December 4
Heidi Duckler Dance: Play by Ear
Play by Ear, is a participatory evening that reveals stories and songs about how we may envisage a future together, weaving together performances, exchanging ideas, sharing food, and enjoying the warmth of gathering. Tlayudas for dinner with jamaica and margaritas; and performances by Five Skins, Jessica Emmanuel Kamyi Lee, and Weaver in a collaboration between classical music, one of our spectacular dancers and choreographers, a long-time collaborating video engineer, designer, and immersive genius, and an upscale sewing innovator in the handcraft arts.
Paul Frank Holiday Art Workshop at Laguna Art Museum
Make a one-of-a-kind Christmas tree topper inspired by Paul Frank’s bright and joyful universe. Paul Frank, the inventor of Julius the Monkey and many other funny creatures, is a well-known California designer, artist, and maker. Join Paul Frank as he leads the class and allows you to let your creativity shine by adding your own particular touches to your Julius-themed Christmas décor. The supplies are included.
Didion and the Counterculture at the Hammer.
A distinct sense of skepticism can be heard throughout Joan Didion’s essays on the counterculture and political militancy of the lengthy 1960s. These four films provide contrasting vibe reports from the same milieus: Agnès Varda’s dispatch on the Black Panthers in Oakland, Ralph Arlyck’s portrait of a four-year-old hippie in the Haight, Kenneth Anger’s avant-garde summoning and a Newsreel documentary about one woman’s path to feminist self-understanding.
December 5
ALOUD presents Patti Smith: Songs at Stories at the Saban Theater.
Smith talks about her latest book, A Book of Days, which chronicles her life through Instagram photos. Patti Smith took her first Instagram snap of 2018: her hand with the simple statement “Hello Everyone!” Smith, who was known for photographing with her beloved Land Camera 250, began publishing photographs from her phone, including portraits of her children, her radiator, her boots, and her Abyssinian cat. With over a million followers responding to her unique and imaginative aesthetic, a story of a life devoted to art took shape over time. Smith will take the stage by herself to discuss the book, her images, perform a few songs, and chat about her career with the audience.