What You're Doing This Week: August 13th

How do you recover from that oppressive heat wave last week? Find something fun to do with the family - or just relax and stop moving for a minute.

Monday

DreamWorlds: Behind the Scenes, Production Art From DreamWorks Animation

USC
665 Exposition Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90089
(213) 740-8358
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DreamWorlds features more than 100 digital prints of visual development artwork and approximately 30 framed originals; a Kung Fu Panda "Po" statue and the new Rise of the Guardians standee. There will also be a contemporary animation workstation showcasing demonstrations by current students in the John C. Hench Division of Animation and Digital Arts.

Tuesday

The Armory Band

Redlands Bowl
25 Grant Street
Redlands, CA. 92373
(909) 793-7316
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Playing on instruments that are restorations and replicas from the Civil War era, the band performs as a tribute to all those musicians serving in, or for, both armies of this country during the Civil War. Their uniforms and other equipment complete the authentic impression of the era. Rich with sounds of instrument and voice, the band combines music and history to tell stories, many long forgotten, about the American Civil War.

Wednesday

Heroes, Villains, Jedi-The Fan Convention Portraits-The Photographer's Eye with Kevin Knight

Los Angeles Central Public Library
630 W. 5th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 228-7000
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Photographer Kevin Knight discusses Heroes & Villains, his series of remarkable portraits of "cosplayers" (costume players) from sci-fi/comic fan conventions.

Thursday

The Last Bookstore - Fallen Superheroes Book reading and signing

45 Spring Street Ground Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 488-0599
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Fallen Superheroes is a caricatured look at extraordinary everyday people through the visionary lens of celebrity photographer Eric Curtis. Using superheroes (think Batman, Captain America, Iron Man, Spider-Man, Superman) as the allegory, Curtis explores the not-so-glamorous and sometimes dark realities of those who strive to live their dreams against all odds. 8PM

Friday

Fountain Valley Recreation Center and Sports Park-Orange County BBQ Bonanza

16400 Brookhurst Street
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(562) 495-5959
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The competition is fierce and the flavors rich as National Award Winning Rib Cookers of America and local grillers produce the best that their secret recipes have to offer. General Admission is free, food costs range from $2 - $25 or you can purchase a VIP ticket for all you can eat and drink (Prices for VIP tickets differ depending on age of attendee).

Saturday

Woodcrest Preschool-Family Fun Day

28370 Roadside Drive
Agoura Hills, CA 91301
(818) 889-9841
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Woodcrest Preschool is hosting a "Community Wide Family Fun Day" and Preschool Open House on Saturday, August 18, 2012. It will be held from 11am-1pm at the school and will include yummy hot dogs, games, arts & crafts, and fun for the whole family. There will be kid-friendly vendors and tours of the campus.

Saturday

Meditation Class

1601 W. Mountain St., Japanese Tea House in front of the Doctors House at Brand Park
Glendale, CA 91207
10:15 a.m. to noon
(323) 223-0610
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Need a way to unwind before the week starts off again? These classes give a basic introduction to meditation and Buddhist teachings. Classes can be taken in a series or individually. Cost is $12 per class session.