th St. salastinasociety.org.
Saturday, May 11
Santa Monica History Museum presents “An Evening with Bob and Dan” at 7 pm. A concert of old time music by two long time old time friends. Bob Carlin and Dan Levenson have spent their lives traveling the back roads of America playing and presenting their unique musical traditions. Take a journey with these two old time music masters through their experiences of the last 40 years. Hear fiddle, banjo, guitar, and voice utilized in various combinations to tell the story of our country’s great musical traditions from past masters. $15 general admission, $13 FolkWorks members. 1350 7th St. 818.785.3839, folkworks.org.
Santa Monica Museum of Art presents its annual INCOGNITO Exhibition and Benefit Art Sale from 7-10 pm. In its ninth year, the event features original artworks by 500 plus contemporary artists. Experience the excitement of this legendary evening where seasoned art patrons and first-time collectors discover one-of-a-kind treasures. Cocktails and Hors d’oeuvres prepared by Chez Panisse and Lucques Catering and live music by DJ Eddie Ruscha. 2525 Michigan Ave. G1 (Bergamot Station). 310.586.6488, smmoa.org.
“Flower Power Run” will be held from 11 am to 4 pm at Ocean View Park, 2701 Barnard Way. The Flower Power Run is a 5K ‘60s and ‘70s themed scavenger hunt located in the heart of Santa Monica. The goal is to rack your brain and solve the clues provided to each team captain at the race. Teams will solve clues that will lead them to specific landmarks around the city. At each landmark, teams will gather for a picture with clue in hand. Once all clues are solved, then it’s a race to the finish line. The clock stops once all team members pass the finish line. $45. 818.621.7709, flowerpowerrun.com.
Spectrum Athletic Clubs invites its members and the public to participate in special group fitness classes/sessions for a minimum $25 donation, with 100 percent of proceeds benefiting Augie’s Quest, the Muscular Dystrophy Association ALS research initiative. All 12 Spectrum locations in the greater LA area including Santa Monica at 2425 Olympic Blvd. will take part. secure.mdausa.org/spectrum.
International award winning actress, director, producer, and author, Diane Ladd presents her latest book, “A Bad Afternoon for a Piece of Cake: A Collection of Ten Short Stories” at Barnes and Noble 1201 3rd Street at 4 pm. 310.260.9110, bn.com.
The Santa Monica Lawn Bowling Club is opening its doors to all for its free annual open house at Douglas Park on Wilshire (between 25th and Chelsea). Drop by any time between 10 am to 3 pm to experience one of the oldest and most popular sports in the world. 310.440.9400.
The Santa Monica Public Library invites mothers and their daughters to the seventh annual Mother/Daughter Tea Party at 2 pm in the Main Library’s Multipurpose Room, 601 Santa Monica Boulevard. Learn about the Japanese Tea Ceremony and enjoy traditional Japanese dance and music. During this two-hour program, participants will also get to snack on Bento Box treats and make a fun craft. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Santa Monica Public Library. Registration is required as seating is limited. Call 310.458.8621 to reserve a spot.
Join the Society of Architectural Historians, Southern California Chapter (SAH/SCC) and the Santa Monica Public Library for a lecture and presentation on the new book, “Edward A. Killingsworth: An Architect’s Life by Cara Mullio and Jennifer Volland” at 1 pm, in the Main Library’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. Books will be available for sale and signing following the lecture. This event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and on a first arrival basis. 310.458.8600, smpl.org.
Sunday, May 12
The Evren Edler Quintet along with vocalist Carrah Flahive will be performing at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church at 5 pm for the church’s monthly Jazz Vespers concert. The event features musicians performing in the ancient style of evening vespers and is interspersed with motivational prayers that even the non-religious will enjoy. 1343 Ocean Park Blvd. 310.452.1116, mtolivelutheranchurch.org.
New West Symphony presents its 2012/2013 Masterpiece Series Concert No. 6, Beethoven Ninth at 4 pm. Barnum Hall, 601 Pico Blvd. Tickets $30-$103. 866.776.8400, newwestsymphony.org.
Monday, May 13
Mi’s Westside Comedy Theater presents “Pretty, Pretty, Pony” at 10 pm – an Armando-style improv show so gorgeous you’ll want to groom its silky, sexy mane. Say yea and not neigh to these long-form and fast-paced make-em-ups based on stories from a special guest monologist who most likely has been on television or movies or something. No cover. 1323-A Third Street Promenade. 310.451.0850, westsidecomedy.com.
Barnes & Noble Santa Monica presents comedian and actor Jim Gaffigan at 7:30 pm. He will tell attendees what it’s like to raise five children and still keep your sense of humor. Pick up this incredibly funny book, meet the author, and hear his take on family, food and more. This will be a wristband event. 1201 3rd Street Promenade. 310.260.9110, bn.com.
Tuesday, May 14
Ocean Park Library presents “May Mischief” at 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm. Celebrate the merry, merry, month of May at the library with some wonderful stories and a special puppet show. This program is for ages 3-7. Tickets are free but must be picked up after 12 pm on the day of the performance. 2601 Main Street. 310.458.8683, smpl.org.
New York Times-bestselling author and Pulitzer Prize winner John Sandford will speak at the Santa Monica Public Library at 7 pm. He’ll discuss his latest novel, “SILKEN PREY,” which came out on May 7 from Putnam. 601 Santa Monica Boulevard. 310.458.8600, smpl.org.
Wednesday, May 15
Mi’s Westside Comedy Theater presents “Fan Friction” at 9 pm – movies and TV shows re-written to star the comedians who love them. Featuring Colton Dunn (Parks and Rec, writer for Key and Peele) reading “Star Trek: Voyager;” Chris Walsh (The Walsh Bros’ Great and Secret Comedy Show) reading “Big Trouble in Little China;” Douglas Sarine (Ask a Ninja, The Office, Curb Your Enthusiasm) reading “Person of Interest;” and Robyn Lynne Norris (Second City, Mission IMPROVable) reading “Lost.” Hosted by Mike Betette (Epic Rap Battles of History, Jimmy Kimmel Live!) reading “The Wire.” $5. 1323-A Third Street Promenade. 310.451.0850, westsidecomedy.com.
Introduction to Dementia Informative lessons regarding delivering care to someone with dementia can improve not only your loved one’s quality of life, but also your own health. UCLA geriatrician Rafael De Oliveira, M.D., will explore dementia, diagnosis, treatment options and ways to improve dementia symptoms. 7-8:30 pm. The Santa Monica Synagogue, 1448 18th St. RSVP: 800.516.5323.
The Santa Monica Public Library will offer a live broadcast of international best-selling author Dan Brown in “An Evening of Codes, Symbols and Secrets” from New York’s Lincoln Center at 4:30 pm in the Main Library’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. Brown will discuss a range of topics including his new novel Inferno (available May 14), science, codes, religion, book publishing, movie making and a few surprise topics. Following the broadcast, the Library audience will receive a special treat as Inferno audiobook narrator Paul Michael takes the stage for a reading and audience Q&A. This event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and on a first arrival basis. 310.458.8600, smpl.org.
Thursday, May 16
Santa Monica Farmers Markets presents its 2013 Quarterly Library Panel Series from 7-8:30 pm at Santa Monica Public Library, MLK Auditorium, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. Learn from volunteers and experts who are helping to find and distribute LA’s hidden bounty of food. Free and open to the public. Stay after for farmers market snacks prepared by Mia Wasilevich.