In Downtown LA…

Today L.A. Weekly holds its annual food and wine event, “The Essentials,” with a new name, new downtown location and better restaurants than ever.

Now christened in honor of its 99 Essential Restaurants special issue, the event will feature some of the top eateries in the city: Animal, Lucques, Hinoki & the Bird. The list includes 44 of LA’s best chefs preparing delicious dishes, along with (for the first time) specially chosen wine pairings by Wally’s Wine & Spirits.

Admission: $45 general; $65 VIP;

What: “The Essentials”
Where: L.A. Mart, 1933 Broadway, 2nd floor; Sun.,
When: VIP entry at noon, general admission 1pm
Phone: (310) 574-7380
Website: www.laweekly.com/essentials

In the Miracle Milea area…here’s another early event….(at 5pm), Chai Center holds its annual event, the Chai Center Banquet. The event will feature the art of Sona Mirzaei.The benefit gala will be held at the Peterson Automotive museum and will honor Louise and Lawrence Green. There is an admission of $180.
 
The Chai Center hosts a Fundraiser each year to support all it’s activities and events. The Annual Banquet is an evening which includes an auction, art show, cocktail hour, delicious dinner and a very entertaining program.

See image: By Sona Mirzaei, Title: Liberty Blvd Series # 1 – Medium: spray paint, acrylic, metal leafing on canvas
· Year: 2013
· Dimensions: 54×66
· Price: $10,000
· Additional details: Liberty Blvd series – a combination of abstract art with hints of graffiti with American cultural values. Lady Liberty is centered with other imagery/ symbols.

This series is a combination of abstract art with hints of graffiti with American cultural values with Lady Liberty centered with other imagery/ symbols that represents our capitalist mixed economy society. Liberty Blvd. mediums are spray paint, acrylic, and metal leafing on canvas. Year: 2013

CLICK HERE to purchase tickets – Admission is $180.

What: Benefit
Where: The Petersen Automotive Museum. 6060 Wilshire Blvd / Los Angeles, CA 90036
When: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Website: http://www.chaicenter.org/banquet.htm

bG Gallery holds a closing reception for Art Deco on Acid, a visual trip through 1967 with Simone Gad. A sensation of melting visuals and the use of bold color and glitter allow Simone to convey architectural imagery from an altered state of mind.

See image: Simone Gad, Black Dragon Society, Acrylic and Glitter

A prominent figure in the LA art scene since the 1970s, Simone Gad typically centers her work around Hollywood and the idea of stardom. Simone takes a new twist on her usual subject matter and employs assemblage, showing the effects of an altered state through her art.

February 22nd – March 21st

Or in Downtown LA…Bad Reputation (2007 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 729, LA 90057), hosts a reception from 6-9pm with a performance at 7pm. http://www.badreputation.co/

Another downtown event….

Acme Bar Group’s iconic dive bar, King Eddy Saloon has always relished its storied history of being the preferred watering hole of many famous writers of mid-century America, so it’s only fitting that it celebrates one of its most famous patrons, the novelist, poet, and short story writer, Charles Bukowski.

Known for his works that addressed the lives of poor Americans, relationships with women, alcohol, and the monotony of work, Bukowski wrote thousands of poems, hundreds of short stories and six novels, as well as publishing over sixty books.

In honor of their illustrious patron, Kind Eddy Saloon invites friends and admirers of the late writer to unite and share an evening of readings from some of Bukowski’s closest friends and colleagues, a chance to toast to his greatest achievements and engage in memories of the beloved author. King Eddy’s has crafted a specialty cocktail, Ham on Rye, named after his semi-autobiographical book, in memoriam of his love for King Eddy’s cocktails.

Enjoy the weekend art parties….my friends. After all life is just one big Art Party right????