First Watch: M.K. Asante Jr.: The Black Candle is a landmark documentary that uses Kwanzaa as a vehicle to celebrate the African-American experience. Narrated by world-renown poet Maya Angelou.
Now - April 12, 2009 | Black Chrome: The motorcycles popularized in “Easy Rider,” innovations in the look and performance of motorcycles, and the emergence of female motorcycle riders all have origins in the African-American motorcycle culture. This new exhibit at the California African-American Museum highlights these and other contributions of African-American riders to their communities and to the automotive culture of California. The exhibit includes historical and current photos, showing the rise of the African-American bike culture just after World War II to today. CAAM, 600 State Drive, Los Angeles, CA. Info: 213.744.7432.
Now - November 3, 2008 | Target America: Opening Our Eyes to the Damage Drugs Cause: The Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) traveling exhibit explores the science behind illegal drug addiction and the myriad costs of illegal drugs to individuals, American society and the world. The Southern California Section of the exhibit looks at prevention, treatment and law enforcement issues related to drugs here as well as current neuroscience research aimed at understanding and breaking the cycle of drug abuse and addiction. California Science Center, 700 State Drive, Los Angeles, CA. For more information call 213.744.7400.
Now - November 9. 2008 | Two Trains Running by August Wilson: Inaugural production by the Ebony Repertory Theatre, starring Glenn Turman, Russell Hornsby, Felton Perry, Earl Billings, Roger Robinson, Michole Briana White, and Ellis E. Williams. Produced by ERT Founder/Director Wren T. Brown and Directed by Israel Hicks. Two Trains Running is one of August Wilson's most overtly political and often humorous plays, set in 1969 in Pittsburgh's Hill District. It is a fight for justice, but everything comes at a cost! Ebony Repertory Theatre, 4718 W. Washington Blvd. Los Angeles, CA. 90016. Ticket Info: 323.964.9766. Click for tickets
October 11, 2008 - 7:30pm until 10:00pm | All-Star Comedy Bash - Featuring Tony Rock: "Featuring Some of The Funniest Comics in The Game" Tony Rock, Damon Jr - My Wife & Kids / Def Comedy Jam and Donnivin - BET's Hell Date / BET's One Mic Stand. The Comedy Union, 5040 W. Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA. 90019. Cost $10 - Email your full name and phone number to comedybash@gmail.com.
October 11, 2008 | 18th Annual Divas Simply Singing!: Created and produced by actress/singer Sheryl Lee Ralph in 1991, Divas Simply Singing! is a loving tribute to the many friends and family taken by HIV/AIDS. The annual benefit concert, produced in conjunction with the Diva Foundation, helps to raise money and awareness about the spread of HIV/AIDS. Diverse talents featuring Patti LaBelle, Patti Austin, Miki Howard, Angie Stone, Raven-Symone, Coko, Sarah Dash, Loretta Devine, Siedah Garrett, Roslyn Kind, Alicia Meyers, Trin-I-Tee 5:7, Kenny Lattimore, and more. Wilshire Theatre Beverly Hills, 8440 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA. 90211. For more information call 323.655.4900. Tickets $25-$250.
October 11-19, 2008 | Black Angels Over Tuskegee: Layon Gray and the Black Gents of Hollywood bring to the stage a world premiere play about the Tuskegee Airmen. On the day the president of the United States honor the Tuskegee Airmen for their hard work and dedication during World War II, a former pilot reflects back on his life as a Black aviator in Tuskegee, Alabama. Whitmore Lindley Theatre Center, 11006 Magnolia Blvd., Hollywood, CA. For more information call 323.960.5771.
October 11, 2008 | Conscious Comedy Explosion Presents - Clean Mic: Laughing Until It Hurts: Wil Gorham, a filmmaker from Washington, D.C., will screen his new independent documentary film on Black stand-up comedians and the question of racialized humor. This funny, behind-the-scenes portrait reveals the complexities of performing clean comedy for a society which often rewards minority stereotypes. The film stars Dick Gregory, Paul Mooney, SNL alum Dean Edwards and Don Imus co-host Karith Foster. In addition to actual stand-up performance footage, the film talks about stereotypes in comedy, Hollywood, and much more. Suggested donations of $7.00: to assist with the funding of this special event. Malcolm X Library, 5148 Market Street, SD, CA. 92114. For more information about this event, please call 619.527.3405.
October 11, 2008 | World Magic Awards: The 2008 World Magic Awards, hosted by Emmy-nominated actor Neil Patrick Harris, will tape on Saturday, October 11, 2008 at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, CA. Produced by Associated Television International, this worldwide television event benefiting Feed The Children will showcase some of today’s best magicians including Ed Alonzo, Kirby Van Burch, Lance Burton, Greg Gleason, Mark Kalin & Jinger, The Amazing Jonathan, Hans Klok, Jason Latimer, Jeff McBride, Darren Romeo, Dan Sperry, Sos and Victoria, and Florian Zimmer. Barker Hangar 3021 Airport Avenue, Suite 203, Santa Monica, California 90405. For more information call 866.578.5858.
October 11, 2008 | Hip-Hop Chess Federation Charity Event: The HHCF will have schools competing for scholarship money. Wu-Tang Clans RZA (from American Gangster), and UFC fighters Rich Franklin and Jeff Monson will be there to participate in an eight man chess competition, International Master Josh Waitzkin (from the movie Searching for Bobby Fischer is his life story) will also be there. For more information call 408.449.9810 or click here.
October 12, 2008 - 7:00pm until | Los Angeles Master Chorale Season Opening Gala: Performance of works by Rachmaninoff and Haydn followed by dinner. This is a Black tie affair. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA. For more information call 213.972.7282.
October 12, 2008 | Alize Presents KiKi Shepard's Celebrity Golf Challenge: ALIZE presents KIKI SHEPARD’S “Celebrity Golf Challenge” – ‘08 at the Braemar Country Club in California, October 12-13, 2008. The Celebrity Golf Tournament & Awards Banquet has been created to raise awareness about Sickle Cell Disease. An outstanding community supporter of SCD will be honored. Braemer Country Club, 4001 Reseda Blvd, Tarzana, CA. 91356. For more information please call 818.981.7819.
October 13, 2008 - 6:30pm until | Obama Victory Fund: Party and performances headlined by Siedah Garret. Chaired by Moondance Events and Akasha Restaurant. Co-chaired by Michael Baloing, David Baron and Chris Bubser, Bill and Laurie Levinson and others. Tickets from $300.00. Akasha Restaurant 9543 Culver Blvd, Culver City. For more information please call 310.287.0075.
October 15, 2008 - 6:00pm until | Stealing America: Vote by Vote: The American ideal is that every vote counts. Not true, according to this eye-opening documentary. For more than 20 years, exit polls accurately predicted U.S. election results. Over the last 10 years, that reliability has progressively disappeared. What’s going on? The last two presidential elections both came down to a relatively small number of votes, and in both elections the integrity of the voting process has been called into question. Malcolm X Library, 5148 Market Street. Info: 619.527.3405.
October 15-17, 2008 | Ocean Spray Brings the Magic of the Cranberry Harvest to Los Angeles: Ocean Spray's "Red Carpet Bog," at 1,800 square feet, will make a starring appearance in the heart of Hollywood. The Hollywood & Highland Center, Hollywood CA.
November 15, 2008 | Hip Hop Classic 5K Walk/Run: The Hip Hop Classic is a high energy 5k Walk/Run through the historic Griffith Park. This race bridges Hip Hop music and culture with endurance racing and family fun. Griffith Park, 4730 Crystal Spings Drive, LA CA 90027.
October 11, 2008 | 18th Annual Divas Simply Singing!: Created and produced by actress/singer Sheryl Lee Ralph in 1991, Divas Simply Singing! is a loving tribute to the many friends and family taken by HIV/AIDS. The annual benefit concert, produced in conjunction with the Diva Foundation, helps to raise money and awareness about the spread of HIV/AIDS. Diverse talents featuring Patti LaBelle, Patti Austin, Miki Howard, Angie Stone, Raven-Symone, Coko, Sarah Dash, Loretta Devine, Siedah Garrett, Roslyn Kind, Alicia Meyers, Trin-I-Tee 5:7, Kenny Lattimore, and more. Wilshire Theatre Beverly Hills, 8440 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA. 90211. For more information call 323.655.4900. Tickets $25-$250. 
