Weekend Picks
thursday, april 1
Soweto Gospel Choir
8 p.m. > Carpenter Performing Arts Center > $40
The double Grammy-winning ensemble harmonizes its native South African languages between the members’ 26 voices. The group will be performing songs from its new CD, Grace, and have been known to perform hits from The Lion King.
“Comedy Is Dead”
9 p.m. > Hollywood Forever Cemetery > $10
Join Sarah Silverman, Al Madrigal, Garfunkel and Oates, Steve Agee, Natasha Leggero and Duncan Trussell for a night of comedy in Hollywood Forever’s restored Masonic Lodge.
Tom Schiller’s Nothing Lasts Forever
7:30 p.m. > Egyptian Theatre > $8
This 82-minute film was written and directed by Saturday Night Live veteran Tom Schiller and stars SNL collaborators Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd. Although this 1984 Warner Bros. release might not include the same pop culture parodies as the beloved sketch comedy show, the humorous twists are sure to please.
My Barbarian: The Fourth Wall (Reprise)
6:30 p.m. > MOCA > FREE
An artistic collective employing videos and original music celebrates MOCA’s 30th birthday with a new performance.
friday, april 2
Portrait Tour
6 p.m. > Norton Simon Museum > $20
A guided tour of the museum’s most beloved portrait paintings, including Picasso’s “Portrait of Jacqueline as Carmen” and Bellini’s “Portrait of Joerg Fugger” with accompanying discussion of portrature’s relation to identity construction.
Mo’Nique
8 p.m. > Nokia Theater > $39.50+
The Oscar-winning actress from Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire returns to her first job: stand-up comedy. With her “Spread the Love” tour, the comedian-actress shares her size acceptance with the world.
First Fridays on Abbot Kinney
6 p.m. > G2 Gallery > FREE
Venice comes alive during this monthly event where galleries and storefronts along the beach town’s main drag stay open late and show off their goods. Stop by G2 Gallery and catch the stunning works of its April artist, wildlife photographer Thomas Mangelsen.
RoboCop-A-Thon!
8 p.m. > Silent Movie Theatre > $12
Paul Verhoeven’s original 1987 film RoboCop and its two successors are all being shown in one night, with the entire franchise trilogy in 35mm.
saturday, april 3
Serial Killers!
11 p.m. > Sacred Fools > $7
Serial Killers! seeks to revitalize late night TV with its combination of witty serials and democratic participation. Picking up where they left off in December and featuring serials about both Sherlock Holmes and Edgar Allan Poe, the show encourages audiences to vote for the three stories they would like to see continue forward through the finals.
Night Lights
6 p.m. > DNJ Gallery > FREE
In this one-of-a-kind exhibit, three photographers take on the complex challenge of taking pictures during the night. In the absence of California sunshine, the pictures reveal the isolating yet illuminating city environment of Los Angeles.
Paid Dues Festival
noon > Nos Events Center > $54
Dialated Peoples, Shapeshifters, Ice Cube and People Under the Stairs along with other West Coast rap artists will be performing at this annual one-day festival.
Blessing of the Animals
5 p.m. > El Pueblo Historical Monument > FREE
Honor your pets and bring them to the 80th annual Blessing of the Animals, hosted by Cardinal Roger Mahony. Expect music, food, fun and animal chaos.
sunday, april 4
Chloe
2 p.m. > Arclight Hollywood > $11
Watch Amanda Seyfriend in an entirely different role from her innocent song-and-dance routine in Mamma Mia! In this new thriller, she plays a prostitute hired to test a husband’s (Liam Neeson) fidelity.
Gospel Brunch
10 a.m. > House of Blues Sunset Strip > $40.50
Join gospel singers at the House of Blues instead of church this year to praise and sing on this holy day. Easter eggs will be hidden, and there will be treats and photos with the Easter bunny. Performers include top-notch Gospel choir Ray Sidney and Firm Soundation, plus special guest Jordan Pruitt
NON (Boyd Rice)
10 p.m. > The Echo > $5
Come hear Boyd Rice’s dark industrial-electronic sounds, and enjoy a late-night live performance as the perfect weekend cap before Monday morning comes way too early again.
Clown Town City Limits
8 p.m. > The Steve Allen Theater > $10
The first Sunday of every month, the Steve Allen Theater hosts this sketch/improv comedy show with cast members Dave Allen and Craig Anton.
—Tanvi Mirani and Becca Lett