May is a great time to “Go Wild for Our Planet” at our LA Zoo Tomatoes and join the celebration of our precious planet and its rich biodiversity. The “Art Walk” in DTLA is happening this coming week .  You can explore the world of the iconic composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein at the Skirballs. Attention Elephant Loving Tomatoes! “Love & Bananas: An Elephant Story” is a new documentary opening today at the Music Hall in Beverly Hills for a limited run. On that note Tomatoes, I wish you a wonderful week.

May 4 – 10.  Love & Bananas

Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter says, “Anyone who loves elephants… is bound to adore Ashley Bell’s deeply affecting documentary about efforts to save the Asian elephant.”  You simply must see “Love and Bananas: An Elephant Story”, written and directed by actress Ashley Bell, Tomatoes! Ashley’s documentary is an important, heartwarming and hopeful story about a team of elephant rescuers, led by world renowned Asian elephant conservationist Lek Chailert, as they embark on an emotional and daring 48-hour mission 500 miles across Thailand to rescue a 70-year old captive blind Asian elephant and bring her to freedom. How courageous and inspiring Tomatoes!

The touching story exposes the plight of Asian elephants and the people who work tirelessly to save them. As you will see in the film elephant rescues in Thailand are rare, unpredictable and often life threatening. After waiting 2.5 years, writer/director Ashley Bell and a team of elephant rescuers led by world renowned Asian elephant conservationist and TIME Magazine’s Hero of Asia, Lek Chailert, embarked on that dangerous trip but there was hope at the end of the journey.

Tomatoes can see the film and meet the film team at the Laemmle Music Hall in Beverly Hills.  The trailer says so much.  Please support this film and its mission. I plan to.  The elephants need us.

Now – May 18. Wild for the Planet

he Los Angeles Zoo’s annual “Wild for the Planet” celebration, very appropriately kicked off on “Earth Day”, will run through “Endangered Species Day.” This year’s event promises to soar to greater heights than ever as they mark the “Year of the Bird”, in honor of the 100th anniversary of the International Migratory Bird Treaty.

The LA Zoo is focusing on conservation and sustainability every day for a whole month with fun, informative activities, shows, and presentations that will inspire as well as entertain. All the activities put a spotlight on the importance of protecting our environment and its creatures.  And the LA Zoo is a great place to celebrate that Tomatoes!

May 10.  DTLA Art Walk

On the second Thursday of each Monday, more than 30 galleries and art spaces participate in the Downtown Art Walk bringing art lovers, community members and all kinds of visitors to enjoy art, shop art and local businesses and dine. A lovely place to get inspired by art and culture Tomatoes. Food trucks will be on hand to provide diverse culinary delights

After 14 years, the Art Walk remains the premier self-guided public art phenomenon in Downtown LA’s Historic Core. The tour is designed to share the rich history and movement of the Downtown Art Walk, as well as sharing the best art shows and artists exhibiting that evening. So hurry up and get your tickets. Mother’s Day is next weekend so you might find the perfect gift. Hint! Hint!

Now-Sept. 2.  Leonard Bernstein Exhibition

I think it would be hard to find a Tomato who doesn’t know who Leonard Bernstein is.  Well, ladies, making its West Coast debut, The Skirball is presenting “Leonard Bernstein at 100”. A celebration of the life and work of Leonard Bernstein (1918–1990), the great American composer and conductor who dedicated his life to making classical music a vibrant part of American culture. Yes, indeed, Tomatoes he made classical music relatable and exciting.

Of course, he accomplished so much more that it is staggering to contemplate.  In this exhibition of over 150 objects you can explore the many facets of Bernstein’s life. Organized by the Grammy

Curated by its founding executive director and renowned music historian, Robert Santelli, Leonard Bernstein at 100 is the official exhibition of the Bernstein centennial celebrations, which will include events at numerous performing arts venues around the United States. Encompassing half a century of activity by the “Renaissance man of American music,” as his New York Times obituary dubbed Bernstein, the exhibition is the most comprehensive retrospective of Bernstein’s life and career ever staged in a museum setting.