A reduction linocut by artist Dave Lefner. Studio 212, Moulton Ave.
LA is home to the largest art colony in the world. That’s right, the world. It’s one of our city’s best kept secrets. Twice a year, the Brewery Art Association near downtown LA opens its doors to art aficionados, collectors, students, curious onlookers, and those who only wish they could support themselves based solely on creative genius. I fit into those last two categories.
The following photo collection reflects my first experience at the Brewery Artwalk, which took place this past Saturday and Sunday, October 24 & 25. It is in no way a comprehensive representation of the work that was on display (the complex boasts roughly 300 work/live studios). But it’s a taste of an authentic, thriving art scene unique to LA—a must-try for all Angelenos.
Direction, analog synths and miscellany by Brian LeBarton (Beck)
Percussion by Carla Azar (Autolux)
Cello by Vanessa Freebairn-Smith
Over the course of 90 minutes in a darkened room under Disney Hall last night Brian LeBarton, clad in a fur-and-rubber wolf mask, made enough improvised bleeps, blurps and flatulent noises to equal the output of six men with an array of vintage synths surrounding his workspace. Supporting musicians Carla and Vanessa were tastefully subdued, never at the forefront for any extended period of time. Nothing was rehearsed beforehand.
Golem, the movie itself, 90+ minutes of shadowy lighting and fantastic 1920 surrealist sets by Hans Poelzig (playbook of which Theodore Geisel must surely have taken a page from), has been scored a variety of ways over the ages (fun and notable example: dig the brief death metal montage by Mike Patton’s Fantomas, here). I’m not exactly sure the reason, but spacey free jazz and analog sounds lend themselves to silent German Expressionist films quite well, and last night’s performance was well-executed and no exception, drawing parallels for myself to the scoring of Murnau’s Nosferatu by the venerable Tortiose a couple of years ago up in Chicago.
Bestselling UK import Florence Welch treated a few Angelenos to a small, acoustic (albeit harp-inclusive) set inside the Roosevelt Hotel, evening last. Those with tickets for tonight’s show, please let me know if she skips around the Troubadour stage. I was told that she generally skips all over the stage while belting out those long sustained notes, but last night’s tiny alcove allowed for zero skipping. Seriously want to know if she skips, guys. -R
Creepy German Expressionism at its finest: The Golem: How He Came Into the World gets the musical treatment it deserves this evening and tomorrow, downtown ‘neath the Disney Hall. These two screenings will feature a live score by Brian LeBarton (Beck’s music director and keyboardist) with special guest Carla Azar (Autolux) and more. Personally I’m stoked; these shows have been on the calendar ever since Brian told us about them! If you have no plans for Halloween, or your plans run on the late side Saturday, why not enter to win a pair of tickets to the Saturday screening by sending me your first and last name right here. Winner will be notified EOD; the film starts promptly at 830pm both nights. I’ll be there as well, so come say hello and if you’re in costume, go ahead, see if you can earn one of five existing pieces of our beyond-limited-edition-at-this-point Losanjealous 2009 OkiTaffy. Huzzah!
Olympic Gold Medalist and ten-time World Champion Fighter Oscar de la Hoya officially cut the ribbon on the Oscar de la Hoya Ánimo Charter High School in Boyle Heights today, the first public high school built in Boyle Heights in 80 years. The school is situated at the location of de la Hoya’s former boxing gym. Big congrats and thanks to Oscar; full press release and more photos by Nicholas Alan Cope after the jump.
Celebrate Halloween at LA’s legendary Bob Baker Marionette Theater, now in its 50th year. This Thurs & Fri night I’m thrilled to present … BOB BAKER’S HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR! … a vintage puppet show extravaganza starring dozens of bizarre one-of-a-kind marionettes…
Get the back story! …with slides and classic TV and film clips I’ll tell the story of Bob’s unparalleled career, which began in 1932…
There is only one thing worse than spotting your parents downing a pint in your favorite burger and beer joint: finding your aunt and uncle instead.
And, I’m reluctant to report, this recently occurred at Father’s Office in Culver City. At first I thought I was seeing shit. But, nope, they were there. Eating and drinking and being merry. And when I approached I quickly found out this was not their first visit. In fact, they consider themselves “semi-regulars.”
It is with this pronouncement I make another: Father’s Office has officially jumped the culinary shark.
Look, I love my aunt and uncle. I even crashed at their house for two summers back in college. And I know my freaking mom is going to email them a link to this post so I’m going to be in trouble. But, let’s be honest, no one wants to see their middle-aged aunt and uncle at the bar you frequent. It simply makes the place so un-cool I can no longer go there.
Cirque du Soleil’s “Kooza”
October 16th- November 29th at the Santa Monica Pier
After seeing a performance of Cirque du Soleil’s newest spectacular, “Kooza”, I have decided that if at all possible, everyone should see one Cirque show before they die. Cirque du Soleil has been revered since it’s inception for their crème de la crème performers, brilliant visuals, and otherworldly musical arrangements, and “Kooza” gives new Cirque audience members a taste of what everybody has been raving about.
Last Halloween, a friend came into work raving about a party that featured Mexican Wrestling and Burlesque. My immediate reaction: Who spiked the punch bowl?
Thus began my fascination with Lucha VaVOOM, the cult theater sensation that co-creator Rita D’Albert touts as being “unabashedly LA.” The show is back on it’s home stage at the Mayan Theatre in Downtown this Wednesday and Thursday, October 28th and 29th. Titled “Creature Feature,” this raucous brand of sexo y violencia is sure to make you think twice about the phrase trick or treat.
The playbill and tix are available at http://LuchaVaVOOM.com. Losanjealous will be on hand to witness the spooky spectacle so check back for a review, video, and photos from the show. Official show flyer after the jump.
Phish Festival 8
3-Day Event
Oct 30, 31 & Nov 1
Empire Polo Field, Indio Tickets & Info [ENTER TO WIN 3-DAY PASSES] Contest closed. Thanks to all the many of you that entered!
Hat tip to Ice Cream Man for sending this our way; this is pretty cool. In the above video Glen Hansard decides to entertain the people who are waiting in line in order to hear him play inside the store. He ends by grinning and saying, “See you all inside.” The outside, cars-driving-by aspect of the impromptu performance reminds me a bit of that video we shot for John Vanderslice a while back, wherein John was chased away from the hour-plus line outside Pink’s hot dogs.
File under shame they can’t keep it going. Following Sunday if you want to check out the Knitting Factory you’ll need to be in Boise, Spokane, Brooklyn or, coming soon, Reno. Join us as we bid farewell to the venue and its three stages in the heart of Hollywood.
We have a few pairs of tickets to hand out at this time – and one grand prize winner will win a pair of tickets, free Hit The Lights merch and get to meet and greet the band if so desired (note: hitting the actual lights as you exit the Knitting Factory not included, though who’s to say that doesn’t happen as well). Simply put, if you’ve never been to the Knitting Factory over the last decade, this is your final opportunity. Entry instructions after the jump.
Der Golem, Wie Er In Eie Welt Kam
HEADS UP
HEADS UP
Phish Festival 8
Soulico
Bouncing Souls 
HEADS UP
