Yes, Los Angeles is beautiful year-round, but spring still deserves a welcome bash. LACMA and Farhang Foundation have collaborated for the sixth annual Nowruz Celebration, welcoming spring with the proper pomp. Beginning at 11:30 a.m., the LACMA grounds will be transformed into an exotic jubilee of music, food and nonstop activities, including calligraphy, storytelling and a parade of traditional costumes, all centered around a stunning ceremonial display of Haft Sîn, the classic Persian table setting for this New Year's feast. For gourmets, Hoss Zaré, chef-owner of San Francisco's classic Fly Trap, and L.A.'s own Rui Wang of Patina have joined culinary forces to create Persian-inspired dishes. Highlighting the event? A 2 p.m. performance at the Bing Theater by Ziba Shirazi, who debuts her latest, Spring Love, a moving ensemble performance interweaving song and dance, accompanied by an epic tale of love recited in English. Shirazi's performance is the only event requiring a ticket ($15). Following Shirazi, the young, magnetic, London-based band Ajam will perform an outdoor concert at 5 p.m. delivering a unique musical mosaic of classic Persian folk strongly influenced by hip-hop and London's own unique urban style. While Ajam may be the final act of the celebrations, it's just the beginning of the 13-day holiday of Nowruz, traditionally celebrated by people of all backgrounds and faiths ringing in a new year of fellowship and prosperity together. LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire; Sunday, March 23, 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; free. Tickets for Ziba Shirazi's performance at lacma.org or farhang.org/events/2014nowruz.

Sun., March 23, 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m., 2014
(Expired: 03/23/14)

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