Weekend Roundup

Find the best Los Angeles things to do for the weekend of 3.30.12

EVENTS
Pacific Standard Time Free Museum Day
Mar. 31. Nineteen museums across Southern California will offer free admission and special programs to mark the completion of Pacific Standard Time: Art in L.A. 1945–1980. Museums include the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Chinese American Museum, the Eames House Foundation and 16 other institutions with Pacific Standard Time exhibitions still on display. For more information visit: pacificstandardtime.org

 

Citizen Twain
Mar. 30-Apr 11. Head over to Hollywood Forever Cemetery to see Val Kilmer star in the solo show he wrote and directed. Kilmer’s production delves into the heart and soul of Samuel Clemens and conjures forth the great spirit of Mark Twain, America’s greatest storyteller. $60. 600 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. hollywoodforever.ticketfly.com

 

Los Angeles Beerathon
Mar. 31. The original idea behind the Beerathon was to create a marathon event for those of us whose enthusiasm for running includes making a beer-run. At the LA Beerathon take the opportunity to bar-hop through 26 different bars throughout downtown Los Angeles, to try 26 unique beers. In addition to beer, the day includes bands, djs, and more. Noon-1 a.m. facebook.com/labeerathon

 

ComicFest
Mar. 31. See Marvel Entertainment costumes from the films Thor and Captain America; meet professional comic artists and have your comics autographed; create your own comic and more. There will also be special giveaways, a live DJ, a comic contest with professional judges, and the chance to win gift certificates to Golden Apple Comics and FIDM Museum Shop. 919 South Grand Ave., downtown, 213.623.5821. fidmmuseum.org/events

 

Brewery Artwalk
Mar. 31-Apr. 1. More than 100 artist studios at the former brewery open their doors for the 30th anniversary of the artwalk. The twice-annual event offers goers the chance to see new works of art, speak with the artists and purchase works at non-commission studio prices. Dining available at the artwork and their on-site restaurant. Make sure to hit the Cero Space for their first show Urban Exposure  –  India Ink Paintings by Mario M. Muller. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 2100 N Main St., downtown. breweryartwalk.com

 

A Taste of Dance Fitness
Mar. 31. Taste-test a variety of moves at Music Center Plaza for just $1 a lesson at this unique day of dance featuring: Afro-Caribe Workout, Cardio A-Go-Go, Cardio Merengue, Hip-Hop Aerobics, Salsa Fitness, Tahitian Dance Fitness, Zumba and more. ADMISSION: $1 per lesson, each lesson is 20 minutes long. Purchase tickets on the day of the event (cash only), on sale beginning 10:30 a.m. No experience necessary. Limited class sizes, first come first served. 135 North Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.3660. musiccenter.org

 

Month of Photography Los Angeles
Mar. 31-Apr. 30. With the theme Intersect: An Exploration of Innovation and Technology in Contemporary Photography, MOPLA presents a series of dynamic photography programs related to the topic of new technology with solo exhibitions, outdoor photo projections, portfolio reviews, photo workshops, artist lectures and more. mopla.org

 

Swan Lake
Mar. 31. Thanks in no small part to the film Black Swan, Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet Swan Lake is cool again, and Los Angeles Ballet is one of the companies bringing it back to the stage. New principal dancer Allynne Noelle, formerly a soloist for the Miami City Ballet, is among the dancers featured in the L.A. Ballet premiere of Swan Lake, the tale of a swan queen, a prince, an evil spell and an eternal love. It features choreography from artistic directors Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary. Valley Performing Arts Center at California State University, Northridge. losangelesballet.org

 

All In for the 99%
Mar. 31. Cultural experience unites art, music and activism to create awareness, discussion and enthusiasm for the issues that inspired the 99% movement. Event features art exhibits, as well as readings and discussions, short film screenings, and DJ sets. Event is hosted by Rebuild the Dream, MoveOn.org Civic Action among others. Free. 400 S. La Brea, L.A. allinforthe99percent.com

MUSIC
An Evening with Yvette Cason
Apr. 1. Hear Yvette Cason sing the story of her stellar career – from appearing in Play On!, Sisterella and Dreamgirls, performing at the Kennedy Center and the White House, to working with Stevie Wonder, Babyface and Whitney Houston. Cason shares the music that shaped her as an artist, her flirtatious voice moving with ease, from soulful rhythm and blues to sensual jazz. Ben Brantley from the New York Times says, “Ms. Cason has an infectious comic sparkle, and she can scat with the best of them.” $25/$35 VIP. Dinner Reservations are made online at time of ticket purchase. Online ticket buyers receive first priority in seating. Table food/drink minimums apply Upright Cabaret at Catalina Jazz Club, 6725 West Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, 323.466.2210. uprightcabaret.com/events

 

Under The Cover Sessions with 28 North
Mar. 29. The Roxy & Andaz West Hollywood go Under The Covers with LA (via Pittsburgh) alt-rock band 28 North, through cover songs and storytelling. The series features a new theme each month, a new band, and an intimate Q&A session with them in the rooms of the former Riot House on The Sunset Strip that housed all the music greats of our time. 8-10 p.m. Free. The Andaz West Hollywood, 8401 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. westhollywood.andaz.com

 

National Children’s Chorus: Journey of Song
Mar. 30. Experience the beauty and power of youth choral, conducting, and composition work when the National Children’s Chorus pairs well-known classical works with two contemporary world premieres. The program progresses through five time periods beginning with Gregorian chant and culminates with two thrilling original works from young composers. 7 p.m. $35+. Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. thebroadstage.com

 

MUSEUMS
Aphrodite and the Gods of Love
Through Jul. 9. The first major U.S. exhibition devoted to the Greek goddess Aphrodite, who was associated with beauty and romantic desire, goes beyond conventional preconceptions to explore her manifold aspects. The show, which includes a number of important loans from Italy, is at the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades. 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, 310.440.7300. getty.edu

 

EAT | DRINK
The Charleston
Opens Mar. 29. Sexy new Westside nightlife venue from Chef Jet Tila, offers nightly live entertainment from 80s cover bands to dueling pianos, a bevy of housemade specialty cocktails and a dynamic culinary program featuring Chef Tila’s American comfort fare as well as monthly pop-ups showcasing local and national chef talent. 2460 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.828.2115. CharlestonLA.com

 

Tres at SLS Hotel Celebrates Earth Hour
Mar. 31. To observe the international event that draws awareness to climate change by asking people to switch off lights for one hour, Tres at the SLS hotel is offering a candlelit dinner with a special sustainable tasting menu that features Brussels sprouts salad with lemon puree, apricots, grapes and lemon air; Troigross Brothers salmon with sorrel, spinach and dry vermouth sauce; and coconut tapioca with passion fruit and mandarin sorbet. (Regular menu also available that evening.) 465 South La Cienega Blvd., L.A. www.sbe.com/tres

 

Gill-to-Tail Dinner at Locanda del Lago
Mar. 29. Dive into spring flavors with a special five-course tasting menu that features Santa Barbara sea bass, prepared with Northern Italian inspiration. Menu highlights include crudo of sea bass, housemade sea bass tortilla, filet of roasted sea bass baked in a niçoise olive crust and more. Menu is offered at the restaurant’s central communal dining table, which seats 14; additional seating is available upon request. Reservations are required. 231 Arizona Ave., Santa Monica, 310.451.3525. lagosantamonica.com

 

Sustainable Dinner, Demo + Wine Tasting
Mar. 31. At Pasadena’s Napa inspired bistro a/k/a An American Bistro, Chef James Lambrinos and Bistro 45 Chef Steven Lonademo demo/prepare a five-course sustainable menu and wine tasting that features roasted Brussels sprouts with duck confit, Roasted butternut squash soup with mint yogurt, kabocha squash risotto and more. $18/tasting, 3-5 p.m.; $65/five-course dinner, 6 p.m. 41 Hugus Alley, Pasadena, 626.564.8111. akabistro.com

 

Beer Tasting at Blu Jam Café
Apr. 3. Beer expert Larry James, a Knight of the Belgian Brewer’s Guild in Brussels, shares some of his favorite brews while Blu Jam Café chef-owner Kamil Majer creates a gourmet five-course tasting menu to match each beer. Menu highlights include grilled barramundi paired with Affligem Blonde, baby back ribs paired with Uinta Hopnotch IPA, among others. 7:30 p.m. $49/pp. 7371 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.951.9191. blujamcafe.com

 

City Tavern Anniversary
Apr. 3. City Tavern turn one and hosts a party featuring a signature cocktail (champagne with cherry bitters), as well as a sampler special that includes a selection of menu favorites such as shrimp and grit poppers, house pickled veggies, mini pimento cheese, pulled pork one bites and grilled vegetable roulades. Proceeds benefit the Culver City Historical Society. 9739 Culver Blvd., Culver City, 310.838.9739. citytavernculvercity.com

 

THEATER
Waiting for Godot
Through Apr. 22. Together for the first time, Alan Mandell and Barry McGovern — two of the most distinguished interpreters of Samuel Beckett’s work — delightfully debate the meaning of life and the absurdities of human behavior in this new production exclusively at the Mark Taper Forum. 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.7353. centertheatregroup.org

 

Mamma Mia!
Through Apr. 8. Smash-hit musical that combines ABBA’s greatest hits, including “Dancing Queen,” “S.O.S.,” “Super Trouper,” “Take A Chance on Me” and “The Winner Takes It All,” with an enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship. Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.468.1770. broadwayla.org

 

American Night: The Ballad of Juan Jose
Through Apr. 1. Comedy from Chicano theater troupe Culture Clash: Mexican national Juan José wants to become a U.S. citizen, but first he must discover the true American identify by examining the underbelly of American history with teachers like Teddy Roosevelt, Sacagawea, Jackie Robinson and Bob Dylan. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org

 

American Idiot
Through Apr. 22. Slinging razor guitars , thundering drums and an antihero named Johnny: not the prelude of typical entries in the canon of musical theater. But the musical based on Green Day’s 2004 rock album American Idiot was a hit on Broadway, and it travels to downtown’s Ahmanson Theatre on a 15-city national tour. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org

 

Antony and Cleopatra
Through May 13. Shakespeare’s seminal tragedy is based on larger-than-life figures caught up in an empire-shattering dance of lust, love, politics and war. “Its appeal is the fascinating relationship between Antony and Cleopatra, who love each other deeply but in a way that is not sustainable… Because of their flaws, we can identify with the lovers and see a part of ourselves in them,” muses director Julia Rodriguez-Elliott. A Noise Within, 3352 East Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, 626.356.3100 x1. ANoiseWithin.org