It's here, the Carmageddon. Finally. Better map out your alternative routes, because Los Angeles is a city that doesn't stop, even when traffic on the 405 does. We dare you to get out and enjoy the drinking, crafting, poetry and music this weekend has to offer. There ain't no holding us back, LA even if we have to take Pico clear across town.
FRIDAYWhat: Pink Hour at The Little DoorWhy: You already heart this WeHo brasserie, so why not really show additional love during Pink Hour at The Little Door when bottles of rosé will be 20% off and a three rosé flight will go for $14. Best of all, Pink Hour proceeds benefit Pablove, a foundation that funds pediatric cancer research. When: 6pm-7pmWhere: The Little Door, 8164 West 3rd Street, at Crescent Heights, (323-951-1210 or the littledoor.com)
What: Sean Kuti & Egypt 80Why: We've never met a Kuti we didn't like, and Sean, the youngest scion of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, is no exception to that rule. See the 28 year old musician play with dad's band Egypt 80 during this free performance at downtown's California Plaza. KCRW's Garth Trinidad will host.When: 8pm, freeWhere: California Plaza, 300-350 South Grand Avenue, at West 4th Street, (213.687.2159 or grandperformances.org)
SATURDAYWhat: Brian McGackin at Book Soup Why: If you're down for a dose of modern man patois, check out "broet laureate" Brian McGackin reading from his brand new collection Broetry: Poetry for Dudes. From the book, "I have finished the beer that was in the icebox/and that you were probably saving for Friday/Forgive me this girl came over, so sweet and so hot."When: July 16, 3pm, freeWhere: Book Soup, 8818 Sunset Boulevard, at Larrabee Street, (310-659-3110 or booksoup.com)
What: Renegade Craft FairWhy: It'll be etsy come to life when 200 vendors post up at downtown's State Historic Park to sell homemade wares including jewelry, t-shirts, dishes, pillows and other assorted hand-made goods. Swap-o-Rama and Sew L.A. will be on site to help fair-goers to get in on the DIY action, and a fleet of food trucks will provide sustenance after a long day's crafting.When: Saturday - Sunday, 11am - 7pm, freeWhere: State Historic Park, 1245 North Spring Street, at West College Street, (renegadecraft.com)
SUNDAYWhat: Tender Greens Whole GoatWhy: Hungry? How about an, um, entire goat? It's an option at earthy eatery Tender Greens' monthly "whole animal" roast. Billed as a "backyard barbeque party with someone else doing the cooking and cleaning," this event will feature brews from Angel City and the sweet meat of an expertly prepared whole goat, which we expect there will be very little left of by mid-evening. When: 5pm-9pm, $35 per person, includes food, beer and taxWhere: Tender Greens Hollywood, 6290 Sunset Boulevard, at Olive Drive, (323-382-0380, tendergreensfood.com) What: Art in the Streets Tour with Patti AstorWhy: Make it a sophisticated Sunday by attending this guided tour through MOCA's controversy-courting Art in the Streets exhibit. The guide for the evening is Patti Astor, co-founder of NYC's legendary Fun Gallery, the first gallery space for graffiti artists like Fab Five Freddy and Keith Haring.When:6:30pm - 8pm, freeWhere: The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, 152 North Central Avenue, at East Temple Street, (213-626-6222 or moca.org)