Coronavirus is wreaking havoc on schools, stores, businesses and events. With in-person concerts, talks, comedy shows, food festivals and other gatherings cancelled, we have turned our events column into a “nonevents” column. It will remain this way as long as social distancing and stay-at-home orders are in effect.
During this difficult time, please consider contributing to your local arts organizations or to individual artists and performers.
Explore an extensive collection of horror and sci-fi memorabilia. Rent out the Fresh Prince’s Bel-Air manse. Learn about early L.A. female foodies. Tune into a concert that recreates a classic Marvin Gaye album. Listen to Miranda July talk about her latest film, Kajillionaire. Prepare for the Nov. 3 election by studying up on ballot measures.
Table of Contents
Monday, Sept. 28; 7:30 p.m. PDT
Live Conversation with Miranda July + Spike Jonze
July’s latest film, Kajillionaire, stars Debra Winger, Richard Jenkins and Evan Rachel Wood as a family of con artists. They talk a stranger (Gina Rodriguez) into joining their next scam — with unexpected consequences. American Cinematheque hosts an online conversation between July, who wrote and directed the film, and fellow filmmaker Spike Jonze.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Ongoing
Icons of Darkness
The Montalbán
1615 Vine St., Hollywood
The Montalbán presents an exhibition of sci-fi, horror and fantasy memorabilia, curated from the large private collection of TV actor, writer, producer and director Rich Correll. Guests will be able to view props, costumes, artifacts and set pieces from hundreds of films including Frankenstein, The Exorcist, Star Wars, Iron Man, Jurassic Park, Spiderman, Joker and Harry Potter. Timed-entry tickets to the venue are required and social distancing protocols will be enforced.
COST: $20 – $29; MORE INFO
Ongoing
Paint A Better Future
Beverly Center (at Beverly and La Cienega)
8500 Beverly Blvd., Beverly Grove
The mall has partnered with grassroots organization Paint The City Peaceful to create a temporary public art display that depicts what “a world that works” could look like — with equality, justice and peace. The artists include Brittney S. Price, ShowzArt, Joe O’Neill, BANDIT, Mufasa, Jaime Guerrero, Shannon Knox and Imani Gray.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Tuesday, Sept. 29; 5 p.m.
In Conversation: Taylor Renee Aldridge and Billy Mark
Aldridge, visual arts curator and program manager at the California African American Museum, hosts a virtual conversation with performance artist Billy Mark. Together, they’ll delve into the new CAAM exhibition Enunciated Life and explore the “theoretical notions and implications of surrender, worship and revival.” Zoom instructions will be emailed after registration.
COST: FREE with RSVP; MORE INFO
Tuesday, Sept. 29; 11 a.m. PDT
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Mansion
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Will Smith’s breakout TV series, the mansion that served as his fictional home will be temporarily converted into an Airbnb. Starting on Tuesday, groups of up to two L.A. County residents will have a chance to book one of five nights: Oct. 2, 5, 8, 11 and 14 for $30 a night. The guests will have access to Will’s wing of the decked-out mansion. Good luck booking.
COST: $30; MORE INFO
Tuesday, Sept. 29; 4:30 p.m. PDT
Should Global Democracy Become More Direct?
This Zócalo Public Square/Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy hosts a discussion examining the differences in representative vs. direct democracy. There are counties in which politicians, military factions, political groups and businesses hold the reigns of power as opposed to participatory and direct democracy in which residents can make decisions themselves. What are the possibilities and perils of direct citizen decision-making (such as getting rid of the Electoral College)? Audience participation via live chat. Register to receive the streaming link and updates.
COST: FREE with RSVP; MORE INFO
Tuesday, Sept. 29 – Sunday, Nov. 8
Inside the Box
The Geffen Playhouse presents the world premiere of a live, virtual and interactive theatrical experience written and performed by magician and New York Times crossword maker David Kwong. As he tells stories about great puzzles and puzzle makers throughout history, attendees are drawn into games and surprises. The performances take place over Zoom with a maximum of 24 participants per show. Each guest will receive a link to download and print a pack of puzzles for the performance. Previews run Sep. 29 – Oct. 7. There are no shows on Mondays during the run.
COST: $55 – $65; MORE INFO
Tuesday, Sept. 29; 7 p.m. PDT
Hollywood’s Trains and Trolleys
The LAPL’s Studio City branch presents author and historian Marc Wanamaker who walks attendees through a visual history of L.A.’s train and streetcar systems. He’ll illustrate examples of the trains in films from the past century as well as train films shot in the San Fernando Valley. Contact [email protected] for the Zoom meeting link.
COST: FREE with RSVP; MORE INFO
Tuesday, Sept. 29; 5:30p.m.
RiffTrax Live: Starship Troopers
Mike Nelson, Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett take on Paul Verhoeven‘s 1997 sci-fi action flick. To listen to the jokes and commentary or add to the group chat, guests will need to download the free Scener app with a Chrome browser, have access to a Netflix account and buy a ticket.
COST: $9.99; MORE INFO
Tuesday, Sept. 29; 4 p.m. PDT
LA Ghost Tour Live-Stream
U.S. Ghost Adventures features live, virtual walking ghost tours of 20 cities including L.A. Hear true stories about Tinseltown’s grisly past from the safety of your home.
COST: $15; MORE INFO
Tuesday, Sept. 29 and Thursday, Oct 1; 6:30 p.m. PDT
Voter Game Plan Events
KPCC’s virtual discussion series, dedicated to issues and measures on the Nov. 3 ballot, continues this week with Prop 15: The Risks & Rewards For Schools & Businesses on Tuesday and How Voting Works Now on Thursday. Ask questions of the reporters and panelists in the sessions or send them in advance to [email protected].
COST: FREE with RSVP; MORE INFO
Wednesday, Sept. 30; 6 p.m. PDT
An Evening with Patti Smith
Live Talks L.A. hosts the musician and writer for a night of storytelling, images and a discussion on her book, Year of the Monkey, a memoir about a transformative year in Smith’s life. She’ll also perform a few songs with longtime bandmate Tony Shanahan.
COST: $30 (includes a copy of the book); MORE INFO
Wednesday, Sept. 30; 7:30 p.m.
Grand Performances: Live from the Lodge Room
GP’s live broadcast series from the Highland Park venue concludes with a performance by global boom-bap producer Bei Ru. His newest project, Little Armenia (L.A.) melds vintage Armenian music from the 1960s and ’70s with hip-hop, funk and soul. All of Grand Performances shows can be watched on GP’s YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Thursday, Oct. 1; 4 p.m. PDT
Ask a Political Scientist
The livestream talk show, which mixes comedy and politics, returns every week until the presidential election. Hosted by political scientist and comedian Andrea Jones-Rooy, the show brings together the latest research and big ideas. Each show focuses on a theme — this week, it’s the media — and guests have the opportunity to ask questions through the live chat on YouTube.
COST: FREE, but donations will be accepted on behalf of selected charities; MORE INFO
Thursday, Oct. 1 – Monday, Nov. 30
The Official Unofficial Voting Station: Voting for All Who Legally Can’t
The Skirball Cultural Center presents an interactive, online exhibition from artist-activist Aram Han Sifuentes. The artist has reimagined the act of voting as “broad, inclusive and cause for celebration,” instead of what’s happening now. Sifuentes asks everyone — even those who can’t legally vote — to cast a symbolic ballot for the U.S. President and on issues affecting them. The site keeps a running tally. Voting information giveaways and pop-ups are being planned for the weeks running to the November election.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Thursday, Oct. 1; 5 p.m. PDT
Prop 22: Protecting Workers in the Gig Economy
The Hammer Museum’s public series on upcoming ballot measures continues with an examination of Prop 22. California’s AB5 was passed into law, reclassifying gig workers (rideshare drivers, delivery people) as employees and not independent contractors. While the law was supposed to protect workers, there were unintended consequences affecting freelancers across every discipline including writers, photographers, musicians and nurses. Many companies are supporting a measure on the ballot that would essentially overturn AB5. Moderator and Loyola Law School professor Jessica Levinson leads a panel discussion on the effects of the law’s passage.
COST: FREE with RSVP; MORE INFO
Thursday, Oct. 1; 7 p.m. PDT
L.A.’s Famous Female Foodies
Historical journalist, podcast host and LAist contributor Hadley Meares leads a Zoom lecture on several foodies who’ve made their mark on Los Angeles’ food landscape, including Mama Weiss, Vera Richter and Madame Wu. She’ll also share a few of their most famous recipes during the talk.
COST: FREE with RSVP; MORE INFO
Thursday, Oct. 1; 5 p.m. PDT
There’s an Election Going On
Devon Gilfillian and Friends hold a livestream concert with the Equity Alliance, Nugs.net and HeadCount.org. The artists perform Marvin Gaye’s classic album, What’s Going On. Special guests include Aaron Lee Tasjan, Breland, Drew Holcomb, Emoni Wilkins, Grace Potter, Jason Eskridge and Jason Isbell, among others. Proceeds from the event and accompanying auction will benefit Nashville-based grassroots nonprofit The Equity Alliance.
COST: FREE, but donations encouraged; MORE INFO
Thursday, Oct. 1 – Saturday, Oct. 31
Fall Harvest on the Farm
Underwood Family Farms – Moorpark Location
3370 Sunset Valley Rd., Moorpark
Even though the annual fall harvest festival is postponed until 2021, the farm will still host a 40+ acre pumpkin patch, pick your own pumpkin and harvest experience. There are wagon rides to and from the fields, animal viewing, photo opportunities and roaming entertainment at safe distances on weekends.
COST: $8 – $15; MORE INFO
Thursday, Oct. 1 – Saturday, Oct. 17; 7 p.m. PDT
Together LA: A Virtual Stage Festival
Alternative Theatre Los Angeles and the LA Stage Alliance present a celebration of L.A.’s live theater scene. Over the course of three weekends, 34 theater companies will showcase 10-minute works crafted for virtual viewing. Each evening will be hosted by celebrity guests including Ian Alexander, Parvesh Cheena, Drew Droege, Amy Hill and Del Shores. The opening night program features presentations from Ammunition Theatre Company, The Fountain Theatre, Lower Depth Theatre, Company of Angels, Echo Theatre Company, IAMA Theatre Company. Donations benefit Color of Change.
COST: FREE, but sponsors and donations accepted; MORE INFO
Thursdays through Sundays from Oct. 1 – Nov. 1
Nights of the Jack
King Gillette Ranch
26800 Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas
The Halloween experience returns in a drive-through format. Guests can view hand-carved and illuminated jack o’lanterns from the safety of their cars.
COST: $69 per car; no busses, limos or RVs; MORE INFO
Dine & Drink Deals
Who doesn’t miss going out to eat or stopping by a bar for a drink? Here are a few options from restaurants and bars as we work our way back toward normal.
- The Glendora Public Market (905 E. Arrow Hwy., Glendora) opened last weekend on the site of a former Wonder Bread factory that was built in the 1940s. Vendors include Smog City Brewing (taproom), Dog Haus, Portside Fish Co., Penny Coffee Roasters and The Taco Man. Outdoor seating is available and the market is open seven days a week.
- The contemporary Vietnamese eatery My Lai opened in Mar Vista in early February, and owners Traci and Shad Davis had to quickly shift gears. The neighborhood restaurant offers takeout, delivery and dining on an outdoor patio.
- Smorgasburg L.A. teams with Grubhub to bring back a takeout and delivery version of its Sunday food market and festival. “Smorg Delivered” Los Angeles runs on weekends (Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.) through Nov. 21.
- Theía, a new Greek restaurant in Beverly Grove, now offers brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Saturday features live jazz.) The restaurant puts a Mediterranean twist on classic brunch dishes, has a customizable bloody mary menu and bottomless bellinis and mimosas.