L.A. Weekend Guide: Nicki Minaj, Usher, Hillary Clinton and 'The Sound of Music'

Every Thursday, Los Angeles magazine curates a list of the best music and culture events, happening during the day and night, around Los Angeles. Craft a great last-minute schedule this Weekend with our Weekend Guide to L.A. (Click the event names for more info.)

A Conversation with Hillary Rodham Clinton at the Dolby Theatre — Sept. 20

Maria Shriver interviews the former First Lady and 57th U.S. Secretary of State at the Los Angeles tour stop of her new book tour. Discussing Something Lost, Something Gained: Reflections on Life, Love, & Liberty, it focuses on the former first lady’s life, as well as the 2024 election and threats to democracy, plus aging, marriage and women’s issues.

‘JO’Bunsik’ Food Truck Tour by Jongga — Sept. 20-22

Viral private chef Rob Li cooks up Korean street food like kimchi fried rice, shrimp pancakes, and more at this three-day food truck tour throughout L.A., popping up at Third Street Promenade, Westwood Plaza and UCLA Bruin Plaza.

'A Moment in Time' Exhibit at Motor Cars L.A. — Sept. 21

Mark “Weissguy” Weiss' riveting rock photography gets the spotlight alongside rocker Billy Morrison’s canvas paintings at this vibrant twofer art show. Twelve of Weiss' best shots are reinterpreted by Morrison (who is also a musician with Billy Idol). Presented by X5 Podcast, there will be a private party on Friday and an open-to-the-public viewing on Saturday.

Armenian Independence Day at Verdugo Park — Sept. 21

This multifaceted culture festival is a free family -friendly way to celebrate Armenian Independence (when the people of Armenia voted to proclaim independence from the Soviet Union on September 21, 1991). Held in Glendale, which is known for its thriving Armenian population, the celebration offers live music, children’s activities, authentic Armenian cuisine, crafts, vendors and more.

The Sound of Music at Hollywood Bowl — Sept. 21

The Hollywood Hills will be alive with the sounds of the Rodgers & Hammerstein classic at this popular screening and sing-a-long. Bringing out musical fans for an outdoor night of nostalgia and whimsy, the Oscar-winning musical starring Julie Andrews never ceases to please. The event starts with a vocal warm-up and then it’s on to the "do ray me…"  An "interactive fun pack" will be gifted to attendees and there’s a costume contest too.

Nicki Minaj at Kia Forum — Sept. 21-22 

Promoting her latest, Pink Friday 2 with this audacious new tour, one of the most revered rappers in the game brings her immersive stage show to L.A.'s biggest concert venues: Crypto.com arena and the next night, the Kia Forum. From infectious mixtape rhymes to video queen to American Idol judge, Minaj always keeps it real. Expect sexy costumes and all her collabs and hits.

9176 Arts Collective presents POP 2 — Sept 21-22

Thirteen local artists from the L.A. pop underground showcase their work this weekend in a new Sunset Strip events space. Saturday and Sunday, the group show —featuring Apollo Staar, Anthony Ausgang and more— offer walkthroughs and talks, plus a book signing. Live music by The Cat Museum, lead by Ausgang, takes place opening night at 8 p.m.

Usher at Untuit Dome — Sept. 21-25

Following his much-buzzed about stint in Las Vegas, the eight-time Grammy award-winning performer delves into his chart-topping career with the "Past Present Future" tour. The song and dance music spectacle should be extra stimulating in the high-tech environs of the new Intuit Dome, where he'll be for four nights (Sept. 21-22 and Sept. 24-25), starting this Sunday.

See more events this weekend in our Hispanic Heritage Month Guide and in our Guide to September in L.A. from the print edition.