The OPEN Daily » Arts & Entertainment

KNX On Your Corner: Graumann’s Chinese Theater

TheOpenDaily — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:00:57 +0000

(KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO) — When you think of Hollywood, the first thing to come to mind is probably “Lights…camera…action!”

And in the heart of it all, is Graumann’s Chinese Theater on Hollywood Boulevard.

Fowler Museum to celebrate Chicano culture with La Santa Cecilia and Patssi Valdez

TheOpenDaily — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 06:43:55 +0000

Singer Marisol Hernandez, guitarist Gloria Estrada and percussionist Miguel Ramirez met during a jam session at a party in the summer of 2007. Little did they know they would later form a group, La Santa Cecilia, that has since exposed them to bigger audiences and has even garnered them a recent Latin Grammy nomination.

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Hollywood Boulevard Street Performers

TheOpenDaily — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:00:43 +0000

(KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO) — From Marilyn to Mickey to Captain Jack to a martian, street performers strut their stuff in front of Graumann’s Chinese and along the sidewalk to Hollywood and Highland.

Frank Gehry is working for free as architect of new Jazz Bakery

TheOpenDaily — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:48:56 +0000

Having designed L.A.'s signature space for classical music, Frank Gehry is on board to do the same for jazz.

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Gebert Gallery on Abbot Kinney, Steps Up to Help Local Charity!

TheOpenDaily — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 03:59:59 +0000

So many nonprofit organizations are struggling these days. Unfortunately, many have fallen by the wayside, leaving important causes to fend for themselves. The Gebert Gallery decided to lend a hand to a truly important organization, The HARC Foundation.

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Free February Sundays & School Field Trips At Santa Monica Pier Aquarium Courtesy Of Cirque du Soleil

TheOpenDaily — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:32:00 +0000

Heal the Bay’s Santa Monica Pier Aquarium and Cirque du Soleil invite the public to visit the Aquarium for free any Sunday in February.
In addition, Cirque du Soleil, as a part of its commitment to community involvement, will sponsor five field trip education programs, including bus transportation, to the Aquarium during the run of the show. For many, the field trip to the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium marks the students’ first experience with the beach environment and observing marine life up close.

Cirque du Soleil is sponsoring free admission to the marine science center during public hours, from 12:30 to 5 p.m. The internationally known circus is performing its ode to the insect “OVO, ”under the Grand Chapiteau in the parking lot adjacent to the Aquarium and the Santa Monica Pier.

OVO is described as “immersion into the teeming world of insects.” Aquarium visitors will be immersed in the underwater world, gaining knowledge about the creatures of the Santa Monica Bay through hands-on, interactive exhibits of more than 100 species native to the Bay.
The free Sundays will in particular celebrate crustaceans – the ocean’s counterpart to insects on land – and as always, strive to inspire environmental stewardship for the benefit of all marine life.

In addition to the variety of crustaceans on exhibit, touch tanks at the Aquarium offer an opportunity to get up close and personal with sea stars, anemones, sea cucumbers and urchins. Moray eels, octopus, sharks, rays and a diverse number of fish species – all from the Santa Monica Bay – are displayed in habitat-specific exhibits. Moon jellies – some as large as dinner plates – mesmerize as well as educate. The Aquarium has its own nursery to raise these majestic oceanic drifters.

The Aquarium is located beach level, beneath the Santa Monica Pier, at 1600 Ocean Front Walk. More information is available at www.healthebay.org/smpa, or by calling 310-393-6149.

Jazz Bakery coming back to Culver City in style

TheOpenDaily — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:45:12 +0000

Ruth Price's Jazz Bakery received approval today from the Culver City city council to develop a new Frank Gehry-designed, 250-seat theater.

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Dr. Susan Linn to speak at Westside Neighborhood School

TheOpenDaily — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:17:04 +0000

Location: 5401 Beethoven St, Los Angeles, CA 90066 When: February 8, 2012 Time: 7:00 pm–9:00 pm Dr. Susan Linn, instructor in Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and nationally known author will speak about The Importance of Making Time for Make-Believe and Imaginative Play for Children from 7 to 9 PM. She will be available for book signing at 6:30. [...]

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Conan O’Brien to headline event for Geffen Playhouse

TheOpenDaily — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:10:54 +0000

O'Brien, Nick Offerman and Patton Oswalt will take part in a family-friendly benefit for the Geffen Playhouse Story Pirates Play/Write program.

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Venice Library February 2012 Events Calendar

TheOpenDaily — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:06:55 +0000

The Venice – Abbot Kinney Memorial Branch Library has some awesome activities all throughout February that that are FREE for the community! There is a lot to be learned under the roof of the library, so go participate!

Click here to download this information as an 8×10 for handy printing!

Children’s Programs:

February 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 — Toddler Storytime: Stories, songs, and fingerplays for newborn to 3 years. 11:30 am

February 2, 9, 16. 23 — Toddler Storytime: Stories, songs, stretches for newborns to 3 years old. 3:30 pm

Feb 7 – Toy making workshop. Build moving toys out of simple, recycled materials in a workshop that intuitively explores physical phenomena and basic principles of mechanics. Inventive thinking & creative problem-solving are encouraged as children work together in making these toys. Limited spots (20 participants). Sign up @Library Ages 6+ 4:00pm.

Feb. 8— Jazz It Up with Baby & Me. Dance, stretch & strengthening for you & baby! Join instructor Lia Montelongo for 1/2 hr class. Limited spots (20 participants). Sign Up @ Library 4pm

February 14 Family Movie—TBA 3pm

Feb. 15 Story Theater! Master storyteller Vicki Goring spins new stories inspired by children’s suggestions & imagination. Each story is a fresh new journey into imagination, with positive messages and guaranteed surprises! All ages. 4pm

Feb. 22— Craft activity for kids. 4pm

Feb. 25 Yoga for Kids! Grab your towel/mat, listen to a story & practice yoga. Ages 5+. Parents welcome 4pm Monday-Saturday — GAB (Grown-ups and Books) Storytelling: Trained volunteers read to children of all ages in the
Children’s Reading Room. Call or visit the branch for specific times.

StudentZone Monday-Thursday 3-5p (M, W); 3:30-5:30p (Tu-Th). The Venice Branch Library offers a dedicated space, essential supplies, equipment, resources, trained staff & volunteers to assist students grades 4-12. Free printing

SAVE THE DATE!! Feb. 11 @ 12pm Special Screening—Happy The Movie . Venice Library is proud to host an advance screening of this film .

Teen Programs

Feb 16 Comic Making Workshop! Vince Moore of Comics Ink will teach a comic book making workshop.Explore your comic talent! Refreshments served and all materials will be provided.. 4pm

Feb 29 Teen Council Meeting: Get involved in your library and earn community service hours! Pizza served. 4pm

Adult Events:

Feb 7: Mindful Meditation. Take a refreshing pause by simply sitting and paying attention to senses, feelings and thoughts. 7pm

Feb 8, 22: Computer classes. LAPL Catalog Pt. 1 & LAPL catalog Pt. 2 (learn how to use this valuable resource). 10a

Feb. 9—Movie of the Month. TBA 5:30p

Feb. 11: VIP Venice: Denise Sullivan –Reading & discussion of “Keep On Pushing: Black Power Music from Blues to Hip Hop.

Music performance and student poets 826LA SPARC follows.

Feb 25: Social Branding What is your social media brand? Join authors Beverly Macy & Teri Thompson, in exploring the value of social media for customer service and as an essential sales & marketing tool. 12p

Feb 28 Book Club . This month’s selection TBA. Copies available at the Library Circulation Desk. 6:30p

Venice – Abbot Kinney Memorial Branch Library
501 S. Venice Blvd.
Venice, CA 90291

Join the forum discussion on this post

KNX On Your Corner: Pantages Theater

TheOpenDaily — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:00:31 +0000

(KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO) — Overture, hit the lights.

KNX 1070′s Ron Kilgore reports from Oscar to The Great White Way come West, the Pantages Theater, a Hollywood legend, is still going strong.

Grassroots Acoustica: American Heart Association Edition Celebrates Heart Month

TheOpenDaily — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 04:47:22 +0000

Join Grassroots Acoustica for Its American Heart Association Edition. Place your bid in a Silent Auction - Make a toast at the VIP wine reception (6-7pm) AND Listen to some of the best and brightest singer/songwriters in Los Angeles. Featuring Master of Ceremonies, award-winning composer, Mark Islam, Emily Gold (daughter of Andrew Gold), Marvin Etzioni, Ruby and Summer Spiro, Steve Postell, John Byrd,… February 11, 2012 from 6pm to 10pm at The Talking Stick coffee lounge and listening room. 1411 Lincoln Blvd. in Venice.

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Los Angeles Magazine Comes To Harvelle’s

TheOpenDaily — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 04:10:00 +0000

The current issue of Los Angeles Magazine ("Classic L.A." issue) features a glowing review of my favorite Westside bar. If you read this blog, then you are already aware of Harvelle's.

If not, check out the write-up, and if it sounds good to you, come pay a visit.

Besides the decor and the speakeasy vibe, besides the custom cocktails and authentic nightly blues & jazz, there's always plenty of parking in the structure adjacent to the club and there's a spot next door (West 4th/Jane) that serves great food (you can order and have it delivered to the bar) until about midnight. If you love live music, enjoy a night out dancing, or imbibing with like-minded people over delicious one-of-a-kind cocktails, check out Harvelle's (1432 4th St. between Broadway & Santa Monica Blvd. in downtown Santa Monica) [Harvelle's Santa Monica]

Some other things you may not be aware of:

Harlow Gold - the spectacular underground burlesque revue that consistently sells out (It's the last 2 Thursdays of each month - reservations are highly suggested.) [Reservations link]

There's Westside Wednesdays - local Venice collective House Of Vibe All Stars mid-week massive that combines live hip-hop, reggae, jazz, funk and r&b played by some of the industry's most in-demand musicians. [House Of Vibe All-Stars]

Every Monday night is Ultralove - infamous local singer/songwriter who's faithful fan base makes a ritual of kicking the week off with a dose of the band's illest medicine. [Ultralove]

And there's The Toledo Show.

The longest running show of it's kind, having just celebrated it's 10 year anniversary at Harvelle's, it's a wild burlesque road trip to hell and back. The must-see spectacle is a Westside institution and you really should be indoctrinated. Every Sunday night, the tall, dark and handsome Toledo Diamond mounts his Show - his gravely baritone tells erotic stories of hard living in the back alleys of this grimy urban metropolis, while the impossibly funky band jams tirelessly. A bevy of dancing "Dames" gyrate electrically throughout the evening, enticing you with their bouncy bodices, ripped stockings, red lips and high heels. They're a thing of beauty. [The Toledo Show]

Last year, the up and coming Vintage Trouble left their sold-out year long Tuesday night residency at the club to launch their first European tour. They've been back twice since and are currently in Australia playing sold-out stadiums and festivals. They will be back in Europe this summer touring with Lenny Kravitz. Congrats to VT for being the next big thing. It's completely deserved. [Vintage Trouble]

Additionally, there is now a second Harvelle's in Long Beach.

Larger in size with the same attention to the light and sound systems, the venue is garnering accolades and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. The bluegrass/ragtime of Capt Jeffrey & His Musical Chumbuckets have been packing 'em in on Sunday nights (Phil Alvin of The Blasters has stopped by and sat in a couple of times). The very cool The Vespertines take over on Monday nights. And on Feb 4, Sheila E. will be bringing her family (Pete, Juan, and Peter Michael Escovedo) for what promises to be an exciting night of incredible latin flavored funk!! That's what the Escovedo's do!! (the club is located at 201 E. BROADWAY beneath The Congregation Ale House)

[Harvelle's Long Beach]

Photogaphic Artists Discuss Their Work at the Getty

TheOpenDaily — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:19:00 +0000

Truth and meaning was the topic of conversation at the sold out show, “Photography and Storytelling," held Jan. 26 in the Harold M. Williams Auditorium at The Getty Center in Los Angeles.

Actress Anna Deavere Smith mediated a conversation with photographic artists Eileen Cowin and Carrie Mae Weems on how story telling affects their art.

Cowin, a devout reader, performed three excerpts from “Briar Rose,” “The Beauty and the Sorrow,” and an essay from the Pittsburg Post Gazette by Errol Morris.

“The line from the World War I piece haunted me and I just wished I could make something like that in my own work,” Cowin said when asked why she chose those particular readings. Of her own work, she added, “I’ve always thought photographs were lies. All my work has been based on the relationship between fact and fiction.”

She said that her work is juxtaposed in such a way that it leaves people with something to think about and that the color rose is very prominent in the series. She explains that this work references the body, under the skin, the inside of a mouth, all in a sensual way.

Weems showcased a series of photos with text from her piece “From Here I saw What Happened and I Cried.” She demonstrated the relationship between the words and the photographs by reading the words in a slow methodical rhythm
which she explained connected each picture to the next, creating a flow that was
then broken by the word “Ha” at the end of a phrase which then broke the pattern of repetition.

Weems’ work also used the color red to symbolize blood. The words were placed
over the photos to add a different element to the narrative and distance the original photograph.

The work of Cowin and Weems can be seen in the Narrative Interventions in
Photography exhibition until March 11, 2012 at the Getty Center.

‘Awake In A World That Encourages Sleep’: A New Play By Raymond J. Barry

TheOpenDaily — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 03:12:00 +0000

Theatre of the Absurd is a style of referring to a body of work written predominantly by European playwrights in the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. It includes such writers as Jean Genet (The Balcony, The Maids, The Blacks), Eugene Lonesco (The Bald Soprano, Rhinoceros, The Lesson), Samuel Beckett (Waiting for Godot, Krapp’s Last Tape), Harold Pinter (The Birthday Party, The Homecoming, The Room), Edward Albee (Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Zoo Story), and Tom Stoppard (Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead). Their plays generally expressed the belief that human existence has no meaning or purpose and therefore all communication breaks down. Logical construction and argument gives way to irrational and illogical speech and to its ultimate conclusion – silence. Performed on a stark white public park setting consisting of a leafless tree and two white benches “Awake In A World That Encourages Sleep,” on stage at the Electric Lodge, is in that tradition. Raymond J. Barry’s fascinating play, which is highly theatrical and stylized, uses clipped, machine-gun delivery of the dialogue, tackling the moral ambiguity of war as well as other serious issues with which the world is grabbling, as well as the loss of love and passion in marriage. The play begins with a very well dressed husband and wife sitting on one of the benches. The wife, Erica, skillfully played by Tacey Adams, is dressed in a stunning red dress and holding a powder compact, is checking her hair and makeup. Adams plows through this difficult material with mercurial transitions, meeting the demands of the sometimes stream-of-consciousness thoughts and probably holds the record for the longest on-stage crying jag in theatrical history. Her husband, Paul, powerfully played by Joseph Culp, delivers a brilliantly nuanced performance, mining the depths of the many layers of his character. Impeccably dressed in a pin-stripe suit and crisp shirt and tie, he is a corporate executive and part of what is referred to as the “Group,” who we are to assume are arms dealers or something in that order. Despite being in a public place, in short order a violent argument breaks out with between them with Erica accusing him of being responsible for their son’s death because Paul encouraged him to serve his country. He defends himself and his work, insisting that his son died with honor and that he, himself, served his country and is a heavily decorated war hero, which Erica disputes. She hurls one insult after another at him also accusing him of being a homosexual. He tries to stay patient with her, but eventually storms off stage leaving her alone on the bench with her book. It is at this point that Raymond J. Barry’s Edward character enters in a most compelling way as he a doesn’t just walk on stage, but he flits and glides and skulks, almost in Groucho Marx-type movements – hesitating, freezing for a moment and then stealthily moves a bit further towards the unoccupied bench where he commences to haltingly engage a very reluctant Erica in conversation which eventually produces some shocking surprises. As the action moves forward, we learn that Paul was Edward’s boss who left the “Group” for reasons of conscience. Accusations fly back and forth with Paul defending the actions of his “Group.” Right in the middle of a heated argument, in the most Theatre of the Absurd tradition, Erica announces that she bought a new hat and the discussion switches to that. Throughout the play, the proceedings are interrupted as a bomb falls somewhere in the distance, a reminder that we are at war. Meanwhile, the awkward relationship between Edward and Erica heats up and all hell breaks loose as Erica confesses her needs for love and affection, which she is not getting from a very confused Paul. In terms of the overall delivery of the dialogue, one could liken the play to an opera in that the lines are delivered either as solos (arias), duets, or trios that sometimes makes it difficult to understand all that is being said, but these actors deliver such spellbinding performances that even if you miss a few words here and there, it is immediately forgiven. This talented cast’s collective physical, vocal, and emotional lives are so wonderfully developed and riveting, that you won’t want to blink lest you miss a theatrically fascinating moment. Electric Lodge 1416 Electric Avenue Venice, CA 90291, Friday – Sunday through Feb. 26, 2012 Tickets: 310.306.1854 www.electriclodge.org

Hollywood Magic Castle

TheOpenDaily — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 03:00:10 +0000

(KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO) — If you want to get into the most magical spot in Hollywood, you have to be a member or get one to invite you.

Cirque du Soleil’s Michael Jackson show: ‘Immortal’ but not immune

TheOpenDaily — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 22:00:00 +0000

The tribute to the late pop icon, which is coming to Staples Center, is not without controversy.The tribute to the late pop icon, which is coming to Staples Center, is not without controversy.

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Eco Literati Green Book Club

TheOpenDaily — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 07:53:31 +0000

This monthly book club focusing on eco-literature holds its first meeting of the year. The group will discuss "Creating a Life Together: Practical Tools to Grow Ecovillages and Intentional Communities," by Diana Leafe Christian. The author's website describes the book:A unique guide to launching and sustaining successful new ecovillages and sustainable communities -- and avoiding the [...]

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Los Angeles Ranks as Really Really Good Looking

TheOpenDaily — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:00:27 +0000

Los Angeles made the top 5 places for "attractive people" in Travel+Leisure magazine's "America's Favorite Cities" lists, out this week.

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WATCH: Hollywood Blvd. Chokes On Peanut Butter For Jimmy Kimmel

TheOpenDaily — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:10:26 +0000

Tuesday was National Peanut Butter Day, and if you forgot to celebrate it, Jimmy Kimmel has you covered. The show took took to Hollywood Boulevard to film people enjoying a mouthful of peanut butter while commenting on the recently-announced Oscar nominations. As the kind-hearted participants held forth on the drama of "War Horse" or Woody Allen's [...]

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William Shatner bringing solo show to Pantages for one night

TheOpenDaily — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:18:16 +0000

The New York show is a comic autobiography in which Shatner talks about his career, including his start as a Shakespearean stage actor.The New York show is a comic autobiography in which Shatner talks about his career, including his start as a Shakespearean stage actor.

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Activists To Invade Hollywood, Will March, Protest & Perform Street Theatre

TheOpenDaily — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0000

Hollywood, prepare. Over 400 activists are taking it to the streets this afternoon, specifically the intersection of Sunset and Vine, to protest those who have failed to pay the U.S. corporate tax rate, namely FedEx. [ more › ]

Bickart’s Premier Solo Show at Robert Berman Gallery

TheOpenDaily — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 07:54:37 +0000

On February 4 and 5, 2012 Robert Berman Gallery (B-7) at Bergamot Station presents for the first time in Los Angeles the personal works of JONATHAN BICKART.â€œTowering Momentsâ€ is a special two day only show. BICKART is best known for his large commissions. From the famous 14-foot monument of Colonel Griffith J. Griffith on [...]

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UCLA Live hosts a medley of performances in the coming months

TheOpenDaily — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 06:10:45 +0000

UCLA’s Royce Hall hosts acts ranging from student organizations to world renowned artists. Royce Hall’s UCLA Live presents performers that travel from around the world.

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West LA Chidrens Choir to Perform in China

TheOpenDaily — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 06:07:08 +0000

The lovely neighborhood West Los Angeles Childrenâ€™s Choir (started 14 years ago) is going stronger than ever and is now preparing to sing at a Peace Concert in Beijing! The event is scheduled to take place in June of 2012 and we will be performing three big songs - one that was written by film [...]

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