The one and only Amy Sedaris will take the stage at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center on Nov. 11.

In a rare Southern California appearance, she will bring you into her wonderfully wacky world, sharing anecdotes, insights and plenty of laughter. “An Evening with Amy Sedaris” will kick off the Carpenter Center’s Wit and Wisdom Series, which also includes Paula Poundstone (Dec. 9) and Henry Winkler (Jan. 20).

Sedaris is renowned in a variety of media for her offbeat sense of humor, having co-created the cult classic “Strangers with Candy” with Stephen Colbert and earning an Emmy nomination for “At Home with Amy Sedaris.” You might also recognize her as Peli Motto on Disney+’s “The Mandalorian” or as the voice of Princess Carolyn in Netflix’s “Bojack Horseman.”

Sedaris seems to thrive in every medium imaginable. Late-night television, books (her “Simple Times: Crafts for Poor People” is a New York Times bestseller) — and now, community conversations.

The evening, hosted by Anthony Byrnes, promises to offer a special blend of humor, wit and wisdom.

And it gets even better: the audience will get to join in the fun with a question-and-answer session.

Whether you’ve been a longtime Sedaris fan or are just discovering her comedic — but also human — universe, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

“I can’t wait for you to experience Sedaris’ endearing charm in person,” said Megan Kline Crockett, executive director at the Carpenter Center, on the Cal State Long Beach campus.

Grab your tickets now and be part of this unforgettable night at the Carpenter Center on Nov. 11. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m., and the conversation will begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are available for $55 at carpenterarts.org, and refreshments can be purchased and enjoyed in the center’s lobby.

Rancho Los Alamitos events

Rancho Los Alamitos has a rich history, and a long one — it’s located on an ancient Puvunga village and sacred site.

And to help teach people about that indigenous history, the Tongva Education Team — comprising Tongva culture bearers, educators and volunteers — has announced a virtual tour called, “Seeing Puvuu’nga: A Tongva Tour of Rancho Los Alamitos.”

Embark on a journey through history with this first-of-its-kind cell phone experience. You’re invited to explore the heart of the Tongva-Gabrielino people’s heritage, both on site and remotely. This immersive tour offers a sensory adventure and a chance to encounter the stories embedded in this sacred site.

The influence of the Tongva-Gabrielino people on today’s community is very real. And this is your chance to learn more through this walking tour, available virtually via a QR code on the rancho’s website.

After you’ve toured the grounds (either virtually or in-person), you can also visit Rancho Los Alamitos on Saturday, Nov. 4, to get a head start on your holiday shopping.

Rancho Los Alamitos’s annual Holiday Shopping & Artisan Event will take place from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday — for members, it will be open from 9:30 a.m. to noon — and will feature a diverse array of local artisans and craftspeople showcasing their one-of-a-kind creations. Meet talented individuals like wood artisan Dr. Z, origami artist Colette Hucker and textile artisan Margarete Villalobos, among others.

Symphony finale

The Bob Cole Conservatory Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Johannes Müller Stosch, invites you to a grand symphonic finale.

Mark your calendars for this program of musical gems at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center.

Here’s what on the program:

• Korngold: “The Snowman Overture.” Known for shaping the iconic “Hollywood sound” through his film scores, Austrian American composer Erich Korngold’s concert music is similarly expressive and enchanting.
• Mozart: “Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major, K. 488.” Piano virtuoso Samuel Grodin, a BCCM piano faculty member and alumnus, will dazzle you with one of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s languid and delicate — yet dramatic — concertos.
• Schmidt: “Symphony No. 4 in C major.” Franz Schmidt has been unjustly neglected in the classical repertoire. Here, the Bob Cole Symphony Orchestra presents the recently rediscovered “Symphony No. 4.” This heartfelt, challenging and reflective piece was originally scheduled for 2019 but was postponed because of unforeseen circumstances. Now, the time has come to bask in the beauty of Schmidt.
• Korngold: “Straussiana.” Another symphonic gem by Korngold will end the evening.

Tickets are available for $10 and $20 — and just $5 for students. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the talents of the Long Beach community and the legacy of overlooked composers.

Tickets: carpenterarts.org/tickets.

Musical magic

The Rice Brothers will bring their musical magic to our community on Saturday, Nov 4, as part of Grace First Presbyterian Church’s concert series, “Music at the Point.”

When you’re in the company of virtuosos, you typically expect a certain level of stuffiness. This simply isn’t the case with Johnny and Chris Rice. Their casual charm and friendliness immediately draws listeners in.

When he was 3, Johnny first encountered the power of the piano — specifically, ragtime and boogie woogie from Johnny Hodges — on Disneyland’s bustling Main Street. Mesmerized by the music, Johnny demanded lessons.

Not wanting to be left behind, little brother Chris joined in and began his own piano lessons. Soon, both brothers added the cello to their repertoire — and the rest is history.

Proud recipients of gold medals in an international Frédéric Chopin competition, The Rice Brothers embarked on their journey to become inspiring artists. Their first major milestone was a concert at Carnegie Hall, earning them multiple standing ovations.

Join this remarkable cello and piano duo at 7 p.m. Saturday at Grace First Presbyterian Church, 3955 N. Studebaker Road, for a musical experience that’s sure to be nothing short of extraordinary. Their January debut at Music at the Point left everyone spellbound — and this weekend’s performance promises to be no different.

For all inquiries about the Music at the Point concert series, reach out to Stan DeWitt at [email protected].