Calendar
There is never a shortage of things to do in Santa Monica. The list below details interesting events happening throughout the city in coming months.
The Night Sky Show: John Drescher Planetarium
Date: February 1, 2008 - August 8, 2008
Time: 7pm
Location: John Drescher Planetarium, Drescher Hall Room 223, Santa Monica College, 1900 Pico Blvd, SM
Night Time Shows at 7pm, followed by Planetarium Feature Shows and Guest Lectures at 8pm. Fridays: Feb 1, 15, 22, 29, Mar 7, 14, 21, 28, Apr 4, 18, 25, May 2, 9, 16, 30 June 6, 13, July 11, 18, 25 & Aug 1 & 8. Call for schedule: 310-434-4223. Admission for a single show or lecture: $5 ($4 seniors & kids 12 and under) or $9 for a double show - tickets available online, by phone or at SMC Events Office - advance purchase recommended. For schedule: www.smc.edu/planetarium or call 310-434-4223
Santa Monica Museum of Art "Puppet Show"
Date: May 24, 2008 - August 9, 2008
Location: Santa Monica Museum of Art, Bergamot Station G1, 2525 Michigan Avenue, SM
The exhibition brings together 28 contemporary artists who explore the imagery of puppets in sculpture, film, video, time-based media, animation and 2-D work. 5/23: Opening reception and children's workshop. Special events throughout the summer include A Puppet Show with artist Charlie White, 'Objects at Rest, Objects in Motion' (a walk-through on the history of puppetry), Yasunari Kawabata's haunting story 'One Arm", "Dante's Inferno" film with hand-drawn puppets, plus various shows featuring extraordinary avant-garde puppetry. For schedule and further info: Tel. 310-586-6488 or www.smmoa.org
16th Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Date: June 21, 2008
Time: 11am - 6pm
Location: Virginia Avenue Park, 2200 Virginia Avenue
Entertainment, food, vendors and opening and closing ceremonies. Admission free. For infor: Tel.310-451-8124 or 310-908-4554
Pier Summer Twilight Dance Series: Michelle Shocked and Mike Ferris
Date: July 31, 2008
Time: 7pm
Location: Santa Monica Pier
The spirited roots-rocking sounds of Michelle Shocked teamed with vocal legend Mike Ferris will make for a memorable evening on the pier. Free. For info: tel. 310-458-8900
Santa Monica "Drive-In" Movies
Date: August 5, 2008
Location: Santa Monica Pier
Movies on the pier every Tuesday starting August 5th. Free admission, but tickets should be picked up ahead of time from Santa Monica Visitor Centers at 1920 Main Street, 1400 Ocean Ave and 3rd St Promenade bet. Arizona and SM Blvd, or Vidiots at 302 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica "Drive-In" Movies
Date: August 5, 2008
Location: Santa Monica Pier
Movies on the pier every Tuesday starting August 5th. Free admission, but tickets should be picked up ahead of time from the Santa Monica Visitor Center, 1920 Main Street or Vidiots, 302 Pico Blvd.
Pier Summer Twilight Dance Series: Oliver Mtukudzi
Date: August 7, 2008
Time: 7pm
Location: Santa Monica Pier
Described as "one of the giants of African pop", best-selling recording artist, Oliver Mtukudzi brings his rich hypnotic rhythms to the pier. Rocky Dawuni will open the evening. Free. For info: Tel.310-458-8900
Pier Summer Twilight Dance Series: Carmen Consoli
Date: August 14, 2008
Time: 7pm
Location: Santa Monica Pier
In her west coast debut, chart-topping Italian songstress brings charismatic and unforgettable style to her native sicilian sounds. Free. For info: Tel.310-458-8900.
Pier Summer Twilight Dance Series: Peter & Gordon with Gerry & the Pacemakers
Date: August 21, 2008
Time: 7pm
Location: Santa Monica Pier
Among the most recognizable faces of the 60s 'British Invasion', at one time topping music charts on both sides of the Atlantic, the legendary performing duo will light up the stage with their familiar mix of folk, blues and rock 'n roll. The crowds on the pier will also welcome Gerry & the Pacemakers, rivals to the Beatles in the early 60s with their Merseyside sounds. Free. For info: 310-458-8900
Santa Monica Cat Show
Date: August 23, 2008 - August 24, 2008
Location: Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main Street, Santa Monica CA90401
Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 10am-5pm. Admission $10, Seniors & Children $7. For info: www.cfasouthwest.org
Pier Summer Twilight Dance Series: Toots & the Maytals
Date: August 28, 2008
Time: 7pm
Location: Santa Monica Pier
Legendary reggae band Toots and the Maytals will entertain the crowds at the grand finale of the Twilight Dance series. Credited with coining the word "reggae" back in 1968, they have long been known for their unique fusion of gospel, ska, soul, reggae and rock. Free. For info: tel. 310-458-8900.
Santa Monica Book, Print, Photo & Paper Fair
Date: September 6, 2008 - September 7, 2008
Location: Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main Street, SM CA90401
Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm. Admission $7, Seniors $4. Bustamante Enterprises. For info: Tel. 209-358-3134 or www.bustamante-shows.com
Bustamante Antiques Show & Sale
Date: September 12, 2008 - September 14, 2008
Location: Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main Street, SM, CA90401
Fri & Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 11am-5pm. Admission $7, seniors $4. Bustamante Enterprises - For info: Tel 209-358-3134 or www.bustamante-shows.com
International Gem & Jewelry Show
Date: September 19, 2008 - September 21, 2008
Location: Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main Street, SM, CA90401
Fri 12noon-6pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm. Admission $7, Children under 16 free with paid adult, no strollers permitted. For info: Tel. 301-294-1640 or www.intergem.com
Inaugural Gala: Barbara Cook in Concert
Date: September 20, 2008
Time: 7.30pm
Location: The Broad Stage, Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th Street, SM
From "Broadway's favorite ingenue" to concert hall sensation, the legendary Barbara Cook has been called "the greatest singer in the world" by the Financial Times and a national treasure by millions of music lovers. Miss Cook graces The Broad Stage for the Inaugural Gala that promises to be a vocal tour de force. For info: www.TheBroadStage.com or tel. 310-434-3859
"My Bloody Valentine" Concert
Date: October 1, 2008 - October 2, 2008
Location: Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main Street, Santa Monica CA90401
Wednesday and Thursday 9pm. General Admission festival style, no chairs on main floor, tickets @ Ticketmaster (no advance tickets sold at Civic)
My Favorite Bead Show
Date: October 10, 2008 - October 12, 2008
Location: Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main Street, SM, CA90401
Fri 12noon-6pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm. Admission $6, children under 16 free with paid adult, no strollers permitted. Tel. 301-294-1640 or www.intergem.com
The Broad Stage Opening Night: Frederica von Stade with Jake Heggie
Date: October 11, 2008
Time: 7.30pm
Location: The Broad Stage, Santa Monica College Performing Art Center, 1310 11th Street, SM
The Inaugural Season of The Broad Stage is honored to present Frederica von Stade, one of the greatest and most beloved mezzo-sopranos of our time singing a crowd-pleasing repertoire, as well as new music written especially for her by acclaimed composer and accompanist, Jake Heggie. The program will include the Los Angeles premiere of Heggie's "At the Statue of Venus" with libretto by Terence McNally.
Vintage Fashion Expo
Date: October 18, 2008 - October 19, 2008
Location: Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main Street, SM, CA90401
Sat early buying 9am-10.30am, Sat 10.30am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm. Admission: early buying $20, regular hours $10. For info: Vintage Expositions
Tel. 707-793-0773 or www.vintageexpo.com
Santa Monica Antiques Show & Sale
Date: October 24, 2008 - October 26, 2008
Location: Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main Street, SM, CA90401
Fri & Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 11am-5pm, Admission $7, Seniors $4. For info: Bustamante Enterprises Tel. 209-358-3134 or www.bustamante-shows.com
Contemporary Crafts Market
Date: October 31, 2008
Time: 10am - 6pm
Location: Fri-Sun 10am-6pm, Admissions $7. For info: Roy Helms & Assocs. Tel. 808-422-7362 or www.craftsource.org
American Cinematheque Screenings: Aero Theatre
Location: Aero Theatre, 1328 Montana Avenue, SM
Movie presentations by American Cinematheque, a non-profit, viewer-supported cultural organization, dedicated to the public presentation of the moving picture in all its forms, from classics to the outer frontiers of the art form. Weekly screenings of art, independent and classic films. Also sneak peaks of upcoming movies with celebrity guest appearances and discussions with film-makers. Call for program information: 323-466-3456. Tickets $10 or $7 for members.
Farmers Markets
Santa Monica's four weekly farmers markets are widely considered to be among the best on the west coast and feature field-fresh produce, hundreds of kinds of vegetables, brilliant cut flowers, breads, cheeses, delicious foods, live music and more. 3rd Street/Arizona: every Wed 9am-1.30pm and Sat 8.30am-1pm. Virginia Ave Park (corner of Pico & Cloverfield): Sat 8am-1pm. Santa Monica Airport (in the parking lots at Airport Ave/Bundy, Sat 8am-2pm. Main Street/Ocean Park: Sun 9.30am-1pm, music, pony rides, coffee, omelets, crepes & free craft workshops. For Farmers Market info call 310-458-8712
Ruskin Theatre: L.A. Cafe Plays
Location: Ruskin Theatre, 3000 Airport Avenue, Santa Monica, CA90405
Cafe Plays gives directors, actors and writers the chance to create a one-act play from scratch in 10 1/2 hours before presenting it the same evening to a live audience. Five one-act plays, bound by a common theme and locale, are staged each night. The 3rd Sunday of every month, 7.30pm & 9pm. $10 admission. Tel. 310 397 3244 or www.ruskingrouptheatre.com.
Santa Monica Conservancy Saturday Walking Tours
Time: 10am - 12 noon
Location: Downtown Santa Monica
Tours every Saturday morning. In approx. 2 hours and six blocks, the walk traverses more than 130 years of Santa Monica History, from its Wild West frontier beginnings to the sophisticated metropolis of today. Starting with the growth of the city, experience downtown's diverse architectural heritage, including the 1875 Rapp Saloon, the Majestic Theatre, the Keller Block, the Builders Exchange, the Bay Cities Guaranty Building and the El Miro Theatre. Reservations req'd by the Thursday before your tour. $5 for members, $7 for the public. Tel. 310 496 3146 or www.smconservancy.org
Santa Monica Outdoor Antique Market
Time: 8am - 3pm
Location: Santa Monica Airport, in the parking lots at Airport Ave and Bundy Drive
A high-end flea market specializing in furnishings and interior decor. Every 4th Sunday of the month, early admission 6am-8am $7, general admission $5, Seniors $3, kids free. Free parking. Smaller antique market held in the same lot on the first Sunday of every month, 8.00-3pm, $4 admission. For info: Tel. 323-933-2511
The People's Voice
Time: 10am - 12noon
Location: Palisades Park at the intersection of Santa Monica Boulveard and Ocean Ave.
Emulating the centuries-old tradition of Speaker's Corner in London's Hyde Park, the People's Voice puts up a weekly soap box and microphone for anyone to freely speak his or her piece. The sky's the limit! Free. Every Sunday.