South Bay arts calendar for July 19 to 25
“Block and Line,” by Annie Stromquist, plus “Wood, Paper and Paint,” featuring sculptured work by Michael Falzone, Michael Stearns, and Ron Therrio, is on view at the Loft, 401 S. Mesa Ave., San Pedro, and there’s an artists reception for them on Saturday from 2 to 6 p.m. Pictured, Natasia Gaston with Ron Therrio’s “LeFeesh.” Photo . (310) 400-0544 or go to michaelstearnsstudio.com
It didn’t look good
“The Desert and the Sea,” by Michael Scott Moore, is about the author’s 32 months held captive by Somali pirates. He’ll be discussing it at 7 p.m. at Pages: a bookstore, 904 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach. This is a ticketed event which includes book purchase. (310) 318-0900.
The Torrance Historical Society hosts its 14th annual 1950s-style family summer event on Thursday (tonight) from 5 to 8 p.m. See vintage cars, hear ‘50s music played by DJ Ozzie, and partake in old ‘50s games. Free, and it’s in front of the museum at 1345 Post Avenue, Old Torrance. Pictured, 4-year-old Theresa (Fagan) Hollis in 1958 next to her dad’s ‘55 Chevy. (310) 561-7806 or go to TorranceHistoricalSociety.org
The Torrance Historical Society is hosting its 14th annual 1950s-style family summer event from 5 to 8 p.m. in celebration of the All-America City Award that it received. What’s on tap? Vintage cars, ‘50s music played by DJ Ozzie, old ‘50s games you can play, and more. Free, and it’s over in front of the museum at 1345 Post Avenue (which will be blocked off so you won’t get run over while you’re in the hula hoop contest). Call (310) 561-7806 or go to TorranceHistoricalSociety.org.
Friday, July 20
The perfect nanny
The Aerospace Players are presenting the musical “Mary Poppins” at the James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., plus Sunday at 2 p.m. Also next week: Thursday, July 26, at 7 p.m.; Friday, July 27, at 8 p.m.; and Saturday, July 28, at 2 p.m. Tickets, $24 general less $2 seniors and students. (310) 781-7171 or go to aeaclubs.org.
Catch a fish for the Bard
Shakespeare by the Sea presents “The Merry Wives of Windsor” at 7 p.m. at the Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles, 3601 S. Gaffey St. #8, San Pedro. It’s free, but donations are appreciated. (310) 217-7596 or go to shakespearebythesea.org.
RD Armstrong reads from and discusses his latest book, “Orphaned Words: Forgotten Poems from a Haphazard Life,” at 11 a.m. on Saturday in the Redondo Beach Public Library. Free, but maybe you’ll buy something, yes? (310) 318-0675
When it rains, it howls
RD Armstrong reads from and discusses his latest book, “Orphaned Words: Forgotten Poems from a Haphazard Life,” at 11 a.m. in the Redondo Beach Public Library, 303 N. Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach. Free, but maybe he’ll cut you a deal on the collection. (310) 318-0675.
It’s cooking!
The “Heat Wave” art exhibit group show has its opening reception from 6 to 9 p.m at Artlife Gallery, 720C South Allied Way, Plaza El Segundo, in El Segundo. Through July 31. Call (310) 938-2511.
Wrap your head around it
“Phantom LIM,” which “investigates the formal relationships developed in the imperceptible negotiations between art and object,” opens with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Torrance Art Museum, 3320 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. It’s a multimedia group show. Closes Sept. 1. Call (310) 618-6388 or visit TorranceArtMuseum.com.
Worth our consideration
“Block and Line,” by Annie Stromquist, plus “Wood, Paper and Paint,” featuring sculptured work by Michael Falzone. Michael Stearns, and Ron Therrio, is on view at the Loft, 401 S. Mesa Ave., San Pedro, and there’s an artists reception for them from 2 to 6 p.m. (310) 400-0544 or go to michaelstearnsstudio.com.
While you’re there…
Richard Stephens has new work, and he’s also open this Saturday at the Loft in San Pedro, from 2 to 5 p.m. Reach him at (310) 291-5316 or canneryrowstudios.com.
The “Heat Wave” art exhibit opens with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday at Artlife Gallery in El Segundo. Through July 21. Pictured, “Knocking on Heaven’s Door,” by Judy Lange. (310) 938-2511
Musical carpentry
“Saw and Soul,” featuring Lou Mannick and a stellar lineup of musicians, perform at 5 p.m. at Live at the Lounge, 1014 Hermosa Ave., Hermosa Beach. Tickets, $20. See story, this issue. (310) 372-1193 or go to comedyandmagicclub.com.
Fun fair fanfare
The “Bridge USA Japanese Summer Festival 2018” takes place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Cultural Arts Center, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. Over 60 booths with food, kimonos, souvenirs, plus live music, dancers, and a Mikoshi parade. Admission, $6; $3. More at bridgeusa.com.
Park yourself here
“A Day in the Park” is a free event that takes place from 12:30 to 5 p.m. at Anderson Park, 828 S. Mesa St., San Pedro. Here’s the live music lineup: The Mighty Echoes at 1 p.m. They’re an a cappella doo wop quartet; Cambalache at 2:30 p.m. They play the music of Veracruz; Adaawe at 4 p.m. They perform African fusion, voice and drum. Plus DJ Mijo. Furthermore, there will be food trucks, arts and crafts and the YMCA’s mammogram truck. (310) 833-4813 or go to grandvision.org. ER