Casa/LA & the SM International Jazz Festival
Thursday, Friday, April 30, May 1, 2026 Art Parties & Events begin the weekend with a wonderful selection of creative happenings. Our two special mentions are Thursday’s fundraiser CASA/LA and the SM International Jazz Festival. Furthermore we have theatre and several art parties, as well as comedy too.
Thurdsay, April 30, 2026
Beverly Hills…CASA/LA hosts its annual gala tonight at the Beverly Wilshire. The 14th annual benefit reimagines how kids move through the child welfare system with consistent support and advocacy. The event pays tribute to people who have changed the lives of these children and families.
In fact, your presence at the Gala makes it possible for CASA/LA to advocate for those who need it most. It will be an uplifting evening of community, inspiration, and giving. Event: 6pm; Beverly Wilshire, 9500 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 90212; https://casala.org/gala/
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Also in Beverly Hills…The Clifton House was originally designed by pioneering architect Edith Northman in 1941. She was the first female registered as an architect in Los Angeles. While honoring Northman’s original craftsmanship of the residence, the restoration includes a contemporary California sensibility. The reimagined transformation was a collaboration between interior designer Ryan Saghian, Los Angeles-based architecture firm bB|A Studios, and preservation consultants Historic Resource Group. Now offered for sale, the approximately 3,425-square-foot two-story residence features four bedrooms, four full bathrooms, one powder room, a chef’s kitchen, and gracious indoor-outdoor living throughout. Event: 6-9pm; Clifton House, 8671 Clifton Way Beverly Hills, 90211; Please RSVP to olivia@roxiepr.com
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Westwood
Master Harold…and the Boys opens at the Gil Cates Theatre at the Geffen Playhouse. Written by Athol Fugard, the play is directed by Emily Mann & Tarell Alvin McCraney.
Michelle Cann; photo courtesy of the Wallis
Master Harold…and the Boys takes us back to a 1950s South African tea shop. On a rainy afternoon, Hally, a white teenager, passes the time with Sam and Willie, two Black waiters who have helped raise him by filling the gaps of a broken home with warmth, wisdom, and laughter. But as the day unfolds, playful memories give way to painful truths, and a single moment threatens to shatter the fragile bond between them forever. The cast includes: Ben Beatty, Nyasha Hatendi and John Kani. Performance: 7:30pm; Tickets start at$45.00; Fees may apply. Gil Cates Theater at Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., LA, 90024; https://www.geffenplayhouse.org/
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The Hollywood Improv brings Nikki Glaser, Anthony Jeselnik, Brian Monarch and even more special guests. Doors open: 7:00pm; Show: 7:30pm; Tickets: 35.00 (plus fee); 21+; Hollywood Improv (The Main Room) 8162 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, CA 90046; https://improv.com/
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The Robey Theatre Company continues its run of Colored People’s Time: A History Play by Leslie Lee. The play, directed by Ben Guillory, is an examination of the lives of Black Americans from 1865-1958. This is a wonderful theatre founded by Danny Glover and Ben Guillory.
Danny Glover and Ben Guillory. Photo courtesy of The Robey Theatre Company
The theatre is located on the third floor of the building, with nearby parking often listed at the Los Angeles Garage Associate Parking Structure. Performance: 8pm Admission starts at $34; The Robey Theatre Company is located at the Los Angeles Theatre Center (LATC) in Downtown Los Angeles at 514 S. Spring St, LA, 90013; https://www.therobeytheatrecompany.org
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Friday, May 1, 2026
In the Mid Wilshire area…1301PE brings us an exhibition titled Wilshire Subway to celebrate the opening of this specific subway location. This is the first segment of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (Metro’s) D Line Subway Extension. The solo show features a selection of photographs by artist Ken Karagozian. The works capture the monumental scale of construction alongside intimate portraits of the workers who brought it to life. Wilshire Subway runs through May 15, 2026; Art Party: 4-7pm; 1301 PE, 6150 Wilshire Blvd, LA, 90048; https://www.1301pe.com
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Chinatown
Charlie James Gallery unveils a solo show titled Acts of Service. The exhibition spotlights new paintings and works on paper by Danie Cansino. The Los Angeles artist explores two forces that have shaped the lives of the figures who populate them: military service and mass incarceration.
Acts of Service will remain on view through June 6, 2026; Art Party: 5-8pm; Charlie James Gallery, 969 Chung King Rd, LA 90012; https://www.cjamesgallery.com
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Downtown
GDCA throws an art party to celebrate World Art Day 2026, as well as a a closing reception for a two exhibitions. SPARK is a group exhibition that pays tribute to the 2026 Art Day. It features Bedri Baykam, Honorary President of the IAA and Creator of World Art Day alongside Kingsley Aarons, Susanne Belcher, Richard Bell, Mark Brosmer, Karen Hansen, Cheryl Hrudka & Bill Sherwood. Then A Layered Approach & Compositionis a duo exhibit featuring the collage work of Adria Becker and Suki Kuss. The two artist’s friendship began 35 years ago. Art Party: 6-10pm; GDCA, 727 South Spring Street, LA, 90014; http://www.GDCAgallery.com
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Westwood
You have another chance to catch Master Harold…and the Boys at the Gil Cates Theatre at the Geffen Playhouse. See Thursday’s post above for info. Performance: 8pm; Tickets start at $45.00; Fees may apply. Gil Cates Theater at Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., LA, 90024; https://www.geffenplayhouse.org/
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Downtown
BroadStage, SM Festivals and the City of Santa Monica present The SM International Jazz Festival. Curated by Jazz master Stanley Clarke, this nine-day celebration promises a masterclass in rhythm. The festival features events held in various venues. Moreover it honors 100 Years of Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Route 66! The debut musical experience, Santa Monica International Jazz Festival: Route 66 Edition features world-renowned headlining performances.
Hiromi; photo courtesy of Hiromi;
The opening musical performance features Hiromi at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Los Angeles. The brilliant pianist will dazzle audiences with her sensational mix of jazz fusion. Performance 8pm; Admission ranges from $52-$167 (plus fees); Visit the website to purchase tickets; The Orpheum, 842 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014; https://laorpheum.com
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You have another chance to see Colored People’s Time: A History Play at the Robey Theatre. Check the listing above for additional info. Performance: 8pm Admission starts at $34; The Robey Theatre Company is located at the Los Angeles Theatre Center (LATC) in Downtown Los Angeles at 514 S. Spring St, LA, 90013; https://www.therobeytheatrecompany.org
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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; Admission starts at $20; Visit the website to RSVP for events (multiple dates); FB Page; Bar Lubitsch, 7702 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, 90046; https://jetpackcomedy.com/
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For additional art exhibitions, and performances as well as culinary events, see LAArtParty’s Upcoming Events Page.
Read more about Arts and Entertainment throughout the world on our sister site EatTravelGo.com, an art inspired travel site.
Or enjoy artist / gallerist interviews on our Art Talk Page also on ETG.
