We hope you like to jam because this weekend is all about the music — and you don't even need to travel to Coachella Valley. Here's everything you need to know:
1. Record Store Day
When: Saturday
Where: Your nearest record store.
Price: Varies
2. Brokechella
Bummed that you couldn't make it to Coachella? Grab tickets to the broke hipster's spin-off: Brokechella. You can expect four stages at the day-long festival with music ranging from hip-hop to folk. Don't miss Figs Vision, a soulful, electronic band from Los Angeles. Not only is the music weird and cool, but band member, Gunner Sixx, is the son of Nikki Sixx from Motley Crue. Also watch out for: Dutch Party, Y/2/K and Dean Risko.
Other festival highlights include: An official arm wrestling tournament; cornhole and giant Jenga; Lagunitas beer and sangria; food ranging from Chinese to tacos; and massive art installations. Last but not least: Puppychella is back again this year; more on that here. Pro tip: Go Metro and save $5 on tickets. Just show your valid TAP card at the door for the discount.
Here's the Brokechella playlist to get you pumped.
When: 3 p.m. Saturday
Where: 590 S Santa Fe Avenue| MAP
Price: $10 on Goldstar (sold out); $15 Early Bird (pre-line up drop); $20 Pre-Sale; $25 at the door; $20 at the door with a Metro Tap Card
3. Live jazz at Blue Whale
Aaron Serfaty playing Remo's Mondo Cajon and Tamborim!
If festivals aren't your thing, head over to the Blue Whale, an unassuming jazz venue in Little Tokyo. You wouldn't know it from its strip mall surroundings, but this intimate jazz club hosts some of the best musicians in Los Angeles. This weekend: A birthday concert with percussionist Aaron Rafael Serfaty and Brazilian vocalist Catina DeLuna. Grab ramen before the show next door at Orochon Ramen.
Watch Brazilian voice actress Catina DeLuna
When: 9 to 11:55 p.m. Friday
Where: Blue Whale | MAP
Price: $10
4. Mar Vista Farmers Market
Venice and Grand View turn into a center for fresh produce and local shopping at Mar Vista Farmers Market. Shop for organic fruits and veggies or fresh flowers at the heart of Mar Vista Sunday morning. The market also offers a free craft workshop each week and a dog sitting service.
When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday
Where: Mar Vista | MAP
Price: Free admission
5. LA Times Festival of Books
(Photo: The Conmunity - Pop Culture Geek via Flickr)
The 20th annual LA Times Festival of Books is taking over USC for a weekend of books, music, food, arts and culture this weekend. Expect tons of books for sale and hear authors speak about their newest releases. Expect some big names this year: actress Maria Bello, talk show host Tavis Smiley and even the legendary Billy Idol, who has a new book called "Dancing with Myself." (Of course he does.) On Saturday, don't miss a performance by Matilda The Musical. (Yes!) Find a list of exhibitors here. And check out these after-parties.
When: All day Saturday and Sunday | Schedule here
Where: University of Southern California | MAP
Price: Some events are free | Purchase tickets here
6. 20x20 Live
In this "powerpoint meets poetry slam," talented photographers, editors and creative directors from all around Los Angeles show you 20 slides of their visual inspiration for 20 seconds each. Watch Billboard's Jennifer Laski and other creatives like Jayanta Jenkins perform in these fast paced performances. RSVP; seating is limited.
When: 6:30 to 10:00 p.m. Saturday
Where: Hub LA | MAP
Price: $10 suggested donation | Contribute here
7. "Roar"
This is truly insane. If you haven't heard the story of "Roar," read this. Here's the short version: After a trip to Zimbabwe in 1969, Hollywood producer Noel Marshall and actress Tippi Hedren decided to raise big cats (lions, tigers, leopards) in their Sherman Oaks home. The cops kicked them out so they moved to Santa Clarita, where they began filming "Roar." The film was released decades ago in other countries but is just now debuting in the U.S. The film's slogan: "No animals were harmed in the making of this motion picture, but 70 members of the cast and crew were." And they're not kidding. It features a 14-year-old Melanie Griffith — who is the daughter of Hedren — and apparently had her face clawed by a lion in the making. Pro tip: This big cat compound still exists if you want to visit; learn about it here.
When: Friday, April 17 through Friday, April 24
Where: The Cinefamily | MAP
Price: $12
8. Weekend splurge: Craft Beer and Food Fest
If music and books aren't your scene, how about a day of craft beer alongside smoked meats and ginger cakettes? Alpine Village in Torrance is hosting its Local Beer and Food Fest. Tickets are not cheap, but they do include unlimited beer tasting, 15 food tasting tickets and a take-home sampling glass. Both well-known and up-and-coming breweries will be in attendance: Golden Road, Eagle Rock and Angel City. Also: Santa Monica Brew Works, Wolf Creek and many more.
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday
Where: Alpine Village in Torrance | MAP
Price: $43.19 | Purchase tix here
What's going on in your hood? Let me know on Twitter @kristenlepore.
