Things To Do

Things To Do in Los Angeles This Week [1-17-2023 to 1-20-2023]

January 17, 2023 by Brian Champlin and Christina Champlin
A cloudy day at Vista Hermosa Park. Photo by Brian Champlin

The skies are clearing up, the holiday weekend is over, and we’re back with a fresh list to start your work week in Los Angeles.

This January 17-20 in L.A. catch Da Poetry Lounge at Zócalo, a new art gallery opening in West Hollywood, artist Chloë Bass in conversation at Skirball, the L.A. Body Art Expo, the Monterey Jazz Festival at Disney Concert Hall, and more. Whatever you decide, hope you have a good one!

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Things To Do This Week

Da Poetry Lounge Comes to Zócalo Public Square  -> This Tuesday, spoken word poets take the Zócalo stage at the ASU California Center for a night that prompts the question, Does Democracy Need Poets? The lineup features with Beau Sia performing “We Voting,” and Sekou Andrews and Steve Connell performing “Water Stained Black,” followed by a conversation with the poets about the ways artists engage with politics, and fuel democracy. Free to attend. More info here.

Free Garden Days -> The South Coast Botanic GardenL.A. Arboretum, and Descanso Gardens all offer free admission on the third Tuesday of every month. Note that all three required advance reservations, and space is limited. If you miss this Tuesday’s free days, make sure to check out our big list of free museum days to see other upcoming options.

Simone Forti at MOCA -> Over the weekend the Museum of Contemporary Art on Grand Ave debuted first west coast exhibition documenting the career of artist, dancer, and choreographer Simone Forti. As part of the collection of works, visitors can experience “Dance Constructions” on select times on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays following the opening. The museum is normally open Tuesday to Sunday starting at 11 a.m. Admission is free. Get more info here.

Future Without Fear -> FUTURE WITHOUT FEAR is now open at Praz-Delavallade gallery on Wilshire Blvd. The new new art and culture exhibit features photography from myriad contributors, and centers on issues of mental health, young Black motherhood, alienation, individuality, intersectionality, poverty, and community. Free and open to the public during normally gallery hours following the opening, Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. More info here.

A Conversation with Chloë Bass -> This Wednesday, multi-form conceptual artist Chloë Bass stops by Skirball Cultural Center for a conversation with museum curators about the roles of artists and institutions in preserving culture and memory. Co-presented with the California African American Museum. Tickets are $10. Event starts at 7 p.m. More info here.

Between You and Me -> West Hollywood’s newly-opened Mey Gallery hosts their first-ever exhibition starting this Wednesday. Between You and Me is a group exhibition featuring recent works by Kevin Douillez, Mia Weiner, Aryana Minai, Thérèse Mulgrew, Eric Stefanski, and Ally Rae Peeples. Works will be on view through January 25. Get more info here.

Dolly Parton Tribute at Desert 5 Spot -> If you’re feeling a little country this week, head to Desert 5 Spot in Hollywood this Thursday for a special birthday tribute to the one and only Dolly Parton. Expect live performances and plenty of libations, with 10% of their sales from select specialty cocktails going to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Starts around 9 p.m. More info here.

Dance Camera West Festival -> This Thursday to Saturday, Celebrate the art form of dance at this annual film festival at Barnsdall Gallery Theatre featuring a packed slate of free and ticketed screenings and programs. Opening night includes a free sunset screening of short films screened outdoors at Barnsdall Art Park. See the full schedule and get more info here.

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Monterey Jazz Festival -> This Friday evening, the Walt Disney Concert Hall welcomes an iconic group of players from the Monterey Jazz Festival for a special one-night event. The touring ensemble features Grammy-winning vocalists Dee Dee Bridgewater and Kurt Elling along with star saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin, pianist Christian Sands, bassist Yasushi Nakamura and drummer Clarence Penn. Tickets start as low as $49. Concert begins at 8 p.m. More info here.

L.A. Body Art Expo -> This Friday to Sunday, the L.A. Body Art Expo brings 250 of America’s best tatoo artists to the L.A. Convention Center for a three-day affair featuring music, beer, plus 22 tattoo contests, and more. Tickets start at $25 for single-day admission. Get more info here.

Dining & Drinking

Steep and tiger & horses Lunar New Year spread. Photo by Steep on Instagram.

Steep x tiger & horses Lunar New Year Menu -> Starting this Thursday, Steep in Chinatown kicks off a collaboration with tiger & horses on a Lunar New Year menu, to be available January 19-21 from 4 to 10 p.m. Expect modern Taiwanese faves like Tainan Fish Soup, Peads & Barnett Collar Steak, Baked Oysters and Strawberry Mochi Cake. Available first-come, first-served. More info here

Chinese New Year Specials at Woon -> Celebrate the year of the rabbit at Woon in Westlake this Friday Sunday, when the restaurant will offer Lunar New Year classics such as Stir Fried Rice Cakes, Pan Fried Pork Dumplings and Chinese Chive Moneybags and Black Sesame Glutinous Rice Balls. Guests who dine-in will be entered into the Red Envelope Roulette to redeem treats. More info here.  

Dear Bella Creamery Lunar New Year Ice Cream Kit -> In celebration of the upcoming Chinese New Year, the plant-based creamy Dear Bella has released a Chinese New Year ice cream kit for in-store purchase from Jan. 16 through Feb. 11. The kit includes three pints of Asian inspired ice cream flavors including Dear Bella’s classic Taiwanese Pineapple Cake. A jar of Red Bean Sauce, a variety of Chinese treats, red envelopes and a Dear Bella insulated bag is also included. Price is $58.88. More info here


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