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 NoHo, El Niño is not the Chupacabra.

Lisa Bianconi
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That’s right. El Niño is scary for us Los Angelenos. So let’s keep calm and figure out how to deal with rain in our city.

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But all kidding aside, we need to educate ourselves, prepare, help those in need and keep calm. Please read this important message from the Office of Councilman Paul Krekorian:

Councilman Krekorian on El Nino www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Dear Friend:

El Niño is already starting to bring heavy rains and severe weather to the Southland this winter. As our public safety officials diligently track the storm system, I urge you to take the necessary steps to prepare for fierce weather conditions. It’s not too late to get prepared.

Stay Informed

After four years of drought and wildfires, LA’s landscape is incapable of absorbing large amounts of rain. There is a high potential for flooding and mudslides in vulnerable areas. To help you get ready for all the wet weather, the City of Los Angeles has launched a new website, www.ElNinoLA.com.

The site has important information and tools on how to prepare your home for the weather, how to create an emergency kit, how to create an evacuation plan and much more. You can also stay ahead of severe weather conditions by signing up for NotifyLA, a regional alert system that sends emergency alerts through SMS text, voice message and email.

The LAPD non-emergency information line is (877) 275-5273. For all life-threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Prevent Flooding and Clear Your Drains

Take a look around your home and ensure that all drains, gutters and downspouts are clean and functioning properly. This is especially important for flat-roofed buildings. Keep pipes, troughs and culverts free of debris. Closely examine windows, skylights and doors that may benefit from caulking or weatherstripping. Inspect your attic for “leaks” of sunlight, or signs of previous water damage that may indicate where repairs are needed.

Make sure you have household supplies, like a bucket, mop, towel and tarpaulin to minimize damage from a sudden leak or stormwater seepage.

Stock Up on Sandbags

The Los Angeles Fire Department and Bureau of Street Services are making ready-to-fill sandbags available at locations citywide. To find a neighborhood fire station or Bureau of Street Services location near you, click here.

Report Storm Damage

Call 3-1-1 or use the MyLA311 app to report any street damage caused by severe weather. To report a fallen tree, call the Bureau of Street Services at (800) 996-2489.

Please remember to stay away from power lines, dangling wire or anyone or anything in contact with it. Always assume a downed line is still energized. If you experience a power outage, or see a downed power line or electrical wire, immediately call the LA Dept. of Water and Power at (800) 342-5397. LADWP has technicians ready to assist 24/7.

The Bureau of Sanitation has already cleaned the city’s 40,000 catch basins, 70 debris basins, and cleared drainage channels to allow stormwater to flow properly. To report a blocked storm drain or catch basin, call the Bureau of Sanitation at (800) 773-2489. The Customer Care Center will remain open 24/7 to receive customer requests.

Winter Shelters Are Open

Lastly, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority has opened its winter shelters for homeless individuals and will keep them open for an additional month from through Mar. 31, 2016. Click here for more information.

Please stay calm and safe and get prepared during this extreme weather season. If you have additional questions or concerns, please feel free to email me at paul.krekorian@lacity.org or call my City Hall office: (213) 473-7002 or my North Hollywood District Office: (818) 755-7676.

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.

Slay Dragons and Fight Like A Knight…in NoHo.

Lisa Bianconi
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It’s 2016. Are you ready to try something TOTALLY DIFFERENT?

Ever dreamed of fighting monsters, slaying dragons, rescuing princesses, or just knowing that when the aliens come and take away the guns, you can still SWORDFIGHT?! Fight Like a Knight is a fusion of the same swordfighting techniques used by medieval knights, with modern kinesthetics and ergonomics, and a dash of chivalric philosophy, creating a movement/exercise/martial-arts class like you’ve never seen before! It’s on Saturday mornings at 9AM, folks. Sign up via their Meet Up group for location and more details.

We asked Swordmaster Chris Burns some questions about the Fight Like a Knight (FLaK) class. 

Slay Dragons and Fight Like A Knight…in NoHo. www.nohoartsdistrict.com

What exactly is Fight Like a Knight?

FLaK is a school of authentic medieval combat. Taking techniques informed by historical documents, cultivated through thousands of unchoreographed, full-speed, full-contact engagements, and imbued with modern-day kinesthetics, students learn a highly-dynamic, period martial-art that is unavailable from any other school of the sword.

Describe a typical class?

Classes begin with a warm-up of stretching, narrated by chivalric philosophy, reminding students of the core of the program – honor, chivalry and compassion. We stretch the specific muscle groups that are used during our training, while focusing on the kinesthetic awareness necessary to access and fully utilize them. From there, depending on the level of the student, we will go through various stance, footwork and weapon-work drills that focus on the particular technique currently being explored (which changes every week to month or so). We do a lot of sparring, sometimes at full-speed, sometimes very, very slowly, but every class has students squared off against myself, an assistant or each other to work on the techniques in a real world situation. The 2nd class of the month is a full sparring day where students put on armor and engage in full-contact, unchoreographed combat with each other – sometimes one-on-one, sometimes in multi-person melees. We also have sessions on armor and weapon making, leatherworking, and a variety of other period arts.

Slay Dragons and Fight Like A Knight…in NoHo. www.nohoartsdistrict.com

What does a potential knight need to know beforehand?

Nothing at all. However, students who have a background in any martial art or fencing tend to pick things up a bit quicker, as much of the foundation of swordfighting shares posture, kinesthetics and footwork with those disciplines.

What does s/he need to bring?

All equipment is provided by FLaK. Students should dress in workout clothes (anything easy to move in), and either sneakers or boots. As students get further into the program, they are encouraged to make/buy their own sword and shield, as well as a helmet. How did you come up with the idea for the class? I have been swordfighting for 25 years or so, and much of that time was spent teaching. As a writer/director I have also taken my techniques to the stage and screen, and every time I train a performer I hear what a workout it is. So, folding it all into a class just made sense, and FLaK was born. I have been doing it in this area for the past 6 years. When/Where/How much is a class? Classes currently run in North Hollywood Park on the weekends. First class is a free-trial (this is not for everyone), and should a student decide to join the program, the dues are $80/month.

MeetUp – http://www.meetup.com/Fight-Like-a-Knight-Los-Angeles
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/FightLikeAKnight/

**** 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.

Television Academy NoHo Construction Update 2016

Lisa Bianconi
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By now you’ve noticed the construction at the Television Academy in NoHo along with the disappearance of the Emmy Statue and statuary garden. We have an update!

 

 

As the Television Academy’s 70th anniversary approaches, they’re getting ready for their new, modernized campus slated to open this spring, 2016. The new campus will also provide members, the industry and the public with a state-of-the-art theatre for screenings and live stage events. Its features will include: 

  • 60′ screen and 4K/3D digital projection system
  • Proscenium, lighting and backstage area
  • State-of-the-art sound system
  • Stadium seating
  • Formal greenroom and dressing room

Here are some work in progress images.

The Saban Media Center the Television Academy in the NoHo Arts District www.nohoartsdistrict.com
Photo via The Television Academy

The Saban Media Center the Television Academy in the NoHo Arts District www.nohoartsdistrict.com
The new, 600-seat theatre! Photo via The Television Academy

See more of the work in progress>>

The Television Academy has received a significant gift for its New Destination Campaign and its reimagined NoHo Arts District campus from noted philanthropists Cheryl and Haim Saban and The Saban Family Foundation. In recognition of this gift, the new building for the expanded campus will be named the Saban Media Center.

“We are deeply appreciative of this extremely generous gift from the Saban Family Foundation,” said Television Academy Chairman and CEO Bruce Rosenblum.

“Cheryl and Haim are clearly dedicated to educational and cultural philanthropy which is the focus of our new Saban Media Center. It’s a place to house and support our Academy Foundation, celebrate creative excellence, and host industry game-changers and leaders in related fields for the exchange of ideas and the introduction of new technologies, concepts and business models.”

The Saban Media Center the Television Academy in the NoHo Arts District www.nohoartsdistrict.com
Television Academy president and COO Maury McIntyre, Cheryl Saban, Haim Saban, and Television Academy chairman and CEO Bruce Rosenblum in front of the rising Saban Media Center – Photo via Invision/AP

The 30,000 square foot LEED-certified Saban Media Center will be a state-of-the-art home for the Television Academy and its Foundation, enhancing the organization’s ability to support and educate its 20,000 above and below-the-line members and creating a nurturing environment to educate the next generation of television leaders through internships, scholarships, professional training and recognition programs like the College Television Awards.

The Saban Media Center will also include a technology center and pocket studio where interns placed by the Academy’s philanthropic Foundation and other young professionals can hone their skills.

Haim Saban, founder of Saban Entertainment and Fox Family Worldwide, and currently the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Saban Capital Group and Chairman of the Board of Univision Communications Inc., said, “Television is constantly evolving and Cheryl and I are honored to play a meaningful role in that evolution in partnership with the Academy.

“We share the Academy’s passion for encouraging and providing thought leadership through education, collaboration, and the spirit of community. We’re also excited to help the Academy’s Foundation thrive and expand its work and educational outreach.”

The Television Academy is the only organization that represents all aspects of the creative process of developing and producing television content: its 29 professional peer groups include writers, directors, costume designers, performers, sound editors, special visual effects and cinematographers among others.

**** 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 of The Hateful Eight; Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Mike Peros
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Reviews of The Hateful Eight; Star Wars: The Force Awakens

The Hateful Eight

The Hateful Eight, Quentin Tarantino’s 8th film, filmed in glorious 70MM (complete with intermission and souvenir program for those engagements), manages to integrate elements of festering post-Civil War race relations and Agatha Christie mysteries into its tale of several seemingly disparate and somewhat unsavory (dare we say hateful) individuals who are trapped in a fairly roomy roadhouse during a fierce blizzard. It’s a long film—and quite bloody (not entirely unexpected, since we’re in Tarantino territory, no matter what the region is called)—but far from satisfying.

The early scenes are among the most effective, as stagecoach passenger and feared bounty hunter Kurt Russell (on his way to deliver his smiling, beaten, cuffed prisoner Jennifer Jason-Leigh to the hangman) grudgingly allows fellow bounty hunter Samuel L. Jackson to share his coach, enabling Jackson to escape a wintry death. No sooner do they continue their journey when they encounter another yet another traveler on foot (an unusual development not unnoticed by Russell), Waylon Goggins, an ex-Confederate raider and the would-be sheriff of Red Rock. This happens to be Russell’s destination, providing they can make it through the blizzard—which they can’t, forcing them to wait out the storm at Minnie’s Haberdashery. There they encounter cowpoke Michael Madsen, retired Confederate officer Bruce Dern, Minnie’s new manager Demian Bachir, and the Hangman himself, Tim Roth.

It becomes clear rather quickly that several things are amiss—both with the place, as well as its occupants, and it is left to Russell and Jackson to unite to protect their own interests. The Hateful Eight would have made a gripping two-hour film, one even allowing for the trademark Tarantino digressions and lengthy speeches. Yet for the first time, the side trips seem a little forced, needlessly padding the proceedings, and one monologue in particular, in which Jackson lovingly recounts to a grieving Dern as to what exactly happened to Dern’s son, is gratuitous to an extreme (though there is a fitting rejoinder later on). If you want blood, there’s plenty of it—most of it coming in the latter half; there is also a fair amount of wit, and since this is a Tarantino film, no character is spared the indignities that come with being a part of the Tarantino landscape. While The Hateful Eight does hold your attention, a stronger editor might have helped matters.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

J. J. Abrams’ Star Wars: The Force Awakens resurrects the old gang (including Mark Hamill-looking like Oliver Reed) from the first three Star Wars epics–as well as many of the plot devices (as many critics have pointed out) of those earlier films. Still it manages to be a fairly entertaining bridge connecting the icons of the past with the youthful space heroes of the future. It’s around thirty years after the action of Return of the Jedi, and as is the case of these films, some things rarely change. The plot revolves around Luke Skywalker’s disappearance, various prominent factions good and bad seeking to find him, including Carrie Fisher’s General Organa (formerly Princess Leia) of the Resistance (also known as the good guys) Adam Driver as Kylo Ren, a commander in the First Order (commonly known as the bad guys) and someone with a few noteworthy dark secrets—I shall not reveal them here, on the off chance that the reader hasn’t seen the film already.

The new blood is supplied by the energetic Daisy Ridley as Rey, a scavenger with some hidden talents—even to her; John Boyega’s Finn, a former Stormtrooper who has seen a little too much blood and decides, after a fashion, to join the Resistance, and finally Oscar Isaac’s Poe, a Resistance pilot of whom not enough is seen, yet who manages to insert some of his passion and edge into the proceedings. Did I mention Harrison Ford’s Hans Solo is also back (as well as Chewy) to depict that blend of bravado and buffoonery that endeared him to so many Star Wars fans in the first place?

The action scenes are plentiful yet there are still some lulls in the proceedings, during which one may begin to anticipate some of the unoriginal “twists” and question certain characters’ motivations (especially as they pertain to Kylo Ren—of whom I’ll say no more). The younger performers (Ridley, Boyega, Isaac) who will presumably carry “The Force” into the future are game enough, even if they are not as engaging as the original trio. It remains to be seen as to where the plotlines will go, since Death Stars seem to come and go with alarming frequency in the series. But I’ll give the next one a chance…

Beautiful Skin in 2016!

Lisa Bianconi
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Ways to Achieve Beautiful Skin

Most people are not blessed with flawless skin. It is not something you just have without any work. Yes, there is that one in a million individual who just seems to have incredible skin every time they walk out of the shower, but for everyone else, it does take some work. With that being said, beautiful skin is not out of reach. To reach your full beauty potential, it is necessary for you to follow up with some of these different flawless skin tips and tricks.

Avoid the Extreme Cleansers

You want to zap that oil and reduce your pores instantly, so naturally you are going to want extreme cleansers, right? Actually no, you don’t. First of all, it is going to significantly dry out your skin, which causes all new problems. Then from there, the pores overproduce oil to make up for this sudden lack or oil, which means you increase your chance of experience breakouts. You want natural cleansers that remove dirt and oil but don’t dry out your skin to the extreme. Likewise, you don’t want to over wash your face. Once in the day and once at night is really all you need. Washing your skin four or five times a day can cause the same problems as extreme cleansers.

skincare
Image Courtesy of pixabay.com

Improve Skin and Hair at the Same Time

Your skin and hair are tightly connected and where one goes the other often follows. You are not likely going to find someone with beautiful skin and damaged, thinning hair. The nutrients you take in go a long way in improving both areas of your body. Of course, doing whatever you can to boost the appearance of both your skin and hair is a plus, especially when one method improves both. First of all, you want to avoid drying out both your hair and your skin. While a daily moisturizer as covered in the tips below is a must, but you also want to avoid excessive heat on your hair as well. Dry hair can actually cause your entire body to create more oil, which may cause skin problems. Due to that, you want to avoid using equipment that produces heat on a daily basis (use the cool setting on your blow dryer whenever possible). You can find some excellent products that don’t dry your hair out and allow both your skin and your hair to remain beautiful at the International Hair Company as well as other retail outlets. When you find the right tools, you can use the same great equipment on your real hair that people use for maintaining their remy hair.  Moisture is your body’s friend, whether it is in regards to your hair and skin or to simply through the water you drink daily.

pH Balanced

Some skin products are acid laced. There is nothing wrong with this as it can to wonders for fighting acne and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. However, anything acid laced needs to have proper pH balance. This means the product is going to remove the oil build up in your skin without actually stripping all of the natural oils of your skin. Always check for the label “pH Balanced” when shopping around for new beauty products. This goes not just for cleansers but anything else that uses lactic acid or glycol. Anything with a low pH dries out your skin, increases the appearance of wrinkles and ages your face.

Skip the Fragrances

Did you know fragrance is the most common problem behind any sort of allergic reaction? It isn’t the materials, ingredients or chemicals found in the cream. It is what is used to produce the fragrance. So, if your skin is prone to breakouts and reactions from certain products, it likely is due to what the company uses to add a fragrance. It is also why tattoo artists will tell their customers to use fragrant free lotion on fresh ink. It is better for the skin and reduces potential allergic reactions. Also, fragrance free is different from unscented. Unscented skincare products actually use additional ingredients to mask the odors of active ingredients, which again can cause skin problems. So, make sure it says “Fragrance Free”.

Everything Should Multitask

Why should you buy half dozen different creams for your face when one or two do the job for you? Pick up a day cream that both hydrates your skin and protects it. The very best creams you can use throughout the day utilize natural moisturizers, like fatty acids or butters as well as provide antioxidants, which allow your body to help repair itself faster. On top of it all, there’s no reason why your daily moisturizer shouldn’t come packed with a bit of SPF as well. This way, it nourishes your skin while also protecting it from the sun’s rays.

**** 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.

It’s award season…go and see a great independent film…

Samantha Simmonds-Ronceros
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It’s award season…go and see a great independent film…

It’s award season…go and see a great independent film…

Little films win big awards…reminding us yet again that quality is not about money, it’s not about huge effects and franchises or building ‘brands’.

Characters are what we care about and stories that are relevant to us, to our experiences and our lives. That doesn’t mean that all we want to see are films about going to the grocery store, or doing our taxes. What it does mean is that films that are character driven, that move through people’s lives as we discover, as they do, their purpose at the moment we are with them, these are the most compelling, the most memorable and in the end the most meaningful.

Frankly these stories could take place in our back garden, in ancient Rome or in a rocket to the moon, it’s really only the ‘why’ that sets them apart.

What does this mean for us very, very independent filmmakers?

I’ve certainly seen a couple of films this year that I could have made a much better job of in several different ways. I have also seen films that I have sat through with my eyes wide and my mouth open…which is the best audience reaction you can get from me!

We are all artists and as such we should learn from and be inspired by each other. Watching the best, and even sometimes the worst films can be both eye opening and reassuring.

Writers read other writers, painters study other painters and filmmakers should see films…

Quintin Tarantino famously said, “I didn’t go to film school I went to films.”

So do yourself a huge favor and make a point of tracking down these strong, small and important independent films. I know it’s not always easy to find them, ridiculously enough.

Some years I have missed films that end up getting many, many nominations purely because they are shown at only a few screens across the city for only a few days…in LA, supposedly the center of the filmmaking universe…distributers!!!

But it’s worth the effort, even in this cold and damp LA winter…

Netflix will be carrying a surprising amount of these worthwhile films, especially if they were released earlier in the year.

Particular favorite films of mine this year are, both big and small:

The Revenant, Macbeth, Listen Up Philip, Brooklyn, Diary of a Teenage Girl, Anomalisa, Mad Max Fury Road, Carol, Star Wars, Episode VII, It Follows, The Martian, What We Do in the Shadows, Sicario, Suffragette, Ex Machina, Tangerine, Kurt Cobain:Montage of Heck, Going Clear, Room, Truth, Spotlight, Joy.

It’s award season of course, and we are all a buzz predicting and comparing and lamenting on how disappointing one film was or spectacular another. If you are anything like me, and have a wide variety of cinematic interests, you will get as excited at the Golden Globe and Oscar nominations as you do at the Independent Spirit Awards. It’s all glorious fluff of course, and political pandering and PR maneuvering, but it’s still a bit wonderful all the same.

I have my screeners trickling in, and invitations to screenings and events rattle around my inbox either directly or via friends and it’s all very lovely and slightly stressful making sure I see everything I wanted or needed to see to feel up to date and qualified to make my predictions.

Who can see everything?!

And I have a terrible memory, so it’s the films that I remember vividly and that flash upon my mind in unexpected moments that mean the most, and that doesn’t always mean they struck me that way when I first saw them. Art is like that isn’t it…creeping up on you when you least expect it…impacting us in ways we didn’t quite expect?

Cinema of every kind and at every level can move us and change us and remind us that we are all much more alike than we are not. An important thing to keep in mind in these days of polarizing and divisive rhetoric and shockingly complacent anger at every key click.

Forget all that rubbish and go and see a film…sit quietly in your seat…lean back, open your eyes and ears and let go…be changed, be touched, be human.

 

We’re Staying in for New Year’s…in NoHo!

Lisa Bianconi
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What are YOU doing for New Year’s Eve?

Folks are staying in for New Year’s Eve, in the NoHo Arts District that is. If you are looking to kick off 2016 in style then The Federal Bar North Hollywood is the place to be this New Year’s Eve. NoHo’s hottest gastropub will be ringing in the New Year with a chill evening of dinner and dancing in their upstairs club.

Executive Chef Grant Wagemaker has created a special New Year’s Eve menu with items including Chilled Santa Barbara Spot Prawns, Roasted Prime Rib, Cioppino and Fava Bean Agnolotti. 

The Federal Bar North Hollywood New Year's Eve 2015 NoHo Arts District www.nohoartsdistrict.com

General admission for Snapback is $20 in advance and $25 at the door. In addition, there are two special ticket packages available.

“Dinner & Drinks” is $75 per person and includes a four-course, prix fixe menu, beverage, entrance to the upstairs club, champagne toast at midnight and party favors.

“Drinks & Dancing” is $100 per person and includes entrance to the upstairs club, an open premium bar in the VIP area, hor d’oeuvres from 9:30pm – 11:30pm, champagne toast at midnight and party favors.

Limited quantities of each package are available.

The Federal Bar North Hollywood New Year's Eve 2015 NoHo Arts District www.nohoartsdistrict.com

WHEN: Thursday, December 31 from 6pm-2am

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

http://nh.thefederalbar.com/

Happy New Year!

**** 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.

Janis Joplin, Little Girl Blue

Caroline McElroy
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Janis Joplin, Little Girl Blue

Although it took many years for Director Amy Berg to pull the rockumentary together, the final product of “Janis Joplin, Little Girl Blue” serves as a text book example of what to do when creating a montage tribute of a rock icon’s life.

The story unfolds seamlessly through a series of home movies, photos, interviews with Joplin and other friends/band members, and clips from concerts which comes across in a beautiful blend of narrative storytelling by musician Cat Powers.

Among the producers is Jeff Jampol from Jampol Artist Management. Jampol is a Grammy Award winning producer whose calling is to preserve the legacies of deceased rock icons such as Jim Morrison, Michael Jackson, The Ramones as well as Joplin.

Jampol has kept Joplin’s legend alive with a commemorative postage stamp and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame most recently. The rockumentary was compiled with the blessings of Joplin’s siblings who now oversee the Joplin estate.

The story that “Janis Joplin, Little Girl Blue” presents is a well balanced presentation that fills in the blanks and answers some questions such as Joplin’s sexual orientation, her liaisons with musicians, that she was in love with someone at the time of her too soon passing, and how she was kicked out of choir as a kid.

There are stories such as her meeting up with Bob Dylan, Joplin’s idol, and telling him she was going to be famous one day to her major influences regarding the crafting of her singing style…Bessie Smith

Berg, an Oscar nominated director, carefully crafted a coherent story that portrays Joplin as a free spirited “beatnik on the road” and credits her for forging the way for female singers in the Rock-Blues genre.

At the screening of this movie in Hollywood, actress and musician Juliette Lewis was in attendance with Berg to render up a Q&A session.

Lewis lays credit for her inspiration squarely at the feet of Joplin and for those of you who have seen Lewis’ band “The Licks” perform you’ll get it. For those that haven’t, a new CD is in the works and a concert tour to promote it is slated to get underway in the Spring.

The end of the film featured clips from interviews about Joplin which included a clip from a Dick Cavett Show where John Lennon and Yoko Ono are guests and they are discussing the passing of Joplin. Lennon tells Cavett that Joplin had recorded a birthday greeting for him, but she died before he had a chance to listen to it.

This film is very informative and laden with performances that will give the viewer chills to their blues’ bones. A must see for any serious blues rocker.

There are rumors that Joplin’s ashes are blowin’ somewhere in Marin County in case you are curious.

I did find it kinda funny that there is a photo of Joplin in the film where she is wearing the same dress that I wore in “The TNT Show”

Recently found out that Laserium Light Show is alive and well in Van Nuys. This is the home where the technique was developed by a fellow named Ivan Dryer who then sold the idea to the Griffith Park Observatory and now is used around the world.

Being treated to The Beatles’ music show was an experience and my companion and I wished that we were under the influence of something other than hot tea at the time. I kept thinking that they should add some of the stuff that was present at many a “light show” that I’ve seen back in the day…Iron Butterfly comes to mind.

All in all it was an exceptional eye and ear sensory experience. The PA system did the music justice and any audiophile will enjoy the sounds.

The technique took two years for Dryer and his team to develop, but what came out of it is a powerful treat for the eyes and ears. The music of such notable bands as: The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, U2, Pink floyd and Nine Inch Nails are featured with regular timed shows.

The venue is located at 6911 Hayvenhurst Ave. suite #102 in Van Nuys, CA. Telephone #818-358-8716, or visit the site @ www.laserium.com.

All of the time one hears about a play that revolves around some formerly famous act, but that doesn’t always mean that it will be good. “That Lovin’ Feelin’ ” dispelled that fear for me when I had the opportunity to experience it.

Although it did start off a bit slow, it quickly captured my imagination and filled my ears with enjoyable music from my youth.

Written by James A. Zimmerman, “That Lovin’ Feelin’ ” tells a well crafted story about the behind the scenes lives of the legendary duo called The Righteous Brothers that everyone thought were black…at first.

Through the fabric of carefully crafted lines, it was revealed why Bobby Hatfield always seemed to act so weird on stage. Hatfield had stage fright! It is always enjoyable to watch things that give information that was previously unknown.

The cast delivered a stand out performance, with Nicole Renee Chapman reminding me of a very young Barbara Hershey when she first started out.

Patrick Burke gave me the willies as Phil Spector as I had worked with Spector in the early days making the “TNT Show” and know well the subtle nuances of his “eccentric” behavior.

The music was admirably performed by musicians that I call the “Hat Band”. The lyrics are performed well by 3 singers who each did justice to the music of The Righteous Brothers.

Thank you Sheila Oaks for bringing this lovely production to my attention…now if only we can clear up the “situation” with the restrooms.

“That Lovin’ Feelin’” is running now at the Lonny Chapman Theater @10900 Burbank Blvd. NoHo through January 24, 2016.

The Muse Rooms Open in NoHo

Lisa Bianconi
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Spaceshare Comes to the NoHo Arts District.

We’ve heard of timeshare. But what about spaceshare? The NoHo Arts District is a creative community and the team at The Muse Rooms has given us a unique coworking space so we can continue to create. Co-creator Nancy Sexton answers some questions about this unique North Hollywood co-working space. So let’s give a big NoHo Welcome to The Muse Rooms!

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What exactly is The Muse Rooms?

The Muse Rooms is a shared coworking space. Unlike normal shared office space, The Muse Rooms doesn’t have individual offices. Our large open floor plan has six different work environments to choose from. Not everyone wants to sit at a traditional desk and we want each area to inspire and evoke different thoughts and ideas, while being surrounded by like-minded people.

The Muse Rooms NoHo Arts District www.nohoartsdistrict.com

How is “Shared Co-Work Space” different than execute suite sharing with a reception/telephone etc?

The Muse Rooms doesn’t have a receptionist or individual offices and there are no assigned desks. All of our areas and seating are first come first serve. Essentially we took the best elements of a coffee shop and combined them with a coworking space. Oh and the biggest difference is the price. For what we offer we are hundreds of dollars cheaper than shared office spaces.

The Muse Rooms NoHo Arts District www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Where did you get the idea to do The Muse Rooms?

I’m a writer and I subscribe to a bunch of different websites and one sent me an advert for another cowork space called, The Office in Santa Monica. The business model made sense to me and I knew it would also be a way for me to be more social. Writing at home can be really, really lonely.

The Muse Rooms NoHo Arts District www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Why did you pick NoHo Arts District to open The Muse Rooms?

I lived in Manhattan during it’s resurgence and NoHo reminds me a lot of the east village. Noho is hot right now, location, location, location. And I live in the neighborhood.

You personally have a history in NoHo and you are a musician/singer too?

Yeah, I moved out here Jan. of 2004 from NYC. I am a singer songwriter/screenwriter and all the other yada ya that goes into the entertainment business. I love it all! But writing is what I enjoy most.

What kinds of businesses would like The Muse Rooms?

Home based businesses, tech startups, writers, entertainment professionals, freelancers and anyone who can’t be productive at home. Maybe the have a loud roommate, or can’t focus around their kids, or they don’t like to work at home.

How do you become a member?

Just go online and fill out the application. Someone will get back to you within 24 hours.

Right now, until January 1st get 10% Off our yearly memberships!

The joining fee regularly $75 is now $35.
1. 365 Membership (8am-6pm daily) normally $1600 is now $1440.
2. The Writers Dozen (24/7 daily) normally $2200 is now $1980.

The Muse Rooms
4942 Vineland Ave. #2&3
North Hollywood, 91601
(818) 823-4717

info@themuserooms.com |  www.themuserooms.com
@themuserooms – Twitter, Instagram
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.

Advice for Actors – Holiday Thoughts

Fran Montano
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Advice for Actors – Holiday Thoughts

As the year comes to a close and I complete my last blog for 2015, I find myself reflecting on the year: the classes, workshops, productions, and other projects that all came to life at the Actors Workout Studio.

When I think of all those who participated – actors, students, industry, audience members, producers, directors, writers, tech, staff – and the energy and creativity that they brought forth, I also think about what motivates people to do what they do.

This past week we had our annual holiday show to benefit Toys for Tots. We’ve been putting on this show for more than 15 years, and it always seems to be one of the most enjoyable experiences for all participants. This year we had over 30 people involved, including 12 actors, 11 writers, 5 directors, 2 artistic directors, and staff and crew. With only a few weeks to put up the production, and so many creative people at play, it could be a recipe for disaster. Yet season after season this show is one of the highlights of the year, and I wondered why?

The show is a Toys for Tots benefit – started 16 years ago as a party with music and food by my colleague and friend, Chris Fletcher – and it’s changed and evolved each year. For several years it involved our own AWS writers, workshopping pieces for the actors in our classes. Then we invited outside writers, directors, and actors to join us as guests.

It’s grown. It involves the input and guidance of several more creative people than in a typical production, since we use many writers and directors to get the show off the ground. We normally have a very short window, limited rehearsal, and heavy time constraints, but it always seems to come together beautifully. Is it because it’s the holidays and people are celebrating? At first I thought that was the case, but it’s the busiest time of the year, and people are typically the least available, most pressured, and often under great stress. So why do these shows succeed?

This year it hit me: it’s because, for each participant, the show is not about them. Everyone who joins in this venture enters in the spirit of giving, celebrating, expressing our gratitude, talent, and donating to a cause that is bigger than us. We dedicate the show and donate our time, talent, and proceeds to Toys for Tots, so some underprivileged children can have a better holiday. It’s our chance to offer a small effort to make the world a slightly better place for just a few people. When approached in this spirit, it seems the participants are more cooperative and generous; they take more risks, and go for it, because it’s not about them. It’s about something else, something bigger.

What a lesson to learn! We take the focus off ourselves, if only momentarily, and give it to something greater. So many of the actors came up to me after the show and asked, “Did we do well at the box? Did we get a lot of donations?” rather than the typical “How was I?” that usually follows a performance. Yet the performances, especially this year, were exceptionally free, fresh, and powerful.

The actors weren’t just thinking about themselves, and isn’t that what acting is ultimately about? Giving – expressing our truths though characters to affect humanity, and stimulate thoughts, feelings, and emotions in an eager audience…

As we go into the holiday season and the new year ahead, I ponder on this and wonder how I can keep and inspire this same spirit of giving, serving, and freedom. Actors, I invite you to take a look at your purpose and ask the big questions? Why are you doing this work? Where are you coming from in your work? What is ultimately in it for you and for others? These are things upon which to contemplate and meditate as you close another year.

I wish you the best for the holidays, however you celebrate, and the best in the new year ahead. Happy Holidays to all you artists and audiences alike.

NoHo Restaurant Review: Red Moon Lounge

Lisa Bianconi
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A hidden gem, with delightful Mediterranean cuisine, a warm, elegant family owned restaurant and bar.

I had the pleasure of visiting the recently remodeled Red Moon Lounge on Riverside and Whitsett in Valley Village. With it’s large open dinning area and lovely outside seating, which serves as a Hookah bar in the evenings, Red Moon is tranquil, comfortable and spacious, with white linen table clothes and wonderful service as well as plenty of opportunity to keep up with whatever sports game or event they are screening on their TVs.

But the food….just sublime…

red moon lounge www.nohoartsdistrict.com

I have travelled quite a bit, particularly in the Mediterranean and I have to say the authenticity of these simple and stunning dishes is quite remarkable.

There is a real care taken in everything created here, from the simple toasting of the pita bread, which is crispy and fragrant, to the outstanding Baba Ghannouj to the plump and moist Grape Leaves, stuffed to perfection.

red moon lounge www.nohoartsdistrict.com

There does seem to be a great deal of the Persian influence, and I love Persian food so that was an easy sell for me! Although there are Lebanese dishes and Greek and even a little latin american with some delicious empanadas, deep fried and mouth watering.

I tried a few things I have never had before, Fried Kibbeh, which is ground beef mixed with cracked wheat, spices, pine nuts and onion – so good, the flavors subtle and clear. The owner’s wife makes them herself and they are incredible. I also tried Fatoush, a chopped salad with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers and toasted pita bread crumbled and tossed in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and sumac – amazing!

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The ingredients are all incredibly fresh, the flavors vivid and pure. It really does taste like the warm Mediterranean sun, and the salty sea air.

The Falafel are so perfect, crunchy on the outside breaking open to reveal a beautifully spiced, fluffy and balanced interior. The Kabob’s are also fantastic. The meat tender, well spiced and absolutely delicious. Definitely the best I have had in LA, and I love Kabob…

You can feel the love for the food at Red Moon Lounge, the pride they take in feeding you, an all important part of the restaurant magical code. Love your customers, give them the best you have to offer and they will be loyal to you forever.

Red Moon is the kind of restaurant that we should all be loyal to, everything is created from scratch, every ingredient tastes like it was just plucked from the tree or pulled from the ground.

They also have more traditional American fare, burgers and appetizers etc, so you can feed the less adventurous of your group and they have a great full bar, so it’s a lovely place to hang out in for an evening.

They also have entertainment, DJs and bands occasionally and the venue is open to bookings. They have recently had a couple of very successful weddings I am told and honestly it’s a perfect place for a small reception of any kind. It’s centrally located, plenty of parking and the space is wonderful of course, and the management as kind and welcoming as anyone could be. But mostly I think it’s a great place for a celebration because of the heavenly food!

I urge you to broaden your culinary horizons and partake of the fabulous food. I highly recommend Red Moon Lounge, ask for Raffi, he’ll be happy to take care of you! 

Tell them Samantha from www.nohoartsdistrict.com sent you!

Red Moon Lounge
12516 Riversde Dr.
Valley Village, CA 91607
(818) 755-4500

**** 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.

Global Entertainment On Your Terms

Lisa Bianconi
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Remember when movies were nothing more than silent black and white videos with a musical soundtrack? Or how about when the only way to make a call was from a landline?

Even video games required this oversized console with bulking games and tons of technical issues! If you don’t remember this or only know of these former conveniences due to research, chances are you’re a millennial.

The truth is technology has forever changed the way we’re entertained. No more long corded phones with hard to use dials or bulky televisions that required antennas for reception. Now you can be entertained when you want, how you want, and virtually anywhere you want.

1. No More Tuning to Radio Stations

Listening to music used to require searching through several available radio stations. If you were lucky, you’d find a station that wasn’t filled with static, but then you’re inundated with news reports, commercials, and celebrity interviews.

Now, thanks to modern technology you can listen to music in the car, at the gym, in the office, or wherever you want without the inconvenience of commercials, interviews, or news. Radio subscription services, such as those provided by HAKT Radio for instance, allows you to easily find music you love and listen as long as you have an internet connection. Hook up your smartphone in the car, listen on the desktop from your cubicle, or plug in your ear buds and listen while traveling by train. You can stop, pause, rewind, and play your favorite songs, create your own stations, and even share music with other subscribers.

2. No More Waiting Weeks for New Shows

If you had a favorite show a few years back, missing the original air time meant waiting until a rerun shows the following week. Recording your favorite shows meant investing in a VHS or DVD, setting the television to the appropriate channel, and hitting the record button.

Well, thanks to cable and satellite television service providers, catching your favorite show is easy. Most service providers allow users to watch shows and movies instantly from their mobile device. All you have to do is sign in to your service provider’s website and click on the latest shows and moves. Not available to watch it on the go? There’s still the option of recording your favorite shows without the hassle of a VHS or DVD. Digital video recorders make it easy for subscribers to record multiple shows at once and watch them at their convenience. DVR features also allow you to skip all the commercials, pause, fast forward, or rewind as needed.

3. No More Video Rentals

When you wanted to watch a movie that had already left theaters you’d either have to purchase the VHS/DVD, or you’d have to rent it from a video rental location. The process of finding a video rental location, finding the movie you wanted in stock, paying for the movie plus rental fees, and remembering to bring it back to avoid late charges was a lot.

Streaming services like Netflix and Hulu however, have made watching your favorite movies easier than ever. Instead of having to purchase or rent each movie you pay one monthly fee for access to hundreds of movies and television shows. Now you can watch them over and over again on any device you so choose without having to remember to return it or worrying about late fees. Inventory of course is never an issue and the entire family can enjoy shows and movies from the same subscription for minimal out of pocket expenses.

Listen and watch instantly with an internet capable device from anywhere and be entertained at home and on the go. As you can see, technology has done wonders for transforming the way we’re entertained. So whether you’re looking to hear the latest tunes on the music scene, catch up on your favorite sitcom, or watch a movie you missed in theaters, it can all be done in an instant.

**** 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 HIDDEN ARTIST: Chloe Cumbow

nohoarts
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THE HIDDEN ARTIST: Chloe Cumbow
CONNECTION TO NOHO: She was a “geeky teen who used to live there”
MEDIUMS: Painter, photographer, textile artist, and jeweler
WEBSITE: https://www.flickr.com/people/chloe-and-ivan/

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Chloe Cumbow is about as hidden from the world as any artist can be. A somewhat recent L.A. returnee, she settled in Reseda where you will find evidence of her beautifully painted utility boxes that have begun to dot its streets. Chloe can be seen in the late hours of the night perfecting the wings of a swallow flying among the oranges of one her box paintings or removing yet another sad incident of tagging on her most recent box of the world map gloriously painted upon it. She’s at every local art event with her Nikon camera, snapping pictures of other’s works and the onlookers enjoying them. She draws on the lives of artists like a sponge—learning from them and living among them. But the best association that can be made to Chloe Cumbow is Fun-A-Day.

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Chloe gave Fun-A-day to Reseda by way of Rhode Island. She learned of it from someone who brought it there from Philadelphia, where it was originally created by a group called The Artclash Collective and is now in its twelfth year. The premise is simple. After the holidays, wintertime is sluggish, so why not do something? They invited people to participate in Fun-A-Day by encouraging them to do one creative thing EVERY day for the month of January with these few rules: it is free to participate in, you can make anything (art, written word, music, etc), it’s for all ages, it’s not juried, and it’s noncommercial—meaning no judgements and it’s not done to make money. After the month has passed and the participants take their thirty items or the one item they spent thirty days making, they install their own work at a designated pop-up gallery that has been publicized, and have a no-admission-paid art opening for the community. This is usually scheduled for sometime in February with dates and location TBD. Why do this? Cuz it’s FUN!

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It takes a lot of hutzpah to put on any event, but just because Chloe is, well—Chloe, she’s been able to oversee three of these by now. She does so with diligence, dedication, and the determination to keep Fun-A-Day as it originated—with the same rules and allowing the participants to be hands-on and not mandated by anybody else’s guidelines. It’s sorta like letting go of all formality—having nature take its course as a free-for-all. But it works and it’s fun at the same time. I sat in on the planning committee for the upcoming Fun-A-Day and listened as Chloe asked the group to think about the diverse mini events they might have within the main one—what musicians to invite to play, the possibility of poetry slams, perhaps some belly dancing, who would help with promoting it, and who would volunteer snacks and beverages. The show of raised hands was all the evidence needed of who would follow the leader. From the looks of that meeting, this Fun-A-Day is certain to be much more than just fun!

Chloe Cumbow is a strong example of what community should strive to be. During our interview, she said, “Home is where I live.” If you think about that statement, she’s absolutely right. We don’t just live in our apartments or houses, we live in community with others—our social family. Thankfully, Chloe is helping to remind us of that by being that family and making it fun at the same time.

Learn more about the history of Fun-A-Day at Artclash.com. Everyone and anyone is invited to participate in Reseda’s January event and you may learn more about that by visiting its Facebook page.

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NoHo News: Magical Christmas Caroling Truck, Soongs, Trees, ALICE + Lovin’ Feelin’

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…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.

‘Tis the Season for Pie + Nina

Lisa Bianconi
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Singer-Songwriter Nina Shallman To Play A Free Show at NoHo’s Republic Of Pie.

The NoHo Arts District dot com team loves to feature upcoming local artists of all genres, especially those who love Amy Winehouse and do mad covers of The Smiths. Keep your eye on Nina Shallman, folks, and grab your seat whenever she’s in town. This Valley singer-songwriter will play a free public show at Republic of Pie in the NoHo Arts District on Sunday, December 27 from 8-9PM. Nina will be accompanied by her cousin, Aaron Blick, on bass. All ages are welcome, no RSVP is necessary. So grab one of those yummy handmade artisan pies and a tea and enjoy the melodic voice of Nina Shallman.

WHEN: Sunday, December 27 from 8-9PM

WHERE: Republic of Pie
11118 Magnolia Blvd.
North Hollywood, CA, 91601

Nina Shallman www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Nina’s self-titled debut album Nina Shallman was released on August 28, 2015. It is available on iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby (where physical CDs are also available) and everywhere that music is sold online. Nina Shallman may also be streamed via SoundCloud and on Spotify.

Nina records and performs original songs with rock, jazz, and pop influences, and covers including Big Star’s “Thirteen,” Lennon & McCartney’s “Dear Prudence” and The Smiths’ “Ask.” The latter two are featured on the album, which was produced by Andrew Williams (Nina’s version of “Thirteen” can be heard/seen on YouTube). Nina has collaborated with Williams – a member of The Williams Brothers (an acclaimed pop-rock act active in the 1990s) and producer for artists including Peter Case, Victoria Williams, and Five For Fighting – since 2013.

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Nina’s original songs include “Daisies,” “Arms,” “The Moon Can Stay” and “Nice To Hear.” “Daisies” and “Arms” may be downloaded for free on Nina’s website. Another featured album track is “Never Years Old,” a duet and co-write with singer-songwriter Jacob Snider.

“Arms” may also be heard on Live In DawsAngeles 2015, Mike Dawson’s CD compilation of the best of the past year from his popular Front of House podcast (Mike is also the co-producer of the Adam Carolla Show). Nina was featured on FOH in March 2015. You can listen to the entire podcast here—including the first ever live recording of “Arms”: www.soundcloud.com/dawsangeles/foh-053-nina-shallman

A native of Southern California, Nina is a sophomore at Amherst College in Amherst, Massachusetts. She has always been drawn to lyrics and melody, and remembers harmonizing to Beatles songs since she was very young. That music remains an influence for Nina, as is work by a range of artists including Ella Fitzgerald, Adele, Harry Nilsson, Norah Jones, Amy Winehouse, and Joni Mitchell.

www.ninashallman.com
https://soundcloud.com/nina-shallman/sets/nina-shallman
www.facebook.com/ninashallmanmusic
Instagram @ninashallman

**** 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 TrishListLA: The METRO? In L.A.? Yep. Get on it.

Lisa Bianconi
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I’ve lived in Los Angeles my entire life but it wasn’t until I moved to the NoHo Arts District that I began to regularly use our public transit system. Up until then, “the metro” was an unfamiliar concept, one that seemed great, but only in theory. 

Little did I know what I was missing. Metro Los Angeles, specifically the Red Line (5350 Lankershim Blvd), has been one of my all-time favorite L.A. discoveries. Rush hour? Don’t hate me, but I seriously forgot what that’s like.

I walk to the metro from my apartment every morning with my coffee and book in hand and enjoy the perks of 30-minute, door-to-door commute.

Not only is it convenient for the ride to work, but it’s also a safe and inexpensive option for party-goers looking to bounce around the city. (Check out this bar crawl using the metro rail as a bar map).

Oh, and need a ride to LAX? Take the Red Line to downtown’s Union Station and then hop on an $8 shuttle to the airport. Easy!

So check it out soon! I guarantee it will change the way you see L.A.

The TrishlistLA The METRO www.nohoartsdistrict.com

A lady makes her way down to the Red Line for her morning commute. Photo credit: Trishna Patel @TrishListLA

The Redline is a heavy rail subway line running from North Hollywood to downtown Los Angeles via the districts Hollywood and Mid Wilshire. It is operated by the Los Angeles County Metropolitian Transportation Authority. Redline stops include North Hollywood, Universal City, Hollywood & Highland, Hollywood & Vine, Hollywood & Western, Vermont & Sunset, Vermont & Santa Monica, Vermont & Beverly, Wilshire & Vermont, Westlake & MacArthur Park, 7th Street/Metro Center, Pershing Square, Civic Center, and Union Station.

Tag/follow me @TrishListLA    Twitter | Instagram

Trishna Patel www.nohoartsdistrict.com    
Photo credit @sifuentes    

Who’s Trishna?

Trishna Patel is a video producer and host for the Los Angeles Times. She also most recently took over as Editor of their Socalmoments photography blog, which engages Times’ readers by featuring work from the local community.

As a native Angeleno, Trishna attended undergrad at UCLA where she competed on their NCAA championship-winning gymnastics team. And though she’ll always bleed blue and gold, she later went on to receive her masters in journalism from USC.

When she’s not scouring the city’s happy hours for the most interesting cheese plate or gearing up for the next L.A. marathon, Trishna travels around the world, writing about her many adventures and must-see hot spots. Her favorite cities include London, Mumbai, Jerusalem and of course, the NoHo Arts District!

@TrishlistLA  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.

 

Your Home for the Holidays

Christopher Porikos
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Your Home for the Holidays

The holidays are finally upon us.  And with that comes a little decorating.

There is a plethora of decorating ideas one can use.  But I like to keep it simple for myself.  Here are a few tips to get you started.

  1. The front door.  Some would say is the most important point of decorating.  I always add a wreath to the door.  I find it starts the holiday feeling for your home.  I actually have two; one on either side of the door.  Why only have one for your friends and family to enjoy when stopping by.  I also add a festive floor mat and Poinsettia’s on either side of the door.
  2. The fireplace.  Many of us are lucky enough to have a mantle to decorate.  For me, it’s the second most important spot to design.  I dress it up with garland, pine cones, ornaments and candles.
  3.  I also add touches to the dining room.  Mostly on the buffet, but I may add a few things on the table.  I tend to do a fresh floral arrangement and candles only on the table.  They can remain even during your Christmas dinner.
  4. A little extra.  Every once in a while I may add a few things around the house.  A few towels in the guest bath or even just a bowl of holiday candy on a side table or even add a smaller tree somewhere.

No matter what you like to do or have, just remember to have fun with your holiday decorating.  It’s all about being festive with your family and friends.

Happy Holidays!

The Magical Christmas Caroling Truck Rolls Into NoHo

Lisa Bianconi
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It’s Beginning to Feel A Lot Like Christmas – The Magical Christmas Caroling Truck Is Almost Here!

If you live in North Hollywood, you probably already know about the Magical Christmas Caroling Truck. If you don’t, now is the time to get to know this NoHo/Toluca Lake tradition. Every year since 1984 on Christmas Eve, the 62-foot tractor-trailer, adorned with magnificent Christmas scenes and thousands of sparkling lights, spreads Yuletide cheer in the neighboring east Valley communities. More than 200 singers and dancers, accompanied by a 20,000-watt sound system, serenade local residents with Christmas carols.

 

Once the Magical Christmas Caroling Truck is in NoHo or your neighborhood, you can tune into the music at FM 88.3 and listen in. If you live in the route area, come out on Christmas Eve and join in. If you don’t live on the route, print out the map of approximate locations and times, pack up the family in the car, find us and join in. It is very easy to find The Caroling Truck, just roll down your car window and listen!

Follow them on Twitter @CarolingTruck  and Facebook for updates!

Christmas Eve
Thursday, December 24
5:00 PM to 11:00 PM rain or shine.
(see route map) http://www.christmascaroling.org/map.htm

Magical Christmas Caroling Truck Route Map www.nohoartsdistrict.com

http://www.christmascaroling.org/

The Magical Christmas Caroling Truck tradition was born Christmas Eve 1984 after a recording session, when 12 of the musicians and engineers were inspired to decorate an old dump truck with some twinkle lights and go Christmas caroling. Equipped with their drums, bass, keyboard, a few microphones and a lot of holiday spirit, they caroled the entire evening. The response from the 10-mile route was overwhelming and every Christmas Eve since, the carolers and the Truck have made their appearance in the same neighborhoods.

Donations – The Magical Christmas Truck is supported by all the people involved and the local community thru a local non-profit organization and all funds are directly used for the event expenses. Donations are even accepted from most of all the carolers and applied directly towards the costs of the event. Each year the event has just about covered its expenses, thanks to the generous donations from those who support it. In the past we have had donations of lumber to build the float, Christmas lights, Christmas hats, small teddy bears to give away, cookies to give away, speakers, generators, sound systems, radios, musicians, and on and on.

We think their description from their Facebook page sums up all the fun.

“Our carols range from “Silent Night” to rock ‘n roll versions of classic Christmas carols! Residents along the nine-mile route host friends and family at their homes in anticipation of the truck and Christmas Spirit that the truck brings. Characters such as Frosty the Snowman and Santa’s Little Helpers walk around in the crowd and hand out candy canes, wishing people a “Merry Christmas.” The holiday season is a great opportunity for us to touch the lives of people from every walk of life. We choose to spend this evening together to be a door of hope and blessing to those who may need encouragement, and to bring as much joy as we can to the community.”

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

 

 Does Someone in NoHo Have the Ugliest of the Ugly Christmas Sweaters?

Lisa Bianconi
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0

What’s with this Ugly Christmas Sweater craze??

I just got an invite to an Ugly Christmas Party, where everyone has to wear something their aunt knitted them for Christmas in the 80s basically. It’s all over my Facebook feed, friends are tweeting and instagramming terrible pictures of Christmas horrors past. Now I see the new Christmas film, “The Night Before” starring Seth Rogan and Joseph Gordon-Levitt has the entire cast dressed to distress in horrifically wonderful Christmas attire, complete with a Hanukah version for Mr.Rogan…hilarious!

So what can we do but join in the joyful humiliation celebration! If you don’t have anything embarrassing packed away in mothballs the absolute best place in NoHo to pick up an atrociously cool shocker is Iguana Vintage Clothing.

5018 Lankershim Blvd.
NoHo Arts District
(818) 985 5557
http://www.iguanaclothing.com

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Is your Ugly Christmas Sweater as ugly or uglier than these Iguana Clothing Ugly Christmas Sweaters?

OR THIS ONE?

Do you have the ugliest of the Ugly Christmas Sweaters? If so, tag us on Instagram @NoHoArtsDistrict and/or on Twitter @OfficialNoHo or on Facebook and we’ll drop your name in the hat for a $25 gift certificate to Iguana Vintage Clothing in the NoHo Arts District.

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

Review – Creed; The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2

Mike Peros
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Review – Creed; The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2

So many sequels, so little time…

For my money, the best sequel currently playing in the multiplexes is Creed, the movie which resuscitates not only the Rocky franchise (truth be told, I wasn’t holding my breath waiting for another installment), but Sylvester Stallone’s acting career. It’s true that Stallone had a nice run with The Expendables trilogy, but anything apart from that (remember Escape Plan? Grudge Match?) has added nothing to his legacy except perhaps a padded bank account.

Leave it to Ryan Coogler, the writer/director of the acclaimed Fruitvale Station, to reunite with that film’s star Michael B. Jordan, and persuade the not-easily-convinced (and very protective) Stallone to play Rocky in a film that did not have Stallone as its author—or its central character. That would be Michael B. Jordan’s Adonis Johnson, son of the late heavyweight champ Apollo Creed (and his mistress). Johnson has been raised quite comfortably by Creed’s wife and is working his way up in financial world when he decides to chuck it all (over the objections of Mom) and pursue his dream of becoming a boxer. His warmup matches in Tijuana not being a useful arbiter of future success, Adonis moves to Philadelphia in hopes of his father’s old nemesis/friend (depending which Rocky movies you’ve seen)persuading restauranteur and Philly fixture Rocky Balboa to train him.

Creed’s plot developments hearken back to the original Rocky, with Johnson/Creed tentatively pursuing a lovely aspiring performer named Bianca (winningly played by Tessa Thompson) and securing a match against a champion trying to secure his legacy by emerging victorious against a newsworthy newcomer–as Johnson is, provided he fights under the name of Creed. Creed is also welcomingly reminiscent of Rocky in terms of its blend of grit and heart, as well as some powerful boxing sequences. Michael B. Jordan is terrific as Creed, conveying the right mix of intelligence, arrogance, compassion as the fighter who needs to “make his own legacy.” Stealing the show however is Stallone, who is a quiet revelation as Rocky: he’s a compassionate, reflective fella who has come to terms with life’s victories and defeats, and expresses no desire to get back in the ring. He’s seen it all, so his reaction to some disturbing news proves entirely understandable. Yet he has some lessons to teach, as well as learn—and Rocky and Creed prove to be a winning combination, which allows the film to be not only a worthy coda to the Rocky film, but perhaps the beginning of a new Creed series.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay –Part 2 is a slight improvement over Part 1, but it fails to fulfill the promise of the second entry in the “trilogy.” (Catching Fire). In this entry, Jennifer Laurence’s erstwhile Katniss Everdeen spends much of her time still torn between the vapid Peta and the pallid Gale, while rebel leader Coin (Julianne Moore) has plans for Katniss and the new world order, which gives the movie some semblance of complexity—provided you aren’t familiar with Julius Caesar or world history for that matter. The action sequences themselves are well-done, but more often than not, Katniss is an observer, pulled into events while still battling her feelings, so her elevation to some kind of heroic symbol (in the film and beyond) is frankly baffling. Donald Sutherland is thankfully still around to provide a welcome blend of humor and venom throughout. His final scene with Katniss is a highlight of the series that has reached its saturation point.

NoHo News: Headshot Truck, Trees, Bullies, Santa + Lovin’ Feelin’

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…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.

Psst. Operation: SANTA. Location: NOHO.

Lisa Bianconi
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HhhoooohhhooooNoooooHooooo Get ready North Hollywood! It’s Christmas time! How do we know?


Operation: SANTA in North Hollywood Needs YOU! Since 1998, hundreds of local North Hollywood children from economically disadvantaged families have their “Christmas wish list” come true. Originally started by the late Michael Higby  of the North Hollywood Jaycees, the spirit of Operation: SANTA continues on with the help of volunteers and support of the local community. This year the San Fernando Valley Jaycees and the Kiwanis Entertainment Industry Group, and with major sponsor Los Angeles Valley College, are coordinating Operation: SANTA 2015.

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

1. Donate A Toy

You can donate a toy all the way up to December 20. Gifts are generally for grade school ages (5-12).
The box drop-off locations in NoHo Arts District is at our pals at:

AtOne Fitness: 11116 Weddington St. North Hollywood 91601
NoHo Farmers Market on December 19th (Bakman and Weddington)

You can also donate a toy using Amazon.com. Contact the Operation Santa head elf Wendie >>  

2. Volunteering

Are you interested in volunteering?

The more helper elves, the merrier, so pass this along to friends and family as well! The volunteers dates this year are:

Sunday, December 20th: 2pm – 5pm (toy sorting and child inventory)
Tuesday, December 22nd: 2pm – 5pm (wrapping and decorating the Fireside Room)
Wednesday, December 23rd: 2pm – 5pm (wrapping, final child count, bag fluffing)
Thursday, December 24th: 10am – 2pm (need Santa’s, helper elves, kitchen staff)

Volunteer Location:
LA Valley College
5800 Fulton Avenue
Valley Glen, CA

Josh’s phone: 818-681-5308 (best # to call)
Wendie’s phone: 323-304-0530

Operation: SANTA. Location: NOHO. www.nohoartsdistrict.com

3. Sponsor a Family

For anybody who would like to sponsor a family, this is the information: Small family (1 child): $50 – $70 Medium family (2-3 children): $100 – $150 Large family(3+ children): $150+ We would like ALL sponsors to have the gifts wrapped, labeled by family member (including parents, if you choose to purchase something for them).

4. Make A Donation

If you want to avoid the malls, you can always give a monetary donation for Operation Santa through their partners at L.A. Valley College.

Please note: Anybody who prefers to make monetary donations will receive a tax write-off: Go to the http://www.lavcfoundation.org/ and click “Give Online Now” b) Scroll down to “Other Designation” and enter your donation amount c) Under “Additional Instruction”, type “Operation Santa” d) Click “Calculate Total”, followed by the “Donate” button

If you have questions on volunteering, sponsoring a family or any other way you or your company can help Operation: Santa, please contact volunteer Wendie Wilson Email | 323.304.0530

**** 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.  

Off the Grid in Berlin

Jack Witt
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I consider myself a novice travel blogger / social media poster, and general all around lover of traveling and exploring new places.

Just recently, in October, I spent a week checking out Berlin and its many sights, museums and various neighborhoods.

Like many people, I was fascinated by its tumultuous 20th century history, and was curious about why it’s dubbed the hipster capital of Europe and positioned to surpass London as the new start-up capital of Europe. Along with the fact that it’s the cheapest European city to visit, I booked a trip there with the exciting plan of picking up some new followers on social media by my hourly travel postings along the way. And I also wanted to just do a solo trip, which I like to do every few years, since I’m usually hosting groups on active tours around the world as part of my fitness and health business.

The very first morning of my first official full day there in Berlin, I lost my phone. IT’S GONE.

Well, this has never happened to me before. I was a little panicked, but I called my carrier T-Mobile from my hotel and they disabled my phone in case it got into the hands of someone with nefarious intentions. I was reassured that since I had insurance on the phone it wouldn’t be a big deal and I’d get a replacement phone in no time. When I called the insurance company to make my claim, I was told they don’t ship the replacement phone overseas though. Ugh, that’s not good at all, I still had 7 days left and really, really, really wanted my cell phone… a cell phone… a device that plugs and connects me into the world with my “friends” and “followers” on social media and beyond.

So after the initial shock wore off that I’d be without a devise for a week, far from home, in a city I’ve never been to before (just like I was when I travelled in the 80’s and 90’s, but back then there was no shock), I was content to know that at least I could log into my email on the hotel lobby computer every day and stay connected with my business and pending matters. WRONG. YOU CANNOT JACK. My email account noticed I was logging in from a different location and wanted to verify it was me by sending me a text msg to my cell phone. “NO !!!!”, was the cry heard around Berlin at that moment from me.

Now a new reality set in, harsh as it was, I was without a cell phone for a week AND without access to my emails. “I have people I need to respond to” I thought. “What if there’s an urgent email that needs my attention?” I nervously pondered. “My email makes me feel important and complete”, I justified. After a few deep breaths, I was left with the cold hard fact: I am going to be unplugged and off-the-grid for a week in Berlin and there’s nothing I can do about. That’s just the way it’s going to be. But why did this have to happen to me? (Why not, who are you anyway, someone more special than anybody else?) I’ll have to make the best of this unexpected situation and try to enjoy this week that I had planned out. Travel is full of uncertainty and a seasoned traveler knows how to adapt and be flexible and not get disappointed, I kept repeating to myself.

I admit, the first couple days were a little challenging. Well, actually a lot challenging.

I definitely felt like I was going through withdraws and I was constantly reaching in my pocket where my phone would have been, only to touch the device less and empty, lonely pocket. I thought about my cell phone and my email accounts at least every hour that first day in Berlin, while rigidly sticking to my sightseeing plan and walking the Mitte (middle) district of the city.

The second day, I thought about my cell phone and my email accounts after the full complimentary breakfast buffet at my hotel, and maybe once right after an awesome delicious traditional German lunch in the newly trendy Prenzlauer Berg district, and then again when I was buying a pair of black jeans (I love the European “cut” of their pants) at a department store in Alexander Platz. So basically about 3 times that day I thought of my cell phone and emails. I definitely still somewhat cared about them.

By the third day in Berlin, from high up on top of a building lookout point in Potsdamer Platz, I saw the most wonderful panorama view of the entire city of Berlin glistening in the autumn sunshine. And it was at that moment, as the crisp breeze whisked through my hair, that I was liberated and cured of my attachment with my technology and devises. From then on, I thoroughly enjoyed my sightseeing and exploring of that dynamic city and never thought about my cell phone or email ever again. I became totally decompressed, at peace, in the moment, and I got to notice and experience little things along the way that I’d probably have missed if I were posting, texting or whatever on my cell phone between major sights.

Like when I walked through the Tiergarten park and noticed every yellow and orange leaf that fell gracefully from every tree and descended silently and whimsically through the air to land softly on the ground. Wow, did I just write that?)

I loved this new Jack-he felt like the old Jack (well the younger Jack) of the 1990’s when I went on trips. It was that pre-technology feeling of living life without all your “friends” and “followers” and job being constantly there at every turn, and at every step along your way. (Disclaimer: I love and am grateful for my social media friends and followers and my job!) And, after all, this was a scheduled solo trip. “This is about your experience Jack, this is about your connection to this city this week, you’re on a European urban adventure, and you’re free to be free” I told myself joyfully. It was almost a sense of being relieved of duty from social media postings and responding to people online.

It was as though I had been let go from a job and received a great severance package of a European city vacation to go with it.

It’s common to fast from food on occasion for health reasons or for religious reasons. Sometimes we might abstain from something to make us a better person to ourselves or to others or the community. Well, after my off-the-grid week in Berlin, I ask; why don’t we fast from technology once in a while for those same reasons? Certainly “health” is a valid reason to do so. It’s not healthy to be constantly squinting into a cell phone, it’s not healthy to have your cervical vertebrae in a forward tilted position most of the day while checking a devise, it’s not healthy to be attached to your job/work emails 365 days a year. We need that separation in our lives. That chance to experience everything and anything around us more deeply, a chance to rest that part of our brain that’s always thinking and strategizing about our technology and connections, a chance to re-connect spiritually or emotionally with who we are, and the courage to just be. Just be a tourist, just be a mother/father, just be a student, just be a person shopping or walking in whatever town or city you live in…just be yourself.

The feeling of being liberated from the unnecessary burden of technology is a pretty nice feeling to have in 2015, at least every once in a while.

My week in Berlin of all places, was indeed a reawakening for my body, mind and soul.

Cheers,

Jack Witt, MS, CPT
Fitness and Health Coach
“Get Fit with Witt”
Individuals / Groups / Corporate
310.562.5629 Cell / 818.760.3891 Main
www.getfitwithWitt.com 
https://twitter.com/GetfitwithWitt  

* New Book “From Passion to Purpose”

* Hike the Holy Land: Join me March 28 – April 5, 2016

“SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER” (1977) : No one will ever forget ‘the strut.’

Waide Aaron Riddle
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“SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER” (1977) : No one will ever forget ‘the strut.’

December 16th will mark the 38th anniversary of the iconic film “Saturday Night Fever”:

When John Travolta walked- well, rather, strutted- down that Brooklyn street, nothing would ever be the same. Overnight, music, film, and especially fashion, were suddenly turned upside down. The Bee Gees exploded across Billboard singles and albums charts, and to this day, the soundtrack still remains in the TOP 10 of the most successful albums in history; just behind Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” and Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”

“Saturday Night Fever” was nominated for one Oscar: Best Actor, John Travolta. The film was also nominated for four Golden Globes, two BAFTAs and one WGA.

Mr. Travolta won Best Actor by the National Board of Review and the film was Listed as one of the best films of the year.

The soundtrack won two American Music Awards and Album of The Year by the Grammy’s.

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In 2010, the National Film Preservation Board inducted SNF into its prestigious library.

“Saturday Night Fever” trivia: Did you know that the R-rated film version was the first Hollywood film to use the phrase “Blow job” in it? It’s true.

After the world-wide success of the ‘original release,’ the producers of the Robert Stigwood Organization decided to re-cut the film into a PG version for American audiences. This version completely sanitized the entire film and its cultural message. All strong language, nudity and sexual content were removed and edited out, leaving the ‘magic’ of the original film, well, D.O.A. 

If you’ve seen both (and I can say I’ve had the pleasure of), then you know what a disappointment and travesty the PG version is. It leaves you with… what were they thinking?

The R-rated version was also a fascinating character study. An in depth look at the Italian culture of New York City and its celebration of family and life; both in music, dance and song. It’s raw, real and rich with power and impact. It also exposed the film audience to common derogatory slang used unabashedly: Nigger, faggot and spick are used in through-out.

John’s character, Tony Manero, and his buddies have a run-in with two gay men in Brooklyn. His buddies try to harass and assault them, but Tony has heart and tells his friends to “…be cool, leave’m alone.” This moment is severely edited in the PG version and leaves the audience not understanding the significance nor importance of the social statement made. A huge faux-pas for the studio.

Today, 2015, and almost 2016, the music from the SNF still lives on strongly everywhere you go. Dance clubs, restaurants, 70s & 80s dance nights, radio… you can’t get away from its magic. After nearly four decades, it’s still fun to dance and lose yourself to!

An important POP culture event happened on December 16, 1977:

“SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER”

Waide Riddle is an award-winning poet and writer. A majority of his literary works are archived at UCLA Library of Special Collections, Poets House/NYC, Simon Wiesenthal Center: Museum of Tolerance and USC LGBT Library.
He has 60 titles on Amazon Kindle and is a contributing writer to the NOHO Arts District News.

Waide is also an established indie filmmaker, with six short films to his credit. His latest venture, “The Web,” has been approved by the IFP/Independent Filmmaker Project for Fiscal Sponsorship. He is honored that his creative work is endorsed by such a respected Arts Charity of the ‘moving image.’
Interested possible Donors can find the film’s page by going to www.ifp.org  or contacting Mr. Riddle directly via email: waideriddle@hotmail.com.

The Headshot Truck is rolling into NoHo

Lisa Bianconi
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Have you seen the pink Headshot Truck?

In this day and age where Instagram images are king, a good photo isn’t only nice, it’s necessary. Plus, NoHo is a neighborhood of working actors, dancers, singers, musicians and artists of all types. Who doesn’t need killer headshots? Well, The Headshot Truck (aptly named) is here to help. They’re an all-inclusive, mobile photography studio where folks can get their headshots done. Every detail of The Headshot Truck experience, from start to finish, has been tailored to the needs of the actors. People will say “Only in L.A.” Well, yes. But we should rephrase it to: “Only in NoHo” as they’re a North Hollywood-based company.

“We stand for quality. And our photos are our proof. The Headshot Truck and its team of highly trained staff will provide you with an enjoyable shoot that doesn’t break the bank. After all, a picture of your face shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg. “ – Adam Hendershott, Headshot Truck photographer

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The Headshot Truck is passing through NoHo for a one-day shoot special.

The Headshot Truck is offering NoHo Arts District actors, dancers, kids, and business professionals an amazing headshot experience! They will be in the NoHo Arts District  to offer 1, 2, and 3 look headshot packages. NoHo residents receive a discount on all packages dropping the price from $175 to $125 per look! If you have not had the opportunity to shoot on The Headshot Truck now is your chance. It is the best way to get shot in LA!

WHEN: Saturday, December 12 from 11AM-7PM
WHERE: 5250 Lankershim Blvd. NoHo

The package includes:
• 40-70 color corrected images taken per look.
• Both high resolution (print) and low resolution (web) formats.
• A makeup artist to do light touch ups and wardrobe consultation.
• Each person will spend approximately 10-15 minutes in makeup and another 15-20 minutes per look shooting your headshots.

The Headshot Truck comes to L.A.’s NoHo Arts District in North Hollywood on the official NoHo Arts District Guide; www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Please click NoHo Arts District Express Day for more information and to book your session! A Headshot Truck staff member will be in touch to schedule your time.

www.theheadshottruck.com | 844-LA-PHOTO | info@theheadshotruck.com

What you’ll get aboard The Headshot Truck

Always a picture of you, not somebody who kind of looks like you, but only from certain angles, or somebody who looks like you, 10 years ago. It is the same person that shows up at your auditions.

Always the very best version of you- confident, well rested, groomed, and stylish.

“We understand the pressure you’re under to produce a stellar headshot or portfolio shot, and how crucial that is in terms of moving your career forward. Now we need you to trust the process. If you do everything we ask of you, we will make this the easiest, most fun, and most fool-proof headshot session, EVER. Come hang out with us while we happen to get some awesome shots of you!” – The Headshot Truck team

 The Headshot Truck comes to L.A.’s NoHo Arts District in North Hollywood on the official NoHo Arts District Guide; www.nohoartsdistrict.com  The Headshot Truck comes to L.A.’s NoHo Arts District in North Hollywood on the official NoHo Arts District Guide; www.nohoartsdistrict.com
 Heather Ensley – photo by The Headshot Truck  Todd Cahoon – photo by The Headshot Truck

We asked Brian Confer, Corporate Accounts Director: “How did the Headshot Truck idea come to be?”

Brian: “Our Creative Director Adam Hendershott is a former actor and a successful photographer. He knew how crazy expensive headshots were. He has had a successful headshot business for a few years. One day he was helping a friend move in a U-Haul and thought he could create a little studio on the U-Haul. We then rented a truck one day, asked a few friends to take headshots, and it worked! We then did a kickstarter and raised $26k, got a loan for the rest to fix up the truck and here we are! We have been in business 2 years now and we are doing great. We are bringing a truck to New York in the Spring and have a plan for a few more trucks in the coming years!”

Check the reviews out on YELP>>

**** 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: A Juicy Welcome, Trees, Pop Up Vintage, Santa + Nuns

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…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.  

BALLZY TOMORROW

Tammy Johnston
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BALLZY TOMORROW

I had the pleasure of meeting famous actor-rocker Robbie Rist while sitting in his studio during the taping of a radio show that he produces. Robbie has brought Legendary Ronnie Mack’s Barndance to radio audiences across the country.

The catch phrase is “Radio The Way It Should Be!”. You can find them every Saturday at 6:00 p.m. PST on the internet – TMV Cafe radio.

I was captivated by the rapport between Ronnie Mack and Robbie Rist with their funny banter, quick witted humor, and mucho information about the history of music and recording artists.

After laughing until I had tears in my eyes and being thoroughly entertained in the studio, I was hooked on this young man’s quirky personality, friendly demeanor and effortless showmanship. I was invited to his weekly event in Burbank, held EVERY SUNDAY at the Riverside Concert Hall at Pickwick Bowl! K-Tel is back! ROBBIE RIST & his outrageously great pop rock band BALLZY TOMORROW continue their 70s Sing-Along Sunday residency at the Riverside Concert Hall, across the street from Viva Cantina and right next to the PIckwick Bowl’s pub. 3-6 p.m. FREE (2 drink minimum)!

During the BALLZY TOMORROW show last week, I enjoyed listening to live music, and watching the antics of the band members during their performance.

I got a kick out of the spectators almost as much as the live show. People were laughing, rocking out, playing air guitar, waving their hands in the air and singing along!

This is definitely the Sunday afternoon place to be in the valley!

Click here to listen

The Road Turns 25!

Lisa Bianconi
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The Road Theatre celebrates 25 years of giving NoHo award-winning theatre!

So for 25th anniversary gift you give silver. So what do get a theatre company that is turning 25? You go see one or all of their award-winning shows!  

Like we always say: “NoHo is only as great as its people.” We are proud to have the Road Theatre as an integral part of our NoHo theatre family and our NoHo community.

What makes the Road Theatre Company even more exceptional is their commitment to the most meaningful and dangerous of theatre missions: producing new work for the stage!

The L.A. Weekly in 2010 to proclaimed The Road Theatre Company as “One of the best theatres of the decade.”

The Road Theatre 25th anniversary season NoHo Arts District www.nohoartsdistrict.com They are also holding their “Thrive in 25” fundraising campaign to celebrate their 25th season of producing award-winning premiere theatre in Los Angeles. “Thrive in 25” offers patrons an opportunity to show their support of live theatre at the Road by making a tax-deductible donation in a multiple of 25: $25, $50, $100, $250, etc. Donations will be applied to the Road’s 25th season, which includes five plays – four of which are world premieres written by women.

Donations may be made online at www.roadtheatre.org/thrivein25, by phone at (818) 761-8838, or by mail to: The Road Theatre Company, 5108 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601.

Not only is the Road Theatre Company located in the historical Lankershim Arts Center which houses the Art Directors Guild’s Gallery 800 and a myriad of arts programming, they’ve also opened a second theatre at the NoHo Senior Arts Colony.

The Road on Lankershim
5108 Lankershim Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91601

The Road on Magnolia
10747 Magnolia Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91601

So who really is the Road Theatre Company?

Well, back in July, 1991 a group of dedicated theatre artists and administrators came together to form The Other Side of the Hill Productions, Inc. a.k.a. The Road Theatre Company. A non-profit corporation that produces theatre under the Actors’ Equity Association 99-Seat Plan. The Road Theatre Company has enjoyed an amazing history, having been honored with:

• 9 Los Angeles Drama Critics’ Circle Awards
• 15 Los Angeles Stage Alliance Ovation Awards
• 4 L.A. Weekly Awards
• 35 Back Stage West Garland Critics Citations Awards
• 5 Robby Awards
• 67 Valley Theatre League Artistic Director Achievement (ADA) Awards
• 10 “Critic’s Choice”- Los Angeles Times
• 16 “Pick of the Week/Recommended/Go”- L.A. Weekly
• 14 “Critic’s Pick”- Back Stage West

Additionally, the company received the 2003 Back Stage West Landmark Award for Sustained Excellence in Theatre and the prestigious 1998 Los Angeles Drama Critics’ Circle Margaret Harford Award for Sustained Excellence in Theatre.

The Road Theatre is also committed to community service and educational outreach and for nearly 20 years has been the resident company and administrator of the Historic Lankershim Arts Center. The Road is also the resident theatre company at the NoHo Senior Arts Colony, where the company produces several mainstage shows per year and offers performance and art classes to senior residents of the NoHo community at little to no cost.

See you at The Road….

**** 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.

HoHo NoHo! Here are the NoHo shows this holiday season!

Lisa Bianconi
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So what are you going to see in NoHo this holiday season?

We do holiday shows in the NoHo Arts District! If you’re not in the holiday spirit, you should definitely check out one or all of the shows we’ve put together in this handy, Christmas Show quick list. If you have guests visiting, a show is a nice treat or gift. It’ll also give your guests a little taste of theatre in the NoHo Arts District and you can dazzle them with your knowledge: NoHo has 20 theatres – the highest concentration of theatres outside of NYC.

Have a happy holiday season!

Christmas Holiday show in the NoHo Arts District www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Who Killed Santa?

In this hilarious and irreverent send-up, Santa is hosting his annual holiday party attended by the usual holiday favorites: Frosty, Tiny Tim, The Little Drummer Boy, and Rudolph, who all have a bone to pick with Santa. After the introduction of the sexy new Little Drummer Girl, tempers flare, and Santa ends up with a candy cane through the heart. No one will confess, no one can leave, and Christmas is in jeopardy. As the tension builds, a couple of incompetent detectives enter the scene, and all the dirty secrets of these iconic holiday characters are revealed. Eventually, with the help of the audience, the murderer is convicted and sentenced. Who Killed Santa? is an alternative adult show featuring four possible endings, parodies of holiday songs, drag, and gratuitous violence.

Christmas Holiday show in the NoHo Arts District www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Dysfunctional Family Christmas

In this hilarious holiday farce, Dean and Joanne want one perfect family Christmas before they retire to Florida but are surprised to find Grandpa Logan dead at the same time their children arrive. Their daughter, Christine arrives home with her Jewish fiancé but is afraid to tell her mother she is converting. Adam, the middle child brings a girl Katie home with him only to seek revenge, and their youngest son arrives with a big bag of grudge. Chaos ensues when the parents attempt to hide Grandpa’s recent death by dragging his body from room to room.

Christmas Holiday show in the NoHo Arts District www.nohoartsdistrict.com

The Jew That Saved Christmas!

Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group proudly presents Andy Shultz’s holiday comedy extravaganza “The Jew That Saved Christmas!”. When Hanukkah falls on Christmas Eve, all Larry Epstein wants to do is eat Chinese food, watch movies and hide from the holidays. But when Christmas is threatened and lives are in peril, Larry is forced by the people in his life to be the Jew that saves Christmas! This is sure to be one holiday show you don’t want to miss! 

Christmas Holiday show in the NoHo Arts District www.nohoartsdistrict.com

A Very Die Hard Christmas

High above the city of L.A., a team of terrorists has seized a building, taken hostages, and declared war. One man has managed to escape. An off-duty cop hiding somewhere inside. He’s alone, tired…and he doesn’t like Christmas. Come see a stage version of the holiday classic, complete with action, humor, Professor Snape taking people hostage, singing, dancing, the guy from ‘Family Matters,’ guns, puppets, explosions, the EPA guy from ‘Ghostbusters’ getting punched in the face, and Christmas miracles and familiar holiday friends galore. Maybe even an appearance by the legend himself, Santa Claus! Yippee Ki-Yay, Father Christmas!

Christmas Holiday show in the NoHo Arts District www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Santasia

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Santasia – A Holiday Comedy, created by Shaun and Brandon Loeser and choreography by Tania Pearson-Loeser, is the perfect blend of Yuletide snark and sentiment. Santasia’s relentless assault on your Holiday funny-bone will have you hurting from laughter. It’s beautiful sentiment will have you longing for your own memories of Christmas past. Santasia is a holiday stocking filled with laughs, music, charm, wit, love, and lots of surprises! Hilarious choreography, on-point holiday parody, side splitting sketch comedy, and classic Rankin and Bass inspired claymation movies, the multi-media Santasia is the fresh face of Vaudeville Comedy.

Christmas Holiday show in the NoHo Arts District www.nohoartsdistrict.com

WONDERFUL LIFE!

“A lively and appealing actor…Wonderful Life could well have an active future on stages around the country.” – The Washington Post

A new holiday classic, WONDERFUL LIFE!, premiering November 28 at the Malibu Playhouse, launches the theatre’s 2015-16 season under the helm of Jeremy Skidmore, world-renowned theater director and formerly Artistic Director of Theater Alliance in Washington, D.C.

George Bailey’s struggle to grasp why life is worth living finds a fresh voice in this enchanting one-person (Jason Lott) retelling of Frank Capra’s classic film “It’s A Wonderful Life.” “Wonderful Life” reinterprets the well-known screenplay and reintroduces audiences to the residents of Bedford Falls, New York on a fateful Christmas Eve in 1945. Audiences, young and old, well versed in the movie and not, will find plenty to love. The show is adapted for stage by Lott and Helen Parfumi. Parfumi also serves as director. Closing night, Dec. 20 is also a benefit performance.

Christmas Holiday show in the NoHo Arts District www.nohoartsdistrict.com 

Jingle Bell Jukebox

Jingle Bell Jukebox is our holiday celebration for the whole family this year and a delightful surprise treat awaits you. This family holiday show will have you “rockin around the Big Oak Tree with Christmas Cheer from Yesteryear” starring Debbie Briggs, Katie McGlynn, Minta Mullins, Dave Mussen and Erik Hogan.

Christmas Holiday show in the NoHo Arts District www.nohoartsdistrict.com

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

December 5 & 6 ONLY

Once upon a time, on a cold winter’s night long, long ago (cold by L.A. standards, anyway), the Road began our annual holiday tradition of reading Dickens’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL. This December, the tradition continues! Please join us for A CHRISTMAS CAROL, two performances only…

 

**** 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.

 

 

Welcome Tan Candy Vintage, NoHo’s online vintage store!

Lisa Bianconi
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Vintage Clothing, Online? YES!  Let’s give a big NoHo WELCOME to Tan Candy Vintage!

So you love vintage clothing? Then you’ve come to the right place.The NoHo Arts District is home to some pretty amazing vintage stores. But, like many, you love to shop online. Well, the two are now a fun and easy option with Tan Candy Vintage, NoHo’s online vintage store. Tan Candy will have their kick off event, a festive holiday pop up shop featuring the full line of vintage clothing from the Tan Candy boutique and handmade one-of-a-kind jewels designed by Erika Bee on Saturday, December 5. They’ll be serving up cocktails + cupcakes as you and your pals play dress up + vogue in fabulous, one-of-a-kind vintage pieces from the 1930s – 1980s, as well as gorgeous handmade, ECOethical jewelry.

Tan Candy Vintage NoHo Online Vintage shop www.nohoartsdistrict.com

WHEN: Saturday, December 5. 7-10PM

WHERE: Jenny & Jimbob Jewelry
11114 Magnolia Blvd, North Hollywood, California

More info>>

Instagram: @tancandy  | @erikabeejewelry

We asked Tan Candy Vintage founder and NoHo resident Tanya Chisholm some questions about her newest venture (and passion). Like we always say, “NoHo is only as fabulous as its people.”

Tell us what we can expect at your launch party.

Expect FUN!!! This is a ONE NIGHT ONLY event. We will have fun music, cocktails, and a photo-op for you to vogue in some incredible vintage couture, and fabulous jewelry! I am teaming up with the AMAZING Erika Bee, of Erika Bee Jewelry. Jewelry designer to the stars, she designs and hand makes gorgeous ecoEthical jewelry from vintage components. Her stuff is great, and my stuff is great, so you can expect to find something really special to wear for your holiday parties, and perfect gifts for friends and family. Vintage Furs, gowns, party dresses, and staple pieces for your workday and weekend.

What made you decide to start an online vintage boutique?

I have always loved old, glamorous things, but I really fell in love with vintage clothing a few years ago when I started my style blog. I was on hiatus from the Nickelodeon television show I was starring in at the time (Big Time Rush), and was shopping NON-STOP to keep myself from dying of boredom! I would style my vintage finds in a modern way on my blog and social media, and kept getting asked where I found my pieces! I realized then that not only do I have an eye for style, and an aesthetic that people enjoy, but that there was a lack of good vintage options in the online market. Most online vintage shops work mostly in reproducing vintage styles, not selling real vintage clothing, and the majority of ladies don’t have the time or desire to sift through bins at estate sales all over town to find that one perfect piece. But I do! I wanted the girls who were fans of my style to have a place to shop. A place where they could find fun, funky, one of a kind, pieces personally curated by someone who’s style + aesthetic they already know and trust. I also offer personal and editorial styling services, and have had the privilege of styling some amazing editorial spreads- all of which you can check out on the website www.tancandy.com.

Tan Candy Vintage NoHo Online Vintage shop www.nohoartsdistrict.com

What if someone is afraid of vintage?

There is definitely a stigma with vintage clothing….like it’s either “your thing” or it isn’t. Which I think is kinda strange. If a dress is phenomenal, why should it matter when it was made? I think the thing that scares people the most about vintage clothing is not knowing how to style the clothing in a way that is accessible and modern. No one wants to feel like they are wearing a costume, or dressing with a schtick (unless thats your thing), which is why I share ideas on how to style every piece in the shop on Instagram, Youtube, and my blog. What’ great about my collection is that I curate it very specifically. All the pieces I choose for my shop are fashion forward, and totally on trend, so you will never feel like you are wearing a “costume” from the from a certain era, but a beautifully made one of a kind garment. Period. All of today’s styles have their roots in styles that have already been popular decades before so it’s not like modern styles are anything new. The difference is, that vintage clothing was made to last…which is why it has! I can barely keep some of my new clothes from falling apart after a year, much less 20+ years! For those who are totally lost on the vintage thing, or on their own personal style in general I offer personal styling services, and you can follow me on Instagram, and sign up for my mailing list to get free weekly style tips, and fabulous, fresh, outfit ideas for styling the vintage pieces in the Tan Candy shop-which you can then order!

How did you get started in fashion?

Honestly, I was NOT always a fashionista, but I have always LOVED costumes! Most likely due to my roots in the theater, the idea of transformation, putting on something different and special to become someone else, or to highlight a side of you that you otherwise wouldn’t, has always been exhilarating to me. It wasn’t till I started my style blog and started really dressing myself intentionally that I realized that fashion is that process of transformation. Clothing has the power to change how you feel about yourself and how others see you. If you don’t think thats true just try doing your day in sweats vs. actually putting together an outfit. You feel better, when you like the way you look! Presentation isn’t everything, but it is something. For me I use fashion to answer the question “who do I want to be today?” Sometimes I want to be a boss chic in a structured cape and heels, and other times I want to feel earthy-with flowers in my hair and a bohemian dress flowing in the breeze. One outfit makes me feel empowered, the other fee. I want all women to learn how to dress themselves in a way that makes them feel amazing.

Tan Candy Vintage NoHo Online Vintage shop www.nohoartsdistrict.com

See you at Tan Candy Vintage’s Pop Up event AND online… https://www.facebook.com/events/362271790719280

**** 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.

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ABOUT US

The NoHo Arts District is a one-square-mile community in North Hollywood that is home to more than 20 live, professional theatres, dance studios, art galleries, public art, music recording venues, acting and art workshops, international dining options, clothing and specialty shops, and businesses that create a myriad of art forms. NoHo is "Where the Arts Are Made." - "NoHoArtsDistrict.com"

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