The Bucket List • February 2017 • L.A. Edition
Alex Aronson
February is the month for celebrations and event television. You can start off by ringing in the Chinese New Year at The Nest WP24. If you are looking for something different to do with your Valentine, Luncha Vavoom might just be what you’re looking for. And grab some popcorn for some serious binge watching – as the “Super Bowl LI”, “Grammys”, “Academy Awards” and “The Walking Dead” are all set to air.
Chinese New Year Celebration at The Nest WP24 | Feb. 3
World famous chef, Wolfgang Puck brings his traveling pop-up Night Market to the decadent dining experience at The Nest WP24, located atop the downtown L.A. Ritz Carlton Hotel. Guests are treated to a high energy dragon dance and ancient Chinese New Year rituals that will bring good luck to all. Reservations are required. Tickets are $48.
Natural History Museum First Fridays | Feb. 3
Join top researchers, prestigious food writers, and farm and garden experts as they discuss food evolution and the science behind it. The event includes discussions on alternative diets, friendly meals for the digestive system and the connections between food and natural history. Musical performances begin at 7:30p.m. and include Dawn, MNDSGN and Oddisee.
Golden Dragon Parade & Chinese New Years Festival | Feb. 4
In celebrating 118 years of tradition, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce presents a parade that emphasizes ethnic diversity and Chinese culture. The colorful spectacle, featuring dozens of floats, marching bands, government officials, dignitaries, entertainers, local business leaders and cultural groups, spans down North Broadway in Chinatown and begins at 1 p.m.
Super Bowl LI | Feb. 5
The New England Patriots battle Atlanta Falcons for the ultimate NFL title at NRG Park in Houston, TX. Lady Gaga will be performing during the $10 million half-time show – the most expensive one to date. Luke Bryan will open the game with the national anthem. The Super Bowl kicks off live on FOX at 3:30 p.m. PST.
Alicia Keys at The Belasco | Feb. 8
This girl is on fire! Current coach on NBC’s “The Voice” and 15-time Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter, Alicia Keys will be headlining the an intimate show at The Belasco Theater. Hosted by Power 106 (105.9 FM), Keys will perform songs from her most recent album, “Here.” Tickets start at $125.
Lucha Vavoom Valentine’s Show | Feb. 8 – 9
Forget the fancy restaurant with red pedal roses and mix things up at the Lucha Vavoom Valentine’s Show. This Mexican themed theater promises a unique experience, where authentic Mexican masked wrestling, striptease, aerial daredevils and comedy all collide.
Fifty Shades Darker | Feb. 10
If you are looking to do a more traditional date night with your Valentine, you may want to hit up the local cinema. The lustrous follow up to the 2015 hit, “Fifty Shades of Grey,” is finally here! While Christian wrestles his own inner demons, Anastasia must confront the envy of his past relationships. You’re going to want to leave the kids at home for this one.
MusiCares Person of the Year Gala ft. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers | Feb. 10
The Recording Academy will honor Tom Petty at the Los Angeles Convention Center for his humanitarian and artistic achievements. The Gala will begin with a reception and silent auction, followed by a dinner and tribute concert featuring renowned musicians.
One Love Cali Reggae Fest | Feb. 10 – 12
Experience the best of reggae music atop the iconic Queen Mary in Long Beach. Headliners include Slightly Stoopid, Rebelution, and Dirty Heads/ 311. Dozens of other performers are set to perform during the three-day celebration.
59th Grammy Awards | Feb. 12
The 59th annual celebration in the LA Staples Center will air live on CBS at 6 p.m. PST. James Corden will host, with performances by Alicia Keys, Adele and The Weekend. Beyonce and Kanye West lead the nomination categories.
Circus 1903 – The Golden Age of Circus at Pantages | Feb. 14 – 19
Witness all the madness, mayhem, entertainment and wizardry live at Circus 1903 – a spectacular stage show that brings you back to the golden age of circus acts. The show features everything you would imagine including strong men, contortionists, acrobats, musicians, knife throwers, high wire performers and more! It will be a thrill show for sure.
Air + Style | Feb. 18 – 19
Experience the global Big Air snowboard completion and music festival that features world-class action sports athletes and musicians during a two-day event. Performers include Major Lazer, Flume, Zhu, Chromeo, Atmosphere, YG, TV on the Radio, Vince Staples, Vic Mensa and more.
Finding Neverland at Pantages | Feb. 21 – Mar. 12
Witness the incredible story behind one the world’s most beloved characters – Peter Pan. The classic tale springs to life in this heartwarming theatrical event. The show features music and lyrics by Gary Barlow.
LA Art Book Fair | Feb. 24 – 26
Browse through hundreds of art catalogs, monographs, periodicals and zines presented by over 300 booksellers and artists. The 5th Annual LA Art Book Fair will be held at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA and will feature a keynote address by A.A. Bronson, titled “My Life in Books”. The event is free and open to the public.
Bloody Gras | Feb. 25
Horror hounds must experience L.A.’s answer to Mardi Gras, with a bloody twist! Downtown L.A. transforms into New Orleans for a night of fun and madness. The night features live music, drinks, burlesque and an immersive horror theatre. Attire should reflect the hedonism and debauchery of Mardi Gras and 1920s jazz clubs.
89th Academy Awards | Feb. 26
The official end to the award show season will be telecast live on ABC. Jimmy Kimmel will host the 89th Annual Academy Awards, held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. The musical extravaganza, “La La Land” leads the pack with 14 nominations. “Moonlight”, “Arrival” “Lion” and others are also up for top honors.