South Bay arts calendar for May 9 to 15

Thursday, May 9
Seaside resort
Chip Creek, author of the novel “Cape May,” described as “Rules of Civility” meets “Revolutionary Road,” discusses his book at 7 p.m. in {pages}: a bookstore, 904 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach. Free. (310) 318-0900 or go to pagesabookstore.com.
Going around the bend
“Hot Flashin’,” a musical comedy written by Gina Jourad, with music by Tom Pergola, opens at the Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. Two longtime South Bay residents are in the show: Cindy Shields and Paula Kelley. There are eight performances: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m., as well as next weekend, May 16, 17, and 18 at 8 p.m. and May 19 at 2 p.m. For tickets, call (310) 477-2055, Gina at (310) 339-2949, or go to hotflashinmusical.com.
Say what you mean
The Hermosa Beach lecture series presents an evening of “Beatnik Poetry” at 7:30 p.m. in the Hermosa Beach Museum, 710 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach. Overview and live readings with the Mira Costa Poetry Club, Pennekamp Elementary, and The Poetry Circle. Free.
Full-throttle energy
“Spring Spectacular,” presented by the City of Torrance Dance and Drill Team, features girls from kindergarten through 8th grade who have competed and performed throughout Southern California in parades, shows, competitions, etc. The show takes place at 7 p.m. in the James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. Tickets, $13, $9. Call (310) 781-7171.

Friday, May 10
She’s a butterball
“Hairspray,” the early 1960s musical based on John Waters’ film of the same name, is being performed on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., plus Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m., in the Norris Theatre,17570 Norris Center Drive, Rolling Hills Estates. Songs, laughter, improbable romance. Closes Sunday. Tickets, $80 to $30. Call (310) 544-0403 or go to palosverdesperformingarts.com.
A real jerk
“Happy Hour with History: Keith Morris” celebrates Circle Jerks co-founder Keith Morris, who’ll be reading from his book, “My Damage: The Story of a Punk Rock Survivor.” Takes place at 6 p.m. in the Hermosa Beach Historical Society & Museum, 710 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach. HBHS members free; all the rest of you: $10.
Keep your balance
A stage adaption of “Spring Forward/Fall Back,” the novel by Jane Yeh, is being presented at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday in the James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. “Worlds collide as the story unfolds through the blending of contemporary American singing and elements of traditional Chinese shadow plays.” Tickets, $30, $25, $20. Call (310) 781-7171 or go to torrancearts.org.
From the ailment to…
The Cure tribute band performs at 9 p.m. in the Alpine Village restaurant, 833 W. Torrance Blvd., Torrance. It’s the first of seven tribute band shows throughout the summer. Admission, $15; VIP tables are $35. Call (310) 327-4384.
True cost of living
International City Theatre presents Arthur Miller’s “The Price” in the Beverly O’Neill Theatre in the Long Beach Performing Arts Center, 330 E. Seaside Drive, Long Beach. It plays most Thursdays through Sundays and closes on May 26. Tickets, opening night is $55 (includes post-show reception with the actors); Saturdays and Sundays, $49; Thursdays and Fridays (except May 10), $47. Call (562) 436-4610 or go to InternationalCityTheatre.org.

Saturday, May 11
Sit back and laugh
“A Fool’s Mother’s Day Tribute,” presented by April’s Fools Comedy Improv Troupe, takes place at 7:30 p.m. in the Second Story Theatre, 710 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach. It’s comedy in the moment, and directed this monty by Doris Usui and Wade Murphy. Tickets, $10 general; $8 seniors (but this time Moms get in for $5). Call (310)318-1705 or go to AprilsFoolsImprov.com.
From screen to stage
“On Golden Pond,” the film that starred Henry and Jane Fonda, was adapted for the stage by Ernest Thompson, and it’s being performed by the Torrance Theatre Company, located at 1316 Cabrillo Ave., Torrance. It plays Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., plus some Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m., as well as Thursday, June 13, at 7 p.m., followed by a Q&A with the actors. Tickets, $30. Closes June 15. Call (424) 243-6882 or go to TorranceTheatreCompany.com.
It’ll be hopping and popping
The “Sixth Annual Jazz Festival” takes place from 3 p.m. in Marsee Auditorium at El Camino College, Crenshaw and Redondo Beach boulevards, Torrance. The festival brings together students from both high school and college levels. Alex Acuña (Weather Report) is the featured guest artist, and will teach a two-hour master class. Jazz combos play at 6 p.m., and the Gala Concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Daytime events are free; tickets for the gala concert are $5 for high school students with ID, who purchase at the Marsee Auditorium ticket office. General admission is $10 and can be purchased by calling (800) 832-ARTS or by going to centerforthearts.org.
Art in the park
Artists associated with the Palos Verdes Art Center are part of an all-media Art Fair taking place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Lunada Bay Plaza, 2201 Palos Verdes Dr. W, Palos Verdes Estates. Original artwork for sale: painting, photography, jewelry, wearable art, and handmade sculpture. Artists include Pong Apinyavat, Bernard Fallon, Joy Gonzales, Mario Mirkovich, Val Simon, and Jonathan Weaver. Contact Val Simon, (805) 300-8946.
There’s still time
Celebrating “Older Americans Month,” the 20th Annual “Senior Faire” takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Ken Miller Recreation Center, 3341 Torrance Blvd, Torrance. Arts, crafts, entertainment… and blood pressure screenings. Free.

Sunday, May 12
Keep tapping your feet
The South Bay New Orleans Jazz Club meets from 12:30 to 5 p.m. in the Knights of Columbus Hall, 214 Avenue I, in Redondo Beach. The club presents Dixieland and traditional jazz in a live music format, and this month’s featured band is The New Orleans Whalers. Admission, $8 members, $12 non-members, and $10 if you’re in another jazz club. Visiting musicians coming to play additional “sets” admitted free. (310) 376-2591.
With nature all around
The Palos Verdes Symphonic Band presents its annual “Mother’s Day Concert” from 3 to 5 p.m. on the meadow of the South Coast Botanic Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Blvd, on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Jazz selections, featuring Steve Catalano on saxophone, include works by Duke Ellington, Hoagy Carmichael, Dizzy Gillespie, Chick Corea, Sammy Nestico, the Gershwin brothers, and more. Free with garden admission. Call the Garden at (310) 544-1948, the band at (310) 792-8286, or visit pvsband.org.
Two of our favorites
Violinist Linda Wang and pianist Robert Thies perform at 2 p.m. in the Rolling Hills United Methodist Church, 26438 Crenshaw Blvd, Rolling Hills Estates. Free; donations appreciated. (310) 316-5574.
Rolling up their sleeves
“Piano Festival 2019” is being presented by the Japan Musicians Association of California (JMAC) at 9 p.m. in the James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. Students of all ages are competing. Free. More if you shoot an email to miekun-la-la-la@hotmail.com.

Monday, May 13
This is their moment
“Student Show 2019,” featuring works by El Camino College art department students, opens in the on-campus art gallery, Crenshaw and Redondo Beach boulevards, Torrance. The reception is set for Friday, May 17, from 5 to 8 p.m., and the show will be up through May 30. Closed on May 27. Call (310) 660-3010.

Tuesday, May 14
Strumming to benefit others
Solo guitarist TJ Brinjak performs from 12 to 1:30 p.m. at Suzy’s, 1141 Aviation Blvd, at Prospect, in Hermosa Beach. One-half of the tip jar goes to the Hermosa Beach Rotary Club. (310) 379-6171.

Wednesday, May 15
Start the day with a film
“The Emperor’s New Groove” screens at 10:30 a.m. in the Katy Geissert Civic Center Library, 3301 Torrance Blvd, Torrance. Mark Dindal directed this 73 minute long feature. (310) 618-5959 or go to Library.TorranceCA.Gov. ER

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