It may be the shortest month of the year, but this is of course entertainment capital LA. February 2012 is loaded with cool things to do around town--chief among them, celebrations of Black History Month and Valentine's Day.
Camilia Festival
When: Feb. 4
Where: Descanso Gardens, La Canada-Flintridge
What: The Camelia blossom is known as the Empress of winter. To celebrate 'her,' Descanso Gardens has a day of activities planned, from enchanting faeries tours to guided walks and lectures. Activities are free with admission and take place from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Redondo Beach Superbowl Sunday 10k and 5k Run/Walk
When: Feb. 5
Where: Redondo Pier
What: Have you got what it takes to run? Join over 10,000 Southern California racers to honor and celebrate the Superbowl for the 34th year, with a run, walk or stroll through beautiful Redondo.
Pan African Film and Arts Festival
When: Feb. 9-10
Where: Various venues from Culver City to W. Hollywood
What: Celebrate Black History Month with a showcase of over 130 creative works from the Caribbean, Africa, Latin America, the U.S., Europe, the South Pacific and Canada by people of African descent. The PAFF, a non-profit dedicated to promoting cultural and racial tolerance through film and art, aims to destroy negative stereotypes with its annual event. It has been doing so since 1992.
Valentine's Tea and Tunes
When: Feb. 11, 1-3 p.m.
Where: Banning Museum, Wilmington
What: The Banning Museum hosts its annual Valentine's Day tea event. It includes tea served on antique tea sets, self-guided tours, and live music in the Carriage Barn of a mansion built in 1864.
World City: Sounds and Rhythms of Afghanistan
When: February 11, 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Where: Walt Disney Concert Hall, Downtown
What: One of the world's foremost Afghan music ensembles, Sounds and Rhythms of Afghanistan (S.A.R.A.) performs at the Music Center. The group incorporates vocal performance, poetry and percussion in its sets.
Los Angeles, Italia Film, Fashion and Art Fest
When: Feb. 19-25
Where: Various locations
What: Few do film, fashion and art with as much style as the Italians. Historically some names spring to mind: Versace, Botticelli, Fellini. Come see what it's all about at this festival celebrating Italian artistry and style.
Die Antwoord
When: Feb. 24, 9 p.m.
Where: Club Nokia, Downtown
What: If that odd band name sounds oddly familiar it's only because they were an Internet sensation (and joke band?) a few years back. It's however no joke that the futuristic hip-hop group from South Africa will be in LA and playing a show at Club Nokia.
No Good Deed
When: Through Feb. 26
Where: Ford Theatres, Los Feliz
What: This "gritty and savagely humorous action adventure" almost defies categorization. Somewhere between a play and a graphic novel, No Good Deed focuses on a teen illustrator's fantasy world of comic books. Tickets are $25 for adults; $12 for students and seniors.
Monica Naranjo: "Madame Noir"
When: Feb. 26, 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.)
Where: Orpheum Theatre, Downtown
What: The Spanish singer makes an appearance in LA to promote her novel-related concept album. Tickets cost $59-$93.
Narrative Inventions in Photography
When: Through March 11, 2012
Where: The Getty Center
What: An exhibition that showcases contemporary creators who are combining text and photography. Artists featured: Carrie Mae Weems, Eileen Cowin and Simryn Gill.
