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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Thursday, July 24, 2008

The Rush 7/29 -8/4

Do you feel like you are being Rushed?

Wednesday 30th, 2008

Rebel With Out A Cause at the Arclight
As part of the AFI 100 Years 100 Movies, the Hollywood Arclight continues to screen classics films from the first 100 years of American Cinema. This week's highlighted film is Rebel Without A Cause starring James Dean & Natalie Woods. Need I say more.

Admission: $11
Time: 8 pm
6360 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA
323-464-4226
Thursday July 31st, 2008

Last Call for the Now Festival
This is the last week to experience the third and final Now Festival program at Redcat. This week's program features dance/performance art by Rosanna Gamson, Anne Lebaron, Douglas Kearney, and Kristina Wong. Runs July 31st - August 2nd.

Admission: $18/$14 Students
Time: 8:30 pm
Walt Disney Concert Hall
631 W. 2nd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-237-2800
Friday August 1st, 2008

Get the lead out ~ Group Show
The Black Maria Gallery in Glendale is scheduled to open a group show on Friday. The featured artwork is an array of small sketches pen & ink drawings, watercolors, and some sculpture. The show is an homage to the artistic process. They will be raffling an original painting and if you bring a book you may just walk away with an original sketch.

Admission: FREE
Time: 7 - 10:30 pm
Black Maria Gallery
3137 Glendale Blvd.
Glendale, CA 90039
323-660-9393

Public Enemy w/Ghostface Killah
It may be difficult to remember the days when Public Enemy was a real Hip Hop threat. Their present day menace may very well be skewed by visions of member Flava Flav's recent escapades with reality television, but I assure you this is the Flava you will love. Also featuring Wu-Tang Clan's Ghostface Killah this blast from the past is sure to be both an old and a goody.

Admission: $22
Time: 8 pm
Crash Mansion
1024 S. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90015
213-747-0999
Saturday August 2nd, 2008

Doug Henry & Joe Potts: Still Life With Dancer
As a tribute to the 100 year anniversary of Picasso's Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, composer Joe Potts and artist Doug Henry have collaborated on a new video work Still Life With Dancer. Honoring the birth of cubism the video is scheduled to show at Cardwell Jimmerson Contemporary Art in Culver City.

Admission: Free
Time: 6 - 8pm
Cardwell Jimmerson Contemporary Art
8568 Washington Blvd.
310-815-1100
Ryan Graeff : Restitution Press
Artist Ryan Graeff is infamous for his garilla-tactic art installations of the LA "Bandit," that you can often find as you walk through the Los Angeles urban landscape. An artist by day, and a cultural Zapatista by night, Graeff's new exhibition includes over a dozen volumes of urban-coated, textured, color-enriched newspapers that he has aptly labeled "The Restitution Press." You may run into one of Graeff's many celebrity collectors at his opening on Saturday, fully equiped with DJ and drinks.

Admission: Free
Time: 7 - 12 Midnight
2380 Glendale Blvd.
Silverlake, CA 90039
323-912-0008
ghettogloss@ghettogloss.com

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