Page 210 – NoHo Arts District – Theatre, Food, Bars, Shopping and a buzzing community.

International Film Festival North Hollywood Announces Full Festival Line-up

Archived - Latest News NoHo Arts District, North Hollywood

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04/03/2016

First Annual International Film Festival North Hollywood Announces Full Festival Line-up

66 films from 14 countries, with 20 Premieres

International Film Festival North Hollywood (IFFNH) announces the full slate of films for the 2016 film festival, April 28 to May 1 at the NoHo Arts Center, 11136 Magnolia Blvd. in North Hollywood, CA. Their honored industry guest, Michael Hausman (“Gangs of New York,” “The Firm,” “Brokeback Mountain”), will receive the Cinema Trailblazer Award for his contributions to film, and two films he produced will screen as retrospectives: 1985’s Best Picture winner, “Amadeus,” directed by Milos Forman, and the groundbreaking, low-budget, “Alambrista!” (1977), with director Robert M. Young (Dominic & Eugene) also in attendance.

The festival has drawn a diverse group of emerging independent filmmakers representing Sweden, Italy, Guinea, The Netherlands, Puerto Rico, Australia, The United States, Great Britain, Spain, Germany, China, Brazil, France, Japan and the Fiji Islands. Sixteen directors are women, many of them multi-threat combinations of writer-producer-actor-director. In addition, the work of eight first-time directors and 14 local filmmakers will be screened.

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This year, IFFNH is highlighting films about food, music, and dance, reflecting the creative spirit of North Hollywood.

Opening the festival on Thursday morning, April 28 at 11:00 AM is the West Coast Premiere of “A Farmer’s Road,” a new documentary about sustainable agriculture, featuring Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzard, celebrity chef & PBS host Rick Bayless and the Illinois-based owners of Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery. Also screening, the delightful animated short, “Moom,” from the team that made the Oscar-nominated film, “The Dam Keeper.” Sponsored by Whole Foods Market in Sherman Oaks with VIP Luncheon to follow.

There will be a Red Carpet event at 6:00 PM on Thursday, April 28 followed by the Opening Night Film, “Gazelle: The Love Issue,” at 8:30 PM. It’s a documentary portrait of Gazelle, internationally known in the underground club scene for his boldly conceived costumes and for creating GAZELLAND, a magazine featuring the artists, photographers and designers of the gay nightlife community of London, New York and Sao Paulo. With Michael Musto, Kenny Kenny, Amanda Lepore, and others. The directing debut of Fijian filmmaker Cesar Terranova.

“We’re not afraid to be bold and raw,” says Artistic Director Nicholas Goodman, who founded IFFNoHo with his wife, Executive Director Hortencia Goodman. “But we aim to avoid character and story tropes, especially with regard to the depiction of violence and the treatment of women on film.” That said, they are screening a pair of films, The Bigfoot Hunters and a special Midnight screening of The Cruel Tale of the Medicine Man that you could say go over the edge.

They have an exceptional line-up of shorts including “Vandal” and “The Last Journey of the Enigmatic Paul WR,” two films beginning their festival run with stops at Cannes and Tribeca, respectively. And they are happy to host the final festival appearance of Marcus Mizelle’s Los Angeles-based comedy, “Actor For Hire,” finishing its glorious run as our Closing Night Film.

World Premiere – The Cross of the Moment – Feature documentary about the climate crisis. You’ve heard the pundits and the demagogues, now, in this enlightening and important film, the scientists get their chance to speak. The first documentary feature from North Hollywood filmmaker Jacob Freydont-Attie. Sunday, May 1 at 1:15 PM.

Los Angeles Premiere – “Projections of America” – Feature documentary about the secret film unit of the US Army during World War II, run by Academy Award-winning screenwriter Robert Riskin, who produced some exquisite films about the promise of America. This film reveals much of this lost footage and explores Riskin’s colorful life in Hollywood. With special industry guest, Emmy winner and former President of the Writers Guild of America, Victoria Riskin, Robert Riskin’s daughter with actress and movie star Fay Wray. Saturday, April 30 at 4:00 PM.

The original 1933 classic restored print of “King Kong” (Starring Fay Wray) – Lovingly restored by Martin Scorsese’s nonprofit, The Film Foundation, the screening will begin with a Q&A with Fay Wray’s daughter, Victoria Riskin, who will read from her mother’s memoir and take questions. Not to be missed!

Special industry panel on “The Art of the Movie Trailer” – How are these “coming attractions” put together? Meet and learn from the best in the business, with AV/Squad President and former EVP of Creative Advertising for MGM Studios, Seth Gaven (“Furious 7,” “Star Trek Beyond,” “The Big Short,” “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”), and Rec Room Founder and former VP of Creative Advertising at 20th Century Fox, Mike George (“Deadpool,” “Avatar,” “Creed,” “The Simpson’s Movie”). Sunday May 1 at 12 PM.

Go to the festival website for the full line up and to buy tickets www.iffnoho.com

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL NORTH HOLLYWOOD

The International Film Festival North Hollywood celebrates the art of filmmaking, helps support a community of artists and showcases North Hollywood as an entertainment and travel destination. IFFNoHo supports and nurtures emerging independent filmmakers and their stories from around the world not currently found in mainstream American cinema. Our goal is to collaborate with community partners to build social cohesiveness, philanthropy and volunteerism using film as the catalyst. The International Film Festival North Hollywood is a 501c(3) non-profit organization.

**** 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.

The New Short Fiction Series (presents) “Selfish, Shallow and Self-Absorbed”

Archived - Latest News NoHo Arts District, North Hollywood

Lisa Bianconi

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03/31/2016

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THE NEW SHORT FICTION SERIES celebrates their 20th Anniversary Season with the L.A. Paperback Launch Party of NY Times Best Seller “Selfish, Shallow and Self-Absorbed”

“…a night of vibrant, living art.” Forth Magazine

The New Short Fiction Series, Los Angeles’ longest running spoken word series, continues its 20th season with the paperback launch of New York Times bestseller “Selfish, Shallow and Self-Absorbed” edited by Meghan Daum, in cooperation with Picador USA, Sunday, April 10, 2016 at The Federal Bar. The performance stars spoken word artist Sally Shore, with guest cast Deborah Geffner (All That Jazz, Scandal), Jim Hanks (Two Minutes To Midnight) and Judy T. Marcelline (Empty Rooms), with musical guest The Sorted.

WHEN:

Sunday, April 10, 2016
Doors open 6PM
The Sorted takes the stage at 6:30PM
Performances 7PM

WHERE:

The Federal Bar
5303 Lankershim Blvd.
North Hollywood 91601

ADMISSION:

$10.00-$15.00 with advance purchase
$20.00 same day cash only at the door
TICKETS>> or call 866-811-4111

THE MILLIONS: Most Anticipated Books of 2015

FLAVORWIRE: 10 Nonfiction Books That Will Define the Conversation in 2015

PAPER MAGAZINE: Must-Read Books of 2015

BUZZFEED: 5 Great Books to Read in April

GLOBE AND MAIL: 50 Most Anticipated Books of 2015

BUSTLE: March 2015’s Best Books

Meghan Daum is the author of four books, most recently the collection of original essays The Unspeakable: And Other Subjects of Discussion, which won the 2015 PEN Center USA Award for creative nonfiction. Her other books include the essay collection My Misspent Youth, the novel The Quality of Life Report, and Life Would Be Perfect If I Lived In That House, a memoir. Since 2005, Daum has been an opinion columnist at The Los Angeles Times covering cultural and political topics, and has written for numerous magazines, including The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, The Atlantic and Vogue. She is the recipient of a 2015 Guggenheim Fellowship and is an adjunct associate professor in the M.F.A. Writing Program at Columbia University’s School of the Arts.

“ Anthologies aren’t famous for changing attitudes en masse, but at the very least this one gives voice to the complexities of assuming and enjoying a ‘child-free’ life. Daum, an essayist, novelist and columnist at the Los Angeles Times, comes to the topic honestly….The 16 essays are cleverly arranged, creating a satisfying intellectual and emotional arc….the reader is treated to nearly every reason one might choose to forgo having children.” – New York Times Book Review

“Oftentimes hilarious and heartbreaking, and riddled throughout with truth.” – Los Angeles Review of Books

“[A] searing collection…The child-burdened should come away from this engaging collection with a rich sense of what they have missed.” – The Washington Post

“…Meghan Daum, has gathered together a group of people who are refreshingly clearheaded….No hand-wringing here. It’s the tone of voice dominating the entire anthology that is so exhilarating: thoughtful, unconflicted, unapologetic. Talk about the light at the end of the tunnel….The women in Daum’s anthology are exciting and admirable…[they’re] a significant, world-changing minority.” – Bookforum

ABOUT NEW SHORT FICTION SERIES

“In the summer of 2011 when we realized that the series needed a new home for 2012, I wanted a venue that was more than a performance space – it needed to be a place that my audience could “Eat, Drink and Be Literate.” The New Short Fiction Series originated 19 years ago in the NoHo Arts District at The Actors Workout Studio, and we performed our 2001 and 2002 season at The Historic Lankershim Arts Center, so the NoHo Arts District had been a fruitful home to the series in the past. The Federal Bar, at the time recently, opened was suggested to me and when I walked in the door to meet Ed Levy, the General Manager, I knew that this was the place. It’s been a great fit for both the series and The Federal Bar. 2015 is our 3rd year there and my audience loves the environment, the food and drink, and the NoHo Arts District. The most common comment I get is “This is like a New York neighborhood – you don’t see this kind of combination of entertainment and dining on the Westside.” We are very happy and proud to present our 20th at The Federal Bar and we hope that folks will “Eat, Drink and Be Literate” with us.” – Sally Shore host and producer of The New Short Fiction SeriesThe New Short Fiction Series is a project of the Pasadena Arts Council’s EMERGE Fiscal Sponsorship Program.

**** 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: Beer Happy Hour, J-Date, Housewives, Burlesque + Beer

Archived - Latest News NoHo Arts District, North Hollywood

Lisa Bianconi

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03/31/2016

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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.

Tough times, more money!

Money Matters

Lillian Appleby

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03/30/2016

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Tough times, more money!

As uncertainty at home and abroad roils the financial markets, income-minded investors seeking protection from the bumpy road ahead may find dividend-paying stocks offer an attractive mix of features and warrant a place in their equity portfolios.

The appeal is simple: Dividend-paying stocks can provide investors with tangible returns on a regular basis regardless of market conditions.

The Benefits of Dividend-Paying Stocks

If you own stock in a company that has announced it will be issuing a dividend, or if you are proactively considering adding an allocation to dividend-paying stocks, history provides compelling evidence of the long-term benefits of dividends and their reinvestment.

A sign of corporate financial health. Dividend payouts are often seen as a sign of a company’s financial health and management’s confidence in future cash flow. Dividends also communicate a positive message to investors who perceive a long-term dividend as a sign of corporate maturity and strength.
A key driver of total return. There are several factors that may contribute to the superior total return of dividend-paying stocks over the long term. One of them is dividend reinvestment. The longer the period in which dividends are reinvested, the greater the spread between price return and dividend reinvested total return.
Potentially stronger returns, lower volatility. Dividends may help to reduce portfolio losses when stock prices decline, and over long time horizons, stocks with a history of increasing their dividend each year have also produced higher returns with considerably less risk than non-dividend-paying stocks. For instance, over the past 10 years, the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats — those stocks within the S&P 500 that have increased their dividends each year for the past 25 years — produced annualized returns of 10.67% vs. 8.01% for the S&P 500 overall, with less volatility (13.70% vs. 14.76%, respectively).¹

The Growth of Dividend-Paying Stocks, 1985-2014²

If you are considering adding dividend-paying stocks to your investment mix, keep the following thoughts in mind.

Dividend-paying stocks may help diversify an income-generating portfolio. Income-oriented investors may want to diversify potential sources of income within their portfolios. Given current realities present in the bond market, stocks with above-average dividend yields may compare favorably with bonds and may act as a buffer should conditions turn negative within the bond market.
Dividends benefit from continued favorable tax treatment. The extension of the Bush-era tax cuts helps to reinforce the current case for dividend stocks. The tax bill that passed in early 2013 made the 15% top tax rate on qualifying dividends and other forms of investment income permanent for most investors, though it did raise the top rate to 20% for certain high-income investors. However, this is still lower than the 39.6% top rate on ordinary income.

Note that dividends can be increased, decreased, and/or eliminated at any time without prior notice.

¹Return and standard deviation cover the 10 year period ended March 31, 2015. Volatility is measured by standard deviation. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
²Source: ChartSource^®, Wealth Management Systems Inc. For the period from January 1, 1985, through December 31, 2014. Stocks are represented by the S&P 500 index. Stock prices are represented by the change in price of the S&P 500 index. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Copyright © 2015, Wealth Management Systems Inc. All rights reserved. Not responsible for any errors or omissions. (CS000029)

Disclaimer: The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

Stock investing involves risk including loss of principal. The payment of dividends is not guaranteed. Companies may reduce or eliminate the payment of dividends at any given time

Meet the folks at The Penthouse of NoHo

Archived - Latest News NoHo Arts District, North Hollywood

Lisa Bianconi

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03/30/2016

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The NoHo Motto: The NoHo Arts District is only as great as its people.

A place for artists and a place to create art – Welcome The Penthouse of NoHo to the neighborhood.

What is The Penthouse of NoHo?

The Penthouse of Noho is a multi-purpose facility based in North Hollywood, CA founded by Tye Myers. Our goal is to provide not only a community of artists with a facility to express themselves without limits, but a place where health conscious minds come together to challenge their bodies through unique fitness classes.

A facility where you can book for a photo or video shoot, band or dance rehearsals, seminar or event, theater class or study your lines for your next casting. Enjoy our 1500 sq ft fitness studio that offers a variety of diverse classes for all ages or relax and recharge with a refreshing juice while you can conveniently have unlimited access to WiFi and get all your business done from the Penthouse.

Who started The Penthouse of NoHo and why?

Tye Myers has been a professional dancer in the industry for 16 years, dancing for some of the top artists, Brittney Spears, Prince and Ricky Martin, to name a few, and NoHo has been her base during that time. Her best friend founded the Basement in 2007 (a kids dance studio) and Tye helped manage the space between her dance tours. In 2013 Tye took ownership of the Basement shifting focus to private studio rentals. In September 2015 Tye had the opportunity to expand the Basement to the upstairs, 5,000=square-foot unit and used this opportunity to bring her vision of a creative artist haven to the front walk of Lankershim Blvd. and so ‘The Penthouse’ was born.

Tye, if you had the power to change one thing about the NoHo Arts District what would that be?

Being that I’ve had the chance to see NoHo’s many faces in the 16 years I’ve lived here I think the Arts District is growing and on the right path. I would like so much to see more artist collaborations, the joining of the different genres of visual and performance arts. My inspiration to create the Penthouse Artist Haven is for it to be a muse and collective space for artists to inspire yet another layer to the district’s continual development.

Lara, what is your role in The Penthouse, and who is Lara?

I came to the Penthouse through knowledge of Tye looking fory teachers in September 2015. As an actor, dancer and yogi I felt Tye’s vision and the space very inspiring and wanted to come on board as a teacher specifically for my Yoga for Actors and Dancers class. In January 2016 we met again and I proposed to her my idea of launching our recent Spring Equinox Indoor Festival event. I have a passion for creative, collaborative endeavors and with my management and production skills wanted to support Tye in launching her vision of an Artist Haven in the NoHo Arts District. I live in Studio City but study acting at Stuart Rogers two doors down and teach at another local yoga studio too. So coming on board as the Artist Haven Class Director is the perfect addition to making the NoHo hood my creative nook to inspire and continue being inspired.

What are some of the classes that The Penthouse will offer?

Lara Helena – Yoga, Meditation & Yoga for Actors & Dancers
harmonize2one.com

Tomm Voss: Qigong
TommVoss.com

Emily A. Chamberlain: Dance Fitness
emilyachamberlain.com

Alexis Saenz: Pilates
AlexisSaenz.com

Melissa Sanchez: Belly Dancing

Rebecca “Fireplug” Levis – Kids Circus Class
tinyurl.com/cirquedumondela

Pamela Samulson: Aerial Silks and Kids Flyskool
aerosdance.com

Amber Held: Kids Creative Cross Training
creativecrosstraining.com

Chris Filkens: Acro Yoga
simplewheel.com

Are there any upcoming events?

YES April 25th – Official CLASSES OPEN to the Public April 30th – Kids Spring 6-week Saturday Workshops begin (Creative Crosstraining, FlySkool, Circus Camp, QiGong)

Is there anything you would like to add or highlight?

We wish to remind anyone reading this who is a visual or performing artist… If you feel inspired by the opportunity to share and cultivate your creativity, promote or display your art, hold an event, learn a new artistic skill, The Penthouse Artist Haven is ready to offer you something new and while in the beginning stages, we are open to ALL inspiring collaborations.

Social media links.
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

**** 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.

AMERICA’S FIRST DOG CAFE ANNOUNCES GRAND OPENING IN LOS ANGELES

Pets District

nohoarts

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03/29/2016

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Coffee Shop Offers Visitors The Companionship of Adoptable Rescue Dogs

Now this is a business I would love to see in the NoHo Arts District.

In 2015, 14083 animals were killed at Los Angeles City Animal Shelters. There are many reasons for these senseless murders….#1 … irresponsible pet owners that do not spade their animals, or dump pets at overcrowded shelters when their pet is sick or they tire of taking care of their pet. So what is the answer? NO KILL shelters in Los Angeles is the answer. For 10 years the City has talked about NO KILL shelters but still the killing of innocent animals continues. The below Dog Cafe is how one person can make a difference. Please be sure to visit The Dog Cafe… Thanks for listening, Nancy Bianconi, publisher

The Dog Cafe, the first of its kind in the United States, will hold its grand opening on April 7, 2016 at 240 N. Virgil Ave in Los Angeles. Located in the south Silver Lake neighborhood of Rampart Village, The Dog Cafe provides a space for visitors to intermingle with rescue dogs from local shelters who are available for adoption. Specialty coffee and tea drinks will be served out of the adjacent space next door, available for customers to take in to the dog lounge.

Betsy Coffee

The Dog Cafe’s mission is to revolutionize dog adoption by reinventing the way people connect with rescues who need homes. The Dog Cafe offers a comfortable and fun space for humans and dogs to meet and spend time with each other, away from the environment of overcrowded shelters, which can provoke fear and aggression in perfectly adoptable pups. In addition to helping worthy pups find homes, The Dog Cafe also offers the opportunity for people unable to have pets of their own to spend quality time with furry friends (and vice versa) without the commitment of adoption.

Inspired by the animal cafes in Asia, The Dog Cafe is breaking ground with its unique mission to serve as a new kind of a rescue for abandoned and stray dogs.

“After I moved to Korea from the United States as a child, I started frequenting the dog cafes there,” said Sarah Wolfgang, The Dog Cafe’s founder and owner. “As a dog lover, it was amazing to have the opportunity to go see and spend time with pups any time. Yet the sad fact is that those dogs are brought in from puppy mills for the sole purpose of spending their entire lives inside of a cafe, while millions of other animals are out on the streets or abandoned at shelters. The first Dog Cafe in America will serve as a venue for humans to indulge in their love of dogs, while at the same time, bettering and saving the lives of many of our nation’s canine residents.”

Wolfgang works closely with South Los Angeles Animal Shelter, in addition to other local shelters, to rescue dogs who would best benefit from socialization at The Dog Cafe. While all dogs are evaluated to ensure friendliness with both people and other dogs, The Dog Cafe focuses specifically on bringing in rescues who have been overlooked or viewed as not traditionally adoptable due to age, special needs or behavioral issues that require training. The company plans to expand by opening additional locations of The Dog Cafe in major cities across the U.S.

“We consider The Dog Cafe a halfway house for dogs; these pups may have been in bad situations where they were abused or neglected, then started to give up hope while sitting in shelter kennels, but we’re aiming to send each dog on the path to a new life in a forever home. When visitors see our dogs here with us, they see them in their true light – and some people will even find that they’re looking at future members of their families,” said Wolfgang.

Leading up to its grand opening, The Dog Cafe has been holding a soft opening of its dog lounge area for visitors to try out the concept. With its grand opening, The Dog Cafe will unveil its adjoining coffee shop, which in addition to other specialty drinks, will serve Grounds & Hounds Coffee Co. and Dogs Drink Coffee, both of whom donate a portion of their proceeds to animals in need. Menu items will include pour-over coffee, teas, lattes (including a signature “mocha” latte made with carob instead of chocolate), and lemonades flavored with rose, lavender and butterfly pea flower. Also revealed will be a retail space, including dog merchandise from The Dog Cafe’s partner brand, The Dog Company, as well as a curated selection of other products for dog owners and dog lovers. The Dog Cafe is dedicated to ensuring that all products sold give back to animal rescue.

The Dog Cafe’s regular business hours will be Tuesday-Sunday, 11am-7pm, beginning the day after its grand opening. Admission per person per hour is $10 and includes a complimentary coffee, tea or lemonade (or discount off of a specialty beverage). Advance reservations are recommended and can be booked on The Dog Cafe’s website at: http://www.thedogcafela.com/#!make-reservation/t91sh. The dog lounge portion will continue its soft opening, allowing walk-ins only, until April 7th. For their own safety, children under the age of 5 are not admitted; each minor between the age of 5 and 17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. 1-hour parking is available in the adjoining parking lot. The space is also available to rent for private events.

About The Founder/Owner

Born in Pennsylvania to a Korean mother and an American father, Sarah Wolfgang spent 16 years of her adolescence and young adulthood in South Korea before moving back to the U.S. and settling in Los Angeles. During her time in South Korea, Wolfgang volunteered at privately run animal shelters, focusing on working with special needs dogs, rescuing animals from meat markets, and relocating dogs to the United States through the program Project: RASN. She is currently proud owner to a senior Shih Tzu, Fiona, and Shepherd-Husky mix, Sharkie (who is The Dog Cafe’s mascot and appears on the company logo).

For more information on The Dog Cafe: www.thedogcafela.com

The Dog Cafe
240 N. Virgil Ave (Unit 12), Los Angeles, CA 90004
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thedogcafe.la | Twitter: www.twitter.com/thedogcafe_la | Instagram: www.instagram.com/thedogcafe_la

Baby Oh Baby

Archived - Latest News NoHo Arts District, North Hollywood

Lisa Bianconi

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03/29/2016

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Welcome Phil Scarpaci to NoHo, creator of the show Baby Oh Baby.

PHIL SCARPACI (Writer-Director) has a diverse background directing Theatre, Film and Television. Notable stage credits include World Premieres of Consider the Tulips and The Abbey Yard. He also helmed the hysterically acclaimed Greater Tuna, the political drama All the Kings Men, Skirmishes and Chekhov’s The Bear and The Proposal. Award-winning feature films include “Blue Bus”, “In the Key of Eli”, “Welcome to September”, and “A Doll In The Dark”. Recent television credits include the sitcom pilot “Swallow Your Bliss” which he also co-created and multiple episodes of action series “SAF3” filmed on location in South Africa. Mr. Scarpaci has also been honored with prestigious awards for Excellence in Children’s programming on several series for Disney.

Interview with Baby Oh Baby Writer-Director Phil Scarpaci playing at the Whitefire.

When did you first get interested in theatre?

I didn’t get involved in theater until my college years in Eugene, Oregon. While acting in my very first show, Man of La Mancha, I played three very different characters and had a blast. It was a huge show with a long spring and summer run. I was hooked.

How did your first directing experience come about? What did you learn from the experience?

In my mid 20’s I discovered directing. It really was a no brainer for me as it allowed me to draw on all of my creative background – – music, dance, acting, painting, drawing and design. And since I’ve always been a storyteller, directing offered me a great opportunity to do that. What I learned right away about directing was that if you want to direct….direct. No one is going to hand it to you and you really need to be a self-starter.

Did you have a mentor or mentors along the way?

I was very lucky to have a few mentors along the way. In the late 70s at the Group Repertory Theatre, Lonny Chapman was a great mentor and a big influence. Also Leo Penn (Sean’s dad) took me under his wing and introduced me to the world of television directing. In addition, Dennis Weaver was so generous in countless ways when I was starting out. I was very fortunate to have those men in my life at such an early age. They saw something in me and did what they could to encourage me to pursue it. I always try to do the same for young upcoming talent.

Tell us a bit about the play and what might the audience take away from the experience of having seen it.

Baby Oh Baby is an exploration of how the ticking biological clock affects everyone’s behavior. It’s not just the women. It’s also the men who have to deal with the women dealing with that crazy ticking clock. This story is a comedic look at how that pressure can drive women to do some pretty crazy things. My hope is the audience leaves the theatre feeling better than when they arrived.

You and T.L. Shannon have co-written Baby Oh Baby. Assuming you grew up and have been living in the United States, how did you go about combining your comic sensibilities with those of T.L. who is British?

Based on an original story by T. L., I wrote Baby Oh Baby with a British slang dictionary opened on my desktop. Our collaboration is such that he spews out an idea, kind of a stream of consciousness that is usually quite long and covers a lot of territory. Getting it out of his head is a starting point for me and after he’s done saying what he wants to say, he passes it to me. I flesh out the idea and work on it in more detail, i.e. developing relationships, character arcs, conflicts, structure, and the physical comedy. In addition, a focused story arc that comes from multiple ideas to one means something to me. The process works really well for both of us. We stay out of each other’s way and have a lot of laughs when we are together.

The characters are quirky and delightful. Will we, perhaps, see them again?

I’m really staying focused on the process at hand which is to get this first production on its feet at the Whitefire. We will see what happens after that. I do love these characters and can’t seem to get enough of them…

You are predominantly a filmmaker. What brings you back to creating theater?

The reality is I have been in and out of theatre my entire career but I have been making my living in film and television. As I was writing Baby Oh Baby, the characters and the situations were very interesting to me on a personal level and I felt that there was a certain live theatrical element to the material making it a better fit for the stage than film.

What’s up next for you?

As we have been developing this play I have also been filming a documentary of the process. It’s titled “From Page to Stage” which will continue to shoot with the editing to start once the show opens.

If you could choose any profession what would it be?

Doing exactly what I’m doing. Being involved in film, theatre and television is my passion. This is also my profession and I have been fortunate enough to do it my entire adult life.

Baby Oh Baby runs Saturdays at 8:00 pm, March 19 – June 4. Advance Purchased Tickets: $20. Tickets at the door: $25. Discount Tickets Students/Seniors with ID; Groups of 10 or more: $15. Buy advance tickets babyohbaby.brownpapertickets.com or 800-838-3006. Adult humor appropriate for ages 18+. Mature audiences only. The play contains sexually charged dialogue and subject matter. The Whitefire Theatre is located at 13500 Ventura Boulevard, Sherman Oaks 91423

Facebook
Twitter – @babyohbabyshow
www.babyohbaby.net

**** 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.

Lit Crawl L.A. is now accepting submissions

Archived - Latest News NoHo Arts District, North Hollywood

Lisa Bianconi

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03/27/2016

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Now accepting submissions. SAVE THE DATE! LIT CRAWL L.A. is back for its 4th year!

Lit Crawl L.A. is Greater Los Angeles’s second largest literary festival and a free-to-the-public citywide event. The official Los Angeles affiliate of the Litquake Foundation’s international Lit Crawl series, the 4th annual Lit Crawl L.A. returns to the NoHo Arts District on Wednesday, October 26, 2016 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. By partnering with a variety of area organizations, Lit Crawl L.A. bolsters Greater Los Angeles’ literary scene and captures the Southland’s unique flavor — all while getting book lovers and revelers alike drunk on words. For Free! Restaurants, tattoo parlors, bars, galleries and other hip NoHo venues will host innovative presentations showcasing the best of L.A.’s literary scene from throughout Los Angeles County. 2016’s Lit Crawl L.A is Greater Los Angeles’ premiere grassroots literary event and 2016 promises to be another magical, vibrant night for all!

Lit Crawl L.A. is now accepting submissions for the October 26, 2016 crawl in the NoHo Arts District. Calling all Southland literary organizations, writing collectives, reading series, publications and literary groups formal and informal to jump into this fun, loud, guerrilla-style annual street event. Visit our Become A Presenter page for this year’s guidelines and application. Don’t delay – the deadline is April 18, 2016!

Lit Crawl L.A. only accepts submissions from literary organizations, writing groups, reading series and publications.

Their criteria:

• Are your writers free on Wednesday, October 26, 2016 from 6:00-10:00?
• Is your organization local or in some way connected to Los Angeles?
• Can your organization curate at least four writers/literary performers who will engage a live, rowdy audience of literary lovers?
• Is your organization and the writers in your presentation ready to jump into a fun, loud,
• Does your organization represent the diverse and vibrant energy of the Los Angeles literary scene?
• If you’ve presented at Lit Crawl L.A. in years 1-3, can your organization present something fresh and different this year?
• Is your organization ready to jump into a fun, loud, guerilla-style street event?

More details:

• Lit Crawl L.A. presenters slots are limited to 45 minutes of presentation.
• Lit Crawl L.A. presentations are on the short side (6-8 minutes per author).
• Lit Crawl L.A. is unable to feature individual writers, book sales and signings.
• All writers’ photos and bios will be listed in our online schedule.
• Presenting organizations must promote Lit Crawl L.A. to their mailing list and social media groups, with clear identification of Lit Crawl L.A. as the event.
• All submissions will receive an automatic reply, as well as another response by the end of May.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

**** 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 – Eye in the Sky; 10 Cloverfield Lane

Movie Reviews

Mike Peros

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03/25/2016

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Reviews – Eye in the Sky; 10 Cloverfield Lane

Eye in the Sky; 10 Cloverfield Lane by Mike Peros

If you’re looking for two well-acted, fairly gripping entertainments this weekend, it would be hard to go wrong with Eye in the Sky and 10 Cloverfield Lane.

Directed by Gavin Hood with a script by Guy Hibbert, Eye in the Sky takes on the question “what price victory?”—especially in terms of possible collateral damage. In this case, a number of wanted terrorists are located in a South African compound, loaded up for what appears to be imminent suicide bombings, and Helen Mirren’s Colonel is ready to launch a missile strike—until an innocent young girl is seen setting up to sell some bread right in front of the compound (there is no doubt about the innocence of this girl—unlike the dilemma faced by Bradley Cooper’s marksman in American Sniper). Pilot Aaron Paul refuses to carry out the attack—until both legal and moral obligations are met (namely, can the girl be removed from the area or can the possibility of her demise be reduced).

The negotiations between the military and the various politicos (some who are interested in self-preservation, while others are troubled by the ramifications of the possible bloodshed) are well-developed and laced with some dark humor (courtesy mainly of Alan Rickman in one of his last roles, as a concerned, pragmatic general). Juxtaposed with these remote dealings are the efforts of Barkhad Ali (from Captain Philips) as an undercover operative who is entrusted with both securing the identities of those in the compound, and doing all he can to get the girl out of harm’s way. There are many tense, suspenseful moments enroute to its resolution, as well as a number of trenchant scenes in which intelligent, reasonable characters try to come to terms with the inevitable costs of war. The moviemakers leave with you an indication of where their sympathies lie, but you may come away with your own. Worth checking out when it comes to your area.

10 Cloverfield Lane poses an interesting question: in the event of a possible world-ending attack (by parties unknown), would you rather stay in an underground bunker with John Goodman—or take your chances on the outside? The genius of 10 Cloverfield Lane is that it keeps you on edge throughout, as to both developments in the outside world, and Goodman’s motives—and it also offers a lead female character (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) who is nothing if not consistently resourceful—no shrieking scream queen she!).

The premise is that Winstead is driving through Louisiana after leaving her fiancé; she hears of blackouts in major cities and soon gets into a major accident. When she awakens, she finds herself chained to a bed and “tended to” by the solicitous but stern Goodman, who explains that there has been an attack, probably involving poisonous gas or radiation—with the likelihood that there are no survivors. Her only chance, as Goodman puts it, is to remain in the bunker (complete with generator, air filtration, food, and plenty of videos). There is also a third occupant (John Gallagher Jr.) who corroborates Goddman’s explanation, and….

I don’t want to reveal anything else—it’s better that you go in knowing as little as possible. Suffice it to say, that writers Josh Campbell, Matt Stuecken and Damien Chazelle, as well as director Dan Trachtenburg, deliver a nailbiting drama that doesn’t stint on the twists or the thrills—while leaving room for some good actors to make their mark. Winstead and Gallagher make for sympathetic, believable protagonists, but the film belongs to Goodman. In a rare recent lead role, Goodman uses melancholy, menace, and occasional mirth to create a memorable characterization. I won’t say any more—go and see him.

Stand Up and Hold ‘Em for ROCKY RIDGE RESCUE

Archived - Latest News NoHo Arts District, North Hollywood

Lisa Bianconi

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03/25/2016

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April 3 is going to be a night of fun and poker to support the animals at Rocky Ridge Rescue!

As the NoHo Arts District dot com team always says: “NoHo is only as great as its people.” This holds true for the owners of The Muse Rooms, the “Affordable Shared Coworking Space in North Hollywood.”

The Muse Rooms will host a night of comedy and poker to benefit Rocky Ridge Rescue on Sunday, April 3. Rocky Ridge Rescue (RRR) is a non-profit sanctuary that is home to a multitude of animals in need, horses, sheep, goats, donkeys big and small, pigs, fowl, bunnies, dogs, cats and even a tortoise. RRR recently purchased a property and need building supplies for pens, repairs and to maintain all the animals they support. Check out their Facebook page for videos and images of the love and care they give to the animals, and to meet Charlie, the cuddle bug black lamb.

The Muse Rooms owner Nancy Sexton loves animals and is good friends with Liz Norris, the owner of RRR. Nancy knows all of the struggles that Liz and RRR have suffered over winter and with the move and wanted to do something to help.

“Stand Up for Rocky Ridge Rescue” will be held at The Muse Rooms on Sunday, April 3rd from 7PM-10PM. In the Main Space: they will feature comedians from Last Comic Standing Adam Hunter, Erik Escobar, Jason Cheny and the hilarious Grant Gordon! There will also be music by Illunis, open bar and food, are all included in the $30 ticket price.

You may also pre-buy 50/50 raffle tickets online if you can’t make the show or pick up your tickets on the night of the show. All donations are tax deductible!

In the Boardroom: they will host Texas Hold ‘em! $200 tax deductible Buy-in. Winner takes a percentage of the buy-in, only eight players and special high-end liquor.

Please check out the web page for all the information: www.rockyridgerescuecharityevent.org