By HAMP SIMMONS is the cultural affairs coordinator for the City of Santa Monica. Send comments or suggestions for the Palette to
AND WE’RE BACK! I HOPE YOU DIDN’T MISS US TOO MUCH LAST WEEK BUT THAT flu that’s floating about made a special trip to the Santa Monica Cultural Affairs Division and this writer was waylaid last week by a nasty little bug. I know we managed to miss lots of great activities but never fear! Here in Santa Monica there’s lots more still in store. And here’s what’s on the calendar for this weekend.
READING FOR THE KIDS David Shannon 2 p.m. Saturday, May 12 Every Picture Tells A Story 1311-C Montana Ave. (310) 451-2700 Award-winning children’s book author and illustrator David Shannon returns to the Every Picture Tells A Story gallery and bookstore with the original artwork from his best-selling new book, “Pirates Don’t Change Diapers” and his incredible limited edition prints from “No! David,” “How I Became a Pirate,” and “A Bad Case of Stripes.” He will also be signing all of his amazing books and reading from his books ‘TAUGHT 2 DANCE’
Melanie Chartoff 8 p.m. Friday, May 11 and 18 Santa Monica Playhouse 1211 Fourth St. (310) 394-9779 ext. 1 Rated: PG-13 for Mature Language and Situations The ever-delightful and always hilarious Melanie Chartoff returns to the Santa Monica Playhouse. Chartoff sings and dances a silly, though bittersweet tale of being born a performer but growing up to become a real person. With music by Galt MacDermott, Steve Mayer, J-Tribe & Doug Katsaros, it’ll be a great way to spend a Friday night.
COMBING THRU THE KINKS! 7 p.m. May 12 ‘Cross Sections’ 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 18th Street Arts Center 1639 18th St. (310) 453.3711 This short film produced, written, and directed by Stacy Pyles, presents a cross-section of African American women-ages 6 to 92-who tell powerful stories about their hair dramas, joys, and dilemmas. They discuss how choice of hair style affects their personal identity and socialization. The evening viewing is shown in conjunction with the exhibition, “Cross Sections,” featuring contemporary artists on race, gender, and sexuality.
GREGORY ALPER MUSIC SCHOOL 2 to 4 p.m., Saturday Tom Nolan Sunday Concert Series 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday Santa Monica Pier The Santa Monica Pier is not only a great place to appreciate the glorious Santa Monica Bay, the thrill of the kids on the rides at Pacific Park and spin about wildly astride magnificent steeds on the Carousel or to just take in a game of Skee Ball in the Arcade. It’s also one of the best places in town to enjoy free music. Take advantage of this magnificent weather and hit the pier for fun and music!
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 10, 2007. Read the original PDF.