Big league baseball is back, and Metro will offer Dodger Stadium Express bus service from Union Station in downtown Los Angeles to Dodger Stadium throughout the regular 2010 baseball season under a grant from the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC). The grant — $300,000 — will be used to offset the cost of fares for passengers with a Dodgers ticket. Service will be provided starting 90 minutes before games begin and will end 45 minutes after games finish.
A Noise Within will present the Clifford Odets classic "Awake and Sing!" March 20 through May 23. "Awake and Sing!" is set among the economic ravages of 1930s New York that threaten to destroy the tenuous ties that bind the Berger family. In order to keep the struggling clan intact, matriarch Besse Berger is willing to crush her children's dreams, but the irrepressible spirit of youth refuses to be extinguished in social dramatist Odets' ode to what is good and true in the American character. A Noise Within is at 234 S. Brand Blvd., Glendale. Tickets range from $16 to $44.
Artist Glynnis Reed's work will be featured in a group art exhibition called "Ten+One: Personal Expression," opening April 9, 6 to 9 p.m., at the Watts Labor Community Action Committee Cecil Fergerson Gallery, 10950 S. Central Ave., Los Angeles. Reed will show work from her "Elements of Love" series that has never been exhibited. The exhibit will run through May 30, with a closing reception May 28, 6 to 9 p.m.
The California African American Museum's "7+FIG Showcase" exhibition will take place from 12 to 4 p.m. on weekdays through June 11. The exhibition will include the work of 23 members from the California Artist Coalition of Los Angeles. It is at Ernst & Young Plaza, 735 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles.
The West Coast premiere of The Ballad of Emmett Till by Ifa Bayeza will extend at The Fountain Theatre through April 25. Part history, part mystery and part ghost story, Bayeza's integration of past, present, fact and legend turns the story of the 1955 murder of 14-year-old Emmett Till into a work of music, poetic language and theatricality. The show will run Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 to $28, with discounts for seniors and students.
Stella Adler Los Angeles Theatre Collective will present the new play "The Charm of Making" by Timothy McNeil, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 7 p.m., through April 25 at 6773 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. Set in present-day Mississippi, "The Charm of Making" examines the conflict of religion versus human nature through the eyes of the last living members of an old Southern family, as they struggle with the past of their dead relatives and their present as individuals and a family. Tickets are $20.
The University of Manners, where kids learn how to behave properly, takes place Wednesdays, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at 6560 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles. Admission is $20.
Afro-Caribbean dance classes with dance ethnologist Kimberly Miguel Mullen are held on Wednesdays, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Crenshaw Yoga and Dance, 5426 S. Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, and on Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. to noon, at the Electric Lodge, 1416 Electric Ave., Venice. There is live drumming, and the class is for all levels.
The Inglewood Improv features sketch improvisation shows, stand-up comedians and improv performer open-mic showcases with audience participation Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. The Improv also provides weekly acting classes for youths ages 12 through 17, as well as adults. The Improv is at 2519 Manchester Blvd., Inglewood.
Registration is under way for the 2010 season of weekend excursions to Camp Seely in the San Bernardino mountains. The trips give families and other residents an opportunity to experience two days of outdoor activities, including hiking and other exploring, spending time with nature, or just relaxing. Indoor activities will also be available. Outings will be offered in 2010 on the weekends of March 13 to 14; April 17 to 18; May 15 to 16; June 5 to 6; Sept. 11 to 12; and Oct. 16 to 17. There are fees involved that cover the cost of meals as well as a heated sleeping cabin for each group and many activities.
"Master Your Mind for Success in 2010" is the theme of the Goal Achiever's Workshops that will be held Wednesdays, 7 to 9 p.m., and Saturdays, 8:30 to 10 a.m., at the House of RA, 7823 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles.
KRST Unity Center of Spirituality will sponsor African-centered activities and programs including empowerment sessions, black gnostic studies, and more, Sundays at 10:30 a.m. The center is at 7825 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles.
The Annenberg Foundation and National Geographic magazine has announced the March 27 opening of the exhibit "Water: Our Thirsty World." The exhibit coincides with the release of National Geographic's April 2010 issue on the state of the world's fresh water. Imagery by a selection of National Geographic photographers will examine the local and global challenges of our planet's dwindling fresh water resources. The exhibit will run until June 13. Free general admission.
A Noise Within (ANW) will conclude its 2009-10 season with "The Playboy of the Western World," directed by Geoff Elliott. The play opens April 17, 8 p.m., and closes May 22 (previews will be April 14, 15 and 16 at 8 p.m. and April 11 at 7 p.m.). The play has been described as a universal story of survival as well as a love story, focusing on the everyday life of the characters who face a situation with incredibly high stakes. A Noise Within is at 234 S. Brand Blvd., Glendale.
Explanation in Echo Park: Executives of the Barlow Respiratory Hospital will present an overview of plans to redevelop the facility's property on the edge of Elysian Park during an upcoming meeting of the L.A. Host Lions Club. Preliminary plans call for the demolition of several earthquake-damaged buildings on the century-old campus and the addition of retail and residential developments. Hospital executives say that the development is a key to paying for new facilities that would meet state standards on earthquake safety by a deadline in 2013. The luncheon meeting is set to begin at 12 noon on Friday, April 23, at Taix Restaurant, located at 1911 Sunset Boulevard in the Echo Park district northwest of Downtown. Lunch is offered at $22.
"Lectures and discussions about art, the environment, economics, cultural history, and more" Free.
Collage Dance Theatre will present its show "Laundromatinee" April 23 and 24, 7 and 9 p.m., at Spin Cycle Coin Laundry, 2201 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles. "Laundromatinee" was first performed for viewers and washday customers at Thriftiwash Laundromat in Santa Monica in 1988. This work celebrates the local coin-op as a community gathering place. Its premiere performance was rated "one of the decade's best site-specific works in Los Angeles" by Dramalogue. Tickets are $25.
Thousands are expected to walk for autism at the eighth annual Los Angeles Walk Now for Autism Speaks at the Pasadena Rose Bowl on April 24. Powered by volunteers and families with loved ones on the autism spectrum, this fundraising effort generates funds for autism research, awareness and family services. Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disorder, with 1 percent of the population affected. Registration begins at 8 a.m., the opening ceremony is at 9:30 a.m., and the walk kicks off at 10 a.m.
Cherry Spitz, an improv and sketch comedy group, will perform April 24 at the Found Theatre, 599 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach. Special guest DJ Poptart will provide musical accompaniment to the show. Tickets are $5.
The Friends of Angeles Mesa Public Library will present "Parents Talking," a workshop series for parents, April 24, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Angeles Mesa Public Library, 2700 W. 52nd St., Los Angeles. Topics will include understanding your role in your daughter's life and preparing your child for higher education.
The YWCA Santa Monica/Westside will participate in the unveiling of the 2010-2015 Strategic Plan of the Commission on the Status of Women April 24, 8:30 to noon, at the Ken Edwards Center, 1527 4th St., Santa Monica. Presentations will highlight key topics in the plan, including women's leadership, personal growth and development, health and well-being, and financial literacy.
A free parenting class on proper ways to wash, comb and care for black babies' hair will take place April 24, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Kids Castle Child Care Center, 745 N. La Brea Ave., Inglewood. Learn how to keep your baby's locks long and strong at a free seminar led by Kari Williams, a trichologist and natural hairstyling and restoration expert. Interested parents must call (323) 782-9909 for reservations. Williams has a Ph.D. in trichology, the scientific study of the health of hair. Her experience with uninformed parents and cosmetologists led her to offer free seminars on proper maintenance strategies for "at-home" care.
Williams will debunk such myths as the following:
1. Cutting a baby's hair when it's not growing in the back will stimulate growth.
2. Greasing a child's scalp helps stimulate healthy hair and growth.
3. Washing a child's hair everyday causes it to dry out.
"Christmas in April," the annual fundraiser tea of Miss Growing in Grace and Growing in Valor, will take place April 24, noon, at the Embassy Suites in the Granada Courtyard, 1440 W. Imperial Ave., El Segundo. The event will feature the Perfect Tea Outfit Contest; the Cutest, Largest and Most Outrageous Hat Contest; the 50/50 Raffle and the 1/4 Raffle, which include the raffling off of two color HDTVs; and a silent auction. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to a local children's organization. Ticket prices range from $35 to $100 for adults. Admission for children ages 2 to 8 is $18. Underground parking is free.
Swing Brazil Tribe: "Brazilian musicians dedicated to bringing you the joy and spirit of Carnaval...where the sacred meets the streets!" Parking available in the 24th Street Theatre lot. $5/free for North University Park Area residents.
The California African American Museum will host a steppin' workshop April 24, 1 p.m., for individuals who want to participate in a historical re-enactment of the evolution of African and African American stomp-and-kick dancing using the same kinetic poly rhythms that influenced many of John T. Scott's sculptures. The museum is at 600 State Drive, Exposition Park, Los Angeles. RSVP information: (213) 744-2024. Also, on April 28, 6 to 9 p.m., there will be an opening reception for the presentation "Our Love of John Scott" for CAAM members and invited guests. RSVP by April 23.
The Autry National Center will present a Community Basket Collaborative on April 24, 1 to 2:30 p.m. The program will consists of a visit to the "Art of Native American Basketry: A Living Tradition," and a hands-on opportunity to experience what it feels like to weave a basket. The event is free with admission. The center is at 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles.
The musical "Harry Who?" will be performed April 24, 2 and 8 p.m., at the Ambassador Auditorium, 131 S. St. John Ave., Pasadena. The musical will benefit music departments of high schools and colleges throughout the San Gabriel Valley through the Theaters of Vision All-Star Community Orchestra, with a cast of 160 performers, including Tap Chicks, The Towne Singers, Brighterside Singers, Centre Stage Productions Inc., TOVP Dancers, Rose City Ballroom and Sisters of Swing. Tickets are $15 to $40.
The first of several events to raise the funds to put a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame to honor the late Ethel Waters takes place April 24, 6 to 9 p.m., at the Lucy Florence Cultural Center, 3351 W. 43rd St., Los Angeles. Waters is the African American woman who made "Stormy Weather," a hit song in 1930; the first black actress to star in a television show; the first minority nominated for an Emmy Award and the second nominated for an Oscar; and who made the song "His Eye is on the Sparrow," a standard Christian hymn. Waters opened many theatrical doors that were at that time closed to people of color. A diverse group of Los Angeles and East Coast women have joined forces to organize a community effort to honor Waters with a star. The growing honorary committee includes Marla Gibbs, CCH Pounder, Loretta Devine, Ed Asner, Diane Watson, Kim Coles, Barbara Morrison and James and Daisy Tormé.
African Vibes magazine will roll out the red carpet to celebrate its fourth anniversary of shining the spotlight on Africa and Africans April 24, 6 to 9 p.m., at the Avalon Hollywood, 1735 Vine St., Hollywood. This year, the publication will honor celebrity fashion designer Korto Momolu of Bravo's hit reality competition "Project Runway." The magazine will host a glam lounge and present an "I Wear African" fashion show, showcasing the contemporary fashions of African designers.
The Studio for Southern California History will host its fourth annual fundraiser, "An Affair in April," April 24, 6 to 10 p.m., at 525 Alpine St., suite 103, Los Angeles. The fundraiser will include poetry, a raffle for studio products related to Southern California history, and tickets to local movie and sporting events. Ticket prices are $25 for members and $40 for non-members. Children can attend for free with a paying adult. Tickets may be purchased at www.socalstudio.org.
The second annual Remote Area Medical will take place April 25 through May 3 at the Los Angeles Sports Arena, 3911 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles. Last year, RAM provided free health care services to thousands of uninsured, underinsured or unemployed people at The Forum in Inglewood. This year, the event is expected to be bigger.
Event Scheduled on April 25 to Support Children's Cancer Research Fund
WHAT: Benefiting the Children's Cancer Research Fund, the Kids 4 Kids 5k RUN/WALK and All-Star Carnival was created in response to the incredible generosity of children wanting to help other children with cancer. The Kids 4 Kids RUN/WALKempowers them to take immediate action to help find a cure while bringing together friends and family for a fun day of activity and entertainment.
The All-Star Carnival includes a finish line entertainment, rides and game booths staffed by celebrities and athletes.
WHO: National Spokespersons Team for the 5th Annual Kids 4 Kids RUN/WALKinclude: Emma Roberts, "Valentine's Day;" Jordan Farmar, Los Angeles Lakers; Luc Robitaille, President, Business Operations for Los Angeles Kings Hockey Club; Landon Donovan, LA Galaxy; Michael Cooper, Head Coach, USC Women's Basketball, Former Head Coach, Los Angeles Sparks, Former NBA Player, Los Angeles Lakers; Noelle Quinn, Los Angeles Sparks Guard and Former UCLA All-American; and Rafael Furcal, Los Angeles Dodgers.
WHEN: Sunday, April 25, 2010. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m.
Radio Disney warm-up takes place from 8:00 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Run/Walk begins at 10:00 a.m.
All-Star Carnival takes place from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Yum 4 My Tum Food Court opens at 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: LA LIVE (across from STAPLES Center) at corner of Olympic Blvd. and Figueroa
COST: Advance registration fee: $10 (under 18) and $25 (18 and over)
On-site registration fee: $20 (under 18) and $35 (18 and over)
Online registration available at www.ccrf-kids.org.
ABOUT CHILDREN'S CANCER RESEARCH FUND:
Established in 1987, CCRF is dedicated to providing national support for clinical research in pediatric cancer, while improving the medical environment for all children. A Healthier and Happiertomorrow is the mission and promise of Children's Cancer Research Fund to children and their parents everywhere.
The Children's Earth Day celebration will take place April 25, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the STAR ECO Station, 10101 Jefferson Blvd., Culver City. This year's celebration marks the 10th anniversary of this event, and the amount of visitors is expected to be more than 20,000. Admission is free. The event will include eco-friendly giveaways, games, prizes, crafts, vegetarian cuisine (the event is a meat-free) and more. Additionally, STAR ECO Station tours will run throughout the day at a special discounted rate of $5.
"L.A. Views III — Hunger and the City" runs at Company of Angels inside The Black Box at The Alexandria, 501 S. Spring St., Los Angeles, through April 25. A project of the company's Playwrights' Group, this year's festival explores the concept of hunger in Los Angeles — not only physical hunger, but also the core human desire for wanting more. Performances are on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 7 p.m. Tickets at $20.
The Edible Garden with Eugene Cooke will take place April 25, 2 to 4 p.m. The event will focus on where food comes from and how to grow food where you live and share it with others. Community, home and container gardens will be discussed. The event will take place at Crenshaw Yoga and Dance, 5426 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles African American Women Political Action Committee will host its 18th annual Empowerment Awards April 25, 2 to 5 p.m., at the Proud Bird Restaurant, 11022 Aviation Blvd., Los Angeles. Among others, the committee will honor U.S. Congresswoman Diane E. Watson, who is retiring from public service at the end of the year.
"Will the Internet Collapse?" — A discussion with Joseph Menn, technology correspondent for the Financial Times and author of "Fatal System Error: The Hunt for the New Crime Lords Who are Bringing Down the Internet" Free (limited seating/reservations suggested).
Baskin-Robbins will host its fourth annual 31 Cent Scoop Night celebration April 28, 5 to 10 p.m., at all Southern California Baskin-Robbins locations. On that night, all 2.5 oz. ice cream scoops will be reduced to 31 cents. Customers can treat themselves to a scoop of ice cream, or two or three, on 31 Cent Scoop Night for under a dollar. Baskin-Robbins will make a $100,000 donation to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, an organization that honors America's fallen fire heroes and their families.
Third- to sixth-grade students with an interest in marine life can explore local marine environments by enrolling in Cabrillo Marine Aquarium's after-school SEA Club offered for four consecutive Wednesdays, April 28 through May 19, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Students will have an opportunity to use microscopes and learn about the relationship between humans and the ocean. Activities could include a trek to the tide pools of Cabrillo Beach, watching crabs scurry and investigating the marvels of mud. Admission for four sessions is $30 and includes a SEA Club T-shirt. Financial assistance is available. Pre-registration is required. The aquarium is at 3720 Stephen M. White Drive, San Pedro.
"Ask Your Mama: The Langston Hughes Project (LHP)," featuring the Ron McCurdy Quartet, will take place April 29, 7 p.m., at the Huntington Library, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino. "Ask Your Mama" is Hughes' homage in verse and music to the struggle for artistic and social freedom at home and abroad at the beginning of the 1960s.
Kaiser Permanente South Bay Medical Center will host its ninth annual Heart Health Workshop for African Americans May 1, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at New Philadelphia AME Church, 19100 S. Susana Road, Rancho Dominguez. Recognizing the limited access to health care services in and around the cities of Compton, Carson and the South Los Angeles area, and that African Americans are disproportionately at a higher risk of stroke, heart attack and heart disease, this year's free event focuses on breaking down the barriers to a healthy heart. Participants will hear from Kaiser Permanente physicians and other health care professionals about nutrition, fitness, stress reduction and managing medications. Free blood pressure screenings and health information will be available in the exhibit area. Non-Kaiser Permanente members are welcome.
Music, live theater, puppets and poetry will be part of Meet Me @ Metro, a theatrical performance piece featuring the works of six groups at six different locations along the Metro Red, Purple and Blue lines on May 2. Two sets of performances will begin at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., originating at Union Station and concluding at the Watts Towers Amphitheater near the Metro Blue Line 103rd Street Station. The performances are free. To experience the entire collection, the audience will gather at Union Station, board the Metro Red or Purple lines and disembark at four other stations, where additional performances will take place, before viewing the final presentation at Watts Towers Amphitheater. Experienced as a whole, the piece will revolve around the theme of movement in America today. It was inspired by interactions with the youth of Watts who, despite being in their late teens, had never traveled outside of a 10-mile radius of their community, as well as by many Angelenos who have never traveled to Watts. It is hoped that Meet Me @ Metro will help bridge that gap. Reservations are limited and required for this free event.
