Community Corner
Santa Monica Get Out and Go: Feb. 18-20
Rain or shine, there's no excuse to not do anything this weekend.
If you have no idea what to do this weekend, have no fear: Santa Monica Patch has come to the rescue. We've got the best bets for your done-work-outta-here time. Check our picks for the activities to hit and new bars/restaurants/shops to explore.
1. Celebrity Autobiography
Where/When: The Edye Second Space (behind ); Sunday, 7 and 9 p.m.
Why Go: If you want to see Carol Brady live and in action, this is your big chance. Florence Henderson—as well as Julian Sands, Bob Odenkirk, Jennifer Tilly and a host of others—have hopped onboard for this year's Celebrity Autobiography. The aforementioned notables will read from the memoirs of other celebrities for the event, which started in L.A. in 1998 and has since earned national acclaim. For the occasion, The Edye Second Space has been transformed into a cabaret-style venue, with tables and a bar. Beware: The event is suitable for adults only.
Pricing: $45 to $65 (sold out)
2. Black History Month Lecture
Where/When: ; Sunday, 2 to 4 p.m.
Why Go: This is a can't-miss event for local-history buffs. Columnist Frank Gruber will shed light on Belmar Triangle, a black neighborhood that used to be where the is now. Under eminent domain, the City assumed control of the area in the 1950s, and homes and businesses were demolished. The lecture will also feature Dr. Alfred T. Quinn's niece Carolyne Edwards, who will talk about the legacy of the community leader and educator. RSVP'ing is recommended; call 310.395.2290.
Pricing: Free
3. Roots Screening and Panel Discussion
Where/When: MLK Auditorium at the ; Saturday, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Why Go: The library is pulling out all the stops for the screening of the sixth and final part of the series. Cast members Lynne Moody and Beverly Todd will be on the panel to discuss the iconic TV miniseries, which charts the slave experience in America.
Pricing: Free
4. Locked and Loaded
Where/When: ; Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 3 p.m.
Why Go: Billed as "an irreverent dramedy about life, death and life," it should be impressive to see how Todd Susman (The Taking of Pelman 123, Hairspray) managed to put a comic spin on suicide and prostitution in his new play. This is the West Coast premiere of the performance, which opened in New York in 2007.
Pricing: $26 (Friday and Saturday; Sunday is sold out)
5. Flex Pro Championships
Where/When: ; Saturday, all day
Why Go: If names like Dennis Wolf, Even Centopani and Fouad Abiad ring a bell, then the Civic Auditorium is where you should be Saturday. The bodybuilding contest has returned to SM, with notables from the IFBB Pro League—and 2009 Mr. Olympia Dexter Jackson—competing.
Pricing: $27.50 to $110
6. Whale of a Weekend
Where/When: ; Saturday and Sunday, 12:30 to 5 p.m.
Why Go: This is the best chance you'll get to celebrate the annual migration of the Pacific gray whale. A slew of creative activities are on the schedule, including the drawing of a life-size whale on a chalk board.
Pricing: A $5 donation is suggested, and a minimum of $3 is required for people over 11 years old
7. Saturdays with LA Opera
Where/When: ; Saturday, 1 p.m.
Why Go: More than just a performance, The Turn of the Screw will also be discussed via a multimedia presentation. The event is being co-hosted by The Living Room and LA Opera's Community Program.
Pricing: Free
8. "18th Street Celebrates a Legacy of Contemporary Art"
Where/When: ; Saturday, 6 to 9:30 p.m.
Why Go: Double your viewing pleasure with the debut of two new exhibitions: Richard Newton's Have You Seen My Privacy and Vincent Ramos' Outsider Art: Others From Elsewhere Doing Something Altogether Different … Sort of. The show marks the debut of 18th Street's 2011 Legacy theme, through which artists salute the California Contemporary Art Movement.
Pricing: Free
9. Musica Angelica Baroque Orchestra
Where/When: ; Sunday, 3 and 7 p.m.
Why Go: Mozart's incomplete Zaide, which is rarely performed by the Santa Monica orchestra, will be showcased under the command of Music Director Martin Haselböck.
Pricing: $39 to $55
10. Music at Sunset
Where/When: ; Sunday, 4 to 7 p.m.
Why Go: If improv music is your bag, look no further. Barry Dubin will do the honors, while Malek Vossough will bust out some traditional Middle Eastern strains. Various exhibits will be on display as well.
Pricing: Free
We know you have your favorites that we missed. So share the goodness in our comment box below.
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