[dropcap size=big]I[/dropcap]t’s February. First and foremost it is Black History Month. Meaning make sure to support Black creators this month and every month because Black History is every day.
Love is also in the air (or maybe it’s just smog). Take your special someone, a friend, or yourself to one of these cute events because everyone should be celebrating their loved ones throughout the year. However, the V-day tax is real so run by the option of taking that cutie out on a different day this month, and spend the money you save on tacos.
Voices of Black Women - February 6th - Free, but RSVP
In honor of Black History Month, Da Poetry Lounge partnered with The Wing to bring five incredible Black Poets to share their poetry on this lovely poem filled evening. Alyesha Wise-Hernandez, Poetic Moment, Tonya Ingram, Anita D, Ashley August will be performing. Follow them and their work! There will also be a short open mic in the beginning. This event is free, but you have to email jrwilliamsba@gmail.com to RSVP and attend.
Sister Gaze The Instant Archive @ Nous Tous Feb 1st - Feb 28th
Over the last 10 years, Chinaedu E. Nwadibia traveled over the world and photographed Black women in front of their businesses or during their breaks putting Black women of the world front and center. This show also discusses the idea of rest and gives space for reflections and nuances captured in Nwadibia’s Sister Gaze. The exhibit will be at the Nous Tous Gallery in Chinatown. Get more details here.
Jazz is Dead - Black History Month - February 2nd - 23rd
Jazz is Dead is celebrating Black excellence this month by bringing talent from all over for their Black History Month programming. There are four shows happening this month, including performances by Vibes from the Tribe, Black Jazz Records, Digable Planets, Lonnie Liston Smith. Jazz is Dead, now two years old, hosted the legendary Roy Ayers, Gary Bartz, Brian Jackson and more from last year. Go and celebrate Black musicians every day of the year, but especially this month! Get more details here.
Pop Up Magazine - February 8th - $47
Is your cutie all literary? Or maybe you’re a bookish QT? What could possibly be better than watching a live performance of a magazine come to life? And yea last time I went I laughed my ass off at Michelle Buteau’s jokes and got to hear a recreation of a men’s choir that was a few thousand years old and listened to a story about an Uber passenger from hell. This season the show is back with stories ranging from a soap opera’s significance in post-Soviet Russia, flying saucers, and the criminalization of humanitarian aid at the border. It will be held at the beautiful Ace Theater. I’m so excited to go. Get more details here.
Echo Park, Will You Be Our Valentine? - February 11th
Sometimes it’s all about love for the community, right? If you don’t have a Valentine, Echo Park wants to be yours. This is a community party and there will be Loteria, Valentine cards, drink specials, prizes, and DJ Ziba Z at Senor Fish on Sunset. Bring your cute self and a friend, get more info here.
Cumbiaton - February 16 - Free
Wanna shake your ass for climate justice? This is just the party for you. Cumbiaton is back and will take place at the Hammer Museum. Besides dancing, there will be museum exhibits, short films on view, plant-based food, signature cocktails, screen printing, and more. There will also be DJ sets by Sizzle Fantastic, Funky Caramelo, and DJ Suga Shay. Get more details here.
Improv Classes at The Ruby LA - Classes Begin on February 19th ($250+ for a course)
Ever wanted to try comedy or improv classes but got intimidated and didn’t take them? Why not try a class at The Ruby, a feminist, inclusive comedy school ran by women and POC. Prices for a six-week course vary, but if you want to try it out peep their schedule. If that’s not the vibe for you (or it’s too pricey) then you could watch their comedy shows for about $10. Otherwise, they have a podcast, I think. Get details on classes here.
Cuentos - Publishing workshop Starts February 19th - Orientation is free but actually doing the thing is $400
Maybe you’re already funny and don’t need comedy classes, or maybe you have a first book ready to go and you’re intimidated by the publishing industry. Basically this program helps you create your own “book baby” and gives writers the tools they need to promote it. Yesika Salgado made put this together, and Cuentos comes with peer reviewing, proofreading, cover designing and interior layout, a POD distribution account with Amazon & Ingram, and 20 copies of your book.
You Belong In These Spaces @ Art Share - Free - February 20th
You Belong In These Spaces is a new monthly series at art share hosted by Sam Yang, a local artist and good friend of mine. This series has monthly performances and talks that serve to amplify queer POC voices and make space for folks to talk about issues. Go for a night of healing, self-growth, and community building. This month’s talk is all about “beauty” and deconstructing the aspects of what you find “beautiful.” RSVP here.
WATCH ERICK GALINDO’S FILM, “THE BUBBLE MACHINE” - February 22nd
It’s not every day your friend makes a great film, but ours did. Our own former Associate Producer Erick Galindo made a film called “The Bubble Machine” and it’s beautiful. Let’s all support everyone's favorite ginger-Latino film making KING Erick and show up to its premiere at the Golden State Film Festival. You could get a day pass or just show up for the Bubble Machine. The screening is at 9:30 PM at the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood (that foo made it!) on February 22nd. Get tickets here.
