If last week was art week, this week is books week, with live reading events seeing a little resurgence. I’m not sure who’s responsible for this harkening back to the 19th-century literary salon in L.A., but I’m glad someone is doing it. Maybe it’s a retreat to simpler times, given the weight of the world lately? Whatever it is, reading a book is always the best idea.
Sunday is also International Women’s Day, and what better way to celebrate than seeing some incredible female musicians? Licorice Pizza has your picks, including Sienna Spiro returning to the Troubadour on Friday and L.A. icon Aimee Mann’s first of two nights at Chinatown’s brand-new Pacific Electric venue — she returns there Saturday. Saturday also has the Cypher Summit Block Party taking place all day at USC’s Glorya Kaufman School of Dance (free with RSVP), and Sunday is Support the Girls Fest (natch!) at Hotel Cafe.
Elsewhere on LAist, you can get a sneak peek at Getty Villa’s Book of the Dead exhibit, check out artist S.C. Mero’s utility box theater and grab tickets for Saturday’s FilmWeek Oscar Preview.
Events
L.A. Marathon
Sunday, March 8, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Various locations; finish line in Century City
COST: FREE TO WATCH; MORE INFOÂ
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Runners at the starting line of the L.A. Marathon.
Get those signs ready and cheer on your favorite runner at the L.A. Marathon. With a course that covers the city from the starting line at Dodger Stadium to the finish line at Century City, you can get a glimpse at the biggest race of the year from almost anywhere. But be aware of road closures!
Dragon Boat Festival
Saturday, March 7, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Burton Chace ParkÂ
13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
(
Courtesy Los Angeles County Dragon Boat Festival
)
The sea lions probably have the best view, but it won’t be hard to spot the 40 elaborate dragon boats competing in this year’s L.A. County Dragon Boat Festival in Marina Del Rey. The event also includes arts and crafts activities, music and more.
I Love ReadingÂ
Sunday, March 8, 4 p.m.
Frank NewsÂ
7151 Beverly Blvd., Fairfax
COST: FREE; MORE INFOÂ
Quarters Gallery has quietly been popping up events with the art and literary set at unique spaces all over town, and this time they’re hosting a salon with Frank News, a publication that’s also been building up a following among L.A. readers. Authors and poets, including @aidenarata, @kitkatcoffin_, @fifidunks, @genius.activity and @94diskont will be sharing their work and reading their favorite writers for a mellow Sunday afternoon.
Heavy Traffic launch
Saturday, March 7, 7:30 p.m.
Barnsdall Gallery Theatre
4800 Hollywood Blvd., Los Feliz
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
I told you there were a lot of readings this week. Heavy Traffic is publishing its seventh edition and celebrating the literary magazine’s launch with some heavy hitters in the writing world. The magazine will host readings by Otessa Moshfegh, Johanna Stone and Amie Barrodale at the Barnsdall Gallery Theatre.
Cypher Summit Block Party
Friday and Saturday, March 6 to 7Â
USC’s Glorya Kaufman International Dance CenterÂ
849 West 34th St., University Park
COST: FREE WITH RSVP;Â MORE INFOÂ
This Women’s History Month, celebrate with a dance party and learning opportunity that pays homage to women in hip-hop and street-dance culture. From a street-dance seminar with Latasha Barnes to a hip-hop workshop with Fantaye to a breakdancing workshop with B-boy Summit’s Asia One on Friday to Saturday’s all-day dance performance schedule, USC’s Glorya Kaufman Center is putting women in hip-hop front and center.
Dana Point Festival of WhalesÂ
Friday to Sunday, March 6 to 8Â
34675 Golden Lantern, Dana PointÂ
COST: MANY EVENTS FREE; MORE INFOÂ
Welcome the whales at the annual Dana Point Festival of Whales, which celebrates the return of the once-endangered California gray whale. The annual weekend is no fluke (sorry), with a kickoff parade, carnival, sand sculpting, a beach clean-up morning and, of course, whale-watching opportunities.
Nollywood in Hollywood Film Showcase
Friday to Saturday, March 6 to 7
Aero Theatre and USC Norris Cinema TheatreÂ
Santa Monica and University ParkÂ
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
(
Courtesy Nollywood in Hollywood
)
Nigerian film comes to L.A. with the return of the annual Nollywood in Hollywood festival. Now in its seventh edition, the free program brings together filmmakers and audiences for screenings of three new Nigerian films, all by women directors — Stitches, When Nigeria Happens, and To Adaego With Love.
OC Lantern Festival
Saturday, March 7, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Â
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
(
Courtesy Pacific Symphony
)
Wrap up Lunar New Year season in Costa Mesa with the Pacific Symphony and South Coast Chinese Cultural Center. This free event features music, dance and stunning lantern displays.