Efficiency in Art: The 2nd Annual 30 Minutes or Less Festival
2026-01-15 19:30 - 2026-01-25 23:30 (Asia/Kolkata) | Stephanie Feury Studio Theatre,, 5636 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA, 90038, United States
Efficiency in Art: The 2nd Annual 30 Minutes or Less Festival
HOLLYWOOD, CA – Veteran producers Matthew V. Quinn and Bertha Rodriguez bring the 30 Minutes or Less Festival back to the Stephanie Feury Studio Theatre for its second annual run. From January 15 to January 25, 2026, this festival celebrates the “big creative swings” that can only happen when artists are restricted to a 30-minute runtime.
The festival features an eclectic mix of genres, including solo performances, puppetry, musicals, and works-in-development. Performances are presented in curated blocks, allowing audiences to experience a wide variety of storytelling in a single evening.
2026 Highlight Selections
The lineup features over two dozen works. Some of the most anticipated include:

Show Title
Description

Emily F-ing Dickinson
A “manic and emotionally charged” musical blending the poet’s words with original songs.

Ghost Train
A time-traveling ghost story set on a Berlin train, linking 1930s Germany to the modern day.

Kitties In Space: Doomsday
A sci-fi comedy following two cats (Socks and Mittens) trying to stop a mouse invasion.

(UN)Drinkable
A powerful dramatization of the Flint, Michigan toxic water crisis (Open-Door Playhouse).

Heartbreak Feels Good
An audience-determined clown variety show inspired by notorious movie theater commercials.

La Mano del Mono
A modern “Monkey’s Paw” adaptation focusing on a cultural clash between parents.

Wyclef Jean
2026-01-15 21:30 - 23:30, 2026-01-16 19:00 - 21:30, 2026-01-16 21:30 - 23:00, 2026-01-17 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-01-17 21:30 - 23:00, 2026-01-18 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-01-18 21:30 - 23:30 | Blue Note Jazz Club
Wyclef Jean is a Haitian-American musician, rapper, producer, and songwriter who has made an indelible mark on global music through his genre-bending artistry, combining influences from hip-hop, reggae, R&B, pop, and traditional Haitian rhythms. His career exploded in the mid-1990s as a founding member and lead producer of the groundbreaking trio The Fugees alongside Lauryn Hill and Pras Michel, which culminated in the critically acclaimed 1996 album The Score, a multi-platinum, Grammy-winning masterpiece that remains one of the most influential records in hip-hop history. Following the group’s disbandment, Wyclef launched an equally eclectic and successful solo career with his 1997 album, Wyclef Jean Presents The Carnival, which showcased his incredible versatility by featuring guest artists from the worlds of pop, Latin music, and funk, and yielded the hit “Gone Till November.” Beyond his own recordings, he became an in-demand collaborator and producer, co-writing and producing mega-hits like Whitney Houston’s “My Love Is Your Love” and Santana’s “Maria Maria,” and being featured on Shakira’s chart-topping “Hips Don’t Lie,” solidifying his status as a pivotal figure who consistently pushes musical boundaries while remaining a passionate advocate and philanthropist for his native Haiti.

Perritos World Comedy Night ft. Jerry Garcia, Concrete, Doknow
2026-01-15 21:30 - 23:30 | Hollywood Improv, 8162 Melrose Ave, Hollywood, California, 90046.0
Perritos World Comedy Night ft. Jerry Garcia, Concrete, Doknow is a high-energy comedy showcase scheduled for Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 9:45 PM in the Main Room of the Hollywood Improv. This event features the stars of the “Perritos World” national tour and podcast: Jerry Garcia, an HBO and Netflix veteran known for his “It’s Not My Weekend” special; Concrete (Cristian Gutierrez), a San Fernando Valley native whose transition from hip-hop to comedy has earned him a massive social media following; and DoKnow (Daniel Lopez), the L.A. breakout star famous for his viral sketches and work on the Brown Bag Podcast. Together, the trio brings a raw, culturally rich brand of humor that blends sharp wit with unapologetic stories about life in Los Angeles.

The Halloween Jack & Alt-Rock Showcase
2026-01-16 18:00 - 23:00 | Whisky A-Go-Go, 8901 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, California
The Halloween Jack & Alt-Rock Showcase
Prepare for a night of eclectic rock and high-concept performance at the Whisky A Go Go on Friday, January 16, 2026. This lineup bridges the gap between legendary tribute artistry and rising indie-rock energy. Doors open at 6:00 PM.
The Lineup

The Halloween Jack: Headlining the night is the premier David Bowie tribute experience, named after the “real cool cat” persona Bowie adopted during his Diamond Dogs era. Far from a standard cover band, The Halloween Jack focuses on the theatricality and sonic precision of Bowie’s glam-rock peak. Led by vocalist Michael Saxe (performing under the alias Michael Rossmore), the ensemble features seasoned musicians like lead guitarist John Kenneth and keyboardist Søren Moos Kühle. Expect a setlist that dives deep into the Ziggy Stardust and Aladdin Sane catalogues, delivered with authentic vintage gear and dramatic flair.

Leave It To Cleaver: A high-energy rock outfit known for their tongue-in-cheek lyricism and aggressive, hook-heavy sound. They bring a gritty, punk-adjacent energy to the mid-show slot, often drawing comparisons to early 2000s alternative rock.

Ryder B: A rising singer-songwriter and performer who blends modern pop-rock sensibilities with a classic rock stage presence. This appearance at the Whisky marks a significant stop on their winter West Coast run.

Tomorrow’s Anthem: Opening the night, this group specializes in anthemic, stadium-ready rock melodies. Their sound is built on big choruses and driving rhythms designed to get the crowd moving early.

Jazz Legends: BOB JAMES (2x Grammy Award-winner)
2026-01-16 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-01-17 19:00 - 22:30 | Catalina Jazz Club, 6725 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, California, 90028.0
Jazz Legends: Bob James is a highly anticipated concert event celebrating the monumental career of the two-time Grammy Award-winning pianist, composer, and producer, scheduled to take place at the Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood on Friday, January 16, and Saturday, January 17, 2026. As a cornerstone of the smooth jazz and jazz-fusion genres, Bob James is perhaps most widely recognized for composing “Angela,” the iconic theme from the TV series Taxi, and for his work as a founding member of the contemporary jazz supergroup Fourplay. Beyond his commercial success, James holds a unique position as one of the most influential figures in hip-hop history; his tracks “Nautilus” and “Take Me to the Mardi Gras” are among the most sampled recordings in the genre, utilized by legends like Run-D.M.C., Ghostface Killah, and Warren G. This “Jazz Legends” showcase, with performances starting at 8:30 PM, offers an intimate opportunity to witness a true pioneer who has spent over five decades bridging the worlds of classical, jazz, and pop music with his signature sophisticated arrangements and virtuosic keyboard work.

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

GoldFord
2026-01-16 20:00 - 23:30 | The Fonda, 6126 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, California
GoldFord is a Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter and producer renowned for his “cinematic soul” sound that masterfully blends classic R&B influences with modern pop production. He first gained massive traction with his viral hit “Orange Blossoms,” which has amassed over 60 million streams and earned him public praise from industry titans like Sam Smith and SZA. Known for a voice that is both gritty and vulnerable, GoldFord’s music—including tracks like “Walk With Me” and “Ride the Storm”—often explores themes of mental health, mindfulness, and human connection, leading to his work being featured in major productions such as Grey’s Anatomy and the Super Bowl. As part of his 2026 “Space of the Heart” tour, GoldFord will headline the Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles on Friday, January 16, 2026, for a 9:00 PM performance that promises an intimate look at his latest project, Space of the Heart, alongside special guest Madeline Edwards.

A Midsummer Night's Musical Comedy
2026-01-17 15:30 - 17:00, 2026-01-18 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.

Well by Nik Gelormino at Fernberger
2026-01-17 18:00 - 21:00 | Fernberg Gallery, 747 N. Western Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90029, United States
The Uncanny Object: Well by Nik Gelormino at Fernberger
LOS ANGELES, CA – Fernberger Gallery presents Well, a solo exhibition by Los Angeles-based artist Nik Gelormino. Running through the early months of 2026, the exhibition marks a definitive sculptural turn for the artist, whose two-decade practice has long occupied the “gray area” between fine art and functional design.
The exhibition showcases a series of meticulously crafted wood and metal works that reference everyday objects—hands, tools, and houses—reimagined as precious, almost ceremonial talismans.
Tension and Utility
Gelormino’s sculptures are often encased in wood and glass vitrines, presented as if they were reliquaries from a foreign culture. The exhibition includes:

The Sculptures: Five works, including a new “hitchhiker’s thumb” and a house icon protected by brass rivets. These pieces evoke the legacy of West Coast conceptualist H.C. Westermann, blending playful forms with high-craft execution.

The Language: Gelormino uses engraving and titles to guide the viewer. The written word is often physically carved into the objects, requiring the audience to circle the work to find legibility.

Works on Paper: Two watercolor and ink pieces from 2016 depicting a hand igniting a lighter. To Gelormino, these represent the spiritual act of creation—”a hand bringing light, creating form.”

About the Artist
Nik Gelormino (b. 1986, San Francisco) is a graduate of The Cooper Union. His work has been exhibited internationally, from Artists Space in New York to Office Baroque in Brussels. Well emphasizes the human hand and the implication of touch, creating a world where utility is uncertain but the craftsmanship is absolute.

From Podcast to Stage: Open-Door Playhouse Headlines Hollywood Festival
2026-01-17 18:00 - 2026-01-24 23:00, 2026-01-18 14:30 - 17:00 | 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.

Rhythmic Contours at MASH Gallery
2026-01-17 19:00 - 22:00 | Mash Gallery, 812 N. La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90046, United States
A New Rhythm: Rhythmic Contours at MASH Gallery
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA – MASH Gallery welcomes the new year with the opening of Rhythmic Contours, a compelling group exhibition that explores the fundamental power of the line. The exhibition kicks off with an opening night reception on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and will remain on view through February 14, 2026.
Conceived by artist and founder Haleh Mashian, MASH Gallery serves as a dynamic space for independent curators and bold thematic shows. In Rhythmic Contours, the gallery is transformed into an immersive environment where the line is treated as a living, generative force—shaping rhythm, movement, and spatial language across painting, sculpture, and mixed media.
The Power of the Gesture
While historical traditions often viewed the line as a tool for discipline and order, the artists in this exhibition approach it as fluid and responsive. The works on display demonstrate how a single gesture can fracture, repeat, or dissolve to register tension and time. Featured artists include:

Tina Bluefield: Known for works like Heart Waves, which use rhythmic patterns to connect landscape and memory.

Zack Smithey: His piece Edge (Yellow) exemplifies how line can serve as both a structural boundary and a vibrant, energetic presence.

Additional Artists: The exhibition features an eclectic roster including Anthony Liggins, Behnaz Manzavi, Bryan Ricci, Daniel Torre, Itaewon, Piers Henry, Rod Lanthim, Ron Reihel, Salvatore Mateo, and Thomas Piekunka.

A Spatial Experience
The exhibition is designed to guide the viewer’s eye through the room, creating a “visual tempo” that fluctuates between moments of quiet pause and high-energy flow. For collectors and designers, these works function as anchors that bring structure to a space without rigidity, making the gallery an essential stop for those seeking art that activates its environment.

AMBER WEEKES and special guests!
2026-01-18 18:00 - 23:30 | Catalina Jazz Club, 6725 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, California, 90028.0
AMBER WEEKES and special guests! is a highly anticipated jazz showcase scheduled for Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood, featuring the “velvet vocals” of the acclaimed Los Angeles-based recording artist. A native of L.A. with deep roots in the Harlem Renaissance through her family’s history, Weekes is celebrated for her impeccable diction, emotional depth, and a storytelling style that has been described by her producers as a “voice from Heaven.” This “House Recommended” performance follows the success of her latest album, A Lady With a Song, a vibrant tribute to the legendary Nancy Wilson that beautifully blends sassy swing, sensuous bossa nova, and soulful jazz arrangements. Known for collaborating with first-call musicians—having previously worked with the likes of Paul Jackson Jr. and Gerald Albright—Weekes’ upcoming show at 7:30 PM promises an evening of sophisticated, urbane jazz and heartfelt narratives that honor the traditions of straight-ahead jazz while maintaining a fresh, contemporary intimacy.

Late for Work presents Mateen Stewart
2026-01-18 20:00 - 23:30 | California
Late for Work presents Mateen Stewart is a popular weekly comedy showcase returning to the Hollywood Improv Main Room on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 8:00 PM. Hosted by the charismatic Detroit native and L.A. local Mateen Stewart—known for his appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, HBO’s Funny or Die Presents, and Backyard Bar Wars—the show is celebrated for its high-energy atmosphere and “late-night” spontaneity. As both a performer and a savvy producer, Stewart curates lineups that feature a heavy-hitting mix of established legends and the hottest rising stars in the industry; past “Late for Work” guests have included Dane Cook, Tim Dillon, Bassem Youssef, and Damon Wayans Jr. This Sunday night staple has become a go-to for comedy fans looking for a mix of raw, new material and surprise drop-ins from some of the biggest names in stand-up, all tied together by Stewart’s infectious stage presence.

Nu Skool & Northern California Rock Showcase
2026-01-19 18:00 - 23:00 | Whisky A-Go-Go, 8901 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, California
Nu Skool & Northern California Rock Showcase
Catch a high-energy lineup of Northern California’s finest hard rock and alternative metal acts at the Whisky A Go Go on Monday, January 19, 2026. This showcase brings together a veteran heavy-hitters and rising stars for a night of “radio-friendly” melodic distortion. Doors open at 6:00 PM.
The Lineup

Nu Skool: Headlining the night, this ensemble is widely recognized as a premier Nu Metal tribute experience. They specialize in high-fidelity recreations of late 90s and early 2000s anthems from bands like Korn, Linkin Park, and Limp Bizkit. They are fresh off a major festival run in late 2025, bringing an arena-sized energy to the intimate Sunset Strip stage.

Some Fear None: A heavy-rock powerhouse from Sacramento. After an eight-year hiatus, the band officially reunited in 2025 and is currently touring to support their “second chapter.” Their sound is a sophisticated blend of harmony-driven hard rock influenced by the Deftones and Alice in Chains.

Alphamega: Known for their technical proficiency and aggressive modern metal sound, Alphamega has built a reputation for intense, non-stop live sets. Their presence adds a heavier, “new wave of American metal” edge to the night’s bill.

The Only Bay Allstars: A collective of seasoned musicians from the San Francisco Bay Area rock scene. They are known for performing high-energy covers and original compositions that celebrate the Northern California alternative sound.

Cali Three: Rounding out the lineup, this trio delivers a gritty, West Coast indie-rock sound with punk-rock undertones.

Duckwrth – All American F★ckboy Live Experience
2026-01-19 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-01-19 21:30 - 23:30 | 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.

Blueface
2026-01-19 19:00 - 22:30 | Hollywood Palladium, 6215 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, California
Blueface is a polarizing and instantly recognizable American rapper from Los Angeles, California, who skyrocketed to viral fame in late 2018 due to his extremely unorthodox and often “off-beat” style of rapping. His breakout single, “Respect My Cryppin’,” garnered millions of views and launched him into the mainstream, with his signature high-pitched voice and unconventional timing becoming a meme and a point of intense discussion among critics and fans alike. This unique style, which he describes as rapping “to a different rhythm of the beat” or letting the beat conform to his flow, quickly earned him a deal with Cash Money West. He cemented his success with the sleeper hit “Thotiana” in 2019, which peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and spawned popular remixes featuring Cardi B and YG. Despite a mixed reception to his debut album, Find the Beat (2020), Blueface remains a prominent and controversial figure in West Coast hip-hop, often leveraging social media virality to maintain relevance across music, business (such as opening a soul food restaurant), and even boxing.
