May Mix Off at The Mixing Room
May 1-22. The five-week competition features some of L.A.’s best bartenders creating inventive cocktails from William Grant & Sons spirits. Each Wednesday in May, hand-picked competitors will go head-to-head in two rounds of competition each week. The first round of competition features Milagro Tequila, where competitors will present a cocktail to be judged by an esteemed panel of judges including cocktail experts and media personalities. The second round of competition features the top four competitors from round one and a spur-of-the-moment, Iron Chef-style challenge, where they will create cocktails that must utilize a mystery spirit from the William Grant & Sons portfolio. The two winners from each week will then advance to the final competition May 29, where eight finalists battle for the grand prize, a trip to Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans in July 2013. There is no cost to attend and while you’re there, you can nosh on The Mixing Room’s bar snacks, and sip handcrafted cocktails created by William Grant & Sons’ brand ambassadors in addition to the winning cocktails from the previous week will be available for purchase. JW Marriott Los Angles L.A. LIVE., 900 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.765.8600. lalivemarriott.com
The Rolling Stones
May 3, 20. The Rolling Stones have been making music together for 50 years. And not just any music: Beginning in the 1960s with classics such as “(I can’t get no) Satisfaction” and “Sympathy for the Devil,” each decade, the band has produced hits for the charts and albums for the ages. But while they’ve already earned a lifetime achievement award or two, don’t tell Mick Jagger or Keith Richards that it’s time to hang up the tight trousers and headbands. Along with drummer Charlie Watts and guitarist Ronnie Wood, the legendary musicians still rock audiences around the globe, reminding fans young and old why they’re widely considered “The Greatest Rock and Roll Band in the World.” Catch them—live and kicking—when their latest tour, 50 and Counting, debuts at Staples Center at L.A. Live downtown; travels to Anaheim’s Honda Center May 15, 18, and back to Staples Center May 20. Staples Center, L.A. Live, 1111 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 800.745.3000. Honda Center, 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.704.2500. ticketmaster.com
Venice Home and Garden Tour
May 4. Whether you’re a design aficionado, hobby horticulturist or simply a nosy neighbor, the Venice Garden & Home Tour satisfies your cravings to see what lies beyond the gates of some of L.A.’s most creative and innovative properties. Now in its 20th year, the self-guided walking tour features 30 gardens, homes, studios and workspaces within blocks of Venice’s ultracool Abbot Kinney Boulevard. Visit a LEED Platinum–certified home with a drought-tolerant garden, updated original bungalows, restored Craftsmans, hidden pocket gardens and sleek contemporary masterpieces that blur the lines between indoors and out. Artists David Gale, Mollie Favre, Brad Miller and Robin Murez also open their studios for an inside peek. 10 am–5 pm. $70, $60 in advance, under 12 free. Tour begins at Neighborhood Youth Association. 1016 Pleasant View Ave., Venice, 310.821.1857. venicegardentour.org
Cochon 555
May. 5. The pork-centric event—now in its fifth year—features five chefs, five pigs and five wineries at each destination of the national traveling culinary competition. After watching chefs compete, Joshua Whigham (Bazaar by José Andrés), Gavin Lansdale (Ford’s Filling Station), Ray Garcia (FIG Restaurant), Jet Tila (The Charleston), and Host Chef Sean Dent (House of Blues), you will be treated to an epic pork feast alongside tastings from the wineries. Also included in the evening is a preview of the new Heritage BBQ event in which Chris Fuller of Alleghany Meats in collaboration with Christian Page of Short Order will roll out family meal – an additional whole pig cooked barbecue-style immediately preceding the awards. VIP guests receive early access and special tastings. $125/$200 VIP. 4 p.m. (VIP); 5 p.m. general admission. House Of Blues Sunset Strip, 8430 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. cochon555.com
Flavors of Los Angeles
May. 5. This unique culinary event features a five course meal with wine pairings, prepared tableside by one of the city’s top culinary talents, including chef Nyesha Arrington (Wilshire), chef Shigefumi Tachibe (CHAYA restaurant group), chef Mathew Woolf (Fat Cow) and many others. The evening begins with a cocktail reception, which will include delectable tray-passed hors d’oeuvres created by each participating chef, along with specialty handcrafted cocktails and wine. Proceeds benefit the American Liver Foundation. $275+. 5:30 p.m. cocktails, 7 p.m. dinner. Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, 1700 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica. More Info.
Santa Monica Spring Jubilee Celebrates Britweek
May 4-5. Celebrate spring and all things British at a two-day festival full of flowers, family fun, shopping, food and entertainment. One of dozens of BritWeek events taking place across California, the festival is held on three blocks of the Third Street Promenade. Admission is free. 10 am–10 pm daily. Admission free. 1350 Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica. downtownsm.com
Concurs D’Elegance
May 5. A 1951 Ferrari 212 Export is just one of 135 world-class automobiles on display at the annual event at the Greystone Mansion, a historic landmark and popular film and television backdrop. Tickets to the Concours also include a tour of the Beverly Hills mansion, food and beverages, and more. Greystone Mansion & Park, 905 Loma Vista Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.285.6830. greystoneconcours.org
Gary Baseman: The Door Is Always Open
Through Aug 18. The Skirball Cultural Center contemplates the influence of Jewish heritage and pop culture on the fantastical work of lowbrow artist Gary Baseman. The exhibit, which recalls Baseman’s family home in the Fairfax District, includes Baseman’s personal artifacts and boundary-crossing artwork. 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A., 310.440.4500. skirball.org
KIIS FM’s Wango Tango
May 11. Concert features Bruno Mars, Maroon 5, Flo Rida, Will.i.am, Demi Lovato, Fall Out Boy, Afrojack, Miguel, Icona Pop, Jason Derulo, Krewella, Emile Sandé, Ariana Grande. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest; appearance by Britney Spears. $39.50–$225. 2:30 pm. Home Depot Center, 18400 Avalon Blvd., Carson, 310.630.2000. kiisfm.com
Dominick’s Crawfish Boil
May 18, 25. Celebrated West Hollywood Italian eatery Dominick’s brings back a festive local favorite: its annual crawfish boils. Drawing upon his New Orleans heritage, chef Brandon Boudet takes over the eatery’s patio on Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. to boil 300 pounds of Louisiana crawfish. In addition to the crawfish, available for $11.99 per pound, diners can enjoy a selection of Boudet’s Big Easy-inspired dishes, including Po’ Boy sub sandwiches, Creole boiled artichokes with remoulade and Dominick’s Dago red, white and prosecco wines by the bottle and beer. For dessert, the chef offers New Orleans Sno Balls—snow cones drizzled with house-made syrups—in multiple flavors, served with an optional shot of Old New Orleans spiced rum. Space is limited; reservations for the crawfish boils are recommended. 8715 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 310.652.2335. dominicksrestaurant.com
The Marriage of Figaro
May 17, 19, 23, 25. Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic join forces with architect Jean Nouvel, couturier Azzedine Alaïa and director Christopher Alden for this fully staged opera production at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Soloists include Christopher Maltman and Dorothea Röschmann. 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.7211. laopera.com
Venice Artwalk and Auctions
May 19. Tour the studios of some of Venice’s most exciting artists and take home a piece of their work during this 35th annual art event. Google headquarters in Venice hosts the silent auction and a fun- and food-packed community celebration. Studio tours begin at 11 am; art walk and auctions, 12:30 pm at Google Los Angeles (340 Main St., Venice). See website for details. $50–$150. theveniceartwalk.org
Fleetwood Mac
May 25. Believe the Rumours: The multiple Grammy Award–winning and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees are back on tour and and stop at the Hollywood Bowl for a night of music under the stars. The tour coincides with the 35th anniversary of the release of their classic album. Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, 323.850.2000. ticketmaster.com
James Turrell: A Retrospective
Opening May 26. An innovator in the Southern California Light and Space movement, James Turrell is the subject of a retrospective exploring nearly 50 years of his work. The exhibition includes geometric light projections, light installations and recent two-dimensional work with holograms. LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., 323.857.6000. lacma.org