If you are looking to escape the August heat you will find a cool (in more ways than one) break at the Music Center with their Sunday afternoon concerts. The Annenberg Space for Photography and The Broad provide a haven from the heat with their super cool exhibits. In the cool of the evening, the 626 Night Market will be celebrating its 5^th year of Asian food and fun.

Now- August 21. “Refugee” at the Annenberg  

Across the world there are 65.3 million displaced people so the timing of the Annenberg’s newest exhibit, “Refugee” couldn’t be more… timely. Refugee experiences, their fight to survive, what they need and their hopes and dreams are full expressed through the exhibit’s images by 5 internationally acclaimed artists. The photographers journey for this project was supported by the United Nations Refugee Agency on every level. That alone attests to the exhibits importance and significance.  Only a few more weeks to see it ladies and it is free!

Also tomorrow, August 6^th, there will be a profound conversation taking place on America’s historic response to refugees.  On hand for the discussion, from 6 to 8pm at Skylight Studios, will be KCRW’s producer and correspondent Saul Gonzalez moderating.  The guests; Dr. Makeda Best who is a photographic historian, UCLA’s School of Law Dr. Asli Bali and Pulitzer prize winner Viet Thanh Nguyen.

Now-Oct. 2. “Imitation of Life” at The Broad

It’s a first for The Broad and it’s special as in their first special exhibition since opening and The Broad is the first major museum in LA to show Cindy Sherman’s work (125 in all) in 20 years. Cindy Sherman is best known for photographing herself, alone and with no help from anyone else, playing the role of various female stereotypes and personalities drawn not only from the history of art but advertising, cinema, and media. For 40 years Cindy has done it all while busting perceptions and conventions. She’s a ground breaker ladies and you gotta love that. 

Some of photographs presented in her exhibition have never been seen before if you need more incentive. “She’s a performance artist, a photographer and more. I don’t think there’s any other artist, contemporary artist, who’s looked at feminine identity through the lens of the media,” Founding Director of The Broad Joanne Heyler explained. Says guest curator Philip Kaiser, “She is one of the most important artists of our time”. You go girl! And you too tomatoes!

August 5-7 and September 2-4. 626 Night Market

The Santa Anita Race Park and 626 Night Market have a beautiful relationship and we …you and me tomatoes…get to benefit from their collaboration with unique and enormous selections of Asian cuisine, culture and merchandise.

626 Night Market is the original and largest night market in the United States and is  based on the famous night bazaars of Asia, which are known for their street foods and cheap shopping. Woo hoo tomatoes! 

And now it is packed with crafters, visual artists and live performers.  A range of food that spams the spectrum from traditional Taiwanese street foods and classic Chinese dishes to fusion Asian/Mexican creations, Japanese takoyaki, fruit topped American funnel cakes are offered to tickle and please your palate tomatoes. 626 Night Market’s mission is also to be a platform to showcase local businesses, entrepreneurs, and artists in the …626 area code.  Something for everyone ladies…enjoy!

Aug 7 & Aug 21. Afternoon Concerts  

Ladies make your Sunday afternoons better and cooler with a concert matinee in the amazing Walt Disney Concert Hall.  Let Maestro Vener and the California Philharmonic be your guide to an afternoon of some of the greatest music ever written that has been reinvented with today’s listener in mind for this particular concert. Let your body temp lower and your spirits soar ladies.

This Sunday August 7 great stories will come to life with an amazing team of vocalists.  

On Sunday August 21 Maestro Vener and Cal Phil will end their 20^th Season with some of their all-time favorites that I’m sure will be yours too tomatoes. 

And there’s an extra bonus with a chance to talk to Maestro and get an inside scoop on the afternoon program and any other questions you have always wanted to ask.  Have at it tomatoes.