This mural, Untitled (Questions) (1990/2018), by artist Barbara Kruger, is on the wall of The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA in Los Angeles until November 2020. The work was originally commissioned by MOCA in 1989 for the exhibition A Forest of Signs: Art in the Crisis of Representation, and was last installed in 1990 on the south wall of MOCA’s building (now The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA).
Things to do in Los Angeles this weekend (3/5-3/8/20)-
Thursday
The Paranoyds are playing at the free premiere of the skateboarding/surfing/roadtrip film This Way- A Western Film at 2027 E. 7th Street
Patrick Jagoda, Professor of English and Cinema & Media Studies at the University of Chicago, and Weston Game Lab director Ashlyn Sparrow will discuss a series of the lab’s innovative digital and analog game projects- including games with implications for learning and social justice at Hammer Museum
Black Violin, led by classically trained string players Wil B. (viola) and Kev Marcus (violin), blend classical music with hip hop and will be performing at the Theatre at Ace Hotel
MOCA Senior Curator Bennett Simpson is leading a walkthrough of Seven Stations: Selections from MOCA’s Collection at the Grand Avenue location
The Sea and Cake are playing at Zebulon with L.A. Takedown
The Aero Theatre is showing Ingmar Bergman’s Persona
Friday
No Win are playing at Gold Diggers with On Drugs and Criminal Hygiene
First Fridays is back at the Natural History Museum with performances by Wajatta (featuring Reggie Watts and John Tejada), French Vanilla, and Café Molly; DJ Novena Carmel is joined by Guest DJ Josh Peace in the DJ Lounge; as well as a discussion on the Future of Medicine, and more.
Residency in Inglewood is having an Open House Party with a project by Devon Tsuno in the main gallery and work from Texas Isaiah, Devin Reynolds, Bradley Ward and Yasmine Diaz in the annex, as well as a burger pop up, a DJ, and more
Healing Gems are playing a free rush hour concert (4-6pm) at Union Station
Seratones are performing at the Bootleg Theater with Pet Dress opening
Gold Cage, No Swoon, LMI and Nico Turner are playing at The Smell
Saturday
Artist T. Kim-Trang Tran will be discussing her exhibition at LAMAG
As part of the Egyptian Theatre’s programming for Noir City: Hollywood – The 22nd Annual Los Angeles Festival of Film Noir, they are showing a triple feature tonight of M (1931), M (1951), and El Vampiro Negro
Gus Seyffert & Friends are performing at the Bootleg Theater
Boan and Dancing Tongues are opening for Bambara at The Echo
Sunday
The LA Marathon is taking place and the route runs from downtown to Santa Monica, adjust your travel plans accordingly or cheer the runners on
The Annual Festival of the Kite is happening in Redondo Beach
The Aero Theatre is having a free screening of Yung Chang’s documentary This Is Not A Movie about British journalist Robert Fisk’s dangerous career covering conflicts around the world over several decades. A discussion with the director will follow.
Young Guv is playing at Zebulon with Spiritual Cramp
Palehound is playing with Adult Mom after teaching a free workshop on writing a pop song at Junior High
Things to do in Los Angeles this weekend (2/20-2/23/20)-
Thursday
Hammer Museum is hosting Constitutional Happy Hour a chance to have a few cheap drinks while learning about the US Constitution. This week Loyola Law School professor David Glazier will be discussing the War Powers Clause (Article 1, Section 8, Clause 11)
Artist Gala Porras-Kim will be discussing her work and MOCA’s permanent collection with UCLA Professor of Art History and Conservation of Material Culture Glenn Wharton and MOCA Assistant Curator and Manager of Publications Bryan Barcena at the Grand Avenue location
Hip-hop supergroup Czarface (Inspectah Deck, 7L & Esoteric) are performing at Catch One
Little People, Frameworks, and Yppah are playing at The Paramount
Mutual Benefit are playing at the Bootleg Theater with Sonoda and Nicholas Krgovich
As part of the UCLA Film & Television Archive’s John Sayles series, they will be showing Sayles’ film Sunshine State at Hammer Museum with Sayles in attendance for a conversation and book signing ($9)
Here the Birds Burn: A Phantasmagoria Revival, a horror theater performance, is taking place throughout the Victorian era homes at Heritage Square. “Incorporating working authentic 18th & 19th century magic lanterns with hand painted glass slides, along with being joined by fellow period-era theater guests, this immersive performance, set in the 1830s, promises an evening of frightful delight”. (running Thursday-Sunday)
No Age are playing at The Smell with Würm and Milo Gonzalez
HUNNY are playing at the El Rey Theatre with Bay Faction and Michi
Holychild are playing at Moroccan Lounge with Hollander and Tiffany Stringer
Saturday
Metronomy are playing at The Fonda Theatre with Bodega and Faux Real opening
Not From England are playing at The Smell with Moon Fuzz, Poll Tax Riot and Buddha Trixie
ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives at the USC Libraries is hosting a book launch with editors Allyson Mitchell and Cait McKinney for Inside Killjoy’s Kastle: Dykey Ghosts, Feminist Monsters, and Other Lesbian Hauntings. The contributors to this volume consider the role of lesbian feminist histories and direct-action aesthetics in contemporary queer and feminist communities, particularly the ways in which political artwork can produce new ways of knowing about the past. The book launch will include readings and performances by Deirdre Logue, Nao Bustamante, Kyla Tompkins, Karen Tongson, Jennifer Doyle, and David Evans Frantz, and a pop-up feminist gift shop by Otherwild.
FEELS are playing an early show at Zebulon with Gustaf, Gesserit and Cumgirl8
Sunday
Zebulon has a free screening of Walter Hill’s The Driver (1978) with a performance by Charade to follow
Mamalarky are playing at the Bootleg Theater with Girl Friday and Eyeshadow
Things to do in Los Angeles this weekend (2/13-2/16/20)-
Thursday
As The World Berns, a fundraiser for candidate Bernie Sanders, is taking place at the Bootleg Theater with musical performances by Gold Star, Olivia Kaplan, Alex Lilly, Austin McCutchen & The Western Stars, Cornelia Murr, Clinton Patterson, Gus Seyffert and more
Moaning are playing a free (with RSVP) show at Moon Room
Hammer Museum is hosting The How and Why of Political Advertising, with LMU professor Fernando Guerra and campaign strategist John Thomas joining moderator and Loyola Law School professor Jessica Levinson to break down the politics and law behind campaign spending and advertising.
Poet and educator Shonda Buchanan is speaking at The Broad as part of its lecture series The Logic of Poetry and Dreams
Brazilian artist Sessa is playing at Zebulon with SK Kakraba
Pink Mountaintops, Corridor, KEEN, and Clear are playing a free show at Highland Park Bowl
Friday
Spend Valentine’s Day in Grand Park with a celebration of Lovers Rock with DJ Linafornia (free)
Hammer Museum is having a free screening of the film Moonlight
Tan Cologne are playing at The Hi Hat with Grant Earl Lavalley and Glances opening
Saturday
Winter are opening for Part Time and Garry Wilson at the Regent Theater with Bryson Cone
The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA is hosting Brutally Early (it starts at 7:30am)- a free morning of conversations with artists including- Simone Forti, Kandis Williams, Shirin Neshat, Miles Brenninkmeijer, Patrick Staff, Rodney McMillian, and choreographers Gerard & Kelly- hosted by Hans Ulrich Obrist and Klaus Biesenbach (in addition, it begins with coffee and donuts and ends with champagne and ice cream)
As part of The Broad’sUn-Private Collection conversation series, artists Christopher Wool and Kim Gordon will be speaking with critic and curator John Corbett
Artist Joe Sola will be in conversation with author Jarett Kobek (I hate the internet) at Honor Fraser at noon
17 DJs (including Grimes) are performing in 5 rooms for Rhondavous A Lovers Ball at Catch One
If you are a fan of ambient music, Malcolm Cecil will be performing at the Pasadena Presbyterian Church with Cool Maritime and Yialmelic Frequencies opening
Sunday
For the last day of Phillip K. Smith III’s exhibition at Bridge Projects there will be a day of activities including a soundscape by William Basinski, a relaxation workshop, and a tea tasting as part of their Oasis programming (also on Saturday)
Hammer Museum is hosting the climate justice themed Panic Party, with DJs, cocktails, after hours gallery access, short films, artist activations, voter registration, vegan food and more
Lucy Arnell, Nico Yaryan and more are performing as part of a Benefit for Australia at Permanent Records Roadhouse
All Weekend
StARTup LA Art Fair returns to The Kinney Venice Beach on Friday evening. It is one of the better art fairs as it offers a chance to meet the artists (who take over rooms in the hotel) and buy from them directly
Art Los Angeles Contemporary opens Thursday running until Sunday and has moved to The Hollywood Athletic Club from the Barker Hangar
Spring/Break Art Show is taking place all weekend starting Friday at Skylight ROW DTLA
Felix Art Fair returns to the Roosevelt Hotel (opening night Thursday). Although last year it was free, this year tickets are $25
Frieze Art Fair runs all weekend but only has program tickets (no gallery tent) available for Saturday and Sunday
Things to do in Los Angeles this weekend (2/6-2/9/20)-
Thursday
Office Relief: Benefit for Australia is happening at The Roxy Theatre with stars from The Office performing including Jenna Fischer, Creed Bratton, Rainn Wilson and more
Hammer Museum is screening two collections of early video works by Paul McCarthy, Black and White III and Color Compilation, with an in-person introduction by artist Barbara T. Smith (free)
Artist and writer dana washington will be speaking at The Broad as part of their series The Logic of Poetry and Dreams (free but reserve ticket)
Radical Face is playing at the Troubadour with Axel Flóvent
Friday
MOCA Grand Avenue has a free screening of Community of Parting by Jane Jin Kaisen. The film derives from Kaisen’s extensive research on Korean shamanism and her engagement with communities affected by war and division using imagery from North and South Korea, Jeju Island, the DMZ, Kazakhstan, Japan, the US, and Germany. The screening will be followed by a discussion with the artist and Crystal Mun-hye Baik, author of Reencounters: On the Korean War & Diasporic Memory Critique.
Silversun Pickups are playing at The Wiltern with Eliza & The Delusionals opening
Bombón, Gustaf, and Gesserit are performing at Recess Ops in San Pedro
Saturday
The Egyptian Theatre is hosting two free conversations for Oscar Season- first with this year’s nominated film editors at 10:30am and later with nominated production designers and set decorators at 3pm (both are free but RSVP and remember with the preparations for the Oscar ceremony right down the block, it’s probably best not to drive there)
LACMA and the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art are screening Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing followed by a conversation with Turner Classic Movies host Jacqueline Stewart at Cinemark Baldwin Hills
Hollywood will be a bit tricky to get to with the prep for the Oscars but if you are local or take the metro you could go see a matinee of All About Eve at the Egyptian Theatre at 1pm
Ley Line are playing at the Bootleg Theater with Malena Cadiz opening
Lodge Room continues its Black History Month music series with Black Jazz Records 50th Anniversary- with performances by Doug Carn, Henry Franklin, Calvin Keys, Michael Carvine, and Jeane Carne
All Weekend
The LA Art Show returns to the LA Convention Center with local and international galleries showing modern and contemporary art
Superfine! Art Fair returns to Magic Box at The Reef (last day for discounted tickets- 2/6)
Things to do in Los Angeles this weekend (1/30-2/2/20)-
Thursday
Artist Sanford Biggers will be leading a walkthrough of With Pleasure: Pattern and Decoration in American Art 1972–1985 at MOCA Grand Ave
Poet and activist Christoper Soto will be speaking at The Broad as part of their series The Logic of Poetry and Dreams (free but reserve ticket)
Constitution Happy Hour is happening at Hammer Museum with USC Gould School of Law professor Franita Tolson discussing Constitutional rights and voting rights plus cheap drinks
City of the Sun are playing at the Troubadour with Kiltro opening
Martin Rev (of Suicide) is performing at Zebulon with Warm Drag
Nik Freitas is playing at the Bootleg Theater with Dustin Lovelis and Charlie Wadhams to celebrate the release of his new record Cavalo Morto
Friday
Mattiel is playing at the Bootleg Theater with Calvin Love opening
Natural History Museum is hosting Night of Ideas: Being Alive, an evening of discussions, screenings, performances, and more, that is part of a French embassy program taking place around the world (tickets only available at the door)
60s Mexican rock band Los Dug Dugs are playing at Zebulon with Hoover III and Triptides
Director Bong Joon Ho created a black and white version of his film Parasite and it is screening at the Egyptian Theatre
Artist Paul McCarthy will be discussing his work at Hammer Museum with curators Aram Moshayedi and Connie Butler
Hotel Cafe is hosting Blazing Love Australian Bushfire Relief Benefit with performances by Ben Lee, SAYGRACE, Falls, Munroe, Jess Cornelius and more
Jazz is Dead and KCRW are hosting Vibes From The Tribe at Lodge Room with Phil Ranelin and Wendell Harrison performing with The Pan-Afrikan Peoples Arkestra
Tashaki Miyaki are playing at the Bootleg Theater with Johnny Payne and Joel Jerome opening
Weirdo Night takes over Zebulon with Dynasty Handbag, Fatty Cakes and the Puff Pastries, La Pregunta?, Tall Paul and more
All Weekend
Photo L.A. photography fair is happening at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica with three days to check out work from various galleries and organizations as well as talks, a film screening, and more
Things to do in Los Angeles this weekend (1/9-1/12/20)-
Thursday
Artist Christina Quarles is giving a free lecture at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA as part of their Artist on Artists series
Independent scholar and author Dr. Houman Sarshar will be speaking at The Broad as part of their series The Logic of Poetry and Dreams (free but reserve ticket)
Twin Oaks are playing at The Satellite as part of a free night of bands that includes Magic Bronson, Bandie and Wax Charmer
The Egyptian Theatre is showing a double feature of Airplane! and Stripes with a discussion between screenings with directors Jim Abrahams, David Zucker and Jerry Zucker.
The Aero Theatre has a Pedro Almodóvar double feature of Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown and All About My Mother with a discussion with director Almodóvar between films (sold out but there will be a stand-by line)
Jimmy Whispers is playing at The Hi Hat with Dark Tea, Cyrus Gengras, and The Lentils
Celebrate free admission at both MOCA locations with a day of performances, music, art-making activities, free ice cream, and more with a free shuttle between locations
Artist Liz Glynn will be in conversation with writer and critic Travis Diehl at Vielmetter Los Angeles
Kicked Off The Streets are playing with Sustivity, Cardboard Boxer and Law at The Smell
Saturday and Sunday
Celebrate the Lunar New Year Festival in downtown Monterey Park with live entertainment, food, traditional lion and dragon dancers and more
Sunday
Gold-Diggers is hosting a benefit for WIRES Wildlife Rescue Organization who are working to provide aid to the animals affected by the wildfires in Australia. Performers includes Ben Lee, William Tyler, Meatbodies and more. ($15.45)
Things to do in Los Angeles this weekend (12/12-12/15/19)-
Thursday
Goon are playing at The Hi Hat with Girl Friday, Sarah Tudzin, and Justus Proffit
Allah-Las are playing at The Mayan Theater with Mapache and Tim Hill
Poet and playwright Sholeh Wolpé will be speaking at The Broad as part of their series The Logic of Poetry and Dreams (free but reserve ticket)
Bennett Simpson will give an exhibition walkthrough of The Foundation of the Museum: MOCA’s Collection at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA location (free)
Z Berg & Friends (Ryan Ross, Bruce Hornsby, Johnathan Rice, Avalon Lurks, KERA, and Brad Oberhofer) will be performing a Friday The 13th Christmas Show at Pico Union Project
Automatic are playing at Zebulon with Peanut Butter Wolf and Mo Dottie
The Hi-Fi Honey Drops are playing for Union Station’s free Cocoa Concert this week
Robyn Hitchock & Friends are performing at Largo at the Coronet
Goldie is performing at 1720 to celebrate 25 Years of Metalheadz
Saturday
Artist Hugo Crosthwaite will be speaking at Luis de Jesus Los Angeles at 2pm in conjunction with his solo exhibition at the gallery
Bergamot Station is having a Winter Open House and 25th Anniversary Celebration from 11-6pm with artist talks, live music, and a chance to check out the current shows in the galleries
Shop Artisinal’s Holiday Makers Market is taking place in the Playhouse Lot in Pasadena and includes snow and Santa selfies, kids crafts. and more, as part of its free programming
Flat Worms, L.A. Drones, Nice and Fimes are playing at Permanent Records Roadhouse to benefit Youth Emerging Stronger (formerly LA Youth Network)
Fox Academy are playing at El Cid with Ruby Haunt and Johnny Goth
New York Night Train w/ Jonathan Toubin is happening at Zebulon
Saturday and Sunday
Rolling Loud is two days of hip hop at Banc of California Stadium Grounds with performers that include Chance the Rapper, Lil Uzi Vert, Young Thug on Saturday and Future, A$AP Rocky, Meek Mill, YG, Da Baby, Megan Thee Stallion, Lil Yachty, Doja Cat, and many more on Sunday
Sunday
The Aero Theatre has a double feature of Motherless Brooklyn and Primal Fear with a discussion between films with actor-director Edward Norton and producer Hawk Koch
Until 12/25 Grand Park’sWinter Glow has multiple night time public art installations set up for the holiday season (free from sunset to 10pm)
Motel Radio are playing at the Moroccan Lounge with Beauty Queen opening
French Vanilla are playing at The Echo with Heaven Pegasus opening
Things to do in Los Angeles this weekend (12/5-12/8/19)-
Thursday
Artist Catherine Opie is giving a walk-through of Lari Pittman’s exhibition at Hammer Museum at 6pm
The Make-Up are playing at Zebulon with Seth Bogart
If you missed Visual AIDS’s screening of STILL BEGINNING for Day With(out) Art you can see it tonight at MOCA Grand Avenue (free)
Director Jazmin Garcia will be speaking at The Broad as part of their series The Logic of Poetry and Dreams (free but reserve ticket)
Lisa Prank is playing at the Bootleg Theater with Rose Melberg, and Worriers
Protomartyr and Show Me The Body are opening for Daughters at the Belasco Theater
Sasha Sloan is playing at the Fonda Theatre with Winnetka Bowling Club
Friday
Constitution Happy Hour returns to Hammer Museum with UC Irvine political science and law professor Rick Hasen discussing the First Amendment and campaign misinformation.
The Theatre at The Ace Hotel with CAP UCLA is screening Dawson City:Frozen Time with a live score composed by Alex Somers and performed by Wild Up. The film tells the story of the discovery of over 500 silent film reels from the 1910s and 20s in Dawson in north western Canada in the 1970s by a construction crew who found it buried in a subarctic swimming pool.
Cocoa Concerts continue at Union Station with latin jazz group Conganas. There will also be a cocoa bar, Santa selfies, a Candy Cane Lane and more (free)
Surfbort are playing at Lodge Room with Dumb Fucks and Nice
Sonny & The Sunsets are playing at The Hi Hat with The Gonks and The Flusters
Saturday
Queen of Jeans are opening for From Indian Lakes at the Moroccan Lounge
Earl Sweatshirt will be at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA for a conversation on art, music, and life with Cheryl Harris (his mom). (free, 1-3pm)
Artist Frank Ockenfels 3 will be signing his book at Fahey Klein from 2-4pm
Photographer Todd Hido will be signing his book, House Hunting (Remastered) at Arcana Books from 4-6pm
Things to do in Los Angeles this weekend (11/29-12/1/19)-
Friday
Justus Proffit is playing a free show at the Monty Bar to celebrate the release of his new EP Return to Zero- with additional performances by The Freakees, Macko, and Laundry Boys
Bob Baker Marionette Theater is celebrating its Grand Opening at its new location in Highland Park with a day of free puppet shows on the hour starting at 11am, celebrating the six decades of the theater. Additional exhibits, activities, and more will occur throughout the day, with historic Bob Baker photography and a virtual reality Bob Baker experience next door at MorYork. At 7:30pm is the ticketed event, Rise of the Harlequins! The BBMT Season Kickoff, which includes behind the scenes videos, a puppet show, a party with a DJ and cake and more.
Zebulon is hosting a free screening of the 1970 Czechoslovak New Wave film Valerie and Her Week of Wonders followed by a dance party
Rhondavous, a one night festival, is taking place at Catch One with 14 DJs, 4 rooms and 2 floors + they are having a Black Friday sale on tickets.
Kah-Lo and Kennedi are opening for Bea Miller at the Fonda Theatre
Saturday and Sunday
Jackalope is having a free Underground Art Fair at Grand Central Market, a chance to buy unique goods from independent makers
Sunday
Hammer Museum and MOCA are partnering with Visual Aids for the 30th Annual Day With(out) Art. This year the program is STILL BEGINNING featuring seven newly commissioned videos responding to the ongoing HIV/AIDS epidemic by Shanti Avirgan, Nguyen Tan Hoang, Carl George, Viva Ruiz, Iman Shervington, Jack Waters/Victor F.M. Torres, and Derrick Woods-Morrow (free).
The Broad will be presenting a screening of artist and filmmaker Isaac Julien’s short video, This is Not an AIDS Advertisement (1987, Super 8 transferred to video, 10 min), hosted and co-organized by West Hollywood’s poet laureate, Steven Reigns. Following the screening, Reigns, along with author Meliza Bañales aka Missy Fuego, award-winning author Bernard Cooper, and writer, musician, and choreographer Brontez Purnell, will speak to how HIV and AIDS have impacted their lives personally, and present examples of their own work. (free)
Fowler Museum is screening How to Survive a Plague, having two dance performances, and more for World AIDS Day. This is in addition to the weekly storytelling performances that are part of their exhibition Through Positive Eyes
The Hollywood Christmas Parade is taking over Hollywood Blvd with balloons, floats, marching bands, performers, and more (free)
Craft Contemporary is having a Holiday Marketplace and admission to the museum is free
Feels are playing at Resident with Reckling and Slaughterhouse
Dynasty Handbag’s Weirdo Night is happening at Zebulon with performances by artist Carolyn Pennypacker Riggs, Charles Galin, Melanie Magenta and more tba