Wednesday, January 20 offers no shortage of political, ceremonial, and zoomy big-ticket production number content celebrating Biden and Harris’ inauguration, starting from before 9am Pacific Time. But if flag-waving isn’t your first choice, these artists offer up fresh dawn-of-a-new-era takes of their own.

patti smith courtesy of la phil 923819 e1583349065693

Patti Smith

Patti Smith: People Have the Power at Piccadilly Lights, London. For two and half minutes every night, the giant lit-up billboards of Piccadilly Circus have been broadcasting Patti Smith quick hits. Her New Year’s Eve show was smashing and on January 20, they’ll stream a specially recorded half-hour performance of People Have The Power set against a video montage of footage paying homage to those who have used their voices to help create a better future: Shirley Chisholm, Kamala Harris, Greta Thunberg, and many more. There will also be poetry, music, readings and an acoustic performance of “Because The Night” by Thigh High (Tom Rasmussen and Hatty Carman) — and we can all watch it live on YouTube from anywhere in the world. January 20, 12:15pm Pacific Time; free; circa.art. 

Bettina Hubby The Peoples Lawn

Bettina Hubby: The People’s Lawn

Bettina Hubby: The People’s Lawn: Bringing the White House back to the People at Bestor Architecture. The socially distanced, drive- or walk-up “gathering” presents an outdoor projection of artist Bettina Hubby’s VR video project, The People’s Lawn: Bringing the White House back to the People. Over the past 6 months, Hubby has invited 45 artists, activists, and healers to reclaim the White House by responding to the question: If the space in front of the White House were given back to the people, what gesture, activity or ritual would you bring to uplift it? “The impetus,” says Hubby, “was to help raise spirits and shift the collective focus with a playful and alternate reality of the White House lawn. Small actions can usher in great change.” Bestor Architecture, 2-3- Hyperion Ave., Silverlake; Wednesday, January 20, 5:30-8:30pm; free; nomadicdivision.org.

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