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. This week free art and music rule. From gay pride festivities to summer concert kick offs, we have some awesome options for you that won't hurt your wallet.
Friday, June 8
Made in L.A.
[dropcap size=big]L[/dropcap]ast week, the Hammer held the opening celebration for "Made in L.A," their newest iteration of the museum's biennial exhibition that displays artists from the greater Los Angeles area. Although artists ages range from 29 to 97, together their art speaks to some of the most important aspects of culture today — representation and marginalization being two topics at the center of the exhibition. While some artists suggest their take on cultural practices and reflect on today's political climate, others take on issues like climate change and capitalism. This multi-media show — drawings, video, photography paintings, sculptures, and more — bring you a variety of perspectives and experiences from artists inspired by the one place they call home. Discover L.A. from the eyes of Beatriz Cortez, Carolina Caycedo, Neha Choksi, Nikita Gale, EJ Hill and many more. More info here.
Saturday, June 9
Nortec Collective at Levitt LA MacArthur Park
[dropcap size=big]L[/dropcap]Levitt Pavillion Los Angeles's mission is to make live music accessible and create a more connected community while celebrating the diversity of this amazing city. Every summer, the venue hosts a series of free concerts at MacArthur Park that feature up-and-coming as well as well-known names in music. In the past, they have brought local Latino ska acts, like La Resistencia, and international groups like Kinky to the stage that have really represented the diversity in taste that L.A. embodies, and this year they're not disappointing. Levitt LA is kicking off their series with a bang as they feature Tijuana's musical ensemble Nortec Collective presents: Bostich and Fussible as their concert season openers. The duo blends Mexico's norteño music with techno to create a distinct sound that pays tribute to the border identity. Nortec Collective is regarded as one of Mexico's most musically innovative groups that continues to attract audiences globally with their take of sound and culture. More info here.
Shizu Saldamando's "To Return" solo exhibit
L.A. based visual artist Shizu Saldamando is back. Known for her depictions of the Latino, gay, and punk scene—many times her inspiration being her friends during fun, casual or intimate moments—Saldamando, hasn't had a solo exhibit since giving birth to her to her son in 2016. Originally from the Bay Area and of Mexican-American and Asian-American descent, she meshes symbols of her two cultures together in her work. Her art hasn't just been limited to venues that include the Smithsonian, she's done art for Metro which has appeared on posters and in a station. But her work doesn't stop there—her canvases include people through her work as a tattoo artist. On Saturday she makes a return with a solo exhibition at the Charlie James Gallery in Chinatown. "To Return" pays homage to Vicente Fernandez's "Volver" and also pays homage to her friends and peers, including a large-scale portrait of Martin Crudo from the punk band Los Crudos. Color pencil collage, oil paintings, raw wood panels and graphite drawing make up the collection. More info here.
ISP West Open House
ISP West is a Carson shop that specializes in Volkswagen Type 3 restorations. If you don't know too much about cars or VWs, the Volkswagen Type 3 is a car type that was manufactured during the 1960s and early 70s. The ISP crew has been specializing and restoring Type 3s since 1990. One look at their social media — which just radiates vintage vibes — and you can see the amazing work they do. Come see the magic they've been working on this year on Saturday. Check out their Instagram page for yourself. Preferred parking in the front for those who bring their own Type 3. More info here.
Sunday; June 10
L.A. Pride Parade
[dropcap size=big]I[/dropcap]t's June and that means celebrating the resiliency of the LGBTQ community across the nation. Pride Week is already in full swing in L.A. and featuring events throughout the week and on the weekend. On Saturday, watch pop R&B singer-songwriter Kehlani headline the Pride Festival music stage that will feature various musical acts throughout the day or catch up on Sunday at the Pride Parade. The free event is one of the highlights of the whole week. The parade will be happening on Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood. Arrive early to get a good spot around the route. Stay around to catch pop singer-songwriter Tove Lo will be headline the music stage at night. Tickets are needed for the Pride music Festival. More info here.
