LAaLALanders,
This weekend’s events include the: LA Green Drinks event, drum circles for adults and kids, an Ascending Dragon Music Festival, Zenspin classes, Griffith Park Night Hikes & more!
Have a great time.
EnJOY…
LAaLA
I’m looking for websites, web/graphic designers, podcasters, bloggers, etc. to collaborate with. If you’re interested, hit me at laalamatias@gmail.com
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25th
LA GREEN DRINKS 
If you’re interested in environmental issues, join this gathering of LA’s environmental community and enjoy libations while pondering the past, present and future of green issues.
$5 suggested donation
Every 4th Thursday of the month: 7-10pm
11938 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City 91604
http://lagreendrinks.blogspot.com/
“BUG” PLAY
Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Tracy Letts’ stirring drama digs under the surface to expose the devastating effects of paranoia, traumatic loss and conspiracy theories. Agnes White, a waitress whose dependence on drugs has taken a dangerous turn, finds a soul-mate in Peter Evans, a Gulf War Veteran who will find an answer to Agnes’ darkest question.
$20 General Admission, $12 Students and Seniors, 2 for 1 tix on Thursday & Friday if you say “Devra”, free for Veterans and free parking
Tickets also available at the Box Office or by Phone 310.559.2116
February 26 – March 20th, Thursday – Saturday at 8:00pm, Sunday at 2:00pm
USVAA
10858 Culver Blvd.
Culver City 90230
310.559.2116
usvaa@sbcglobal.net
WORLD BEAT RHYTHYMS PERFORMANCE & CLINIC 
Critically acclaimed drummers, composers, educators and authors Maria Martinez and Ed Roscetti perform using a variety of traditional hand drums and drum set covering a variety of traditional and hybrid styles. This event has been covered in the LA Times and is quite popular.
Free
7-8:30pm
REMO Recreational Music Center
7308 Coldwater Canyon Ave.
North Hollywood 91605
http://remo.com/portal/events/2010-02-25.html
BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION: THE MYTH OF A POST-RACIAL SOCIETY
This event sponsored by Radical Women will explore the notion of a post-racial society and how it measures up to reality. Left-wing activist Ray Boudreaux, L.A. public school teacher Linda Guthrie and Chicana feminist Beatriz Paez will lead the discussion.
$3 door donation requested; Louisiana-style feast available for a $9 donation at 6:30pm. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit relief efforts in Haiti.
Doors open at 6pm; 7pm discussion
2170 W. Washington Blvd.
Los Angeles
323.732.6416
http://www.radicalwomen.org/losangeles.html
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26th
ASCENDING DRAGON MUSIC FESTIVAL
Funded partially by the State Department, this historic Southwest Chamber Music’s is a musical exchange with Vietnam is the largest ever in the nations’ shared history. Grammy Award-winning conductor and Artistic Director Jeff von der Schmidt will give an overview of the project’s performances and community events.
Free
8pm
Pacific Asia Museum
46 N. Los Robles Ave
Pasadena
Free.
9TH HOUR HAPPY HOUR @ KATSUYA
This weekday event features cocktails and small bites for $9.
Brentwood, Hollywood and Glendale Katsuya locales
Mondays-Fridays: 5-7pm
702 Americana Way
Glendale 91204
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27th
“WHY WE LAUGH: BLACK COMEDIANS ON BLACK COMEDY” SCREENING 
Timely, insightful, and downright funny, this documentary is a sweeping account of the evolution of black comedy in America. Inspired by comedian Darryl Littleton’s book, directors Robert Townsend and Quincy Newell have crafted a no-holds-barred documentary that is both an insider’s take and a critical examination of the cultural influence of black comedy. Townsend and Newell enrich this hilarious and spectacularly archived film by including interviews with prominent scholars, politicians, cultural critics, and a host of notable comics, including Bill Cosby, Chris Rock, Keenan Ivory Wayans, and Eddie Griffin. Why We Laugh tracks the way black comedy has evolved from Stepin Fetchit and minstrels in blackface to the politically tinged humor of Dick Gregory, and from the television success of Good Times and The Jeffersons to the big-screen accomplishments of stars like Eddie Murphy and Whoopi Goldberg. Townsend and Newell turn a perceptive eye on the controversial career of Dave Chapelle and the implications of corporate efforts to capitalize on the massive successes of Russell Simmons’s Def Comedy Jam and Spike Lee’s The Original Kings of Comedy.A major historical contribution to American culture—and a hoot to watch—Why We Laugh is a tribute to the way individuals can change history, as well as a cautionary tale about how tenuous that change can be. Followed by a Q&A with Robert Townsend, Quincy Newell and Franklyn Ajaye.
Free – open to the public with a reservation below 
2pm
The Ray Stark Family Theatre
George Lucas Building, SCA 108
School of Cinematic Arts Complex
https://scacommunity.usc.edu/events/rsvp/eventRSVP.cfm?rid=582&CFID=2910855&CFTOKEN=77603937
LITTLE TOKYO WALKING TOUR
Learn more about the history and present of Little Tokyo while being shown around by museum docents. Rain cancels. Come comfy.
$9 Members, $14 non-members (includes museum admission)
10:15am
Japanese American National Museum
369 East First Street
Los Angeles 90012
FOR THE LOVE OF MOVIES: THE STORY OF AMERICAN FILM CRITISCISM
Join Gerald Peary, John Powers, Richard Schickel, Ella Taylor, Anne Thompson in person for a Q&A after the showing of this documentary, in which film critic Gerald Peary recounts the rich and storied history of film criticism in America, from Manny Farber’s dazzling prose to the rise of Harry Knowles, and makes the case for why film criticism still matters. A lot of filmmakers may doubt that lol.
$10
7:30am
Billy Wilder Theater @ the Hammer
10899 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles 90024
KIDS DRUM CIRCLE
Join in on a FREE drum circle for kids. Journey and explore music making through rhythm, song, and fun activities. Drums provided by REMO. Just bring the children.
Free
11-11:45am
REMO Recreational Music Center
7308 Coldwater Canyon
North Hollywood
http://remo.com/portal/events/2214.html
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28th
FAMILY FESTIVAL: ART, ACTIVISM, ACCESS: 40 YEARS OF ETHNIC STUDIES AT UCLA
Families will enjoy musical performances, art workshops, poetry readings and gallery discussions featuring local artists and performers celebrating forty years of Ethnic Studies at UCLA.
Free
12-5pm
Fowler Museum, North Campus
UCLA
Westwood
TENDER GREENS POT ROAST SUNDAYS
Enjoy a Coleman Farms beef short rib “roast” braised in red-wine sauce, Yukon gold mashed potatoes, and a salad or vegetable for pennies on the dollar.
$10
9523 Culver Blvd.
Culver City 90232
MELROSE TRADING POST
Check out 200 eclectic vendors with bric-a-brac, food, music, records, furniture, and arts and crafts and more in the Fairfax High parking lot.
$2, $1/students and seniors
9am-5pm
Fairfax & Beverly
Los Angeles
ALL WEEKEND/ONGOING
HOLLYWOOD FOREVER CEMETARY WALKING TOUR 
Hosted by Karie Bible, this ongoing tour highlights the various historic tales, scandals and mysteries of the Hollywood Forever cemetery. She has three tours: Cemetery of the Stars, Hidden Hollywood and Jewish Heritage.
$12
2/27 – noon, 2/28 – 2pm, 3/13 – noon, 2/27 – noon, 3/28 – 2pm, 4/10 – noon, 4/24 – 2pm
6000 Santa Monica Blvd
Hollywood 90038
ZENspin CLASSES
This class takes the mind-body-spirit transformation to the next level. Jesse Brune (Bravo’s “Workout”) and Rev. Jennifer Hadley (Agape International Spiritual Center) have teamed up to offer you spiritual fitness. ZENspin is a collaborative effort created to honor the body, mind, and spirit of each student and create a truly transformative and inspiring ride. Challenge your body as trainer Jesse Brune takes you through a rigorous spin experience while Rev. Jennifer Hadley taps into the Mind-Spirit connection with humorous and heartfelt inspiration to transform and live your very best life! It’s a true twofer – spiritual fitness!
Fee: Love Donation
http://web.mac.com/jenhadley/JH/ZENspin.html
http://www.meetup.com/ZENspin/
GRIFFITH PARK NIGHT HIKES 
Put on your hiking shoes and join the Sierra Club on these unique, instructive two hour hikes through Griffith Park. Wear comfortable shoes and meet at the Upper Merry-Go-Round parking lot.
Free
Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays – Meet at 6:45pm; hike at 7 pm
Griffith Park
4730 Crystal Springs Dr.
Los Angeles 90027
PUBLIC PRACTICE: A FREE SPACE TO PLAY MUSIC OUTDOORS
Practice, practice, practice your musical talents in the outdoor public spaces at the Music Center. This opportunity is for non-professional instrumental musicians and music hobbyists of all skill levels and cultural musical traditions. Choose to participate as a solo musician or as a duo. Apply online in as little as 15 minutes at http://www.musiccenter.org/events/aa_practice.html thru March 5, 2010. There is no audition. Musicians will be selected based on stated interest, understanding of Public Practice goals, and commitment to recreational music-making. Apply early!
Free
Noon-9pm
The Los Angeles Music Center- Performing Arts Center of LA Co.
135 North Grand Ave
Los Angeles 90012
http://www.musiccenter.org/events/aa_practice.html
HAWAI’I AT THE GROVE
Aloha! Saturdays thru February, enjoy island warmth as The Grove becomes a remote version of Hawai’I featuring live Hawaiian music and hula lessons and performances presented by the Polynesian Cultural Center. Make your own flower lei, create unique palm frond crafts, get a temporary Hawai’i-inspired tattoo, and sample flavors of the Islands while entering to win a trip for two to Hawai’i.
Free
Saturday & Sunday, 12-7pm
The Grove
189 The Grove Dr
Los Angeles
COMPIMENTARY UNIVERSAL STUDIOS ADMISSION FOR SCHOOL WORKERS
K-12 teachers and school employees of California public, private and/or charter schools with required credentials (school and state ID presented to the box office) get in for free while their guests (up to 3) get in for half price.
Thru March 31st
Universal Studios
1000 Universal Center Dr
Universal City 91608
www.universalstudioshollywood.com
MICHAEL JACKSON: HIStyle EXHIBIT
In homage to the immortal King of Pop Michael Jackson, this iconic exhibit has been extended. It features some of Jackson’s seminal wardrobe pieces like the Thriller album cover suit, seven elaborately embellished jackets, two gloves and more. Also check out the 44-minute video of some of his most exciting GRAMMY performances.
$14.95, general; $11.95, students $ seniors; $10.95, military & youth 6-17 years old
800 W. Olympic Blvd., #A-245
Los Angeles 90015
213.765.6800
HELP WITH HAITIAN RELIEF
The people of Haiti are suffering after the 7.4 earthquake that crushed the beautiful island nation. Support Doctors Without Borders as they provide much needed medical care via volunteer nurses and doctors and they were in Haiti prior to the disaster. I heard that the money donated is used within 5 minutes of processing in the country. Let’s help revive this very relevant nation!
http://doctorswithoutborders.org/
FREE BOWLING
Join the AMF’s Bowling E-Club and bowl for free. They’ll even send you a birthday gift and other incentives.
http://www.amf.com/corporate/inquiries/e_club_inquiry.amfx
FREE SKI LIFT TICKET ON YOUR BIRTHDAY!
Caps, Aquarians and Pisces: with a valid ID, go to the resort ticket office of the resorts listed below and enjoy free skiing, snowboarding, rides, ski-lift ticket, night skiing and more
GIVE A DAY (VOLUNTEERING), GET A (FREE) DISNEY DAY
Contribute to the community AND get something material back in return. How rare is that?! Give a day to a Disney approved charity and you’ll get a pass to get into Disneyland or Disney World. They hope to inspire one million people to volunteer a day of service with this incentive. There will only be tickets given to the first million volunteers who participate so don’t procrastinate if interested. Get your friends, family, organizations and others to participate so you can all attend together for free.
http://handsonnetwork.org
DOWNLOAD THE NEW COLDPLAY ALBUM FOR FREE
Wow! I love Coldplay. They’re offering 14 songs from their “Left Right Left Right Left” album for free at the link below.
http://www.coldplay.com/lrlrl/lr.html
FOOD BANK RESOURCES
If you or anyone you know needs free food due to a lack of funds, check out the links below. There’s no reason anyone should be homeless or starving anywhere, nevertheless in a wealthy country like the US!
http://www.lafightshunger.org/
http://www.lafightshunger.org/agencies_serving_daily_meals.htm
http://www.jfsla.org/sova/LocationsServices.php
http://www.laokay.com/FoodBanks.htm#LosAngeles
http://02bcd4a.netsolhost.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=70&Itemid=94
RESTAURANT.COM GIFT CERTIFICATES
Every few days this unique site does an amazing sale. Here’s how their site benefits over 5 million customers: find the restaurant you want to eat at and gift certificates of multiple denominations. Normally a $25 gift certificate that requires a minimum $35 purchase (+ 18% gratuity on the total bill) for 2 people sells for $10. Well, if they’re having an 80% off sale that voucher comes out to only $2! Spend $2 and get $25 off of your $35 check. This is totally legitimate and restaurants are usually quite appreciative for the new business.
***A special request***: I’m seeking new employment. Ideally, in the creative field but I’m flexible. I’m open to suggestions and leads (nationally). While I love producing this weekly resource list but this is not my bread and butter. If you’d like to find out more about me, click on the “About LAaLA” button above and or feel free to email my personal email address @ laalamatias@gmail.com. Thanks!
