South Bay Arts Calendar: 3/5 – 3/11
The title of Jody Wiggins’ painting, “To the Death… To the Lighthouse!” was pulled from a fortune cookie which was attached to a wheel of fortune. Over 30 other artists found themselves with similar unusual titles and then had to interpret them for “Are You Thinking What I’m Thinking?” an art show that opens on Sunday, March 15, with a brunch at La Venta Inn in Palos Verdes Estates. Seatings at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Cost, $89 plus tax and fee. The show then moves to the Malaga Cove Library from March 18 to 30, with a free reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 28. For brunch reservations, contact karen@newyorkfood.com
Remember when?
“Going to the Movies: The Story of the Bijou Theater” is an exhibition presented by the Hermosa Beach Museum, 710 Hermosa Ave, Hermosa Beach, that documents not only downtown Hermosa’s former movie palace, but its days when it opened as the Metropolitan and later when it was The Cove. The building later became Gallery C and now is a Chase Bank. The opening and reception is at 6:30 p.m. Free. (310) 318-9421 or go to HermosaBeachHistoricalSociety.org.
Friday, March 6
Heard it through the grapevine
Presented by Surf City Theatre, Neil Simon’s “Rumors” plays through the weekend in the Second Story Theater, 710 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8, Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Directed by Katie Kirkpatrick. Tickets, $28. Call (424) 241-8040 or go to surfcitytheatre.com.
Presented by Surf City Theatre, Neil Simon’s “Rumors” plays Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., plus Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m., in the Second Story Theater, Hermosa Beach. Tickets, $28. Pictured: Officers Pudney and Welch (Nancy Fleming and Bob Baumsten), and Ernie Cusack (Mitch Feinstein); sitting: Cookie Cusack (Jennifer Dellapina), Claire Ganz (Jessica Plotin), and Chris Gorman (Marquel Skinner-Rogers). Photo courtesy of Surf City Theatre. (424) 241-8040 or go to surfcitytheatre.com
Vocalist and guitarist Brother Yusef calls his multifaceted style “fatback blues” because it draws from Delta, Chicago, and Texas blues, plus incorporating Louisiana stomp. In short, fingerpicking and slide guitar playing with a touch of urban blues, rock, and funk. Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in the George Nakano Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. $50 if you want to throw in dinner (Southwest salad, chicken enchiladas, and chava rice. $33 if you’re dining elsewhere. (310) 781-7171 or go to TorranceArts.org. For more on the performer, visit brotheryusef.com.
With a Portuguese touch
From Lisbon, piano duo Rosa Maria Barrantes and Filipe Pinto-Ribeiro perform at 12:15 p.m. in the First Lutheran Church and School, 2900 W. Carson St, Torrance. The program, entitled “Souvenirs,” features excerpts from Samuel Barber’s composition of the same name, Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite,” and a selection of Fernando Lopes-Graça’s “Portuguese Rustic Melodies.” Free; donations appreciated, and a complimentary reception follows. (310)316-5574.
“Going to the Movies: The Story of the Bijou Theater” is an exhibition presented by the Hermosa Beach Museum, 710 Hermosa Ave, Hermosa Beach, that documents not only downtown Hermosa’s former movie palace, but its days when it opened as the Metropolitan and later when it was The Cove. The opening and reception is on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Free. On Friday, after a reception at 5:30 p.m., there’s a screening at 7 p.m. of the documentary, “Going Attractions: The Definitive Story of the Movie Palace,” about long-ago lavish picture palaces. Tickets for the film are $10, agt the door or be calling (310) 318-9421 or visiting HermosaBeachHistoricalSociety.org
“Going Attractions: The Definitive Story of the Movie Palace” screens at 7 p.m. in the Hermosa Beach Museum, 710 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, in tandem with the new exhibition “Going to the Movies: The Story of the Bijou Theater” (see above listing). The documentary takes us back to when theaters had thousands of seats, giant screens, ornate interiors and more. A reception takes place at 5:30 p.m. Tickets, $10, at the door or by going to HermosaBeachHistoricalSociety.org.
He’s not answering
Sarah Ruhl’s “Dead Man’s Cell Phone” is on stage at Little Fish Theatre, 777 S. Centre St, San Pedro. The play, mysterious and mesmerizing, explores the need for real life connection in a technologically obsessed world. Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays March 8 (Q&A with crew and cast) and March 22 at 2 p.m. Closes March 22. Tickets, $28 regular, $26 seniors, and $15 for those 25-and-under who can remember to say the word “Hipster.” (310) 512-6030 or go to littlefishtheatre.org.
Saturday, March 7
Petite dancing feet
“Bravo! The Classical & Contemporary Ballet Experience” is being presented by South Bay Ballet at 7 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday in the James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. For tickets, call the box office at (310) 781-7171, and for additional details about the ballet, go to southbayballet.org.
From Lisbon, piano duo Rosa Maria Barrantes and Filipe Pinto-Ribeiro perform at 12:15 p.m. on Friday in the First Lutheran Church and School in Torrance. The program (“Souvenirs”) features work by Samuel Barber, Tchaikovsky, and includes selections from Fernando Lopes-Graça’s “Portuguese Rustic Melodies.” Free; donations appreciated, and a complimentary reception follows. Photo by Leonelde Castro. (310)316-5574
Belmar Brews is inviting us (and you in particular) to spend the afternoon (from 1 to 5 p.m.) sampling beers and ciders from local favorites such as El Segundo Brewery and 101 Cider House. This beer garden tasting event takes place at the Belamar Hotel in Manhattan Beach. Ticket options are $35 for eight four-ounce pours or $50 for unlimited pours. Quick, do the math. Both tickets include snacks (“small bites”) such as pretzels and charcuterie. Under 21? Get lost. The rest of you can go to eventbrite.com/e/belamar-brews-tickets-94732333961.
Know before you go
The LA Opera’s Community Educators are presenting a lively discussion about Donizetti’s “Roberto Devereaux” at 2 p.m. in the Katy Geissert Civic Center Library, 3301 Torrance Blvd, Torrance. The costume drama is now on stage in the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. (310) 618-5959 or go to Library.TorranceCA.Gov.
This has to be good, right?
Reverend Tall Tree presents his original blues opera at 8 p.m. in the Grand Annex, 434 W. Sixth St, San Pedro. The description? “Stomping, shuffling and hollering.” Show at 8 and doors open at 7:30. Tickets, $32, $27, $22. Call (310) 833-4813 or go to grandvision.org.
In praise of the spiritual master
Amanda Los Angeles presents the “Yogananda Fest 2020” at 10:30 a.m. in the Cultural Arts Center, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. The teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda will be shared and the event includes meditation, inspirational talks, a healing center, etc. Free. (310) 396-9900 or go to yoganandafest.com.
Before it comes down
The closing reception for “Women by Women 2020: Depictions and Interpretations by Greater Los Angeles Women” ends with today, with a talk as well, from 2 to 4 p.m. at SoLA Contemporary, 3718 Slauson Ave, Los Angeles. The works of 30 local artists are on view. (323) 903-5737 or go to solacontemporary.org.
The Los Angeles International Flamenco Festival takes place on Sunday at 8 p.m. in the Grand Annex, 434 W. Sixth St, San Pedro, and features José Del Tomate. Tickets, $45 to $27. The festival returns to the Grand Annex later in the month (March 25) with Rocío Márquez. Photo courtesy of the Flamenco Festival. (800) 595-4849 or go to kalakoa.com
Requiems now and then
Los Cancioneros Master Chorale, under the direction of Allan Robert Petker, presents “Masterpieces for the Living” at 7 p.m. in the James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. The group sings a coronation anthem by Handel, a descriptive piece by Haydn, movements from “Requiem” by Saint-Saëns, and “Requiem for the Living” by contemporary composer Dan Forrest. Orchestrations enhance each piece. Tickets, $25 adults and students (some of whom may be adults) is $15. Parking is free. Call Diana at (310) 779-3072, the box office at (310) 781-7171, or go to LCMasterChorale.com.
Exotic, strong, seductive
The Los Angeles International Flamenco Festival takes place at 8 p.m. in the Grand Annex, 434 W. Sixth St, San Pedro, and features José Del Tomate. The guitarist will be accompanied by Cristobal Santiago on guitar and Morenito Hijo on vocals. Tickets, $45 to $27. The festival returns to the Grand Annex later in the month (March 25) with Rocío Márquez. (800) 595-4849 or go to kalakoa.com.
Solo and choral masterworks
The South Bay Children’s Choir join soprano Jessie Tisdale and tenor Craig Benson for “An Afternoon of Light Classics” at 4 p.m. in Haag Recital Hall on the campus of El Camino College, Crenshaw and Redondo Beach boulevards, Torrance. The choir is an auditioned group of over 100 young singers, ages six to 18. Tickets, $15 to $10. Call (800) 832-ARTS or go to centerforthearts.org.
Tuesday, March 10
Packing up the van
“Artists on the Move: Journeys and Drawings” examines the travels of European artists from the 16th through the 19th century, and it’s on view through May 31 at the Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles. Among the artists are Joseph Heintz the Elder, Federico Zuccaro, and Edward Lear. Free; parking $20; $15 after 3 p.m. (310) 440-7300 or go to getty.edu. ER