Calender-Week of Thursday, July 15th

Thursday, July 15

Shakespeare by the Sea

Timeless tales, ticketless admission, priceless experience. Shakespeare by the Sea graces the Beach Cities with four performances in the coming week and a half, July 15 & 16 at Polliwog Park in Manhattan Beach and July 21 & 22 at Valley Park in Hermosa Beach, all at 7 p.m. This season’s offerings are Julius Caesar and Twelfth Night. Free, but donations always appreciated. For more info, locations, dates go to shakespearebythesea.org.

Family ‘50s event:
From 5 – 8 p.m., the Torrance Historical Society presents the sixth annual 1950s-style family summer event. Vintage cars courtesy of Cruisin’ 50s; Bop to 50s music; Munch on eats from the IN-N-OUT burger wagon (5:30 – 7 p.m. (nominal fee for food & beverages); Slurp milk shakes made with vintage machines by real “soda jerks.” 1345 Post Ave. Be there or be square.

Friday, July 16

Hermosa Farmers Market:
Shop to your heart – and family and kitchen’s – delight every Friday, noon – 4 p.m., at 900 Valley Dr. between 8th St. and Pier Ave.

“Last Dog on the Hill”:
Veteran pet behaviorist and author Steve Duno promotes his new book, a memoir about his special rescue dog, Lou, at Pages, 6 p.m. For a summer’s worth of upcoming meetings with authors such as John O’Melveny Woods, “Return to Treasure Island,” James Miller, “Final Justice,” and others, call 310-318-0900 or pagesabookstore.com. 904 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach.

WWJCD?:
“Some are born great…” indeed. The cast, crew and production team of shakespearebythesea.org have packed up the lights, sets and costumes and hit the road for Polliwog Park. Enjoy Julius Caesar this evening and Twelfth Night tomorrow, 7 p.m. Manhattan Beach Blvd, just west of Redondo Ave., Manhattan Beach. For other venues, dates: 310-217-7596. Sweaters, blankets, low lawn chairs.

Outfest film selection:
South Bay LGBT Community Organization featuring a showing of an official selection of both 2009 Outfest and 2009 LA Film Festival. 7 p.m. A $2 donation is appreciated. Returning host, Popcorn Diva Lisa will show a charming comedy-drama in which the star catches his boyfriend with another guy and heads for – where else, Hollywood – to create a new life. Refreshments available. 310-328-6550. 16610 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance.

Saturday, July 17

Family Camping at Wilderness Park:
Limited space is available for this family overnight campout. Sign up ASAP. $40 per family (up to 5 people, and 1 tent) 310-318-0610, x 3460. Sepulveda Blvd, just north of Prospect, Redondo Beach.

Earth-friendly art classes:
Harmony Works, shop and gallery specializing in earth-friendly, handmade items, offers weekly classes to spur creativity and feed the soul, among which is the Mommy (or Daddy) & Me are Artists! for parent/s & kids 5 – 10 years old. Four weeks, beginning today. Vanesa Andrade, artist and muralist, will instruct the classes. harmony-works.com or call 310-791-7104.

Relay for Life:
Celebrate with the 24-hour ‘One day… One night… One community… One fight.’ at Alta Vista Elementary School, 815 Knob Hill, Redondo Beach, to help fight cancer here in your community. Opening ceremonies begin at 9 a.m., with a survivors lap around the track, and at 9 p.m., a Luminaria Ceremony. Local activist, survivor and inspirational speaker Adrienne Slaughter is the keynote speaker at 3 p.m. And at 9 a.m., tomorrow morning, you can join in for the closing ceremonies. relayforlife.org/beachcitiesca, acs.org.

Free composting workshop:
Bin there, done that… A one-hour workshop at the Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden (southwest corner of Polliwog Park, Manhattan Beach Blvd) to learn the right way to set up a composting or worm bin, and how simple it is to recycle many organic materials in your own backyard. Free to all, but the composting and worm bins are available for only $35 to Manhattan Beach residents only. Please bring proof of residency. 10 a.m. More info: 310-830-7100.

MCHS, Hermosa Valley bands free concert:
Former Hermosa Valley student Hunter O’Brien presents an afternoon of music while learning about the advantages of music education. Mira Costa bands, along with a special performance by the Hermosa Valley Band, will present a great afternoon treat for all. 1 – 5 p.m., St. Cross Church, 1818 Monterey Blvd., Hermosa Beach. Free, but donations in support of the Hermosa Valley School Band will be gratefully welcomed.

Everybody dance now:
An evening of fun and ballroom dancing benefiting Cheer for Children, an all-volunteer organization helping acutely ill children and children with orthopedic disabilities in the South Bay. Raffle prizes, hors d’oeuvre buffet, free dance lesson, special dance performance, live auction, professional portrait photo booth. Torrance Cultural Arts Center, Ken Miller Auditorium, 3341 West Torrance Blvd. $35 per person or $315 table of ten. (310) 544-9768 or email: info@cheercharityball.com.

Sunday, July 18

Keep it beachy clean!:
Surfrider Foundation with Sashi will clean up El Porto (free drink & Sashi’s happy hour for participants), from 10 a.m. – noon. Surfrider will provide trash bags and gloves at the Surfrider tent. Details, future dates: 949-412-9730, beach-cleanup@surfrider-southbay.org.

Drum Circle on the sand:
All ages are welcome at the (every 3rd Sunday) Drum Circle under the Hermosa Pier by the water’s edge, 12 – 3 p.m. Bring friends, family, drums or use Sabina’s. 310-318-7191 or freetobemedrumcircle.com or sabinadrums@yahoo.com.

Monday, July 19

Storied kids:
Pages bookstore in Manhattan Beach offers free story time for kids every Monday at 10:30 a.m. Different guest readers/authors each week. 904 Manhattan Ave., MB. 310-318-0900.

Tuesday, July 20

Read to me:
BookPALS (Performing Artists for Literacy in Schools) brings SAG actors and actresses to the Redondo Library to support literacy and to help teach children that reading is fun! All ages are welcome! You’re never too old to have someone read you a story!! 6:45 p.m. Children’s Area, 303 N. Pac. Cst. Hwy. (310) 318-0675 option 6 for more info.

About “Olive Kitteridge”:
The Redondo Beach Adult Book Discussion of the Month, 7 – 8 p.m. (and again, July 24, 2 – 4 p.m.) discusses Elizabeth Strout’s book, “Olive Kitteridge.” A free program. 2nd floor conference room, Redondo Library, 303 N Pacific Coast Hwy.

Wednesday, July 21

Andrea Doria: up close & personal:
Three Dive N Surf staffers, Laila Richard, Kathy Mallon and Chris Gini, were aboard the dive boat that recovered the ill-fated Andrea Doria’s bronze bell last month, and will share photos and stories at the Dive N Surf dive team meeting. Meet at Lou-E-Luey’s Banquet Hall on the International Boardwalk, Redondo Beach. Parking validation available. $11, includes a taco bar buffet. Check-in 6:15 p.m.; dinner 7 p.m., presentations, 7:15 p.m. Open to the public, attendees receive a free raffle ticket for Dive N’ Surf door prizes. karen.axelrod@gmail.com.

Drum workshops, parties:
Learn to drum or improve the first and third Wednesdays of the month with the nonprofit Free to be Me Drum Circles/Workshops. Bring your own instruments or rent congas, steel pans, timbales, djun djuns, roto toms and djembes for just $5. 6 p.m., $15. Call for address, and other programs for kids (6 and up, $10 per lesson, 6:30 p.m.), elders, private parties and special events, at home or business. 310-318-7191 or freetobemedrumcircle.com or sabinadrums@yahoo.com.

July for Julius:
If you missed the Bard at Polliwog Park, aim for Valley Park in Hermosa tonight (Julius Caesar) or tomorrow (Twelfth Night) for Shakespeare By the Sea’s movable performances. Free, but donations greatly appreciated. 7 p.m. Corner of Valley Dr. and Gould, Hermosa Beach. Shakespearebythesea.org for more dates, locations, info.

Thursday, July 22

Redondo Farmers Market:
Open every Thursday, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. in front of Veterans Park. Free parking validation is provided for one hour in the Pier Parking Structure.

Ostomy support group:
The South Bay support group holds its monthly meeting beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Torrance Memorial Medical Center, B room, West Tower. This month’s guest speaker is from ConVaTec and will show the latest products, as well as help attendees get free samples for testing. All ostomates, their friends & family are welcome. Info: 310-548-8558 or fynrfin@ca.rr.com. ER

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