Is it April already? Everything seems to be happening all at once. April is simultaneously national poetry month and earthquake preparedness month so it makes sense that an earthquake hits Baja California the first weekend of the month. We haven't had many poetry outbreaks yet but the month is still young.
While the planet seems unsettled, the stars are still on display around town. Tomorrow, the City of Los Angeles will dedicate the corner of Fifth and Grand as John Fante Square, in recognition of author John Fante's influence on literary Los Angeles. Russell Crowe receives a Hollywood Walk of Fame star on April 12th and Neil Patrick Harris sharpens his emcee skills by hosting the Academy of Magical Arts annual awards ceremony on Sunday, April 11th. On Friday, April 9th, Seymour Hersch will speak at the 2010 Selden Ring Award for Investigative Reporting luncheon, honoring T. Christian Miller and Douglas Ring.
Here is a look at events happening all around town.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
- Book Soup has canceled tonight's event with Repo Men author Eric Garcia.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
- John Fante Square naming ceremony on the corner the 5th and Grand at 11am. A free walking tour follows.
- John Butin, author of the social history L.A. Noir: The Struggle for the Soul of America's Most Seductive City, presents a lecture "Just the Facts: Chief William Parker's War on Mickey Cohen and the Los Angeles Underworld" at the Los Angeles Athletic Club at 7 PM. Free but reservations required.
- Councilmember Jan Perry receives a "Breath of Life" Award from Breathe LA at the Petersen Automotive Museum at 6:00 PM
- Jerry Seinfeld headlines a fundraiser for Reprise Theatre Company at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills. Jason Alexander hosts the event, which starts at 8:00 PM.
Friday, April 9, 2010
- USC Annenberg School of Communication holds its 2010 Selden Ring Award for Investigative Reporting luncheon at 12:00 pm. Speakers include Seymour Hersh. This year's ceremony, honoring T. Christian Miller and Douglas Ring, will be at the USC Town and Gown Club, 665 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles.
- The work of artist Amanda Visell will be on display at the Primeval Love exhibition in the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles. 7 PM to 11 PM.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
- Cherry Blossom Festival Southern California 2010 Event Opening Day (continues through April 11). Little Tokyo. Los Angeles.
- Mark Bradford, artist and 2009 MacArthur Fellow, discusses his first monograph, Merchant Posters, with Hammer Museum Chief Curator Douglas Fogle at the REDCAT from 3 - 5 PM. RSVP to celebrate@foryourart.com
- Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine hosts its "Art of Compassion: 25th Anniversary Gala," chaired by Tom and Kathy Freston, at a private residence in Malibu. Guests arrive at 6:30 PM.
- Tracey Doi and George Tanaka chair the Japanese American National Museum's 2010 Gala Dinner and Silent Auction at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza at 5:30 PM.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
- HollyRod Foundation for Help and Hope hosts its Family Festival celebrating the launch of the book, My Brother Charlie, at Culver Studios, 9336 Washington Boulevard, Culver City at noon. Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete founded the charity.
- American Institute of Architects will hold its 2010 Home Tours Spring series in Venice.
- Neil Patrick Harris hosts the Academy of Magical Arts's 42nd Annual Awards show at the Avalon, 1735 Vine St., Hollywood at 5:00 PM.
Monday, April 12, 2010
- Writers Bloc presents Julies Feiffer in conversation with Carl Reiner at Temple Emanuel, 300 North Clark Drive, Beverly Hills, at 7:30 p.m.
- Russell Crowe receives his Hollywood Walk of Fame Star at a ceremony starting at 11:30 AM. Paparazzi better wear helmets as those stars are quite sharp when flung by irate movie stars.
- Spirits with Spirits, the monthly gathering of G.H.O.U.L.A., the Ghost Hunters of Urban LA, will be at the historic Tam O'Shanter Inn, Walt Disney's favorite restaurant, to celebrate the publication of Richard Carradine's new book Disneyland after Dark: An Unauthorized Guide to the Happiest (Haunted) Place on Earth. Tam O'Shanter, Atwater Village, 7-9 PM. Free.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
- Lawrence Weschler & Dennis Patrick Slattery will be on hand to discuss Carl Jung's Red Book, a rare manuscript now on view at the Hammer Museum for the first time on the West Coast. Hammer Museum. 7 PM.