South Bay arts calendar for Nov. 29-Dec. 5

Thursday, November 29
Now it’s in their court
The artists’ reception for the “Faculty Show” takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. in the El Camino College Art Gallery, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance, and it’s exactly what the title says. There’s a gallery talk at 1 p.m. on Tuesday. Closes Dec. 12. Call (310) 660-3010 or go to elcamino.edu.
Have they improved?
The “Fall Advanced Dance Concert” (I don’t like to see “fall” and “dance” in the same sentence) features the choreographic works of John Pennington from the Pennington Dance Group, as well as choreography from faculty and students, and it’s taking place at 1 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. on Sunday, in the Campus Theatre at El Camino College, Crenshaw and Redondo Beach boulevards, Torrance. Multiple genres of dance, from ballet to jazz and hip-hop. Faculty directors and choreographers include Liz Hoefner Adamis, Kanisha Bennett, Daniel Berney, Jonathan Bryant, and Jessica Kondrath. For tickets, call (800) 832-ARTS or go to centerforthearts.org.
Cheer up, and join in
The Redondo Ballet Company of Redondo Beach is participating in the 2018 Riviera Village Holiday Stroll, and dancers will be in the parade that begins at 6 p.m. You’ll see them dancing to holiday music, as well as performing some of their signature dances.

Friday, November 30
Doubly special, of course
Surf City is presenting “A Very Special Holiday Special” at 8 p.m. tonight and tomorrow, plus Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m., in the Second Story Theater, 710 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach. The show consists of nine vignettes by Mark Harvey Levine, most of which humorously riff on Christmas and Hanukkah stores. Tickets, $28. Call (424) 241-8040 or go to surfcitytheatre.com.

Prolific, expressive, melodic musician
Pianist Robin Spielberg presents her holiday show, “Spirit of Christmas with Robin Spielberg: Holiday Sing-along,” at 8 p.m. in the James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. Spielberg has 17 recordings to her credit and has appeared on over 40 compilations. Tickets, $35, $30, $25. Call (310) 781-7171 or go to torrancearts.org. You can also learn more about the artist at robinspielberg.com.
Music double-header
The Thies Consort, presented by the South Bay Chamber Music Society, performs at 8 p.m. in the Recital Hall of the Music Department at L.A. Harbor College, 1111 Figueroa Place, Wilmington. The concert is repeated at 3 p.m. on Sunday in the Pacific Unitarian Church, 5621 Montemalaga, Rancho Palos Verdes. The group consists of pianist Robert Thies, violinist Roger Wilkie, violist Brian Dembow, and cellist Armen Ksajikian. The program features works by Brahms and Dvorak. Free. Information at sbcms.net.
Pure jazz at its best
The ECC Studio Jazz Band, under the direction of David Sills, presents “The Best of the Blue Note Era,” a concert taking place at 8 p.m. in Marsee Auditorium at El Camino College, Crenshaw and Redondo Beach boulevards, Torrance. That means notable music by Horace Silver, Joe Henderson, Cannonball Adderley, Lee Morgan, Hank Mobley, Art Blakey and more. For tickets, call (800) 832-ARTS or go to centerforthearts.org.

Saturday, December 1
Loud and resonant
“Art and Study of Taiko” features staff and students of Asano Taiko US and the Los Angeles Taiko Institute, and they’ll perform at 6 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday in the James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. You’ll witness the challenges and joys of these Japanese drums. Tickets, $20, $15, $10. Call (310) 781-7171 or go to torrancearts.org. Better yet, visit asano.us.
Heavenly voices
The ‘Holiday Choral Extravaganza,” featuring the combined voices of the Concert Choir, the Mixed Chorus, and Chorale, under the direction of Joanna Medawar Nachef, takes place at 8 p.m. in Marsee Auditorium at El Camino College, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance. Tickets, $10. Call (800) 832-ARTS or go to centerforthearts.org.
High achievers acknowledged
The “2018 Excellence in Arts Awards” are being presented by the City of Torrance Cultural Arts Commission at 3 p.m. in the Toyota Meeting Hall, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. This year’s recipients include Dr. James L.P. Hurd for music, Destination: Art for visual arts, Steve Norris for literary arts, and Loren Gould for drama and theater arts. Free. (310) 618-2376.

Sunday, December 2
Sounds of the season
The Palos Verdes Symphonic Band presents “Joyful Sounds of the Holidays” at 3 p.m. in the Peninsula Community Church, 5640 Crestridge Road, Rancho Palos Verdes. Musician George Makinto will put an African spin on several holiday favorites, and the band will play a selection in memory of musician and past president of the board, Larry Weeks. Tickets, $10; free for those under 12. At the door or call (310) 792-8286, or go to pvsband.org.
Putting their lungs to good use
The South Bay Children’s Choir, with 100 young singers aged 6 to 18, are performing at 4 p.m. in Marsee Auditorium at El Camino College, Crenshaw and Redondo Beach boulevards, Torrance. Diane Simons leads the group. “A New Year… Young Voices Rising” showcases seasonal music and well-chosen classics. Tickets, $6 to $18 (the same as the age range?). Call (800) 832-ARTS or go to centerforthearts.org.
A tongue-twister of a title
The Swedish Women’s Educational Association Christmas Fair takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Cultural Arts Center, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. Scandinavian goods, gifts, and Swedish food (probably not mangoes). Admission, $10 general, with kids under 10 free. Visit losangeles.swea.org.
What was in the sky?
The 12th annual nativity exhibit, “The Christmas Star,” goes on view at the Mary and Joseph Retreat Center in Palos Verdes. Free admission, through Dec. 21 (closed Dec. 8). To learn more, call Sydne at (310) 377-4867, ext. 258, or visit maryjoseph.org.

Monday, December 3
Picture this, and this
Artlife Gallery opens its “Holiday Art” exhibit at 720C South Allied Way, located in Plaza El Segundo in El Segundo. Over 100 works will be on view. The opening reception is on Saturday, Dec. 15, from 6 to 9 p.m. On that day there will be live painting by Alison Corteen and live music by Meyra Cordova. Through Dec. 31. Call (310) 938-2511 or go to artlifegallerysb.com.
They’ll need cold weather
“Winter Concert,” presented by Richardson Middle School Music, is set for 6:30 p.m. in the James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. The student jazz band, the choir, the beginning and advanced bands, show off their talents. Tickets, $5. Call (310) 781-7171 or call the school at (310) 533-4790.

Tuesday, December 4
Bad boy of art
Artful Days, the free monthly art discussion, focuses on “Caravaggio and His Followers” from 12:10 to 1 p.m. in the George Nakano Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. Caravaggio was one of the most distinguished painters of the Baroque era, before his untimely death at the age of 30. Call (310) 618-2376 or go to TorranceCA.Gov.
A snowball of music
Michelle Bourque and Bourque Music are presenting their “Winter Wonderland” concert at 7 p.m. in the James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. Musicians of all ages perform holiday tunes with themes from movies and television. Tickets, $15. Call (310) 781-7171 or visit bourquemusic.com.
Art and entertainment listings for upcoming events? Photos? Send them to bondo@easyreadernews.com. ER

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