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Home / Life! / Live / Things to do this week: May 6-12

Things to do this week: May 6-12

by F Diaz
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There are so many things to do this week that you might want to get some rest now. The LA County Fair is back, now in a more temperate time of year, and you still have time to catch the Renaissance Pleasure Faire as well. If you want to avoid the crowds but still want to get on some carnival rides, Monterey Park is celebrating its birthday. Rockers, art lovers, and those who can’t wait for Halloween can also look forward to a few things. And don’t forget to treat your mom on Sunday!

LA County Fair

Fairplex | 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, CA 91768 | May 5-30 | lacountyfair.com

The LA County Fair is back! Fill up on all the fried food you can think of, enjoy some pig racing, scream your lungs out on carnival rides, catch a concert or catch any number of expositions and shows. Personally, I’m looking forward to a Dole whip float and some grilled corn.

“On Gold Mountain” Opera In The Chinese Garden

The Huntington | 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108 | May 5-15 | huntington.org

From left: Portrait of the See family, including Fong See (third from left) and Letticie “Ticie” Pruett (second from right) and their five children, 1914.The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens; Lisa See (photo by Patricia Williams); and Nathan Wang (photo by Derek Wang).

The Huntington will stage “On Gold Mountain,” an opera based on author Lisa See’s bestselling book about her Chinese American family’s immigrant experience in California. The opera features a colorful musical score by Nathan Wang. Blending Western and traditional Chinese music, Wang’s musical score will be performed by an orchestra composed of members of the LA Opera Orchestra and student musicians from the greater Los Angeles community

Monterey Park’s 106th Birthday Celebration  

Barnes Park | May 5-8 | montereypark.ca.gov

Birthday celebrations include carnival rides, live music food trucks, karaoke, and raffles.

Santa Fe Springs Art Fest

Clarke Estate | 10211 Pioneer Blvd., Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 | May 6 | artcrawlfest.com 

The festival celebrates artists and creatives and raises funds for creative youth programs. The fest will also feature food vendors and films as part of the SFS Film Fest. 

Celtic Woman

Pasadena Civic Auditorium | 300 E. Green St., Pasadena, CA 91101 | May 6 | visitpasadena.com

All the easy from Ireland, the Grammy-nominated group perform from their new studio album, “Postcards from Ireland,” celebrating the Emerald Isle.

Cinco De Mayo Mercado

San Gabriel Mission District | 320 S. Mission Drive, San Gabriel, CA 91776 | May 6 | sangabrielcity.com

With colorful Papel Picado adorning the Mission Playhouse plaza, residents and families can enjoy the free outdoor event featuring a tribute to Selena |  by Grammy Award-winning artist Adelaide Pilar, performances by Folkorico Sol de Fuego, a margarita and beer garden, vendors, crafters, food trucks, and mini piñata and noise-maker craft activities.

Pearl Jam

The Forum | 3900 W. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90305 | May 6-7 | thekiaforum.com

The ‘90s rock band behind “Even Flow” and “Alive” doesn’t need an introduction.

Float Valley High – LA

Buffalo Wild Wings | 15301 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 | May 7-14 | whatthefloat.com

What the Float is bringing a musical prom-themed parade of taffeta and lace to the suburbs. The soundtrack will have you reliving your high school years, complete with an afterparty. 

Haunted Souls Bazaar

Heritage Square Museum | 3800 Homer St., Los Angeles, CA 90033 | May 7 | hauntedsoulsbazaar.com/

If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind oddities and art, spirit photography, tarot readings, or a haunted house tour, then you’ll want to dress up in themed regalia to get a mystery gift.

“Mamma Mia!”

LA State Historic Park | 1245 N. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90012 | May 7 | streetfoodcinema.com

Before the feature film, The Fabba Show, a tribute to ABBA band, brings its high-energy, sparkly, musical journey through disco to the stage. Featured food trucks include Ellenos Greek Yogurt, Flamin Hot Chicken, Nibble Night, Philly Jay’s Steaks, and The Taco Cartel.

“The Mustangs: America’s Wild Horses”

The Autry | 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027 | May 7 | theautry.org

Produced by Robert Redford and featuring music by Bruce Springsteen and Willie Nelson, among others, this documentary shows audiences more about the 80,000 wild horses living on federal lands and the 50,000 in government facilities. The screening will be followed by a conversation with co-directors Steven Latham and Conrad Stanley, director of photography Brian Pratt, and Amanda Gearhart, College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources, University of Nevada, Reno.

Jimmy Angel

Smoke House Burbank | 4420 Lakeside Drive, Burbank, CA 91505 | May 7 | jimmyangel.net

Jason Gutierrez and Jimmy Angel in studio | Photo courtesy of Jimmy Angel

At 86, local music legend Jimmy Angel’s, a ‘50s and ‘60s rocker promoted in his teen idol era by New York mob boss Joe Colombo to rival Elvis, is back in the saddle with new shows. Angel, replete with deep black bushy sideburns and a thick ‘60s ‘do, had 38 singles on top U.S. labels under his belt as a young singer on radio, records and TV.

“Pride”

IATSE Local 80 | 2520 W. Olive Ave., Burbank, CA 91505 | May 7 | lalgbtqalliance.org

The LGBTQ+ Alliance and IATSE Local 80 will screen the 2019 comedy “Pride”. The Alliance co-chairs Maebe A. Girl and Max Kirkham will talk about the Aliiance’s work before the film. If you can’t make it, there will also be an Amazon watch party.

Uptown Flea Market

12417 Philadelphia St., Whittier, CA 90601 | May 7 | instagram.com/uptownflea 

Shop from over 100 vendors at this pet-friendly flea market. 

“Metamorphoses”

A Noise Within | 3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107 | May 8-June 5 | anoisewithin.org

Sydney A. Mason, Trisha Miller and Cassandra Marie Murphy in “Metamorphoses”. | Photo by Daniel Reichert

Primal storytelling and modern sensibility collide in a sensual re-envisioning of Greek myths, as gods and mortals alike endure love, loss, and transformation—all while immersed in a pool of water on stage. Swirling with passion, this multiple award-winning masterpiece mesmerizes with tales of Midas, Orpheus, Aphrodite and more in a funny, whimsical and heartbreaking meditation on the joys and perils of being human.

Festival Día de las Madres

Pico Rivera Sports Arena | 11003 Rooks Road, Pico Rivera, CA 90601 | May 8 | ticketon.com

Treat your mami to a concert headlined by Pablo Montero, Shaila Durcal, Chiquis, and Beatriz Adriana. 

David Sedaris

Royce Hall | 340 Royce Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90095 | May 8 | events.kcrw.com

Winner of the Terry Southern Prize for Humor and the Medal for Spoken Language from the American Academy of Arts, and New York Times bestseller David Sedaris critiques and satirizes society with sardonic wit and humor. 

Rose Bowl Flea Market

Rose Bowl Stadium | 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, CA 91103 | May 8 | rgcshows.com 

Known for its wide array of antiques, vintage clothes, and local art, the Rose Bowl Flea Market has been the flea market to visit for over 50 years.

Art & Beer Night Market

Flying Embers Taproom | 1581 Industrial St., Los Angeles, CA 90021 | May 9 | eventbrite.com

The market features over 25 local artists and small businesses selling photographs, candles, hard kombucha and beer.

Alien Worlds And The Origins of Science

The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens | 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108 | May 9 | huntington.org 

Dr. R. Paul Butler of the Carnegie Institute will discuss “the flood of extrasolar planets being discovered and the realistic prospects of direct imaging and spectroscopy of Earth-like planets around nearby stars within the next generation.”

Women’s Rock Camp

Whisky a Go Go | 8901 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069 | May 9 | eventbrite.com

Alumni of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp perform alongside Orianthi. 

Sasheer Zamata

Dynasty Typewriter at The Hayworth | 2511 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90057 | May 10 | eventbrite.com

A former “SNL” cast member and one half of the podcast “Best Friends” with Nicole Byer, Sasheer Zamatao will have you laughing. 

Liz Phair : Don’t Holdyrbreath

Walt Disney Concert Hall | 151 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012 | May 10 | laphil.com

The singer-songwriter behind “Why Can’t I?” will perform her greatest hits and host Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie, Bethany Cosentino of Best Coast, Remi Wolf, and Vagabon as they reimagine Gen X hits.

Vegan Playground LA Arts District

Boomtown Brewery | 700 Jackson St., Los Angeles, CA 90012 | May 11 | eventbrite.com

Whether you’ve been vegan for a long time or are just looking to incorporate more plant-based foods and goods into your life, you’ll be sure to find something from one of the over 25 rotating vendors. There will also be DJs, giveaways, pinball, a photobooth, darts, cornhole and beer. 

Heighten

Los Angeles | May 11 | eventbrite.com

Get ready for a new way of dining while blindfolded to heighten your experience. The curated three-course meal is “designed to not only awaken your senses through different flavors and textures but bring your palates to new heights.”

“They Were Expendable”

The Secret Movie Club Theater | 1917 Bay St., Los Angeles, CA 90021 | May 11 | eventbrite.com

Directed by John Ford, The 1945 classic follows the exploits of the Motor Boat Torpedo Squadron 3, who fought in the Battle of the Philippines from 1941-1942 in which Japanese forces drove out General Douglas MacArthur and American troops. 

Huntington Beach Pier Sustainable Seafood Dinner

Huntington Beach Pier | 325 CA-1 Huntington Beach, CA 92648 | May 12 | outstandinginthefield.com

Enjoy a spring breeze off the Pacific as you enjoy an unforgettable meal of sustainably caught seafood.Brian Bornemann of Crudo e Nudo, Andrew Gruel of Slapfish, Chris Tompkins of Broad Street Oyster Co., and Valerie Gordon of Valerie Confections wil cook up an epic meal.

Bailamos? Rock En Español En Vivo

The Mixx | 443 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91101 | May 12 | themixxclub.com

Dance and sing along to Spanish rock hits courtesy of Golden State Tribute Band and DJs.

Movie Night Under The Stars: “Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings”

LBCC Liberal Arts Campus Quad area between L and E buildings | 4901 E. Carson St., Long Beach, CA 90808 | May 12 | lbcc.edu

Long Beach City College will have a free screening of the Marvel film in celebration of APID Heritage Month. The movie begins at sundown.

Beasts From The Middle East

The Pasadena Comedy | 1194 E. Walnut St., Pasadena, CA 91106 | May 12 | eventbrite.com

We are all in need of a laugh these days and some of the best Middle Eastern comedians in LA are ready to help. The lineup includes Laura Laham, Sam Mamaghani, Gena B Jones, Christie Bahna, Yesh Malik and many more.

Elvis vs. The Beatles Retro Dance Party

The Grand Star Jazz Club | 943 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012 | May 12 | eventbrite.com

DJ perksandkisses will be spinning the best hits from Elvis, The Beatles, and more from the ‘50s through the ‘70s.

“Jane Austen Unscripted”

Garry Marshall Theatre | 252 W. Riverside Drive, Burbank, CA 91505 | Through May 8 | garrymarshalltheatre.org

Starring the critically acclaimed Impro Theatre, join live musicians, delectable tea and treats, and the company members of “Jane Austen Unscripted,” in a modern, Regency comedy. “Jane Austen Unscripted” is a fully improvised play that brings the world of Austen to life with audience suggestions and participation.

The cast of “Jane Austen Unscripted”. | Photo by Ginger Sole Photography

“The Sound Of Music”

La Mirada Theatre | 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada, CA 90638 | Through May 15 |  lamiradatheatre.com

The beloved musical of Maria and the Von Trapp family by Rodgers and Hammerstein comes to the Southland.

Renaissance Pleasure Faire

Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area | 15501 E. Arrow Highway, Irwindale, CA 91706 | Through May 22 | renfair.com/socal/

Renaissance Pleasure Faire. | Photo by Fabiola Diaz / Hey SoCal

Huzzah! The Renaissance Pleasure Faire is back this year with its infamous lineup of bawdy and traditional songs, comedy shows (some rated NC-17 just for adults), jousting tournaments, aerial performances, magic shows and actors on different stages, ax throwing, archery, turkey legs, hand pies and more beer than you could ever imagine.

“Archival Intimacies: Queering South/East Asian Diasporas”

ONE Archives at the USC Libraries | 909 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90007
| Through May 29 |
one.usc.edu

Three artists-in-residence at ONE Archives at USC Libraries, Prima Jalichandra-Sakuntabhai, Vinhay Keo, and Pamila Matharu were invited to develop new works in response to the archive. Jalichandra-Sakuntabhai and Keo’s work investigates the remnants of embodied history, migration, exile, and queerness. Accompanying these works is “Satrang at 25: Queer South Asian Diaspora(s) in Context,” on view at ONE, examining the history of Satrang, an organization supporting queer South Asian communities in Southern California and placing its evolution in the context of broader queer diasporic histories.

Street Art Live

Magic Box LA | 1933 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90007 | Through July 3 | thelume.com

Embark on a multi-sensory trip through the world of street. With 360-degree moving visuals and a curated musical score, you will be immersed in the era and location in which the piece was created like New York, London, São Paulo, Melbourne and Berlin. 

Lee Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse

LACMA | 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036 | Through Oct. 9 | lacma.org

Highlighting fashion designer Lee Alexander McQueen’s tailoring and dressmaking skills, the exhibition examines the different disciplines, imagination, innovation and artistic process that defined McQueen’s career. The exhibition will display McQueen garments from the Collection of Regina J. Drucker alongside artworks from LACMA’s permanent collection.

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