What’s Happening Highlights: April 14-18

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Enter the (Golden) Dragon

The Golden Dragon Acrobats combine traditional Chinese artistry with modern-day showmanship. The troupe has been impressing American audiences with thrilling stunts and captivating contortions since 1978. Entitled “Cirque D’Or,” the Golden Dragon family-friendly show mixes acrobatics with music, dance, sports and martial arts to create an amazing celebration of Chinese culture and history. Tickets run from $26-$50.
When: 8 p.m. Fri., April 16; 2 and 8 p.m. April 17; 3 p.m. April 18
Where: Cerritos Center For the Performing Arts, 12799 Center Court Dr., Cerritos
Contact: 562-467-8818, www.cerritoscenter.com

Everyone In the Pool

Swim With Mike is a fundraising swim-athon that is also something of a pool party. It started 30 years ago to help All-American collegiate swimmer Mike Nyeholt, who was paralyzed in a motorcycle accident. So much money was raised at the first swim-athon that a Physically Challenged Athletes Scholarship Fund was started at USC. While there is no fee to participate, swimmers can raise money through donations. Also check out the silent auction and an all-day raffle along with live music, a barbecue and a Kids’ Corner. Swimmers of all ages and abilities are invited to dive into this charity event.
When: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat., April 17
Where: McDonald’s Swim Stadium, USC, W. 34th and McClintock Ave., L.A.
Contact: www.swimwithmike.org

Earth Day Extra

We included a number of Earth Day activities in our April issue, but one that came in too late for print is the South L.A. Earth Day Festival. The California Greenworks has organized SouthLA EarthFest to help to inform residents (particularly those in South L.A.) about environmentally safe and sustainable products and services that all go with its “Think Green Go Green” motto. There will be an environmental film festival, live music, a healthy lifestyles pavilion, a children eco artwork and storytelling area and more. This year, too, the free festival has teamed up with the Red Cross to help victims in Chile and Haiti, so bring medical supplies, new shoes, clothing or financial contributions to donate.
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., April 17
Where: Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, 3650 W. Martin Luther King Jr., L.A.
Contact: www.southlaearthfest.org, www.californiagreenworks.org

Check It Out: OCEANS, the Movie

Immerse yourself in OCEANS on Earth Day when the film premieres at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood. You’ll be helping the Earth, too, since a portion of all tickets sold for the opening week shows (April 22-28) will be donated to Disneynature, through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, to help establish new marine protected areas in the Bahamas with The Nature Conservancy. The movie runs from April 22-May 23 and will include a presentation of the “Exotic Animals From Around the World,” where moviegoers will get to meet cool critters.