Thursday, Friday November 21-22 2024 bring us some entertaining art parties and events as well as performances. See our full features in addition to reviews of several shows.
November 21-22 2024 Art Parties and Events
In Melrose Hill…Southern Guild Los Angeles debuts Methods of Flight a dual presentation of mixed- media paintings by Zimbabwean artists Amanda Shingirai Mushate and Grace Nyahangare. The exhibition spotlights the artists’ distinct visual languages. Moreover, the artists utilize their personal experience through the context of their art making within a complex socio-political fabric. In addition, Wycliffe Mundopa: Mbare Opera, as well as Terence Maluleke: Like a Fish in the Water will also open. Art Party: 6-8pm; Southern Guild, 747 N Western Ave, LA, 90029; https://southernguild.com
————————————————————————
Santa Monica
Kick off the holidays early with a Tree Lighting Ceremony tonight at the Third Street Promenade. Santa will attend the official holiday tree between Santa Monica Boulevard and Arizona Avenue (1300 block). The event features performances by local choirs, a special performance of the Nutcracker, and “snow” on Third Street Promenade. Furthermore, after the ceremony, guests of all ages are invited to take FREE photos with Santa, make holiday-themed crafts, and enjoy hot cocoa. A DJ will keep the festivities going with a holiday dance party. All activities at this event are FREE and open to all ages! Event: 6-8pm; 1300 Block Third Street Promenade, between Santa Monica Boulevard and Arizona Avenue; https://downtownsm.com/
————————————————————————
Westwood
The Geffen Playhouse presents a reimagining of the classic Waiting for Godot. The cast includes Conor Lovett (I’ll Find You, Versailles) as well as Rainn Wilson (Thom Pain, The Office). In addition to Aasif Mandvi (Evil, The Daily Show), and and Adam Stein, (Our Flag Means Death, Wait Until Dark), Lincoln Bonilla (Jane the Virgin, Star Wars) will play the part of the boy.
Aasif Mandvi (Estragon/Gogo) and Rainn Wilson (Vladimir/Didi); photo by Jeff Lorch
Find out more about the show on the Geffen Waiting for Godot full feature or read a staff writer’s Waiting for Godot Review. Two Performances: 3pm and 8pm; Gil Cates Theater at Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., LA, 90024; https://www.geffenplayhouse.org/
————————————————————————
Also in Santa Monica…Cirque du Soleil is back at the Santa Monica Pier. The acclaimed show runs through January 5, 2025. Audiences are invited under the iconic Big Top at the Pier to be part of the joyous return of Cirque du Soleil to this much-loved location. From daredevil performances to mischievous clowns, KOOZA delivers its signature Cirque du Soleil experience. Furthermore attendees can expect to see high-flying acrobatics, whimsical characters, lavish costuming, colorful sets, hilarious clowning, as well as a powerful live score. Read the full feature about Cirque du Soleil’s Kooza and read my Kooza review on our sister site EatTravelGo.com (an art inspired travel site); Admission for KOOZA start at $69; Tickets for Santa Monica performances of KOOZA are available online. Performance: 8pm; Santa Monica Pier, Under The Big Top at the Santa Monica Pier, 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, 90401; http://cirquedusoleil.com/kooza
————————————————————————
Friday, November 22, 2024
In Beverly Hills…Michael Werner Gallery, Beverly Hills presents Flunking the Talent Test, an exhibition of new paintings by renowned American artist Peter Saul (b. 1934 in San Francisco).
Artwork by Paul Saul; courtesy of Michael Werner
Throughout his almost seven-decade career, Saul has cultivated a reputation as an outsider in the art world. Art Party 5-7pm; Michael Werner Gallery, 415 N Camden Dr Ste 121, Beverly Hills, 90210; https://www.michaelwerner.com
————————————————————————
In Beverly Hills…Nonaka Hill presents its second collaborative exhibition with Marc Selwyn at his Camden Annex with works on paper by Michelle Stuart (b. 1933) and ceramic vessels by Rando Aso (b. 1983) Michio Koinuma (b. 1936-d. 2021) Hosai Matsubayashi XVI (b. 1980). Art Party: 5pm; Marc Selwyn Camden Annex, 427 N Camden Drive, Beverly Hills, 90210; https://www.marcselwynfineart.com; https://www.nonaka-hill.com
————————————————————————
At Bergamot…Two exhibitions open at Marshall Gallery – Sons of the Living by Bryan Schutmaat as well as Languor by Donavon Smallwood. The first exhibition opens in conjunction with Schutmaat’s publication Sons of the Living. Black-and-white photographs by Schutmaat explore the myth of the American West and those who live along its fringes.
Bryan Schutmaat, Highway Lights (Ridge), from Sons of the Living, 2022. Archival pigment print, 32 x 40 in. Courtesy Marshall Gallery, Santa Monica
In the project room, Donavon Smallwood’s exhibition takes the viewers back to the pandemic. It features a poetic look at New York’s Central Park during the Covid lockdown. It also spotlights the hidden history of Seneca Village, a safe haven community predominantly for African Americans which pre-dated Central Park. I have written about this community in a recent article about Central Park on our sister site EatTravelGo.com – CLICK HERE to find out more. Art Party: 6-8pm; Marshall Gallery, Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Ave. A6, Santa Monica, 90404; https://marshallgallery.art/
————————————————————————
Mid City area
Beyond the Streets presents Laugh, Cry, Fight!… with the Guerrilla Girls. This is the first solo exhibition on Los Angeles by the infamous Guerrilla Girls. The exhibition will feature their classic works spanning their 30+ year history. In addition to new works created specifically for this show, the exhibit will include interactive elements and an immersive experience. Art Party: 6-9pm; Beyond the Streets, 434 N La Brea Ave. LA, 90036; https://beyondthestreets.com
————————————————————————
Venice
Pacific Resident Theatre (PRT) presents Hughie by the incomparable playwright Eugene O’Neil. Directed by Michael Rothhaar, the production is also a “pay what you can show.” This is the final weekend. Visit website for more info or to purchase tickets; Performance: 8pm; Admission is $25 donation per person; PRT, 707 Venice Blvd. (Between Lincoln and Abbott Kinney), Venice 90291; https://pacificresidenttheatre.org/hughie/
————————————————————————
West Hollywood
Jetpack Comedy is LA’s best Friday stand-up comedy showcase. Comics from HBO, Netflix, and also SNL cast members, all drop-in for a night of laughter. Headliners and surprise drop-ins have included: Sarah Silverman, Kevin Nealon, Fred Armisen, Bob Odenkirk, Pete Holmes, Hannibal Buress, Kumail Nanjiani, Maria Bamford, Hasan Minhaj, Jeff Garlin, Ali Wong, Demetri Martin, as well as many more.
Event begins: 8:30pm; Visit the website to RSVP or find out more info; Admission starts at $20; FB Page; Bar Lubitsch, 7702 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, 90046; https://jetpackcomedy.com/
————————————————————————
See above for additional information on Friday night performances of Cirque du Soleil at the Santa Monica Pier, and also Waiting for Godot at the Geffen Theatre in Westwood
——————————————————————-
For additional art exhibitions, and performances as well as culinary events, see LAArtParty’s Upcoming Events Page.
