Things to Do This Weekend in L.A. (1-21-2022 to 1-23-2022)

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Photo via LA Art Show

The show will go on… that’s our loose theme for this weekend’s list. While the local spread of Omicron appears to be plateauing (thanks goodness), hospitalizations are hovering close to statewide pandemic highs, and it’s still looking like a tough few weeks ahead, both in terms of spread and strain on our medical infrastructure.

That said, while some events have pushed dates into February or March, other continue as scheduled. The upcoming Super Bowl at SoFi Stadium is the most notable, obviously, but for this weekend it’s the L.A. Art Show that’s on our minds. That event kicked off with opening night on Wednesday, and will continue through Sunday.

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Beyond the Art Show, we’ve curated a small but well-selected jumble of stuff to do for this weekend, including a few art exhibits, a new Tupac-inspired experience, a free experience from Freeform, a volunteer day at the Sepulveda Basin and and a little Sanrio flavor too. As we’ve been saying for basically the last two years… enjoy your weekend, but stay safe too!

Weekend Activities

L.A. Art Show -> Hosted at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the L.A. Art Show offers 180,000 feet of exhibition space featuring works from over 80 exhibiting galleries, museums, and non-profit arts organizations alongside special talks, performances and installations. GA Tickets run $30. Regular (non-VIP) hours are noon to 8 p.m. from Thursday to Sunday. A guide to programming for each day can be found here.

Tupac Shakur. Wake Me When I’m Free -> A new in-person experience based on the life and work of rapper Tupac Shakur debuts in DTLA this Friday. Organizers, who are working with the say-so of the Shakur estate, have stated that the experience “leverages technology, contemporary art, and never before seen artifacts from Tupac’s personal archives.” We haven’t seen photos of the experience yet, so if that sounds a bit vague, then take heed. But if you’re a huge Tupac fan, the it could be interesting. The pop-up experience at L.A. LIVE near the JW Marriott at the intersection of Georgia Street and Olympic Blvd. Tickets run upwards of $40 depending on if you go on “peak” or “off-peak” times. More info here.

Mapping Fiction -> The latest exhibition at The Huntington debuted this past Saturday, and continues and. While the narrative that drives the exhibition centers on James Joyce’s Ulysses, there are several pop-fiction elements that may most people will recognize: A blow-up of the Robert Louis Stevenson’s maps from Treasure Island, J. R. R. Tolkien’s map from the The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and (our favorite) a map of Raymond Chandler’s Los Angeles. Adult admission to the Huntington is $25 on weekdays, or $29 on weekends for non-members.

Fresh Start Mart Experience -> This Friday through Sunday, Freeform is hosting an experiential activation to celebrate the new series Single Drunk Female (starring Sofia Black-D’Elia and Ally Sheedy). Located on West 3rd street near The Grove, “The Fresh Start Mart” allows attendees to “shop” for Single Drunk Female related merchandise at no cost, and it’s free to attend too, provided you reserve a timed slot in advance online. Attendees will need to show proof of vaccination and wear a mask. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. on Friday, then 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Reserve a spot here.

Habitat Restoration Day -> Feeling the volunteer spirit this weekend? This Satuday morning hang with the Friends of the LA River, California Native Plant Society, and San Fernando Valley Audubon as the groups combine forces to tackle invasive plants while also leading a guided bird walk in the Sepulveda Basin. Free to attend. More info here.

Unseen Picasso -> Have you had a chance to revisit the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena since they reopened following a pandemic hiatus? This is the last weekend to catch the museum’s Unseen Picasso exhibition, which features 16 prints made between the 1930s and 1960s that showcase the artist’s experimentation in the graphic arts. Adult tickets for Norton Simon start at $15 per person.

Hello Kitty Food Truck -> Torrance: Attention Sanrio fans: This Saturday the Hello Kitty Food Truck will pop up at the Del Amo Fashion Center from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m Grab super-cute treats and shop Sanrio merch, while supplies last. The truck will be in the courtyard near the AMC Theaters. More info here.

Yoga at Angel City Brewery -> On Sunday, Green Tree Yoga Meditation comes to Angel City Brewery to lead a ninety minute yoga session adaptable for both experienced and beginning yoga practitioners. The event starts at 10:30 a.m. A donation of $15-$20 is kindly suggested, and each donation comes with a free beverage from the brewery. More info here.

Pasadena Comic Con -> On Sunday, the Pasadena Convention Center will host the Pasadena Comic Con, a day-long event filled with panels, guests, cosplay contest, and more. Runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $12 if you buy in advance ($15 at the door), and children 12 and under are free. More info here.

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New Works for a Post-Worker’s World -> A new exhibition by Chilean artist Rodrigo Valenzuela explores the implications and philosophical consequences of what happens to laborers as technology and automation displace reorganize, and potentially destroy existing work environments. New Works for a Post-Worker’s World is the artist’s first solo exhibition, and it will be on display at Luis De Jesus Los Angeles (DTLA) now through Feb. 19. Gallery hours are Tuesday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. More info here.

Dining and Takeout

Byrdie’s Rotisserie -> Rotisserie concept Byrdie’s recently reopened in West Hollywood serving California raised poultry and produce in a casual cafe setting. The main attraction is the rotisserie chicken, which goes through a multi-day marinating and seasoning process before making its way onto the roasting spit. The result is tender flavorful chicken offered whole, portioned off on plates, salads, wild rice bowls and shredded onto a sandwich. As an added bonus, Byrdie’s has a one for one model in support of the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank providing meals to the charity for every meal purchased by the public. Byrdie’s is available for dine-in, delivery and takeout.

U Street Pizza Now Open For Lunch -> The sister restaurant to Union in Pasadena recently launched a lunch menu that includes their signature New York style pies, salads, starters like meatballs and the introduction of square slices. Available Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. for dine-in, delivery and takeout. More info here.

Takeout Only at Needle LA -> Needle LA in Silver Lake is currently operating on a takeout only basis. Open Wednesday through Saturday (5 to 9 p.m.) Chef Ryan Wong’s Hong Kong inspired menu gets pared down to comfort dishes like Baked Pork Chop Rice, stir fried Chow Udon in black bean sauce and Almond Jello topped with fresh fruit.

​​Smashburgers Sundays at Maple Block Meat Co. -> In celebration of the upcoming Super Bowl, Culver City’s premier barbecue spot Maple Block will host tailgating parties in their large back lot every Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Pit Master Rudy Suazo will fire up the grill for double patty smashburgers ($11) along with his solid line up of wood smoked meats plus wings and beer specials. The Sunday specials will also be available for take out, call to inquiry.

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Hanks Bagels -> Is a bagel part of your weekend ritual? If you haven’t been, you need to check out Hank Bagel’s, with two locations in Sherman Oaks and Burbank. Hank’s does it right: hand rolled, firm and crisp on the outside yet fluffy and chewy on the inside. The Rosemary Salt is a winner and classics like Everything and Cinnamon Raisin are solid. Look out for daily specials including a Pizza Bialy you can only get on Saturdays and Sundays. Fans of bagel sandwiches will be delighted to hear that there are eight signature sandwiches that go beyond the common bacon, egg or lox.

Sunset Sushi -> Born during the pandemic Sunset Sushi has mastered the art of takeout sushi in both the high quality they provide and the presentation of the food. A number of boxes are offered in chirashi, sashimi, and sushi format, each are carefully crafted to create a fine dining experience right in the comfort of your home.

Li’l Friday Roundup

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Gaspard & Dancers will perform at Kenan Auditorium on Saturday after doing a residency at UNCW. (Courtesy photo)

[Ed Note: All events are subject to change due to Covid-19 and the weekend’s inclement weather forecast for Friday and Saturday.]

Thursday, Jan. 20

Paint Your Pet Pop Art

Wine & Design Wilmington, 1319 Military Cutoff Rd. • Cost: $47

Wine and Design is hosting a Thursday night class, 6:30 p.m., in homage to your favorite furry friend. Taught by Kat Fairbank, the class is called “Pop Art Your Pet!” — a portrait of your pet created in a colorful pop-art style (think Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg, Roy Lichtenstein). Only bright colors are used during the session.

All materials are supplied and ages 18 and up are welcome. More information can be found here.

OTHER THURSDAY HAPPENINGS

Zach Hanner — Wrightsville Beach Brewery will host musician Zach Hanner, who plays in local bands the Blarney Brogues and Da Howlies. Hanner will perform solo, acoustically, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Music is free at the brewery, located at 6201 Oleander Dr.

Thursday Night Clay — Renoto Abbate is teaching a pottery class ($225-$275) at the Cameron Art Museum (3201 S. 17th St.). It’s open to all skill levels. Students will make custom plates, mugs or sculptures. Class meets Jan. 20 – Feb. 24 on Thursdays from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. with open studio hours Friday, 9 a.m. – noon. Register here.

Jeremy Matthews — The local singer-songwriter will perform at Panacea Brewing Co. from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Music is free over dinner and drinks. Panacea is located at 4107 Oleander Dr.

Friday, Jan. 21

Update Jan. 20, 1:55 p.m.: The weekend musical has been rescheduled due to inclement weather. It will take place Jun. 1-2, 7:30 p.m.

SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical

Wilson Center, 703 Third St. • Tickets: $25 and up

One of America’s disco queens, Donna Summer, has a Broadway touring musical about her life. And it’s headed to downtown Wilmington’s Wilson Center this weekend, both Friday, Jan. 21, and Sat., Jan. 22.

The show includes Summer’s most notable hits, “Love to Love You Baby,” “Bad Girls,” and “Hot Stuff,” and follows her rise from a gospel choir girl in Boston to her move to Germany to perform in “Hair” in 1967, where she continued to live even after she became a worldwide pop star by the ’70s.

The musical shows the highs and lows of Summer’s life and will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on Friday night. Saturday, there will be a matinee at 2 p.m. and a night show at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are available here.

OTHER FRIDAY HAPPENINGS

Improv Night — Harvard’s improv troupe, Immediate Gratification Players, will take over Dead Crow Comedy Room (511 N 3rd St.) Friday Night. Also performing will be Wilmington’s DareDevil Improv. There will be two shows, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., to keep audiences laughing. Tickets are $15.

Saturday, Jan. 21

Gaspard & Dancers

Kenan Auditorium, 515 Wagoner Dr. • Tickets: $25

From Durham, N.C., Gaspard & Dancers have become known for their inventive, playful movements and lyrical style of choreography. Founded in 2009 by former Pilobolus dancer Gaspard Louis, the troupe is diverse and brings together dancers of all ages and backgrounds.

They will perform at Kenan Auditorium on Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m. They have done a residency on campus since Jan. 17 ahead of traveling overseas to Russia next month. Critics have praised their performances as “exuberant,” “organic,” “buoyant,” and “floating with natural ease.”

Audiences are required to wear masks indoors at Kenan due to the rising cases in Covid-19.

OTHER SATURDAY HAPPENINGS

Neon Cowboy Night — The Lookout at Iron Front, a new venue and event space in downtown Wilmington at 23 North Front St., will bust out the mechanical bull Saturday night. Full bar will be open and there will be a DJ spinning a mix of pop, country, Top 40 and dance. Party takes place from 8 p.m. – 1 p.m. Tickets are $10, which also covers entry into Coglin’s for the afterparty.

Jacknife + Jumble, Jumble — Hitting the Barzarre (1610 Castle St.) stage Saturday will be cover band Jacknife performing a variety of music, from dance to rock. Thereafter, Raleigh’s Jumble, Jumble will pay tribute to indie garage rockers The White Stripes, performing hits from the band’s six albums, as well as deep cuts. Cover is $5 and the show gets underway at 9 p.m.

Jason Mott will do a signing and reading at Cameron Art Museum on Sunday. Mott is the 2021 National Book Award winner in fiction. (Courtesy photos)

Sunday, Jan. 23

2021 National Book Award winner Jason Mott

Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S. 17th St. • Admission: $10

At 2 p.m. at Cameron Art Museum, local writer and UNCW writer-in-residence Jason Mott will be hosting a book signing and reading for “Hell of a Book.” The 2021 fiction novel took the National Book Award in November. The story of an unnamed author embarking on his first book tour is a fast-paced, oftentimes humorous and other times heart-wrenching look at racism in America.

Mott graduated from UNCW and had his first book, “The Returned,” optioned as the TV series “Resurrection” which ran for two seasons on ABC. Mott has also released two poetry collections, “We Call This Thing Between Us Love” and “…hide behind me…,” as well as the novels “The Wonder of All Things” and “The Crossing.”

Read Port City Daily’s interview with Mott here.

Have tips or comments? Email info@portcitydaily.com

archigram founder peter cook exhibits his latest ‘city landscapes’ at denmark’s louisiana

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city landscapes as architectural drawings

denmark’s louisiana museum of modern art celebrates its 2022 opening with a first exhibition presenting the british avant-garde architect sir peter cook. the museum has opened tuesday, january 18th, while the peter cook exhibition ‘city landscapes’ will debut on friday, january 21st until may 8th, 2022 as part of the series ‘louisiana on paper.’ the upcoming show featuring drawings by peter cook marks the first of the series showcasing drawings by an architect. the exhibition shows how cook, with drawing as his most important tool, over six decades has influenced and inspired architecture with his visionary ideas about new cities and life forms.

images courtesy louisiana museum of modern art

peter cook at denmark’s louisiana museum of modern art

with his avante-garde theory and vision, now on display at louisiana museum of modern art (see here) — peter cook has made his mark as one of the most important architects of our time. his work as an architect lives mainly in drawings while the number of built projects, one being kunsthaus graz in austria, is less extensive. visions of the future are most clearly expressed and can best be discussed in drawings, cook contends. paper provides an ideal opportunity to shake up conventional notions of cities and life forms, free from the demands and obligations of concrete solutions and materials.

peter cook, city landscapes, filter city, 2020 | © peter cook

the exhibition themes

the louisiana museum of modern art structures its ‘city landscapes’ exhibition chronologically, interrupted only by the theme ‘towers,’ which is a building typology peter cook has returned to over the years. with offers for reconstruction of existing skyscrapers as well as more utopian towers, named after places he has stayed in for longer periods — oslo towers, santa monica hotel and são paulo tower. his most recent drawings from the period 2010-21 lead the narrative all the way to the present.

according to cook, the exhibited drawings can be seen as notes to architectural themes that have mattered to him. each is a collage of ideas and methods; attempts to communicate about architecture through drawing. the drawing technique has always grown out of the overall idea of ​​the project. all exhibited drawings are part of cook’s own collection, and the texts describing the drawings in the exhibition are written by cook himself.

peter cook, city landscapes, outcrop house, 2018 | © peter cook

provocative and organic spaces

looking closely at the seemingly complex jumble of his drawings, the viewer discovers spaces, building elements and people inhabiting the organic landscapes and everything is rendered precisely and to scale. the template is often a black and white original, which is copied onto, for example, watercolor paper, and subsequently colored with watercolor, pencil or gouache.

cook’s drawings should be seen as projects — proposals for new ways of shaping and inhabiting cities. this is a recurring feature in his work, going all the way back to the 1960s and 1970s when as founder of the neo-futurist architectural group archigram he and the other members of the group devised new and provocative ways of envisioning the city of the future. in drawings and collages, archigram introduced concepts like plug-in-city, walking city and instant city. a major voice in architectural innovation and debate, cook and the rest of the group sowed seeds that have grown into outstanding buildings.

peter cook, city landscapes, urban retreat, 2018 | © peter cook

peter cook, city landscapes, crazy city, 2008 | © peter cook

peter cook, city landscapes, inhabited wall, 2020 | © peter cook

peter cook, city landscapes, island city, 2011-12 | © peter cook

peter cook, city landscapes, são paulo tower, 2000s | © peter cook

peter cook, city landscapes, academy of the hill, 1979 | © peter cook

exhibition info:

exhibition title: city landscapes

artist: peter cook

location: louisiana museum of modern art, humlebæk, denmark

dates: january 21st, 2022 — may 8th, 2022