arts and entertainment calendar 2/5-2/11
Gin Blossoms play Saint Rocke.
thursday 5
Across a Green Ocean
Wendy Lee, author of Across A Green Ocean, visits {pages}. RSVP’s Recommended. 904 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach. Please call 310-318-0900 or email info@pagesabookstore.com.
friday 6th
Bach’s Lunchtime Recital
Alison Bjorkedal on harp and Boglárka Kiss on flute founded Duo Ondine in 2005. To celebrate the Duo’s 10th anniversary in 2015, they are commissioning new works by local composers and plan to premiere them in the Southland and record them soon after. The “Bach’s Lunchtime Recitals,” carries on in Torrance the tradition of the popular “Bach’s Lunch Recitals,” formerly held for over 20 years in Manhattan Beach. The finest Southland professional artists perform half-hour recitals on first Fridays from October through June. Receptions with the artists follows with complimentary organic fair-trade coffee, a freshly baked treat, and a seasonal fruit selection. The concert begins at 12:15 p.m. at First Lutheran Church of Torrance, 2900 W. Carson Street in Torrance.
saturday 7th
“The Snow Queen” by Redondo Ballet Co.
Come and experience The Snow Queen, the beloved story that was adapted into the popular film “Frozen.”The ballet tells an enchanted story of a frozen winter wonderland with magical creatures,and fantastical lands. The performance will dazzle you with beautiful dancing, shimmering costumes, lavish sets, spectacular backdrops and plenty of fun. Tickets are $20 pre-sale and $25 at the door. For more information, visit dance1redondo.com. 6 p.m. at the Hermosa Playhouse, at the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Pier Avenue.
sunday 8th
Theater in Torrance
“Mrs. Parliament’s Night Out” by Canadian playwright Norm Foster will kick-off the New Year for the Torrance Theatre Company. The show is directed by TTC veteran Perry Shields. In this story, we meet disenchanted, but ever upbeat Teresa Parliament, who is getting ready for a special evening at home with her husband to celebrate their 32nd anniversary. Her grand plans for romance and an exotic paella dinner are foiled because her disinterested husband has forgotten all about their anniversary. 1316 Cabrillo Ave, Torrance. $25. Tickets may be purchased at TorranceTheatreCompany.com
Organ virtuoso
At just 27 years old, organist Christopher Houlihan has been recognized as a major talent destined to bring the pipe organ back into the mainstream. Fresh from his successful Disney Hall debut this fall. LA Times called him “the next big organ talent,” Houlihan will perform music by Bach and more at The Neighborhood Church in Palos Verdes on Sunday at 4p.m. Tickets are $20, $15 for students. The Neighborhood Church, 415 Paseo Del Mar in Palos Verdes Estates.
Nineties rock at Saint Rocke
Gin Blossoms exploded onto the music scene in the 1990s with their quadruple platinum album ‘New Miserable Experience’ which yielded the radio mega hits “Found Out About You,” “Hey Jealousy,” “Allison Road” and “Until I Fall Away.” 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $40-45 and can be purchased at saintocke.com. Saint Rocke, 142 Pacific Coast Highway in Hermosa Beach.
Wonderful Time Fun Band
Prog-jam rockers WTFB present a night of live music by Frank Zappa, Pink Floyd, 1970s-era Genesis, Phish, Yes, Funkadelic, Steely Dan, and much more at the Hermosa Saloon on Saturday at 9:00 p.m. WTFB is a band of South Bay musicians who share equal passion for the grandeur of English progressive rock (think Yes, ELP, King Crimson, etc.) and the improvisational style of American jam bands like The Grateful Dead, The Allman Bros., Parliament, etc. Hermosa Saloon, 211 Pacific Coast Highway in Hermosa Beach.
monday 9th
Healing Through the Arts
Cancer Support Community-Redondo Beach will host Artist Zarina Sikora. Batik stenciling on fabric will be the focus of this free art therapy workshop. Participants will create different designs and colors using fabric paint and stencils to help reduce stress and relax the mind. 10 a.m. – 12 noon 109 West Torrance Blvd, Redondo Beach. Please bring your own pre-washed cotton fabric item such as a pillow case or t-shirt, or table cloth. Advance registration is required. Call 310-376-3550 or visit the website at cancersupportredondobeach.org .
Rocket the dog
Tad Hills, author of stories about Rocket the dog & friends visits {pages} for a quick book signing. This is a great opportunity to meet the author in person in an intimate setting as well as pick up a few signed or personalized copies of his books. Tad’s books are some of {pages}’ favorites. If you cannot make it to the store, you can pre-order a personalized copy. Go to pagesabookstore to order. 12 noon 904 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach. For more information call 310-318-0900 or email info@pagesabookstore.com.
tuesday 10th
Redondo welcomes 50s throwback band
The Four Freshmen play the Redondo Union High Auditorium. The Four Freshmen were one of the top vocal groups the 1950s and formed the bridge between the 1940s ensembles like Mel-Tones and harmony-based rock & roll bands such as the Beach Boys. Although the last of the four original members retired in 1992, the group still tours internationally to sold-out audiences. During its 65 year history, the Four Freshmen has had twenty three different line-ups and twenty four different members. 7:30 p.m., tickets $20. For more information, call 310-326-8184. Redondo Union High Auditorium, 631 Vincent Park in Redondo Beach.
Artist guild demonstration
Torrance Artists Guild (TAG) meeting will present a demonstration in oil by Artist Jeff Sewell. 7 p.m. Ken Miller Center, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. Visitors are encouraged to attend. For Jeff Sewell’s website visit jeffsewellart.com or visit Torrance Artist Guild site at torranceartistsguild.org. ER