Far from the Polar Vortex, we’re enjoying a typical L.A. winter, and our biggest complaint is a little rain. Take advantage of the ability to go outside without freezing your butt off and enjoy some music, film, and other fun things to do in the city this week.
Midnight Temple Ceremony for Lunar New Year
Monday, February 4
Celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Boar with a midnight celebration at the Thien Hau Temple in Chinatown. Experience traditional incense burning, lion dancers, and the ceremonial lighting of 500,000 firecrackers.
Ragtime at Pasadena Playhouse
Tuesday, February 5
Tonight’s opening of Ragtime marks the first time the Tony-lauded musical has gotten a major staging in L.A. in almost 20 years. The story of the American Dream at the dawn of the 20th century has implications for the current moment, which will also be explored in a series of free talks the theater will be staging alongside the show’s run, which continues through March 3.
Madeleine Albright in Conversation with Larry Wilmore
Wednesday, February 6
Madeleine Albright, who served as Secretary of State from 1997 to 2001 (making her the first woman to fill the post in American history), is a force to be reckoned with. She is back with a new book, Fascism: A Warning, drawing lessons from history for today’s geopolitics. To discuss that heavy topic, she’ll have a witty foil in comedian (and now podcaster) Larry Wilmore.
Slate Live: Trumpcast in L.A.
Thursday, February 7
California gets singled out for a lot of scorn by Donald Trump, so the hosts of Slate’s POTUS-tracking podcast, Trumpcast, thought it was time to do a live event on stage in L.A. Slate’s chief political correspondent Jamelle Bouie, author Virginia Heffernan, and local Univision anchor León Krauze will sift through the latest White House activity at Theater at the Ace.
Mark de Clive-Lowe: Heritage Album Release
Friday, February 8
L.A. jazz scene fixture Mark de Clive-Lowe presents two nights of shows (two sets each night) at Blue Whale celebrating the release of his new album, Heritage. As the title suggests, the new work reflects his bi-cultural upbringing, and ways in which exploring the Japanese side of his own heritage has particularly informed his art.
Crazy Woke Asians Comedy Night
Friday, February 8
The SoCal Asian Artists Ensemble assembles a showcase of Asian American comics at Ice House in Pasadena. Hosted by Kiki Yeung, the bill also includes KT Tatara, Sherry Cola, George Wag, and others.
Prince Street Pizza Pop-Up
Friday, February 8
In honor of National Pizza Day, Off the Menu Club is bringing famed NYC pizzeria Prince Street Pizza to West Hollywood. Grab cult-classic slices and limited-edition merch from Friday to Sunday. Download the Off the Menu Club app and you can skip to the front of the line and get one slice for free.
RELATED: L.A.’s 10 Best New Restaurants of 2018
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The post The Best Things to Do This Week in L.A. appeared first on Los Angeles Magazine.
Source: Los Angeles Magazine