It's GTFO LA!, LA Taco's guide to the best stuff to do in Los Angeles every week, lovingly compiled and curated by longtime L.A. journalist & native Angeleno Lina Lecaro. Every week, Lina provides a week’s worth of culturally diverse happenings designed to get you out of the f*cking house — from live music and clubs to classes and screenings to art shows and weird stuff you had no idea was going down in your own backyard. This week (April 9-15) more than most, the LA sunshine and some intriguing daytime events beckon before dark falls, but as always, there's some great live music in town and fun nightlife too. Enjoy!
Mon., April 9
[dropcap size=big]O[/dropcap]n the surface, Groundhog Day is a silly comedy about a douchey dude trapped in a time loop, but the Harold Ramis-directed comedy classic, ironically, becomes deeper and deeper upon repeated viewing. Starring Bill Murray as a weatherman forced to relive one bad day over and over agaiin, the film is a commentary on life choices and the power to change one’s destiny. This special screening celebrating the movie's 25th anniversary is hosted by Nia Vardalos, and will feature a panel discussion with editor Pembroke J. Herring, producer Trevor Albert, cinematographer and Academy President John Bailey, writer Danny Rubin, and actor Stephen Tobolowsky. A pre-show performance by Hammerstein Band starts off the event at 7pm. Academy of Motions Pictures Los Angeles, 8949 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills. More info here.
Tues., April 10
[dropcap size=big]O[/dropcap]utbreaks and zombie feeding frenzies in contemporary American film and television are explored during this afternoon discussion helmed by Dahlia Schweitzer, the author of the recently released Going Viral: Zombies, Viruses, and the End of the World! Zombies are more prevalent than ever in pop culture, from 28 Days Later to 24 to The Walking Dead. Schweitzer digs into the whys and hows, attempting to reveal how movies, TV shows, and books came to be infected with apocalyptic viruses, plagues, and outbreak narratives related to globalization, terrorism, and the end of civilization as we know it. A great lunchtime excursion. UCLA Powell Library, 220 Powell library Building. 12 pm. More info here.
Wed., April 11
[dropcap size=big]A[/dropcap]nnie Clark aka St. Vincent is one of the most eclectic and magnetic music artists of our time. The former member of the Polyphonic Spree and Sufjan Stevens's touring band blends rock, electropop, new wave and jazz into something all her own: an experimental and sensual elevation of sound, style and mood. Her collaborations with David Byrne, Swans and more, sort of prove her chops, but its her solo live show that always wins over music fans (we became obsessed with her after Coachella a few years ago). She won the Grammy for Best Alternative Album last year, and she was the first solo female performer in 20 years to do so in that category. It was well deserved. At the Orpheum Theatre, 842 S Broadway. 8pm. More info here.
Thurs., April 12
[dropcap size=big]J[/dropcap]ohn Simmons A.S.C. grew up in Chicago in the 50’s and he shares his point of view through the camera lens with Life in Black & White, a stunning new exhibit that tells the story of his life through powerful images both candid and organically posed. The Perfect Exposure Gallery hosts his opening show continuing its tradition of free events highlighting significance of photography as a form of expression and reflection. Show runs Thurs., April 12- Fri. May 18, 8 pm. At The Perfect Exposure gallery, 1125 Crenshaw Blvd. More info here.
Fri., April 13
[dropcap size=big]C[/dropcap]elebrate the art of creepy creatures and menacing movie magic with MONSTERPALOOZA! Showcasing an international variety professionals in film, makeup, and special effects, and collectible toys and art, the event (celebrating its 10the year), will also have live makeup demonstrations, a “Monsterpalooza Museum” featuring full sized creatures, sculptures, screen props and animatronics from from famous movies, plus celebrity guests from the world of Horror, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy, panels and presentations including Danny Trejo, Linda Blair, Pam Grier, Elvira, Barry Bostwick, Nell Campbell and Patricia Quinn from The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Scott Ian from Anthrax, Corey Feldman, EG Daley, nd more! Fri, April 13- Sun., April 15. At The Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E. Green Street - Pasadena. More info here.
Sat., April 14
[dropcap size=big]C[/dropcap]lub 90s and the Hollywood Palladium present Anything for Selenas! celebrating the legendary Tejana cumbia and pop singer with a mega-bash and dance party. Special guest Chris Perez will be on hand for a meet and greet and photo opps, while DJ Jeffery spins Selena and Selena-friendly jams all night. Videos, medleys, Tejano and cumbia sing-alongs, and more make this fiesta for one of the most beloved performers from any genre a can’t-miss. Other amusements include a photobooth, Selena look alike contest, free Selena buttons (for the first thousand guests) and Selena-inspired cocktails with ID. At the Palladium, 6215 Sunset Blvd. Hollywood, 9:30 pm. 18+ Tickets and info here.
The colorful patterned fabrics of West Africa (ankara) are highlighted at Bazaar LA, a cultural marketplace and soiree featuring fashion, homewares, music, food, and drinks. African, African-American, Carribean and Afrophilic style and fuels the event with plenty of items to purchase and take home via dozens of unique vendors. Shopping, fashion shows, live performances and more. At Union, 4067 Pico Blvd. 1-7pm. Tickets and info here.
Atlas Obscura presents an lluminating day of history and bright visual delights Illuminating The Art of Neon, an exploration of art and signage made with “glass tubes, noble gases, and electrodes.” Sandi Hemmerlein lead a walk through Flektro Studios, the creative space of neon artist Michael Flechtner who creates 2D and 3D neon sculptures. Fletcher’s has earned him the J. Paul Getty Trust Fund Fellowship for the Visual Arts and public commissions, including "A Neon Aquarium" in West LA and the "Neon Celebrate" Forever Stamp for the U.S. Postal Service, reissued in 2017. Providing a rare look inside the revered neon artist’s workshop and gallery of his finished pieces, this gathering will also delve into the his artistic process, from design to creation (with a glass bending demo) and illumination. No touching but photography is encouraged. Some tems will be available for purchase. Audience Q&A. Location and ticket info here.
Sun., April 15
[dropcap size=big]S[/dropcap]oCal Soul Patrol (a group whose purpose is to “strengthen the Soul footprint throughout the Los Angeles region and support local small businesses under the banner of collaboration”) presents A Vintage and Vinyl Affair, an afternoon of vintage fashion shopping, record-swapping, and more. The OffBeat Bar's backlot and alley will be transformed with vendors galore including Skirt Chasers Vintage, Groovy Lil’ Trip, Felicia Vintage, Bad Little Woman Vintage, John Miner Records, Boardwalk Pomade, SpaceCakes, Soulpeople Vintage Vinyl & Clothes and many more. A fun added element: The Hive Crew and Westside Scooter Club will be on hand, coming from a rally and ride to the event and showing off vintage Vespas and Lambrettas in one area. (Rally info here) 6313 York Blvd. 21+ 12-5pm. More info here.
