Sophie DuvernoyEveryone knows that L.A. isn't the 'real' America. It's full of communist liberals who have no faith in the great American nation. However, have no fear — if you're planning on going to that show at the Echo on July 4 and skipping out on the fireworks, you may still be engaging in an involuntary act of patriotism. Here's LA Weekly's list of top 5 most 'accidentally patriotic' things to do this Fourth of July weekend:
5. Ghostbusters at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Sunday, July 3
Honor Independence Day in the company of Bill Murray, the most deadpan American of them all. But seriously. If paranormal activity in the form of a full-strength, purple-lightninged vortex were to threaten the Empire State building — perhaps the most iconic national skyscraper — wouldn't you want to be there for the showdown and cheer on the Ghostbusters in saving America? Sunday, July 3. Doors open at 7.30 p.m.; screening begins at 9 p.m.
4. Mr. and Ms. Muscle Competition at the Venice Beach Recreation Center, Monday, July 4
What better way to kick off your Fourth of July morning than to admire men and women who are among your strongest fellow citizens? America is the land of the body-building brave (Arnie felt right at home here, after all), so celebrating your country through muscle mass is a laudable pursuit. Monday, July 4 at 1 p.m.
3. Stop Making Sense at the Egyptian Theater, Sunday, July 3
Screenshot of David Byrne in his 'Big Suit'; Credit: Stop Making Sense
As you ponder the American nation, have you often wondered why many things about this country appear to make no sense? Just throw in the towel on Sunday and surrender yourself to the inevitable: go see Stop Making Sense, the Talking Heads' brilliant 1984 concert film that does double-duty as avant-garde commentary on '80s social unease. When David Byrne sings, “Why stay in college? Why go to night school? Gonna be different this time,” you can think about that angsty moment after graduation where you thought of throwing it all out the window and backpacking around the south of France — and then ended up staying in this nonsensical country instead. Sunday, July 3 at 7:30 p.m.
2. Ed Ruscha: “On the Road” at the Hammer Museum
If we've learned anything from the great Jack Kerouac media explosion over the past couple of years — On the Road's 50th anniversary celebration, its special reedition, the iPad edition, and a soon-to-be-released movie — it's that his novel occupies a special place in the American consciousness. Ed Ruscha taps into it too, with his works that are inspired by the American landscape, albeit in somewhat untraditional ways. Combine the two, and you get an exhibit that examines alternate ways of looking at this country — through escape, drugs and the dreampop colors of the California landscape. Open Fri, Sat from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sun until 5 p.m.; closed on Monday.
1. Dodgers vs. Mets at Dodger Stadium, Monday, July 4
Credit: Flickr/SJ Photography
Okay, enough being silly. Just suck it up and go to the Dodgers vs. Mets game this Monday and enjoy some fireworks. What's more American than baseball, beer and hot dogs? Nothing, that's what. Monday, July 4 at 6:10 p.m.
Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.