Best Of LA - Week Of June 1
June is here, and with it comes wine programs, outdoor movies, concerts, and more. Downtown LA welcomes a new member to the craft beer scene, and the Natural History Museum ends its First Fridays series with a roar. Make sure you start this summer month out right with one of these great activities Los Angeles has to offer.
"24 Sips of Summer" Wine Program
Nest at WP24
The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles
900 W. Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 743-8824
www.ritzcarlton.com
Perched atop the 24th floor of the towering Ritz-Carlton hotel, Nest at WP24 is celebrating the start of summer with a curated selection of specially picked and priced wines. Kicking off June 1st, the event offers guests the chance to experience wines from around the world, including New Zealand, Argentina, Austria, and Italy. Knowledgable staff are eager suggest which Asian-inspired snack, appetizer, sushi, or large plate pairs best with which summertime sip. Sweeping citywide views and spectacular sunsets perfectly compliment any seasonal specialty at this Wolfgang Puck hotspot. Through September 1st.
Barrel Down
525 West 7th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 989-2823
www.barreldowndtla.com
Downtown LA welcomes the new beer-centric bar and restaurant Barrel Down to the historic 7th street corridor. This latest spot to join the craft beer scene boasts an impressive list of 40 rotating craft beers that are literally all-American. Knowledgable bartenders are on tap to help thirsty patrons navigate the extensive beer list, as well as provide their expertise on the thoughtful cocktail and wine selection also available. Inspired chef-centric cuisine, a variety of ways to dine (from communal tables to private Pullman booths), and a beautifully appointed dining area are sure to make Barrel Down a popular new Angeleno watering hole.
Sufjan Stevens
Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
135 N. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 972-0777
www.musiccenter.org
Sufjan Stevens' North American tour makes a stop at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion this Wednesday to celebrate the release of his new album "Carrie & Lowell". Returning to his indie-folk roots, Stevens brings his powerful emotion and haunting honesty to the exquisite music hall for an unforgettable concert experience. Doors open at 7:00pm, and the concert begins at 8:00pm with opener Helado Negro. A Thursday night performance is also scheduled.
The Glass Menagerie
Greenway Court Theatre
544 North Fairfax
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 673-0544
www.greenwaycourt.org
Greenway Arts Alliance presents a 70th anniversary production of Tennessee Williams' first major hit The Glass Menagerie. Set during the Great Depression, this quasi-autobiographical play tells the story of the Wingfield family, who must face a harsh life on the brink of WWII. Directed by Jack Heller, this new take on an American classic is gritty, poetic, and occasionally hilarious. This run ends June 14, so don't miss your chance to see one of the greatest dramas in history.
Natural History Museum's First Fridays Season Finale
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
900 Exposition Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90007
(213) 763-DINO
www.nhm.org/firstfridays
To celebrate their final First Fridays of the season, the Natural History Museum is taking the party outside into the Nature Gardens for an evening of music, science, nature, and cocktails. "Mathemagician" Arthur Benjamin will be on hand to show how using brain power and magic can make math fun, as well as Rick Bonney of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, who will give a talk about bird watching and citizen science. Outdoor music sets last from 5:00pm-11:00pm, and will feature KCRW DJ Raul Campos, Avid Dancer, Chicano Batman, Hanni El Khatib, and Captain Planet. General admission is $20, and free for museum members.
Eat|See|Hear presents Breakfast at Tiffany's
The Autry National Center at Griffith Park
4700 Western Heritage Way
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 667-2000
www.eatseehear.com
This Saturday, Eat|See|Hear presents Breakfast at Tiffany's at The Autry National Center in Griffith Park. The weekly event brings the movies outdoors, and features contemporary and classic hits on the largest inflatable movie screen west of the Mississippi. Moviegoers are welcome to bring a picnic (perhaps breakfast for dinner?), or hit up one of the gourmet food trucks available at the event. Arrive early to claim your spot on the grass, and hear some of Los Angeles' best new emerging bands. Kids and dogs are welcome, so grab a blanket and the whole family for this unique outdoor movie experience. Doors open at 5:30pm, music at 7:00pm, and movie at 8:30pm. Tickets are $12 in advance, and a limited number of tickets will be available at the door for $14.
Matilda The Musical
Ahmanson Theater
135 N. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 628-2772
www.centertheatregroup.org
This Sunday marks the official opening of the First National Tour of "Matilda The Musical" at the Ahmanson Theater downtown. The award-winning show is based on Roald Dahl's beloved novel about a girl whose extraordinary imagination and sharp mind shape her destiny in incredible and unimaginable ways. Both adults and children will love this classic underdog story directed by Tony Award winner Matthew Warchus. The show runs through July 12.
