Music, Dance, Film, Art & Cultural events May 13 – May 19

FRI 5/17

Long Beach Historic Pride Bike Ride @ Long Beach – Free, All Ages
Festive pride/rainbow attire and helmets encouraged!  Decorate your bike and yourself to show your pride! Arrive early for free air from The Bicycle Stand. This will be a very relaxed ride so beach cruisers are totally welcome! Show your visibility and support for a more queer positive and bike positive Long Beach! If you are LGBTQ or you are an ally and want to support the community please come and be a part of our ride! Everyone who thinks queers are the bomb are welcome!! Organized by the EcoDykes (www.ecodykes.com)

Laura Aguilar: A Minority, A Woman, A Lesbian and Artist @ University Student Union, CSULA – Free, All Ages

Stories We Tell @ USC – Free w RSVP, All Ages
In this inspired, genre-twisting new film, Oscar®-nominated writer/director Sarah Polley discovers that the truth depends on who’s telling it. Polley is both filmmaker and detective as she investigates the secrets kept by a family of storytellers. She playfully interviews and interrogates a cast of characters of varying reliability, eliciting refreshingly candid, yet mostly contradictory, answers to the same questions. As each relates their version of the family mythology, present-day recollections shift into nostalgia-tinged glimpses of their mother, who departed too soon, leaving a trail of unanswered questions. Polley unravels the paradoxes to reveal the essence of family: always complicated, warmly messy and fiercely loving. Stories We Tell explores the elusive nature of truth and memory, but at its core is a deeply personal film about how our narratives shape and define us as individuals and families, all interconnecting to paint a profound, funny and poignant picture of the larger human story.

LéaLA  @ LA Convention Center, Downtown – Free, All Ages
As part of its ongoing commitment to extend its culture and arts programs for the Latino community in Los Angeles, California, the University of Guadalajara is set to once again hold one of the most ambitious events ever host to promote Spanish: LéaLA, the largest Spanish-language book fair in the U.S. This three-day event seeks to encourage reading and promote Spanish-language books together with the recognition of the Latino population, their culture and customs. LéaLA is an initiative backed by the University of Guadalajara Los Angeles and by the Guadalajara International Book Fair (FIL). At LéaLA you’ll be able to find book presentations and signings, lectures on popular culture and the historic roots of Latin American countries, meetings between Latin American writers and authors from other parts of the world, forums on the challenges associated with selling and distributing Spanish-language books in the U.S. participation by Latino celebrities in a range of literary and cultural activities, including readings of children’s books, as well as an Education Pavilion designed to promote secondary and higher education.

Spring Festival of World Music and Jazz 2013 @ UCLA – Free, All Ages
The concert series, which runs from May 17-19 and May 31-June 4, features performances by UCLA’s wide array of world music ensembles, plus UCLA jazz combos, the UCLA Jazz Orchestra, the UCLA LatinJazz Big Band and the UCLA Ellingtonia Ensemble. All performances will take place in Schoenberg Hall and are free and open to the public. Fri 5/17 is Concert by the African American Ensemble and the Music of Mexico Ensemble.The African American Music Ensemble performs a diverse mix of gospel music, including Negro spirituals and traditional and contemporary gospel. Beginning in the 1600s with enslaved Africans, African American choral music has evolved into a refined urban form accompanied by piano, drum, bass and tambourine. The Music of México Ensemble, under the direction of 2009 Grammy winner Jesús Guzmán, features mariachi music in a variety of styles from various regions of Mexico, including son jalisienseson huasteco, boleroranchera and huapango.

Maracatu!@ Consulate General of Brazil, Beverly Hills – Free with RSVP, All Ages
We invite you to join us on Friday, May 17 for a presentation by noted percussionist Scott Kettner, that will discuss the history, culture, religion and music of Maracatu de Baque Virado from Recife, Brazil. It will include behind the scenes photos of the religious ceremonies, the preparation for carnival and the cultural manifestations of Maracatu. This is an opportunity to learn about the unique history of Maracatu and how the slaves adapted the European, Indigenous and African elements to form Maracatu over 400 years ago and will investigate the concept of “tradition” and how the maracatu groups are struggling to maintain their traditions in a globalized society while also staying current in the modern world. This event is in preparation for Grand Performances’ presentation of Nação de Maracatu Estrela Brilhante do Recife’s Tale of Two Nations project this coming August 17, 2013 as part of Grand Performances free summer concert series. Space is limited, so please rsvp to rcabrera@grandperformances.org

Bike Night @ Hammer Museum, UCLA – Free, All Ages
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! BRING YOUR BICYCLES! Grab some friends and pedal on over for an evening celebrating all things bicyclistic! Free festivities include bicycle portraits, a screening of the 1983 Australian action movie BMX Bandits (starring a young, not-yet-famous Nicole Kidman), bicycle-centric crafts, and free admission to LLYN FOULKES. Guest hosted by artist and bicycle enthusiast/activist Lisa Anne Auerbach.

Acoustic World Music Soiree @ Room 5, Miracle Mile – $10, 21+
My friends are performing and dedicating this night to re-settled Burundian refugees. Love and harmony in mankind through Music with a purpose. Music by African powerhouse vocalist Wangari Fahari and the two eloquent acoustic guitarists. Paul Thibeault and Dave Cipriani. Experience the journeys of life through Africa and now America. We hosted this event last month for the Boston Marathon bombing and a few of you came out to share love and harmony. We hope you can join us again for another extraordinary acoustic session for Burundian courage. If you didn’t make it last time this is your shot to catch this dynamic set. Playing songs from Volume 1, Fahari and a few covers. Be there to see how Wangari interprets and shares these inspiring stories. The concert is dedicated to re-settled Burundian refugees. Live at 10pm for ONLY $10

M.A.K.U. Soundsystem and DJ Canyon Cody @ Los Globos, Silverlake – $10, 21+
M.A.K.U. SoundSystem is an 8 piece Afro-Columbian, psychedelic, feel-good jam band. The band makes big music that begins in traditional Afro- Colombian rhythms and ends somewhere in the punk-jazz stratosphere. Danceable but always surprising.  The core members of the group are from Bogota, Colombia and are currently residing in Queens, NY. They’ve independently released three LP’s since 2010.

Feeding the Soul presents Muse-ic with Andrée Belle, Dawn Mitschele, Jessie Payo @ Witzend, Venice – $20-25 with drink, 21+
Join us as we celebrate Rock N Roll Camp for Girls, Los Angeles and raise scholarships for their 2013 Summer sessions.
For more information on how to enroll your little rocker please visit their website (http://www.rockcampforgirlsla.org/). The mission of Rock n’ Roll Camp for Girls Los Angeles is to empower girls through music education.

David & Olivia Record Release Show @ Hotel Cafe, Hollywood – $7, 21+
My friend Olivia is excited to release her debut record, On The Sea, this May!!! To celebrate this very special occasion we’re throwing a party at The Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles!!!  We’re ready to toast w/ our family + friends! We only ask that you come ready to sing, dance + laugh with us.

Lola, Topher Mohr, Forrest Day, KULA @ El Cid, Silverlake – $10, 21+



Mideast Masters of Jazz: Gilad Atzmon & Zane Musa Quintet @Levantine Cultural Center – $25-30, All Ages
On Friday, May 17, progressive comedienne/actor and activist Roseanne Barr presents LevantineMint’s pairing “Mideast Masters of Jazz” starring sax maniacs Gilad Atzmon and Zane Musa, performing together LIVE for the first time. It’s all happening right here in Los Angeles, backed by some of the best be-bop musicians ever. The bonus is that both Gilad Atzmon and Zane Musa are dyed-in-the-wool originals, so if you love jazz and are curious about how an Israeli and Palestinian get along on stage and off, reserve your seats for “Mideast Masters of Jazz” at 323.413.2001. Tickets are only $25 general admission, $30 cash at the door. Seating is limited, this show will sell out, don’t delay. The performance is one in a new series, “The Middle East Rocks,” organized by the Levantine Cultural Center and hosted by venerable L.A. club, The Mint.

Reel Rasquache Art & Film Festival @ Casa 0101, Boyle Heights – $12/program, All Ages
Bringing together independent filmmakers from across the country, with Latino advocates in the entertainment industry, the Reel Rasquache Art & Film Festival showcases films by or about the U.S. Latino experience in all genres and formats.  In addition to around-the-clock film programs, the weekend-long festival will include live music and dance, a Youth Filmmakers’ Showcase, filmmaking workshops, directors’ roundtable, an art exhibit, networking receptions, and the annual closing night award ceremony that recognizes leaders, pioneers, and trailblazers in U.S. Latino film and art. The 10th Annual Reel Rasquache Art & Film Festival will take place May 17-19, 2013 at CASA 0101 Theater in Boyle Heights.

Lucent Dossier Experience Private Party V and VI @ Lucent Lighthouse, Downtown – $50 , 21+
Fri 5/17 and Sat 5/18. Our delightful dwellers of the Ravenous Rouge await your arrival, ready to temp and tease, dance and sing. Perhaps you will be taken by the hand into a secret room and be fed sweets while whispers of poetry are softly spoken. Maybe you will tip toe away into a secret passage where a tea party is waiting just for you… you never know awaits you at The Rouge! Come slip into our velvet underworld…Performances high and low will pop up though out evening for your visual delight. Live art… music… costumes (oh yes… you are encouraged to dress it up!)… love… laughter… intrigue… mystery… all this and more awaits you!

Play Days @ Monterey Park – Free, All Ages
Monterey Park’s Birthday Celebration over 4 days from Thu 5/16 to Sun 5/19
http://www.ci.monterey-park.ca.us/index.aspx?page=818

OC Greek Fest @ St. John’s Greek Orthodox Church, Orange County – Free-$3, All Ages
The OC Greek Food Festival celebrates the best of Greek food, music, dancing and culture. Experience authentic Greek foods and homemade Greek pastries; traditional Greek dancing and Greek music; an outdoor marketplace and expansive “Kidz Zone” with carnival rides & games and other children’s activities, and much more. Runs thru Sun 5/19.

Anatolian Cultures & Food Festival @ OC Fairgrounds, Orange County – $6-20, All Ages
The Anatolian Cultures and Food Festival is a cultural and historical event that includes exhibitions, food, art craft, performances, dances and live music activities and runs Thu 5/16 to Sun 5/19

Joshua Tree Music Festival @ Joshua Tree Lake Campground – $40-110, All Ages
My friends put on this yearly labor of love in beautiful Joshua Tree with amazing artists from around the world!

Monthly:

Afrofuego @ dba 256 Wine Bar Lounge, Pomona – Free, 21+
Afro Fuego offers a monthly look at beats and bass from around the world w/a unique perspective and vision tailored from both the More Fire Mondays and Beats of All-Nations crew! Held at DBA256 in the Pomona Arts Colony, Afro Fuego offers a new chance for you to get down to music both old and long familiar, and new and aurally innovative. Expect everything from Cumbia, Salsa, Kuduro, Afrobeat, Afrofunk, Samba, Bailefunk, to Electronic, Global Bass and more!!

Weekly:

Lunchtime Yoga reTREAT @ Grand Park, Downtown – Free, All Ages
Free yoga sessions designed to relax, rejuvenate and reenergize. Pop in and out, dress comfortably and be ready to retreat into Grand Park bliss. In the event of rain, yoga will be cancelled. Every Wednesday and Friday at 12:15pm – 1:00pm EXTENDED through May 31!
http://www.facebook.com/events/419312148149993/

Dance Downtown: 90s Nite @ Music Center, Downtown – Free, All Ages

Jazz @ LACMA, Miracle Mile – Free, All Ages
Jazz at LACMA features the art of jazz as practiced by leading Southern California artists. Celebrating over twenty years at LACMA, the program continues to be one of the museum’s most recognizable offerings. Jazz at LACMA is a celebration of L.A.’s finest jazz musicians and has featured such legends as Wayne Shorter, John Clayton, Kenny Burrell, Les McCann, Billy Childs, Arturo Sandoval, Cannonball-Coltrane Project, and Ernie Watts. Over 42,000 visitors attend the program annually from April through November.
http://www.lacma.org/programs/music/jazz-at-lacma

Friday Night Jazz and Off the Wall @ Del Monte Speakeasy, Venice – Free, 21+
Weekly live jazz at 8pm and Off the Wall live music night at 10pm. Both events are free.

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