Another weekend in L.A., another opportunity to get out of the house and try something new! This week you can grab some new records, listen to a ton of live music, check out the Festival of Books or go on a cemetery tour, because why not. If none of that is your vibe, go watch a screening of “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” at the Central Library.
I write this thing every week so your dates and hangouts can be fun and interesting, so like GTFO of the house? It’s spring, bust out those florals, head out the door, and check some of these things out.
Record Store Day at Artform Studio
[dropcap size=big]S[/dropcap]pending a lazy day lounging on the couch and listening to some dope records sounds great to me (too bad I don’t have a record player!). If that’s your vibe and you’re looking for some unique beats, you are in luck! The Artform Studio is hosting Record Store Day, a celebration of everything vinyl and musical. There will be a bunch of cool records to pick from ranging from rare Brazilian records to classic hip hop records. There will also be a bunch of DJs, with 14 confirmed at the moment. Head out this Saturday, take your bae!
When: Saturday, April 13
Where: Artform Studio, Highland Park
Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
Free
[dropcap size=big]I[/dropcap]t’s that time of the year folks, the LAT Festival of Books is happening this weekend! Come through for some great narratives and conversations. Five hundred authors will be there, including my favorite, Yesika Salgado, who will be there talking on a panel. L.A. Taco editor-in-chief Daniel Hernandez will also be talking on a panel. There will also be celebrities and exhibitors present, so I guess that’s fun. The festival will be held at USC on Exposition Boulevard and South Figueroa Street. Get more details here.
When: Saturday and Sunday, April 13 to 14
Where: USC, University Park
Makaya McCraven @ Lodge Room Highland Park
$20
[dropcap size=big]I[/dropcap]n case anyone forgot, April is Jazz Appreciation Month. Described as a “beats scientist,” French born Makaya McCraven is hitting the Lodge Room in Highland Park. The multi talented force hails from Chicago and a drummer, producer, and sonic collagist. His music is a genre blend between electronic and jazz, and was definitely a pleasure to listen to while writing this list. Catch Makaya McCraven this Saturday. Get more details here.
When: Saturday, April 13
Where: Lodge Room, Highland Park
Selena Ball DTLA
$10
[dropcap size=big]S[/dropcap]elena’s birthday is coming up, and what better way to honor the queen of Tejano music than with a party? Club 90s is throwing a Selena Ball at the Globe. The DJ will be spinning MASSIVE doses of Selena, other Latin jams and everything 90s and 00s. There will be Selena inspired drinks, a photobooth, and a Selena look-alike contest. So bust out your best Selena inspired outfit and hit the dancefloor this Saturday. Get more details here.
When: Saturday, April 13
Where: Globe Theater, DTLA
Nipsey Hussle Community Chalk Memorial
Members of the South LA community of Hyde Park are gathering at Hanks Mini Market on Florence Avenue to keep the Nipsey Hussle memorial events going through the weekend. The community-minded store is having a "chalk memorial" and a musical tribute, as well as an expression board to encourage healing in the face of gun violence.
When: Saturday, April 13, 2-5 pm
Where: 3301 West Florence Ave, Hyde Park
Won't You Be My Neighbor at the Central Library
FREE
[dropcap size=big]W[/dropcap]ho else is trying to cry on a Sunday? If you haven’t had a chance to check out Won’t You Be My Neighbor, you can do so for free this Sunday. The film of course centers around the patron saint of wholesomeness, Mr. Rogers and his impact on public television. Before the screening there will be a discussion with documentary producer, Caryn Capotosto. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite cardigan in honor of the late Mr. Rogers. Get more details here.
When: Sunday, April 14
Where: Central Library, DTLA
Lost Cemeteries of Los Angeles, Urban Hike with Barrio Boychik
$25
[dropcap size=big]C[/dropcap]ontinuing with the theme of forgotten Angeleno history, this city is actually home to a bunch of lost graves. That’s probably why so many buildings are rumored to be haunted. Attendees to this event will visit the four original cemeteries of Los Angeles: including the The Campo Santo at the Placita Church, which was a catholic burial site for indigenous folks; Fort Moore Hill, which is the first protestant burial site; Old Jewish Cemetery; and the Old Calvary Cemetery. Folks interested in L.A.’s past will get a glimpse into our multicultural legacy that spans centuries. It’s a three-mile walk, so bring snacks and water. Get more details here.
When: Sunday, April 14
Where: LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, DTLA
'Race, Resistance, and the Rise of the LAPD'
FREE
[dropcap size=big]T[/dropcap]his is actually for Monday, but it’s important so I’m adding it. Learn more about the violent history of the LAPD. Communities of color historically faced segregation and continue to face police brutality in Los Angeles. This lecture highlights African American and Mexican American resistance to police violence between 1965 and 1992. Lunch will be provided, but an RSVP is required. Get more details here.
When: Monday, April 15
Where: Doheny Library, USC
