
There’s a lot to love about Los Angeles , especially when it’s FREE.
Think of the weekend as a cheap date with L.A.
He Loves L.A.
Professor Thom Andersen, creator of Los Angeles Plays Itself, wasn’t trying to make a documentary.
The film clips in Andersen’s curated collection, drawn from 200+ films, were initially chosen to illustrate his film and video lectures at CalArts. The clips grew into a compelling, three-hour video essay with insightful commentary about Hollywood’s not-always-flattering portrayal of the City of Angels.
You’ll love it for the many “I know that!” moments.
Tonight, Metro Presents and the EPFC Filmcicle offer a FREE screening of Los Angeles Plays Itself at Union Station: one of the many iconic locations featured in the film. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for games and prizes in the usually-closed-to-the-public Fred Harvey Room; there’s a Q&A with Andersen after the screening.
Take notes to impress your film snob pals from Manhattan.
And to wow the relatives from Des Moines.
LOS ANGELES PLAYS ITSELF — Fri, Feb 27. 6:30pm door — first come/first served; 7-10pm screening FREE/all ages (but some edgy material) — Union Station – Fred Harvey Room, 800 N Alameda St, DTLA 90012. For more info, go HERE.

FREE. Walkable. Self-Guided. Art.
Think Hollywood — the district, not the biz — plans to slack off post-awards show?
Silly you.
This Saturday, start with donuts, continue with art and a champagne cocktail, then more art, then end with a performance featuring clowns and mimes. All of the above are FREE (with RSVP) for those participating in ForYourArt‘s A Hollywood Walk of Art: The Awards Show.
First, fortify yourself with a cruller from the free donut hour at Donut Time, courtesy of ForYourArt. Wander from art gallery to open house on, off, and around the tour epicenter of Highland Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard on your way to Susan Feninger’s Mud Hen Tavern where #TheAwardsShow participants get a free champagne cocktail.
If the champers catches up with you during your post-lunch gallery hop, wander over to Free City where Women’s Center for Creative Work will host a Lounge in the garden. End the day with Performing_NON_Conformity (R): a site-specific, multi-media improvised happening with a number of clowns and mimes working in conjunction with an original score.
Now you know: there are non-conformist and non-conformist mimes and clowns.
A HOLLYWOOD WALK OF ART: THE AWARDS SHOW — Sat, Feb 28; 11am – 6pm. FREE with RSVP) — Various locations. For more info and to RSVP, go HERE.

Thrills. Chills. Stories.
Love, hate, horror, and inspiration are frequent themes in Jordan Cole’s always-innovative productions at Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre.
On Sunday, though, the ZJU irregulars involved in Tales of the Underground are probably more influenced by the finely honed storytelling of The Moth than the horror kitsch of Mothra vs. Godzilla.
Then again, with “hate” and “horror” referenced in the line-up, maybe not.
The two-Sundays-only event is produced by Zombie Joe and hosted by Jim Eshom. March 1st performers include: Jim Eshom, Jessica Amal Sherrie, Jeri Batzdorff, Adam Neubauer, Jason Britt, Greg Dunigan and Abel Horwitz.
Stop by on March 8th to hear: Jim Eshom, Jessica Amal Sherrie, Alex Walters, Vanessa Cate, John Falchi, Elif Savas, and Sebastian Munoz.
One thing is guaranteed: there probably hasn’t been a Moth event with a skull in the lobby.
TALES FROM THE UNDERGROUND — Sun, March 1 & Sun, March 8 ONLY; 7pm. $12 — Zombie Joe’s Theater, 4850 Lankersham, NoHo 91601 For Reservations call: 818-202-4120. For tix and more info, go HERE.

More Weekend Go Go Fun!
The Chocolate and Art Show — Underground art! Free chocolate! Body/face/nail painting! Fri, 2/27 & Sat, 2/28
The Poetry Circus — Poetry! Parade! Merry-go-round rides! Maraca making! FREE! Sat, Feb 28
Long Beach Comic Expo — Writers & artists! Actors! Cosplay! Sat, 2/28 – Sun, 3/1
Ready? U Know U Want 2 Go Go….