Arts & Entertainment

Get Out and Go: Spirit Awards Return, Country Joe McDonald Performs

Also this weekend, learn about your home, composting, the NYC art scene and plans for the Civic Center Parks.

If we were in Seattle, this weekend's forecast of rain wouldn't be shocking. But in terms of Santa Monica—nay, Southern California in general—it's notable that we're due to get more drops on Friday and Saturday. Especially after all the rain we've had since December.

At any rate, there's no shortage of indoor and outdoor activities happening this weekend. We dare you to read this list and not find something of interest.

1. Film Independent Spirit Awards

Find out what's happening in Santa Monicawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Where/When: / ; Saturday, all day

Why Go: If you're able to get in, you won't need us to provide you with a reason to go. The awards show has returned to Santa Monica this year, with Community actor and Talk Soup personality Joel McHale doing the hosting honors. The show will be on IFC at 10 p.m., with arrivals coverage airing live at 11:30 a.m.

Pricing: N/A

2. Country Joe McDonald Concert

Where/When: ; Friday, 8 p.m.

Why Go: We in the People's Republic of Santa Monica count Country Joe McDonald—a performer at Woodstock and testifier in the Chicago Seven trialas one of our own. He's planning to perform a tribute to another grassroots hero, Woody Guthrie.

Find out what's happening in Santa Monicawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Pricing: $22.50 (sold out)

3. “”

Where/When: ; Sunday, 3 to 5 p.m.

Why Go: Ever wish you were a detective? Here's your chance to become one. The is hosting this unique lecture, during which architectural historians will explain how you can find out if any famous people have lived in your house, who designed it, etc.

Pricing: Free

4. Live Well Again Art and Event Series

Where/When: ; Saturday, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.

Why Go: Erin Boehme salutes Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin by performing her renditions of their classics. The concert will be staged in the hotel's lobby.

Pricing: Free

5. Cyrano de Bergerac

Where/When: ; Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m.

Why Go: These are the final performances of the show, which was extended past Jan. 23 after earning rave reviews from the Los Angeles Times, LA Weekly and other outlets.

Pricing: $25 for adults; $20 for members, seniors and students

6.

Where/When: ; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Why Go: Reluctant to toss out your old clothes and carpet materials? Put them to good use at this recycling event.

Pricing: Free

7. Sharon Salzberg at Insight LA

Where/When: ; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Why Go: Learn more about meditation at this presentation by author Salzberg, who is making a stop here as part of her national tour in support of Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation.

Pricing: Free

8. Book Release Party

Where/When: ; Sunday, 2 to 6:30 p.m.

Why Go: If you're a reader who digs more raucous events, this is where you'll want to be Sunday. The Irish bar hosts a celebration for author Ian McNulty's new tome, Louisiana Rambles: Exploring Americas Cajun and Creole Heartland. Roots music from a New Orleans band is on the bill, as well as free Cajun and Creole food. And copies of the book will be on sale too, of course.

Pricing: Free

9. Composting 101

Where/When: ; Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon

Why Go: This event is pretty straightforward: If you go, you'll learn about ways to turn organic waste into useful compost. 'Nuff said.

Pricing: Free

10. Threepenny Opera

Where/When: 's Humanities Center Theatre; Friday at 7 p.m.; Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m.

Why Go: news item may convince you.

Pricing: $15 for adults, $10 for students

11. About Al Taylor

Where/When: ; Thursday, 7 p.m.

Why Go: Terry Winters, an artist based in New York, will talk about Taylor's process and the impact he had on the art scene in NYC. This event is connected to the exhibit that's running through Apr. 16 at the museum.

Pricing: Free

12. Parks Discussion

Where/When: , East Wing; Saturday, 1 p.m.

Why Go: Find out what's in store for the project as designer James Corner and his team present their plans. Input from the public will be welcomed after the initial portion of the event, which is technically a Recreation and Parks Commission meeting.

Pricing: Free

13. Mona Rogers in Person

Where/When: ; Friday and Saturday at 8:30 p.m.

Why Go: Theater-goers looking for chuckles, take note of this one-woman play.

Pricing: $15 to $20

We know you have your favorites that we missed. So share the goodness in our comment box below.

Correction made at 1:27 p.m.: The Al Taylor event is happening Thursday, not Saturday.


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