Compiled by John Sanders
The Meditations
SEPT. 18
The Meditations formed in 1974 and began recording in 1976 when they hit it big with the song, “Woman Is Like a Shadow.”
The band also sang backing vocals on numerous Bob Marley songs, including “Blackman Redemption,” “Punky Reggae Party” and “Rastaman Live Up.” After years of other collaborations, touring and album releases, they’re here to perform at The Venice West.
The Venice West, 1717 Lincoln Boulevard, Venice, $24.17, 6 p.m., thevenicewest.com
“The Substance of Fire”
SEPT. 19 TO SEPT 21
This story is about Isaac, a Holocaust survivor who grew up in New York City as an orphan and would go on to lead a successful publishing company. His life is again upturned with personal tragedy and difficult family bonds, leaving him to decide whether or not to pursue a controversial story to keep his company afloat. This play stars Rob Morrow, Marcia Cross, Emmitt Butler, Fiona Dorn and Barret T. Lewis.
Ruskin Group Theatre Co, 3000 Airport Avenue, Santa Monica, tickets start at $25, 8 p.m., ruskingrouptheatre.com
Seed Saving Workshop and Seed ID Challenge
SEPT. 21
Join this monthly garden party and hear from master gardeners about the joy of saving seeds. Kids and adults alike can participate in the Seed ID Challenge, and see who among the group is the seed whisperer. Ishihara Park Learning Garden hosts a community event on the third Saturday of each month. It’s an opportunity to pick up some gardening tips, gain experience and have a cup of coffee or garden pancakes with some good people.
Ishihara Park Learning Garden, 2909 Exposition Boulevard, Santa Monica, free admission, 9 to 11 a.m., santamonica.gov/events
Steve Poltz
SEPT. 22
Steve Poltz is a founding member of the indie-rock band The Rugburns and worked on multiple songs with the singer Jewel. They performed the 1996 single “You Were Meant for Me,” which elevated to No. 2 in the country. Poltz’s latest album is called “Stardust and Satellites.”
McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica, $34.75, 7:50 p.m., mccabes.com
Grow Native Gardening Club
SEPT. 24
Go to Ballona Discovery Park and learn about urban ecology. Participants will understand how removing invasive vegetation can allow native plants to grow and thus make a healthy ecosystem. Registration is required. Participants should bring a full water bottle and close-toed shoes, as well as weather-appropriate attire like hats, long pants and gardening gloves. The club will provide all other tools and supplies.
Ballona Discovery Park, 13110 Bluff Creek Drive, Playa Vista, free, 10 a.m. to noon, ballonafriends.org
Yachty By Nature
SEPT. 27
Yachty by Nature brings on what they call “Live Yacht Rock.” After getting their start in Southern California, this six-piece band plays multiple soft yacht rock hits from the ’70s and ’80s. They’re known for expert instrumental work, awesome grooves and improvisation. Expect perfect rhythm work with cool vocals accompanied by the saxophone and jazz flute.
The Venice West, 1717 Lincoln Boulevard, Venice, $24.17, 6 p.m., thevenicewest.com
Joe Robinson
SEPT. 27
Joe Robinson is a popular fingerstyle soloist, who is known for his improvisation, composing and songwriting. His style mixes multiple genres, and he has released seven studio albums that have garnered success. From features in publications around the country to his successful music and video streaming ventures, Robinson gives his fans what they love.
McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica, $38.75, 8 p.m., mccabes.com
Wurstküche Oktoberfest
SEPT. 28 TO OCT. 26
Wurstküche Oktoberfest is the premier Bavarian celebration happening at the Wurstküche in Venice. Taps will flow, people will yodel and the bands will jam. This ticket purchase includes a one-liter stein of Oktoberfest beer. Guests looking to dress in traditional Bavarian attire can find 10% discounted dirndls and lederhosen at bavariatrachten.com.
Wurstkuche, 625 Lincoln Boulevard, Venice, $65.58, multiple times, wurstkuche.com; visit eventbrite.com for registration.
Runway and Creative Communal Artisan Market
OCT. 5
Fall lovers can celebrate the cooler month at the Creative Communal October Artisan Market at Runway. Once there, they can look through crafts, enjoy delicious food and dance to music. It’s a family-friendly event that furry friends can participate in too. Get ready to celebrate creativity, community and fall fun.
12746 W. Jefferson Boulevard, Playa Vista, free, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., runwayplayavista.com; for registration, visit eventbrite.com
“The Hebrew Hillbilly”
OCT. 13
Shelley Fisher is a singer, songwriter, recording artist and performer. She was raised in a Jewish household in Memphis, Tennessee, and grew up through the end of the segregation era into the start of the rock n’ roll revolution. With a complex family story behind her, Fisher has traveled the world and is here to celebrate the Jewish New Year at the Santa Monica Playhouse with this awesome and hilarious rock musical about her life.
Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 Fourth Street, Santa Monica, tickets start at $41, 6:30 p.m. Sunday, santamonicaplayhouse.com
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