Richard Linklater’s 1990 film Slacker, is a wonderful trip back in time to the pre-Internet days and a celebration of American eccentricity. If you haven’t seen it, the film follows various different Austin locals in brief scenes and conversations, all within a 24 hour period in 1989.
The film opens on a monologue from Linklater himself describing his dream to a taxi driver and then moves on to a man who hits his mother with a car. The scenes flow from one character or group to a new one almost seamlessly. Conspiracy theorists, coffee shop philosophers, a man who collects televisions and disaster footage, a group of housemates reading a story on postcards from a former housemate left behind, and on and on as the day turns to night and then back to day again.
Linklater wrote these interactions and many of them are based on stories or projects from the people seen in the film. In his director’s commentary he gives the background for many of the involved participants. He also explains how he directed them not to treat any of the people speaking as if they are strange or odd. It’s another aspect of the film that makes it special, and a reminder of the way we should try to treat people.
Sadly Teresa Taylor (pictured in the above two photos center), aka Teresa Nervosa, one time drummer for the Butthole Surfers, died last month. Her image was used for the movie poster and promotional materials. Her scene in Slacker is one of the most memorable as well. She tells a story of a highway suicide and then attempts to sell what she claims is singer Madonna’s pap smear.
Things to do in Los Angeles this weekend (11/14-11/17-19)-
Thursday
Ronald Rael, the Chair of the Department of Architecture at UC Berkeley, will engage in a presentation and discussion about art making at the US_Mexico border with W|ALLS featured photographer, designer, craftsperson, and founder of Art Made Between Opposite Sides (AMBOS) Tanya Aguiñiga at Annenberg Space for Photography. (free but register)
Artist Vishal Jugdeo will be discussing his work at The Hammer
Maxo Kream is performing at the Echoplex with Q Da Fool and Slayter
The KVB, Numb.er, and Houses of Heaven are playing at The Echo
Filmforum at MOCA (Grand Avenue location) is showing All That You Can’t Leave Behind, a program of films both personal and political featuring new works by Essi, Ja’Tovia Gary, Darol Olu Kae, Rhea Storr, Sara Suarez, and ariella tai. Filmmakers Suarez and Kae will be in-person to discuss their work.
Constitutional Happy Hour returns to The Hammer with Loyola Law School professor Jessica Levinson discusses impeachment—Article II. (free)
Metro Art is having a free screening of Richard Linklater’s animated film Waking Life
Frankie Cosmos is playing at 1720 with Stephen Steinbrink, Dear Nora, and Lomelda
James Supercave is playing at Civic Center Studios with “surreal dance act” CAPYAC
Hovvdy are playing at Moroccan Lounge with Nick Dorian and Carolyn Says
Friday and Saturday
Adult Swim Festival 2019 is taking place at Banc of America Stadium in DTLA. On Friday performers include Dethklok, Captain Murphy, Leikeli47, Health, and more. On Saturday Vince Staples, Jamie XX, 2 Chainz, Tierra Whack, clipping., Freddie Gibbs & Madlib, and more will perform, along with a live version of The Eric Andre Show. There will also be screenings, games and attractions, and more.
Spaceland and Other Music are hosting The Get Together 2019 Label Fair and Music Festival at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA. On Friday Joe Kay, Marco McKennis, and Full Crate are performing. On Saturday is the Record Label Fair and performances by Anna Wise, William Basinski, and more. In the evening, Lee Fields will be perform backed by El Michels Affair, as well as Bobby Oroza, Brainstory and Holy Hive.
Saturday
Artists Gilbert & George will be in conversation with critic Jonathan Griffin at Sprüth Magers (free but RSVP)
Artists Constance Mallinson and Jeffrey Vallance will be discussing collecting, curating and making art at Edward Cella Art & Architiecture
For the 7th year, Gabba Gallery is having its affordable art show Wishlist and tonight is the opening
Jonathan Bree is playing at Lodge Room with Ryder the Eagle and Nico Turner
Mating Ritual are playing at the Teragram Ballroom with Superet and Low Hum
Saturday and Sunday
Bridge-s, is a performance series at The Getty curated by Solange Knowles and features a new performance by Gerard & Kelly, with a special musical score by Solange featuring Cooper-Moore, brought to life by a group of dancers and musicians across Getty’s iconic architecture. The performance piece takes place all day around the center and also includes film screenings and an artist talk with British-Ghanaian philosopher Kodwo Eshun.(free)
From 12:30- 2:20pm LACMA is offering a free taste of the Japanese Nebuta Festival with a large paper lantern float depicting Japanese folk hero Kintoki by Nebuta Master Hiroo Takenami on display and a series of short performances by taiko drummers, flute and hand cymbal players, and dancers taking place in front of the float.
LAXART is hosting a performance of the in progress, debut play Lives of the Performers, by critic and writer Hilton Als. Free, first come first served. (also on Monday)
The Annual Tree Lighting celebration with performances and fireworks is happening at The Grove
Things to do in Los Angeles this weekend (4/7-4/10/16)-
Thursday
Froth is playing a live set as part of the free (with RSVP) event, Drinking the Sunlight on Thursday, at Resident with DJ sets by Kevin Morby and two of the members of FIDLAR
The second of the Monument performances at MOCA Grand Ave pairs musicians Metal Rouge and Palmbomen II with specific works in the gallery (free)
For Craft Night at CAFAM this week, guests will create black light paintings ($8 includes materials, food and drink)
Pop Up Magazine returns with its “live magazine” to the Theatre at the Ace Hotel with Daniel Alarcón, Ava DuVernay, Doreen St. Félix, Lindy West as part of the line up
Friday
Gothic Tropic are headlining a night of bands at The Hi Hat in Highland Park
The Aero Theatre is showing all three of Richard Linklater’s films Before Sunrise, Before Sunset and Before Midnight in one triple bill
For Covering Fashion: The Changing Runway Story, “fashion journalists Tim Blanks, editor-at-large of The Business of Fashion, and Booth Moore, fashion journalist and former fashion critic of the Los Angeles Times, discuss fashion journalism and the history and culture of runway shows with Sharon S. Takeda, LACMA’s senior curator and department head of costume and textiles” at LACMA (free)
Acid Dad are playing at the Bootleg Theater with Melted and Plum opening
Saturday
NELA Art Gallery Night is Northeast LA’s monthly art event and a great way to check out the area’s art scene and you can stop by Eastside Handmade market beforehand
Meth Dad and Terror Pigeon are both playing at Los Globos
Saturday and Sunday
The Los Angeles Times Festival Of Books is at the USC Campus and there are numerous free and ticketed author talks throughout both days as well as performances, cooking demonstrations, a travel section, children’s activities and so much more.
Sunday
It’s the second Sunday of the month so Rose Bowl Flea Market is open for treasure hunting
Missing Persons are at the Echo with Panthar and Fatal Jamz opening
DMX is playing at The Novo (formerly Club Nokia) for $15
