Sunday, November 9, 2008

The Urban Rush 11/10 - 11/17

I would like to start this off with the sincerest of apologies. October was a rather hectic month and between my many projects and my trip to New York I was just swamped. The good news is that I have come back to earth and am ready to devote my life to the urban rush.

Monday, November 10th, 2008

Bringing a unique approach to filmmaking Robert Beer will show his collage animation in a series of four screenings. Showing tonight at Redcat, 14 animated shorts that span over four decades of creation will be seen in 35 mm for the first time.

Time: 8:30 pm
Admission: $9/$7 Students
Redcat
631 W. 2nd St.
Los Angeles, CA
213-237-2800
Wednesday, November 12th, 2008

A theatrical visionary, writer/director/actor/designer Robert Lepage paints the stage with stunning imagery and poignant dramaturgy, making him one of the most dynamic storytellers of our time. Part of the UCLA Live Internantional Theatre Festival, Lepage's company Ex Machina will perform his latest masterpiece: The Blue Dragon. A delicate paring of visual craftsmanship and intelligent writing, The Blue Dragon is sure to be both thought provoking and moving. The show runs until Nov. 22nd so get this deus ex machina while its hot!

Freud Playhouse
405 Hilard Ave.
Westwood, CA 90095
310-825-2101
Lupe Fiasco
This Superstar brings an intelligent and youthful air to the hip-hop scene. Flowing in the footsteps of his mentor and peer Kanye West, Lupe is the newest addition to the fresh blood infultrating the LA airwaves. With more consideration for melodic undertones, this manicured lyricist is slowly but surly creating a new genre: Hip-hop-pop.

Time: 8 pm
Club Nokia
800 West Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Friday, November 14th, 2008

Uh Huh Her
This dreamy dynamic duo will melt your heart with their sweet synthe-pop sound bites. Presented by Indie 103.1, the Common Reaction is Uh Huh, Yeah!

Time: 8 pm
Avalon Hollywood
1735 Vine St.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
323-462-8900
www.uhhuhher.com

Saturday, November 15th

Karl Ferris Photography
A flash back to the high times of the 1960's, British photographer Karl Ferris invites us to experience his psychedelic photography that features British Rock legends like: Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Cream. Its groove baby.

Time: 7-10 pm
Admission: Free
Mr. Musichead Gallery
7511 W. Sunset
Hollywood, CA 90046
A master of the brush Gail Potocki lures her audience like a siren to the cliffs. Her work overtly plays with metaphors of female seduction and the sin of the flesh. With classical composition it may be difficult to tell that her crashing waves and innocent looking figures could be so deviant, but I guarantee the longer you look, the further you get swept out to sea.
Time: 7-10 pm

Admission: Free
Billy Shire Fine Art Gallery

570- Washington Blvd.

Culver City, CA
90232
323-297-0601
www.billyshirefinearts.com




Q-Tip @ The House O' Blues
Officially bringing some East Coast love to LA LA LAnd, the former leader of The Tribe Called Quest is bringing his "Abstract" hip-hop to the House O' Blues Sunset. I guarantee you Gettin' Up for this one.

Time: 9 pm
Admission: $30 - $32.50 (18 + with ID)
House of Blues Sunset Strip 8430 W. Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90069 323-848-5100
www.hob.com

Monday, November 17th, 2008

The Breeders
With former Pixies member Kim Deal leading the way The Breeders continue to produce new music in spite of the 20 years that have passed since their inception in 1988. The band's fourth album Mountain Battles, which came out in April 2008 continues in the vein of the band's Mid-90's post-grunge sensibility.
Time: 8 pm

Admission: $25
The Wiltern
3790 Wilshire Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90010

213-388-1400

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

The Rush 10/6 - 10/13

This week I was debating whether I could pull off a RUSH, mostly because I am on day 12 of a 14 day work week. The good news is that there are so many fantastic events this week, that I was unable to let them pass by sans recognition. Here is this week's late but lovely line-up.

Wednesday Oct. 8th, 2008

True cultural dissidents of their time, this is one of the only bands that has truly earned that terminology. Emerging in the late 60's in soviet-occupied Czechoslovakia, their music was literally band, forcing the members to hold secret jam sessions and concerts that were often busted or ended in riots. Even their name is a remembrance of living under the rule of a foreign occupation. These guys really deserve a Pivo!

Time: 8 pm
5214 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
323-666-7267

Riding in from Tuscon, Arizona this desperado-indie band will rope you in with their folk-guitar tunes. Singer-songwriter-guitarist-pianist-cowboy-hero: Howe Gelb is the leader of the group, which has mothered other spin off bands like Calexico.
Americana Splendor.

Time: 8:30 pm
1822 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
213-413-8200

Thursday Oct. 9th, 2008

The Other Venice Film Festival 2008
One of the most energy conscious communities of Southern California, Venice beach plays host to the ONLY solar powered film festival on the planet. Boasting 90 films, live music, art shows and more, this is an amazing feat when you think about it. The call for alternative energy sources can be heard across the globe, and the challenge has been met and conquered by this festival.

Time: Oct 9 - 12 (see schedule) 
Electric Lodge
1416 Electric Ave.
Venice, CA 90291
310-306-1854

Friday Oct. 10th, 2008

Red Forest
Walking into the Ukrainian Red Forest, artists Eundayo and Johnny "KMNDZ" draw comparisons between what is considered the most radioactive place on the planet, and effects of decadence upon  American Society. After the passing of the AIG bail-out and the recent actions of our current administration, I think it is clear how crippling greed can really be.

Time: 7 - 11 pm
Admission: Free
4210 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90029
323-913-3375

This UK soul sista is the re-incarnation of Ella, Sarah, Billy, and Nina all in one. One would never expect that this blond Brit beauty could have such a bold and soulful voice. In short the girl has got a silver set of pipes that will make you get down, shake it, and beg for Mercy.

Time: 8 pm
842 S. Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90014
877-677-4386

Saturday Oct. 11th, 2008

Androgynous sex. A modern take on traditional Japanese Art, female artist Yamaguchi paints half-clad figures with little to no distinction between the sexes. These wide-eyed, doll-like children are often in sexually explicit scenes and position. You can find a plethora of products with Yamaguchi's art, including notebooks, jewelry, postcards, etc.

Time: 6 - 8 pm
Admission: Free
Roberts & Tilton Gallery
5801 Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
323-549-0223
With more yet to come!!!!

Sunday, September 28, 2008

The Rush 9/30 - 10/6

As the fall continues to RUSH past us we enter into the month of October. With a little over a month count-down to the election the city, the country and the world hold their breath in anticipation. To my lovely sister Happy Birthday, and to the world hang on tight, its going to be a bumpy ride!

September 30th, 2008

Protest Films : Spirit of 68'
It seems that in the wake of the one of the most aggressive and  divided presidential debates, more and more anti-war sentiments appear to be emerging from the general populous. A throw-back to the 1960's spirit of activism, Cinefamily hosts a night of revolutionary cinema.

Time: 8 pm
Admission: $12
The Silent Movie Theatre
611 Fairfax Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323-655-2510
Thou shalt always support this group. Thou shalt see them perform today. Thou shalt listen to the witty and outrages lyrics of Scroobius Pip, and then you'll cry hooray! Thou shalt jam out to the beats of Dan Le Sac. Thou shalt have a rockin' time. Listen for the letter from god to man, its absolutely divine!

Time: 9 pm
Admission: $10
1822 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
213-413-8200

October 1st, 2008
My Bloody Valentine
Back for Blood, this Irish-British quartet has recently recouped and regrouped after almost 15 years of seclusion. Wooing us back with the haze of nostalgia and hints of albums to come, it is clear that Loveless Valentines wasn't enough for LA LA LAnd.

 Time: 8 pm (Oct 1 & 2)
Admission: $48
Santa Monica Civic Auditorium
1855 Main St.
Santa Monica, CA
310-458-8551

Madame Butterfly
This is the quintessential tragic opera, where terrible circumstances and dire emotions are resonated by a beautiful musical score. This is my favorite Puccini opera, and one of the most celebrated operas ever written. If you have never seen an opera, I suggest you do so before you die, and the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is an excellent venue to begin your tour of operatic tragedies. 

Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
135 N. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Art for Hope : Obama Fundraiser
Hopefully the debate of last Friday night left you with more answers than questions, in spite of the fact that the candidates were heavily divided in their approach to foreign policy. I believe that the next few weeks will be very difficult for all of us, but I encourage everyone in a non-partisan plea, that you do not loose your hope. Perhaps the world will change a little, and perhaps that is exactly what it needs. 

Time: 7 - 10 pm
Admission: $25
Merry Karnowsky Gallery
170 S. La Brea Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90036

October 2
nd, 2008

Happy Birthday Karina Villegas!!!
Singing melancholic songs of the New York City underground, Reed's resonant vocals tell the tales of the Lower East Side hookers and heroin addicts of the 1970's. This indisputable legend has and will continue to influence rockers for generations to come. To be graced by the presence of such an icon would make for the perfect day

Time: 8:30 pm (Oct 2 & 3)
Admission: $35 General /$28 Students / $18 CalArts 
631 W. 2nd St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-237-2800

www.redcat.org

October 3rd, 2008

Orbiting into Los Angeles, this decade old band continues their cosmic journey with their sixth album Earth to the Dandy Warhols. With an interesting history of anti-industry, do-it-yourself mentality, the Dandy Warhols are still producing some seriously sick psychedelic jams. 

Time: 8:30 pm
Admission: $25
3790 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA  90010
213-388-1400

October 4
th, 2008

J.U.I.C.E.
Community center J.U.I.C.E (Justice by Uniting in Creative Energy) has joined with Antics Performance to create a night of hip-hop and street dance. Prooving to the world that creativity and artistic expression are the catalist of social change, artists and dreamers unite for one amazing performance. 

Time: 8 pm
2580 E. Cahuenga Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90068
323-461-3673
The paintings of Joshua Petker evoke the luscious lure of the femme fetal. 
With rich tones his visions of cunningly beautiful females leaves the viewer longing for another taste of that succulent black sugar eye candy. 

Time: 7 - 10 pm
Admission: FREE
Corey
Helford Gallery
8522 Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
310-287-2340

www.coreyhelfordgallery.com

If you listen to the same LA radio station that I frequent, you probably have heard all about this little shindig. For anyone looking to rock out on Saturday I recommend this festival and it's seriously AMAZING lie-up: Mars Volta, Hercules & Love Affair, Cut Copy, Black lips, Shiny Toy Guns, The Submarines, Nico Vega, etc...the list is endless! 

Time: 12 noon
City Hall
200 N. Spring St.
Los Angles, CA 90012
213-473-3231
www.detour.laweekly.com

October 5th, 2008

This is a FREE Film festival featuring the films of some of the most innovative and artistic creators of our time. The filmmakers are given one week to complete their film assignment, that is generally on relevant social issues. The purpose of this festival is to elevate mass consciousness and to create artistic and social discourse. 

Time: 3 pm
Admission: Free/VIP Seating $38
777 Chick Hearn Ct.
Los Angeles, CA 90015
213-763-6030

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Rush 9/22 - 9/29

As the days get shorter and shorter the approaching election is on everyone's mind, and the political climate in LA is beginning to stew. Many of the events in this week's pick-o-the litter are steaming with political, social, environmental, and humanitarian consciousness. Not only are art and politics often found at the same party, but art plays an important role in creating awareness of socio-political and humanitarian issues. This is a good week to pick your favorite cause and enjoy some art.

September 22nd 2008

This competition is in search for something longer than a poem, with a little more narrative than a rap, and funnier than the last comic standing. With celebrity judges like the luscious Molly Ringwald the search for the wittiest and most amusing story is on! Prepare yourself for a bedtime story that will leave you with a side ache.

Time: 7 pm
Admission: $12
King King
6555 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028

The Raconteurs @ The Greek
Playing their cards with the black-haired Jack White on vocals, the Reconteurs bring the perfect combination of skillful songwriting, soulful singing, and polished playing to the Greek Theatre for two consecutive nights. Truly the Consolers of the Lonely this band is Steady as She Goes. Playing the 22nd & 23rd at the Greek.

Time: 7:30 pm
The Greek Theatre
2700 N. Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
323-665-5857

September 23rd, 2008
Though I recognize that there are many people out their who may or may not support the political platform of the Democratic Nominee, my own political convictions quite obviously veer to the left. As much as I support the democratic party I highly encourage everyone to educate themselves on both sides of the coin. My only hope is that when we vote in November, that we recognize that the status of our country is in a clear and steady decline and I urge you to take into consideration that we are all in this together. On that note all proceeds from this event will go to the Obama campaign. Don't forget to VOTE!

Time: 6 - 9 pm
Admission: $20
Bert Green Fine Art
102 W. 5th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
213-624-6212
www.bgfa.us
Anyone in Hollywood can tell you that its all about location, but I'm sure you never considered architectural features as a means of getting your groove on! This panel discussion Architecture and Seduction : Bachelor Pads and Sex Machines, will delve into the nature of sensuous space.

Time: 7 pm
Admission: FREE
Hammer Museum
10899 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
310-443-7000
www.hammer.ucla.edu

September 24th, 2008
Just because this band only has one girl in it and she isn't Brazilian doesn't mean this band isn't a legitimate sound powerhouse. With the recent release of their new album NEW YORK CITY in August this performance is right on schedule and is certain to be a good time!

Time: 9 pm
Admission: $25
The Wiltern
3790 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90010
213-388-1400

September 25th, 2008

Art 4 Darfur
A charity in conjunction with HOPE (Helping Other People Everywhere), a non-profit dedicated to supporting and developing social projects that educate and aid people through creative and artistic ventures. Held at Bergamot Station in Santa Monica the proceeds of this event will benefit the people struggling in Darfur. Additionally much of the featured artwork is of this subject matter.
Time: 6 pm
Admission: $15 -40
Bergamot Station
2525 Michigan Ave.
Santa Monica, CA
800-800-1733






September 26th, 2008

Funky Munky King Toy Store is hosting a charity auction of original custom designed toys. In conjunction with The Mattel Children's Foundation, these custom collectables will be sold through a silent auction, the proceeds of which will be donated to The Art of Elysium Foundation. The money will benefit children battling serious medical conditions.
Not only is this a worthy cause, but these collectables are amazing, funky, and trendy! Custom toy collecting has grown in popularity over the last few years and much more so with the influx of the bizzar yet intriguing toys and figurines produced by Japanese favorite Takashi Murakami.
These artistic wonders will make you wonder why you ever stopped playing with Toys.

Time: 7 - 11 pm
Admission: Free
Munky King
7308 Melrose Ave.
Los Angles, CA 90046
212-805-8016

Mark Acetelli is one of my favorite LA painters, so you can image how pleased I was to see that he was also working with photography. What is even more exciting, is that his photography is just as viceral and raw as the paintings I know and love him for. Acetelli amazes me with
everything that he does. This is my pick of the week.

Time: 7 - 12 pm
Admission: Free
7600 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
310-880-1912

September 27th, 2008

Stinky Twinky & Cubicle
So I happened to stumble upon this local band through my brother, who interned for the lead singer this summer. I was rather skeptical at first, mostly because the band name didn't exactly sound very appetizing...but a few tracks in and I was hooked to the sticky, warm, feel-good vibe that this band emulates. I have a major sweet-tooth for this band and will be eating my fill of
their sweet-treat sound waves this Saturday!
Time: 10 pm
Admission: FREE
The Mountain Bar
475 Gin Ling Way
Los Angeles, CA 90012


Including the work of 16 different artists this show focuses on how war has been made routine. It is frightening to realize that images of war have become common place in our day to day lives. It makes you wonder just how desensitized we really are.

Time: 6 - 9 pm
Admission: FREE
1639 18th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90404
310-453-3711

Art is a Hammer
A part of the We The People Festival, politically charged cultural festival that's main focus is to promote social awareness. With a plethora of artistic and intellectual stimuli this will supply you with your Political/Art fix.

Time: 1 pm
Admission: $45
The Grind Gallery
1245 North Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

September 28th, 2008

Enjoy a sexy french satire of the swinger culture of the 1960's. Starring Serge Gainsbourg & Jane Birkin, with a live performance by musical tribute Paris Loves LA.

Time: 8 pm
Admission: $15
The Silent Movie Theatre
611 N. Fairfax Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323-655-2510

MSTRKRFT
(More to come Soon!)