I’m lucky to live in Los Angeles. It is one of the most diverse metropolitan areas in the United States and offers so much to enrich our lives. I am particularly interested in anything having to do with other cultures. Every month on behalf of our school’s Diversity Committee, I compile a list of cultural events that might be of interest to our school community, and I thought I’d share it here as well. My intended audience is families with elementary school aged children, so if you have younger or older children, research accordingly.

I challenge you to pick out one cultural event to attend this month!

• WEEKEND OF MARCH 9 & 10

Tales from Around the World: A Tale from Russia, The Broad Stage at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center, Saturday, 11am. Celebrate magical tales, music, and dance. After the show, gather on the Plaza for a celebration of the arts, crafts, and tastes of Russia. See website to buy tickets.

Los Angeles County Irish Fair and Music Festival, Fairplex at the Pomona Fairgrounds, Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 6pm. LA County Irish Fair and Music Festival is celebrating its ninth year. There will be eight stages featuring a variety of bands, storytellers, dancers, and performers.

Korean Culture Experience, Pacific Asia Museum, Pasadena, Sunday, 12pm – 2pm. Enjoy a short film overview of Korea’s ancient artistic traditions and contemporary industrial culture followed by a live reenactment of a Korean wedding ceremony and the serving of a traditional meal for all to enjoy. After the event, explore the new Gallery of Korean Art.

Family Jam: Songs from the Diaspora: Klezmer Melodies, Fowler Museum, UCLA, Sunday, 2pm – 4pm. Enjoy the fusion of Eastern European traditions and sounds of the Jewish Diaspora and let the expressive songs of Klezmer move your spirit. Inspired by Resplendent Dress from Southeastern Europe: A History in Layers and Light and Shadows: The Story of Iranian Jews. 

• WEEKEND OF MARCH 16 & 17

Family Art Day: Ganesh’s Sweet Tooth, Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena, Saturday, 1pm – 3pm. The Hindu deity Ganesh is known for having a sweet tooth. Recognized throughout Asia as the overcomer of obstacles, he is often depicted holding a bowl of sweets, which represents his love for the delightful things in life. Decorate a small bowl to enjoy your favorite treats or to share them with others.

Family Festival: Marking Transitions: Ceremonial Art in Indonesia, Pacific Asia Museum, Pasadena, Sunday, 12pm – 4pm. Enjoy free admission to all the galleries, crafts, demonstrations, and performances celebrating Indonesian art and culture.

•  WEEKEND OF MARCH 23 & 24

Kids in the Courtyard: Kid, You’ve Got Style!, Fowler Museum, UCLA, Sunday, 1pm – 4pm. Take inspiration from the festive fashion in Resplendent Dress from Southeastern Europe and make your own stylish scarf or sash. Use buttons, baubles, and bows to show off your personality with flair.

• WEEKEND OF MARCH 30 & 31

World City Series: Cimarrón, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Saturday, 11am & 12:30pm. Music and dance of Colombia. See website for ticket information.

Stories in the Afternoon: Paul Klee, Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena, Sunday, 2pm – 3pm. The abstract pictures of Paul Klee transport viewers to fantastical worlds of color and shape. An avid traveler, Klee found inspiration in artwork from places like Tunisia and Africa. Craft an abstract boat to sail away to your own imaginary place.

Which event do you think you might want to attend? I’d love to hear about it!