Things that are funny: a panel discussion featuring a troupe of female late night comedy writers. Things that are more serious: beach. Things that are happening this weekend: both of the aforementioned, and more! Don’t forget your plastic gloves. (For the beach, not the comedy writers). The dolphins thank you, LA.
FRIDAYWhat: Putting the Variety in Variety: Late Night TV WritersWhy: Kick off Emmy weekend with some people who likely wrote a few of the jokes that famous people will read off the telemprompter during the awards ceremony. This panel discussion will feature former and current female writers from late night comedies including Jay Leno, Conan, the Daily Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live and should prove that behind every funny man, there is an even funnier woman.When: September 16, 7pm, free, RSVP to diversity@wga.orgWhere: The Writers Guild Theatre, 135 South Doheny Drive, at West 3rd Street, (wga.org)
What: Inside Scientology discussion with author Janet ReitmanWhy: Journalist and Rolling Stone contributing editor Janet Reitman will discuss her new book Inside Scientology: The Story of America’s Most Secretive Religion, a novel based on Reitman’s comprehensive 2006 RS on the controversial faith, which caused celeb Scientologist Kirstie Alley to write into the magazine, “Shame on you, Rolling Stone, for your slam piece." That is to say, post-event cocktail will not be had at the nearby Celebrity Scientology Center in Franklin Village.When: September 16, 7:30pm, freeWhere: Skylight Books, 1818 North Vermont Avenue, at Russell Avenue, (323-660-1175 or skylightbooks.com)
What: Tarfest Opening ReceptionWhy: Prep for next weekend’s indie art and music festival Tarfest, (named for its La Brea Tar Pits location), with an opening reception at the nearby Korean Cultural Center. The gallery will feature works by 21 LA-based artists, as chosen by LACMA’s curatorial assistant Nancy Meyer.When: September 16, 6pm – 9pm, freeWhere: Korean Cultural Center, 5505 Wilshire Boulevard, at South Dunsmuir Avenue, (323-936-7141 or tarfest.com)
SATURDAY
What: California Coastal Cleanup DayWhy: You know all those plastic bags and deflated balloons on the shore of the Pacific did not get there without a bit of human assistance. Do your part in cleaning up our mess during this day long beach beautification event. Participants are encouraged to BYO reusable cleanup materials, although trash bags and gloves will be provided. Last year, 80,000 volunteers cleaned up a million pounds of trash along the California coast. This year, we can do even better.When: September 17, 9am – 12pm, freeWhere: Coastal locations vary, visit healthebay.org for details
What: Don Henley and Lucinda WilliamsWhy: Sometimes Eagle, Laurel Canyon legend and original boy of summer Don Henley will round out amphitheater season with a performance at the Greek with fellow rock royalty Lucinda Williams. Don’t be embarrassed if you tear up during “End of the Innocence.”When: September 17, 7:30pm, $50 - $155Where: Greek Theatre, 2700 North Vermont Avenue, (323-665-5857 or greektheatrela.com)
SUNDAY
What: A Slice of PieWhy: Legitimize your perpetual urge to gorge yourself on pie, (or is that just us?), at the 3rd Annual KCRW Good Food Pie Contest. The event will feature every variation of the beloved baked good, as created by local amateur and professional bakers. The contest will be judged by some of LA's best chefs and food writers, and KCRW’s Anne Litt will DJ.When: 9/18, 12:30pm – 4pm, free with general admissionWhere: LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Boulevard, at South Ogden Drive, (323-857-6000 or lacma.org)
What: 19th Annual Thai Cultural DayWhy: Immerse yourself in the foods, martial arts, massage techniques and other fine cultural -traditions of the Thai during this free day long festival at Barnsdall Art Park.When: September 18, 11am – 5pm, freeWhere: Barnsdall Art Park, 4800 Hollywood Boulevard, at North Edgemont Street, (323-644-6269 or thaiculturalcenter.org)