Sunday, September 14, 2008

Rush 9/15 - 9/22

This week is a busy week in LA LA LAnd, with a plethora of concerts, gallery openings, and other wonderful cultural events. This also happens to be the week my beautiful mother was born: Happy Birthday Mom! Anyhow, I expect that many of you culture-junkies will have a difficult decision to make between these amazing LA events:

Wednesday, Sept. 17th, 2008

Happy Birthday Monica Villegas!

Vampire Weekend @ The Wiltern
Playing two nights back to back at the Wiltern Theatre, this celebrated indie-rock band is one of this weeks highlights. This NY band is your typical indie-crush...you feel good, but a little
disillusioned...welcome to the opening of your Vampire Weekend.

Time: 8 pm
Admission: $22
3790 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90010
213-288-1400

Billy Idol @ The House o' Blues
After 30's years of being wedded to punk-white hair, Billy Idol has made his way down to the stage of classics. Yelling his little rebel heart out on the Sunset Strip, Billy gives cause to Dance

Time: 9 pm
Admission: $52.50 (18+)
8430 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90069
323-848-5100

Thursday Sept. 18th, 2008

Over the last two years LA has fallen in love with this indie-rock foursome, and rumor has it that the last time they came to LA they were greeted by a fevered crowd of indie activists. Rocking the walls of the Fonda will no doubt be just as thrilling and vivacious. As though this concert wasn't amazing enough, Flavorpill is giving away a pair of tickets to this show. If you can answer their random question with a sarcastic, witty, and or amusing answer you may just find yourself crowd surfing this Thursday night!

Time: 8 pm
6126 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angles,CA 90028
323-464-0808

Cole Sternberg : Paintings
In the wake of a dangerously controversial political climate, Cole Sternberg's new show presents a body of work that evokes the fears and frustrations of the times. Just in time for the election Sternberg's socio-political graffiti/oil paintings make us contemplate our desperate need for change and the numerous decisions that our country now faces.

Time: 6 - 9 pm
Admission: Free
345 N. Canon Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
310-858-7815


Just around the corner from the Sternberg show, this makes for an easy artistic double-header. Venturing into digitally enhanced photography and multi-media works, the McLean show makes a nice complement to Sternberg's oil paint abyss. This is an RSVP event.

Time: 7 pm
Admission: Free
354 Bedford Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
310-278-4400
RSVP@Yargerfineart.com

Friday Sept. 19th, 2008

Backhausdance
Guided by the artistic direction of Jennifer Backhaus this contemporary dance company brings meticulously sculpted dances to the stage. Incorporating an eclectic variation of modern dance forms the 12 dancers of this company strive to create a unique movement aesthetic.

Time: 8:30 pm
2580 E. Cahuenga Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90068
323-461-3673

The Silver Lake Gallery Alliance hosts the first annual multi-gallery exhibition that celebrates the artists of LA's most prominent East Side contemporary art galleries. Featuring work from: La Luz de Jesus, Junc, Thinkspace, and the Black Mari
a, to name a few. East Side represents, and transforms Barnsdall Art Park into the Garden of Earthly Delights.
Time: 7-9pm
Admission: Free
Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery
4800 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
323-644-6269
Armed with two of the most popular bands in the country, Beck celebrates the launch of his newly released album Modern Guilt this Saturday at the bowl. As though the thought of seeing Beck live wasn't tantalizing enough, MGMT & Spoon will also be performing. This is my personal top-pick for the week and I hope to see you all there!
Time: 7 pm
Admission: $20 - 75
2301 N. Highland Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90068
323-850-2000

Create Fixate
Create Fixate presents AMP (Art.Music.Politics), an art show with the intention of shocking the masses awake (as though our recent bank activity hasn't already). With the work and performances of 40 individual artists, musicians, and DJ's, the eve of International Peace Day will be alive with the exchange of artistic and political hopes.

Time: 7 pm - 2 am
Admission: $20/ $15 pre-sale
Create Fixate
613 Imperial St.
Los Angeles, CA 90021
310-590-7199
Sunday Sept. 21, 2008

Hot Chip @ The Wiltern
I am kind of desperately in love with this adorably nerdy UK band. They have an intense "I spent all day mixing in my room" air about them...HOT SHIT...and the truth is they are one of the hardest working bands around. Making their second tour of the US, the band will also be accompanied by a live drummer for a few of the songs.

Time: 8 pm
Admission: $27
3790 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90010
213-388-1400
www.hotchip.co.uk

My Morning Jacket @ The Greek
KCRW presents this celebrated
Time: 7:30 pm
Admission: $39.50
The Greek Theatre
2700 N. Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles, CA
323-665-5857

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Monday, September 1, 2008

The Rush 9/3 - 9/9 2008

I must apologize for the lack of Rush posting...Putting this weekly post together is more difficult than it looks, and in many ways I feel as though this blog is rather self indulgent since I never receive any response from anyone. Well if you are out there, and you care, here is the Rush for the end of the summer.

September 4th, 2008


Agamemnon
The first of the three Greek tragedies in the Oresteia, Agamemnon is very appropriately opening at the Getty Villa Amphitheater in Malibu. If you don't have much experience with Greek Theatre this really is a must. The Greeks wrote the book on tragedy, and this play is filled to the brim with deception, murder, lust, adultery, revenge, etc. This would make for an exciting, beautiful, historical and cultural evening. Show runs from Sept 4th - 27th.

Time: 8-10 pm
Admission: $38
The Getty Villa
17985 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90272
310-440-7300
www.getty.edu

September 5th, 2008

Sans Detour: Dance Project
This dance show features two dance groups, one of which is a husband/wife team called Catch Me Bird, who sealed their wedding vows by leaping off a platform hand in hand, taking a "leap of faith" together. Their dynamic dance relationship is influenced by the intimacy of their personal commitment to one another.

Time: 8:30 pm
Admission: $25
The Ford Amphiheatre
2580 E. Cahuenga Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90068
323-461-3673
www.fordamphitheater.org

September 6th, 2008

9-5 The Musical
Based on the 1980's comedy this wacky musical boasts original music by Dolly Parton and is scheduled to make it's Los Angeles premiere at the Ahmanson Theatre this Wednesday. Directed by Joe Mantello the production will run until the end of October before it heads east to for the Spring season on Broadway. Runs from Sept 6th - Oct 19th.
Time: See Schedule
Admission: $35 - 90
Ahmanson Theatre
135 N. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-628-2772

Colors & Trace Elements III
The Craig Krull Gallery has put together a unique show that features the haunting photography of Wendy Burton, and the subtle abstract paintings of Dennis Hopper. Burton's photographs examine the beauty of decay as they focus on architectural deconstruction.

Opening Reception: 4-6 pm
Admission: FREE
The Craig Krull Gallery
Bergamot Station
25 25 Michigan Ave.
Building B- 3
Santa Monica, CA
310-828-6410
www.bergamotstation.com

I like to think of Ted Vasin's paintings as a paintball exploding in a vacum. Vasin's ribbons of colorful paint suspended in imaginary x/y and sometimes z plains are like looking at sound waves breaking through space. If one could translate the sound frequencies of a Pink Floyd song into a painting I am sure it would emulate this pychodelic nebula.

Opening Reception: 6 - 8 pm
Admission: FREE
Tarryn Teresa Gallery
Bergamot Station
2525 Michigan Ave. GBA
Santa Monica, CA
310-453-4752

NIN @ The Forum
To all you goth-punk-metalheads, as well as the friends and beloved girlfriends of the goth-punk-metalheads, this Saturday is certain to be a Black Sabbath. Nothing compares to Nine Inch Nails in your ears. But seriously: NIN

Time: 8 pm
Admission: $36.50 - $52.50
3900 W. Manchester Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA
310-330-7300
www.nin.com

Ian Francis: Together Forever
Importing dream landscapes from Bristol, Kinsey DesForge Gallery hosts Ian Francis' second solo show "Together Forever." Rather apropos, the title of the show describes perfectly the sentiments of his work, which often features two people lost in an abyss of dripping water-color and acrylic fog. This is my pick of the week.

Time: 6 - 9 pm
Admission: FREE
6009 Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA
310-837-1989










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Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Cameron Gray | yarG noremaC

We’re All Doomed | Enjoy It While You Can
In the most ingenious of ways Cameron Gray’s two new shows at The Robert Berman Gallery in Santa Monica are the literal inversion of one another. Under the masterful alias of Yarg Noremac (his name spelled backwards) Cameron Gray has created a counter show that falls in direct dialogue with his show in the main hanger of the gallery. The two shows settle into a similar mosaic aesthetic that is commonplace in all of Gray’s work; however the slight variations in subject matter and composition make the two shows appear to be from the hand of two different masters. To the untrained eye, the shows effortlessly pass as the work of two different artists, and even more cunningly as two artists in direct competition with one another.

The main show “We’re All Doomed,” is a compilation of pieces that highlight Gray’s established style. This show is quintessential Gray: hand-painted wood tiles assorted into a mosaic image, essentially creating pictures out of pictures. With astonishing ingenuity the individual images on the petite woodblocks inform the over-all picture. Cleverly entitled Communion, Gray transforms minute images of the most delectable treats into the solemn image of Jesus Christ. Who knew the body of Christ could be so sweet? The illustration of various forms of guilt and consumption in this piece are unmistakable. Much like the formula of life, Gray’s work is the sum of all its parts, where images of babies, and boobies, and guns are pieced together to create a brilliant flower. In an astonishing Monument to our Doomedness, he shows us that the passing of our lives can be summed up to a collection of images that flash before our eyes. A repetitive composition of sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll pattern each piece, emulating the monotony of our lives. Our fate has been sealed and we are doomed to find death placed within inches of our precious lives.

In a direct and obvious opposition to his main show, Gray’s alter ego, Yarg Noremac has created a body of work that responds to this bleak outlook.The work feeds from the sentiments of generations X & Y, that in light of our evident demise the best resolution is apathetic bliss. “Enjoy It while You Can” is the ultimate counter-cultural reaction to the cultural media wars that bombard our every air wave. Yarg creates images of screaming, sweaty youth engaged in the most liberating act of worship: a live music concert. In complete juxtaposition to the other show, Yarg works from the outside in. Though each piece is in similar mosaic style, it is evident that Yarg begins with a single image that he breaks apart. He focuses on different angles of the same image, like a movie camera, creating quick cuts to chop it up. The metaphors of broken angry youth are abundant in this show. In opposition to our media-centric society, that resides in a constant shade of amber alert, the next generation chooses to face the looming list of woes by finding solace in a communion of angry disinterest. The youth of our culture, with little to no anticipation for the future, choose rather, to focus on enjoying the here and now. Surely We Will Live Forever in the ecstasy of ignorance, for the next generation to inherit the earth prefers to focus the camera on life, not death.
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Tuesday, August 12, 2008

The Rush 8/12 - 8/18

With the opening of the Olympic ceremony in Beijing the upcoming weeks are sure to be filled with moments that will astonish you and fill you with awe.The human body can be an amazing instrument. Anticipate the RUSH.

Wednesday August 13th, 2008

Etta James plays at The Bowl
At last the sultry voice of Etta James graces the stage at the Hollywood Bowl. Under the star stricken sky you can enjoy a bottle of wine and the queen of blues. This concert will make your heart melt and take you back to the first time you fell in love. My recommendation is to take a pillow and someone warm to snuggle with. 
Time: 8 pm
2301 N. Highland Ave.
Hollywood, CA 90068
323-850-2000

The Downtown Film Festival
Celebrating the cultural resurgence of Downtown Los Angeles, the film festival will take place in various historical theaters throughout Downtown LA, including the Orpheum Theatre, The LA Center Studios, Sci-Arc, and the MOCA. There are many exciting receptions and parties associated with the film festival that can be found on the events page of the website. My personal recommendation is Happy Hour at The Edison, which is one of the most masterful architectural renovations in the city. The film festival runs from August 13th - August 17th. 
Admission: $10 per screening
Time & Location: See Schedule

Thursday August 14th, 2008


All Of This Is Melting Away at Royal/T
This group show curated by Jay Sanders of NY's Greene Naftali Gallery features works from the Susan Hancock collection, that illustrates themes of temporal transformation and anthropomorphism. Many of the works in the exhibition can be seen melting, dripping, or sinking away enhancing the sensation of loss. The Royal/T gallery is a Japanese influenced cafe/concept gallery that celebrates contemporary artists like Takashi Murakami and Yoshitomo Nara. The exhibition runs from August 14th - December 31st.
Admission: FREE
Time: Opening Reception 6 - 9 pm
8910 Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
310-559-6300


Jared Joslin "Shadow of the Silver Moon"
Bathed in the pale glow of a silver moon Joslin's oil portraits magically transport us to the era of art-deco and swing as seamlessly as if we walked onto the set of The Great Gatsby. Filled with glitter and jazz his work is reminiscent of German artist Christian Schad, well known for his luxurious portraits of night clubbers and the German elite during the late 1920's. This is an RSVP event so I recommend you get your name list if you want to view these lovely ladies. 

Admission: FREE 
Time: 7 pm
354 N. Bedford
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
310-278-4400
rsvp@yargerfineart.com














Saturday August 16th, 2008

Featuring numerous Brazilian and Samba bands including Azymuth, Coleman, and J ROCC,
 Art Don't Sleep Presents a vibrant night of Samba rhythms at the Echoplex. If you missed Carnival and have been aching to dance the Carimbo or Samba this is the perfect night to get your groove on. O que uma noite bela!
Admission: $20/$15 Advanced
Time: 9 pm - 2 am
1154 Glendale Blvd. 
Los Angeles, CA 90026
213-413-8200


Eye Candy Opening
Ending the summer with a band the Crewest Gallery, well known for some of LA's hot new graffiti artists, shows a little skin. The group show featuring many of the resident artists at the gallery is an homage to the female form in the best medium possible. Feast your eyes upon this sweet treat. 
Admission: Free
Time: 7 - 10 pm
110 Winston St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
213-627-8272


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Monday, August 4, 2008

The Rush 8/5 -8/11

The summer is RUSHing by and already we find ourselves in the lovely month of August. Angelenos and tourists alike can be found soaking up the sun and enjoying the various amusements around Los Angeles. Here are my top-picks for this week.

Tuesday August 5th, 2008The Regeneration Tour Featuring: The Human League
Don't you want me baby? Well you should! This fabulous English Synthopop band formed in 1977, has brought life to many an 80's flashback party. Part of the Regeneration Tour that also features Belinda Carlisle, and Naked Eyes, this is sure to be a night to remember.

Admission: $49.50 - 59.50
Time: 7:45 pm
The Gibson Amphitheatre
100 Universal City Walk
Los Angeles, CA 91608
818-622-440

VisionVersion : Dublab
Unifying the arts, the Dublab's newest project brings together some of the most innovative musicians and filmmakers of our decade. Harvesting the talents of many amazing contemporary artists, this film project is sure to be a must see. Additionally the event includes a live performance by Hecuba immediately following the films.

Admission: $13
Time: 8 pm
Cinefamily
The Silent Movie Theatre
611 N. Fairfax Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323-655-2510

Wednesday August 6th, 2008

I find that from time to time taking yourself to the one of the most classical forms of human expression can be quite enthralling. There is nothing more stimulating than watching live ballet dancers. Like no other performer, ballet dancers embody the juxtapozition of human strength and grace. With an original score by Danny Elfman this is certain to be a beautiful night at the ballet.

Admission: $25-105
Runs Aug 6-10
Times: Wed-Fri 7:30 pm, Sat 2 & 7:30 pm, Sun 2 pm
The Orange County Performing Arts Center
600 Town Center Dr.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
714-556-2787

The Ting Tings @ The El Rey
A little-known band called The Ting Tings, most noted for their song featured in an ipod ad, shut up & let me go, is gracing the stage of the El Rey Theatre in Hollywood. This celebrated Indie-Pop band will be an energetic addition to your Thursday night. This event is said to be SOLD OUT, but I would recommend looking for tickets on either Craigslist or StubHub, nothing is ever SOLD OUT.

Admission: $16
Time: 8 pm
The El Rey Theatre
5515 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323-936-6400

Thursday August 7th, 2008
The Airborne Toxic Event @ The El Rey
This local band has taken LA LA LAnd by storm. I have been a fan since the first time I heard them on indie 103.1 fm, late one cold November Los Angeles night. The song played some time around midnight, and and the lead singer's voice sang of toxic loves that slip through your fingers as you get lost in the haze of the wine. It was breath taking and intoxicating.

Admission: $15 SOLD OUT
Time: 8 pm
The El Rey Theatre
5515 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323-936-6400

Hollyshorts Film Festival
The 4th Annual Hollyshorts Film Festival begins this Thursday at the Egyptian Theatre. To cater to the short attention span of the average Angeleno, this film festival of shorts runs from August 7-10th and includes films from all over the world. I love festivals that are short & sweet!

Admission $10
Time: 7:30 pm
6712 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, CA
323-466-3456

Friday August 8th, 2008

FOCUSfish: GUSH-ED
Prepare yourself for aerialists, clowns, jugglers, dancers and fire eaters because the circus is in town! The Ford Amphitheatre plays the perfect host to this amazing performance crew, that will surely leave you amazed with their artistry and skill.
Admission: $30-40
Runs August 8 & 9th
Time: 8 pm
2580 E. Cahuenga Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90068
323-461-3673

Saturday August 9th, 2008

Rock the Bells
This is the most substantial Hip-Hop festival in the LA area. The line-up for this event can only be described as superb, and includes Mos Def, A Tribe Called Quest, NAS, Santogold, Ghostface, and Method Man (to name a few). This is the music event of the week!
Admission: $35-203
Time: Noon
The Glen Haven Pavillion
2575 Glen Helen Pkwy
909-880-6500
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