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Imagination Movers “10-4”

Samantha Simmonds-Ronceros
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Imagination Movers “10-4”

I don’t usually review music that I don’t actually listen to myself. But I do have kids in my life and they happen to love music…so here I go!

Imagination Movers are Disney Channel and Emmy Award-winning stars already.  They have spent the last 10 years touring the globe to sold-out shows of pumped up kids and parents alike. They make family friendly, highly positive, problem solving, highly engaging and amazingly creative music.  The kind of thing parents actually enjoy as much as the kids and I can tell you there there is a whole lot of music out there that kids seem to somehow like that is really, really hard to listen to.

These guys manage to make music that appeals to kids without being sickly sweet or at all condescending, which is a rare and magical skill.  In fact, the songs are pretty brilliant, “10-4” is their tenth album, so they know a thing or too about this particular genre and it shows.

It helps that they are excellent musicians of course and that they seem to thoroughly enjoy what they do, finding new and sometimes psychedelic ways to funk their way through a song about socks, of all things.

The songs are funny, sweet, heartfelt and inspiring.  They sing about friends and being different, feeling shy, and feeling sad and lost.  They sing about towing a car, graduating kindergarten and cats, about things that are important and things that are not.  Their voices are real, deep and resonant.  They craft these songs as expertly as any rock or pop band.   Caterpillars becoming butterflies, Mad Hatters, baby talk can all be subjects for glam rock songs.  You can hear echos of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bare Naked Ladies, Men at Work, Blink 182 and even a touch of Flight of the Concords.

No wonder they have performed at the Whitehouse for two different presidents, on “Good Morning America,” “The View” and “LIVE with Regis and Kelly.” They’ve also been featured on NPR’s “American Routes” and “Morning Edition.” Their music has been a fixture on SiriusXM Kids Place Live for 15 years.

I dare you not to love this album. I may have to get it and keep it in the car, a guilty pleasure.  Love it!

Artist Links

Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |Bandcamp  |  Soundcloud   |  Youtube Channel

Musicians:

Rich Collins – drums, guitar, bass, keys

Scott Durbin – keys, mandolin

Dave Poche – bass

Scott “Smitty” Smith – guitar

Should I Get a Brisbane Building Inspector?

NoHo - North Hollywood
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Foundation problems. Mould. Water damage. Roof problems.

These are just some of the many horrors you will likely discover in your new home if you don’t hire a Brisbane building inspector. It can be painful to discover that your dream house has a lot of issues but it’s even more painful when you are told that you’ll need to spend an X amount of dollars over repairs, repairs that could have been avoided if you had only invested in a reputable and qualified building inspector.

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Unfortunately, not a lot of people are aware that hiring a professional building inspector is necessary. You see, we know that you’re excited. You’re excited to move in, to decorate your new space and to finally occupy it after months of waiting but we also know that most sellers are not in the habit of disclosing the full condition of the property for the sake of acquiring a sale. As a buyer, a buyer who will be spending millions of dollars, you have to be wary of this possibility. You have to make sure that the property you are going to purchase, whether it’s a new home or a commercial building, is a property that is worth its value and one way of doing that is to contact a professional building inspector to evaluate the property and present you with a complete and detailed report of the ins and outs of the building.

As a buyer, you have to keep in mind that looks can be deceiving. Although it’s true that falling in love with a home’s design is one of the key factors that will influence your willingness to buy, you must keep into account the overall state of the home. The role of and what you can expect from a building inspector is to assess the home you are planning to purchase. He or she will record every minor and major flaw the house has and once you get to see the property for what it is, only then will you get to decide if it’s worth it.

Generally, building inspectors follow a checklist. Here’s a sneak peek of some of things they will be checking when you hire them.

  1. Grounds – there are home and building inspectors who will evaluate the current status of pathways, walls, railings and sheds of the property. They will also check to see if there are shrubs and trees that are in bad shape as well as faulty grading and standing puddles among others.
  2. Structure – structure is one of the most important factors to consider before buying a property. Is it solid? Are the sides aligned properly? Are the windows square?
  3. Roof – your building inspector should include assessing the roof for issues in flashing, shingles and fascia since these can result to leaking in your ceiling and it could also lead to loose gutters.
  4. Building’s exterior – decay, rot, flaking, cracks, dents, blistering – these are just some of the many things your building inspector will check in a property.
  5. Doors and windows – it may not seem important but if you want to keep the cold or heat in or out and keep your power bill controlled, you must have the windows and doors checked if they are working properly. Your building inspector will check if the frames are working fine because wooden frames tend to rot over the course of time.
  6. Interiors – your building inspector will check for defective framing as well as stained ceilings as these are indicative of water problems. They will also check if there is sufficient insulation beneath the walls.
  7. Kitchen – the kitchen is one of the many areas in the building that needs careful inspection. Your professional building inspector will make sure that the range hood fans are venting outside and they will also ensure that there is a GFCI or ground fault circuit interrupter within six feet distance from the sink. They will check to see if the sink has no leaks and if the cabinet drawers and doors are functioning appropriately.
  8. Plumbing – they will evaluate the drains, water temperature, water pressure, pipes and the water heater if they are working fine.

You will know all this and more if you have a qualified building inspector. If you are planning to buy a property, you should include this in your budget.

The Favourite; Green Book; Stan and Ollie

Mike Peros
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The Favourite; Green Book; Stan and Ollie

Latest Film Reviews – The Favourite; Green Book; Stan and Ollie

Jealousy, betrayal, abuse of power—one might look to the current news for ample displays of said activities, or one can watch The Favourite, starring three fine actresses in a historically-based tale of court intrigue, scheming, and the various ways one might curry favor—political or otherwise. Inspired by various documents and memoirs (including one by Winston Churchill, descendant of Sarah Churchill, one of the protagonists), The Favourite recounts a battle of wills in 1708 England during Queen Anne’s reign, where the gout-ridden Queen (Olivia Colman) largely avoids pressing situations (such as the costly war with France) and instead devotes her time to being advised by confidant and part-time lover Sarah, the Duchess of Marlborough (Rachel Weisz). Enter Abigail (Emma Stone), Sarah’s impoverished cousin, who arrives at court but is relegated to scullery duty. Naturally, Abigail seeks advancement and comfort—and if it comes at Sarah’s expense, so be it. The wary Sarah spots the seemingly earnest Abigail as a potential threat, while Queen Anne seems content to let the competition play out. And while there are male characters in this power play (including a fine Nicholas Hoult as Robert Harley, a ruthless, influential landowner), they are largely on the sidelines; in The Favourite, it is the women who drive the action.

Of course, it helps that The Favourite has its three major characters portrayed by Olivia Colman, Rachel Weisz, and Emma Stone. As Queen Anne, Colman is magisterial, vulnerable—and as manipulative as the two younger women who hope to benefit (or continue to benefit) from her favor. Rachel Weisz is convincing as the still-attractive confidant and power behind the throne, equally adept at portraying Sarah’s sense of entitlement and her subsequent desperation in the face of a younger candidate for the Queen’s ear (and whatever else the Queen may supply). Emma Stone also impresses, as an initially sympathetic Abigail’s willingness to escape from drudgery gives way to ambition, duplicity, and seeming sexual submission—and not necessarily for England. There are some tonal shifts in the film (it is definitely not the romp the trailers make it seem), and there is some contemplation of the human cost involved in the hallowed halls of power. However, in the end, The Favourite, as directed by Yorgos Lanthinos with the benefit of a clever, witty screenplay by Deborah Davis and Tony McNamara, provides thoroughly engrossing, occasionally thought-provoking entertainment.

Peter Farrelly’s Green Book is another captivating film—amusing, poignant, and even incisive at times. It is also more than a little predictable, as it tells the fact-based story of a New York City tough guy and family man Tony Vallelonga (Viggo Mortensen) in need of some extra cash. He agrees to chauffeur prominent black jazz pianist Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali) on a tour of the Midwest leading into the deep South, even though Tony is not the most tolerant fella in the world. However, he does supply the self-assured, rough and tumble persona (and driving skills) that Shirley needs while traveling through the hostile territory that was (is?) the deep South. (There are also some other issues that come into play—and which you will probably guess.) The action proceeds along (sadly) expected lines, from where the proud but compliant Shirley will stay, to the culture clashes with Tony, as well as concert officials and some racists who wear a badge. Needless to say, both Tony and Shirley emerge from the tour (on Christmas Eve, no less) a little more enlightened, if not necessarily spiritually reborn.

As written by Nick Vallelonga (Tony Vallelonga’s son), Brian Hayes Currie and Peter Farrelly, Green Book hits all the notes one might expect, but there are welcome moments of humor and warmth throughout. It also works better than it should because of three fine performances. Linda Cardellini does wonders as Tony’s wife, providing grit and humanity to her character’s limited screen time. Mahershala Ali continues to show why he didn’t need to return to House of Cards (I can’t be the only one who missed his sensitive characterization.) Ali conveys Shirley’s bearing and intelligence, but also his sense of being the eternal outsider, whether as a musician or as a black man. Ali makes Shirley’s inner anguish clear and affecting; the movie doesn’t need him to explain it—but he is given the opportunity anyway. As the bouncer/chauffeur, Viggo Mortensen is gruff and likably boorish, while also hinting at some deeper reserves of strength. Ali and Mortensen’s rapport is more than enough to make Green Book an enjoyable journey indeed.

Stan and Ollie, directed by Jon S. Baird,  is coming soon, and it’s a well-done look at the beloved comedy team of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy in the latter part of their career as a team—when they were touring the music halls of England at a time when their health was questionable and no film offers were forthcoming. A Laurel and Hardy fan might quibble with the screenwriter Jeff Pope’s reason for their later career difficulties—but there is no denying the skill, the comic finesse, and the warmth which Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly have imbued Stan and Ollie. Aided by make-up and prosthetics, the actors never strike a false note, whether they’re recreating some old routines, taking audiences through the creative process, or simply trying to relate to each other (and the public) as people, and not screen personas. (Although interestingly the film presents Stan and Ollie as being very aware of the public’s perception and expectation of them—and they act accordingly.) Coogan and Reilly beautifully convey not only the essence of their artistry, but the affection between the two.  Stan and Ollie is also enhanced by fine supporting turns from Nina Arianda, a constant delight as Laurel’s acerbic but affectionate wife, and Shirley Henderson as Hardy’s protective spouse. Coogan, Reilly, Henderson and Arianda make this Stan and Ollie well worth seeing—and if the movie causes you to seek out the originals, then it’s all the better! (Start with the shorts Helpmates, The Music Box, and County Hospital—you can’t go wrong.)

NoHo News: Christmas Theatre (even for the Grinches). Nutcracker.Trees.

Lisa Bianconi
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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: Christmas Theatre (even for the Grinches). Nutcracker.Trees.

Follow NoHo News with Bloglovin

**** 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.

Teaching Your College-Age Child about Money

Lillian Appleby
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Teaching Your College-Age Child about Money

When your child first started school, you doled out the change for milk and a snack on a daily basis. 

But now that your kindergartner has grown up, it’s time for you to make sure that your child has enough financial knowledge to manage money at college.

Lesson 1: Budgeting 101

Perhaps your child already understands the basics of budgeting from having to handle an allowance or wages from a part-time job during high school. But now that your child is in college, he or she may need to draft a “real world” budget, especially if he or she lives off-campus and is responsible for paying for rent and utilities. Here are some ways you can help your child plan and stick to a realistic budget:

  • Help your child figure out what income there will be (money from home, financial aid, a part-time job) and when it will be coming in (at the beginning of each semester, once a month, or every week).
  • Make sure your child understands the difference between needs and wants. For instance, when considering expenses, point out that buying groceries is a need and eating out is a want. Your child should understand how important it is to cover the needs first.
  • Determine together how you and your child will split responsibility for expenses. For instance, you may decide that you’ll pay for your child’s trips home, but that your child will need to pay for art supplies or other miscellaneous expenses.
  • Warn your child not to spend too much too soon, particularly when money that has to last all semester arrives at the beginning of a term. Too many evenings out in September eating surf and turf could lead to a December of too many evenings in eating cold cereal.
  • Acknowledge that college isn’t all about studying, but explain that splurging this week will mean scrimping next week. While you should include entertainment expenses in the budget, encourage your child to stick closely to the limit you agree upon.
  • Show your child how to track expenses by saving receipts and keeping an expense log. Knowing where the money is going will help your child stay on track. Reallocation of resources may sometimes be necessary, but help your child understand that spending more in one area means spending less in another.
  • Encourage your child to plan ahead for big expenses (the annual auto insurance bill or the trip over spring break) by instead setting aside money for them on a regular basis.
  • Caution your child to monitor spending patterns to avoid excessive spending, and ask him or her to come to you for advice at the first sign of financial trouble.

You should also help your child understand that a budget should remain flexible; as financial goals change, a budget must change to accommodate them. Still, your child’s ultimate goal is to make sure that what goes out is always less than what comes in.

Lesson 2: Opening a bank account

For the sake of convenience, your child may want to open a checking account near the college; doing so may also reduce transaction fees (e.g. automated teller machine (ATM) fees). Ideally, a checking account should require no minimum balance and allow unlimited free checking; short of that, look for an account with these features:

  • A simple fee structure
  • ATM or debit card access to the account
  • Online or telephone access to account information
  • Overdraft protection

To avoid bouncing checks, it’s essential to keep accurate records, especially of ATM or debit card usage. Show your child how to balance a checkbook on a regular (monthly) basis. Most checking account statements provide instructions on how to do this.

Encourage your child to open a savings account too, especially if he or she has a part-time job during the school year or summer. Your child should save any income that doesn’t have to be put towards college expenses. After all, there is life after college, and while it may seem inconceivable to a college freshman, he or she may one day want to buy a new car or a home.

Lesson 3: Getting credit

If your child is age 21 or older, he or she may be able to independently obtain a credit card. But if your child is younger, the credit card company will require you, or another adult, to cosign the credit card application, unless your child can prove that he or she has the financial resources to repay the credit card debt. A credit card can provide security in a financial emergency and, if used properly, can help your child build a good credit history. But the temptation to use a credit card can be seductive, and it’s not uncommon for students to find themselves over their heads in debt before they’ve declared their majors. Unfortunately, a poor credit history can make it difficult for your child to rent an apartment, get a car loan, or even find a job for years after earning a degree. And if you’ve cosigned your child’s credit card application, you’ll be on the hook for your child’s unpaid credit card debt, and your own credit history could suffer.

Here are some tips to help your child learn to use credit responsibly:

  • Advise your child to get a credit card with a low credit limit to keep credit card balances down.
  • Explain to your child that a credit card isn’t an income supplement; what gets charged is what’s owed (and then some, given the high interest rates). If your child continually has trouble meeting expenses, he or she should review and revise the budget instead of pulling out the plastic.
  • Teach your child to review each credit card bill and make the payment by the due date. Otherwise, late fees may be charged, the interest rate may go up if the account falls 60 days past due, and your child’s credit history (or yours, if you’ve cosigned) may be damaged.
  • If your child can’t pay the bill in full each month, encourage him or her to pay as much as possible. An undergraduate student making only the minimum payments due each month on a credit card could finish a post-doctorate program before paying off the balance.
  • Make sure your child notifies the card issuer of any address changes so that he or she will continue to receive statements.
  • Tell your child that when it comes to creditors, students don’t get summers off! Your child will need to continue to make payments every month, and if there’s a credit card balance carried over from the school year, your child may want to use summer earnings to pay it off in order to start the next school year with a clean slate.

Finally, remind your child that life after college often involves student loan payments and maybe even car or mortgage payments. The less debt your child graduates with, the better off he or she will be. When it comes to the plastic variety, extra credit is the last thing a college student wants to accumulate!

The information in this newsletter is not intended as tax, legal, investment, or retirement advice or recommendations, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek advice from an independent professional advisor. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. This material was written and prepared by Broadridge Advisor Solutions. © 2018 Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc.

The Eight Reindeer Monologues

Samantha Simmonds-Ronceros
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Crown City Theatre Presents “The Eight Reindeer Monologues,”  written by Jeff Goode.

 

Running from December 6 through December 23, Thursdays at 8 pm, Fridays at 11 pm, Saturdays at 11 pm, Sundays at 7 pm

Crown City Theatre, 11031 Camarillo St., North Hollywood, 91602

“The Eight Reindeer Monologues” is the darkest of comedic Christmas-themed plays. 

It is truly adults only, and not just for the language, but for the content, too.  Saying that, it is very funny and done well, as these lovely Crown City actors have, it is something unique and hilarious…and dark.

The play is set in The Reindeers quarters at the North Pole where one by one they turn to the audience and give their own versions of the truth about Santa, Mrs Clause and the scandalous stories surrounding their abusive behavior and their criminal tendencies…I told you, it’s dark!

It’s very cleverly staged and each actor takes their individual moments very seriously, which is why it works so well I think.  It’s a fascinating take on a legend.  What if it were all true, but everything you thought you knew was wrong and the reality of it was warped into the same kind of sick tragedies in our own real world right now?  If someone who held the trust of so many innocents could be the worst kind of criminal, then what?  Where would we go from here?  Interesting and sad, funny and boldly original, and great material for great actors…but dark, very, very dark.

It’s not a long run, so if you want to get your head spun around then head on down to Crown City before December 23rd.

https://www.crowncitytheatre.com/cart—nunsense

Cast:

Dasher: Neil Unger

Cupid: Michael Mullen

Hollywood: Michael Marchak

Blitzen: Kimberly Patterson

Comet: Eric Keitel

Dancer: Valerie Lynn Brett

Donner: Jeff Witzke

Vixen: Megan Cochrane

Operation: Santa 2018

Lisa Bianconi
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HhhoooohhhooooNoooooHooooo!  Operation: SANTA in North Hollywood Needs YOU!

Since 1998, hundreds of local North Hollywood children from economically disadvantaged families have their “Christmas wish list” come true.

Originally started by the late Michael Higby of the North Hollywood Jaycees, the spirit of Operation: SANTA continues on with the help of volunteers and support of the local community.

Operation: SANTA 2018 needs you! via the official NoHo Arts District Guide; www.nohoartsdistrict.com

So how can YOU join in the Operation: SANTA fun? EASY!

“Now in its 19th year, Operation Santa will be providing toys, necessities, and cheer to 100 deserving families throughout the San Fernando Valley on Christmas Eve 2018. We work with local LAUSD schools to have the teachers designate the most deserving kids. We’re always looking for helpers.” – Operation: SANTA Team

Operation: SANTA 2018 needs you! via the official NoHo Arts District Guide; www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Volunteering

Volunteer dates for wrapping, decorating and delivering!!!

December 21: 4pm – 7pm (wrapping and decorating)
December 22: 10am – 2pm (wrapping and decorating)
December 23: 10am – 2pm (wrapping and decorating)
December 24: 9am – 2pm (Santa deliveries, food serving, helper elves)

Volunteer Location

Los Angeles Valley College
5800 Fulton Avenue
Valley Glen, CA 91401
Campus Center
Fireside Room
(follow the signs!!)

Operation: SANTA 2018 needs you! via the official NoHo Arts District Guide; www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Donation

We still have about 25 families that haven’t been sponsored yet. To make a charitable donation (tax deductible):

a) Go to the http://www.lavcfoundation.org/ and click “Give Online Now”
b) Scroll down to “Other Designation” and enter your donation amount
c) Under “Additional Instruction”, type “Operation Santa”
d) Click “Calculate Total”, followed by the “Donate” button.
e) Follow additional instructions and requests for personal and credit card information
f) Print out your online receipt

Sponsor a Family

Also, we encourage offices, families and organizations to team up and privately sponsor a family or two to make it extra special by going out and shopping for the exact items that the kids requested and the families need. Then, wrap and tag the gifts and drop them off to us at LAVC. We will provide the kids names, ages and their “Dear Santa” requests.

We thank the community for making this most authentic holiday program magical each year. We started with about only 10 families in North Hollywood way back in 1999, and now we’re up to 100 families and serving the greater San Fernando Valley.

Questions?

Wendie Wilson – 323-304-0530 wendiewilson@giftedjourneys.com
Jack Witt – 310-562-5626 jack@getfitwithwitt.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 Presents “Santasia – A Holiday Comedy”

Samantha Simmonds-Ronceros
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“Santasia – A Holiday Comedy” has become a Los Angeles classic.

 

 

“Santasia – A Holiday Comedy” is a very, very special holiday Christmas show performed by the same zany group of misfits we have grown to love over the years.

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It’s now in its 19th year and we are thankful.  This extremely creative and dedicated group of actors takes us on yet another journey through their own very unique Christmas imaginations.  They entertain us with their delightfully warped and seasonally fueled stories, songs and glorious dance extravaganzas..

At its heart, it’s a sketch show with claymation and live action films created by brothers Shaun and Brandon Loeser liberally sprinkled through the evening, and some pretty elaborate dance numbers choreographed by Tania Pearson-Loeser.  We are entertained beautifully by this festively inclined group of actors with a brilliant selection of amusingly depraved and heartfelt seasonal laments and salutations. 

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Over 25 sketches, songs and films full of manic and hilarious take offs and hauntingly familiar family fiascos.  But it’s really all about love – their love for Christmas, their love for each other and their love for giving us their own very funny version of what Christmas really means to them all.  One moment you are laughing and the next you are wiping a tear from your eye and remembering those who will be missed around the tree this year. 

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Part Monty Python, part Peanuts, part “Home Alone,” part “It’s a Wonderful Life”….all heart. 

“Santasia” is the kind of madcap show we should all go to every year if only to see what on earth they have come up with this time.  Make it your new tradition.  Bring your kids, bring your family and bring your friends, because everyone on stage seems to be just that important to each other.  What makes it work more than anything is the very apparent deep connection these men have for each other.  Through the dressing up and crazy dancing and singing you can feel it,  it’s what makes everything work so well, that obvious fondness for each other and the ability to support each other’s ‘crazy.’

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There are sketches about festive house decorating, dysfunctional dinners, heartfelt anecdotes from childhood, a brilliant trip on a runaway sleigh and classic and nimbly performed musical numbers with some serious dance sequences all exquisitely funny and in wonderfully inappropriate costumes… just fantastic!

If you go to any Christmas show this year, it really has to be “Santasia.”

Running from December 7 – December 23. Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 8PM, Sundays at 3PM and 8PM

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

https://www.santasia.com

Cast

Shaun Loeser, Brandon Loeser, Lon Gowan, Omar Heyward, Chey Kennedy, Darren Mangler, and Rusty Locke

The production team includes Tania Pearson-Loeser (Choreographer/Assistant Director/Producer/Co-Writer), Stacey Quinealty (Musical Director/Composer), Wynn Zucchero (Associate Producer/Lighting Designer), Rob Siminowski (Stage Manager), Andy Palmer (Associate Producer/Co-Writer), Rachel Loeser (Co-House Manager), and Banzai Vitale (Co-House Manager).

“Bob’s Office Party”

Samantha Simmonds-Ronceros
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Set in small-town Iowa, “Bob’s Office Party” centers around the worn out offices of the town’s insurance agent, Bob, who inherited his position from his father…following in a long family tradition.

Although born into the profession, Bob holds far different aspirations. He dreams of being an inventor and escaping to the big city, far away from the pressures of being everyone’s “fix-it” man.

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Bob is also having a secret and very sordid affair with the mayor’s wife and chins are very definitely beginning to wag. 

So the stage is set as the night of Bob’s annual Christmas party, to which all the local colorful characters are invited.  Nutty twin sisters and local landowners, the local alcoholic Sheriff, a dippy hippy with a farm, the town strumpet and the mayor…and his wife. This year, however, they are surprised by a visit from the local boy made good.  Now a millionaire, he was once teased mercilessly by most of them as a kid in school. His plan is to buy out the town and turn it into some vast superstore as revenge and he offers to buy out the agency from an unwitting Bob who senses freedom finally.

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There are so many opportunities for hilarity in this show and the cast takes advantage of every single one. 

The writing is clever but bawdy, a deadly combination and the performances bold, realistic and absolutely brilliant.

There seemed to be a lot of people in the audience who make “Bob’s Christmas Party” an annual event, bringing friends and family and neighbors to share their joy. It adds so much to the general experience when so many people are already primed for enjoyment.  I can only imagine how much the support from the crowd feeds the actors’ energy and propels the show.

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In these days of our burgeoning ‘gig’ lifestyles, how sad it is that so many of us miss out on that most stellar of traditions – the office party. 

Here at Bob’s place, we can all get a little taste of the drunken and the desperate, the propensity for humiliation and the staggering urge to debauch and debase and defile…all in the name of Christmas.  It’s like watching a slow-motion car crash…without the bloodshed or the pain and with a lot more laughs.

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It reminded me off a few bad parties and a few worse decisions. Fortunately “Bob’s Office Party” is an excuse to laugh at other people’s horrible behavior, rather than re-live one’s own mistakes. It’s a funny, excellently produced and searingly accurate portrayal of what I hope we never lose from our rapidly changing culture….I absolutely loved it!

It’s a short run, so don’t dawdle…

Written by Joe Keyes & Rob Elk, Directed by Matt Roth

Produced by Rob Elk, Joe Keyes & Maile Flanagan

Running December 6 through December 20, Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm & 7pm.

Atwater Village Theatre, 3269 Casitas Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90039

https://bobs23.brownpapertickets.com

CAST:  Joe Keyes & Rob Elk are joined by returning cast members Elk & Keyes and the two are joined by returning cast members Michael Bonnabel*, Melissa Denton, Mark Fite, Maile Flanagan, Michael Halpin*, Andrea Hutchman, Sirena Irwin, Pat O’Brien*, and Pat Towne*. (* alternate cast)

Holiday Theft Prevention Tips from the LAPD

Lisa Bianconi
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Here are some crime prevention tips from Senior Lead Officer John Catalano from the North Hollywood division of the LAPD.

Here are some crime prevention tips from Senior Lead Officer John Catalano from the North Hollywood division of the LAPD via www.nohoartsdistrict.com

It’s no surprise that during the holiday season, most law enforcement agencies see an increase in all types of theft, not only vehicle break-ins and home burglaries. During the weeks leading up to the holidays, many victims report additional crimes such as packages being stolen from their front door, mailbox break-ins and even a surge in identity thefts.

While you are out spending your hard-earned money buying holiday gifts for family and friends, criminals are out doing the same thing… they simply prefer to skip the “buying” part, allowing you to do that for them before taking your family’s would-be gifts for themselves.

Here are some crime prevention tips from Senior Lead Officer John Catalano from the North Hollywood division of the LAPD via www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Prevention of Package Thefts

This is a year-round problem but for obvious reasons it’s much worse during the holiday season. Often referred to as ‘Porch Pirates,’ these criminals often follow package delivery trucks such as UPS and FedEx as they drop off packages, picking them up for themselves shortly after the delivery driver leaves. Others simply drive neighborhoods looking for the delivered packages sitting on doorsteps before walking right up to steal them (often in broad daylight!). Suggestions to prevent the theft of your packages include:

• Have packages delivered to your workplace or office.
• Use Smart Package Lockers such as “Amazon Locker” available at many convenience stores.
• Track your shipments online so you know the arrival date and time.
• Install Security Cameras or a video doorbell system to deter criminal activity.
• Request the shipper to require a signature for delivery, if available. • Ask a neighbor to watch for the delivered items and to hold them until you return home.

Here are some crime prevention tips from Senior Lead Officer John Catalano from the North Hollywood division of the LAPD via www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Shopping at the Mall or Other Large Stores

Some criminals roam popular stores and parking lots in search of easy targets. One of the easiest crime opportunities you can inadvertently create is leaving anything of value in plain sight in your parked vehicle. Not only will your items be stolen, you will also have the cost of replacing your car’s now-smashed window.
• Always lock your vehicle and hide valuable items from sight.
• Hide your items prior to your arrival so would-be thieves do not see you hiding the valuables before leaving the vehicle.
• Do not make multiple trips to fill up your car with gifts or items. If you plan to continue shopping, consider leaving the parking spot and moving the vehicle to a completely different area. Criminals watch for people loading up their car with property and then return back inside for another round of shopping.
• Always carry your driver’s license for Identification and only the credit card you expect to use. Should your wallet or purse be stolen, making one or two calls to notify the bank and/or credit card company is a lot easier than doing so for every card you own. Additionally having others available allows you to continue shopping and going on with your life until the stolen cards are replaced.
• Be aware of strangers approaching you for any reason. This is the time of the year when criminals use any method to distract you to take your property.
• Shop with friends or family members to reduce the risk of becoming a victim. If shopping with children, teach them what to do and have a plan for where to go if they get lost.
• Park your vehicle in a well-lit area if shopping at night. If you’re using valet parking, leave only the ignition key with the attendant and not your full keychain, especially if it has a key to your home. Remember to remove or secure your registration, insurance and any other paperwork that may have personal information.

Here are some crime prevention tips from Senior Lead Officer John Catalano from the North Hollywood division of the LAPD via www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Avoiding Holiday Scams

Charitable donation scams occur all year but are especially prevalent during the holiday season. Avoid individuals or organizations that want to prey on your generosity as an opportunity to steal your cash through deception. Help prevent your donation from going into the pockets of criminals by taking the following precautions:
• Determine the organization’s validity by doing some research prior to making the donation.
• Watch out for charities using similar names to well-known organizations.
• Avoid on-the-spot donations or high-pressure tactics. You can always donate later after you have vetted the organization!

After the Holidays

Watch your credit card bills following the holiday season to ensure that all the transactions are accurate, look out for any suspicious purchases, including small ones!

Don’t place the large empty television box or other large gift boxes at the curb for trash pick-up. Break down all boxes and make them fit into your trash can. Leaving empty boxes at the curb just advertises that your home has some new items of interest to a potential criminal, increasing your chances of being burglarized in the future.

– John Catalano, Senior Lead Officer 

About Officer Catalano

As a veteran law enforcement officer who specialized in crime reduction for 23 years, John Catalano provides insight and value to the community to help prevent property crime, violent crime and help improve the many quality of life concerns in our neighborhood today.

To subscribe to future issues of John’s FREE monthly newsletter, please send an email to 32740@lapd.online

**** 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.

Raquel Rodriguez “Mile High”

Lisa Bianconi
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Raquel Rodriguez “Mile High”

We’re listening to Raquel Rodriguez’s “Mile High” Live at Blue Dream Studios from her album “310 part 2,” an ode to the Westside. (Can we go see a show at Blue Dream Studios, please?)

It’s special when a singer is golden but extra special when she’s a Los Angeleno. Raquel Rodriquez is real. There’s no pretend.

She embraces the 70s funk with joy but she also takes a bit of 80s drum machine and synths to blend a unique, soul-filled sound.

A pull quote from her site sort of sums it up: “Raquel is the true embodiment of the multi-cultural millennial, fusing the subcultures of the last 20 years of LA style with her nostalgic, yet current, brand of music.” 

“Mile High” opens with stiff bass sounds and snaps. Then Raquel’s voice takes over making the melody. All the different instruments blend together, with her voice leading to create a harmony that is R&B at its finest.

Yeah, “Mile High” is full body roll. We think that should be our rating system. How many body rolls does the song make you do?

We chose “Mile High” in particular because we can relate.

“I bought us round trip flight to Paris, baby
Cause I wanna go somewhere and only be with you
I need a break from California lately
Somehow the golden state has got me feeling blue

Well, it seems to me my life is passing by
Things come and go
In the blink of an eye
My soul is craving for a little change
I gotta go, I gotta get away
But oh, my baby”

We have to give a shout out to the fine folks at Kinda Neat where we first found Raquel. They record folks singing in a small room. So you only focus on the singer. Simple. Brilliant. It’s not kinda, it’s super neat!

Here’s an extra treat -“Don’t Owe You a Thing”(with Jamey Arent), a bad-ass, bluesy song that made us stop and listen to Raquel Rodriguez…100 times.

Website | Facebook  |  Instagram 

Keep making music that moves us.

Ways To Deal With Financial Stress

NoHo - North Hollywood
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Ways To Deal With Financial Stress

30% of Americans are stressed about money constantly, CNBC reports. In a survey conducted by Varo Mobile, 66% of adults are stressed because they don’t have a three-month emergency fund and 46% say it’s because they don’t have any savings for unexpected expenses like job loss or unexpected bills. Financial stress can take its toll and affect other areas of life, including relationships, work, and home life. Taking steps to improve your financial situation and reduce stress will leave you better able to focus on other important aspects of life and relax. Here’s how you can reduce your financial stress, get in control of your finances, and find it easier to function and thrive every day.

Create a household budget

Budgeting is the number one way you can get in control of your finances, yet only 32% of Americans maintain a household budget. Start by planning one month of household expenses. You can then figure out ways to cut back each month until you find what works. In addition to rent or mortgage payments, a household budget should include household maintenance and repairs, along with renters or homeowners insurance — collectively accounting for roughly 30% of your income. 10% of your income should cover utilities like gas, electricity, water, TV, and internet. You can then use extra money for debt or savings.

Consider a cash-out refinance

If you need some extra cash to make a meaningful purchase or investment (or to pay off a lingering debt), a cash-out refinance can help ease your financial stress. A cash-out refinance means your existing home loan is replaced by refinancing with a larger commitment at a lower interest rate. While you can use the extra cash to pay for anything you need, it’s wise to use the money on projects future buyers will see value in as well as your family. Home improvements are a popular use for a cash-out refinance since they’re a smart way to increase your home’s market value — this makes it easier to recoup your investment when you sell your home.

Make positive changes

Proactively look at what you can do to change your financial situation. If you’re in the habit of overspending, look at ways to cut back. Start with small changes at first. You may even find it useful to join a support group like Shopaholics Anonymous to help you curb a shopping addiction. Alternatively, you may want to get a higher-paying job by deciding to pursue further education. Remember it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. If you overspend one week, get back on track again by sticking to budget and working on making positive changes.

Finally, you can always look for outside help if you need it. For example, signing up for a money management class can help you learn to budget and a financial planner can help you save for your long term goals. Getting outside help to tackle your financial issues can provide you with solid advice and a fresh perspective. You’ll feel less overwhelmed and more able to set and reach your financial goals.

International Moving: All You Need To Know About Packing

NoHo - North Hollywood
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There’s no denying that when it comes to moving overseas, the only concern that can make you sleepless at night is thinking about packing. 

Whether you have lived in your present house for five months, five years or more, as you consider moving abroad be it temporarily or permanently, you are left scratching your head wondering how you are going to ship all that stuff.

While there are many international moving companies ready to help you out, ensuring everything gets packed properly, shipped and then received at your new house is exhausting to even think about.

Moving all your belongings can no doubt be a very daunting task. But that’s only when you decide to move everything.

You must only take the essentials and leave what you can. It’s a fact that a lot of goods will cost you more to transport them, instead of buying new ones on your arrival.

And if you are unsure what to leave behind, read the following article to find out.

Start with basic items

Clothes

It is simply absurd to pack ten boxes with clothes you won’t even wear.

Consider the weather and climate in your destination country and only take the clothes that will be appropriate. Donate or sell all the extras that you don’t need or wear anymore.

Toiletries

Daily toiletries are normally cheap. So carry only a sufficient amount required for traveling.

For instance, use travel-size shampoos and body wash to reduce weight.

If there are any other basic items that you think you will need immediately upon your arrival then you can order them from the local shops in your new neighborhood to have them delivered at your doorstep. You will find this option much more feasible, fast and relatively inexpensive than carrying all your cleaning supplies and toiletries during the move.

Move on to other necessities

Other household items like electronic appliances, furniture, and various miscellanies should mostly be left behind.

It may sound shocking to you at first. But do some research about the cost of shipping bulky items like furniture versus the cost of buying new ones upon your arrival and you are most likely to find the latter less expensive.

The same goes for electrical appliances as well. Besides, they probably won’t be compatible with the power outlets in the new country anyway. And if you want to carry along your laptop, computer and the likes, make sure to consult a technician for the right power adapters first.

Vehicles come last

It goes without saying that vehicles are a hassle to move. Not only is it expensive, but you will have to pay taxes and various duties and also take the car to the mechanic for alignment and other checks upon arrival.

Unless you excessively love your car or bike or if it is more costly to buy another in the new country it’s best that you sell it before moving.

Once you are done with this sorting, all that remains is to search for international moving companies and book your appointment with the best one.

Relax as they handle all the rest.

Happy moving!

Becoming an Overnight Success – One Decade at a Time

Samantha Simmonds-Ronceros
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Becoming an Overnight Success – One Decade at a Time

You didn’t just hear it from me.  Becoming the latest hot new thing can take a while, decades even. But meanwhile, you can have a lot of fun along the way!

Whether you are a director, a producer, a writer or even an actor, nothing real can ever happen instantly. 

For all the stories like one short film and HBO offered him a series, or the Toronto Festival audience award jettisoned them into a three-picture deal, I can offer you a 20 years in the making of a documentary or several shelved slightly optioned screenplays or the money ran out one week into shooting.

Don’t be depressed, some things should take time and everything you do while you are waiting to be discovered is making you all the more discoverable.

As a creative person, you already know that your whole life feeds into whatever you create.  After all, we are all made up from our history and experiences, our choices and our mistakes, our foibles as well as our loves.  Filmmakers are storytellers and even when the stories we tell are not our own, how we tell them is.

We have lives full of family and friends and work and dreams and failures.  How we use all those moments to sculpt what we create is important and should be acknowledged.

What do I mean exactly?  I suppose I have been thinking lately about how different one filmmakers vision can be from another.  It’s award season soon and therefore it’s screening season and I’ve been seeing tons of films.  Films from the sublime to occasionally the ridiculous and everything in-between.  I have also seen loads of extremely valuable Q & As and what always stands out, apart from how genuine very talented actors and directors are and how humble, is that they all have stories of trials and tribulations.  Of losing roles or funding or very nearly their minds while they strive to make things happen and all of them. Every single one has no regrets about any of it.

While you are sitting about waiting for life to happen you should be taking all this glorious time and pouring it into your work.

Writing, taking classes, watching films, writing some more and always, always paying attention to life going on around you.

Whether you use that observation directly as a story or a character or you simply absorb it into the essence of your work, it’s all meaningful and important.

As this year has sped by in the blink of an eye, it’s time to look back at what we have gained from it.  What happened in 2018 that makes you better?  A better filmmaker, a better storyteller, a better artist?

I for one am grateful for the opportunity to write more.  I am grateful for every play, every visit to a museum, every film, every TV show….even the bad ones.  We can learn just as much from what we don’t like than from what we do.  I am also grateful for every book or article I read, every conversation I have had regardless of what it was about or if it got heated or not.  Debating with people, learning from them is more valuable than we give credit.  And it all feeds our creative souls, all of it.  The highs and the lows, the bad burgers and the delicious ice creams.  The rotten and the juicy.  Everything matters.  Everything gets mixed up in our big stubborn brains and hopefully ends up getting regurgitated in some brilliant way that we probably haven’t even imagined yet.

When I am at my lowest, juggling bills, wistfully eying friends holiday pictures on Instagram, generally keeping the wolves from the door, I remind myself that being an artist can be tough, but tougher still is an artist trying to be anything else.

We are fortunate.  We live in a country while being far from perfect, that is still free.  Our worries are minuscule when compare with many places in the world and we are able to write what we truly feel and make art about anything we desire. We are very fortunate, indeed.  And when our time comes, when someone hands us a check and says “go do your thing,” we need to be ready.  We need to have all of our lives up until that point in our back pockets, supporting our choices, guiding our hands and praising our will to tell our stories.  And none of that happens overnight.  All that confidence and skill takes a lifetime.

I will leave you with a few excellent movies I have seen this year that could never have happened quickly. And I am eternally thankful that they arrived at the perfect time for them.  So take the time to look around you and be grateful, to look around you and take it all in, to really look around you, to remember it all and to pour it into your work. Then write it down, grab a camera and make something!!!

Green Book

Instant Family

A Quiet Place

Collette

The Front Runner

Eighth Grade

Mind The Gap

Suspiria

Roma

Vice

The Favorite

Widows

Monsters and Men

Black Klansman

Ready Player One

Hereditary

NoHo News: Lights & Latkes. (even for the Grinches) Christmas Theatre. Nutcracker. Trees.

Lisa Bianconi
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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: Lights & Latkes. (even for the Grinches) Christmas Theatre. Nutcracker.Trees.

Follow NoHo News with Bloglovin

**** 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.

 

Lord Sonny The Unifier “Right in Your I!”

Samantha Simmonds-Ronceros
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Lord Sonny The Unifier “Right in Your I!”

This is old school, hard-fought, deeply personal music.

Music crafted with feeling and intelligence and love.  Greg Jiritano, the founder of Lord Sonny The Unifier http://www.lordsonnytheunifier.com, lead guitar and vocals, his songs developed over years of work, created an album quite literally from the ashes of a disastrous fire that destroyed his studio and much of his work.  Undaunted, he gathered a group of accomplished and dedicated musicians around him and completed it.

The track “Right in Your I” is the first single of the album “Final Notice.”  This is gritty yet heartfelt music – garage rock at its most authentic.  There’s a little early Bowie, a little Motorhead, a little Clash and quite a bit of psychedelia here.  Nothing flashy, nothing contrived, just good solid melodic rock.

The themes are interesting, too.  Jiritano has a lot to say and he pulls no punches in his delivery.  His vocals are full of character and presence.  He howls and grinds and whispers, he prowls and jabs and rather cunningly uses his voice as rhythmically as he does melodically.  The song is polished without loosing its edge. It is thoughtfully and excellently produced, giving the stunning vocals the space he needs between the jabbing keys, punchy rhythms and dirty dodgy guitar.  “Right in Your I” requires some gorgeous, epic indie movie to show off its blatantly obvious soundtrack potential.

I love this track.  It sticks in your head, not like a commercial pop track does without your consent, but like the very best kind of totally unique and inspired rock does.  He pushes his talents, he takes chances with everything, and he goes for it in a way that not only works it blows you away.

Turn up the volume and the bass, and close your eyes. Loved it!

Bandcamp |  Twitter |  Facebook|  Soundcloud

Musicians

Greg Jiritano: Vocals and Guitar

Tyler Wood: Keyboards, Percussion and Backing Vocals

Derek Nievergelt: Bass

Carmine Covelli: Drums, Percussion and Backing Vocals

Amy Gordon: Backing Vocals

CarnyMusic – CarnyMusic EP

Samantha Simmonds-Ronceros
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CarnyMusic – CarnyMusic EP

These songs evoke a kind of ageless Americana spinning with epic vistas of dust, tumbleweeds, broken down, desolate towns and distant mountains.

It’s intimate and inclusive at the same time.  Like a man to tired to keep his own secrets.

The songs are all performed by Mike Carnahan, lead singer of the western-psych band The Green Door.  With this self-produced project, Carnahan goes out on his own both literally and figuratively.  It really feels like a solo project. You get the sense that Carnahan is sharing something here he urgently needed to.  The way the songs are crafted, the howling empty guitars, the distortion, the reverb…it all feels very dreamlike and confessional.

There’s more than a little folk influence, a Ry Cooder kind of melancholy, a rich sense of self and atmosphere.  It’s very moody and boldly specific.  You feel as if you are there with him, in some dusty barn, old amps humming and electricity filling the air.

Carnahan is an accomplished songwriter.

He has crafted each track with care and they each tell their story, none of them that we haven’t heard before, but they tell it beautifully and truthfully and without apology.  It’s lovely to hear the honesty in Carnahan’s words and the truth in his delivery.

As his fingers slide along the neck of his guitar, his voice is slightly removed from the warmth of it.  He gives the instrument center stage and accompanies the strange tones and manipulated feedback like an alien message from beyond.  Actually, perhaps this dusty barn is somewhere up in space- some long forgotten ship humming through the universe looking for another frontier to play to.  A mythological, rock/folk space soundtrack.

These songs are modern and they are ancient.  They are familiar memories wrapped in warped heartbreaking movements of sound…loved it!

Artist Links

Website  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  Twitter  |  Bandcamp  |  Soundcloud |  Youtube Channel

Dead Friends 46 “Hardcore”

Samantha Simmonds-Ronceros
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Dead Friends 46 “Hardcore”

Wow, this album takes me back to the 80s punk scene in the UK.

Pogo dancing till you drop, Doc Martens, zippers and straps, and weird piercings in places you didn’t think could be pierced. 

Dead Friends “Hardcore” album is brilliant iconic punk – dirty, loud, rough and lustful but with a bit of a twist.  These guys are singing about their lives, their losses, their tragedies and their complete and total rejection of the obnoxious assumptions about their music by the narrow-minded mainstream.

The songs are written as homages to those they have lost along the way.  Lost to drugs, to jail, to gangs and to the long, long goodbye.  They sing of how they changed their lives, how they found peace and strength when so many could not.  But don’t mistake their words for preaching or reproach.   No these are songs about meeting the devil and surviving, about valuing your life more than those who might use you and destroy you without thinking.

It’s powerful stuff. The punk sound sometimes borders on the thrash metal, with some howling guitar riffs here and there.  But the delivery is all American punk – pushy, full of energy and darkness and violent light.

The tracks are short, none as long as four minutes, which is perfect for their intensity.  They are explosions of passion and ideas.  They are beautifully designed, executed and performed.  These musicians know how to communicate, how to tell their stories with their hearts as big as the gaps left in their lives by their precious dead friends.  At the end of the last track they list them all and it is poignant and heartbreaking and honorable.

Powerful music with a powerful message…loved it!

Website  |  Facebook  |  Bandcamp  |  Soundcloud

Please Remember…Shelter Dog Still Wearing His Christmas Sweater.

Bethany Wilson
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Please Remember…Shelter Dog Still Wearing His Christmas Sweater.

Dogs become the most popular gift at Christmas.  But a dog is a lifetime commitment.

Then in January when the holiday festivities are over, the animal shelters become filled with dogs that are abandoned by folks who didn’t realize how much responsibility goes with being a “dog parent.”  

Before a person gets a dog for themselves or for a friend, they need to think about the expense of having a dog for the next 10 to 15 years: medical bills, insurance, food, training, grooming, and the list goes on.  Maybe, if a person thought about getting up 30 minutes earlier every day to walk the dog, they would have made another decision.

Now that you know the responsibilities of taking good care of your four-legged family member, what are some of the benefits?

To list a few:

– Unconditional love (when was the last time you got that??)

– Never angry at you

– Always want to be by your side (even on a bad hair day)

– Your best buddy

–  Never talks back or gets embarrassed by you (like your child does)

If you value the above items and truly understand the responsibilities of being a dog parent, ADOPTION is for you.  Here are a few adoption organizations that are reputable, in my opinion:

https://la.bestfriends.org/get-involved/adopt/pets?

http://www.laanimalservices.com/looking-for-a-dog

https://dogswithoutborders.org/adopt/

http://Adoptapet.com 

If you can’t take on the full-time responsibility of owning a dog, you can foster for short periods of time.  Los Angeles Animal Services really do their best to work around your schedule.  www.laanimalservice.com/volunteer/fosterprogram/

Here is a poem I found which sums up why any month, it is time to adopt an abandoned dog.

“A Rescue Dog‘s Christmas Poem”

‘Tis the night before Christmas and all through the town,
every shelter is full – we are lost but not found,
Our numbers are hung on our kennels so bare,
we hope every minute that someone will care,
They’ll come to adopt us and give us the call,
“Come here, Max and Sparkie – come fetch your new ball!!”

But now we sit here and think of the days…
we were treated so fondly – we had cute, baby ways,
Once we were little, then we grew and we grew –
now we’re no longer young and we’re no longer new.
So out the back door we were thrown like the trash,
they reacted so quickly – why were they so rash?

We “jump on the children”, “don’t come when they call”,
we “bark when they leave us”, “climb over the wall”.
We should have been neutered, we should have been spayed,
now we suffer the consequence of the errors they made.
If only they’d trained us, if only we knew…
we’d have done what they asked us and worshiped them, too.

We were left in the backyard, or worse – let to roam –
now we’re tired and lonely and out of a home.
They dropped us off here and they kissed us good-bye…
“Maybe someone else will give us a try.”
So now here we are, all confused and alone…
in a shelter with others who long for a home.

Poem found at https://forums.horseandhound.co.uk/threads/a-rescue-dogs-christmas-poem.580409/#i0tPlUG2YeO3F5ti.99

Chris Lastovicka “Fortune Has Turned” (Remixed)

Samantha Simmonds-Ronceros
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Chris Lastovicka “Fortune Has Turned” (Remixed)

There’s no denying the cinematic quality to Lastovicka’s powerful and beautiful work.

Although I knew very little about the composer, it was not surprising that the accolades include being one of 10 composers selected for New York City Opera’s Vox: Showcasing American Composers festival (2007),  one of four finalists in the Opera Vista International Chamber Opera Competition (Houston, TX) and was commissioned by Robin Becker Dance to write the music for “Into Sunlight,” a work about the Vietnam War that has been performed internationally.

All Lastovicka’s obvious stature aside, this remix of “Fortune Has Turned” is truly phenomenal.  The remix was done by the legendary Jeremy Allom who mixed Massive Attack’s “Blue Lines” and mastered by Emily Lazar who has worked with David Bowie, Evanescence, Sia, The Foo Fighters and Beck, to name but a fraction.  How perfect to pick producers who are so firmly in the world of commercial music and yet to intrinsically linked to the most artful of it.

The music is a little like listening to memory.

The orchestration shines while Lastovicka’s heart bleeds through every note.  At times both mournful and euphoric, the fluid piano flirts with the sublime French horn while they spin exquisitely around each other.

Then there are the cellos, the violas, the Violins and the gorgeous, gorgeous female voices.  All this building and falling, sculpting and teasing a story that clearly needed to be told, and never letting the listener alone for a moment, always bringing more and more.

There is a purity to this music, but that does not hide the longing and the passion of Lastovicka.  It’s classical in moments of course, but the modernism and the profound intimacy of every track brings it fully into our world.  This could be a soundtrack to so many lives. It’s bewitching and beautiful and so hard to categorize without diminishing.

Chris Lastovicka is a master who is able to write something so timeless and also so timely.  It sounds like forgiveness and we all need that.  I absolutely loved it.

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Musicians:

Chris Lastovicka: Composer, Piano

Eric Bates: Violin

Anne T. Horvath: Violin

Katrin St. Clair: Violin

Lara Theilmann-Messerly: Violin

Christina M. Coletta: Cello

Damon Gray, Cello

Heidi Mausbach: Cello

Kenneth Woods: Cello

Tom Guth: Cello

Missy Hydock: Viola

Robert Garcia: French Horn

Kristen Johns: French Horn

Laura Backley: Contralto

Diana Cataldi: Mezzo-Soprano

Kimberly Tobola: Soprano

Cynthia Katsarelis: Conductor

Artist Links

Website  |  Facebook | Instagram  | Twitter  |  Bandcamp  |  Soundcloud  |  Youtube Channel

Irreverent Shakespeare Project Presents “Julius Caesar”

Samantha Simmonds-Ronceros
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Written by William Shakespeare

Directed by Heather Ann Gottlieb

Produced by Steven Brandon, Mark Laird, Bradley Gosnell, Rachel Rios and Ari Stidham

Running November 30 – December 15, 2018

Performed outdoors at a private residence in Tarzana on November 30 and December 1 and will be performed indoors December 7, 8 and 9 at the Secret Rose Theatre, 11246 W Magnolia Blvd, NoHo Arts District 91601. The run concludes on December 15 at the Hudson Loft, 1200 S. Hope Street, Los Angeles, 90015. 

Julius Caesar is very famously not about the title character. 

His closest friend Brutus is the central story and it’s his struggle with honor and loyalty, patriotism and justice that forms the major themes of the play.

Delany Milbourn as Brutus, Sam Roberts as Cassius
Delany Milbourn as Brutus, Sam Roberts as Cassius

It couldn’t, of course, be any more pertinent to just about everything on the news right now. But then Shakespeare has a habit of time traveling and ridiculous relevance no matter the play or even the plot.  There are always parallels in his work with anything you are currently participating in, personally or on a more global level. That’s just one of the many reasons why he is still loved, performed and incessantly quoted.

This particular production has the added congruity of a cast entirely populated by female actors.  How very “right now,” you might think and of course you would be correct.  But what’s so very interesting about this production is how completely and immediately I forgot as soon as the play began that these iconic roles, traditionally performed by men, were, in fact, not.  If this showed me anything it is that gender in theatre is much more irrelevant and fluid than we all usually assume and these particularly excellent actors made it shockingly unimportant.

Delaney Milbourn as Brutus
Delaney Milbourn as Brutus

We all know the play, the drama, the murder, the plot, the ghost of Caesar and the bewaring of “The Ides of March,” which was dramatically and comically ignored.  But this play is really all about passion.  The passion of comrades, the passion of politics and the all too human ability to confuse passion with being right. I know I can get very holier than thou at times, especially lately and a bit overexcited.  I can easily imagine making the wrong turn given the right set of circumstances, encouragement, strategically placed lies and weaponry.

I saw this play outside in Tarzana in a very lovely garden setting and, although it was a bit drafty, they did have copious amounts of blankets and hot coffee so it was rather wonderful, really.  I love Shakespeare outside, it’s how it was almost always originally performed and we are lucky enough that we live in L.A., where bad weather is infrequent.  Although I did feel a bit sorry for the ladies in the togas…it was cold!  The rest of the run will be performed inside, something for which I can only assume they will all be very grateful!

Sam Roberts as Cassius
Sam Roberts as Cassius

This is a great production, full of earnest and beautifully wrought performances and slyly amusing interpretations.  Perhaps the female urge toward sardonic wit gives the plot a little more edge. But then we always do things just a little drier and with just a little more coolly vicious and epic serendipity, don’t we?  Shakespeare is a gift and producing plays that remind us just how lucky we are to have this language in our lives is important.  Doing it as brilliantly as this deserves our gratitude.

I highly recommend “Julius Caesar” by The Irreverent Shakespeare Project.

It’s not a long run so get your gold coins out quick!

https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3820975

Cast

Delaney Milbourn, Samantha Roberts, Michelle Wicklas, Nefe Iredia, Beverlee Jean, Alicia LeBlanc, Courtney Reece, Tania Ayoub, and Reed Sights

The Magical Holiday Parade!

Lisa Bianconi
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“After 34 years of spreading Christmas cheer through the streets of North Hollywood, Toluca Lake and Burbank, the crew at the Magical Christmas Truck has made the difficult decision to hang up its collective Santa hat.”

But we bring great news from our pals at The Magical Holiday Parade:

Like many of you, this news hit us hard that The Magical Christmas Truck was no more. For the past month, we’ve all been faced with the reality that this long-time tradition would end for so many of our friends, families and neighbors. The community went to work immediately to find a way to save the truck!

The original organizers of the event have graciously allowed The Magical Holiday Parade to acquire the truck in the hope that we can work together with our collective communities to keep the spirit of Christmas alive!

“It’s the greatest gift we can give to our children and the community we love.” 

The Magical Holiday Parade is actively recruiting for volunteers. Please go to https://magicalholidayparade.org/ and complete the VOLUNTEER SUBMISSION form. 

We are eager to fill up the volunteer slots ASAP so that they can schedule crew meetings as early as next week. Folks who can walk and dance behind the truck (ages 16+ and no experience necessary) and others to assist thbe security team by walking alongside the truck during the parade to keep the public out of harm’s way, are needed!

However, it takes a VILLAGE to actually produce this event and we cannot do it alone. We’re asking for your support in pulling this off whether it be volunteering with us either before the event, during the event and/or donating to the cause.

As this is the first year we are doing this, we don’t really know how much money we need to cover costs but we’ve been advised it could run anywhere from 5-8K. What we do know is that significant repairs need to be covered as well as back up generators, mechanics, electricians, handymen, drivers, costume dry cleaning, a/v technicians, sanitation and a variety of other unforeseen costs.

We promise any funds raised will be used SOLELY to maintain the vehicle in its original form and to cover the operating costs necessary to continue creating and improving upon what we hope will be another magical event on this Christmas Eve and many more to come! 

The Magical Holiday Parade
Monday, December 24
4:30-10:30PM

We asked The Magical Holiday Parade organizers some more questions.

1.) Why did you decide to save the Christmas Caroling Truck and do The Magical Holiday Parade?

Our family has been part of this community for over 17 years. This caroling truck has played a major part of our annual holiday tradition. When we heard the news, we decided to take the appropriate steps necessary to try to keep this tradition alive. We’re thankful for the overwhelming show of support from our community including all of the people who’ve either pledged their time and/or have provided us with donations to help continue this tradition.

2.) Who’s helping you with it?

The entire community is helping us along with some close friends and colleagues, who have experience with special events production. Our producer is Lauren Blincoe.

3.) How many volunteers do you need before and after the event?

Historically, there have been 150-200 volunteers from security, audio techs, electricians, mechanics, carolers, dancers, etc. Here’s our volunteer submission form: https://magicalholidayparade.org/

4.) Will the truck belong to you now?

Although we did acquire most of the elements of the parade, our goal is for The Magical Holiday Parade (a non-profit organization) and a group of community leaders, to be responsible for it from here on out. With that, our hope is that this tradition lives on for many more years to come.

5.) Will the former organizers help you with the event?

Some of the previous participants have been more than helpful in transitioning this event from the previous organization, to the community.

6.) When does the GoFundMe expire?

There is no set expiration for the GoFundMe campaign, but we imagine it will stay “live” until the day of the event. Here is a link to the GoFundMe:

https://www.gofundme.com/the-magical-holiday-parade

7.) Are you planning on having the parade at all there locations (Toluca Lake, North Hollywood, Burbank) or will there be a new location?

The goal is to run the parade in a similar route to previous years. We will update our site with more information as it becomes solidified.

Thank you for preserving this North Hollywood tradition!

**** 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 2018 NoHo Christmas Show Guide!

Lisa Bianconi
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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

“RUSHin’ Around the Xmas Tree”

Through December 8
Force of Nature Productions has gathered a crazy, wacky cast and crew, added some hilarious props, a few surprises, and watch as they create 7 wild, zany, brand-spankin’ new plays inspired by famous holiday songs. You won’t want to “mistletoe” it! Grab your eggnog, put on that old ugly Christmas sweater and ear muffs and come celebrate the holidays with Force of Nature in our favorite way – with a holiday themed RUSH!

MORE>>

“Blood Alley Christmas”

Through December 15
Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group proudly presents their All-New, Scathing and Razor-Sharp Holiday-Horror-Theater Spectacular in the Great Grand Guignol, Theatre of Cruelty and Butoh-Traditions…Centering around the traumatic memoirs of a forgotten street-alley haunted by the longing, beauty and unspeakable yule-tide events of its cold, diabolical past!

MORE>>

“The Black Hole”

Through December 20
Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group proudly presents Michael Sargent’s all-new, off-beat holiday comedy! A new young hire throws things out of orbit at THE BLACK HOLE – an underground club for men in L.A. 12 days to X-Mas 1984. Can longtime lovers Fred & Joey fight gravity? Or will they be sucked into THE BLACK HOLE?

MORE>>

“The Gayest Christmas Pageant Ever!”

Through December 22
“The Gayest Christmas Pageant Ever” tackles racial and sexual discrimination in a madcap holiday extravaganza that is sure to have you rolling in the aisles.
Sixteen comedic actors play nearly 40 characters in a Christmas spectacular that will get you in the holiday mood in this fast-paced holiday comedy, which follows a small gay community theatre as they struggle to pull together their annual holiday pageant. This hilarious comedy has a limited engagement: December 7 – 22 only.

MORE>>

“The Eight: Reindeer Monologues”

Through December 23
Listen to the eight reindeer dishing about the real Santa in some serious X-rated fashion! All those rumors you’ve heard about him and the elves?
About Rudolph’s little secret?
About Vixen’s story that was leaked to the press?
All true.
Yes, the reindeer finally speak up and – believe us – they do not hold back!

MORE>>

“A Carol Christmas”

Through December 30
The Group Rep presents a new musical version of the immortal Charles Dickens classic set in America today. Instead of a man named Scrooge we have a woman named Carol, the successful, demanding host of a home-shopping show who cares nothing for Christmas and wants her staff to work right through the holidays. Seventeen new songs and all of the characters you know and love – Marley, Cratchit, Fred and Tiny Tim are women in this fun, charming and touching family friendly, new musical.

MORE>>

“Holiday of Lights – A Cabaret Celebration of Music by Michael Antin”

Through December 16
“Holiday of Lights – A Cabaret Celebration of Music by Michael Antin” is the newest presentation of local composers from the critically acclaimed and award winning theatre company, Write Act Repertory. This new presentation will perform in the heart of the NOHO Theatre District opening December of 2018. Award winning Composer Michael Antin, with a little help from his friends William Grundler & Dana Shaw with David Kaminer, will entertain and please you with new songs on a magical trip to the Great White Way, including a new holiday melody.

MORE>>

Holidays at the Marshall

Fill up your Holiday Season with holly jolly entertainment only at Garry Marshall Theatre.

IMPRO THEATRE’S “1966 HOLIDAY VARIETY EXTRAVAGANZA”

November 30 – December 9
Travel back to the swingin’ Sixties for a night of holiday hilarity with the award-winning Impro Theatre and their unscripted, totally improvised LIVE variety show — using audience suggestions — that delights in the comedy and music stylings of “Holiday Special” icons Andy Williams, Perry Como and Judy Garland.

“A BLU CHRISTMAS”

December 14
Join international pop and jazz singing sensation Jonny Blu and a line-up of his recording artist pals for a Holiday Soirée Concert Event to ring in the season. This FUNDRAISING event comes with a 7-piece band and the drinks are on the house!

“BOB MALONE’S THE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION” ALBUM RELEASE PARTY

December 15
Come hear The Christmas Collection in its entirety as Bob Malone and friends celebrate the release of this very special recording of holiday classics new and old. This exciting performance event is a ONE NIGHT ONLY concert. Not to be missed.

“HOLIDAZE HARMONY X”

December 21 & 22
A very special 10th Anniversary Holiday Concert Event starring recording artists and Broadway veterans Terron Brooks and Kamilah Marshall. It’s a night of Holiday classics with a soulful twist, an all-star live band, and special guest performances!

MORE>>

“A Christmas Carol”

December 20-30
Cupcake Theater’s annual performance of the Charles Dickens’ classic about Ebenezer Scrooge and the Ghosts that haunt him. You won’t want to miss this hilarious and heart-warming tale that’s safe for the whole family this Holiday Season.

MORE>>

“SANTASIA – A Holiday Comedy”

Through December 23
“SANTASIA – A Holiday Comedy” created by Shaun and Brandon Loeser, directed by Shaun Loeser, is celebrating its 19th year. This Off-Broadway hit and critics’s pick laugh-out-loud annual holiday romp, is the perfect blend of yuletide snark and sentiment, and 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.

MORE>>

“The Great Russian Nutcracker ”

December 19
Celebrate this Christmas with Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker! featuring brand new over-the-top production and world class Russian artists. Larger than life Puppets, Nesting Dolls and gloriously hand-crafted costumes bring the Christmas spirit to life. Gather the family and see why the press is raving. Bringing a message of Peace and Unity, the 2018 tour will spread goodwill in over 150 cities across the US and Canada. Get the best seats today and memories for a lifetime at Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker!”

MORE>>

 

**** 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.

“Holiday of Lights – A Cabaret Celebration of Music by Michael Antin”

Samantha Simmonds-Ronceros
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Write Act Repertory Presents “Holiday of Lights – A Cabaret Celebration of Music by Michael Antin”

Musical Arrangement and direction by David Kaminer

Starring William Grundler & Dana Shaw

Running Sundays December 2 through December 16

The Brickhouse Theatre
10950 Peach Grove St.
North Hollywood, CA 91601

If you are a fan of musicals, then you will absolutely adore “Holiday of Lights – A Cabaret Celebration of Music” currently playing at the Brickhouse Theatre in NoHo.

Michael Antin was once a tax attorney, but try not to hold that against him.  It’s hardly the usual background for a composer I’ll grant you, but what he might lack in showbiz pizazz he makes up for with musical chops and heart. 

When Michael retired from his career in taxes he returned to his first love…music.  Encouraged by his piano teacher, he found a home in songwriting and, before long, he had written four full-length musicals, many of which have premiered in NoHo before moving on to New York.

T51 5 EDIT Michael Antin

This particular extravaganza is a retrospective of sorts. 

A revisit to many of his most popular hits from his plays.  With the fabulous talents of William Grundler and Dana Shaw, frequent stars of his work, Michael narrates the fascinating journey through his work, regularly interrupted in the nicest possible way by William and Dana bursting into his wonderful songs.

With settings as varied as New York after the towers fell and war-torn Berlin during Wold War II, Michael draws from his own deep interest in the world around him and profound moments in history, creating stories around what moves him the most, the strength of the human heart under the most difficult of circumstance.

The songs are funny and moving, toe tapping and memorable.  The stories behind them are just as good.  This is a wonderful opportunity to meet a creative soul with a love for music, theatre and storytelling, and you may even get the chance to sing along!

I recommend you hurry up and get your tickets…this isn’t a long run!

https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3910101

https://www.facebook.com/writeactrepertory

North Hollywood’s New Transit Plaza

Lisa Bianconi
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North Hollywood’s New Transit Plaza

NoHo has a new mini park at the historic Lankershim Depot!

From the office of Councilman Paul Krekorian

Dear Friend:

This week, North Hollywood residents and Metro riders joined me to celebrate the opening of a brand new plaza in front of the historic Lankershim Depot.

The Depot’s history tells the story of the San Fernando Valley’s history. It dates back to the late 1800s and started out as a high-platform station for loading trains with goods and produce from Valley farms and packing plants.

It was later used as the North Hollywood Red Car pedestrian station until the Pacific Electric closed in 1952. My mother fondly remembers riding the Red Car to the depot and then walking down to the El Portal Theatre to see a double feature, a newsreel and a cartoon, all for just 11 cents.

We are honoring these memories, which are shared by so many San Fernando Valley residents, with this plaza. If you look at early 20th century photos, you’ll see that the plaza today is a near recreation of the original depot grounds. We are doing everything we can to preserve our transportation history as we continue to build for the future. Metro has built an 8,500 square-foot natural oasis that both riders and local community members can now use as a gathering place, just steps away from the Orange and Red Line stations. People can meet here to enjoy the NoHo Arts District or to connect with other destinations served by Metro’s extensive bus and rail network.

The plaza features a new pedestrian walkway, outdoor seats and overhead lighting. Its lush landscaping of olive trees and drought-tolerant succulent plants is topped off by Canary Island Date Palm trees.

As a Metro Board Director, I know how hard Metro has worked to make this and many other transportation improvements in North Hollywood.

We completed full restoration of the Lankershim Depot in October 2014.

I think you’ll agree that this new plaza is a wonderful complement to the historic Lankershim Depot and a benefit to the community as a whole. Take the bus, train, bike or walk to the plaza when you have the chance.

As always, if you have questions or comments, please contact me: paul.krekorian@lacity.org.

Very truly yours,
Paul Krekorian
LA City Councilmember, Second District

**** 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.

LeeSun “Singing You This Song”

Samantha Simmonds-Ronceros
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LeeSun “Singing You This Song”

LeeSun is the kind of quirky, totally unique singer-songwriter that is hard to ignore.

Her intricately crafted, timeless songs with haunting guitars, soft percussion and lovely heartfelt rhythms grow more and more compelling with every listen, and believe me, you will want to play them over and over and over.

How this Korean Canadian ended up in Leeds in the North of England is just part of her mystery.  But the sweet vulnerability and candid charm of her songs don’t seem out of place anywhere.  Her songs are reminiscent of the very best of Nora Jones or Fiest, or maybe even Bijork.  She ruminates on pain and love and growth and power and despair as a poet might, but with warm rhythms and sultry harmonies that bely the darkness of their origins.

LeeSun has created something beautiful.

Her soft, haunting voice so simple and so honest breaks your heart a little as she smilingly sings.  I confess that I cannot stop playing this album.  It’s clever and romantic, completely open and full of memories that resonate with us all…painful and sad and wonderful.

It feels like it’s recorded in her home, in someone’s home, in our home.  It’s intimate in a deeply spiritual way that many artists strive for but can never accomplish because they won’t let go and risk us not getting that truth is better than overly complicated.

The production is gorgeously open and warm and resonant.  There’s enough space here to feel like you are actually in the room with her as she sings.  I wish I was!

This might be the best Christmas gift you give this year. Do yourself a huge favor and make it one you give yourself at the very least.

Favorite track? It’s hard to pick, but right now it’s, “We’re All Made of Stars.” But honestly that could change. They are all brilliant.  Love, love, love this album.

Website |  Youtube  |  Facebook

Monique Angele “Alive”

Samantha Simmonds-Ronceros
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Monique Angele “Alive”

Monique Angele is a Canadian singer-songwriter with her roots firmly in the epic piano and soaring vocals genre of Tori Amos and Kate Bush.

She began as a classically trained operatic singer and her exquisite training gives her the nerve to be herself and write purposeful, meaningful, optimistic odes to life.

With nods to early Elton John and Evanescence and even a little Queen, the songs on this album are a soundtrack to inspiration.

Each track is a step along the way from depression to love.  Simply produced, the songs range from full-on orchestration to an almost live, stripped back feel, which works perfectly with her crystal-like voice.

These are powerful songs filled with a longing to connect. Her lyrics are written directly from the heart, it’s clear, with a sweetness and a naivete that shines through her warm, pure vocals.  These are songs that you reach for when you need some help, some strength and maybe a little love for yourself.  Unapologetically poignant and uncompromisingly spiritual, Monique Angele’s “Alive” maybe exactly what you need right now.

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Website  |  Facebook  |   Youtube

NoHo News: Nutcracker. Meditation. Trees. So Much Theatre.

Lisa Bianconi
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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: Nutcracker. Meditation. Trees. So Much Theatre.

Follow NoHo News with Bloglovin

**** 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.

What Is Dollar-Cost Averaging?

Lillian Appleby
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What Is Dollar-Cost Averaging?

Every investor dreams of buying into the market at a low point, just before it hits an upswing, and garnering a large profit from selling at the market’s peak. 

But trying to predict market highs and lows is a feat no one has ever fully mastered, despite the claims by some that they have just the right strategy that enables them to buy and sell at the most opportune times.

Attempting to predict which direction the market will go or investing merely on intuition can get you in trouble, or at the very least may cause you a great deal of frustration. One strategy that may help you navigate these investing pitfalls is dollar-cost averaging.

Dollar-cost averaging involves investing a set amount of money in an investment vehicle at regular intervals for an extended period of time, regardless of the price. Let’s say you have $6,000 to invest. Instead of investing it all at once, you decide to use a dollar-cost averaging strategy and contribute $500 each month, regardless of share price, until your money is completely invested. You would end up purchasing more shares when prices are low and fewer shares when prices are high. For example, you might end up buying 20 shares when the price is low, but only 10 when the price is higher.

This strategy has the potential to reduce the risk of investing a large amount in a single investment when the cost per share is inflated. It may also help reduce the risk for an investor who tends to pull out of the market when it takes a dip, potentially causing an inopportune loss in profit.

The average cost per share may also be reduced, which has the possibility to help you gain better overall profits from the market. Utilizing a dollar-cost averaging program, the bottom line is that the average share price has the potential to be higher than your average share cost. This occurs because you purchased fewer shares when the stock was priced high and more shares when the price was low. Dollar-cost averaging can also help you to avoid the annoyance and stress of continually monitoring the market in an attempt to buy and sell at “fortuitous” moments.

Dollar-cost averaging is a long-range plan, as implied by the word “averaging.” In other words, the technique’s best use comes only after you’ve stuck with it for a while, despite any nerve-racking swings in the market. When other panicky investors are scrambling to get out of the market because it has declined and to get back into it when the market has risen, you’ll keep investing a specific amount based on the interval you’ve set.

Dollar-cost averaging does not ensure a profit in rising markets or protect against a loss in declining markets. This type of investment program involves continuous investment in securities regardless of the fluctuating price levels of such securities. Investors should consider their financial ability to continue making purchases through periods of low and high price levels. The return and principal value of stocks fluctuate with changes in market conditions. Shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

The information in this newsletter is not intended as tax, legal, investment, or retirement advice or recommendations, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek advice from an independent professional advisor. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. This material was written and prepared by Broadridge Advisor Solutions. © 2018 Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc.

Les Techno “Closer Look”

Samantha Simmonds-Ronceros
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1
Les Techno “Closer Look”

Les Techno’s “Closer Look”

Solid Bass Records

With a beautiful, warm, xylophone-esque hook of an opening, “Closer Look” is classic techno pop with a lot of deep, deep echoing love from the cream of 80’s pop – Japan, Human League, Thomas Dolby, XTC, Duran Duran.

Post Punk provocateur Les Techno has the solid background legendary musicians.   He’s bounced around, playing with genres, experimenting with recording techniques and inventing sounds.  He’s worked with some of the biggest influencers of the last several decades like Run DMC, Mobb Deep and Ava Cherry, and has even remixed Red Hot Chili Peppers.  His schizophrenic musical background only lends his cool clear love lament “Closer Look” all the more credence.  The howling guitar pushes unapologetically against the Tron-like cords piercing through the track with its tingling and urgent pining, popping, rhythm.

Les Techno’s “Closer Look” is reverentially retro in an almost accidental way.  You feel like Les is just making the music he wants, using the references and the memories and the urges that are unique to his own lifetime of experience.  Basically, this is a track that only Les Techno could make.  It’s pure pop, pure tech, pure color and melodic bass.  The arrangement fills the room but still gives everything in it the space it needs to shine.  His vocals as uncontrived as the purest 80’s angst, the lyrics telling cinematic stories of heartache and unrequited love.

“Closer Look” is old style New Wave, cool and clever without all that “let me relate to you” crap.  It sticks in your head like the best kind of jangly movie soundtrack…in a good way.  You need to drive some wet city streets late at night looking for trouble to fully appreciate this track…and I may just do that!  Loved it.

Facebook   |  Twitter  |  Bandcamp    |  Soundcloud

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