First Fridays 2016: Big Screen, Bigger Science
April 1. The 2016 season of First Fridays events at the Los Angeles County Natural History Museum continues. Each installment of the provocative series offers live music, discussions and curatorial tours. Drop by this month for cutting-edge science and musical performances by Car Seat Headrest and Night Beats, along with a DJ lounge featuring resident KCRW DJ Aaron Byrd featuring Mo:Rockin. 5-10 p.m. 900 Exposition Blvd., L.A., 213.763.DINO. nhm.org
Brewery Artwalk
April 2-3. This biannual art walk takes place in what claims to be the world’s largest art complex, which is inside a former Pabst Blue Ribbon brewery. Browse the personal studios of more than 100 artists. A beer garden, food trucks and a restaurant are also on-site. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. 2100 N. Main St., L.A., 323.638.9382. breweryartwalk.com
Sweetfin Poké at Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills (A Four Seasons Hotel)
April 2-3. Get your poké fix at the Beverly Wilshire this weekend during a one-of-a-kind brunch experience. Chef Dakota Weiss will be serving up your favorite Sweetfin signature bowls, build-your-own-bowls, and offering an elevated “Beverly Wilshire Bowl” with hiramasa yellowtail, bergamot infused ponzu, grilled white asparagus, sugar snap peas, pixie tangerines, winter truffles and crispy leeks served over bamboo rice, for this weekend only. 9500 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.385.3901. Reservations.
Theodore Payne Native Plant Garden Tour
April 2-3. Explore the lush and beautiful side of Los Angeles during this weekend of self-guided tours of more than 40 private and public landscapes across the county. Each garden contains at least 50 percent native plants. Visit the website to plan your personalized excursion. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $30, two tickets for $50. 818.768.1802. nativeplantgardentour.org
Masters of Taste
April 3. From top sweet and savory foods to beer, wine, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages, this new celebration of food is perfect for any palate. The luxury food and beverage fest takes over the Rose Bowl and dishes out fare from 40 restaurants and 25 breweries, wineries and other beverage purveyors. Participating restaurants include Birch, Haché LA, Inotheke, Redbird, Toca Madera, Alexander’s Steakhouse and many others. 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, 626.791.6677. MastersofTasteLA.com
Father Comes Home From the Wars (Parts 1, 2 & 3)
Opening April 5. This epic tale—making its West Coast premiere here—takes place throughout the Civil War and follows a slave who is offered freedom if he joins his master in fighting with the Confederacy. The poignant work by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks won the 2015 Kennedy Center Prize for Drama. Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org
Stage Kiss
Opening April 5. MacArthur “genius” Sarah Ruhl wrote this romantic comedy, a raucous play-within-a-play about two co-stars igniting an old flame. Gil Cates Theater, Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood, 310.208.5454. geffenplayhouse.com
Rooftop Film Club
April 6-30. The U.K.’s “Number One Outdoor Cinema Series” returns to the rooftop of the historic Montalban Theatre for its second season in L.A. Enjoy street food from Farmer’s Belly while you take in Hollywood views and watch classic (Casablanca), cult (The Big Lebowski) and contemporary (Straight Outta Compton) flicks. See website for schedule. 8 pm. $17 plus booking fees. 1615 Vine St., Hollywood. la.rooftopfilmclub.com
Pop-Up Magazine
April 7. The live magazine, created for a stage, a screen and a live audience returns to Theatre at the Ace Hotel this month. Performers sharing stories throughout the night include Kumail Nanjiani from HBO’s Emmy Award-nominated series Silicon Valley; Dexter Thomas, a writer for the Los Angeles Times; and Claire Hoffman, a journalist based in Los Angeles who writes for the New Yorker and Rolling Stone. Alex Cohen, the co-host of KPCC’s “Take Two” interviews guests. Stick around for the afterparty to swap stories with other audience members and guests over drinks. The Theatre at Ace Hotel, 929 S Broadway, downtown. popupmagazine.com
Baseball at the Skirball
April 7. Just in time for the start of baseball season, the Skirball is exploring the sport’s history—from the Civil War era to the present—in two new exhibitions opening April 7: Chasing Dreams: Baseball and Becoming American and its companion, The Unauthorized History of Baseball in 100-Odd Paintings: The Art of Ben Sakoguchi. Chasing Dreams explores the unique role America’s national pastime has played as a unifying force at the intersection of sport, identity, race and ethnicity, as, in the 19th century, baseball allowed American Jews and other minorities a pathway into American culture. See rarely displayed Dodgers memorabilia up-close, including game-worn uniforms and baseballs signed by Sandy Koufax. 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A., 310.440.4500. skirball.org
Beckett Trilogy
April 7-10. Irish actress Lisa Dwan’s performance is a true tour de force, as she acts out three of Samuel Beckett’s one-woman plays—Not I, Footfalls and Rockaby—in 55 minutes. The production has sold out theaters all over the world, so don’t miss the chance to see this unique theatrical experience before Dwan retires the program soon. The Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica, 310.434.3200. thebroadstage.com
Artisanal L.A. Spring Show
April 9-10. This seasonal event draws both vendors and aficionados of SoCal’s locally made, sustainable edibles. Shop and taste offerings from a collection of the finest food and beverage artisans, then try your hand at making your own creations during hands-on workshops. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. $10-$15. The Reef, 1933 S. Broadway, downtown. artisanalla.com
Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
April 9-10. Authors, celebrities, booksellers and readers mingle on the USC campus during this two-day celebration of the written word. This year’s lineup includes Stan Lee, Rainn Wilson and Buzz Aldrin, as well as local chefs including Tal Ronnen and Brendan Collins. Tickets for “Ideas Exchange” talks by Carrie Brownstein and Arianna Huffington available for purchase. Check website for schedule. Sa 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Su 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Parking $12-$15. University of Southern California, University Park Campus, L.A. events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks
Spa Week
April 11-17. Biannual event sees participating spas around the city offer signature treatments (massages, scrubs and facials that usually cost $100-$500) for just $50. See website for participating spas and wellness locations. 212.352.8098. spaweek.com
LA Dodgers
April 12-14, 15-17. The Boys in Blue kick off their 2016 home opener with three games against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The back-to-back rally continues when the San Francisco Giants arrive on April 15 for three games. 1000 Elysian Park Ave., L.A., 323.224.1507. dodgers.mlb.com
Kinky Boots
April 13-24. Everything about this 2013 Tony Award winner for best musical—back at the Pantages by popular demand—screams fun, including the thigh-high red boots alluded to in the title and the joyous music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper. Watch as a struggling shoe-factory owner and drag queen Lola teach each other the importance of open-mindedness and standing out. Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.468.1770. hollywoodpantages.com
Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach
April 15-17. Expect car races, concerts, car displays, rock-climbing walls, racing simulators and more fun family-friendly options, plus a lifestyle expo featuring green technology, at this 42nd annual event. Check website for schedule. One-day admission $30-$87, free general admission for children accompanied by ticket-holding adults; three-day pass $76-$142. Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, 888.827.7333. gplb.com
Coachella
April 15-17, 22-24. Megapopular music and arts festival in the desert. This year’s headliners are LCD Soundsystem, Guns N’ Roses and Calvin Harris. Other buzzworthy bands on the bill include Sufjan Stevens, the Last Shadow Puppets, Silversun Pickups and Rancid. Three-day pass $399-$899. Camping pass $99. Empire Polo Club, 81-800 Avenue 51, Indio. coachella.com
Fifth Annual Wags and Walks 2016 Muttin’ But Love Gala
April 15. Celebrate during a night of drinks, dancing, small bites, casino games and silent online auction to raise funds for Wags and Walks Rescue Organization. The gala honors LA Kings’ Jeff Carter and Megan Carter and Life Coach Betsy Rosenfeld Vargas for their animal rescue efforts and contributions. Also expect celebrity guests with adorable red carpet-ready pups and more. $95/pp general admission to the gala, $175/pp VIP gala access, $450/pp dinner seat. Cocktails 6 p.m., VIP dinner 7 p.m., gala reception 8 p.m. SLS Hotel, 465 S. La Cienega Blvd., L.A. wagsandwalks.org
Reprise at W Los Angeles – West Beverly Hills
April 20. The W Los Angeles’ rotating event series kicks off this month with with a concert featuring LEX, a local all-women band that creates fantasy synth pop sounds using analog vintage synthesizers. Reprise alternates every month between music, art and fashion-themed events in the Living Room Bar of the newly remodeled hotel. Mature Encounters, a local Los Angeles DJ, will be opening the show, and LEX will be closing with an additional DJ set following their live performance. The succeeding May Reprise event will be art-focused showcasing a local artist, and the June event will be highlighting fashion in partnership with L.A. Fashion Week, with the events continuously rotating throughout the remainder of the year. 8-10 p.m. 930 Hilgard Ave., L.A., 310.208.8765. wlosangeles.com
Endgame
Opening April 24. Often considered Samuel Beckett’s single greatest work, Endgame dives into his absurdist world and finds four characters preparing for oblivion throughout the course of one act. The prolific Alan Mandell both directs and stars in this version of the macabre comedy. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org
Chicago the Musical
Opening April 26. Grammy winner Brandy Norwood takes the stage as Roxie Hart, after making the role her own on Broadway. See the story about corruption and celebrity unfold while listening to the musical’s iconic songs, including “All That Jazz” and “Razzle Dazzle.” Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.468.1770. hollywoodpantages.com
TCM Classic Film Festival
April 28-May 1. View beloved classic films on the big screen at iconic Hollywood venues—oftentimes with the people who made them—at this annual film festival. This year’s theme—Moving Pictures—explores the emotion cinema evokes, with an emphasis on films that “bring us to tears, rouse us to action or inspire us.” Choose from a wide range of movie screenings including The Endless Summer (which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year), It’s a Wonderful Life and The King and I. Check website for schedule of films and panel discussions. Individual tickets $20-$30, students $10-$15. Festival passes $299-$1,649. Children under 4 not admitted. TCL Chinese Theatre Imax, 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; TCL Chinese 6 Theatres, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 877.826.5764. filmfestival.tcm.com
Keith Jarrett: Solo Piano
April 29. A recipient of a NEA (National Endowment of the Arts) Jazz Masters Awards in January 2014, Keith Jarrett is recognized worldwide as an improviser of unsurpassed genius. Over the past 40+ years, his landmark improvised solo piano concerts and recordings have incorporated a broad spectrum of musical languages from jazz and classical to blues, folk and ethnic music traditions. $35-$140. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 323.850.2000. LAPhil.com
A Street Af(Fair): East Meets West
April 30. The West Hollywood Design District and Parachute Market team up for this inaugural event, a design fair modeled after a European street fair. Besides bringing the Eastside design community to meet the Westside, the event will honor two design movements that have shaped Southern California: European-inspired Hollywood glamour and California Modernism. In addition to shopping, music and food will be on offer. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. North Almont Drive, between Melrose Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, 310.289.2534. astreetaffair.com
Continuing
Barbershop Ristorante – Farewell to L.A.
Through April 20. Chef Walter el Nagar’s Barbershop pop-up is about to take off on a world tour and to kick it off he’s throwing a dinner series in Venice. Dine on his imaginative cuisine during a five-course prix-fixe dinner that offers snacks like kifto toast, fruit cocktail, fermented Caesar and prawns crudo; coconut ceviche with striped bass; asparagi alla Milanese with acquerello rice, asparagus, bacon and egg yolk; exploded xiao long boa with pork jowls, sea urchin and puffed wanton; and more. $75/pp, $25/pp wine pairings. Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 436 Lincoln Ave., Venice, 424.272.5849. Tickets.
Hinoki & the Bird
Ongoing. Chef Brandon Kida takes farm-to-table to new heights with his Wednesday ICHIBA tasting menu. The rolling dinner series reflects the produce Chef Brandon and his team picks up at the weekly Wednesday Santa Monica Farmers Market. He then brings it back to the restaurant and develops a unique five-course menu based on his finds. Last week he celebrated spring produce with dishes like hamachi crudo with, fava beans and pickled strawberries; Santa Barbara spot prawn curry in a coconut broth; poached 63-degree Lily’s egg, served with asparagus, spring herbs with rice and a shallot emulsion; duck breast with green garlic and rhubarb jus; strawberry ice with rhubarb compote and whole milk ice cream. The menu also featured an optional market inspired cocktail, the Chasquido with juiced snap peas and cucumber, tequila, mescal and lime. $95/pp, $65/pp wine pairings. 10 Century Drive, L.A., 310.552.1200. HinokiandtheBird.com
A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder
Continuing. This acclaimed musical comedy—it earned the 2014 Tony for best musical—arrives at the Ahmanson straight from New York. The play tells the story of Monty Navarro, a distant heir to a family fortune, who opts to take matters into his own hands by killing the eight relatives (all played by the same man) who stand in his way. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org
The Revisionist
Through April 17. Oscar nominee Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network) wrote this off-Broadway play—having its West Coast premiere here—about a writer who heads to Poland for solitude to aid his writer’s block but must deal with his 75-year-old second cousin who is eager to connect with her American relative. Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.746.4000. thewallis.org
Sex with Strangers
Through April 10. This compelling two-character drama follows a female novelist and a younger blogger known for his sexual prowess. Their connection is complicated by questions of trust and literary identity, proving that, sometimes, “you can’t judge a book by its author.” Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater, Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood, 310.208.5454. geffenplayhouse.com
Women Laughing Alone With Salad
Through April 3. Sheila Callaghan (award-winning playwright and writer for such TV shows as Shameless and United States of Tara) wrote this raw comedy, having its West Coast premiere here, as a response to the ubiquitous, ridiculous advertising image referenced in the title. Through three different female characters—all wrapped up in the same man’s life—Callaghan challenges gender roles and women-shaming. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org