GOING ON NOW

Imagining Black Diasporas: 21st-Century Art and Poetics

Illuminating aesthetic connections among 60 artists working in Africa, Europe and the Americas, this exhibition is among the first to examine nearly a quarter century of production by Black artists. Featured artists include Angelenos Edgar Arceneaux, Widline Cadet, Patrisse Cullors, Awol Erizku and Paul Mpagi Sepuya. Through July 2025; lacma.org

Left: Arielle Bobb-Willis, New Jersey, 2019, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, purchased with funds provided by the Ralph M. Parsons Fund, © Arielle Bobb-Willis, digital image © Museum Associates/LACMA

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9 x 9: Contemporary Quilts & Containers

Presenting innovative interpretations of traditional craft forms, these dynamic quilted, woven, plaited and twined works investigate the purposes and potential of cross-cultural narratives and techniques through diverse media, expanding our understanding of visual culture. Runs through April 12   pvartcenter.org

Right: Luke Haynes, Log Cabin, 2014; Far right: Merrill Morrison, Wired, 2006

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FEBRUARY

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

In this Tony award-winning play (the continuation of Harry’s story), Harry’s headstrong son Albus befriends the son of his fiercest rival, Draco Malfoy, sparking a race through time, replete with spectacular spells and an epic battle, all brought to life at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. February 15–June 22;  broadwayinhollywood.com

Alice Coltrane, Monument Eternal

An exhibition inspired by the life and legacy of jazz musician Alice Coltrane (1937–2007). It features ephemera from the Coltrane archive alongside works by 19 American artists. Works featured range from sculpture, painting and photography to installation and performance. February 4–May 9; hammer.ucla.edu

Left: Alice Coltrane playing the harp, 1970. Photo by Chuck Stewart. © Chuck Stewart Photography, LLC / Fireball Entertainment Group.

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MARCH

Construction, Occupation

Drawing on myriad visual languages and poetics, this exhibition includes the work of 24 artists and collectives. It investigates a radical urban vocabulary that blurs art and activism to address questions of infrastructure and vulnerability, circulation and segregation, and the body in public space. March 9–September 14; fowler.ucla.edu

Left: Sato, Kopke Occupation Series, 2015 (Photo by the artist)

Orquesta Akokán

Chulo Records producer and instrumentalist Jacob Plasse, along with arranger Michael Eckroth, join forces to form this ensemble that also features some of Havana’s finest musicians. At historic, restored Spanish Gothic-style United Theater on Broadway in downtown LA. March 29; theunitedtheater.com

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APRIL

What They Saw: Historical Photobooks by Women 1843–1999

This pop-up reading room surveys a global history of photobooks by women photographers from the Getty Library. As part of an international series showcasing the 10×10 Photobooks catalog titled What They Saw: Historical Photobooks by Women 1843–1999, it is complemented by notable photobooks by SoCal women artists after 2000. April 8–May 11; getty.edu

Bachelors of Broadway

A trio of talented men from the Big Apple takes you on a journey through the enchanting world of Broadway—live from the Norris Theatre. With songs from iconic shows like Wicked, The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables and many more, the show offers a fresh take on audience favorites that have captivated millions worldwide. March 29; palosverdesperformingarts.com

Body Count: Social Capital via LA Figurative Art

Major and important emerging artists highlight how representations of the body reflect on social capital issues that help maintain democracy and civil rights. March 29-May 24 torranceartmuseum.com

HBFD: A Story of Innovation, Courage and Community

Step into the history of the Hermosa Beach Fire Department, a story built on innovation, courage and community support. From its modest beginnings in the early 1900s to its transformation into a modern, high-tech emergency service, this exhibit showcases the department’s growth and its mission to protect and support the Hermosa Beach community. April 11–June 18  hermosabeachhistoricalsociety.org

An Evening with Isaac Mizrahi

Isaac Mizrahi’s one-of-a-kind show returns to The Wallis, bringing together comedy, commentary and an array of songs from Stephen Sondheim to Blondie, from Comden & Green to Madonna. The entertainer is accompanied by his six-piece jazz band. April 17; thewallis.org

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MAY

Life of Pi

Lolita Chakrabarti’s dazzling stage adaptation of Yann Martel’s best-selling novel opened to critical acclaim on Broadway and the West End and is now captivating audiences around the globe. Tells the story of a 16-year-old boy who survives on a lifeboat with four animals after a shipwreck in the Pacific Ocean. May 6–June 1; centertheatregroup.org

Symphonies for Youth: Painting with Music

A 45-minute interactive Los Angeles Philharmonic concert (recommended for children ages 5–11) aimed at introducing young audiences to symphonic music. Before each concert, families are invited to participate in hands-on arts workshops. May 17 and 24; laphil.com