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2019 Christmas Show Guide

 

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We do holiday shows in the NoHo Arts District! Even if you’re not in any holiday spirit, you should definitely check out one or all of the shows we’ve put together in this handy, Christmas show quick list.

If you have guests visiting, a show is a nice treat or gift. It’ll also give your guests a little taste of theatre in the NoHo Arts District and you can dazzle them with your knowledge.

Did you know? NoHo has 20 live theatres – the highest concentration of theatres outside of NYC. Have a happy holiday season!

The NoHo Arts District dot Com Team


“Another Winter Without Snow”

December 6 and 7

NoHo Christmas show guide 2019 via www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Short plays and monologues by the AWS Writers In Residence will leave you laughing, crying and experiencing all the things we encounter at the holidays. A Hanukkah surprise no-one was expecting, a disgruntled old school Hollywood actress and a Very Bad Christmas Eve are just a few of the things you’ll experience during AWS’s annual Holiday Show to benefit Toys for Tots. And proceeds benefit Toys for Tots!With pieces by: Roger Gutierrez, Daniel Guyton, Stephen Olson, Ivory Tiffin, Paul Surace, Daniel B. Weisman & Sarah Zavala.

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“Tis The Season – Amanda McBroom in Concert with Michele Brourman and Friends”

December 11

Amanda McBroom December 11 at Feinstein's via www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Golden Globe winning songwriter, concert and nightclub performer, Amanda McBroom, will make a holiday appearance at Feinstein’s at Vitello’s on December 11 in a show titled: “Tis The Season – Amanda McBroom in Concert with Michele Brourman and Friends.” You’ll be treated to Amanda’s version of a contemporary Christmas concert, with new, original holiday songs, old beloved carols, and a sprinkling of standards by such writers as Stephen Sondheim and Jacques Brel, and, of course, Amanda McBroom.

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“Dysfunctional Family Christmas”

December 13, 14. 15, 20 and 21

The 2019 NoHo Christmas Show Guide via www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and holiday chaos create a fun-filled Christmas morning at the Logan home. Grandpa is found dead on Christmas morning! Dean and Joanne Logan attempt to hide the body from their kids who have secrets of their own; all the while attempting to have one final joyous family Christmas with their adult children before selling their home. This comedy, by Paul Storiale, will have audiences howling from beginning to end.

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“The Nutcracker”

December 7 and 8

The 2019 NoHo Christmas Show Guide via www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Aspen Santa Fe Ballet returns to The Soraya this holiday season with three performances of the classic ballet, The “The Nutcracker,” on December 7 and 8. With Tchaikovsky’s original music, this storybook production, choreographed by ASFB executive director Jean-Phillippe Malaty and artistic director Tom Mossbrucker, is set in the Victorian era, beginning with the resplendent party and concluding with the fantastical scenes in the second act centered around a bright and colorful carousel. Aspen Santa Fe Ballet’s exquisite dancers perform the leading roles, showing off their classical training. More than 70 children from Los Angeles Youth Ballet and students from USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance will round out the cast. Adding to the excitement, the traditional Russian, Spanish and Chinese pieces will feature performers from around the globe who bring their traditional and authentic dances. Almost 100 performers are on stage for this production.

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“SANTASIA – A Holiday Comedy”

December 6 – December 28

The 2019 NoHo Christmas Show Guide via www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Created by Shaun and Brandon Loeser, directed by Shaun Loeser, “Santasia” is celebrating its 20th season! This Off-Broadway hit and Critics’ Pick laugh-out-loud annual holiday romp and perfect blend of Yuletide snark and sentiment. “SANTASIA” has been compared to “The Carol Burnett Show,” “The Kids in the Hall,” “In Living Color,” “Saturday Night Live” and Vaudeville. This multi-media holiday special has it all, including classic Rankin and Bass Claymation-inspired movies, musical parodies, and heartfelt holiday moments with new sketches and audience favorites.

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“Christmas Rush”

December 13-15

2019 Christmas Show Guide www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Force of Nature’s RUSH Play festival takes on Hollywood this holiday season! We’re settling the debate, once and for all. Yes, “Die Hard” is a Christmas movie. But when John McClane meets Ralphie from “A Christmas Story,” let’s just say more than just your eye might get shot out! What better way to end the year than by unofficially mashing up classic Christmas movies like “It’s a Wonderful Life” with characters from some of your favorite “Not A Christmas Movie” movies like “Batman Returns?” Mix in a few iconic movie props, a team of talented writers, directors and actors and let the holiday drama and hi-jinks ensue! Great for the whole family!

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“The Merry Little Christmas Show”

Sunday, December 15, at 3pm and 6pm

The 2019 NoHo Christmas Show Guide via www.nohoartsdistrict.com

BroadwayWorld Critics’ Pick and StageSceneLA Award-winner Scott Dreier, star of last season’s acclaimed hit “Doris and Me,” will return to The Colony Theatre in Burbank with his holiday concert, “The Merry Little Christmas Show,” along with special guests Kurtis Simmons and music director Andy Langham. Dreier will take audiences back to the feel of cherished, classic, holiday TV specials hosted by Perry Como, Andy Williams, Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, and others — paying homage while also providing his modern take with pop and jazz interpretations of holiday treasures. The performance will include holiday classics, including “Sleigh Ride,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “O Holy Night,” “I’ve Got Your Love to Keep Me Warm,” “Merry Christmas Darling,” and many more. This show will transport you back to your living room sitting around the fireplace telling stories and sharing songs of the season.

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“Dark-Dark-Ride-Ride: Holiday Nightmare”

December 4 – 21

The 2019 NoHo Christmas Show Guide via www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group proudly presents their All-New Holiday-Horror-Theatre Attraction…An Epic Wild-Ride thru Winter WonderHELL! (Rides Launch Every 15 minutes, Starting at 8:00p – Last Ride at 11:45p). *(A Portion of the Proceeds to Benefit Local Charities Serving the Homeless).

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“A Christmas Carol: The One-Man Play”

December 6, 13,14 and 15

The 2019 NoHo Christmas Show Guide via www.nohoartsdistrict.com

The Porters of Hellsgate Theatre Company presents Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol: The One-Man Play,” directed by frequent Porters collaborator Drina Durazo. “Charles Dickens was known for being a performer of his own works; his novels were written with such vivid theatricality that they were almost like plays,” says Durazo. “We’re aiming to recreate the experience of Dickens’ public recitals with ‘A Christmas Carol, The One-Man Play,’ and it’s been a great joy exploring this beloved classic by way of Krieger’s dynamic performance.”

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“Church Discipline: Christmas”

December 1 – 22

The 2019 NoHo Christmas Show Guide via www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group proudly presents a fresh for the holidays incarnation of their fan-favorite, cult-hit show, “Church Discipline.” At the dawn of a new age, Kris Kringle is ready to name Santa as the new herald of Christmas during the “Coronation of the Claus,” a holy North Pole ceremony where Elves and Reindeer pay tribute to the Spirit of Christmas and where Santa must defeat Krampus to claim the title of “Claus” and fulfill his Christmas destiny. “Church Discipline: Christmas” invites audiences into the ceremonial halls of the North Pole to join us for this off-the-cuff Christmas-time comedy show!

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“The Man Who Came to Dinner”

December 6 – January 12

The 2019 NoHo Christmas Show Guide via www.nohoartsdistrict.com

The Group Rep presents Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman’s beloved “The Man Who Came to Dinner,” directed by Bruce Kimmel, produced by Doug Haverty. The comedy classic takes place a few weeks before Christmas in small town USA, after a famously outlandish NYC radio personality is invited to dine at the house of the well-to-do local factory owner. But this sharp-tongued celebrity slips on a patch of ice outside the front door and injures his hip. Confined to the house for a month, he drives his hosts mad by insulting them, monopolizing their world, wreaking havoc with romantic antics and receiving a constant stream of bizarre guests, including performers, scientists, penguins and even paroled convicts. As Christmas Day approaches mayhem ensues and fate delivers a comeuppance.

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“A Twisted Christmas Carol”

December 14 – January 12

The 2019 NoHo Christmas Show Guide via www.nohoartsdistrict.com

The Group Rep presents the world premiere comedy “A Twisted Christmas Carol,” a Texas-style spoof of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” written by Phil Olson, directed by Doug Engalla and produced by Alyson York. It’s Christmas Eve in a small west Texas town and cantankerous barbecue joint owner Buford Johnson gets in an argument with his wife, Darla, tells her he’s skipping Christmas, he storms out of the restaurant, goes four wheeling in his pickup, gets hit by a twister, rolls his truck and goes into a coma. He comes back in his dream where he’s visited by ex-business partner, Hank Walker, who plays the ghost of Christmas past, present and future.

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Show the flyer below for a FREE WATER STAND and PETTING ZOO ENTRANCE with the purchase of a Christmas tree.

NoHo Christmas Trees via www.nohoartsdistrict.com

**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo. On Instagram @NoHoArtsDistrict and Facebook @NoHoArtsDistrict. 

The Whitefire Theatre Solofest Presents: “Bloom Where You Are Planted”

Written and Performed by Luella Wagner

Directed and Developed by Jessica Lynn Johnson

Good teachers are magical beings and Luella Wagner is clearly a very, very good teacher.

Her story begins with loosing her job and with unemployment at an all time high of 12% in LA, she takes the only teaching job she can find, which just happens to be on an Indian reservation in Montana.

Sometimes the only option we have is a leap of faith and Luella thankfully has an awful lot of faith, by the bucket loads it seems, although she has trouble believing it at times.  Her faith and her humor are what seem to get her through this crazy adventure and her first and only Montana winter.

Luella is a brilliant story teller and her soul in in this play.  She has written her heart out and the results of this earnest and profoundly honest offering are so beautifully communicated by her on stage that the audience is left feeling a deep and very real connection to her and her story.  Only the greatest performers can do this and I can only imagine how inspiring she is in the classroom.

Once in Montana she greets her new assignment with hope and clear eyed naiveté, not realizing how well she is doing and what a difference she is making in the lives of her students until the end of her year almost.  Her plans to simply survive the year are set aside when she decides to make a documentary about the students and their community.  Turning the camera on these gentle and loving people she gives them a much needed voice and a dignity and pride in their community.  Her students are inspired by her adaptability and her creativity and her love for them and she is inspiredly their spirituality and their lightness of being.

Luella tells us her story with complete candor, using the recorded voices her friends in many of their actual roles is a master stroke.  It instantly give credence and authenticity to her many conversations and her confusion about her role in this world.  The simple sweetness of her performance is so appealing that one can only smile and laugh and happily accompany her as she drives a Haul half way across the country with her friend and three cats to an uncertain future and with nothing but her wit and her guts and her faith to guide her.

Luella Wagner is a star…funny, open hearted, warmly brilliant and the perfect guide through her fascinating and still unfolding life.  I loved this show.  It’s solo work at its finest.  Deep and meaningful, littered with laughs, sprinkled with love and not so neatly tied that we don’t believe it.  Life is messy and people full of flaws, but the flaws are where the light comes in and Luella Wagner is full of light.…Bravo!

Alcohol helps fall asleep faster but causes more disrupted sleep, study shows

All alcohol doses cause a more consolidated first half of sleep and sleep disruption in the second half; it also takes less time to fall asleep.

Increasing the dose of alcohol better impacts increasing deep sleep. This might be the reason some people drink alcohol to avoid sleep problems, using alcohol as a sedative. However, consolidating sleep in the first half of the night can cause more disrupted sleep in the second half.

There is one more problem. Drinking for “better sleep” can also cause alcohol problems. The more you drink, the more likely you may become addictive. If you start noticing the habit of drinking before going to bed, call AddictionResource addiction helpline number. Sleep problems also need to be solved with a doctor.

Natural cycles of brain activity support sleep, which consists of two primary states: rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. Normally, your sleep begins with NREM sleep and a very short period of REM sleep, creating 90-minute cycles that replace each other during the night. A review of the impact of drinking on sleep shows that alcohol reduces the time it takes to fall asleep, increases NREM sleep, and reduces REM sleep.

Irshaad Ebrahim, medical director at The London Sleep Centre and corresponding author for the study, says the review has combined all the available materials on the immediate effects of drinking alcohol on sleep. Our understanding of sleep has sped up in the past 30 years; that is why some of the primary interpretations have to be revisited.

Alcohol also increases slow-wave sleep (SWS), during which the body builds muscle and bone, repairs, strengthens the immune system, and regenerates tissues. It can increase the possibility of sleep problems such as sleep apnoea or sleepwalking.

High doses of alcohol decrease REM sleep during which generally dreams occur and the brain is more active. Lack of this kind of sleep has a detrimental effect on motor skills, memory, and concentration.

What can help fall asleep better than alcohol

First of all, you should check the bedroom in which you sleep. It should maintain the optimum temperature – not too hot and not too cold.  Air your bedroom regularly and avoid drafts. You are also unlikely to fall asleep quickly if there is little oxygen in the room. You can use oils of lavender, linden, and chamomile to flavor the bedroom.

Very bright light often leads to insomnia. The hormones that regulate falling asleep are only produced in the dark. Make sure the windows are tightly curtained and there are no other light sources in the room. You can purchase a special mask for sleeping.

If you need silence for sleep, buy earplugs at the pharmacy. Unobtrusive noise, such as the monotonous hum of a fan, helps some people fall asleep. You can also use relaxing music or nature sounds.

Do not read or watch TV before going to bed. If a book or a show is interesting and prompts you to think, the brain will not be able to calm down for a long time, preventing you from falling asleep. If you have chronic insomnia, watching TV and reading before going to bed are generally contraindicated.

Do not count lambs or elephants, or something else, trying to fall asleep. The count provokes the activity of some areas of the brain, so it will be even more difficult to fall asleep. Think of something nice instead. Imagine yourself flying in the clouds or floating in a boat on a river swimming in the ocean, walking on a flowering field. Slowly delve into your fantasies, noticing more and more details.

Do not overeat – the last meal should be 2-3 hours before bedtime. There are foods that promote good sleep: bananas, milk, nuts, whole grain bread, lettuce. However, protein can interfere with good sleep, the same as caffeinated drinks, spicy, fatty, sweet meals. Often a cup of warm milk or herbal tea helps fall asleep.

If you wake up in the middle of the night and can’t fall asleep, do not force yourself – get up and do something else, and when you feel sleepy, go to bed again.

Lie calmly, do not move, mentally relax all the muscles, starting from the tips of the toes, and ending with the head. Lying in bed, stretch. Stretching helps the body relax, the tension goes away, and the person falls asleep. Try holding a pillow between your knees. This helps relieve stress and even reduces pain.

Perform a set of breathing exercises. Slow deep breathing helps the body relax. Lie on your back to control how your stomach rises. By focusing on breathing, the brain is freed from extraneous thoughts.

If you have noticed you drink too much

If you see that almost every night ends with a bottle of beer of a glass of wine, think of the possibility of getting help (doctors, addiction hotline, rehab programs). Although it doesn’t necessarily mean you are becoming an alcoholic, it’s better to pay attention.

The simplest way to understand whether you have problems or not is calling drug abuse hotline number. There are specialists who are able to identify addictions even by phone.

Addiction helpline is often anonymous if you are afraid that somebody can find out. You don’t have to mention your name or any personal information to have a productive conversation and solve the problems which disturb you.

You can also find addiction anonymous 24-hour hotline so that every evening you have something else to do except drinking. Moreover, small talks before sleep can also help get a little tired and fall asleep quicker.

Choosing the right bed size for you

There are many reasons for wanting to purchase a new bed.

Perhaps you are having your first child and need more information on child mattress sizes, or you’re on a tight budget and prefer a more economical choice.

 

This guide will inform you of the size and dimensions of each mattress currently available today, along with the benefits it can offer so you can make the right purchase. 

General factors to consider when purchasing a bed. 

How much will a mattress cost?

When deciding to buy a mattress, it is essential to know how much you’re willing to spend. The cost of beds will range widely, generally starting from $150 to more than $5,000. 

However, most buyers find that they can purchase an excellent mattress that fit their needs for under $1,000. 

As bed sizes vary, so will the cost to buy. Generally the larger the bed, the more it’s going to cost. However, mattress prices will depend on a multitude of other factors, such as the material composition and durability, height and type of bed. 

What bed size should I go for?

Although this may seem obvious, knowing the size of the room is essential if you intend to buy a new bed. 

Typically an overlooked issue it is necessary to measure or at least have an estimation of how big your room is, going by eye can be deceiving, and more often than not people overestimate the size of their room.

Consider that you will need space not just for sleeping but for walking around, closing and opening doors or cupboard drawers and potentially adding more furniture. 

Who will use the bed now and in the future?

Once you have determined your price range and the space required for the bed, the next step will be finding out who will be using the mattress not just today but also in the future. 

Are you a couple who like to have their pets sleep on the bed? Perhaps you suspect your child will outgrow their bed quickly through in their adolescent years? 

It’s essential to purchase a bed that will fit your current needs but thinking ahead will pay dividends in terms of both cost and convenience. 

Now that we’ve had a closer look at the purchase factors involved, let’s delve deeper into the mattresses themselves, and see what could potentially work for you. 

Bed Size and Mattress Dimensions

Crib 

27″x52″

A crib or toddler mattress measures at 27 “x 52” and no higher than 6 inches in thickness,  this will be used for your infant’s first bed but has a general duration of 18 months meaning that it can be suitable for toddlers.

Crib mattresses ensure safety precautions by having firmer mattresses. When a baby rolls onto their stomachs, a soft bed enables babies to sink their face into the mattress, increasing the risk of suffocation and SIDs. A firmer mattress decreases this risk. 

The inside of the crib can either have foam or innerspring; what you choose will be dependant on your needs. Lighter cribs, for example, are more comfortable to carry and easier to clean.  

Twin

39″ x 75″

Standard twin beds, which measure 39″ x 76″ are the most common in children’s bedrooms today. They are economical when it comes to size as they are slim and easy to manoeuvre.

A twin bed is ideal for your average child growing up while taking their growth spurts into account, and even suitable as a smaller bed for some adults. 

It is also a great option when considering having bunk beds in a bedroom for kids. Other places a Twin bed would suffice are dorm rooms and apartments for single sleepers. 

Twin XL 

39″ x 80″

The Twin XL is an excellent alternative to the Twin mattress if you need the extra legroom, taller individuals who regularly have their feet hanging over the bed would be prime candidates. 

This mattress gives an extra 6″ in length and can accommodate children and adults, making it a versatile option when purchasing. 

Full 

54″x75″

A Full-size mattress measures at 54 by 75 inches and is an option if you want something in-between a twin and queen size mattress. 

This mattress is a good recommendation for couples who prioritize room space while being on a budget; this bed will comfortably fit most couples but will be cramped for some. It also takes up a minimal amount of space. 

It can also be seen as a luxurious option for single sleepers as they will have plenty of space to move around and stretch. 

Queen 

60″ x 80″

The Queen size is perhaps the best option for couples as it provides a considerable amount of bed size and comfort while being reasonable in price.  The Queen size can also accommodate taller individuals as it has enough bed length; it also supports couples who suffer from comfortability issues in a Full-size bed due to being cramped.   

In regards to room space, an average-sized bedroom would be enough to accommodate a queen-sized bed. However, measuring your bedroom is recommended to ensure there will be no space restrictions. 

King 

76″x80″

The King mattress ensures maximum comfortability for couples who wish to use the entirety of the bed. 

This bed is ideal for couples who tend to move around a lot when sleeping, as it is equivalent to the size of 2 twin mattresses. It can also fit couples who sleep with their kids or pets.

 

A King-sized bed would be recommended for larger rooms and master bedrooms, measuring at least 12×12. 

King mattresses can also be manoeuvred around easier as box springs for these are split, this is great when moving them around tight corners and up stairwells. 

Toluca Lake Christmas Trees – North Hollywood-Burbank, Studio City, Toluca Lake

Toluca Lake Christmas Trees Lot and Petting Zoo now open 9am to 9pm, November 23 until Christmas!

The Toluca Lake Christmas Trees lot in the North Hollywood/NoHo area prides itself on its holiday Christmas trees. Family owned by the Toluca Lake Flower Shop, they have been serving the community for over 70 years. The Toluca Lake Christmas Trees offers a myriad of beautiful trees such as Noble Firs, Grand Firs and Douglas Firs; even living Christmas trees such as Living Nordman Fir, and Colorado Spruce trees.

Show the flyer below for a FREE WATER STAND and PETTING ZOO ENTRANCE with the purchase of a Christmas tree. TolucaLake Christmas Trees 2015

Trees vary from table tops to 15 footers. Most tree lots have the trees exposed to the elements. The Toluca Lake Christmas trees are kept under cover to ensure the freshest tree possible and to protect them from the sun.The moment they arrive, all trees are placed and kept in a water stand to guarantee freshness. The water is checked every day, all day long. Many other Christmas lots never keep the trees in water and are kept in the heat of the sun. 

“I give the customers the water stand for free,” commented Steve Benveniste who has been the proprietor of the Toluca Lake Christmas Trees since 1981. “Keeping them in water also helps reduce the chance of them catching on fire. I want my customers to have a fresh and fragrant tree throughout the season. I feel better about it.”

The freshest of Christmas trees are brought in directly from the best Christmas tree farm in Oregon. They also fireproof the trees as an extra service for those who want it.

Other services include delivery, pick up, white flocking, clear fireproofing and decorating.

The Toluca Lake Flowers Shop will care for all your holiday floral needs. They have holiday centerpieces, beautiful bouquets and stunning floral arrangements made fresh upon your order in thick wicker baskets, ceramic containers or clear glass vases. Wreaths, garlands and customized poinsettias are available in small plant sizes to large lobby size bushes, as well as beautiful hangings. Toluca Lake Christmas Trees and Toluca Lake Flower Shop services all major studios, hotels, banks, car dealerships and communities throughout the greater Los Angeles area.They are competitively priced and our services, as well as our quality, are unmatched! Your ultimate Christmas decorations can be organized by them. Be it a corporate party where you require a Christmas centerpiece for your tables or just decking your halls.

Beat the holiday madness and call in your order now!

10601 Riverside Dr.
North Hollywood (at Cahuenga next to Toluca Lake Flowers)
818 -505-8039 and 818- 769-1151

We look forward to serving you again this holiday season.
http://tolucalake-pumpkins-christmastrees.com

Club Pilates NoHo

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Our local Club Pilates NoHo is offering one free week of Pilates.

Club Pilates NoHo Free Week via www.nohoartsdistrict.com

offers more than just low-impact, full-body workouts. With a range of class offerings that challenge your mind as well as your body, Club Pilates provides a path to a richer, more-fulfilling life. A consistent Pilates practice can offer benefits to everybody. Whether you’re an experienced athlete looking to step up your training or you’re simply looking to start a new fitness routine, Pilates creates a strong foundation of balance, strength, mobility and flexibility. The full-body, low-impact workouts offered at Club Pilates provide a high-impact challenge to the stabilizing muscles of the core. Unlike the mat Pilates classes offered in many gym settings, Club Pilates offers classes using an array of specialized equipment, including the Reformer, EXO-Chair, Bosu Ball, TRX Suspension Trainer, springboards and more. This unmatched combination of equipment provides a wide range of motion training and maximizes the effectiveness of your exercise session. With seven signature class formats and four unique levels of classes, Club Pilates NoHo has a workout that will work for you.

Meet CP NoHo owner, Ester. She fell in love with fitness and the entire culture of Club Pilates back in 2015.

Club Pilates NoHo owner Ester via www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Soon after, Ester found herself teaching and then opening not one, not two, but THREE studios in the Los Angeles area! She leads her team with passion and determination to share all that Pilates can do for the community. Each instructor has 500+ hours of training to bring the best of the best to CP NoHo’s clientele. CP NoHo is about providing Pilates to everyBODY. With a wide range of classes and instructors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Feeling like a little cardio boost? Try their Cardio Sculpt class where you lay down and jump without putting more impact on your spine. Want something a little more namaste? Try their Center & Balance class, which resembles yoga but on the reformer.

No matter who you are or where you come from, Club Pilates NoHo has what you need! So start your free week of Pilates!

Club Pilates NoHo Free Week via www.nohoartsdistrict.com

5077 Lankershim Blvd., Suite F
North Hollywood, CA 91601
(818) 210-3422
NoHo@clubpilates.com
https://www.clubpilates.com/location/noho/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5JH6hRgSkP/


**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo. On Instagram @NoHoArtsDistrict and Facebook @NoHoArtsDistrict.

While 29 rooms was certainly cringeworthy, I would like to truly believe that 29 rooms is dually an art piece

Billed as an ‘Instagrammable experience’, Refinery 29’s 29 Rooms was certainly that: precisely what 50% of Angelenos love, and that which 50% of Angelenos loathe.

At the very mention of an Instagram-oriented art show half of my readership threw up in their mouths and half clapped with glee.

I would liken 29 rooms to an interactive Buzzfeed-urban-marketing wet dream. Complete with audience participation.

I don’t oft write about art shows negatively, since there is so much beautiful art in Los Angeles. While 29 rooms was certainly cringeworthy, I would like to truly believe that 29 rooms is dually an art piece with social commentary. Ultimately, after reflection, I did have a positive journey with 29 Rooms, so please hang tight with me as I lambaste by way to a positive punchline.

Stay with me as I astral project above 29 Rooms: let’s pretend that Refinery 29 isn’t selling a Birch Box art show equivalent. Let’s surmise that the talented artists involved saw a bigger scope, and weren’t in it for the bottom line of an actual paycheck (and let’s hope they were compensated appropriately). Are you with me? Wonderful.

The $25 pop-up event was specifically curated by artists alongside Refinery 29. Collaborators predominately included Visual artists and Installation artists who hailed from around the USA. Conceptually 29 Rooms is an artistic, interactive experience. The 29 Rooms website does a phenomenal job of representing the artistic thought which went into the pop-up, but I would have liked to see more truly interactive exhibitions such as 29 Questions and Blind Date with Destiny.

29 Questions was a sit-down experience hosted as a gameshow. Familiar couples were scattered and people were forced to sit down with a complete stranger. The host guided people to three interactive decks which asked ‘speed-date’ style questions, and pairs were encouraged to delve as deep into each question as desired. This was actually a lot of fun.

Blind Date with Destiny was an exhibition where you could place your hand through a wall and have a stranger read your palm using the palmistry guide on the other side. 

Fatigued from flashing lights and filters of cameras, my partner and I plunked down to enjoy our drinks in the Uber Lounge. And that’s where it hit me. 29 Rooms is less of an art show in itself and more of a performance piece performed by paying attendees. Brilliant from a for-profit standpoint, and thought-provoking from a fish-bowl perspective.

 29 Rooms simultaneously preys on and criticizes the Instagram culture it marketed itself as.

29 Questions is a game-show-esque exhibition that is billed as a somewhat demeaning interactive experience. “guests are invited to step outside of their comfort zone, pull up a chair, and connect with a stranger.”

Maybe that’s alright though. Perhaps a museum of IG and gussied up gallery-goers is just a hallmark of our era, which we are still struggling to parse apart in meaningful ways.

Just was we vilify women on Instagram for profiting off of looks – something which society has historically only valued women for – we villainize short-form platitudes pasted over photos. However, social media has recently been the mechanism by which activism (if only armchair activism) has spread important messages of hope, even if social media is often demonizing of those who spread positive messages of their own advancement. We live in a peculiar time caught between progress and socio-cultural upbringing, and while outwardly give lipservice to advancement, often we are our own worst enemies.

While the experience of 29 Rooms itself is hard to bear, the provocations which it elicits (if we continue to meditate on 29 Rooms) are worthwhile and enriching.

Production Entity:       Refinery 29

Los Angeles Run:        November 2019

Artist Collaborators:

Kali Uchis

Carlota Guerrero

The Hoodwitch

Uzumaki Cepeda

Yvette Mayorga

Dan Lam

Nnekkaa

Hanski

Trap Bob

Sarah Emerson

ACLU

Unbothered

Micaela Taylor

Jasmine Solano

To Combine Being an Amateur Actor With Writing Coursework

Theatre can serve as a perfect middle-ground for completely different personalities.

Some of us prefer to perform on stage, while others – to be spectators. However, doesn’t matter on which side we appear in the theatre, all of us live in real world with its real challenges. Let`s figure out how to cope with it and combine our passion with reality!

Theatre Today

The theatre today has immensely changed from what it was hundreds of years back.

There are so many genres of modern theatre we can discover, and each of them brings special vision, own motive, and problems to discuss.

Amateur Theatre 

One of the most controversial and peculiar forms of theatrical performance is an amateur theatre.

Amateurs are generally those who pursue a particular activity or field of study independently of their source of income. Amateurs might be also described as popular, informal, self-taught, user-generated, DIY, and hobbyist.

What is interesting — although we refer it to relatively new courses, amateurship has been welcomed even in ancient Greece. There, not only professional actors but also citizens themselves could participate in a play.

Why Amateur Theatre is cool?

Simply because it broadens the horizons of acting in general. It blurs the standards, unites completely diverse people, living with the same fervor. It’s also free! Free source for acting training and inner complex deliverance.

What I admire in it, is that on the most challenging step of my life path, when I’m surrounded by hesitations and stress, I can easily switch to completely different dimension and dive into the process of acting. I can act as an amateur, so I do not need a special `allowance` for it. Although there might be `actors training for amateurs`, pure experience and constant self-development is what you really need.

Facing the reality

Here, a doctor can be an astronaut, a waitress can become a model, a student can play the knight and a designer may perform as a king. But after the curtain goes down, we all come back to the routine, to the world where paperwork, assignment, and bureaucracy exist.

So, how can we find the balance between things we have to do and the things we enjoy? Can we erase the line between them?

Practical advises

When I was a third-year student of economy faculty, I also played in local community theatre for 2.5 years. Frankly, I enjoyed both my professional and acting sides. However, there are some things I cannot stand about studying, for example — writing coursework.

2.5 years of acting helped me to find a way to cope with anger and despair, which coursework or any other kind of paperwork) usually brings. Now I want to share my `easy coursework writing list ` with you!

My easy coursework writing list:

  • Use your emotions

It is scientifically proved that the expression of emotions generates ideas.

Once I entered the stage with words: “I need help with my coursework, right now!!!”. I didn’t think it would really help with coursework, however, it did!!! With an influx of emotions, my brain instantly generated the needed idea, or as you may call it  — inspiration.

So use that emotional flow to empower your writing skills: watch that comedy to cry out of laughter, visit the amusement park, play a completely new role, do some sport or buy the lottery ticket.

  • Organize yourself

Sometimes we have to be strict with ourselves. There is always something that has to be done. For me, the best way to do that thing is to do it first. Then you will not live with the burden of responsibility and will be able to enjoy your leisure. From personal experience — the existence of such burden makes my artistic skills weaker. So help yourself and dedicate your efforts to coursework!

  • Learn how to manage your time

It’s important to find a balance between your duties and passions. But if you once learn to organize not only yourself but also your timetable — things will be getting done pretty soon.

  • Choose the right topic

It can be kind of tough to link the topic of your paper with your passion for acting, however, it’s not impossible. Even I once managed to connect it: I wrote my coursework about the correlation between demographic/economic groups and performances among amateur actors. There wasn’t plenty of information online, but I managed to do my own research and interviewed some of my colleagues, so the work turned to be authentic and vivid.

Always try to choose the topic to reconcile your obligation and fascination.

  • Write your work by acting it

It may sound a little cheesy, but one of the most useful tips I can give you is to pretend you’re someone else. I don’t want it to sound cheap, so I’ll explain.

The thing is sometimes we entrust ourselves too much responsibility, what is more —  we take it too seriously. These tasks keep accumulating inside of our brains until it finally explodes. It does not help. To prevent brain detonation, I’d stopped to write the papers on my own, instead— I’ve started to act as `someone who has to write a paper`. All of a sudden it became an adventure!

I always imagine that I just have to play the role, the one of a student who sincerely enjoys writing coursework. Perhaps, it sounds like self-delusion, but really helpful one. Recommended!

Hopefully, those recommendations will help you to dedicate your life to things you admire and also suffer less while writing your assignments. 

2019 Holiday Decorating

Here we are again approaching the holiday season.

With Thanksgiving almost here and gone, we can now concentrate on the December holidays. 

I love this time of year.  I have looked forward to each Christmas season my whole life.  The fond memories created by my family resonates in my mind almost daily now.  Visiting family and friends, sharing gifts, and the scents of freshly baked cookies and pies filled the air.  The fresh scents of real Christmas trees and wreaths always takes me back to bringing the tree through the front door to decorate, hot chocolate made with my mom and watching ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’.

With the aforementioned memories, I’ve decided to decorate a bit differently this year. It’s all about the scents and texture of the season.  I love the look of a traditional tree.  Adding strands of popcorn, streaming ribbons and glass ornaments.  I have a collection of miniature Hummel’s I love using along with a few unique decorations from the family.  As I age, these things tend to become much more special to me.

I always add a wreath to my door.  This year is no different.  For me, it sets the tone.  A fresh wreath decorated with ribbon, berries and a few ornaments is always welcoming.

As for my dining table, I simply add candles surrounded by garland and pine cones.

These are mere suggestions and a glimpse into my traditions.  We all have family traditions passed down through the generations. Whether a holiday decoration or a family recipe, enjoy this holiday to its fullest.

Merry Christmas!

November 21 NoHo News

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NoHo News!

Drumstick Dash. Sherman Oaks Film Festival. Free Edamame. L.A. Theatre District.

Here’s your NoHo arts community update!

We look forward to sharing lots of fun and unique news, events, profiles and updates on what’s happening in the NoHo Arts District.

Every Thursday we send out our NoHo e-News. Do you get it? It takes 30 seconds. Make sure you sign up, it’s FREE. Sign up HERE>>

This issue of NoHo e-News is about what’s going on in North Hollywood and a selection of some theatre shows. But we have a ton of them. Did you know that the NoHo Arts District has the highest concentration of theatres outside of New York City? Just check out the NoHo Arts District Theatre Guide>>

Here’s a glimpse at what’s going on in North Hollywood.

Click on the image and to see the online version of our NoHo News…ENJOY NOHO!

 NoHo News: Drumstick Dash. Sherman Oaks Film Festival.  Free Edamame.  L.A. Theatre District.

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**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo. On Instagram @NoHoArtsDistrict and Facebook @NoHoArtsDistrict.

 

How to Choose a Standing Desk

First of all, choosing for ourselves the most convenient equipment, whether, for home or office, we pay attention to its functionality, practicality, and price.

Progressive standing desks are practical options for computer work with plenty of free space that allows placing a lot of stuff and weight on the tabletop surface. Such motorized electrical standing desks can be suitable for a child, who will soon outgrow his previous height and will need some other work table. For young children, it is an opportunity to sit upright and not bending their backs. This prevents back, neck, and chest problems from early childhood.

Take Care of Your Health

First of all, choosing the most convenient equipment for yourself, whether for home or office, we pay attention to its functionality, convenience, and price. The perfect standing desk for work with documents in the office and home has a wide tabletop that allows zoning computer workspace and the necessary space for keyboard and Internet cables.

Ergonomic height-adjustable standing desks now became popular, not only in the United States or Canada but also around the world. The growing interest is a direct consequence of the studies, according to which continuous work in a sitting position causes serious harm to human health. But it’s one reason to install ergonomic furniture in the office, and quite another reason employees who still doubt whether they need this technological solution to improve the quality and effectiveness of their business. Those entrepreneurs relying on their people have to remember that the success of their company depends directly on the success and convenience of the people who work for entrepreneurs in favor of the company.

Extending Life Furniture

Manufacturers like Progressive Automations have long ago realized that alternating work in sitting and standing positions helps to reduce the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases. According to several reports published over the past years and researches conducted, sedentary work is extremely unhealthy. These studies have contributed to the development of the ergonomic furniture industry, in particular, office standing desks – tables that combine height adjustable tabletops and light design that allows placing this furniture conveniently in both office and house environment.

With the help of height-adjustable tables, employees can change the position of the body several times during the day, which leads to improved blood circulation. At the same time, hormone-like substances that improve human well-being are produced by the human organism more effectively. People of different heights and sizes can use these highly-technological motorized tables for sitting-standing work. This is the bright example of a solution that will suit everyone and that can be adapted to the working needs and physiological characteristics of each individual person.

Getting Used to Modern Technological Approach

How to make employees adapt to a healthier work format and perform tasks while standing up? They may be stubborn enough not to realize that this work method can help solve a lot of problems related to stationary work where the personnel can’t freely move all along the day. The best solution is to show an example. If you are the entrepreneur or the business holder and regularly spend some time in the office with your employees, use the standing desk by yourself. Show them that this is the approach you prefer. Show them the advantages of this technology and they will want to be owners of the same adjustable workstations.

The main value of a person is his health. Therefore, when designing the working area, it is important to consider both the recommendations of orthopedists and their own preferences. The truth is always the golden middle, and therefore the best option for arranging the workplace is to put an adjustable standing desk for standing-sitting work. If you are the person who often works with a computer at home or at work, deals with papers, reports on the Internet and does anything related to the long-lasting seating, pay attention to new market offers – adjustable standing desks with linear actuator height lift.

How to Become a Professional Sculptor in Australia

Whilst many of the world’s most famous art movements remain synonymous with Europe, Australia arguably boasts a far richer heritage in this space.

The reason for this is simple; as renowned paintings and sculptures created by Australia’s Indigenous population predate European colonisation and popular artistic movements such as the Renaissance.

Some of these incredible works feature intricate sculpting and wood carvings, whilst Australia’s Arnhem land in the Northern Territory is also home to the oldest known piece of rock art (dating back 28,000 years).

Australia has also been home to a vast number of famous sculptors and land-owners since, with Andrew Rodgers one of the most famous having created the world’s largest contemporary art undertaking that’s also visible from space.

With this in mind, it’s little wonder that becoming a professional sculpture is such a popular ambition in Australia. But how exactly should you go about achieving this goal? 

  1. Learn the Basics of Sculpture 

As an aspiring professional sculptor, Australians can draw inspiration from a huge number of national citizens that have gone before them.

Before they can begin to emulate their heroes and build a lucrative career, however, it’s important to learn the basics of sculpture and the tools required to make fine works of art. At its core, sculpting is a three-dimensional art form typically made from moulding, casting and welding, whilst it also encompasses a number of different materials such as stone and clay.

Today’s sculptors also embrace non-traditional forms and contemporary mediums, utilising high-tech iterations of components such as ice, light, sound and kinetic sculpture.

The use of digital modelling is also commonplace, so it’s important to review different techniques to build on a basic understanding of the art form.

  1. Pursue a Degree and Formal Training 

If you look back at Australia’s most famous sculptors from previous generations, many of these were self-taught and naturally talented individuals.

Whilst such individuals often have an incredible instinct and are not bound by the constraints of formal art training and higher education, however, those who want to pursue a professional career in the modern age should look to build on their talent with a formal degree.

There’s good reason for this too; as sculptors are required to carve and chisel delicate materials with their hands, whilst also using a variety of tools to create finished pieces. This process may also involve practical processes such as welding and assembly, which need to be formally taught in order to guarantee safety and effectiveness.

If you’re looking to collaborate with established museums, a formal degree could also help you to achieve this aim and expand your fundamental skill set.

So, whilst ability remains the key watchword for any aspiring sculptor, formal training and education can help you to lay the foundations for a more successful career.

  1. Choose the Best Courses and Learning Institutions 

Another benefit of pursuing a formal education as a sculptor is that it offers you access to some of the finest artistic minds in the land, which in turn can help to refine your ideas and the precise techniques that you want to deploy.

Fortunately, a number of institutions offer high quality art courses to students, including the coveted Sydney University.

This institution is currently ranked fourth in the world and first in Australia for graduate employability, whist in general terms it’s recognised as the 60th best university in the world. It also offers 20 different art courses to students, providing diversity and choice to aspiring sculptors nationwide.

Australia is also home to several specialist art facilities, including Griffith University in South East Queensland. There are a number of visual and creative arts programs on offer, with this institution ranked as the best in Australia for teaching the creative arts.

The key is to consider your career objectives and identify the best school for you, whilst being proactive when completing your application in order to have the best possible chance of success.

“Tapping My Way To The Nuthouse”

“Tapping My Way To The Nuthouse.” Written and Performed by Lynne Jassem. 

The Whitefire Theatre, 13500 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

Solo shows are always a revelation to me.  The myriad of stories, characters, purpose, the masterful hilarity, epic truthfulness and the huge amount of talent that I have seen over the years never ceases to amaze me. 

Lynne Jassem’s particular story is a fascinating one.  A professional tap dancer at a very young age, performing regularly on the Perry Como Show, she became terribly ill and struggled with depression and mental illness, ending up in an asylum.  Her struggles and her triumphs and her rare and beautiful way of seeing the world are at the heart of this show, as well as her experiences both in and out of the mental hospital. 

Screen Shot 2019 11 20 at 11.56.16 PM

It is her humor and her pragmatism that seems to have been her greatest asset and her source of strength throughout her life.  She became aware that she was gay as a preteen in the sixties and this added to her difficulty in ‘fitting in,” although Ms Jassem seems to be to always be the most interesting person in any room at any time and delightfully so.  She taps superbly, she mimes, she mimics each character in her story with expert ease and she advocates for her own vulnerabilities which magically evolve into her greatest strengths.

The show is sprinkled liberally with mixed media images and some rather wonderful and ancient video of her at various stages of her life.  This adds so much to the play, making real her anecdotes and her heartrending life story.  This play is touching and moving and thoroughly entertaining.  Ms Jassem taps and dances and mimes as she shares her self with us.  This gives the whole performance a remarkable sense of magical realism and whimsy in a profoundly ‘sane’ way.

“Tapping my Way To The Nuthouse” is one of the most gorgeous solo shows I have had the pleasure of seeing.  The best solo shows are always the most simple, the most effortless and the most intensely and utterly the property of the performer.  This play is definitively “Lynne Jassem” and a gift to us all.  Bravo!

Go to https://www.tappingmywaytothenuthouse.com to find out where and when you can see this remarkable show.

Grand Teton National Park (yep, it means “the big tit”)

French trappers are responsible for naming the three peaks now known as the South, Middle, and Grand Teton.

They called the mountains “Les Trois Tetons,” or “The Three Breasts.” The Grand Teton—the tallest of the three—literally means “the big tit.”

So now that we have that quirky and fun tidbit out of the way, I just want to say that after a visit to Grand Teton National Park, I am proclaiming it as one of my absolute favorites. It’s stunning and beautiful. I had visited the park after spending a few days in Yellowstone National Park, as they are situated very close to each other. In comparison, Grand Teton National Park doesn’t have nearly the amount of traffic jams and crowds that Yellowstone has. I’ve also been to Yosemite NP, Zion NP and Arches NP and those can be over-crowded too, depending on when you go. Grand Teton National Park feels like a hidden gem that not everybody knows about (or cares to make time to visit when they are at Yellowstone). Grand Teton National Park is home to bald eagles, grizzly bears, river otters, moose, deer, elk and bison.

In this article, I’ll provide you with some ideas to plan your itinerary for two perfect days in Grand Teton National Park.

Day 1: Start off by taking the scenic drive up Signal Mountain. This windy road climbs almost 1,000 feet above the valley floor to the summit. Two overlooks provide panoramic views of the Teton Range and Jackson Lake. This is a great place for pictures with the wonderful mountain range in the background in all its glory. Afterwards, drive down to Jenny Lake and park. It’s time to for a hike! The Hidden Falls & Inspiration Point hike is about 3 miles and moderately challenging. You’ll hike around the lake first and continue up to the Hidden Falls.

The falls engage all your senses – the 230-foot cascade fills your view, the thundering water drowns out speech, the spray chills your skin, and the air smells crisp and clean. Keep hiking on to Inspiration Point for some stunning views across Jenny Lake. The final stretch to the point is rocky with some uneven surfaces so go slow and be careful. But once you’re up there you’ll be…well inspired! You can hike back down from Inspiration Point and then from that junction just take a scenic short boat ride ($10) back across the lake to where you parked if you don’t feel like hiking all the way back. It’s worth it and there will be some more hiking tomorrow so no need to feel guilty!

Day 2: Rise and shine early today to get some good lighting for pictures of Mormon Row Historic District. Here you can tour historic barns and homesteads of the Mormon’s, who in the 1890’s moved into the Jackson Hole area from Idaho. Photographers from around the world stop by the Moulton barn to capture this iconic structure with the Teton Range in the background. It’s not right inside the park, but It’s only one and a half miles east of the highway. Next, let’s drive into the park and over to Taggart Lake for a 3-4-mile roundtrip hike. Much of the hike features outstanding views of the Teton mountains always looming as if right there within arms-length to touch. The trail winds its way through aspen groves, mountain streams, and fields filled with wildflowers. When you get to the glacial lake you should take a few minutes and breath it all into your senses, it’s so beautiful and serene the way it sits in front of the Tetons like a picture-perfect postcard.

After the hike, since you’ve worked up an appetite, head over to Dornans for lunch, it’s right near south the entrance to the park. You can sit outside on the picnic tables and enjoy your meal with views of the mountain range. It’s indeed perhaps one of the best lunchtime views in the world! The Chuckwagon at Dornans has been in operation since 1948. There’s a little village with shops nearby and this is the place where you can register for float trips on the river and rent bikes as well for the paved bike path that loops through the park. End your day by driving over to the Snake River Overlook. This turnout offers spectacular views of the Teton Range, and it’s where Ansel Adams took his iconic photo of the Snake River and Teton Range.

Grand Teton National Park gave me the feeling of home…well a shared great outdoor home that I know I’ll return to again and again. It’s one of those parks that just feels right, leaving you refreshed and providing a great recharge of your batteries. It is very easy to navigate around in and the nearby town of Jackson makes a great base and really has a quaint charm and old west feel to it. Enjoy your time discovering the magnificent landscape and wildlife of Grand Teton National Park.

Update: I’ll be organizing a group trip to Yellowstone National Park and Grand Tetons in the spring of 2021. Please let me know if you’ll be interested in joining us.

Cheers,

Jack Witt, MS, CPT
Fitness and Health Coach

“The Nutcracker”

***

The Soraya Presents the Los Angeles Premiere of Aspen Santa Fe Ballet’s Production of “The Nutcracker”

returns to The Soraya this holiday season with three performances of the classic ballet, The on December 7 and 8. With Tchaikovsky’s original music, this storybook production, choreographed by ASFB executive director Jean-Phillippe Malaty and artistic director Tom Mossbrucker, is set in the Victorian era, beginning with the resplendent party and concluding with the fantastical scenes in the second act centered around a bright and colorful carousel.

Aspen Santa Fe Ballet’s exquisite dancers perform the leading roles, showing off their classical training. More than 70 children from Los Angeles Youth Ballet and students from USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance will round out the cast. Adding to the excitement, the traditional Russian, Spanish and Chinese pieces will feature performers from around the globe who bring their traditional and authentic dances. Almost 100 performers are on stage for this production.

The Soraya Presents the Los Angeles Premiere of Aspen Santa Fe Ballet’s Production of
The Soraya Presents the Los Angeles Premiere of Aspen Santa Fe Ballet’s Production of “The Nutcracker.” Photo by Sharen Bradford

The Saturday night performance will feature Joffrey Ballet company members Jeraldine Mendoza and Dylan Gutierrez, a Los Angeles native.

“Our partnership with Aspen Santa Fe Ballet over the last five years has been extraordinary,” says The Soraya’s Executive Director, Thor Steingraber. “From performances with renowned pianist Joyce Yang to pieces from some of the world’s most exciting choreographers like Jorma Elo and Jiří Kylián – Aspen Santa Fe Ballet has an incredible repertoire. Their production of “The Nutcracker” has been a staple in Aspen and Santa Fe for 23 years and we are so lucky to have its Los Angeles premiere at The Soraya.”

ASFB’s dancers are unmatched in their athleticism and technique, thanks to a rigorous, year-round schedule of training and touring, including engagements at the Joyce Theater, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, and the Kennedy Center. Their production of “The Nutcracker” is a signature piece, now in its 23rd season, coming to Los Angeles for the first time in December.

Win Tickets to The Nutcracker!

Enter for a chance to win a pair of tickets (2) to see Aspen Santa Fe Ballet’s The Nutcracker at The Soraya on December 7 at 3PM, 8PM, or December 8 at 3PM. Only one submission per participant will be accepted. The giveaway ends on Thursday, December 5 at 9AM (PST), with winners announced at 11AM (PST). 

ENTER>>

 

About “The Nutcracker”

Based on the story by E.T.A. Hoffmann
Music: Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Choreography: Jean-Philippe Malaty and Tom Mossbrucker
Set Design: Roger LaVoie
Lighting Design: Seah Johnson
Sound Design: Sam Chittenden
Costumes: Nete Joseph

WHEN:

Saturday, December 7 at 3:00pm and 8:00pm
Sunday, December 8 at 3:00pm

WHERE:

Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts (The Soraya)
18111 Nordhoff St.
Northridge, CA 91330

TICKETS:

Starting at $49. Prices subject to change.
(818) 677-3000

“Aspen Santa Fe Ballet has brought joy and creative abandon to a holiday classic.” —Santa Fe New Mexican

The Soraya Presents the Los Angeles Premiere of Aspen Santa Fe Ballet’s Production of
The Soraya Presents the Los Angeles Premiere of Aspen Santa Fe Ballet’s Production of “The Nutcracker.” Photo by Sharen Bradford.

About Aspen Santa Fe Ballet

Ballet’s dynamic story in the American West In 1996, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Founder Bebe Schweppe invited Tom Mossbrucker and Jean-Philippe Malaty to create a ballet company in Aspen. A unique, multidimensional arts organization developed rapidly from the ballet school Schweppe had established in the Rocky Mountains. “Bebe’s vision for Aspen to have its own ballet company was the project of a lifetime,” says Malaty, ASFB’s Executive Director. “We embarked together on a serendipitous adventure. More than 20 years later, the connection between the dancers and our two communities is deep and inextricable.”

Forging a new frontier
The company began modestly with seven dancers. Growth was organic. Friends in the field—Gerald Arpino, Trey McIntyre, Septime Webre, Dwight Rhoden—offered start-up repertoire. Moses Pendleton’s popular Noir Blanc was a seminal event for the young ASFB. It launched a tradition of commissioning new works. An open, exploratory style emerged as Mossbrucker and Malaty tapped the creative scene in Europe where classical ballet was breaking from its boundaries. The athletic and adventurous American dancers found themselves at a crossroads of dance history. The divide between ballet and modern dance was dissolving.

Innovative business model
In 2000, the Aspen, Colorado-based ballet company forged a dual-city relationship with Santa Fe, New Mexico, broadening its scope and lending crucial revenue diversification. Under this hybrid business model, a roster of arts activities flourishes year-round in both cities. Performance, education, presentation, and community outreach all join in the mix. In 2014, ASFB shared resources with a local troupe, Juan Siddi Flamenco Santa Fe (JSFSF). This entrepreneurial project led to artistic heights at Jacob’s Pillow and New York’s Joyce Theater. Fortified with new experience and relationships, JSFSF continues to thrive in its own right.

New commissions
ASFB’s mission places highest priority on developing new dance works and nurturing relationships with emerging choreographers. The company fostered the early careers of now in-demand global dance makers like Nicolo Fonte (nine commissioned Fonte works in the ASFB repertoire), Jorma Elo (three commissioned Elo works), Edwaard Liang, Jacopo Godani, Helen Pickett, Cayetano Soto, Alejandro Cerrudo, and others. Works by late 20th century masters—William Forsythe, Jiří Kylián, Twyla Tharp—round out the repertoire.

“We value building relationships with choreographers who become integral to the company. The natural beauty of our surroundings has a profound impact on creativity. Our choreographers find it inspiring to create here,” says Mossbrucker, ASFB’s Artistic Director.

About Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts (The Soraya)

The 2019-20 Season marks the ninth year for the award-winning Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts which has quickly become one of the cultural jewels of the greater Los Angeles region. Under the leadership of Executive Director Thor Steingraber, The Soraya continues to expand its programming and outstanding multidisciplinary performances. The Soraya presents a wide variety of performances that not only include new and original work from the Los Angeles region but also work from around the world appealing to all of LA’s rich and diverse communities.

Located on the campus of California State University, Northridge, The Soraya’s season offers a vibrant performance program of nearly 50 classical and popular music, dance, theater, family, and international events that have served to establish The Soraya as the intellectual and cultural heart of the San Fernando Valley, and further establish itself as one of the top arts companies in Southern California. The award-winning, 1,700-seat theatre was designed by HGA Architects and Engineers and was recently cited by the Los Angeles Times as “a growing hub for live music, dance, drama and other cultural events.


**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo. On Instagram @NoHoArtsDistrict and Facebook @NoHoArtsDistrict.

The Lounge Theatre Presents “Salvage”

Book by Tim Alderson. Music and Lyrics by Mark Heard, Pat Terry, Randy VanWarmer, Tim Alderson.

“Salvage” is much, much more than a musical.  Although I love musicals, who doesn’t? “Salvage” is a play with music.

A truly wonderful, moving, funny, mesmerizing play with equally excellent and beautifully performed music.  A play that in no way relies on the music to take us from moment to moment or scene to scene, the play does that very well itself. The music bares the souls of the characters, giving us insight far deeper than dialogue ever could.

thumbnail Leonard Earl Howze Christopher Fordinal David Atkinson
Leonard Earl Howze Christopher Fordinal David Atkinson

A young musician wanders into a bar on his way to pawn his guitar.  He knows the bar, although he’s never actually been there because his favorite musician died there.  So when he finds the bar empty save for the barman and a solitary older man playing his own guitar and singing songs heartbreakingly good, he can’t help but take his guitar from its case one last time and join him.

Of course, this doesn’t go down particularly well and the story that begins to unfold because of his naiveté and the older man’s bitter twist on the world and the barman’s attempt to keep the peace takes them on a journey that it’s clear none of them were expecting that day.

These three souls are linked in ways we discover as they themselves do.  The songs they sing teach us more about the why and the how they are all there and add dimensions of sadness and profundity to the story that only the very best music ever can.

thumbnail Christopher Fordinal Leonard Earl Howze Nina Herzog
Christopher Fordinal Leonard Earl Howze Nina Herzog

It’s a simple story, really.  One that has been told in many ways and will probably be told again, and yet this play tells it so beautifully and with such astonishing grace and soul that it feels undiscovered and breathtakingly new.  We learn who these people are and why they are here.  We learn about their pain and regret and fears and, in the end, about their forgiveness.

I’m not afraid to tell you that I wept, several times in fact, and laughed and even bobbed my head to the absolutely wonderful songs.  Songs are sung with effortless excellence and the kind of genius that only the very best vocalists can do.  Country, blues, call it what you may…it’s all gorgeous and from the heart.

thumbnail Christopher Fordinal and David Atkinson 2 4
Christopher Fordinal and David Atkinson

Do yourselves a huge favor and see this show. It’s a world premiere of a show that I believe will play and play and play and this, the first-ever cast, is just superb. 

Their voices and their musicality are extraordinary, and the story that links them all is quite beautiful…loved it!!!

https://www.onstage411.com/newsite/show/play_info.asp?show_id=5052

Directed by Damian D. Lewis 

Produced by Racquel Lehrman Running November 16 through December 15, Fri & Sat at 8pm, Sunday at 3pm

The Lounge Theatre, 6201 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, 90038

Cast: David Atkinson, Christopher Fordinal, Nia Herzog, Leonard Earl Howze

Creative Team: Joel Daavid (Scenic Design), Matt Richter (Lighting Design), Christopher Moscatiello (Sound Design), Wendell C. Carmichael (Costume Design), Jenine (Props Design), Stephan Terry (Music Director), Michael Donovan (Casting Director), Laurien Allmon (Stage Manager)

Actors! Don’t Lose Your Accent Yet

I’ve worked with a number of actors lately that have been asking about their accents.

They are considering working to lose their accent so they can speak in a normal American voice. 

They believe it will open casting possibilities and think that currently, it hinders their casting ability.  Is this you? Are you in this category? I know this conversation is controversial and the first thing I want to say is that it’s a personal choice on what to do. I’ve heard managers, agents and casting directors with opinions that are all over the map.

If you studied at Julliard as a youth or went through another great arts program, accents and voice were part of your curriculum so you might have a basket of accents in your pocket. Good for you.

But what if you came from another country, have a strong accent, and are an adult in the age range of, say 30 – 75?  Do you want to correct that accent? Do you want to invest the time and money to be “normal”?  So much of my teaching philosophy is this: Who you are makes you different from all the other actors that look like you.  You might want to see your accent as your gift, uniqueness, and specialness. Let’s take a look at Antonio Banderas, Sofía Vergara, and Arnold Schwarzenegger for example. These are three powerful actors with great accents. There is no one like them. It’s hard to compare them to another actor. Their accents are a big part of that.

If you have an accent, what is most important is that your articulation is excellent. You can have a strong accent, but the audience needs to understand every word. That is where you might want to do some voice work.

Keep this in mind, your accent may limit your casting range, but its uniqueness can make you stand out.  If you drop your accent, you might have more casting possibilities, but you will also be in a huge pool and could get lost.  I don’t think Antonio, Sofia, and Arnold apologize for their accents. For me, it makes them special, unique and memorable.

Actors are always trying to fix what they think is in their way. Accents if mastered correctly, with articulation and strength, can make you one of a kind. And that is what you want to be.

All You Need to Know about the Jewelry Appraisal

If you are ever lucky enough to own a really fine piece of jewelry the last thing you want to think about is how to replace it if it is stolen.

Good jewelry is an asset that is as good as money in the bank. Finding out it’s been taken could be a financial disaster if you have not had it appraised for insurance correctly.

When you have expensive jewelry or you go out wearing your diamonds, it always makes sense to have them insured to avoid dealing with shock and disappointment when things go wrong. However, before you can find an insurance plan, you have to take your jewelry for an appraisal. Finding local jewelry appraisal is important because it provides documented proof of the replacement value of your jewelry.

For jewelry with diamonds, the appraisal will provide a full description of the item, including the carat weight of the diamond and information about its cut and color as well as its setting. If there are other gemstones alongside diamonds, the appraisal will include them too.

Importance of a Jewelry Appraisal

When you purchase a jewelry item from a high-end jeweler, they will also provide documented authentication. This is for your insurance purposes. Insurance companies might ask you to renew this document every few years or so to reflect the changing price of diamonds and precious metals. If you have the item stolen, your insurance company refers to this document and takes it as a proof of ownership. They will compensate you for the value of the item mentioned in the document. This is the reason why the jewelry appraisal is of immense importance, and why some jewelers charge up to $100 for this service.

Importance of a Jewelry Appraisal for Selling an Item

In case you want to sell your jewelry, a jeweler will again ask you to produce the appraisal. They use this initial value as a starting point for deciding the item’s fair selling price. It also means that you don’t need to have the item with you at the time – just showing the appraisal will enable a jeweler to offer an estimate of what the sale value should be.

Importance of Going to a Good Jeweler

As you can see, it really makes sense to deal with the cost of getting jewelry appraised, but you should still pick a good jeweler. Opt for someone offering appraisal services by certified gemologists who know how to comply with insurance company guidelines.

Insurance always brings peace of mind. Even so, the last thing you need to find out if you do ever have to find a replacement, is that you were underinsured. It may be impossible to find a like for like replacement for what you had. The bespoke jewelry is often unique. But not getting a payout to the same value means you lose out not once, but twice. No matter how good the replacement; to you, it’s a cheap substitute for the precious thing you had and lost. It adds more disappointment and reasons to be angry,  making it harder to recover emotionally from your loss.

To kids, dogs often must be a chore or they are ignored.

How often has your kid grown tired of a new toy, hobby or sport at school?

Many kids under 15 grow tired of everything at some point. Then they get some freedom around 15/16 and nothing else matters but their journey to independence.

Human nature, normal, unavoidable, life…right?! Where does that leave your family pet?

Many kids and families are overjoyed at their new puppy or family dog. It’s so exciting and fun at first. That can quickly fade. Cleaning up poop, feeding the dog, brushing the dog, having to play with the dog instead of watching youtube are all serious bummers to many kids after a certain point. You can’t blame them. It’s normal and natural. If certain things like cleaning your room, doing your homework, only an hour of tv aren’t rules and chores, then they would never be done or followed. Taking care of an animal has to be the same thing. Kids interests in animals will often fade. Not always, but often they will lose interest at some point. Making taking care of the dog a chore they have to do daily, like homework, is what keeps them responsible and teaches the importance of not just casting a living thing aside. (I could argue more important then homework…but I think that might be an opinion, haha)

I grew up on a farm, so I understand my experience is different than most. However, I was a very busy teenager and it could be 10 o’clock at night and if I didn’t make time to feed the animals before my game, practice, etc., I was putting boots on over pajamas and heading out into the freezing cold to feed and watering them. This also helped me with time management! My parents would supervise, lead by example and help when I really needed it. Outside animals usually ate before we did. Every night it was the same list of questions. Did you feed the “insert barn or animals here”. Since my brothers were slightly less reliable, they got more questions. “Did you feed and water? Did you dump the water and then refill it?” And the list goes on.

Then, certain times of the year, it would be questions on how I spent time with them or groomed them. “Did you brush Sandy after you worked with him? Did you spend some time with the baby goats to socialize them? How did Shannon do today?” Any complaining or trying to get out of work would have me right back out there doing what I was supposed to be doing except now heavily supervised. If I didn’t have the time or lost interest in an animal, my parents would take care of more of the exercise and attention when they could. I was still responsible for the basic needs, feeding and grooming. No exceptions. I went through phases of not being interested in certain animals. I went through periods of time where I favored certain pets over others and still didn’t make time for them more then what I HAD to do. I was a kid, then I was a teenager. That’s normal. The thing is though, that consistency and responsibility brought me back to those animals when I was older. Conversations about going out Friday after school were about making sure someone was home to feed first or I would be home early enough to do it. If I had to leave school for a game, the family stepped in to help. If I just wanted to go to the movies, I was doing my chores before I was able to go. I’m not saying everyone needs to be that strict, but the self sacrifice of putting others first over my own wants, especially when I didn’t want to, is something of such high value that only an innocent and loving animal can truly teach you…paired with countless times of your mom yelling to get your chores done or you won’t get to do anything, including eat dinner.

They need you and they depend on you to teach younger generations the importance of their existence and the responsibility we have to them. As people we must respect that and know how valuable that is to teach at a young age.

I didn’t mean to get all soap boxy, but for a kid, doing things you don’t want to do is as valuable of a lesson you can learn to prepare them for adulthood. Chores are important and if the family pets are not part of those chores, than the child may never make their way back around to the animal again. Then, something much worse happens. When they get a dog because they want something to love on as an adult, they will not have the fortitude, mindset or discipline to do so and the animal suffers. Dogs are not something for us to only dump our emotions and love onto. That does a huge disservice to the animal…even a little fluffy maltese. They need their basics to live. That is food, water, grooming and veterinary care. All things that can be chores. Then they need things to do, to be taught how to do basic obedience for mental enrichment, be walked and played with for exercise, be taught boundaries and rules. All the job of the parents with the kids help when they want to. That way the kid learns by example and then grow up to be more likely to do the same. I hope that this is something we can all agree on the importance of and rededicate ourselves to teaching it in whatever way we can.

-Bethany Wilson

How to Start Over After Divorce with No Money | Preparing for Leaving Alone

Divorce is never a nice thing, but whether you’re male or female, preparing to leave and starting over again can be very frightening.

You don’t have money behind you, you’re starting alone, it’s an uneasy time and you’re feeling very unsure about your best course of action. Most people don’t know how to tackle the situation in a calm and rational manner and as a result, they panic and think it’s too hard to leave the relationship. Some stay in the relationship even though they’re not happy. It’s not the best place to be in, but, staying in a loveless marriage isn’t smart either.

Starting over is a scary prospect but there is far more support available than ever before. So, how to start over again after divorce with no money behind you?

You Must Prepare To Leave

You want to start over and leave the turbulent relationship behind, but first, you need to prepare for the changes ahead. Far too many people don’t prepare ahead of time and leave with nothing but the clothes on their backs. It’s not the best way to deal with separation or divorce, especially if it has been a contentious one. So, instead, you need to think smart and prepare for what’s to come – before you walk out the door empty-handed!

  • Create A Plan Of Action

A plan of action is essential for anyone preparing for divorce. Why is that? You have no clue what you’re doing and you’ll be in a tailspin (even when you think you’re doing just fine) and you could make mistakes that leave you penniless and homeless. Instead, you have to prepare and plan ahead for any eventuality. In the plan, you need to write down what you need to start over after the divorce and how you’ll be able to get it. You have to consider where you’ll stay and how you’ll support yourself as well as what steps you’ll take to get back on your feet. Baby steps are needed and you must take a wise approach in leaving.

  • Try To Save Whatever Money You Can – If You Can

Having virtually no money behind you is bad no matter how rich your spouse might be. Remember, your spouse isn’t going to be paying for an attorney and they probably aren’t going to be supporting you during or after the divorce, so you can’t rely on that source of income. Yes, some spouses are entitled to spousal support or alimony, but it might be a long time in the waiting before you see any sign of it. What is more, depending on the circumstances of the divorce and how long you’ve been together, you might be left high and dry. So essentially, you can’t rely on anyone for money.

Essentially, you can’t rely on anyone for money. What you need to do is try and save any money you can – if you can – and put it aside for a good attorney that’ll get you a fair deal or even to use for a down payment on an apartment. Whatever money you manage to save could potentially be used to support you after the divorce and when you’re starting out with very little. You could sell off unwanted items you have and put away the money you make for later.

Go here to know more:  https://americasaves.org/for-savers/make-a-plan-how-to-save-money/54-ways-to-save-money

  • Consult A Divorce Attorney

Whether you’re going to opt for a traditional divorce or an online one, you need to know your rights and obligations. Speaking to a divorce lawyer or attorney can be very useful so that you know – potentially – what to expect from the divorce. Remember, every relationship is different and that means what you expect to get from the divorce may be different from what you’re entitled to and awarded. For example, the marital home was purchased by your spouse a decade ago, it’s in his name and you have only been living in it and contributing to the bills for one year; think you’re entitled to keep the property? Your spouse might be awarded the home since they are the ones that contributed the most and is technically theirs since they purchased it.

You cannot expect to get the lion’s share of the assets either because depending on the circumstances of the marriage, the spouse might be awarded the majority of them. What is more, the type of lawyer each spouse has may determine the outcome of the divorce settlement. You need to know what you’re facing during the divorce and how it’ll impact you. Lawyers can offer up a lot of useful advice and even support, so it’s something to look into.

Starting Over After Divorce

No-one wants to start from the bottom again, but it’s often the way after divorce. You’re in a new set of circumstances and you have to realize things won’t go back to how they used to be. Starting over after divorce doesn’t have to be as awful as it sounds, although for the first few months, possibly years, it won’t be all sunshine and roses.

  • Look For Work

If you’ve been a housewife or househusband you’re going to have to get back in the workplace to support yourself. You probably aren’t used to the idea but you can’t rely on anyone to help you. Yes, government assistance can be useful at this time, but it’s not always enough to support you and your benefits may run out in very little time. Getting back into the workplace is difficult when you have little experience or have been out of the loop for several years, but there are still opportunities for you. Have you thought about the waitressing or tending bar?

There are plenty of part-time jobs in fast food outlets and restaurants to enquire about, and while they’re not ideal, they’re bringing in money and putting food on the table. What is more, if you can drive, you could become a part-time courier for local companies or a cab driver. Again, it’s maybe not your dream job but it’s something that’ll give you experience. If you wanted to gain experience but weren’t able to find a part-time job, why not look at volunteering? It’ll give you some work experience and a good reference or two!

  • Consider Evening Classes To Build Qualifications

Qualifications aren’t always going to ensure you get the best paying job, but it’s something employers look for when they hire you. If you don’t have a high school diploma, why not look at GED glasses? Furthering your education can often be crucial for those starting over in life again after a divorce. There may also be free classes available and again it all helps to improve the basic skills that get you into the workplace.

  • Consider Temporarily Moving In With Family

Going through a divorce with no money is a nightmare because you’re starting over without a penny. You have nothing. You can’t get an apartment on your own and you may have to consider moving back in with your parents or other family members. Of course, you dislike the idea because no matter your age you don’t want to be back living with them, but it’s often necessary. Think about this: you’ve gone through a messy divorce and you’ve walked away with only the shirt on your back, what are you going to do? You can’t get an apartment without money, you haven’t got a job (or a good-enough paying one) and you get little assistance from the government; you truly have few options.

It’s not a permanent move, it’s temporary. However, going back to live with your parents, grandparents or a sibling, isn’t a step back, it’s a step forward. You’ve gone through a tough divorce, but your family is willing to try and help you get back on your feet. They want you to get a job, save money for an apartment and be independent again. Sometimes, after a divorce, you have to look to the family to give you a helping hand for the first few months. You don’t necessarily have to take money from them, but rather their emotional support. Of course, financial support from family members happens and you might return the favor one day.

If they’re able to help, you could save enough money to start over again.

  • Get A Place Of Your Own And Get Rid Of Items That Has Bad Memories

As said above, you might not be able to get an apartment or room rented immediately after the divorce since you have no money, so instead, you have to save. Hopefully, you’ll be able to save enough within a few months to get back on your feet and a home of your own. Don’t be disheartened at the fact you have returned to a childhood home because a divorce can often leave you with nothing. However, putting your all into starting over is essential to have a good life once again.

When you’re able to save up and afford somewhere nice, you could take the bold step of setting out on your own again. You can create a wonderful new home somewhere and it’s yours. However, when you’re ready to get rid of a few household items which hold a lot of bad memories for you. For instance, you have a dresser and your former spouse bought it for you, and every time you look at it, it brings back painful memories. Why not part company with it if you’re ready to do so? It might ease some hurt feelings you have.

  • Enquire About Financial Support From The Local Government

If you’re out-of-work, you may be eligible for some financial support from the government. Assistance may not be something you want to apply for, but at the same time, you’re entitled to it and it’s a means of supporting yourself until you’re able to. You might be able to get food stamps or housing assistance and they’re helpful for you to start over after a divorce with no money and until you get a job.

  • Give Yourself Time To Adjust And Let Go Of The Past

You have to grieve for the relationship you lost. You’ve lost the person you loved and while you’re not in that place anymore, you’re hurting. It’s essential to give yourself time to grieve and heal. You need to find a healthy outlet for your anger and give yourself time to adjust to your new situation. Also, you have to find a way to let go of the past. Let go of those hurt feelings and don’t let the bitterness overcome you.

Take a positive approach and tell yourself you’re better off and in a better place. Things will get better, but you have to give yourself time to get used to the divorce. Don’t keep raking over the past because it’ll only make you feel worse.

  • Get Help From A Support Network And Don’t Rush Into A New Romantic Relationship

First, finding new love is possible, but, to be honest, you shouldn’t rush into a new relationship too quickly. Why is that if people say to move on? You’re still in a rocky emotional place and you don’t want to be taken advantage of and at the same time, you don’t want to hurt someone either. For example, you meet someone at a bar and you rush into the romance and the new partner thinks its love, but for you, it’s only a rebound fling. You’d hurt them, but also yourself. Instead, give yourself time to get used to being single before you look for love.

Second, you need a support network that is going to help you during and after the divorce. The group can be anyone from family members, close friends or even a local support group in the community. This is an essential part of starting over after divorce because you’re meeting people in the same boat as you. You can find support but also help support others.

Starting Over Is Necessary

You’ve gone through a divorce and whether it was a walk in the park or a grueling fight to the finish, it’s done and you have to find a way to pick yourself up and move on. It’s easier said than done, but the truth is there is far more support available than ever before. Even if you don’t have money behind you, it doesn’t mean to say you can’t start over.

The Collaborative Artists Ensemble Present “Unraveled”

Written by Jennifer Blackmer.  Directed by Steve Jarrard.

The Sherry Theatre, 11052 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood, 91601

The Collaborative Artists Ensemble always finds plays that explore the depths of human existence. 

They seem fascinated by the way our minds work, as well as by the many ways that they do not.  “Unraveled” is a heart-breaking journey through one woman’s story of coping with her beloved mother’s particular unravelling.  It’s not at all as obvious as it might sound.  There is madness of course, but the mother’s mind is affected by cancer treatment, and her decline is clinical as well as emotional.  The daughter, however, her unravelling is far more of a direct result of her environment, her inability to face her mother’s death and an inmate need to control everything…sound familiar?

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I cannot tell you how well I related to this challenging and compelling play. 

I lost both my parent to cancer and apart from the terrible toll it took on them physically, the mental decline, particularly linked to the drugs and the treatments, were far more upsetting…for them as well as for those around them.

How very clever of this brilliant playwright, Jennifer Blackmer, to have her heroine be a physicist and one who studies time.  It gives such a perfect excuse to have us all traveling back and forth through her life, like stepping in and out of the folds of her memories.  One minute with her as a child, the next as a shy teenager, the next back were we started with her trying to care for a mother who mostly doesn’t even know who she is.

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Her relationship with the nurse she hires to help her, someone who is her polar opposite in almost every way, is genuinely beautiful.  As much as she fights the reality of what is unfolding, as much as she tries to force her mother to be what she could never be again, it is this tenuous connection that saves her.  In the end, tenuous connections tend to save us all, don’t they?

It’s a very emotional piece and one so beautifully performed and tenderly produced that the audience feels safe enough to weep as well as to laugh at all the absurdities of the human condition. 

The staging is inventive and deftly done, without being too much that it interferes with the piece and the really wonderful acting.

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This is a play for those who think, for those who feel and for those who love….really, really hard. 

I miss my parents and I thought of them through every line, but not so much that I couldn’t smile and laugh and see the beauty in remembering.

Tickets and Showtimes 

Running Nov 15 through Dec 8, Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 7pm

Cast: Carolyn Crotty, Kathy Bell Denton, Jake Jensen, Drew Lee Davis-Wheeler, Heidi Shon and Meg Wallace

http://www.collaborativeartistsensemble.com/index2.html

Swsh “How You Feel”

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We’re listening to Swsh’s chill R&B groove “How You Feel” produced by Nate Mercereau, released on Future Bounce.

Swsh is a Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter and producer who makes music that makes us move. It’s special when a singer is golden but extra special when she’s a Los Angeleno. Thanks to the hard-working team at COLORS for always giving us fresh, new music, and, this time, right from our own backyard.

On Swsh’s latest single, “How You Feel,” she belts out powerful, soulful vocals that effortlessly carry her witty yet truthful lyrics. The wordplay is right on point.

So I’m just tryna collect all my coins like I’m sonic
So I don’t have to see none of you f*ckers when I’m shining

But you like that I’m strong
You like that I’m bullet proof
Up until you’re wrong and my strength might threaten you
You like that I’m smart until you don’t look so wise
You love my heart until you gotta empathize

The minimalist background tracks set the chill R&B sound but her easy, powerful voice makes this a step and sway song.

“How You Feel” is filled with passion – a slow-burning, smoldering passion, all created by Swsh’s exceptional voice and witty bars.

We would love to see some of our favorite powerhouse female choreographers do their magic to this song – hey, Aisha Francis, Janelle Ginestra, JoJo Gomez, Brin Nicole, The Gentle Ladies?

Follow her on her socials!

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK  

Keep making music that moves us.

Things To Know About Rehabilitation

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Acknowledging a problem with drug abuse may be the first step to rehabilitation, but it’s never an easy thing to do.

Rehabilitation programs are never as simple as they seem; it requires extensive research before one decides on the right treatment for them. Should you or your loved one be thinking of seeking professional help and would like to know more about it, read on to find out all you need to know about rehabilitation programs.

  1. Is rehabilitation truly necessary for you?

Making the decision to seek rehabilitation is the way many patients regain control over their lives. However, not everyone understands the role that rehabilitation plays in the road to recovery. In general, rehabilitation is recommended for those who struggle with overcoming their addiction to substance abuse. This can refer to alcohol, cigarettes or drug addictions. While it’s often said that one seeks professional help when they’ve reached their lowest point, this is actually a misconception that has been falsely preached over the years. Professional treatment can be sought at any time, as long as the person is willing to change their ways.

One can reach out to a professional to determine if he/she needs to undergo rehabilitation. After going through a substance abuse evaluation, the healthcare professional will then assess whether rehabilitation is necessary. This ensures that the patient will be able to seek appropriate kinds of treatments that are best catered to their substance abuse. Since every case is treated on a case-by-case basis, one should never feel like their case isn’t severe enough to seek help — there will always be help offered to every individual, regardless of how severe their addictions are.

  1. Accessing if the addiction warrants treatment

Before contacting a healthcare professional to schedule an assessment, one can first determine if their substance use is considered an ‘addiction’. For example, if you struggle with the drug, suboxone, you can learn more about suboxone addiction and its side effects at Desert Hope Treatment’s website. This also helps to mentally prepare oneself for possible outcomes of evaluation when visiting the treatment professional for the assessment. Here are some ways to determine what kind of ‘addiction’ one has.

You should schedule a professional assessment if you are experiencing:

  • Strained relationships
  • Unusual vulnerability from drugs
  • Body pains
  • Guilt 
  • Strong cravings 
  • Depressive episodes
  • Feelings of anxiety 
  • Intense helplessness
  • Uncontrollable aggressive behavior
  • A tendency to self-harm
  • Overdose/excessive substance use
  • Blackouts or passing out
  • Financial problems from spending on substance
  • Immoral acts 

Additionally, the severity of the addiction can be assessed based on physical characteristics like:

  • Sudden weight loss
  • Dilated pupils
  • Discoloration of teeth or skin
  • Haggard appearance
  • Unusual physical injuries or track marks

If you or your loved ones find any of these symptoms disconcertingly familiar, don’t hesitate to reach out for help and contact your local treatment specialists — no one should have to deal with this alone. 

  1. The benefits of professional help

Some patients who have tried unsupervised detox on their own face problems like “cold turkey”. “Cold turkey” refers to the body’s withdrawal that occurs when the user chooses not to rely on the substance and there are cases where “cold turkey” can result in dangerous side-effects. For instance, unsupervised detox can cause hallucinations, seizures and heart failure, among many other withdrawal symptoms. As such, professionals usually warn patients to steer clear of unsupervised detox programs.

The benefits of seeking professional, supervised help are that patients can regain control over their bodies in safe ways. They will be under supervision all around the clock, such that they can always sound out and seek ready assistance when experiencing discomfort. 

  1. Finding out the best rehabilitation program

There are two main types of rehabilitation programs: inpatient and outpatient treatment. The former necessitates the patient to check-in at the treatment facility, while the latter allows the patient to rest at home and seek treatment during scheduled appointments. 

Inpatient treatment:

Patients would need to commit for approximately a month and they’ll get to wholly focus on the rehabilitation process without being exposed to temptations or distractions. The inpatient program urges patients to push themselves and stay committed to their recovery journey.

Outpatient treatment:

This program offers more flexibility, such that the patient gets to schedule the treatments around their daily lives. Plus, it is usually less costly, given that the patient does not need to pay for check-in accommodation fees. The outpatient program is often offered as a follow-up for patients who have completed their inpatient treatment. This allows patients to continue benefiting from the encouraging support system built during their rehabilitation journey, such as having regular visits to their therapists and nurses who have assisted them during their stay as an inpatient. 

While it is true that patients can ultimately decide which program to go for, it is advisable to heed the advice given by the healthcare professional — after all, the patient’s well being is always their top priority.Preparing for treatment

Before one decides to commit to a rehabilitation journey, it is crucial that he/she takes care of their other responsibilities and obligations. Patients should inform their work superiors that they might require time off for treatment. Or, they might need to officially request permission for a lighter workload, such that stress levels are kept to a minimum for optimal treatment results. Gaining encouragement from peers helps make the rehabilitation journey a more bearable one since treatment is a radical lifestyle change. 

  1. Traveling for Rehabilitation

For inpatients, traveling might not be recommended because it might expose them to potential triggers. However, there are some instances where traveling can provide the patient with a new environment, such that it can help to reset their ways of thinking; they’ll then be able to cope better with solving their addiction problem. 

  1. Selecting your rehab facility

Don’t be afraid to ask questions whenever in doubt. The healthcare professionals will provide as much assistance as possible so that the patient and his/her family can make the most informed choices regarding the rehabilitation journey. Should the patient like to know more about the specifics of the treatment, he/she can always request a thorough guide. Additionally, to save on costs, remember to clarify if any insurance policies can be used for the treatment program.

Addiction problems aren’t as uncommon as it seems. There are many varying forms of addiction, so don’t feel ashamed to reach out to family and friends for support. Seeking rehabilitation is a life-changing decision, but all it takes is for you or your loved one to take the first step of acknowledging the problem before finding out more about it — whatever it is, nobody should ever have to deal with it alone. 

Review of the Irishman – De Niro, Pacino and Pesci Deliver!

 “When the legend becomes fact, print the legend.”

These words are often associated with the films of director John Ford (“The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” comes to mind.) but would not be out of place here. For Martin Scorsese’s deliberately paced, reflective “The Irishman” is somewhat reminiscent of Ford’s autumnal works—only with better make-up effects. (It only takes a little while to get used to the de-aging utilized here—and the actors move pretty well for their respective ages). If you remember “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance,” James Stewart’s elder statesman tries to set the record straight on certain past events, much like Robert De Niro’s aging mob figure tries to do in “The Irishman”. And while “The Irishman” hearkens back to Scorsese’s earlier classics, both in casting and substance, it is a haunting, memorable film in its own right, the work of a master filmmaker who in looking back, has lost none of his present power.

De Niro’s Frank Sheeran certainly has a story to tell from within the confines of his nursing home, a tale complete with fortuitous meetings with influential crime figures like Russell Bufalino (Joe Pesci) and Joseph (Crazy Joe) Gallo (Sebastian Maniscalco), which result in his becoming an intimate of embattled union leader Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino). Loyalty and respect are qualities in high demand and short supply in De Niro’s social circle. De Niro’s Sheeran is respected because of the loyalty he shows to the organization and his fellow workers. As a union truck driver, Sheeran impresses his higher-ups (as well as his lawyer Bill Bufalino, played by Ray Romano) after he is arrested and refuses to finger anyone else. This “integrity” motivates Bufalino to introduce Sheeran to his cousin Russell Bufalino (Joe Pesci) and the two begin a life-long friendship founded mainly on respect and loyalty. Early on Sheeran unknowingly jeopardizes the friendship when he attempts to act on his own, but Russell’s loyalty spares Sheehan the wrath of his fellow mob leaders (such as Harvey Keitel’s Angelo Bruno).

Ultimately Russell introduces Frank to Hoffa, who is depicted as a charismatic union leader (with a dynamic, yet controlled Pacino playing him, who could expect anything else?) with his fingers in many pies, all the while striving to impose his will on both the union and any endeavor he feels the union should support. De Niro’s Sheehan and Pacino’s Hoffa hit it off famously, largely because of the mutual respect they afford each other. It’s a friendship that withstands the test of time—until Hoffa is released from prison and attempts to regain control of his union, no matter who he alienates in the process—in this case, the mob. It is here that De Niro’s Frank is forced to choose between his friendship with Hoffa and his loyalty to Russell. While it’s not difficult (given the circumstances and the source book’s raison d’etre) to see how this will play out, Scorsese and company probe a little deeper, making “The Irishman” into something akin to a valedictory comment on his past successes like “Casino” and “Good Fellas.”

Yet one should not expect another “Good Fellas”—although Scorsese occasionally teases us with Tarantino-like supertitles and the fates of certain characters. Here, it’s rather like Old Fellas (I couldn’t resist), though there is violence aplenty. Most of the shady minor characters are introduced with a caption stating their violent fate. Here though the violent deeds (and there are plenty, largely because of Sheeran’s use as a hitman) are not lovingly depicted with an exhilarating cinematic flourish, but in a rather detached manner. (A notable exception is when Sheeran savagely beats a shopowner who touched his daughter—to the horror of his disapproving daughter). In addition, “The Irishman” moves at a deliberate, steady pace (edited by Scorsese mainstay Thelma Schoonmaker) that sustains interest throughout its three and a half-hour running time (Yeah, it’s a little long, but you’ll rarely be looking at your watch.) The performances are all pitch-perfect, including Stephen Graham as Hoffa’s disrespectful, volatile nemesis Anthony (“Tony Pro’) Provenzano, Ray Romano’s clever lawyer, and Kathrine Narducci, Welker White and Stephanie Kurtzba as the protagonists’ spouses. (Anna Paquin is also on hand as De Niro’s largely silent, reactive daughter.) 

De Niro, Pacino and Pesci deliver subtle, complex, and sometimes quietly devastating portrayals that gain even more shadings as the characters get older. Mortality is very much on the minds of these men, as well as the filmmakers. Pacino’s Hoffa makes impulsive decisions that wreck any headway he might make, yet toward the end he assumes a rather fatalistic approach, reckoning that whatever happens will happen. By the end, Pesci’s quietly ruthless, pragmatic Russell also takes note of his approaching years, his business successes—and also his inability to endear himself to people he sees as family (like De Niro/Sheeran’s children). De Niro’s character makes no illusions about himself—though he tries to portray himself as the good, protective father, he remains aware of the damage he has inflicted on his family. He winds up a true loner, a solitary figure with only the grave awaiting him.

Just one more thing (to quote Lieutenant Columbo): Netflix produced the film and it will be available to stream in the near future. However, I wholly recommend that you see “The Irishman” in a movie theatre if at all possible. (I’m sure “Marty” would like it too.)

4 Strategies for Struggling Artists to Manage Their Credit

Credit scores are used for everything from leasing an apartment to getting a cell phone.

A low credit score could cost you an employment opportunity, affect your ability to obtain some types of insurance and cost you thousands of dollars in higher interest rates and fees.  For all these reasons, it may be beneficial to carefully manage your credit. Consider incorporating these four strategies into your credit management plan.

Check Your Credit Report

Requesting your credit report is a good place to begin your credit management strategy. Experian, Equifax, and Transunion are the three major credit reporting agencies. Each of them is required to provide you with a free copy of your credit report once every 12 months and whenever you have been denied credit or insurance due to a decision based on one of their reports. You can request your free report at annualcreditreport.com. Checking your own credit report will not lower your score.

Once you have your report, you should check it carefully. If you find anything that isn’t correct in your report, you can dispute the information with the credit agency by submitting a form on their website. They may require additional documentation to prove your dispute. You should also pay attention to any negative items on your report so that you can begin working on addressing those items.

Manage Your Credit Score

Credit reporting agencies are not required to furnish you with your credit score, however, you can obtain it from them for a fee. Some credit card companies and other services offer a free credit score as a perk of your account, so you may be able to access your score that way as well. A credit score above 700 is considered good and above 800 is excellent. However, if your score is lower than that, there are steps you can take to improve it. The most important thing you can do is to pay all your bills on time. Late or missed payments will quickly bring your credit score down. If you are currently behind on any payments, work on getting them caught up. If you are having trouble making all your payments, try contacting your lenders and see if they will work with you.

A second major factor is your credit utilization. You should try to keep your balances as low as possible, both to save yourself money in interest charges and to improve your credit score. The more available credit you have compared to your income and the greater percentage of that credit you are using, the lower your credit score will be. You can improve your credit utilization by paying down the balances on your accounts.

Other factors include the length of your credit history and the number of inquiries on your account. You can’t do much about the length of time you have had credit, but you can avoid excessive inquires by being selective about how much credit you apply for and not applying for a lot of different accounts all at once.

Finally, major derogatory marks, like bankruptcies, repossessions or defaulted loans can tank your credit score for a long period of time. The best thing you can do if you have major black marks is to demonstrate responsible use of credit and avoid getting any further negative items on your report. The longer you are able to demonstrate responsible credit management after a major derogatory item, the more likely you will be to qualify for credit. Eventually, these items will drop off your report but expect that to be a multi-year process.

Build a Positive Credit History

If you have a poor credit history or no credit history, you may want to start building up some positive credit history. However, you need to be honest with yourself about your ability to manage your credit. If you know you are likely to max out your credit cards or fall behind on payments, it may be best to avoid taking on debt. You can still build some positive history by making sure you pay your rent and your bills on time.

If you’ve decided you are ready to start building a credit history, then you may want to consider starting with a credit card. There are many options out there, so it can be a good idea to begin by weighing the pros and cons of each one and choosing the card that best fits your needs. Factors to consider include the interest rate, fees, and rewards programs. It is generally best to try to pay your balance off every month so that you don’t pay interest on your purchases. However, if you become unable to do so, make sure you make your payments on time and stop using the card until you can get the balance paid off. Try to avoid maxing out your credit limit. A good rule of thumb is to use 30% or less of your available credit to avoid lowering your credit score.

Improve Poor Credit History

If you’ve made some mistakes with your credit, the best time to start working on improving your credit history is now. The first thing you should do is avoid making your credit any worse. Don’t open new accounts if you can avoid it. If you are behind on any payments, try to get caught up. Begin paying down your balances. Once you have paid off some of your credit cards, you can close some if you want, but don’t close them all. Keep your oldest account open. You’ll want to demonstrate that you can have credit available without using it all and if you close accounts as you pay them off, that leaves you with a higher percentage of your remaining available credit being used and that can negatively impact your score. You may want to consider using a credit management tool to help you with this process.

Whether you have good, bad or no credit, there are steps you can take to better manage your credit, improve your credit score and set yourself up for financial success. These four credit management strategies can help you on your way to building or maintaining a positive credit history.

Vaping Culture Controversy

With a whopping 41 million American adults vaping as of 2018, it’s clear that it’s a popular activity for many across the nation.

While many may vape or use e-cigarettes to begin a journey of quitting a harmful cigarette habit, others do it to be part of the ever so lively vaping scene. However, while many may believe vaping to be completely harmless, recent news and events in North Hollywood and throughout the nation have led to some controversy around the matter. 

A nationwide culture and its potential risks

Vaping quickly rose to popularity due to sleek designed devices and an array of flavors, giving it an attractive appeal as an alternative to traditional cigarettes. Over the years, a vaping culture has formed, with even those who have never smoked before joining in on the activity. With that, the vaping scene has exploded in popularity across the nation, and North Hollywood is no exception. In fact, one teen by the name of Simah Herman was able to enter a North Hollywood smokehouse without getting carded (she claimed to be 22 years old). Herman then proceeded to buy and use Juul pods and other vaping products and accessories, as many do – however, she eventually found herself in the hospital with what doctors first thought was pneumonia.

The local teen isn’t the only one to be sent to the hospital due to an apparently vaping-related illness. A number of similar cases made the headlines this year, with many reporting respiratory symptoms such as coughing and difficulty breathing. As of November 7th of 2019, 2,051 vaping related injury cases and 39 deaths were reported, causing concern for vapers across the country. After an investigation, the CDC concluded that vitamin E acetate may be the toxin to blame for the lung disease now called EVALI, which has been identified in many of the vape-related cases. 

A household name 

One of the biggest and most well-known manufacturers among those who vape is Juul, a company that manufactures flavored pods that are inserted into a flash drive-like body. With several tempting flavors to choose from, including watermelon, mango and even cappuccino, it’s no surprise that many teens have taken up vaping as an after school hobby. Juul says its products don’t contain THC or vitamin E acetate, bringing many customers relief in the wake of the illnesses. However, there have been allegations that the company shipped out 1 million contaminated pods earlier in the year, without issuing a recall or notice to its customers. The Juul lawsuit has since brought controversy to the hobby that many Americans have enjoyed throughout recent years. 

A citywide solution

Due to recent events, the lively American vaping scene is under scrutiny – especially when it comes to the concern of underage teens getting involved. While the Trump Administration plans to ban the sale of flavored vaping products to combat teen vaping, a citywide ban has already been put into effect in Los Angeles by the city attorney, which bans the sale of flavored tobacco products. Juul has also taken action in the matter by halting sales of fruity and other tempting flavors as well.

Vaping has grown in popularity over recent years, especially when it comes to the younger generation. However, in the light of recent events, many are taking action to make vaping safer for everyone – even if it means putting a ban on flavors that many teenagers enjoy.

 

 

 

Country Band MIDLAND Revives the Beloved and Legendary Palomino Club in North Hollywood

Country band MIDLAND revives the beloved and legendary Palomino Club in North Hollywood for a night of honkytonk revelry as they showcased their now well-known selection of drinking songs, cheating songs and seduction songs, which is also how they divided their set.

Celebrating their sophomore release “Let It Roll” which they featured on the “Ellen Degeneres Show” with their song “Mr. Lonely,” MIDLAND’s appearance was a few hours prior to The Palomino Club gig and it appears to have made Degeneres a Country music convert.

The album hit the Billboard Top Country Music Chart at #1, which they began touring in support of in June 2019. This is MIDLAND’s second album on Big Machine Records. “Mr. Lonely” reminds me of early Beatles music.

Pulling this memorable show together was Valley Relics Museum (VRM) director and founder Tommy Gelinas.

In fact, we dare say that had it not been for Gelinas, the show would probably would not of had the same sentimentality as it did, with the expertise of Gelinas and his team of volunteers that Gelinas tells us give 100 percent of their all to pull a show like this together. The VRM owns the neon Palomino sign as well as other artifacts from the fabled watering hole of locals as well as out-of towners. Also featured at MIDLAND’s gig was the cowboyed up station wagon that Nudie Cohn owned.

According to Gelinas, they only had around three weeks to pull the show together once the green light was given by the Encino-based Academy of Country Music to proceed with the project that had originated with MIDLAND’s record label Big Machine Records in Nashville, Tennessee. Luckily for Gelinas, the VRM’s vice president Oscar Urrutia has an entertainment company that pulls shows and such together professionally so he was able to network that into what needed to be done.

Dubbed the “21st Century Honkytonk All Night Band,” MIDLAND took inspiration from Dwight Yoakam’s song “Fair To Midland” when naming their good time music band.

In fact, many fans of MIDLAND give them credit for restoring their faith and interest in Country music.

While looking around at the crowd that packed the Palomino Club, it was hard to tell if the crowd was that wild about MIDLAND, thrilled to be reliving the glory days of the Palomino Club or both. Either way, the crowd, that had been exceeded by more than 100 according to a door person, were having a grand ol’ time and were eagerly saddling up to the free Dos Equis Beer and Tito’s Handmade Vodka…including myself and fellow reporter Debbie Speer from Pollstar that also sponsored this amazing event. Among the merch for sale at the show was a set of four pins that contained a pin that was a lightning bolt that brought back memories of Elvis Presely’s TCB lighting bolt. There was also a cactus with their name on it which was gifted to Speer.

For MIDLAND, this event was like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and if the walls could talk they would more than likely camp out there.

As it stands, Gelinas has opened the door for MIDLAND to come to the VRM, located in a warehouse in Lake Balboa (formerly Van Nuys), to film a video and let the guys drive Nudie’s renowned cowboy, tricked-out vehicles.

MIDLAND, established in Dripping Springs, Texas, is nominated for the CMA’s Best New Artist award this November and has garnered an award from the ACM and is a double Grammy nominee.

MIDLAND consists of Mark Wystrack, lead vocals and guitar; Cameron Duddy, bass and vocals; Jess Carson, lead guitar and background vocals. “Let It Roll” is their first #1 on the Billboard’s Top Country Music Chart.

For Gelinas, it seems that all roads lead back to the Valley where he happily grew up and, according to Gelinas, MIDLAND’s bass player, Cameron Duddy, is a Valley boy hailing from the berg Northridge. The band may have been formed in Texas, but Duddy’s heart is here in the good ol’ San Fernando Valley.

As for the possibility of another such pop-up event occurring, it is a very real consideration according to Gelinas. “Most people think that all we have to do is call to rent it out and it can be done anytime. It’s just not like that,” Gelinas said. “They are always booked way in advance and things need to be planned out in advance to accommodate that,” he added.

Gelinas is looking to the sSpring as a possibility for another pop-up night with comedy or rock or whatever he and his crack team decide, Gelinas enthused.

The building that housed the Palomino Club from 1949 to 1995 is now a banquet hall which also has activities there for senior citizens such as bingo and is always busy with something. The neighborhood “isn’t very pretty and it’s not like driving to Studio City or Sherman Oaks,” Gelinas cautions, but it’s the best place for music activities since it is an industrial neighborhood.

The Palomino has had their world-famous stage graced by the likes of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Dwight Yoakam, Lyle Lovett, Emmylou Harris to more contemporary artists such as The Flying Burrito Brothers/Gram Parsons, Neil Young and Elvis Costello and there have been CowPunk artists such as Rosie Flores, who will soon be appearing at the old Palomino building for a James Intveld birthday party sans the the VRM’s artifacts, to the Long Ryders and Green Day. One night George Harrison, John Fogerty and Bob Dylan hopped onto the stage to join Jesse Ed Davis and Taj Mahal for an improvised set of their hits. Even Cajun Doug Kershaw played there in 1968 offering up his brand of Cajun Folk meets Zydeco with his electric fiddle and burned up the stage with “Louisiana Man” and “Diggy Diggy Lo.”

Also playing there toward the end of its run were Quiet Riot featuring Randy Rhoads. And one of my favorite local bands, Lost Pilots, have played a few gigs there, including their last show. While I was running the local club “The Cave” I also lent some bands to play there.

The VRM held a fundraiser there at the building and resurrected the Palomino Club with the carefully curated items from the VRM. Dubbed “The Palomino Rides Again,” the nostalgic event netted them $40,000 which went toward expenses and paying rent. These successful events have led Gelinas to believe that pop-up events that not only feature The Palomino, but also FM Station or Mancinis are a definite possibility as well as a comedy night.

From what Gelinas tells the LA Music Scene, ACM is into sponsoring another Palomino event which is music to any Palomino Club fan’s ears.

It’s difficult to walk around NoHo and not run into someone that hasn’t had an explosively good time there and many remember Gram Parson’s hanging out there a lot and talking music. Others remember eating there while still others remember the regular fist fights that this local watering hole would play host to and gave it its reputation as a rather tough beer bar.

In fact, Thomas McElroy was my brother in-law and his twin, Jerry, was my husband and regularly went a few rounds with patrons. Thomas was a bartending fixture there.

These are the memories and energy that MIDLAND wanted to tap into and soak up the legend that is the Palomino Club. For that one night in October the Palomino truly did ride again just for MIDLAND.

November 14 NoHo News

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NoHo News!

Mural Launch Party! WACO Music Series. Outdoor Market. Sherman Oaks Film Festival. Drumstick Dash. Free Pizza. L.A. Theatre District.

Here’s your NoHo arts community update!

We look forward to sharing lots of fun and unique news, events, profiles and updates on what’s happening in the NoHo Arts District.

Every Thursday we send out our NoHo e-News. Do you get it? It takes 30 seconds. Make sure you sign up, it’s FREE. Sign up HERE>>

This issue of NoHo e-News is about what’s going on in North Hollywood and a selection of some theatre shows. But we have a ton of them. Did you know that the NoHo Arts District has the highest concentration of theatres outside of New York City? Just check out the NoHo Arts District Theatre Guide>>

Here’s a glimpse at what’s going on in North Hollywood.

Click on the image and to see the online version of our NoHo News…ENJOY NOHO!

 

Mural Launch Party! WACO Music Series. Outdoor Market. Sherman Oaks Film Festival. Drumstick Dash. Free Pizza.  L.A. Theatre District.

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**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo. On Instagram @NoHoArtsDistrict and Facebook @NoHoArtsDistrict.

 

Tips for Writing an Essay on Romeo and Juliet

Tips for Writing an Essay on Romeo and Juliet

Unfortunately, before writing this article I have to warn you that it is not about a movie starring Leonardo Di Caprio, it is about the worldwide classics of literature, the most famous of them all tragedy of love, hatred, and vengeance that was so masterfully, yet so simply crafted by the one and only William Shakespeare. As a matter of fact, there is no other way to represent this literal masterpiece as it is known all over the world. It is staged in the best theaters, it is translated to more than one hundred and fifty languages, and it is Romeo and Juliet. However, everybody in the world of literature is tired of the constant odes sang to Shakespeare and his genius. He was a genius, and it cannot be rejected. But when it comes to writing about Romeo and Juliet why not focus your attention on things that simultaneously make this tragedy truly peculiar and your essay outstandingly awesome. Here are five interesting facts to write about in Romeo and Juliet essay.

Shakespeare Was an Outlaw

Can you imagine that some modern author would dare to write about a thirteen-year-old girl who embarked on adultery with the son of her family’s enemies and then poisoned him and herself? This author would have been sued faster than a bolt of lightning strikes a tree stands lonely in the fields. It goes without saying that all the characters in Romeo and Juliet are interesting, but it definitely feels like the English wordsmith wanted to make Juliet stand out of the general crowd.

Everyone who read the tragedy knows that the lead characters were young – it is not a secret. Nonetheless, as it turns out Shakespeare describes Juliet as a thirteen-year-old teenager. According to the reckonings of modern scholars, the famous couple of the “star-cross’d lovers” who come from two hostile families were sixteen and thirteen years old. Thus, before glorifying in your essay the pureness of love that Shakespeare describes in Romeo and Juliet you shall first ask how lawful it was, at least as of today.

Not an Original Idea

Not everyone knows that Shakespeare has actually plagiarized the idea of the tragedy. The Tragical History of Romeus and Juliet that was translated from Italian into English by Arthur Brooke in 1562 served as the source of inspiration for the greatest writer of all times. However, the difference is that in the original verse, Juliet is sixteen and not thirteen while Romeo is still somewhere around sixteen. There are no essays written about it. Montague and Capulets were the distinct families of Verona that were held in high regard by the citizens, but it seems that Shakespeare wanted to add some bad blood to the story as otherwise, it would have not become a tragedy. Who knows, maybe, if they were of age or even older, their families would not resort to shedding each other’s blood but would have simply played the best wedding in the history of Verona.

Maybe not Shakespeare but Shakespearetti?

William Shakespeare’s love for Italy can be neither denied nor rejected as it seems that everything he did was borrowed from Italy. In fact, there is nothing to be surprised about as the heritage of Italian literature was extremely abundant in Europe of those times. Hence, here comes another interesting fact for you to write about Romeo and Juliet unrequited love. The first reference to the literary characters of Capulets and Montagues can be found in the poetic creations of Dante. Namely, the Divine Comedy features two families of Capulets and Montagues that are constantly in the state of war with each other. Even the first Romeo and Juliet page in your search engine will not tell you this.

The Non-Existing Balcony

The people of Verona have, probably, made millions of dollars on people eager to come and see the balcony to which Romeo was coming to speak to his lovely Juliet. At least, the majority of the Romeo and Juliet essay examples would not feature this fact, but that notorious balcony can be a non-existing one. In fact, Act 2 Scene 2 of Romeo and Juliet states it loud and clear that Romeo saw Juliet appearing in a window and not on a balcony. What is more, it would have been extremely hard for Shakespeare to mention any balcony in his tragedy as England of that time did not know what a balcony was from an architectural point of view. Remember this fact when you write your Romeo and Juliet paper.

Juliet Still Gets the Valentines

Regardless of all the absurd and historic fallacies that are present in the tragedy, it shall be acknowledged that it is a truly incredible work of literature. Thus, people’s fascination with love that burst between Romeo and Juliet can be understood. This is a proper way for you to end your essay – to mention an interesting but not serious fact that everyone shall find compelling to read about. Even though the tragedy was performed for the first time in the 1590s, it is even today that the Valentines are sent to Verona for Juliet to receive and answer with reciprocity. Still, you may want to know that Samuel Pepys, a Shakespeare’s contemporary, who was a renowned diarist of his Epoque claimed that the first staging of Romeo and Juliet was an absolute failure.

Conclusion

There is no way to state that Rome and Juliet is not the most pompous and the most famous of literal tragedies that have been ever created by a human. William Shakespeare is a genius, and his legacy will long and prosper for the next generations to acknowledge and enjoy. However, when you start writing your essay about Romeo and Juliet, make sure that you look not only for the hackneyed facts that everyone already knows. Shakespeare did his best to mesmerize his audience, so go ahead and do your best to pleasingly shock your teacher.

 

How To Grind Coffee

Grinding fresh coffee is an easy and simple way to brew your coffee.

If haven’t tried grinding coffee yet, just about any type of burr grinder is going to improve the overall quality of your coffee. If you’re interested then click here to find out more about the best grinder to buy. If you use a burr grinder in order to grind your coffee just before brewing, below are a few easy tips to follow to ensure you get the most out of ground coffee.

  1. Clean Your Grinder Regularly

Coffee grinders are similar to coffee makers, which means you need to clean them regularly. We published a previous post on the best way to maintain a burr coffee grinder. Typically, you should be:

  • Brushing away any excess coffee grounds off the grounder after each use
  • Wipe the hopper and grind chamber out every week
  • Deep clean the burr grinder every 3 to 6 months
  1. Use The Correct Grind Setting

Each technique for brewing coffee requires a specific type of grind. You need to ensure you are using the right grind setting according to the brew method and make sure that you change the grind when you change the way that you brew.

Even if you are sure about what grind setting to use, you may want to read over our Comprehensive Coffee Grinding Guide, just to be sure. This guide covers the different grind settings applicable to the majority of brew methods.

  1. Remove Any Stuck Beans From The Grinder

If beans become lodged in the grinder, which usually happens often, you need to remove them. You can either use a pencil or your finger (make sure the coffee grinder is unplugged before you put anything into it). If this method fails to work, turn the grinder upside-down. If this still doesn’t work, taking the grinder apart may be your only option. If you are forced to disassemble the grinder it might be a good idea to deep clean your grinder at the same time.

  1. Make Sure Your Grinder Stays Dry

Similar to any other electrical appliance, you need to make sure your grinder stays dry. Even the manual grinders will not grind your coffee well if they are wet. The coffee grounds will start to stick and they won’t be able to flow through easily.

  1. Only Grind Good Quality Coffee

Your grinder will only be able to produce ground coffee of great quality if you are using coffee beans of excellent quality.