Page 221 – NoHo Arts District – Theatre, Food, Bars, Shopping and a buzzing community.

It’s time for the annual Beverly Hills artSHOW

Archived - Latest News NoHo Arts District, North Hollywood

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04/28/2015

May is a time for art lovers and the art curious.

It’s that time of year, NoHo, when we head over to the Beverly Hills artSHOW. On May 16 and 17 the four block-area of the historic Beverly Gardens Park is filled with art from 240 local, regional national artists who showcase their work in painting, sculpture, watercolor, photography, mixed media, ceramics, jewelry, drawings and printmaking. You have the opportunity to see a diverse selection of artwork and meet the artists. There is also a wine & dining garden offering an extensive selection of red and white wines, a Beer & Brat Garden garden, food trucks and family art projects. The Beverly Hills artSHOW announces the Artist List for the May show, following the meeting of the art show jury during the week of March 4th.

For the upcoming show, the panel of jurors included Fabrik Magazine publisher Chris Davies, artist Martin Durazo, artist Gegam Khacherian, printmaker Poli Marichal, professor Robert Miller, art critic Shana Nys Dambrot, and jewelry expert Rone Prinz.

“The show continually strives to welcome new artists, so be prepared for a few aesthetic surprises, and the chance to chat with artists who live down the street and artists who drive and fly in from points afar, including the other side of the country”, says Brad Meyerowitz, who manages special events, including the artSHOW, for the City’s Community Services Department.

Artist David Palmer

Still Life and Object Painters will be highlighted this spring. The genre has always attracted strong painters to the event, including Brian Blackham, Raymond Logan, and Bradford Salamon, each a master of composition and oil painting technique. Fellow object painter David Palmer’s Pop Art objects and Eul Hurley’s complex, modern still lifes will also be back. Traditional still life artists will include Alice Hernandez-Goana and Catherine Dzialo-Haller. The accomplished still life and landscape artist Carol Steinberg will be demonstrating her technique on the “Rodeo Block” of the art show. Michael Harnish, another contemporary representational painter, who received the Best of Show Award in the fall of 2014, will bring a variety of work: still lifes, abstracted florals, and figurative paintings.

Another feature, Animazya, will show off the increasing number of savvy, skillful artists who render those adorable creatures in various media.

Artist Shawn Harris

As always, in addition to art, a wine garden, food trucks, a beer garden, live entertainment, and family activities will also be offered. All show artists will be on site to talk with visitors about their work. All art is for sale, and patrons come from Southern California and beyond to shop, collect and savor this art-filled weekend.

Category awards and major show awards, including the Mayor’s Purchase Award, the Best of Show and Most Original Work will be announced in a Sunday afternoon ceremony, at the show’s center, in front of the Lily Pond.

The 2015 artSHOW’s sponsor and media partners include: David Frank Design luxury swings, the LA Weekly, the Los Angeles Art Association, Fabrik Magazine, LA Art Party, Yelp, Whole Foods Market, Paley Center for Media, and the Beverly Hills Conference and Visitor’s Bureau. Food and Beverage support come from Premiere Events and Beck’s Beer. The show’s charitable partner is Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and its sister organization, Healing Art with Kids.

All artSHOW activities occur at the historic Beverly Gardens and admission to both days is free. Beverly Gardens is located along Santa Monica Blvd., from Rodeo Drive to Rexford Drive. Convenient, inexpensive parking is available directly across from the show grounds.

For general information about the May 2015 Beverly Hills artSHOW, visit www.beverlyhills.org/artshow or call (310) 285-6830.

**** 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.

Actor as Entrepreneur

Acting Tips, Acting Exercises and Workshops

Fran Montano

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04/27/2015

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Several actors in class this week inspired me as they participated in the “Hot Seat” exercise – that’s where actors keep themselves accountable by checking in about how they feel and what they’ve been up to; it’s also a way in for me as a coach. The serendipity I felt recalling some of their comments thrilled me, because they were right in line with the topic of this month’s blog.

Over the past twenty five to thirty years I’ve made the following observation: most of the people I knew had jobs.

They focused their energy and purpose on getting hired by a large corporation or business. Very few were self-employed, both in the professional business world and in acting. It seemed like it was split about 80/20 percent employment vs. self-employed. The sentiment back then was to go to college or learn a trade, and then get hired by a big company. In those days the concept of self-employment was out of the mainstream.

Today I notice it’s shifted in the opposite direction.

In both the professional business world and in acting more people are self-employed and fewer seem to work for someone else. So, it seems the energy shift is toward self-employment and self-promotion. I’m seeing this a lot lately with actors, and I think it’s a good thing. Less waiting around, and more creating art, which is what nourishes the artist.

The ubiquity of You Tube, web series, the low cost of filming, and online distribution means “new” media has become an integral part of an actor’s work, process, and marketing, and actors have greater opportunities to showcase and perform. Here are two actors who were in the “hot seat” in my class just last week:

Diane Musselman is an actress/writer who struggled to get her work seen.

Though very talented and hard-working, no one knew her, since she was a small fish in a big pond here in LA. She became impassioned, and three years later on her amazing journey she wrote and produced “Just Another Dance With My Father.” This month, April 2015, her film received the Gold Remi Award for Original Dramatic Short at the Worldfest Houston International Film Festival. It’s a magnificent accomplishment and very prestigious award.

Amanda Serra moved to Los Angeles nearly three years ago.

She studied, pounded the pavement, worked in commercials, television, and indie films. Many talented actors (herself included) struggled to find acting jobs, so to generate more work for all of them, she created a comedic web series, “Carbon Dating.” She cast herself and fellow actress Marcie Barkin in the leads, launched her own production company, and now the show is going into a full production. The cast even includes actor Michael Gross from “Family Ties” and the “Tremors” films as one of the leads.

Justin Bieber was discovered though his self-produced YouTube videos.

Whatever you think of his music, you can’t deny his success. After a nationwide search, rock band Journey found their replacement lead singer, Arnel Pineda through YouTube videos he made singing with a cover band in the Philippines.

Artists of this generation are taking matters into their own hands are finding more and more success. There are even books written about it. Seth Godin’s “The Icarus Deception” and “What to Do When it’s Your Turn” are two good reads for this consciousness.

Twenty five years ago I was tired of auditioning for and attending bad theater, so I teamed up with Lynda Goodfriend and we built our own theater, which at the time was considered outlandish, out of fashion, and peculiar. The Actors Workout Studio grew, and is now one of the most prominent, longest-running acting schools and theaters in Los Angeles. As an artist you don’t always need to step outside the box. Sometimes you need to build your own box.

So actors, this is a great time to be an artist.

There are so many opportunities to pursue your passion. And when you can’t find them, you must create them for yourself. Good luck, be patient, and pursue…

Rumer at the Hollywood Masonic Lodge

LA Music Scene

Caroline McElroy

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04/27/2015

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Near the end of her recent concert at the Hollywood Masonic Lodge, the British singer Rumer (Sarah Joyce) told the audience that “there are billions and billions and billions of amazing people in the world, and hardly any evil people. It’s just that we hear about them more often.”

That assessment is reflected in Rumer’s music, which is determinedly optimistic.

She reminds us that seeing the good side of life is a choice.

Introducing a song with the question “are any of you divorced?,” the singer proceeded to fool her listeners with a story told from the point of view of the partner who thinks splitting up would be a dumb idea.

She closed her set with “I am Blessed,” which repeats the title some 25 times. Rumer’s songs provide a heartfelt counter to the cheap and easy cynicism of our wired world. She conveys the message in a voice that’s as fresh and sweet as mist on a mid-June morning.

Rumer’s up tempo numbers evoke the charm and spirit of the pop sound that emerged from Southern California in the mid-1960s, exemplified by the Yellow Balloon, Sun Rays, Jan and Dean, and the Association. This British singer, born in Pakistan, owes a lot to Southern California. It’s a debt that she’s paid back with interest.

In 2012, Rumer recorded the song “P.F. Sloan,” which was written decades earlier by Jimmy Webb.

As a result, she met Sloan, the composer of several brilliant songs from the 1960s that became hits for other artists.
The two became good friends. Last fall, they played a few gigs together in London. Now, it was L.A.’s turn.

Sloan, accompanied only by his acoustic guitar, performed a short set of his own songs, including “You Baby,” “Eve of Destruction,” “Secret Agent Man,” and “Let Me Be.” Though these hit singles featured a jangly folk-rock sound, they lost nothing in Sloan’s slowed-down interpretations, aimed at a mature audience.

The treat was hearing Sloan perform “New Design,” a song he wrote in 1968 that Kenny Rogers later recorded.

This emotive ballad, inspired by meeting a woman whose boyfriend was leaving to serve in the military, demonstrates that Sloan still had it in 1968, even if the record business didn’t necessarily think so.

Here’s the NoHo News!

Archived - Latest News NoHo Arts District, North Hollywood

Lisa Bianconi

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04/24/2015

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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.

Every day is Dance Day in NoHo, but Saturday is Super Dance Day at LAVC

Archived - Latest News NoHo Arts District, North Hollywood

Lisa Bianconi

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04/22/2015

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It’s Super Dance Day on Saturday, April 25!

Well we here like to call the NoHo Arts District the NoHo Dance District. You can dance walk around our one-square-mile neigbhorhood and take a dance class any time of the day in North Hollywood. But what makes Saturday, April 25 extra special is it’s DANCE DAY at Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC). Master classes will be offered throughout the day such as Hip-Hop, Modern, Contemporary, Jazz, Polynesian, Salsa, and more. The best thing is, you do not have to be enrolled at LAVC to enjoy the classes. So get up and dance all day Saturday and support our local East Valley college.

WHEN: Saturday, April 25, 2015
TIME: 11AM until 5PM
WHERE: 5800 Fulton Avenue, Valley Glen, CA (Valley College stop on the METRO Orange line!) In the North Gym
COST: $5 a class or $20 for unlimited classes up to six classes

For more info on the day, go to the event page.

To learn more about the dance program at Los Angeles Valley College, head over to www.lavc.edu/dance.

**** 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.

While We’re Young; Woman in Gold

Movie Reviews

Mike Peros

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04/21/2015

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Noah Baumbach’s While We’re Young is at its best in the early going, as it explores the emerging relationship between a middle-aged, childless couple (Ben Stiller, Naomi Watts) and an affectionate, energetic younger couple (Adam Driver, Amanda Seyfried).

Stiller is a documentary filmmaker struggling not only to finish his latest work (and seemingly taking forever) but trying to emerge from under the shadow of Watts’ father, a revered, much-honored documentarian (a very welcome Charles Grodin). Levine’s aspiring filmmaker introduces himself to Stiller (who teaches when he isn’t laboring on his epic project) and immediately bonds with him over their mutual appreciation of Stiller’s work.

Even though Watts is somewhat suspicious of Driver’s motives (could it be Driver engineered the meeting to get close to Watts and perhaps Grodin?), the two couples get together and begin sharing some enjoyable, if unusual, and even extreme experiences. Driver and Seyfried’s youthful exuberance causes Stiller and Watts to re-evaluate not only their own marriage but their relationships with others, particularly their married friends who have embraced parenthood and make Stiller and Watts seem like outsiders since they have no children of their own. Stiller’s self-centered filmmaker begins to loosen up; he tries to repair bonds with his father-in-law Grodin by soliciting his input on his incomplete (though lengthy) film, and offers his assistance (and documentary’s subject) to Driver for his own film.

It’s a little unfortunate that the film takes a turn toward the conventional with some later developments, but While We’re Young still maintains the interest as it explores to some degree, not only truth in art but the means by which filmmakers try to get to the heart of the matter. The movie makes it clear things are not as cut and dry as they appear; after all, it’s been a long time (and many “reality” shows) since William Hurt’s news reporter added a shot of him wiping away a tear in Broadcast News. If it falls a little short, While We’re Young does remain entertaining throughout, with some fine work by all involved, especially from a re-invigorated Stiller and the ever-radiant Watts.

The indomitable Helen Mirren takes on the Austrian government in the fact-based Woman in Gold—is there any doubt as to who will emerge triumphant? The film recounts how Jewish refugee Maria Altmann (Mirren) enlisted the aid of a young lawyer (Ryan Reynolds—earnest but a little out of his league) to reclaim what she believes to be hers—Gustav Klimt’s famous portrait of her aunt, long since confiscated by the Nazis and now adorning Austria’s leading museum. Mirren does a masterful job of conveying Altmann’s grit and determination without resorting to undue sentiment (although the movie does that for her near the end), and Tatiana Maslany is exceptionally touching as the younger Maria in the World War Two flashbacks. While Woman in Gold plays out in a fairly predictable manner (even if you’re not familiar with the events), the film remains engrossing throughout, thanks mainly to fine work from Mirren and Maslany.

Look What’s Happening in the Neighborhood!

Archived - Latest News NoHo Arts District, North Hollywood

Lisa Bianconi

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04/17/2015

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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.

The Cahuenga General Store, Sam Smith and Pete Seeger

LA Music Scene

Caroline McElroy

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04/17/2015

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The Cahuenga General Store, Sam Smith and Pete Seeger

Jogging down Cahuenga Blvd. for a bit of exercise and a browse at The Iliad Bookshop when the Cahuenga General Store was espied beyond Chandler Blvd.

This place captured my curiosity and wandered down to see what was what and was pleasantly surprised by what was inside. There was a stage and one of the best PA sound systems I’ve seen at many a venue. There are two modulators on the stage and mics. I just stood there with my mouth agape until I finally was able to ask Chloe Hallenbeck, a very knowledgable manager, what was the stage all about.

As it turns out there was a recording studio upstairs at one time and it was facilitated by a relative of Hallenbecks. The same relative, an uncle, installed the sound system.

There no longer is a sound person at the Cahuenga General Store, so anyone that does manage to get a spot on Tuesday nights will need to do it themselves. This event runs from 7pm to 8pm and each set runs for approximately 3 1/2 minutes. The lineup usually features 20 acts which are selected by lottery.

This open mic gig is free to attend, but those that enter the lottery pay $7.00 which can be used for food and/or drinks which are also a feature of this quaint venue.

Acts range from spoken word to comedy and can also feature an acoustic guitar accompaniment to the set, but it may not be used for songs…even original compositions.

According to Hallenbeck there were more nights of music, but the Cahuenga General Store had to stop because of ASCAP’s, American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, wanting $1,500 a year fees for the acts to perform. When I inquired about that including original materials by non-ASCAP or BMI, Broadcast Music, Inc.,protected compositions Hallenbeck confirmed that it did.

Jim Morrison might have liked this place as a venue to run his existentialist poetry by unsuspecting audience members.

This is a must keep on my list of places to “be” in. The Cahuenga General Store is located at 5510 Cahuenga Blvd., telephone them at 818-985-5916, or go to their website @ www.cgsnoho.com.

Another fun spot to hang out and listen to music is Pitfire Artisan Pizza on the conrer of Magnolia Blvd. and Lankershim Blvd. This venue features low key music that blends with the atmosphere as part of it’s ambience and is not really meant as a showcase for an act. On Friday, Saturday, Sunday the music is DJ’ed, Tuesdays feature trivia and music,Wednesday there is a guitarist , and on Thursday there is a cover band.

This venue does rotate it’s acts as they have changed during the time that I’ve been visiting this spot. When I first hung out here there was jazz on Thursday and Saturday.

Shannon King, general manager, adds that there is not a lot of room to dance to the music as there is no dance floor. Located at 5211 Lankershim Blvd., you may contact King at 818-980-2949 to see if they are accepting new acts.

Back in February I wrote a story on the 57th Grammy Awards and mentioned Sam Smith not being original enough to warrent winning 4 awards for his “Stay With Me” tune that has tracks that line up perfectly with Tom Petty’s “Won’t Back Down.”

Smith and Petty reached an agreement on this issue, but this “cloning” issue is not going away any time soon.

A few weeks ago singer Johnny Legend made a remark regarding how difficult it is these days to come up with songs that pay homage to one’s “inspiration” without getting sued. The way I heard it, it sounded as if he felt that it was okay to take his “inspiration’s” tune and adapt it as his own without paying royalties. This is never a good thing. Just pay the darn royalties or work a little harder at being ORIGINAL. The very act of lifting one’s work from another is called sampling. Vanilla Ice, members of The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and The Who have been sued or served by someone they did not credit for their “inspiration”. It’s a recurring issue which needs to stop…please just pay the royalties and give credit where credit is due.

It was my pleasure to attend a tribute to folk singer Pete Seeger at the Theatricum Botanicum a month ago.

I had never been to this theater which was founded by Will Geer, aka Grandpa Walton, and it is a lovely way to spend an afternoon…especially communing with nature on Topanga Canyon.

During my youth I never really was into folk music and I figured out that it was because I simply could not dance to that kind of music…once a rocker always a rocker? This time I felt moved by the melodic tunes and it left me feeling a bit melancholy. The depth and originality of the music was stirring and got my feet to tapping, maybe I’m just getting old. Theatricum Botanicum could really use some financial help via donations and sell out performances so how about checking this place out during this season. There is a “Walton’s Weekend” planned for August 7&8, 2015 which could be a hoot. It’s located at 1419 N. Topanga Canyon. Phone number is 310-455-2322 and their website is www.theatricum.com.

Free Comic Book Day Turns into Blastoff Comicsfest!

Archived - Latest News NoHo Arts District, North Hollywood

NoHo - North Hollywood

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04/16/2015

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Celebrate Free Comic Book Day at The First-Ever Blastoff Comicsfest

Free Comic Book Day will be taking North Hollywood, CA, by storm this year, when Blastoff Comics and Knitting Factory Entertainment team up to create the first-ever Blastoff ComicsFest! On Saturday, May 2, 2015, from 10AM – 4PM, join in on the Free Comic Book Day festivities at The Federal Bar in North Hollywood for fresh-grilled food, ice-cold beer, a live DJ, photos with costumed superheroes, and, of course, plenty of free comics!

Blastoff ComicsFest will be the place to be for Free Comic Book Day, with comic book creators from Marvel, DC, IDW Publishing, Image, Dark Horse, and more.

They will be on hand to sign comics, provide free sketches, and meet with comic book fans young and old out-doors in the beautiful Southern California sun! In addition, you won’t want to miss the geek-inspired crafts, handbags, clothing, and other merchandise created by talented, local vendors.

Start your ComicsFest at The Federal Bar, where outdoor grills, a delicious dessert truck, and an inviting beer garden will be at your service all day, along with special brewing presentations by a major brewing company which will be revealed in the coming weeks! Then, allow the costumed superheroes to “fly” you to the nearby Laemmle Noho 7 Theatre and Blastoff Comics’ retail store, where you can take home stacks of free comics and other goodies.

In addition, the Blastoff Comics store will be selling superhero action figures and auctioning off original superhero artwork created by the students and staff of NEW Academy Canoga Park, the proceeds of which will go directly to City of Hope, United Cerebral Palsy, and a host of other non-profit organizations.

Don’t forget, admission for Blastoff ComicsFest is FREE, so mark your calendars and spread the word!

Stay tuned to the official Facebook event for Blastoff ComicsFest to receive the latest details and announcements for this day of family fun.

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About Blastoff Comics
Created in 2012 by comic book veterans Jud Meyers and Scott Tipton, Blastoff Comics is a a top-of-the-line comic book retail store located in North Hollywood, CA. Blastoff stocks both current comics and graphic novels, as well as a collection of vintage comics and artwork for sale. A portion of all of the store’s proceeds are donated to charity, with the recipients changing on a monthly basis. Co-founder Scott Tipton is a New York Times bestselling author and comic-book historian with a wide variety of both graphic novel and prose works to his credit. Co-founder Jud Meyers has devoted more than 25 years to the comic book industry, serving as a leading force in both the publishing and retail aspects of the industry, as noted by having been a recipient of the Will Eisner Spirit of Retailing Award. Blastoff Comics may be found at www.blastoffcomics.com.

About The Knitting Factory
Knitting Factory Entertainment is the first entertainment-based licensing group to offer every aspect of a fully integrated brand, from venue and restaurant licensing and support, to touring, talent management, and merchandizing. More information may be found at www.knittingfactory.com.

About The Federal Bar
The Federal Bar is the premier neighborhood bar, restaurant, and event venue in North Hollywood, CA. Open 7 days a week, more information may be found at www.thefederalbar.com.

About Fanboy Comics
Fanboy Comics (FBC) is a comic book publisher and an online community supporting creators and fans through daily reviews, interviews, and podcasts that span the pop culture spectrum. FBC seeks to provide an outlet for up-and-coming artists and writers with a desire to create new works and media. By facilitating in-house collaborations and providing support and empowerment, FBC hopes to enable the production of professional and marketable creator-owned works. Fanboy Comics’ graphic novels, Something Ani-mal, Identity Thief, The Arcs, Fearworms: Selected Poems, and Penguins vs. Possums, are available online at www.fanboycomics.net.

NoHo Cinefest Iluminates at the NoHo 7

Archived - Latest News NoHo Arts District, North Hollywood

Lisa Bianconi

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04/15/2015

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The weeklong 2nd Annual North Hollywood Cinefest now showing at the Laemmle theaters on Lankershim Blvd. through April 16, 2015 is an independent movie goers dream.

NoHo Cinefest offers the best of the horror, comedy, award winning shorts and feature films. It showcases the top independent producers, directors, writers and actors as well. Visiting this festival it becomes apparent that independent film makers and audiences are a novel breed. They are not the snobbish sophisticates that inhabit only ‘special’ gatherings on the Westside of Los Angeles, but are more likely to be the neighbor or the teacher, or the biker encountered each day. Gustavo Sampaio is the organizer of this event and it is obvious that it took a big vision and a labor of love to make it happen here in North Hollywood.

The variety of films available each day is wonderful. Audiences will watch really good acting, writing, and directing in a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. The hefty lineup includes shorts and feature films in different genres that highlight a wide variety of talent to feast upon. Horror themes, red carpet events, opening night parties, and Q&A sessions keep the mood inspiring and engaging. A few special shorts are recommended to keep your eyes on such as: “Ophilia”, “The Girl on the Roof”, and “Performance Review”. Most are shot locally and with the traditional massive independent budget. Although they are very different, each offers a wonderful thought provoking twist .The writer/ director of Ophilia, Matteo Ribaudo has had success since 2005 with “In the Name of The Father”, which one in the comedy short division at the NY Independent Film and Video Festival. Now we taste his latest triumph in this dark drama. We are introduced to a loner, a young man who fanaticizes about love and connections. Or is it just a fantasy? Matteo has set the mood and the answers just out of our reach. This short film reminds us that characters and stories can be real or imagined and always memorable.

The fine performance of a young girl Lila (Naiia Ulrich), who is filled with sadness and loneliness, is discovered in Girl on the Roof. Bullied at school and ignored at home, her choices are limited. Writer/actress Amelia Jackson-Gray who plays Lucy, is her real world step-mother. How fortunate for the audience that this young actress who is the daughter of the director Skeet Ulrich was able to be in this fine short. On the comedic side, another one not to miss is Performance Review. A humorous look at the realities of relationships in our over defined and sped up world; where time is in short supply but anxious and over organized people are plentiful. All these films definitely resonate with the audience.

Watching one of the featured documentaries, “Someone You Love: the HPV Epidemic”, was painful and at times a bit overwhelming. This is a polished full length documentary that focuses on the tragedy and ignorance of the Human Papilloma Virus or HPV epidemic in our country. It shows us the hurt and the triumphs of five courageous women over the course of their surprising diagnosis. The audience is taken on a journey of discovery and pain as we witness the harsh reality of trying to survive with this life threatening virus. This film is compelling and determined in its message. The director Frederic Lumiere captures each person’s unique situation with grit and sensitivity. It is skillfully written by Mark Hefti who manages to weave many of the women’s own words into the story. Vanessa Williams is the perfect choice to narrate these stories and the NoHo Cinefest is exactly the right place to view this film. This is a very real health crisis and it is preventable. Hopefully, after this festival showing it will be in wide release for everyone to see.

Each day at the Cinefest brings new surprises and delights as both feature films and shorts are presented to eager audiences. Film festivals offer a new way to connect with the filmmakers and actors. The striking differences in content, genre, and style stand out as a wonderful tribute to the creativity and diversity of the film makers. It is wonderful to see the connection and accessibility everyone at the festival has with each other. Although organizing film festivals is not his full time job, Gustavo has succeeded in giving us an experience that will resonate with filmmakers and film goers alike. He is dedicated to sharing the best of the best to audiences in a different way from most movie festivals. He has accomplished this here. In addition some of the local restaurants have offered ticket holder discounts each day. Check out: Bow & Truss, The Eclectic, The Federal, Tokyo Delves, Big Wang’s and District Pub in the area. Part of the tickets sales will be going to the California Health Collaborative which educates and helps women with cervical and breast cancer issues. This is the 2nd annual festival and many worthy organizations contributed to its success. Hopefully, each year it will as interesting and accessible as this one has been. Everyone who loves film, independents and undiscovered talent should come. The North Hollywood CineFest will run April 10-16, 2015. Visit NoHoCinefest.com.

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

Get your music published!

LA Music Scene

Caroline McElroy

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04/15/2015

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Tammy Johnston is a freelance writer with a passion for music. One of her favorite pastimes is discovering local music treasures. She looks forward to sharing them with you!

As a music enthusiast, I gravitate toward innovative concepts. I recently happened upon a super cool company called Neko Music Group. What captured my attention were the eclectic sounds they encompass and the passion and commitment to support and stay true to the artist. Some of the Neko tunes I like include the genres of Rock, Hip Hop, Blues, Country, Pop and Classical.

Neko Music group is a cutting edge, music publishing and licensing company.

The management team is made up of established artists, musicians, engineers, producers, and business professionals. They work together to help you develop your sound and establish your musical identity.

Neko has worked with some of the biggest names in the business including Ray Parker Junior and Smokey Robinson.

I asked a few questions of CEO, Jeremy Goldsmith:

How did the concept start?
Lon Miller originally came up with the concept; He has been involved in the music industry for the last twenty years as a producer, and musician. We now have five partners who are working to bring NEKO to the songwriting audience. We are currently revamping our website, but it can be seen at www.nekomusicgroup.com.

What does Neko do?
We sign songwriters (not necessarily performers) and promote their songs to organizations, such as TV and Movie companies for use in their productions. We also have access to our own recording facilities so if we like one of your songs, we are able to record a quality demo of it and re-arrange it as needed.

From the beginning to the end, our objective is to successfully convey your message, develop your sound, and establish your musical identity. While our facilities are located in Hollywood, our approach aspires to produce sophisticated music that remains true to the artist’s and/or band’s style and sound.

Is there anything that you would like the public to know?
We are a fairly new company looking for songwriters, so please send us demos. We promise we will listen to every single one!

“So You Think You Can Dance” Finalist Alexander Fost Comes to NoHo!

Archived - Latest News NoHo Arts District, North Hollywood

Lisa Bianconi

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04/14/2015

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Alexander Fost of “SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE” Fame Performs with 11 Other Professional Dancers in Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre’s Show, “A Collection of New Works.”

ALEXANDER FOST, a season eight finalist on “So You Think You Can Dance,” will be one of 11 professional dancers performing in a new show called “A Collection of Works,” presented by Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre and Artistic Director and Choreographer Natasha Middleton on Saturday, April 25, 2015 at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 26, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. at the historic El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Boulevard (at Weddington Street), North Hollywood, CA 91601.

Fost, who hails from Alhambra, CA, recently made guest appearances on the popular television shows, Jane The Virgin and Hot in Cleveland. Named Mr. Dance USA in 2006, and Mr. Dance International in Tokyo, Alexander Fost went on to the top 10 in the 2008 Youth American Grand Prix ballet competition.

Photo courtesy of Alexander Fost

He received training from master teachers of the Bolshoi Ballet Academy, and has danced professionally with Media City Ballet, among others. Fost said, “I want to show that ballet is not exclusive to the stage, that it can be performed in other venues as well, such as movies, and even television.”

The production also features 11 other PBDT Soloist dancers, including: Elan Alekzander (of Anaheim), Artur Aleksanyan (of North Hollywood), Grigori Arakelyan (of Glendale), Brandon Forrest (of Burbank), Irina Gharibyan (of Burbank), Ani Hovhannisyan (of Glendale), Elen Harutunyan (of Tarzana), Pamela Ortega (of Burbank), Julia Sanches (of Santa Clarita), Damara Titmus (of West Hills) and Clayton Velasquez (of West Hollywood).

Photo courtesy of B. Deck

The program will feature “Chopin Pieces” set to the music of Frédéric Chopin’s romantic Nocturnes, intense Etudes and his melodic Fantasie-Impromtu; the World Premiere of “A Beginning. A Detour. An Open Ending.,” a modern contemporary piece of a man fighting for his identity choreographed by Clayton Velasquez set to the music of Imogen Heap; “Searching,” a new Adagio contemporary ballet duet set to the music of Kevin Keller; “Black Coffee” in which four dancers hash out their blues set to the music of k.d. lang; a solo piece entitled “Alejandro” set to the music of Lady Gaga danced by Alexander Fost and “Fire and Drums,” a dance of speed, strength and passion set to Native American Drumming.

Tickets are $41 and $51 and may be purchased through the El Portal Theatre Box Office by calling 818-508-4200, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. or through TheaterMania operators by calling 866-811-4111 from 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., seven days a week. Tickets are also available for sale 24/7 via the Internet by visiting www.pacificballetdancetheatre.com or www.elportaltheatre.com, Events and Tickets, Main Stage Theatre Calendar. Mention Code “Friend” when ordering and receive a $5 discount per ticket.

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About Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre and Natasha Middleton, Artistic Director and Choreographer:
Now celebrating its 14th Annual Season under the guidance of Artistic Director/Choreographer Natasha Middleton, Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre (PBDT) (formerly Media City Ballet Company) is dedicated to providing Los Angeles and the surrounding communities with quality live ballet productions, utilizing the inspired and creative talents of the local community, as well as professionals from around the world. PBDT is the only ballet company in Los Angeles presenting performances in the tradition and philosophy of the legendary Ballet Russe de Serge Diaghilev. Natasha Middleton’s grandmother, Elena Wortova, was a Soloist in the original Ballet Russe, which included other legendary dancers like Anna Pavlova, George Balanchine, Alexandra Danilova and Vaslav Nijinsky. Middleton’s father, Andrei Tremaine, was a Principal Dancer with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, and Soloist with the Ballet Nacional de Mexico and the Colon Opera Ballet of Buenos Aires. Natasha Middleton, a “Ballet Russe Baby,” was a Principal Dancer for her father’s ballet company, Pacific Ballet Theatre, as well as a member of the Joffrey II Ballet Company in New York City, before taking on the responsibilities of Artistic Director for Media City Ballet Company (now renamed Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre in honor of her father’s historic dance legacy and former dance company). For more information about Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre, please visit the website www.pacificballetdancetheatre.com.

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

Dance Your Way Home

Archived Spotlight on NoHo

nohoarts

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04/14/2015

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Every year, nohoartsdistrict.com does an article on a business that we feel is a perfect match to the NoHo Arts District. The business must be passionate about the arts, love NoHo and want to do their part in making NoHo the best it can be. The 2015 Award goes to Luanne Prima, owner of Prima Properties Real Estate.

Luanne grew up in Toluca Lake with her musical legend parents, Louis Prima and Keely Smith. Louis Prima was known as the King of Swing riding the musical trends of his time, starting with his New Orleans style jazz band then swing combo in the 1930s, a big band in the 1940s, a Vegas lounge act in the 1950s. Keely, a great jazz and pop vocalist in her own right enjoyed popularity in the 1950s and 1960s singing with the great Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett.

Luanne loves the arts, especially dance, and is entrenching herself in NoHo’s artistic and playful vibe. She has quickly becoming NoHo’s “Go to Broker” for two reasons.

1. She has taken the time to know every square inch of NoHo and surrounding areas such as Toluca Woods, Valley Village, Toluca Lake, etc. because as Luanne puts it “When a person buys a home, they are buying a lifestyle not just a house.”

2. She loves artists and has created an opportunity for artists to live their dream and pay the rent/mortgage. Luanne is offering artists interested in becoming a real estate agent to work under her broker firm and a chance to pick the hours they work without the fear of losing their job when going on an audition or free to go on tour.

Luanne has been in real estate for more than 20 years and her extensive knowledge goes from the California beach areas to here. She knows the importance of giving good information to her client and making sure the house/neighborhood is a match for the buyer. What I especially like about Luanne is that after the sale of a house, that buyer or seller still has her attention making sure that they are thoroughly orientated to her new neighborhood. She implements “A Client Appreciation Program” for all her clients as she says, “The relationship has just begun after the closing.”

Since it is a great time to buy a home…interest rates are low….and apartment rents are just about the same price as a mortgage, think about becoming a homeowner. If the answer is yes, the first step is to see Luanne, our NoHo “Go to Broker.”

Stay tuned for The “Go To Broker” on the streets series of videos with information about real estate and areas in general.

Don’t forget, if you have any kind of questions concerning real estate, give Luanne, Broker/Owner of Prima Properties Real Estate a call.

Luanne Prima

Broker/Owner Prima Properties Real Estate
www.primaproperties.us
www.primapropertiesLA.com
luanne@primaproperties.us

5250 Lankershim Blvd.
NoHo Arts District
L.A. Ca. 91601
818-861-7444 office
310-867-0680 cell

Dancer Wellness: 5 Must-Haves for Your Dance Bag

All About Dance

Luckie

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04/13/2015

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Dancer Wellness: 5 Must-Haves for Your Dance Bag

So there’s the “hair and make-up” emergency must-have kit. There’s the “rebuild your pointe shoes anywhere” must-have kit. There’s even the “tape and scrape that costume back together” kit. It’s up to you how much you really want to lug every where you go, but my recommendations here are for emergency use.

That’s right – those times we never wish would happen, but sometimes do. The trip and fall, the ankle tweak, the shoulder strain, the nerve pinch in the neck, the blister (or worse yet – the blister tear). Wince all you want – it happens! And never at a good time either. The best response to something like this is a quick one. It could be the difference between a short-term recovery or a long term one. And who has time for that!

My recommendations here are all easy to find – Rite-Aid/CVS/Walgreens, 99cent store, and/or Target should just about cover it. And you can get all 5 for about $50.

1. Blister Band Aids

These are magical! They stay on even when dancing bare foot. Avoid letting those blisters tear, get infected, or linger. These are waterproof and let me tell you, you won’t find it in the middle of the studio at the end of rehearsal.

2. Instant Ice Pack

If ANY injury happens, the first thing you’ll want to do is break open this instant ice pack to stop the swelling. Getting this on an injury fast and you will save yourself a lot of recovery time and pain! Ice for 15 minutes, and then wrap (see #3). Get another source of ice soon as you’ll want to ice again in about 20-30 minutes. This can be a cold tap if nothing else is available for a while. Do not use cooling topical creams or analgesics.

3. Ace Bandage

This stretchy wrap is wonderful to help hold your ice pack in place. Then you can use it to immobilize the area that was injured. By wrapping it somewhat tightly, you also add compression to the area which will help keep swelling down. Elevate the injured area.

4. Tennis Ball

Tried and true – nothing works out a spasm, foot cramp, strain – better than a tennis ball. There are some votes out there for hard balls like lacrosse balls and golf balls. However these are better for pressure points and should be used in consultation with a practitioner because overuse or the wrong use can lead to swelling and injury. Tennis balls have just the right amount of firm pressure with buoyancy that you can work it into a spot that’s gotten too tight, too fast. Use these to work out a cramp quickly, so you are keeping blood flow moving through the area so it will heal faster and not progress or cause too much compensation.

5. Personal Water Filtering Bottle

This is a great technological advance – filtered water, anywhere there’s a spigot or a sink. While this might be a bit of a surprise to be in a top five, think about it. As dancers, we need to be hydrated! You don’t want to be without water for very long and if you run out in the wrong situation – a long rehearsal, hot studio, forgot your Aquafina in your car – you could experience the side effects of dehydration which include dizziness, nausea, headaches, muscle cramping, fatigue, and more. Be on the safe side and have this in your bag for a back-up!

Happy dancing!

(Nothing in this article should be considered medical advice. In the case of an emergency, access professional medical help.)

Celebrate your sibling (s)! It’s National Siblings Day!

Archived - Latest News NoHo Arts District, North Hollywood

Lisa Bianconi

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04/10/2015

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Celebrate Your Brothers and Sisters…all types

According to the U.S. Census, 79% of all children in the U.S. grow up with siblings. That’s a lot of people. So we give our www.nohoartsdistrict.com readers a reminder: April 10, 2015 is National Sibling Day. Surprise your sibling and do something kind.

National Sibling Day is a day to honor, appreciate and cherish all brothers and sisters and memorialize those who are no longer with us. Take the time to give your sibling a hug, e-card, special lunch/dinner or maybe a simple picnic at the local park. For those on a budget and not geographically close to your sibling, send them a poem or a photo of you two playing as children, have a local restaurant deliver them dinner, or a phone call will work, too.

If you and your sibling live near each other and close to North Hollywood, pick up a NoHo Discount Card (nohoartsdistrict.com/nohocard) and discounts off a delicious meal together at The Federal Bar, Bow & Truss or The Eclectic.

Life is short. They got the same blood running through their veins. Remember what happens when you smile at some one ….they smile back automatically. So take National Sibling Day as a day to make your brother or sister smile.

If you are the only child, you can still celebrate. You can honor the friends who have acted just like a brother or sister. This day is to spread the love to those who stand by you like a sibling is supposed to.

This holiday was created by Claudia A. Evart of New York City to honor the memory of her sister Lisette and brother Alan. Both siblings died from tragic accidents. Claudia established a not for profit organization to promote this wonderful day of sibling appreciation – Siblings Day Foundation, www.siblingsday.org. Since 1998, 56 governors have signed proclamations in 32 states recognizing this day. To our knowledge, there has not been a presidential proclamation or act of congress to make this a true national holiday.

**** 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.

Improvised Opera in a Black Box Theatre? Yep.

Archived - Latest News NoHo Arts District, North Hollywood

Lisa Bianconi

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04/09/2015

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Opera with a cause in a black box, intimate NoHo theatre. It can be done, by Operaworks.

Well, here’s something you don’t see everyday, even in the creative NoHo Arts District: An opera with music improvised by the cast. But that’s what you’ll encounter at “The Discord Altar.” This is the first in a series of proposed productions from OperaWorks’ ASAP, (Arts for Social Awareness Project), an ambitious undertaking seeking to raise consciousness regarding social issues. Operaworks’ “The Discord Altar,” developed and produced in association with Fugitive Kind Theater, will run for four weekends in North Hollywood’s intimate Secret Rose Theatre. The cast of seven classically trained singing-actors, a pianist, and a fusion sound sculpture artist will present 12 one-hour performances that are fully staged and costumed with the musical score newly improvised each night. At the conclusion of each one-hour performance will be a short talkback session with different homeless shelter representatives and advocates from around the Los Angeles area.

L-R: Babatunde Akinboboye, Annie Sherman, Anjelica McRae, Alina Roitstein, Julia Aks, Vincent Robles

WHAT:The Discord Altar – full show synopsis
WHEN: April 10 – May 3
WHERE: Secret Rose Theatre – 11246 Magnolia Blvd. NoHo Arts District

OperaWorks founder and artistict director Ann Baltz took the time to answer some questions about the show and how their opera can reach a new audience touching upon social matters.

This OperaWorks’ ASAP show touches on the homeless. How did you choose this topic?

I regularly support several homeless shelters. The thought of someone living on the streets or in their car in the world’s richest country is incomprehensible to me. I chose this topic because it is something that every person is aware of and I wanted to dispel some of the myths about it. Any one of us could lose our job, health, or money and end up without a home. In today’s social media culture it is easy to read an online article about homelessness, click “Like”, and feel that we have done our part. I wanted to put a human face on the issue through live music/theater in intimate spaces.

What makes this different than a traditional opera?

In traditional opera the music for the singers and the orchestra is written down by a composer so that everyone knows what to sing or play. In “The Discord Altar,” the script has been written but the music is completely improvised by the singers and instrumentalists in each performance. In this way, no two performances are alike. The story has been written and the general shape of the opera is there, but the performers all have the flexibility to be truly “in the moment” and react in ways they never could when the music has been previously composed.

This production also differs in that it addresses a specific socially relevant topic. And there will be post-performance talkbacks with representatives from different homeless shelters. This will give audiences an opportunity to learn more from those who are directly involved with the homeless in Los Angeles. This is our way of using Art to increase awareness and consciousness about the homeless on a visceral level.

L-R: Alina Roitstein (Emily), Anjelica McRae (Vanelda)

Can an opera be done in an intimate theatre?

I know it’s a bit odd to think of big operatic voices in an intimate space. The truth is that the acoustics in small playhouses tend to be acoustically dry so, while these singers have big voices, their voices are “present” but not overwhelming.

I wanted to produce this opera in an intimate space to enhance the immediacy of the characters’ lives, those who are living, or who used to live, on the streets. Our director and designers have created a world in the Secret Rose Theatre that feels very much like the warehouse where the opera takes place. It’s a very different experience in this space than it would be at, say, the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion where you might be 100’s of feet away from the stage. In this setting, where the audience is 8-15 feet away from the performers, the actual vibrations from the singing, the ability to see facial expressions, the close proximity to the characters’ world are inescapable, and the performances can be riveting.

L-R: Julia Aks (Richie), Annie Sherman (Lena)

How can this opera appeal to a non-opera audience?

I’m so glad you asked this. We struggled with how to categorize this piece. I know some people see the word “opera” or especially “contemporary opera” and run the other way. I used to be one of those people, so I am particularly sensitive to creating live music/theater pieces in which the music is a powerful expressive tool that contributes to the whole experience.

Our cast consists of not only terrific opera singers, but most of them also sing other kinds of music as well – jazz, gospel, musical-theater – so we are finding in creating this piece that there is a variety of musical styles coming out in the opera. There is also spoken dialogue and, because the musical elements are improvised, sometimes the singer-actors will speak lines, and the next time sing them, depending on the moment. It’s a fascinating process. Our percussionist, Ray Salas, is someone whose sounds you will not find in a traditional opera! He creates his own instruments from found objects, and the mesmerizing soundscapes he creates in performance support the drama so beautifully.

It is my hope that “The Discord Altar” will leave our audiences with two things: (1) a new insight into the urgent problem of homelessness and (2) a live theater experience that they will not forget.

What’s coming up next for OperaWorks’ ASAP?

Oh, there are so many other topics on our list for future projects: aging in our society, poverty, immigration, the effects of war, foster care. Development of each new work will involve collaborative creative teams from OperaWorks and other like-minded arts organizations that are interested in advocacy theater and have demonstrated a passion for making a difference in society. We partnered with Fugitive Kind Theater company for this project, which has been amazing. I am looking forward to more collaborations with them.

We are in discussions now about the next project that will probably launch late this Fall. I would love to do two of these projects each year, and remount them in other cities. We have had a lot of individual donor support for this project, raising about 30% of our costs. As with any non-profit arts organization, the support of our donors makes a huge difference in our ability to create and sustain new projects.

In the meantime, this is our 29th year of running two opera training residency programs during the summers, both of which conclude with full semi-improvised productions in an intimate theater on the campus of California State University-Northridge. The productions are wildly inventive and entertaining! Information: www.operaworks.org.

FACEBOOK | TWITTER

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

NoHo News: Cinefest, Cathartic Art, Clutch, Class, Improvised Opera

Archived - Latest News NoHo Arts District, North Hollywood

Lisa Bianconi

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04/09/2015

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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.

Non-Profit Group Rep Theatre Sued for WHAT?!

Archived - Latest News NoHo Arts District, North Hollywood

Lisa Bianconi

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04/08/2015

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Ladies Night Turns Into Lawsuit

Beware! Intimate theatre has enough challenges these days, but some surprisingly perilous hurdles are still out there. A 501(C)(3) non-profit, The Group Repertory Theatre Company, whose home is the ‪Lonny Chapman Theatre in the NoHo Arts‬ ‪District‬, was served with a lawsuit in November of 2013 for allegedly violating California’s Unruh Act (anti-discrimination legislation). Plaintiffs held that the theatre had discriminated against them, claiming they had been denied a “Ladies’ Night Discount” based on their gender. The GRT disputed this claim.

Wait a minute, you say. Let me get this straight! It sounds like a small non-profit theatre that has been bringing funny, provocative, classic, bold, new, engaging plays and musicals to the greater Los Angeles theater community for 41 years offers a bunch of half-price discounts, calls one of them “Ladies’ Night,” and then a couple of guys purchase full price tickets so they can sue?! Is this a plot from a Neil Simon comedy? Or David Mamet?

The plaintiffs (and their attorney!) have filed dozens of such lawsuits to various establishments in Los Angeles and other counties. The attorney is perhaps best known for suing the Oakland A’s in 2004 for not getting a Mothers’ Day Hat at a fan appreciation game (for Pete’s sake!).

But David stood up to the Goliath of threatened litigation. GRT had to find an attorney and answer summons and answer interrogatories and submit to depositions and depose the plaintiffs. The precious dollars that would have been spent enhancing our productions, doing maintenance, improving studio space, or reaching out further to our community now had to go to court and filing fees.

After months of preparation, wrangling, nail-biting, cost-cutting, and prayer and only 10 days before the trial was set to commence, the plaintiffs dismissed their suit with GRT, which agreed that it would not seek what it had spent in court fees. Had the GRT lost the trial, it would have gone bankrupt!

The Group Rep company thanking attorney Sean Macias

Instead, the Group Rep is celebrating its victory in defending the arts: Our season continues! The membership breathes a tremendous sigh of relief! We plan for the next show.

The Group Rep strongly believes in its mission to present quality theatre to its audiences and artistic training and opportunities to its members. We members continue to reach out to our community by creating and strengthening relationships with actors, directors, writers, technicians, students and with veterans, underprivileged children, and seniors. It’s a darn shame that certain people would exploit such a place by bringing frivolous lawsuits that clog up legal avenues and corrupt the spirit of a law that essentially agrees with the spirit of intimate theatre like ours: to bring people closer together in understanding and equal treatment.

If this makes you mad – GOOD! You can help prevent future such wastes of time and energy. Tell your friends; warn other theaters, bars, restaurants, etc. (like we are doing). To help us recoup the thousands of dollars spent on court and other legal fees from this shameless attack on the arts, please go to theGROUPrep.com to the ABOUT US tab and standby for more information about our upcoming Legal Defense Fundraiser!

Now, about that AEA 99 Seat crisis…

For more information about The Group Rep at the Lonny Chapman Theatre please visit www.thegrouprep.com

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

SALUTE THE TROOPS: MILITARY WORKING DOGS ARE HEROES, TOO!

Pets District

nohoarts

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04/08/2015

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Photo: US Marine Corps Cpl. Joshua Young

Dogs are often called “a man’s best friend”, and rightfully so. Dogs are one of the most compassionate and loyal animals that we are so lucky to have as pets. We are even more grateful that many breeds are highly skilled and easily trained not only for everyday life, but in some cases, military operations. As a Marine Corps veteran myself, I’ve had the pleasure of hearing stories first-hand from other veterans about how loyal, diligent and intelligent military working dogs are. They are on the front lines of combat and they risk their lives for their handlers, their platoons, and their country. If you ever are unsure if military working dogs deserve respect from this country, here’s a breakdown of what a military working dog’s life entails – you’ll never question it again.

military dog2
Photo: US Air Force Staff Sgt. Jeremy Bowcock

Military Working Dogs (MWDs) are trained from young ages for service.

Consider this – men and women wait until 18 years of age to join the military and go through weeks to months of boot camp, MWDs are trained from youth. A MWD is fostered by a family close to the MWD training base, typically until the dog is one year old (but in rare cases, 2 or more). After just one year of puppy life, the future MWD is given back to the training base where they go through at minimum 6 months of training before they are certified and assigned a military base. Their whole lives revolve around learning how to apprehend suspects, detect explosives and other potential dangers, and defend and protect their handlers and platoons. MWDs train, fight, and in some cases, pay the ultimate sacrifice for this country, just like the troops do.

Photo: US Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston

Not all dogs can be military working dogs.

Contrary to popular belief, the military cannot rescue shelter dogs or receive pets donated for service. Only the most elite and obedient dogs can serve. Once chosen, a MWD’s life is changed forever. A MWD will develop a bond with his/her handler, and vice versa, which is another level of loyalty and love when faced in an environment of danger and fear. MWDs and their handlers have a bond unlike any other in the world.

Photo: US Air Force Tech. Sgt. Christopher Campbell

Once trained and ready to serve, a MWD holds a critical position within a platoon in combat.

They are trained to bite but not kill. A strategic bite in certain areas of a suspect’s body can put them in a debilitating hold until their handler comes to apprehend them. MWDs are capable of so many things that assist a platoon in warfare, such as detecting explosives, potential danger, or an enemy. They rely on their extensive training and killer instinct, thus, protecting and saving the lives of servicemembers and civilians.

Photo: US Air Force Staff Sgt. Jeremy Bowcock

Military Working Dogs are not brainwashed to only kill.

They are skilled troops but also loving and loyal animals by nature. They don’t receive the same exact treatment as our pets at home – they don’t get to go home with their handlers every day, and they don’t always receive the proper health care they deserve. Recent controversy about this is still ongoing, but we are on the right path. For the most part, MWDs live extraordinary lives and return home to a long waiting list of families who wish to adopt them. In many happy cases, a MWD’s handler gets to adopt his dog. Just like any case of combat, returning home and living peaceful lives are the happiest endings – and doing so with the loyal dog with whom a troop served is an incredible bonus.

military dog6

As a dog lover and Marine Corps veteran, nothing fills my heart more than the service, loyalty and love of a Military Working Dog. As a nation,

we recognize their service and dedication is just as honorable as the service of men and women who serve. A national monument was built in their honor, and we continue to do the best we can to care for them in combat, and once they return home. So, if you ever come across a MWD, be sure to give extra love to those four-legged troops!

#salutethetroops #sot #supportourtroops #militaryworkingdog #mwd #marines #k9 #troops

NoHo Dodgeball is HERE.

Archived - Latest News NoHo Arts District, North Hollywood

Lisa Bianconi

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04/06/2015

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It starts with Dodgeball but it’s much more.

The NoHo Arts District dot com team is thrilled the Eagle Rock Yacht Club (E.R.Y.C) is the official DODGEBALL league in our North Hollywood community! So drag out those high tops and get ready to Duck, Throw, Catch, Dive and DODGE! Even if you were the one who got pegged in the head the first 15 seconds of the game back in elementary school, it’s ok, now’s your chance to play, meet new friends, do some good and have loads of fun…in your neighborhood.

The ERYC is kicking off the spring season of dodgeball in North Hollywood on April 14 at 8PM: The season will begin April 14 and end June 16 (schedule)

WHERE: Valley Plaza Rec Center 12240 Archwood St.
North Hollywood CA 91606
WHEN: Tuesdays 8PM – 9:30PM
SEASON: April 14 – June 16

REGISTER>>

Twitter: @theeryc | Facebook

The Yacht Club believes that every individual has the responsibility to be involved in their community. Through dodgeball, civic service, relationships with rec centers and our youth, The Yacht Club hopes to inspire you to pursue the common good.

What they do, on the daily…

It starts with dodgeball.

We’re an adult dodgeball league, a circle of friends, an army of do-gooders. We establish and run adult dodgeball leagues while partnering with the local rec center to develop original programs for children in under-resourced communities in Los Angeles and Detroit. Our programs—Yacht Grub (kids cooking), Yacht Plot (community gardening), Yacht Pix (kids photography) and our flagship program, Yacht Crew (kids dodgeball)—have been created to provide kids with fun, safe and creative experiences that go beyond what they might have access to at school. And we are able to do this by drawing from the single greatest resource at our disposal—our players!

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Why did you choose North Hollywood?

When the league started, our goal was to create hubs of dodgeball activity that was spread out across the city to make it more convenient to Angelenos who are mostly dependent on car-travel. We have a league in Venice, two on the Eastside in Glassell Park and Highland Park, and wanted to round out our locations with NoHo, Los Angeles’ hidden gem.

What can one expect from joining the North Hollywood league?

Anybody who joins the league can expect a ton of fun, good vibes, and a great social atmosphere with a give-back component to the community. And exercise, of course.

How has the league helped you with some of your programs?

The bulk of the philanthropic work we do revolves around the communities and Rec Centers we’re active in. We’ve thrown tournaments to raise money for gym improvements in NoHo, to help create a more welcoming place for kids to spend their time. Next month we’re actually hosting a tournament to help fund a score board that is needed at Valley Plaza Rec Center.

Get involved>>

**** 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.

No boring dinner and a movie night at Bow & Truss

Archived - Latest News NoHo Arts District, North Hollywood

Lisa Bianconi

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04/06/2015

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The NoHo Dine-in? Yep. At Bow & Truss

NoHo’s own Bow & Truss has a new spin on the classic dinner and a movie night out. They will screen a throwback movie on their patio on select Tuesdays. They’ve locked in movies through August 25! So $15 gets you a reserved spot and a movie-themed snack. Reservations must be made through the email movienight@bowandtruss.com with the following info:

1. First and last name
2. Number in your party
3. Phone number
4. Best times to reach you to get credit card info to reserve your spot

WHEN: Tuesdays at 7:30PM

The screening schedule is as follows:

May 19 –Who Framed Roger Rabbit
May 26 – Pee Wee’s Big Adventure
June 9 – Beetlejuice
June 9 – Beetlejuice
June 30 – Jurassic Park
July 14 – Hook
July 28 – Dirty Dancing
August 11 – Labyrinth
August 25 – Back to the Future

New movies added!

September 8 – Dumb & Dumber
September 22 – When Harry Met Sally
October 6 – Poltergeist
October 20 – Scream

See you at the NoHo Dine-in at Bow & Truss!

**** 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 Power of the Camera

The Slings and Arrows of Independent Filmmaking

Samantha Simmonds-Ronceros

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04/06/2015

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The chances are that people all around you are up to something. And by that I don’t just mean cheating on their tax returns. They are creating, they are writing, they are shooting, they are planning and scheming and all that energy is well worth taping into.

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From time to time I get a bit stagnant in my work.

I need distraction, I need inspiration and I need it quick and dirty.

There is no better way to grab all of that and everything else that you need, for that matter, than to help out others on their projects.

Collaboration as motivation and inspiration…

Whether you lend them a car for a shoot, or your house, or give them some input on their script, or an idea for a location, or actually show up and work, whatever you do for them, you are doing for yourself.

Because without collaboration nothing would ever get done, and, and this is the important bit I think, you won’t feel connected to the real and achievable possibilities the universe has on offer in bucket loads. The universe has designed these opportunities just for you. They are bespoke, as they said in the nineties. They are real and they are right there, waiting for you, you just need to open your self-obsessed little eyes and look beyond your immediate framework of needs.

Here is a classic example of what I am talking about.

And it happened to me just a last week…

So you may or you may not have heard all about this Actors Equity Union, ’I love 99’ furore. I am based in the NoHo Arts district, so it was pretty hard for me to ignore, if I’m honest. And as I am now being completely honest, apparently, I wasn’t really certain it had anything much do to with me or my work.

Of course it does…

I review theatre, I enjoy theatre, I cast my projects often from the theatre I see, and I live and work in NoHo, which is only an arts district in the first place because of these 20, under 99 seat theatres that would be brutally effected by the changes Equity proposes.

Basically what the brilliant people at Equity management are concerned with is the under 99 seat theatre agreement, which at present allows theatre with under 99 seats to run Equity sanctioned productions, employing both Equity and non-Equity actors, to produce theatre with no intention for profit, or pay. They have this special arrangement because there is no profit, because these theatres are tiny and have no money…but they still produce vitally important plays, some of which get picked up by larger theatres that do have money and can therefore pay the cast and crew and even offer Equity memberships to those actors who are non-Equity. SAG has the same kind of allowances for film through their SAG New Media contracts, which I use on every single film I produce and with which over 30 actors I have cast have been able to to join the union.

So basically, Equity wants to tell these theatres that they can go ahead and produce any play they want to, but they can’t use Equity actors any more, unless they pay them for their time.

What this will mean is that all these theatres won’t be able to cast Equity actors, and those Equity actors, who rarely get work in the handful of Equity houses in LA, will be unable to perform, even in self-produced theatre….

How ridiculous….

So the Equity actors who also thought this was ridiculous, which is basically all the Equity Actors in LA, got together and held a march in NoHo, because ironically, since NoHo has more theatres than anywhere else in LA, Equity just moved their head office here…

And I, in some mysterious series of events that are still unclear to me, got roped in to “doing a bit of filming.”

This “bit of filming” turned into me staying throughout the entire event, marching with the 500 or more furiously chanting actors up Lankershim Blvd, and filming the speeches the event organizers made to rapturous applause outside the union building.

Well, I had a fantastic time….

I actually felt like a war correspondent or something, and let’s face it, when was the last time we saw a good union rally, or a good protest in LA? I suppose it was the writers’ strike and that was what, 2007?

So I filmed everything.

I got out my new monopod, secured it to my camera and off I went. I filmed the gathering of the forces at base camp, the rabble rousing by the organizers, the enthusiastic start and the more enthusiastic arrival at Equity.

I filmed the singing, the chanting, the waving of signs, the smiling faces, the camaraderie, the passion and the limping. I filmed the kids in strollers, the dogs barking, the ukulele strummers and everyone in between.

I filmed everything…

And the funny thing was, although I began the day not quite relating to the event itself, on a personal level that is, by the end of the day I was a passionate conscript to the cause. Ihad bumped into a few people I had worked with in the past – reconnecting – and I had pretty much cut a short film in my head before I had even reviewed the footage.

Success!!

I didn’t anticipate that I would go anywhere beyond shooting a few minutes of footage of the beginning of the march….

So what did I learn from all this, and, more importantly, what can you learn from all this?

Well, I reminded myself that film is not separated from theatre at all and especially not in this town. All the theatre actors are also film actors after all and what is important to them should be important to me. As a director I want my actors to feel appreciated. I want them to feel connected to the work and to feel respected. It’s shocking that their own union doesn’t feel that way and I am appalled on their behalf.

It takes a village to make a film. And as I have mentioned many, many times, you can have the crappiest camera in the world, but if you put amazing actors in front of it, no one will ever notice.

Film may well be a director’s medium, I can agree that theatre is an actor’s medium for sure, but as filmmakers we rely on our actors to tell the story, to speak the lines and to move the audience.

Sure, we can cut around bad performances, we can make good one’s sometimes better, but when you have an actor who takes everything to another level, who magically transforms what you thought you wanted into something else, something better…then all the hard work, the long hours of preparation and hair pulling and last minute shenanigans seem more than worth it.

An actor can make a film great…

So we should connect without fellow artists and support them and rally behind them at every opportunity.

I was proud to be in NoHo that day, proud to be a part of the fight and proud to film it.

Here’s the finished piece, please excuse the occasional wobble, myself and my monopod were slightly buffeted by the wind, and completely moved by the words spoken…

Power to the people!!!!

Who Knew Dude Quilters Were So Dope?

LA Art

nohoarts

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04/03/2015

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There’s no misnomer to these “man”-made quilts. Man-Made: Contemporary Male Quilters is exactly that, a dude quilting exhibition at the Craft and Folk Art Museum (CAFAM).

I drive by the Craft and Folk Art Museum (CAFAM) every day on my way home from work.

I always seem to hit the red light at the Curson-Wilshire crossroad directly in front of it. While usually I would call it a punishment light for how frequently I have to stop there, I actually really enjoy it. I get time to check out what phrase CAFAM has written on the chain link fence in the combination of knit, stuffed lettering. Last time I saw the fence it read “#BlackLivesMatter.” Today it read “Be the Change.” I’m so glad I finally parked my car and went inside.

I walked up on a Sunday to pay the entry fee ($7 General Admission), and come to find out Sundays are pay-what-you-can, donation-based. Now this is an institution that understands the place art has in Angeleno culture, I thought. The positive tone had been set: CAFAM understands that art is more than a money-making or investment enterprise, and should be accessible to all.

I donated the seven bucks I was already expecting to, and walked to the third floor exhibit: Man-Made: Contemporary Male Quilters.

You don’t have to work hard to see how mold-breaking this exhibition is. Each artist’s work is far from simple, but easily appreciated since quilting is proliferately an American pastime (albeit not generally associated with demographics outside of grandmothers). There really is a harmonious contrast between the traditional and the contemporary.

The artists featured in Man-Made are: Joe Cunningham, Luke Haynes, Jimmy McBride, Aaron McIntosh, Joel Otterson, Dan Olfe, Shawn Quinlan, and Ben Venom.

While I feel like any verbal representation of CAFAM and Man-Made will cheapen how wonderful it is, I’m too excited to not talk about some of my favorite artists from the exhibit. But before I do that, truly, go see it. I’ll be the blogger version of Dora here: don’t question me, just do it.

The first of the exhibition artists I’d like to highlight here is LUKE HAYNES:

Luke Haynes sets the tone for Man-Made, and with his display situated to the left of the entrance, he does it without needing to physically be front and center. Taken from The American Context, his series features friends in poses mimicking American artists’ works, but in contemporary garb. Quite literally. Jeans become jeans, and a lace top becomes a lace top. Haynes truly sets the tone for the exhibit: craft meets fine art as one of the most beautiful and challenging mash-ups around.

BEN VENOM:

Ben Venom goes as masculine as you can get with quilting. And then he flips you on your head. Ben Venom takes you on a journey from teenage-you cutting up your rock t-shirts to the Civil Rights movement to Sistine Chapel-reminiscent American Patriotism (I couldn’t help but feel he does it all while mocking Ed Hardy).

JOE CUNNINGHAM:

Cunningham quilts human-sized paintings comfy enough to wrap around a human being. All too appropriate is how Cunningham reinvents what a quilt is. He holds it up to what would be considered “traditional” art as a framed painting, and reinvents how a hanging piece can physically comfort you, as it emotionally comforts him when he feels hopeless against world plights and catastrophes.

DAN OLFE:

Self-taught quilter, Princeton graduate with a PhD from California Institute of Technology, Dan Olfe embodies ceilings shattered. In the real world, as well as the art world, Olfe knows no boundaries. Or at least shows that he breaks them down and doesn’t take no for an answer. He began his quilting career by conceptualizing quilts using graphics software. In a craft space predominately seen as a “feminine”, Dan Olfe embodies a fully rounded man, artist, human, you name it. Exactly what we expect to be seen in the 21st century.

JIMMY MCBRIDE:

(yeah, that’s a quilt up above, not a painting). Nuff said.

AARON MCINTOSH:

McIntosh’s work is very personal and poignant. His Forest Frolic (above) is perhaps the most minimalist quilt of the show (quite physically in terms of fabric), but one that pushes the envelope and the bounds of contemporary art in a big way. There’s an offbeat feeling in having a craft associated with family and history, express voyeurism and loneliness. McIntosh tackles not only these massive concepts of insecurity and chronic ache, but also the topic of overt homosexuality in rural spaces.

Another way CAFAM allows you to get to know the artists is through a video loop of artist documentary-style interviews. Nothing is left out when it comes to what you expect of CAFAM’s crafty niche. Not only was it hosting a quilting workshop with Luke Haynes the day I visited (advanced registration only), but there was a section dedicated to creating a makeshift, miniature quilt. A basket with triangles and quilt pattern suggestions is placed near the entrance/exit, so visitors can string together their own, community version of a quilt.

CAFAM found its niche in the art world, and simultaneously the cutting edge of Contemporary Art. Not only is CAFAM monetarily accessible to all, it’s also intellectually accessible to all. The availability of each artist’s work in a non-pretentious presentation CAFAM fosters comes from concept, craft, and the well-constructed artist bios that bring home how these are men in the 21st century fighting the good fight against stereotype. Non-pretentious is, however, not to be confused with the polished and professional display CAFAM presents.

The Craft and Folk Art Museum was more than worth braving weird Sunday traffic. CAFAM is currently running several exhibitions aside from Man-Made until May 3rd, such as Focus Iran: Contemporary Photography and Video, and Jonas Becker’s The Pile. Don’t worry…the entry fee covers all exhibitions.

Jonas Becker’s The Pile (above).

Craft and Folk Art Museum (CAFAM), 5814 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036; through May 3, 2015

Really. California Gets Pennies.

Archived - Latest News NoHo Arts District, North Hollywood

Lisa Bianconi

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04/03/2015

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Really. California Gets Pennies. But we contribute so much.

“On March 26, in a historic show of bipartisan and bicameral support, the Maryland Senate unanimously passed HB 70 and HB 72, … With this passage, the budget fully restores arts funding for FY 2016 to the mandated level of nearly $16.8 million.” — Washington Post & States Art Action Network, March 31, 2015

Maryland has a population of less than 6 million. California — with over 38 million residents — is hoping to pass an arts budget of $10 million. That’s about 26 cents per resident. Maryland is at $2.80 and Minnesota at $6.54 per resident. But even 26 cents is a vast improvement over last year when we were at 13 cents and two years ago when we were last in the nation at 3 cents per person.

Why is California — home to so many artists and the largest creative economy in the world — so deplorable at funding the arts? Because politicians here don’t think you care.

But that’s not unusual. It’s echoed at the federal government level, too.

Setting any social benefits aside, if you just separate federal government funding by Return On Investment, the arts is scandalously underfunded. Consider this: agriculture contributes $775 Billion to the Gross Domestic Product and receives $149 Billion in government support. Arts and Cultural non-profits contribute $159 Billion to the Gross Domestic Product and receives a paltry $150 Million in government support (NEA). Agriculture returns five dollars to GDP for every $1 of government subsidy. Arts and Culture returns $1,000 for every dollar of government subsidy.

So why isn’t government investing more in Arts and Culture? YOU.

Politicians need two things: money and votes. Agriculture is a big business that donates millions to politicians, and even though there are many more arts patrons than farmers, they make agriculture funding a condition of their support. And they are organized. Artists vote at 83%, far above the national norm, but almost never make politicians afraid they won’t vote for them unless they support the arts. And we don’t engage our audiences in our cause.

So what can you do? Send a letter to your state legislators letting them know you support increased arts funding in our state, and tell everyone you know — including your audience –to do the same. Click HERE to how to find your legislator. And don’t forget to cc the California Arts Advocates president Rick Stein rick@californiaartsadvocates.org.

Thank those politicians that support, warn those that don’t, that you vote and the arts matter!

Thanks,
John Gallogly

John Gallogly is Executive Director at Theatre West and a board member of both the California Arts Advocates and Californians for the Arts.

John Gallogly Theatre West www.nohoartsdistrict.com

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

Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre Presents A COLLECTION OF WORKS

Archived Spotlight on NoHo

NoHo - North Hollywood

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04/02/2015

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Dancers Clayton Velasquez and Dale Jordan – Photo by Genta Carter

Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre (PBDT), (formerly known as Media City Ballet Company), Natasha Middleton, Artistic Director and Choreographer will kick off it’s 14th Anniversary Season at the historic El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Boulevard (at Weddington Street), North Hollywood, CA 91601 with a fresh new show of classical and contemporary dance entitled, “A Collection of Works” to be presented on the Main Stage at the El Portal Theatre on Saturday, April 25, 2015 at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 26, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. In addition, two other new productions soon to be announced will be presented at the El Portal Theatre in September 2015 and November 2015 respectively, as part of Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre’s 14th Anniversary Season.

Special Appearance by Alexander Fost, So You Think You Can Dance Season 8 Finalist – Photo by JONO Photography

Natasha Middleton, Artistic Director and Choreographer of Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre said, “‘A Collection of Works’ will feature beautiful Pas de Deux’, Pas De Trois’, Quartets and Ensembles set to music of both classical and modern contemporary composers. The program will feature our company’s most accomplished and experienced professional Soloist dancers.”

Alexander Fost (of Alhambra), a Season Eight Finalist of So You Think You Can Dance, will make a special appearance in the show. The production also features 10 other PBDT Soloist dancers, including: Elan Alekzander (of Anaheim), Artur Aleksanyan (of North Hollywood), Grigori Arakelyan (of Glendale), Irina Gharibyan (of Burbank), Ani Hovhannisyan (of Glendale), Elen Harutunyan (of Tarzana), Pamela Ortega (of Burbank), Julia Sanches (of Santa Clarita), Damara Titmus (of West Hills) and Clayton Velasquez (of West Hollywood).

The program will feature “Chopin Pieces” set to the music of Frédéric Chopin’s romantic Nocturnes, intense Etudes and his melodic Fantasie-Impromtu; the World Premiere of “A Beginning, A Detour and an Open Ending,” a modern contemporary piece of a man fighting for his identity choreographed by Clayton Velasquez set to the music of Imogene Heap; “Searching,” a new Adagio contemporary ballet duet set to the music of Kevin Keller; “Black Coffee” in which four dancers hash out their blues set to the music of k.d. lang; and “Fire and Drums,” a dance of speed, strength and passion set to American Indian Drumming.

Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre has received much critical acclaim in the media. The Los Angeles Times has written: “The ambitious troupe has much to be proud of,” while The Burbank Leader wrote: “The dancers are focused and have lovely technique.” The Daily Splash has written: “The dancing left much of the audience with their mouths open as they watched in awe. The flexibility and the grace that all of the performers displayed was breathtaking. This was a magical evening that will not be forgotten.”

Tickets are $41 and $51 and may be purchased by calling the El Portal Theatre Box Office Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. by calling 818-508-4200 or through TheaterMania operators from 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., seven days a week by calling 866-811-4111. Tickets are also available for sale 24/7 via the Internet at https://web.ovationtx.com/trs/pr/944322.

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Limited Free Parking is available behind the theatre in the Lankershim Elementary School parking lot located on the corner of Weddington Street and Bakman Street. There is also metered and some free parking on streets surrounding the theatre, and paid parking at The Federal Restaurant located across the street from the theatre.

To learn more about the show, please visit www.elportaltheatre.com, Events and Tickets, Main Stage Theatre Calendar and www.pacificballetdancetheatre.com. To view a sampling of previous work of Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre, please visit https://vimeo.com/120824991. Network with us at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pacific-Ballet-Dance-Theatre/86766326286 and tweet with us @natashaPBDT

About Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre and Natasha Middleton, Artistic Director and Choreographer:
Now celebrating its 14th Annual Season under the guidance of Artistic Director/Choreographer Natasha Middleton, Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre (PBDT) (formerly Media City Ballet Company) is dedicated to providing Los Angeles and the surrounding communities with quality live ballet productions, utilizing the inspired and creative talents of the local community, as well as professionals from around the world. PBDT is the only ballet company in Los Angeles presenting performances in the tradition and philosophy of the legendary Ballet Russe de Serge Diaghilev. Natasha Middleton’s grandmother, Elena Wortova, was a Soloist in the original Ballet Russe, which included other legendary dancers like Anna Pavlova, George Balanchine, Alexandra Danilova and Vaslav Nijinsky. Middleton’s father, Andrei Tremaine, was a Principal Dancer with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, and Soloist with the Ballet Nacional de Mexico and the Colon Opera Ballet of Buenos Aires. Natasha Middleton, a “Ballet Russe Baby,” was a Principal Dancer for her father’s ballet company, Pacific Ballet Theatre, as well as a member of the Joffrey II Ballet Company in New York City, before taking on the responsibilities of Artistic Director for Media City Ballet Company (now renamed Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre in honor of her father’s historic dance legacy and former dance company). For more information about Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre, please visit the website www.pacificballetdancetheatre.com.

NoHo News: Improvised Opera, Cinefest, Trucks, Crown City + The Road

Archived - Latest News NoHo Arts District, North Hollywood

Lisa Bianconi

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04/02/2015

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Here’s the NoHo eNews

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.

NoHo’s Own Film Festival: NoHo Cinefest

Archived - Latest News NoHo Arts District, North Hollywood

Lisa Bianconi

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04/01/2015

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North Hollywood CineFest Returns to NoHo!

The North Hollywood (NoHo) CineFest will run April 10-16, 2015 at the Laemmle NoHo7 theater, in the heart of the NoHo Arts District. This international film festival will showcase nearly one hundred films over seven days with the corresponding red carpet event in attendance by celebrities, media and filmmakers from around the globe.

This year a portion of all ticket sales from the festival will be donated to support Cervical & Breast Cancer awareness. The entertainment industry, civic leaders, and iconic local businesses will join together to show that “NoHo ❤’s The Ladies.” Saturday, April 11, festival founder, Gustavo Sampaio, will be appearing on the KCAL9 Weekend Morning Show at 8am to discuss the importance of this cause and the festival’s philanthropic impact within the community.

“It’s an honor to bring North Hollywood a film festival in such a vibrant artist community that deserves a spotlight and an annual event to celebrate great independent filmmaking, ” says Gustavo Sampaio, the festival’s founder. “We believe that with the support of the North Hollywood residents and businesses this festival can grow to become an internationally recognized event in the film industry as well as an exciting destination for people coming from abroad.”

The red carpet on Saturday, April 11 6pm-10pm will host celebrities such as Sean Astin, Mimi Rogers and Chris Mulkey, scheduled to attend the screening/Q&A for “The Surface,” as well as Edward Furlong and Vinnie Jones for “Awaken,” also starring Daryl Hannah. Skeet Ulrich is anticipated to discuss his work as director on “The Girl on the Roof.” Monday, April 13 will feature a line up of new horror films, capping off with a terrifying selection of short films and scheduled appearances by celebrity actors such as Dan Yeager and horror queen Ivonna Cadaver.

Key community partners and sponsors include Century West BMW, The Malibu Chronicle, Para Todos Magazine, BD Guidance, StartUp TI Foundation, Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Krekorian, Nohoartsdistrict.com, the Universal City North Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and many more. The opening night party will be hosted by the Bow & Truss Restaurant and Coldcock Whiskey.

The festival has partnered with Every Woman Counts, a statewide program providing free cervical and breast cancer screening to under-served women. The California Health Collaborative and the Susan G. Komen Foundation are helping to spread the word and save lives of women in the community.

“Someone You Love: The HPV Epidemic,” a moving documentary narrated by Vanessa Williams, will share the journey of five women as they battle cervical cancer. This film explores the many misconceptions regarding cervical cancer and who may be at risk for these diseases. While cervical cancer is less common than breast cancer, it’s nearly 100% preventable. Cervical cancer is caused by a persistent Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection and, because of this, many women assume that screening is only necessary for women who have had many sexual partners, but this is not the case. HPV is a very common virus and most adults have been infected with HPV at some time, making it a risk for those who have had even one sexual partner.

About North Hollywood CineFest

The North Hollywood CineFest is an annual international film festival event located in North Hollywood, California, showcasing short and feature films (including student films) from anywhere in the world and offers awards in several categories for excellence in filmmaking. The festival was the brainchild of NoHo resident Gustavo Sampaio, an award-winning editor and TV producer as well as an independent filmmaker. For more information visit nohocinefest.com.

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

Titanium Awards

Archived - Latest News NoHo Arts District, North Hollywood

Lisa Bianconi

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04/01/2015

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Titanium Awards showcase performers with disabilities

The NoHo Arts District is home to thousands of actors who have come from every part of the world to make their dream come true. These actors come in all shapes and sizes with their own stories to tell. Now it is time to tell the story of the Titanium Awards which last week held its inaugural event at Secret Rose Theatre. The Titanium Awards’ mission is to promote and showcase performers living with disabilities. Fortunately, I was able to interview Lisa Jai, creator and producer of Titanium Awards.

What made you create Titanium Awards?

Lisa: The Titanium Awards started out as a platform for performers living with disabilities to showcase their talent. The idea literally struck me one morning. I bounced the idea off an ‘able-bodied’ colleague, not ever expecting to hear the excitement in his voice about something I assumed would be so far from his interest. I was continuously surprised by the enthusiasm to participate from industry professionals when I approached them. Sometimes, I feel the hindrance is more in my head than in my body. You see, I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and have carved out somewhat of a professional career in the performing arts. I have been asked in interviews how I see myself as different or if I have any complaints about the “lack of roles.” I’ve honestly never felt this way because I’ve been so blessed to have had a fruitful career until now. However it struck me that morning, this could be the case for others like myself who’ve in the past been labeled: handicapped, crippled, disabled, Dis-Abled as the precursor to their title – actor. Perhaps then, I’d like to shift the focus to actor as the precursor to labels…of all diversity, not just physical.

Tell us about your acting background.

Lisa: My most recent theatre credit is Birdie in “What of the Night” at the Vagrancy Theater directed by Caitlin Hart. Also, I just did a short film, “Runaway Dream” now in post production where I played the leading role. Some of my past credits include lead voice animation in “The Magic School Bus” (Wanda), “Pillars of Freedom” (Spirit) and Capcom’s “Resident Evil 2” ( Sherry Birkin). And even though my scene ended on the editors floor: Nora Ephron’s directorial debut “This is My Life,” I played Shawn.

Photo credit Joshua Cobos

Tell us about the show.

Lisa: Adrian Jam was our host. He began his career as a dancer in the United Kingdom. He was in 2 musical productions on London’s WestEnd. He’s been involved in many L.A. theater and tour productions such as Arthur Miller’s “All My Sons” and Jennifer Lopez’s Dance Again World Tour. Our judges included Victoria Cardozo, casting director, Kevin Green, filmmaker, Lola Pindter, counselor and myself.

Who won?

Lisa: First place went to Paul B. Stevens. At 13, Paul was involved in a serious automobile accident which left him with many brain aneurisms and other long-term complications but he didn’t let that stop him from pursuing his passion of acting and music. He was one of Lee Strasberg’s last students. Through college Paul became a regular in the drama department, in which he gave performances in plays ranging from Musical’s to Drama’s. Paul, over the years has done what many actors do, Theater, T.V. and Film. He just completed his original Rock Opera “The Road Not Yet Crossed.” But he still remembers one of his favorite credits- “Mork and Mindy” with Robin Williams.

Runner up was Joan Marlowe. All of her life she has been seriously hearing impaired. Waiting until after her children were grown, she attended the American Academy of Dramatic Art and studied with William Esper and Betty Buckley. She worked on soap operas, commercials and films. She has been a judge on “The Practice,” and has appeared on “Saved By The Bell,” “Mad Men,” “Unusual Suspects,” “America’s Most Wanted,” “Days of our Lives” and “Hollywood Safari.”

Titanium Awards

Anything else you would like to mention?

Lisa: I hope to grow the Titanium Awards into a yearly event in NoHo bringing together Angelenos from all walks of life to break new ground, proving together we are ‘…..stronger than steel.’

Email Titanium Awards with how you’d like to be involved!

**** 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 coffee house vibe in NoHo!

LA Music Scene

Caroline McElroy

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04/01/2015

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With so many cool venues to choose from in NoHo Arts District, a series of three articles is planned to feature a few of those that have stood out. There are several that have a distinct ambiance about them and seem to reflect a specific atmosphere.

There was a time when there was a coffee house vibe in Los Angeles and it appears to have resurfaced here in NoHo.

Does anyone remember “Shelly’s Man Hole” in Hollywood?

There are a few venues in NoHo that give off that “boho” feeling which is as hip as it is casual.

Republic of Pie has a “white noise” feel about it and has a large space to convey sound. There is a small stage, with a small sound board/PA and lends itself to acoustic acts the best. Have been there a few times to watch acts, and find the closer to the stage the better as there is a lot of clanking going on.

This place is definately not a place to give “Spoken Word” readings as it is lost in the translation. Located at 11118 Magnolia Blvd., Sophie Ni is the booking manager there and can be contacted at: livemusicmonday@gmail.com or phone her at 818-308-7990. Ni would like it if a discription of your music, availability of your act, and sample links to your music is provided.

Another place to consider is the TeaPop which opened in January 2015 and is gaining in popularity. This is another “white noise” venue; however, the space is much smaller which lends itself to better sound control. TeaPop proprietress Arlene Yuan has many creative plans for her venue such as “ROAR” which is a music workshop series. Yuan is seeking people to “curate” a series. The series ideally would span a month and would be featured one night a week as a musical workshop.
Yuan’s venue recently staged a series that featured street artist BlackBrian in “DREAMERS.”

Yuan describes her concept as “redefined tea time” which is a description that this tea drinker totally agrees with; TeaPop serves up a mean Tea- Mosa.

Incidently, there is an event slated for April titled “REDEFINE TEA TIME”.

There is a back patio as well that lends itself to casual conversation while enjoying the sounds provided by music. On a recent visit, there was DJ music provided on the patio and was also played inside in order for inside patons to enjoy the sounds. This was a Sunday Brunch event and there was a constant stream of people flowing through the entire time I was there.

Yuan is open to acoustic music events, but it is important to remember that performers must provide their own equipment for the inside as well as outside.

Yuan is in the process of viewing submissions for her planned “Summer Series” which can feature music or media installations.

To investigate Tea Pop and it’s requirements and contact info, please go to: www.teapopla.com, Facebook, Twitter @teapopla, Instagram, Yelp also has them at TeaPop in NoHo or telephone them at 818-7320084. This venue is located at 5050 Vineland which is just above Magnolia Blvd. and has a distinctive mural painted on the side.

As a former booking rep @The Cave, my advice is: to have your material together prior to contacting any venue and be prepared to describe your music in advance of your contact. Create links to your music, as this is the preferred method of reviewing possible candidates. It’s impossible to wade through a ton of CD’s, tapes or the more melancholy method of vinyl. Be sure your act fits the venue, don’t try to make the venue fit your act. Be well rehearsed and tuned by the time you arrive. If the venue provides a sound check or rehearsal check prior to the gig, PLEASE take it. Part two of this series will be continued next time.

***RECORD STORE DAY is coming April 18, 2015…don’t miss it!

Marina on a Dime

Interior Design

Christopher Porikos

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03/31/2015

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A few years ago I moved a client from her home to a newer condo. She needed to downsize and simplify her life. The condo was really transformed into a great space. Recently that same client contacted me to work on another, smaller space. This time the budget was pennies in comparison to the last project. In fact it was less than $3000. I was lucky in the fact that I knew her style and taste and had a few leftover pieces to work with.

I walked into a blank slate and immediately knew where to start.

The new space was cold and without any personality. I had to create a warm, inviting space where she could entertain family and friends and also have the occasional business meeting. The natural focal point was the rather tall north facing window which provided an incredible view and amount of natural light.

The furniture was basically sitting in the middle of the room. A floorplan was key to making the space function at its peak.

I had to flip a few pieces. The grouping of book cases were all on the wrong wall making the room seem smaller than it was. Once those pieces were moved, the room opened up and I was able to take advantage of its potential. I used the book cases as a second focal point. Then the placement of the sofa and chairs just fell into place.

The bones were now in place. The next thing was to add all of the personality pieces.

Art, accessories, accent pillows, etc. were now ready to be placed. Those treasured items were sprinkled around the room to add what was needed to finish the space. The window treatments were also ready for installation. Since they usually take a large chunk of a budget, I purchased ready-made linen panels. The window measured 127” floor to crown molding. I added linen fabric to the bottom with a gimp trim to give them the correct length. This gave the draperies a custom look for much less.

This is one of those projects that pushes creativity to the highest level. It pushes the limits really out of the park. It proves with a little determination and a smart plan we can all have great style on any budget.

Enjoy!