The OPEN Daily » Arts & Entertainment

Jam Band scene explodes at Waterfront Concert Theater

james — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 18:54:58 +0000

Wagatail Presents, ”West-Side Convergence”. . . a celebration of music and art on the last Thursday of every month. An electrifying evening is occurring on Thursday, August 26th, 2010 when the “West-Side Convergence” will showcase local bands and artists, at the Waterfront Concert Theater in Marina del Rey. The evening is expected to attract music and art lovers from across the Westside.

Featuring performances by Exactly, Bone Creek, PLUS, Steven Boz. Laura Leavitt, Artisan Venice. Come at 6pm for free Happy Hour Acoustic Set and enjoy ½ price drafts and apps.

The Waterfront Concert Theater – 4411 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, 90292

‘Write to Heal’ Writers Workshop in Malibu

john — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 18:12:29 +0000

‘Write to Heal’ is a unique 8-week workshop is devoted to exploring the healing power of writing and is open to anyone seeking greater well-being. It is taking place 9/12 – 10/31 on Sunday afternoons (3-6pm) at a private home in Malibu.

Writing is known to be a restorative tool that reduces stress and bolsters the immune system, so come join us for what promises to be a transformative experience. Instructor Karin Gutman has been working with writers for 10 years helping them to discover, develop and write their life-based stories. She also teaches at UCLA Extension Writers’ Program.

For more information, visit: www.writetoheal.com

Tween Star Jonathan Morgan Heit Hosts NextAid and KidTribe Community Event

john — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 20:05:42 +0000

Jonathan Morgan Heit (Valentine’s Day, Bedtimes Stories, Date Night) and other young talent including: Mishon Ratliff (Lincoln Heights), Katelyn Tarver (Big Time Rush), Savannah Paige Rae (Parenthood), Allisyn Ashley Arm (Sonny with a Chance), Brittany Curran (Men of a Certain Age), Ryan Ochoa (iCarly), Raymond Ochoa (Hank), Stefanie Scott (Ivan Reitman Project), singers Sarah McMullan, Madisen Hill, and more TBC. Colin Ford (Dog Days of Summer, Supernatural) will DJ.

Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization, NextAid, and international fitness and self-esteem program, KidTribe, host a unique, community event and fundraiser. Funds raised go towards building Women and Girls’ Health Resource Centers in Sierra Leone and Namibia. This special day of “edutainment” will raise awareness of the plight of young women and girls in developing countries.

When: August 7, 2010, 2pm – 5pm (Media call time 1pm, arrivals 2pm)

Where: At the historic Jim Henson Company lot (originally the Charlie Chaplin Studio and more recently the A&M Studio) at 1416 La Brea Blvd, Los Angeles 90028.

Contact: Susan von Seggern, 213-840-0077, susan@susanvonseggern.com

The minimum donation for entry is $15 per child or $50 for a family of four. Proceeds will go towards building Women and Girls’ Health Resource Centers in Sierra Leone and Namibia.

To purchase tickets or make a donation, visit NextAid www.nextaid.org/donation.htm. For more information, please visit the FACEBOOK Page or email events@nextaid.org or call (424-298-8451),

Weingart Foundation Supports Low-Income Westside Youth

james — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:10:42 +0000

The Weingart Foundation awards Neighborhood Youth Association (NYA) a grant of $127,000 over two years, providing critical funding for NYA’s highly successful after-school and preschool programs. These funds will help 136 low-income children and youth in Venice, Mar Vista and nearby Westside communities to succeed in school.

For the third consecutive year in a row, 100% of NYA’s high school seniors graduated on time – more than 48% higher than the on-time graduation rate at nearby Venice High School, and 100% of NYA’s 2010 graduates will enroll in college. This success is all the more astounding considering that all of NYA’s students are low-income and 96% will be among the first in their families to attend college. NYA’s preschool is just as successful, outperforming other preschools in several key measures. NYA’s personalized, comprehensive approach provides students with academic support, counseling, college and career planning, cultural and recreational enrichment activities, as well as leadership skills development activities.

24-Hour Literary Marathon

james — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 23:43:22 +0000

The Writers Junction along with WordHustler and The Nervous Breakdown are pleased to announce the 24-Hour Literary Marathon this Saturday, July 24 from 9:00 am through 9:00 am Sunday, July 25.

This creative celebration of prose readings, poetry performance, stand-up comedy, music, panels and more will star some of the literary, entertainment, and music world’s best and brightest.

Jose Rivera, Academy Award nominated screenwriter for The Motorcycle Diaries, will premiere an excerpt from his debut novel and Jillian Lauren, New York Times Best-Selling author of Some Girls: My Life in a Harem will read from her work.

CW’s Life Unexpected creator Liz Tigelaar and star Shiri Appleby will be featured in the “Script to Screen Panel.” The panel “Sophomore Success: What Happens After the First Book?” features authors Mark Sarvas (Harry, Revised), Deirdre Shaw (Love Or Something Like It), Brad Listi (Attention. Deficit. Disorder.) and Brooke Berman (No Place Like Home).

The performances will run 24 hours, as will the food, drinks, and revelry. There will be a silent auction, giveaways, and attendees can explore the amazing workspace that is The Writers Junction. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will be donated to The Young Storytellers Foundation.

Marilyn Monroe’s House Up for Sale

james — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 16:05:07 +0000

Norma Jean’s Brentwood house just went on the market for $3.6 million. Monroe bought the home for $90,000 just months before she died in 1962. The house was last purchased in 1994 for $995,000.

For more about the house: Marilyn Monroe Memories web site, “Hollywood: The Movie Lover’s Guide: The Ultimate Insider Tour to Movie L.A.”

“Summer of Color” Arrives on Westside Beaches

james — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 17:25:21 +0000

You may have noticed the vibrant murals covering the lifeguard towers on Westside beaches. Welcome to the Summer of Color!

Over 100 lifeguard towers from San Pedro to Leo Carrillo have been transformed into works of art as part of the largest public art project in the U.S. — with the participation of 6,000 children and 2,500 adult volunteers.

The project was conceived by Portraits of Hope, a non-profit organization that combines major public art projects with creative therapy for physically and mentally disabled children. Read more.

Free Summer Concerts in Marina del Rey

sarah — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:35:45 +0000

This popular series of free outdoor concerts is held in one of the most spectacular waterfront settings in Los Angeles, Burton W. Chace Park 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey CA 90292. Concerts take place on select Thursdays and Saturdays starting July 8th and each will begin at 7 p.m. Read more about the performers here on Marina del Rey’s website.

Jam Band Scene Explodes At Waterfront Concert Theater 7/22

sarah — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:35:39 +0000

An electrifying evening is occurring on Thursday, July 22nd, 2010 when the “West-Side Convergence” will showcase local bands and artists, at the Waterfront Concert Theater in Marina del Rey. The evening is expected to attract music and art lovers from across the Westside. Following on the heels of the first highly successful Convergence, the Waterfront and its killer sound system and Marina views, will take the event to the next level. The Waterfront Concert Theatre is LA’s newest live entertainment venue, intimate, yet with plenty of room to kick off your shoes and dance.

West-Side Convergence has teamed up with the infamous Wagatail Productions to bring you the most talented of local musicians featuring performances by Exactly, Hello Echo Band, Harmala, Stonyatti, and Spidergawd, To complete the atmosphere, Artisan Venice will provide an art gallery featuring the finest of the Venice art explosion. All this for only $5!!!

With so many performances spread over the night, there should be something to suit all musical tastes.

“Westside Convergence will bring together a diverse line-up of artists, which will be a great attraction for music fans and jam band enthusiasts,” said the managing director of the Convergence. “These musicians share a collective penchant for improvisation, and a commitment to musicianship that crosses genres, drawing from a range of traditions including rock, funk, jazz, blues, bluegrass, and even techno. We will be working together to create an environment for fans to enjoy an entire evening of music—a fun and affordable way to see and support the local art community.”

The diverse genres and styles of the bands are held together by a common musical approach: an emphasis on creative improvisation and live performance. The evening should appeal to their common fan base of festival-goers and touring fans…but held in a local, intimate environment. The exceptional musicians will create an evening that is sure to thrill any music lover.

Pershing Square Downtown Stage Free Summer Concerts

donna — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 14:43:34 +0000

Looking for something to do on a Saturday night this summer? Take in a concert at Pershing Square’s Downtown Stage Summer Concert Series. Bring a blanket or camp chairs and listen to some great music surrounded by the lights of downtown. They are kicking the series off on July 24th with Lee Rocker of the 80’s rockabilly band, Stray Cats.

Free Concerts At The Santa Monica Pier

donna — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 14:41:27 +0000

The Santa Monica Pier’s Twilight Dance Series is July 8th through September 2nd. All concerts begin at 7pm and go until 10pm. If you have never been to one of these concerts you can sit on the pier or on the beach. Take a picnic and make a family evening out of it. Join the summer fun and if you need more information you may want to check out their Survival Guide tips. The concert line up is listed on their website.

Target Arts & Wonder Free Family Event July 16 -18

sarah — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 14:35:09 +0000

Target is sponsoring free or reduced-price admission at many museum and performing arts venues all over the country on July 16 – 18, 2010. Check out the activities in LA by visiting Target’s website and choosing our city from the pull-down menu.

LA Neighborhood Councils Get Radio Show

james — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 14:15:56 +0000

LA Observed reports that KRLA’s Kevin James will be hosting a new show about LA’s neighborhood councils. Kevin will spend the next few months going to neighborhood council meetings in every Los Angeles City Council district, and report on the issues being discussed on a new 11pm show.

4th Of July Celebrations All Over The Westside

sarah — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:01:16 +0000

Culver City’s fireworks show takes place at Culver City High School. Gates open at 5pm, fireworks start at 9pm.

Marina del Rey does a spectacular fireworks show which can be seen from Burton Chace Park, starts at 9pm.

Santa Monica 4th of July parade on Main Street, beginning at 9:30am.

Westchester holds their annual parade on the campus of Loyola Marymount University and it starts at Noon.

Pacific Palisades has a parade AND fireworks! Parade starts at 2pm and fireworks start at 9pm. See their website for all fees and location details.

Special note for the fireworks shows: please plan to get there early to get a good seat.

826LA Presents: A Spelling Bee For Cheaters 8/14

sarah — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:58:44 +0000

A Spelling Bee For Cheaters, A Tournament Of Verbal Smarts and Fraudulence, is a fund-raiser for 826LA, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting students ages 6 – 18 with their creative and expository writing skills, and to help teachers inspire their students to write. A Spelling Bee For Cheaters will take place Saturday, August 14th, at 2pm at Lincoln Middle School in Santa Monica, and will be co-hosted by the creators of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Participants must register online and raise money beforehand to increase their chances of winning. This year, Spike Jonze, Catherine Keener, John Krasinski, Judd Apatow, Dianna Agron and others are scheduled to appear. All the money goes to support 826LA’s free writing and tutoring programs for Los Angeles students. Space is limited, so register today!

First Fridays On Abbot Kinney July 2nd

sarah — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 14:31:52 +0000

First Fridays are a blast and not to be missed. The next one is this Friday, July 2nd. Goes from 6 – 10pm.

Come stroll down Abbot Kinney Blvd and explore the ever expanding, eclectic mix of boutiques, restaurants, bars and galleries in what has been called “…one of LA’s last strongholds of the independent retailer with attitude”, the place where surf culture meets bohemian chic. Stores stay open until 10PM. Bars and restaurants normal business hours.

Early 4th of July Fireworks at Santa Monica College 6/26

sarah — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 14:45:09 +0000

Saturday, June 26th from 5-10pm Celebrate America on the campus of Santa Monica College. Fireworks and food trucks! Read all the details on the Santa Monica College website.

Downtown Walking Tours Of Santa Monica

donna — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 14:41:45 +0000

The Santa Moncia Conservancy offers $10 walking tours of Downtown Santa Monica on Saturday mornings at 10am. SMC says in approximately two hours and six blocks, the walk traverses more than 130 years of Santa Monica history, from its Wild West frontier beginnings to the sophisticated metropolis of today. You’ll learn about the civic leaders whose vision built the growing city, and experience downtown’s diverse architectural heritage, including: The 1875 Rapp Saloon, opened the year the city was founded, The Majestic Theatre, later the Mayfair, the city’s first theater built to showcase the nascent film industry, The Keller Block, a splendid example of Romanesque Revival architecture.  The Builders Exchange, a restored Churrigueresque/Spanish Revival building, with intact decorative interiors. - The Bay Cities Guaranty Building, the city’s first skyscraper, a soaring Art Deco landmark with its signature clock tower. - The El Miro theater, an exuberant Art Deco/Streamline Moderne creation that became the centerpiece for the revitalization of the old mall into the Third Street Promenade.

A Taste of Santa Monica

donna — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 14:41:27 +0000

Six Taste Santa Monica offers a tasting tour of Santa Monica’s culinary delights. This is a walking tour offered on Saturdays starting at 10am. The tour includes Six Taste bag, three tastings at the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market, Chocolate at Leonidas Fresh Belgian chocolates, a stop at Bay Cities Italian Deli and Bakery, Organic Vegan Cuisine at Real Food Daily, Tapas and wine from Bar Pinxto and gelato from Angelato. You can check their website for the most up to date tasting schedule.

Film Screening: “Sin Nombre” at Santa Monica Library 6/24

sarah — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 14:34:26 +0000

A teenager from Honduras forms an unlikely friendship with a Mexican gang member who is helping to smuggle her family into the United States, Sin Nombre is an award-winning film. Part of the “In Case You Missed It” film series, you can see this film at the Santa Monica Public Library Montana Ave. Branch on Thursday, June 24th at 6:30pm.

Chef Amy Jurist’s Underground Dinner 6/26: Tickets Still Available

sarah — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:45:07 +0000

Chef Amy Jurist (one of The Open Daily’s experts this week) holds Underground Dinners, also known as “Food Raves”, each with a different theme, each in a special location. The latest Underground Dinner she’s hosting, The Bounty of California, is being held this Saturday, June 26th, and there are still tickets available. Readers of The OpenDaily are in luck because she is offering a special discount just for you. Tickets are $125, but if you purchase using the code OPENDAILY tickets are only $100 — that’s a savings of $25!

To learn more about the dinner and make a reservation, go to Amy’s Culinary Adventures and click on the Underground Dinner link.

Family Art Stops At The Getty Center

donna — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:41:44 +0000

Do you have an artist in the making? Now through September 3, 2010, The Getty Center has Family Art Stops Tuesday through Sunday at 2:00pm and 2:30pm. A gallery teacher will lead you to a family-friendly work of art. There, you and your family get a playful introduction to art. Look and learn together as you participate in fun activities such as puzzles, drawing, role-plays, even an artistic version of Mad Libs. Activities and works of art change frequently, making each visit a new experience. It’s free but you need to sign up 30 minutes prior to start time at the the Museum Information Desk

Homelands: How Women Made The West

donna — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:45:25 +0000

This exhibition is at The Museum of the American West at Griffith Park from April 16, 2010 – August 22, 2010. The museum describes it like this: From ancient pueblos to modern suburbs, women have shaped the Western landscape through choices about how to sustain home, family, and community. Home Lands: How Women Made the West brings together women’s history, Western history, and environmental history to show how women have been at the heart of the Western enterprise across cultures and over time. Historical artifacts, art, photographs, and biographies of individual women will lead visitors through three distinctive Western environments created and inhabited by women.

DermFx Gold Party 6/17 and 6/18

sarah — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 14:14:50 +0000

“Trade in your old gold for a new you!” Bring in your old jewelry and get cash on the spot that you can use for services, including but not limited to Botox, Photofacial, Fraxel, ActiveFx, Fillers, Lower Face Lift, Eyelid Lift, Laser Assisted Liposuction and more. Join us June 17 and 18 from 9am – 6pm! DermFx is located at: 16501 Pacific Coast Hwy, Sunset Beach, CA 90742. For more information call: 562-592-5100

Writers Bloc Presents Sarah Silverman Friday, June 25

donna — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 14:54:39 +0000

Writers Bloc presents Sarah Silverman in conversation with Sandra Tsing Loh on Friday June 25 at 7:30pm at The Writers Guild Theater 135 South Doheny Dr. Beverly Hills, CA. Actress, comedian, stand-up, television personality Sarah Silverman has just written a book, The Bedwetter: Stories of Courage, Redemption and Pee. Billed as really really funny, yet serious in its discussion of her own deeply personal issues such as depression and bedwetting. She looks at comedy, comedians, what works, and what doesn’t. And she talks about her ironic humor, which critics either love or find outrageous. Sandra Tsing Loh is the author of Mother on Fire , A Year in Van Nuys, Aliens in America and many more. She, like Sarah, loves to stir things up: last summer, Sandra’s piece in The Atlantic Monthly , called “Let’s Call The Whole Thing Off,” triggered countless articles and blogs about her conclusion that marriage is, well, overrated.