The following list is a curated roundup of weekend events in Long Beach published every Wednesday on the Hi-lo and Long Beach Post. Have an event to share? Email [email protected] with “Things to Do” in the subject line.
Black History and hearts are in the air as the calendar flips. To start the celebration of Valentine’s Day in Long Beach, a special Valentine’s Day panel will take place at Page Against the Machine Bookstore. A border town rock group brings a lively concert to the Carpenter Center, and pianist Jason Moran transforms into a legend. Bluegrass with a touch of classical flavor takes over the Terrace Theater, and the annual Bob Memorial Mutt Run goes to the dogs at Claremont Launch Ramp.
Jarabe Mexicano (Friday, Jan. 31)
Come join Jarabe Mexicano for a night of rock and roll, Mexican Folk and Tex-Mex at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center, beginning at 8 p.m.
This show features harmonized vocals in both Spanish and English as part of a family fiesta that will include music and personal stories about what it’s like to grow up on the U.S.-Mexico border. Whether serenading the audience to romanticize or belting out upbeat dance songs to whip the crowd into a partying mood, this performance will have people talking.
The Carpenter Performing Arts Center is at 6200 E. Atherton St. Tickets are free. For more information or to RSVP, call 562-985-7000 or visit carpenterarts.org.
Bluegrass and Beethoven (Saturday, Feb. 1)
Long Beach Symphony presents a night of Bluegrass and Beethoven at the Terrace Theater, starting at 6:30 p.m. with a pre-concert talk, followed by the concert at 7:30 p.m.
Crafted and curated to elicit joy and celebration, this program interweaves rhythmic habaneras, bluegrass dances and classical symphonies, covering an expansive landscape of musical and cultural terrain. It is a testament to the transformative power of music that transcends boundaries and converges diverse traditions into an enjoyable and harmonious event.
The Terrace Theater is at 300 E. Ocean Blvd. Tickets start at $34. For more information and tickets, call 562-436-3203, ext. 1 or visit longbeachsymphony.org.
Jason Moran Plays Duke Ellington (Saturday, Feb. 1)
Pianist Jason Moran plays Duke Ellington at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center at 8 p.m.
Guided by Duke Ellington’s great canon, Jason Moran takes a solo piano climb up “Mount Ellington” in this celebration of the composer’s enduring legacy. Experience the timeless genius of Ellington’s music reimagined by Moran.
Carpenter Performing Arts Center is at 6200 E. Atherton St. Tickets cost $58.75. For more information and tickets, call 562-985-7000 or visit carpenter.org.
Mutt Run (Saturday, Feb. 1)
Signal Hill Rotary Club presents the Bob Long Memorial Mutt Run 1K and 5K, starting at the Claremont Launch Ramp at 8 a.m.
This dog-friendly event will take place near Rosie’s Dog Beach and feature an adoption event by the Long Beach Animal Care Services and K9 Kismet at the Finish Line.
The Claremont Launch Ramp is at 5350 E. Ocean Blvd. Registration is limited and starts at $20. To register, click here.
Healing For the Heart… (Sunday, Feb. 2)
Page Against the Machine hosts a special Valentine’s Day panel discussion, starting at 5 p.m.
Organizers promise that “Healing For the Heart… And Beyond: Making Valentine’s Gay” will feature a multifaceted group of lesbian writers who will put a queer spin on Valentine’s Day. The panel will focus on all manner of healing — the heart, mind, soul and body – in a quest to discover one’s true self, connect with other people and offer advice on how to utilize one’s creative gifts to build healthy relationships. The panelists will include Dr. Jennifer Abod, Nancy Beverly, Dr. Carol Bliss, Kimberly Esslinger, Mary Giuliani and Bri Stokes.
Page Against the Machine is at 2714 E. Fourth St. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, including details on the panelists, click here.