Weekend Picks: June 11 through 14
Thursday
“Bye Bye Birdie:” The Aero Theatre in the heart of Santa Monica is screening this beloved musical in a restored 35mm print. The 1963 musical, which stars Janet Leigh, Dick Van Dyke and Ann-Margret, is truly a satire on American society in the 1950’s and the Elvis Presley phenomenon. “Bye Bye Birdie” also wielded numerous classic tunes — a must-see for any Broadway lover.
Aero Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $9
Au Revoir Simone: The dreamy and lush electro-pop group, Au Revoir Simone, electrifies the El Rey Theatre in Hollywood with the help of The Antlers, Princeton and Findlay Brown. The Brooklyn, N.Y.-based group is currently on a nationwide tour, the show at the El Rey is its sole stop in Los Angeles — be sure to check them out and instantly become intoxicated by Au Revoir Simone’s sugary sound.
El Rey Theatre, 7 p..m., $15
Friday
Kusama Exhibit: The Gagosian Gallery in Beverly Hills is celebrating renown contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama by displaying her first exhibit in Los Angeles in 10 years — “Flowers that Bloom at Midnight.” Following an “Alice in Wonderland” theme, the exhibit includes colorful, hand-painted fiber-glass flowers that range from four to 16 feet in height, and are arranged in the gallery like a psychedelic garden.
Gagosian Gallery, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., ticket price not available
“Gunga Din:” The 1939 adventure film starring cinema’s classic heartthrobs, Cary Grant and Douglas Fairbanks Jr., is being screened in its original 35mm print at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills. Directed by Academy Award-winner George Stevens, the film follows three British soldiers as they navigate through 19th century India. Adventure – and hilarity — ensue.
Samuel Goldwyn Theater, 7:30 pm., $5
Saturday
Devil’s Night Drive In: The only drive-in theater left in Los Angeles, the Devil’s Night Drive In is hosting a fundraiser for Gay Marriage in California. There will be a raffle with signed items from Joan Jett, a Lifetime Pass to the theater and a screening of “The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert.”
Devil’s Night Drive In, 7:30 p.m., $10
Neko Case: Indie folk singer Neko Case is sure to enchant audiences at the Greek Theatre in Hollywood with her powerful voice, soulful guitar melodies and poetic lyrics — many of which discuss Los Angeles. Singer-songwriter Jason Lytle opens the show.
Greek Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $30- $35
“Rocky” Double Feature: The Italian Stallion comes not once but twice to the Aero Theatre this weekend when the theater hosts an exclusive double feature, which includes the Academy Award-winning “Rocky” and its immediate sequel “Rocky II.” Twice the dose of Sylvester Stalone for only one admission.
Aero Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $9
Sunday
Robert Frank’s “The Americans:” Opening today at the Museum of Contemporary Art is “The Americans,” a collection from the Swiss-born photographer Robert Frank. The collection features 83 photographs from Frank’s time traveling the United States during the 1950’s, documenting every day American places and people. The collection will be on display until October 19th.
MOCA, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., $5 with student I.D.
“Close Encounters” and “Starman” Double Feature: The New Beverly Cinema, every cinephile’s favorite, is presenting a freaky yet entertaining double feature — Steven Speilberg’s “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and John Carpenter’s “Starman.” Though from two highly stylized and vastly different directors, these films go uncannily well together.
New Beverly Cinema, 6 p.m., $7
Telepathe: Downtown Los Angeles’ one and only The Smell is making Sundays cool again with its stellar, dance-infused line-up that includes the upbeat electo band Telepathe, the tropical punk rockers Abe Vigoda and the sometimes Occidental College student, sometimes synth-mistress Nite Jewel. A night full of The Smell’s all-star players, be prepared to dance.
The Smell, 9 p.m., $5