What You're Doing This Week: July 22
If you are looking for a way to pass the week, here is a rundown of events that will keep you busy and entertained. From musical performances to a night at the zoo, there are a million ways to check out what is happening around town.
July 22
dineLA Restaurant Week
Various Locations
www.discoverlosangeles.com
Take a delicious tour of Los Angeles during dineLA Restaurant Week, which continues through July 26. Enjoy special prixe-fixe menus, which start at $15 for lunch, at restaurants like El Cholo, Fig & Olive and the iconic Stinking Rose.
July 23
Station Unplugged
Station Hollywood
6250 Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood, CA 90028
(323) 798-1360
www.stationhollywood.com
Warm summer nights are made for music, and Station Hollywood continues its free, seasonal outdoor concerts every Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m. Topher Mohr and Kieran Leonard are on the bill this week, so arrive early to get a good seat. Specially-priced cocktails and small plates will be available until 9 p.m., including the Jack Daniel's Fusion Cocktail, the Cali Smash, Short Rib Quesadilla and Organic Kale Salad. If you want to grab a full meal at Delphine, the restaurant is right next door.
July 24
Desert Nights
The Standard - Hollywood
8300 West Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90069
(323) 650-9090
standardhotels.com
KCRW's own DJ Valida orchestrates a weekly event at The Standard in Hollywood that allows you to enjoy acoustic music in the Cactus Lounge. In between the three musical sets, DJ Valida spins her own varied and eclectic mix of records that will keep you vibing through the night. The free event begins at 7:30 p.m.
July 25
Iris Nights Lecture Series
Annenberg Space for Photography Skylight Studios
2000 Avenue of the Stars
Century City, CA 90067
(213) 403-3000
www.annenbergspaceforphotography.org
For all the photography lovers out there, the "Iris Nights" lecture series goes hand-in-hand with the new exhibit honoring photographer Helmut Newton, "Helmut Newton: White Women, Sleepless Nights, Big Nudes." Famed photographer Sheryl Nields is scheduled to speak from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the new multimedia and retail space, Skylight Studios. The event is free to attend, but registration is required. Reserve a space through the Annenberg Space for Photography's website. Note that some photographs and lecture series may be explicit.
Roaring Nights
Los Angeles Zoo
5333 Zoo Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 644-4200
www.lazoo.org
How many people can say they've spent a night at the zoo checking out the animals, having a cocktail and nibbling on food truck fare? "Roaring Nights" is the L.A. Zoo's July event that features live bands, stand-up comedy performances, tunes from DJ Morning Star, a full bar and food trucks galore. Flex your environmentally-sound muscle by taking a ride along the L.A. River bike path and making use of free bike valet thanks to the L.A. County Bike Coalition. This event is for people 18 and up and takes place from 7 to 10 p.m. Entry is $15 for Zoo members and $18 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.
July 26
Good Food Fridays
The Market Santa Monica Place
395 Santa Monica Place
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 260-8300
goodfoodfridays.eventbrite.com
The Market at Santa Monica Place is a great place to mix, mingle and, of course, shop, on the Westside. The third Good Food Fridays event will feature an appearance from KCRW's "Good Food" host and Chef Evan Kleiman. The event is free to the public, and if you are among the first 200 guests, you will receive a free tote bag. All vendors in The Market are also offering 10 percent off any purchase. Enjoy food and beverage samples, live demonstrations and musical performances from 7 to 10 p.m. Ride your bike to The Market, and the Santa Monica Bike Center will provide free bike valet for the first two hours.
July 27
White Light, White Night
MBS Media Campus
1600 Rosecrans Avenue
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310) 378-5843
www.walkwithsally.org
This year marks the 7th Annual White Light, White Night event in conjunction with the Walk With Sally organization that raises money to support children who have lost a loved one to cancer. The fundraising event will feature live performances from Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, tastings, auctions and specialty cocktails from Patron, plus many other sponsors. Admission prices start at $150 with proceeds dedicated to helping those in need. The event begins at 5 p.m., and tickets are on sale online.
20th Annual Oxnard Salsa Festival
Plaza Park at West Fifth and South B Street
Oxnard, CA 93030
(805) 247-0197
www.oxnardsalsafestival.com
The Oxnard Salsa Festival is a two-day event that kicks off on Saturday and celebrates "all things salsa." There will be music, dancing, shopping, food, chef demonstrations and more. The gates open at 11 a.m., and guests are encouraged to stay until 7 p.m. Stop by the Tasti-Lee Tasting Tent, sample fare from one of the local vendors and restaurants, watch the community salsa dance competition, check out the live bands, submit your best recipe to the salsa contest and watch chefs whip up dishes before your very eyes. Entry and parking are free, which are two major perks.
July 28
Kick To Give!
Pepper Tree Park
230 West 1st Street
Tustin, CA 92780
(714) 363-6621
More Info
Do a bit to help out others while also having a little fun. Operation Warm Wishes "Kick To Give!" Family Kickball Game & Food and Clothing Drive will host an afternoon of family fun with a goal of helping homeless and abused youths. From noon to 4 p.m., show off all of the skills you've picked up with your kickball league and play with a new bunch of friends. Organized by a former bullied student, TyRon Jackson's event will shed light on more philanthropic efforts through community support.
Chrystal Baker is a freelance food, events, culture travel contributor for CBS Los Angeles, Basil Magazine, Frugivore Magazine and Politic365. She is the co-editor of a recipe blog, The Duo Dishes, and manages her own lifestyle and travel blog, Any and Everywhere, as well as the Farm 2 Plate Culinary Club site.
