South Bay arts calendar Aug. 29 – Sept. 4

“Vulnerability,” by South Bay artist Tm Gratkowski, is included in “work WITH paper,” a group show, which previews tonight (Thursday), with an opening on Saturday, Sept. 7, at Castelli Art space, 5440 W. Washington Blvd, Los Angeles. These works by Gratkowski are “sketches,” pieces he’s been creating over the past year. Pictured, “Vulnerability.” (310) 204-6830

Thursday, August 29
Something burning!
4 Alarm performs pop and dance music from 6 to 8 p.m. on the Redondo Beach Pier, on the Boardwalk, behind Tony’s, 100 Fisherman’s Wharf, Redondo Beach. Free. More at redondopier.com.

“Eureka/Adaptation,” a solo exhibition by Korean artist Jong-chul (Alex) Lee, opens with a reception from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday at South LA Contemporary, 3718 W. Slauson Ave., Los Angeles. Lee has been the recipient of a month-long residency at the home of Ben and Peggy Zask. There is an artist workshop and closing reception on Saturday, Sept. 7, from 2 to 4 p.m. Pictured, “Throw-Narcissa.” More at solacontemporary.org

Saturday, August 31
Fly like an eagle
Dark Desert Highway pays tribute to the Eagles from 6 to 8 p.m. on the boardwalk at the west end of the Redondo Beach Pier, behind Tony’s. This is the last free pier concert of the season. Now it’s back to school! More at redondopier.com.

Eating from the bowl
Feed the Kitty plays crowd favorites and original songs from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, part of their 2019 Sound Series at Nelson’s (which continues through Oct. 26). For more on the band, go to feedthekitty.com.

Monday, September 2
Close your eyes, and imagine
The Palos Verdes Symphonic Band presents “Stories Through Music,” part of the Music on the Meadow Series, taking place from 3 to 5 p.m. at the South Coast Botanic Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Blvd, on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Guest artist Beth Mitchell performs “Tubby the Tuba” with the band, with TV star Robert David Hall as narrator. The Amuse Music Center’s instrument petting zoo will be onsite to captivate children from 2:30 to 3 p.m., and again during intermission. Free with garden admission. (310) 792-8286 or visit pvsband.org.

Tuesday, September 3

Feed the Kitty plays crowd favorites and original songs from 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday at the Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, part of their 2019 Sound Series at Nelson’s (which continues through Oct. 26). For more on the band, go to feedthekitty.com

Bohemian rhapsody
There’s a 50-minute opera talk presented by LA Opera’s Community Educators taking place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the season’s opener, “La Boheme,” in the second floor meeting room of the Redondo Beach Main Library, 303 N. Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach. Free, just show up and start singing. (310) 318-0675, option 5, or visit redondo.org/library.

Wednesday, September 4
The figure in motion
The artist reception for Harrison Storms and “Johns Canyon,” a survey of his work that depicts the human body, often in transition, takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. in the El Camino College Art Gallery, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance. There’s also a walk-through with Storms and art historian Karen Whitney on Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 1 p.m. Through Sept. 19. Free; on campus parking is $3. See story in today’s paper. (310) 660-3010.

Nancy Rubin’s photographic exhibit, “Reframing Aging,” which focuses on people in their 70s, 80s, and 90s, opens Wednesday with a talk from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Peninsula Center Library, 701 Silver Spur Road, Rolling Hills Estates. Cynthia Bix interviewed each person whose portrait is on display. Through Oct. 4. Pictured, “Sue.” (310) 541-6807 or go to pvld.org

On and over the hill
Nancy Rubin’s photographic exhibit, “Reframing Aging,” which focuses on people in their 70s, 80s, and 90s, opens with a talk from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Peninsula Center Library Community Room of the Peninsula Center Library, 701 Silver Spur Road, Rolling Hills Estates. Cynthia Bix interviewed each person whose portrait is on display. Through Oct. 4. Call (310) 541-6807 or go to pvld.org. ER