By John Sanders and Lilly Roseburrough, Playa Vista Staff Writers
“A Spring Soiree”
MAY 7
Westside Pacific Villages, a local volunteer non-profit composed of individuals who assist older neighbors in maintaining their independence at home, is hosting a fundraiser. Westside Pacific Villages particularly focuses on widowed older adults and those living alone or far from family. Additionally, the Rotary Club of Westchester and long-time WPV volunteer and supporter Lee Gardner will be honored.
Courtyard by Marriott, 6333 Bristol Parkway, Culver City, tickets start at $50, 5 to 7:30 p.m., thewpv.org
“Americaville” Documentary
MAY 8
The Lloyd Taber Library will celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a movie night. The documentary “Americaville” covers the “Wild West-themed” gated community of Jackson Hole, China, in the mountains north of Beijing. It is intended for adults 18 and over.
Lloyd Taber Library, 4533 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, free admission, 5 p.m., lacountylibrary.org
Bay Cities Coin Club Meeting
MAY 8
Coin collectors will find a community with the Bay Cities Coin Club. Whether it’s error coins and bills, wooden nickels, civil war tokens, ancient coins or world currency, the Bay Cities Coin Collectors want to see it all. Meetings feature a show-and-tell, a resident expert’s educational presentation, a coin auction and a raffle. All ages are welcome, and the group has gifts for children.
Covenant Presbyterian Church, 6323 W. 80th Street, Los Angeles, see website for charges, 6:30 p.m., baycitiescoinclub.com, baycitiescoinclub@hotmail.com
Celso Salim and Darryl Carriere
MAY 8
Brazilian guitarist Celso Salim and Californian harmonica player Darryl Carriere have performed and composed music together for over twenty years and released their first record as a duo in 2022. The two alternate on lead vocals, sing together and combine guitar and harmonica playing to create a soulful blend. The performance will feature Mike Hightower (bass) and David Kida (drums).
Harvelle’s, 1432 Fourth Street, Santa Monica, $10.99, two-drink minimum purchase, show starts at 9:30 p.m. and doors open at 8 p.m., santamonica.harvelles.com
Santa Monica College Percussion Ensemble Concert
MAY 9
The Santa Monica College Music Department will present a free concert with the Santa Monica College Percussion Ensemble. SMC music instructor Megumi Smith will lead the ensemble for a creative and unique performance. The group hopes that attendees appreciate this percussion music and the usage of different styles and instruments. Seating availability will be on a first-come basis.
Music Hall at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th Street, Santa Monica, free admission, 1 p.m., smc.edu
Sister Nancy
MAY 9
Nancy Russell Kingston, known as Sister Nancy, is a Jamaican dancehall DJ and singer who started in the ’80s with the debut single “Papa Dean.” She is considered the first female dancehall DJ and became famous for songs like “Bam Bam.” In 2021, she released the EP “Amageddon.”
The Venice West, 1717 Lincoln Boulevard, Venice, $51, show starts at 8 p.m. and doors open at 6 p.m., thevenicewest.com
“Aleichem Sholom! The Wit and Wisdom of Sholom Aleichem”
MAY 10
“Aleichem Sholom!” follows the life of the beloved Yiddish storyteller and his mespoche, spinning tales of his loves and losses, his fame and his failures, his travels, his travails and the tremendous joy and optimism that kept him going against all odds. “Aleichem Sholom!” was written by Chris DeCarlo and Evelyn Rudie.
Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 Fourth Street, Santa Monica, $37; student, military, senior and child discounts are available, 7 p.m., santamonicaplayhouse.com
Kirk Fletcher
MAY 10
Kirk Fletcher is a soul musician creating R&B music with a modern and authentic tone. He is considered one of the best blues guitarists in the world. He is a five-time Blues Music Award and a 2015 British Blues Award nominee. Fletcher has played with other popular artists like Joe Bonamassa and was the lead guitarist of The Fabulous Thunderbirds. He has four studio albums, including his latest, 2020’s “My Blues Pathway.”
Harvelle’s, 1432 Fourth Street, Santa Monica, $13.20, two-drink minimum purchase, show starts at 8 p.m. and doors open at 7 p.m., santamonica.harvelles.com
Creative Communal
MAY 10
Runway Playa Vista is bringing an artisan market to residents this May. The event will include more than 30 local vendors and creators, photo opportunities, and live music for guests. There will be a variety of clothing boutiques for all ages and the event is pet-friendly.
Runway Playa Vista, 12746 West Jefferson Boulevard, Los Angeles, free admission, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., runwayplayavista.com
“Celebrate Our Garden with Music”
MAY 10
During Mother’s Day weekend, Main Street gardeners Andrew and Polly will lead and perform music, dance and garden activities. Attendees can also engage with a scavenger hunt, refreshments and garden sightseeing. This concert is family-friendly. Polly and Andrew are hosts of Ear Snacks.Main Street Community Garden, 2318 Main Street, Santa Monica, free admission, 9 to 11 a.m., santamonica.gov
“She Kills Monsters” Open
Auditions
MAY 10 AND MAY 11
People are invited to audition for this non-equity production directed by Shawn Summerer and based on Qui Nguyen’s original work. “She Kills Monsters” is a comedic story steeped in the world of fantasy role-playing games. No appointments are necessary for in-person auditions.
Westchester Playhouse, 8301 Hindry Avenue, Los Angeles, free admission, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday, kentwoodplayers.org
The Slackers
MAY 11
The Slackers are a noteworthy band that emerged from the ’90s ska revival scene in New York City. The group is comprised of Marq Lyn (vocals), Vic Ruggerio (vocals, keyboard), T.J. Scanlon (guitar), Marcus Geard (bass), David Hillyard (saxophone), Jeremy Mushlin (trumpet), Glen Pine (trombone) and Luis Zuluaga (drums). The Slackers’ latest album, “Don’t Let the Sunlight Fool Ya,” was released in 2022.
The Venice West, 1717 Lincoln Boulevard, Venice, tickets start at $30, show starts at 8 p.m. and doors open at 6 p.m., thevenicewest.com
“Pollinator Party and Insect Safari”
MAY 17
The Ishihara Park Learning Garden invites people to help search for nearby pollinators and beneficial insects. There will be a garden bingo game for the pollinators and plants that support this process. Attendees can also create a garden journal to sketch plants and record garden activities. Park staff will guide people through the session, telling them what to look out for and providing a pancake breakfast.
Ishihara Park Learning Garden, 2909 Exposition Boulevard, Santa Monica, free admission, 9 to 11 a.m., santamonica.gov
An Evening of Hope
MAY 21
The city of Santa Monica and Sustainable Works are partnering to bring three short films and a panel session about sustainable practices. Each short film will have a theme exploring topics like pollution, food insecurity, and endangered animals. The city recommends attendees avoid driving to the event and opt for more sustainable transportation.
Santa Monica Library, MLK Auditorium, 601 Santa Monica Boulevard, Santa Monica, free admission, 5:30 p.m., santamonica.gov
Flower Pressing & Garden Bed Painting
MAY 24
The Marine Park Community Gardens invite residents to explore the art of flower pressing. Pressed flowers can be used for crafts such as handmade cards and journaling. People can also paint the many flower beds in the garden while learning about flower pressing.
Marine Park Community Garden 1406 Marine Street, Santa Monica, free admission, 9 to 11 a.m., santamonica.gov
Saad Alessa
JUNE 5
Comedian Saad Alessa will return to Westside Comedy Theater to test out his fresh and new material. His comedy routine often blends personal and political humor. Alessa became known for his YouTube comedy special “Unconventionally Arab.”
Westside Comedy Theater, 1323-A Third Street, Santa Monica, $38.82, 8 to 10 p.m., westsidecomedy.com
Cardboard Yacht Regatta
JUNE 14
Participants can compete in this yacht-construction competition focused on the seaworthiness of cardboard boats. Competitors will sail their handmade vessels across the Beach House Pool, and they can choose to decorate the boats as they wish.
Annenberg Community Beach House, 415 Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica, $20 and registration required, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., santamonica.gov
“‘Junktion,’ an art show by artists with developmental disabilities”
JUNE 21
L.A. GOAL and Inside Out Productions have partnered with Helms Design Center to host “Junktion,” a show highlighting the work of 20 artists living with disabilities. Attending guests can expect to see paintings, fiber art, ceramics, and multimedia work. Complimentary refreshments will be provided.
Helms Design Center, 8745 Washington Boulevard, Culver City, free admission, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., culvercity.org
Summer Soulstice Festival
JUNE 21
This community-oriented festival features live music, vendors, a beer garden and family-friendly activities. As a car-free event, attendees are encouraged to use sustainable means of transportation. Some of the featured performers include Beau LePaige, Petty Theft, Manny B. The Kid and Red Hot Tribute.
Main Street, Santa Monica, free admission with options for VIP tickets, noon to 7 p.m., mainstreetsm.com
Santa Monica Pier 360 Beach Festival
JUNE 28 AND JUNE 29
This festival for all ages celebrates what it means to be a SoCal beachgoer. Some outdoor activities include beach volleyball and paddleboard racing. This event will also feature live music, food, drinks and games with fun prizes.
Santa Monica Pier, 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, free admission, all day, santamonicapier.org
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