Next week, Long Beach residents will get the unique opportunity to go back in time and experience the majesty of legendary musician David Bowie at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center.
The show, dubbed “Space Oddity: The Quintessential David Bowie Experience,” is headed up by David Brighton — who’s credited with being the world’s best Bowie impersonator, according to a recent news release — and his band.
Brighton and the Space Oddity band, during the show on Friday, Jan. 19, will perform a smattering of Bowie’s greatest hits, including “Changes,” “Modern Love,” “Heroes,” and more.
From the time he landed on the music scene in the late 1960s, until his death two days after the release of his final studio album “Blackstar” in 2016, Bowie was committed to reinvention — personally, musically, and artistically.
Through his ever-evolving personas — from Ziggy Stardust to Jareth the Goblin King in Jim Henson’s “Labyrinth” — Bowie demonstrated his passion for the art of performance.
“Space Oddity,” meanwhile, hopes to capture this passion and electrify Long Beach with it on Friday night.
“This theatrically-staged concert takes a ride through the glam, genius, and sophistication of David Bowie,” the news release said, and it promises to “thrill pop fans.”
Tickets are priced at $55 each for this concert, which kicks off at 8 p.m. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/SpaceOddityLB.
New exhibit at Hellada Gallery
Something as slight as a punctuation mark can make a world of difference.
Discover the whimsical, vibrant universe of Steven M. Stein at the Hellada Gallery’s latest exhibition, “Why I Declare Myself an Artist!”
Born in Chicago in 1935, Stein’s joyful artistic journey began at an astonishingly young age, with paintings displayed at the Chicago Art Institute by the age of six.
From 1955 to 1958, he honed his craft at the Chouinard Art Institute, setting the stage for a remarkable career.
Stein immersed himself in commercial art before establishing the iconic Steve Stein Gallery in 1963 on Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks.
His primary mediums — including acrylics, felt pen, and oil pastels on paper and canvas — capture the essence of cheerfulness and spontaneous joy.
Why, yes: he declares himself an artist!
The exhibition at the Hellada Gallery showcases an entire lifetime of visual art, collecting Stein’s colorful, vivid, surreal works.
The “Why I Declare Myself an Artist!” exhibition opened its doors on Saturday, Jan. 6 and runs until Monday, Jan. 29.
The gallery, at 117 Linden Ave., welcomes visitors Wednesday through Sunday, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
“Through the Cracks”
This January, artist Lauren Nicole will lead two events intended to help attendees celebrate the strength of self-expression.
Nicole, who was recently awarded an artist grant from the California Creative Corps and the Arts Council for Long Beach, seeks to blaze a trail as an Indigenous and neurodivergent artist based here in Southern California.
Her first event, an intuitive painting workshop, will get underway on Saturday, Jan. 13.
In it, participants of all abilities and ages are encouraged to explore the depths of their emotions through color and shape — while Nicole helps attendees unlock their artistic potential.
The event is free to attend, but space is limited to 30 participants to ensure a personalized experience. All virtual spots are already taken, but in-person slots still remain.
Don’t miss the chance to register online and secure your spot at bit.ly/LNCC.
The second event, meanwhile, is an exhibition titled “Through the Cracks,” curated by Nicole as part of her work with the Creative Corps.
The thought-provoking display of art features an array of talented creators, including Phoebe Camilletti, Izzy Dier, Jennaya Dunlap, and more.
The artists in this exhibition bring a boldness to their art, challenging us to question ourselves and the world around us — alongside what it means to be neurodiverse.
After the exhibition, Nicole and the other featured artists will dive into the stories behind their creations at a closing reception on Saturday, Jan. 27 at 4 p.m.
For more information, visit tinyurl.com/LaurenNicoleLB.