Events

A reigning virtuoso of the violin returns to Walt Disney Concert Hall with a distinguished group of collaborators: internationally celebrated pianists Jean-Yves Thibaudet and Emanuel Ax and the Juilliard String Quartet, who plays “magically, like a single four-voiced instrument” (Broad Street Review).

This series is generously supported by the Colburn Foundation.

Program

• • LECLAIR
  • Sonata for Two Violins in E minor, Op. 3, No. 5
• • MOZART
  • Piano Quartet No. 2 in E-flat, K. 493
• • Intermission
• • CHAUSSON
  • Concert for Violin, Piano, and String Quartet

  Artists

  • Itzhak Perlman, violin
  • Emanuel Ax, piano
  • Jean-Yves Thibaudet, piano
  • The Juilliard String Quartet
  • Areta Zhulla, violin
  • Ronald Copes, violin
  • Molly Carr, viola
  • Astrid Schween, cello

  To buy tickets.

Green Day's American Idiot at the Mark Taper Forum

• What: American Idiot - A rock opera based on Green Day's iconic 2004 album, reimagined in collaboration with Deaf West Theatre.
• When: October 2 – November 16, 2024
• Where: Mark Taper Forum, 135 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
• Tickets: Starting at $42

This innovative production features both spoken English and American Sign Language, reflecting the bold partnership between Center Theatre Group and Deaf West Theatre. Directed by Snehal Desai, the musical uses a bilingual cast to enhance the emotional storytelling, with standout performances by Daniel Durant and Milo Manheim, who portray two facets of the same character.

Expect a high-energy, immersive experience that blends rock music with a theatrical edge, giving audiences a unique opportunity to enjoy Green Day’s music in an entirely new way. The themes of identity, rebellion, and connection promise to resonate deeply, making it an essential event this season.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Center Theatre Group.

Chris Waller's 18th Annual Heart of a Champion Invitational is set to take place from January 4-6, 2025 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. This exciting gymnastics event brings together athletes from across the nation to compete at levels 2-10 and Xcel, showcasing their skills and determination.

The invitational isn’t just about gymnastics—it also supports a great cause. A portion of the event's proceeds will benefit Camp del Corazon, a camp on Catalina Island dedicated to children with heart disease, providing them with an unforgettable sleep-away experience. Additionally, the funds help reduce competition costs for families involved with Gymnastics Olympica, which nurtures young athletes through elite gymnastics programs.

The event will take place in South Hall K at the LA Convention Center, offering attendees easy access to various amenities and nearby attractions. From vendor booths to fun activities around Los Angeles, this event promises an engaging weekend for athletes and spectators alike. For families traveling from out of town, recommended accommodations and travel tips are available on the event’s official site.

This annual competition exemplifies sportsmanship, community support, and the spirit of giving, reinforcing the importance of perseverance both on and off the mat. Don't miss the chance to witness some of the most inspiring young gymnasts in action!

For more details and updates, visit the official event website: Heart of a Champion Invitational​

January 4-6, 2025
Los Angeles Convention Center
1201 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015

Supporting children with heart disease, with over $130,000 donated to charities to date.

Celebrate the Season of Giving at the 36th Annual Holiday Toy Drive in Palm Springs!

This holiday season, join Sam and Ashan Leslie for a heartwarming evening at one of Palm Springs’ most iconic venues—the Dinah Shore Estate—to support The Laurel Foundation. With your help, we aim to raise funds that will empower children and youth affected by HIV/AIDS and transgender/gender-diverse identities through free summer camp and year-round programs.

Event Details

📅 Date: December 7, 2024
🕠 Time: 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
📍 Location: The Dinah Shore Estate, Palm Springs
🎁 Guests encouraged to bring a new unwrapped toy (ages 2-17)

Get your tickets now! Limited availability.

An Unforgettable Evening of Holiday Cheer

This 36th Annual Toy Drive promises to be a night to remember, with an exciting line-up of festive activities:

• Hosted Bar & Gourmet Dinner by Celebrity Chef Franco
• Raffle, Silent & Live Auctions
• Christmas Carols
• Special Announcement: 2024 Youth Empowerment Award winner
• A Chance to Make a Difference: Help send children to free summer camp

A Special Venue: The Dinah Shore Estate

Step into the elegant world of Dinah Shore, one of television’s most beloved stars, whose Palm Springs estate now belongs to actor Leonardo DiCaprio. Dinah Shore’s legacy includes not only her musical and TV achievements but also her contributions to the Palm Springs community.

Her ties to the area run deep, from founding the Colgate Dinah Shore Golf Tournament to commissioning famed architect Donald Wexler to design her home. The estate embodies Shore's passion for creativity and philanthropy—making it the perfect place to celebrate a night dedicated to empowering young lives.

About The Laurel Foundation

Founded in 1993, The Laurel Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of children, youth, and families affected by HIV/AIDS and gender identity challenges. Through its free camps and mental health programs, The Laurel Foundation offers safe, empowering environments for young people to build confidence, community, and lifelong skills.

The foundation’s year-round programs include:

• Family Camps & Summer Camps
• Mentorship Retreats
• Day Programs & Support Groups

These initiatives support over 700 children, youth, and families annually, providing crucial mental health services and social support for those most in need.

Your Impact: Transform Lives this Holiday Season

By attending or sponsoring this event, you’re giving children who often face emotional, social, and mental health challenges the chance to thrive, grow, and live authentically. The Laurel Foundation’s camps have provided life-changing experiences for thousands of kids who once felt isolated in their struggles with HIV/AIDS or gender identity.

As we celebrate the season of giving, let’s make a meaningful impact by ensuring every child has the opportunity to experience the joys of camp—and discover that they are not alone.

Special Recognition

In 2022, the Youth Empowerment Award was presented to Cher and Chaz Bono for their activism in supporting LGBTQ+ youth. Prior recipients include Jamie Lee Curtis. This year’s recipient will be announced soon—stay tuned for this exciting reveal!

Join Us in Making a Difference

Get your tickets today and be part of this magical holiday evening at the Dinah Shore Estate. With your support, we can continue to create spaces where children can feel safe, empowered, and celebrated.

✨ Limited tickets available—secure yours now!

For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit our website. Together, let’s give the gift of joy, hope, and empowerment this holiday season. 

Save the Date: VinylFest at The Original Farmers Market –

Saturday, December 7, 2024

‘Encuentro 2024:

 
We Are Here – Presente!’

19 theater companies from 12 cities across 8 states and Puerto Rico in residence at the multi-venue The Los Angeles Theatre Center, with performances running simultaneously in six different spaces over the course of three weeks.

October 24 through November 10
Find the complete performance schedule here.

The Los Angeles Theatre Center
514 S Spring St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013

The Los Angeles City Council is set to declare October 11th ‘National Coming Out Day’ in the City of Los Angeles, making the California city the first major US city to officially recognize the holiday. In partnership with LA-based non-profit, BabyGay, and local LGBTQ+ landmark, The Black Cat, Councilmember Nithya Raman will host a presentation at City Hall on Friday, October 11 to officially mark the city holiday.  

‘National Coming Out Day’ was first inaugurated in 1988 by LGBTQ+ activists Jean O’Leary and Robert Eichberg, who believed that homophobia thrives in silence and ignorance. For the last 36 years, the day has been observed annually and serves as a celebration of coming out to loved ones as well as a campaign to raise awareness around LGBTQ+ civil rights issues still prevalent across the country. 

As of this month, a record 530 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced in state houses around the U.S., more than in the last five years combined. In the face of these harmful actions - including LGBTQ+ erasure bills that strip away legal protections and rights - the City of Los Angeles will reaffirm its commitment to fully recognizing the LGBTQ+ community and ensuring people feel seen and safe no matter who they choose to love. 

The Los Angeles City Council will vote to adopt a resolution declaring the city holiday with a presentation at City Hall on Friday, October 11th at 10am, and is thrilled to do so with two important partners, The Black Cat and BabyGay. 

The Black Cat first opened its doors in October of 1966 to cater to a gay clientele at a time when same sex relations were criminalized in California. Just two months later, the venue was targeted in the notorious 1967 New Year’s Eve police raid that exposed brutal violence against patrons and widespread discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community.  In the wake of these unjust events, hundreds congregated in protest outside the venue, marking The Black Cat as a rallying point for activism. This pivotal establishment, predating Stonewall, remains a symbol of resilience and progress in the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights, and in 2022, was designated by the state of California as a Historical Landmark. 

BabyGay, founded in 2023 by PJ Brescia, is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a queer and ally community that celebrates the coming out process through storytelling and community building. Since its launch at the LA LGBT Center, BabyGay has evolved into a larger platform, partnering with organizations like the LA City Council, The Black Cat, and the AT Center to create impactful events. The organization has also participated in numerous Pride Festivals, including LA Pride, SD Pride, SaMo Pride, Venice Pride, and more, amplifying queer voices and creating spaces for connection and celebration.

At the heart of BabyGay's mission is the belief that while coming out is tough, it doesn't need to be so lonely. The organization curates community events featuring performances from queer artists, storytellers, and comedians, all aimed at helping newly out individuals, or "BabyGays," find acceptance and healing through levity and shared experiences. One of BabyGay's most innovative initiatives is the Welcome-Wagon Box, an essential kit for those just coming out, which includes handwritten postcards of support from community members. Through these efforts, BabyGay continues to provide vital support and connection for LGBTQ+ individuals throughout their coming out journey and beyond.

Dolores Huerta Foundation Announces Seeds of Change Gala with Surprise Musical Performance and Honorees

Los Angeles, CA – October 3, 2024 – The Dolores Huerta Foundation is excited to announce its Seeds of Change Gala, taking place on October 10th, 2024, at Candela La Brea in Los Angeles. The evening will include a special surprise musical performance and will honor three outstanding leaders who have made significant contributions to the arts, social justice, and community activism.

This year’s honorees are:

• Dennis Leoni – Award-winning executive producer, writer, and director who created Resurrection Blvd., the first and longest-running Latino dramatic series in U.S. television history. Leoni continues to develop series projects, film scripts, and web series for major networks, studios, and the internet.

• Cristela Alonzo – Comedian, actress, writer, and producer. Alonzo made history as the first Latina woman to create, write, and star in her own network TV show, Cristela. She is a passionate advocate for immigration, citizenship, and economic opportunity, and continues to use her platform to address social issues.

• Salvador Contreras – A student activist at Bakersfield College, Contreras is a first-generation Mexican-American and advocate for education equity, LGBTQIA+ rights, gender equality, and environmental justice.

The gala will bring together community leaders, supporters, and change-makers for a night of celebration and empowerment in support of the Foundation’s vital work in organizing communities to build volunteer organizations empowered to pursue social justice

“We are thrilled to celebrate these extraordinary individuals who have dedicated their lives to uplifting others and creating lasting change,” said Camila Chavez Executive Director of the Dolores Huerta Foundation. “With their contributions, along with the support of our community, we continue our work to fight for justice and equity.”

Event Details:

• Date: October 10th, 2024

• Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

• Location: Candela La Brea, 831 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

• Tickets and Sponsorships: https://doloreshuerta.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/SeedsofChangeBenefitingDoloresHuertaFoundation/tabid/1493680/Default.aspx

For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or more information, visit our event webpage or contact Christian Baer at (661) 310-0527 or [email protected].

About the Dolores Huerta Foundation
The Dolores Huerta Foundation is a nonprofit organization working to inspire and organize communities to build volunteer organizations empowered to pursue social justice. Through education and advocacy, the Foundation engages in efforts to improve education, health, and civic participation in historically marginalized communities.

Event: 25th Anniversary of the Neighborhood Council System - Congress of Neighborhoods 2024
Theme: "Neighborhood Power, Citywide Impact: The Next 25 Years Start Now"
Date: Saturday, September 28, 2024
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Los Angeles City Hall

Join Amy Homma (Director, Academy Museum of Motion Pictures), Hal Bastian ("Mr. Downtown"), and Mayor Karen Bass for keynote addresses at this year's Congress of Neighborhoods. The 14th edition will feature a day of workshops, panel discussions, networking, and community empowerment.

Highlights:

• Keynote speakers: Amy Homma, Hal Bastian, Mayor Karen Bass
• Workshops and panel discussions on leadership and community issues
• Networking opportunities
• Creative solutions, music, poetry, breakfast, and lunch

Chair: Dorsay Dujon, Congress of Neighborhoods Planning Committee

Attendance: Free and open to the public, registration required. More details on workshops and presenters will be available soon.
Website: https://www.neighborhoodcongress.la/

Rethink Your Yard: Transforming LA’s Landscapes: Homeowner Water Conservation Workshop

Tuesday, Sept. 17, 6p-7p

What: Water conservation workshop for LA homeowners, hosted by LA Waterkeeper and LA Dept. of Water and Power. This workshop will dive into the importance of water-wise landscaping—a holistic approach that integrates water conservation, rainwater capture, and ecosystem health right in your own backyard.

When & Where: Tuesday, Sept. 17 from 6 to 7 pm. Online. Region: Los Angeles.

Cost: Free

Event link: https://www.lawaterkeeper.org/events/rethink-your-yard

Description:

As we navigate the extremes of drought and heavy rainfall, it's crucial to rethink how we manage water in our communities. Join experts from LA Waterkeeper, Green Gardens Group, LADWP, and Climate Reality Project LA as they discuss why shifting from traditional lawns to water-wise landscapes is key to LA's climate resilience; how LADWP's resources and rebates can help you transform your yard; and community perspectives on water conservation and the barriers to making sustainable changes.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how your yard can be a vital part of LA’s water future. Let's turn our landscapes into lifescapes that sustain us all! 

Sign up:  https://www.lawaterkeeper.org/events/rethink-your-yard 

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The DWP Committee will be meeting virtually on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 8:30 am.  Please be on time.

The meeting link on NC-DWP meetings web page (meetings and links will always be here) is:

https://www.ladwpnews.com/dwp-nc-mou-and-advocacy-committee-meetings/

Topics include (subject to change):

• 8:30a – 8:50a: Janisse Quiñones CEO Intro and Q&A
• 8:50a – 9:00a: Dave Hanson, Interim Senior Assistant General Manager – Power System -- Intro and Heat Response
• 9:00a – 9:15a: LADWP Biodiversity Plan
• 9:15a – 10a:   Q&A/Discussion

Ratepayer Advocate Fred Pickel will also be available able to answer questions.

Bring your own conspiracy theories and coffee. 

The meeting concludes at 10 am.

Coastal Cleanup Day with LA Waterkeeper: Junipero Beach in Long Beach

Saturday, Sept. 21, 9a-12p

What: Community beach cleanup and celebration for the 40th Anniversary of Coastal Cleanup Day 

When & Where: 9:00a at Junipero Beach, 1 Junipero Ave., Long Beach, CA 90803. Region: Los Angeles County.

Cost: Free

Event link: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/creekstocoastcleanups2024/event/coastalcleanupday2024/

Description: Join LA Waterkeeper on Junipero Beach in Long Beach for the 40th anniversary of Coastal Cleanup Day, California’s largest annual volunteer event. Together, we can make a significant difference for the planet by removing trash and debris from Junipero Beach. Your participation is a vital step toward safeguarding our oceans, wildlife, and local communities. 

*PLEASE NOTE: In order to participate in Coastal Cleanup Day, you must both register here AND complete the California Coastal Commission's Waiver linked here for English, and here for Spanish.

Los Angeles Waterkeeper: https://www.lawaterkeeper.org/