In the midst of a global pandemic, musicians have come together to create a new form of storytelling for the Skirball community, music fans across LA and beyond. During this extraordinary time, when opportunities to perform on stage are rare, Skirball Stages has re-imagined its musical programming to create a new form of storytelling. Skirball virtual concerts filmed spectator-free in the Skirball’s beautiful courtyard and stages around the world will be presented free on YouTube. Featuring both striking musical performances and heartfelt behind-the-scenes interviews, each event is a testament to music’s ability to connect across cultures, honor generations past, and inspire perseverance through challenging times. Premiering Saturday October 24, 8:00 pm, LA darlings Dustbowl Revival return to the Skirball with special guest Lashon Halley for a spirited and celebratory performance. Following the release of their ambitious 2020 album, Is It You, Is It Me, the funky folk band delights with big, orchestral arrangements and cool harmonies. Across the Atlantic, Mames Babegenush takes audiences on a tour of the Port of Copenhagen before setting a lively outdoor performance. Get ready to dance along to the popular klezmer band’s innovative mix of traditional Ashkenazi Jewish and Eastern European folk.

To complete the evening Angelenos can preorder a curbside pick-up three-course meal prepared by the Skirball’s hospitality team. Preorders are required, click here. For streaming details and to RSVP, click here. 

The drama of the RMS Titanic’s maiden voyage haunts history with its opulence, glamour and tragedy. Through artifacts, images and personal belongings, Titanic: Real Artifacts, Real People, Real Stories shares the stories of the individuals from that fateful crossing and offers viewers an opportunity to touch the lives of those who set sail on the “unsinkable” ship. Due to the pandemic, The Catalina Island Museum will host it’s first ever virtual premiere of the Titanic Exhibition and annual Museum Benefit as a re-imagined virtual event live on YouTube on Saturday October 17, 2020.  The event is free to attend with advanced registration and will welcome participants from around the world with the first opportunity to view this one of a kind exhibition assembled specifically by the Catalina Island Museum.  Working with private collectors the museum has brought together unique items from the Titanic for the first time since 1912. Guests will experience a virtual ribbon cutting plus special guests and celebrity appearances led by Captain of Ceremonies, and Celebrity Auctioneer Matt Rogers who will guide guests through and evening full of exciting and unique live and silent auction items. ”The virtual event will allow us to reconnect with one another while also addressing the very real needs to financially support the museum at this critical moment so we can continue to celebrate and build the history and legacy of our beloved Catalina Island.” ­- Julie Perlin Lee, Catalina Island Museum Executive Director

For details, click here.

The Natural History Museum is (partially) open! Getting out with the kids is harder to do these days and finding safe spaces for the fam is a challenge. But the NHM is offering timed tickets to keep occupancy at safe levels for all of their outdoor exhibits. Are people jumping at the opportunity? At this writing, the Butterfly Pavilion has sold out! But the Nature Gardens and the Tar Pits remain open. You can see the paleontologists at work daily. Be sure to bring your own water bottle because the fountains and refill stations are (obviously) closed. There are concessions available at a grab-and-go cart.

If you’d rather stay home, NHM is offering online exhibitions. Contrary to popular belief, their Spiky, Hairy, Shiny is not an exhibit of all the extinct studio heads who’ve been caught abusing power over the last few years, but of the actual bugs in Los Angeles that benefit the ecosystem we all inhabit. The microscopic photography is really something special. I can’t wait for the remake of Starship Troopers, where bugs can exact their revenge on the former bugs of entertainment! The exhibit of Rise Up LA offers a cool historical perspective charting the social movements central to shifting us onto the shared path of equality we now hopefully tread. It’s rare to be able to say that something is entertaining and educational, but the Natural History Museum has pulled it off!

For details, click here.

This year would have marked Jazz at LACMA’s 29th season of celebrating L.A. ‘s finest jazz musicians. While the concert series is currently on hold, you can join online for a virtual music experience hosted by LACMA’s Mitch Glickman, featuring performers planned for the 2020 season. The events will include interviews with the musicians, live performances, and video clips from the groups. Tune in with your family and enjoy the experience with a picnic from home. Attendees will be prompted to share their screens at times during the event. Attendees are welcome to participate or just enjoy the event anonymously.

October 2nd, will feature pianist and actor Robert Rodriguez Rospide. The son of Cuban-Jazz drummer Roberto Rodriguez, Rospide began to tour the world at the age of 22 as keyboardist with virtuoso trumpeter Arturo Sandoval. In 2015, he was nominated for a Grammy for Best Latin Jazz Album alongside his brother Mike Rodriguez for their album Impromptu, The Rodriguez Brothers. October 16th, Glickman will be joined by violinist, Lesa Terry. Known for her distinctive innovation, Terry has performed around the globe including an appearance at the United Nations. October 30th will showcase flutist Nicole Mitchell. Repeatedly awarded Top Flutist of the Year by Downbeat magazine Critics Poll and the Jazz Journalists Association, her music celebrates contemporary African American culture.

Capacity is limited, so please RSVP here, and a Zoom link will be provided by e-mail.