Tournament of Roses Parade
When: Jan. 1
Where: W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
What: This Southern-Californian time-honored tradition (since 1890) continues to usher in the new year for the nation, with pageantry and a purpose (honoring the Rose Bowl football game). See the amazing floral floats go by on Colorado Blvd. and wave to your new Rose Queen. The 121st Rose Parade starts at 8 a.m. All attendees require tickets.
New Year’s Intentions and Vision Boards Workshop
When: Jan. 3
Where: Bodhi Tree Bookstore Annex, W. Hollywood
What: Start the new year with a vision by creating a dream board for your intentions. Jennifer Hadley, a minister from the Agape International Spiritual Center (of Michael Beckwith/The Secret fame) leads you through a two-hour workshop on making your dreams a reality. Entrance is $22 advance; $33 at the door.
Fear
When: Jan. 8
Where: House of Blues, Sunset Strip
What: In the ‘70s and ‘80s, LA had its own home-grown punk scene which influenced many major rock artists like The Red Hot Chili Peppers. One of the wild and unbridled groups driving this niche was Fear (formed in ’77). One of LA’s seminal punk bands plays a special concert at the House of Blues.
Rembrandt Prints
When: Jan. 9-April 4
Where: Hammer Museum, Westwood
What: This exhibition features etchings by prolific Dutch master and print-maker Rembrandt van Rijn. Its subjects range from religious narratives to figure studies and landscapes.
Scandinavian Film Festival
When: Jan. 9, 10, 16-17
Where: Writers Guild Theater, Beverly Hills
What: Danish filmmakers Lars von Trier and Thomas Vinterberg founded the revered Dogme 95 cinematic movement. You never know what filmmaking brilliance might emerge from the Scandinavian creative pool. Find out at this annual festival which showcases works from Danish, Finnish, Icelandic, Norwegian and Swedish film creators.
Tennessee Williams’ "Orpheus Descending"
When: Jan. 15-Feb. 21
Where: Theatre/Theater, Miracle Mile
What: Famed playwright Tennessee Williams’ modern version of Orpheus is rarely produced. But this month (and next), the play set in the repressed American South, will have a run with Gale Harold (Queer as Folk) and Denise Crosby (Star Trek TNG) in leading roles.
Projections Film Festival
When: Jan. 16-Feb. 20
Where: Roberts & Tilton Gallery, Culver City
What: Who isn’t a film buff in LA? But it takes a special kind of film buff to uncover and appreciate some of the rarely seen works in this small free festival. Films include Spike Jonze’s We Were Once a Fairytale starring Kanye West, Jean-Luc Godard’s Slow Motion and Miranda July’s The Amateurist.
Classic Photographs Los Angeles
When: Jan. 17
Where: Michael Dawson Gallery, Larchmont Village
What: One of the best places in LA to bone up on local history is Dawson’s Bookstore and the Michael Dawson Gallery. The arts venue’s one-day event featuring classic photos of LA is no exception. The collective exhibit will showcase 19th and 20th century images of LA from dealers across the country and include shots from Edward Weston and Eugene Atget.
Itzhak Perlman
When: Jan. 23
Where: Wiltern Theater, Mid-Wilshire
What: Master world-renowned violinist Perlman plays an intimate show with revered Sri Lankan pianist Rohan de Silva. You won’t want to miss this--Perlman’s debut performance of 2010.
Nick Jonas & the Administration
When: Jan. 28-29
Where: Wiltern Theater, Mid-Wilshire
What: After the holidays, everyone needs a little time out from family...including Jonas Brothers’ Nick Jonas. This side-project band of the 17-year-old Jonas will play live at the Wiltern shortly in advance of the release of their debut album Who I am (February 2010).
