Best Of LA - February 1
February has arrived! Better known as the month of love, and this year, an extra day, there is plenty to do and see before Valentine's Day takes over. A true story of solar power confronting spirit power begins its run at the Fountain Theater, while music and projections of the American Southwest fill the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Celebrate hump day with a craft beer tasting, and head into the weekend with a late night trip to downtown to see the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion as you've never seen it before. Two foodie fests will have you starting the day with dessert and ending with tastings of some of L.A.'s best international cuisine in an intimate night market setting. End the week by spending Lunar New Year's Eve shopping and taking in the holiday's festivities at one of L.A.'s premiere shopping destinations.
"Dream Catcher"
The Fountain Theatre
5060 Fountain Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90029
(323) 663-1525
www.FountainTheatre.com
Based on a true event, Stephen Sachs' newest play "Dream Catcher" tells the story of when solar power collides with spirit power. The play is about Roy, the youngest member on a team of engineers tasked with constructing a solar energy plant in the middle of the Mojave Desert. The sudden discovery of long-buried Native American artifacts brings the billion-dollar operation to a halt. Further drama ensues when we learn it was the Mojave Indian woman with whom Roy has been having an affair that has blown the whistle. Themes of climate change, cultural change, and the moral consequences of personal choice confront audiences in this timely play. Monday is a great night to see it, as tickets are a "Pay-What-You-Can" donation at the door, but note that no advance reservations are taken.
City of Light: Messiaen with the St. Louis Symphony
Walt Disney Concert Hall
111 S. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 972-7282
www.laphil.com
The St. Louis Symphony makes a stop in Los Angeles for a multimedia production of Messiaen's 12-movement masterwork Des canyons aux étoiles. Part of the Green Umbrella contemporary music series, the symphony will perform the work alongside a visual production displaying the grandeur of the American Southwest, which served as the inspiration for the piece. Messiaen described his work as "at once geological, ornithological, astronomical, and theological." The Walt Disney Concert Hall will be filled with sight and sound as the orchestra becomes part of the visual landscape. An Upbeat Live discussion hosted by LA Phil Chief Operating Officer Chad Smith will take place before the concert, and will inform audience members as to what they're about to hear, helping them engage even further with the performance.
Tasting Series with Progress Brewing
Taste on Melrose
8454 Melrose Ave.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(323) 852-6888
www.ilovetaste.com
Tonight, Taste on Melrose celebrates Los Angeles' booming craft beer industry by welcoming South El Monte-based Progress Brewing as part of its Tasting Series. Co-Founder Dr. Diego Benitez will be pouring his favorite beers and walking guests through the brewing process in Taste's new Atrium bar. Just opened at the end of last year, the Atrium is the restaurant's new chic and bright space, perfect for an evening sampling hops. Executive Chef Brian Sheard will be offering an array of small plates to pair with the beers, including a swordfish ceviche and caramelized cumin spiced pork loin. Reservations are strongly recommended, and the cost is $40 in advance, or $45 at the door.
Woman at the Window: Triangle Factory Fire
Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts
450 N. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 972-3113
www.lamc.org
In 1911 a horrific fire killed 146 people at Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York City. The story of the fire, one of the worst workplace disasters in American history, has been turned into an oratorio by students from Ramon C. Cortines High School. The haunting 45 minute work was written and composed by the students under the guidance of professional teaching artists. Eighty-five students will be joined by members of the Los Angeles Master Chorale Chamber Singers for a free matinee show today at noon. An additional performance will take place tomorrow evening.
Sleepless: The Music Center After Hours
Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
135 N. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 972-4349
www.musiccenter.org
Downtown L.A. will once again play host to "Sleepless: The Music Center After Hours" tonight from 11:30pm - 3am. The multi-sensory event invites night owls to see The Music Center's iconic Dorothy Chandler Pavilion transformed sonically, visually, and spatially in a fully immersive experience. Eclectic DJ sets welcome guests out on the Plaza, and once inside they are met with light and video projections commissioned specially for the space. From there attendees are encouraged to get crafty at an oversized shadow puppet gallery, relax on beanbags while curated projections and ambient sounds fill the space, dance to electronic music, or head to the lower levels of the building to take in a unique sound installation. Sleepless is free to the public.
LA Cookie Con & Sweets Show
Los Angeles Convention Center
1201 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015
www.lacookiecon.com
The West Coast's largest baking show will take over the Los Angeles Convention Center this weekend for the return of LA Cookie Con & Sweets Show. Expected to be even bigger and better in its second year, the event will include over 125 local shops and national brands handing out free samples to an expected 10,000 plus crowd. Sweet-enthusiasts can also meet their favorite television stars, watch baking demonstrations, and participate in hands-on workshops and cookie decorating. Special appearances include Foodstir co-founder Sarah Michelle Gellar, Food Network's Ron Ben-Israel, and celebrity baker Duff Goldman will deliver one of his signature cakes, with a film crew in tow. As if free sweets wasn't enough fun for the whole family, a Kids Zone will be on hand offering face painting, cookie decorating, crafts, games, and more. The Con runs today and tomorrow.
Taste of Night Market
Barker Hangar
3021 Airport Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
www.tasteofnightmarket.com
Uber popular 626 Night Market is bringing its food and fun to the Westside for a Taste of Night Market, held at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. Celebrate the coming Lunar New Year with fellow foodies at this intimate tasting event that will feature an international pan-L.A. mix of cuisines. Local chefs and rising tastemakers will be dishing out seriously delicious samples alongside various activities and performances. Both tastings and activities will revolve around a Lunar New Year theme, celebrating the upcoming Year of the Monkey. A selection of handmade goods will also be available for purchase. Tickets include all food and drink samples and performances throughout the evening.
Celebrate Lunar New Year
The Americana at Brand
889 Americana Way
Glendale, CA 91210
(818) 637-8982
www.americanaatbrand.com
The Lunar New Year begins tomorrow, and The Americana is getting in on the celebration. Iconic Chinese decor will be featured around the area, including an oversized costumed God of Prosperity statue, festive red Chinese New Year lanterns, bright horticulture, and an elegant 14-foot red lantern adorned with gold leaf Chinese calligraphy detail and tassels. Traditional Chinese red envelopes that may contain cash prizes or gift cards will be distributed at various locations, giving guests a chance to test their luck and score big while they shop. As evening approaches, take a load off and sidle up next to the fountain which will turn red for the holiday, and will showcase nightly shows choreographed to "Give Me a Kiss" by Wan Fang (7pm and 8pm). Similar events will take place at The Grove as well.
