Jackie's South Bay Weekend Guide for April 23, 2015

We have another event filled weekend ahead! Whatever you’re in the mood for – theater, music, cinema, sports, cars, food, art or using your powers for good – we’ve got you covered.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary musical, CATS, will close Palos Verdes Performing Arts’ three play series with a limited engagement of eleven performances beginning April 24 and running through May 10 at the Norris Theatre. This stunning masterpiece has endured as one of the most breathtaking theatrical experiences of all time. The intimate setting of the Norris Theatre will bring you closer than ever to the spectacular “Jellicle Ball” with trouble-makers Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer, the magical Mr. Mistoffelees and the suave Rum Tum Tugger. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. as well as 2 p.m. on Saturday May 2 and 9. Tickets are $45-$55, and $25 for youth ages 17 and under. Discounted group sales tickets are available. For additional information and to purchase tickets, call the box office at (310) 544-0403, ext. 221, or visit the website at http://www.palosverdesperformingarts.com. The Norris Theatre is located at 27570 Norris Center Drive in Rolling Hills Estates.

The Torrance Cultural Art Foundation presents the Shining Star Series, Yesterday and Today – The Interactive Beatles Experience on Friday, April 24 at the Armstrong Theater. Guests are invited to rock to the music of The Beatles in an all new interactive concert experience where the audience creates the playlist. Musical precision and stunning set designs will immerse the audience in the sights, sounds and memories of the greatest rock and roll band in history. To learn more about the experience, visit the website at http://www.billymcguigan.com/yesterday-and-today. Ticket prices are $20/$25/$30. For additional information and ticket purchase, visit the website at http://www.torrancearts.org/ or call 310-781-7171. The James Armstrong Theater is located at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center at 3330 Civic Center Drive in Torrance.

The 28 annual Richstone Pier to Pier Walkathon takes place Saturday, April 25 at the Manhattan Beach Pier. Participants will walk from the Manhattan Beach Pier to the Hermosa Beach Pier and back. Check in begins at 7:30 a.m. and the event gets underway at 8 a.m. Kicking off this years’ Walkathon is USC’s Senior Associate Athletic Director, Steve Lopes along with the USC Band. The Walkathon is uniquely different from other walks as live music will take place along the route as well as food and beverage vendors, fitness trunk shows, appearances from the LA Kings, a photo-booth and more. This is a family friendly event and children of all ages are welcome. Dogs are also invited – just be mindful of the general rules regarding pets that are posted at the beach. All proceeds benefit the Richstone Family Center child abuse treatment and prevention programs. This is a very popular event and everybody will be there! Don’t miss this opportunity to take a few steps to help prevent child abuse. For additional information, registration and to make a donation, call Allison Tanaka at 310-970-1921 Ext. 137 or visit the website at http://www.richstonefamily.org/. The Manhattan Beach Pier is located at the western end of Manhattan Beach Boulevard in Manhattan Beach.

The second annual Manhattan Beach Festival of Motoring will take place on Saturday, April 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mira Costa High School. Last year’s event featured over 75 classics and exotic automobiles from different eras with proceeds benefitting the Mira Costa High School Classic Car Club and the Da Vinci School Classic Car Club. The event is open to the public and admission is FREE! This is the only premiere car show in Manhattan Beach showcasing some of the most prized collector cars from the Los Angeles area. Food and refreshments will be available on site from several high quality food trucks. In addition, attendees may take a spin in select vehicles for $15 per person. For additional information, visit the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Manhattan-Beach-Festival-of-Motoring/449711748525107?fref=ts. If you wish to display a vehicle in the event, contact Mbconcours1@gmail.com. Be sure to include the make, model, and one photo. Mira Costa High School is located at 325 South Peck Avenue in Manhattan Beach.

The City of Lawndale will host a Community Bike Ride on Saturday, April 25 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. The ride will take place through the streets of Lawndale since a number of streets will be closed to vehicle traffic in preparation for the annual Youth Day Parade, creating a safe atmosphere for those interested in participating. The bicycle route will begin at the intersection of Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Prairie Avenue and will continue for 2.2 miles along Hawthorne Boulevard north, Marine Avenue east and Prairie Avenue south. The event will not only be open to bicycle riders, it will be open to walkers, joggers, strollers, skateboards, scooters and roller blades. Please be aware that helmet laws for all minors will be in effect. Minors on any type of wheeled equipment must wear a helmet – no exceptions! Bicycles that are modified in any way will be ineligible. This is a FREE event – however, all participants must register prior to participating. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. late starters can catch up after registering! All minors must have consent paperwork completed on site prior to participating. Children 13 years of age and below must be accompanied by an adult participant. No competitive cyclists or bicycle clubs please. For additional information, contact the Community Services Department for more information at (310) 973-3270, or visit the website at http://www.lawndalecity.org.

The annual City of Lawndale Youth Day ‘Pirate Days’ Parade will take place on Saturday, April 25. The parade armada will hoist sails and set a course through the streets of Lawndale beginning at 10:30 a.m. It’s sure to be fun for the whole family, with marching bands, dancers, classic cars, assorted forms of entertainment and yes….pirates! The parade sets sail from Alondra Park at the intersection of Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Prairie Avenue, sets a course along Hawthorne Boulevard to Marine Avenue and steers up Prairie Avenue to conclude back at Alondra Park. Plan to arrive early and drop anchor at a prime viewing location…. and by all means, wear your finest swashbuckling attire. As every child at heart knows, “It’s more fun to be a pirate than join the navy!” For more information, call the Lawndale Community Services Department at 310-973-3270 or visit the website at http://www.lawndalecity.org/home.asp.

The Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation proudly announces the first Pacific Coast International Short Film Festival on Saturday, April 25 beginning at 8 p.m. Now celebrating its twentieth season, the Foundation has been a long-time supporter of local artists, and they’ve gathered them together on the James Armstrong stage for a one-of-a-kind night of fantastic fun. Audience members will be able to vote for and award the Audience Favorite Prize for the one film they like the best. General admission tickets are $10 per person. Come see some of the most creative and exciting short films the world has to offer! For additional information, film descriptions, and ticket purchase, call 310-781-7171 or visit the website at http://www.torrancearts.org/pacific-coast-international-short-film-festival/. The James Armstrong Theater is located at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center at 3330 Civic Center Drive in Torrance.

Join over 7,000 other eco-minded participants for the annual Earth Day Celebration and Concert at Polliwog Park on Saturday, April 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The City of Manhattan Beach, in conjunction with V.O.I.C.E (Volunteers and Organizations Improving the Community’s Environment), will host the event which features a large assortment of fresh food and family fun. Attendees will enjoy music, games, eco-friendly products and information on the City of Manhattan Beach’s efforts toward making the city a greater and greener place to live, work and play. Two separate stages will feature kid’s entertainment, live music, educational presentations and an awards ceremony. A multi-booth Reuse Drive will accept clean, gently used clothes and prescription glasses, batteries and printer toner cartridges. It’s time to go green. For additional information, call the V.O.I.C.E. message center at 310-226-2927 or visit the website at http://www.greenervoice.org/earthday.htm. Polliwog Park is located at 1601 Manhattan Beach Boulevard in Manhattan Beach.

Sunday Funday Marina Concert & Cookout is back for the season at BALEENkitchen! The event takes place the last Sunday of each month – that’s this Sunday, April 26. Guests are invited to stop by the BALEENkitchen fire pits and outdoor lounge/dining area overlooking the Redondo Marina from 3 to 6 p.m. The event will feature live music, gourmet burger bar, beer garden and more! The build-your-own-burger bar will offer a choice of beef patty, chicken breast or Portobello mushroom grilled to perfection which guests can then customize with an array of garnishes. The burgers are $7 each; domestic beers are $3; well drinks and house wine are $4; and margaritas and The Dudes’s Micro Brewery Draft are $5. Sounds like a fun and inexpensive way to spend a summer Sunday in the South Bay! For additional information and to make a reservation, visit the website athttp://www.hotelportofino.com/redondo-beach-baleen-restaurant.aspx. BALEENkitchen is located at 260 Portofino Way in Redondo Beach.

Buffalo Fire Department presents the South Bay Open Blues Jam on Sunday, April 26 from noon to 4 p.m. The monthly jam session will take place the last Sunday of every month and local musicians are encouraged to sit in. Enjoy great eats and drinks while listening to some rockin’ blues and the best part….there’s no cover charge! Spread the word and come on down for a new way to spend Sunday Funday! For additional information, call 310-320-2332. Buffalo Fire Department is located at 1261 Cabrillo Avenue in Torrance.

El Segundo Museum of Art presents Family Day and a special reading for teens with best-selling author Cornelia Funke on Sunday, April 26. Do you know a teen who loves writing? Who feels transported to another world when reading? Has he or she considered a career as an author or illustrator? Bring your teen to this inspiring event with multiple award-winning author of children’s and young adult fiction, Cornelia Funke, for an intimate reading of her YA novel Reckless. The reading will be followed by a Q&A with the author. This event is recommended for young adult readers, ages 14 and up. Family Day activities will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a break in between for the reading. Explore Experience 15: SPARK with family and friends, take part in a magical scavenger hunt, and create cyanotypes using the plants and objects of author Cornelia Funke’s, MirrorWorld. Art making materials are available for all ages and ability levels. As always, admission is FREE! For additional information, visit the ESMoA website at http://www.ESMoA.org or call 424-277-1020. ESMoA is located at 208 Main Street in El Segundo.

The South Bay community is invited to attend the Official Team USA Send Off on Sunday, April 26 at Nikau Kai. Nikau Kai, the premiere waterman shop in Manhattan Beach recently announced an exclusive partnership with Team USA and Surfing America to become the exclusive retailer of Team USA fan apparel. The day will begin at 9 a.m. with Team USA on the beach, north of the pier, paddling and surfing with the public. From 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., the team will be at the flagship location for photos, autographs and meeting the fans. Confirmed paddlers are Team USA members Dave Bohene, Candace Appleby, Sean Poynter and Slater Trout, with more paddlers to be added in the coming days. For additional information, visit the website at http://nikaukai.com/. Nikau Kai is located at 1300 Highland Avenue in Manhattan Beach.

American Honda Motors presents the 30 annual For Our Children Food & Wine Festival on Sunday, April 26. Last year, over 800 guests feasted on fabulous food, fine wine and craft beer while raising over $60,000! The event features the best of the South Bay with about one hundred of the finest restaurants, wineries and breweries represented. The fabulous silent and live auctions feature unique gift items and experiences, with the proceeds benefitting Sandpipers philanthropic programs and TrinityKids Care. The event will take place from 1:30 to 5 p.m. under the tent at the American Honda Motor Company headquarters in Torrance. Tickets are $125 per person in advance and $150 at the door. For additional information, to purchase event tickets or make a donation, visit the website at https://4rchildren.ejoinme.org/MyPages/DonationPage/tabid/356497/Default.aspx. American Honda Motor Company headquarters is located at 1919 Torrance Boulevard in Torrance.

Here’s a heads-up on a few future events you’ll want to buy tickets for NOW because they’re sure to sell out!

http://southbaybyjackie.com/south-bay-beer-wine-festival-may-3-2015/

http://southbaybyjackie.com/25th-annual-bob-dylanfest-may-3-2015/

http://southbaybyjackie.com/wings-of-freedom-tour-may-4-6-2015/

http://southbaybyjackie.com/south-bay-womens-conference-may-8-2015/

http://southbaybyjackie.com/girls-night-out-may-8-2015/

These are just a few of the events taking place, so be sure to check the calendar links and ‘Things to Do’ page on my website http://www.southbaybyjackie.com for details on these and other events happening throughout the South Bay.

This morning on The South Bay Show – South Bay Spotlight, our guest was Nancy Wilcox, co-chair of the South Bay Coalition to End Homelessness. On Monday, April 27, the League of Women Voters of the Beach Cities and the South Bay Coalition to End Homelessness are co-sponsoring a program about those experiencing homelessness in the South Bay. Don’t worry, if you missed the program, you can listen to it here: http://southbaybyjackie.com/nancy-wilson-south-bay-coalition-end-homelessness/. Tune in every Thursday at 8 a.m. to keep up with what’s going down in the South Bay!

Tomorrow morning on The South Bay Show – Manhattan Beach 360, we’ll be speaking with Michael Zislis, Russ Lesser and James O’Callaghan, members of the CEO Panel for the MB Young Entrepreneurs Academy. Listen to the program live at 8 a.m. here: http://southbaybyjackie.com/young-entrepreneurs-academy-ceo-panel-april-24-2015/. Tune in every Friday morning at 8 a.m. for the latest Chamber news!

Have a fabulous South Bay weekend!

Jackie

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com

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