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NoHo’s #FBF: Elixir – old school era dinner show

Love Is For The Heart…But Elixir Is For The Soul.

So the NoHo Arts District is officially one square mile. But what happens in this mile is what happens in some major cities. The unique art and entertainment that’s created is phenomenal. We here at www.nohoartsdistrict.com like to highlight our neighborhood’s unique offerings and talents.

On Friday, July 29, Knitting Factory Entertainment and The Federal Bar proudly present Elixir The Show. Elixir has been critically acclaimed as the “best variety show in Los Angeles” and is a nod to the bygone era of old-school class, style and true entertainment. This fun stage features a hot jazz band, rotating singers, burlesque, cabaret, dance troupes, magic, comedy, games and prizes and outrageous audience participation in a dinner theatre setting. Joining the Elixir team is the talented Kasmira Buchanan. She answered some questions about the show and what we can expect this month. Make sure to reserve your table, they go fast.

Why did you join the Elixir team?

I love a good adventure. I’ve hovered above patrons 8-feet tall on stilts, been cut in half in magic shows, eliminated on national television…twice, and frolicked through the Biltmore Hotel as a faerie at the Labyrinth Masquerade Ball. So when I first stumbled through the dark entranceway of the Elixir Show three years ago, it was the beginning of a beautiful friendship, and the eventual thread that would soon tie together all of my history.

From that very first show, I was captivated by the energy of not only the performances, but by the two producers Matthew Nash and David Schmidt. They made me feel as if I had just walked into their family home…with a bit more formal attire, and a lot more glitter. I soon became a dancer and choreographer for Elixir, and shortly after proposed the idea of joining the producing team. Matt and David agreed that the show could use a female touch.

That female touch is now producing her 20th show. I get to bask in the monthly inspiration of all the artists that grace our stage, and even pull in some of my history…stiltwalkers, magicians, and faeries alike!

What’s coming up at this month’s show?

This month’s Elixir Show will showcase 14 exciting variety acts! We have some of our favorite returning regulars such as comedian Scout Durwood, and multi-award winning drag queen Calypso Jeté. We also have some newbies showcasing at Elixir for the first time: A mime duo by Mitchel Evans and Sheena Leigh, an enthralling pole dance by Michelle LaBelle, and a high energy hip-hop group by Noe Najera. The Elixir Dancers and Funky Munky band will of course be making an appearance, opening the show with Janet Jackson’s “Rhythm Nation” like you’ve never seen before!

Elixir The Show at the Federal Bar NoHo Arts District www.nohoartsdistrict.com
(From left to right) Sarah Galiatsatos, Kevin Kelley, Amy Garbett, Kirby LaBrea, Kasmira Buchanan, Janelle Cruz, Alli Miller.

Check out “Hey Mickey!” from our last Elixir Show:

Choreographed by Kasmira Buchanan
The Elixir Dancers: Kasmira Buchanan, Janelle Cruz, Sarah Galiatsatos, Amy Garbett, Kevin Kelley, Kirby LaBrea Lead Vocals: Alli Miller
Backup Vocals: Taylor C Baker, Kelly Stevenson
The Funky Munky Band

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Join us July 29 at the Federal Bar, and add your own flavor to this Elixir!

 

WHEN:

Friday, July 29
Doors/Dinner 7:30PM
Showtime 8PM
DJ/Dancing Afterparty at 10:30PM

Free Admission, 21+ with ID, Stylish Dress a Must…

Table Reservations: david@elixirtheshow.com

WHERE:

The Federal Bar
5303 Lankershim Blvd.
NoHo Arts District

Elixir The Show at the Federal Bar NoHo Arts District 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.

80s mixed tapes brought to the stage

Come celebrate the 80’s like never before dressed in your finest neons, leg warmers, Ray Bans and more!

The NoHo Arts District is a theatre town since we have the highest concentration of theatres outside of NYC. So we are super theatre fans here at nohoartsdistrict.com. But when you have a theatre show and you throw in the 80s, well, we’re there. Force of Nature Productions presents “2nd Rush: 80’s Edition” July 15 – 17 only at the Archway Theatre.

This far-out evening will feature original plays inspired by 80s tunes straight from your mixed tapes and onto the stage: AC/DC, QUEEN, BOWIE, PRINCE, U2, BLONDIE, DEVO, OINGO BOINGO, BANGLES… You get the idea!

Force of Nature Productions’ “RUSH” series is a play and music event featuring original works from resident artist members. It also allows them to try their hands at all aspects of the production process including: writing, directing, acting, creating music, stage managing and sound/lighting design. Under the guidance of Artistic Director, Sebastian Muñoz; members are encouraged to try a new trait while developing their own artistic voice within a collaborative and nurturing environment.

“RUSHES” will be peppered throughout the year in-between full company productions and will have different themes. “2nd RUSH: 80’s Edition,” running July 15-17, will feature 8 Original Short plays and 2 Original Songs based on popular 80s songs. With 8 Writers, 5 Directors and 24 Actors and Musicians, this RUSH promises to be a radical good time.

So dust off those denim jackets, pleather pants and sequenced gloves to “Freefall” down memory lane with this radical 80’s Flashback.

WHEN:

(3) NIGHT EVENT:
FRI 7/15 @ 11PM
SAT 7/16 @ 11PM
SUN 7/17 @ 7PM
(Doors open 30min before showtime)

WHERE:

Archway Studio/Theatre
10509 Burbank Blvd.
North Hollywood, CA

(818) 980-PLAY

TICKETS:

Tickets are $15 presale OR if you come in full 80’s attire
Everyone else $20 at the door!
http://archwayla.tix.com

The show was wriitten in a week at 88MPH by Adam Neubauer, Steven Alloway, Andy Shultz, John Santo, Steven Sabel, Suzie Heaton, Ian Heath & Robert Riemer

Righteously directed by Sebastian Muñoz, Andy Shultz, Adam Neubauer, John Santo, Angelia Weitzman.

Tech Wizardry by Kristen Maxie

Artistic Direction by Sebastian Muñoz

Featuring the FAR OUT talents of:

NICOLE CRAIG
DEIRDRE ANDERSON
SASHA SNOW
MICHELLE DANYN
SARA KESSLER
JENNIFER CHUN
GLORIA GALVAN
JESSICA WEINER
MELISSA WHITMAN
HILLARY WEINTRAUB
CRYSTAL DIAZ
RACHEL SCORPIO
ILONA KULINSKA
CAROLINE MUNIAK
DEVA CONROY
BRIANNE MAMMANA
IAN HEATH
LEIF LADUKE
JASON CHACON
ADAM SHOWS
JAHEL CALDERA
JERRY CHAPPEL
CORY WYSZYNSKI
LAMONT WEBB

80s mixed tape www.nohoartsdistrict.com

See you at the theatre…with huge hair and Ray Bans.

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

Tough times, more money!

Tough times, more money!

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

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

The Benefits of Dividend-Paying Stocks

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

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

The Growth of Dividend-Paying Stocks, 1985-20142

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

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

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

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

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

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

The METRO Orange Line needs our help!

We love the METRO! All the colors.

But we here in the NoHo Arts District are partial to the METRO red and orange lines. We want more colors of the rainbow, especially in the Valley and, hopefully, one day, we’ll get the monorail along the 405.

But our METRO Orange Line needs our help. The City Planning Department is calling all local residents, employees, businesses, property owners and community organizations to participate in a series of Community Workshops as part of the Orange Line Transit Neighborhood Plans project. 

In case you haven’t ridden the METRO Orange Line a.k.a. Line 901, it’s the 18-mile bus rapid transit line that operates in the San Fernando Valley from the Chatsworth Metrolink Station in the northwest Valley to the North Hollywood Metro Red Line Station in the southeast. This connects the rest of the Valley with NoHo Arts District and also many fun neighborhoods heading to downtown Los Angeles. It originally opened in 2005 and expanded in 2012, and it’s been one of the busiest bus rapid transit lines in the nation.

Did you know? The METRO Orange Line carries an average of 30,000 passengers every weekday?

These four workshops will focus on the areas around five stations along the Metro Orange Line — North Hollywood Station, Van Nuys Station, Sepulveda Station, Reseda Station, and Sherman Way Station. Each workshop will include a presentation from the City Planning Department followed by small breakout sessions for Land Use, Urban Design, and Mobility & Parking, which will provide participants the opportunity to speak and share specific ideas about future development in these neighborhoods.

WORKSHOPS

– Van Nuys & Sepulveda Stations: Monday, July 11th from 6-8pm at the Marvin Braude Building, Community Room

– Sherman Way Station: Wednesday, July 13th from 5:30-7:30pm at the Canoga Park Branch Library

– North Hollywood Station:
Wednesday, July 20th from 6-8pm
North Hollywood Senior Center
5301 Tujunga Ave.
North Hollywood, CA 91601

– Reseda Station: Saturday, July 23rd from 10am-12pm at Columbia College Hollywood

Each workshop will concentrate on a specific station of stations, though participants will be encouraged to provide feedback on all five stations.

So head over to give your thoughts, opinions, ideas and two cents. We want a smooth functioning METRO system in the Valley.

For More Information Laura Krawczyk
(213) 978-1212
Laura.Krawczyk@lacity.org
www.latnp.org

 
METRO Orange Line community workshops www.nohoartsdistrict.com

About the Project

The City of Los Angeles, in partnership with Metro, aims to support vibrant neighborhoods around transit stations, where people can live, work, shop, and dine within a safe and pleasant walk to transit stations. The Los Angeles Department of City Planning is kicking off a multi-year effort to create Transit Neighborhood Plans for the areas surrounding the following five Metro Orange Line bus rapid transit stations:

• North Hollywood
• Van Nuys
• Sepulveda
• Reseda
• Sherman Way

The focus of the Plans will be the establishment of new regulations and standards that support transit ridership, such as allowing increased development intensity near stations where appropriate; enhancing the built environment and design of new buildings; increasing the housing supply while maintaining the character of existing single-family neighborhoods; promoting job creation; and preserving valuable industrial uses. Each station area is distinct and will be planned accordingly with different intensities, land uses, design standards, regulatory tools, and other strategies.

The Plans will generally include areas within a half-mile of the Orange Line transit stations, focusing on neighborhoods within a 15-minute walk of each of the five stations. Please note that the design and location of any future Metro transit stations are determined by Metro and are out of the scope of this project, which is focused on enhancing the areas around the stations.

The creation of the Plans will be a collaborative effort, led by the Department of City Planning, with extensive input from local stakeholders, including residents, employees, business and property owners, developers, and community organizations. This planning effort will provide the opportunity for stakeholders to give input on building size and design, public amenities, and other land use regulations. The Department will also be looking at opportunities to improve multi-modal circulation in the station areas, coordinating with other relevant Departments, including Transportation and Public Works.

The Department of City Planning is currently in the very early stages of the project. Approval of the Transit Neighborhood Plans will require action by the City Planning Commission and will ultimately be decided by the City Council.

The Plans for the North Hollywood, Van Nuys, Sepulveda, Reseda, and Sherman Way stations along the Orange Line will be created to complement and implement the respective Community Plans of those areas: North Hollywood- Valley Village, Van Nuys-North Sherman Oaks, Reseda-West Van Nuys, Encino-Tarzana, and Canoga Park- Winnetka-Woodland Hills-West Hills. For more information about the City’s Community Plans, please visit the Department of City Planning’s website at http://planning.lacity.org/complan/cpa/cpa.htm.

The Los Angeles Transit Neighborhood Plans project is partially funded by a grant from Metro. Metro’s Transit- Oriented Development (TOD) Planning Grant program funds planning efforts that enhance access to transit through the promotion of TOD principles; increase ridership by reducing the number of modes of transportation necessary to access transit; reduce greenhouse gas emissions through encouraging infill development along transit corridors; and support and implement sustainable development principles.

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

NoHo’s reading for the win!

Summer Reading Just Got Even More Fun Thanks to the NoHo Library!

Well if you’re in the NoHo Arts Distict you’re a creative soul. Our North Hollywood Amelia Earhart Regional Branch Library is no exception. They create programs for our neighborhood that are fun and encourage reading and library usage. We asked NoHo Librarian Basya Samuels about their summer Read for the Win program – or we like to call it, the summer reading challenge! It’s for everyone, including adults. Make sure to follow our NoHo Library for all the fun (education is fun!) they have planned for the neighborhood!

Facebook  |  Instagram  | Twitter  

What is Read for the Win?

Read for the Win is the theme of our annual summer reading club. The theme is just a way to make the reading, prizes, and programming a little extra fun.

When children are away from learning in school for the summer months, they experience something dubbed ‘Summer Slide’ or ‘Summer Learning Loss’. Part of the reason for this summer slide is because children aren’t on a continuous learning schedule, and aren’t reviewing material they’ve learned over the year. Therefore, at the beginning of each school year, teachers spend a significant amount of time reviewing already learned material from the year before. In order to combat this issue, many studies have been conducted. The result is that experts agree that reading is a successful preventative measure! So, as a public service to children, the library offers a summer reading program with incentives, to get them to read and avoid the summer slide.

As incentives, we have the free weekly summer programming, as explained below. Separately, we have the sign-ups – where children are invited to see the librarians at the information desk and sign up to track their reading time and get free prizes! At sign up, children receive a LAPL book bag, and a coupon for a free lesson at Magnitude Cheer; halfway through, kids get a Shakey’s pizza certificate and lanyard or a ball for the little ones; finishing prizes include a Legoland ticket and free book. Teens get cool prizes too – they receive an LAPL shoulder bag at sign-up, a new book for the midway prize, and a USB bracelet for finishing! Plus, everyone will hand in their raffle ticket for gift cards or the Grand Prize raffle of 4 tickets to Universal and The Read for the Win began on June 12th, and will end August 13th. Kids can read and listen to books of their choosing during these weeks, and then log in their time in their booklets. Once a child or teen has read for 10 hours and completed 4 activities, they can hand in the attached raffle ticket.

In addition to keeping a reading log, the library offers special weekly events to entice families to come into the library during the summer. We also hope this encourages families to want to choose fantastic books during the summer, and then come back during the rest of year to take advantage of our collection and programming. The free weekly events for are already underway! Children’s events take place at 5:00 pm; teen events begin at either 2 or 3 pm.

Ages?

There are two options – one is for children ages 0-11, and the other is for teens 11 and up.

Children’s events are open to families of all ages – even past 11. Teen events are open just for teens 11 & up.

And… announcing our new adult program! Sign up in-branch or online at http://www.lapl.org/adults/reading-challenge and receive a game board. Complete 8 out of the 15 activities – completed based on the honor system – and hand in for a free book bag and Chipotle coupon!

Can you give us a little description of each event?

July 12

TEENS @ 3p – URBAN LINE DANCING: Come learn urban line dancing with us!
KIDS @ 5p – SILLY SCIENCE SHOW: An interactive science show with ‘Professor Weisenheimer’.

July 19

TEENS @ 2p – VIDEO GAME MOVIE: Come watch a movie and popcorn with us!
KIDS @ 5p – DANCE & JUMP ROPE PARTY: Exercise while having fun – refreshments too!

July 26

TEENS @ 3p – FOOD GAME TOURNEY: Chocolate Olympics! Cloudy with a chance of Cupcakes!
KIDS @ 5p – REPTILE SHOW: Hands-on animal show – touch your favorite snakes and frogs!

August 2

TEENS @ 2p – VIDEO GAME EXTRAVAGANZA: Play video games – tourney style, with prizes!
KIDS @ 5p – LA KINGS MASCOT: Wrap-up party with Baily the LA Kings mascot.

Happy Summer Time Reading, 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. On Instagram @NoHoArtsDistrict and Facebook @NoHoArtsDistrict.

NoHo News: History of NoHo, Get Lit, Experience NoHo Plaza, Senior Artists, More Theatre

Here’s your NoHo arts community update!

We look forward to sharing lots of fun and unique news, events, profiles and updates on what’s happening in the NoHo Arts District.

Every Thursday we send out our NoHo e-News. Do you get it? It takes 30 seconds. Make sure you sign up, it’s FREE. Sign up HERE>>

This issue of NoHo e-News is about what’s going on in North Hollywood and a selection of some theatre shows. But we have a ton of them. Did you know that the NoHo Arts District has the highest concentration of theatres outside of New York City? Just check out the NoHo Arts District Theatre Guide>>

Here’s a glimpse at what’s going on in North Hollywood. Click on the image and to see the online version of our NoHo News…ENJOY NOHO!

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

THE STATE OF ART FILM: An exclusive interview with Greg Laemmle

THE STATE OF ART FILM: An exclusive interview with Greg Laemmle

The Laemmle NoHo 7 Movie Theatre is centered in the heart of the NoHo Arts District. A quick walking distance from the Metro Subway/Train Station and the Television Academy.

I sat down with Greg Laemmle to discuss the state of art film, the direction it’s going and how the NoHo Arts District- Lankershim Blvd.- is rapidly re-developing into a bustling ‘Walk Friendly’neighborhood.

Waide- Hi Greg. Thank you so much for taking time to talk to me about your theatres. I’m going to start right off on the Ownership question. Which generation are you in with the family business and how were you introduced to it?

Greg- I’m primary Owner. I’m third generation in the company and running it on behalf of the family. It’s very rare that a family can make it through three generations in a business. I did feel pressure to do it, but… I love film… or grew to love film. I love our product. Unfortunately, it’s not always about the product. It’s not always about just watching movies. There’s a lot of other things that go into it. It is a business. I found that a lot of the things we do, so much, during expansion mode in the building of our new theatres… where we locate… how we partner…  also, there must be a shared passion of mine for urban planning and neighborhood development.

Waide- Laemmle West Hollywood on the Sunset Strip. I went there on a regular basis. It’s no longer there. Lots of talk, but what really happened?

Greg- Two things… at one point it was one of the hottest theaters in the country. Then the ArcLight opened up, then the Grove opened up… that’s a lot of competition to absorb. We stayed open longer than the Bev Center and Beverly Connection in terms of maintaining an operation… but, ultimately there was a hit to revenue. That hit to revenue was happening at the same time the ball was changing hands, where we were located, they started a major  renovation. That renovation took way too long. We had to stay open through all that. Which means our patrons were walking through construction zones, they instituted automated parking structures that were very poorly implemented… so, it got to the point where our lease was up and we went to them and said we want to stay, but this is what we can afford… their complaining about the manner we were taking care of the theatre in the last few years. Given the lease was more than we were going to pay, we weren’t going to, in short term, going to fix the place up. Basically, they wanted to bring in a new operator. So, then at some point, there is a concept in mall development that you want to refresh the mall sometimes. By changing tenants, you know. If you just renew the same tenant, even if they do fix it up, the public doesn’t perceive a change. They wanted to make a statement by bringing in a new tenant. So, they got Sundance… which, of course, is now sold… (he chuckles)… sold to Carmike Theatres just a few months ago.

Waide- So, it’s no longer Robert Redford’s baby anymore?..

Greg- No.

Waide- Do you know why this happened?

Greg- The money behind Sundance Cinemas was Venture Capital money. They stayed with it as long as they could. At the end of the day, Venture Capital is about turning over and finding opportunity. It’s a business. In their interest, five years is a long time. For us, twenty years is maybe short term. (He laughs like he just locked a business deal) Interestingly, timing was such that this theatre opened a month or so after the Sundance closed down. So we knew that NoHo was going to be the replacement.

Waide- What can the community do to keep art film/independent film thriving?

Greg- Short answer, buy tickets! Long answer, be an active consumer. I mean that as an ‘active and informed’ consumer. Back in the day when the newspaper was everything… and we had important critics, we still have important critics in Los Angeles, thankfully, but many communities don’t, but when the paper was everything… it’s… it’s… defused now… there’s a lot more information out there now. There’s not really one thing that can motivate. In the critical, there’s not just one singular. And what steps into the vacuum is ‘Marketing.’ Independent film, other than the corporatized independent film, is at a disadvantage. They don’t have marketing muscle. Independent film relies on critical support, reviews, buzz, film festivals… the information is out there to motivate people, but you kinda have to look for it. Checking our website, checking other important community bulletin boards. All these can help guide you to the films you want to see and the films that need your support. Being aware is important to the consumer. Knowing where to go.

Waide- What is the ‘state of art film’ today?   

Greg- I think the state of art film… the production is terrific! Technology has made it easier for people to make movies. The opportunity to tell stories is greater than ever. Of course, there’s a lot of bad movies being made. International film has grown, too. Quality world cinema is being made in Israel and Romania… Fabulous films coming out of Israel. Any country you want to mention, there’s a whole series of films you can see. And Documentaries… a huge explosion of documentaries. It’s a great time for film!

Waide- Where do you see it headed?

Greg- I see some great growth in the art exhibition market place. We go every other year to Art House Convergence. It’s a gathering of art house cinema operators across North America. More and more of these are community supported not-for-profit organizations… people who banded together and saved the old single screen theatres of Downtown or wherever… but, if that’s the model that needs to happen to survive or get the business started, then so be it. That’s great. We probably have more in common with those people than less in common. Even if you run on a not-for-profit basis, you still need to get people in the door. Not-for-profit status is used more for ‘audience development and education programs.’ Not just for showing movies and the core business. Here at Laemmle Theatres, we will continue to invest some of our profits back into community resource development.

Waide- What are your future plans for Laemmle Theatres?

Greg- We’re expanding. Actively expanding. Glendale, a 5 Plex, to open in 2017. We’re approved for a project in Old Town Newhall in 2018. We’re approved for a project in Azusa for 2018 or 2020. We are following this model of locating in transit districts… where we think the community will add housing near transit. Makes sense. But, they recognize that if you really want to attract residents to the area, you need restaurants, weekend life, arts and culture districts… are really an important part of the transit oriented development. And what we do, and not just for the programming we do, we build neighborhood scale movie theatres and encourage patrons to walk and leave the movie theatre to walk over to the cafe, restaurant, store. It’s the perfect fit.

Waide- Are you responsible for these decisions?

Greg- Yes. Ultimately, I am.

Waide- Smart man! We’re going to switch gears now… What’s your favorite color?

Greg- Red.

Waide- What’s your favorite book?

Greg- Jon Dos Passos, “The USA Trilogy.”

Waide- Favorite movie?

Greg- “Annie Hall”

Waide- What’s your Happy Place Song?

Greg- Anything by James Brown.

Waide- Love James Brown! Would you like to add anything regarding Laemmle?

Greg- I always love feedback from the community. How can we continue to serve the community? We have a monthly series, Throwback Thursdays. Films from the ’70s’ and ’80s.’ Not necessarily art films… Kubrick in July… We try to understand the audience. Lots of change coming to NoHo with the development of the Metro property, which will be advantageous. I am personally one to want to make Lankershim less of a driving street and more of a walking street. The community has a real opportunity to create a real urban experience by walking Lankershim Blvd. I encourage people to embrace it.

Waide- Thank you, Greg, it’s been a pleasure.

Greg- Thank you, Waide.

———–

The Laemmle NoHo 7 Movie Theatre is located at 5240 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601 /  Phone: 310-478-3836

By Subway/Train, from Downtown or Hollywood, take the Red Line to the NoHo Station at Chandler & Lankershim, walk south approximately 1 block/on the east side of the blvd.

For more happenings and programs at Laemmle, check out the theatre’s web site: www.laemmle.com.

Why millennials should go to the theatre.

I’m 23 and I have to admit, I’m an absolute theatre addict.

If I could, I would probably see a different show every evening. I’d even do two shows a day, god knows I’ve done that before. Going to the theatre that often, I’ve had different reactions from people of all ages. Sometimes people my age can’t understand why I spend all my money on such an “old-fashioned” art. If telling them that seeing a show is the most fabulous night out isn’t enough, then I give them some more reasons that should be convincing.

At least a quarter of the audience are millennials, if not even more. Many young people have realised that the theatre is not just for the older generation. Numerous shows have plots that resonate with contemporary issues in our society, governments or lifestyles that affect us and our future. Therefore, these plays have important messages that have value to every millennial.

The theatre is a source for culture and education. Whether it’s the history of a country, a famous person or group or just interesting facts about the theatre itself, I’ve learned so much from going to plays and musicals that I wouldn’t have otherwise. Theatre is a fun and creative way to educate yourself.

Theatre brings people together. Usually you end up sitting next to someone and you inevitably start chatting about the theatre, the show or actors. Going to shows is an amazing way to share your love for the performing arts with a complete stranger. Whether you end up crying together about a sad scene or sing along to your favourite musical, it’s always a memorable evening.

Personally, I adore theatre mostly because it’s in the moment. You see a story develop right in front of you. It’s live and therefore so much better than film. The actors have to be there a 100% of the time in order to deliver a great performance. They put so much hard work into each production. It’s wonderful to see someone being passionate about something, artists and theatre actors in this case especially have such a love for their profession that most of the time that alone is worth seeing.

Now that I’ve showed you that going to the theatre is an amazing thing, even as a young person., you will probably think, how can I afford this? Don’t worry, I have some tips for getting the best deals and cheapest tickets.

Discount websites like Goldstar, Travelzoo and Plays411 offer many discounted tickets for various shows. Some of them are even half price tickets. Just put some time into looking through the different sites in order to find the best deals.

TodayTix is my absolute favourite app. They brought the theatre into the 21st century. It’s available in several cities, such as New York, London and Los Angeles. It’s a last-minute discount app that offers cheap seats for shows on the same day or the following days. It’s easy, quick and you can do it on the go. They also do lotteries, where you enter your name and have the chance to win great seat tickets for about $25.

Students unite! There are ways to be a regular theatre goer and being on a student budget. Most theatres don’t advertise it, but they actually offer discounts for students. Just give them a call or an email and ask them. Chances are you’ll get very cheap tickets.

Be an usher or a volunteer. If you love theatre but don’t have a lot money to spend, getting a volunteer job at the theatre or being an usher is a great opportunity. Whereas you don’t earn tremendous amounts of money, you can spend your time working at the theatre, seeing amazingly talented actors and connect with individuals in the industry. All it takes is a bit of research to find which theatres offer these opportunities.

You can start with the 20 theatres right here in the NoHo Arts District!

Hope to see you at the theatre!

Sarah


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


About the Reviewer – Sarah Louhichi

Website: https://millenniallondon.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/millennialldn
Instagram: millenniallondon
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MillennialLondon/

SARAH LOUHICHI

I’m a former exchange student in Los Angeles, now studying journalism at the University of Westminster in London. I’m a theatre lover and hopeful future theatre critic. I call the West End, London’s theatre wonderland, my second home. I’m the creator of millenniallondon.com, a website dedicated to London’s culture and lifestyle, run by millennials. I’m always on a mission to get the best deals and cheapest tickets for my favourite shows. Sunny Afternoon, a show about the English band The Kinks is my guilty pleasure, I’ve seen it 35 times and counting.

 

Plaintiffs in Actors vs. Actors Equity Association respond to AEA statement

Plaintiffs in Actors vs. Actors Equity Association respond to AEA statement


For more information, please visit www.pro99.org


Dear Equity Member and Los Angeles Theatre Community –

By now you have seen Equity’s Press Release and letter to their members attacking actors for their efforts to preserve intimate theatre in Los Angeles. Equity’s letter is malicious and false.

The Plaintiffs filed this suit on behalf of the entire Los Angeles Theatre Community after Equity ignored a referendum in which the Equity members of this community defeated Equity’s proposed changes by one of the widest margins in Equity’s voting history. We filed our lawsuit because Equity seeks to unilaterally abolish the 99-seat plan that was in place since 1989 by annulling the 1989 settlement agreement and dismantling the Review Committee – the major protection members have from destructive maneuvers by Equity to end intimate theatre.

Over six months we had a series of facilitated discussions with Equity. We hoped to forge a path for financially successful theaters to grow, step-by-step, stage-by-stage, to minimum wage contracts. We agree that theaters should pay artists more when they can. But they should not be closed down if they can’t. We want to see theatre thrive in Los Angeles. We want to see more contract work here. We will continue to urge Equity to reconsider; to gain an appreciation for the importance of small theatre to our City.

We are not New York. We are not Chicago. Models used in those cities, however successful they may be, should not be foisted on us here.

The talks were supposed to be confidential, but Equity, distorting the facts, now discloses that its true “intent,” never before disclosed publicly, was to target only 14% of the small theatres in Los Angeles. But Equity’s final goal is to do much more than that. It intends to destroy volunteer intimate theatre in Los Angeles and force almost all non-membership theatres to a minimum wage regime. We expect Equity, ultimately, to end all special status for membership companies.

If Equity enacts its new rules on December 14th as threatened, Equity members’ ability to work in 99-seat theaters will be almost entirely eviscerated, and many small theatres will be forced to close. We will be preparing and distributing a detailed analysis of how members’ opportunities will become more difficult, costlier and much less available.

If our lawsuit and other efforts are not successful, the era of volunteer small theater in Los Angeles will be over.

Equity paints itself as a victim. Not so. We did not “demand” negotiations. We offered a reasonable approach to resolving our dispute. We did not “blacklist” anyone. We represent a vibrant and creative community that supports the lawsuit and other efforts to preserve small theatre. We are not rigid ideologues. We are flexible and we only wish Equity would be flexible as well.

Our leadership committee worked arduously to try to resolve the dispute. This group and its leaders never acted inappropriately. We call on Equity to retract these malicious and false accusations.

We ask Equity what we have been asking them for three years – to listen to its membership and to be transparent. Instead Equity continues to vilify members who disagree with them, members who have the conviction and the courage to stand up and say “There is a better way.”

Our efforts were unsuccessful. So what happens next? We will serve the lawsuit and defend vigorously against Equity’s efforts to have the case dismissed. We will ask the NLRB to enjoin Equity from putting its new plan into place.

We will rally and we will be heard. “Let LA decide the fate of LA Intimate Theatre.”

### 

**** 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. t

 

Amelia Earhart Month

Happy Birthday Amelia Earhart!

Amelia Earhart Day is July 24, Amelia’s birthday and also a day to honor the famous aviation pioneer who broke many early aviation records. She was the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. And Amelia also happens to be a NoHo gal. Did you know that our NoHo Library is actual the North Hollywood Amelia M Earhart Regional Branch?

In honor of Amelia Mary Earhart’s birthday on July 24, 1897, as well as in memoriam for when she was lost at sea on July 2, 1937, the North Hollywood Amelia M Earhart Regional Branch will have a display of memorabilia on show for the entire month of July. It will feature a scarf of Amelia’s, donated to the branch by Amelia’s sister, Muriel Morrissey, as well as some fascinating photos, fact cards, and a commemorative stamp. Look for the case at the reference desk. This display is curated by Basya Samuels.

WHEN:

July 1 – 31

WHERE:

North Hollywood Amelia M Earhart Regional Branch
5211 Tujunga Ave.
North Hollywood, CA 91601

Amelia Earhart Day at NoHo Library www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Amelia Earhart lived in North Hollywood from 1928 until 1937, when she left on her last flight and disappeared with Fred Noonan in the Pacific.

She lived in North Hollywood and worked at the Pacific Telephone Company on Magnolia Blvd. She bought her first airplane from Bert Kinner who built aircraft at the Grand Central airport in Glendale, CA. She moved to Toluca Lake with her husband George Putnam and her house still exists on Valley Spring Lane. She worked with Paul Mantz and honed her flying skills at Burbank Airport.

She made her home here because the best aircraft in the world were being designed and built at the Lockheed plant in Burbank, a tradition that includes Vega, Constellation, SR-71, F-117 Stealth Fighter and design of the F-22 Raptor.

Legend and mystery surrounds the final flight and disappearance of Amelia Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan on their on a record-setting attempt to fly around the world, when they became lost in the Pacific Ocean. On July 2, 1937, they headed on a difficult leg of the journey towards Howell Island in the Pacific with less than ideal weather conditions. Ultimately, radio communications died. And the plane was never heard from again.

“Please know I am quite aware of the hazards,” she said. “I want to do it because I want to do it. Women must try to do things as men have tried. When they fail, their failure must be but a challenge to others.”

Amelia Earhart Day at NoHo Library www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Despite many theories, though, no proof of Earhart’s fate exists. There is no doubt, however, that the world will always remember Amelia Earhart for her courage, vision, and groundbreaking achievements, both in aviation and for women. In a letter to her husband, written in case a dangerous flight proved to be her last, her brave spirit was clear.

One of our favorite Amelia Earhart quotes:

“Never interrupt someone doing something you said couldn’t be done.”

Happy Birthday, Amelia!

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

NoHo News: Experience NoHo Plaza, Old School Skinny, Senior Artists, More Theatre

Here’s your NoHo arts community update!

We look forward to sharing lots of fun and unique news, events, profiles and updates on what’s happening in the NoHo Arts District.

Every Thursday we send out our NoHo e-News. Do you get it? It takes 30 seconds. Make sure you sign up, it’s FREE. Sign up HERE>>

This issue of NoHo e-News is about what’s going on in North Hollywood and a selection of some theatre shows. But we have a ton of them. Did you know that the NoHo Arts District has the highest concentration of theatres outside of New York City? Just check out the NoHo Arts District Theatre Guide>>

Here’s a glimpse at what’s going on in North Hollywood. Click on the image and to see the online version of our NoHo News…ENJOY NOHO!

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

THE HIDDEN ARTIST – 6 Ways to Spread Yourself Thin

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6 Ways to Spread Yourself Thin

Between work in the TV industry and my aspiration to be a famous living artist (verses a dead one) I’ve tried several avenues to promote my art. My eyes have popped from my head after Googling information for hours, I’ve graciously accepted family and my friends’ advice, and even hired a kinda PR person to help me deal with social media (until I understood I could take care of most of that myself…ahem).

Here are some tips that I came up to help sustain and promote my work.

1. MAKE ART

Yes, part of being a self-proclaimed artist is keeping up the good work. That involves having a space to paint and having the paints accessible at all times. More than that, it involves commitment to a project, albeit a series. But excuse me. The phone just rang. I’ve been asked to work on a TV production that will actually pay my bills. I have to put my art table and paints away because I don’t have a studio like a normal artist. Now that that’s done, I better do some FB posting on my art page because I won’t have any time to do it otherwise.

2. POST ON FACEBOOK ART PAGE

Well, I have two Facebook pages—one personal and one for my art. I’m more active on my personal page. Why, I just posted another selfie of myself there…a weirdly lit, not quite smily-faced one that gets comments like, “you’re weird.” But that’s my artist statement, although I didn’t direct it from my art page. And oh! I MUST share this gif of the woman wiping her ass with a blinking-eyed Sponge Bob! Again, not my art page, but oh well. A little bit of anti-Trump-pro-Hillary statements and I’m all Facebooked out. I think I’ll do my Instagram now.

3. POST ON INSTAGRAM

Damn. Would someone please explain to me the convoluted foreign language of HASHTAGS?! I’ve posted to Instagram “#art and/or #painting”, but my hashtags seem pretty conservative compared to what I’ve seen up there. I’m beginning to think I’m missing the boat or something. Perhaps I should try something along the lines of this: #conceptualizedwhiletakingamajordumponthetoiletat2am or #justbuymygoddamnartalready. And there’s another thing I don’t understand on Instagram. Who on earth am I supposed to follow if nobody uses their god-damned names? Like, who is BronzePony? Nail biting. Time to check out my LinkedIn.

4. LINK IN TO LINKEDIN

WTF is LinkedIn, anyway? I joined it in 2009 and ever since then I’ve gotten requests from people who want to connect with me. Ironically, I’m ALREADY connected with most of them on FB and probably even on Instagram if I were able to actually figure out who BronzePony was. Does ANYBODY get ANYTHING out of being on LinkedIn? This frustration just killed me. I better forget this and see if I have any artist calls in my email.

5. CONNECT AND KEEP UP WITH ARTIST CALLS

Well, can’t do that one. I’ll never make that deadline. Thirty-Five bucks to submit? Are you kidding me? Oh, here’s a topic. Submit any work that falls under the theme, “The Baboon Who Ate his Right Nut Off.” Classic. Can’t do that one either because I only have an Orangutan that ate his left breast. I have no patience for this right now. I think I’ll see what’s going on at the galleries.

6. “BECOME” THE ART SCENE

That means go to art openings, meet gallery owners, and have a life. Well, I’m sorry. I just gave all of that away to a paying job that’s about to suck every living hour of my day out of me. I’m terribly familiar with my week’s progression. Alert on Monday, counting the rest of the days on Tuesday, engulfed on Wednesday, fading on Thursday, exhausted on Friday, and comatose on Saturday. That leaves one day—Sunday, when there are no gallery openings or gallery owners to meet.

That about sums up my personal art promotion—one that didn’t even include Pinterest. know what I think? I think I better hire that PR person again.

Hey, NoHo! It’s lunchtime with Councilman Krekorian

We’re having lunch with Paul. What about you?

Come one. Come all. Just come hungry! This Thursday, join Councilmember Krekorian for the summer edition of Lunch with Paul at Roma Deli in North Hollywood. A gathering place for the local community, this North Hollywood staple has been serving delicious sandwiches and good eats since 1948. Please come out to this lunch gathering. It will be an opportunity to help support a fantastic local business, meet your neighbors and learn more about community issues that affect us all.

WHEN: Thursday, June 30 @ 12PM

WHERE: Roma Deli
6449 Lankershim Blvd.
North Hollywood

Don’t forget to RVSP at paulkrekorian.org/lunchwithpaul

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

NoHo’s going old school…Old School Skinny

Old School Skinny is a mix of MC Hammer’s energy, Richard Simmons’ excitement, and the movie House Party all rolled into one.

Have you ever wanted to Push It like Salt N Peppa or felt 2Legit2Quit like MC Hammer? We know you have, and now’s your chance! Join a group of people who like to let loose, dance, and have fun at NoHo Plaza on Thursday, June 30 at 7PM. Old School Skinny, the high-energy, new dance class in North Hollywood, is up next at Experience NoHo Plaza 2016 – NoHo’s FREE summer entertainment series. So come on out and try a class for FREE.

WHERE:

NoHo Plaza Located between 5223 & 5225 Lankershim Blvd.

WHEN:

Old School Skinny dance class
Thursday, June 30 at 7PM

Every Thursday.
June 16 – August 25
Shows are from 7-8:15PM

COST:

FREE to the public.


Old School Skinny creator Luckie gave us an overview of what makes this class fun and just plain good for us. Hope to see you on the dance floor.

Old School Skinny at NoHo Plaza www.nohoartsdistrict.com

 

Why did you start Old School Skinny?

It wasnt a conscious effort until I was a year into actually teaching. I happened to hear that my church was opening a dance studio to offer free classes to the community so I signed up. Even though I dance on a daily basis, I thought it would be an amazing opportunity to build confidence and self love through dance in a real 90s House Party vibe. The music is so important because it bridges generations and gives them a chance to party together. From there, more people just started coming to share in the experience!

What will people expect from the NoHo Plaza class?

Back in the day, we used to have huge block parties in the neighborhood I grew up in. There’s a feeling of community togetherness that allows people to interact with eachother differently. Thats how it’ll feel in NoHo Plaza. Dancing in the streets, enjoying life, not at all worried about who’s looking.

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What’s your favorite part about being in NoHo?

I love being in NoHo because every demographic of artist lives in our community. We ooze creativity and genuinely appreciate people in their respective craft. It’s great to see it happen on a daily basis all within a few blocks.

Groove is in the heart!

Find Old School Skinny on MeetUp – Facebook – Instagram – Twitter  to get weekly OSS playlists.

 

Regularly scheduled dance classes:

WHEN: Wednesdays at 7PM

WHERE: Evolution Dance Studio
10816 Burbank Blvd.
North Hollywood, CA 91601


“Experience NoHo Plaza 2016 is made possible in part by a grant from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs and with the support of Community Partners.”

communitypartners logo notag         dca.logo bw

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

Reviews – Finding Dory; Independence Day: Resurgence

Finding Dory; Independence Day: Resurgence

Finding Dory is a beautifully rendered and emotionally satisfying sequel to the 2003 Finding Nemo, taking place one year after the reunion of the Martin (Albert Brooks) and his son Nemo (now voiced by Hayden Rolence; however the original Nemo, Alexander Gould, now an adult, has a smaller role here).

The helpful in-spite-of-herself Dory (Ellen DeGeneres), the Pacific regal blue whose short-term memory issues were largely played for laughs in the first film, is now front and center as she remembers (in flashes) the loving family she once had; she convinces the wary Martin and Nemo to accompany her, only this time, you guessed it, Dory gets lost—and now, everyone has to find each other. It’s to the Pixar team’s credit that they find the right way to balance the humor and poignancy of Dory’s affliction—aided in no small measure by DeGeneres’ funny and moving work.

The true wonder of Finding Dory is that everything works so well—especially considering that we know how it’s going to turn out.  It’s just a matter of Pixar assembling some of the better voice talent available, and in conjunction with the artists and writers, creating some memorable characters that audiences, young and old, will want to accompany all the way (I saw Finding Dory in a packed theater, along with many, many young children and their parents, and there was nary a peep during the movie except for the sounds of laughter and applause).  Ed O’ Neill is Hank, a grouchy octopus (minus one tentacle) who seeks nothing but peaceful seclusion, yet agrees to help Dory. At first, it’s because Hank wants Dory’s tag—this item will guarantee him a peaceful life in an aquarium; however like many other characters, Hank reveals a softer side around Dory.  Their scenes together are both marvels in comic precision while exhibiting a depth of feeling that is present in the best of the Disney and/or Pixar creations.  Albert Brooks is also a welcome voice, and manages to imbue Martin with both wit and heroics to spare. 

Finding Dory isn’t flawless, thanks to an unnecessary last-minute complication that prolongs the inevitable—but overall, it’s a largely satisfying tale that can stand on its own, even if you were remiss in Finding Nemo the first time.

I watched Independence Day last night before seeing Independence Day: Resurgence—and perhaps that was a mistake, since it’s crystal clear that though this sequel may be just as noisy as the first film, it lacks most of its other qualities: namely wit, characters you can root for, and a bit of heart.  The aliens are back in force after a twenty-year hiatus—and so are some of the original case members, such as Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, Judd Hirsch, and Brent Spiner (as the quirky scientist who seemed to be quite dead in the first film).  Will Smith’s character is no longer with us (he somehow survived aliens, but (according to the script) he could not survive testing a new plane—go figure). In his place, an assortment of young characters, including movie son Jesse Usher, rival Liam Hemsworth, and Maika Monroe as another pilot (and former President Pullman’s daughter) strive none too successfully to fill the void.  The movie has a few affecting moments, mainly due to the returning players, and a couple of moments of wit, courtesy of Goldblum.  But the pyrotechnics have all the impact of a lackluster Macy’s fireworks “spectacular” (London is being destroyed yet again—and so soon after London Has Fallen. And we won’t even comment on recent news events). Spoiler alert: the world does survive, but with the promise of another sequel, you may wish it hadn’t.

Top 5 Ways to Eat Healthy While Traveling This Summer

Summer is here and it’s a time of travelling for many families. But even if you’re not traveling for pleasure this summer (the fabled “corporate road warrior”), there’s plenty of ways to eat healthy and feel great while “on the road” and on vacation.

Here are my Top 5 ways to Eat Healthy while traveling this summer:

#1. Choose a hotel or Airbnb that’s near a grocery store. This is really the best way to have easy, convenient, and low cost access to fruits and vegetables and salad bars. You can also stock up on healthy snacks like nuts, granola bars and dried fruit.

#2. Drink plenty of water. The body needs water for almost all of its functions. Drinking lots of water will flush your body of toxins and help you eat less. It’ll also help to reduce cravings, and reduce any jet-lag symptoms or tiredness from driving too much.

Tip: Bring a water bottle and fill it up at the hotel fitness center’s water cooler, which is usually cold and filtered.

#3. Eat with a local. Many hosts on Airbnb will include (or charge a small fee) for a home cooked meal. This makes for a great cultural immersion activity too if you’re in another country. If you’re staying in a hotel, websites such as www.mealsharing.com and www.withlocals.com/experience/eat-with-locals and apps like EatWith can be a great resource to connect you with local families and chefs and groups to get a quality home-cooked meal.

4. Eat smaller portions more frequently. When you eat small amounts of healthy foods throughout your day, it signals your brain that the food supply is plentiful, so it’s okay to burn through those calories quickly. Eating too many calories in one meal however, sends a message to the brain that leaner times must be around the corner, so those calories will get stored as fat. Eating too much at one sitting can also make you lethargic and tired.

5. Be creative. Did you know you can use your in-room coffee machine to make hard boiled eggs and oatmeal?! Watch this short “how to” video from Chowhound:

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Cheers,

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

Twitter / Instagram /LinkedIn / YouTube 

* New Book “From Passion to Purpose“

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

NoHo News: Experience NoHo Plaza, Old School Skinny, Zombie’s Fringe, More Theatre

Here’s your NoHo arts community update!

We look forward to sharing lots of fun and unique news, events, profiles and updates on what’s happening in the NoHo Arts District.

Every Thursday we send out our NoHo e-News. Do you get it? It takes 30 seconds. Make sure you sign up, it’s FREE. Sign up HERE>>

This issue of NoHo e-News is about what’s going on in North Hollywood and a selection of some theatre shows. But we have a ton of them. Did you know that the NoHo Arts District has the highest concentration of theatres outside of New York City? Just check out the NoHo Arts District Theatre Guide>>

Here’s a glimpse at what’s going on in North Hollywood. Click on the image and to see the online version of our NoHo News…ENJOY NOHO!

**** 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 More Animal Testing in The USA

No More Animal Testing in The USA

Congress sends landmark bill to reduce animal use in chemical testing to Obama

As pet lovers, most of us can’t help but love all creatures, big and small and particularly the most helpless of them…

The long-established practices of poisoning animals for a variety of purposes is on the way out, and it will soon be replaced by human biology testing that will give us better results and not leave a trail of animal victims in our wake.

For decades animal activists around the world have been marching, boycotting, informing the populace and in some cases taking the law in their own hands in protest against the use of animals for the testing of drugs and chemicals.

Cosmetic companies, medical companies, chemical companies and numerous other industries, have for decades submitted captive animals to painful and unnecessary experimentation. These poor creatures are often bred for this sole purpose and live out their pitiful lives in cages, never experiencing love, sunlight, fresh air or even the touch of another creature other than those who commit the atrocities to which they are subjected.

On June 7th the Senate gave final approval to a bill that rewrites a federal law enacted over 40 years ago regulating the use of chemicals. The new bill contains, for the first time in an environmental and health protecting statue, an explicit decree from Congress to minimize animal testing and to create a clear preference for the developments and use of alternative methods and strategies.

Congress must embrace the scientific development of non-animal methods of testing, building on those already widely used and accepted by scientists. In the very near future all toxicity testing will be performed on human biochips, loaded with cells accurately representing the heart, muscles, brain and other tissues. This approach will be made possible by the research and development of induced human stem cells and will allow the testing of drugs and toxins cheaply, more accurately and at a much quicker pace than the current archaic and medieval system.

Change is not only happening in the US but is a global movement. Europe has already banned cosmetic animals testing and trade and India will follow with legislation next year. Australia will soon also follow suit.

It seems as if there is a genuine global movement, combining moral intentions, and a smarter and more efficient system of testing drugs and toxins, that will in effect obliterate such barbaric use of animals, leaving the practice in our naive and shameful past.

 

Mixing Metals; the Chemistry of Design

Mixing Metals; the Chemistry of Design

For years you’ve been told you can’t mix your metal finishes. Either all gold tones or all silver tones. But that has changed over the recent years.

Throughout my sourcing for clients, I’ve seen the changing trend of mixing finishes. Not just with the gold and silvers, but with bronze as well. While this may not be for everyone it can work well and open up a whole new world for design.

When designing with metal accents, chose one tone for the main theme of the room. If working on a kitchen space start with you main items; appliances, lighting and fixtures. Today’s trend is still using stainless steel appliance alongside your chrome or nickel fixtures. You can easily incorporate a gold or brass accent by adding copper pots hanging from a center rack or even finding cabinet hardware that has a mix of metals.

Your powder room or even main bath can also easily handle the same mixture. Adding a gold framed mirror over the vanity, silver toned fixtures coupled with counter accessories which encompasses one or both finishes will complete the updated look.

When working on other areas such as the living and dining rooms, it may be a bit easier. Frames, mirrors, candle sticks and even fabrics are a great and easy way to incorporate the rich metal tones.

Enjoy!

From the U.K. to NoHo to “Everywhere”

Well we all like a fun story, especially one that takes you from across the world to your own backyard. But add music, talent and the NoHo Arts District, and we pay attention.

Meet Everywhere, the U.K. alt rock band who had some interesting luck, or as we like to call it, gumption and good music.

When and why did you start Everywhere? Who’s in the band?

”Everywhere” started as a passion project back in 2012 but after a short while it became more and more apparent that it could turn into a career for us. The band consists of Max Berga (Vocals), Joe Sanders (Bass), Hugo Hadji (Guitar) and Boris Braun (drums).

Why did you come to NoHo?

The trip to NoHo was actually the first thing we ever did as a band. Back in 2012 our front man Max Berga had been out drinking and clubbing all night and when he came back home he sent his bedroom demos to a bunch of producers around the world. Two weeks later he suddenly received a phone call from American producer Mark Needham, a man famous for his work with bands such as Imagine Dragons and Walk the Moon. He asked if Max wanted to bring his band to LA to work on the songs. Max agreed on the spot but failed to disclose a crucial detail, there was no band yet. He immediately put up an ad on a website called ”Bandfinder” which said that he was looking for musicians to follow him to Los Angeles to make the recordings. That’s how the band got started.

Everywhere the band in NoHo Arts District www.nohoartsdistrict.com

An interesting note: the name of the band ‘Everywhere’ was inspired by the quote “Good girls go to heaven, bad girls go everywhere” by former Cosmopolitan Editor Helen Gurley Brown.

Everywhere the band in NoHo Arts District

You produced the track “Eddie” in NoHo? Was the whole “American Grandeur” EP produced here?

Yes, the whole EP including the track ”Eddie” was recorded and produced over there. Mark was super professional and worked so fast. The studio and the service were excellent! We were told that the people at the studio could get us anything we wanted; apparently Steven Tyler had once asked them to bring him a horse. They had told him ”yes Mr. Tyler, right away sir.”

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What did you like best about the NoHo Arts District?

What struck us about it was the architecture. It was vastly different from anything we had previously seen over in Europe. Lots of interesting galleries, shops, cafés and an overall amazing buzz.

How would you describe your music? Your influences?

We play pretty straightforward Alternative Rock / Pop with an 80’s edge. Big sing along choruses and slick hooks. The influences are wide a varied. It could be anything from The Wombats to older outfits such as The Cars and Haircut 100.

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Following the release of critically praised single “Shades At Night” Everywhere has announced their new track “Some Other Dude” available on all digital providers July 29th.

“Some Other Dude” is the second single off their Sophomore EP due out in September this year. “It’s a funky little song about the importance of seizing an opportunity before it goes out the window,” says Sweden native front man Max Berga.

What’s next for Everywhere the band?

Next for us is a UK tour to promote our new single ”Some Other Dude” and the EP release in September. The single is due out on iTunes on July 29.

We had such a blast in the first time in LA that we went for a second trip over the Atlantic to cut some additional songs for the new EP, so yes, there will be some of that good NoHo magic on this one as well! The only thing that remains is to come up with a great name for the new EP.

Website   
Soundcloud
Facebook 
Twitter: @Everywhereband  
Spotify  

And here is one of our favorites from Everywhere, “Better Off Alone.” Enjoy their music, well, everywhere.

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

Shift your energy

 Shift your energy

I had an interesting class recently. Only seven people showed up. The rest had booked jobs and were working.

The seven that showed up were pretty depressed after finding out that so many of their classmates were working (and they weren’t). We had a long discussion at the beginning of class – actor talk – commiserating mostly. I could feel the energy in the room dropping. It felt like a black cloud moved into the room. I spoke to it and everyone agreed.

Since the class was so small and we had plenty of time, everyone got to share about what was going on. It was your typical depressing chatter: one person was up for a job and didn’t get it; someone else just went through a relationship breakup; another lost their day job; and one still can’t find a place to live and has a long commute to class. The energy spiraled downward, and it continued to fall. They even tried to top one another with their misery. We laughed about it, as it was the typical complaining that we all know so well.

Still, there was a black cloud in the room, and the energy was heavy, dark, you could feel it. It was nothing too serious – no cancer, death, or lost limbs – just business related and low, exhaustive, uncreative energy. The kind that results from the grind that actors must endure in this business.

After the complaining session ended, everyone was ready to work.

“Are you ready?” I asked them.

They all answered “yes,” and seemed to be back to their old selves.

“Do you feel you’re back to where you need to be to act and get into the work?” I asked.

“Yes,” they answered again. “We’re back to normal, let’s get to work.”

Normal?

“Hold on,” I said. “Let’s talk about the energy you’re wearing on your body. You’re walking around with this invisible negativity.”

“No,” they argued. “We’re ready to move on.”

I watched this group for a moment and said nothing. The room became quiet and still.

“Before we begin,” I said, “I’d like to hear the good news going on in your life.”

I asked each student to give me three bits of good news… silence. I mean silence, with looks that begged, “can we please stop this and just get on with the work?” In that moment, they all hated me.

“Come on, let’s turn this around,” I continued. “I want three pieces of good news from each of you.”

They wouldn’t budge.

One student finally said, “I can’t think of one at the moment.”

“Then you’re dead,” I told her. “Dig.”

There were more long pauses and exhausted sighs. They were pissed. They didn’t want this inner mind bullshit, they just wanted to act. I waited. It was quiet. No one said a word, so I turned to one student.

“You go first,” I said.

There was a pause. A long pause. And then…

“I have an audition tomorrow,” he offered. “That’s it.”

“Keep going,” I said.

“That’s’ it!”

More silence. The others noticed the resistance this student was in. He was committed to his misery, until finally…

“Well, I do have another audition on Friday,” he offered.

“So you have two auditions this week?”

“Yes,” he said, “but they’re just small things.”

“Do you think you’re going to be good going in the way you are now?”

“I can fake it,” he said.

“Good luck,” I told him. “You’re walking around in despair, and casting directors can smell it on you.”

We continued. It took almost 45 minutes to get everyone open and free enough to speak about their good news. Then things started to pop up. They were simple at first:

“I got here safe.”

“My wife made a great dinner last night.”

They continued:

“I got a residual check this week.”

“I’m healthy.”

“My mother in law is in town, and I like her.”

Things were discovered, revealed, and shared. They were small things at first. Then, even more was revealed. More personal, deeper things. It was exciting to look around the room and see the smiles grow.

“The more you notice and acknowledge your good news,” I explained, “the more good news you see.”

It was almost like a preparation process for a part. I could see and feel the energy shift. The room got lighter. There were smiles and laughter. They actually felt better. It was silly, but the message was clear:

“We are in charge of our energy, and as actors, we need to be in a certain light when we work.”

The entire room’s energy turned around. It was impressive to see such a shift in a short amount of time. Then we went to work, which was on another level and great. Someone asked me if I turned up the lights in the room, as it actually seemed brighter.

“No,” I said. “You became brighter, and it’s lighting up the room.”

Remember, that’s what we do. We brighten up the room with our talent, and share.

Welcome The Juice Parlor to NoHo!

Let’s give a BIG NoHo welcome to The Juice Parlor:5658 Cahuenga Blvd,, North Hollywood, 91601

“It’s Better To Feel Good” – Organic Juices, Smoothies and Acai Bowls

When I arrived at The Juice Parlor I was greeted with a lovely smile from Sarina Helen, one of the owners of this inviting place, her partner Dima Ciolache being the other. I have to say that when you spend more than a couple of minutes in this calm and pretty space, Sarina and Dima’s charming store on Cahuenga, it certainly puts you in the mood for smiling!

juice parlor 1

The decor is soft and simple with a definitively modern Apothecary twist, a little bit vintage and a little bit delicious…

The wellness vibe continues on to the large blackboard menu, divided into juices, blends, parlor shots and something a bit new – Acai Mixtures, which are kind of the meal portion of the menu…without the cooking. A meal without the cooking that is.

So I tried a little bit of everything, as I do, and everything new I tried I liked just as much as the last. I do love blends and juices and shots, and they have such a wonderful selection, each item specific to whatever you think you may need.

juce4

If you are tired there is the ‘Spring in Your Step’, if you are under the weather you can have a ‘Mayan Remedy’, and if you have a long dance class to go to try the ‘Dancing Shoes’. Sarina developed that one especially for the local dancers, and NoHo is full of them of course!

I really like the way the menu has been created just for the customer, and although there is a big emphasis on healthy and healing at The Juice Parlor, taste is also clearly very important too. No one likes to torture themselves with their beverages, even if they are doing you some good!

juice parlor 4

Everything is very fresh and organic and locally sourced of course, and they blend all the drinks and even the shots to order. You can watch them as they work, it’s a little dance of deliciousness, with baskets of fruits and vegetables and dashes of potions in bottles and sprinkles of spices…quite fascinating.

Everything I tried had such interesting layers of flavor, nothing seemed to overpower anything else, and you can truly feel something happening, not just to your palate, but also to your being.

The spices like ginger, turmeric root and cayenne lift you up as they they go down. The more you drink, the better you feel! Which is what I usually say about wine, but in this case, you feel better and you stay better!

juice5

Lastly, but by no means least, I have to tell you about the wonderful, creamy Acai mixtures…very unusual and completely addictive. Sarina discovered Acai a few years ago on a trip to Brazil and has spent some time experimenting with different concoctions and magical mixes. The result of which is not only the more traditional methods of drinks they serve but the bowls of Acai, granola and fresh fruit that go far beyond the simple yoghurt and sprinkles. These are big bowls of tart and sweet, buttery and crunchy, chunky and smooth, and absolutely beyond yummy…and they are really, really good for you!

What could possibly go wrong?! I could get addicted I suppose, but it’s hardly the worst thing to be addicted to after all!

the juice parlor

When you visit this lovely piece of NoHo tucked away on Cahuenga and Vineland, be prepared to fall in love. In love with the beautifully engineered and fragrantly delicious fayre and the comfortable and inviting setting and very possibly with the sweetness of Sarina and Dima, who are so happy to be able to share their knowledge and love of all things healing and healthy with everyone who crosses their threshold. They have only been open a few weeks and already they have become an integral part of their surroundings, with loyal customers singing their praises and visiting daily for their imbibments of joy and invigoration…just wonderful!

the juice parlor noho

I highly and tastily recommend The Juice Parlor, tell them Samantha sent you and they may give you an extra berry or two!

The space was designed by Make Model Method

The Juice Parlor, 5658 Cahuenga Blvd,, North Hollywood, 91601
818-465-5933
http://thejuiceparlor.com 

Social media:
Instagram: http://instagram.com/thejuiceparlor/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+Thejuiceparlor/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/thejuiceparlor
Facbook: https://www.facebook.com/thejuiceparlor
Our story: http://thejuiceparlor.com/our-story/.

 

Marriage – what is it costing you?

Marriage – what is it costing you?

Marriage affects your finances in many ways, including your ability to build wealth, plan for retirement, plan your estate, and capitalize on tax and insurance-related benefits.

State and federal laws on these subjects provide default positions. Some of these baseline conditions can be modified by a prenuptial agreement, a contract that permits a couple to keep their finances separate, protect each other from debt, and take other actions that could limit the rights of either partner.

Building Wealth

If both you and your spouse are employed, two salaries can be a considerable benefit in building long-term wealth. For example, if both of you have access to employer-sponsored retirement plans and each contributes $18,000 a year to a 401(k), as a couple you are contributing $36,000, far in excess of the maximum contribution of an individual ($18,000 for 2016). Similarly, a working couple may be able to pay a mortgage more easily than a single person can, which may make it possible for a couple to apply a portion of their combined paychecks for family savings or investments.

Retirement Benefits

Some (but not all) pensions provide benefits to widows or widowers following a pensioner’s death. When participating in an employer-sponsored retirement plan, married workers are required to name their spouse as beneficiary unless the spouse waives this right in writing. Qualifying widows or widowers may collect Social Security benefits up to a maximum of 50% of the benefit earned by a deceased spouse.

Estate Planning

Married couples may transfer real estate and personal property to a surviving spouse with no federal gift or estate tax consequences until the survivor dies. But surviving spouses do not automatically inherit all assets. Couples who desire to structure their estates in such a way that each spouse is the sole beneficiary of the other need to create wills or other estate planning documents to ensure that their wishes are realized. In the absence of a will, state laws governing disposition of an estate take effect. Also, certain types of trusts, such as qualified terminable interest property (QTIP) trusts and marital deduction trusts, are restricted to married couples.

Tax Planning

Depending on your individual income levels, filing federal income taxes as a married couple may result in higher or lower tax liability as compared with when you each filing singly. Keep in mind that when you are married, you must file as married. Only if you are not married may you file as single or head of household.

Debt Management

In certain circumstances, creditors may be able to attach marital or community property to satisfy the debts of one spouse. Couples wishing to guard against this practice may do so with a prenuptial agreement.

Family Matters

Marriage may enhance a partner’s ability to collect financial support, such as alimony, should the relationship dissolve. Although single people do adopt, many adoption agencies show preference for households that include a marital relationship.

The opportunity to go through life with a loving partner may be the greatest benefit of a successful marriage. That said, there are financial and legal benefits that you may want to explore with your partner before tying the knot.

Disclaimer: The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax or legal advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor.

The Juice Parlor

The Juice Parlor – “The perfect stop to feel good, refuel, and enjoy life.”  5658 Cahuenga Blvd., North Hollywood, 91601

“It’s Better To Feel Good” – Organic Juices, Smoothies and Acai Bowls

When I arrived at The Juice Parlor I was greeted with a lovely smile from Sarina Helen, one of the owners of this inviting place, her partner Dima Ciolache being the other. I have to say that when you spend more than a couple of minutes in this calm and pretty space, Sarina and Dima’s charming store on Cahuenga, it certainly puts you in the mood for smiling!

juice parlor 1

The decor is soft and simple with a definitively modern Apothecary twist, a little bit vintage and a little bit delicious…

The wellness vibe continues on to the large blackboard menu, divided into juices, blends, parlor shots and something a bit new…acai mixture’s…which are kind of the meal portion of the menu…without the cooking. A meal without the cooking that is.

So I tried a little bit of everything, as I do, and everything new I tried I liked just as much as the last. I do love blends and juices and shots, and they have such a wonderful selection, each item specific to whatever you think you may need.

juce4

If you are tired there is the ‘Spring in Your Step’, if you are under the weather you can have a ‘Mayan Remedy’ and if you have a long dance class to go to try the ‘Dancing Shoes’. Sarina developed that one especially for the local Dancers, and NoHo is full of them of course!.

I really like the way the menu has been created just for the customer, and although there is a big emphasis on healthy and healing at The Juice Parlor, taste is also clearly very important too, no one likes to torture themselves with their beverages, even if they are doing you some good!

juice parlor 4

Everything is very fresh and organic and locally sourced of course, and they blend all the drinks and even the shots to order, you can watch them as they work, it’s a little dance of deliciousness, with baskets of fruits and vegetables and dashes of potions in bottles and sprinkles of spices…quite fascinating.

Everything I tried had such interesting layers of flavor, nothing seemed to over power anything else, and you can truly feel something happening, not just to your pallet, but also to your being.

The spices like ginger and turmeric root and cayenne lift you up as they they go down. The more you drink, the better you feel! Which is what I usually say about wine…but in this case you feel better and you stay better!

juice5

Lastly, but by no means least I have to tell you about the wonderful, creamy Acai mixtures…very unusual and completely addictive. Sarina discovered Acai a few years ago on a trip to Brazil and has spent some time experimenting with different concoctions and magical mixes. The result of which is not only the more traditional methods of drinks they serve but the bowls of acai, granola and fresh fruit that go far beyond the simple yoghurt and sprinkles. These are big bowls of tart and sweet, buttery and crunchy, chunky and smooth, and absolutely beyond yummy. Plus, they are really, really good for you!

What could possibly go wrong? I could get addicted I suppose, but it’s hardly the worst thing to be addicted to after all!

the juice parlor

When you visit this lovely piece of NoHo tucked away on Cahuenga and Vineland, be prepared to fall in love. In love with the beautifully engineered and fragrantly delicious fare and the comfortable and inviting setting and, very possibly, with the sweetness of Sarina and Dima, who are so happy to be able to share their knowledge and love of all things healing and healthy with everyone who crosses their threshold. They have become an integral part of their surroundings, with loyal customers singing their praises and visiting daily for their imbibments of joy and invigoration…just wonderful!

the juice parlor noho

I highly and tastily recommend The Juice Parlor, tell them Samantha sent you and they may give you an extra berry or two!

The space was designed by Make Model Method.

The Juice Parlor, 5658 Cahuenga Blvd,, North Hollywood, 91601
818-465-5933
http://thejuiceparlor.com 

Social media:
Instagram: http://instagram.com/thejuiceparlor/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+Thejuiceparlor/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/thejuiceparlor
Facbook: https://www.facebook.com/thejuiceparlor
Our story: http://thejuiceparlor.com/our-story/.

Valley Transit on the Move

The Valley’s transportation system is on the move! The NoHo Arts District dot com team is a huge fan, supporter and user of the Metro, especially the Red and Orange lines. We also can’t wait for more lines to be exteneded and created. We’re still waiting for the 405 FWY line, though. Here’s a note from North Hollywood Councilman Paul Krekorian:

Read the full article>>  


Dear Friend:

Have you ever taken the Metro Red Line train to get to Studio City or North Hollywood from downtown LA or some other location? Or maybe you’ve been on the Gold Line or hopped on a big red, orange or silver bus. If so, you’re in good company. Last year, 1.4 million people took Metro buses and trains each day to get to work, school, museums, sporting events, theme parks and other places they wanted to go. In Los Angeles, mass transit has become a regular part of our lives, which was almost unimaginable just 25 years ago.

Back then, Los Angeles County had no rail system. No one took the Red Line because it didn’t exist. Since the demise of the Pacific Red Car in 1952, San Fernando Valley residents were stuck in cars on clogged freeways and congested surface streets.

The ongoing project to change LA from transit wasteland to promised land began in 1990 when Metro opened the Blue Line, spanning 22 miles from downtown to Long Beach. It was a necessary step forward, a reminder of what we’d been missing for nearly 40 years and a taste of things to come.

We’ve experienced a genuine transit revolution in the years since. LA County now boasts six different rail lines with 86 stations on 100 miles of rail. There are two enormously successful Bus Rapid Transit lines, including the Valley’s own Orange Line, which transported 74 million riders between 2005 and 2015. In March, Metro extended the Gold Line east and, in May, took the Expo Line to the beach.

Getting here was tough. It took political courage and vision, along with public support and sacrifice. In 2008, at the height of the recession, voters passed Measure R, a countywide half-cent sales tax increase that brought us the transit infrastructure we enjoy today.

Measure R had flaws. There weren’t enough big projects funded in the San Fernando Valley, and there wasn’t enough money allocated for those that were. But over the past eight years, Measure R has provided significant benefits to Valley residents and given our transit system the shot in the arm it needed to mature: the Orange Line extension west to Canoga Park, bus service to Hollywood-Burbank airport from NoHo, LAX Flyaway service from the Woodley Orange Line station, upgraded rail stations in NoHo and Universal City, miles of bike lanes and paths, and express bus service over the Sepulveda Pass. Recently, Metro inaugurated another express bus from NoHo to Pasadena. None of this would have been possible without Measure R.

As a Metro Board Member and Valley Councilmember, I have to look at the successes and shortcomings of the past to build a better future. That’s why, over the past two years, I participated with Valley policymakers, community advocates and business groups in collaborative, bottom-up discussions about another possible Measure R — now called the Los Angeles County Traffic Improvement Plan — and our region’s transit priorities for the next half century and beyond. My main goal throughout has been to ensure that the Valley gets its fair share of transportation investment. We engaged in this discussion because we know that the Valley’s transit needs are vastly larger than the amount of funding that’s currently available to meet them. We also understand that, in order to grow, we need to think about our future transit needs and what is required for us to achieve them.

The results of our collective efforts are showcased in the Los Angeles County Traffic Improvement Plan, which could go to voters as sales tax ballot measure this November. Yes, it’s a sales tax measure, but the price is modest – amounting to just $25 a year per person – and the returns will be huge. This bold plan will extend Measure R and allocate more than $120 billion to boost transit investment, ease traffic and deliver on the Valley’s top transit priorities, including:

• Completing a transit connection between the Valley and the Westside through the Sepulveda Pass,
• Constructing a light rail connection to the North Valley through the East San Fernando Valley corridor,
• Improving the Orange Line and converting it to light rail,
• Extending a transit connection between North Hollywood and Pasadena,
• Completing the full length of the LA River Bikeway, and
• Expanding walkways and additional bike paths throughout the Valley.

Over the past few months, Metro has received input from Valley residents about the plan, most of it positive and all of it helpful. As a result, Metro unveiled a revised plan last week, which will positively impact the San Fernando Valley. The goal of the plan is to give LA County a transportation network that cuts down on traffic and better connects our communities now and in the future.

In this special edition of Our Valley News, I’ll discuss those changes to the plan and give you an overview of what Metro is, who uses it and some of the many things it does to improve the lives of people in your community.

Read about Metro’s plan here.  As always, if you have thoughts about the plan or Valley transportation in general, please contact me: paul.krekorian@lacity.org or 213-473-7002.

Very truly yours,
Metro on the move in the Valley! 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.

NoHo News: The Goodmen, Experience NoHo Plaza, Zombie’s Mini Theatre Festival, Bite-sized Musicals, More Theatre

Here’s your NoHo arts community update!

We look forward to sharing lots of fun and unique news, events, profiles and updates on what’s happening in the NoHo Arts District.

Every Thursday we send out our NoHo e-News. Do you get it? It takes 30 seconds. Make sure you sign up, it’s FREE. Sign up HERE>>

This issue of NoHo e-News is about what’s going on in North Hollywood and a selection of some theatre shows. But we have a ton of them. Did you know that the NoHo Arts District has the highest concentration of theatres outside of New York City? Just check out the NoHo Arts District Theatre Guide>>

Here’s a glimpse at what’s going on in North Hollywood. Click on the image and…ENJOY NOHO!

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

Sing Street, Disc Makers, Kongos and more

The film SING STREET offers its viewers a quixotic romp into the mercurial world of 5 Irish lads in 1985 Dublin.

In the mix is a mysterious model who lures the aspiring “Cosmo” into forming a band to win the model, hence the band “Sing Street” first effort is “Riddle Of The Model”. This tune is fun and reminds me a bit of the Arctic Monkeys’ “Bet You Look Good On The Dance floor.”

Ferida Walsh-Peelo is Director/Screenwriter John Carney’s alter ego “Cosmo” the hapless 16-year-old who has a fixation on 16-year-old Raphina the “model” acted wonderfully well by Lucy Boynton.

The antics of this group of lads is funny and will have you laughing a lot and crying a bit while viewing this well written and well acted script.

In addition to “Riddle Of The Model” Sing Street,the band, also perform “To Find You” and “Drive It Like you Stole It.” A stand out song in this film is “Go Now” which was written and performed by Maroon 5’s Adam Levine. Not to be confused with the Moody Blues’ “Go Now” this song provides a lovely closing ballad about taking a leap of faith. Is there nothing that Levine can’t do? This man continues to impress me as his talent matures.

Among the performers whose music is featured in SING STREET are The Jam, The Cure and Hall & Oates.

One of the best lines in the film is said by “Cosmo’s” out of work brother “Rock n’ Roll is a risk. You risk being ridiculed.” Another line that pretty much sums up the film is “It’s about getting the girl.” The solution is to create a band to get the girl…a quaint, simple love story under the aegis of Rock.

This indie film impressed viewers at the Sundance film Festival and has earned 5.5 million dollars in the US. It has a PG 13 rating and is still playing around Los Angeles. Check Fandango for locations and check out the 497 reviews with 4 1/2 of 5 star ratings. And while you are at it check out the wonderful trailers.

I would give this film 5 stars of 5 because it is believable where most films that involve Rock are not…”Ricki and The Flash” comes to mind.

Went to LACMA to see the Robert Mapplethorpe exhibit “The Perfect Medium” primarily because of his alliance with the East Coast Punk Legend PATTI SMITH. Mapplethorpe shot the cover for Smith’s 1975 debut LP “Horses.” The cover is considered in some circles to be the greatest LP cover ever. The exhibit included several shots of SMITH dressed and undressed and displayed the strength of a Comanche Indian with a resolve to Rock our worlds.

SMITH’s LP “Easter” is my favorite effort by her and is where she announces her Native American heritage on “Babelogue.”

Mapplethorpe also shot the cover of “Morrison Hotel” for THE DOORS, but I did not see that photo there. This show runs through July 31 and has a companion show at The Getty which also runs through July 31.

While at this show, I decided to view the other exhibit that was going on at The Broad section…Reigning Men: Fashion in Menswear.

I found the bulk of it entertaining, but there were two parts that captured my musical attention.

“The Pearly Kings and Queens” had attire completely covered in Mother-Of-Pearl buttons and were members of London’s working classes’ charitable organizations. The late sixties band TRAFFIC had a song titled “Pearly Queen” and now the song makes sense to me. Now I knew where the title came from.

At the end was the “Punk” exhibit which included a leather motorcycle jacked adorned with all kinds of pins, spikes and whatnots and on the back was the emblem of one of my favorite “Punk” bands…THE RAMONES. My favorite songs by them are “We Want The Airwaves” and “I Wanna Be Sedated.”

When I first began working at Universal Studios in 2010, I met a lovely man named Sydney Alston. I never did know what he did at the studio until we ran into each other at one of Tess Taylor’s music industry mixers. Taylor is the president of NARIP (National Association of Recording Industry Professionals) and LAMN (Los angels Music Network), which sponsors LAMN Jam that has been staged at NoHo hotspot Skinny’s Lounge where I ran into Alston. He has since been a judge for the LAMN Jam.

A while ago I received an invitation from Alston to attend a record label showcase at Club Los Globos in Silver Lake where one of his clients, Disc Makers, wanted to bring industry people together to network and become familiar with one another.

Club Los Globos was packed and everyone enjoyed themselves, but more importantly I saw many well known talents in the room from NARIP as well as Grammy winners.

For those that haven’t heard of Disc Makers before, they are a stand alone leader in their industry of optical disc manufacturing for indie artists, filmmakers and businesses, and have been around since 1946.

Disc Makers are currently running a Studio Life Sweepstakes and are offering over $5,000 in prizes. You may checkout their website @ www.discmakers.com or call them @1-880-468-9353 for more info on this indie label. Alston has a vision of bringing industry people together to these showcases to help develop the acts.

Two years ago a dear friend and I went to The Troubadour to see an up-and-coming band that called themselves The KONGOS and felt as if I was watching history being made. I rarely get that kind of goosebumps, but I got them that night. Multifaceted and multitalented, The KONGOS are an alternative rock band that have a unique sound that is pulled together with the amazing sounds of an accordion. At the time they were promoting their LP “Lunatic” which was quickly loaded onto my iPod…yep, iPod worthy. Their song from that LP “Come With Me Now” was picked up for a Universal Orlando theme park commercial.

The KONGOS are signed to indie label Epic Records which is owned by Sony Music Entertainment and are going to be touring in the US to promote their new LP “Egomaniac.” The LP showcases a more mature and seasoned version of The KONGOS. This LP is sure to offer up several singles from this well crafted LP. Among my faves are “Take It From Me” which has the four brothers’ heads enlarged in their video for the song and “I Want It Free,” which is a politically charged ditty about the one percenters here in America.

The Wiltern Theater will host The KONGOS on October 28. Buy a ticket if there are any left because this band has no where else to go but up. This might be one of the few smaller venue shows they’ll be playing here this year because next year it may be impossible to see them in a venue of this size. You can find them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and their website www.kongos.com.
Back in my youth there was a cool band that rose to fame named LOVE. This band had a groovy sound that was fun to dance to. From “Hey Joe,” “Signed DC,” “My Flash On You,” “Alone Again Or” to “You I’ll Be Following” they knocked me out.

Almost six years ago LOVE member Johnny Echols and music scene gad about Georgiana Steele-Waller decided to host a Love-In in Griffith Park by the Merry-Go-Round and it has grown bit by bit over the years and is how I met this charming couple. I’ve done a few stories on this fascinating couple because of their cool stories about the scene here in LA and in London. Steele-Waller has written one book and another one is in the works. Echols writes a blog.

Turns out that LOVE has quite a following in the UK and will be leaving LA on June 20 to do a tour in the UK to accommodate their fans across the pond…WHEE! They’ll be there June 23 to July 4 wooing their fans with their LOVE Revisited repertoire.

On August 7 there will be another LOVE sponsored Love-In at Griffith Park by the historic Merry-Go-Round. While this isn’t the proportions of the love-Ins that I used to attend there, it is a lot of fun with guitars playing, voices singing and people grooving to the vibes.

Call for NoHo Performing Artists

Call to Performing Artists – singers, musicians, dancers, actors, poets

We are excited to announce a fun showcase opportunity for local NoHo artists at Experience NoHo Plaza 2016 – NoHo’s Free Summer Entertainment Series. The Series is produced by the NoHo Business Improvement District (NoHo BID)  and Councilman Paul Krekorian’s office with talent coordination by nohoartsdistrict.com.

Please check out the details below and make sure to get your submissions in! Please share this opportunity with artists you know. All artists are paid to perform at Experience NoHo Plaza 2016 – Summer Entertainment Series.

WHERE:

NoHo Plaza Located between 5223 & 5225 Lankershim Blvd.

WHEN:

Every Thursday.
June 16 – August 25
Shows are from 7-8:15PM

COST:

FREE to the public.

SUMBISSIONS:

We are looking for musicians, bands, singers, dancers of all genres, spoken word/poets to perform at NoHo Plaza’s first summer entertainment series.

• For submissions please email a short bio, photo for promotion, video work sample, website/social media links the Experience NoHo Plaza coordinator: Samantha@nohoartsdistrict.com with subject line: NoHo Plaza Performer Submission
• Submissions are due by July 1, 2016


“This program is made possible in part by a grant from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs and with the support of Community Partners.”

communitypartners logo notag         dca.logo bw

**** 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 Theatre Does Own Fringe Festival…Zombie Style

It’s here! ZOMBIE JOE’S 2nd Annual UNDERGROUND FRINGE: JUNE 10 – 25, 2016.

 

Mark your calendars for June 10 – 25, 2016! NoHo’s own Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group is having their second annual ZOMBIE JOE’S UNDERGROUND FRINGE. Remember, NoHo has 20 theatres in one square mile so go out and be entertained live. In this case, be thoroughly entertained, Zombie style!

What exactly is the ZOMBIE JOE’S UNDERGROUND FRINGE?

ZOMBIE JOE’S 2nd Annual UNDERGROUND FRINGE is a cutting-edge, avant-garde mini-theatre festival showcasing new works and what ZJU, in general, has to offer. Our unsurpassed family of directors, performers, and artisans *(Denise Devin, Josh T. Ryan, Randy “Kernel” Long, Jana Wimer, Jeri Batzdorff, Vanessa Cate, Roger K. Weiss, Shayne Eastin, Jonica Patella, Elif Savas, Christopher Reiner, Jason Britt, Alex G. Smith… just to name a few from our amazing casts n’ crews) have been working around the clock to piece this event together – something of a special treat celebrating the alternative theatre arts our beloved NOHO, and our gift to the theatre community at large. JOIN US!

Why did you create the ZOMBIE JOE’S UNDERGROUND FRINGE?

We had been enjoying our participation in The HOLLYWOOD FRINGE a couple years back – and yet our audiences were arriving at our doorstep in June thinking that ZOMBIE JOE’S UNDERGROUND (4850 Lankershim Blvd.) was actually an extension of the HOLLYWOOD FRINGE – so my brother Josh T. Ryan and I thought, hey now – why not hold our own lil’ Fringe, and do it OUR way, infused with our own sense of prowess, style, culture and community…and have some good ol’ fashioned fun in the process?! Oh man, its been a blast organizing everything, too. The Underground is so passionate and enthusiastic, one does not often afford the opportunity to be surrounded with such an amazing theatre family in this lifetime, its just TOO good sometimes, we want to share this energy with EVERYONE while it lasts, life is short and precious. For our primary line-up, we feature two Bard productions – OTHELLO (dir. by Josh T. Ryan) and AS YOU LIKE IT (dir. by Denise Devin), performed in completely different styles and genres, a killer “Classic Edition” of our signature URBAN DEATH production (dir. by Jana Wimer), and Roger K. Weiss’ premiere- play about following your dreams entitled REMEMBER MY NAME, plus much, much more! Tickets are only $15, so be sure to catch all (4) of this year’s, unique, exciting productions.

THE LINEUP

Zombie Joe's Underground Fringe 2016 www.nohoartsdistrict.com

“OTHELLO” – FRIDAY & SATURDAY @ 11pm, JUNE 24 & 25; Continues FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS @ 8:30pm, JULY 1 thru 30.

Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group Proudly Presents Josh T. Ryan and Zombie Joe’s wet n’ wild, high-euro-fashion adaptation of Shakespeare’s tale of love, murder and betrayal, where glamor is a rocky-road – and jealousy is a green-eyed monster! Featuring the amazing Vanessa Cate as Othello and Directed by ZJU’s magnificent Josh T. Ryan. For Ages 15 and up.

Zombie Joe's Underground Fringe 2016 www.nohoartsdistrict.com

“URBAN DEATH” – FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS @ 11pm, JUNE 3 thru 18; (2) Additional Peformances on MONDAY and FRIDAY @ 8:30pm, JUNE 20 & 24.

Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group’s special “Classic Edition” of their signature horror production that dives deep into the depths of inexplicable horrors, unfathomable monstrosities, and the disturbed spirits that walk among us! Directed by Jana Wimer. For Ages 15 and up.

Zombie Joe's Underground Fringe 2016 www.nohoartsdistrict.com

“AS YOU LIKE IT” – FRIDAYS @ 8:30pm & SUNDAYS @ 7pm, JUNE 3 thru 19.

Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group proudly presents Shakespeare’s AS YOU LIKE IT, Director Denise Devin’s rollicking romantic and sexy romp through the magical Forest of Arden, which follows the adventures of banished heroine Rosalind as she flees her fate – dressed as a man, looking for true love, and her father…while fending-off the amorous advances of a shepherdess! For Ages 15 and up.

Zombie Joe's Underground Fringe 2016 www.nohoartsdistrict.com

“REMEMBER MY NAME” – SATURDAYS @ 8:30pm, JUNE 4 thru 25.

Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group proudly presents REMEMBER MY NAME, Roger K. Weiss’ World-Premiere comedy about a passionate woman who will stop at nothing to make her Broadway dreams come true! Obsessed with the movie “Fame,” Ruth is determined to overcome a complete lack of talent, training, experience, and support from her football-loving husband. Written and Directed by Roger K. Weiss (“The Hypochondriac” – StageRaw.com Top10 in 2014). For Ages 13 and up.

**** 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: Zombie’s Mini Theatre Festival, Fashion, Free Films, More Theatre

Here’s your NoHo arts community update!

We look forward to sharing lots of fun and unique news, events, profiles and updates on what’s happening in the NoHo Arts District.

Every Thursday we send out our NoHo e-News. Do you get it? It takes 30 seconds. Make sure you sign up, it’s FREE. Sign up HERE>>

This issue of NoHo e-News is about what’s going on in North Hollywood and a selection of some theatre shows. But we have a ton of them. Did you know that the NoHo Arts District has the highest concentration of theatres outside of New York City? Just check out the NoHo Arts District Theatre Guide>>

Here’s a glimpse at what’s going on in North Hollywood. Click on the image and…ENJOY NOHO!

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