Discover Hollywood Magazine

Dan Donohue
2026-01-25 19:00 - 23:30 (Asia/Kolkata) | Hollywood Improv, 8162 Melrose Ave, Hollywood, California, 90046.0
Dan Donohue is a rising force in the alternative comedy scene, known for his masterful combination of dry, understated delivery and surreal, often dark observational humor. A frequent face at Los Angeles’ most prestigious comedy hubs, Donohue has built a loyal following through his storytelling that finds the absurdity in the mundane and the deeply personal. He is set to headline the Hollywood Improv Main Room on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 7:00 PM. This performance will be a strictly phone-free experience, utilizing Yondr pouches to ensure an intimate, undistracted environment for his latest material. This L.A. headlining date is a highlight of his busy winter schedule, wedged between a multi-night run at Laughs Comedy Club in Seattle and a series of shows at the DC Comedy Loft in Washington, D.C.

The Notebook
2026-01-25 18:30 - 21:30, 2026-01-25 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-01-24 20:00 - 23:00, 2026-01-24 14:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-23 20:00 - 23:00, 2026-01-22 19:30 - 22:30, 2026-01-21 19:30 - 21:30 | Hollywood Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd. Wayne McWorter (213)365-3500, Hollywood, CA, 90028.0

A Winter Classic: SNOW QUEEN (Performed in Russian)
2026-01-25 17:00 - 20:30, 2026-01-24 16:00 - 20:30 | Hudson Guild Theatre, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood, California
A Winter Classic: SNOW QUEEN (Performed in Russian)
HOLLYWOOD, CA – A timeless masterpiece of world literature arrives at the Hudson Backstage Theatre this winter for a limited special engagement. “SNOW QUEEN,” a family-oriented production performed entirely in Russian, will take the stage on Saturday, January 24, and Sunday, January 25, 2026.
This production is based on the celebrated play by Evgeny Shwartz, who reimagined Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale as a poignant reflection on the values and challenges of modern life. Shwartz’s version is renowned for its blend of romance and wisdom, emphasizing a deep faith in the triumph of sincerity over cynicism.
A Journey of Light vs. Darkness
The story follows the courageous journey to rescue a loved one from the icy grasp of the Snow Queen. In this adaptation, the familiar narrative is elevated by:

Thematic Depth: A focus on the enduring power of the human heart and the struggle of light against darkness.

Cultural Heritage: A rare opportunity for Russian-speaking audiences and families to experience this iconic literary work in its traditional dramatic form.

Atmospheric Production: Designed for audiences of all ages, the play captures the whimsical yet serious spirit of Shwartz’s storytelling.

A Midsummer Night's Musical Comedy
2026-01-25 15:30 - 17:00, 2026-01-24 15:30 - 17:00 | The Broadwater, 1076 Lillian Way, Los Angeles, California, 90038.0
World Premiere: A Midsummer Night’s Musical Comedy
HOLLYWOOD, CA – A contemporary musical spark ignites a Shakespearean classic as Foster Cat Productions presents the world premiere of A Midsummer Night’s Musical Comedy. This original adaptation, featuring music and lyrics by Johnny Elkins, runs for a limited engagement at the Broadwater Second Stage from January 17 through January 25, 2026.
A Modern Musical Shine
Johnny Elkins, a songwriter whose credits include tracks for stars like Vanessa Williams and Jennifer Love Hewitt, as well as music for films such as 21 Jump Street and Begin Again, brings his pop-sensibility to the forests of Athens. The production promises:

A Fresh Perspective: A contemporary “shine” on the classic romantic comedy, filled with humor and melodic beauty.

Mischief & Mayhem: Follow the distinguished fairy Puck as he orchestrates chaos for royals, lovers, and the working class alike.

Original Score: The debut of Foster Cat Productions’ first completely original musical work.

From Podcast to Stage: Open-Door Playhouse Headlines Hollywood Festival
2026-01-24 19:00 - 23:00 | Stephanie Feury Studio Theatre,, 5636 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA, 90038, United States
From Podcast to Stage: Open-Door Playhouse Headlines Hollywood Festival
HOLLYWOOD, CA – After producing nearly 200 audio dramas for a global audience, the award-winning Open-Door Playhouse is returning to the physical stage. For the second consecutive year, the company will present five of its most acclaimed works live at the Stephanie Feury Studio Theatre as a headline act for the 30 Minutes or Less Festival this January.
Founded by filmmaker Bernadette Armstrong during the 2020 lockdowns, Open-Door Playhouse has evolved from a creative lifeline for artists into a decorated podcast theater, earning a Communicator Award for Custody and a Webby Award nomination for What’s Prison Like.
The Live Performance Schedule
The festival presents a fast-paced “concentrated” theater experience, with each program curated to deliver high impact in under half an hour.
Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 6:15 PM

She Was Dick’s Tracie

Writer: Sandra Cruze | Director: Bernadette Armstrong

The Story: A noir-inspired mystery where a senior detective and a coroner investigate the murder of a “dynamite redhead.” As the investigation unfolds, the investigators realize they each share a secret, personal connection to the victim.

Sunday, January 18, 2026 | 2:30 PM

The End

Writer: Patricia Motto | Director: Gary B. Lamb

The Story: A poignant reflection on the inevitability of fate and the things that truly “get us” in the end.

Fast Moving Consumer Goods

Writer: Lori Londagin | Director: Rachel Berney Needleman

The Story: A dark comedy centered on a life-changing, unexpected encounter triggered by a call to a suicide hotline.

Saturday, January 24, 2026 | 7:00 PM

(UN)Drinkable

Writer: Dana Hall | Director: Bernadette Armstrong

The Story: A powerful dramatization of the Flint, Michigan water crisis. The play examines the human cost of the 2014 water source switch, which led to widespread lead poisoning and legionnaires’ disease.

The Context: The production highlights the intersection of public policy and systemic racism, noting that the city of Flint was 54% Black at the time of the crisis, a demographic reality that many advocates argue slowed the government’s response to the contamination.

Will’s Dramaturg

Writer: Rich Rubin | Director: Kim Hlavac

The Story: A comedic “what if” scenario featuring a modern-day New York theater pro traveling back to 1594 London to give a young William Shakespeare some unsolicited script notes.

Jazz Legends: SIMON PHILLIPS • Protocol V feat: Alex Sill, Ernest Tibbs,Otmaro Ruiz & Jacob Scensey
2026-01-24 19:00 - 23:00, 2026-01-23 19:00 - 23:00, 2026-01-22 19:00 - 23:00 | Catalina Jazz Club, 6725 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, California, 90028.0
Jazz Legends: Simon Phillips • Protocol V is a high-octane masterclass in jazz-fusion, featuring the legendary, Grammy-nominated drummer and composer Simon Phillips at the Catalina Jazz Club on January, 2026. Renowned for his technical precision and an illustrious career spanning work with Toto, The Who, and Jeff Beck, Phillips brings his most recent evolution of the Protocol project to the stage in a quintet format. This iteration of the band, which debuted on the acclaimed 2022 album Protocol V, showcases a powerhouse lineup of virtuosos including longtime electric bassist Ernest Tibbs, veteran keyboardist Otmaro Ruiz (known for his work with John McLaughlin), and the “fearless” young talents Phillips discovered: guitarist Alex Sill and saxophonist Jacob Scesney. Drawing inspiration from the sonic landscapes of Chick Corea’s Elektric Band and the harmonic complexity of Tony Williams, the performance will feature intricate, unison themes and soaring improvisations, culminating in epic compositions like the 11-minute suite “The Long Road Home.”

Black Sabbatha (Tribute to Black Sabbath), Chained Saint, VVitch, Neon Dragon, Trip Fall
2026-01-24 18:00 - 22:00 | Whisky A-Go-Go, 8901 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, California
Black Sabbatha & Metal Showcase
Prepare for a night of doom, thrash, and high-octane heavy metal at the world-famous Whisky A Go Go on Saturday, January 24, 2026. This lineup brings together legendary influences and the next generation of metal prodigies. Doors open at 6:00 PM.
The Lineup

Black Sabbatha (Tribute to Black Sabbath): Headlining the night is this powerful, female-fronted tribute project led by vocalist Lisa O’Neal (as “Sabbatha”). Accompanied by “Skull Butler” (Jim Manzo) and “Skull Iommi” (Jimmy Silcox), the band delivers a “brutal and magical” recreation of the songs that birthed heavy metal. Sabbatha blends the iconic sounds of Tony Iommi’s riffs with her own narrative concept, creating a theatrical experience that honors the legacy of the original quartet.

Chained Saint: One of the most talked-about young bands in modern metal. This teenage thrash quartet from South Florida was discovered and produced by William DuVall (Alice In Chains). Their sound is a relentless mix of old-school 80s thrash riffery and modern brutality. Fresh off their 2025 Live At The Whisky A Go Go EP release, they are known for an explosive stage presence that has earned them praise from metal icons like Rob Halford.

VVitch: A heavy-hitting ensemble that leans into the darker, more atmospheric side of metal. (Note: Not to be confused with the 80s band “Witch” or J Mascis’s project, this current iteration is a staple of the modern Los Angeles heavy music circuit).

Neon Dragon: Bringing a high-energy, “shred-heavy” melodic metal sound. Their sets are characterized by technical proficiency and anthemic song structures.

Trip Fall: Rounding out the bill with a gritty, alternative metal sound that bridges the gap between hard rock and heavy metal.

The Work is Never Finished: A Retrospective of Dr. Samella Lewis
2026-01-24 17:00 - 19:00 | Louis Stern Fine Arts, 9002 Melrose Ave., Hollywood, California
The Work is Never Finished: A Retrospective of Dr. Samella Lewis
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA – Louis Stern Fine Arts is proud to present The Work is Never Finished, a dedicated exhibition of prints, drawings, and paintings by the legendary artist, educator, and activist Dr. Samella Lewis (1923–2022). The exhibition runs from January 24 through March 7, 2026, with an opening reception on Saturday, January 24, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Dr. Lewis was a titan of the American art world, often referred to as the “Godmother of African American Art.” While she spent much of her career as a pioneering art historian and curator—founding International Review of African American Art and the Museum of African American Art in Los Angeles—this exhibition focuses on her deeply personal output as a creator.
Art Out of Necessity
Lewis described herself as an “artist out of necessity,” using her creative practice to process the racial injustices she fought against in her professional life. Her work is characterized by:

Collective Portraits: Figures that embody the shared experiences of outrage, sorrow, and resilience within the Black community.

Mastery of Printmaking: Her bold linocuts and lithographs are renowned for their graphic strength and emotional gravity.

A Legacy of Hope: Despite the “fury” that fueled much of her work, her paintings and drawings often find a profound sense of dignity and hope in their subjects.

The Gallery Experience
Located in the heart of the West Hollywood art district, Louis Stern Fine Arts provides an intimate space to explore Lewis’s multifaceted legacy. The Work is Never Finished offers a rare opportunity to see her personal reflections alongside the historical weight of her advocacy, reminding viewers that while her life has ended, the mission of her art remains ongoing.

Stanley Clarke
2026-01-23 21:30 - 23:00, 2026-01-23 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-01-22 21:00 - 23:00, 2026-01-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Blue Note Jazz Club
Stanley Clarke is a towering figure in modern music, widely regarded as one of the most virtuosic and influential bassists in history for his revolutionary work on both the electric bass and the acoustic double bass. His career began in the early 1970s, where he quickly became an in-demand sideman for jazz greats like Horace Silver, Art Blakey, and Stan Getz, before co-founding the seminal jazz-fusion band Return to Forever with Chick Corea and Lenny White, a group that would define the instrumental intensity of the genre. Clarke is perhaps best known for his landmark 1976 solo album, School Days, which, along with Jaco Pastorius’s debut, forever changed the role of the bass guitar, proving it could be a dynamic, melodic, and harmonically rich lead instrument through his pioneering use of slapping, popping, and tapping techniques. Beyond fusion, he has navigated genres with ease, forming the Grammy-winning R&B/funk collaboration The Clarke/Duke Project with keyboardist George Duke, and has established a highly successful second career composing scores for over 70 films and television shows, including classics like Boyz n the Hood and The Transporter, solidifying his legacy as an NEA Jazz Master and a true giant of the four-stringed instrument.

The Runarounds
2026-01-23 19:00 - 23:30 | The Fonda, 6126 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, California
The Runarounds is a breakout five-piece alternative rock band that has successfully blurred the lines between fiction and reality, currently touring in support of their self-titled Amazon Prime Video series. Originally formed in 2021 after a massive casting call for the Netflix hit Outer Banks, the group—consisting of William Lipton (vocals/guitar), Axel Ellis (vocals/guitar), Jeremy Yun (guitar), Jesse Golliher (bass), and Zendé Murdock (drums)—quickly evolved from an on-screen ensemble into a genuine touring powerhouse. Their sound, a high-octane blend of pop-punk and indie rock described as “equal parts frenetic and heartfelt,” has garnered millions of streams with anthems like “Ghosts” and “15 Rootbeers.” Following a sold-out 2025 run, the band is hitting the road for their highly anticipated 2026 “Minivan Tour,” which includes a major headlining performance at The Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles on Friday, January 23, 2026.

Gus G, Ronnie Romero, Dimitry & Laurent, Karim K, Dead Man's Hand, A Good Rogering, Lord Marz, Fallen Prey
2026-01-23 18:00 - 21:30 | Whisky A-Go-Go, 8901 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, California
Gus G, Ronnie Romero & Metal Showcase
Witness a masterclass in heavy metal guitar and soaring vocals at the Whisky A Go Go on Friday, January 23, 2026. This headline event features two of the most respected names in modern hard rock, supported by an eclectic mix of international and local talent. Doors open at 6:00 PM.
The Headliners

Gus G: The Greek guitar virtuoso best known for his time as the lead guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne and as the founder of the power metal band Firewind. Known for his blistering speed and melodic technicality, Gus G is a titan of the European metal scene.

Ronnie Romero: A powerhouse vocalist who rose to global prominence when he was handpicked by Ritchie Blackmore to front the revival of Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow. His gritty, Dio-esque range has made him one of the most sought-after singers in rock, with credits including Michael Schenker Group and Elegant Weapons.

The Supporting Lineup

Dimitry & Laurent: An instrumental or collaborative duo often associated with high-level technical musicianship and progressive rock textures.

Karim K: A rising artist known for blending hard rock energy with distinct, modern vocal stylings.

Dead Man’s Hand: A gritty, high-octane rock ensemble that leans into the “outlaw” side of the genre with heavy riffs and anthemic choruses.

A Good Rogering: Hailing from Austin, Texas, this group brings a quirky, heavy, and soulful “skunk rock” sound to the stage. They are known for their eclectic influences and high-energy live performance.

Lord Marz: A theatrical metal project that often incorporates dark, cinematic themes and heavy, atmospheric soundscapes.

Fallen Prey: A modern melodic metal band that combines aggressive rhythms with hook-driven choruses.

Watkins Family Hour
2026-01-22 20:30 - 23:30 | Largo at the Coronet, 366 N. La Cienega Blvd. http://www.largo-la.com/event/1283859-doug-loves-movies-12-guests-los-angeles/, Los Angeles, California, 90048.0
Watkins Family Hour is a celebrated musical collaborative and long-standing residency founded by siblings Sara and Sean Watkins (of the Grammy-winning bluegrass trio Nickel Creek), which has served as a creative heartbeat for the Los Angeles music scene since 2002. Originally established as an informal monthly variety show at Largo at the Coronet, the project has evolved into a powerhouse collective that blends bluegrass, folk, and Americana with a revolving door of high-profile “family” members, including the likes of Fiona Apple, Benmont Tench (of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers), and Jon Brion. The group is renowned for its communal, “anything-can-happen” atmosphere, where the Watkins siblings lead their virtuosic friends through inventive covers and soul-stirring originals, as captured on their acclaimed studio albums like Brother Sister (2020) and the guest-heavy Vol. II (2022). Continuing their two-decade tradition, the Watkins Family Hour will return to their home stage at Largo on Thursday, January 22, 2026, for an 8:30 PM performance that promises the same signature mix of tight sibling harmonies and spontaneous collaborations that have made them a cornerstone of West Coast acoustic music.

Steve Schapiro: Being Everywhere at Fahey/Klein Gallery
2026-01-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Fahey/Klein Gallery., 48 N. La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90036, United States
Bearing Witness: Steve Schapiro: Being Everywhere at Fahey/Klein Gallery
HOLLYWOOD, CA – The Fahey/Klein Gallery is honored to present Steve Schapiro: Being Everywhere, a comprehensive exhibition celebrating the six-decade career of one of America’s most significant photojournalists. The exhibition runs from January 22 through March 21, 2026, with a public reception on Thursday, January 22, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
The title Being Everywhere—shared with a new documentary directed by Maura Smith—perfectly describes Schapiro’s (1934–2022) uncanny ability to be present at the most pivotal intersections of 20th-century history, from the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement to the closed sets of Hollywood’s Golden Age.
A Visual Record of American History
Schapiro’s archive serves as a sweeping visual narrative of modern American life. His “fly-on-the-wall” approach allowed him to capture unguarded intimacy in moments both historic and humble.

The Civil Rights Movement: Schapiro’s enduring images of the March on Washington, the Selma to Montgomery march, and his travels with James Baldwin remain definitive documents of the era. Works like Freedom Now, Summer of ’64 capture the gravity and communal strength of the movement.

Cultural Icons: The exhibition features legendary portraits, including Muhammad Ali biking with kids in Louisville (1963) and an iconic 1965 shot of Andy Warhol, Edie Sedgwick, and Henry Geldzahler in New York.

The Cinema: As a unit photographer, Schapiro provided the definitive behind-the-scenes look at cinematic masterpieces such as The Godfather, Taxi Driver, and Chinatown.

The Weight of the Moment
Schapiro’s work is characterized by a unique blend of objectivity and interpretation. His photographs do more than record events; they invite the viewer to feel the urgency and humanity of the subject. As David Fahey notes, Schapiro’s work addresses the “collective feelings” of our culture, making these decades-old images feel remarkably resonant in the present day.

Duckwrth – All American F★ckboy Live Experience
2026-01-21 21:30 - 23:30, 2026-01-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Blue Note Jazz Club
Genre-Defying Evolution: Duckwrth’s “All American F★ckboy” Residency
LOS ANGELES, CA – Returning to his roots with a bold new vision, genre-bending artist Duckwrth is set to bring his “All American F★ckboy Live Experience” to Blue Note Los Angeles for a high-concept residency. The Los Angeles-born performer will take the stage for back-to-back nights on Monday, January 19, and Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
The residency serves as a live deep-dive into his latest project, All American F★ckboy, an album that explores themes of “toxic romanticism,” lust, and the self-destructive impulses of modern dating. Blending punk snarl with neo-soul grooves and hip-hop grit, the show is designed as a cinematic journey, complete with monologues and reimagined live instrumentation that pushes the boundaries of traditional performance.
A Radical Artistic Statement
Duckwrth, born Jared Leonardo Lee, has long been celebrated for his stylish, subversive approach to music and fashion. Following the release of the All American F★ckboy narrative—which features narration by actor LaKeith Stanfield—this live experience invites fans to witness the album in its entirety. From the high-energy “LA Traffic” to the introspective “I’m Really Changing,” the setlist mirrors the protagonist’s chaotic search for self-love.
The Blue Note Experience
Known for hosting legendary jazz acts, the Blue Note Los Angeles (located at 6372 Sunset Blvd) provides an intimate, upscale environment for Duckwrth’s raw energy. The residency features two shows nightly, allowing for a concentrated “jazz club” atmosphere that contrasts sharply with the artist’s rebellious, punk-influenced sound.

Bill Bellamy
2026-01-21 19:30 - 23:30 | Hollywood Improv, 8162 Melrose Ave, Hollywood, California, 90046.0
Bill Bellamy is a legendary comedian and actor whose career exploded in the 1990s as a staple of MTV and the host of MTV Beach House and MTV Jams. Best known for coining the phrase “booty call” and his starring roles in cult classics like How to Be a Player and Any Given Sunday, Bellamy has maintained a powerhouse presence in stand-up for over three decades. He is currently on his “What If People Who Had Corona Was Blue” tour, bringing his signature high-energy delivery and sharp observational humor to major clubs across the country. Fans in Los Angeles can catch him for a special mid-week engagement at the Hollywood Improv Main Room on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 7:30 PM. This intimate show serves as a local highlight before he continues his tour with multi-night runs at the Addison Improv in Texas and the Irvine Improv in February.

gavn!
2026-01-21 19:00 - 23:30 | Troubadour, 9081 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood, California
gavn! is a rapidly rising singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Seattle, recognized for his soulful “genre-fluid” sound that seamlessly weaves together pop, R&B, and indie-rock. After exploding on TikTok with viral hits like “Sober” and “Let It Die,” he has cultivated a massive following through his raw, diary-like lyricism and distinct vocal rasp. Following the success of his 2024 project STILL THE SAME, gavn! is hitting the road for his “I’m Doing My Best Tour,” which includes a highly anticipated headlining performance at The Troubadour in West Hollywood on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. This 7:00 PM show features support from Caleb Hearn and is part of a 20-city North American run that showcases his evolution from an internet sensation into a formidable live performer.
