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 (Asia/Kolkata) | 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.

Wyclef Jean
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.

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.

Jazz Legends: BOB JAMES (2x Grammy Award-winner)
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
2026-01-17 20:00 - 23:00, 2026-01-18 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-01-18 18:30 - 21:30, 2026-01-20 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 Midsummer Night's Musical Comedy
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.

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
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, 2026-01-21 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-01-21 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.

Keyon Harrold
2026-01-20 17:00 - 21:00, 2026-01-21 17:00 - 21:00 | Blue Note Jazz Club
Keyon Harrold is a Grammy Award-winning trumpeter, composer, and producer celebrated for his masterful ability to blend jazz with elements of hip-hop, neo-soul, rock, and blues, creating a sound uniquely reflective of the modern American experience. Hailing from Ferguson, Missouri, his music often carries themes of social justice and personal resilience, which are vividly explored in his critically acclaimed albums like The Mugician (a portmanteau of ‘musician’ and ‘magician’) and his recent release, Foreverland. Harrold’s distinctively warm and commanding trumpet sound has made him one of the most in-demand session musicians in the industry; he is known for providing the “trumpet voice” for Miles Davis in the biopic Miles Ahead and has collaborated with a vast array of legends including Beyoncé, Jay-Z, D’Angelo, Common, and his frequent bandmate and New School classmate, Robert Glasper. His career showcases a rare versatility, moving seamlessly from the improvisational rigor of jazz clubs to the pop sensibility of mainstream music.

Jacob Banks
2026-01-20 19:00 - 23:30 | Troubadour, 9081 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood, California
Jacob Banks is a Nigerian-born, British singer-songwriter celebrated for his commanding, gravelly baritone and a “cinematic soul” sound that masterfully bridges the gap between African rhythms, 70s Motown, and modern R&B. After nearly two years away from the stage, he is returning to North America for his highly anticipated “Lies About the War Tour,” supporting his acclaimed 2022 album and his visionary 2025 anthology series, Yonder. Banks is set to headline the legendary Troubadour in West Hollywood on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, for an intimate 7:00 PM performance that marks his major return to the Los Angeles spotlight. Known for his “warrior-like” vocal intensity and tracks like “Unknown (To You)” and “Chainsmoking,” this tour also showcases material from his most recent projects, including Book III of the Yonder anthology, which explores stripped-back acoustic folk and gospel-inspired themes.

Saving Abel, Higher Ground, Lost Legacy, Branco, Gabriele Catoni, Fuzz Huzzi, Sublime Tragédie
2026-01-21 18:00 - 23:00 | Whisky A-Go-Go, 8901 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, California
Saving Abel & Modern Rock Showcase
Experience an evening of chart-topping post-grunge and hard rock at the Whisky A Go Go on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. This lineup features multi-platinum headliners alongside a diverse group of international and regional rock acts. Doors open at 6:00 PM.
The Lineup

Saving Abel: Headlining the night, these Mississippi rockers are best known for their massive 2008 hit “Addicted,” which dominated rock radio and went platinum. Now featuring the return of original lead singer Jared Weeks, the band is touring with a renewed energy, performing fan favorites like “18 Days” and “The Sex Is Good,” along with material from their latest era.

Higher Ground: A veteran rock ensemble often associated with melodic rock or AOR (Adult Oriented Rock). Not to be confused with various tribute acts, this group delivers a polished, “mixtape” sound that blends 70s rock dynamics with modern hooks.

Lost Legacy: A power metal/hard rock outfit known for their technical precision and soaring vocals. They bring a more aggressive, traditional metal edge to the night’s proceedings.

Branco: A rising artist whose sound often incorporates gritty rock textures with alternative flair. (Note: While “Branco” is a common name in Brazilian pop, this performer is a staple of the current Southern California rock showcase circuit).

Gabriele Catoni: An Italian-born guitar virtuoso and songwriter. His solo sets are characterized by intricate fretwork and a blend of blues-rock and melodic hard rock.

Fuzz Huzzi: Hailing from San Diego, this “working-class” indie-rock band has been a fixture of the SoCal scene since 1994. Their sound is a funky, soulful mix of alternative rock and punk, often described as “Social Distortion meets Foo Fighters.”

Sublime Tragédie: An elegant yet raw rock-and-blues project from Monaco, led by vocalist Garbo Dastorg and guitarist Nicky Dee. They bring a “dark-souled dandy” aesthetic and a 70s Rolling Stones-inspired grit to the stage.

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.

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.

Stanley Clarke
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.

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.
