Latest in Calendar

• Latest in Calendar

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    Calendar Literary Events

    Recommended

    Douglas Coupland

    Canadian author Douglas Coupland studied sculpture in art school, only to become a writer — and it's lucky for us he did. In his 1991 debut novel, Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture, Coupland explored the growing disillusionment of a disenfranchised demographic coming of age at the dawning of the World Wide Web. Coupland has continued to write about the dehumanizing effects of technology and mass culture, as well as the way a WiFi-enabled society affects individual spirituality. His touching, thought-provoking and often biting prose examines the boundary between analog and digital worldviews, with characters caught in the crossfire of consumerism and the practical application of scientific knowledge.Some of Coupland's books are sympathetic character studies; others are cunning satires. Some take yet another direction entirely, featuring profound chunks of wisdom in the form of guidebooks for the soul. The beauty of Coupland's writing is that you never know what to expect. That's true, too, of his new novel, Worst. Person. Ever. The gifted author and accidental cultural critic makes his way down to L.A. for a conversation with Neil Strauss, followed by a Q&A and book signing. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Brentwood; Thu., April 17, 8 p.m.; free. (310) 440-4500, skirball.org/programs/readings-talks/douglas_coupland. More
    Apr. 17
    Skirball Cultural Center
    Tanja M. Laden
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    Calendar Music

    Critics' Pick Recommended Concert

    Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival

    The big box of candy known as Coachella is stuffed again with an assortment of familiar flavors, although there are fewer exotic confections overall this year than in previous editions. A couple of the more notable surprises occur on the first day, when André 3000 and Big Boi realign as Outkast for the first time in seven years, and a version of The Replacements reappears out of the misty haze. It should be a thrill to hear laid-back balladeer Paul Westerberg finally crank it up again (albeit, sadly, without key 'Mats members Chris Mars and the late Bob Stinson), but it isn't clear yet if Outkast is an organic entity again or merely two separate speaker boxes paired together for a nostalgia cash-in. Friday's other wonders range from Chromeo's goofy electro-funk and Neko Case's fiery vocal contrails to The Knife's electronic propulsion and Wye Oak's stormy, swirling melodicism. Saturday alternately rocks harder with Queens of the Stone Age, slinks strangely with Muse's dynamic waves, impresses with Pharrell Williams' pop-hop savvy and enchants via Lorde's gauzily contemplative dance pop. Sunday features the ubiquitous Arcade Fire and Beck, but highlights include Lana Del Rey's dreamy romanticism, Disclosure's engrossing electronics and a reunion of alt-rockers Neutral Milk Hotel. More
    Apr. 11
    Empire Polo Club
    Falling James
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    Calendar Community Events

    Recommended User Submitted

    KTown Night Market

    Koreatown, Koreatown — when the lights are low: The KTOWN Night Market is that heady and headstrong manifestation of Asian night markets, which are a part of that cosmopolitan experience falling squarely between the celebratory and the revelatory. More than 100 street vendors will purvey a gustatory experience anchored in Korean cuisine but spanning the Asian continent, to turn on your tastebuds’ receptors for umami, which you’ve heard so much about. There will be DJs and K-pop singers, art exhibits, a K-pop workshop and “Food Truck Alley,” which will include three seasons’ worth of winners of Food Network’s The Great Food Truck Race, plus mainstays such as Jogasaki Sushi Burrito and Cool Haus. Because there’s not much better after spicy food than ice cream. Robert F. Kennedy Community Schools, 701 S. Catalina St., Koreatown; Fri., April 18, 4 p.m. to mid.; Sat., April 19, 2 p.m.-mid.; free. ktownnightmarket.com. More
    Apr. 18
    Robert F. Kennedy Community Schools
    David Cotner
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    Calendar Dance

    Recommended

    World City: Khukh Tenger

    Landlocked between Russia and China, Mongolia has absorbed influences from those two countries into its own distinctive culture, which dates back to its assertions of empire under Genghis Khan in the 1200s. The dance troupe Khukh Tenger’s name translates to “Blue Sky” and references the nomadic indigenous people’s deep connection to nature and Mongolia’s harsh climate, sweeping plains and three stark mountain ranges. Led by choreographer Batzorig Dorj, these dancers offer a rare chance to see unfamiliar dance from this remote and mostly unfamiliar part of the world. The troupe is performing with the musicians of Huun-Huur-Tu, who practice khoomei or “throat-singing,” in which a single vocalist can simultaneously produce two distinct pitches and sing the chord in harmony. The family-friendly show is part of the World City performance series at Disney Hall and includes related child-friendly art activities. W.M. Keck Foundation Children’s Amphitheatre at Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., dwntwn.; Sat., April 19, 11 a.m. & 12:30 p.m., free with tickets distributed at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Grand Avenue at Second Street. (213) 972-4396, music​center.org. More
    Apr. 19
    Keck Children's Amphitheatre
    Ann Haskins
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