Christine N. Ziemba on May 17th, 2018

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[Weekending is Buzz Bands LA’s weekly column of things to see and do. For more, visit Pop Radar LA.]

FRIDAY, MAY 18

THE QUEER BALL (Dancing + Flowers)

The Queer Collective (CSUN’s LGBTQIA+ Club) hosts a night of dancing, spoken word, open mics and food in an inclusive environment affirming all genders, colors and orientations. This year’s theme is “Floral Fantasy” and attendees are welcome to come decked out in their freshest garden-esque looks. The ball will be at the Queen’s Banquet Hall. Tickets are $10.

NOHO COMEDY FESTIVAL (Comedy)

The first NoHo Comedy Festival continues this weekend in North Hollywood. On Friday night at 6 p.m., there’s an open mic at HaHa Cafe Main Stage, followed by the NoHo Comedy Gala at 9 p.m. (featuring Bryan Callan, Buddy Lewis, Dave David Koechner, Erik Griffin, Jimmy O. Yang, Matt Rife, Kym Whitley and Tone Bell). At the HaHa Cafe Patio, the Mexican Fried Rice Show begins at 8 p.m. (featuring Cat Alvarado, Daniel Wengarten, Jason Cheny, Jason Rogers, Jose Bolanos, Julian Fernandez, Kevin Shea, Manny Maldondo, Momo Rodriguez, KT Tatara, Phil Medina, PK Kim and Rene Garcia), followed by the Yo! Yo! Yo! live podcast with Martin Morena at 8:30 p.m. (featuring  Damon Wayans Jr., Anthony Casner, Rachel, Tillmon, Charlie Sawyer, Daphnique Springs and Derek Mio, among other guests). Prices for individual shows range from $10-$15 and festival passes are $50. Some venues also require a two-item minimum purchase, too.

SATURDAY, MAY 19

KILLER KLOWNS FROM OUTER SPACE (Film)

“Killer Klowns from Outer Space” is a 1988 horror-comedy-sci-fi film by the Chiodo Brothers about aliens who look like clowns and terrorize a small town. Directed by Stephen Chiodo and written by Charles, Edward and Stephen Chiodo, the cult classic celebrates its 30th anniversary on Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Montalban Theatre in Hollywood. The evening starts off with a Kosmic Klown circus celebration, followed by a Q&A at 7 p.m. with Stephen Chiodo, Charles Chiodo (writer/art director), Edward Chiodo (writer/producer), Grant Cramer (Mike Tobacco), Suzanne Snyder (Debbie Stone), members of the punk band the Dickies and composer John Massari, moderated by Jim Branscome of Cinematic Void. The screening begins at 8 p.m. with the original score performed live by the Hollywood Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Massari, and the theme song performed by the Dickies. Tickets start at $79.

PICO BLOCK PARTY (Arts + Community)

The 18th Street Arts Center in Santa Monica celebrates its 30th anniversary on Saturday with the Pico Block Party, from 3-6 p.m. With the theme Empowering Youth Voices!, the day features food trucks, music, open studios, performances and other surprises. The day supports the contemporary arts center, artist residency and outreach program. Free.

NEW WORKS SALON XLIV (Film)

On Saturday at 8 p.m., the Echo Park Film Center holds the New Works Salon XLIV, a presentation of new works in film, video sound and performance. Artists on the program include: Marquita Flowers, Zane Gutierrez (“Today I woke up sad”), Aliza Khan, Kate Lain (“Fifty Feet Near Wendover (For Nancy Holt)” and “Friskies Paté (for Joyce Wieland)”), Mathew Lax (“AMERICAN FOLK”), and Miko Revereza (“And Beyond More Walls”). Doors at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $5.

BUG FAIR (Science)

The Natural History Museum celebrates the 32nd edition of its ever-popular Bug Fair this weekend. On Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., the museum hosts a number of exhibitors including exotic insect collections to pet tarantulas, bug-related products as well as bug-inspired artwork and jewelry. Programming—for kids and adults—focuses on bug hunts, performances, access to research and collections staff, Bug Chefs and other surprises. Admission ranges from $10-$20. Membership card-carrying museum supporters (with picture ID) and children 2 and under get in for free.

FIGHT CLUB WITH A LIVE SCORE (Film + Live score + Live action)

The Dust Brothers and Jacob Maymudes screen David Fincher’s “Fight Club” with a live score and stunt performance on Saturday at The Wiltern. The Dust Brothers perform with Angel Roche, Eric Klerks, Damon Ramirez and film composer Zoë Poledouris-Roche. Stunts and acrobatic performances round out the night. 8 p.m. Tickets: $39.50 – $49.50 (only general admission tickets remain).

SHADES & SHADOWS 24 (Dark Literature)

“Shades and Shadows,” the genre reading/story series dedicated to dark fantasy, horror and science fiction, has a special engagement on Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Pasadena Playhouse as part of Lit Fest Pasadena. Hosted by Xach Fromson, the evening brings together authors who read from their own works, including Claudia Casper, Robert Kerbeck, Brian Corley, Kathleen Kaufman, Adam Korenman, Eli Ryder and Melissa Jane Osborne. Free. There are dozens of other authors, panels and events happening in Pasadena for the Lit Fest on Saturday and Sunday.

SUNDAY, MAY 20

GROUNDLINGS DIVERSITY FESTIVAL (Comedy)

The Groundlings second annual Diversity Festival takes place on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Groundlings School (across the street from the Groundlings Theatre on Melrose). The day celebrates and explores diversity and inclusion in comedy and performance. The festival features 22 one-hour improv workshops (at $10 each) including: Queer-Prov, Voice Over for Improvisers, Freestyle Rap, Action Creates and Oh, Behave! Workshops. Participating performers include Jordan Black, the Gale, Sister Groundling, Black Version Jam and many others. Performances are free and open to the public. Food trucks, raffles prizes and free swag available throughout the day.

SPICE WORLD + DRAG BINGO (Film + Drag)

Relive the ‘90s! Alamo Drafthouse has an afternoon of fun planned for Sunday, combining the Spice Girls, cocktails and drag bingo. The Drafthouse screens the film “Spice World” (1997) at the Regent Theater, and host Pickle not only performs but emcees a Spice Girls-themed bingo game. Other performers include Valerie Von Boom “The Fire Spitting Curvaceous Supermodel” and Misty Violet “The Queen of Stupid.” There will also be a vintage Girl Power pop up boutique, curated by Glitter Death, and attendees are welcome to cosplay! Tickets: $20. Ages 18+.

VENICE FAMILY CLINIC’S ART WALK & AUCTIONS (Art walk + Auctions)

The 39th annual Venice Family Clinic’s Art Walk & Auctions returns to Google’s campus in Venice on Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. The day is free and open to the public to come and view (and buy) art, visit artist studios ($50 tickets), participate in the silent auction or interactive workshops, and listen to live music at the craft beer and wine garden. Proceeds from the day raises funds to help provide healthcare to people in need.

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