The Ebell of Los Angeles has announced a comprehensive May calendar that blends high-profile comedy with deep-rooted cultural traditions. The nonprofit is leveraging its historic Wilshire campus to host a variety of nationally touring talent and community-focused sessions designed to celebrate women, culture and community.
Comedy Centerstage: Netflix Is a Joke Fest
A primary anchor for the month is the Netflix Is a Joke Fest, which will occupy the Wilshire Ebell Theatre from May 4 through May 9. The citywide festival brings a roster of heavy hitters to the venue for six nights of performance.
The nightly lineup begins May 4 with Cary Elwes presenting An Inconceivable Evening
, a nostalgic look at The Princess Bride. This is followed by Tom Papa Live on May 5 and Mike Birbiglia exploring novel material in Working It Out with Friends
on May 6.
The festival continues May 7 with Matt Mathews and his Boujee on a Budget
tour. Justin Willman will conclude the week with two nights of his One for the Ages
magic and comedy tour on May 8 and May 9.
Heritage, Arts, and Civic Discourse
Beyond the comedy circuit, the organization is hosting several events rooted in tradition and civic engagement. On May 6, Wendy Hammers and Suzanne Weerts will host Sassy Southern Stories
, a Kentucky Derby-themed evening featuring live music and true storytelling.
The club will too hold its Annual Mother’s Day Brunch on May 10 in the historic fountain courtyard and grand Dining Room, featuring a lavish buffet with carving stations and seafood. On May 13, the organization partners with the Holocaust Museum LA for the Second Annual Los Angeles Jewish Playwriting Contest, where guests can vote for a winner after watching excerpts of new plays.
Educational and civic programming includes a May 9 Coffee Talk
with film historian Darin Barnes, who will discuss a pre-Code Hollywood icon. Juliann Rooke, CEO of Descanso Gardens Foundation, will lead a Distinguished Voices luncheon on May 20 to discuss water conservation and environmental stewardship in Los Angeles.
Musical Showcases and Multicultural Finales
Music takes center stage on May 17 with two distinct events. The Loren L. Zachary 54th National Vocal Competition will feature ten elite opera singers from across the country in a free public concert. Simultaneously, one of the nation’s longest-running treble choirs will perform The Ebell Chorale Spring Concert, themed around transformation and resilience.
The month concludes on May 31 with LA VOICES: Voices of Asia
featuring Vibra Voce. This multicultural finale celebrates AANHPI heritage through the dance and music of the Philippines, Malaysia, Japan, China, Korea, Thailand, and India.
Given the breadth of this schedule, the success of these events may lead to further partnerships with national touring festivals or an expansion of the community-focused cultural sessions at the Wilshire campus.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Netflix Is a Joke Fest take place at The Wilshire Ebell?
The festival runs from May 4 through May 9.
Who is the featured speaker for the Distinguished Voices luncheon on May 20?
The speaker is Juliann Rooke, the CEO of Descanso Gardens Foundation.
How many singers are participating in the Loren L. Zachary 54th National Vocal Competition?
Ten elite opera singers from across the country are competing for top honors.
Which of these diverse cultural offerings would you be most interested in attending?
Worth a look