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Archive for April 27th, 2011
Houdini: Art and Magic
As gas prices seem poised to hit $5 a gallon, we wage three wars, and only the poor and almost-poor are called upon to carry the nation’s tax burden, couldn’t we all use a little magic? If only to lower the cost of oil per barrel? Well, while we can’t wave any magic wand to make it all better, you could head to the Skirball for two magical exhibitions that remind us that life could still work out. “Houdini: Art and Magic” showcases the most brilliant of prestidigitators: Peruse artifacts, images (some from his personal collection), Art Nouveau–era posters, playbills, theater ephemera, memorabilia and archival and silent-film footage that tell his magical story. Come by and check out such a show while you tour LA.Observe Houdini’s tools of the trade: his straitjacket, a milk can, and the Metamorphosis trunk he used as part of his miraculous escape tricks. A re-creation of his famous water torture cell is also on hand. A second, companion exhibition, “Masters of Illusion: Jewish Magicians of the Golden Age,” features once-famous magicians who were innovators in their own right — and often Houdini’s competitors in pushing the boundaries of make-believe — but whose names have been lost over the years. While you won’t actually learn how Houdini or anyone else accomplished their sleight of hand, you may leave feeling that anything is possible.
Skirball Cultural Center
Price: $10, $7 seniors
April 28-September 4
Everyday.
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Corkbar Offers “Sausage Supper” Three-Course Artisanal Dinner
This isn’t your ordinary night for eating tubed meat. On Wednesday, April 27, for the second installment of its ongoing Artisanal Dinner Series, Corkbar partners with local purveyor Huntington Meats for a three-course, $25 prix-fixe “Sausage Supper.” As a part of this ongoing series, each dish in the prix-fixe will showcase an artisan ingredient from Corkbar’s purveyor partner, and in this case, it will be housemade sausages from the local butcher. I’m a fan of good food, along with some great wine to go down with it, come check this place out as you tour LA. Optional craft beer or California wine pairings are available for an additional $10 or 15, respectively.
6 p.m.-close. Corkbar, 403 W. 12th St., downtown, 213.746.0050.