With everything that goes down in Los Angeles on a daily basis, narrowing down what to do this weekend can feel too overwhelming. That’s why we’ve scavenged headlines big and small to cherry-pick the coolest, rarest and most promising events this weekend.
1. Peter Shire: Tea for Two Hundred
Where: Santa Monica Museum of Art (SMMoA) 2525 Michigan Avenue Santa Monica, CA 90404
When: Opening Reception Jan. 18 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. private preview for museum members and press; 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. for the public. This piece will be on display until April 3.
Cost: Suggested donation, $5
If you’re feeling artsy this weekend check out the Tea for Two Hundred exhibit at SMMoA. The internationally-renowned artist and LA-local, Shire, well-known for his re-imaginings of common objects as art form, re-invents the teapot using various materials and textures, effectively challenging and questioning functionality and perspective. Art aficionados and dabblers alike will enjoy this exhibit, if not for its deeper meaning, then for its sheer superficial appeal. The opening reception opens Friday at 6 p.m. for members and the press. and 7 p.m. for the public.
2. Long Beach Food Swap
Where: The Bungalow Building 737 Pine Avenue Long Beach, CA 90802
When: Jan. 19 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend; pre-registration and trade goods required.
If you’ve ever wished that you could use your amazing home-baked chocolate-chip cookies as a form of payment, the Long Beach Food Swap is just the event for you. Bring any of your own homegrown, homemade or personally foraged goods and exchange them for other homegrown, homemade, personally foraged goods. Generally, items include anything from pickles, preserves, baked goods, honey, granola, pasta, fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices. Attendees set up their displays before mingling and making trade offers for goods brought by other attendees. It’s a great opportunity to sample some delicious food, make friends and trade recipes and treats. Don’t forget you must pre-register in order to attend! http://lbcfoodswap.blogspot.com/
3. Last Day of Pasadena’s Cheeseburger Week
Where: Various restaurants in Pasadena
When: Ends at 11:30 p.m. on Jan. 18
Cost: Special restaurant pricing, varies by location
Bound to be the juiciest and meatiest event this weekend, the second annual Cheeseburger Week, part of Pasadena Restaurant Week, ends Friday! Take advantage of some of the yummiest Pasadena hotspots offering deals and adventurous pairings to celebrate the invention of American’s favorite food, which took place at the Rite Spot Café on West Colorado Boulevard 89 years ago. This year’s Cheeseburger Week paid special honor to Lionel Sternberger, the first man to adorn the hamburger with its perfectly cheesy golden crown. For a complete list of restaurants to check out see http://www.pasadenarestaurantweek.com/home/cheeseburger-week/
4. Star Party
c/o http://www.griffithobs.org/pstarparties.html
Where: Griffith Observatory 2800 E. Observatory Road Los Angeles, CA 90027
When: Jan. 19 2 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Living in the City of Angels, perpetually blinded by the lights of Tinseltown, it’s easier to see Hollywood stars going about their daily business than it is to see actual stars – the kind that shoot and fall and grant wishes and all. But thanks to the team of astronomers and telescope demonstrators at Griffith Observatory, you can get a good look at these other-worldly beauties every month at the public star parties held at the observatory.
5. Lady GaGa at Staples Center
c/o justjared.com
Where: Staples Center 1111 S. Figueroa Street Los Angeles CA 90015
When: Jan. 20 and Jan. 21 at 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Tickets on sale from $49.50
Tickets are still left to see the monster pop-culture phenomenon Lady Gaga at the Staples Center this Sunday. Like most blockbuster trendsetters, Lady Gaga has accrued avid fans and equally passionate army of critics. But whether you’re a little monster or still reserve your right to skepticism, you can’t deny that this lady knows how to put on a show. With lights, smoke, mirrors, glitter, costumes and elaborate dance routines, Lady Gaga’s performance is bound to be an experience like no other and one of the biggest events this weekend.
