Watch CBS News

Best Activities To Do This Weekend In LA - April 8

610 la times book  - Photo Credit - Courtesy of LA Times
(Credit: The Los Angeles Times)

Baseball has finally come back around but the tax deadline is looming and from what it looks like, we're in for a rainy weekend. However, with so much constantly going on in the city, it would be sacrilegious to let a little water keep you in the house. From high art to historical landmarks, we have trimmed down a shortlist of the best places to get to this weekend. We like to make sure to send you only the choice stuff. Check It out.

Friday, April 8
80GandertStaCecilia copyN
(Credit: Miguel Gandert, from Hotel Mariachi: Urban Space and Cultural Heritage in Los Angeles)

Enjoy The Sweet Sounds
Mariachi Plaza
1st & Boyle Ave.
Boyle Heights, CA 90033
www.mariachiplazalosangeles.com

A living link to the rich historic ties California has to Mexico, Mariachi Plaza has been a music and cultural haven since the 1930's. Fashioned to be the California version of Mexico's famed Plaza Garibaldi, the Boyle Heights monument is at all times flooded with masterful mariachi musicians all looking for work. Affectionately referred to as the Mariachi Hotel, men in Charro suits provide streetside serenades for all visitors in an effort to show who is tops. The winners are the visitors that can enjoy a curbside concert without the pomp and circumstance. An integral part of the Los Angeles identity, this Plaza is a must for anyone that lives in Southern California.

Saturday, April 9
regent theatre
(credit: Linh T./yelp)

The Residents Present: Shadowland
The Regent
448 S Main St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(323) 284-5727
www.theregenttheater.com

If you are not familiar with The Residents, you are certainly aware of who they helped influence. Bands like Devo, Primus, and Talking Heads are just some of rock music royalty that have all adamantly praised the avant-garde art collective. Producing forward-thinking music coupled with compelling multimedia stage shows since the 70's, the Residents have released more than 60 albums. You did read that right, the Residents have made over 60 albums. The band's current live presentation, Shadowland, encompasses themes of live, death, and rebirth as only The Residents can. The bay Area transplants have the distinct honor of being a band whose choice work is featured permanently in New York's Museum of Modern Art. You definitely want to see this.
 

ChungKingRoad
(Credit: Chung King Road)

Stroll Through Chinatown
The Galleries of Chung King Road
Chung King Rd
Los Angeles, CA 90012
www.ckroad.com

Anchoring the Northwest portion of what's considered the New Chinatown, Chung King has actually been a part of the community since the 1930's. Then a cluster of import and specialty shops, the area spent many years unoccupied. It wasn't until the 90's that community leaders transformed the vacant storefronts into a cultural hotbed that has since become an essential part of the Chinatown experience. Homebase for locales like Mirror Films Gallery, China Art Objects, LaBasse Projects, and Fifth Floor Gallery, the drag is often buzzing with special events, entertainment, and plenty to soak in. The regular host to events like the closing festivities for LA's Design Week, KCRW's Chinatown Nights, and the Golden Dragon Parade, Chung King is a crucial corner of LA culture.

Sunday, April 10
MozConvetnion
(Credit: Johnny O Redwood)

Experience Moz Angeles
The Smiths/Morrissey Convention
1735 Vine St.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
www.facebook.com

The Los Angeles tradition continues this weekend as fanatics, collectors, DJs, and revelers flood the Avalon for all things Morrissey and The Smiths. It's hard to imagine an entire convention dedicated to a band, but when it comes to an outfit so hugely influential, things make much more sense. Vendors are on hand offering Smiths rarities from vinyl and apparel to one-of-a-kind art and collectibles. DJs including Alex Transistor, Steven Wayne, and radio legend Richard Blade will all delve deep into the rich catalog of both the Smiths and Morrissey's solo career in a two-day event that is always one of the city's best parties.
 

LATFOB 4 - Photo Credit - Courtesy of LA Times
(Credit: The Los Angeles Times)

Turn The Page
The Los Angeles Festival of Books
University of Southern California
www.theatricum.com

Los Angeles does things big. It's only fitting that our literary festival is considered the largest in the country. The Los Angeles Times will takeover the University of Southern California with panel discussions, open forums, and loads and loads of books. Featuring what they are referring to as an idea exchange, the Festival of Books will welcome intimate sessions with Arianna Huffington and author/actress/musician Carrie Brownstein from Portlandia. Authors and publishers will be on-hand to showcase their latest and greatest. Encouraging people to get excited about books with some interaction and added exploration, this is an event worth the price of admission. However, the event is free.

Article by Ramon Gonzales.

.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.