Middle school students have a lot to say about the world they live in.
In “Moments” at the Long Beach Museum of Art, 2300 E Ocean Blvd., those students have been invited to explore the world through transformative technology.
The resulting exhibition, “Moments,” opened on Oct. 26 as a special presentation of photography, video and digital art from middle schoolers at Long Beach Unified School District.
The exhibition is captivating. It’s art that reflects, reveals and reframes the world through portable technology that wasn’t imaginable 50 years ago.
These “moments” range from introspective explorations of self to outward expressions of strong beliefs.
The exhibition will remain up until Feb. 25.
At LBMA Downtown, meanwhile, visitors can explore the vibrant tapestry of Long Beach resident and acclaimed artist Tidawhitney Lek’s inaugural solo exhibition, “Living Spaces.”
Building on her celebrated “Household” series, Lek offers a bold, self-affirming, time-transcending exploration of family, culture and history.
Her work is both bright and somber, telling us personal stories that reach beyond the personal. As a first-generation American born to immigrant parents, Lek strives to reinvent traditional mediums in order to find her niche.
She’s found it here in Long Beach. Cambodia Town and Anaheim Street are just two of the rich sources of Long Beach inspiration Lek draws on as she plays with our expectations of what an Asian American “living space” looks and feels like.
This exhibition opened last week and will run to Feb.4.
Psychedelic rock
The collaboration of keyboardist Brent Cordero and bassist Peter Kerlin will perform in Long Beach on Sunday, Nov. 19, at Alex’s Bar.
“A Sublime Madness,” their album that released in May, is the result of imaginative jam sessions and constant contact between the two artists since before the pandemic.
Discernable in this music is the influence of Robert Wyatt, in spirit, if not in sound. He’s one of the founders of the English experimental jazz-rock band Soft Machine and an outspoken member of the Communist Party of Great Britain. The titles of the tracks on “A Sublime Madness” are strongly political, from “Movement to Protect the People” to “Decolonize this Place” to “Freedom Jazz Dance” and others. The compositions themselves combine tribal rhythms with minimalist structures (Terry Riley comes to mind), resulting in a cerebral post-rock atmosphere.
Between them, Cordero and Kerlin have performed with Psychic Ills, Sunwatchers, and TV on The Radio — so they’re no stranger to taking risks as part of a musical partnership.
Golden Ram, Plastic Horseshoes and hometown heroes from here in Long Beach, and Human Musik, will open for Cordero and Kerlin.
Golden Ram and Plastic Horseshoes offer a hard-edged, punky sound with psychedelic rock at its core.
Human Musik boasts a formidable female vocalist and combines punk grit, psychedelic vibes and a nod to the ’70s Canterbury sound. Their latest singles, “Plants” and “Understand,” seem to draw inspiration from the likes of prog-rockers “King Crimson,” especially the pastoral moments on their debut album, “In the Court of Crimson King.”
These bands are going places. Don’t miss the opportunity to join the ride Sunday afternoon at Alex’s Bar. Tickets are less than $10 each and can found at alexsbar.com.
“The Gift of the Magi”
“The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry is as meaningful a tale as they come.
In it, a devoted couple face the financial challenges of Christmas in the most unexpected way. As they exchange carefully chosen gifts, they come to realize the true meaning of the holiday.
Starting on Nov. 24, cherish this classic short story in a fully staged production courtesy of Long Beach Shakespeare Company.
With an adaptation written by the late, great Helen Borgers, this production marks five years since her death.
As such, “The Gift of the Magi” beautifully encapsulates the circle of life — the theme of LB Shakespeare Company’s 2023 season.
In Shakespeare’s “Merchant of Venice,” Portia remarks, “How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world.” Join the entire Long Beach community in celebrating the life of Borgers and the light she brought to a weary world in Long Beach Shakespeare Company’s adaptation of “The Gift of the Magi.”
Tickets went on sale starting at the end of October, so be sure to reserve yours soon. Show closes on Dec. 10.
Information: lbshakespeare.org.