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NoHo provided the backdrop for the song lyrics “No Ho”

Lisa Bianconi
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NoHo is ‘almost famous’. Magnolia and Lankershim, plus The Federal provided the backdrop for the song lyrics “No Ho.”

As the NoHo Arts District dot com team will always say: “NoHo is only as great as its people.” So when we get to meet interesting locals and folks who care for our neighborhood, we want to spread the word. Meet Son of Skooshny, a local group who sings about the NoHo Arts District. We asked member Mark Breyer some questions on the group and their song “No Ho.”

Who is Son of Skooshny?

Son of Skooshny is a spin-off from Skooshny, a Los Angeles–based, folk-rock band that developed a small but enthusiastic cult following among critics and fans around the world over the years. Son of Skooshny is my solo project along with producer–collaborator Steve Refling.

In my teens—I was kind of like the kid in Almost Famous—I interviewed Ray Davies of the Kinks and Marc Bolan of T. Rex for legendary Crawdaddy magazine. Then I went on to make my own music. In the 90s, The Sunday Times of London called an album by Skooshny “an irresistible era-defying classic.” That sure was nice to read!

“Powerpop maven Mark Breyer has been writing heartbreakingly beautiful songs for a long time, first with cult favorites Skooshny and most recently on his own, under the name Son of Skooshny. His latest one, No Ho—a collaboration with multi-instrumentalist/producer Steve Refling, streaming at Bandcamp—paints a gently devastating portrait of existential angst and understated despair, a couple doomed from the start traipsing their way through a vivid LA milieu. And the title could be as savage for the girl as the narrator’s prospects are bleak.” — New York Music Daily

sonsofskoony albumcover

What’s the song “No Ho” about?

I worked with a younger woman, Angie, about 15 years ago. We went out a couple of times, but that was about it. I had feelings for her, but I was too reserved to act on them. I kicked myself for years for not having been more dynamic.

Angie got back in touch with me in early 2014, now a single mother with two young daughters. She was back in college, pursuing a master’s degree. She needed help with a linguistics course she was taking and with short stories she was writing. She called me because I had a background both in linguistics and in copyediting.

The song is about regrets over two missed opportunities for a romantic relationship with the same woman. The lesson: seize the moment.

Listen to the song>>

Why did you decide to do a song about NoHo?

I was in the San Gabriel Valley, and she was in the west part of the San Fernando Valley. We chose NoHo because it’s a good halfway point. We met there every week for months for lunch, drinks, and linguistics.

I didn’t plan to write a song. With Angie and NoHo as inspirations, the song came easily to me. It’s not necessarily cheerful, but it is heartfelt.

One technical point: After I had completed recording the song and was about to release the single, I was informed that guidelines for digital releases prohibit the use of uppercase letters within a word in a title. So I had to change “NoHo” to “No Ho” or “Noho” or “No-Ho.” I wasn’t thrilled with the choices, but I opted for the first.

What’s your favorite part about the neighborhood?

Aside from its cool art and music vibe, I like the variety of eateries and drinkeries. We had a couple of Starbucks meetings, a birthday (hers) lunch at Salomi, Pitfire pizzas several times, and then numerous afternoons at the Federal Bar. The geography of NoHo provided the backdrop for the song lyrics. The Federal appears along with mentions of Magnolia and Lankershim.

**** 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.

Reviews: The Nice Guys; Money Monster

Mike Peros
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Reviews: The Nice Guys; Money Monster

The Nice Guys; Money Monster

Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling are an inspired comedy duo in Shane Black’s The Nice Guys, an entertaining, inventive mystery-comedy that works as an action comedy, buddy film, and a throwback to 1970’s noirs like Chinatown and The Long Goodbye.

It’s 1977 in a perpetually smoggy Los Angeles, where car manufacturers are looking to further pollute the air while young rebellious types are staging what amounts to die-ins to protest the damage done to the environment. Enter Ryan Gosling as a private detective who’s investigating the disappearance of Amelia, a missing girl who, as it turns out, does not want to be found; she has in face engaged the services of tough guy Russell Crowe to deter such inquiries, as Gosling finds out in a very funny scene (he advises Gosling as to the medical terminology of his soon to be painfully inflicted condition). This initial antagonism turns into a reluctant partnership as Crowe and Gosling realize that the missing Amelia has everything to do not only with the rapacious car manufacturers, but also with the death of a porn actress in a car crash that opens the film.

The scenario of The Nice Guys (via Black and Anthony Bagarozzi) has the requisite twists and turns in a film populated by shady Hollywood types, brutally inept hit men, and a Justice Department official (Kim Basinger) whose concern for Amelia may be something other than a mother’s desire to find a missing daughter. Yet the film’s high entertainment factor resides in the unexpected little moments and witty exchanges that contribute to the viewer’s enjoyment. Crowe is looser than he’s ever been as a “muscle guy” who doesn’t flinch when it comes to silencing an enemy, yet is concerned with what Gosling’s daughter (a good Angourie Rice) thinks of him. Gosling however is a revelation; while some of his previous roles have hinted at his comic ingenuity, here he is a fast-talking, physically adept comedic whirlwind. Whether he is trying to keep Crowe at bay while trapped on the toilet, or giving it his best “Lou Costello” upon discovering a bloody corpse, or even rejoicing in his presumed invulnerability, Gosling is in fine, funny form throughout. As opposed to some derivative sequels making the rounds this season, The Nice Guys is an original that leaves one hoping it is successful enough for its own sequel.

 Money Monster

If one were to take Dog Day Afternoon and mix in elements of John Q and Margin Call, you might wind up with Money Monster. In an effort to be relevant and entertaining, Money Monster casts George Clooney as a popular TV financial prognosticator whose predictions earn him an unwanted visit from an aggrieved, unstable, gun-wielding lad (Jack O’ Connell) who has lost everything after investing in one of Clooney’s “guaranteed stocks”—which proves to be worthless after it mysteriously collapses. All parties involved, including Clooney, the company’s CEO (Dominic Cooper), and his underlings initially disavow any knowledge of wrongdoing or sense of culpability. Making matters worse, O’Connell has taken the technicians hostage, and fitted Clooney with a bomb-laden vest that threatens to transport everyone nearby to that great television studio in the sky. In the meantime, Clooney’s director/romantic interest Julia Roberts tries to move mountains in order to get to figure out who’s to blame—as well as save the lives of Clooney and the crew.

Though Money Monster is reasonably tense, it is also all-too-predictable. One knows who the villain is—it’s just a matter of time before he is unmasked. It’s a shame a film that seeks to indict an entire system focuses on the machinations of one individual (but I guess that’s another story). One also knows how the dynamic between gunman and hostage will progress, and though both Clooney and O’Connell are persuasive, the outcome is practically a foregone conclusion. Helping matters is that Roberts is the best she has been in years (hopefully you’ve forgotten Mother’s Day), and director Jodie Foster is able to maintaining the viewer’s interest throughout. It’s just too bad that the script is a little too formulaic for its so-called ambitions.

Los Angeles has a budget!

Lisa Bianconi
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So the City of Los Angeles has a budget. But what does that mean to us in the NoHo Arts District?

North Hollywood Councilman Paul Krekorian does a fine job of explaining the budget process and how the funds are allocated.

Each spring, the City of Los Angeles discusses, debates and adopts a budget for the coming fiscal year, which begins July 1. Although it can seem like an esoteric exercise, it isn’t. LA’s budget matters to you. The city’s budget is one of the most tangible expressions of public policy there is. Just as with your personal finances, whether you are saving money for a big purchase or paying monthly bills, how you spend your money reflects your overall life goals. In a very similar way, the City Council makes decisions about LA’s budget based on what we hope to accomplish during the next fiscal year.

The budget process is also always a collaboration. By law, the Mayor must make his proposal by April 20, just months before the next fiscal year begins. This comes after months of input from Neighborhood Councils, city departments and other local leaders. In fact, the budget process begins 11 months before the start of the fiscal year, when the Mayor sends a budget policy letter to city departments, bureaus and other offices.

After the Mayor finally releases his proposal, the City Council’s Budget and Finance Committee, which I chair, spends about three weeks going over every item with a fine tooth comb and getting more input from the public. This year, we heard 173 comments during our 40 hours of budget meetings, discussed the budget with 44 departments and heard presentations from the city’s labor representatives and the Neighborhood Council Budget Advocates. At the meetings, we made changes to the budget and then took it to the full City Council for a vote. We adopted it unanimously last week, assembled all the changes and amendments into a final document this week and voted to send it back to the Mayor for his signature.

Some budgets are better than others. State law requires the city to achieve a balanced budget during its budget process, but even then, some balanced budgets are better than others. They all depend greatly on the regional economic climate and the city’s current needs. For example, in 2008 when the global recession was wreaking havoc on our national economy, our local economy had plummeted, while city budget officials projected a billion dollar deficit in the coming years. One former LA mayor even opined in the Wall Street Journal that the city would very likely go bankrupt before 2014.

Needless to say, that doomsday scenario never came to pass, largely because of responsible, fiscally sound budgeting by the City Council and the sacrifices of our public workforce. Our neighborhoods suffered dramatic cuts to city-provided services, but those very lean years allowed us to right LA’s financial ship, slowly but surely. It also helped that our city’s economic fortunes have turned around considerably. Last year, LA welcomed more than 19,000 new jobs and more than 36,000 more residents found employment. Tourism continues to skyrocket, with 45.5 million visitors in 2015, and hotel occupancy is at an all-time high. This is a small window into what continues to be an economic upswing in our city, which is reflected in this year’s budget.

This year is my fifth straight leading the Budget and Finance Committee and I’m proud to say that our city’s budget is the healthiest it’s been in many years.

Our revenues continue to grow, putting the overall budget at $8.76 billion, two percent higher than last year. And at $334 million, we have the largest Reserve Fund in the city’s history, along with another $93.14 million in the rainy day fund. While maintaining our responsible posture, we have also started the much-needed process of restoring neighborhood services and even made substantial funding commitments to infrastructure and programs that will improve the lives of Angelenos today and into the future.

I hope you enjoy this special budget-focused edition of Our Valley News. In it, we’ll try to break down some of the more important things in the budget, things that will make a difference for you and your community. If you have questions or comments about any aspect of the budget for the coming fiscal year, please contact me: paul.krekorian@lacity.org or (213) 473-7002.

Very truly yours, 

Paul Krekorian Budget Explanation www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Better Quality of Life

Paul Krekorian Budget Explanation www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Reducing Homelessness

Paul Krekorian Budget Explanation www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Public Safety

Paul Krekorian Budget Explanation www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Neighborhood Victories

Paul Krekorian Budget Explanation www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Read the full report from the office of NoHo’s Councilman Paul Krekorian>>

**** 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.

NoHo News: More Arts Come to #TheValley, Fringe, Mimosas + Music, More 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…ENJOY NOHO!

**** 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.  

L.A.’s Largest Celebration of the Performing Arts Coming in June

Lisa Bianconi
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The Hollywood Fringe Festival: L.A.’s Largest Celebration of the Performing Arts

The NoHo Arts District dot com team is proud to support the 7th annual Hollywood Fringe Festival taking place June 9th – 26th, with previews on June 2nd – 7th. Los Angeles is indeed a theatre town! L.A.’s largest celebration of the performing arts has nearly 300 productions presented in more than 30 Hollywood venues, with all ticket sales going back to participating artists and venues. This year’s festival includes offerings from a range of performing arts genres like cabaret, musical theatre and dance. A majority of the shows are either ensemble theatre, solo performance or comedy.

To purchase tickets, visit www.hollywoodfringe.org/discover and search for shows by time, venue, category, or tag. The full schedule can also be viewed here. Venue-specific tickets will also be available at the box offices of the theatres, bars, and outdoor spaces participating in this year’s fest. Click here for a comprehensive list of this year’s venues.

The Fringe Button

Festival-wide community discounts are available for Fringe-goers with a Fringe Button. The perks of a button include $1 off all show tickets, drink discounts at Fringe Central, deals around town, and access to Fringe-run events, like the annual Opening and Closing Night Parties. The button can be purchased for $5 (or $3 for Festival participants) online at www.hollywoodfringe.org/market or at Fringe Central (located at The Dragonfly).

Key Festival Dates

June 2nd-7th – Fringe Previews
June 8th – Fringe Opening Night Party
June 9th-26th – 7th Annual Hollywood Fringe Festival
June 15th – Fringe Runway
June 22th – Fringe Prom
June 24th – Fringe Rocks!
June 26th – Fringe Award Ceremony & Closing Night Party

NoHo Arts District now reviewing Fringe shows!

This year the NoHo Arts District dot com theatre team will start to review Fringe shows. For five years we have been a media sponsor for the Hollywood Fringe Festival because we believe Los Angeles is a theatre town. We bring the San Fernando Valley theatre goer to the Fringe! NoHo Fringe Review Info>>

ABOUT HOLLYWOOD FRINGE

The Hollywood Fringe Festival is an annual, open-access, community-derived event celebrating freedom of expression and collaboration in the performing arts community. Each June during the Hollywood Fringe, the arts infiltrates the Hollywood neighborhood: Fully equipped theaters, parks, clubs, churches, restaurants and other unexpected places host hundreds of productions by local, national, and international arts companies and independent performers.

Participation in the Hollywood Fringe is completely open and uncensored. This free-for-all approach underlines the festival’s mission to be a platform for artists without the barrier of a curative body. By opening the gates to anyone with a vision, the festival is able to exhibit the most diverse and cutting-edge points-of-view the world has to offer. Additionally, by creating an environment where artists must self-produce their work, the Fringe motivates its participants to cultivate a spirit of entrepreneurialism in the arts.

Twitter: @hollywoodfringe or use the #hff16 hashtag
Facebook

**** 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.

How About Some Mimosas and Music?

Lisa Bianconi
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How we do Sunday Funday in NoHo: Brunch at The Federal with Mimosas and Music.

Get ready, NoHo. Gary Calamar’s intimate Mimosa Music Series, which originated out of his Laurel Canyon living room, will return to The Federal Bar in North Hollywood on Sunday, May 29. This month’s free and all ages show will feature Ruby Friedman Orchestra and The Glorious. Come on down for Sunday brunch, mimosas and some great music!

WHEN: Sunday, May 29 at 11:00AM-2:00PM

WHERE: The Federal Bar
5303 Lankershim Blvd.
North Hollywood, CA 91601
(818) 980-2555

Ruby Friedman Orchestra is a collective led by its namesake, singer-songwriter Ruby Friedman. The group performs a unique blend of Americana, rock, blues and country. LA Weekly declares the band as “several of the finest honkers and thumpers in this or any town anywhere.” Meanwhile, Buzzbands praises Ruby Friedman as having “the eyes of somebody who’s lived, the writing chops to make her experiences compelling and a voice that makes it all sound larger than life.”

Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, The Glorious consists of band members David Mather, Daniel Gard’ner and Joel Loukes. The group creates haunting melodies and meaningful lyrics inspired by classic sounds of the sixties and seventies. Earlier this year, they released their new album Falcon. Glide Magazine acclaims, “Mather’s personal, reflective lyrics mesh gorgeously with the band’s sound, which can go from mellow Americana to lush, sweeping arrangements that engulf the listener, sometimes within the span of one song.”

Why did you take the Mimosa Music Series to The Federal?

“I have a friend, Brad Spencer, who worked for the Knitting Factory and The Federal Bar. He would come by the house to see the shows, then told me about The Federal Bar and invited me down to check it out. I loved the room, the vibe and the people who worked there. So when my wife gave us our walking papers, it seemed the perfect place to move the Mimosa Music Series.”

Who is Gary Calamar?

Gary Calamar, president of Go Music, is a five time Grammy-nominated producer and music supervisor who has overseen the music on some of the most acclaimed and popular shows on television including “True Blood,” “Six Feet Under,” “Dexter,” “Entourage,” “Weeds” and “House.” Gary’s current projects include “The Man In The High Castle” (Amazon) , “Good Girls Revolt” (Amazon), “Wayward Pines” (Fox) and the indie films “Tumbledown” and “Carrie Pilby.”

Gary is also a songwriter and co-wrote the song “Let’s Boot and Rally” performed by Iggy Pop and Bethany Cosentino for True Blood. His debut EP as a recording artist, “You Are What You Listen To” was released on Atlantic Records to excellent reviews and airplay. Gary is also the author of “Record Store Days” (with Phil Gallo), and DJ at public radio powerhouse KCRW.

FACEBOOK

Ruby Friedman Orchestra  |  The Glorious  |  Mimosa Music Series

**** 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.

Take your story seriously…. exploring your creative universe.

Samantha Simmonds-Ronceros
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Very, Very Independent Filmmaking

Take your story seriously…. exploring your creative universe.

It’s sometimes so hard to find something…anything…

When we create stories, we are searching for a meaning in the scrambled mess that is all around us.

We need the chaos on some level to force us out of our comfort and into an awkward space that will ignite some itch we need to scratch. But there does need to be a balance.

All chaos is just too…well…chaotic.

I think the most life-changing piece of advice I could give any artist, and something I’ve taken quite a while to discover on my own, whether they are filmmakers, musicians, painters or anything else, is that whatever story you are telling and in whatever form you chose to tell it, take it seriously.

And by that I don’t mean to make everything dark or sad or not funny. What I mean is you have to make this story short, long, big or small, the most important thing in your life at that moment.

When you write it, when you develop it, when you shoot it, rehearse it, edit it, market it…when you love it and when you hate it…take it as seriously as you could take the most important moment in your life.

Because if you really do make it that important it will take on a magical life of its own. It will call to you when you least expect it, it will grow and find purpose all on its own, in the farthest reaches of your mind. And when you are not even consciously thinking about it, there it will suddenly be, in all its unfinished glory, and then you can create something amazing.

My husband just gave me a book. It was our wedding anniversary and he asked me what I would like and without thinking about it really I said, “a book.” I don’t think I have sat down and read a book in years…and I have hundreds of them scattered about the house in piles and book cases and under lamps to make them taller. I use to read voraciously, but who has the time these days? Too many emails to send and pictures to like. But it was the perfect gift, a gift of quiet time.

We all need to read. And we all need to look and to walk and to be silent and then sometimes to talk and be loud and to run around. We need to give ourselves the time and the space we all need as creative beings to allow our minds to play.

Without this holiday from our repetitive and sadly necessary daily lives it becomes more and more difficult to do anything authentic, and as very, very independent filmmakers, we need to be authentic more than we need to be good in many ways. Not that I’m suggesting that you be deliberately bad…although that in its own way might chuck up something wonderful.

I think the most successful film is one that makes you notice, very closely, the connections between people, I mean really notice them. When a camera holds on a moment and holds and holds until you can almost feel the actor’s breath on your skin and you really know them, that is when cinema is at its most powerful and when you don’t even notice you are holding your breath until you simply have to take one.

We can make that, we penniless and under-equipped filmmakers. We can capture that magic just as any other filmmaker with bigger money and a bigger crew can…we just have to believe that the story we are telling is the most important one we will ever tell…every time…for every movie and every story.

If we believe it, then the actors will and the audience will.

So chose your stories well, take your time with them, allow them to come to you even, and never, never try to make anything that isn’t the most important and necessary story you have ever known…until the next most important story you have ever known comes along that is.

Without that passion to tell it, it won’t be given the attention it deserves, and I know, I have made some half-hearted attempts at films myself and been surprised somehow that they didn’t turn out better…silly me.

But the films that I turn to time and time again, when people sometimes ask “can I see anything you’ve done” are the films I totally committed to and was passionate about and that, in turn, everyone involved was just as inspired to make and that I took very, very seriously.

Take it one day at a time. We all have other things and people and jobs, but make this story, this film for some or several moments during every single day, important. More important than kids, or bills, or boyfriends or anything…if only for just a moment, but every day. If you do this, you will feed it and it will feed you and it will happen.

“Where Else But The Streets” Art Show

Lisa Bianconi
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“A fascinating study of art, politics, and dissent.” – Jason Leopold, Senior Investigative Reporter, VICE News

The dynamic duo featured in last September’s “Takin’ It To The Streets” are at again, but this time it’s “Where Else But The Streets” and they’re takin’ it to the Stone Malone Gallery on May 28.

“Pay 2 Play” director John Wellington Ennis is hosting a book signing for his “Where Else But The Streets” at the Melrose Ave. gallery beginning at 7pm and will feature local Street Artists that appear in the book and film. Among the featured Street Artists are Teachr, Shepard Fairey, Free Humanity, Mr. Brainwash and many more.

According to Ennis, the wild card in this show will be Street Artist Sabo. Ennis adds that Sabo’s work never fails to push political buttons and is sure to add some spice to an already e -ticket ride. Apparently, Ted Cruz has sold Sabo’s work on his website until forced to take it down.

Fairey is slated to display four new pieces and Teachr has been busy filling local spaces with his brand “Teach Peace.” The music for this event is going to be provided by Ennis’ “Radio Free Brooklyn” radio station and will feature political Hip Hop music.

For those that have not seen the “Pay 2 Play”  film it’s ok, because you can revisit the subject in this awesome “dossier” of Street Artists. Who knows, perhaps you’ll be convinced by the excellence of the book to take a look at the film.

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Non-profits have used the film to help raise money and it is getting lots of mileage around the country as the Monopoly game board theory spreads the word about big money corrupting politics.

This is the first push to promote this notable work and is a not to be missed event.

WHEN: Saturday, May 28, 2016 7PM
EXHIBITION: Runs May 28 – June 4, 2016

WHERE: Stone Malone Gallery
7619 1/2 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA

http://www.stonemalonegallery.com

http://whereelsebutthestreets.com/

About the Book “Where Else But The Streets”

From 2010 to 2013, Los Angeles (specifically the well-trafficked area of Melrose Avenue between Fairfax and La Brea) was the center of the street art world. Taking their cues from the Arab Spring and Operation Wall Street, famed and infamous artists such as Shepard Fairey, Morley, Mr. Brainwash, and even Banksy took to the streets and painted, postered, and stenciled their witty, politically engaged works on billboards, lampposts, utility boxes, even the sidewalks.

Where “Else But The Streets” not only captures the vibrant renaissance in Los Angeles street art, but also chronicles the stories from the artists themselves, getting inspired, getting started, getting famous, and becoming outlaws.

ARTISTS FEATURED IN THE BOOK: Shepard Fairey, Banksy, Mr. Brainwash, Ron English, Alec Monopoly, Free Humanity, Lydia Emily, Teachr,Skullphone, Morley, WORDSMITH, Thrashbird, Thank You X, Gregory Siff & 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.  

More Performing Arts in The Valley!

Lisa Bianconi
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Valley Performing Arts Center Announces 2016-­17 Season!

 

Following the success of the record-breaking and celebratory Fifth Anniversary Season, the award-winning, 1,700-seat Valley Performing Arts Center (VPAC) will present a unique mix of musical theatre, orchestral and classical music, dance, jazz and Latin music for its 2016-17 Season. Thor Steingraber, VPAC’s Executive Director, today announced complete details of the season that will present 44 performances and will open on September 30, 2016 and run through May 13, 2017.

The season includes four family Sunday matinees and a series of world music and dance performances, with a focus on Africa and Asia. “This is a storybook season for VPAC,” says VPAC’s Executive Director, Thor Steingraber, “and like a storybook, it’s a season that celebrates cultural narratives from around the world as well as the global communities found in Los Angeles.”

Steingraber further emphasizes eight original performances that VPAC will present, many that rely upon the talents of LA and Southern California artists. “Nothing is as important to me as our growing partnerships with local artists. As these artists find a home on the VPAC stage, new audiences follow them. This symbiotic relationship between artists and audiences is essential in building a sustainable and vital organization, and this is one of the reasons we saw significant growth in our Fifth Anniversary Season. Personally, my focus is as keenly focused on the lobby as it is on the stage; building a broad audience, attracting a young crowd, and generally creating a venue that acts as the modern town square. The CSUN campus is the ideal backdrop for this kind of vision.”

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The VPAC 2016-17 Season trailer highlights include:
• In coordination with LA Philharmonic, VPAC offers a month-long celebration – The Age of Adams – of American composer John Adams at his 70th birthday featuring two LA-based music collectives, wild Up, conducted by Christopher Rountree (February 16) and Jacaranda Music with a program curated by Patrick Scott (January 14), as well as guest artists the St. Lawrence String Quartet (February 3) performing the quartet Adams composed specifically for them.
• Esa-Pekka Salonen brings his Philharmonia Orchestra, London to VPAC’s expansive stage (October 5); the St. Petersburg Philharmonic performs Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 (March 16), and the nation’s most lauded chamber music repertory company, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, brings its perennial performances of Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos (December 13). Praised by artists and audience for its hall’s keen acoustics, VPAC continues its growth as a primary LA presenter for visiting and international symphonic orchestras.
• Emmy and Tony Award-winning Tyne Daly stars in a one-night only concert performance of Jerry Herman’s DEAR WORLD, which opens the season (September 30) and will be followed by Tony Winner Kelli O’Hara (October 14) in concert. Full productions of WEST SIDE STORY (March 10-12) and MAN OF LA MANCHA (May 5-7) round out the season, both co-presented with McCoy Rigby Entertainment.
• VPAC strengthens its commitment to Latin audiences with four performances, turning its focus to some of the most groundbreaking young artists in this field, including several women who are redefining Latin music: Aida Cuevas, the ‘Queen of Ranchera’ with Reyna de los Angeles, the LA- based all-women mariachi band (October 16) and Mexican-American singer Lila Downs sings on a bill with Latin Grammy winning Monsieur Periné (April 22); Las Cafeteras will headline, Hecho en LA featuring special guests and compañeros (December 9) and a pre-Presidential election celebration created by Culture Clash, VOTE OR DIE LAUGHING, A Post-Modern Political Vaudeville, directed by Dan Guerrero (November 1) that will feature several of LA’s major Latino music stars.
• VPAC’s commitment to Hollywood’s legacy continues in collaboration with New West Symphony. Together, they present two silent films accompanied by full orchestra – Charlie Chaplin’s 1936 classic MODERN TIMES, screened with a live performance of Chaplin’s own original score with contributions from two film music legends, Alfred Newman and David Raksin, conducted by Timothy Brock. Buster Keaton’s silent film classic THE GENERAL is performed with a new score conducted by Richard Kaufman.
• Only at VPAC, a special tribute to the legacy of one of America’s most influential artists — Martha Graham Dance Company will perform MARTHA GRAHAM AND AMERICAN MUSIC, an entire evening of Graham originals performed with live musicians playing some of the most notable musical pieces commissioned by Martha Graham herself. Christopher Rountree will conduct wild Up. Aspen Santa Fe Ballet enters its second year residency presenting a new work by LA choreographer Cherice Barton, co-commissioned by VPAC.
• Building on its success hosting jazz orchestras, VPAC announces a New Big Band & Jazz Series that opens with the great Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with legendary musician Wynton Marsalis (October 8). The most recent Grammy winner for Best Large Jazz Ensemble, Maria Schneider brings her orchestra to VPAC (February 22). Capping the series will be a 90th Birthday Celebration for Valley favorite Doc Severinsen (April 13).
• Holiday offerings including Vienna Boys Choir (December 2), Handel’s Messiah with Trinity Wall Street Choir and Baroque Orchestra (December 7), Danú, Féile Na Nollag (A Christmas Gathering) (December 11), and The Hot Sardines’ Holiday Stomp (December 17).

Tickets for initial series offerings go on sale May 10; additional series go on sale June 20. Single ticket sales begin Tuesday, July 5. For ticket and subscription information, visit ValleyPerformingArtsCenter.org or call (818) 677-3000.

Valley Performing Arts Center is located on the campus of California State University, Northridge (CSUN), 18111 Nordhoff Street Northridge, CA 91330-8448, at the corner of Nordhoff and Lindley.

Valley Performing Arts Center 2016-17 Season

BIG BAND / JAZZ SERIES | BROADWAY AT VPAC | CLASSICAL MUSIC | DANCE AT VPAC | HECHO EN LAS AMÉRICAS | HOLIDAY OFFERINGS | ORIGINAL EVENTS | WORLD | FAMILY

Now entering its sixth season, VPAC’s mission is to present a wide variety of performances that not only includes new and original work from the Los Angeles region, but also work from around the world that appeals to all of LA’s rich and diverse communities. The Valley Performing Arts Center’s 2016-17 Season signals a new era for the premiere event venue. Under the leadership of Executive Director Thor Steingraber, VPAC expands its programming and outstanding multi-disciplinary performances. Located on the campus of California State University Northridge, VPAC’s season offers a vibrant and diverse performance program of nearly 50 classical and popular music, dance, theater, family and international events that will serve to establish VPAC as the intellectual and cultural heart of the San Fernando Valley and further establish itself as one of the top arts companies in Southern California. The award-winning 1,700- seat theatre was designed by HGA Architects and Engineers and was recently cited by the Los Angeles Times as “a growing hub for live music, dance, drama and other cultural events.”

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

Hey NoHo! Life’s a Beach with the new Metro Line Extension

Jack Witt
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Hey NoHo! Life’s a Beach with the new Metro Line Extension

I recently took the active seniors of the NoHo Senior Artist Colony to the beach using the new Metro Subway that you can access from our NoHo Red Line Station.

It was super easy. And trust me, if I could do it and figure it out, so can you!

So basically, here’s how to get to the beach from NoHo using the Metro Subway.

NoHoStation_Gals.jpg

Take the NoHo Red Line on Lankershim and Chandler towards downtown (the only direction the subway goes from NoHo Station), after about 20 minutes or so get off at 7th and Metro Station downtown. Depart the train, and just walk upstairs, staying inside the subway station, and you’ll see all the signs for the Expo line. Get on the Expo Line heading towards Santa Monica. (There’s always helpful Metro employees at the Stations to help you if you are not sure where to go!)

Once on the Expo Line, it’ll go above ground and in some parts higher than street level, and you’ll be treated to views and life scenes of various neighborhoods of our city of angels as you make your way to the coast. Stay on the train until the very last exit. That’s downtown Santa Monica at 4th Street. All in all, I’d say it was about 40 minutes from the 7th and Metro downtown station. Once you get off the Expo Line at Santa Monica downtown, you’ll see the big iconic Santa Monica Pier blue archway welcoming you to the beach and Pacific Ocean, and as well the end of the original Route 66, that brought automobile travelers from the east coast to the west coast before the interstate freeways.

We walked that few blocks down to the Pier and delighted in breathing in the fresh ocean air and marveled at all the things to do and see on the Pier. There’s some very interesting performers too along the way. It’s a carnival atmosphere with arcades and merry-go-rounds that throw back to bygone eras.

Then we turned around went left (North) where the Pier begins and that will take you along the beach for a small stroll to some stairs for a good thigh burning workout. The stairs take you back up to Ocean Avenue to a nice small park on the cliff. Just cross the street at the nearest intersection and walk a few blocks up to 3rd Street and your at the Promenade, with all its shopping and restaurants and theaters.

Pier_GroupPic.jpg

It was such a fun day as there were numerous festivals at the metro expo line stations along the way to celebrate the opening weekend of the expo line extension to Santa Monica. It was historic too, as it’s the first time in 60 years that Angelinos have access to Santa Monica / Beach / Pier area via rail transport directly from Downtown.

And according to our pedometer, we walked 13,000 steps for the day, which is well above average, and a good daily fitness goal. So, if you’d like a fresh new way to get your exercise in, and even have an option of renting a bike at the beach for the flat paved path which runs along the coast for many miles, then harness your adventurous spirit and take the Metro from NoHo to the Santa Monica Beach !

Special Tip from NoHoArtsDistrict.com’s MusicMaven9 who was on our active excursion: To save time at the Metro Stations and skip the lines, reload your Metro Tap card at Ralphs the next time you are grocery shopping.

For LA Metro information including timetables of the routes and fares and places to visit, go to https://www.metro.net/riding/fares/ or call 323.GO.METRO

And now – sing along with me to that popular ol’ Randy Newman song; “I LOVE LA” !

Cheers,

Jack Witt, MS, CPT
Fitness and Health Coach
“Get Fit with Witt”
Individuals / Groups / Corporate
310.562.5629 Cell / 818.760.3891 Main

Twitter / Instagram /LinkedIn / YouTube 

* New Book “From Passion to Purpose“

* Ohio Amish Country Adventure Join me October 20-24, 2016

Men’s Style Tips: How to Increase the Chances of a Second Date

NoHo - North Hollywood
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Men’s Style Tips: How to Increase the Chances of a Second Date

You have to face the music, plain and simple: most women veer towards men who can dress well. You might be thinking that as long as you’re comfortable with the clothes you wear – looking decent and being interesting is enough to score a follow-up date – then you’re good. Truth is, thousands of single ladies out there expect and even demand you – her date – to have a style philosophy like Barney Stinson’s, with a Ted Mosby heart. So all in all, ‘decent’ just won’t cut it.

There are tons of common misconceptions about men’s fashion. As a matter of fact, Nicharry compiled a list talking about the subject and how to avoid these mild style disasters. Yes, comfort should always be one of the focal points in fashion, but there are still certain aesthetic rules you need to comply with, one of which is looking at the finer details of your overall look.

By now you’ve probably put a lot of thought into the basics of what to wear on formal dates, casual events, and all the scenarios in between. However, understanding the innermost details of men’s fashion usually makes or breaks your chances with the girl. Below are some trivially significant rules to follow that will increase your chances for that coveted second date.

Shirts

A lot of men prefer stripped dress shirts, as it presents a slimming illusion. It’s not bad at all to pick these designs, especially for larger guys who want to embrace their features. For a specific assessment, big and tall men’s clothing brand, KingSize Direct gauges these shirt measurements from large to 6XL. As a viable alternative for striped shirts, you can opt for a simple polo shirt with subtle patterns that go well with a sleek sport jacket. Also, be sure to tuck your shirt in for a more refined look.

Pants

Most men see khakis as the fine line between a more casual pair of jeans and smarter dress pants. In short, they think of it as the safest bet amongst the two. Here’s where they are wrong according to highbrow fashion experts. An esteemed men’s fashion director says that khakis reflect a basic workplace, and that jeans will always be perfectly acceptable in any dating scenario.

Essentials
 Now onto the finer details of your outfit: the essentials. Shoes, whether wingtips or sneakers, cap toes or boots, they should always be clean. Polish and/or remove any unwanted stains, dirt, or markings on the sides and bottoms of them. Remember: a man who knows how to take care of his shoes is also detail-oriented in other aspects of his life. In terms of socks, leave the white ones for the gym and go for fun, unique patterns that – in a way – stand out a little. These tiny details go a long way when it comes to completing a fantastic look and strengthening the odds of bagging that second date. 

Are you one of those actors who hate your day job?

Fran Montano
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Are you one of those actors who hate your day job?

Artists have an A and B Job

Are you one of those actors who hate your day job and wish you could not have to do it?

I’ve talked with so many actors who complain about their day jobs, and long for the day when they can leave it for good and act full time. That’s when they will feel successful, they say. A lot of energy, frustration, feelings of failure, and incompleteness is in that conversation, as well as the energy and consciousness that the actor then walks around with.

So, let’s have a reality check. Most artists have an A and B job. It is just the way it is in our culture. Back in the day of the huge communist countries, the government supported artists, provided for them so they could be artists. In America, it’s different, we are a capitalistic country and you have to support yourself. Trust me, as romantic as it may sound that Russian artists had it made, they had their challenges as well.
So let’s deal and talk about that. Most artists have an A and B job. That’s just the way it is. Accept it. I’d like to encourage you to embrace it if that’s the situation you’re in.
Most other professionals only have A jobs. A school teacher will go to college, get a degree in teaching, and then find a job in an educational institution and work their job. It is what they do. They don’t necessarily get a B job (unless they have other reasons). That is their life. An accountant the same, gets and education, finds a job in accounting, and that is their A job. Engineers, nurses, lawyers, doctors, etc, these people may change their A job from time to time, move up, get promoted, but that is their A job and their life. A B job would only be for additional income, and what usually happens is instead of a B job they get what I call a B hobby. Yes, they pick up a hobby and it becomes their B job. Most professional occupations live this way of life.

As actors, part of the lifestyle is that you have both an A job and B job. The A job is of course your acting career, you are in business and that is your life’s work. You have a B job to support your A job until your A job makes it to a level where it can sustain you.
It’s science, it is gravity, learn to accept it, and if you can, embrace it. You B job servs your A job. Even those who get a lot of work as actors, sometimes they need to go back to their B job in lean times, or when things are slow. Get over it and get it. Don’t let it discourage you.

The challenge is to keep your A job a priority and create the B job to serve the A job.

What I often see is this:
The B job becomes very lucrative and the actor increases his lifestyle and now needs the B job to sustain the lifestyle. The A job gets compromised. Yes, the money is tempting, but the lifestyle can kill the A job. Sometimes security shows up in the B job and then there is a tough decision to make.

If you can get a handle of this perspective and psychology, you won’t get broken when either business slows down, or you have to get up to do that B job. Your work is to find the balance, come to peace with it, and appreciate it. You might even enjoy the life of being an actor in LA. That is my wish for you, that you have a healthy, positive energy on it. Embrace the lifestyle – it is respectful, honest, and enviable by many who only have A jobs.

Interior Design – The Palette of Pink

Christopher Porikos
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Interior Design – The Palette of Pink

The Palette of Pink

I recently wrote about the 2016 Colors of the Year; one being Rose Quartz. I wanted to expand a bit on how to design with Pink and the various shades it encompasses. As mentioned before, Pink is typically associated with the feminine side. But times have changed and many have embraced this color and all that it has to offer.

I worked with a couple many years ago where Pink was the chosen color. It needed to be very subtle. We decided to use the palest shade to paint the walls in the entire space. It was only a small condo so it helped with creating a much smarter flow within. It was complimented with various shades of gray to keep the space grounded and fresh feeling. This combination creates a very sophisticated look. If you want a more casual look it’s just a matter of changing your accessories, rugs and art.

With Pink being the color of the year, have fun with it. Enjoy!

NoHo News: Art, Harlots, More Theatre, Markets, Hopewalk

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…ENJOY NOHO!

**** 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.

Fringe Theatre Reviews

NoHo - North Hollywood
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Fringe Theatre Reviews

Who We Are: 

NoHoartsdistrict.com  is San Fernando Valley’s #1 source for theatre – averaging 85,000 visitors per month with 25,000 social media followers. 

NoHoartsdistrict.com has successfully promoted the Valley’s 25+ theatres for 12 years. We have been a media sponsor for the Hollywood Fringe Fest for six years. We bring the San Fernando Valley theatre goers to the Fringe! This year we are offering Fringe Theatre companies an affordable and effective way to publicize their shows and get people in seats.

What You Get

1.  30 Day Theatre Box Ad on front page of Nohoartsdistrict.com in our special Hollywood Fringe section.  Box ad will be linked to your own full Fringe page, which lists your show description, box office info, artwork, details about performers/director/producer, etc.

2.  Social Media posts to our 25,000 followers (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram)

3.  Show Review written by one of our experienced reviewers. Click here for an example

Total Price for the 30 Day Theatre Box Ad | Social Media | Show Review:  $160

How It Works

1.  Email show information to nancy@nohoartsdistrict.com The event listing must include:

  1. Artwork (we will resize)
  2. Descriptive, inviting show description, including box office info (or news release)
  3. Be sure to give us the date you would like your show reviewed

2. Payment must be made seven days prior to the ad going up on nohoartsdistrict.com.  Payment can be made through PayPal account: nancy@nohoartsdistrict.com.

3. Theatre box ad and Fringe page will go live within four business days of receipt of payment.  The review will be posted on your Fringe page within 72 hours after the show is reviewed.

If you have any questions please contact us at nancy@nohoartsdistrict.com or call us (818) 506-3132

Welcome home Theatre 68

Lisa Bianconi
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AFTER 15 YEARS THEATRE 68 FINDS A PERMANENT HOME TAKING OVER THE ANTAEUS/DEAF WEST SPACE

Artistic Director Ronnie Marmo is proud to announce that Theatre 68 finds a new, permanent home by taking over the Antaeus/Deaf West space. Theatre 68 officially moves in on August 1st, 2016 and will do a major renovation, including building a second theatre. For the second space, they will either seek out a theatre company to make it their home or make it available for rentals. The building is located at 5112 Lankershim Blvd in North Hollywood, CA, and will be their new permanent West Coast home.

The plans will include a complete overhaul of the entire environment. Marmo says, “I don’t want to insult their space but want to express it’s going to be bigger, better and amazing.” Theatre 68 is so grateful that they get to take over a space that has been occupied by one of the best theatre companies in Los Angeles. According to Artistic Director Ronnie Marmo, the 15-year-old, eclectic contemporary, bi-coastal company will take control of the 5,200-square-foot location on August 1st and begin a huge overhaul which will include losing most of the current Antaeus offices for the installation of a second theater, a single master lobby, state of the art sound & lighting and a re-installation of the overhead Deaf West style marquee.

Theatre 68 just celebrated their 15th anniversary on February 14th of this year. Spending its first two years in Hollywood at the Space Theatre, it eventually found itself in a new home on Sunset and Western that they resided in for 10 years.

Just shy of three years ago their lease was up on the Sunset location and they officially made there way to the North Hollywood theatre scene moving in to the NoHo Arts Center. What was supposed to be a summer rental turned out to be a three-year wonderful run. The amount of gratitude they have to the guys at NoHo Arts for welcoming them into their home for all this time can’t be put into words. Theatre 68 has produced many original and interesting works at the NoHo Arts Center, including Storefront Church, a West Coast premiere by John Patrick Shanley. To close out Theatre 68’s time at NoHo Arts Center, they are running an old favorite of theirs, Bill W and Dr. Bob, a powerful and humorous play detailing the events that led to the creation of Alcoholics Anonymous. They are double cast and running six shows per week. They opened last weekend, to completely sold-out houses.

“ENGAGING DRAMA…What is truly moving about this story is the veil of simple, flawed and noble humanity that swathes these characters, and the idea that determined people, no matter how seemingly insignificant they might seem, can make a big difference in the world.” – STAGE RAW

“NoHo Arts Center has been such a blessing for the last three years. But now we are looking forward to having our own home. I’m so proud of what’s going to happen. We’ve got big plans. Antaeus is one of the best companies in town. And the fact that we get to move into their space with all those spirits and theatre ghosts is exciting to us. We plan on being very respectful and honoring them in some way because we are just grateful that Theatre 68 gets to take the next step at that space.” – Ronnie Marmo (excerpt from Footlights)

Theatre 68 will be rolling out a fundraising campaign to help with costs in renovation and creating their new theatre. If you would like to help with that you can by visiting https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/theatre-68-moving-into-the-deaf-west-antaeus-space–2#/ They have also planned a black-tie opening fundraising gala to be held on Saturday, September 17th. This will be an evening for the entire Theatre-Loving community, filled with Jazz, festive food, family, and fun.For more info you can go also visit: www.Theatre68.com or (323) 960.5068

Still up in the air is their inaugural production. Although they have a few options, an original play about American stand-up comedian, social critic, satirist, and screenwriter, Lenny Bruce may be in the works. Theatre 68’s popular production of Bill W. and Dr. Bob, a comedy about the creation of Alcoholics Anonymous, which just opened this past weekend at the NoHo Arts Center, will close out their efforts at NHAC, and is also on the table, to continue running at their new home. With their incredibly successful 2015 Season, which also included several World Premiere Musicals (Serial Killer Barbie, Adam & Eve And Steve, and Who Killed Santa), there will likely be more musicals on their horizon.

**** 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.

NoHo’s Harlots at Beverly Hills artSHOW

Lisa Bianconi
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Andrea Monroe to show her Harlots at Beverly Hills artSHOW

The NoHo Arts District dot com team always says: “NoHo is only as great as its people.” Make sure you know NoHo’s Andrea Monroe.  She’s not only a talented costumer for TV with the local 705, she also writes an art blog for nohoartsdistrict.com called The Hidden Artist. Why does she write an art blog? Well, because she’s a phenomenal artist herself. She’ll be at one of our team’s favorite art events this weekend, May 21 and 22, 2016, the Beverly Hills artSHOW.  Stop by booth 410 to say hello and show some NoHo love.

WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, May 21 and 22, 2016 10AM-6PM

WHERE: Artist Booth 410 – look for the Harlots!
9455 N Santa Monica Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Beverly Hills artSHOW map www.nohoartsdistrict.com

So what’s she going to show at the artSHOW?

africanamerican harlot
“Ruff” – The Harlot series

The Harlots

Yeah, this is an old-time word. Would you call someone this in 2016? Probably not. So The Harlots is a series with a mixture of history, color, pattern, and a sense of humor born from an insult of an ex-boyfriend who called Andrea a “Harlot.” Read Andrea’s take on this wanna-be insult in her article: “A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A ‘SLUT’”

In her own words: “…I decided to take that negative energy and make it (better yet—paint it) into something more positive. Thus, The Harlot series was born.”

Omar
“Omar” – The Lovelies on The Rocks series

Lovelies on the Rocks

“Spiraling off The Harlots series, I painted Lovelies on the Rocks, a further tribute to the profession of love making. They were inspired by turn-of-the-century postcards of provocative women that I came across during my research (and some provocative men!). I’ve taken their images out of context and into mine—a fantasy world of color, cartoon, and unexpected juxtapositions among rocks.”


“Pio Pico on His Pinata” – The L.A. series

L.A. Series

“My The LA Series visualizes the history, influence, and footprint of those who made Los Angeles what it is today and expresses my love of Southern California. When I began to research the city of Northridge, I found a significant history that is largely unknown. The historical aspect to the paintings is apparent through the renderings of the black and white figures. The symbolism is seen through the pattern, design, color, architecture and landscape of the era. The paintings combine the reality of the medium (acrylic on canvas) with the possibilities of the imagery (figures, landscape, and attributes).

The ideas behind my paintings generally begin with a question starting with who––who was a street or place named after? After which is followed by what––what was this person’s contribution to historical LA and what was his or hers personal attribute? Then finally where––where is the location and what landmark signifies it? Their stories unfold through research, design, symbolism, color, pattern, and a smack of tongue in cheek references. The interaction between these elements as well as the methodical and tight compositions leads to a simplified yet complex narrative.”


“Sirf and Turf” – My Divorce series

Divorce

“This is a symbolic series painted through the emotional struggles of my divorce. At first I thought of these as something absolutely personal to me, but then realized there are so many women (and men) who suffer similar trauma, grief, and rejuvenation from this type of life changing event. It was after I painted the series I then wrote poems to illustrate them and later compiled them into a book that can be treasured by all. You may find it at “The Story of My Divorce—Works and Words.”

So stop by and say “Hi, Andrea!” this weekend at artist booth 410.

Follow her and let her know your thoughts are her art!

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

**** 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.

2 Girls + North Hollywood = The NoHo[es]

Lisa Bianconi
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The NoHo Arts District dot com team always says: “NoHo is only as good as its people.” Meet two gals from NoHo, Lauren and Elyssa. They’re the NoHoes

 

What is The NoHoes?

We explain it simply like this:

2 Roommates + North Hollywood = The NoHo[es]

We are two girls (with complete opposite personalities) who live as roommates in North Hollywood, also known as NoHo.

How did you two meet?

We have been friends since we met each other at a birthday party when we were 12 years old. Lauren saw a shy tall girl and immediately ran up to her and forced her to be her friend, and now they are inseparable (sort of). We are both from a small town called Logansport, Indiana.

Who is Lauren?

Lauren is a high-energy, optimistic, fun-loving girl! She has big ideas and tries each one, but they mostly fail. That doesn’t stop her though! Because heck, it’s fun!

What’s your favorite video, Lauren?

My favorite video is probably “Root Canal” because I get to punch my friend Jimmy in the face and there is a dance sequence.

Who is Elyssa?

Elyssa is low-energy, bored, mono-tone girl who doesn’t like anything. She is the complete opposite of Lauren but comes along for the ride because Lauren forces her to. She’s a bit of a hippie.

What’s your favorite tattoo, Elyssa?

I really don’t have a favorite because they are all completely different. But Lauren’s favorite are my laurel neck tattoos. She thinks one day I’ll get her face tattooed in between the laurels, but I won’t.

What’s your favorite video, Elyssa?

My favorite is probably “The Hat” because a guy tries to hit on me but instead I verbally abuse him and he runs away, oh good times.

What is your goal for The NoHoes?

The NoHoes is a web series and segment show. So we do scripted sketches and also videos where we mess around and try new things and record it. Our goal is to mainly entertain people on YouTube and hope our ridiculousness brings some laughter to said people.

What do you love about the NoHo Arts District?

We love NoHo! That’s why we made our “NoHo Rap” video. It’s a rap about how NoHo is the best place to live in LA. North Hollywood, get it right. North Hollywood, it’s kinda tight! Literally lyrics from the rap, lol.

{youtube}hBKXeF905NE{/youtube}

Is there something you’d change about the neighborhood?

There’s so much to do and see, which is awesome because you never have to leave the Valley to do it. The only thing we’d change is to put up a bronze statue of us, The NoHoes, that would be pretty sick! 😛

Why should someone subscribe to your YouTube channel?

Subscribe if you want to laugh! That’s our main purpose for putting up videos. We want everyone to see how two opposites became roommates and how they function living together in North Hollywood. There’s always something weird that happens and it’s magic you want to see!

To Subscribe just go to their Youtube page and click ‘subscribe’, it’s that easy!

**** 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.

 

Students and arts organizations can help each other this summer

Lisa Bianconi
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The L.A. County Arts Commission Summer Internship Program is here!

The NoHo Arts District dot com team LOVES the L.A. County Arts Commission’s summer internship program. Why? First of all, it helps our arts organizations in North Hollywood and also throughout Los Angeles County much-needed help. Secondly, the program gives invaluable and paid experience to our L.A. college students and an even more appreciate of all the hard work that goes into creating art. So we ask our readers to pass this on to college students and family and friends with college-age kids. You can do your part to help out college students and L.A.-based arts organizations. Internships must be filled by May 20!

So what is the L.A. County Arts Commission Internship Program?

The Los Angeles County Arts Internship Program provides 10-week paid summer internships (40 hours/week) to eligible undergraduate college students. Students are paid $420/week to work in nonprofit literary, performing and presenting arts organizations and municipal arts agencies throughout Los Angeles County. Interns also participate in additional educational components provided by the Arts Commission.

How to Apply>>

In 2000, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors established the Arts Internship Program to provide internships for nonprofit performing, presenting, literary and municipal arts organizations. This program is a companion program to the Getty Multicultural Internship Program which provides internships to museums and visual arts organizations.

The purpose of the County’s program is to provide undergraduate students with meaningful on-the-job training and experience working in nonprofit arts organizations, while assisting arts organizations and developing future arts leaders. Through this program, students develop a deeper understanding of the work involved in nonprofit arts administration, better understand the role of the arts in communities and develop “real life” business skills that can be put to use in their future careers.

These are “…the largest paid arts internship program in the United States, employing more than 230 undergraduate interns in arts organizations across LA County during the summer of 2016 alone.”

Eligibility Requirements

Student eligibility for internship positions is limited to currently enrolled undergraduate (2- or 4-year) college students who reside or attend college in Los Angeles County. Students must have completed at least one semester of college by June 1, 2016 or will complete their undergraduate degree between May 1 – September 1, 2016 in order to be eligible to participate. Students who have already earned a BA, BS or a higher degree are not eligible. Students who have previously participated in the Los Angeles County Arts Internship Program are not eligible to participate a second time.

Requirements>>

**** 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.  

And The Valley Theatre Awards Nominees Are…

Lisa Bianconi
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2016 VALLEY THEATRE AWARDS celebrating excellence in Valley Theatre.

The NoHo Arts District is a one-square mile neighborhood that has 20 theatres, the highest concentration outside of New York City. That in itself is a reason to be proud and to celebrate. But the work our theatres produce is what we are going to celebrate on Monday, June 6 at 8PM at the 2016 Valley Theatre Awards at Acme Comedy Theatre in NoHo. Meet the nominees…

“This annual event celebrates the creators of intimate theatre in the NoHo Arts District and the San Fernando Valley,” says Paul Storiale, Valley Theatre Awards producer.

Save the Date!

WHEN: Monday, June 6, 2016 at 8PM
WHERE: ACME COMEDY THEATER
5124 Lankershim Blvd.
North Hollywood, CA 91601

HOW: Get your tickets HERE>>

NOMINEES>>

Get involved for the Valley Theatre Awards in 2017

The Valley Theatre Awards celebrate achievements in live performance theatre in the NoHo Arts District and surrounding San Fernando Valley areas of Southern California.

The Valley is home to a high concentration of dedicated theatre companies comprising seasoned professionals and new talent, working together in the dozens of small to mid-sized theatres that give the area its distinctively creative atmosphere.

Support your local theatre, NoHo has 20! How? Easy. See a show!

NoHo Theatre Guide  |  NoHo Theatre Reviews

**** 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.  

 

Scattered Truths in Eros of Angels

NoHo - North Hollywood
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Scattered Truths in Eros of Angels

Eros of Angels is a collection of prose and poetry nearing 400 pages in length that reads like Luza’s roadside journal along the blistering pains of his poetic journey.

Facing the depths of homelessness, isolation, coping with loss, and a departure from his own identity, we are able to witness the madness culminating and living in Luza’s shoes.

The body of this work is raw, and by raw, I mean that it shows us the thought process of the author, flaws in all. It is a work of Confessionalist madness, and delivers us insight on human adaptability, and loss of humanity, that is showed to our homeless. Luza marries verse with confessional style, along with lyricism and much alliteration, to get us all on top of the same rocking horse.

Without much order or thought of presentation of this body of work, however, I felt it was better just to flip around this poetic manual and sink your mind into a poem because there are so many poems in this collection. There are so many, in fact, I felt like I was reading more than one book – there are at least 3-4 different books of poetry in this collection. I challenge Luza to chip away a piece of this book and let it stand on its own, as it purged through the tragic feelings of isolation, mental illness, and what that means to someone that faces this each day; who is alive and feeling… we need to hear this reality.

In Eros of Angels, there is something for everyone, as Luza explores his truths about his family, reality in LA versus NY and his observations of homelessness through his own tough homelessness. He also shares with us his love story with others in his life, some who linger, travel a path, or just stay for chapter. The love Luza has runs so deep that it’s unparalleled to most human unconditional love.

My top picks for this book are: $19, Dead and Homeless Again, LA Again, The Last Poem, Wrongs of the Soul, page 269 of LAX Baggage Claim, which seems to be a section of prose in the book, but not separated by titles, only font changes. My very favorite was Luza’s poem, Writing that starts “embalming words on paper” –ammmmmazing! This poem ought to be an anthem for the craft!

Radomir V.Luza is honest. He has 26 books to show it! I am proud that Radomir has found redemption here in LA; that means there are plenty of us LA angels left. Check out www.erosofangels.com 

 

NoHo News: Iced Tea, Art, TEAPOP, Bill W., FAME, Camp Rock

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…ENJOY NOHO!

**** 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.  

L.A. NOW AND THEN

NoHo - North Hollywood
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Los Angeles City College Theatre Academy and Kritzerland Entertainment present

L.A. NOW AND THEN

(A New Musical Revue about the city that was and the city that is)

Conceived and Directed by Bruce Kimmel

L.A. NOW AND THEN. is a brand new musical revue about the way Los Angeles was and is. There are songs, sketches, monologues and dances performed with a LIVE six-piece band in front of projections of a dizzying array of photos of the City of the Angels (the way it used to be and the way it is now). Two Acts, Intermission. Free Parking.

Music & Lyrics by:
Michele Brourman • Paul Gordon • Grant Geissman • Karen Gottlieb • Bruce Kimmel • Shelly Markham • Wayne Moore • Adryan Russ • Richard M. Sherman • The Sherman Brothers

Sketches & Monologues by:
Doug Haverty • Bruce Kimmel • Bruce Vilanch • David Wechter

Choreography: Cheryl Baxter-Ratliff
Musical Direction: Richard Allen
Orchestrations: Lanny Meyers

Featuring Guest Artists: Robert Yacko & April Audia
Plus 11 students from the LACC Theatre Academy
6-piece LIVE BAND

8 PERFORMANCES
(Note: some two show days and varying curtain times):
Friday May 13, 8pm
Saturday, May 14, 2pm & 8pm
Thursday, May 19, 3pm & 7:15pm
Friday, May 20, 8pm
Saturday, May 21 2pm & 8pm

FREE PARKING
in the Faculty/Staff Lot on Heliotrope between Melrose Avenue & Santa Monica Blvd.
$14 General Admission • $10 Students, Seniors & Veterans

Caminito Theater
855 N. Vermont Avenue. LA 90029
INFO & TICKETS: 323-953-4000, ext. 2990

http://lacitycollege.edu/academic/departments/theatreacademy/

Prince; Travis Barker; Spirit

Caroline McElroy
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Prince; Travis Barker; Spirit

Prince passed away on Thursday, April 21, 2016 at his home at Paisley Park and is survived by sister Tyka Nelson and 5 step-siblings who are looking to inherit a rumored $300,000,000 once his estate is settled as Prince left no will.

Prince is an Oscar winning song writer and performer perhaps best known for his song “Purple Rain,” and the same titled movie, as well as winning a Golden Globe and Grammy Awards for his song writing and performance prowess.

It is rumored that when Eric Clapton was asked how it felt to be the world’s best guitarist, Clapton’s retort was “I don’t know, ask Prince.” And while this may not be more than a rumor, it does have a touch of truth to it. Anyone that has seen Prince’s guitar solo from a live performance of “Purple Rain” on YouTube knows that he is in the Top 10 of best guitarists. Prince was an icon to be certain, but was not the only talent to come from his generation as anyone will tell you Michael Jackson was around and producing hits at the same time. LA Mayor Eric Garcetti allowed a fine tribute to Prince at the City Hall on 5/6/2016 which was well attended and many well known acts such as Stevie Wonder added their talents to the mix. Garcetti opined that Prince was a once in a generation icon. It was a fitting tribute considering that Prince viewed LA as his second home.
Because I grew up during the age of greats such as Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and Jimi Hendrix I can say that Prince’s fret work was more than adequate, it was awe inspiring.

At Howard Stern’s recent birthday bash, Adam Levine demonstrated his bad ass guitar work by performing the same guitar solo as Prince did at the end of “Purple Rain” on the Youtube video “Purple Rain.” I gotta say, Levine is quite capable of carrying the mantle of excellent axman via Prince, maybe Levine was channeling Prince at that performance since he was paying homage to the Purple One. There is a video on Youtube of Levine playing the solo.

there cannot be any denying that Prince was a force to be reckoned with on any level. Prince defined the musical taste of a whole generation of kids as well as their parents who became converts to his brand of Funk music.

For myself it is almost always about the danceability of a tune and found that groove in an early tune titled “Girls and Boys,” and who can forget Sinead O’Connor’s version of “Nothing Compares 2 U.” That thing still resonates with me even though O’Connor stated in 2015 that she would no longer perform the song because it no longer was relevant to her life. Maybe I am wrong, but I’ve always felt that Prince song put her on the map artistically as well as many other acts.

There are many more hits that he wrote which were hits for other acts. There were no lawsuits filed and no scandals to be sensationalized during his tenure as a rock icon…until now.

I’ve heard some say that he pulled a Michael Jackson with the misuse of pain pills since he had hip surgery. It is entirely possible; has anyone paid attention to his leg work on a stage! Jeez, I’m surprised that he only had 1 hip surgery. That man could move!

His sudden death at 57 is tragic and to have died alone in an elevator compounds the tragedy. Please have respect for his family, and his grief stricken fans and stop feeding the fires of gossip and innuendo. Instead, talk about: “Kiss”; “Raspberry Beret”; “Lets Go Crazy”; “Erotic City” and all of his other greats. I’m told that he left a vault full of material to be released posthumously for decades to come…talk about that!

Please note that the photos for this story are taken @thehollywoodwalkoffame by me.

Back in July 1988 I was working for a local magazine titled “West-End” and covered a performance by Spirit at the Pelican’s Retreat. While engaged in conversation with Randy California and Ed Cassidy, the subject of “Taurus” and Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway To Heaven” came up and how the opening chords sound very similar.

Cassidy kept quiet about it and California summed it up by telling me that he was flattered that Led Zeppelin enjoyed his work and that he was ok with it.

It’s important to remember that California earned his chops with some of the best including Jimi Hendrix, and that he used the theremin prior to Jimmy Page using it.

Spirit was on my turntable before Led Zeppelin and I am familiar with both band’s music. In fact, I wore out both their LP’s. Both bands performed together on a few occasions and it is entirely possible that Page was influenced by Randy California’s “Taurus.” “Taurus” was written two years prior to “Stairway To Heaven.” “Taurus” was recorded in November, “Stairway To Heaven” was nominated into the Grammy Hall Of Fame in 2003.

There is a court date on May 10, 2016 in Los Angeles, California where Page and Robert Plant will have to defend their anthem “Stairway To Heaven.” Judge Gary Klausner has ruled that there are “sufficient similarities” between the two songs for Page and Plant to stand trial for copyright infringement. Many feel that there is a passing resemblance between the two songs, while others say absolutely not. I’ve listened to several opinions on Youtube to get a better feeling for what the general public is saying and the opinions are split down the middle. The best demonstration comes from TJR on youTube who has two videos about the “Taurus” and “Stairway To Heaven” controversy. TJR asserts that there are many similarities in his first video, but never renders an opinion. In the second video, TJR adds his opinion and qualifies it with an assertion that many of us already know: Led Zeppelin and Spirit toured together and Page could have easily been influenced by “Taurus.” The website for TJR is www. tjrmusic.com and you can also find him as TJR on YouTube.

A big shout out to Travis Barker for being such a good sport and reaching out to Miyavi and Miyavi posting a photo of the two of them on Instagram.

Barker is an edgy drummer, Miyavi is an edgy axman, put the two together and BAM! You have the BIG BANG!

Barker’s book “Can I Say” is now a national bestseller and continues to do well. The book is an excellent personal account of his struggles. TB humbles me with his strength.

Barker has been on several music magazine covers and will be featured in “DRUM” magazine soon.

On the passing of Prince, Barker wrote a heartfelt tribute to Prince that states Prince was one of his favorite artist’s of all time and how he had held a dream that they would collaborate and/or Barker would play drums for Prince.

Barker also stated that Prince used to come and watch him and #DJAM play. Barker also stated that Prince was one of the most inspiring artists of our time.

Barker’s band Blink 182 have a new endeavor dropping on July 1, 2016. You may go to their website to give it a listen or Barker’s page on Facebook and click the link there.

Ride of Silence San Fernando Valley

Lisa Bianconi
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THE RIDE OF SILENCE WILL NOT BE QUIET

Ride of Silence NoHo Arts District May 18, 2016 www.nohoartsdistrict.com

On May 18, 2016 at 7:00 PM, the Ride of Silence will traverse and unite the globe as nothing before it. Cyclists will take to the roads in a silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. Although cyclists have a legal right to share the road with motorists, the motoring public often isn’t aware of these rights, and sometimes not aware of the cyclists themselves. In 2003, Chris Phelan organized the first Ride of Silence in Dallas after endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was hit by the mirror of a passing bus and was killed. (Read the full history here…)

The Ride of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclists to ride no faster than 12 mph, wear helmets, follow the rules of the road and remain silent during the ride. There are no national sponsors and no registration fees. The ride, which is held during National Bike Month, aims to raise the awareness of motorists, police and city officials that cyclists have a legal right to the public roadways. The ride is also a chance to show respect for and honor the lives of those who have been killed or injured.

WHAT: Ride of Silence San Fernando Valley. Join this eight-mile ride led by Mr. Ciclavalley in the San Fernando Valley.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 18, 6:30-9PM

WHERE: North Hollywood Metro Red Line Station
5357 Lankershim Blvd.
North Hollywood, CA 91601

RSVP>>

CONTACT: Zachary Rynew · zachary@la-bike.org · 213.629.2142 x125

WHY DOES THIS ORGANIZATION EXIST?
• To HONOR those who have been injured or killed
• To RAISE AWARENESS that we are here
• To ask that we all SHARE THE ROAD

The Ride of Silence Poem…

Tonight we number many but ride as one
In honor of those not with us, friends, mothers, fathers, sisters, sons
With helmets on tight and heads down low,
We ride in silence, cautious and slow
The wheels start spinning in the lead pack
But tonight we ride and no one attacks
The dark sunglasses cover our tears
Remembering those we held so dear
Tonight’s ride is to make others aware
The road is there for all to share
To those not with us or by our side,
May God be your partner on your final ride
– Mike Murgas

**** 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

Review – Captain America: Civil War

Mike Peros
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Review – Captain America: Civil War

Captain America: Civil War 

Captain America: Civil War is the second recent superhero film (besides Batman v Superman) to address the human cost of being a superhero—in terms of the collateral damage of the superhero’s actions on the welfare of the general population.

To be sure, this is something I was wondering about since the days when Godzilla stopped being the villain and began to embody (for lack of a better word) the role of the “hero.” You see, no matter what role Godzilla played, Japan was going to be destroyed. It would quickly be rebuilt (in time for the next movie), and on each occasion, Godzilla’s return would be greeted with gleeful anticipation by an evidently forgetful populace.

In a nutshell, after an epic battle between the Avengers (led by Captain America) and some evildoers (do you really need the names?), the lead villain blows himself up—in the act of trying to move the human fireball away with her telekinetic powers, Wanda (Elizabeth Olsen) inadvertently destroys a building, killing a number of people. This loss of life (in addition to last year’s battle that put an end to the Age of Ultron) leads the Secretary of State (William Hurt) to insist on United Nations oversight for the Avengers. Oddly enough (but convenient in dramatic terms), the team is split, with Tony Stark (aka Ironman) supporting the motion, while Captain America is strongly against it, believing the team would be compromised if it isn’t free to seek out and defeat evildoers. Add to the mix an assortment of other superheroes (some fresh from their own movies), a vengeful new king (Chadwick Bozeman), a new villain, and the return of Bucky Barnes (and the possibility that he might have been set up for a fatal explosion), and you have a very busy, mildly thought-provoking, and occasionally exciting piece of entertainment.

As with the other Avengers films (which this is, the title to the contrary), most of the enjoyment comes from watching our intrepid heroes (led by an effective Chris Evans as Captain Rogers aka captain America) verbally spar among themselves. However in this installment, civil war means going against each other, notably in the film’s best sequence, an exciting, well-staged, controlled battle at an airport (with some surprise guests). The problem is the soul-searching drama doesn’t mesh with the overly choreographed, dizzying, incredible (in the purest sense of the word) action sequences in which all manner of plausibility is thrown to the winds—at least when one can determine who is doing what to whom. One waits for the moments when Robert Downey’s Ironman clashes (in so many ways) with Captain America, or when the conflicting allegiances among the others come into play. Captain America: Civil War has its share of fitful excitement, but the bits you’ll remember are the more “intimate” action scenes and the witty contributions of the, shall we say, subsidiary players.

It’s time to walk, NoHo!

Lisa Bianconi
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16th Annual HopeWalk and Kid’s Healthy Activity Fair

 Hope Walk 2016 www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Do you know NoHo’s Hands for Hope? Founded in 2000, this long-time, North Hollywood non-profit organization is an after-school and single-parent resource program that serves youth from single parent homes in North Hollywood and the surrounding East Valley communities. Created to provide “latchkey” children a safe and supportive environment, Hands for Hope is where at-risk youth are nurtured and can evolve into their best selves. While there are other organizations that target inner city youth, Hands for Hope founder Lydia Floyd found it necessary to build a base for the support of the multi-cultural children of North Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley.

So how do they do all their programs for our local youth and families? Well, in a variety of fun ways where you can get involved like with their annual Hope Walk.

Every year, Hands for Hope puts on the Hope Walk to get the community of North Hollywood up and moving during a day filled with fun activities, food and entertainment! Their 16th Annual HopeWalk will be on Saturday, May 21, 2016. It’s more than just a fun walk around the NoHo Arts District. The focus this year is to raise awareness of the causes of childhood diabetes. Award-winning pediatrician, Dr. Naomi Neufeld will be speaking to inform parents and children on the causes of diabetes and provide prevention tips.

The day begins at North Hollywood Park with the HopeWalk, a 5K walk leaving from the corner of Magnolia and Tujunga avenues and will travel along Lankershim Blvd. After the walk, the Kid’s Healthy Activity Fair and Taste of Healthy NoHo begins at 11 AM. The Kid’s Healthy Activity Fair will feature basketball, soccer, trampolines, and more, where you can have fun being a kid. Prizes will go to the kids who do the best. Also following the walk is the Taste of Healthy NoHo where local vendors providing a taste of their healthy food choices. It’s a bit of nutrition and a lot of tasty food!

WHEN:

Saturday, May 21 @ 8AM — 2PM

WHERE:

North Hollywood Park (Corner of Magnolia & Tujunga)

REGISTER:

Registration Fee: Adults $20 / Children (8 to 18) $10 https://hands4hopela.networkforgood.com/events/243-hopewalk-kids-healthy-activity-fair

Ask your neighbors, parents and friends to help sponsor you for the walk, then please stop by the website or come by Hands for Hope to pick up the application. Here’s your chance to show your support for Hands for Hope – and even raise money to keep their programs going.

Hope Walk 2016 www.nohoartsdistrict.com

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

8 a.m.- Registration for the HopeWalk & Kids’ Healthy Activity Fair begins

9 a.m.- Warm up for the 5K walk around North Hollywood begins.

9:30 a.m.- The 5K walk around North Hollywood begins.

11 a.m.- The Kids’ Healthy Activity Fair begins and lunch is served via “A Taste of Healthy NoHo.” A Taste of Healthy NoHo includes local restaurants and markets providing tastes of healthy food choices for event participants.

The Kids’ Healthy Activity Fair will have 22 booths set up and by completing the activity at each booth, participants receive a ticket redeemable towards prizes! Along with the Kids’ Healthy Activity Fair will be the Parent Resource Fair. The Parent Resource Fair links parents with the family and healthcare resources they need.

1 p.m.- Guest speaker, award-winning pediatrician, Dr. Naomi Neufeld will be speaking to inform parents and children on the causes of diabetes and provide prevention tips.will begin discussion with parents and children regarding childhood diabetes.

1:30 p.m. Closing ceremony begins afterwards and participants are able to redeem prizes.

For additional information, contact Diane Allen at walk@hands4hopela.org.

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So how did the HopeWalk begin?

Here’s a little history. The citywide Annual 5K HopeWalk began as a means of uniting the community of North Hollywood and surrounding neighborhoods in Los Angeles County with a mission to increase health awareness. Hands for Hope noticed that children and their parents in the area were in need of healthier lifestyles, so they joined together with residents, merchants and other community organizations in the area for a citywide event that has attracted corporations such as Disney, Dole, California Credit Union, Wells Fargo, Adidas, Whole Foods Markets and METRO. Due to the need and success of the 5K HopeWalk, Hands for Hope intensified its commitment to healthy families by adding the Kid’s Healthy Activity Fair in 2006 to encourage youth and their parents to participate in fitness/sports activities in a way that is both fun and engaging. During the fair, kids will perform over 10 different fitness and sports activities as well as healthy food tastings. By adding the Kids Healthy Activity Fair, Hands for Hope once again proves its dedication to healthy, sustainable lifestyles for youth and their families.

For more information on Hands for Hope and HopeWalk log on to www.hands4hope.org or call 818-763- HOPE (4673) FACEBOOK  | TWITTER 

**** 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.

METRO fans, let’s hear from you!

Lisa Bianconi
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Transforming Transportation in Our Valley. Can it happen? Now’s your chance to voice your opinion on The Valley’s transportation system!

Valley Metro Plan meeting www.nohoartsdistrict.com

The NoHo Arts District dot com team is a huge fan, supporter and user of the Metro, especially the Red and Orange lines. We also can’t wait for more lines to be exteneded and created. We’re still waiting for the 405 FWY line, though. What are your thoughts on the Metro and what would you like our transportation system to look like? Now’s your chance to voice your opinion. Here’s a note from North Hollywood Councilman Paul Krekorian:

Valley Metro plan meeting www.nohoartsdistrict.com

“Over the past 25 years, Los Angeles has experienced a transit revolution. In 1990 we had no subway or light rail tracks. Now, we have 87 miles with 80 stations throughout LA County, including a bustling regional bus and rail hub in North Hollywood. We have more than 2,000 buses on our streets, including the Valley’s own Orange Line, a dedicated bus rapid transit that takes tens of thousands of working people from the east to the west Valley (and vice versa) each day. This is all attributable to Metro’s good work, along with the courage and will of County residents who demanded more public transit options at the ballot box. But it’s clear that traffic still plagues our neighborhoods and our communities need to be more connected.

Metro staff recently unveiled a bold and exciting plan for a potential ballot measure that would raise additional funds to give the progress we’ve made a much-needed shot in the arm. It will bring new rail, rapid transit, bike and pedestrian projects, freeway upgrades and local improvements to ease traffic and help people get around. By enhancing mobility, the plan will also ease congestion, keep our local economy strong, and lead to a better quality of life for us, our children and our grandchildren.

As a member and immediate past chair of the San Fernando Valley Council of Governments and a current Metro Board Director, I’ve helped lead these discussions from the get-go. Many, many other residents and stakeholders have participated too. Valley business, education and community leaders, along with transit advocates, have held collaborative, bottom-up discussions about the Valley’s transit priorities. My main goal throughout has been to ensure that the Valley gets its fair share of transportation investment in the decades ahead. With the current Metro plan, which would bring $4 billion in transit improvements to the Valley, we can accomplish that goal. The plan will connect the Valley to the basin via the Sepulveda Pass, bring light rail to the Van Nuys corridor, dramatically improve the Orange Line, move us toward new bus rapid transit lines, expand bike paths and pedestrian walkways, and ease traffic congestion in our neighborhoods.

If you want to know more about Metro’s plan and add your voice to the discussion, there is still time. Over the past month, Metro has held a series of community meetings about their proposal. If you couldn’t make it, you can still view a virtual meeting online at metro.net/theplan. Metro is also hosting telephone town hall meetings about the plan. Join me this Thursday to talk about the great benefits it will bring to our Valley.

Metro Telephone Town Hall Meeting for the San Fernando Valley with Paul Krekorian

Thursday, May 12, 6:15 p.m.
Call: 888-400-1932

This one-hour meeting will give you an opportunity to hear from me, along with Metro staff, about the plan, ask questions and participate in the ongoing public discussion.

If you can’t make the call and would like to give Metro your input, please send your thoughts or comments through any of the avenues listed below before May 20.

Mail: Metro-The Plan, One Gateway Plaza, Mail Stop 99-13-1, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: 323-466-3876
Web: metro.net/theplan
Email: theplan@metro.net
Twitter: @metrolosangeles #metroplan
Facebook: facebook.com/losangelesmetro #metroplan

If you would like to contact me with your feedback and ideas, please email paul.krekorian@lacity.org or call 213-473-7002.

Very truly yours,
Councilmember Paul Krekorian, District 2”

**** 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.

 

NoHo News: Blastoff Comicsfest, TEAPOP Market, Dream Girls, Loteria, 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…ENJOY NOHO!

**** 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.

LA ANIMAL SERVICES HITS HISTORIC LIVE SAVE RATE, COMING CLOSE TO NO-KILL BENCHMARK

NoHo - North Hollywood
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LA ANIMAL SERVICES HITS HISTORIC LIVE SAVE RATE, COMING CLOSE TO NO-KILL BENCHMARK

Animal lovers in Los Angeles have ample reason to celebrate ongoing efforts to transform LA into the nation’s largest no-kill city.

Recently released statistics reveal that Los Angeles Animal Services is at an 84.3 percent overall live save rate for the 2016 calendar year. (86.3 percent rate for dogs and 79.2 percent rate for cats). In Fiscal Year 2011-12, the City of Los Angeles live save rate for dogs and cats was only 57.8 percent.
A live save rate of 90 percent for every dog and cat entering the city shelter system is the nationally recognized benchmark for no-kill status.

“In the last five years, we have made steady progress towards saving the lives of thousands of orphaned pets,” said Brenda Barnette, general manager of LA Animal Services. “We are hopeful to have our best year of reducing shelters deaths and increasing the live save rate since establishing to become a no-kill city. This is due in part to the tremendous support of amazing organizations and individuals who believe that we can save them all.”

Accordingly, LA Animal Services statistics show a steady decline in deaths by 30 percent at its six shelters so far this year. In the first three months of 2016, 854 pets were euthanized compared to in 1,226 in 2015. Overall, since 2012, deaths at the six city shelters have plummeted by 66 percent.
Barnette cited a public/private partnership with Best Friends Animal Society as making a huge impact by devoting the resources of a national organization to help the city become no-kill. The goal of No-Kill Los Angeles (NKLA) Initiative, led by Best Friends, is to transform LA into NKLA by 2017.

The NKLA Coalition, comprised of more than 100 local animal welfare organizations, helped find homes for about 27,100 dogs and cats in 2015.

“The momentum of NKLA is absolutely thrilling. We’re very excited about the progress that has been made so far and look forward to the day when LA is declared a no-kill city. With numbers like these, that day is not far off,” said Francis Battista, co-founder of Best Friends Animal Society.
Another big part of saving more animals lives are the 243 New Hope Partners whose partnership entitles them to reduced or no fees to pull abandoned pets at city shelters who are most at risk of being put to death due to space or treatable conditions.

As kitten season looms, underage litters will start arriving at city shelters. The fragile, resource-intensive kittens are the highest killed population entering LA Animal Services.

“Our ability to take in these unwanted kittens is directly dependent on our life-saving partners and dedicated foster volunteers we have waiting to help these babies survive, said Brenda Barnette. “Together, we have made a difference for thousands of abandoned pets. And, we still have a lot of work to do.”

In 2016, 2,700 kittens are expected to be saved through an increased foster care program at the Best Friends Pet Adoption & Spay/Neuter Center, as well as expanded or new kitten nurseries operated by partners Found Animals Foundation, Kitten Rescue, and SNP LA.

To find how you can get involved to help save more animals, visit laanimalservices.com.

About Los Angeles Animal Services

LA Animal Services is one of the largest municipal shelter systems in the United States with six shelters serving approximately 60,000 animals annually and responding to 20,000 emergency calls involving an animal or person in danger.

To become a fan on Facebook go to: www.facebook.com/LAAnimalServices

Follow on Twitter: twitter.com/lacitypets

 

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