Los Angeles Event Spotlight: May 2016

Back by popular demand, David Sedaris, one of America’s pre-eminent humor writers, returns to Royce Hall at UCLA. Sedaris, who slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness, is a perennial crowd pleaser whose unassuming charm and wry humor has won him legions of avid readers worldwide. He’s a master of satire and one of the most observant writers addressing the human condition today.

This evening Sedaris will be discussing the New York Times Bestseller Ghettoside: A True Story of Murder in America by Jill Leovy — a startling examination of unsolved murders in African-American neighborhoods. Leovy will be joining Sedaris onstage for the beginning of the evening, and will read an excerpt from her book. 

Learn more here.  

Rihanna, one of the best-selling singers of all time with sales exceeding 200 million records worldwide, plays two nights of her Anti World Tour 2016 at The Forum. Winner of eight Grammy Awards, she’s the youngest and fastest solo artist to earn 14 No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100. Frequently reinventing her style and image, Rihanna has been named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People in the World.

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A Memorial Tribute to Prince Rogers Nelson will be held at 5 p.m. May 6 at the Los Angeles City Hall, featuring guests to honor his legacy in music and philanthropy. The tribute is hosted by the offices of Mayor Eric Garcetti, Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson and Councilmember Jose Huizar, in partnership with 102.3 KJLH Radio, Grand Park, Fusicology, SOULNIC and more sponsors. Los Angeles has been the home away from home for Prince and looks forward to celebrating his contributions to the world. This public event is free.

Learn more here.

Attend this glitter-filled event at the Los Angeles Convention Center that celebrates the art of drag and self-expression for all. To accommodate surging demand, floor space at DragCon will be tripled as compared to last year’s inaugural event. Spearheaded by RuPaul and World of Wonder Productions, DragCon provides a platform for fans – of all ages and backgrounds – to meet and interact with world-renowned celebrities and icons in a friendly and accessible environment. The convention will feature more than 100 vendors and exhibitors, panel discussions, screenings, autographs and photo opportunities. Plus, attendees can shop on a floor full of unique and custom shoes, apparel, art and many other fabulous products. In addition, there will be a wide range of programming, including question-and-answer sessions with drag stars and icons, lip sync contests, discussion groups and make-up and styling workshops.

Learn more here.

La Nuit en Rosé, the world’s first festival dedicated exclusively to rosé wine, returns to Los Angeles for the second year with new exciting events at the sleek poolside Skybar at Mondrian Los Angeles. The event is an unparalleled marriage of food, wine, beauty, entertainment and fashion.

The weekend festivities will include a Friday Night 4-course Rosé Wine pairing Dinner, a Saturday Rosé Sunset Soirée and a Sunday Rosé Pool Party. Each event will include unlimited access to more than 50 rosé wines and rosé Champagne, live DJ, a VIP Lounge, a relaxing Spa and more.

Learn more here.

Multiplatinum and Grammy-nominated singer Jewel, a horseback rider who started in biker bars and eventually racked up more than 27 million worldwide record sales, performs her Picking Up the Pieces tour in the Valley Performing Arts Center in Northridge. Jewel, one of the premiere singer-songwriters of all time, performs her first "proper" album of new studio material in five years, a 14-track collection of songs which exposes her soul and explores a range of textures.

Learn more here.

The 42nd-annual Beverly Hills artSHOW will feature more than 240 artists in Beverly Gardens Park along Santa Monica Boulevard. This free event brings art enthusiasts together from all over to view works from artists based in Los Angeles and the Southwest, among other places. Enjoy live entertainment, children and family art projects, a diverse array of food trucks and a wine and dine garden.

Learn more here.

Join the hottest established and emerging contemporary artists in Los Angeles to help raise money  for the 24,000 low-income, uninsured and homeless patients of Venice Family Clinic, which provides health care to those in need. Hosted at Google Los Angeles, this event is free, showcasing a gallery-quality contemporary silent art auction. Enjoy artist studio tours, artisan shops, family activities, entertainment, music, food and more.

Learn more here. 

Fiesta Hermosa, the largest arts and crafts fair in Southern California, features about 300 artists including painters, photographers, ceramicists, jewelers and sculptors. The festival takes place in downtown Hermosa Beach. Choose from a wide selection of cuisine in the food court, offering 18 different ethnic choices, from roasted corn to Thai, Greek and Mexican food to tri-tip sandwiches and barbequed sausages. There’s also live music on two main stages, everything from classic rock music to the 80s, the 90s and Pop. Families have plenty of activities to keep the kids happy. The Kiddie Carnival features a 30-foot slide, mechanical rides and games for kids.

Learn more here.

The San Fernando Valley's annual Greek Festival is taking place at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. The festival evokes the sights, sounds and tastes that define traditional Greece. Don’t miss the delicious Greek food like gyros and moussaka. Listen to the distinctive sounds of the bouzouki and other exotic instruments played by authentic Greek musicians who perform traditional and popular songs. Delight in the beauty of the elaborate costumes worn by performers as they share their carefully practiced steps and intricate dances.

Learn more here.