A magical evening of rock-and-roll

Get your late-night fun in before the upcoming I-405 closure turns the Westside into what some predict will be a virtual parking lot. The Skirball Cultural Center, which will be closed July 16 and 17 during the freeway shutdown, is getting ahead of the game on Friday, July 8, by throwing a special party, “Into the Night: Music and Magic,” to promote its popular new exhibit, Houdini: Art and Magic.

Late night programming seems to be increasingly popular at local museums. “Art walks” have become a staple of summer entertainment in Los Angeles, and the Los Angeles County Natural History Museum’s “First Fridays” series has made the venue a regular destination for eclectic crowds of concert-goers.

The Skirball throws its hat in the ring with popular local indie bands Autolux and Superhumanoids, in a night of music emceed by KCRW DJ Anthony Valadez. Concertgoers are also invited to enjoy the Houdini exhibit and its companion exhibit, Masters of Illusion: Jewish Magicians of the Golden Age. Strolling magicians will entertain guests throughout the night, and a rare Houdini film, Master Mystery, will be screened.

This event, for those over 21, costs $15 per ticket; buy them online or by calling (877) SCC-4TIX. Parking is free, and directions to the Skirball are available on its website. The party starts at 9 p.m. Friday, July 8 and lasts until 1 a.m.

Posted 7/6/11