A Fundraiser for Japan, Live Music, Politics and More to Do This Week

You can count on Venice for a diverse array of events throughout the week. These are some events lined up for Venetians this second week of April.

Tuesday, there will be a fundraiser for the Children of Soma, Fukushima, Japan at with Superbroke. Venice's The Talking Stick is known as a community spot. Tuesday night, it is hosting is a fundraiser featuring local band Superbroke Brass and Tin and Strings Electric Marching Band Ensemble (yes, that's the full name). Superbroke plays in many festivals in Venice, and the audience is in for a good time with fun music for the whole family. The fundraiser will help raise money to reopen schools destroyed in the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, although the event is free, and donations are on a pay-what-you-can basis. 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Also on Tuesday, U.S. Tour of Duty Full Disclosure presents, "A Counteroffensive in Response to the War on Whistleblowers," at Venice Center for Peace with Justice and the Arts. Ray McGovern, an Army officer and CIA analyst for 30 years, was among the first to condemn the corruption of intelligence to “justify” attacking Iraq. In February of this year he was jailed by security when he stood in silent protest while Sec. Hillary Clinton spoke on free expression. Susan Rosenberg and Michael Needham will discuss torture, the information war, the persecution of WikiLeaks, Julian Assange and Bradley Manning. Recommended for adults that want to be more informed on this topic. Pre-registration: $7.50 click here. $10 at the door. 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. 2210 Lincoln Blvd. (one block north of Venice Boulevard.)

On Wednesday, Venice Singer Suzy Williams performs at . It's always a treat to see and hear this sultry songstress from Venice sing her jazzy tunes - think Billie Holiday, but more outrageous and sexed up! Suzy sings her heart out at this venue, known for it's free music nights and other events (to come in a future column.) Recommended for adults. Free.  7 p.m. - 10 p.m.

is providing free spinal exams on Thursday. Go to the Whole Body department for a free exam from Dr. Isseks. Recommeded for all ages. Free.  1:30 p.m.  - 4:30 p.m.

Thursday night, show your support for the Venice Art Crawl and join the organizers at Santini's on Pacific for a mixer. They will be discussing next week's VAC, recruiting volunteers, and just generally having a good time making one of Venice's most popular new monthly events even cooler. Free. 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. BYOB.

If you know of other events going on in Venice, add it to our calendar here. Have a great week!