Weekend Plans? Find Your People. November 22-24, 2024

So many opportunities this weekend to go out, see a show, stare at art, listen to music… to stop watching the news. Rain or shine, enjoy this time.

Friday, November 22nd: Un Certain Regard Winner at Cannes 2024, Guan Hu’s BLACK DOG Kicks Off Limited Run in LA

BLACK DOG, the latest film from decorated writer and director Guan Hu, kicks off its limited North American theatrical run in Los Angeles on November 22. See it in Los Angeles Friday, November 22 through Thursday, November 28 at the Laemmle NoHo 7.

BLACK DOG takes place on the edge of the Gobi Desert in Northwest China, as Lang (Eddie Peng) returns to his hometown after being released from jail. While working for the local dog patrol team, led by Uncle Yao (Jia Zhang-Ke), that is clearing the town of stray dogs before the Beijing Olympics, he strikes up an unlikely connection with a black dog (Xiaoxin) and the two lonely outcasts find purpose in each other. The film had its World Premiere at Cannes Film Festival 2024, where it won the Un Certain Regard Award and Palm Dog Grand Jury Prize.

Friday, Saturday & Sunday: LIFE & TIMES OF MICHAEL K

State-of-the-art puppetry by the visionaries behind War Horse and Little Amal, LIFE & TIMES OF MICHAEL K is at The Wallis in the Bram Goldsmith Theater this weekend.

LIFE & TIMES OF MICHAEL K, created by Handspring Puppet Company and Cape Town’s Baxter Theater, captures Michael’s journey with astonishing reality and gripping theatricality. In his quest to bring his free-spirited mother back to her homeland, he encounters friends and enemies, dangers and detours, passions and hope—and a goat. This acclaimed adaptation is as moving as it is entertaining, and dramatic as it is funny, and reminds us that no matter where we are, our hearts always find a way back home. The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts is located at 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd. in Beverly Hills, 90210. Find tickets at the website here.

Saturday, November 23rd: Grand Opening of the newly renovated Youth Spaces at Glendale Central Library

Glendale Library, Arts & Culture will host a family friendly Grand Opening of the newly renovated Youth Spaces at Central Library.  The City of Glendale and Library, Arts & Culture department will unveil the newly redesigned Children’s Space, a Teen Space, and state-of-the-art Sound Space where the public can learn to record podcasts, music and programs. The Library is located at 222 East Harvard Street, Glendale, CA.

Ongoing through January 4, 2024 at Band of Vices Change is finite; transformation is evolution. TRANSFORMERS a Solo-Show by Kaye Freeman

Transformers, A new solo show by Los Angeles-based artist Kaye Freeman is on exhibit at Band of Vices through January 4, 2024. Freeman says of her work:

In this collection of work which began soon after the pandemic of 2020, I examine the nature of death and rebirth through a series of Zen poems by Buddhist monks. Starting with large scale paintings of flowers with a ghostly white shadow representing the constant presence of death in our lives. I then moved onto insects like moths and cicadas. Which led me underground and to decomposition. This is where the Transformers series began. Like most of us, I have personally experienced loss and grief, as well as a couple of near death experiences. I wanted to debunk the taboo and terror surrounding this subject in modern culture.

My work evolved as my studies into ancient wisdom deepened. I moved off the canvas and onto paper. Using a microscope and developing bacteria in my studio to observe, I began to capture the miraculous details of transformation at a molecular level. On paper I could use colour pencils to capture detailed patterns, then layer those shapes with ink and acrylic paint. Beginning with an idea or sensation I create an abstract drawing that then takes on the filaments of the bacteria and microbes I observe. The work then grows and takes on a transformation all of its own.

I was awarded the Juror’s Prize of 2024 at the annual works on paper at The Brand Library and Arts Center in Los Angeles for the drawing titled, The Ascension of Tubbsie. A drawing about the death of my dog.

As organic matter decomposes it is transformed into another kind of life out into the ether. This is an explosion; a celebration.

In these highly stylized and detailed drawings I am celebrating the transformational quality in every aspect of daily life, as we let go of who we once were and lean into who we might become.

Band of Vices is now located in the Historic Downtown Los Angeles Arts District. Located at 1700 S. Santa Fe Avenue, Suite 371, south of the 10 freeway, ample free parking is available in the north and in the south parking lot (1800 S. Santa Fe Avenue), adjacent to the building. Friday  –  Saturday (& by appointment) 11am  –  5pm

Sunday, November 24th: Jon Vang Presents Gutter Punx Jam with Public Nuisance & The Mormo at Bar 10 in Tarzana

BAR 10 AT CORBIN BOWL is a true gem in the West Valley. Folks can watch the best local bands and musicians while enjoying food and drinks from their bar and grill. From live music to comedy shows and trivia night, there’s something for everyone. Even your punk rock dad… Check out their website for this and future events.

Or just go chill by Lake Hollywood…