South Bay arts calendar for August 23 to 29
“Elmoe’s Tide,” by Lowell Nickel, is among the works in “Terra Firma: A Commentary on Land,” a group show on view through Oct. 14 at the Manhattan Beach Art Center,1560 Manhattan Beach Blvd., MB. (310) 802-5440 or go to citymb.info
Charges dismissed
In Contempt plays from 6 to 8 p.m. on the Redondo Beach Pier, 100 Fishermans Wharf, Redondo Beach. One of the last outdoor concerts of the summer.
In Contempt plays tonight (Thursday) from 6 to 8 p.m. on the Redondo Beach Pier
Room at the top
The Torrance Theatre Company presents “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” at the James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. It’s a musical satire of 1960s big business and all it held sacred. Performances, this Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets, $35, with select discounted tickets for $25. Call (310) 781-7171 or go to TorranceCA.gov/ TCACTickets.
Still poignant and wistful
“The Glass Menagerie,” by Tennessee Williams, opens at 8 p.m. in the International City Theatre, located in the Long Beach Performing Arts Center, 330 E. Seaside Way, Long Beach. An American classic, and sure to be given a notable production. Performances Thursday through Sunday, closing Sept. 9. Tickets, $55 opening night (includes post-show reception with actors), thereafter $47 Thursday and Friday, and $49 Saturday and Sunday. (562) 436-4610 or go to InternationalCityTheatre.org.
Soul men
“Ain’t Too Proud to Beg: The Life and Times of the Temptations” opens at 8 p.m. in the Ahmanson Theatre, located in the Music Center, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown Los Angeles. It’s the story of the 1960s Motown group and contains hits from “My Girl” to “Papa Was a Rolling Stone.” Tickets, $30 to $130. Closes Sept. 30. Call (213) 972-4400 or go to CenterTheatreGroup.org.
Saturday, August 25
Taking pictures
Artlife Gallery is presenting a “Photographer’s Talk,” with Dr. Steven Frankel, at 10 a.m. in the gallery, located at720C S. Allied Way, Plaza El Segundo, El Segundo. Frankel will talk about the best travel cameras, where to go in Australia to take the best photos, and so on. (310) 938-2511.
The Blue Breeze Band headlines the Manhattan Beach Concerts in the Park series on Sunday, playing from 5 to 7 p.m. at Polliwog Park. Pier Pressure opens for them at 4 p.m. It’s free. (310) 802-5448 or go to citymb.info/concerts
A breeze is what we need
The Blue Breeze Band headlines the Manhattan Beach Concerts in the Park series, playing from 5 to 7 p.m. at Polliwog Park. Pier Pressure opens for them at 4 p.m. It’s free. (310) 802-5448 or go to citymb.info/concerts.
The DropOffs (pictured) play at 3 p.m. on Saturday, followed by Chroma Haze at 4 and Pier Pressure at 5, in The Standing Room, 1320 Hermosa Ave., Hermosa Beach. Three young bands, with the wide open future in front of them. All ages. (310) 318-1272 or go to thestandingroomrestaurant.com
Venice performs from 5 to 8 p.m. just south of the Hermosa Beach Pier. It’s the last of the Hermosa Summer Concert Series presented by Saint Rocke.
Monday, August 27
Remember the Ascot Raceway?
It existed in Gardena from 1957 to 1990, where the Harbor Transit Station is now. An exhibition devoted to it, “Kings of Speed,” goes on view at the CSUN Art Galleries, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. Opening reception is Sept. 8 from 2 to 8 p.m. A bit of a haul, but Ascot was a South Bay treasure, at least in retrospect. More at csun.edu/artgalleries.
Tuesday, August 28
Romantic, historical drama
The Opera League of Los Angeles presents a free talk about LA Opera’s upcoming production of Verdi’s “Don Carlos” from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Redondo Beach Main Library, 303 N. Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach. Sir Denis Forman says of this work that it is “the grandest of grand operas and an alpha-plus through and through.” (310) 318-9675, op. 5, or go to redondo.org/library. ER