Spring Awakening: Angst, Lust, Rock & Roll

Culture in LA, Entertainment in LA, Music in LA by The HEAD

The buzz in LA is Spring Awakening– now running at The Ahmanson Theater thru Dec 7.

  • Here’s some simple advice: Buy tickets now through Goldstar before it’s too late

Spring Awakening combines teen angst and lust with a post-punk rock soundtrack into a play that could just be Hair for the current generation. This show is energetic, and covers the range of taboo: suicide, masturbation, teen pregnancy, homosexuality, repression, rebellion… with a sense of passion that makes it clear that musical theater is alive and well.

The ensemble of Spring Awakening puts forward the show with just the right edge, spearheaded by an amazing performance from Kyle Riabko as the lead Melchior. His voice is pitch-perfect, particularly in the haunting “Left Behind” ode to his best friend Mortiz. Blake Bashoff (formerly of “lost” fame) does a mesmerizing portrayal of the Mortiz, the confused and “lost” youth with amazing hair (possibly an omen of the 60’s classic?). And Christy Altomare is shokingly sweet and innocent as Wendla, with another beautiful voice as well.

I’ve noticed this show’s impact on youth culture in LA, and it’s making me happy. The two teens in my house are totally obsessed with the music and worship the cast. The underlying messages are positive, even if they are veiled in tragedy.

Spring Awakening is a love-rock musical that’s highly recommended. Don’t miss it.

Watch Videos Here:

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who wants to be a millionaire?

Entertainment in LA by follow d around

i love danny boyle movies. lovelovelove. shallow grave, trainspotting, 28 days later - hell, i even liked a life less ordinary and the beach. and sunshine (despite the last 10 minutes) is a minor miracle. so it was a buzworthy opportunity to see the afi screening of his latest film slumdog millionaire on friday night at the arclight….and damn it’s good. slumdog begins with a young man (jamal) from mumbai who is on the verge of winning millions on the “who wants to be a millionaire?” gameshow. but questions about his ability to answer questions an uneducated orphan wouldn’t normally know mark him as a possible cheat, so the police pick him up and during the course of his interrogation, jamal spins the tale of his harrowing life from the slums that lead him to the gameshow. it’s lovely and horrifying and frenetic and funny and lovely stuff, conveyed with boyle’s usual spectacular visual texture and energy. i’m guessing this film will come and go without much hoopla, but do yourself a favor and seek it out. you’ll thank me. and so will your mom.

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Tonight = Madonna + Britney + Justin

Entertainment in LA, Music in LA by AMG

And the recipe just got a LOT sweeter.

The news spread like wildfire yesterday, that Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears will join/perform with Madonna during her Sticky & Sweet concert tonight at Dodger’s Stadium.

Unfortunately I didn’t snatch up the tickets I wanted in time, and wasn’t gonna dish out $2,000 for ‘em. But maybe you can find something cheaper … Ticketmaster: Madonna.

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Start your engines: LA Auto Show Nov. 21-30

Automotive in LA, Culture in LA, Design in LA, Entertainment in LA, Shopping in LA by AMG

It seems last year’s show was just around the corner … but here we are again. And it’s not just with a new President-elect of course, the Los Angeles International Auto Show will serve as the platform for major auto manufacturers to unveil some of their latest goods … including Ford’s all-new 2010 Mustang. Now that the Dodge Challenger has hit the streets and the Chevy Camaro soon to follow, Ford has had to up its game (because the fact its flailing like a fish out-of-water wasn’t enough).

What I’m hoping to see there this year: Ferrari California, Bentley GTC Speed, Cadillac CTS-V, BMW all-new 7-Series, Maserati new Quattroporte + Granturismo S, Audi S4, and so many more.

LA Auto Show: November 21-30 (including Thanksgiving Weekend) @ Convention Center Downtown LA

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We Empower: The 2008 California Women’s Conference

Culture in LA, Education in LA, Entertainment in LA, Event Planning, Politics in LA by inhotpursuit

I’ve had a full day to digest all the information and events surrounding my attendance of the 2008 California Women’s Conference, and I’m still in awe.

14,000 women attended the event–which sold out in 3 hours!– championed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and First Lady Maria Shriver.

Thanks to CVS Pharmacy, I was able to attend this inspiring event and witness first hand accounts of struggle and triumph, success and failure, and hear advice from some of the most powerful and influential women in the California, nay, the world!

I strongly recommend visiting www.californiawomen.org and watching the Webcast replay…but here are my conference highlights:

*My hometown hero Warren Buffett discussed the current financial state of our country with the governator.

*It’s official!!! Women can do it better!!!!! This according to Governor S himself, who credits his wife for being an excellent multi-tasker and is amazed by all she does (Oh, Arnold, I could have told you that!)

*Jennifer Lopez reminded us that nothing worthwhile was easy, a theme Maria Shriver touched on in more depth in the afternoon session by saying there is no courage without fear. I demonstrated this beautifully by getting a free flu shot at the CVS Pharmacy booth in the Village. I am deathly afraid of needles, and I did throw up in my mouth a little bit, but as the lovely Ms. Shriver reassured me, that fear allowed for courage!

*In the morning conversation, “So You Want To Start Your Own Business? How To Do It and Enjoy It!” Heidi Klum continued with the theme of courage. She faced people telling what she couldn’t do but she didn’t listen. She says you have to overcome your fear of failure and just GO FOR IT!

*Madeleine Albright signed copies of her new book, Memo to the President Elect

*Condoleeza Rice spoke of her gratitude to her parents, and told us that we don’t need to find a role model who is just like us. If that were the case there would never be any firsts. We don’t need to wait for someone to fill a role to show us it’s okay, we just need to do it ourselves! She was originally going to be a pianist and stumbled into international relations when she enrolled in a class that dealt with Russia–a place she had never been and knew nothing about–but this awakened a passion within her.

*Pepsi CEO Indra Nooyi was candidly open and honest regarding the difficulty she faces balancing motherhood, family and career. Her anecdotes were enlightening, humorous and touching…she was hired to her first job wearing a Sari because she was given the advice: if they don’t hire you in the Sari–they don’t want you and what you stand for! Powerful!!! A second theme of the conference was being yourself.

*Maria Shriver left not a dry eye in the house as she told of her struggle to overcome her fear and her relationship with her mother. She spoke of her decision to back Obama–despite all the reasons she had to be fearful–her husband, a republican backing McCain for one!

*Jenny McCarthy, Mary Tillman and David Sheff spoke of their expereincs with trying, and seemingly impossible circumstances and shared with us how they pulled through. I had the pleasure of meeting Jenny McCarthy, who is such a brave and amazing woman–taking on the medical community!–and she signed a book for me.

*Gloria Steinam was honored with a Minerva Award, as was Billy Jean King who, thanks to Maria Shriver had to reapply her makeup 4 times because she cried so much throughout the day! She told the powerful story of facing off against a male chauvinist tennis champ on the most watched tennis match of all time–and winning!! But mostly she spoke of authenticity…of being yourself and being true to yourself at all costs.

*Bono entertained the crowd with his humor and congratulated women. He shared his causes of AIDS and hunger in Africa and asked us all to stand with him in the fight against these terrible circumstances that plague the people of Africa–where children die for lack of a 20 CENT VACCINATION EVERY DAY.

*Bonnie Raitt performed to an enthusiastic, if not tired (by this time it was at least 7pm!) crowd.

* I got bags upon bags of awesome swag and picked up a few great books….

I left this AMAZING day knowing that I myself would be an architect of change. I made resolutions to overcome my fears and dream bigger. I will make a difference like the amazing women who are shaping our world today.

**STAY TUNED FOR PICTURES FROM THIS AMAZING EVENT!!!!!!!

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The Gumbo Brothers: Ass Shakin’ Funk

Entertainment in LA, Music in LA, Parties in LA by The HEAD

The buzz today is the Gumbo Brothers, who rocked Mandeville Canyon today at the annual UMCA Fall Festival.

The Taylor Ranch is a lovely setting for anything… 65 acres of pristine idyllic ranch property in Brentwood, set among Sycamores and chaparral. Today was the annual UMCA Fall Festival, featuring the Gumbo Brother and their most excellent party groove. These guys have an honest to goodness sound that would make even Sarah Palin understand the best of America isn’t rstricted to small-town USA.

Besides their super-cool rhythm, the Gumbo Brothers are genuinely nice guys. The Gumbo Brothers have firmly rooted themselves in the eclectic artistic tradition of Venice Beach, California with weekly residencies at the Venice Bistro, Rae’s Lounge and now Fridays at The Santa Monica Bar & Grille.

Bayou-steeped, organic funky dance music, it’s good for the soul. See these guys if you get a chance. They play around locally all the time. It’s a guaranteed good time out. Just add a few cold beers, and be sure to get off your ass and shake it.

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Gen Art Fashion Week Kickoff Extravaganza

Entertainment in LA, Fashion in LA, Parties in LA by Snap
Fresh Faces in Fashion LA

Fresh Faces in Fashion LA

Last Friday two very brave girls took-on the parking havoc and insanity on Fairfax Ave at the Petersen Automotive Museum caused by the largest event of Fashion week, the Gen Art sponsored Fresh Faces in Fashion gala fashion show. After driving half hour to get there already, it was so insanely backed up that after waiting in the parking line for 15 minutes we were informed that it was full and we could only valet park to the left in another impossible maneuver. I was ready to give up and go home but my companion bolstered my good will and patience and we decided on a new plan. To park at her house, change into flats and walk the several blocks to the location. We arrived at least a half hour late and were almost cut off from being let in, despite being on the guest list. We just made it in the nick of time.

We were ushered past the ghosts of automotive past to a giant hangar where the fashion show was being hosted. There were beautiful people everywhere. Despite being in heels, my five foot frame had a very poor view of the show being about 15 feet back in the standing room only section. I could see enough, however, and even glimpsed the singer/actress host Mandy Moore. The music and lighting was exciting an fitting, changing for each new collection. This show exhibited the designs of nine of the hottest new fashion designers in town. Two shows featured menswear, one female swim wear, the rest were female fashions. Afterwards was an fun soiree on the outdoor deck of the hangar with a wonderful open bar offering up Baily’s Irish Cream, Sake2Me fizzy drinks, red and white wine and champagne. Yummy!! We got some swag and enjoyed the live art installation fashion, spray paint, hats and otherwise. Went home appropriately tipsy.

It was my first official fashion show. Possibly my last, but I enjoyed it just the same. Glad I didn’t give up.

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k.d. lang moves malibu @ KCRW Sessions

Culture in LA, Entertainment in LA, Music in LA by The HEAD

The buzz in LA today was k.d. lang live in malibu tonight for KCRW Sessions. Watch it here.


If I had to make a list of my all-time favorite things, I’m certain that both k.d. lang and KCRW would be on it. SInce the early 1990’s when I first heard k.d.lang’s luxury brand of tuned up country on 89.9 KCRW, my ears perked up at once to the controlled timbre of her voice.

Tonight’s show was amazing. It went like this: k.d.lang sings. My jaw drops. Tears stream from my eyes. I am transfixed, and certainly in the presence of a master craftsman. It’s particularly wonderful when she holds a note, perfectly pitched, at just the right volume. I really love watching her perform.

KCRW Sessions are at the Malibu Performing Arts Center, a small and intimate setting to see a world-class artist. Read More »

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A scarier Scary Farm…

Entertainment in LA by Tuff Cookie

 

The buzz today in LA is the new and improved Knotts Scary Farm.  A classmate of mine works there as one of the scarers and informed me that there are several new mazes that have been added this year.  I am regular at the park each year, but last year I was a bit disappointed by the lack of new material.  

This year, however, was a totally different experience from last year.  This year we decided to to earlier in the month, not so close to Halloween, which was a great idea because the park was empty and we didn’t ever have to wait more than 10 minutes for a ride.  Besides getting to go on every major ride in the park (some twice), we made sure to go to every maze, old and new.  We were pleasantly surprised.  Not only were there more scarers throughout the park and the mazes, but the mazes were longer and more creepy.  There was even a maze dedicated to the upcoming horror movie Quarantine, which I can’t wait to see.

Overall, the park has more to offer this year.  I recommend going on a weeknight, and soon to avoid the crazy crowds.  And make sure before you go that you stop by your local Burger King and grab some coupons, we saved $20 per ticket!

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LA Decom 08 Rocked the Park!

Art in LA, Culture in LA, Design in LA, Entertainment in LA, Fashion in LA, Music in LA by Trisha

The buzz in LA this week is most obviously the Los Angeles 2008 Decompression Party held in the Los Angeles Historic State Park. Decom is usually held under the bridges of Downtown LA, which does give a post-apocalyptic feel to the whole thing, but having it in the park made it feel more like a little Burning Man. And because we weren’t able to make it to BM this year, that’s exactly what were were looking for. 

Notable for 2008 Decom: 

The inordinate amount of monkeys. Sure, monkeys are cute, fun, sometimes drunk, and mostly hilarious. But people acting like monkeys is…..cheesy? So obviously trying to be funny that it’s just stupid? Uncreative? I don’t know. But the unofficial monkey theme presented itself nearly every hour, and every time, we asked ourselves, “What the hell is with all the monkeys??”

Gooferman. Gooferman is the clown band from San Francisco whose lead singer sounds a little too much like the guy from Soul Coughing. Bands dressing up in costume does sound a little lame, but Gooferman does it well. I haven’t seen them sans makeup, but unlike other brand-name bands from the 70s that we all knew and loved to a point, Gooferman has solid music that withstands a good face-washing. They’re playing at the Derby on Oct. 17. 

Thanks to the Hare Krishnas for all the food, and thanks to the city for doing whatever they did to make Decom happen in the State Park. It looked like a State Fair from the outside, but for this long-time burner, it was reminiscent of regional burns back east, where I first got introduced to Burning Man. Overall, this was the best Decom yet, with more people than ever participating. Thank you, ever-present gods of party!

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The Tattle Tale Room is Not a Strip Joint

Culture in LA, Entertainment in LA by Trisha

We always thought it was. The name would imply skeeziness, and, let’s face it….it’s just got that vibe. You can even feel it driving by in your car. It would just so happen that my aspiring bartender friend wanted to go check it out because she heard it was a good place to start. So we go!

It’s a dive bar. It’s exactly what you would expect in terms of the bartenders, the layout, the pool tables in the back, and the karaoke without a stage. Nothing whatsoever differentiates Tattle Tale from any other dive bar across the nation. So why does it live in the infamy of skeezy dive bars?

The patrons are so flippin’ out of their minds, Tattle Tale doesn’t need to do anything, it just needs to open its doors and the party’s begun. Most of the patrons crawl out of their nearby homes and stay all night. Or at least everyone there is a heavy drinker. Regardless, the place was drowning in the sauce by the time we showed up. 

There was karaoke….oh yes, there was karaoke. Not a proper karaoke, not a karaoke where anyone actually thinks they can sing, and not a cheeseball costume karaoke. My friends, you have not seen karaoke until you’ve seen a drunken old sot stripping on top of a pool table to an obscure Queensryche song. And the best thing? He knew all the words, the only time he enunciated all night.

The karaoke king does not care, and doesn’t seem to like the spotlight, as most KJs do. He simply wants his mics back at the end of the night. Nor does he announce your name. He simply starts playing the song and if you’re too drunk to realize, “Hey! That’s my Journey!!”, someone else will jump on the mic for you.

Let’s see….there were at least five hipster Jesuses (Jesi?) all sitting together at the Godly Table, the Queensryche guy, the man who performed a sexy robot dance in front of my friend during his Sting song, and the rest of the circus of anti-anti-anti-Los Angelenos who do their best to keep their dive bars divey. 

The Tattle Tale Room is a wonderful place to go with a friend or two and get wrapped up in the night unfolding around. Talk to people, have a drink with a stranger. It’ll be the best night ever. 

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Thursday Night Burlesque at El Cid

Culture in LA, Entertainment in LA, Music in LA by Trisha


Last night I went to go check out the Thursday night burlesque show at El Cid. It was…..um……I hope they’re getting paid. A few of them looked like they were having fun. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great starter show for those who’d like an introduction to burlesque. Modern burlesque, so think girls who will be at the next audition for a new Pussycat Doll. The show’s a little long for what it is, and the overall effect is similar to a band who’s set you’re not sure is a bunch of different songs, or one 45 min. song. 

The choreography is modern, and looks like the same person choreographed everything. Costume changes are thoughtful touches such as a sailor’s hat or a feather boa to top off sparkly black bras and undies. The coolest thing about the show are the aerial hoop dances, where you can’t help but think, “Damn! That girl is STRONG!”

The stage setting was EXTREME tinsel, which at times felt like an upscale CIA without the camp. The whole thing seemed equivalent to a cheap knock off of Paris’ Moulin Rouge, or the show at the casino modeled vaguely after the Paris-themed casino on the strip, but in North Vegas. 

And unless you need a hit of sugar straight to the vein, stick with the red sangria.

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Have you heard of the Ukulady?

Entertainment in LA, Music in LA by Snap
Thessaly Lerner is the Ukulady

Thessaly Lerner is the Ukulady

This lady is a wild and most interesting ukulele playing comedian, puppet master, voice-over actress, MC and more. She has the most unique voice and is a good friend from the Northern California Circus and Performing Arts Camp called Camp Winnarainbow that I attended as a girl.

She has a scores of fresh and exciting events and performances coming up. Make sure to check out the Ukulady’s myspace and web sites listed at the bottom of this post to get the goods.

She is pleased to be playing some awesome & uncoventional shows in LA this month!

1. LA Burning Man Decompression Party!
WHERE: 1245 N. Spring Street at LA State Historic Park, 90012 (near Chinatown) at the Funky Monkey Stage!
WHEN: This Saturday, October 4th at 4:30pm! $10 in costume, $20 without costume.

2. Hikes Without Mics UkeTober Fest! - This is an awesome acoustic concert event at Millard Falls in Altadena, featuring a variety of awesome Uke Players!
WHERE: Millard Falls in the Angeles National Forest (google directions - it’s beautiful and easy to get to!)
WHEN: This Sunday, October 5th at 2pm!
FREE! Bring a picnic! More show details at www.myspace.com/TheNaturalStageProject

3. Monday October 6th: 8pm at the Celebration Theater’s Salon in WeHo and 11pm at the Talk Show at Hyperion Tavern in Silverlake!
WHERE: Celebration: 7051 S. Monica Blvd, LA 91038
Talk Show: Hyperion Tavern 1941 Hyperion Blvd x from Casita Del Campo
FREE!

4. Downtown ArtWalk’s Hippodrome Bus!
WHEN: Thursday October 9th at 9pm! Various artists playing music! Hop on, Hop off around Spring Street & Main Street - look for the big colorful bus! FREE

5. Amsterdam Cafe’s MilkShoot Comedy, hosted by Faith Choyce & Bobaloo!
WHEN: Friday, October 10th at 8pm!
WHERE: 10905 Magnolia Blvd, NoHo, 91601 FREE! Featuring various hilarious comedians with fancy credits!

Hope to see you at a showsie! To The Downfall of Evil!

www.myspace.com/TheUkulady
www.youtube.com/ThessalyLerner
www.ThessalyLerner.com
www.TheUkulady.com

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Largo @ the Coronet Theatre- big laughs, small price

Entertainment in LA by Tuff Cookie

The buzz in LA today is the awesome comedy shows at the Coronet Theatre.  On Monday night I went to see the ‘Patton Oswalt and Friends’ show and I was instantly hooked.  The tickets are inexpensive, only $25 each, and the venue is small, only 250 person capacity. 

I am a big fan of stand up comedy and I am also a fan of smaller, more personal settings so this was great for me.  The only downside to this theatre is that they do not serve food or drinks, which is a change from the places I normally go to.  But the tickets are less expensive and you don’t have to worry about filling the drink minimums so I guess it is a trade off.

FYI, the tickest are on a will-call basis so the earlier you get there, the better your seats are.  However in a place this small I guess there are no bad seats.  But even though it is a small place they have had some pretty big talent perform there, including Sara Silverman, Joan Rivers, and Russell Brand.  

Bottom line: it’s definitely worth checking out.

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A Brief Guide to Tokio Hotel

Culture in LA, Entertainment in LA, Music in LA by Trisha

I was looking for some German music to listen to to help improve my German. A girl suggested Tokio Hotel quite excitedly. She was 18, and given kids these days and their music, I promptly tuned out her suggestions. Then I got serious about learning German. So I gave them a shot. 

Musically, it’s an overproduced and overfunded German AFI (*ahem!* the old AFI) that was a few generations way too late. They might have shared a stage with the Misfits in the late 1970s had the cosmos took the left into punk as opposed to the right into millennial pop. The energy’s there but…..no. Just no. The German-language music is pretty good if you don’t have to look at them. 

Is that a girl? Are they both girls? Where are their boobs? C’mon, that’s not a guy! ……Is that Bjork?

Tokio Hotel is lead by an cuddly anime goth chipmunk whose artist drew inspiration from Sonic the Hedgehog; and is backed by Korn at age 13 and two random guys somebody out there probably goes to school with. There’s an immense wave of teenage crush directed at the Sonic (Bill)  and Korn (Tom). Really? …No…what?……Really?

Since when did the sex, drugs, and rock n roll get snorted out of sex, drugs & rock n roll? Where’s Iggy Pop and his jar of peanut butter? Ozzy and his beloved pet bat? Robert Plant’s circulation-stopping pants? Grace Slick’s special bag of tricks? Axl Rose’s ill-fated plan to take over the world and Slash’s pacemaker at 30? They were iconic because they were dangerous. You simply could not be as cool as they looked. There was something superhuman, otherworldly, and forbidden about them, which is what we all idolized. 

Bjork and his band are just as safe as the Jonas Bros, Hannah Montana (does this sound like a stripper name to anyone else?), and Jordin Sparks when she said promise rings are for people who don’t want to be sluts at the VMAs. They just look like they could be headed in an unsavory direction in a few years. 

Anyway, there’s two versions of their best song, Rette Mich; one before the balls dropped and one after. The before sound is definitely better. And your German language skills will most definitely improve by listening to these creatures. Moreso than listening to Juan Gabriel will improve my Spanish, but that’s some seriously damn good music.

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