Thursday, August 18
Wear that cowboy hat
TennWest performs country/western music from 6 to 8 p.m. on the Redondo Beach Pier as part of the Summer of Music series. This time it’s at the Octagon lot where the pier meets the International Boardwalk, near Kinkaid’s. Free. More at redondopier.com.
He needs new wheels
Local poet Steve Armstrong, known far and wide as Raindog, runs Lummox Press and publishes an annual poetry anthology. He’s been carrying that torch for a couple of decades now, but recently his car was stolen and, well, he needs our pennies for another clunker. After all, he needs to get to his own poetry readings. Want to help? Here’s how: gofund.me/2pvv259w.
Friday, August 19
All fired up
Part romance, part political intrigue, “The Firefly” stars Jeanette MacDonald and screens Friday and Saturday at 8:15 p.m., plus Saturday at 2:30 p.m., in the Old Town Music Hall, 140 Richmond St., El Segundo. Tickets, $10 general; $8 if you’re old and crusty (meaning 62 and up). Call (310) 322-2592 or go to OldTownMusicHall.org.
From out there in the ocean
The Tongan Alliance of America presents its “Siale Festival Pacific Islander Education Gala” from 7 to 11 p.m. in the Toyota Meeting Hall, 3300 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. This dinner banquet celebrates the Pacific Islanders’ youth accomplishments, and it passes out award scholarships to high school and college graduates. Tickets, $25. Details at tfsca.org.
Saturday, August 20
Where the grass is greener
The Malaga Cove Lawn Show takes place Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Malaga Cove Plaza, off of Palos Verdes Dr. West between Via Chico and Via Corta in Palos Verdes Estates. About 30 artists affiliated with the PV Art Center are on hand with original works for sale.
Ride that wave into the sunset
The tenth annual, but possibly the last, “Beach Shorts Film Fest,” organized and produced by Barry Hatchett, takes place at 7 p.m. in the Hermosa Beach Community Center, 710 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach. Tickets, $10. Read Eddie Solt’s fine article elsewhere in this section. More at beachshortsfilmfest.com.
It was a year, wasn’t it?
The group 1969 plays rock and roll from 6 to 8 p.m. on the Redondo Beach Pier. It’s free, and before you know it, kids, it’s back to school for you. Dang! More at redondopier.com.
But he won’t fall asleep
The Torrance Theatre Company presents “The Drowsy Chaperone” at 8 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday in the James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. Also next Friday and Saturday. Tickets, $35 to $25. Call (310) 781-7171 or go to torrancetheatrecompany.com.
Somewhere beyond the sea
The Siale Festival, presented by the Tongan Alliance of America, is a free event taking place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Cultural Arts Center, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. Learn about the Kingdom of Tonga, its culture, music, food, dance, crafts. There’s also the Tau’olunga competition, the Little Miss Siale Pageant, and the Hiva Kakala song competition. More at tfsca.org.
Sunday, August 21
As in great Gatsby!
Hotsy Totsy faithfully recreates the fun of the 1920s jazz age. Chanteuse Nannette and her band perform at 2:30 p.m. in the Old Town Music Hall. Tickets are $20. Call (310) 322-2592 or go to OldTownMusicHall.org.
Tuesday, August 23
“Ildy’s Dream” is a free storytelling event presented by author, poet, songwriter and chanteuse Ildy Lee, and it takes place at 7 p.m. in the Meeting Room of the Manhattan Beach Library, 1320 Highland Ave., Manhattan Beach. Ildy is one of our local treasures and a true citizen of the world.
Wednesday, August 24
Another tequila sunrise
A Peaceful Easy Eagles Tribute says it all. Led by Chris Farmer, this Eagles greatest hits show takes place at 7 p.m. outdoors in Farnham Martin Park, next to the Malaga Cove Public Library at 2400 Via Campesina, in Palos Verdes Estates. All the hits, from “Witchy Woman” to “Hotel California.” More at malagacoveconcerts.com. ER
