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A Mother’s Day gift that lasts forever.

Lisa Bianconi
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What’s the best gift to give your mom on Mother’s Day? Kind Words are a start. 

The NoHo Arts District dot Com team was thinking about a way to show appreciation for our mothers, with us and who’ve left us. We thought this year we would show our love with the words of Poet Waide Riddle, a contributor of poems to our NoHo site in the past. Get inspired and send some loving words to your mother or someone who has acted as a loving mother. Mother’s Day is about honoring those who have cared for you, loved you, guided you, and who’ve helped shape you into who you are today. Enjoy the kind words of love …

Waide Riddle Poet Mother's Day Poems via www.nohoartsdistrict.com
Photo courtesy of Marilyn Stempel

Waide Riddle is a native Texan. He moved to Los Angeles in 1984 and has made both Austin and L.A. his home since.

He is the winner of seven national poetry awards. Many of his poems and short stories are archived in the Simon Wiesenthal Center/ Museum of Tolerance, USC Gay & Lesbian Archives, Poets House/ NYC and the UCLA Library of Special Collections.

When Waide is not writing, he is busy as an indie filmmaker. He has written, produced and directed six SAG short films. He is presently in the beginning stages on his next short.

Waide is currently taking computer classes at Apple and is starting a new ‘hobby’ as a DJ. He proudly possesses a comprehensive library of music that concentrates and focuses on Classic Rock & Soul, from the 1950s- 1980s Dance.

Waide’s favorite authors are Robert McCammon, S.E. Hinton & William Peter Blatty.

Many Waide’s poems and short stories may be found on Amazon Kindle and he may be reached at: waideriddle@hotmail.com.

All of these titles are award-winners, archived in the UCLA Library of Special Collections and available on Amazon Kindle.

GOLD

I am so lucky.
So fortunate.
So blessed… to have a Mother such as you.
Gentle quiet. Soft silence.
Let us listen. Let us feel… our Mother’s Love.
She is the bitter winter’s cold.
The fire in a summer’s heat.
The green in a tropical canyon.
A ruby. An emerald. A sapphire.
A sparkling gem in God’s special treasures.
She is a universe of infinite color.
A moon glow on a plain… of fresh powdered snow… adrift.
A cosmic eclipse. A celestial birth.
A fountain of language. A guidance of interpretation.
Her smile is a daisy.
Her wit as pink as a buttercup.
Her patience a morning glory.
Her discipline as solid as the oak.
Gentle quiet. Soft silence.
Let us listen. Let us feel… our Mother’s Love.

Gustav Klimpt Mother's Day Poems www.nohoartsdistrict.com
Gustav Klimpt, Mother and Child

Mother

She is special love.
Summer’s rainbow.

A valley of green.
A sparkling spring.

Red rose…morning dew drops.
Fields of clover.

SUNNY! YELLOW! & HAPPY!

A cool breeze on autumn leaves… orange… red.
A kiss of an angel.

Ice castles in December.
Snowflakes on the wings of a dove… in flight… to God above.

Grandmother’s Roses

Year after year I’d watch her in her rocking chair
Year after year, from boy to man, I’d watch her
To myself I’d wonder, just what is a Grandmother?
How curious I was, I’d only stare, to comprehend such a simple question.
Of a Grandmother to grandson relation
How do I dare? I thought to myself, to compare her to, do I really dare?
Yes, I do!
She is as young as an April’s sunrise with rolling waves of purple and violet mists.
She is as beautiful as the fields of lush green with warm orange hues dusted over dew.
As cool as a summer’s rain passing over an ocean blue
Her soothing words of wisdom and love hold motion
In the wind with this as my muse, I used to ponder, the quest to conquer the question.
A difficult, yet, simple test, I answer at my best
It is her love. A love that can nurture, touch, move and affect my soul so deeply.
That is my Grandmother.
A rose is of Love.
And if I could I would honor and give her a forest of them
If I could I would celebrate every Grandmother with a galaxy of every color.
A bouquet of praise and gratitude
A rare moment of solitude between a grandson and his Grandmother.
A moment for just the two

**** 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.

Poems to honor the mother for Mother’s Day by Waide Riddle on the official NoHo guide www.nohoartsdistrict.com  

Saying Goodbye to NoHo’s Michael Higby

Lisa Bianconi
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Note from the NoHo Arts District dot Com Team. We had the pleasure of knowing Michael for many years and got to see his love for our neighborhood. He was one of a select few who turned his admiration for NoHo into action. For this we are grateful. We will miss you, Michael, our passionate and fair friend. We hope you are stirring things up in your new “neighborhood.”

A post from friend, NoHo resident and business owner, Jack Witt.

I was one of the lucky ones. I got to work with Michael on lots of local community events with the Jaycees (Junior Chamber), and over the years as we got older, I became his friend and coach.

Michael was an eager and motivated civic and community organizer here in the NoHo area. Way back in around 1999 he started the Universal City North Hollywood Jaycees, a leadership and development organization for young adults ages 18-40. The Operation Santa project for deserving children, which is today a staple holiday charity project of the east valley community, is a direct result of Michael’s passion for helping needy kids. When Michael started it, it served maybe 10 or 20 families in the east valley. We would deliver toys on Christmas Eve dressed like Santa and elves. Today, the project has partners like Los Angeles Valley College, and serves upwards of a 100 deserving families each Holiday Season.

Michael was one of the original trail blazers to help turn North Hollywood into the dynamic and trendy NoHo Arts District it is today. He always had a vision and ideas for this local area, and his enthusiasm about it was infectious. He recruited me into community service in 2002, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to be a part of it all… thanks to him.

In 2004, Michael became the 76th President of the California Jaycees. He asked me to write and perform a campaign theme song for him at the state elections convention. I have fond memories of that day. “Michael Higby, he’s the one for you, California President, a Jaycee through and through” !

After his Presidency, Michael started a Los Angeles political blog called “Mayor Sam”. It helped to keep local politicians in check for their actions (or lack thereof) and was even featured on CNN’s “The Situation Room” with Wolf Blitzer.

In 2010, Michael served on my Board of Directors when I was President of the Universal City North Hollywood Chamber of Commerce during its Centennial year. That’s when I really realized how incredibly informed, smart, creative and forward thinking he was on community, business and civic issues. He was a top advisor and confidant for me that year, and the NoHo Arts District was really coming into full fruition during that year of our service.

Michael became Senior Business Development Manager for SADA Systems, a local IT company that specializes in cloud computing, managed services and consulting. He was a top performer there and helped to grow the company from a few employees to over 100 now.

Michael enjoyed singing karaoke, classic TV sitcoms, calling in and hosting radio shows, the history of the San Fernando Valley and was a very patient, understanding and empathetic person. He had deep faith in God through a very personal relationship, and was a part-time caretaker for his Mom over the past year. She was in assisted living homes after suffering a major stroke. She passed away just a couple months ago.

A couple days before his passing, Michael told me that he wanted to form a “rag tag” group of musicians and performers to go around to assisted living senior homes and cheer up the residents. I would like to carry that vision out for him. If you are interested in joining the group, let me know!

A CELEBRATION of Michael Higby’s life will be on Saturday, May 9th, at 1:00pm at New Hope Community Church. 10438 Oro Vista Ave, Sunland, CA 91040

Here’s lyrics to a song I’ve written and will be performing at his celebration:

Let’s go-to a place where the sun will always shine
Let’s sail-on waters of crystal blue
Let’s walk-through meadows of lovely flowers
Let’s float-on a cloud with a view

I’ll be missing you my friend-until the end of time
But one thing I will do my friend-is always keep you on my mind

Let’s go-to a place where they’re always singing
Let’s sing-every song we always loved
Let’s dance-to the rhythm of a million beating hearts
Let’s soar-on the wings of a dove

I’ll be missing you my friend-until the end of time
But one thing I will do my friend-is always keep you on my mind

Your friend,
Jack Witt, MS, CPT
Fitness and Health Coach “Get Fit with Witt”  

**** 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.  

Community “A Second Chance at Life”

nohoarts
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Ever heard the saying “a good TV show never really dies?” We all know that a beloved show can forever live on in the heart of its fans. Well it turns out, cult classic Community has found a new life itself, this time a part of Yahoo! Screen’s new channel. You heard me correct, Yahoo! is making original TV shows now.

See back in the fall of 2011 Yahoo! rebranded their online video service and since then they’ve even produced an Emmy nominated series, “Burning Love.”

Community revolves around “Talk Soup” Host Joel McHale who plays “Jeff Winger,” former lawyer who returns to community college after being exposed for never really getting his law degree. He befriends a group of random misfits and together they brave the perils and joys of their school Greendale.

Known for its quirk and pop culture nostalgia Community slowly gained a cult following for several years until it was cancelled due to low ratings.

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Since then the former NBC comedy has found itself un-cancelled and a part of building the burgeoning Yahoo! Screens division. Its sixth season comeback however has been met with mixed reviews. While some praise it as fundamentally staying true to its essence, many find it hard to get past all the recent cast changes. Losing heavy comedic hitters like Pierce (Chevy Chase), Troy (Donald Glover) & Shirley (Yvette Brown) has definitely weakened the shows unique chemistry, one they try and make up for by constantly acknowledging it. Another problem is, after six years, how are these people still in community college? But at this point in its evolution the show has drifted far beyond the realism of its roots and purely floats on sci-fi like imagination and pop culture nostalgia alone.

Whether Community’s second chance at life should be hailed or flogged still remains to be seen.

By definition it is a reboot which means it primarily has the tricky task of reestablishing its storyline, regaining the trust of its original fanbase, plus appeal to a new audience who may or may not decide to give it a try. I am unconvinced that Community will rise to its former glory but in the end the fan in me believes it’s still worth giving a college try.

5863 is more than a number

Lisa Bianconi
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5863 – a play. What if you became just a number?

There’s a new show in North Hollywood called “5863” written and performed by Rudi Stroebel now playing through May 17 at The Eclectic Company Theatre. These simple numbers are what a person becomes once in the system, the number that the penal system has assigned to the character that Stroebel portrays. Multiple cases of prisoners’ cases being re-opened when evidence emerges of their innocence makes “5863” timely. “5863” examines what can happen to an individual when the established system of justice fails him.

The story is as follows: A convict in a solitary cell has been reduced to a number, 5863, his former identity erased. He’s lost his name, his woman, his son, his job, his home. All he has left to him is incarceration (and much worse) for life. He swears he did not commit that particularly heinous crime for which he has been convicted. He is certain of his innocence in that regard. Now that he has lost the treasures of love and family, is there any possible redemption left for him? Rudi Stroebel is the writer/performer. Educated in South Africa, he has been a familiar presence on television in South Africa, the UK and in Europe. “5863” marks his Los Angeles stage debut.

5863 play www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Why did he decide to write a piece on a failed justice system?

The concept for ‘5863’ deals with regret and ultimately forgiveness. After doing research on the criminal justice systems globally, I stumbled upon several letters from inmates, both guilty and not, addressing the conditions in prisons. Rape and violence were most mentioned, and these letters played a huge part in the writing of “5863.”

Does the play have something to do with his South African roots?

No it doesn’t particularly. The inhumane conditions of these prisons, in particular the solitary confinement cells, are a global problem.

Why is this show timely?

The piece is timely because, like all of us, this character lost track of what was important in his life. He worked all the time, spending most of his time on his computer or cellphone and didn’t pay enough attention to his family. After his incarceration these are things he regretted the most. His identity was stripped from him, and the play deals with his regret and ultimately self forgiveness, reclaiming his identity.

Is there any significance in the number he chose for the play’s title?

No significance in the number, other than it being the number he was allocated in prison that subsequently became what he was called by the guards.

Tell us a bit more about yourself.

I’ve got an acting and film making degree from AFDA Cape Town (BA Live Performance). I’ve done around 40 commercials, including Ferrero Rocher (Germany, Italy, France) and J. C. le Roux- Cork (currently running in SA). After film school I produced and presented content for my blog, Rudi Say What?, interviewing around 80 celebrities over three years on the red carpet and at SA’s biggest theatre festival. I’m also a private cook (not chef) catering for small dinner parties on location. I’ve been reviewing restaurants, events and art exhibitions for Rudi Say What? for four years and has done some guest writing gigs on the very well supported HSSS.com.

I have been modeling since high school, and most recently did a spread for Thoki Tafeni (featured at Seattle Fashion Week 2015).

What’s coming up for Rudi? Being newly wed and currently residing in L.A. I’m looking into continue my presenting career. I’ll be covering the story of Thoki Tafeni, the only foreigner invited to showcase her collection, at Seattle Fashion Week. I’m meeting with agents, managers and network execs to promote myself as a brand. I already have another theatre project in the pipeline where I’ll be collaborating with a British playwright and a hugely talented French director.

You can follow Rudi Stroebel here:

Instagram: @rudistroebel  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  The Rudi Say What? Facebook page

“5863.” Written and performed by Rudi Stroebel. Directed by Angela Grillo and Dominique Sire. Produced by Grillo and Stroebel for The Eclectic Company Theatre. Now playing through May 17 at The Eclectic Company Theatre, 5312 Laurel Canyon Blvd. (between Chandler and Magnolia), Valley Village, CA 91607. Thurs,.- Sat. at 8:00, Sun. at 7:00. Admission: $18. Pay What You Can on April 30 and May 10. Reservations: (818) 508-3003. Online ticketing: www.eclecticcompanytheatre.org

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

How Much Will That Little Bundle of Joy Cost You? Try $241,000

Lillian Appleby
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How Much Will That Little Bundle of Joy Cost You? Try $241,000

The average total child-rearing costs for a child born in 2012 and living at home through age 17 range from $173,490 to $399,780, depending on the family’s income level. 

It certainly comes as no surprise to parents that raising a child can be expensive. But just how expensive?

While many financial studies focus solely on college costs, research by the U.S. Department of Agriculture
(USDA) provides parents and prospective parents with a general idea of the cumulative expenses for a child before college kicks in.

The results are sobering. The average total child-rearing costs for a child born in 2012 and living at home through age 17 is now $241,080. The USDA calculations include a wide variety of expenses, including housing, child care and education, health care, clothing, transportation, food, personal care, and entertainment.

Estimated Cumulative Child-Rearing Expenditures, 2012-2029

Lowest Income Group ($60,640) $173,490 

Middle Income Group (between $60,640 and $105,000) $241,080 

Highest Income Group (>$105,000) $399,780 

Source: USDA, News Release No. 0160.13, August 14, 2013.

Households in the lowest income group (those earning under $60,640 per year) are estimated to spend between $8,480 to $9,630 per year on average; those in the medium income group (those earning between $60,640 and $105,000) can expect to spend between $12,600 and $14,700 per year; and those in the highest income group (those with incomes above $105,000) can expect to spend between $20,930 and $25,180 on average.

For a middle-income family with two children, the largest expenditures are:

  1. Housing, at an average of 30% of total expenses. 
  2. Child care/education, 18%. 
  3. Food, 16%. 
  4. Transportation, 14%. 
  5. Health care, 8%. 

Not surprisingly, geography matters. Parents in the “Urban Northeast” had the highest average expenses, while those in “Rural” areas had the lowest. It also should come as no surprise to parents that it is generally more expensive to raise a child today than it was when they were children.

The USDA website has a free calculator that can help parents estimate their child care costs. The Cost of Raising a Child Calculator factors in geography, single or two-parent status, and the costs of additional children.

© 2015 Wealth Management Systems Inc. All rights reserved.

NoHo News – what’s going on in the neighborhood?

Lisa Bianconi
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Here’s your NoHo arts community update!

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

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

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

Here’s a glimpse at what’s going on in North Hollywood…ENJOY NOHO!

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

Reflections from the Inca Trail

Jack Witt
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I’m just returning from an amazing 9 day adventure in Peru. Our group of eight people hiked and camped on the 27 mile Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. It was amazing, spiritual and at times very challenging.

There’s something incredibly humbling about hiking on a trail of original Inca stone from 500 years ago.

Most people don’t know, but along the way to Machu Picchu, there are several Inca ruins to walk around and explore. Some were places of worship and sacrifice, some were agricultural terraces and some were Inca “hotels” of sorts for people making the journey from Cusco (the epicenter of the Inca empire) and the Sacred Valley to the mysterious city of Machu Picchu.

Me Back Mist Mtns

We hiked through cloud forests, saw hundreds of varieties of orchids and other spectacular flora and fauna, got rained on a little, had wonderful sunshine on other days, dealt with altitude headaches and other side effects, experienced glorious sunsets and sunrises over the Andes mountains from our tent camps, and cheered each other on as we all had good and bad days physically.

I personally was deeply affected by the experience.

Upon arrival into Peru, I got a phone call that a dear friend and client of mine had passed away in NoHo. My first instinct was to fly back immediately. But as the trip organizer and host I knew I had to continue this Peru Adventure. And I knew he would have wanted me to continue the journey.

I managed some quiet moments on the Inca Trail. The vastness and beauty of it all somehow framed my mourning process in a sweeter way. Like the Incas, I tried to be more connected to the nature around me, the birds above me, and the rivers and waterfalls flowing all around me. These Inca people were extremely in tune with the cycles of the sun, the stars, and the other living things they co-existed with. Ultimately, they were more in tune with life itself.

I’d say the circle of life seems more reasonable and sensible when you are high up in the glorious Andes mountains, walking through various climate zones and breathing in the fresh, pure air. The Incas celebrated and revered their lost loved ones by mummifying them and bringing them out on display during occasional festivals and worshiping ceremonies.

I can keep a good friend’s memory alive in my heart, my actions, and my writing.

Michael Higby, there’s 3 coca leaves buried under an Inca Stone high up in the Andes mountains in your name. Set there during a traditional prayer to the Inca God of the mountain, by an old friend. You plugged me into the NoHo community when I moved here 12 years ago, and I’m so delighted to see what it’s become thanks to you, NoHoArtsDistrict.com and some other hard working community organizers. It was a pleasure to know you.

The guiding principle and moral code of the Incas was that living in a truthful way is more honorable than living in a false way. So let’s all seek our truth in life and don’t let a moment go by without being yourself and shining your unique light so that others may bask in it.

In the end, all we have is each other in our families and communities, and that’s a beautiful thing.

Cheers,

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

* New Book “From Passion to Purpose“

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

NoHo Dance Company Joins in the Fight Against Cancer

Lisa Bianconi
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Rubans Rouges Dance Company hosts the Luminaria Ceremony at Relay for Life

The Relay For Life of South Valley will be held on May 2-3, 2015 at Walter Reed Junior High School. Teams of 5-20 people create a relay by taking turns walking, running, or strolling around the school track for 24 consecutive hours. Participants will camp out with family and friends, enjoying music, entertainment, food, and friendship while building team spirit to help in the fight against cancer. The event’s 24 hours symbolize the difficulties cancer patients can face in just one 24‐hour period. We chatted with Noelle Andressen from North Hollywood’s Rubans Rouges Dance Company on her role in this yearly event.

Q What will you be doing at the Relay for Life event?

I am the Chair Person for the Luminaria Ceremony during the Relay for Life South Valley. My dance company, myself included: Rubans Rouges Dance Company will be performing during the Luminaria Ceremony. It’s part of what we consider our outreach.

WHAT: The Luminaria Ceremony
WHEN: 9pm on Saturday May 2, 2015
WHERE: Walter Reed Middle School 4525 Irvine Ave, Studio City, CA 91602

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Q Why is this cause close to the company’s heart?

I’m a cancer survivor. My grandmother and mother both passed from this disease and I want to put an end to this disease so others don’t have to lose their loved ones to this scourge. As part of the company outreach, we participate in Relay for Life annually. I’ve been involved with a Relay for the American Cancer Society since the summer of 2009 in Simi Valley. I started as a participant then moved into being a Team Captain and then becoming involved in the local North Hollywood/South Valley Relay where I not only was a Team Captain but became the Luminaria Chair. It’s a special ceremony within the Relay Event that honors survivors and those we’ve lost to cancer.

Q Tell us a bit more about the dance company.

Rubans Rouges Dance Company is a contemporary modern company based in North Hollywood. We perform “Dance Drama” and most often deal with heady and controversial subject matter. We are in our seventh year bringing dance to the Los Angeles community. We also perform across the country: NYC, Vegas, St. Barbara, San Diego for example. We have outreaches that help prevent child abuse called “Red Ribbon Reach.” “Dancers Curing Cancer” is aimed at helping cancer survivors and patients. Through this program I also teach a movement therapy class geared towards cancer patients and survivors. We have a new one starting soon at Evolution Dance Studios on Burbank Blvd. in North Hollywood. The class is donation based, meaning you pay what you can. I donate my time for one hour. It’s highly recommended that a caregiver or a partner attend as well. We do a lot of supportive movement activities.

Q What are some upcoming projects/shows for Rubans Rouges Dance Company?

Yes, we have a lot coming up. Our third Summer Series which is our repertoire show that we invite 3-4 other dance companies: Eryc Taylor Dance, Eryc Taylor is the Artistic Director of the New York City company and will be one of the companies to join us. It will be held at the Miles Memorial Playhouse in Santa Monica. The show is called “Fight for Love” and is about non-conformity and not yielding to bullying tactics for the choices we make in whom we love. It does have an Orwellian tone and is one of our most intense pieces yet. Kristopher, my husband and Co-Director will be creating original score for this piece. He is an Emmy nominated music composer regionally and has been providing beautiful music for us to move to. We have a crowd funding campaign currently to help us complete the remainder of the funds needed to finish this piece.

Also in the works is our 4th Annual Dance Festival: “Awakenings & Beginnings Dance Festival” at Diavolo Space. Luminario Ballet, Invertigo Dance Theatre, Djanbazian Dance Company, LA Fusion Dance Theater, have joined us for past festivals. We’ll be accepting applications soon. We’re very excited because each year we add a little something to our festival to help it grow. We love artists especially dancers and we try to make it a wonderful experience. Here’s a clip of our Awakenings & Beginnings Dance Festival that was featured on Dance Channel TV. We thank Arsen Serobian for producing this beautiful segment for us.

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Make sure to follow them to see what their creating Twitter  |  Facebook 

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

Film Networking, how to make it work for you.

Samantha Simmonds-Ronceros
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Film Networking, how to make it work for you.

Scent, 52 Films/52 Weeks 2011

My husband hates ‘networking’.

Or rather, to be fairer to him, he hates the term ‘networking’, and I can understand why.

It conjures up the image of a grubby party, with tired looking, desperate and perhaps equally grubby people, all standing around, looking uncomfortable with their complimentary chardonnay in one hand, a pringle in the other and hopeful pockets full of freshly printed business cards, bulging ominously…

Not a very pleasant image, and certainly not one that reeks of promise or success.

This whole networking thing really is a bit on the sad side…however…

There are some occasions where it can be less sad and more joyful, and that’s when you set it up yourself.

Now this might sound even sadder to some, but stay with me a little longer and I will endeavor to explain myself.

The truth is we all hate networking, or mixing with people we hardly or definitely do not, know.

The thought of actually going to a social occasion where the main purpose, the only real reason why anyone is in fact, there, is because we all want to hook up for work…not sex or love or golf even, but work.

Whether it’s a short film night or local festival or some ex neighbor’s indiegogo launch, there we all are, standing around, searching for a familiar face, or even an unfamiliar face that isn’t as uncomfortable as we are.

So how is this better if you arrange it all yourself I hear you wonder?

Because, if you decide to get together with your own tribe, it won’t be nearly as ghastly and you can do it in the privacy of your own home and avoid trying to find parking, which is always a hassle in LA, as we all know. Also, and this may not apply only to the ladies, you don’t have to wear heels, or even a bra, depending of course on how well you know those people you invited, or how small your place is.

My idea is simply this, after having actually gone to a few of these big, super-arranged events, most of which, with only a few exceptions, were horrid, at least for me, if you hold your own ‘get together’, with people you know, you’ll have more fun, and in the process relax and learn more.

Also, and this is the important bit, you will meet people you don’t know and get involved in their projects because simply by relying on the laws of of averages and accidents eventually someone will bring someone else with them, and in the safe, warm bosom of your home, magic will happen.

I have actual experience of this. The magic that is.

At my place and other people’s, getting together once a week or once a month even, bringing stuff you are working on, scripts, ideas, something you need to rehearse or block or crew or cast or find a location for, anything really, if you throw it all out there amongst like minded folk, wonderful things can happen and have happened.

I shot a web series, I wrote a screenplay with two other writers, I successfully pitched a film, I shared invaluable location secrets, and I bonded over tea and biscuits and felt renewed and full of filmmaking promise, merely by being in the room with the right energy. Forgive me for being too ‘LA’ all over you.

Start small, ask a few people you’ve worked with, and definitely don’t invite friends who have no interest in filmmaking…this isn’t a party after all and their eyes will glaze over and make everyone feel uncomfortable.

Make it a pot luck, keep the booze to a minimum and start the sharing process. Show each others films, or perhaps even have favorite film nights were you watch classics and pick them part afterwards. Or read amazing screenplays, just to know how a great screenplay is written.

Help each other without expectation of reward.

Someone might bring in a problem and together you can all fix it. This is a much more invigorating and potentially rewarding environment than any ‘event’ I have ever been to.

And yet, and here is the cunning part, you are actually networking.

You are mixing with filmmakers, writers, etc. who are all in the same place you are, wanting to make something happen.

It’s a rather glorious place to be if you think about it, at the beginning, with it all laid out before you in endless waves of possibilities.

Oh, and if you still want to try out those interminable ‘networking’ thingies….here are a few that are actually not horrid…

Now go through your rolodex and make some calls…

We Make Movies
http://wemakemovies.org

The Ultimate Indie Film Networking Group
http://www.meetup.com/UltimateIndieFilmNetworking/

The North Hollywood Filmmaker Group
http://www.meetup.com/North-Hollywood-Filmmaker-Group/

West Hollywood Gorilla Film Club
http://www.meetup.com/West-Hollywood-Guerrilla-Film-Club/

Mini Cinema
http://www.meetup.com/MINI-CINEMA-Screenings-Mixers/

The LA Movie Lovers
http://www.meetup.com/La-Movie-lovers/

It’s time for the annual Beverly Hills artSHOW

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

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

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

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

David Palmer Beverly Hills artSHOW www.nohoartsdistrict.com
Artist David Palmer

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

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

Artist Shawn Harris Beverly Hills artSHOW www.nohoartsdistrict.com
Artist Shawn Harris

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

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

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

Beverly Hills artSHOW www.nohoartsdistrict.com

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

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

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

Actor as Entrepreneur

Fran Montano
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Actor as Entrepreneur

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amanda Serra moved to Los Angeles nearly three years ago.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rumer at the Hollywood Masonic Lodge

Caroline McElroy
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Rumer at the Hollywood Masonic Lodge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here’s the NoHo News!

Lisa Bianconi
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Here’s your NoHo arts community update!

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

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

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

Here’s a glimpse at what’s going on in North Hollywood…ENJOY NOHO!

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

Dance Day at LA Valley College 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.  

 

While We’re Young; Woman in Gold

Mike Peros
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While We’re Young; Woman in Gold

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

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

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

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

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

Look What’s Happening in the Neighborhood!

Lisa Bianconi
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Here’s your NoHo arts community update!

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

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

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

Here’s a glimpse at what’s going on in North Hollywood…ENJOY NOHO!

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

The Cahuenga General Store, Sam Smith and Pete Seeger

Caroline McElroy
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The Cahuenga General Store, Sam Smith and Pete Seeger

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Turntables

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Free Comic Book Day Turns into Blastoff Comicsfest!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*******

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

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

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

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

NoHo Cinefest Iluminates at the NoHo 7

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get your music published!

Caroline McElroy
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Get your music published!

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

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

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

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

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

I asked a few questions of CEO, Jeremy Goldsmith:

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre www.nohoartsdistrict.com
Photo courtesy of Alexander Fost

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

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

Pacific Ballet Theatre Dance www.nohoartsdistrict.com
Photo courtesy of B. Deck

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

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

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

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

Dance Your Way Home

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Luanne Prima

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

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

 

Dancer Wellness: 5 Must-Haves for Your Dance Bag

Luckie
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Dancer Wellness: 5 Must-Haves for Your Dance Bag

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

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

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

1. Blister Band Aids

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

2. Instant Ice Pack

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

3. Ace Bandage

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

4. Tennis Ball

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

5. Personal Water Filtering Bottle

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

Happy dancing!

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

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

Lisa Bianconi
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Celebrate Your Brothers and Sisters…all types

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

 

Improvised Opera in a Black Box Theatre? Yep.

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

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

The Discord Opera www.nohoartsdistrict.com
L-R: Babatunde Akinboboye, Annie Sherman, Anjelica McRae, Alina Roitstein, Julia Aks, Vincent Robles

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

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

Operaworks www.nohoartsdistrict.com

 

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

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

What makes this different than a traditional opera?

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

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

Operaworks www.nohoartsdistrict.com
L-R: Alina Roitstein (Emily), Anjelica McRae (Vanelda)

Can an opera be done in an intimate theatre?

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

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

Operaworks www.nohoartsdistrict.com
L-R:  Julia Aks (Richie), Annie Sherman (Lena)

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

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

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

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

What’s coming up next for OperaWorks’ ASAP?

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

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

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

FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER 

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

 

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

Lisa Bianconi
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Here’s your NoHo arts community update!

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

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

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

Here’s a glimpse at what’s going on in North Hollywood…ENJOY NOHO!

NoHo News

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

Non-Profit Group Rep Theatre Sued for WHAT?!

Lisa Bianconi
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Ladies Night Turns Into Lawsuit

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

The Group Rep at Lonny Chapman Theatre www.nohoartsdistrict.com

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

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

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

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

The Group Rep thanking attorney Sean Macias
The Group Rep company thanking attorney Sean Macias

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

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

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

Now, about that AEA 99 Seat crisis…

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

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

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

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Photo: US Marine Corps Cpl. Joshua Young

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

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

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

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

military dog3
Photo: US Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston

Not all dogs can be military working dogs.

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

military dog4
Photo: US Air Force Tech. Sgt. Christopher Campbell

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

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

military dog5
Photo: US Air Force Staff Sgt. Jeremy Bowcock

Military Working Dogs are not brainwashed to only kill.

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

military dog6

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

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

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

NoHo Dodgeball is HERE.

Lisa Bianconi
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It starts with Dodgeball but it’s much more.

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

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

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

REGISTER>>

Twitter: @theeryc  |  Facebook

NoHo Dodgeball www.nohoartsdistrict.com

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

What they do, on the daily…

It starts with dodgeball.

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

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Why did you choose North Hollywood?

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

What can one expect from joining the North Hollywood league?

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

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

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

Get involved>>

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

No boring dinner and a movie night at Bow & Truss

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

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

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

Bow & Truss movie night www.nohoartsdistrict.com

WHEN: Tuesdays at 7:30PM

The screening schedule is as follows:

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

New movies added!

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

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

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

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

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