LA Canvas Issue 2

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Bares, Broncs and Bulls in the Navajo Nation Premieres November 15th on

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Levi’s Presents Stories of The New American Worker Ranching and riding in the desert of the Southwest with the hardest working Navajo kids around.

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Now Featuring

Downtown LA Art Walk Map

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12. MUSICIANS: Foster The People 10. Contributors Page

22. IMAGE GALLERY: LA Street Art

24. FILMMAKERS: Michael Benaroya and Robert Ogden Barnum

15. VENUE: Satellite

27. FILM: Early 2011 Film Picks

16. ARTIST: Gary Baseman

19. GALLERY: Country Club Projects

30. DESIGNER: Chelsey Santry 32. BOUTIQUE: Fred Segal Originals

40. CHEF: Jordan Khan 37. SHOES: His+Hers

38. ACCESSORIES: V-Day Gifts

42. RESTAURANT: A-Frame

34. CLOTHES: His+Her

54. TECH: Winter Gadgets

47. COCKTAIL: Penicillin

49. BAR: Bar 1886

50. GAME: Little Big Planet 2

52. REVIEW: OnLive Illustrations by Justin Fitzwater

44. FOOD SPOTS: Finger Food

56. PHOTOS: LAC Events

58. CALENDAR: Jan. / Feb.

60. COMMUNITY: Meet Hot Volunteers

66. LAST LOOK: photo L.A.

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Volume 1, Issue no. 2 January/February 2011 Publisher Dante Colombatti Editors Kevin Hidalgo Justin Fitzwater Copy Editor Reno D. Picconi Arts Fashion Food + Drink Tech

Editor Editor Editor Editor

Shana Nys Dambrot Erin Bunch Kat odell Curt Hutson

Account Manager Matt olson Marketing Assistants Will Wallner Jeffrey Hogeboom Writers Emily Bradley, Marilyn Chiu, Ashley Eliot, Andrea emmes, Max Hurwitz, Reagan Payne Photographers Emily Bradley, Sergio Estevez, Luke Lovell Interns Dana Eitches, Dustin Hedrick Our info 1734 N. Main St, Studio 1B Los Angeles, CA 90031 P:(323) 352-3250 PR@LACANVAS.com LACANVAS.COM

friends with Benefits

Copyright 2011, by LA CANVAS. All Rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without permission in writing from LA CANVAS. LA Canvas makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it publishes, but is not responsible for unsolicited or contributed manuscripts, photographs, artwork or advertisements. LA Canvas is not held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions.

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Contributors of 2011

Emily Bradley Erin Bunch Marilyn Chiu Shana Nys Dambrot

Dana Eitches Ashley Eliot Sergio Estevez Justin Fitzwater

Dustin Hedrick Kevin Hidalgo Max Hurwitz Curt Hutson

Luke Lovell Kat Odell Raegan Payne 10 LACANVAS.COM

SLAM DUNK MID CIRCA 1982

ar·chive –noun

1. a collection containing materials of historical interest: “PONY ARCHIVE” is a footwear collection of timeless Pony styles selected for permanent preservation.

EST 1972 WWW.PONY.COM

Archive_Ad_1_Filter.indd 1

10/15/10 10:15:26 AM

Photo by Luke Lovell

Musician Focus

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I

t’s a random Thursday night.

I’m at a launch party in Costa Mesa for 31 Bits, a group that gives women of Northern Uganda an opportunity to overcome poverty by selling their jewelry in the US. While young trendsetters mingle and dance, over the speaker the DJ plays some electro and pop hits, then suddenly I hear a familiar track. A song meant for this kind of a night. It slowly opens with a mellow beat, then a muffled voice lingers into a catchy chorus. In the open air, outside of a warehouse, with smile bursting youth, a newbie band that has been receiving much hype without even a record release is blaring over the speakers. They go by Foster The People and their single “Pumped Up Kicks” is causing quite the stir.

Started as a solo project by commercial and TV music composer

Mark Foster in October 2009, the band really didn’t get started until a few months later. Foster The People is now a 4-piece LA rock outfit that is being called the next MGMT. “I like to write songs in character,” says Foster. “I like kind of searching for different stories about people and trying to get inside their heads. ‘Pumped Up Kicks’ is kind of a social commentary on America’s youth and there’s a lot of undertones of things that I think kids are dealing with today that maybe 100 years ago didn’t really exist.”

“Pumped Up Kicks” has been topping the Sirius Satellite Radio charts, beating out bands like Broken Bells, Kings of Leon and Arcade Fire. The buzz through underground radio and music blogs is only the beginning. Early next year, the band is expected to release an EP, and perform around LA and OC.

“The biggest thing about the record that people will be surprised about is how versatile it is…in terms of the style,” says Foster. “There’s going to be a lot of piano based songs. I think that’s going to be surprising to people that have only heard ‘Pumped Up Kicks’ because it’s a guitar based song.”

Signed to indie label StarTime International (which has worked with The Walkmen, Foreign Born, Brendan Benson and The Futureheads, to name a few) Foster The People began as a one-man show with Foster who took a break from his full-time job of music composing for commercials to lay down his track “Pumped Up Kicks.”

While the band is recording, Foster still plans to continue his day job as a composer and his work can be heard in a new Chevron campaign.

“I love doing that stuff [music composing],” says Foster. “It’s totally different than writing a song for the band. I can kind of disconnect and jump into a different state of mind.”

Now, throw on your kicks and get pumped with the rest of the kids because this next year is going to be a busy and exciting one for Foster The People. For more on FTP check out LACanvas.com and Fosterthepeople.com. St ory by Ashley Eliot.

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Don’t Get Off Track! Follow

L.A.’S LOCAL BANDS The year 2010 was an exciting one for LA's music scene. With bands from the Local Natives to the Best Coast to Fitz & the Tantrums and Warpaint now recognized across the globe, this past year debuted fresh new sounds that have us craving for more! Here is a list of our 35 favorite songs of 2010...

He's My Brother, She's My Sister Tales That I Tell Foster The People Pumped Up Kicks

Kitten Kill The Light

Walking Sleep In a Dream

Dante Vs Zombies Yes, I'm Stalking You

Vanaprasta Color Of Sin

The Happy Hollows Lieutenant

Local Natives Wide Eyes

Evan Voytas We'll Go Far

Twilight Sleep Run in Reverse

White Arrows Coming or Going

Best Coast Boyfriend

Shadow Shadow Shade Did Not The Lights

Superhumanoids Persona

The Like Release Me

Sea Wolf Turn the Dirt Over

The Deadly Syndrome Wingwalker

Glasser Home

Le Switch Call Out

Grouplove Colours Warpaint Undertow

The Henry Clay People Your Famous Friends

Pepper Rabbit Older Brother

Radars To The Sky Mirror

Big Whup Boniz Heart

Fitz & The Tantrums MoneyGrabber

Hello Dragon Cities Need a Subway

The Sea of Cortez The Shores

Cobalt Cranes Take You Darker My Love Backseat

So Many Wizards Night Terrors

Eastern Conference Champions Don't Think Twice, It's All Right Voxhaul Broadcast Leaving On The 5th 14 LACANVAS.COM

Dum Dum Girls Bhang Bhang, I'm a Burnout

PhotoS by Luke Lovell

Venue Focus

S

ince 1995, a venue located at 1717 Silver Lake Blvd. with a capacity of 260 has made an imprint on the LA underground music scene. Club Spaceland, known for booking break-out acts from The Black Keys and The Killers to Arctic Monkeys and Peaches, is changing things up. Under the new name The Satellite - inspired by an Elliott Smith song, the club will continue bringing in the same up-and-comers and sounds yet some new additions are in store.

Mitchell Frank who launched Spaceland Productions, which also works with The Echo and The Echoplex, has parted ways and there’s talk of him opening a dance club.

Jennifer Tefft, who has left her position as talent buyer for The Fold, will take on the reigns as booker. She and Jeff Wolfram, owner of the building, will run The Satellite.

The name may be changing but the overall vibe will remain untouched except with

possibly a more eclectic roster of artists on the schedule including anything from hip hop to electro. Also, there are plans to minimize the space and offer drink specials at midnight due to a smaller crowd at that time. Plus the club might start staying open during the day. And the upstairs bar is looking to become a gallery for local artists. No extremes are to be taken it seems. Tefft is trying to build momentum and add more life to the well-known and established indie rock outlet.

The respected venue might be changing with the times but the heart of Spaceland has always been to offer a platform for indie artists and help them get the next level. With only minor improvements, what the venue has always stood for, will carryover to The Satellite.

For more on this venue and others, check out LACanvas.com Story by By Ashley Eliot.

LOCATION: 1717 Silverlake Blvd. Los Angeles

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Artist Focus

Photo by Sergio Luis Estevez

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Gary Baseman

Open 24 Hours

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ne of the most well-known artists in the world, Gary Baseman creates a parallel universe of stylized landscapes populated by gently feral creatures and doe-eyed maidens who go about their business with a flair for costume and an infectious urgency. His paintings and illustrations are equally familiar to readers of Juxtapoz and the New York Times Book Review, and have flourished into a merchandising empire that includes limited edition toys, high-end fashions, and seasonal cards.

Baseman was already established as an illustrator when he became one of the earliest mainstream-to-Lowbrow crossover artists, except he did it sort of backwards. “I started at the LA Times and made my way down to the Weekly and then Juxtapoz. From the New York Times and the cover of Time, I worked my way into the gutter.” But only an artist of Baseman’s calibre and imagination could find themselves headlining at the Bristol Museum, the Sanrio 50th Anniversary show, and the New York Society of Illustrators all in a matter of months.

His mom famously worked at the bakery in Canter’s for 35 years, making her as much of a celebrity, at least locally, as Baseman himself.

Even so, in the late ‘80s he decamped for New York to pursue his career, and in a particularly fruitful side-effect, became enamored of the flea market scene there. This was circa 1988, way before eBay, when you had to go and look for yourself. He was drawn to strange, quasi-spiritual figurines, pop culture throwaways that he invested with new meaning.

They were invited into his studio, where they became sources of

inspiration, made appearances in paintings, developed into original characters, and reemerged off the canvas, taking shape as the stars of his signature sculpture-toy lines -- which in turn go on to fulfill the totemic desires of a new generation of obsessive collectors. “My art is character-driven anyway, so it was a natural progression.” And, as of his wildly successful 2009 Corey Helford Gallery show, they came to life as well, going on to make live appearances at Bristol and LACMA. And Baseman’s got even bigger plans for 2011. In May there’s a museum show in Israel with a fashion designer who has a line inspired by his art. In June he has an exhibition at MOCA Shanghai, and he’s also in an independent show at the Venice Biennial. In August the Shanghai show travels to Taiwan. And he’s also working on a new series of figures, a secret-keeping society. But before any of that, he’s finishing a solo show opening March 5th at Jonathan Levine in Chelsea. This new work is about attention overload, the pleasures and terrors of the media-saturated life. The central theme has to do with magic, and the power to move between genres seamlessly, like a ghost through walls -- or an artist working in performance, sculpture, painting, design, and publishing all at once, for example. “I definitely feel I’m growing as a painter. No, not as a painter -- as an artist.

Painting is too limiting; I want to make art you don’t just walk by or through, but actually interact with.”

For more on Gary Baseman check out our arts section on LACanvas.com. Story by Shana Nys Dambrot.

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Santa Monica Civic January 13 - 17, 2011 20th Anniversary Opening Reception Thursday, January 13, 6pm - 9pm Benefiting the Wallis Annenberg Photography Department at LACMA For tickets visit www.lacma.org/photola Charity ID# T1880 Fair Tickets http://photola.eventbrite.com Visit photola.com for the programming schedule

Exhibitors 21st Editions Abba Fine Art Aperture Artbook | D.A.P. JoAnne Artman Gallery Blind Photographers Guild John Cleary Gallery Stephen Cohen Gallery Contemporary Works / Vintage Works, Ltd. Corden | Potts Gallery Stephen Daiter Gallery dnj Gallery Eyestorm Peter Fetterman Gallery Galerie Dix9 Gallery 19/21 Gallery M Gebert Contemporary Gitterman Gallery J.J. Heckenhauer Gallery Paul M. Hertzmann, Inc. hous projects Kahmann Gallery Louis Klaitman Kopeikin Gallery The Lapis Press Los Angeles Art Association / Gallery 825 Light Work

Monroe Gallery of Photography MR Gallery Nazraeli Press El Nopal Press OFOTO Gallery Kaycee Olsen Gallery One Hour Cleaners Pan-View Gallery PHAIDON PHAIDON | STORE photo-eye Gallery photokunst Queensland Centre for Photography Riflemaker ROSEGALLERY Schaden.com Select Vernacular Photographs / Norman Kulkin Barry Singer Gallery Skotia Gallery Smith Andersen North Joel Soroka Gallery Susan Spiritus Gallery Studio 391 Robert Tat Gallery TS+ Projects Villa del Arte Galleries Women in Photography International Young Projects

projects 323.937.5525 | photola.com | artla.net 18 LACANVAS.COM

Gallery Focus

Photos Courtesy of country club projects

T

he Buck House, a 1934 private residence by homegrown legend of Modernist architecture RM Schindler, is an exemplar of his language for crisp white lines, glass-walled courtyards, breezy open plains, and sleek systems of built-in cabinetry. It presents a unique space for the artists showing at Country Club Project LA’s loosely-defined “residencies.”

Robbie Conal, the iconic painter, illustrator, and poster artist whose impressive exhibition “The Missing Link” capped a banner year with an art-star-studded opening, is appreciative of the Country Club Projects’ director and his vision.

“Country Club is quite eclectic, and Christian Strike and John Knuth do -- thank the art gods for the next generation -- take wacky chances... like showing a sopping wet, big pink octopus strangling CEOs of mortgage banks at a Congressional hearing -- which I finished 3.5 minutes before the opening party.”

The previous show, “Bright White Underground” by Justin Lowe and Jonah Freelander, was some risky business arousing mild panic and a thrill of forbidden adventure rarely found in galleries. Its cacophony of jumbled histories and sorted architecture prompted the writer Angel Chen to call it, “A must-see show whose alternately over-the-top roar of sensation and spectacle also reveals quiet purrs of coded pictorial language. Its cohesive narrative ties in conceptually, materially, and experientially, as themes of drug-induced American subculture and sociological experimentation devastate the Buck House, acting as a metaphor for our times.”

Kori Newkirk’s installation last summer played with both sides of the site-specificity equation. A monumental floor piece occupied a full room, but still functioned as a social gatheringpoint. He further executed some unexpected architectural interventions, such as a series of magnetic sculptures with dotted glass windows, evoking the befuddling idea of a drive-by at a posh Schindler house on the Miracle Mile.

Story by Shana Nys Dambrot.

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Echo

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Photos by EMILY BRADLEY

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Filmmaker Focus

Michael Benaroya and Robert Ogden Barnum rethink the film busin

ess.

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ob wears a blue blazer, Mike wears a baige military-inspired jacket. Rob’s clean shaven, Mike has three days of scruff. Rob checks a Blackberry, Mike uses an iPhone. Meet the odd couple of Benaroya Pictures, a fast-growing Beverly Hills production company that’s finding smarter ways to make films in a stagnant economy.

“The romance has been gone forever, but we still stick it out,” jokes company CEO Michael Benaroya, throwing a smile to COO Robert Ogden Barnum.

“Forever” might be a bit of an exaggeration -- Barnum partnered with Benaroya only last year, after exiting his distribution company Anywhere Road. And Benaroya Pictures itself has only existed in any capacity since the end of 2006.

“I had some roommates a few years ago who were doing a documentary, and they asked me if I could help them find the financing,” Benaroya explains. “I found it, but I didn’t realize that I was then going to have to watch out for the investment and make sure it was in good hands. I ended up getting really involved in the whole process and I guess I caught the bug. A few months later I opened my company.”

Benaroya and Barnum are hardly the first to try their hand at producing films in the current economic climate, but they’re charging to the forefront of a young crowd of investors that’s changing the way Hollywood makes movies.

Outside of big studio tent poles, the days of extravagant spending are long gone, and the focus has shifted to smaller projects built on quality material and cost control.

“Our catchphrase is risk mitigation. I think that’s something people weren’t too familiar with five years ago when sales prices were so high.

People swung for the fences and generally hit a home run,” says Benaroya. “But that same model

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now has you striking out, because you don’t always get the sales you were hoping for.”

“We hit a lot of doubles,” adds Barnum. “It’s a good place to be in five years. But hopefully one will find its way over the fence.”

The dynamic duo is laying the groundwork for a long-term operation, and their foundation is growing fast. This year Benaroya Pictures released The Romantics, a Katie Holmes, Anna Paquin, and Josh Duhamel - starring drama about a group of seven friends who reunite for a wedding. The film premiered at Sundance 2010, enjoyed a limited theatrical release, and will soon be out on DVD. Their follow-up project is also ensembledriven and Sundance bound, with a rockstar cast that’s already garnering loads of attention. First time writer-director J.C. Chandor’s Margin Call is a thriller about investment bankers navigating a 24-hour period during the early stages of the recent financial crisis, and stars Oscar winners Kevin Spacey and Jeremy Irons, along with Stanley Tucci, Demi Moore, Paul Bettany, Penn Badgley, and Zachary Quinto (who is also a producer on the project).

Success breeds opportunity, and if Margin Call goes big, Benaroya and Barnum are ready with a slew of new projects they’re developing. They’re also broadening their focus -- they just inked a deal to create six original comic books with Image Comics, the first of which should be available in May. “We’re lucky to get to do this,” Benaroya beams. “The longer we can make it work, the happier we are.”

Ultimately, that’s what it’s all about. The romance may be gone, but Benaroya and Barnum are in it for the long haul. For more on Margin Call and Benaroya and Ogden, check out LACanvas.com.

Story by Max Hurwitz.

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Photos by Sergio Luis Estevez and Illustrations by Justin Fitzwater

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Film Focus

With Academy Awards season ending with the ball drop on New Year’s Eve, and prime summer movie watching season still months away, the first few months of the year are usually a dumping ground for the schlock distributors don’t know what else to do with. By the looks of this year’s planned releases, the pattern seems to be holding for 2011. But if you absolutely have to hit the theaters on the opening weekend of some movie, give these two flicks a shot. up a g ro b ou t e d i t , a s i s i l le r u g u e s o a s tn-t h r m a c t i o p e d i n , y i n t h e l e t ou t . u g t n i c e r p d r a g e r a n t p t o Sa g et t rap dd - s a ve t r u f f u ve r s w h o T h ey g e t d t h ey h G s n di An Io a e! ie n c e T h i s i n g c a v e t a n y c a v e wor l d ! x p er e l v a i s h ju t- l nt e re nt ly of fa s . But not system i on t h ter ue e e a sed ha s f req nder wa b ) a c a v s i ble c a v . y u l o e ’s h h u n f g e w s o o is acce e t hey d i t ua l ly (va W ight, n Ca mer f ter one s g roup w s a c o l e a r e y n a d h i t. is Or r A nd e n pl mero m an fi l m u T he eenw r ite a mes Ca t he scre ppi ng h i er way o t ion d ac -scr d w it h J ht w rote w r y, t ra d a not h n o c a f o a n g te ed . Wi b or a y f ou we n t o- pac c ol l a e n t a r ie s e d i t io n s u n t i l t h e o k s f a s t f p s e u d o o m s p l l y u l te d k c u c f a i to d o c a v i n g e x r t wo d a fl k r met ove t u re c choc o ow n g rou nd f n v s. n a e d ly b e g ue a n d ers plu m a t r b lo u u n de i l e t h i s m l u n d o u b c i n g d i a a s t m e m w yo l l blo f du sc wil i Wh n u t i w o u i n r b ro a ed, s va is fi l m at ment o st of t h e pac k at ion a l, g o o o o!” a e u a l s p i r i n g t r s t au n c h r o i s i N p v s “ in t he t he -i n s s of eat h s. e n e e m e e t w k a v n a a e e y d n g ua ra erson’s ve scr s t m ke a g r isl a i l l le a y. Ju i ri t hei r ever, I c l ister G ystem w ra l beaut . L ook s l g n i How i rector A l cave s t le nat u v up c a . D a l it ut i f u away r y’s bea iv i ng for a nd pick t o r t t u t he s potato s o r ight o h g couc ou don’t y. b y su re rou s hob e d a ng

By Max Hurwitz

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Hor Ye c o m s , y o u’r net e se ic b M ic o o k s u e i n g t hat p l au h e l G o p e r h r igh e s t. S s e r i i ble s u n d r y d i r o . et h es a p e rh re c t Rog b ou a nd s e w r en i o fl i h t ne s i l ly a t s pl ck, b will ws p A sia m ay i n l i ke a sed ap e n s i d a s k to ga on t ly b e e k ic figh r pu bl T he this he l t i k s c h fi K r pa r ong e i l y a m m r e t o B a e , ty . s ta r’s le r it h as th a n d - a n i m a oweve a e G t R eid , nd i ng r j re e n c om s t who k i l l e o i n s t h l s o n o f , c e n te i d c H o r o e fa t n s d by r net he o s on m C ho a lo n a h a t u) i s a c r i m i ly c r i m r ig i n a l B r it t R e g s ide e bo i H or sti l l e - fi Fr his net, d Jr., t h be a a n k ly, t t he s id s s. K at g ht i n g e sp who h o b e o b i u ( pl a fi n a i le d s i n del i r i l l ia n s fi l m w k ic k . e ll ye d v t

by T s s a f te r y m a n s t hat er aud i fi l m ma i l l l i kely a iw u h e nc k w it h e b a r e ,b ne s i s fat he p eC ho r e po r is u h a S e t h R o f r i e n d l u t h i s t i d i c u lo p st rac k u s. y su a nd gen v i ng a r Ja M p w b r y P i ne hat we t he wor ei ng H erhero ecord ichel G f ol l y fa re ’l l l i k o s t co app o r n b d wo o le E ei n g r i e m s y l B ut y n e m x o d d b t hea you k n press w e lef t w ic t i m i n ’s lea st nex iste a ble to ay -h n ters g h o i m id w what ere mo t h is a n I’ve se eroic le t. Coup -Ja n ua r y ? T hat m re t h i ng u n f u n ny en i n a ad a nd le lo Ja s , so , w h a ig h t m a e x plo d g a d g e n g w h i y t- i n t l t t he k e e n s i e, hel l e it g re . ve at el se a re for you yo u . An d g oi n g to it h its do?

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Designer Focus

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Photo by Sergio Luis Estevez

N

o matter how much you love fashion, certain collections make you wonder who exactly - Gwen, maybe? No. Gaga? - the designer had in mind when he or she sat down to sketch. Not so with Patterson J. Kincaid, a line that, as designer Chelsey Santry originally envisioned it, is meant for “...women who want to buy more than one piece when they go shopping.” Women like...her. Santry pictured creating a $50 t-shirt that could sell on the same floor as the $100 t-shirts. With that seemingly obvious yet brilliant pitch, she won over the powers that be at K’oral Industries (Elizabeth & James, 7 Jeans) and thus was awarded the opportunity to create the things she and her friends most wanted to buy and wear. Two years later, the thought process behind her designs remains much the same, and the already-successful designer believes the line has distinguished itself with its “effortless styling that is easily dressed up or down.”

Santry’s interest in the clothing design process was aroused at an early age, when she’d accompany her mom - who always had her clothes custom made - to fittings. This enthusiasm for fashion led her to retail, which eventually led her to industry jobs at Lucky Brand and Joie. Although these experiences undoubtedly educated the young designer in the ways of the fashion world, Santry’s creative process is, she says, informal and organic. She and ‘her girls,’ the four or so she works closely with on a daily basis, simply aim to create the pieces they consider to be missing from the sales floor. For further, more detailed inspiration, they’ll look at anything from vintage clothing to oil paintings, with the occasional cocktail napkin serving as muse. Trendforecasters these ladies are not, as they prefer to put fad-following aside in favor of the ‘would we wear this?’ approach.

Just what, specifically, does that method serve to include or exclude? According to her collegues, the designer, who counts Isabel Marant, Celine, Stella McCartney, Dries Von Noten and Rick Owens among her current favored designers, most often wears some variation on the following ensemble: black skinny jeans, a flowy top under a big sweater, big heels, and lots of jewelry. “I’ve always thought less is more. A woman in a simple white tee and jeans is the sexiest,” Santry says. It’s no wonder, then, that she’s created a line she epitomizes with the phrase ‘casually chic,’ a line that is, undoubtedly, a perfect fit for L.A.’s casual chic mentality.

Patterson, as it’s known by its friends, sells items such as the line’s hard-to-stock ‘Egyptian Tunic’ locally at Fred Segal, Ron Herman, Bloomingdale’s, Saks 5th Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom, as well as online at Shopbop and Revolve Clothing. Although the collections are currently ‘limited’ to sweaters, skirts, pants, dresses, and jackets, Santry says she’s currently working on a t-shirt collaboration with Disney and has plans to expand to everything from shoes to a men’s line. “My ultimate goal is to grow this into a lifestyle brand,” she says. “The potential for what’s to come is the most exciting thing for me right now.” For more on PJK check out LACanvas. com and www.pattersonjkincaid.com. Story by Erin Bunch.

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Boutique Focus

I

f one name, one man, one brand epitomizes retail in Los Angeles, that name would be Segal. Fred Segal, to be more specific. Back in 1958, Fred Segal opened his first clothing store based around the then-new notion of fashion jeans, a popular shop which over time evolved into the now-famous, sprawling Santa Monica Fred Segal complex. Annie Segal, Fred’s daughter, spent her childhood there, back when, she says, shopping “was an experience.” In large part, it was this nostalgia that inspired her to create Fred Segal Originals, the newest Fred Segal boutique inspired and advised by dad but conceived, created, and run by Annie.

Segal says that in conceptualizing the store, she wanted to stay true to the spirit of the original Fred Segal while giving back to the customer. She accomplished the former by placing ‘museum’ items throughout the boutique - vintage Fred Segal pieces and items her dad once wore next to pictures of him wearing them - and the latter by keeping most items for sale under $100.

Included in the collection are basic tees which, she says, fit perfectly; comfy, “throw-on” maxi dresses; Annie Segal WRAPS; leggings; velour sweats; and, variations on the original Fred Segal-created “offons,” or elastic waistbanded pants that can be easily pulled off and on. These ‘easy pants’ come in jersey, silk, satin, velour, or twill with either banded bottoms or a straight leg cut. Fred Segal Originals’ inventory also includes velvet “happy coats” for $180, which have a Mick Jagger meets Hugh Hefner vibe to them, as well as pieces from the Foley + Corinna and the eco-friendly Prophetik collection. Victoria Beckham’s denim line is also soon to join the carefully-selected racks.

Segal’s father, she says, taught her that the two most important strategies in retail are to make sure the customer is happy and to have great merchandise. He also taught her a lesson that she says applies not only to retail but to life as well, which is that everything is a work in progress and anything can always be made better. In regard to the former, he must greatly admire his daughter’s work. In regard to the latter, some things, like Fred Segal Originals, are just perfect in their - well original state. Story by Erin Bunch.

Location: 500 Broadway, Santa Monica

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. . . d r a o B Mood

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His - Her Fashion Focus

sume ssive re e r p im ca s an ency, ha Heard, Rebec n g A t e n g r Ambe he Ma , Adrie ped by t , Jimmy Fallon, , Sharon Stone (Italy), p e r t s phy styli Fair ilson fessional erry, Rachel B , Brittany Mur tured in Vanity name a few. o r p a , anks ujek ese aty P e, to n fea Johnny W ts work with K cts, Elizabeth B styling has bee nd Rolling Ston sful (we kid! th r a s s je s that boa ll American Re ral others. Hi enteen, People, oderately succe t & Cold”). Fo rate o o A v m e g e v H i , s e v S “ ’ n s Romij hakira and e, Elle, of Katy Perry up in Vegas,” signers to rein ir la C S , ie e Brody , Nylon, Mar s work in one irl,” “Waking is favorite d h i Interview have also seen h s (“I Kissed a G rom a few of f o You may re huge!!!) vide d winter looks ait for Spring. e te babies w , Johnny’s selec closets!) as we w os e rvat a V this issu e us (and our ir John and insp

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CALIFORNIA FASHION CALIFORNIA LIFESTYLE

womenswear

menswear

accessories

shoes

live events

8801 W. Sunset Blvd West Hollywood 310.360.1660 36 LACANVAS.COM

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Gift Guide

Sugar & Spice

It’s never too early to start thinking about Valentine’s Day, unless, that is, you’re hoping to use bad gift-giving as an easy out from your relationship. We popped around town in search of gift ideas that will bring the steam this February 14th and make teddy bears and chocolate look like child’s play. Whether you’re looking to spice things up or simply receive sweet kisses of gratitude, our V-Day gift guide will help hopeless romantics and helpless shoppers alike.

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Find these products here: [1] Berman Astrea Vibrating Panties $62.95 from www.pleasurechest.com [2] Sizzling Sugar Massage Bars $4.95 each from www.pleasurechest. com [3] Rough Rider Hot Passion Condoms $2.95 from www. pleasurechest.com [4] Mini Massage Kit $24.95 from www. pleasurechest.com [5] TKO ORLOGI Heart Slapper $55.00 Available at www.TKOwatches.com [6] Pleasure Chest Feathers $5.95 each from www.pleasurechest.com [7] JimmyJane Afterglow Natural Massage Oil Candles $25 from www. jimmyjane.com [8] The Collection: Loving Oil Gift Set $29.95 from www.pleasurechest.com [9] Treesje Renegade Mini $450 purchase at Kitson, Robertson www.treesje.com 38 LACANVAS.COM

LACANVAS.COM 39

Photo by Luke Lovell

Chef Focus

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Q: Let’s star t with the res tau rant’s name, what is the sig nificance of ‘Red Medicine’?

A: The name ‘Red Medic ine’ is an alternate name for eastern medicine , which is a term that encompasses an entire system of practices predicated upo n hea ling through “natura l” means. Specifi cally referring to herbal medicine, where a practitioner prescr ibes a concoction of ma ny herbs tailored to the ind ividual patient, which often incorporates ing red ients from all par ts of pla nts, leaves, flowers, roo ts, anima ls, and minera ls. This is an obv iou s parallel we associated to a chef and his cuisine.

Q: How wou ld you describ

e the food?

A: Let me go on the record here by say ing that this is not a trad itional Vietna mese restau rant. I am not Vietna mese and my par tners are not Vietna me se. We are, however, ena mored with the cuisine. It was our inspiration for the restau rant. We always loved the flavors, the balance, and how it made us feel. We wan ted to take some fundamental eleme nts and flavors of trad itional Vietna mese cui sine, and let it influence our artistic pro cess. As a pastry chef, I was drawn to the viv id textura l elements and the highly aromatic qua lities of the abu nda nt use of her bs. We try to keep those essentials present in our cuisine.

There is a large juxtaposit ion of raw and cooked , acid ic and sweet, soft and cru nchy.

It’s a cuisine built on balanc e. I wou ld best describe the cuisine as mo der n, local, and Vietna mese-influenced .

The cuisine is hyperseasonal and locally sou rced. Perhaps figs and quince are not often fou nd in Vietna mese cuisine, but when we are blessed with ing red ients like these in Southern Cal ifor nia , it wou ld not be prudent for me as a chef to deny using them, regard less of cuisine and style. The food posses ses a decidedly moder n aesthetic and com position of both presentation and technique s. This is of cou rse ind icative of my bac kground and my own personal “style”. The re wil l also be a few nod s here and there to French cuisine, as they have played an imp orta nt role (albeit a

gloomy one, historically) in shaping moder n Vietna mese cuisine.

Q: What’s the genera l pric

e point?

A: The entire menu is und er $20. Guests are encouraged to order mu ltiple dishes to be sha red bet ween the table.

Q: Par tne r and Ge ner al Ma nag er Noa h Ell is has des ign ed the coc kta il pro gra m.

How do the dri nks offe red com ple me nt you r foo d? coc kta il?

A: I thin k the goa l of the ent ire beverage progra m (not just coc kta ils) is to complement the food as a whole. We are not pai ring coc kta ils wit h dis hes per se, but rather the beverages should pos ses s a sim ilar qua lity to the foo d – aromatic, light, balanced, and sea son al.

Q: In the past you’ve ear ned a reputation for you r outstanding des erts. How did you initially pursue sweets the n decide to switch over to savories here at Red Medicine?

A: I’m not completely swi tch ing over. I wil l be both the pastry and sav ory chef of the restau rant until I promote one of my guys to pastry chef in the futu re.

I’ve always been a savory chef in some cap acit y. I actually began my career in savory . I first lea rned to cook from my gra ndmoth er, which involved almost no desser ts. Profess ionally, pastry has always proved to be som eth ing I con sider to be ver y cha llenging and complex. The process of ma nipulation is much more evident in pastry. When I cook savory food, I tend to lea n more toward s a more “natura l” style and aesthetic. There is cer tain ly an integration of pastry in our savory food as wel l. I’m ver y excited abo ut both.

For more on Red Medicine and Jordan Kahn check out LACanvas.com . Stor y by Kat Odell Location: 840 0 Wilshire Blvd., Bev

erly Hills

LACANVAS.COM 41

Restaurant Focus

What to Order...

Try the charred barbecued lamb chops served with a tangy citrus gremolata along with a mini parsley and cilantro salad or ...

Photo by Luke Lovell

... Air-dried Baby Back Ribs bathed in hoisin-chili glaze or ...

... Furikake Kettle Korn. Hot buttered popped corn, Corn Pops, shredded seawoos, sesame seeds, and chili.

W

elcome to Kogi founder Roy Choi’s newest endeavor, A-Frame, a spiffed up I-Hop serving finger food on Washington Boulevard.

Situated on an underdeveloped stretch of Washington Boulevard you can’t miss A-Frame, with its dull yellow glow emanating from the atypical shaped A-Frame building to the oversized white paper bells noiselessly jingling in the faraway ocean breeze.

Step inside to greet a bar cluttered with short and tall small-batch spirits in varying shades of brown, haphazardly placed knickknacks, a framed photo here, an extra colander

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there. Shift your gaze directly left to a sleek, unadorned dining room that stands in stark contrast to the bar, beautiful lacquered raw blonde knotty wood walls sweeping upward with a slight lip inward, toward a soaring exposed wooden-beam ceiling. Only communal tables here seating four, six, or eight, come with a group or make new friends.

Start with a well-crafted cocktail served in a vintage glass sourced from estate sales around town. Try the Fine Print: aged rum, hibiscus, falernum, lime, orange bitters for a fruity elixir served over one single oversized, perfectly square ice cube. If you’re going

soft, there’s a slew of craft beers, local and outsourced (Sublimely Self-Righteous Back Ale, Stone), in addition to five reds and five whites, all served by the glass or by bottle, plus one bubbly.

For anyone familiar with Choi, his powerfully-flavorful food that manifests itself with a hint of whimsy, come here with clean hands and get ready to use them.

The idea behind A-Frame is that of a modern picnic, most foods can be consumed sans-utensils, though a yellow metal bin graces all tables those for less inclined. Sorry, no wet naps here (we asked).

Try charred barbecued lamb chops served in a pool of tangy

citrus gremolata along with a mini parsley and cilantro salad. Airdried Baby Back Ribs come bathed in an addictive hoisin-chili glaze, finger lickin’ good, dare you to eat just one. Finally, don’t miss the Furikake Kettle Korn, which calls for hot buttered popped corn, Corn Pops, shredded seawoos, sesame seeds, and chili. Corn Pops the cereal? “Yes,” Choi says with a chuckle, “we gotta keep it ghetto.”

Story by Kat Odell.

Location: 12565 Washington Blvd.

Culver City

LACANVAS.COM 43

Food Focus

sugarFIS

H

Did you know that in Japan sushi is commonly eaten with one’s fingers, not chopsticks? True story. Try out this technique at the newest branch of sugarFISH, the approachable, less expensive, sushi mini-chain from Kazunori Nozawa known as The Sushi Nazi and owner of famed sushi haunt, Sushi Nozawa in The Valley. Downtown marks the third sugarFISH outpost, come here for insanely fresh sushi without the usual requisite high price tag at prized sushi haunts around town. Nozawa hits the fish market early in the morning, scooping fish for his flagship, in addition to his three sugarFISH eateries. The fish is distributed amongst the restaurants, so much of the fish one would sample at Nozawa grace the menus at sugarFISh, though here one scores omakase (chef ’s choice) for under $40 whereas a full meal at Nozawa could cost upward of $100 per person. Deal!

600 W. 7 th S Downtow t. n 213.62 7.3

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NATIVE FO

Conceived in Palm Springs back in the 90s, Native Foods has finally come to LA via its Westwood location, and now its most recent (and convenient) opening in Culver City. True, this fast casual café serves strictly vegan eats, but bring a non-vegan here and he/she will never know the difference. Many dishes can be consumed without a fork and knife, for example the Native Chicken Wings, which actually look like chicken sticks, taste just like chicken. Batter on the outside, “ranch” dressing for dipping. Sicilian Pizza comes with a crisp deep dish crust, Portobello mushrooms, spicy seitan sausage, pumpkin seed pesto, marinara sauce and “mozzarella,” portioned for one, meanwhile the Scorpion burger is one of the best veggie burger’s we’ve come across, think a house-made tempeh patty, chipotle sauce, topped with carrots, avocado, onions, plus veganaise and we like to add melted cheddar. Wash that all down with fresh watermelon juice with a hint of fresh mint.

r Blvd.

9343 Culve 01 310.559.36 Culver City

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BEACHW Venice’s most ideal date spot, Beechwood, has brought down south Top Chef alum Jamie Lauren who most recently worked at Absinthe in San Francisco. Come by the sexy, dimly lit lounge with its slew of low-slung seating, or pop by the more food-focused main dining room next door to indulge in Lauren’s interpretation of small plates which manifest themselves mostly as finger food. Start with a bowl of spicy crispy fried chickpeas with berbere and parsley, the house staple, toasted edamame enrobed in a sticky deep brown sauce composed of togariashi (mixed Japanese chili peppers), lime, and garlic, or sample Lauren’s take on bruschetta: toasted ciabatta with a thin layer of silky red-purple beet puree, anchovy, burrata, basil, and a dribble of lemon oil.

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CocKtail Focus

PENICILLIN RECIPE Ingredients: 2 ounces blended scotch 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice 3/4 ounce ginger-honey syrup 1/4 ounce Islay scotch Steps: * Combine blended scotch, lemon juice and syrup in a shaker, fill with ice and shake well. ** Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass and float Islay scotch on top. *** For ginger-honey syrup combine 1/2 cup honey and 1/2 cup water in a saucepan over medium heat and whisk until well combined. Add an ounce or so of peeled, sliced fresh ginger and bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Allow to cool completely; strain.

Photo by Luke Lovell

W

alk into Cole’s on 6th Street downtown, but don’t stop there. Walk straight through the vintage throwback diner, push open that dark wooden door with a picture of a coupe glass on it, and there one will find The Varnish, a speakeasy bar run by mixologist Eric Alperin, Mr. Downtown aka

Cedd Moses, and one of NYC’s most revered mixologists and bar owners, Sasha Petraske.

One of two situations will transpire. Either it’s a weekend night and the bar is packed, which means a hostess will take down your name and ask you to wait inside Cole’s.

Don’t fret, grab a cocktail over there

and just wait until a booth or bistro table opens up. Trust me, Varnish’s cocktails are worth it.

If you hit Varnish on a weeknight, chances are you will forgo the wait, saddle up into one of those wooden booths as a waitress comes over to present you with a short menu of classic cocktails. If you’re feeling indecisive after perusing the cocktail menu, just go with the Bartener’s Choice. Name a spirit and a flavor profile, the mixologist on hand will create a cocktail to suit your fancy.

All bars helmed by Sasha Petraske, most of which reside in NYC though he has consulted with restaurants around LA such as Comme Ca, serve the same slew of classic cocktails. All beverages are concocted from quality spirits, fresh juices, served in glasses with metal straws when applicable.

One such beverage, perfect for this colder weather, falls to the Penicillin, a libation crafted by NYC barman Sammy (yes, just “Sammy”) at Milk & Honey, an invite-only bar in the Lower East Side. As the story goes, Sammy had a cold, but still felt like drinking.

He needed a cocktail that could potentially offer him some health benefits to fight off the cold, so he created the Penicillin, a Scotch-based creation that calls for lemon, honey fresh ginger (actually a house-made ginger syrup). Makes sense, right?

This drink became so popular it’s now a staple offered at all Sasha Petraske haunts. So next time you begin to feel run down, just ask the bartender for a Penicillin. Story by Kat Odell.

Location: 118 E 6th St, Downtown LA

LACANVAS.COM 47

Bar Focus

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the property. Fast forward to the Great Depression, the hotel doesn’t survive, and is demolished to become residential housing. And that cottage? Years later it becomes The Raymond, a small quaint restaurant on South Fair Oaks.

After 35 years of business,

think fresh orange juice, tonic, plus gin. Those looking for something a little bit more playful may opt for the Honey Nut Old Fashioned, quite obviously named after the cereal and the traditional Old Fashioned cocktail. One can definitely taste the peanut-infused bourbon, there’s also honey and bitters in there. Breakfast of champions.

The menu boasts staples including a Mimosa and a Bloody Mary, but with so many whimsical additions like the Horseradish Sour and Peanut Butter Cup, why play it safe? Story by Kat Odell.

Location: The Raymond, 1250 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena

Photo by Luke Lovell

I

n 1886 Walter Raymond built The Raymond Hotel, a grand venue in Pasadena which ultimately suffered a devastating blaze and burned to the ground in 40 minutes. Nevertheless, Raymond rebuilt the hotel, adding a caretaker’s cottage to

The Raymond has upped its cool factor with the addition of 1886, a bar located directly behind the restaurant, also aptly named after the year in which the original Raymond Hotel was built.

Part country casual, part industrial, 1886 offers guests a beverage experience curated by mixologists Aidan Demarest and Marcos Tello, both veterans of downtown’s The Edison.

Expect six different types of shmancy house-made ice from cube to rectangle, cooling down vintage cocktails with a modern twist.

Try the Orange Grove Cocktail, a nod to orange groves which once prevailed throughout Pasadena,

COCKTAIL REVOLUTION NIGHTLY

www.213downtown.la www.213nightlifecalendar.com www.twitter.com/213nightlife LACANVAS.COM 49

Game Focus

T

he holidays are over and Santa’s reign is at an end ... for now. The fresh new year brin gs with it greetings from a familiar (and cuddly) face . Little Big Planet (LBP) mak es it’s triumphant return and the geniuses at Media Molecu le and Sony Entertainment have packed this sequel with tons of new features.

While the general idea is the same, everything in the game has been polished and take n to the next level. You run your Sackboy through a gauntle t of deadly obstacles, gather ing quirky collectibles and get ting involved in excessivel y adorable hi-jinx. Already I’ve grappled through a wac ky, bouncy castle using the new Bounce Pads and Grappling Hook, flown through space on a gigantic collapsing spaces hip while rolling on a tube, lumberjack style, initiated anti-gravity to avoid lasers and navigated through a 40’s era factory … and that was just three levels!

LBP2 lets you “create your own story.” With loads of new customization features the re’s no limit to the types of levels you can create. There are already great user-create d levels implementing new flight features and retro 8-bit styl e worlds.

Yes, there are also plenty of new costumes to collect, download and mix and match like the awesome Marvel Comics costume packs. My Captain-Wolver ine-Spider may or may not be suffering from severe ide ntity crisis.

The humor is still out of con trol, style just as silly, and gameplay is even more inno vative, fun and highly add ictive.

Start creating your own stor y when Little Big Planet 2 hits shelves January 18, 2011! Story by Andrea Emmes and Curt Hut son

Illustration by Justin Fitzwater

50 LACANVAS.COM

CREATE YOUR FUTURE IN THE

HEART OF HOLLYWOOD

Learn more at:

ArtInstitutes.edu/Hollywood Or call us toll-free: 877.468.6232 We offer programs in the following areas: DESIGN MEDIA ARTS FASHION CULINARY

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North Hollywood, CA 91601 Accredited Member, ACICS LACANVAS.COM 51

Tech REVIEW Focus

Onlive gaming system offers a new concept in console gaming, ditching the pricey console (by not actually requiring a console at all) to stream your favorite games directly to your TV, Mac or PC.

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Photos Courtesy of ONlive

he OnLive Game System went on sale in June and many doubted it could live up to the promise of a Netflix-style gaming service without the costly hardware. After putting it through its paces, I can tell you whether or not it was worth the wait.

Initially, I couldn’t help but notice the superb packaging. It comes in a sleek, black, hard-cased box and everything inside is arranged nicely for easy access. The controller looks like a PS3 and XBOX 360 controller had a love child that eventually graduated from college with honors.

The console itself, AKA MicroConsole, is truly micro and every bit as portable as the Smartphone in your pocket. Even so, there are two USB ports for a keyboard and mouse, an HDMI port, AV, optical and audio out, Ethernet and power ports. Thankfully, all the required cables are included!

Sure it’s pretty, but how does it play? Well, it boots up quickly to an attractive and easy to navigate main menu. The game library already has stellar titles with many more on the way. It’s rather astounding how quickly games begin streaming. Other than a few minor lag issues the game played just as they would on a regular console, with graphics nearly or exactly matching them. Don’t fret about losing connection. Most of the games automatically save for you in the little server cloud in the sky.

You have a few options when renting each game.

You can rent them for three days, five days or pay a premium for full access to the game for several years.

Generally it’s lower than their launch prices and never more than, say, fifty bucks.

It’s a definite buy for anyone who doesn’t already have a console or just wants a portable device that’s easy to take to a friends place or on trips. The price is right at just $99 for the console and just $9.99/month for the service plan, which you can also access from almost any home computer whether you own the MicroConsole or not. Plus they give you a free game.

How’s that for a welcome gift? With a lot of great new features in the works, the future of OnLive looks pretty bright. Story by Curt Hutson.

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FULVIC ACID LACANVAS.COM 53 www.blackwaterdrink.com

Tech Focus

It’s that time of the season when folks like to stay indoors and cuddle up to their gadgets’ warm glowing circuits away from the frigid winter outside. Here is our selection of indoor companions to keep you company when you call in “sick” to work, as well one for you outdoorsy types … weirdos. By Curt Hutson SHOWWX+ “You have GOT to see this video!”

Something uttered everyday in our precious little online lives, but showing funny cat videos on YouTube is a pain on small portable screens. Now blast your double rainbows, Star Wars kids and sneezing pandas with the SHOWWX+ by MicroVision.

This Apple accessory is a portable laser projector that’s slim and easy to bring along anywhere. It’s compatible with all of Apple’s “iOS” devices and lets you project a myriad of apps like Netflix, all your photos and anything else you feel like showing off. $449.99 (http://www.microvision.com/ showwxplus/)

THQ uDraw Game Tablet The party game floodgates are open again on the Wii with a tablet that allows you to draw on the screen (like a Wacom Tablet). While it’s bundled with uDraw Studio, you can also enjoy games like Dood’s Big Adventure and the classic Pictionary.

So all you budding artists out there, get those creative juices flowing! $69.99 (www.GameStop.com)

Logitech Squeezebox Touch Radio The Logitech Squeezebox Touch Radio is a party essential! This box of awesome lets you stream your digital music collections from your computer or pretty much any online service. Rhapsody, Pandora, you name it! Windows and Mac compatibility leaves no nerds behind and since it’s smaller than a stereo, it’s easy to take with you. $299.99 (www.logitech.com)

Recon-Zeal Transcend Goggles Even if you don’t snowboard, SCUBA dive, mountain bike, or sky dive you’ll want one of these just to walk around the house.

They’re that cool! Recon-Zeal Transcend Goggles are the first GPS-enabled goggles with a head-mounted display that tells you your speed, altitude, distance traveled, temperature, location and much more! $539 (www. reconinstruments.com/)

Arcade Legends 3

Sanyo Eneloop batteries and charger Rechargeable batteries may not be exciting, but they are certainly cost effective and a smart purchase for those that use tons of gadgets like me. The series starts at only $10 and you can recharge them up to 1000 times. That’s 1000 times less you have to run to the supermarket to get more. So stop scouring for batteries in your TV remotes and get these. $10 - $41 (www.Amazon.com)

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So maybe you’re not rolling in dough, but if by some chance that you’re sitting on a few grand, then this is a must buy for gaming enthusiasts or people who just want to spice up their home or office. This cabinet has over 100 games installed. Let me repeat that, 100 games! It also includes Golden Tee and even has the rolling ball control thingy! Brimming with classic Atari and Capcom arcade games, it’s hard to pass this up, except for the whole costing money thing. $2825 (http://www. bmigaming.com)

NewKinetic Re If you’re like me and you own enough devices and your collection of remotes has gotten out of control (no pun intended) then the NewKinetic Re is your godsend.

The Re attaches to your iPod, iPhone or iPad and turns it into a universal remote by using a free downloadable app from iTunes. It takes the hassle out of finding the right remote just to change the channel and looks super cool with an iPad. $69.95 (http://www.newkinetix.com) ChefStack If you’re a fan of pancakes (and I mean a REALLY big fan) then this gizmo may be your Heaven and at 200 pancakes every hour, it may also be your Everest. Though it just screams overkill. Image this being a gas at parties. Though a $3,500 price tag may seem steep, but think about all the late night trips to IHOP it will save you. (http://chefstack.com/)

USB Heated Blanket It gets mighty cold this time of year and can even be chilly indoors at work. Because, you know, there’s always that one guy who complains that it’s hot when everyone else is freezing and won’t let you turn up the heater.

You know the one. But don’t be blue (or turn blue) now you can battle the snow miser and stay warm with a blanket that plugs right into your USB ports. Add hot chocolate for added coziness. $24.99 (www.ThinkGeek.com)

JD Kain

Spin Clean Vinyl junkies rejoice! You can take those old records off the shelf and make them glisten and sound like new with the Spin Clean, a first of it’s kind for cleaning your records in a simple, fast and cost effective way.

They supply you with enough cleaning fluid to bathe 700 of your favorite 45s, LPs or 78s. And the kicker is it’s only $79.99! (http://www.spincleanrecordwasher.com/)

Electronic Rock Guitar Shirt When you want to rock, and I mean REALLY rock, then wear ThinkGeek’s Electronic Rock Guitar Shirt and melt some faces! It doesn’t play pre-recorded songs. It plays like a real guitar, which means chords, strumming… the real deal! It comes with a mini amp belt clip that allows you to crank it to 11 and a magnetic pick that completes the feel of a real guitar. Invite some friends over wearing the matching drum and synthesizer shirts and prepare to jam! $29.99 (www.ThinkGeek.com)

Roku Roku is a little black box of magic. How magical is it you ask? Well, it streams HD quality video from Netflix, Hulu Plus and Amazon VOD from an invisible Internet cloud in the sky to your television. In addition, it lets you listen to Pandora, works with almost any TV and has a USB port for playing photos, music and videos. The real mystifying part is that it only starts at $59.99, which makes it hefty competition for other streaming video gadgets out there. If you don’t feel like investing in a game system, or don’t care about the bells and whistles of the Apple TV or Google TV, then picking up a Roku may be your best option. ($59.99 www.roku.com)

Beer Making Kit I’m sure most of us don’t know the first thing about how beer is made or where it comes from (hint: not from beer fairies).

Brooklyn Brew Shop has released an assortment of Beer Making Kits that come packed with everything you need to make your own beer at home. Chemistry fun for nerds and boozehounds alike. $40 (http://brooklynbrewshop. com/store/1-gallon-beer-kits)

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Enjoy The One and Only Newcastle Brown Ale ® Responsibly. ©2010 Newcastle Importers, White Plains, NY.

Art Art Walk @ Downtown LA Art Walk

9 Thurs

Art Fair Photo l.a. @ Santa Monica Civic Auditorium Begins

13

14 Sat

Art Show Will Cotton @ Michael Kohn Gallery in Los Angeles

Fri

Concert 30 Seconds to Mars @ The Fox Theater in Pomona

15

Concert Lissie @ The Music Box

Sun

16 Art The 16th Annual Los Angeles Art Show @ the LA Convention Center

Wed

THEATER Cirque Berzerk @ Club Nokia Opens

Sun

Concert/Fashion The Rock N Roll Glamour Show @ The Troubadour In West Hollywood

19 FLEA MARKET Swap Flea Market @ Space 15 Twenty

20 Concert Foster The People @ The Echo

21

22

25

27

30

Thurs

Fri

Thurs

24 Mon

Concert Bone Thugs N Harmony @ House of Blues

Art Art Los Angeles Contemporary @ The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica

Concert White Lies @ Troubaour

Art The Warholian @ Royal/T in Culver City Running Through January

Sun

Sat

Concert Guster @ The Music Box in Hollywood

Art Exhibit Margie Livingston: Paint Object @ Luis de Jesus Gallery Opens

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Tues Concert Iron And Wine @ The Wiltern

Music Record Fair 2 @ Space 15 Twenty

Art Show Hammer Invitational: All of this and nothing @ UCLA Hammer Museum

Sat

New Years Festival The Golden Dragon Parade and New Years Festival @ Chinatown Concert Enrique Iglesias @ The Gibson Amphitheatre

Thurs

Art Art Walk@ Downtown Art Walk

Musical Rock of Ages @ The Pantages Theater Concert Chromeo @ The Fox Theatre in Pomona

SpeedLA ‘Be My Valentine’ Bash! Speed Dating @ Lucky Strike Hollywood

Tues Mon

5

9

10

12

14 Sat

Wed

15 Wed

16

Concert Friendly Fires @ The Roxy Theatre

Concert Dine LA Restaurant Week, LA Begins

19

Concert Beach House @ The Music Box

Sporting Event NBA All-Star Game @ The Staples Center

20

24

Sat

Sun

Thurs

Concert Goldenvoice, mtvU Freshman Five, Spin & KCRW present Best Coast/Wavves @ The Music Box

Concert The Decemberists @ The Wiltern

26

Sat

Concert Josh Ritter & The Royal City Band @ The Music Box

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Community Page

February plays host to the darkest day of the year-also known as Valentine’s Day. So that you don’t approach this martyrdom celebration with a black heart. Here are some suggestions on where to pick up a hot little do-gooder to make the day more festive. Also giving back to others makes you feel better about yourself. As Narcissus said, “Who needs a date when you love yourself?” (Loosely translated from the Greek.) By Reagan Payne

Surfrider Fo

undation &

Heal the Bay The guardian s of the shor es and the tw someone to o favorite ch find me a ba arities of loca d looking su hotness while l surfers. I da rfer - it can’t you help out re be done. Ru at one of thei community ad b elbows with r many beac vocate - educ th e h cl ea at of keeping ou ing students nups or beco and other gr r oceans spar me a oups about th kly clean. ww e importance w.healthebay .org, www.su rfrider.org

Chill Foundation

of builds the self-esteem ted non-profit, which tou ve, ch mu abo s ’s ton god f Bur sur is Chill ch like the ough board sports. Mu Bond while e. tud atti underserved youth thr ers am x-g oking’ bods and an n hang at the ski lodge snow boarders have sm city how to board, the er inn ’s LA m fro s kid teaching on.com afterwards. www.burt

Lange Foundation

TreePeople

Because a woman (or man) that loves animals is sexy. Lange Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving homeless and abandone d pets, and preparing them for a journey to a new, safe, loving home. Stop by the west LA shelter during your lunch hour to walk one of the many pooches or snuggle with the cats in one of the playroom s. Guaranteed these interactions with socialize you as well as the animals. www.langefoundation.com

than the sprawling Looking for granola love? Search no further premier tree es’s Angel Los of ary sanctu lland 45-acre Mulho reePeople.org www.T to Go . eople planting organization TreeP g and habitat to search their volunteer calendar for tree plantin the air make and , green LA Keep s. tunitie restoration oppor cleaner for you and your sweetheart.

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Ask JD KAin

JD Kain is a single guy living in Silverlake. Born and raised in SoCal, he is no stranger to the Hollywood scene, but don’t accuse this savvy 20-something of being all “posh”. He’s just as likely to crash a house party or hit a bar Downtown with friends. 5’11” with brown hair/eyes and rugged looks, he’s no model … however, he never has had a problem getting one to go home with him. He definitely has a few tricks up his sleeve and now he has teamed with LA Canvas to share his experiences for the betterment of mankind.

I

’m writing this from the point-of-view of a straight guy. However, be aware that most of the context below is the same for any sex or orientation and will likely be the most useful pick-up suggestions you’ll hear all month. You’re welcome.

It’s not easy going in for the kill without a wingman.

To make matters worse, living in L.A. can make finding someone to have “fun” with difficult. If you’re an average guy with no connections (ladies actually willing to introduce you to their friends) it can be a struggle even getting in the door, let alone competing with other guys for the same prize. Last Friday I was flying solo and decided to test some theories to see what flipped the switch. Listen and learn.

Always enter the scene with style and believe you are better, stronger and smarter than your opposition.

Believe in yourself! Even faking it for a few hours will help BIG time. TRUST ME. Contrary to popular belief, ego is huge. You can have a big ego and still be charming … the kind of guy that women love to hate (but can’t ignore).

Get them interested, and you’ll stand out for sure.

Body language can say a lot so make it a point to listen.

I was speaking to this girl Amanda (a beautiful blonde who just moved down from Boston to pursue, yes, modeling) and noticed her legs swayed while I spoke (a sign of attraction). As I began asking her questions that interested her, she leaned forward on the edge of her seat (a sign I was asking the right questions).

On the flip side, always pay attention to your own body language ... don’t be all fidgety. It gives the impression of weakness and a lack of confidence, neither of which are a turn-on. Always remember: unless you’re wearing lipstick, get rid of that straw you’re drinking out of; hold your drink down low, not at your tit; ALWAYS gaze into her RIGHT EYE (it’s a psychological thing ... look it up). Concentrating your gaze helps her feel like you “know her” and “see through her.” If she blushes or looks down, you’re in.

However, sometimes even the greatest fishermen come home empty-handed. That doesn’t mean you can’t still have a great time. If you’re not getting any bites, don’t call it quits. Find something else to entertain yourself! The end of the night is not the end of the world … whether you get laid or not. You’re in L.A. after all. There’s not exactly a shortage of options. Find what makes a night fun for you and you may luck out, meet a hottie by accident and find your happy ending…

JD Kain

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Harman International PROFESSIONAL

M_LACanvas-AD_final2.indd 1

Celebrate Chinese New Year

12/21/10 3:43:30 PM

Year of the Rabbit Thien Hau Temple - 2/2

2 0 1 1

112th Annual Golden Dragon Parade - 2/5 Lunar New Year Festival - 2/5-2/6 Entertainment and Cultrual activities: Central and West Plazas - 2/5-2/6 33rd Annual Firecracker 5K/10K Run - 2/12-2/13 The Great Chinatown Hunt with RaceLA - 2/6

YAS DTLA: LET ’EM SEE YOU SWEAT. • • • • • •

Fun-filled effective workouts 60-minute Yoga for Athletes® classes 45-minute Indoor Cycling classes “YAS” classes (30 min Cycling /30 min Yoga) Meet and mingle with fellow DTLA Residents Learn how to combat stress and live a healthier lifestlye

CORPORATE ACCOUNTS AVAILABLE! More information at www.ChinatownLA.com or call 213.680.0243

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free 2-hour validated parking and showers

831 s. hope street l.a., ca 90017 213.430.9053 www.go2yas.com

MAR KMO ORE GALL ERY

www.markmooregalley.com

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LAST LOOK: PHOTO LA

L

os Angeles, the 20th anniversary of anything is a milestone, and given the art world’s irrepressible love of a good party, the 20th annual photo LA (January 13-17) is retaining its well-deserved title as the most anticipated event of the new art (and artfair) season. As last year’s event Host, the renowned photographer and director David LaChapelle (who maintains a very active studio here), has often observed, “Los Angeles is the most exciting city for cutting edge photography and video-based art right now, by far.

The galleries, museums, and collectors here are all impressively curious, enthusiastic, and supportive.”

Whether as a result of the city’s intimacy with filmmaking, the prevalence of new media-friendly art schools, or the influence of progressive art collectors, LaChapelle is absolutely on the money when it comes to LA’s love affair with photography.

All of which makes this milestone anniversary (at 20 years old, photo LA is the longest-running art fair outside of NYC) even sweeter. The organizers have added a massive tented outdoor area to accomodate their expanded installation, amenities, and events schedule, including sculpture, publication kiosks, a new video pavilion, panel discussions, collecting seminars, artist lectures, book-signings, and, of course, couture cupcakes for the expected 10,000 visitors to the fair’s traditional home at the Santa Monica Civic Center. An opening night gala benefits LACMA’s Photography Department. For more information visit photoLA.com.

Story by Shana Nys Dambrot.

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DATE FARMERS ON VIEW THROUGH FEBRUARY 2011

LOCO PUTO, 2010 ACRYLIC AND MIXED MEDIA ON PANEL 97¾” (H) X 97½” (W) x 5½” (D) 68 LACANVAS.COM