Music in LA Tonight: Michiko Freemond

Ah, good music. Could it trump football? Superbowl Sunday is a national holiday and we would get off work if we worked on Sundays. Some of us do, and to the bartenders, busboys and valets, I am sorry, ladies & gents. I hope at the very least you make a lot of dough.

But tonight, at Hotel Cafe, if football is not your jam or if futbol is but not football, then I recommend you check out my good friend, Michiko Freemond. She's a little Joni Mitchell, a little Tom Waits, and add in some Lucinda and you got it. Here's Michiko and a video she cut when recording with Brant Biles. [VIDEO LINK]

Tix are available on The Hotel Cafe website but you probably can take advantage of Superbowl Sunday, get there at 6:30 and not pay the upcharge you might on the website.

It's 11 bucks to get in the door. Below is Michiko at her Molly Malone's show:

Hotel Cafe is at 1623 1/2 Cahuenga Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90028. 323.461.2040. It's 3 blocks west of Vine between Sunset and Hollywood. If you don't find street parking, there's parking at the yogurt place, on Selma and Cahuenga for 5 bucks.

Here's more info: PARKING AT THE HOTEL CAFE.

And if you want to get weird with genre bending music, stick around. At 8p, The Evangenitals play.

I am so pissed I'm sick! Enjoy!

The Rolling Stones at The Taschen Gallery -- Get What You Need

I had SOOOOOO much fun yesterday. Oh my God. It was one of those freedom days. One of those alive days. And unexpected. Completely unplanned. Which is always the best.

Sexy hot and unfair, Photo by Ethan Russell, 1972. The Official name of this photograph is "Lips."

I had to go to the WGA and because of that, I ended up seeing my friend, Adco, at Joan's on 3rd for an impromptu friend date. I have to do a real post for Joan's on 3rd but I will say this, as hoighty toighty as it is, it's also incredibly relaxed and it has a DAMN good cup of coffee (and super good crispy bacon. I didn't even know they served breakfast and you  know  how into breakfast I am these days). I also want to say seeing Adam reminds me of all that is good: cars, music, art, New York, our mutual friend, Dina and The Rolling Stones.

So it made good sense that on my way home I stopped by the Taschen Gallery to see The Stones show. Earlier in the morning I drove by and remembered Ad had attended the opening night for the exhibit. I remembered the pictures and it looked like fun but forgot. And then boom, I saw this...

...on the corner of Beverly and Crescent Heights. 

When I was growing up I was obsessed with/scared by/attracted to The Rolling Stones. But it was in NYC with my Tall Friend Jen that I became completely, irrationally obsessed. To date, Mick is the only rock star I've ever had a sex dream about and I gotta admit the truth, I'm pretty proud of that.

My boyfriend, Mick Jagger. Photo by Jean-Marie Perier, Paris, 1966

You probably know about Taschen because of their famous Dian Hanson books.

You've seen them for years. They're known as the "sexy books." And there's a great article I recently read about Dian Hanson in Believer Mag. Check it out.

But this exhibit is Taschen's first here in LA. They opened mid-December and way to open! With The Stones! Nice! Because it's been such a success, they've extended the photographic exhibit - which has close to 100 photos throughout the years - to February 15th. And you know, you think Taschen, you think books. So of course, there's a huge and luscious Stones book with the pics from the exhibit on sale for $150. And because it's Taschen, there's also a mega 5k book with all The Stones signatures...

Yari from Taschen displaying their Sumo Rolling Stones Book with The Fella's Signatures

I'm thrilled a piece of history, culture, England, New York -- home -- is in LA. The exhibit is curated by Reuel Golden and the photographers are iconic. You'll see the works of masters such as David Bailey, Anton Corbijn, Gered Mankowitz, Terry Richardson, Dominique Tarle, and Albert Watson here. AND it's all for sale. 

The Taschen Gallery

Knowing they've extended it, I'm sure to go back. And listen, they have The Stones playing continuously while you're there. What's not to like?

Speaking of, driving home, I put on the radio and "Miss You" came on. A sunny day, in LA. Seeing one of my best friends, getting an eyefull of Mick, Keith, Brian, Charlie, Ronnie, Bill. Then driving home on the freeway to "Miss You"? 

Brian Jones by Bent Rej taken in 1965 in London at Brian's home.

You gotta love LA.

Joan's on 3rd is at 8530 West 3rd. There's another location at 12059 Ventura Boulevard in Studio city. Street Parking available. Always check your meter. It gets vicious around here.

The Taschen Gallery is at 8070 Beverly Boulevard. LA, CA 90048. 323.852.9098. Hours of Operation is Tuesday thru Saturday 11-6PM and Sunday 12 to 5PM. And by Appointment. PS: Don't be afraid. It's free!

ENJOY!

A Prayer for Jerry Sharell

Sundays our house is always tuned into KJAZZ. We do the crossword -- New York Times, we've never been able to make the leap to the LA Times Crossword -- and without fail we listen to Jerry Sharell's radio show Sundays with Sinatra on 88.1. My husband loves Frank maybe as much if not more so than my father had. He even created a Facebook page dedicated to Jerry and his love for Frank and the show.

And so it makes it even more shocking and horrifying to learn that Jerry was victim of a bizarre and violent episode this weekend. Home in Woodland Hills, his girlfriend's ex-husband took Jerry and his girlfriend hostage over a 5 hour period, finally assaulting Jerry with a machete. How unbelievably sick is that? It's a total nightmare. Jerry's girlfriend, also injured, finally got away and was able to get help. The ex-husband slit his own wrists before being apprehended. Both Jerry and his "alleged" assailant are in critical condition in the hospital.

Sharell, now in his 70's, is a former music exec, known for his work in the 1970's and 80's with artists such as Linda Ronstadt, The Cars and The Eagles. These days he seems to be dedicating much of his musical know-how and passion towards his wonderful show. I can't tell you how much fun it is to listen each and every weekend.

Jerry Sharell

Such an amazing talent, such a great voice, he's brought such joy into our home. It breaks my heart something like this has happened. I pray for Jerry and his family.

Thievery Corporation - Indra

Photography by Paul Gibert

Just had one of those LA experiences tonight. I'm stuck in traffic. It's a parking lot. I have no idea why this is happening. I just wait and wait. It's a little frustrating. I'm hungry, this is annoying, why now? Why here? I need to eat!!!!!!

Another thought overrides: someone might be hurt. I know. What a downer. But it's true. So I do a little prayer, leave a message or two for a friend (with my blue tooth - come on!), listen to the radio and try not to obsess over the fact there are just too many people who live here. That's my theory about accidents. It's bound to happen. It's not just careless driving and text messages - of course there's a lot of that - but there's a reason they call them "accidents." And when you have this many people all cramming themselves into this freeway or that, they're bound to bump into one another.

Every. Single. Night.

I get closer and closer to the accident. It doesn't look terribly serious, thank God. I move past and suddenly it's now all behind me. All the cars. The people ducking into this lane and that, trying to buy back 1 minute here, 2 minutes there. And here I am now. Free. No cars in front of me. Those behind me, getting smaller and smaller. Hardly anyone is to my right or my left. I'm blissing out on the open road.

I accelerate. Not really to make up for lost time. But because I can. It feels good. The night is beautiful and downtown is up ahead. Even from far away it looks tall and Diehard-ish and like its doing its job. Then this song comes on:



I'm not even sure I've heard it before. But it's sound is familiar. It reminds me of the soundtrack to so many evenings in LA, being on the 10, opening my windows, staring at the lights that make up the night - green, red, blue. I love it. As I move along, I think of people who are so cool, chatting, by some pool up in the hills, maybe overlooking the valley. Or skateboards at night in Highland Park. I don't know. My mind wanders.

And then I'm home.

Maybe I just listen to the same dj (Garth Trinidad) when I'm in my car at night! I don't know. But Thievery Corporation, Indra, regardless of the fact I'm supposed to be thinking about India, feels like night in my car in LA.

So I want to add it to my list.

Photography by Paul Gibert

For more information about the photography in this post, please go to prg24.tumblr.com

Thievery Corporation is playing with Massive Attack at The Greek Theater September 20th. Click here for Tickets and Information.

Enjoy!

I was in the midst of writing a new post when I saw this

The thing about LA is there are a lot of very talented people in our town. Not everyone gets to do the thing they want to do on a global scale but it doesn't make them any less talented. In fact many times they blow your mind with their talent. They just need the right opportunity. And you need to either be there to see it or get some bad phone version of it.

This happened Friday night at the Hollywood Bowl. My friend George just told me about it. I guess it's going viral. A voice teacher was in the audience at a Kristen Chenowith concert when she volunteered to come up on stage and sing a duet with Kristen. It's a part of the show that they ask for a volunteer to sing with Kristen but she's not a plant.

Now I don't know Kristen at all (except I do seem to recall seeing her on an awards show where I thought she was funny and talented). That being said, I love her now and am a huge fan, as I am of this woman, Sarah Horn.

ENJOY!

A Mixed Tape of Sorts

Okay, so when I was growing up we did this thing. We would put together, with very careful love, timing, thoughtfulness and attention, mixed-tapes. Are they mixed or mix? Ah, I'm sure that's answered 1000 times online. And I don't really care.

I called them Mixed Tapes. And actually I didn't have a hyphen. [discuss in the Comments Section but let's move on...] And back in the day, a mixed tape seemed to be, I don't know, just about the most kind, loving and generous gift you could give a friend. When my husband and I first started dating, I remember he gave me a cd with songs he thought I'd like, great songs, stuff I wasn't familiar with and it helped me to get to know him better. I gave him one as well. It was, I guess, a sort of mating ritual. And while we were way past the days when our very lives depended on the value of the mix being appreciated, accepted and admired it was saying something that we wanted to be known and understood by each other in this particular way. We liked one other enough to be vulnerable with music, show off with music, share our music. It was our way of saying, I like you and I want you to get to know me better. And I hope you still think I'm cool after listening to this. Hey maybe even cooler. At the very least, a little more attractive. That would be awesome.

With this blog you know how much I love music. I often tell you what music was playing when I saw something I loved in LA or how hearing a particular song on the radio while driving had a positive effect on my mood [effect/affect -- discuss]. You're in your car SO much in LA and I believe the music you have on hand is EVERYTHING. If you don't have good music it's just -- well, it's deadly.

By the way I have a friend who doesn't listen to ANYTHING when she's in her car and I think I would die.

Anyway, I found a site where I could put many of the songs I've thus far recommended on an online version of a mixed tape. For you. For when you're doing stuff at home or ideally for when you're in your car. In LA. As God intended.

I know there are some omissions. Opine LA's First Car Music Mix is not perfect. Not like The Hastings Tape from when I was in high school. One of my childhood best friends and I would listen to it driving from our hometown to New York City on the nights we'd sneak into clubs (and I'd tell my parents we were just staying at her house and watching movies). I barely remember anything on that mix except for "Low Spark of High Heeled Boys." That's because we knew the tape so well, the timing of it and everything, that if we pressed Play at exactly the right time, there'd be a few songs preceding it but the second we got onto the West Side Highway, that song would start it's quiet, building intriguing notes.

Anyway, this is a compilation of what's been posted up until now. I hope it works and I hope you download the music to play in your car. Damn, I hope you like it. And if you think I'm a little cooler and slightly more attractive after listening to it, that's okay, too. [two o's in that too. I know that for certain].


Enjoy!

The English Beat, Thursday August 15th FREE

The English Beat is performing free as a part of The Twilight Series down at The Santa Monica Pier this Thursday night.

The show starts at 7pm and is hosted by DJ Eric J. Lawrence. To RSVP for this event, click HERE. As for parking info and such, click HERE. Just so you know the municipal lots on 4th & Colorado will help you avoid traffic on your way out. So will going by bike. :) This is an all ages, all free event (sans the parking). It's part of KCRW's Summer Nights Events. To sign up for texting updates, Text SUMMER to 69866.

ENJOY!

Bombing The System -- Style Wars at The Academy of Arts & Sciences with KCRW

So much freakin fun last night!

Mear 1 creating at the event. 

My husband convinced a group of us to go out on a Sunday night - a coveted stay-home evening - to see the famous early 80's counterculture documentary "Style Wars" which is about graffiti artists, bombers/writers, b-boy dancers and hip hop in NYC in the early 80's.

Photo by Henry Chalfont, on exhibit at the event.

Shown outside at night on the lawn of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, I was pretty much the only one watching who was new to this beloved documentary. Pretty much all in attendance owned it like the back of their tattooed hands. The guy next to me was shouting out lines as if he were watching "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." I get it and I loved it. LOVED LOVED LOVED.

"Style Wars," directed by the late Tony Silver and produced by Henry Chalfont, was just recently restored with fund-raising efforts lead by uber fan Catherine Keener. She was there before the film to discuss the film's meaning, history and impact along with a panel comprised of Chalfont and one of the film's star bombers, Skeme, moderated by Anthony Valdez.

Skeme and his Mom in their kitchen on screen

The movie was so good and personal, due in part to the intercutting throughout of Skeme and his mother. Just a two-shot in the kitchen, their dynamic, her personality, everything - it was FANTASTIC. Nothing short of priceless and classic. I could watch clips of them over and over and over again. Here's a little of the film featuring Skeme and his mom, along with other moments from the film:



It was also a major adrenaline rush due in part to the soundtrack. Check out the movie's playlist, as compiled by Repo136:

1. Siegfried’s Rhine Journey and Funeral Music
2. 8th Wonder - The Sugarhill Gang
3. The Wanderer - Dion
4. Jam Hot - Johnny Dynell
5. Pump Me Up - Trouble Funk
6. The Message - Grand Master Flash and the Furious Five
7. Beat Bop - Rammelzee vs. K-Rob
8. Sing, Sing - Gaz
9. Give It Up or Turnit a Loose - James Brown
10. Rockin’ It - The Fearless Four
11. Rocket In The Pocket - Cerrone
12. Feel The New Heartbeat - The Treacherous Three

And yes, now I'm going to download the whole damn thing. So good. Also prior to watching the film there were artists making art:

Photo by Terrence Dunlop

T shirts getting silk screened with famous sayings from the time period:

Photo by Terrence Dunlop

And they even had BBoy dancers from Long Beach. Before that performance, just while hanging out, we listened to some great music spun by Anthony Valdez, including of course:



My husband danced to this as did the many gathered on the lawn there, but I didn't get much of a shot of him dancing. Sorry Terry Fans.

KCRW did this in conjunction with Oscar Outdoors, which on its own shows movies all summer long right there on the lawn at The Academy of Motion Arts and Pictures. The entrance is on Homewood, between Cahuenga and Vine (just south of The Arclight) in Hollywood. There's SA-WEET parking right across from the lawn (It was very human!!!! - I got in and out no problem, no agita!). So if this sounds like your sort of thing, know that there are a bunch of films coming up. Good stuff, too. You can buy tickets online, though some of the really popular movies set for August are already sold out. And yet...

When there's a will, there's always a way.

If you're into it, you can go on standby. That's what we did for "Style Wars." We got there before 6pm, and had no problem getting in and setting up camp. Tickets are 5 bucks, free for kids under 10 (are you short?) and if you're an Academy Member (ahem) it's $3. This Friday, August 2nd, is "American Graffiti" and on August 24th it's "Grease." Grease is the word yo. For ticket information, rules about what you can bring in with you, etc. just go to Oscar Outdoors.

Meanwhile, I kind of bonded with these very nice people from KCRW last night and want to add there's a cool upcoming FREE event which they're hosting in August. This showing of "Style Wars" was a part of KCRW's Summer Nights Events. On August 17th as part of their Summer Nights schedule, they're throwing a big ole party in Chinatown. I'm definitely going. Sounds like mega fun. There's going to be dancing, food, DJ's, chefs cooking up Chinese cuisine -- food, food, food...

Photo courtesy of KCRW

And as for last night, it was a blast. And educational. The movie really effected me. I remember growing up in New York and being scared out of appreciating graffiti. I was young and had fallen for my paranoid parent's (and Mayor Ed Koch's) opinion that graffiti's only real meaning was to signify urban blight and the terrible depths our society had fallen to. As I've gotten older, I've fallen out of fear and into love with graffiti. I see such art and messaging, talent and creativity. I really felt that "Style Wars" gave me a lot of insight into the world of someone who wanted to see their name traveling all over NYC, from one place to another. They cared so much about the art of it and what it looked like. I understand much more now what it meant to them to see their name on those cars in terms of displaying their creations to likeminded individuals who could and would (minus Cap) fully appreciate what they had accomplished. And the subversive task of getting their art done in and of itself was of course a major part of the thrill and added to why the act was so truly empowering.

"Style Wars" made me want to be cool, which is one of the best outcomes of any film, if you ask me.

Leading me to say if you EVER hear that this film is being screened, do yourself a favor and go see it. You will not regret it. Also if you're interested in the topic, you may want to check out the producer's website: HENRY CHALFONT.

To sum up:

STYLE WARS
OSCAR OUTDOORS
CHINATOWN SUMMER NIGHTS WITH KCRW
HENRY CHALFONT

ENJOY!

Sunshine for Your Car brought to you by World Party

Sometimes you just stumble upon the perfect late night music for your drive home. "Sunshine" was mine.

I heard it on the ride home this evening as I was looking out on York. All the people were walking around, eating late night food, hanging with their friends. This music just seemed to provide the perfect soundtrack for it all.

Enjoy and good night,

:)

I Found My Favorite Sandwich, Mid-Century Modern Furniture on York and DEVO!

UPDATE: The Natural History Museum is closed Saturday (today) during the day in preparation for the event tonight and the Grand Centennial Event happening tomorrow. Sunday's is a kid-friendly event and sounds like A LOT is going on (Garden Tours, kid-friendly activities, food trucks, etc.). There's a day portion and an evening portion. Click on the link below for more details and ticket information:

NHM CENTENNIAL INFO FOR JUNE 9 INFO 

Now back to our regular programming...

Oh my GOD I have to post about Devo. Listen, we're going to get to the best sandwich I've had in LA since moving here in a minute. But the initial purpose of this post was I had totally wanted to announce an important, potentially life-changing experience, happening at The Natural History Museum this Saturday night...

Look at them, all lined up there, ready to clean out your intergalactic apartment. Devo. The boys from Planet Thank You will be performing this Saturday night at The Natural History Museum.

Tickets for Devo (a 6pm show) are only $25 and will sell out. But give it a go and CLICK HERE.

It's all to celebrate NHM's 100 year anniversary and the opening of the new Otis Booth Pavillion. I haven't been there so I can't tell you much about the pavilion but the little I've learned it's on the north side, there's some cool-ass pedestrian bridge that I believe connects the whole deal to Exposition Boulevard and it's a 3 story glass building with a 63 foot, long fin whale poised as if it were taking a dive inside of it. I LOVE that!

There'll also be what they're calling The After Party. Sounds like quite an event with a sound and light show happening, cocktails and tasty sweets, and you'll be amongst the first to get a look at the new pavilion. Cocktail Attire Required. Sounds like glammed out fun.

Tickets are $125. Here's how you get those: THE AFTER PARTY TICKETS.

But this whole thing - this cultural suggestion - was really interrupted because right before I wrote this post I went out to get a sandwich at Whole Foods.

On my way I somehow took a wrong turn where I ended up at a mid-century modern store on York in Highland Park and then apparently at my new favorite sandwich place in Eagle Rock on Colorado Boulevard.

It's usually when you go the wrong way that you find the right things.

Here's the deal: I am shocked SHOCKED that I didn't know about this place before. I've lived in LA a long time and in this neighborhood for almost a year. How come I never saw it? Why God, why were my eyes closed?

Well, who cares since now I've found the promised land. Here's why the importance: I never find a sandwich that is a slamdunk, homerun, you-got-it-you-know-where-I'm-from-and-you-know-how-to make-me-happy out here on the west coast. Never. It's hard to top my sandwich of origin. When I was growing up we used to go to some deli in Dobbs Ferry, New York. I think this guy named Chrissy would make us this sandwiches. They were simple and perfect and I believe in touch with the Divine. My order was Turkey on a roll with oil, vinegar, mayo, lettuce, tomato, onion, cheddar cheese, salt and pepper. I don't think anything else. It was perfect - and Chrissy was a guy and he was REALLY cute so the whole experience was nothing short of fantastic. And a Coke. Had to have a coke. Maybe I got a large pickle, too. Why lie? I know I got the pickle.

So those are my buds. You know when you go into a restaurant and you ask the waiter what he likes? He might have really different tastebuds than you so I think I like to know what the waiter likes to eat before I trust his recommendation. These are my buds. These are my roots. This is the kind of sammy I like. So this might not be your cup of tea. If so, I'm shocked SHOCKED. But okay.

And just so I can get it out there before I laud my new find I must give a major nod to Bay Cities in Santa Monica as being a total true contender for the type of sandwich that makes me happy. It's great. And it's so much fun to go there. What a scene. That being said, I can't lie, Dave's sammy supercedes Bay Cities. It just does. And it's 10 minutes from my house so YAY!

So if you happen to be out in Eagle Rock anyway, may I recommend Dave's Chillin & Grillin on Colorado Boulevard.

Dave the owner is from Brockton, Massachusetts. You kind of know it the second he says anything.

Dave

A total character with a gap in between his teeth, he's got lots of stories. He dreamt of this sandwich place for a long, long time and worked his ass off to make it happen. And I admit it, something about talking to him, I sort of felt like if I was Mark Cuban I'd say Dave, I want to give you a million dollars. But instead I gave him 8 something for my sandwich. I just love how into it he is. It's not just the inspiring tale of writing the business plan in '94 and opening the business in 2005 - never giving up. I think it was his passion for healthy, fresh, simple ingredients. It all seemed the more prescient the moment I got home and bit into my sandwich:

Hello, Sammy

Deliciousness. It was called a Turkulese which is supposed to come with Feta but they were out so it came with Avocado. It was made up of turkey, tomato, lettuce, hummus (next time I'll skip that), oil, vinegar -- and no cheese because of the feta shortage. If there was anything else in there, I don't remember it. It was supposed to come with pepperocinis but I skipped it because I was scared of them. I think I made the right choice. In fact, I know I made the right choice. This baby was heaven.

Here's what he what he said about his food beforehand:

•Dave's is what he called 3rd Trimester Friendly. Is that something? I didn't know that was something. But then he explained this part of the equation...

•Their feta's made from sheepsmilk. And it also happens to be imported from Israel but I think the sheepsmilk makes it safe for expecting moms.

•They use no processed meats.

•That was real turkey on my sandwich.

•They use fresh baked bread. No bread is older than 14 hours.

•He even tries to get healthier salami. The salami has only 1 nitrate.

There was more! He told me more! I can't remember it all. This was all I was able to write down. Dave was going for a ride on his bike and I was starving. Time was of the essence.

This man, right here, right above this sentence, this is the man that conceived of and built my sandwich and was the one to sign off on my avocado. Let us all say Thanks.

Dave's Chillin & Grillin is at 2152 Colorado Boulevard. Nearest cross-street is Eagle Rock Blvd. Their website is currently under construction but I will post it when it's back up.

Lunch has meaning again!

That's why you shouldn't panic when you get lost or take a wrong turn. Something might just catch your eye and you'll find your new favorite sandwich or best friend or mid-century modern furniture store.

I truly want to do a bigger piece on Shopclass that's located right here in Highland Park on York and Avenue 52. So this mention of it, happening now, is just a little taste - a blog amuse-bouche, of what hopefully will be a bigger blog feast some day.

(is "feast" bouche in French? Somebody look that up)

Regardless, we're here right now and the most important thing for you to know is if you're in Highland Park, you should go to Shopclass! It's worth the visit! It's only been open since February but was already mentioned in Martha Stewart's Living (this month's) and it's no wonder. They have some really wonderful pieces in the store.

I just LOVED Lucy & Ethel up there. Truly I'm no mid-century furniture expert but maybe you are (Nancy, Brian, Mark & Adco) and I would not steer you wrong. I kinda think this spot is the real deal.

One of the owners, Ellen LeComte is founder of Amsterdam Modern and one of the visionaries behind Mohawk in Silverlake (I did a post on Mohawk here back in May). 

She's since left Mohawk and paired up with Sally Breer and Jeff Garbs.

Sally, from Paris, is an up and coming interior designer and Jeff, a recent transplant from Texas, is a furniture bloodhound - searching near and far for all the right pieces.

Get your tuchus over here! This place is chockfull of good stuff. And listen, sorry for the salty language and crass, non-artsy photo display. I might be in need of a nap (this was a lot of writing!) and when I was at Shopclass, I was very VERY hungry and couldn't dedicate the time to getting really the great photos this store cries out for!

And like I said I promise a bigger post in the future. In the meantime, if you want to see what these cats are doing Saturday night in Highland Park, they're participating in the NELA Art Walk that happens every 2nd Saturday, from 7-10 pm in the neighborhood. I know what you're thinking: an art walk, too?

THERE IS TOO MUCH GOING ON IN THIS WORLD!

Click HERE for more information about the HP Art Walk.

Man, I'm exhausted. This was way more than I ever intended. But the sandwich -- it just, it drove me. Anyway, have a great weekend and ENJOY!

Get Your Culture on This Thursday Night with Joanne Tatham

If you want a rather sophisticated and fun evening of high quality song, I definitely recommend seeing the beautiful and very talented jazz vocalist, Joanne Tatham tonight...

Joanne is a sassy, brassy singer who kind of makes you feel like Don Draper's in the audience as well, at the end of the bar, appreciating her sultry voice right alongside you. I've seen her before and it's a wonderful and special way to spend an evening.

From the website:

JOANNE TATHAM brings her jazz-infused vocal storytelling back to Catalina Jazz Club in "Soundtrack New York: Music from Movies Made in Manhattan." A carefully edited survey of songs from iconic movies filmed right on the city streets -- from "Breakfast at Tiffany's" to "Midnight Cowboy"l, from "West Side Story" to "Tootsie" -- this brand-new show includes the work of The Gershwins, Burt Bacharach, Kander and Ebb, Marilyn and Alan Bergman, Henry Mancini with Rod McKuen, and so many more. Arrangements are contributed by Tamir Hendelman (Barbra Streisand), Brad Ellis (Glee) and Eli Brueggemann (Saturday Night Live). 

The Washington Post says: "[an] exceptionally beautiful voice...reminiscent of the pop balladeers of the early '60's and '70's, but with a fine-drawn intensity and shimmering vibrato that are all her own.

From Penthouse: "If you get a chance to see Joanne Tatham perform live, get moving! She's something you don't want to miss."

Since it's first come first serve, I do suggest making reservations. I have a feeling this will sell out. The show starts at 8:30 but The Catalina Jazz Club begins dinner service at 7. There is either a 2 drink minimum (which does not have to be alcohol) or you can order some supper. 

Click HERE to buy tickets or for more info, call the club at 323.466.2210. And of course you can visit her web site at www.JoanneTatham.com. 

ENJOY!

Good Car Music. Happy Thursday!

I heard this the other day and LOVED LOVED LOVED it. Really good driving music. Enjoy!

What To Do In LA This Weekend: Reggae Festival, Gallery Opening & Korean BBQ at Susan Feniger's Street

F-U-N

Oh my God I love Santigold. Or Santigod. Your pick. This weekend she's performing amongst many others on UCLA's Intramural Field for the 27th annual JazzReggae Festival. It's supposed to be a beautiful weekend. So why not braid your hair and gently rock your body back and forth with your eyes half closed for awhile? 

She'll be on the first day, May 26th. Also jamming on their Sunday line-up will be Common and LA's own Ryan McDermott. Then on the 27th, the artists include Marcia Griffiths, Mr. Vegas and Ziggy Marley.

Remind me to tell you my Ziggy Marley story.  

If only I could remember it. 

It was Jamaica. 

It was a long time ago.

That's not really why I can't fully remember it. 

They'll have the usual tie-dye shirts and stuff up for grabs but they'll also have art on display and jewelry and clothing for sale. Personally I think the big selling point (aside from the music of course) will be the tons of delicious food on hand including Jamaican dishes from Auntie P's, Ethiopian food, and Hawkin's Burgers which seriously looks so AMAZING they're worth the price of admission alone.

Click here for more information about how to get tix. [p.s.: if you buy them ahead of time you save a little cashola].

I seem to remember imitating Barbara Walters or maybe it was my friend Ellen who became Barbara. Or maybe none of that happened... Ah, Jamaica...

Now on a smaller scale, Saturday night there's a really cool gathering happening for an AWESOME cause. Take a swing by Dustmuffin at 3517 Sunset in Silverlake. Their Gallery will be premiering art by Marc Fellner known for his animal portrait art. A portion of the proceeds from the event will help raise funds for two great animal rescue organizations: Sante D'or and The Linda Blair World Heart Foundation.

The party starts at 4 but the store opens at 10 a.m. So if you're in the hood, you should check it out anyway. Seriously, this isn't just a gallery. In fact Dustmuffin happens to be one of the best gift shops in LA. Here's a sample of their very fine goodies:

Candy Dish (or Dessert Tray?) $37.50

old-timey clocks

skull earrings

Bacon Socks

Solid Perfume for $28

Music Boxes

Indie Wrapping Paper

I would've killed for this horse when I was a kid

Like I said, the store opens at 10. And the event goes until 8 pm. There'll be wine and art and stuff to buy and lots of peeps and this dog...

Dog Not For Sale

Lastly if you're thinking It's vacation. It's a long weekend. All I want to do is hang, graze and shmooze, you can do it to your heart's content this Sunday at Susan Feniger's Street.

Giant Robot, Street Exec Chef and Susan's Partner Kajsa Alger along with Feniger will be hosting a Korean BBQ party all day and into the night. The cooking and pop up shopping starts at noon and runs until 9pm. It's a very open air type restaurant - one of my all-time favorites in Los Angeles - so you know the food's gonna be goooooooooooood.

Steady...

Street's located on Highland just above Melrose in Hollywood. Tickets for this event are $45 at the door which includes 4 drink tickets. If you call and buy in advance - I don't know how far in advance - it's only $35. Just give them a ring at 323-203-0500.

Kimchi, Sake Punch and Korean tacos - Oh 나의!

Have a great weekend and who knows, maybe I'll see you!

\\

Mick Jagger and Why I'm Doing This Blog

I wanted people to know just a little bit about why I'm doing this. 

Why Cynthia? Why are you doing this?

It's twofold really. Here's the primary reason: 

Currently I'm unemployed and if I don't have a motive to get out of the house other than work out I'm going to completely lose my mind (see: this morning).

The second reason, and the one that hopefully will outlive the first, is I love small business and do whatever I can to support it. I respect small business owners. I see how hard they work. I find them to be some of the most creative, interesting and inspiring people out here in LA. I also truly appreciate how so many of them provide such high quality service and care so much about what they do. This town can seem so big and if you do some of the typical touristy things, you'll end up at The Grove or whatever Gap or American Apparel happens to be closest. I get that. And I don't mean to put those places down exactly - it's just that there's so much going on here and to me, it's through local businesses not chains that help you really get to know a place and the people.

In fact with so many people doing such exceptional work, I sometimes forget I'm in an industry town. I even think in terms of "This is my neighborhood, this is why it's so great. There's so much culture. Such artisanship. It's so freakin cool." Nothing seems based on film and television. It's just about what tastes good, looks good, feels good, is good. 

In my humble opine.

I want people -- whether the ones who are living here or the ones who are visiting -- to have the chance of really loving what LA has to offer and perhaps appreciate it as much as I do.

Mural in Los Feliz

But trust me, I get it. When I first came to LA I could not get over seeing famous names in the sidewalk on Hollywood Boulevard. There's Bob Hope oh my God! It's the same when I go away. I make sure I do what's in the tour books. I see the... what I call "the essentials." Like when we were in Paris we went to The Louvre. When we were in Prague, we crossed the Charles Bridge about 100 times. But it was from the local blogs where I feel I really got the kind of direction I craved once the essentials were checked off. That's where I found inside scoops about cool small stores to check out and off-the-radar restaurants to eat at. And I believe it was in those moments I got a glimpse at what it was like to be a local. Not only did I get it, I got inspired. Why not do that for LA? Help people get more of a glimpse of LA than just a place to find a photo opportunity of The Hollywood Sign -- which, by the way, I plan to do a post about.

Ergo, this blog. So you can get a glimpse into the fun stuff after you're done with your essentials.

I believe no glimpse would be complete if it didn't try to cover all your senses. Which brings to mind the other thing I like to talk about in this blog...

MUSIC.

I love music. I love music that would embarrass anyone on the planet to admit they loved, and I love the super cool shit that I believe helps redeem me. Car culture and the music that is played in your car as you ride around this city does -- as cliche as it sounds -- provide a soundtrack to your Los Angeles experience. I like to share what music floored me while I was in the car so maybe you can have it floor you, too. The right tunes can make my day or better put, make the traffic jam I find myself in sometimes seem a little bit more like a concert performance and less like a futile test of my patience.

SPEAKING OF:

I know The Stones are playing tonight at The Staple Center. And no, I'm not seeing them. Money, access, you name it - not going to The Stones. And it's fine. I saw them back in New York or maybe it was New Jersey? It was a long time ago. That being said, The Stones + Your Car + LA= A Very Good Time. 

Graffiti on Cherry Pick's building

I just think you don't have to be at the concert to appreciate Mick. Some of my best Stones experiences have taken place in my car with them on the radio turned up loud. For free you can be Mick while driving up Sunset in Silverlake, singing your lungs out. Most likely if anyone notices you, they'll just think you're talking on the phone. Albeit very expressively.

What a great way to pass the time in this kick-ass city.

To that end...

The Store I'm Obsessing Over Today

God knows LA has plenty to choose from in terms of shopping, no matter what your taste or budget.
With so much at your fingertips, sometimes you gotta boil it down. Which means any shop I mention has to have a little extra something if I'm gonna make a point to stop in. In other words, I might not always buy something but I know they'll always have something I like.

Cherry Pick in Los Feliz

Cherry Pick is just that store. It's this sweet little vintage shop located in Los Feliz on Franklin next to the House of Pies parking lot.  It consistently stocks up on some of the finest picked over vintage finds anywhere.

Hot Shoes...

Miu Miu What What?

Jean Shirts...

Lis Claiborne $49

Awesome Sunglasses...

$45

And it's not just stuff you could find yourself. The owner scours the world to find what she puts in her store. Case in point, this frock from gay Paris...

Chiffon Paris Import Tulip Dress $149

God knows where she found this little ditty...

60's Woodstock Patch Babydoll Dress $245

These Pradas are in my size so if you get them, that's fine. Just know you're wearing my shoes...

98 Smackaroos

Hot Mannequin Alert:

It's so much fun being in this store. And the people who work there are very cool. They help you if you want help but they don't follow you around the store asking for your size and junk.

And And And they always have good music on. Me and my good friend here listened to the new Savages record. Yeah that's right. Savages. And I'll tell you something else, I had NO idea who Savages or The Savages are. But now I do. In fact, let me share with you some conversation points in case you encounter a cool person and you want to sound knowledgeable:

1. they played at The Echo
2. they're blowing up right now and...
3. they're from The U.K. 

Because I know, now you know. So we all sound VERY bad-ass. 

I love that.

Edie Hat $35

Cherry Pick is located at 4517 Franklin Boulevard, just west of Vermont. Open mon thru sat, 11-8, sundays 12-7. Street parking available. 

And like I said, it's next to the House of Pies Parking Lot...

If you want some pie, you can kill two birds with one stone. Who doesn't like pie?