Welcome back to GTFO LA!, your guide to the very best stuff to do in Los Angeles every weekend, designed to get you out of the f*cking house. With Thursday's solstice, summer is officially here, and we've got the events that will help you kick off the season with a bang. From Chicano souldies to socially conscious beer and concerts right next to the Pacific coast, here is why you should GTFO this weekend.
Friday, June 22
Con Camaras Y Sin Papeles: A Decade of Undocumented Visual Storytelling
[dropcap size=big]U[/dropcap]ndocumented and formerly undocumented storytellers share what it is like to live in their shoes at this visual installation showcasing at the TCL Chinese Theatre's lobby during the LALIFF International Latino Film Festival. Rafa Esparza, Los Angeles based artist who has had exhibitions in museums and public spaces, and Culture Strike, a national organization empowering artists and social justice movements to dream big, come together to display curated works from artists of different backgrounds and immigrant experiences. Works from Germany's Tam Tran, a political refugee and DREAM ACT advocate that found refuge in film, but passed away in 2010, Jesus Iniguez, who migrated to the US from Mexico and has been using a camera to capture undocumented youth who come out of the shadows, and more give Hollywood's icon Chinese theatre a dose of reality that is not seen enough in Hollywood. More information on the LALIFF International Latino Film Festival and films here.
Thee Midnite Cruzzers & Allensworth at Levitt Pavilion LA
[dropcap size=big]I[/dropcap]f you're into lowrider soul music or Chicano oldies, Mac Arthur Park will be the place to show off your pencil skirt or zoot suit this weekend. Thee Midnite Cruzzers will be turning the park into a Chicano soul dancefloor with their 60s and 70s inspired soul and R&B sound–their zoot suits alone bring back the vintage era. The start to summer could not get any better than slow dancing the night away. Allensworth, soul quintet from California will be opening up the stage with their soul sounds inspired by Alabama Shakes, Tame Impala, James Brown and Curtis Mayfield. More info here.
Saturday, June 23
Korean Inspiration: A Night of Art & Exploration
[dropcap size=big]W[/dropcap]hether or not South Korea wins their World Cup match (against Mexico) Saturday, the Los Angeles Contemporary Museum of Art will be celebrating the country's rich culture. The museum's permanent collection of Korean art is one of the largest collections of Korean artworks in the country. Explore galleries, join discussions, watch a mini fashion show of traditional and contemporary clothing or come for the Korean tea tastings and the beauty of Korean ceramics. Art making sessions will include printmaking of phoenixes, cranes and other imagery found on ceramics with artist Sofia Mas. The night will also include the first ever solo show by a Korean American artist at LACMA, "Unexpected Light: Works by Young-Il Ahn." As for food? Expect sweets, bulgogi beef or vegetarian bibimbap served with steamed rice and pickled vegetables soju cocktails. More info here.
Off the 405 Concert Series: Peaking Lights at The Getty Center
The gorgeous Getty Center is yet another place to catch free shows this summer. Their courtyard will be turned into a stage this Saturday and will feature electronic dance music duo Peaking Lights. Pitchfork calls them a "dreamy mix of dub, new wave and disco." Just listen here if you've never heard of the husband/wife duo. For the concert, they will perform as the Peaking Lights family band and will be joined by a group of 15 musicians, including drummer Onochie Chukwurah of Fela Kuti. Right off the coast, the drive alone museum is worth getting out of the house for. More info here.
Concha Con
[dropcap size=big]C[/dropcap]oncha lovers unite! Plaza de la Raza has a whole day dedicated to our ultimate favorite sweet bread. The second annual celebration will have a live food demonstration and over 60 vendors selling some of your favorite Latino treats. Concha Con will also feature a fashion show and a Lucha Libre art exhibit. This event will have a kid's space so bring the little ones too. More info here.
Sunday, June 24
MOLAA's Craft Beer Fest + Innovation Festival
[dropcap size=big]Y[/dropcap]ou've probably been to plenty of beer fests, but have you been to one at a museum? The Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) is hosting a fest that will tie beer and art beautifully in Long Beach. Taste dozens of craft beers from local craft breweries and home-brewers. From the social conscious-minded Brewjeria, a group of Brewjos from mostly South LA and the San Gabriel Valley not yet a brick and mortar, to first-time home-brewers South Central Brewers to Lagunitas Brewing and Angel City Brewery, you'll find a variety of beer here. Music will include a performance by LA based psychedelic band Healing Gems. DJ sets by Xica soul. Dos Tierras , Macheen, and Chaskis Peruvian Seasonings will provide the grub. Early birds can check out the Target Free Sunday Innovation Festival right before doors open to the beer fest to see art and innovation celebrated. More info here.
Beach Goth Giveaway
[dropcap size=big]B[/dropcap]each Goth is still a few weeks away, but LA TACO could save you the ticket price. This year the day fest will feature headlining acts The Growlers, The Voidz, The Drums. To enter for your chance to win two tickets to the concert click here.
