12-21-15 by Los Angeles Downtown News

Raiding the Airwaves Inside KCHUNG, Downtown’s Rebel Radio Station

DECEMBER 21, 2015 I VOL. 44 I #51

SEE PAGE 6

DJ Lollypop on the air for KCHUNG.

SPECIAL SECTION:

New Year’s Handbook Food, Events & Parties Galore! Pages 9-13

The 12 Days of City Hall Christmas : 5 Reviewing the Taper’s ‘The Christians’ : 15 photo by Eddie Kim

THE VOICE OF DOWNTOWN L.A. SINCE 1972

2 Downtown News

AROUND TOWN

Fashion District Tower Nears Groundbreaking

et ready for more Downtown construction. Tom Warren, COO of Southern California development for the prolific developer Holland Partner Group, said work will begin in the next few weeks on a 24-story tower at Eighth and Spring streets. The 320-apartment complex designed by Irvine-based architecture firm MVE & Partners will have an eclectic façade, melding a Beaux-Arts feel near the ground level with modern steel-and-glass elements above. Amenities will include a pool, rooftop deck and 8,900 square feet of retail space. Construction is expected to last about 30 months. Holland Partner Group is already building a mid-rise apartment project (with 237 units) adjacent to the former St. Vibiana’s cathedral at Second and Main streets, and a 606-apartment complex at Sixth and Bixel streets in City West. Both are expected to open in early 2017.

Night on Broadway Acts Revealed

he second annual Night on Broadway is just around the corner, and organizers have announced some of the performers. The Jan. 30 event is expected to draw tens of thousands of people to Broadway, and the office of 14th District City Councilman José Huizar recently said

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS performers will fill seven of the street’s historic theaters. Highlights include a cabaret of burlesque dancers, flappers and swing bands in the Million Dollar Theatre (307 S. Broadway), while the aerial acts of the Lucent Dossier Experience will occupy the Los Angeles Theatre (615 S. Broadway). Synth-poppers The Cloud Below will perform at the Palace Theatre (630 S. Broadway) and the Globe (740 S. Broadway) will host the Rebel Bingo game. Down the street, the Tower Theatre (802 S. Broadway) will feature music and comedy from performers including Reggie Watts and Brendon Small. The Orpheum Theatre (842 S. Broadway) will host trippy theater group ZenArts, and the Theatre at Ace Hotel (929 S. Broadway) will feature a mesh of dance, fashion and music. There will also be an outdoor stage. More information is at nightonbroadway.com.

TAKE MY PICTURE GARY LEONARD

Boutique Booze at Grand Central Market

he revitalization of Grand Central Market has led to a boom in businesses that appeal to a younger and ostensibly hipper demographic. No addition sums up the change quite like Courage and Craft, a boutique spirits, wine and beer shop that opened last month. The project, from Bestia bar director Nicholas Krok and bar manager Ryan Duffy, fills a 400-squarefoot space on the Broadway side of the market that was formerly occupied by a traditional liquor store. Courage and Craft also sells flavoring syrups, artisanal bitters, bar tools and other accessories. “Through these offerings, we will work to create a community where professionals and amateur enthusiasts alike can come to discover and share in their love for the art of

Why does this little burger stand attract over a million people a year?

Find out at the landmark location near Downtown. Home of the original Chili-burger. Quality and value since 1946:

Chili Hamburger .............. $2.65 Chili Cheeseburger ........... $3.15

December 21, 2015

Metropolis

Building 1

Topping Out

December 12, 2015

classic and modern cocktails,” Krok said in a prepared statement. Courage and Craft is open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday-Wednesday, and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday-Saturday.

Vote on Downtown Bike Share Stations

ach day brings Downtown Los Angeles closer to something many have wanted for years: a bike share program. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is on track to open up to 80 stations, with 1,000 bicycles, around Downtown next summer as the first step in a county-wide

network of rentable bikes. For now, though, the agency is asking the public for help in determining where Downtown’s bike stations should go. The agency previously asked Angelenos to narrow the Downtown list down to just over 100 possible kiosk locations. Now, using an online map of proposed stations, people can click on individual spots to vote whether it’s a good fit or not. The proposed stations range from the industrial area south of the 10 Freeway to the northern tip of Chinatown, and from City West to Mateo Street in the Arts District. The deadline for voting is Thursday, Dec. 31. The map and more information is at metro.net/bikeshare.

Join us as we ring in the New Year and run Los Angeles at NIGHT!

SUNDAY JANUARY 3rd The race starts and ﬁnishes with a celebration ﬁt for the whole city at Grand Park in front of Los Angeles' iconic City Hall.

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Enter code at checkout. Oﬀer expires on 12/31/15.

road closure details in the downtown area VISIT WWW.NEWYEARSRACE.COM

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December 21, 2015

Downtown News 3

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S I N C E 19 7 2 4 Downtown News

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EDITOR & PUBLISHER: Sue Laris GENERAL MANAGER: Dawn Eastin

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Jon Regardie SENIOR WRITER: Eddie Kim STAFF WRITER: Nicholas Slayton CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Kathryn Maese CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Jeff Favre, Greg Fischer

EDITORIALS

Urban Scrawl by Doug Davis ART DIRECTOR: Brian Allison ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR: Yumi Kanegawa

web: DowntownNews.com email: realpeople@downtownnews.com PHOTOGRAPHER: Gary Leonard

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December 21, 2015

ACCOUNTING: Ashley Schmidt CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING MANAGER: Catherine Holloway ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Catherine Holloway, Brenda Stevens, Michael Lamb SALES ASSISTANT: Claudia Hernandez CIRCULATION: Danielle Salmon DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Salvador Ingles DISTRIBUTION ASSISTANTS: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla

©2015 Civic Center News, Inc. Los Angeles Downtown News is a trademark of Civic Center News Inc. All rights reserved. The Los Angeles Downtown News is the must-read newspaper for Downtown Los Angeles and is distributed every Monday throughout the offices and residences of Downtown Los Angeles.

New Year’s Spotlight on Grand Park

One copy per person.

hen L.A. Live was in development a decade ago, Tim Leiweke, then the president and CEO of Anschutz Entertainment Group, was fond of saying that the plaza across from Staples Center would become Los Angeles’ version of Times Square. People naturally thought of New Year’s Eve celebrations, with EDITOR & PUBLISHER: Sue Laris a local equivalent of winter coat-wearing crowds GENERAL MANAGER: Dawn Eastin watching the famous ball drop. EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Jon Regardie L.A. Live indeed has brought the community toSENIOR WRITER: Eddie Kim gether in many ways over the years, from recent STAFF WRITER: Nicholas Slayton events like the spectacular celebration of the gold CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Kathryn Maese S I N C E 19 7 2 medal-winning women’s World Cup team, to the anCONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Jeff Favre, Greg Fischer Los Angeles Downtown News nual summer three-on-three basketball tournament, 1264 W. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 ART DIRECTOR: Brian Allison to the BET Festival, also in summer. This month phone: 213-481-1448 • fax: 213-250-4617 ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR: Yumi Kanegawa web: DowntownNews.com crowds are flocking to the outdoor ice rink. email: realpeople@downtownnews.com PHOTOGRAPHER: Gary Leonard L.A. Live and Microsoft (formerly Nokia) Plaza, facebook: however, has never become the place where AngeACCOUNTING: Ashley Schmidt L.A. Downtown News lenos congregate to ring in the new year. Instead, CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING MANAGER: Catherine Holloway twitter: almost by accident, that destination looks to be ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Catherine Holloway, Brenda Stevens, DowntownNews N C E 19 7 2 Grand Park. This year’s celebration, the third, isS IbigMichael Lamb Los Angeles Downtown News ©2015 Civic Center News, Inc. Los Angeles Downtown News ger than ever. SALES ASSISTANT: Claudia Hernandez is a trademark of Civic Center News Inc. All rights reserved. 1264 W. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 phone: Grand213-481-1448 Park leaders•were shocked on Dec. 31, The Los Angeles Downtown News is the must-read newsfax: 213-250-4617 CIRCULATION: Danielle Salmon paper for Downtown Los Angeles and is distributed every most immediately. Over the decades hasofbeen lax 2013, more than 25,000 people showed up at here has never been a bigger public art failure in Downtown web: when DowntownNews.com • email: realpeople@downtownnews.com Monday throughoutmaintenance the offices and residences Downtown DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Salvador Ingles Los Angeles. and problems have been many. Pigeons have roosted in it and, a free public New Year’s Eve event — they had been Los Angeles than the Triforium. TheDISTRIBUTION 60-foot-tall ASSISTANTS: work with Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla One copy per person. facebook: twitter: on one of the few occasions when it worked, judges in a nearby expecting at most. even larg1,500 colorful glass prisms and light and music components L.A.15,000 Downtown News The crowd was DowntownNews courthouse complained about the music sounding from the arter last year, and this month’s celebration has expandwas laughed at almost from the moment it went up four decades work. Past upgrade efforts, including a 2006 try involving thened to 90 acres, with activity taking place not just in ago at the Los Angeles Mall. It has rarely worked since then. EDITOR & PUBLISHER: Sue Laris EDITOR & PUBLISHER: Sue Laris Downtown Councilwoman Jan Perry, failed to be lasting. Conthe park, but on surrounding blocks, from Temple to Now, after 40 years of disappointment,GENERAL a group of art enthusiMANAGER: Dawn Eastin GENERAL MANAGER: Dawn Eastin sidering the courthouse problem, maybe it should just feature Second streets. There will be three music stages, a DJ asts are pushing for a restoration. They want the Triforium, created EXECUTIVE Jonof Regardie EXECUTIVEthat EDITOR: Regardie lights and not music, or at least not during daytime work hours. deck on theEDITOR: balcony the Dorothy Chandler Pavilby Joseph Young, to get some modern technology will Jon allow SENIOR WRITER: Eddie Kim SENIOR WRITER: Eddie Other creative solutions should be considered before any move ion, large-scale art installations and much more. Orits lights to flash and music to play. They envision it serving as aKim STAFF WRITER: Nicholas Slayton STAFF WRITER: Nicholas Slaytonto take it down. ganizers are preparing for up to 50,000 attendees. cultural destination in the equally disappointing mall. CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Kathryn Maese Kathryn Maese A group called the Triforium Project is using the 40th anniver CONTRIBUTING It is a massive undertaking, with concerns It would be lovely to fix the Triforium —CONTRIBUTING who doesn’t EDITOR: like pretWRITERS: Jeff Favre, Greg Fischer ranging INC E 19 2 to generCONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Jeff Favre, Greg Fischer sary to raise attention for the artwork,Sand soon will7 seek from security to sound systems to having enough ty music and bright lights? However, anyone who thinks a funcART DIRECTOR: Brian Allison Los Angeles Downtown News ate funds for repairs. The members say modern technology could public bathrooms, and the operation tioning Triforium will play any part in drawing people to the mall ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR: Yumi Kanegawais all the more ART DIRECTOR: Brian Allison 1264 W. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 make it function better than in the past, and suggest replacing the astounding because entrance is free. Organizers are is misguided. Never in the Triforium’s 40-year history, even when phone: 213-481-1448 • fax: 213-250-4617 ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR: Yumi Kanegawa PHOTOGRAPHER: Gary Leonard bulbs with cheaper and more efficient LED lights, and having a also taking pains to ensure that this outdoor festival it was working, has it lured visitors in perceptible numbers, even web: DowntownNews.com ACCOUNTING: Schmidt email: realpeople@downtownnews.com component. represents theAshley diversity of the county (Grand Park is when the mall was at its best. PHOTOGRAPHER: Gary Leonard web app to improve the musical ADVERTISING MANAGER: Catherine Holloway a CLASSIFIED county project), with stages featuring rock, Latin In spite of its shortcomings, fixing it is definitely worth exploring. Can this happen, and could there be value in a revived artwork? facebook: ACCOUNTING: Schmidt Maybe. There are plenty of other questions ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Catherine music Holloway, Brenda Stevens, too, among them what alternative bands, electronic and more. The Michael Lamb We like the Triforium’s quirky nature. Whatever else it is,Ashley it is also L.A. Downtown News SALES ASSISTANT: Claudia Hernandez would it take to get the Triforium functioning in a manner that local version of the ball drop is a series of animated a respite from the nearly endless gray rectangular structures that CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING MANAGER: Catherine Holloway twitter: CIRCULATION: Danielle Salmon makes sense in 2016, what would be the price of fixing it and who light projections on area buildings, including 22 stosurround the mall. The city should roll up ACCOUNT its sleeves and help exEXECUTIVES: Catherine Holloway, DowntownNews DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Salvador Ingles ries of City Hall. amine what could be done. Brenda Stevens, Michael Lamb would pay for and how would continued maintenance and operaASSISTANTS: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla tions be handled? DISTRIBUTION The emergence of Grand Park as Los Angeles’ That said, we think there needs to be a SALES timeframe, and when ASSISTANT: Claudia Hernandez ©2015 Civic Center News, Inc. Los Angeles Downtown News is a trademark of Civic Center News All We credit this group of volunteers for their tenacity. If theInc. TrifoNew Year’s Eve been unexpected, but of Civic Center that period — three months, six months or something else reason©2015 Civic Center hub News, may Inc. Loshave Angeles Downtown News is a trademark rights reserved. News Inc. All rights reserved. rium is to come back it needs champion, and often the best like so much at the park, it is wonderful. If you don’t able — is reached, local leaders must decide whether the Triforium The a Los Angeles Downtown News istimes the must-read CIRCULATION: Danielle Salmon The Los Angeles Downtown News is the must-read newspaper for Downtown Los Angeles newspaper for Downtown Los Angeles and is disresults are spurred by people outside government. Still, there is mind it should a greattheplace goodmore sense to disand is crowds, distributed every Mondaybe throughout offices to andsay residences of Downtowncan Los be part of Downtown’s future, or if it makes DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Salvador Ingles tributed every Monday throughout the offices anda Angeles. of Downtown Los Angeles. It’s probably lot ofCastillo, hard work ahead andresidences many questions to answer. bye to 2015. mantle the structure, or perhaps move it somewhere DISTRIBUTIONelse. ASSISTANTS: Lorenzo One copy per person. copyof per person. Gustavo Bonilla make-or-break time for thisOne piece Downtown public art. The Triforium was christened in 1975 and fell into disrepair al-

Make-or-Break Time for the Triforium

EDITOR & PUBLISHER: Sue Laris GENERAL MANAGER: Dawn Eastin

S I N C E 19 7 2 Los Angeles Downtown News 1264 W. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 phone: 213-481-1448 • fax: 213-250-4617 web: DowntownNews.com • email: realpeople@downtownnews.com facebook: L.A. Downtown News

twitter: DowntownNews

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Jon Regardie SENIOR WRITER: Eddie Kim STAFF WRITER: Nicholas Slayton CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Kathryn Maese CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Jeff Favre, Greg Fischer ART DIRECTOR: Brian Allison ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR: Yumi Kanegawa

PHOTOGRAPHER: Gary Leonard ACCOUNTING: Ashley Schmidt CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING MANAGER: Catherine Holloway ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Catherine Holloway, Brenda Stevens, Michael Lamb SALES ASSISTANT: Claudia Hernandez CIRCULATION: Danielle Salmon DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Salvador Ingles DISTRIBUTION ASSISTANTS: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla

One copy per person.

December 21, 2015

The 12 Days of City Hall Christmas What Does Santa-Cetti Have in Store for Los Angeles? By Jon Regardie n the first day of Christmas Santa-cetti gave to me One City At-tor-ney

On the second day of Christmas Santa-cetti gave to me Two Council Mitches (Englander and O’Farrell!) And one City At-tor-ney

THE REGARDIE REPORT On the third day of Christmas Santa-cetti gave to me Three Hashtags (on all social media platforms!) Two Council Mitches And one City At-tor-ney On the fourth day of Christmas Santa-cetti gave to me Four Deputy Mayors (Villaraigosa had about 13 of them) Three Hashtags Two Council Mitches And one City At-tor-ney On the fifth day of Christmas Santa-cetti gave to me Five Olympic Rings (Help us get the 2024 Games, Casey Wasserman) Four Deputy Mayors Three Hashtags Two Council Mitches (Now Englander is running for County Supervisor)

Downtown News 5

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

And one City At-tor-ney On the sixth day of Christmas Santa-cetti gave to me Six More Years in Office (Garcetti is termed out in 2021) Five Olympic Rings Four Deputy Mayors Three Hashtags Two Council Mitches And one City At-tor-ney (What is Mike Feuer’s next play?) On the seventh day of Christmas Santa-cetti gave to me Seven Becks a Frowning (Seriously, when’s the last time you saw the police chief smile?) Six More Years in Office Five Olympic Rings (sorry Paris and Rome) Four Deputy Mayors Three Hashtags Two Council Mitches And one City At-tor-ney

photo by Gary Leonard

On the eighth day of Christmas Santa-cetti gave to me Eight Candidates a Stumping Seven Becks a Frowning

Six More Years in Office (Unless Garcetti becomes governor in 2018) Five Olympic Rings Four Deputy Mayors Three Hashtags (#SaveTheDrop) Two Council Mitches And one City At-tor-ney On the ninth day of Christmas Santa-cetti gave to me Nine Ladies Dancing (That’s ridiculous! There’s only one elected lady in City Hall) Eight Candidates a Stumping Seven Becks a Frowning (Rising crime will wipe away a smile) Six More Years in Office Five Olympic Rings Four Deputy Mayors (Everyone misses Rick Cole) Three Hashtags Two Council Mitches And one City At-tor-ney (Will Feuer replace Kamala Harris as attorney general?)

On the eleventh day of Christmas Herb Wesson interrupted the proceedings to remind Angelenos that the council, and not only the mayor, can hand out presents and make decisions of importance. He repeated his March 2013 comments, two months before the mayoral runoff, at a Central City Association luncheon: “I’m telling you and you can rest assured that when you go talk to the mayor, whoever that is, you better come talk to me, because I’m going to be an equal partner, the council will be. We’re not going to be a junior partner.” On the twelfth day of Christmas Santa-cetti gave to me Eleven Wesson Directives Ten Council Members Voting (Following Wesson’s lead) Nine Ladies Dancing (Councilwoman Nury Martinez and eight invisible friends) Eight Candidates a Stumping (Plan your next move!) Seven Becks a Frowning (Remember when he got in a pickle because his daughter sold a horse named George to the LAPD?) Six More Years in Office (Garcetti’s 2017 mayoral re-election is a slam dunk) Five Olympic Rings (Still gotta figure out where that athletes’ village will go) Four Deputy Mayors (No one outside City Hall can name any of them) Three Hashtags (#EmperorGarcetti2032) Two Council Mitches (Englander is not actually from England) And one City At-tor-ney (How does “Mayor Feuer” sound?) regardie@downtownnews.com

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6 Downtown News

December 21, 2015

Raiding THE Airwaves Evan Walsh, a longtime DJ at the Chinatown low-wattage radio station KCHUNG. Although unknown to many, the freeform station has worked with arts institution such as MOCA, LACMA and the Hammer Museum. Walsh’s two-hour show is titled “Pass the Paintbrush.”

Inside KCHUNG,

cians to perform By Eddie Kim live. Some shows 1: Frog Noises and are pre-recorded with Beyond slick NPR-style editing. s anyone listening? Other times DJs choose to Few at KCHUNG seem Rebel Radio Station air nothing but silence broto be bothered by the ken by the occasional heavy question. This low-wattage breath. radio station, hosted in a back KCHUNG has a sociopolitical feminist talk studio in an anonymous Chinatown low-rise, show (“Fallopian Utopia”), a program that on seemingly has but one goal: to broadcast the one June evening consisted mostly of “Deez weirdest, smartest, dumbest, most fun and irNuts” prank calls (“Confessions of a Coco”) reverent content possible. and one that offers downtempo disco music You get to hear it all on 1630 AM, assuming (“White Leather”). Late-’80s pop tunes might you’re in Chinatown. Anyone outside of the butt up against two hours of experimental miniscule broadcast radius of just a few blocks, noise metal. One time, a DJ on a nature bent however, needs to go to the online stream and aired an hour of frog noises. archives. 2: Pass the Noodle Joint, Up the Stairs Calling KCHUNG eclectic is an understateTo reach KCHUNG, you walk past the smells ment, and the station is as much a long-term and sounds of the best Vietnamese noodle performance art experiment as it is a tradijoint in Downtown, Pho 87, around to the cartional broadcaster. Some hosts want a call-in port and up a set of stairs painted an urgent talk show, while others bring in local musishade of firefighter red. Through a red door is a winding hall. Pass the Chinese acupuncture clinic and pharmacy and climb another set of stairs, this one coated in several layers of grime and sawdust. A few small strips of painter’s DEPENDABLE and tape with “KCHUNG” scrawled on them let you KNOWLEDGEABLE know you’ve arrived. agent seeks customers Light streams in through a small window looking for real that offers a view of the 110 Freeway and PROTECTION and long the foot of the hill that lifts Dodgers Stadium term RELATIONSHIP. above the city. A few aged sofas and chairs Marcus Clay Brown, Agent Look no further. and a large coffee table fill the space. A halfInsurance Lic#: 0H93731 Having one special person smoked bowl of marijuana sits in a small 627 W 6th Street for your car, home and life Los Angeles, CA 90017 pipe. On a good day there’s cold Modelo in insurance lets you get down Bus: 213-622-1067 the mini-fridge. Though the number of peoM-F 9:00am-5:00pm to business with the rest of ple varies from day to day, KCHUNG members After Hours by appt. your life. It’s what I do. often lounge about, prepping their shows, GET TO A BETTER STATE . working on side projects for the station or just CALL ME TODAY. hanging around for the company. The studio itself is a glassed-in room glowing with warm light. Posters and CD covers State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity

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dress the walls, and an ancient-looking broadcast console sits next to a pair of vinyl turntables. They both look out of place next to the gleaming MacBooks that some DJs bring in. 3: Who’s In Charge? KCHUNG began in 2011 as a project from artist Solomon Bothwell and his friends Harsh Patel and Luke Fischbeck. Inspired by the seemingly boundless content of public radio, they pitched in a few hundred dollars for some basic gear and began broadcasting. “We wanted to try a really simple radio station, so we went on Chung King Road with an antenna that ran down the road,” Fischbeck, who cuts an artist’s lean figure, recalled in his mellow cadence. “You could see the antenna, the broadcasting area, see people listening.” They tried the portable approach in other areas, such as LACMA and the Anarchist Book Fair in Downtown Los Angeles, but stuck with Chinatown as home base. Soon, friends began to join in.

Over the course of months, a loose network of artists, radio nerds and oddball performers began to coalesce. The “KCHUNG” moniker — a combo of the radio call tag “K” and “Chung King Road” — was chosen. They rented a basement space in Chinatown, then moved to a bigger studio in nearby Mandarin Plaza, before settling into their current hideaway (all of about 550 square feet) in 2012. Today, KCHUNG has more than 80 DJs and affiliated staffers, and the station broadcasts close to 100 hours per week. No one, including station management, is paid. Some people come in weekly and do an hour-long show, while others drop by once a month. Some don’t do shows at all, but help run the station, either with administrative duties or assisting DJs. The odd diversity of KCHUNG’s content is directly tied to its lack of structural hierarchy. While Bothwell, Patel and Fischbeck were the creators of the station, they neither hold au-

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Downtown News 7

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Luke Fischbeck, one of the three people who founded KCHUNG in 2011. Despite his early role, the station has a lack of structural hierarchy, and unlike almost every commercial or public radio station, there is no unifying voice or theme among its many shows.

A KCHUNG staff meeting this month delves into matters of funding and new projects. Although KCHUNG has more than 80 DJs and affiliated staffers, no one, including station management, is paid.

photo by Eddie Kim

thority over others, nor manage day-to-day operations. It’s almost the exact opposite of commercial or even public radio, where familiarity and a uniform voice gives listeners a sense of expectation and reason to tune in. “Since there’s not really a governing body, there’s just a staff and long weird meetings, and since there’s no authority figure, there’s no one to say that we shouldn’t be doing this or that,” Fischbeck said. “What’s kind of sustained the weirdness and diversity is there’s no one saying, ‘This is what it is.’” 4: Madonna by Way of JungleGuts On a cool April night, Johnnie JungleGuts takes the studio chair and settles in front of the rickety beige console, the mic just a wrist-flick away. He’s ready to begin his show, “Outbreak,” and has spent the last week practicing in front of a mirror.

Commercial Office Space for Lease

In this particular installment, JungleGuts (his real name is the far less colorful John Martin) is working with his friend, painter Max Maslansky. The set-up involves JungleGuts pretending to be Madonna and being interviewed by the “host” Maslansky. “You know, I like to have friends in low places, y’knawww,” JungleGuts says early in the “interview,” his voice a deep and comic baritone. “So I figure this is good for me, y’knaw. Be around like, new stuff and everything new, these kids at KCHUNG. I love it.” A lot of people have imitated Madonna for a quick laugh, but Martin, as JungleGuts, spends a full hour channeling the pop star, answering questions about her career and aspirations. An absurd satirical streak extends through the entire encounter. He never breaks character. The questions from Maslansky remain ear-

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ing Game Drag Queen Superstars” (those who made the list include Sindel from Mortal Kombat and Storm from X-Men vs. Street Fighter). “A lot of it is just getting to do what you feel like on a given day,” Martin said. “Imagine if most radio stations did that.” Part of KCHUNG’s laissez-faire attitude stems from the fact that it doesn’t need listeners to survive — there are no ads to sell and nobody on the payroll. While mainstream radio DJs are held captive by quarterly ratings reports, many KCHUNG DJs don’t bother to look at listenership data, although the online analytics are available. Some, like artist Michal Kamran, who does a weekly show titled “The Kids Are (Not That) Revolting,” guesses that she “knows every single listener” on each of her broadcasts. Continued on page 8

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December 21, 2015

KCHUNG, 7 The point is echoed by Evan Walsh, another longtime KCHUNG member, who noted that other station DJs are often the biggest supporters of any given show. “The people who are making the content are the same people also listening to the content,” Walsh said. Although the concept risks becoming a mutual-admiration society, KCHUNG is making an outsized impression. Last year, the Hammer Museum selected the station as one of 35 participants for its “Made in L.A. 2014” biennial exhibition. It has been hired by LACMA and MOCA for special events. In September, KCHUNG broadcast live from the Music Center courtyard for “Sleepless,” a late-night dance event. In early 2014, the New York Times wrote a lengthy story about the station. KCHUNG’s members appreciate the attention, but it has not led to ambitions to make the station more conventional, with a wider reach. It’s maybe the opposite. “More people seem to get what we’re trying to do, even if the individual components and shows don’t make sense to them,” said John Burtle, one of the longest-serving KCHUNG members. 6: Broken Stuff Chrysanthe Oltmann, a 24-year-old woman with a shock of fading red-dyed hair and an easy chuckle, has been the general manager of KCHUNG for about 18 months. The host of the weekly “Fallopian Utopia” (in which she once interviewed a dominatrix), Oltmann also puts in several hours a week in her GM role.

KCHUNG General Manager Chrysanthe Oltmann with DJ Dustin Smith.

photo by Eddie Kim

Over the years, she has noticed the listenership count slowly tick upward. People often discover shows in the archives, weeks or months after the live airing, she notes. “I’ve had so many shows where nobody is listening at that moment, and it’s trippy because I’m speaking to myself. And it’s pointless,” Oltmann said. “But then someone six months later will be like, ‘Hey, I heard that show,’ and I’m like, ‘What?!’ I had stopped caring and I was so weirded out that people were actually listening.” Also growing is the number of the number of people interested in becoming DJs. The waitlist sits at around 100 people; snagging a slot requires patience, and you often earn your chops by subbing for DJs who can’t make their show. “I don’t think we really have a plan to ac-

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commodate everyone,” she mused. “Should we tell people that we don’t have plans to expand right now? There’s only so far we can go with limited station managers to oversee shifts.” In the early days Bothwell and Fischbeck searched and begged for equipment donations. Even after the museum partnerships and the media attention, the station continues to rely on second-hand equipment no longer used by larger organizations such as KSPC (Pomona College Radio), said Gabie Strong, who has been with the station since it began. Her weekly show, “Crystalline Morphologies,” is dedicated to churning, groaning experimental noise music. “We get a lot of broken equipment and fix it. We’ve borrowed equipment,” she said. “In the beginning we had generous donors who helped us pay rent, even when they didn’t have to. I think people sort of believed in seeing it through.” The DJs are asked to pay dues of $10 a month, but many don’t ante up on time, Strong said. The scores of people who want to participate is a double-edged sword: While it leads to diverse programming, more DJs means more wear and tear on the machinery. “We’re not a nonprofit. We’re a not-for-profit,” Strong said. “We try to apply for grants. But we haven’t really been in a situation where we have enough capital to really build out the situation or buy the equipment we need.” 7: The Meaning of Unplugged At a bootstraps outfit like KCHUNG, technical difficulties are part of the process. Sometimes they’re challenging to fix, and sometimes they linger, as happens with the older equipment. Other times, like on one spring evening, the problem is something completely different. Burtle, Walsh and Kamran are explaining how the broadcasting system works. Burtle points from the studio to a black box on the ground near the sofa. “The stream goes from there to this little computer thing, and then from this chip to the transmitter. Sometimes it just gets unplugged, though.” He glances down at the power strip, then cocks his head in a double-take. Walsh lets loose a cackle that rattles through the room. The transmitter is, in fact, unplugged. “So maybe sometime last night someone just unplugged it for…” Burtle says, trailing off. “The fake light-up aquarium?” Kamran suggests, pointing to a small tank with a plastic image of fish that rotates in a loop. The culprit never plugged the transmitter back in. “Maybe we have to mark the transmitter plug with tape,” Walsh suggests. Then, to no

one in particular: “We’re getting there.” Is anyone expecting an angry email over the literal radio silence? “Who would they even email?” Burtle asks. 8: Hyper-Local Heart If the transmitter is plugged in, and no other problems arise, the KCHUNG signal can carry from the southern edge of Chinatown to, on the north, the border of Highland Park. If temperature, moisture and airwave voodoo merge in harmony, it can touch Echo Park. Sometimes, an illegally boosted signal from San Diego creates interference with KCHUNG. Other times, the source of the problem is more opaque. A group of volunteers, all interested in radio engineering but none formally trained, remains on hand to fix things. KCHUNG could save money by ditching the traditional broadcast transmission and just operating online, but being hyper-local is at the heart of the station, the thread that winds the disparate shows and people together. Even just stumbling onto the station can be a special moment, said Quintus Andrisson, who began DJing at KCHUNG this year. “Having that momentary gateway is like seeing into a whole world of possibility. I don’t know how often that plays out, but it did a couple times for me,” Andrisson said. He’s not alone. Two years ago Dustin Smith, who works as a dishwasher at Downtown’s Ace Hotel, found KCHUNG through a friend. He joined in, though soon realized that being a DJ and playing others’ music wasn’t what he wanted. “That [expletive] was boring. It’s just regular radio, then,” he said with a wide smile. So Smith brought in his well-worn digital instrument sampler and a keyboard, and started layering sounds and beats live over the air, making his own music on the fly for the “Sun Kin Radio” show. He didn’t worry about appealing to listeners, but the material caught the attention of Oltmann, the general manager. Now they’re dating. “Her show is pretty crazy. And she liked what I did,” Smith said. “Like, meeting Chrysanthe was the coolest part.” 9: So What Is KCHUNG? KCHUNG has considered applying for grants to fund additional transmitters, to be linked together so the broadcast extends further. It’s not yet a priority — most listeners tune in via the online stream and archives, Oltmann said — and there’s no money for it. There may never be. So the question remains: Is KCHUNG a professional radio station, a long-term art project, an anarchic take on media distribution or just an extracurricular club for anyone with an interesting idea? Those involved say it’s each of those and more. It raises possibilities, as well as possible problems. KCHUNG is taking on more shows, but doesn’t have a protocol for kicking someone out (“We sometimes ask, ‘What do we do when the neo-Nazis walk through the door?’” Burtle mused. “But I don’t think it’ll ever happen, so…”). KCHUNG shows up at art happenings, but few in the crowd recognize the DJs. KCHUNG pumps out more than 200 shows a month, but there are no advertisers. Walsh and others seem to revel in the contradictions. The bottom line for growth at KCHUNG is based on two simple factors: There won’t be a hierarchy of taste or content discrimination, he says. And there will never be more than 24 hours in a day. “So we’ll always have time slots,” Walsh says. “Until we don’t.” KCHUNG is at 1630 AM or kchungradio.org. eddie@downtownnews.com

December 21, 2015

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New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Handbook INSIDE 10 11 13

Top Events and Parties Dinner Options to Close Out 2015

A Party With 50,000 Friends

Downtown News 9

10 Downtown News

December 21, 2015

NEW YEAR’S HANDBOOK

What to Do in DTLA on NYE Kick Off 2016 With Light Shows, Dancing, Parties and More By Nicholas Slayton ven if 2015 was rough for you, it doesn’t mean that New Year’s Eve has to be bad. In fact, especially if it was rough, you should go out with a bang and embrace the change. That’s where Downtown Los Angeles comes into play. The community has a number of options to say goodbye to the old and hello to 2016, everything from club parties to an all-ages event for the whole family. There’s even a way to get fit, though it takes place a few days after the calendar flips. Here are some of the options.

Party in the Park: Looking for a family-friendly, music- and artthemed opportunity to close out 2015? Then Grand Park is the place to be. The third annual N.Y.E.L.A. takes place from 8 p.m.1 a.m. on 90 acres, with stages in the park, at the Music Center Plaza and on surrounding blocks. There will be food trucks and vendors, a plethora of local acts such as indie-pop band Hunter Hunted, and the DJ lineup includes KCRW’s Chris Douridas. There will also be free photo booths and three massive art installations. A light projection system will beam images onto multiple Downtown landmarks, including City Hall. Taking public transportation is recommended, as more than 50,000 people are expected to attend. For more on the event, see p. 13. At 200 N. Grand Ave, (213) 972-8080 or grandparkla.org/nyela. Brewing Up Fun: The Arts District’s Angel City Brewing is holding its third annual No Cover New Year’s. Like the name says, admission is free, and there are 19 beers on tap. The party will have food from Kai Kai Dumplings, Southern Kitchen, Market Burgers and Peaches Smokehouse, and three bands will play. The first 150 visitors will receive party favors. The Alameda Street brewery will also have a special beer for the midnight toast. The celebration starts at 4 p.m. and runs until 1 a.m. At 216 S. Alameda St., (213) 622-1261 angelcitybrewery.com.

A Taste of the Classics: The recently remodeled and reopened Clifton’s Cafeteria is getting into the New Year’s Eve business. Its NYE Extravaganza will turn the bottom three floors into a giant party, with cocktails and DJs spinning dance music. It all happens amidst taxidermied creatures, a giant faux redwood tree in the atrium and various themed bars. Along with copious food and drinks, there will be magicians, aerialists and even burlesque performers. Plus, this is probably your only chance to finish a year with a serving of Jell-O. The party begins at 8 p.m. and runs until 4 a.m. Tickets start at $106.49. At 648 S. Broadway, (213) 627-1673 or cliftonsla.com. Laugh It Up: Comedy and “Breaking Bad” fans, rejoice. Comedian Bill Burr is playing the Orpheum Theatre on Dec. 31. What could be better? How about the fact that he’s performing twice, with the shows presented by the radio station KROQ. The caustic comic will bust out his foul-mouthed thoughts on marriage, gender norms and society as a whole, and if you’ve seen his performances on Netflix, don’t worry — Burr always brings new material. The first show starts at 7:15 p.m. and the second is at 10:30 p.m. Balcony tickets are $45 and orchestra tickets start at $55. At 842 S. Broadway, (877) 277-4386 or laorpheum.com. Star Power: Dance away 2015 at the Teragram Ballroom. The Portland indie-dance act STRFKR will rock the City West joint with a set of synth-heavy psychedelia, accompanied by a trippy light show. The local six-piece indie band Drug Cabin opens. Doors are at 8 p.m. Tickets are $90 and include an open bar from 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. At 1234 W. Seventh St., (213) 689-9100 or teragramballroom.com. Sparkling Time: New Year’s Eve calls for champagne. The Flower Street bar Honeycut understands and is throwing the Champagne Supernova party to celebrate. The bubbly

photo by Gary Leonard

Clifton’s Cafeteria reopened in the fall and will host a New Year’s bash. In addition to food and drinks, expect roaming magicians and aerialists swinging from the restaurant’s faux redwood.

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Downtown News 11

NEW YEAR’S HANDBOOK

will flow from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. and special cocktails will also be served. Step onto the dance floor for an intergalactic-themed celebration — Honeycut is going full cosmic for the night. The event will have a photo booth along with a DJ set by Mojito Boyz. General admission tickets are $60. At 809 S. Flower St., (213) 688-0888 or hcnye.eventbrite.com.

Center for three shows, the last of which takes place on New Year’s Eve. Expect to hear radio hits like “Kickstart My Heart” and “Shout at the Devil” as Vince Neil, Tommy Lee and friends go out loud. The concert begins at 8:30 p.m. and tickets start at $20. So end 2015 with a bang, or at least head-banging. At 1111 S. Figueroa St., (213) 742-7340) or staplescenter.com.

Dance Party: Love to dance? If so, The Reserve on Spring Street is holding a 9 p.m.-2 a.m. party that just might appeal. The soiree will feature DJs spinning EDM and top-40 hits. The venue is taking The Reserve’s bank decor seriously, calling for a felon-themed celebration. There’s an open bar the whole night and champagne will be poured at midnight. Tickets are $89, with seated VIP entry $129. At 650 S. Spring St., (213) 327-0057 or thelareserve.com.

Electric Cabaret: In the basement of the Higgins Building you’ll find The Edison, and the refurbished power station continues to be one of the most popular nightspots in Downtown Los Angeles. The venue marks the arrival of 2016 with its New Year’s Ball, a cabaret-themed party running from 7 p.m.-2 a.m. The party’s focus is fantasy and imagination. Guests can expect stilt walkers, aerial performances and music from singer Desi Valentine. Tickets start at $100. At 108 W. Second St., (213) 613-0000 or edisondowntown.com.

Out With a Roar: Santa Monica public radio station KCRW is known for throwing big New Year’s Eve parties. This year, the station is taking over the soaring, gorgeous Ticket Concourse at Union Station. The Prohibition NYE party will be a Roaring 20s-style bacchanal with live jazz from Lyndsay and the All Nighters, music by Le Youth, DJ sets and a burlesque performance. Formal attire is required. General admission tickets are $150. Doors open at 9 p.m. At 800 N. Alameda St. or events.kcrw.com. Ending With Dr. Feelgood: As 2016 rolls around, it’s good to reflect on memories past — even memories of the 1980s. The members of hair metal band Mötley Crüe are on their aptly named Final Tour, and the trek comes to Staples

Resolution Run: After all of the parties and drinking, it’s time to think about your health. The New Years Race Los Angeles provides that opportunity, with a roster of runs on Jan. 3. Options include a kid’s fun run at 4 p.m., a combined 5K/10K course at 6 p.m. and a half marathon at 8 p.m. The starting line is at Grand Park in front of City Hall and the longer races swing up around Dodger Stadium and Elysian Park before finishing back in Downtown. Registration starts at $30 for kids and $55 for the 5K, with higher prices for longer races. After the runs there will be a beer garden and food options in Grand Park. Information and registration at newyearsrace.com. nicholas@downtownnews.com

Make Your Last Meal (of the Year) Memorable Downtown Restaurants Go Big on Dec. 31 By Eddie Kim here are many ways to ring in the new year, but going out with friends and family for a celebration with food and drink has never been a bad idea. Thankfully, Downtown Los Angeles has more restaurants than ever to serve up a memorable feast before the clock strikes midnight on Dec. 31. Some of them will even keep the party going into the early hours of Jan. 1. Here are a few of the options.

Francophiles, Rejoice: The massive and beautiful Spring Street French eatery Le Petit Paris is having a New Year’s Eve blowout, with options for an early dinner and a later dinner-and-dance party. The 5-7 p.m. seating runs $75 per person and features a three-course prix-fixe meal with options like an assortment of foie gras to start, an entree of filet mignon with truffled macaroni, and a take on the traditional Christmas chocolate cake buche de Noël (often referred to as the “yule log”). Each meal also comes with a glass of sparkling wine. The later menu, with seating starting at 8:30 p.m., is $135, but adds a fourth hot appetizer course and a 1 a.m. bowl of French onion soup, because you’ll

probably have the munchies after a long night of dancing to the restaurant’s live music. At 418 S. Spring St., (213) 217-4445 or lpparis.com. Meat the New Year: The Patina Group steakhouse Nick + Stef’s went on a hiatus this year to update its interior, and returned in late September with fresh digs. Today, a brighter, more casual vibe and plenty of Mid-Century Modern style make the restaurant one of Bunker Hill’s standouts. While Nick + Stef’s is best known for its big selection of top-quality meat, it’s also offering an $85 New Year’s Eve special comprising three courses, with two options each — think lobster bisque, surf and turf and champagne vanilla mousseline with apples. In case that’s not enough, you can tack on “caviar and champagne for two” for $70. You can deal with your credit card bill next year, anyway. At 330 S. Hope St., (213) 680-0330 or patinagroup.com. A View From Above: Four years after opening, Perch remains a favorite for special occasions thanks to its intimate Continued on page 12

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RESTAURANTS, 11 vibe and panoramic views. On tap for New Year’s Eve are two deals: a prix-fixe dinner in the restaurant for $191 per person, and a rooftop bar offering for $180. Yes, you read those prices correctly, but the twist is that both options come with an open bar for the whole night. The rooftop bar deal offers passed hors d’oeuvres in lieu of a meal, and both the 15th floor restaurant and the 16th floor bar will have live entertainment. The menu details haven’t been finalized yet, but expect the elegant-butcasual French cuisine Perch specializes in. And drink some water between the unlimited cocktails, will ya? At 448 S. Hill St., (213) 802-1770 or perchla.com.

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NEW YEAR’S HANDBOOK Gotta Have Faith: South Park’s Faith + Flower boasts one of the most beautiful and ornate dining rooms in the city, and its Dec. 31 celebration matches its opulence. You have two choices: a 5:30-7 p.m. dinner with five courses for $95, or a 9-10:30 p.m. seating for a sixcourse meal. As for the actual dishes, imagine seared red snapper with charred leeks and lime, hand-rolled pasta with winter truffles, and buttermilk fried quail. The six-course meal gets a special addition: mesquite-grilled foie gras, which may be essential eating for the duck liver fans out there. At 705 W. Ninth St., (213) 239-0642 or faithandflowerla.com. Beefed Up: Nick + Stef’s isn’t the only Downtown steakhouse offering a New Year’s soiree. Spear Restaurant, from the prolific M2K Group (Wokcano, Third Generation, Triple 8 Bar and Grill), is hosting a party with food, live music and a midnight champagne toast. The full dinner menu will be served until 11 p.m., and jazz fans can get their fill of the band from 6-10 p.m. Then DJ Lucid takes over from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. to usher in 2016 with some booming deep and tech house. Spear offers a large menu of seafood and meat options, from a raw bar to composed appetizers to big hunks of grilled meat. Want to go all-out? Don’t miss the $125 42 oz. Tomahawk rib chop, dry-aged for 30 days. At 800 W. Sixth St., (213) 688-3000 or spearrestaurant.com. Take Flight: Chef Neal Fraser’s Redbird is easily one of Los Angeles’ best restaurants, thanks to its gorgeous setting and refined cooking. On Dec. 31, Redbird is offering a four-course menu for $125, complete with a glass of cham-

Redbird is celebrating New Year’s Eve with a four-course menu for $125. Diners will choose from an array of 13 dishes.

photo by Gary Leonard

pagne. Diners will choose from an array of 13 dishes, which makes for some tough decisions — what’s better, Maine lobster risotto or California squab with foie gras and a cherry sauce? Thankfully, considering the praise Redbird has received since opening last December, you can’t go wrong. At 114 E. Second St. (213) 788-1191 or redbird.la. Chinese New Year, Kind Of: Most of the entries on this list have been pricier restaurants offering special menus on New Year’s Eve. But there

will be plenty of casual neighborhood joints operating that evening, too, and one of the best options is the Chinese gastropub Peking Tavern. The restaurant will be serving its usual menu of handmade noodles, dumplings, beef rolls and more, and those who stick around for the calendar flip to Jan. 1 will also enjoy a complimentary New Year’s toast. Few things are as auspicious as a free drink, as the wise saying goes. Okay, we made that last part up. At 806 S. Spring St., (213) 988-8308 or tooguapo.com. eddie@downtownnews.com

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December 21, 2015

NEW YEAR’S HANDBOOK

A Party With 50,000 Friends Grand Park Director Lucas Rivera Talks About Hosting L.A.’s Biggest New Year’s Eve Event By Jon Regardie he New Year’s Eve celebration at Grand Park is only in its third year, but it’s already the biggest Dec. 31 happening in the city. This year’s installment is expected to draw 50,000 people. The action will be spread across 90 acres, with activities in the park, the Music Center campus and on surrounding blocks from Temple to Second streets. The festivities include three music stages, a series of large-scale art installations and video projections on three buildings. Los Angeles Downtown News spoke with Grand Park Director Lucas Rivera about what to expect, and how the park is preparing for the crowd.

and 11 p.m. At that point we said, “Whoa.” Q: Why do you think it resonated? A: My assumption is there was not a real central gathering space in L.A., one [like Grand Park] with 12 acres of green space and that is free. A lot of different elements played into our success. I think our focus on local artists is essential, because we bring artists from all parts of L.A. County. It allows us to connect with these communities and creates a larger web of marketing for us.

Los Angeles Downtown News: What were your expectations for the first New Year’s Eve event at the end of 2013? Lucas Rivera: Early in the year we started by saying, “Let’s do a Fourth of July event.” That went really well. Then we talked about having a New Year’s Eve event. We said, “Let’s plan for 10,000 people, or 15,000, and have video mapping to showcase the amazing creative capital we have.” Then 25,000 showed up.

Q: What are you doing different differently this year? A: We are expanding. We saw a growth of about 10,000 last year, so this year we are expecting 50,000 people. The programming this year is a little different. We have huge art installations. We are working with local foundations that are putting together these beautiful sculptures and art exhibits on First Street, and people can walk around and see them. We are adding another stage on the Music Center Plaza. We also are trying one show on three buildings; we are video mapping on City Hall, on the County Hall of Records and the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.

Q: At what point did you realize this was going to be far more crowded than anticipated? A: We started looking at the amount of people who were coming out of the trains after 10:30

Q: What exactly is video mapping? A: It’s animated light projections. What is beautiful is we give people a show that is connected to three buildings so, for example, if we throw

Downtown News 13

a ball from one building to the next you can see it. Q: People love to drink on New Year’s Eve. What’s the booze plan? A: We’re a dry event. Our first year we had a bar. But with so many people it’s hard to manage several bars, and we don’t want alcohol to be the focus. We want a family-focused event and to focus on connecting people. When we turned to a dry event last year we expected fewer people, but we still had 40,000 show up. That shows us that not only is L.A. ready for this, but L.A. is on our side. Q: People are concerned about security these days. How do you make sure the crowd is safe? A: Since we opened Grand Park, we’ve had zero major incidents. I tip my hat to all the regulatory agencies we work with — the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the Los Angeles Police Department, the Metro sheriffs, our private security service and event management team. You’ll be in lines because we have bag checks, pat downs and metal wanding. Sheriffs will be around. We have LAPD on site and we have private security on site. It’s interesting how people comment on social media — no one complains about the amount of security we have. Q: When the countdown hits 0, where will you be, and what do you think will go through your mind? A: Where I’m at every year is on the main stage counting down with our audience, celebrating. I’m usually with my wife and child and we hug and say thank you L.A. for letting me be here. I came here from Philadelphia 3 1/2 years ago to

photo courtesy Grand Park

The third annual Grand Park New Year’s Eve celebration is the biggest one yet, with music, art installations and other activities spread over 90 acres.

open this park. It’s been an amazing ride, and I thank L.A. every day I’m here for this amazing opportunity. The Grand Park N.Y.E.L.A. event is Dec. 31 from 8 p.m.-1 a.m. at 200 N. Grand Ave. or grandparkla.org/nyela. Taking public transportation is encouraged. regardie@downtownnews.com

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14 Downtown News

CALENDAR

December 21, 2015

Celebrating

Season

the

Free Three-Hour Christmas Eve Performance Returns to Downtown The Grammy-winning Spanish Harlem Orchestra will appear at the 56th annual Los Angeles County Holiday Celebration. The 13-member band will open the show with Latin-inspired songs.

photo courtesy Los Angeles County Arts Commission

The Pacifico Dance Company will bring its blend of traditional Mexican and modern dance to the Holiday Celebration with a performance drawn from Mexico’s Chihuahua region.

photo by Ab McNeely

By Nicholas Slayton he holidays have myriad traditions, from lighting the menorah to going caroling. In Downtown Los Angeles, one longstanding tradition is anchored at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. On Thursday, Dec. 24, from 3-6 p.m., the Los Angeles County Holiday Celebration takes place. It marks the 56th annual presentation of the free event that was originally created to be the county’s “gift” to Angelenos. The show, organized by the L.A. County Arts Commission, will feature 20 acts, each onstage for roughly 10 minutes. The presentations run the gamut, from the dance company BODYTRAFFIC’s “o2joy” contemporary performance to the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles singing holiday standards. Some acts are new, while others return year after year. Admission is first-come first-served, and Adam Davis, the producer of the event, said that even though doors open at 2:30 p.m., past audiences have shown up much earlier, with some people arriving in the morning. While people wait to get inside, Davis said there will be games, activities and a choir in the Music Center Plaza. The performance proper kicks off with this year’s special guest, the Spanish Harlem Orchestra. Bandleader Oscar Hernandez said the 13-member salsa and jazz group will be playing Latino Christmas music, the kind that might be heard in the Caribbean or New York City. Two songs will be based on medleys of traditional numbers and 1970s Latin music, he said. He added that the orchestra will also put its own spin on holiday favorites “The Christmas Song” and “Feliz Navidad.”

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This marks the Spanish Harlem Orchestra’s first time playing the celebration. Hernandez said he hopes to get the audience energized and active. “Our music gets people moving, it gets people dancing, and that’s our aim for our particular slot,” he said. Welcoming All Davis views the Holiday Celebration as an opportunity to temporarily forget about some of the tough issues either in a person’s life or on the world stage. Instead, he said, it’s important to focus on the joy. “It’s definitely a community event. We’re fond of saying this is Los Angeles’ holiday event,” Davis said. The acts come from many different communities. There will be a drum dance from the Korean American Youth Performing Artists, spirituals from the Albert McNeil Jubilee Singers, and the band MôForró will be playing winter holiday songs in the Brazilian forró style. A number of choirs from L.A. County schools will be on stage. Another group helping to show off diversity is Mostly Kosher. The klezmer (or traditional Yiddish music) band is also making its first appearance at the Holiday Celebration. The eight-piece act will play three songs, blending Jewish folk music with 21stcentury genres and styles. The set list will feature a Yiddish tango from the 1900s. Then there’s “Crawdad Bulgar,” Mostly Kosher’s mash-up of Appalachian bluegrass and Eastern European folk. They’ll close out with “Ma’oz Tzur,” a Hanukkah song. It was written as a hymn, but bandleader Leeav Sofer said the band’s version turns it into a calypso number. “It’s going to be constantly upbeat music,” Sofer said. “The first song’s fast and rhythmic and goes into some bolero tango. The

second one’s kind of a hoedown, and then we’ve got a calypso number. It’s one worldly party.” Sofer said he has seen the Holiday Celebration on TV many times in the past. He said the band is excited to showcase its musical styles to the county. He also thinks it can be instructive for an audience that may not have much, or possibly any, exposure to klezmer music. “It’s fun for everyone to see Jewish music not just as liturgical, but like you would see any Latin jazz band or anything,” Sofer said. “You can see Jewish music as any kind of world music.” Davis said he expects up to 6,000 people to attend, and that as audience members leave the 3,197-seat hall, others will be let in. He said that many of the attendees could live Downtown, since it’s an easy walk. For those who can’t see the show in-person, it will air live on television on PBS SoCal. It will be streamed online at pbssocal.org. For the performers, a highlight is the opportunity to meet and appear alongside so many different types of acts. Hernandez from the Spanish Harlem Orchestra said that the show is a way for Angelenos to experience many of the traditions the city has to offer. “People have a great chance to see some great music and get together,” Hernandez said. After all, it’s not too often that performers from so many different communities come together under the same roof. That’s something to celebrate. The Los Angeles County Holiday Celebration is Thursday, Dec. 24, 3-6 p.m. at 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-3099 or holidaycelebration.org. nicholas@downtownnews.com

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A Heavenly Play

Lucas Hnath’s The Christians takes place in a modern-day mega-church, which falls into turmoil when its leader, Pastor Paul (in the foreground, played by Andrew Garman), announces that he now believes there is no hell, and that everyone gets into heaven.

Thoughtful ‘Christians’ Doesn’t Provide Easy Answers, But It Leaves You Wanting More

photo by Craig Schwartz

work for resolution. It was clear on opening night that his words clicked with some audience members, who shouted against Paul’s preaching and for Joshua’s. The performances are remarkable and restrained, none more than Garman, whose highprofile, charismatic pastor flies in the face of the televangelists who seem most obsessed with money. Paul is far from perfect, but Garman portrays him as a man who truly believes what he’s saying. That’s the key. All of the characters know in their hearts that they are right, and they sincerely want others to believe it for their own good. Director Waters never pushes the action. With a couple of key exceptions, the show is subtle and thoughtful. Waters manages to use the long-corded microphones in a dance-like manner, as actors swing the black ropes of wires back and forth while walking and talk-

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ing. The mics give the words greater impact, and it’s particularly moving when Paul whispers a key monologue. It’s not surprising to learn in the program playwright’s notes that Hnath grew up around churches. He has captured the mega-church culture in a way few writers ever have, or probably ever will. Best of all, he knows where and when to stop, even if the abruptness might be unsettling. Most of the best art leaves questions to ponder and the viewer wanting more. That’s the case here. In this case, the “more” should be a commission by Center Theatre Group for a new play by Hnath, who will likely emerge as one of the best American playwrights in the next decade. The Christians runs through Jan. 10, 2016, at the Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 628-2772 or centertheatregroup.org.

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theater. Next, a 27-member choir, situated upstage, sings a rousing hymn with the houselights up, before Pastor Paul (Andrew Garman) delivers a sermon using a microphone with a more than 20-foot long cord (all dialogue is delivered via hand-held mic). The sermon offers gentle humor that works on two levels: as the audience’s newfound role of parishioners, and as theatergoers who can see outside the play’s framework. Toward the end of Paul’s sermon, the defining moment arrives: On this day celebrating the church’s 10th year in its new home, and its first day out of debt, Paul says he now believes there is no hell. He adds that all people are afforded entrance to heaven, whether or not they accept Jesus as their savior. Associate Pastor Joshua (Larry Powell) disagrees, which opens a chasm that may end the church. It’s a familial divide as well, because Elizabeth (Linda Powell), Paul’s wife and a women’s study group leader, sides with Joshua. The congregants are exemplified by choir member Jenny (Emily Donahoe), who questions why Paul chose to wait until the church was debt-free to make his revelation. She also ponders his philosophy with questions, such as if everyone gets to go to heaven, does that include Hitler, or a man who might kill her child? Hnath doesn’t allow the characters to be two-dimensional heroes or villains. He doesn’t

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By Jeff Favre eligion permeates all aspects of culture, whether you embrace some form of it, reject it or simply try to ignore it. Lucas Hnath’s The Christians may connect most deeply with churchgoers, or those who have walked away from organized religion, but its depth, originality and execution should fill most anyone with a range of emotions. Anger. Comfort. Fear. Disgust. Sadness. In 90 too-brief minutes, it’s easy to feel all of these and more because Hnath tackles life’s greatest mysteries in the only realistic way possible — with earnest questioning. With near flawless direction by Les Waters, The Christians, running through Jan. 10 at the Mark Taper Forum in Downtown Los Angeles, is the most compelling offering of the theater’s 48th season. Commissioned by the 2014 Humana Festival of New American Plays at Actors Theatre of Louisville, The Christians is a rare example of theater examining Christianity in a way that refrains from satire and judgment. Its realism immerses the audience in the pews of a megachurch somewhere in today’s America. The experience begins with Dane Laffrey’s spot-on design of a church, including plush blue carpet, video screens to project Bible scripture and wood paneling that matches the Taper walls, which seamlessly blends into the

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The Don't Miss List

CALENDAR LISTINGS EVENTS

Celebrate the Holiday With Jazz, Comedy, Horns and Mummies photo courtesy Paramount Pictures

By Dan Johnson | calendar@downtownnews.com

MONDAY, DECEMBER 21 Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square, 532 S. Olive St. or holidayicerinkdowntownla.com. Every Day: The skating rink at Pershing Square is back for its 18th year. Glide (or fall) in the shadow of palm trees and Financial District skyscrapers in the 110-by-60 foot rink. It is open through Jan. 18. L.A. Kings Holiday Ice L.A. Live, 777 Chick Hearn Court, (866) 548-3452 or lalive.com. The Pershing Square Holiday Ice Rink has a larger sibling at Microsoft Square. The stretch of frozen water with branding from hockey’s Kings measures 132-by-80 feet and is open seven days a week. It runs through Dec. 31. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24 56th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-0777 or musiccenter.org. 3-6 p.m.: Free to all, this municipal festival features 20 acts, each playing for approximately 10 minutes. Highlights includes the Trio Ellas, the Greater Los Angeles Cathedral Choir, the Los Angeles Ballet and Daniel Ho. See story p. 14.

2 photo courtesy Gabriel Iglesias

Christmas is a golden time to appreciate jazz musicians who are no longer with us. On Monday, Dec. 21, at 8 p.m., the Count Basie Orchestra drops into Walt Disney Concert Hall for an evening of Christmas tunes done up with syncopated flair. The Count himself has been dead since the ’80s, but the seasoned Scotty Barnhart will take over conductor duties. For those who enjoy their Yule festivities nostalgic and interactive, Tuesday finds the L.A. Phil hosting a sing-along to the 1954 Bing Crosby classic White Christmas (shown here), with the lyrics on-screen. Our suggestion: They’d do well to skip “Gee! I Wish I Was Back in the Army!” At 111 S. Grand Ave., (213) 972-7300 or laphil.com.

ROCK, POP & JAZZ

The name Iglesias carries a certain sultry weight bestowed by two generations of Spanish crooners. Stand-up comedian Gabriel Iglesias, however, is not related to Juan and Enrique. Hence, when you file into Microsoft Theater on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 26-27, you will be greeted by a portly man from Long Beach instead of a svelte dude with a mole. Fine by us. Iglesias’ trademark shtick as “fluffy not fat” folds in years of high-level stage time and appearances in film and television. Like it or not, you will laugh. At 777 Chick Hearn Court, (213) 763-6030 or microsofttheater.com.

3 Nothing churns up fond memories of the goats hired by the former CRA to police weeds on Angels Knoll than an event entitled Horns A Plenty at the Cal Plaza Watercourt. No, the goats aren’t coming back, but just up the hill and in their place, office-dwellers, passersby, holiday tune aficionados and at least one very qualified cobbler will be treated to a cornucopia of brass as a group of hard-blowing instrumentalists form a choir. They’ll riff on the holiday classics on Monday, Dec. 21, at noon at the event staged by Grand Performances. Admission is, as always with Grand Performances, free. Seating, however, is limited. Arrive early to claim your spot or duck out for lunch early if you’re the office Grinch. At (213) 687-2190 or grandperformances.org. When you think Christmas, do you also think mummies? OK, we don’t either, but with time off from school and work, you have to do something. The Natural History Museum’s lucid Mummies exhibit points out that it wasn’t just the ancient Egyptians who developed an elaborate system to sustain the human form post-mortem — folks in fishing villages in Chile and Peru also managed the trick. The Exposition Park exhibit has 19 mummies, and all sorts of explanatory material and explanations, not to mention mummified animals. You can check out the show each day this week except Dec. 25. Don’t hesitate, for Mummies closes Jan. 18, 2016. At 900 Exposition Blvd., (213) 763-3466 or nhm.org.

Blue Whale 123 Astronaut E. S. Onizuka St., (213) 620-0908 or bluewhalemusic.com. Dec. 21: Sophisticated Lady. Dec. 22: Jonathan Richards Group. Dec. 23: Elliot Deutsch Big Band Christmas Special. Dec. 27: The Nate Wood Band and Black Plums with Greg Leisz. Bootleg Bar 2220 Beverly Blvd., (213) 389-3856 or bootlegtheater.org. Dec. 21: Omniflux, NONA and Kid Indigo help Figs Vision get into the holiday spirit. Dec. 22: Zander Hawley gave up Los Angeles for Nashville, which means he’s either really into BBQ, or chambray shirts and pseudo heartland fiction are his thing. Exchange LA 618 S. Spring St., (213) 627-8070 or exchangela.com. Dec. 26: Green Velvet & Claude Vonstroke are Get Real. Dec. 27: Duke Dumont. Grand Performances California Plaza, 350 S. Grand Ave., (213) 687-2190 or grandperformances.org. Dec. 21, 12 p.m.: Horns A Plenty fills the lunch hour with holiday favorites that complement the Watercourt’s delightful solstice decorations. Microsoft Theatre 777 Chick Hearn Court, (213) 763-6030 or microsofttheeatre.com. Dec. 23, 7:30 p.m.: The Dancing With The Stars “Dance All Night” Tour will likely not last past 10 p.m. Dec. 26-27: Fluffy funny man Gabriel Iglesias. Pershing Square 532 S. Olive St., (213) 847-4970 or laparks.org/ pershingsquare. Dec. 23, 3 p.m.: Susie Hansen: a violinist fronting a Latin band. She performs next to a skating rink. Redwood Bar and Grill 316 W. Second St., (213) 652-4444 or theredwoodbar.com. Dec. 21: Rubber. Dec. 22: D.B. Rouse, Dead Frets, Aaron Jones, Rick Wood, Karina Toriz and Brandon Shae. Dec. 23: Grit, The Oddbits and The Midnight Screening. Dec. 27: Marshall with Witler & Keith Hynes. Seven Grand 515 W. Seventh St., (213) 614-0737 or sevengrand.la. Dec. 22: The Makers have carefully plotted out the location of all the hazardous mistletoe in Seven Grand and are tactfully avoiding you. Continued on next page

December 21, 2015

photo by Matthew Murphy

16 Downtown News

Travel back with us to 1995: Yahoo! had just been founded, the Oscars were held at the Shrine Auditorium and you marveled at your friend’s speedy 56K modem. That year, Clint Eastwood directed himself in an adaptation of Robert James Waller’s incredibly popular yet critically excoriated love story The Bridges of Madison County. Flash forward 20 years and the Ahmanson Theatre is hosting a touring adaptation of Bridges. Unlikely as it may seem, the romance is now a musical. Unlikelier still, that musical won a pair of Tony Awards last year, thanks to uber-talented composer and lyricist Jason Robert Brown. It won’t be a Christmas miracle if you check out Bridges, but a couple tickets might be a nice present. Performances this week are Monday-Wednesday, Dec. 21-23, at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m. At 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 628-2772 or centertheatregroup.org.

Send information and possible Don’t Miss List submissions to calendar@downtownnews.com.

December 21, 2015

Downtown News 17

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OP GOI EN NG NE ON W YE NOW AR ! ’S D AY !

The Smell 247 S. Main St. in the alley between Spring and Main or thesmell.org. Dec. 22: Mr. Wright & The El Salvadorians, Protectme and Absurd Walls. Dec. 23: GRMLN, Bobby T. and Mint Field. Dec. 26: Casinos, Tongues and Denim Skull. Dec. 27: Kim & The Created, Sloppy Jane, Loko Ono and Nico Bones. Teragram Ballroom 1234 W. Seventh St. or teragramballroom.com. Dec. 21-22: When you name your band As Tall As Lions, do you mean quadraped height or on-hind-paws height? It has puzzled wise men for centuries. Dec. 24: Deeply sardonic and marketplace prescient Bulletproof Stockings. Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S. Grand Ave., (213) 972-0777 or musiccenter.org. Dec. 21, 8 p.m.: The Count Basie Orchestra delivers “A Swingin’ Christmas” that would make its namesake proud. Dec. 22, 8 p.m.: Though not necessarily pop or rock in the strict sense, we include the White Christmas Sing-Along in this section because our grandfather referred to Bing Crosby as “the hard stuff.” Miss you pops. Dec. 23, 8 p.m.: No, the Soweto Gospel Choir isn’t sick of answering questions about Paul Simon yet.

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FILM

Downtown Independent 251 S. Main St., (213) 617-1033 or downtownindependent.com. See website for details. IMAX California Science Center, 700 State Drive, (213) 744-2019 or californiasciencecenter.org. Journey to Space 3D brings audience members along on an E-ticket ride of exploration to the red planet. Ewan McGregor is the voice of Humpback Whales 3D. Not that the whales aren’t significant enough in their own right, but Obi-Wan narrating means we’re dealing with serious power brokers here. Power brokers who know a good whale story when they see it. Regal Cinemas LA Live 1000 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 763-6070 or lalive.com/movies. Through Dec. 24: Star Wars: The Force Awakens (11 a.m., 1:20 and 7:30 p.m.); Star Wars: The Force Awakens 3D (9:30, 10, 10:30 a.m., 12:50, 1:50, 2:20, 4:10, 4:40, 5:10, 5:40, 8, 8:30 and 9 p.m.). At press time other films had not been announced, but expect showings of Sisters, In the Heart of the Sea, The Good Dinosaur and more.

THEATER, OPERA & DANCE

Bob Baker’s Nutcracker Bob Baker Marionette Theater, 1345 W. First St., (213) 250-9995 or bobbakermarionettes.com. Dec. 28-31, 10:30 a.m., Jan. 3, 2:30 p.m.: The dance of the Sugarplum Fairy will never be seen in quite the same way by those who bear witness to this advanced study in puppetry. The Bridges of Madison County Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 628-2772 or centertheatregroup.org. Dec. 28-30, 8 p.m., Dec. 31, 7 p.m. Jan. 2, 2 and 8 p.m., Jan. 3, 1 and 6:30 p.m.: Based on the book by Pulitzer Prize winner Marsha Norman and directed by Tony Award winner Bartlett Sher, the novel by Robert James Waller has been converted into a musical. Yes, a musical. Even more surprising: It is full of smart, well-constructed songs thanks to composer and lyricist Jason Robert Brown. It won two Tonys. Through Jan. 17. The Christians Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 628-2772 or centertheatregroup.org. Dec. 28-31, 8 p.m., Jan. 2, 2:30 and 8 p.m., Jan. 3, 1 and 6:30 p.m.: In Lucas Hnath’s 90-minute play, a mega-pastor has a change of heart over whether hell exists, causing a rift in the church. With a 27-member choir, a thought-provoking script and a top-notch stage design, it’s the best show to hit the Mark Taper Forum this season. Through Jan. 10. Sleepaway Camp Downtown Independent, 251 S. Main St., (213) 617-1033 or downtownindependent.com. Dec. 29, 9 p.m.: Feast on this irreverent stand-up comedy cavalcade takes up residence at the Downtown Independent.

MUSEUMS

African American Firefighter Museum 1401 S. Central Ave., (213) 744-1730 or aaffmuseum.org. Ongoing: An array of firefighting relics dating to 1924, including a 1940 Pirsch ladder truck, an 1890 hose wagon, uniforms from New York, L.A. County and City of L.A. firefighters, badges, helmets, photographs and other artifacts. Broad Museum 221 S. Grand Ave., (213) 232-6200 or thebroad.org. Ongoing: The inaugural installation at the $140 million Grand Avenue institution features about 250 works from Eli and Edythe Broad’s 2,000-piece contemporary art collection. It’s big-time blue chip, with work from Rauschenberg, Warhol, Basquiat, Koons, Kruger and every other big name. Not to be missed is Yayoi Kusama’s eminently selfieready Infinity Mirrored Room. Continued on page 18

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18 Downtown News Continued from previous page FIDM Museum FIDM, second floor, 919 S. Grand Ave., (213) 624-1200 or fidmmuseum.org. Ongoing: Artfully Adorned is a collection of fragrance, cosmetics and ephemera from the house of Lucien Lelong. This group of objects was donated by Monique Fink, wife of artist Peter Fink, who worked for Lelong as package designer and interior decorator. Ongoing: Accessories from The Helen Larson Historic Fashion Collection surveys footwear, fans, gloves, purses and hats. California African American Museum 600 State Drive, (213) 744-7432 or caamuseum.org. Through Feb. 28, 2016: Coloring Independently: 1940s African American Film Stills is like one of those film trailers your pops is always complaining about. “Heck, the name itself practically gives away the whole plot!” Through April 24, 2016: If you like shapes and textures, you’ll probably dig Hard Edged: Geometrical Abstraction and Beyond. Ongoing: The multi-functional Gallery of Discovery offers visitors the opportunity to connect with the lineage of their own family, engage in artistic workshops, educational tours and other programs of historical discoveries. Hear recordings of actual living slaves from the Library of Congress archives and discover stories from the past. California Science Center 700 State Drive, (323) 724-3623 or californiasciencecenter.org. Ongoing: Mission 26: The Big Endeavour presents Los Angeles’ very own Space Shuttle in all its splendor. Ongoing: Science in Toyland presents physics through favorite kids’ toys. This hands-on exhibit engages museum visitors

CROSSWORD

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS with Dominos, Sails and Roller Coasters in a fun, but informational primer on friction, momentum and chain reactions. Ongoing: The Science Center’s permanent exhibits are usually interactive and focus on human innovations and inventions as well as the life processes of living things. The lobby Science Court stays busy with the High Wire Bicycle, a MotionBased Simulator, the Ecology Cliff Climb and Forty Years of Space Photography. The human body is another big focus: The Life Tunnel aims to show the connections between all life forms, from the single-celled amoeba to the 100-trillion-celled human being. The Ecosystems exhibit explores how life on our planet is shaped by geophysical and biological processes. Chinese American Museum 425 N. Los Angeles St., (213) 485-8567 or camla.org. Permanent: Origins presents the story of the Chinese-American community in Los Angeles. Permanent: Re-creation of the Sun Wing Wo, a Chinese general store and herbal shop, and Journeys: Stories of Chinese Immigration, an exhibit exploring Chinese immigration to the United States with an emphasis on community settlement in Los Angeles. Outlined into four distinct time periods, each is defined by an important immigration law and/or event, accompanied by a description and a personal story about a local Chinese American and their experiences in that particular historical period. El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument 124 Paseo de la Plaza, (213) 485-8372 or elpueblo.lacity.org. Ongoing: The whole of El Pueblo is called a “monument,” and of this monument’s 27 historic buildings, four function as museums: the Avila Adobe, the city’s oldest house; the Sepulveda House, home to exhibits and the Visitors Center;

the Fire House Museum, which houses late 19th-century firefighting equipment; and the Masonic Hall, which boasts Masonic memorabilia. Check its website for a full slate of fiestas, including Cinco de Mayo, Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in November and December’s beautiful candlelight procession, Las Posadas. Open daily, though hours at shops and halls vary. Grammy Museum L.A. Live, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-6800 or grammymuseum.org. Through January 10, 2016: Lyric journals, long forgotten interview footage, handwritten prison complaints, personalized Death Row Records memorabilia and a righteous video of an ancient Notorious B.I.G./Pac freestyle are all part of All Eyez On Me: The Writings of Tupac Shakur. Through March 2016: George Carlin: A Place For My Stuff is a groundbreaking exhibit highlighting the life and impact of stand up comedian/”Thomas the Tank Engine” regular George Carlin. Through Spring 2016: Gowns, memorabilia and personal photography form the backbone of Legends of Motown: Celebrating the Supremes. Ongoing: 360 Sound: The Columbia Records Story provides an in-depth look at all aspects of Columbia Records’ history and offers a virtual history of the music industry from its infancy, tracing Columbia’s pivotal technological as well as business innovations, including its invention of the LP.

MORE LISTINGS Hundreds of listings of fun and interesting things to do in Downtown Los Angeles can also be found online at ladowntownnews. com/calendar: Rock, Pop & Jazz; Bars & Clubs; Farmers Markets; Events; Film; Sports; Art Spaces; Theater, Dance and Opera; Classical Music; Museums; and Tours.

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20 Downtown News

December 21, 2015

Blowing in the Wind

Downtown, it’s not just big business anymore!

A New Sculpture Puts Ever-Changing Art on Grand Avenue

It’s our business to make you comfortable... at home, downtown. Corporate and long term residency Call Now Fo is accommodated in high style at the Towers Apartments. Contemporary singles, studio, one r bedroom and two bedroom apartment homes provide fortunate residents with a courteous full service lobby attendant, heated pool, spa, complete fitness center, sauna and recreation room Move-In Spec with kitchen. Beautiful views extend from the Towers’ lofty homes in the sky. Mountain vistas and ial slender skyscrapers provide an incredible back drop to complement your decor. Far below are a host of businesses s ready to support your pampered downtown lifestyle. With spectacular cultural events nearby, even the most demanding tastes are satisfied. Downtown, it’s not just big business anymore. Visit the Towers Apartments today.

GRAND TOWER

255 South Grand Avenue Leasing Information 213 229 9777 Community Amenities: ~ 24 Hr. Manned Lobby ~ Concierge ~ Pool / Spa / Saunas ~ Fitness Center ~ Gas BBQ Grills ~ Recreation Room

Re New no ly va ted

Apartment Amenities: ~ Refrigerator, Stove, Microwave & Dishwasher (most units) ~ Central Air Conditioning & Heating ~ Balconies (most units)

On-site: ~ Dry Cleaners / Dental Office / Restaurants

PROMENADE TOWERS

123 South Figueroa Street Leasing Information 213 617 3777 Community Amenities: ~ 24 Hr. Manned Lobby ~ Pool / Spa / BBQ Grills ~ Fitness Center ~ Covered Parking

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225 South Olive Street Leasing Information 213 626 1500 Community Amenities: ~ 24 Hr. Manned Lobby ~ Concierge ~ Pool / Spa / Saunas ~ Fitness Center ~ Gas BBQ Grills ~ Recreation Room

Apartment Amenities: ~ Refrigerator, Stove, Microwave & Dish washer (most units) ~ Central Air & Heating ~ Balconies (most units)

8 7 7 - 2 65 - 714 6

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photo by Gary Leonard

Sculptor Paul Chilkov in front of his “Intermittent Constancy.” The artwork, which includes 48 panels that spin in the breeze, was installed in front of The Emerson apartments in October.

By Nicholas Slayton he Broad museum, with its huge collection and free admission, is catching a lot of attention in Downtown Los Angeles. Yet it’s not the only cultural addition to Grand Avenue — just steps down street there’s a new outdoor sculpture that, thanks to nature, is ever-changing. “Intermittent Constancy” is a wind sculpture that went up in October on the sidewalk in front of the luxury apartment complex The Emerson, just south of The Broad. It’s the work of Paul Chilkov, a sculptor who specializes in kinetic pieces powered by water and wind. Set above a bike rack, the 27-foot tall artwork stands atop a gray concrete column. Its 48 reflective blue panes spin in even the slightest breeze. “Every time you look at the sculpture it’s going to be different,” Chilkov, 59, said. “Sometimes it’s going to be moving, sometimes it’s not.” The artwork came about after Related California, developer of The Emerson, approached Chilkov. They had previously worked together on an artwork at a Related project in Santa Monica. The company wanted to add some art to the street and hide a vent for generator exhaust coming from the building. The goal, said Related Executive Vice President Gino Canori, was to turn a very practical element of the building into something beautiful. “Paul came up with the concept,” Canori said. “Related wanted a piece that was kinetic, active and introduced some energy into the sidewalk experience.” Chilkov tried numerous designs and approaches before settling on the spinning panels. He switched from his initial plan of red panes after considering how they would look at night. The contradictory elements in the title “Intermittent Constancy” are a play on the work’s active nature. Chilkov said it’s impossible to guess how long the piece will stay static before the wind picks up. “I like the idea of something that will cause that kind of mind shift,” he said. The work is lit from the base, with light pointing up. Chilkov said his favorite time to view it is on windy evenings. “If you come up from a distance, people kind of wonder, ‘What is that?’ It looks like a fastened jewel,” Chilkov said. Chilkov said he enjoys watching people on the street react to “Intermittent Constancy.” He said he has seen individuals stop to take photos with the work. Others just stare at it as the aluminum panels spin in the wind. nicholas@downtownnews.com