10-05-09

A NEWS &E LOS ANGELES

DOWNTOWN Volume 38, Number 40

INSIDE

October 5, 2009

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

FALL PREVIEW Pull-Out Section

9 – 24

W W W. D O W N T O W N N E W S . C O M

Trickle Down Dudanomics Fans Are Holding on to Their Tickets to See the Phil’s New Music Director

by Ryan Vaillancourt staff writer

Crazy Gideon’s will close — really.

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Urban Scrawl on Dudamania.

4

Prix-fixe meals at 41 Downtown restaurants.

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O

n the eve of his Downtown debut, new Los Angeles Philharmonic Music Director Gustavo Dudamel is everywhere. His curly locks bounce along on the side of MTA buses. His boyish grin adorns banners draped over the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

When he showed up for a press briefing last Wednesday after his first rehearsals with the orchestra, Phil officials said it was the biggest media turnout ever for a Music Center event.

The 28-year-old Venezuelan prodigy has already sold out his inaugural concert at Walt Disney

Concert Hall, scheduled for Oct. 8. Last week, most of the ensuing October concerts were also nearly full too, said Philharmonic Association President Deborah Borda.

Bringing the buzz-generating Dudamel to Los Angeles was hailed as a coup for the Phil, and early ticket sales seem to validate that assessment.

“Though we can’t provide specific numbers, our current sales figures show that single ticket sales are significantly up from previous years,” Borda said.

A section of Dodger Stadium may be marketed as Mannywood, but is see Dudamel, page 6

Little Progress in Parks Program Two Years After Issue Garnered Attention, Not One New ‘Quimby’ Park Has Been Created

Play 4th and Long Football and win prizes.

photo by Gary Leonard

Gustavo Dudamel this week conducts his first Downtown concerts as music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The charismatic Venezuelan has spurred ticket sales that a Phil exec called “significantly up from previous years.”

Downtown to Get Second Winter Ice Rink L.A. Kings, Former Sponsor of the Pershing Square Facility, Will Set Up Competing Rink at L.A. Live

by Anna Scott

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staff writer

D

owntown will see a new addition to the usual holiday festivities this winter: dueling ice skating rinks.

The Los Angeles Kings this year are dropping their sponsorship of the Downtown On Ice rink at Pershing Square after a decadelong partnership. Instead, the team will sponsor a new, tempo-

Reviewing ‘Siegfried’ at L.A. Opera.

25

rary rink at L.A. Live called Kings Holiday Ice, Kings Vice President of Communications Michael Altieri told Los Angeles Downtown News.

“We’ve had 10 great years, but we now have an opportunity with L.A. Live to establish what we feel will be a premier ice rink in the same vein as Rockefeller Center in New York,” said Altieri. “It’s such a great location.” see Ice Rinks, page 8

photo by Gary Leonard

The city in June spent about $5 million to purchase a nearly one-acre parcel on Spring Street for a new park. It marked the only land acquisition in about two years from the controversial Quimby fees program.

by Anna Scott staff writer

A unique take on the soapbox race.

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18 CALENDAR LISTINGS 20 MAP 29 CLASSIFIEDS

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owntown has seen some notable additions in the past few years, including stylish new restaurants, exclusive bars, and even baby carriages. But one thing the area still lacks, despite concentrated efforts by city officials, is green space.

Two years ago this month, the city Department of Recreation and Parks revealed that it had accumulated more than $130 million in park funds — the proceeds came from developers in the form of “Quimby fees” — for green-starved areas

throughout the city, including nearly $16 million for the Downtown area.

More than $77 million of that was unspent and unallocated. Recreation and Parks General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri, under fire from members of the City Council and the business community, that year launched a study to assess the city’s park needs.

The project was intended to be a first step in creating a plan to match the unspent park money with outdoor improvement projects.

But after two years and more than $500,000, the effort is on hold amid the city budget crisis, Mukri said. see Parks, page 28

photo by Gary Leonard

The Pershing Square ice rink, which has operated in the Financial District park for 10 years, will get a challenge this year from a new ice skating center at L.A. Live.

Since 1972, an independent, locally owned and edited newspaper, go figure.

2 Downtown News

October 5, 2009

DowntownNews.com

AROUNDTOWN Get Your Hands on Plácido’s Clothes

T

he Los Angeles Opera frequently stages ornate productions with lavish costumes. Those outfits come into play this week, in a completely different manner. On Saturday, Oct. 10, the company will hold its first costume sale to thin the inventory in its overstuffed Downtown Costume Shop. More than 2,500 pieces created for past productions will be up for grabs, everything from full outfits to accoutrements such as capes, hats, shoes and fans. All of the pieces on sale were created at the Costume Shop by the opera’s staff of tailors, drapers, seamstresses and craftspeople. Prices will range from $20 for accessories to $5,000 for “couture” items such as the handmade, 19th century-style ball gowns created for La Traviata, said L.A. Opera Director of Communications Gary Murphy. Outfits worn by tenor and company Artistic Director Plácido Domingo will also be for sale. The high-end pieces will be displayed on a separate “diva rack,” Murphy said. “This is a way for us to make room for any new work that we’re creating and it’s a way of sharing.” The sale will take place from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. in the parking lot of the Costume Shop, at 330 S. Alameda Ave.

Casa De Sousa Is Evicted

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ith sheriff’s deputies in tow, officials with El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument took possession of the Casa De Sousa premises Oct. 1, ending a long rent dispute with the tenants, whose family was evicted from the premises after more than 60 years. The coffee and novelty shop, located at the popular Olvera Street attraction, became only the second business to be evicted in the monument’s almost 80-year history. David Louie, a member of the El Pueblo Board of Commissioners, said deputies and El Pueblo officials cut some padlocks that were placed on the front and rear iron gates of the shop and replaced them with city-owned locks. Louie said that as officials took over, Casa De Sousa owners Conchita Sousa and Fernando Cruz showed up and told the deputies and city officials that they were violating their rights, though they were unable to stop the eviction. “The property has been

secured. General Services will have their guys come back and take inventory on all the personal items still there,” Louie said.

Casa De Sousa’s owners were six months behind on their $1,900 rent, and after failing to comply with a repayment agreement, owed about $13,000. At an Aug. 21 hearing at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, Sousa was given a court order to move out of her store for failing to pay rent. Robert Andrade, El Pueblo’s general manager, previously said that a public bidding process will be held to find a new tenant for the space.

Low-Income Project Planned for Sixth and Maple

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he nonprofit affordable housing developer Skid Row Housing Trust is in the early stage of planning a new project on the southeast corner of Sixth and Maple streets, said SRHT Executive Director Mike Alvidrez. The Star Apartments would be the developer’s third collaboration with Silver Lakebased Michael Maltzan, who is known for designing highprofile, single-family homes and commercial projects, including museums. Maltzan previously designed the SRHT’s Rainbow Apartments on San Pedro Street and the eye-catching, circular New Carver Apartments at 17th and Hope streets, which celebrated its grand opening last month. The Star Apartments would create a new, four-story structure with 102 units above an existing single-story building at 240 E. Sixth St. Plans include space for retail and parking on the ground floor, and social service offices and open space on the second floor. The building would serve homeless men and women and low-income individuals. The SRHT purchased the property in December, said Alvidrez. Timing would depend on the developer’s ability to obtain financing, and a budget has not been revealed.

Play in a Barn

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ost Downtown kids may not have been born in a barn, but now they can play in one while their parents sip lattes and work on their laptops. Little Barn, a 2,500-squarefoot indoor playground in City West, is set for a soft opening Monday, Oct. 5. The facility, decorated to look like a red barn,

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

includes a ball pit, a bounce house, a kiddie gym and climbing wall, as well as a snack bar with coffee and espresso drinks and free Wi-Fi. Little Barn will be open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m.-5p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-noon and Sunday from 4-7 p.m. Ages are 6 months to 8 years and admission is $8 per child. Little Barn is at 130 S. Beaudry Ave., (213) 481-2276 or littlebarn.org.

All About at Art Walk

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everal Downtown theaters will become the newest attraction for those attending the Downtown Art Walk this week, as the Los Angeles Historic Theater Foundation launches the first of what could be a series of tours coinciding with the popular monthly event. The LAHTF plans to extend its All About series, a free monthly tour of historic theaters throughout Southern California, with smaller events tied to Art Walk.

On Thursday, Oct. 8, one tour, to run at 6 p.m. and then again an hour later, will explore South Broadway and Hill Street, and will visit the Globe/Morosco Theater. The tour is free but reservations are required. A second tour, at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m., will focus solely on the Mayan. Reservations are not required for this tour, which will start at the club at 1038 S. Hill St. Hillsman Wright, executive director of the LAHTF, said the plan is to do an All About tour at every Art Walk. More information is at (213) 999-5067 or lahtf.org.

Grand Avenue Festival Cancelled This Year

I

f you noticed something missing from Bunker Hill last week, perhaps it was the Grand Avenue Festival. The celebration, which last year took place on Sept. 28, was cancelled this year. The association that organizes the festival, The Grand Avenue Partners, said in a statement that its members “have decided to place the 2009 festival on hiatus and direct their collective efforts on assessing needs and possibly re-inventing the festival for 2010 and beyond.” The daylong cultural celebration featured musical performances at Bunker Hill venues, art displays, a food fair and family-friendly activities, and attracted more than 20,000 people in past years. This would have been its sixth year. see Around Town, page 8

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October 5, 2009

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Downtown News 3

Crazy Gideon Closing Shop Downtown Electronics Retailer Retiring Due to Bad Economy — and This Time He Means It

by Richard Guzmán city editor

T

he economy may have gotten too crazy even for Crazy Gideon.

The Downtown electronics retailer, famous for the wacky commercials where he smashes TVs to show how crazy he is for having such low prices, has put his 39,000-squarefoot Arts District building up for lease. He plans on closing his store for good, possibly as early as the end of this year.

“The economy is really bad. I’ve been carrying this place for six months,” Gideon Kotzer said.

Kotzer still has about $1 million of inventory to sell before he can close, and his store’s website is announcing a going out of business sale with discounts of up to 70% off. Kotzer said he could possibly sell out of inventory by the end of the year.

While Crazy Gideon’s always seems to be in the midst of some kind of going-out-of-business promotion, the fact that the building is being actively marketed could make this different. The three-story property at 830 Traction Ave. is being listed by Major Properties.

According to the listing, the building includes a 10,500-square-foot parking lot. It is on the market for $27,000 per month for the entire structure. There are also options for

‘The economy is really bad.

I’ve been carrying this place for six months.’

—Gideon Kotzer

individual floors, with the ground floor, which houses Crazy Gideon’s, going for $15,000, and an additional $3,000 for the basement. The second floor is listed at $6,000 and the third floor is $4,000.

Mark Silverman, a broker with Major Properties, said the building has been on the market less than a week and has drawn some interest, though he would not elaborate.

Silverman said they are going after a variety of possible tenants, such as artists, people in the food business, restaurants and clubs.

“We’re looking at the entire spectrum. You never know who could be interested, especially in this economy,” he said. “It’s a great location, the Arts District, near all these new residential complexes, a coffee shop. It’s becoming a point of destination in the area.”

Sense of Disbelief With Kotzer’s history of “Going Out of Business Sales,” some Arts District stakeholders have expressed a sense of, well, disbelief.

Estela Lopez, executive director of the Central City East Association, which operates a business improvement district in the Arts District, has seen the recent going out of business signs.

She also remembers the store having similar sales in the past.

“People’s reaction was, you know, he’s done it so many times, so is it real?” she said. “But if it turns out that it’s the real thing, I think it’ll be a little surprising.”

Qathryn Brehm, a longtime Arts District resident, also recalls the many going out of business sales of the past.

“For real this time?” she asked with a chuckle when told that the building is on the market.

“That building is a substantial building. I would love to see retail on the ground floor,” she said. “That would be exciting, and maybe some actual working studios above.”

Kotzer said he is looking for artistically inclined businesses that would fit in with the Arts District. The listing for the property also suggests the space could house a supermarket or a charter school.

Kotzer said he has no plans to sell the building and, depending on how much of the property is leased, he may maintain a small “mom and pop” electronics store at the site.

“Just so I can have a place to go sit down and answer the phone,” he said.

Kotzer gained a following with his bizarre yet memorable commercials. In addition to smashing TVs, the spots showed him in a straitjacket being escorted out of his store for having such crazy low prices, or riding a scooter through the store.

“He brought the Arts District to another audience with his commercials, since in his commercials he’s always used ‘In the Arts District on Traction Avenue,’” Brehm said.

For a time, Kotzer also wanted to bring more residents into the district as well.

He had previously announced plans to build a housing complex on the site. The property has been entitled by the city for 76 residential units and 7,000 square feet of retail space. Kotzer said that project will be put on hold, but could be reconsidered in the future.

“I’ve been in business for 35 years. It’s time to retire,” he said.

Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.

photo by Gary Leonard

Gideon Kotzer, better known as Crazy Gideon, has put the building housing his well-known Arts District electronics store up for lease.

He could close for good by the end of the year.

4 Downtown News

October 5, 2009

DowntownNews.com

EDITORIALS Art Walk at a Crossroads

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ive years ago a small group of Historic Core art gallery owners decided to open their spaces at the same time on a Thursday evening. They hoped that with the power of numbers and a bit of marketing, they could build some buzz, lure people to a then quasi-sketchy area of Downtown Los Angeles, and sell some art.

In a be-careful-what-you-wish-for situation, they did that and much, much more.

Although the September 2004 debut of the Downtown Art Walk drew about 75 people to eight participating galleries, last month’s installment attracted approximately 10,000, clogging streets, filling bars and restaurants in the Historic Core and producing ample traffic for the street vendors who followed the crowds.

About the only ones displeased are some of the gallery owners, who lament the fact that Art Walk has turned into one giant party.

With the transformation from a gathering built around creativity to one centered on socializing and, to a degree, drinking, the new organizers of the event have some tough decisions to make.

Should they embrace the present, recognize its potential to continue to expose a revitalized Downtown, and work even harder to enhance the social atmosphere of the happening that occurs on the second Thursday of every month? (The next one is Oct 8.) Or should they seek again to sell art and focus on the galleries, which almost certainly would rein things in and shrink the crowds and the buzz?

There is no easy answer and, despite the passions on all sides, there also is not a right answer. No matter which direction Art Walk goes, some people will be displeased.

Art Walk in a way has been a Pandora’s Box. Bert Green, a pioneer in the Downtown art scene, joined with a group of gallery owners to start the event and nurture its growth. The move came as the area was in the process of transforming from a bedraggled neighborhood into a residential hub, and it is easy to forget that one of the centers of Art Walk, the intersection of Fifth and Main streets, was described as an open-air drug bazaar five years ago.

Perhaps the clearest example of what has transpired comes in the form of Green’s gallery: The founder of the event now closes his

space at 6 p.m. on Art Walk nights while the party rolls on for many more hours. It’s a move that seems to echo what some others say — that Art Walk as it stands today is simply not a good time to sell art.

As Los Angeles Downtown News reported last month, a group of gallery owners has spun off from the main organization.

Under the rubric of the Downtown Los Angeles Galleries Association, they are focusing on ways to boost sales and traffic at their spaces during the rest of the month.

One cannot blame them for moving away from an event that does not help their business.

This situation is not unprecedented in Downtown. About a decade ago, a group of art galleries on Chung King Road in Chinatown began organizing simultaneous Saturday night openings of their shows.

Word of mouth quickly spread and soon the gatherings were attracting thousands of people, many of whom would wander through the art spaces and then hit neighboring bars and restaurants. The scene was even chronicled in Rolling Stone.

Preparing for the Flu Bug

T

he question of whether or not to get flu shots is a personal decision. But with the threat of H1N1, aka swine flu, upon us, all Downtown Los Angeles businesses and government agencies, especially those in tall office towers, should be preparing for how they will deal with the pandemic (it has been declared such by the World Health Organization), and what they will do when the disease makes its way through their workplaces.

We recognize that the above paragraph says “when” rather than “if.” In reality it is a question mark as to which businesses will find its employees sickened. But with the California Department of Health warning that one in four people in the state will contract swine flu in the coming season, business owners and managers need to have a game plan. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best may be a cliché, but it’s a wise

Urban Scrawl by Doug Davis

practice right now.

Swine flu is a threat to people around the globe. But the confines of many spaces in Downtown could help spread the disease — it can transmit, for example, when people who are contagious cough or sneeze in crowded elevators or cubicle-filled offices. The general advice is a lot of handwashing and avoiding touching the eyes and mouth, but that only goes so far.

Many people will get flu shots on their own. Others never will, being wary of the shots or perhaps questioning their efficacy. Of course, it is an issue not just for Downtown workers, but also for those who live here.

Still, this is a situation where employers and managers could play a significant role. Workers may opt for flu shots if their bosses are proactive — say, for example, arranging

However, in the long run it did not help sell a lot of art, and organizers dialed it back.

Today there are still openings and plenty of galleries in Chinatown, but the scene is intentionally nothing like it was.

The Historic Core Art Walk is thrilling to many and undeniably different than it was in the early years. It greatly benefits some businesses, but make no mistake, the original Art Walk is dead.

The current organizers of the event should work closely with the galleries in the area and other stakeholders to determine what, if any, common goals exist, and if those can be achieved. If there is simply too much of a divide — and that may be the case — they need to decide if they will try to make the Art Walk a more controlled, manageable event, or if the area and most local businesses are better served by a happening that is not driven by the goal of selling art.

Questions such as boundaries of the event, parking and the offering of alcohol all need to be considered. Art Walk has reached a crossroads, and it is time to determine where it goes next.

office-wide flu shots, or trips to locations where shots are being given.

Right now, no one knows how the disease will impact the community. Public health officials have been careful to say this is a moment for concern, not alarm. It’s wise to keep that in mind.

It’s also wise to keep in mind another cliché: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Businesses need to be prepared, and need to help their employees be prepared.

How to reach us Main office: (213) 481-1448 MAIL your Letter Letters to the Editor • L.A. Downtown News 1264 W. First Street • Los Angeles, CA 90026 Email your Letter realpeople@downtownnews.com FAX your Letter (213) 250-4617 Read Us on the Web DowntownNews.com

Editor & PublishEr: Sue Laris GENErAl MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin ExEcutivE Editor: Jon Regardie citY Editor: Richard Guzmán stAFF writErs: Anna Scott, Ryan Vaillancourt coNtributiNG Editors: David Friedman, Kathryn Maese coNtributiNG writErs: Jay Berman, Jeff Favre, Michael X. Ferraro, Kristin Friedrich, Howard Leff, Rod Riggs, Marc Porter Zasada Art dirEctor: Brian Allison AssistANt Art dirEctor: Yumi Kanegawa ProductioN ANd GrAPhics: Alexis Rawlins ProductioN AssistANt / EvENt coordiNAtor: Claudia Hernandez PhotoGrAPhEr: Gary Leonard AccouNtiNG: Ashley Vandervort AdvErtisiNG dirEctor: Steve Nakutin sAlEs AssistANt: Annette Cruz clAssiFiEd AdvErtisiNG MANAGEr: Catherine Holloway AccouNt ExEcutivEs: Robert Dutcher, Steve Epstein, Catherine Holloway, Tam Nguyen, Kelley Smith circulAtioN: Norma Rodas distributioN MANAGEr: Salvador Ingles distributioN AssistANts: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla 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. It is also distributed to the extended urban communities of Glendale, Hollywood, Wilshire Center, Los Feliz, Silver Lake & Larchmont Village.

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Downtown News 5

Dineapalooza More Than 40 Downtown Restaurants Sign on for a Prix-Fixe Promotion

by Richard Guzmán city editor

M

any restaurants in Downtown Los Angeles this year have been hammered by a double whammy: the recession, and competition from the dozens of new area eateries.

This week, more than 40 of the Downtown establishments are trying something different to bring in customers — discounted prix-fixe meals. They’re not alone, as more than 200 others citywide are also participating in the culinary event known as DineLA Restaurant Week.

“These are difficult times, and during difficult times we want to help the restaurant community,” said Mark Liberman, president and CEO of L.A. Inc., the city’s convention and visitors’ bureau, which organizes the event.

Although it’s called DineLA Week, the two-week happening began Oct. 4 and goes through Oct. 9. It takes off the busy Saturday night, then runs again from Oct. 11-16.

This actually marks the second time this year the event has taken place. DineLA Week was already held in January, when about 150 restaurants signed on.

“This time it’s 260, which is great news for the restaurants and every person who lives or visits here, because they’re going to find great food at a great price,” Liberman said.

Participating restaurants will offer prixfixe menus broken down into three price categories: Deluxe Dining is $16 for lunch and $26 for dinner; Premier Dining is $22 for lunch and $34 for dinner; and Fine

Dining is $28 for lunch and $44 for dinner.

Customers can choose from two or three items per course. Tax, beverages and tip are not included.

About 150,000 diners participated in the January event, and many restaurants saw a 20%-30% increase in business, Liberman said. One of the Downtown establishments that benefited was Drago, the Italian restaurant in City National Plaza opened in late 2007 by celebrity chef and restaurateur Celestino Drago.

“Business picked up a good 20%, and I think this time we can top that,” said Drago, who will offer a Fine Dining lunch and dinner menu.

Downtown Launch Drago and about 50 other chefs launched DineLA Week at the Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill at L.A. Live on Sept. 25. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa appeared at the event that included a ceremonial “first bite” of pizza.

“These are tough times and I can tell you that at virtually every restaurant I’ve gone to they’ve seen a drop in people,” said Villaraigosa. “We’re going to hopefully give folks an opportunity to take their first visit, and maybe their second and third and beyond.”

Downtown Los Angeles has more restaurants participating than any other community in the region, said DineLA officials. Forty-one have signed on, including Provecho, Rivera, Ciudad, Chaya Downtown, Corkbar, the newly opened Rosa Mexicano and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, both part of L.A. Live.

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Wolfgang Puck joined dozens of chefs and restaurant owners at a Sept. 25 event to launch DineLA Restaurant Week. Downtown participants in the promotion include Drago, Rivera, Ciudad, Chaya Downtown and Corkbar.

taurants that came on board,” said Carrie Kommers, director of DineLA. “Downtown in particular has absolutely exploded.”

Officials are not surprised at the Downtown participation level, given the competition and the breadth of offerings. Many restaurateurs are hoping the promotion will help jump-start business, especially as the Lakers, Clippers and Kings return to Staples Center, potentially leading to increased pre- and post-game traffic.

Gabriel Morales, co-owner of Provecho, an upscale Mexican restaurant in a groundfloor space at Wilshire Boulevard and Flower Street, is taking advantage of DineLA Week to launch his new fall menu.

“Our patrons will be able to get a taste of what’s coming up and we’ll be changing it up during DineLA Week,” he said, adding that he hopes to get a bounce of about 20%.

John Rivera Sedlar, owner of the celebrated Rivera restaurant in South Park, will be par-

ticipating for the first time, and expects to gain some return customers for the Latin establishment.

“Any time you can spread some culinary information it’s fantastic for the city,” said Sedlar, who will also debut a new menu during the event. “I think we’ll get a lot of new people that have been wanting to come Downtown and see this as an opportunity to come here for something special.”

Puck, who hosted the launch, said DineLA is one of the most successful restaurant events in the city.

“It gets people to come out,” he said. “It’s real important to get people excited, get them to go to the restaurants and help get the economy going, since the restaurant industry employs so many people.”

A full list of participating restaurants is at dinela.com.

Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.

6 Downtown News

Dudamel Continued from page 1 this the beginning of Gustavowood?

The marketing campaign that has splashed his face around the city, and the early sell-outs would seem to say yes. But on the secondary ticket market, brokers say the economic trickle down of the Phil’s new maestro isn’t exactly a flood. “Typically, in the secondary market, we do not sell that many L.A. Philharmonic tickets, especially the normal classical concerts,� said Cathy Yoel, an executive with the Calabassas-based broker Barry’s Tickets. “They don’t sell well on the secondary market. People plan in advance for classical or opera.�

Usually, ticket brokers profit from the basic economic credo “buy low, sell high.� They traditionally purchase tickets for events that are expected to sell out quickly, leaving a lot of demand from people willing to pay higher prices. The situation is most pronounced for sports events and rock concerts, where tickets can go for several times their face value.

Barry’s Tickets doubled its investment in L.A. Phil concerts for the 2009/2010 season, largely based on the anticipated demand for Dudamel performances, said Yoel, who handles the company’s arts and cultural event offerings.

Still, that jump doesn’t reflect a huge segment of their busi-

October 5, 2009

DowntownNews.com ness, she said. “If our percentage of sales was .5%, now it’s 1%,� Yoel said. “So yes, it’s doubled, from a miniscule amount to a less miniscule amount. I think it’s awesome the publicity they’re putting into it and I hope it sparks a bigger interest in classical music, but it really hasn’t impacted us more than a little.�

While perhaps a small part of their bottom line, it could generate significant profits on a per-ticket basis. Last week, Orchestra East seats that normally sell for about $105 were listed on the Barry’s website at $300 apiece. Seats in the main Orchestra that go for $160 were available at $398 each.

Mahler Maniacs In his Oct. 8 debut, Dudamel will lead the orchestra in a new piece by composer John Adams called “City Noir,� which was commissioned by the Phil, and close with Gustav Mahler’s First Symphony. He’ll conduct the Mahler piece Friday through Sunday too.

While the inaugural concert is sold out, as of press time there were still tickets available for the Friday, Saturday and Sunday shows. Stubhub.com, where individual sellers seek to unload their personal tickets, had dozens of seats for the opening and weekend concerts, said company spokeswoman Joellen Ferrer.

Late last week, there were 60 tickets for the Oct. 8 concert in the 2,265-seat venue on Stubhub, ranging from $165-$353, Ferrer said. Prices normally range from about

$53-$160. Though Stubhub and other secondary brokers offer an option for die-hard fans in need of a ticket to see Dudamel, the available volume is a relative “handful� for Stubhub, Ferrer said.

By comparison, the Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to have a home playoff game the same night, and sellers are lining up by the thousands to unload their tickets on Stubhub. Welcome Gustavo, but in L.A., Manny and Kobe are still the kings.

Over at Craigslist.com, the Philharmonic offerings are even scarcer than what’s at Stubhub, though there are less expensive tickets for some of the Dudamel opening weekend concerts, including a pair of balcony seats for $75 apiece. On the same site, Dodgers’ playoff tickets are widely available, and for steeper prices. One ticket holder is looking to unload two seats in the designated Mannywood section in left field for $400 each. “Classical music is something that we would like to eventually be able to have more of a place in,� said Stubhub’s Ferrer. “The secondary market just isn’t as vibrant for events like this because there isn’t as much supply out there.�

Still, Ferrer said that the Stubhub’s supply is not always a good indicator of how hot a certain ticket is. It may be, she said, that Philharmonic devotees and those caught up in the Dudamel publicity storm “just aren’t willing to part with their tickets.�

Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.

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Ice Rinks Continued from page 1 The new rink, he said, will be set up at Nokia Plaza, the open courtyard inside L.A. Live’s main entrance off Olympic Boulevard, directly across from Staples Center. The 70-by50-foot rink will open Dec. 3, coinciding with the lighting ceremony for the L.A. Live Christmas tree. It also follows the opening of the new 14-screen Regal cineplex.

It will remain open through Jan. 2, with weekday hours from 4-11 p.m. and weekend hours of 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.

The rink will be able to accommodate up to 200 skaters at a time, said Altieri, and general admission will be $10, including skate rental.

The Pershing Square rink will run from Nov. 19-Jan. 19 without the Kings, regardless of whether the Department of Recreation and Parks can find a replacement sponsor, said Pershing Square Facility Manager Ann Vollmer. Prices in the past have been $6 general admission per hour-long session, plus $2 skate rental.

Losing the Kings’ sponsorship will cost the city approximately $100,000, said L.A. Parks Foundation Executive Director Judith Kieffer, who is working on finding a corporate sponsor for the rink. Kieffer said that park officials are committed to keeping admission costs down for the rink despite the loss.

The lunchtime and evening concerts that have livened up Downtown On Ice in previous years will go on this year, Vollmer said. In the past, there has been programming several nights a week, with a variety of rock bands and other acts.

For the past several years Spaceland Productions, which runs the Spaceland and Echo nightclubs, has overseen a popular series with independent bands.

“We’re booking all that now,” Kieffer said. “To be competitive, we have to keep the quality up. It would be slitting our throats to cut the quality. The rink is a package, and we won’t have the Kings piece but we’ll have the other things.”

This marks the second major recent Downtown move for the Kings. In late August, in an effort to drum up interest for the season that began Oct. 3, the team held a three-day “Hockey Fest” with numerous programs, clinics and opportunities to meet the players.

Around Town Continued from page 2

Man Arrested for Post-Lakers Looting

M

photo by Gary Leonard

Nokia Plaza in L.A. Live will hold a 70-by-50-foot rink that opens Dec. 3. The L.A. Kings will stage hockey clinics, workshops and player appearances in the rink.

The Kings-organized hockey clinics, workshops and player appearances that have been part of Downtown On Ice will move to the L.A. Live rink, said Altieri. The L.A. Live rink will also offer daily “Skate with Santa” sessions, birthday party packages and group rates for 10 or more skaters. He said that he is not worried about competition from Downtown On Ice. “We feel that these are all great opportunities for people who are Downtown,” he said. “Especially as Downtown continues to grow.”

Vollmer, meanwhile, said that Pershing Square officials plan to ramp up marketing for Downtown On Ice this year. When told that the L.A. Live rink would not open before the end of next month, she noted, “We’ll be here for Thanksgiving.”

Contact Anna Scott at anna@downtownnews.com.

ore than three months after the looting that followed the 2009 Lakers championship victory, police continue to make arrests related to the June 14 melee.

Hawaiian Gardens resident Michael Rivas, 24, was arrested on Sept. 25 and charged with burglary with a special circumstance for looting, LAPD officials announced last week. The arrest is the 20th related to the fracas, but the first since June 15, when two people were arrested for receiving stolen property, said Lt. Paul Vernon, head of Central Area detectives. Police allege that Rivas made off with two cases of soft drinks from the Shell gas station at 504 W. Olympic Blvd. Photos of Rivas loading the drinks into his trunk circulated on social networking sites like Flickr and Youtube. “In the pictures, Mr. Rivas is laughing,” Vernon said. “He wasn’t laughing when we showed up at his job to arrest him.” The melee resulted in 29 reported crimes and an estimated $300,000 in damage.

New Jail on Hold

T

he Los Angeles Police Department’s state-of-the-art Metro Detention Center on Los Angeles Street, which was due to start holding inmates in February, is indefinitely on hold due to the city’s budget shortfall. To run the new $80 million jail, which at about 160,000 square feet is 58,000 square feet larger than the ailing Parker Center jail it was built to replace, requires twice the staffing, said Capt.

Clayton Farrell, who heads the LAPD Jails Division. With the shortfall in spending the department does not have the money to hire new jail staffers. The Metro Detention Center was designed to house male and female inmates.

“Various deployment and staffing options are being considered” to get the jail open, Farrell said.

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FALL ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PREVIEW

NEWS

10 Downtown News

October 5, 2009

Arts & Entertainment

Stepping Up on the Stage Fall Theater and Dance Season Mixes the New, the Old and the Odd

by Jeff favre contributing writer

C

lassics and historical tales will take center stage at Downtown theaters this fall, from an enduring, endearing children’s fantasy about the world’s greatest nanny to a 1972 Broadway play that broke a major cultural barrier. A renowned trio that has been entertaining Angelenos for more than 25 years is back with its take on the Iraq War and its effects at home, while the country’s oldest Asian American theater company celebrates its 44th season by tempting audiences with a story about recreating the perfect Taiwanese meal — soul food style.

There’s plenty more in store.

For complete Theater and Dance listings, see page 23.

Supernanny: All it takes is one word to let children and adults know that the world’s greatest nanny is coming to the rescue, and that’s supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. An ongoing Broadway hit, Mary Poppins is finally on tour and flies into the Ahmanson Theatre via magic umbrella Nov. 13-Feb. 7, 2010. Family-friendly fare has been rare in recent seasons at the Ahmanson, but children (the show is recommended for ages 7 and

up) should be flocking to see not a recreation of the famed 1964 Disney movie, but a melding of the onscreen tale and P.L. Travers’ original, darker Mary Poppins stories. Dance fans get the bonus of several numbers choreographed by co-director Matthew Bourne, who has wowed Ahmanson crowds with Play Without Words, The Car Man and Edward Scissorhands. The show stars Ashley Brown as Mary and Gavin Lee as Bert, both of whom originated the roles in New York. Expect an explosion of special effects, a few new songs and some old favorites, including “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Jolly Holiday” and, of course, “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.”

At 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 628-2772 or centertheatregroup.org.

Atlanta on Trial: As a Southern Jewish playwright, Alfred Uhry knew from the time he was a little boy about the trial of Leo Frank, a northern Jew who in 1913 was accused of murdering a 13-year-old girl in Atlanta. Uhry worked the tale into the musical Parade with the help of composer-lyricist Jason Robert Brown. Though it premiered on Broadway 10 years ago, the current production at the Mark Taper Forum, running through Nov. 15, is its first major L.A. showcase. This is the

photo by Steve Menendez

Drag artist-cabaret singer Joey Arias joins forces with puppeteer Basil Twist at REDCAT. The show Arias With a Twist runs Nov. 18-Dec. 13.

photo by John Maldonado Photography

Culture Clash, who last wowed Mark Taper Forum audiences with the L.A. politics-inspired Water & Power in 2007, returns to the venue Dec. 3 with Palestine, New Mexico. The show concerns a dead soldier and a Native American tribe.

scaled-down, revised version that earned raves on London’s West End two years ago. Part murder mystery, part examination of racism and anti-Semitism in the South, Parade’s ensemble cast includes former “Grey’s Anatomy” star T.R. Knight, and Christian Hoff, who won a Tony for his performance in Jersey Boys.

At 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 628-2772 or centertheatregroup.org.

Beautiful Dance: Gregory Maqoma, a celebrated South African dancer who is barely known in America, presents Beautiful Me at REDCAT Oct. 21-25. The founder and artistic director of Vuyani Dance Theatre, Maqoma mixes live music — sitar, cello, violin and percussion — with spoken text that covers his life growing up in Johannesburg, as photo by John Hogg well some of the continent’s histoSouth African dancer Gregory Maqoma appears at REDCAT ry. Beautiful Me, which premiered Oct. 21-25. His show Beautiful Me is partly biographical, and in 2007, marks the conclusion of also touches on elements of African history. the “Beauty Trilogy,” which celebrates the dancer’s three most influential choreographers while folding in deeply surreal, to tackle a trio of short stories Maqoma’s fusion of urban movement and by 19th century Russian satirist Nikolai Gogol. classic ballet.

With a script by KPCC radio personality Kitty At 631 W. Second St., (213) 237-2800 or Felde and music from Ego Plum, The Gogol redcat.org.

Project is now at the Bootleg Theater (it runs through Nov. 1). The inhabitants of Nevsky Gogol Nightmares: Leave it to Rogue Prospect, where the stories take place, include Ensemble, a company that mixes multimedia a giant nose that has escaped from a town ofand puppetry to transform the real into the ficial’s face, a baker made out of pastries, and

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Arts & Entertainment

The original supernanny arrives in Downtown, when Mary Poppins opens at the Ahmanson Theatre Nov. 14. It runs through Feb. 10, 2007.

photo by John Kane

The shape-shifting and highly acrobatic dance company Pilobolus performs at the Ahmanson Theatre Oct. 23-25.

dogs that sing love songs. Underneath the wild surface, Gogol examines the corruption of the Russian empire. The troupe exhibits some significant puppet making and special effects skills, while Felde, whose work tends toward the serious and realist, has taken a turn toward the absurdist.

At 2220 Beverly Blvd., (800) 838-3006 or rogueartists.org.

A Menu Medley: Few cities equal Los Angeles in terms of variety, so Downtown audiences might be hungry for the West Coast premiere of Po Boy Tango, running Nov. 5-Dec. 12 at East West Players. Kenneth Lin penned this play about a Taiwanese immigrant who recruits a friend, an African American chef, to help him recreate his deceased mother’s “Great Banquet.” Richie Po and Gloria B. use as a guide cooking videos made by Po’s mother. Lin fuses Asian cuisine and soul food with a relationship between a pair from different cultures.

At 120 Judge John Aiso St., (213) 625-7000 ext. 20, or eastwestplayers.org.

Rolling on the River: Joseph A. Walker made history in 1974 by becoming the first African American to win a Tony for Best Play, for The River Niger. The Robey Theatre Company will revive the show at the LATC Nov. 13-Dec. 20. The story of a poet who barely makes a living as a housepainter stars Margaret Avery and Bennett Guillory, who co-starred as Shug and Grady in the Steven Spielberg film The Color Purple.

At 514 S. Spring St., (213) 489-0994 or thelatc.org.

Theater With a Twist: Combine drag artist-cabaret singer Joey Arias with master puppeteer Basil Twist and you have a wild ride through aliens, vintage movie dance numbers and a visit with the devil — and that’s just the beginning. Arias With a Twist, running Nov. 18-Dec. 13 at REDCAT, is hardly a typical music revue. Arias begins the journey being kidnapped by aliens and sings Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir” before winding up in Hell. Throughout Arias’ journeys there are loads of wild puppets designed by Twist, who also directs.

At 631 W. Second St., (213) 237-2800 or redcat.org.

The Clash Is Back: With each passing year the theatrical trio Culture Clash adds to its reputation as satirists, combining controversial topics with biting humor. Palestine, New Mexico, running Dec. 3-Jan. 24, 2010, at the Mark Taper Forum, is written by Richard Montoya, who along with Rick Salinas and Herbert Siguenza comprise Culture Clash.

Montoya’s latest story concerns the death of a soldier, whose father is a chief of a New Mexico Native American tribe, and the female U.S. Army captain who must deliver the news.

At 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 628-2772 or centertheatregroup.org.

The Dance Experiment: Founded nearly 40 years ago at Dartmouth College as an outsider dance company, Pilobolus has morphed into a pop culture phenomenon, particularly with a silhouetted performance at the 2007 Academy Awards.

The company will perform Oct. 23-25 at the Ahmanson Theatre. Known for intricate shape shifting and physically demanding dances, Pilobolus has found fans among those not well versed in experimental dance. Among the pieces from its extensive repertoire, the company will perform a new work, “Redline,” which examines the beauty and futility of physical battle. The piece is accompanied with music by experimental composers Battles and Autechre.

At 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 628-2772 or centertheatregroup. org.

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12 Downtown News

Arts & Entertainment

October 5, 2009

photo by Corina Gamma

Head of the Classical Dudamel Dominates, But He’s Not the Only High Note on the Musical Scene This Fall

W

photo courtesy of Washington National Opera

hen it comes to classical music and Downtown Los Angeles this fall, four words will be heard more frequently than all others: Venezuelan wünderkind Gustavo Dudamel.

It’s hard to see or hear the last two words without the first two in front. The city (and many beyond the city) is doing a collective gasp/swoon/cheer at the incoming music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. There is so much hype that it becomes easy to forget that there will be other worthy things on various Downtown stages in the next few months.

Which is unfortunate, because once tickets for all things Gustavo sell out, those who enjoy classical strains will need to find other places to go. Fortunately, they have ample opportunities, from old-school providers like

steadily gained in reputation, becoming one of the country’s most respected orchestras.

Despite that, the marketing muscle of the Walt Disney Concert Hall-based group currently is paying little attention to the Philharmonic as a whole. Instead the focus, and some very heavy expectations, are being piled on the shoulders of 28-year-old Dudamel. The last time any newbie arrived anywhere with such anticipation was when LeBron James entered the NBA. Dudamel’s Downtown debut as the replacement for Esa-Pekka Salonen takes place Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Phil’s inaugural gala.

The fever will continue throughout the weekend, with Dudamel conducting a program of Mahler’s “Symphony No. 1” on Oct. 9-11.

He takes the baton a few more times before the end of the year. On Nov. 5-8, it’s another warhorse: Four performances of Verdi’s “Requiem,” and the following week, Nov. 1215, he leads the troops while soprano Dawn Upshaw sings a cycle of Luciano Berio’s “Folk Songs.”

The Dudameleriffic month continues as he conducts two Mozart symphonies and Berg’s “Violin Concerto,” with violinist Gil Shaham, Nov. 19-21. He closes out the month Nov. 27-29 with three post-Thanksgiving performances under the title of “West Coast Left Coast.” It’s a lineup of Salonen’s “LA Variations” and a new work commissioned by the Phil, John Adams’ “City Noir.”

At Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., (213) 850-2000 or laphil. org.

photo courtesy of Los Angeles Philharmonic

Chamber Gets Bookish: In December, the organization Southwest Chamber Music will appear in Guadalajara, Mexico as part of the Spanish Book Fair Arts Festival. Does that have anything to do with Downtown Los Angeles?

Why, yes it does. As a warm-up, the group that performs with as many as 14 players (adept at violin, viola, cello, Supertenor and L.A. Opera Artistic Director Plácido double bass, piano and more) will have Domingo returns to the stage Nov. 21-Dec. 1 when he a preview show at the Colburn School. appears in Tamerlano at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.

On Monday, Nov. 16, the group presents works by Alexandra du Bois, John Los Angeles Opera to other entities that also Adams and Aaron Copland, as well a piece play in the Phil’s home of Disney Hall. Here from Mexico’s Carlos Chavez. Show time is are some of the season’s highlights… starting 8 p.m., but be sure to arrive by 7:30 for a prewith the obvious. concert talk that will tell you everything you For complete Classical Music listings, see always wanted but were afraid to ask about page 22. chamber music.

At the Colburn School, 200 S. Grand Ave. Classical’s Lebron James: Over the past two Southwest Chamber Music information at decades the Los Angeles Philharmonic has (626) 685-4455 or swmusic.org.

The Gustavo Dudamel era is underway. The 28-year-old Venezuelan who succeeded L.A. Philharmonic Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen appears at Disney Hall in October and November.

The group Southwest Chamber Music is headed off to Mexico to play at a book fair. They preview the performance with a Nov. 16 date at the Colburn School. photo by Lee Salem

by Jon Regardie executive editor

Grant Gershon and the Los Angeles Master Chorale always pack the house. The highlight of the group’s fall schedule is two performances of the Messiah Sing-Along, on Dec. 12 and 20.

Plenty of Plácido: There is no shortage of Things That Everyone Should Do Once Before They Die. Climb a Mountain is up there, as is Attend a World Series game. Also on that list is See Plácido Domingo Sing.

Downtown audiences have the opportunity from Nov. 21-Dec. 1, when Los Angeles Opera performs George Frideric Handel’s Tamerlano. Supertenor Domingo, who also serves as artistic director of the company, will play the part of Bajazet, a Turkish sultan (FYI, it’s his 126th role). The Baroque work (to be performed in Italian with English supertitles) features countertenor Bejun Mehta in the title role, with young soprano Sarah Colburn as Princess Asteria. The show is about marriage, vengeance, love, suicide pacts and other fun stuff. No matter; Domingo will make it special. Alan Chapman gives a free talk one hour before each show.

Also on the L.A. Opera lineup is the already-open Siegfried. The third installment of Wagner’s Ring cycle is nearly five hours long.

Director and designer Achim Freyer and conductor James Conlon have earned raves for the show that continues through Oct. 17.

At the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-7219 or laopera.com. com.

You, the Chorus: At most classical events, the audience pays their money, then sits quietly and watches, breaking into applause at the end. But when the Los Angeles Master Chorale stages its Messiah Sing-Along, all that goes out the window. The lauded group helmed by Grant Gershon will come to the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion with a 50-person orchestra and a lineup of Handel’s “Messiah.” While there will be a soprano, alto, tenor and bass onstage to handle the solos, the audience is encouraged to chime in and play the part of chorus. It’s always a festive and surprising time where you learn who among your Downtown neighbors has a voice like an angel. Even better, there are two

opportunities to sing out loud, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, Dec. 12, and a 7 p.m. show on Sunday, Dec. 20.

The Master Chorale has several other Disney Hall appearances this fall. Oct. 18 brings selections from Mozart’s “Requiem” and the Los Angeles premiere of John Adams’ “Choruses From the Death of Klinghoffer” (yes, more Adams on Downtown stages). There is a batch of Christmas carols on Saturday, Dec. 5, and the Sunday, Dec. 13 program titled Rejoice! also offers holiday-themed music.

At Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., (213) 972-7282 or lamc.org.

Back to School: The Colburn School continues to be one of Downtown’s mostoverlooked cultural institutions. Which is silly, considering the Bunker Hill institution has more than 200 public concerts and performances every year. The only thing better than the packed schedule is the price: Almost all are free and don’t require tickets. Upcoming highlights include two shows from the Colburn Chamber Music Society.

On Sunday, Oct. 11, guest cellist Bonnie Hampton appears at Zipper Hall with faculty members Leigh Mesh on double bass and John Perry on piano; they’ll tackle works by Brahms and Dvorak. Then, on Sunday, Dec. 6, five faculty members perform works by Vivaldi, Telemann and Bach.

Also coming to Zipper Hall is Nine Hours on Tenth, a world premiere, on Friday-Saturday, Nov. 7-8, about Abraham Lincoln’s final hours. The show is composed and arranged

by Hershey Felder and features faculty member Ory Shihor on piano, and the Colburn Orchestra, which will be led by music director Yehuda Gilad. The opener for the performances is “The Aliyah Concerto,” a musical story of the creation of the state of Israel.

At the Colburn School, 200 S. Grand Ave., (213) 621-2200 or colburnschool.edu.

Contact Jon Regardie at regardie@downtownnews.com.

October 5, 2009

Downtown News 13

Arts & Entertainment

photo courtesy of Staples Center

They Will, They Will Rock You Big Bands and Loud Noises Fill Up Downtown Stages This Fall photo courtesy of the Grammy Museum

by AnnA Scott StAff writer

D

owntown’s concert lineup this fall has something for everyone. Whether you’re into drunken Irish folk music (and come on, who isn’t?), disco, 1980s post-punk or Latin rhythms, there is at least one band or artist coming to town who will make you want to get out of the house and hit a loud, sweaty venue.

Here are some of the rock and pop highlights filling Downtown stages of all sizes in the next few months. For complete Rock, Pop and Jazz listings, see page 21.

Irish Eyes Are Smiling: Danny boy, the pipes are callin’!

Pour me a pint of Guinness! Sorry, but The Pogues, and their unique brand of punk- and jazz-influenced Irish folk music, inspire ample Irish catchphrase spouting. Even the band’s name comes from an Irish phrase: Pogue mahone, which means kiss, ahem, my backside. The group disbanded in the 1990s, and singer Shane MacGowan has legendarily battled the booze, but despite their issues the original lineup has reformed to bring their melodic, rollicking jigs to Club Nokia on Saturday, Oct. 17. Just be careful driving home. If music can be described as whiskey-soaked, The Pogues’ definitely fit the bill.

At 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 763-5483 or clubnokia.com.

Still Surviving: Yes, the song should be banned from all karaoke books, but “I Will Survive” still makes me, and a lot of other people, want to bust a move or break out in song whenever it is played. Gloria Gaynor’s disco anthem turns 30 this year (FYI, it’s older than Gustavo Dudamel), and to honor the occasion Gaynor will appear at a special program at the intimate Grammy Museum Soundstage on Thursday, Oct. 22. Gaynor will reflect on her long career and latest projects, take questions from the audience and give a short performance. The event should provide some interesting insight into the woman behind the disco smash who signed her first record contract at 19, made Billboard chart history and has

Disco queen Gloria Gaynor celebrates the 30th anniversary of “I Will Survive” at the Grammy Museum Oct. 22; Kiss brings their face paint and leather pants to Staples Center to rock and roll all night on Nov. 25.

starred in Broadway productions.

At 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite A245, (213) 765-6800 or grammymuseum.org.

Pet the Bunnymen: Get ready to dig out your best all-black ensemble from circa 1985, because Echo and the Bunnymen are coming to Downtown Los Angeles. The downbeat postpunks play a retro show at L.A. Live’s decidedly new Nokia Theatre on Saturday, Oct. 24, where they’ll celebrate the recent reissue of their 1984 album Ocean Rain. The British band will play spooky pop tunes from the album including “The Killing Moon,” “Silver” and “Seven Seas,” in the order they were recorded. They’re also expected to throw in some extra classics, so pucker up for “Lips Like Sugar.” It’s gonna be big fun with the big-haired folk from the club of doom.

At 777 Chick Hearn Court, (213) 763-6000 or nokiatheatrelive.com.

Double Trouble: Twin sisters Tegan and Sara Quin share identical looks and nearly identical voices, which lend a ghostly edge to their sweet harmonies. Tegan and Sara have been churning out haunting indie pop tunes for 10 years, but broke out in a big way with their 2007 album The Con, which spawned the much-played single “Back in Your Head.” The fans know that the Canadian duo especially shines during live performances, so don’t miss the sisters at the gorgeous Orpheum Theatre on Oct. 25-26. They have been known to make grown men cry.

At 842 S. Broadway, (877) 677-4386 or laorpheum.com.

Wild and Crazy Banjo: You know Steve Martin for his comic chops in dozens of movies, including classics like The Jerk, Roxanne and L.A. Story (we’ll forgive him for The Pink Panther remake and its sequel). But Martin also has some see Rock, page 17

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October 5, 2009

Arts & Entertainment

photo courtesy of Man One

The Artistic Spectrum Galleries and Museums Offer Something for All Art Lovers in Downtown

by Richard GuzmĂĄn

museum will unveil Collection: MOCAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s First Thirty Years.

The exhibit will be massive, featuring about 500 of the nearly 6,000 pieces in MOCAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s permanent collection. It opens Nov. 15 and runs through May 3, and will be spread across 50,000 square feet of space in both the MOCA headquarters building on Grand Avenue and in the sprawling Geffen Contemporary at MOCA in Little Tokyo. With so many pieces it might be quicker to state the names of artists not featured than those who are, but suffice to say, the creations of many major players in contemporary art will be on display. So get ready to check out works by Chris Burden, Mike Kelley, Jeff Koons, Barbara Kruger, Ed Moses, Laura Owens, Nancy Rubins, Ed Ruscha and many, many more.

MOCA Grand Avenue is at 250 S. Grand Ave. and the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA is at 152 N. Central Ave. Information at (213) 626-6222 or moca.org.

city editor

I

t can be hard to define â&#x20AC;&#x153;art.â&#x20AC;? But in Downtown Los Angeles, it will not be hard this fall to find an artistic exhibition.

The community is full of them, with the shows representing a variety of tastes and styles. If you are a fan of contemporary creations, MOCA is celebrating a milestone birthday with its largest exhibit ever. There is art related to fashion, art fashioned from neon, and even an exhibit of graffiti art.

Here are some of the highlights for the fall. Full Gallery listings are on page 23 and complete Museum listings appear on page 24.

photo by Evah Hart

The Big 3-0: The Museum of Contemporary Arts turns 30 this year. It hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always been easy, and the institution endured some major financial pains last year. But the ship has been somewhat righted, and in honor of the milestone, the

Photographer Evah Hart turns the lens on her own Midwestern family in her show Growth Avenue, which runs from Oct. 8-Nov. 7 at the Deborah Martin Gallery.

Not So Different: The California Science Center tackles a big question this fall when it asks: Race: Are We Really So Different?

Of course, the tough part is not asking the question, but rather answering it, and the Exposition Park facility attempts to do so.

The just-opened show, which runs through Dec. 31, is an interactive experience that explores the science behind race, as well as history and the personal experiences of different people. Visitors will be able to take a three-dimensional trip through their cells, look at the genetic similarities in humans and match voices with photos. While there may be hundreds of answers to the question in the showâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s title, the exhibit is intended to ignite discussion and spark thought about a delicate subject.

Graffiti art goes from the city streets to a private space in Graffiti Spirits, a retrospective of the work of Man One. It is at the Historic Coreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crewest gallery through Oct. 31.

At 700 Exposition Park Drive, (323) 724-3623 or californiasciencecenter.org.

Attack of the Giant Robot: If you like giant robots (and who doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t?) or are a fan of Asian-American pop culture and art, the Japanese American National Museum will be the place to go this fall. On Oct. 24, the Little Tokyo facility debuts Giant Robot Biennale 2: 15 Years, a follow-up to the museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s successful 2007 Giant Robot Biennale: 50 Issues.

The show, which runs through Jan. 24, 2010, will celebrate the 15 years of Giant Robot magazine, a monthly publication that highlights Asian American pop culture and has spawned several spin-off stores and art galleries in Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York. The exhibit will be curated by Eric Nakamura, publisher of the magazine, and will include work by artists who have contributed to the magazine or been featured in it. There will also be four custom video games developed by some of the artists featured in Giant Robot.

At 369 E. First St., (213) 625-0414 or janm.org.

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Downtown News 15 photo courtesy of Museum of Neon Art

Arts & Entertainment

of Neon Art is in the process of negotiating for a new space at a vacant Rite Aid site in Glendale.

But they’re not ready to turn off the lights just yet, and have extended the Larry Albright exhibit until the end of November. The show, originally slated to run until Sept. 27, is a retrospective of Albright’s work as an innovator in neon art. He’s known as the king of plasma, a type of neon that looks like bottled lightning and that Albright popularized with his work in the 1980s.

Some of the 20 pieces on display in the Historic Core space inphoto by Brian Forest, © 2009 Pollock-Krasner Foundation/Artist Rights Society (ARS), New York clude his interpretation of plas“Number 1, 1949” by Jackson Pollock is one of the more than 500 pieces on display in the MOCA ma in nature with a depiction show Collection: MOCA’s First Thirty Years. It opens on Nov. 15. of the Aurora Borealis (aka the Northern Lights). It’s unknown how long the museum will remain in Downtown.

At 136 W. Fourth St., (213) 489-9918 or neonmona.org.

Fancy Clothes: You’ll have to make sure you’re wearing your coolest and fanciest threads if you want to look like you belong at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising exhibit High Style: Betsy Bloomingdale and the Haute Couture, fashionably running late in the year from Oct. 21-Dec. 13.

The exhibit will feature 125 haute couture pieces donated by Bloomingdale to the South Park school and museum during the past 40 years. The more than 60 ensembles on display will showcase Bloomingdale’s favorite designers and describe the process of creating haute couture. A video at the exhibit will include interviews with Bloomingdale and some designers.

At 919 S. Grand Ave., (213) 623-5821 or fidm.edu.

Visitors will be able to match voices to faces during Race: Are We Really So Different? at the California Science Center. It runs through Dec. 31.

Tagged: Many people consider graffiti to be a form of vandalism. At the Crewest gallery in the Historic Core, it is given the respect others say it deserves as an urban art form. Through Oct. 31, the gallery is highlighting the work of Man One, one of the most respected artists in the genre. Graffiti Spirits features Man One creations from as far back as 1992; the designs have appeared in galleries, in murals and even in corporate

Symphonic Legacy Hollywood Bowl Orchestra John Mauceri, conductor Experience the music from Disney’s classic films and legendary composers as never before, including the world premiere concert performance of Walt Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs featuring a full cast of singers and actors.

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October 5, 2009

The Larry Albright exhibit has been extended until the end of November at the Museum of Neon Art. The untitled piece shows his plasma work, which is meant to look like bottled lighting.

logos. His work has also been displayed in several museums, including MOCA and the Parco Museum in Tokyo.

At 110 Winston St., (213) 627-8772 or crewest.com.

Personal Snapshots: While many photographers are experts at chronicling events and other people, Evah Hart turns things in a very personal direction for her exhibit at the Historic Core’s Deborah Martin Gallery. Growth Avenue, which runs from Oct. 8-Nov. 7, is a yearlong photographic study of the artist’s Midwestern family and, in particular, chronicles how the family deals with her brother’s terminal illness while continuing with their own lives. The portraits are both intimate and reflective of the ever-changing dynamics of all families.

At 209 W. Fifth St., (310) 428-6464 or deborahmartingallery. com.

Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.

16 Downtown News

October 5, 2009

Arts & Entertainment

Pot Policy, the Thriller Dance and More From Public Salons and Halloween Celebrations to Garden Tours, There Are Events for All This Fall

photo by Gary Leonard

Talk Talk: It’s another huge season for Aloud, the speaker series at the Central Library. On Friday, Oct. 9, there is a special noon event with author, critic, civil rights activist and even occasional actor Cornel West. West, who teaches African American Studies at Princeton, is known for books like Race Matters, and his appearances generally draw hundreds. Then, on Tuesday, Oct. 20, Aloud curator Louise Steinman speaks with Father Patrick Desbois, a French Catholic priest who has devoted his life to confronting anti-Semitism and furthering Catholic-Jewish understanding. Since 2001 he and his

Trick-or-Treat, Smell My Feat, Give Kids Something Sweet to Eat: If you see Harry Potter and Dora the Explorer mixing it up in Grand Hope Park with some mini ghouls, superheroes and princesses, it must be the Downtown Center Business Improvement District’s second annual Halloween Party for Downtown Kids. The Oct. 31 festivities, which require children to dress up (and encourages parents to do so too), include a bounce house, candy and a pumpkin carving contest. Best of all, the event, from 5-8 p.m., is free.

At Grand Hope Park, Hope and Ninth Streets, (213) 6242146 or dcbid.com.

photo by Elena Seibert

T

he packed fall events lineup in Downtown gives little reason to be bored. Policy wonks, literature lovers and the creative minded will appear, and the community will welcome Nobel Prize-winning authors and some of the world’s leading architects. If candy and costumes are more your speed (or if you’re 7), there’s a youth Halloween party. Then the L.A. Auto Show returns to satiate your thirst for diesel.

For complete Events listings, see page 18.

Arachnophilia: Creepy and crawly, yes, but spiders are also fascinating and beautiful. Well, some of them are. At the Natural History Museum’s Spider Pavilion, you can get up close and watch as a variety of non-poisonous, eightlegged bugs spin their webs and wait for those unlucky flies.

The pavilion, located on the south lawn of the Exposition Park museum, is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. every day through Nov. 8.

At 900 Exposition Blvd., (213) 763-3466 or nhm.org.

Nobel Prize-winning author Orhan Pamuk appears at the Japan America Theatre on Thursday, Nov. 5, as part of the Aloud speaker series. He’ll read from his new book and speak with Reza Aslan. photo courtesy of Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

staff writer

A Walk in the Pamuk: Acclaimed writer and scholar of religions Reza Aslan speaks with Nobel Prize-winning author Orhan Pamuk on Thursday, Nov. 5. In a special non-Central Library event for the Aloud series, Pamuk will read from his newest novel, The Museum of Innocence, in which he revisits his favorite trope — his native Istanbul. The story centers on the love of Kemal, scion of one of the city’s wealthiest families, for Füsun, a beautiful shop girl, and as it turns out, a distant relative. Oops!

At the New Aratani/Japan America Theater, 244 S. San Pedro St. Information at (213) 228-7025 or aloudla.org.

An Urban Garden Blooms: The James Irvine Garden at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center has won awards for its tranquility, elegance and tradition.

Unfortunately, the 30-year-old space has been closed for renovations during the past two years. With its mini streams, bridges, bonsais and buddhas, the garden reopens to the public with a ceremony and tours on Sunday, Nov. 8, at 1 p.m.

At JACCC, 244 S. San Pedro St., (213) 628-3700 or jaccc.org.

The kids of Downtown get their own Halloween party, when the Downtown Center Business Improvement District hosts festivities on Oct. 31 at Grand Hope Park.

team have crisscrossed the Ukrainian countryside in an effort to locate every mass grave and site at which Jews were killed during the Holocaust. Other Aloud highlights include a conversation on Thursday, Oct. 29, about the divergent worlds of Los Angeles and New York cuisine with L.A. Weekly restaurant critic Jonathan Gold and former New York Times critic William Grimes.

At the Central Library, 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7025 or aloudla.org.

Thrilling Dance: The Music Center’s Active Arts program stages a variety of community dance events during the year.

The standout is A Taste of Dance, which takes over the Music Center Plaza on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The day will feature a series of short dance lessons, each $1 for 20 minutes. There will be instruction in a host of traditions, including bharatanatyam (from India), Colombian salsa and jazz funk. But the highlight has got to be a segment that will attempt to demystify Michael Jackson’s trademark moonwalk. In another nod to the late King of Pop, the class gets its zombie on when it closes with a group lesson of the “Thriller” dance. Bring one glove.

At the Music Center Plaza, 135 N. Grand Ave., musiccenter.org.

Archi-lectures: The Southern California Institute of Architecture is another organization that has a long list of speakers this fall. On Tuesday, Dec. 2, Andrew Holder, principal at the Los Angeles Design Group in Hollywood, gives a talk entitled “Drop It Like It’s Fake: Architecture and the Necessity of Faux Science.” Others on the schedule include Jean-Pierre Hebert (Friday, Oct. 23) and Preston Scott Cohen (Wednesday, Nov. 11).

At 960 E. Third St., (213) 356-5328 or sciarc.edu.

Weed Wars: Think tank the Rand Corporation leads a Tuesday, Nov. 17, panel discussion on California’s taboo cash crop, marijuana. Some have suggested that legalizing weed would generate revenue for the state and cut costs involved in policing its use. Others insist that marijuana is a gateway drug that causes long-term health issues and costs the state money in different ways. The organization Town Hall Los Angeles brings a batch of panelists together. Then, on Thursday, Nov. 19, Jeffrey Kightlinger, general manager and CEO of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, gives a briefing on the state of the L.A. region’s water policy and supply (or lack thereof). Time and location for both events TBA. Town Hall Los Angeles, (213) 628-8141 or townhall-la.org.

Vrooooom: Gear heads, diesel dogs and rubber lovers are already looking forward to The Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, which drives into town Dec. 4-13. As usual, the event promises to feature previews of cars headed to the market next year, plus some out-of-this-world concept cars — think vehicles with wings and zero emission race cars. Special exhibits include one on green technology and low-emission vehicles, a celebrity car showcase with music and sports stars’ tricked-out customs, and an interactive exhibit for attendees to fine-tune their own imaginary cars.

At the Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St., laautoshow.com.

The Spider Pavilion is open again on the lawn of the Natural History Museum in Exposition Park. It remains up through Nov. 8.

Culture and Crises: The Roy and Edna Disney Cal-Arts Theater, aka REDCAT, hosts Marc Cooper, a contributing editor to The Nation and a former L.A. Weekly writer, on Tuesday, Dec. 15. He’ll be joined by Norman Klein, a chronicler of Los Angeles history, and Martín Plot, who co-directs the masters program in Aesthetics and Politics at CalArts.

Who knows what to expect, as the conversation has only a loose agenda related to “cultural patterns during a time of global and local crises.” Other REDCAT speaker events include a Wednesday, Nov. 4, date with choreographers Stephan Koplowitz, Joanna Haigood and David Rousseve; they’ll discuss how site inspires dance and how film can document the process and product of site-specific dance.

At REDCAT, 631 W. Second St. or (213) 237-2800.

Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.

Art Walk This Way: The Downtown Art Walk takes place Oct. 8, Nov. 12 and Dec. 10, with gallery openings, food vendors and live music. Some come to the monthly event, which runs from noon-10 p.m., to ogle new works, while others just show up for the party. Either way, people sure are coming, as recent Art Walks have drawn upwards of 10,000 people. A bit more low-key, but still lively, is the Chinatown Art Night on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 6-9 p.m. Explore the galleries on lantern-lit Chunk King Road, then grab a bite or a beer along Broadway or Hill Street.

Info and maps at downtownartwalk. The Greater L.A. Auto Show always draws huge crowds to the Los Angeles Convention Center.

The lineup of new and concept cars lands Dec. 4-13. com and chinatownla.com.

photo by Gary Leonard

by Ryan Vaillancourt

Continued from page 13 pretty decent banjo skills. You can see for yourself at Walt Disney Concert Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 28, when Martin will perform a possibly wild and crazy concert of bluegrass and banjo songs. The show is part of a tour to promote his recently released album The Crow: New Songs for the Five-String Banjo.

At 111 S. Grand Ave., (323) 850-2000 or laphil.com.

Shake It: “I Love You” might not sound like a memorable title for a hit song, but translate it into Spanish and “Te Quiero” gets a much sexier spin. Latin Grammy winning Reggaeton artist DJ Flex knows as much, since he had a massive hit with the very danceable and remix-inspiring “Te Quiero” in 2007. The Panamanian, reggae and R&Binfluenced artist brings his beats to the Conga Room on Thursday, Nov. 19, and is sure to

photo by Sandee O

Rock

And All That Jazz: Instead of handing out candy, dressing as a sexy nurse or watching a horror movie, why not try something different Halloween weekend? The inaugural three-day Asian American Jazz Festival will feature 12 Asian American and Asian jazz artists, including Japanese pianist Hiromi, Filipino singer Mon David and the critically acclaimed Korean band Prelude. The festival begins at the Arts District’s Café Metropol with performances Oct. 30 and 31, and wraps up Nov. 1 at the Japanese American National Museum’s Democracy Forum amphitheater.

Café Metropol is at 923 E. Third St. JANM is at 369 E. First St. Festival information at asianamericanjazzfestival.com.

Downtown News 17

Arts & Entertainment photo courtesy of Goldenvoice

October 5, 2009

Shane MacGowan and the reunited Pogues visit Club Nokia on Oct. 17.

heat up the dance floor.

At 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 749-0445 or congaroom.com.

Rock and Roll All Nite: Yes, they’ve been doing the same shtick for 30-plus years, but if it ain’t broke… After 37 albums, thousands of performances and a reality TV show for bassist Gene Simmons, Kiss still attracts big crowds and puts on one heck of a show.

The band kicked off its Alive 35 world tour last March in front of 80,000 fans at the Melbourne Grand Prix, and finally reaches Los Angeles on Wednesday, Nov. 25 (the day before Thanksgiving) for a concert at Staples Center. Expect signature stunts like face paint, blood spitting and pyrotechnics.

And don’t be afraid to belt out classics like “Detroit Rock City,” “Love Gun” and, natch, “Rock and Roll All Nite.”

At 1111 S. Figueroa St., (213) 742-7000 or

staplescenter.com.

Danger Ahead: Be very, very careful — your feet might start to move without warning.

Actually, make that Very Be Careful. The L.A.-based vallenato quintet headlines a holiday show at the Arts District club Bordello on Tuesday, Dec. 22. Vallenato is closely related to the percussion-heavy Colombian cumbia musical tradition, but is centered around the accordion. It has been said (and not just by their publicists) that it is virtually impossible not to dance when Very Be Careful takes the stage, so bring comfortable shoes. The show includes guests Shesaydo and DJ Dam Funk.

At 901 E. First St., (213) 687-3766 or bordellobar.com.

Watt’s Up: Mike Watt may not be a familiar name in most households, but in those households that know of him, he’s often

Onetime wild and crazy guy Steve Martin strums his banjo at Disney Hall on Oct. 28.

adored. The San Pedro bassist-songwriter for decades has been an influential if underthe-radar player in alternative rock. He cofounded the L.A. punk outfit the Minutemen, helmed Firehose and played bass for Iggy and the Stooges when they reunited in 2003. He’ll play with his current band, the Secondmen, at Redwood Bar & Grill on Friday, Oct. 16.

He plays again at Redwood, in a solo show, on Friday, Nov. 20. In a notable piece of trivia, the Red Hot Chili Peppers dedicated their 1991 album Blood Sugar Sex Magik to Watt. What he got you gotta give it to your momma! Or at least get down to the bar to check it out.

At 316 W. Second St., (213) 680-2600 or theredwoodbar.com.

Contact Anna Scott at anna@downtownnews.com.

18 Downtown News

October 5, 2009

Arts & Entertainment

LISTINGS

EVENTS

professor of computer science, recounts the spiritual odyssey of philosopher Bertrand Russell in a historical graphic novel. He delves into it with USC philosophy professor Zlatan Damnjanovic.

Sponsored Listings Public Safety Appreciation BBQ 7+Fig, 735 S. Figueroa St., (213) 417-8884 or downtownla.com/public-safety-bbq.

Oct. 16, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.: Enjoy a complete lunch for $7, served by Mortonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the Steakhouse and California Pizza Kitchen, while supporting the Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Youth Foundation. Public Safety Officers eat for free (please bring ID or badge). Cheer for Life Rummage Sale Harlem Alley, Fourth Street between Main and Spring streets, cheerla.org.

Oct. 24, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.: This neighborhood alley rummage sale will feature donated items, from clothes to furniture to random knick knacks. The proceeds will support the Cheer For Life Fund, which supports charities like Aid for Aids, Aids Healthcare Foundation and Aids Project LA. Unsold goods will be donated to the Downtown Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center. All donations (except underwear or broken items) are welcome.

Thursday, October 8 Downtown Art Walk Info and map at downtownartwalk.com.

Noon-9 p.m.: The Downtown Art Walk is a selfguided tour that showcases the many art exhibition venues in Downtown Los Angeles â&#x20AC;&#x201D; commercial art galleries, museums and nonprofit venues. Walk, or ride one of Esotouricâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s curated shuttles â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the Hippodrome and Hazardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pavilion â&#x20AC;&#x201D; for free between 6 and 9 p.m.

Thursdays at Central Central Library, 630 W. Fifth St., Meeting Room A, (213) 228-7241 or lapl.org.

12:15-1 p.m.: This week, the focus is on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Old Bags,â&#x20AC;? and they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean old ladies. Olivia Headley, an author and speaker on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Vintage Textiles,â&#x20AC;? presents a lecture featuring an HGTV video, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Appraise It,â&#x20AC;? in which Olivia presents four beaded bags for appraisal.

LOLicious Company of Angels Theater at the Alexandria Hotel, 501 S. Spring St., (323) 883-1717 or companyofangels.org.

9 p.m.: To coincide with Art Walk, the Company of Angels and comic Karen Anzoategui host a night of standup comedy inside the black box theater at the Alexandria Hotel.

Salon on Downtown Revitalization USC, Edison Auditorium at Hoffman Hall, 701 Exposition Blvd., marshall.usc.edu.

7-9:30 p.m.: Los Angeles Deputy Mayor of Economic Development Bud Ovrom and Hal Bastian, the Downtown Center Business Improvement Districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s director of economic development, lead a discussion on Downtownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s emerging markets and explain why the district has become an appealing location for many residents, businesses and recreational visitors. Tammy Billings, director of marketing for L.A. Live, speaks about the impact of AEGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sports and entertainment megaplex. To register, contact dreynald@usc.edu or teriyu@usc.edu.

All About Historic Theaters Seventh Street and Broadway, and 1038 S. Hill, lahtf.org.

6 and 7 p.m.: The Los Angeles Historic Theater Foundation presents docent-led tours of the Globe/ Morosco Theatre (1913) and provides overviews of

Tuesday, October 6 Where Hope Lives 631 W. Second St., (213) 237-2800, redcat.org.

7:30 p.m.: Innovative Downtown Los Angeles developments such as the New Carver Apartments,

by Michael Maltzan Architecture, have radically upended the idea that low-income housing is synonymous with continuing poverty and blight. CalArts President Steven D. Lavine welcomes architects from MMA, KEA, Killefer Flammang Architects and Lorcan Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Herlihy for a panel discussion on the role of design in realizing â&#x20AC;&#x153;supportive housingâ&#x20AC;? for the homeless.

Wednesday, October 7 SCI-Arc Lecture Series 960 E. Third St., (213) 356-5328 or sciarc.edu. In the W. M. Keck Lecture Hall.

7 p.m.: Marcelo Spina is the founder and co-principal of P-A-T-T-E-R-N-S, a design research architectural practice based in Los Angeles. His work has gained international recognition for its innovative approach to design and architecture.

ALOUD at the Central Library 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7025 or aloudla.org.

7 p.m.: Christos H. Papadimitriou, a renowned

the histories of the State, Tower, Rialto, Olympic, Orpheum and United Artists Theatres. Meet at Cliftonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cafeteria, at Seventh Street and Broadway.

6:30 and 7:30 p.m.: A basement-to-booth, comprehensive insidersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; tour of the Mayan Theater with a PowerPoint presentation on the venueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history.

Meet at 1038 S. Hill St. Reading at Metropolis Metropolis Books, 440 S. Main St., (213) 612-0174 or metropolisbooksla.com.

7 p.m.: Julienne La Fleur reads from her work, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lessons from Oz,â&#x20AC;? which strives to recapture the magic of the classic film while pondering life and illuminating lessons that grown-ups tend to forget.

Friday, October 9 ALOUD at the Central Library 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7025 or aloudla.org.

7 p.m.: Author, critic, actor, civil rights activist â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Cornel West pretty much defies any label. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one of Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most gifted and provocative public intellectuals.

Farmlab Public Salons 1745 N. Spring St. #4, (323) 226-1158 or farmlab.org.

Oct. 9, noon: Is Los Angeles a desert? Conventional wisdom says, mais oui. Reviewing the historical conditions of the region, however, suggest otherwise. How should this ecologically fragile region plan for its future and manage its water resources?

Urban waterway advocate Jessica Hall looks at landscape and urban design from the standpoint of water resource management.

Saturday, October 10 Music Center In the plaza at 135 N. Grand Ave., visit musiccenter.org.

Oct. 10, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.: A free dance workshop will touch on different traditions, including bharatanatyam (from India), Colombian salsa and jazz funk. In a nod to Michael Jackson, the workshop will also teach the moonwalk, and then at 3:30 p.m., the class closes with a group lesson of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thrillerâ&#x20AC;? dance.

ZĂłcalo Visit zocalopublicsquare.org. At various locations, but events listed below are Downtown Oct. 10, 7 p.m.: L.A. Weekly food critic Jonathan Gold hosts a fundraiser for Zocalo at Union Station.

Gold will dish about the sudden cocktail moment in L.A. with Varnish bartender Eric Alperin and Providence executive chef Michael Cimarusti. Guests will sample eats from Downtown restaurants Rivera and the Gorbals, among a host of other L.A. eateries.

Tickets start at $300.

Future Events ALOUD at the Central Library 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7025 or aloudla.org.

Oct. 13, 7 p.m.: Pulitzer Prize-winning author Michael Chabon stops by to talk with L.A. Times Book Editor David Ulin about his latest book â&#x20AC;&#x153;Manhood for Amateurs: The Pleasures and Regrets of a Husband, Father and Son.â&#x20AC;?

Oct. 14, 7 p.m.: Track Kidder, the Pulitzer Prizewinning author of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mountains Beyond Mountainsâ&#x20AC;? tells the tale of Deogratias, a young medical student from the mountains of Burundi, who narrowly survived civil war and genocide before seeking a new life in America.

Oct. 20, 7 p.m.: Father Patrick Desbois, a French Catholic priest, has devoted his life to confronting anti-Semitism and furthering Catholic-Jewish understanding. Since 2001 he and his team have crisscrossed the Ukrainian countryside in an effort to locate every mass grave and site at which Jews were killed during the Holocaust. Aloud curator Louise Steinman picks his brain.

Oct. 22, 7 p.m.: â&#x20AC;&#x153;When Everything Changed: The Amazing Journey of American Women from 1960 to the Presentâ&#x20AC;? is New York Times columnist Gail Collinsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; latest work on the revolution in womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lives over the past 50 years.

Oct. 27, 7 p.m.: In his new novel, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chronic City,â&#x20AC;?

Jonathan Lethem portrays a Manhattan that is beautiful and tawdry, tragic and forgiving, devastating and utterly unique.

Oct. 28, 7 p.m.: Irene Khan is the first woman, first Asian and first Muslim to serve as the Secretary General of Amnesty International. She sheds a light on the rights and powerlessness of the poor.

Oct. 29, 7 p.m.: L.A. Weekly food critic Jonathan Gold squares off against William Grimes, former New York Times critic, in a conversation dubbed â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bicoastal Binge: Dining Through the Years in L.A. in N.Y.â&#x20AC;?

Nov. 4, 7 p.m.: Aloud curator Louise Steinman talks with acclaimed scholar, historian and memoirist Eva Hoffman. From jet-lag to aging to cryogenic freezing, Hoffman offers an eye-opening look beyond the clock.

Nov. 5, 8 p.m.: Writer and scholar of religions Reza Aslan speaks with Orhan Pamuk. Pamuk will read from his new novel, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Museum of Innocence.â&#x20AC;? At the New Aratani/Japan America Theater, 244 S. San Pedro St.

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October 5, 2009 Nov. 9, 7 p.m.: In a lyric narrative inspired by history and imagination, Rita Dove, the former U.S. Poet Laureate, re-creates the life of a biracial 19thcentury virtuoso violinist. She’s in conversation with Gail Eichenthal, director of arts programming at Downtown-based Classical KUSC 91.5 FM. Nov. 12, 7 p.m.: Three distinctive voices in contemporary American poetry, including Amy Gerstler, Juan Felippe Herrera and Ilya Kaminsky, read their work and engage in an informal group discussion on their craft.

Nov. 16, 7 p.m.: Theater magazine editor Tom Sellar hosts a panel entitled “Everything You Wanted to Know About Polish Theater (But Were Afraid to Ask).” Who knew? Wait, don’t ask that.

Nov. 17, 7 p.m.: Author Mary Karr discusses her new memoir about getting drunk and getting sober; becoming a mother by letting go of a mother and learning to write by learning to live.

California African American Museum 600 State Drive, (213) 744-2024 or caamuseum.org.

Oct. 11, 2 p.m.: Dr. Jacqueline Cogdell DjeDje, chair of ethnomusicology at UCLA, discusses the dynamics of urban life and music of San Francisco’s Fillmore District in connection with the museum’s ongoing exhibition “Harlem of the West: Jazz, Bebop and Beatnik.”

Oct. 17, 1 p.m.: An integral part of jazz culture is the art inspired by the music. Create your own work of art with jazz as your muse and artist Milton Loupe as your guide. Must be 15 years old or older. RSVP. Nov. 1, 1 p.m.: CAAM is “Giving Thanks” as it celebrates African American traditions through performances in dance, music and the spoken word.

Young people can gain insight and understanding through a workshop on family heritage.

Nov. 8, 1 p.m.: Water in African American tradition is symbolic of freedom, separation, purity, spirituality, birth and death. Water spirits, among them Mami and Papi Wata, are revered in West and Central Africa and the Americas. Create your own merperson doll with cotton fabrics, paper and natural fibers enhanced with other decorative elements.

Nov. 21, 1 p.m.: Explore the visual arts and historical representations of artists who revisited the late ’60s and civil rights movement in an exhibition walk-through guided by Michele Lee, CAAM’s visual arts curator and curator of the exhibition “An Idea Called Tomorrow.”

Dec. 6, 1 p.m.: The museum hosts a candle lighting for the 41st anniversary of the spirit of Kwanzaa and the holiday season.

Dec. 12, 1 p.m.: Celebrating a tradition of survival and resilience, a lecture and food demonstration makes evident how African Americans took food stuffs often discarded by the “Big House’s” kitchen and reinterpreted them, creating a culturally specific cuisine. Recipes will have a holiday focus and recipe cards supplied.

Dec. 13, 2 p.m.: Professor Richard Yarborough of UCLA leads a discussion of ways in which the image of blacks in the United States has evolved over the past two generations. The program will include a screening of Marlon Rigg’s Peabody Award winning documentary “Color Adjustment” (1992).

Dec. 20, 2 p.m.: The exhibits “Road to Freedom, After 1968” and “An Idea Called Tomorrow” explore the significance of the civil rights movement, the interpretation of that period by artists born after 1968 and the work of artists imagining the civil future. In keeping with the theme of these exhibitions, create a family scrapbook telling your family’s history and imagining the next generation. Bring copies of family photos and decorative materials. Archival

craft materials will be provided. RSVP required.

Downtown L.A. Art Walk Info and map at downtownartwalk.com.

Nov. 12, Dec. 10, noon-9 p.m.: The Downtown Art Walk is a self-guided tour that showcases the many art exhibition venues in Downtown Los Angeles — art galleries, museums and nonprofit art venues.

Farmlab Public Salons 1745 N. Spring St. #4, (323) 226-1158 or farmlab.org.

Oct. 16, noon: Filmmaker Suma Josson will screen and discuss “I Want My Father Back,” her 60 minute-long film on the suicide of farmers in Vidarbha, India, where cotton is king.

Oct. 23, noon: Sherwood Chen from the Alliance for California Traditional Arts.

Nov. 6, noon: Aaron Chappell on Home Building.

Nov. 13, noon: Laura Valdés Kuri and her brother Claudio Valdés Kuri present an overview of how the environmental movement in Mexico has evolved in the last 20 years, highlighting a groundswell of social participation in environmental and cultural activism.

Nov. 20, noon: Paulette Singley presents “Eating Architecture.”

Japanese American Cultural & Community Center JACCC Plazaq or Aratani/Japan America Theatre, 244 S. San Pedro St., (213) 628-3700 or jaccc.org.

Oct. 15, 2 and 8 p.m.: “Kabuki: Backstage to Hanamichi” gives a behind the scenes look at the color, magic and drama of the centuries old theater tradition that is Kabuki.

Oct. 24, 8 p.m.: Under the artistic direction of Linda Sohl-Ellison, “Rhapsody in Taps” brings that foot stomping revelry back to Little Tokyo. The troupe will perform four world premiere works, plus audience favorites.

Oct. 25, 1-3 p.m.: Learn how to draw 12th century Japanese anime characters with brush and ink.

Nov. 8, 1 p.m.: After an extensive renovation, the JACCC will reopen its award-winning Japanese Garden to the public.

Nov. 15, 2 p.m.: The Grateful Crane Ensemble presents a nostalgic musical journey back through time, to the place where Japanese American community began: Nihonmachi (Japantown).

Nov. 18, 8 p.m.: A holiday concert featuring artists from the World Festival of Sacred Music-Los Angeles. Expect a rousing celebration of world dance and music.

Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m.: The band Hiroshima celebrates their 30th anniversary with this “Spirit of the Season” concert.

Dec. 6, 1-3 p.m.: Learn how to calm your mind and spirit in this workshop in meditation in the JACCC’s Garden Room.

Dec. 20, 11 a.m., 2 and 4 p.m.: The Japan Foundation opens its vast film archive and presents a selection of classic films rarely screened outside Japan.

Films include works by directors Mikio Naruse, Kon Ichikawa and Tadashi Mifune.

Dec. 29, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Celebrate the spirit of the Japanese New Year. Children aged 7-12 participate in craft activities and workshops.

MOCA Grand Avenue 250 S. Grand Ave., visit moca.org.

Oct. 10, 11 a.m.: Join writer Noah Blaustein for a one-day intensive poetry writing workshop inspired by “The Americans” and its relationship to beat poetry. Cost is $75 for members, $100 for non-members.

Oct. 15, 6:30 p.m.: Marnie Weber’s bear icon has played a strong role in her work and is featured in “Collecting History: Highlighting Recent Acquisitions.” The artist will discuss her work and the blurred line between performance and visual art and the place

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Oct. 14, 7 p.m.: Laurie Olin is a teacher, author and one of the most renowned landscape architects today. In this talk, Olin argues that, “It’s Called Landscape Architecture, Not Landscape Gardening for a Reason.”

Oct. 23, 1 p.m.: Jean-Pierre Hebert discusses his pioneering work in computational drawing and translating algorithmic drawing processes into images.

Oct. 28, 7 p.m.: Yung Ho Chang, one of China’s most accomplished contemporary architects and the founding head of the Graduate Center of Architecture at Peking University, gives a talk.

Nov. 4, 7 p.m.: The school presents a talk by Toshiko Mori, the principal of Toshiko Mori Architect, which she established in 1981 in New York City. Mori has been recognized for her strong research based approach to design.

Nov. 11, 7 p.m.: Preston Scott Cohen, principal of Preston Scott Cohen, Inc., gives a talk entitled “Discretized Curves and Tectonic Language.”

Nov. 18, 7 p.m.: Lecturer Mack Scogin is known for architectural designs featuring the unconventional use of materials and for subtle, often unexpected narrative associations to place.

Nov. 20, 1 p.m.: A lecture on The Richard and Dion Neutra VDL Research House.

Nov. 24, 7 p.m.: Alejandro Zaera-Polo is co-founder of Foreign Office Architects in London.

Dec. 2, 7 p.m.: Andrew Holder, principal at the Los Angeles Design Group in Hollywood, gives a talk entitled “Drop It Like It’s Fake: Architecture and the Necessity of Faux Science.”

Thursdays at Central Central Library, 630 W. Fifth St., meeting room A, (213) 228-7241 or lapl.org.

Oct. 15, 12:15-1 p.m.: Always wanted to write, but didn’t know how to get started? Learn about a fun community and a truly unique, worldwide event — National Novel Writing Month.

Oct. 22, 12:15-1 p.m.: Since its beginning, the film industry has looked, with varying success, to popular literature for inspiration. Take an entertaining look back at some of Hollywood’s noteworthy adaptations from page to screen.

Oct. 29, 12:15-1 p.m.: At this Craft Thursdays event, the focus is on knitting. Exchange tips and enjoy the company of fellow knitters at this monthly craft social.

Town Hall Los Angeles Visit townhall-la.org. Venues vary, but all listed take place Downtown.

Oct. 15, 11:30 a.m.: Masaaki Tanaka, president and CEO of UnionBanCal Corporation, delivers an address on “Weathering the Financial Storm.”

Oct. 22, TBA: Town Hall L.A. partners with the New America Foundation to present a panel on Instant Runoff Voting and its effectiveness in our evolving democracy.

Oct. 27, 8 a.m.: A panel discussion on breaking the gang cycle. Panelists include Brian Center, executive director of A Better LA; L.A. City Councilwoman Janice Hahn and Greg Ridgeway from the RAND Corporation.

Nov. 10, noon: City Attorney Carmen Trutanich drops by for a lunchtime talk and Q&A. Nov. 17, TBA: Is marijuana the wonder drug for the economy? Many have suggested that legalizing marijuana will generate revenue and cut the costs involved in policing its use. Others believe it is a gateway drug that causes long-term health care issues, which cost the state money. What do you think?

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Nov. 1, 1 p.m.: In this First Sundays Are for Families workshop, the design duo of Benjamin Ball and Gaston Nogues, who are currently exhibiting a curvaceously configured installation at MOCA Pacific Design Center, coordinate a far-out installation project for all ages. Teens are welcome to drop in any time from 1–3:30 p.m., take a guided tour, and participate in an artist-led workshop with their friends.

Nov. 5, 7 p.m.: The Engagement Party series presents new artworks in the form of dynamic social events and performances by L.A.-based artist collectives. Check moca.org/party for details about this fall’s residency.

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County 900 Exposition Blvd., (213) 763-DINO or visit nhm.org.

Oct. 17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: As part of its Art + Science series, the museum explains the science behind the art of camouflage and the art that is inspired by this still mysterious phenomenon. Make your own “leaf bug” out of real leaves and see some animal impostors up close, then witness the magic of a “disappearing” cuttlefish.

Oct. 25, 5 p.m.: In “The Spookiest Show on Earth,” a haunted circus invades the museum on a ghostly mission to find their mysteriously absent cast member, human cannonball Billy “Ballistic” Jones. Rumor has it that Billy has recently been spotted behind the scenes in the museum’s research and collections departments, and he’s desperately seeking a way to fly back home.

Nov. 7, 10-11 a.m.: Critter Club is for 3-5 year olds, and their parents. Explore the museum gardens and see who is living under the leaves and dirt — pillbugs, sowbugs, snails and worms. Free with paid admission.

More information at (213) 763-3230.

Nov. 21, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.: At a Junior Scientist event, mollusks, from snails and slugs to octopi and clams, are everywhere. Investigate these amazing invertebrates, gather gastropods, brave the bivalves and see a few seashells along the way.

REDCAT 631 W. Second St., (213) 237-2800, redcat.org.

Oct. 27, 8:30 p.m.: Peter Sellars leads a discussion with the Berlin-based artist Brigitte Maria Mayer, who traces a via dolorosa through the modern world in a timely new video based on Heiner Müller’s 1984 adaptation of “Titus Andronicus.”

Oct. 29, 8:30 p.m.: Celebrate the publication of an anthology of writing on film: “Life As We Show It,” edited by Masha Tupitsyn and Brian Pera.

Nov. 4, 8:30 p.m.: Alpert Award-winning choreographers Stephan Koplowitz, Joanna Haigood and David Rousseve, discuss how site — a particular natural, architectural or cultural environment — inspires dance and how film can document the process and product of site-specific dance.

Nov. 9, 8:30 p.m.: J. Hoberman, film critic of The Village Voice and an authority on the Jack Smith performance and film oeuvre, screens and discusses “Flaming Creatures,” Smith’s visionary masterpiece which was simultaneously reviled, rioted over, banned as porn, and pondered by the Supreme Court.

Dec. 15, 8:30 p.m.: Journalist and cultural critic Marc Cooper, a contributing editor to The Nation and former writer at the L.A. Weekly, is joined by Norman M. Klein and Martín Plot for a provocative discussion about shifting cultural patterns in a time of global and local crises.

SCI-Arc Lecture Series 960 E. Third St., (213) 356-5328 or sciarc.edu. In the W. M. Keck Lecture Hall.

Oct. 9, 1 p.m.: Architect and UCLA doctoral candidate Todd Gannon presents a lecture and presen-

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October 5, 2009

Downtown News 21

Arts & Entertainment

Listings Continued from page 19 Nov. 19, noon: Jeffrey Kightlinger, general manager and CEO of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, gives a briefing on the state of the L.A. region’s water policy and supply (or lack thereof).

Zócalo National Center for the Preservation of Democracy, 111 N. Central Ave., zocalopublicsquare.org.

Oct. 21, 7:30 p.m.: ProPublica reporter Charles Ornstein leads a healthcare panel discussion that asks, “Is This the End of the Doctor’s Office?”

ROCK, POP & JAZZ 2nd Street Jazz 366 E. Second St., (213) 680-0047, 2ndstjazz.com or myspace.com/2ndstreetlivejazz.

Tuesdays: Jazz jam session. Music usually starts at 9 or 10 p.m.

626 Reserve 626 S. Spring St., (213) 627-9800 or 626reserve.com.

Tuesdays, 6 p.m.: Live music with Goh Kurosawa.

Thursdays, 6 p.m.: More live sounds, this time with Jessie Torrez.

Blue Velvet 750 S. Garland Ave., (213) 239-0061.

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 p.m.: Live music and DJs. Café Metropol 923 E. Third St., (213) 613-1537 or cafemetropol.com.

Oct. 2, 8-10 p.m.: Trumpeter Volker Goetz and kora player Ablaye Cissoko present a world music night.

Oct. 3, 8-10 p.m.: Pianist Daniela Schaechter.

Chop Suey Café 347 E. First St., (213) 617-9990 or chopsueycafe.com.

Thursdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m.: Live jazz on the patio of the restored landmark.

Cicada Cicada Restaurant, 617 S. Olive St., (213) 488-9488 or cicadarestaurant.com.

Thursdays, 8-11 p.m.: The velvet-voiced Max Vontaine recreates the sounds and styles of rat packers Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.

His smoking jackets and tunes are vintage; his bawdy repartee is less so.

Keep a close eye on the unlit cigarette.

Sundays, 6-11 p.m.: The restaurant is transformed into a vintage, old Hollywood-style dance club every Sunday. Come out to appreciate the big band, swank costumes, dinner and cocktails. Visit cicadaclub.com.

Club Nokia Corner of Olympic Blvd. and Figueroa St., clubnokia.com.

Oct. 6, 8:30 p.m.: Robby Krieger and Ray Manzarek, formerly of the Doors, with Pearl.

Oct. 9, 9 p.m.: Motorhead headlines a bill that also features rockabilly madman Rev. Horton Heat.

Oct. 10, 9:30 p.m.: Those not so silent musical mathematicians, Mutemath.

Oct. 11, 8:30 p.m.: Mexican alt rockers, Zoe, with Babasonicos.

Conga Room L.A. Live, 800 W. Olympic, (213) 749-0445 or congaroom.com.

Oct. 10, 9 p.m.: Los Angeles salseros Son Mayor.

Grammy Museum LA Live, corner of Olympic Blvd and Figueroa St., (213) 765-6800 or grammymuseum.org.

Oct. 8, 8 p.m.: Hear critically-acclaimed singer/songwriter Todd Snider discuss and perform selections from his newest album, “The Excitement Plan” (Yep Roc Records). Snider and legendary producer Don Was will talk with museum director Robert Santelli about the songwriting and production behind the album. After the interview, Snider will take questions from the audience and perform a few songs.

J Restaurant and Lounge 1119 S. Olive St., (213) 746-7746 or jloungela.com.

Tuesdays: Live acoustic performances in the lounge.

Wednesdays: Salsa in the City features complimentary salsa lessons at 8 p.m. At 9 p.m., a batch of live musicians takes over for a jam session.

Nokia Theatre 777 Chick Hearn Court, (213) 763-6000 or nokiatheatrelalive.com.

Oct. 7-8, 8 p.m.: Star Wars in Concert: Narrated live by Anthony Daniels (the actor who portrayed C-3PO in all six films), the production features a full symphony orchestra and choir, accompanied by specially edited footage from the films displayed on a three-story-tall, high-definition LED super-screen.

Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m.: Armenian pop sensation, Armen.

Pete’s Café and Bar 400 N. Main St., (213) 618-1759 or petescafe.com.

Tuesdays, 10 p.m.-1 a.m.: Pablo Calogero and Fabiano Nacimento play Brazilian jazz.

Redwood Bar & Grill 316 W. Second St., (213) 680-2600 or theredwoodbar.com.

Oct. 5, 10 p.m.: Blind Boy Paxton and Frank Fairfield, with Slim Cessna’s Auto Club from Denver.

Oct. 6, 10 p.m.: Stab City, featuring Careers and Private Dancer.

Oct. 9, 10 p.m.: Legal Weapon, with The Gears Oct. 10, 10 p.m.: Guilty Hearts adios show with Brownbird Rudy Relic, Thee Cormans, ADMF and Slighted.

Oct. 11, 10 p.m.: The Eye Presents Delaney Davidson and His Ghost Orchestra with Eric McFadden.

Rerax Fridays at Señor Fish 422 E. First St., (213) 625-0566 or senorfishla.com.

Fridays, 9 p.m.-3 a.m.: Music, art, VJ performances, silk screening and photos.

Royale 2619 Wilshire Blvd., (213) 388-8488 or royaleonwilshire.com.

Mondays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.: A live musical showcase with bands, a DJ and an Eastside vibe.

Tuesdays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.: An acoustic live set in the historic Royale lounge. A DJ spins between sets.

Wednesday (second of every month), 9 p.m.-2 a.m.: A fusion of spoken word and acoustic musical melodies.

Sundays, 9 p.m.-midnight: Rat pack protégé Max Vontaine.

Sheraton L.A. Downtown Hotel 711 S. Hope St., (310) 216-5861.

Fridays: The hotel presents a weekly live jazz night.

Future Rock, Pop & Jazz Café Metropol 923 E. Third St., (213) 613-1537 or cafemetropol.com.

Oct. 9, 8-10 p.m.: Drummer Jason Harnell.

Oct. 16, 8-10 p.m.: Vocalist Kathleen Grace.

Oct. 17, 8-10 p.m.: Neo-soul singer and guitarist Jacob Lutrell.

Oct. 24, 8-10 p.m.: Vocalist Sara Leib.

Oct. 30-31, noon-10 p.m.: The café presents a two-day Asian American Jazz Festival.

Nov. 6-7, 8-10 p.m.: Vocalist Sachal Vasandani.

Nov. 12, 8-10 p.m.: Trumpeter Ralph Alessi leads his jazz combo.

Dec. 5, 8-10 p.m.: Bassist Lisa Mezzacappa leads Bait and Switch.

Club Nokia Corner of Olympic Blvd. and Figueroa St., clubnokia.com.

Oct. 12, 8 p.m.: Part “High School Musical,” part “Romeo & Juliet”

with a dose of hip-hop and Spanish melodies, “Phi’LA” addresses overwrought racial contention and its affect on friendships and family among a diverse group of teens in L.A. Oct. 13, 8:30 p.m.: Sean Kingston and Flo Rida show the Sunshine State’s got flow.

Oct. 15, 9 p.m.: British wordsmiths The Streets team up with Gift of Gab from Blackalicious and Mickey from Factz.

Oct. 16, 8:30 p.m.: KMFDM is what happens when you mate techo dance beats with heavy metal.

Oct. 17, 8 p.m.: Embrace your inner Jimmy McNulty, swig some Jameson and do your best rock and roll jig with the Pogues.

Oct. 18, 9 p.m.: Hang ten, Texas psychedlia hard core-style, with the Butthole Surfers.

Oct. 20, 8 p.m.: Darius Rucker is in town, but you may know him best as Hootie, leader of the Blowfish.

Oct. 23, 7 p.m.: Get ready for Skillet and Hawk Nelson, a match made in cast iron heaven.

Oct. 24, 8 p.m.: When it comes to the Beatles tribute group The Fab Four, you gotta love those bowl-cut wigs, and the cover tunes are spot on too.

Continued on next page

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22 Downtown News

Continued from previous page Oct. 27, 6:30 p.m.: Boys Like Girls co-headlines with Cobra Starship.

Oct. 29, 10:30 p.m.: Sunset Junction’s mascot, The Tragically Hip (just kidding, Silver Lake).

Oct. 31, 9 p.m.: Power rock trio Chevelle.

Nov. 1, 8 p.m.: Goldenvoice presents Jamey Johnson and Randy Houser.

Nov. 6, 9:30 p.m.: Back again is The Dan Band.

Nov. 7, 6:30 p.m.: Mmmm-Bop. Yep, it’s Hanson. They’re joined by Hellogoodbye, Steal Train and Sherwood.

Nov. 8, 8 p.m.: The rulers of 1990s diva funk, En Vogue, are joined by Ginuwine.

Nov. 13, 8:30 p.m.: The “Playing For Change” band features musicians from around the globe, many of whom appeared in the now ubiquitous “Stand By Me” video, including New Orleans based blues singer Grandpa Elliott and soul singer Clarence Bekker from Amsterdam.

Nov. 14, 8:30 p.m.: Stryper, with Flight Patterns and Manic Driven.

Nov. 18, 9 p.m.: Electro popsters Royksopp.

Nov. 20, 8 p.m. The king of rock and soul, Solomon Burke.

Nov. 21, 7 p.m.: Peter, Bjorn and John bring the angst of punk together with the palatability of pop.

Nov. 28, 9 p.m.: Still crowing are The Black Crowes.

Dec. 4, 9 p.m.: As a matter of fact, I do have to let it linger, thank you very much. The Cranberries are back.

Dec. 5, 1:30 and 4:30 p.m.: Disney presents Imagination Movers.

Dec. 10, 8:30 p.m.: Industrial rockers Skinny Puppy.

Dec. 18-19, 10 p.m.: Ozomatli, the local band that fuses Latin music, rock and hip-hop. Few Los Angeles bands sound so much like the city.

Grammy Museum L.A. Live, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-6800 or grammymuseum.org. These shows take place in the museum’s Sound Stage theater.

Oct. 20, 8 p.m.: Museum Executive Director Robert Santelli interviews Paul Shaffer about his musical and television careers, most notably with David Letterman, and new book, “We’ll Be Here For the Rest of Our Lives: A Swingin’ Showbiz Saga.” After the interview, Shaffer will take questions from the audience, perform a few songs, and sign copies of the book.

Oct. 22, 8 p.m.: Disco queen Gloria Gaynor takes the stage to celebrate the 30th anniversary of her smash hit “I Will Survive.” During the program, Gaynor will reflect on her long and varied career, newest projects, and more. An audience Q&A session and brief musical performance will follow.

Nokia Theatre 777 Chick Hearn Court, (213) 763-6000 or nokiatheatrelalive.com.

Oct. 16-17, 8 p.m.: He’s a funnyman, turned actor, turned musician. Ladies and gents, Jamie Foxx.

Oct. 24, 8 p.m.: Echo and the Bunnymen return to Los Angeles with their dark, swirling fusion of gloomy post-punk and British psychedelic.

Oct. 25, 5 p.m.: The Concert for Hope is an evening of performances by Miley Cyrus, Jesse McCartney and Demi Lovato to benefit City of Hope.

Revenues from Concert for Hope will benefit cancer research, treatment and education programs at City of Hope.

Oct. 28, 7:30 p.m.: Alice Cooper brings his Theatre of Death tour to L.A. Oct. 29, 8 p.m.: Spanish pop rockers, La Quinta Estacion.

Oct. 31-Nov. 1, 2 and 8 p.m.: Founded in 1993 as the first American company combining the European cirque-style performance with Broadway theatrics, Cirque Dreams gives its elaborate Halloween stage production in L.A. Nov. 4, 8 p.m.: Spanish singer songwriter Enrique Bunberry.

Nov. 5, 7:30 p.m.: Last seen staging R&B operas from a closet, R. Kelly has escaped his enclosed trap to return to the stage.

Nov. 6, 8 p.m.: South Korean pop singer Kim Gun Mo holds that country’s title for best selling album.

Nov. 7, 8 p.m. Soulstress Anita Baker.

Nov. 8, 8 p.m.: Riverdance recallers Celtic Thunder.

Dec. 11, 8 p.m.: The Christmas music of Mannheim Steamroller.

Dec. 18-19 and 27, 8 p.m.: Funnyman George Lopez.

Orpheum Theatre 842 S. Broadway, (213) 622-1939 or laorpheum.com.

Oct. 17, 8 p.m.: Who? Roger Daltrey. That’s who.

Oct. 18, 7 p.m.: This benefit for Aid for AIDS is called “Best in Drag Show.”

Oct. 22, 9 p.m.: “Michael and Michael Have Issues” is the two man show of Michael Ian Black and Michael Showalter.

Oct. 24, 8 p.m.: Silent Bob, a.k.a. Kevin Smith. He promises not to be silent.

Oct. 25-26, 8 p.m.: Banjo tunes and introspection aplenty from the folk duo Tegan and Sara.

Nov. 6-8, 8 p.m.: Broadway turns into Shakedown Street for Widespread Panic.

Arts & Entertainment Nov. 9, 8 p.m.: Singer songwriter David Gray.

Nov. 20-22, 8 p.m.: The raspy singing stylings of Ray Lamontagne.

Nov. 28, 11 a.m.: This show, featuring the Laurie Berkner Band, is for the kiddies.

Redwood Bar & Grill 316 W. Second St., (213) 680-2600 or theredwoodbar.com.

Oct. 12, 10 p.m.: The Eye presents Delaney Davidson and His Ghost Orchestra with Rev Deadeye.

Oct. 13, 10 p.m.: Jail, Mojomatics (from Italy) and Pipsqueak Oct. 14, 10 p.m.: Delaney Davidson and His Ghost Orchestra with Dos Hermanos.

Oct. 15, 10 p.m.: Delaney Davidson and His Ghost Orchestra, with Becky Oct. 16, 10 p.m.: Mike Watt and His Secondmen with Champagne Velvet.

Oct. 17, 10 p.m.: The Choke share the bill with Peachfuzz.

Oct. 18, noon: Brunch Americana with Jesse Dayton, Sarah Gayle Meech and more.

Oct. 19, 10 p.m.: The Blind Boy Paxton and Frank Fairfield Show.

Oct. 24, 10 p.m.: The Neurotics, The Black Tibetans, Psychostar and The Amplifiers Oct. 25, noon: Baja western tunes from The Vaquetones, 77 el Deora, The Palominos and Whiskey Wagon.

Oct. 26, 10 p.m.: The Blind Boy Paxton and Frank Fairfield Show.

Oct. 28, 10 p.m.: The Eye presents Apache Dropout, Mad Lovers and Horse Thieves.

Oct. 29, 10 p.m.: Blues Power with Dean Chamberlin and special guests.

Oct. 30, 10 p.m.: Rezurex Nov. 1, 10 p.m.: Junkyard, Paging Beto and The Koopas.

Nov. 4, 10 p.m.: Joe Buck Yourself and the .357 String Band.

Nov. 6, 10 p.m.: Duane Peter’s Gunfight and A Pretty Mess.

Nov. 7, 10 p.m.: Dionysus Records release party for The Creepy Creeps.

Nov. 13, 10 p.m.: Barrio Tiger and Rats Eyes.

Nov. 14, 10 p.m.: The Chop Tops, Lords of Altamont, Sin Alley and Inazuma.

Nov. 20, 10 p.m.: Mike Watt.

Nov. 29, 10 p.m.: Candye Kane.

Staples Center 1201 S. Figueroa St., staplescenter.com.

Nov. 25, 7:30 p.m.: Kiss puts the makeup on for its 35 Alive tour.

Nov. 27, 8 p.m.: “The Rodeo King,” Joan Sebastian.

Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m.: Aventura fuses hip-shaking bachata with hip hop and R&B. Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S. Grand Ave., visit musiccenter.org.

Oct. 14, 8 p.m.: Ramsey Lewis visits with Ann Hampton Callaway.

Oct. 28, 8 p.m.: Comedian turned banjo picker Steve Martin lays down some bluegrass barn burners with his Steep Canyon Rangers.

Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m.: In a solo acoustic show, threetime Grammy-winner and Country Music Hallof-Famer Kris Kristofferson performs his poignant songs of love and protest, including the classics made famous by Johnny Cash, Janis Joplin, Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson.

Nov. 17, 8 p.m.: Charlie Haden, best known as the jazz bassist, brings some of his family along for a folk and bluegrass show featuring songs from Haden’s latest album: “Rambling Boy.” Dec. 8, 8 p.m.: The poetry of the Beat Generation and the bebop of jazz were indelibly linked by their non-conformity and spontaneous creativity. Relive those heady days with seminal Beat poems and jazz with bassist extraordinaire Christian McBride. Sax men Joshua Redman and Joe Lovano give a new take on Kerouac’s “Blues & Haikus.”

CLASSICAL MUSIC Monday, October 5 Colburn School 200 S. Grand Ave., Mayman Hall, colburnschool.edu.

8 p.m.: Conservatory student chamber music performances.

Thursday, Oct. 8 Los Angeles Philharmonic 111 S. Grand Ave., (323) 850-2000 or musiccenter.org.

7 p.m.: Finally, maestro Gustavo Dudamel will take the baton as the L.A. Phil’s new music director.

For his Inaugural Gala and Opening Night Concert, the Venezuela native conducts the world premiere of John Adams’ City Noir, a new orchestral work inspired by L.A. itself and commissioned by the Phil.

The program concludes with Mahler’s joyous First Symphony. A new era begins.

Friday, Oct. 9 Los Angeles Philharmonic 111 S. Grand Ave., (323) 850-2000 or musiccenter.org.

8 p.m.: Dudamel conducts Mahler’s First, again, and adds Korean composer Unsuk Chin’s “Su.”

This is a U.S. premiere of the Phil-commissioned work. Wu Wei is featured on the Sheng, the Chinese mouth-organ. (Also Oct. 10 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 11 at 2 p.m.)

Colburn School 200 S. Grand Ave., Mayman Hall, colburnschool.edu.

8 p.m.: Conservatory student chamber music performances.

Sunday, Oct. 11 Colburn School 200 S. Grand Ave., Zipper Hall, colburnschool.edu.

3 p.m.: The Colburn Chamber Music Society, featuring Bonnie Hampton on cello, Leigh Mesh on double bass and John Perry on piano, performs Brahms’ Piano Quartet No. 2 and Dvorak’s Quintet in G Major.

Future Classical Music Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S. Grand Ave., musiccenter.org.

Oct. 13, 8 p.m.: Pianist Murray Perahia performs a slate of piano works, including Bach’s Partita No. 6 in E Minor, Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 30 and Chopin’s Scherzo No. 4 in E major.

Oct. 16-17, 8 p.m.; Oct. 18, 2 p.m.: One of L.A.’s greatest contributions to the music world, John Williams, curates and conducts a program of old and new Hollywood.

Oct. 20, 8 p.m.: Hollywood Bowl maestro John Mauceri leads the Bowl orchestra in a program of scores from classic Disney films. The highlight is the world premiere concert performance of Walt Disney’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” featuring a full cast of singers and actors.

Oct. 23-24, 8 p.m.: Oct. 25, 2 p.m.: Conductor Andrey Boreyko leads violinist Martin Chalifour and the Phil in a program of Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky and Ravel.

Oct. 29-30, 8 p.m.; Oct. 31-Nov. 1, 2 p.m.: Christoph Eschenbach wields the baton in a program that features Szymanowski’s riveting Violin Concerto No. 1, largely considered on of the first great violin works of the 20th Century. Also on the program are Dvorak’s Carnivale Overture and Symphony No. 9.

Nov. 3, 8 p.m.: Brahms himself was at the piano for the 1862 premiere of his Second Piano Quartet (piano, violin, viola, and cello), which became hugely popular during his lifetime. Members of the L.A. Phil join together to perform this work and others in a concert of chamber music.

Nov. 5-7, 8 p.m.; Nov. 8, 2 p.m.: Gustavo Dudamel settles into his new home podium, leading the Phil in what’s sure to be an impassioned concert of Verdi’s Requiem.

Nov. 8, 7:30 p.m.: Chinese pianist Lang Lang, known at once for his flamboyance and precision, is one of classical music’s few superstar figures. He performs a trio of piano sonatas, two by Beethoven and one by Prokofiev.

Nov. 10, 8 p.m.: Members of the L.A. Phil band together for some chamber music, including Mozart’s “Kegelstatt” (Skittle Alley). The piece’s title derives from the story that Mozart wrote his trio, K. 498, while partaking in a game of skittles, a nine-pin form of European lawn bowling. Also on the program is Saint-Saens’ Fantasy and Ravel’s Trio.

Nov. 11, 8 p.m.: America’s top period orchestra, the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, comes to town.

Nov. 12 and 14, 8 p.m.; Nov. 15, 2 p.m.: Gustavo Dudamel teams up with soprano Dawn Upshaw for a vocal concert that features Shubert’s Symphony No. 8 and two works by Berio. Berio’s Folk Songs (1964) is a cycle containing 11 arrangements of folk music from various countries, whose origins range from the Appalachians to Azerbaijan.

Nov. 15, 7:30 p.m.: John Guillou gives a concert of organ music by Bach, Mozart, Mussorgsky and Guillou himself.

Nov. 19, 8 p.m.; Nov. 21-22, 8 p.m.: Gustavo Dudamel leads violinist Gil Shaham and the Phil in two Mozart symphonies and Berg’s Violin Concerto.

Nov. 21, 9:30 p.m.: Disney Hall hosts Eureka!

West Coast, Left Coast Festival of contemporary works by California artists, including the Kronos Quartet, Terry Riley, Matmos and Mike Einziger.

They will perform individually and collaborate.

Nov. 22, 7 p.m.: The Eureka festival continues with an L.A. Master Chorale performance that will include composer Martin O’s “A Map of Los Angeles,” a fusion of Latin jazz, ranchero and contemporary minimalism, and works by Morten Lauridsen and Ingram Marshall Nov. 23, 8 p.m.: The Berliner Philharmoniker, led

by Simon Rattle, gives a concert of Brahms’ Symphony No. 1 and a piano quartet by Brahms and Schoenberg.

Nov. 24, 8 p.m.: Back again, the Berliner Philharmonker performs Wagner’s overture to Der Meistersinger, Schoenberg’s Chamber Symphony No. 1 and Brahms’ Symphony No. 2.

Nov. 27-28, 8 p.m.; Nov. 29, 2 p.m.: This is when things get interesting: Dudamel conducts Salonen, whose piece LA Variations is performed along with Lou Harrison’s Piano Concerto and John Adams’ new, L.A. Phil-commissioned piece “City Noir.”

October 5, 2009 Nov. 29, 7:30 p.m.: The piano quartet known as Piano Spheres bring their powerhouse approach to a collection of works featuring California composers and styles, from John Cage to William Kraft.

Dec. 3, 8 p.m.; Dec. 4, 11 a.m.: Leonard Slatkin conducts the Kronos Quartet with the L.A. Philharmonic in a program that features Mason Bates’ “Liquid Interface.”

Dec. 5, 2:30 p.m.: With John West at the organ and more than 100 voices on stage, the L.A. Master Chorale celebrates Christmas with a rousing medley of carols.

Dec. 5, 8 p.m.; Dec. 6, 2 p.m.: John Adams composed The Dharma at Big Sur (for 6-string electric violin and orchestra). Soloist Leila Josefowicz’s virtuosic “improvisations” are all written out in detail, which is hard to believe when you hear the performance.

Dec. 9, 8 p.m.: Holidays and the mighty Walt Disney Concert Hall organ make for a perfect combination. Spirited master organist David Higgs returns with his sacred and holiday music.

Dec. 10-12, 8 p.m.; Dec. 13, 2 p.m.: Zubin Mehta conducts pianist Yefim Bronfman and the Philharmonic in a program that features Beethoven’s epic Symphony No. 3, the “Eroica.”

Dec. 12, 2 p.m.; Dec. 20, 7 p.m.: The annual Messiah Sing-Along packs the house every year. With soloists and an orchestra onstage, the audience becomes the chorus.

Dec. 13, 7 p.m.: “Rejoice!” is the L.A. Master Chorale’s annual classic Christmas concert inspired by soaring abbeys and cathedrals of Europe to intimate village festivals of Argentina, plus favorite carols.

Dec. 15-16, 8 p.m.: Handel’s Messiah is featured in a complete period-instrument performance, with an all-star lineup of Baroque vocal specialists.

Dec. 17, 8 p.m.: The Grammy-winning “orchestra of voices” Chanticleer returns for its popular annual concert, bringing an eclectic program of Christmas music.

Dec. 18, 11 a.m.; Dec. 19, 8 p.m.; Dec. 20, 2 p.m.: Conductor Harry Bicket presides over Vivaldi’s Concerto in G for two violins and two cellos, featuring Veronika Eberle on violin, and later, the same composer’s most famous work, The Four Seasons.

Colburn School 200 S. Grand Ave., colburnschool.edu.

Oct. 9-Dec.18: During the fall, Friday nights are for student performances. Times and programs vary, so check colburnschool.edu for details.

Nov. 7, 8 p.m.; Nov. 8, 2 and 8 p.m.: Hershey Felder, Eighty Eight Entertainment and Samantha F. Voxakis partner with the Colburn School to present two world premieres featuring Colburn faculty member Ory Shihor, piano, and the Colburn Orchestra. “Nine Hours on Tenth” is the unknown story of President Lincoln’s last hours and features Felder as storyteller accompanied by the Colburn Orchestra, led by Yehuda Gilad. The Aliyah Concerto, the musical story of the creation of the State of Israel, opens the performance.

Nov. 16, 8 p.m.: The ensemble known as Southwest Chamber Music gives a performance of Alexandra du Bois’ Bryant Medley, John Adams’ Shaker Loops, Carlos Chávez’s Cuatro Melodías Indias and Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring.

Dec. 6, 3 p.m.: Conservatory faculty give a chamber music performance, featuring works by Vivaldi, Telemann and Bach.

THEATER, OPERA & DANCE August: Osage County Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 6282772 or centertheatregroup.org.

Oct. 6-9, 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 10, 2 and 8 p.m.; Oct. 11, 1 and 6:30 p.m.: Meet the Westons, a large extended clan that comes together at their rural Oklahoma homestead when the alcoholic patriarch disappears.

Forced to confront unspoken truths and astonishing secrets, the family must also contend with Violet, a pill-popping, deeply unsettled grandmother at the center of this storm. Through Oct. 18.

Gogol Project Bootleg Theater, 2220 Beverly Blvd., (213) 389-3856 or bootlegtheater.com.

Oct. 9, 8 p.m.; Oct. 10, 3 and 8 p.m.; Oct. 11, 3 p.m.: A father of Russian realism and satire, writer Nikolai Gogol was a master of comedy and absurdity. His tales, “Diary of a Madman,” “The Overcoat” and “The Nose” are melded into Rogue Artists Ensemble’s new production, “Gogol Project.”

Combining puppetry, masks and digital projection, audiences are vaulted deep into the grotesque and whimsical world of Gogol’s stories, featuring songs and score by Ego Plum.

LOL! Latina on the Loose Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St., thelatc.org.

Oct. 9-10, 8 p.m.; Oct. 11, 3 p.m.: Mina Olivera’s comedy takes a journey from Brazil to Switzerland to El Salvador to America.

Parade Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 6282772 or centertheatregroup.org.

Oct. 6-9, 8 p.m.; Oct. 10, 2:30 and 8 p.m.; Oct. 11, 1 and 6:30 p.m.: Based on the true story of Leo Frank,

October 5, 2009 convicted of murdering 13-year-old Mary Phagan in Atlanta in 1913, “Parade” recounts the press frenzy and public outrage over Frank’s trial, and his wife’s crusade for justice. Through Nov. 15.

Ruby, Tragically Rotund Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St., thelatc.org.

Oct. 8-9, 8 p.m.; Oct. 10, 3 and 8 p.m.: Oct. 11, 3 p.m.: Ruby is a full figured Filipina who is only one semester away from graduating college when her overbearing and emotionally distant mother takes Ruby’s tuition money in order to fund her stick-thin sister’s entrance in a beauty pageant. When Ruby finds out, she vows to enter the contest herself and win the money back, no matter the price.

Siegfried Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-8001 or laopera.com.

Oct. 7, 5:30 p.m.; Oct. 11, 2 p.m.: L.A. Opera’s production of Wagner’s “Ring” cycle continues with “Siegfried.” With his mighty sword, he slays the dragon Fafner, claims the coveted golden ring, defeats the great god Wotan in battle, and, risking all, walks through fire to awaken the beautiful sleeping warriorgoddess, Brünnhilde, with a kiss. Through Oct. 17.

Solitude Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St., thelatc.org.

Oct. 8-9, 8 p.m.; Oct. 10, 3 and 8 p.m.: Oct. 11, 3 p.m.: Inspired by Octavio Paz’s literary work “Labyrinth of Solitude,” “Solitude” explores love, death, destiny and family. On the day of the million immigrant march, Gabriel invites his old neighborhood friends over after his mother’s funeral. As the wine pours and mambo explodes, they share secrets, cry together, laugh together, sing rancheras, dance and confess.

Future Theater, Opera & Dance Ahmanson Theatre 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 628-2772 or centertheatregroup.org.

Now through Oct. 18: August: “Osage County.”

Nov. 13-March 7: Broadway’s supercalifragilistic, award-winning hit “Mary Poppins” comes to town.

Bob Baker’s Marionettes 1345 W. First St., (213) 250-9995 or bobbakermarionettes.com.

Now through Nov. 1: “Bob Baker’s Spooktacular” celebrates all things Halloween, marionette-style of course. The month-long show is a journey into the world of imagination, full of Purple People Eaters, the Invisible Man and a gaggle of Roaring 20s skeletons.

Nov. 3-TBA: Dozens of the local puppet master’s marionettes appear in musical extravaganza “Something to Crow About.” It’s an hour-long show, and afterwards, the audience is invited to visit with the puppeteers and enjoy refreshments in the theater’s party room. No end date.

Bootleg Theater 2220 Beverly Blvd., (213) 389-3856 or bootlegtheater.com.

Now through Nov. 30: “Gogol Project.”

The Hayworth Theatre 2509 Wilshire Blvd., (323) 960-4442 or thehayworth.com.

Now through Nov. 8: In “High Ceilings,” Lilly, a reluctant bride-to-be, must contend with her narcoleptic father, Midwestern diva mother, anxietyriddled brother and her burgeoning attraction to the wedding florist.

Los Angeles Opera Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-8001 or laopera.com.

Now through Oct. 17: “Siegfried.”

Nov. 21-Dec. 1: In this production of Handel’s “Tamerlano,” Plácido Domingo stars as Bajazet, a Turkish sultan. Princess Asteria will be Sarah Coburn, the gifted young soprano, and one of today’s leading countertenors, Bejun Mehta, will sing the title role.

Nov. 29-Dec. 19: In the Barber of Seville, Count Almaviva loves the beautiful Rosina, who is kept a virtual prisoner in the house of her guardian Dr. Bartolo. Almaviva hires the cunning funnyman Figaro to liberate her, which he does with an array of tricks and disguises.

Los Angeles Theatre Center 514 S. Spring St., thelatc.org.

Nov. 13-Dec. 20: Husband, father, house painter and warrior poet Johnny Williams looks forward to his son Jeff’s return as a navigator for the United States Air Force in “The River Niger.” But Johnny’s pride in his son’s achievement takes an uncharted turn when Jeff comes home and the family discovers the results of his education.

Dec. 10 and 11, 7:30 p.m.: “La Virgen de Guadalupe, Dios Inantzin,” is the simple story of an indian peasant’s vision of the Virgin Mary that has become a theatrical cornerstone at Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral, the host venue for this show. The cathedral is at 555 W. Temple St. Mark Taper Forum 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 628-2772 or centertheatregroup.org.

Dec. 3-Jan. 24: Culture Clash presents “Palestine New Mexico,” a play in which a female U.S. Army Captain returns from Iraq to inform the chief of

Arts & Entertainment a New Mexico Native American tribe that his son died under her command. Officially classified as a friendly fire death, the suspicious circumstances create a crisis of conscience.

REDCAT 631 W. Second St., (213) 237-2800, redcat.org.

Oct. 14-17: At once playful and expressive, the Los Angeles-based multimedia ensemble Cloud Eye Controle confronts head-on the tension between primal nostalgia and modern technological optimism in “Under Polaris.”

Nov. 6-8: An ensemble of 25 gamelan players and 14 dancers enacts an exquisite Balinese adaptation of the Ramayana, the ancient Hindu epic brought to Bali from India more than a millennium ago.

Nov. 18-Dec. 13: “Arias With a Twist” is a fantasy revue, featuring the soaring song stylings of drag artist Joey Arias and the madcap theatrics conjured by a team of puppeteers directed by Basil Twist.

ART SPACES Current and Future Art Space Exhibitions and Information 7+Fig Art Space 735 S. Figueroa St., Suite 217, (213) 955-7150.

Acuna-Hansen Gallery 427 Bernard St., (323) 441-1624 or ahgallery.com.

Automat 936 Chung King Road, (213) 617-0422.

Bert Green Fine Art 102 W. Fifth St., (213) 624-6212 or bgfa.us.

Nov. 11-Dec. 19: A selection of 50 photographs from a new series of many thousands of images shot over several years by Clive Barker.

Bonelli Contemporary 943 N. Hill St., (213) 617-8180 or bonellicontemporaryla.com.

Box Gallery 977 Chung King Road, (213) 625-1747 or theboxla.com.

Through Oct. 24: Rachel Khedoori presents two new projects: The Iraq Book Project, 2009, and Cave Model, 2009. The Iraq Book Project consists of a collection of news source articles complied into large books. The articles are dated with the start date of the Iraq war, March 20, 2003 and continue for roughly six years. Cave Model 2009 is a small-scale representation of a primitive living space.

Charlie James Gallery 975 Chung King Road, (213) 687-0488 or cjamesgallery.com.

China Art Objects 933 Chung King Road, (213) 613-0384 or chinaartobjects.com.

Chinese Historical Society of Southern California 415 Bernard St., (323) 222-0856 or chssc.org.

Ongoing: An exhibition about the history of immigration from China to the United States.

Chung King Project 510 Bernard St. (323) 221-2300 or chungkingproject.com.

Opening June 13: George Bolster’s “High on Christ.”

Cirrus Gallery 542 S. Alameda St., (213) 680-3474 or cirrusgallery.com.

Through Oct. 31: “The Awful Parenthesis” is a group exhibition of works by six Los Angelesbased artists. Formed in response to a proposition initiated by Cirrus Gallery, it presents a selection of emerging artists without prior relationship to the space or its history.

The Company 946 Yale St., (213) 221-7082 or thecompanyart.com.

Oct. 10-Nov. 14: Margo Victor’s solo show features paintings, collage and the Los Angeles premier of the film The Rotten Riotous West.

Cottage Home 410 Cottage Home Road, cottagehomela.com.

Crewest 110 Winston St., (213) 627-8272, crewest.com or thelabellab.com.

Oct. 3-31: The gallery pays tribute to graffiti writer Man One with a solo exhibition and retrospective called “Graffiti Spirits.”

Dalessio Gallery 838 S. Spring St., (213) 471-2977 or dalessiogallery.com.

David Salow Gallery 977 S. Hill St., (213) 620-0240 or davidsalowgallery.com.

Through Oct. 17: New paintings by abstract expressionist Heather Carroll.

Deborah Martin Gallery Spring Arts Tower, 453 S. Spring St., mezzanine level, deborahmartingallery.com.

Oct. 8-Nov. 7: Evah Hart offers a disquieting, ambiguous and often disconsolate journey into the intimate life of her large Midwestern family. Her multi-year photographic study turns a watchful eye on their prosaic domestic rituals as well as their vertiginous experience of grief, loss and death.

The Distributed Gallery 972B Chung King Rd. (213) 344-6137 or dg.telic.info.

Doheny Memorial Library USC, 3550 Trousdale Parkway, (213) 740-2070 or usc.edu/libraries.

Downtown Art Center Gallery 828 S. Main St., dacgallery.com.

Oct. 17, 5-9 p.m.: Hundreds of fine art pieces will be on sale. All proceeds benefit the Exceptional Children’s Foundation Art Center Program, which supports adult artists with developmental disabilities.

Downtown Art Gallery 1611 S. Hope St., (213) 255-2067 or downtownag.com.

Tuesdays, 7:30-10:30 p.m.: Figure drawing classes are $12; bring your own materials.

Ongoing: Large format drawings and different pieces by gallery artists.

Edgar Varela Fine Arts 542 S. Alameda St., second floor, (213) 494-7608 or edgarvarelafinearts.com.

Through Oct. 16: The gallery presents “Patterned Spaces,” a new body of work by artist Christina M. Felice. Felice’s latest collage series combines vintage illustrations and sewing patterns, fused with cutouts of the human form.

El Nopal Press 109 W. Fifth St., (213) 239-0417 or fauxpop.com/nopalpress.

Farmlab 1745 N. Spring St. #4, (323) 226-1158 or farmlab.org.

Fifth Floor 502 Chung King Court, (213) 687-8443 or fifthfloorgallery.com.

Through Oct. 10: “Patterned After” is an exhibition of work by the L.A. based Christina Muraczewski. The show will feature an array of brightly painted stylized pillows rendered in two dimensions on canvas and also a series of pieces of furniture similarly rendered on flat canvases. g727 727 S. Spring St., (213) 627-9563 or gallery727losangeles.com.

Gary Leonard 860 S. Broadway, takemypicture.com.

Ongoing: “The Billboard Show: Selling the SoCal Lifestyle” features photographic landscapes of the 1950s and 1960s.

George J. Doizaki Gallery Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, 244 S. San Pedro St., (213) 628-2725 or jaccc.org.

Happy Lion 963 Chung King Road, (213) 625-1360 or thehappylion.com.

Helen Lindhurst Fine Arts Gallery Watt Hall 104, USC University Park Campus, (213) 740-2787 or roski.usc.edu.

Hive Gallery and Studios 729 S. Spring St., (213) 955-9051 or thehivegallery.com.

Through October 31: The gallery presents a group show inspired by Tarot.

I-5 Gallery 2100 N. Main St. #A9, (323) 342-0717 or breweryartwalk.com.

Jail 965 Vignes St., Suite 5A, (213) 621-9567 or thejailgallery.com.

Julie Rico Gallery 500 S. Spring St. and 116 W. Fifth St., (213) 817-6002 or weeneez.com.

Katalyst Foundation for the Arts 450 S. Main St., (213) 604-3634 or kffta.org.

Kathryn Brennan Gallery 955 Chung King Road, 213 628 7000 or kathrynbrennan.com Through Oct. 10: In this second exhibition by Jeni Spota, the artist has created a series of four paintings that combine her unique visual language with references to the ornate frames of paintings and borders in architecture of the early Italian Renaissance.

Oct. 17-Nov. 14: Solo show by Danica Phelps.

KGB Studio and Gallery 1640 N. Spring St., (323) 224-1900 or kgbla.com.

Oct. 3-Nov. 14: “Time Refocused” is a photography exhibition featuring portraits by Luis C. Garza.

L2kontemporary 990 N. Hill St. #205, (626) 319-3661 or l2kontemporary.com.

Oct. 17-Nov. 14: New works by the Los Angelesbased collective After Image, exploring perception, consciousness and neuroscience.

LADWP John Ferraro Office Building, 111 N. Hope St., (213) 481-5411 or ladwp.com.

Ongoing: A salute to William Mulholland with historic photos, artifacts and memorabilia. Open Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. This is the first installment of what will be a permanent exhibition showcasing the water and power of Los Angeles.

La Mano Press 1749 N. Main St., (323) 227-0650 or lamanopress.com.

Lamp Community Art Project 452 S. Main St., lampcommunity.org or lampartproject.org.

Latino Museum of History, Art and Culture At the New LATC, 514 S. Spring St., (213) 626-7600.

Library of Congress/Ira Gershwin Gallery At Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., (213) 972-4399 or musiccenter.org.

LM Projects 125 W. Fourth St. #103, (213) 621-4055 or bank-art.com.

The former gallery called Bank is set to re-open in the fall.

Downtown News 23 Los Angeles Center for Digital Art 107 W. Fifth St., (323) 646-9427 or lacda.com.

Nov. 12-Dec. 5: “Snap to Grid” is the result of an un-juried show featuring digital art and photography submitted via email by anyone who chose to participate.

Lot 44 257 S. Spring St., (213) 626-4646 or lot44coffee.com.

Through Nov. 3: Artist Johnny Nicoloro’s “LA Virgin” features in-camera, multi-exposed images of the Virgin Mary found throughout Los Angeles, with neighborhood imagery from East L.A. to West Hollywood to Venice Beach.

Los Angeles Artcore Brewery Annex 650A S. Ave. 21, (323) 276-9320.

Through Oct. 31: “Organic Minimalism: New Bodies of Knowledge” brings together seven artistic voices from across Canada.

Oct. 4-Nov. 29: Ken Colorado gets a two-month show. Colorado’s use of ice, snow, corrugated paper, steel and giant stone to create site-specific sculptures has taken him to the Patagonian ice fields, Antarctica, France, Mexico, the Czech Republic and South America.

Los Angeles Public Library Central Library, 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7500 or lapl.org/events.

Through Nov. 1: “Richard Neutra, Architect: Sketches & Drawings,” features a selection of travel sketches, figure drawings and building renderings from one of modernism’s most important architects.

Through Jan. 23, 2010: In celebration of the 100th birthday of photographer Yousuf Karsh (19082002), the library hosts an exhibition of the great portraitist’s work. Karsh made a career photographing the world’s most distinguished statesmen, artists, literary figures, musicians, scientists, actors, and actresses, from Churchill to Einstein to Hemingway.

Main Field Projects 418 Bamboo Lane, (323) 559-1568 or mainfieldprojects.com.

Mesler and Hug 510 Bernard St., (323) 221-0016 or meslerandhug.com.

Mexican Cultural Institute Gallery 125 Paseo de la Plaza, Suite 100, (213) 624-3660 or mexicanculturalinstitute.com.

No end date: Joe Bravo’s tortilla artwork appears in “The Traveling Museum of Tortilla Art.” Mihai Nicodim Gallery 944 Chung King Road, (213) 621-2786 or nicodimgallery.com.

MLA Gallery 2020 N. Main St. #239, (323) 222-3400 or mlagallery.com.

Morono Kiang Gallery 218 W. Third St., (213) 628-8208 or moronokiang.com.

Through Nov. 21: “Traces of Being: Iran in the Passage of Memories” explores the primacy of personal memory against a backdrop of divergent cultural experiences and collective histories in Iran.

Curated by Shervin Shahbazi, the show features new mixed media and installation-based works by Pantea Karimi, Hushidar Mortezaie, Amitis Motevalli and Fereshteh Toosi.

Niche.LA Video Art 453 S. Spring St., Suite 443, (213) 247-0002 or niche.la.

North Hill 945 N. Hill St., (213) 500-7778 or northhillchinatown.com.

Phyllis Stein Art 207 W. Fifth St., (213) 622-6012 or phyllissteinart.com.

Pico House Gallery El Pueblo Historical Monument, 424 N. Main St., (213) 485-8372 or lacity.org/elp.

POVevolving Gallery 939 Chung King Road, povevolving.com.

Oct. 9-Nov. 7: Yasmine Mohensi curates the group show “The Pop of Colors.”

PYO Gallery 1100 S. Hope St. #105, (213) 405-1488 or pyogalleryla.com.

Raw Materials 436 S. Main St., visit winsteadadams.com or rawmaterialsLA.com.

Raw Materials is an art and architectural supplies store.

Remy’s on Temple 2126 W. Temple St., (213) 484-2884 or remysontemple.com.

REDCAT Gallery 631 W. Second St., (213) 237-2800 or redcat.org.

Through Nov. 8: Through his interest in autoconstrucción (“self-construction”), Abraham Cruzvillegas explores economies of the makeshift, the recycled and the handmade. His recent work gravitates toward an examination of his childhood home and the neighborhood of Ajusco, a district in the south of Mexico City. At REDCAT, the artist presents a newly commissioned film shot on location in Ajusco that employs an unconventional narrative, non-professional actors, and unexpected moments of intimacy and encounter.

Nov. 22-Jan. 17, 2010: “Everyday Miracles (Extended)” brings together the work of seven artists who reflect on the dynamic shifts across Asia over

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24 Downtown News

Continued from previous page the last 30 years. Curated by Hou Hanru in collaboration with REDCAT. Roark 549 W. 23rd St., (213) 747-6100 or linsleylambert.com.

Rouge Galerie 548 S. Spring St., Unit 108, (213) 489-7309.

Ongoing: This gallery features the work of painter Sylvain Copon.

Sabina Lee Gallery 971 Chung King Road, (323) 935-9279 or sabinaleegallery.com.

Through Oct. 10: Uudam Nguyen’s “Condom Project” features a series of enlarged photographs of condoms, decorated with patriotic insignia, like the American flag.

Sam Lee Gallery 990 N. Hill St. #190, (323) 227-0275 or samleegallery.com.

Through Oct. 24: “East of Eden,” by Pipo Nguyen-Duy’s, is a collection of images, mostly portraits, of war-maimed Vietnamese men, women and children, in serene settings.

SCI-Arc Gallery Southern California Institute of Architecture, 960 E. Third St., (213) 613-2200 or sciarc.edu.

Oct. 23-Dec. 13: “Blow x Blow,” an installation

by Deegan Day Design, stages a bout between two trends in exhibition: the claiming of gallery space by architects, and the ceding of that space to the ambient possibilities of new media.

Seventh Street/Metro Center 660 S. Figueroa St., (213) 922-4278 or metro.net/metroart.

Ongoing: Stephen Galloway offers “Coming and Going,” the latest installment in the Metro Art Lightbox series on display in the mezzanine level of the rail station.

Showcave Gallery 1218 ½ W. Temple St., (213) 663-3521 or myspace.com/showcave.

Tarryn Teresa Gallery 1820 Industrial St., #230, (213) 627-5100 or tarrynteresagallery.com.

Through Oct. 29: Curator Elizabeth Williams leads a group show of new works.

Third Floor Bridge Gallery City Hall, 200 N. Spring St., (213) 202-2772.

Through Oct. 23: The Los Angeles City Department on Disability presents its second annual art show, which features about 50 works. All the pieces are by disabled persons and the purpose of the show is to demonstrate that persons with disabilities also have abilities and talents that are often overlooked.

Todd/Browning Gallery 209 W. Fifth St., (310) 926-6347 or toddbrowning.com.

Oct. 8-Nov. 7: “Redux” is a show of photographs of the Soviet War in Afghanistan.

Tropico de Nopal Gallery 1665 Beverly Blvd., (213) 481-8112 or tropicodenopal.com.

USC Gayle and Ed Roski Master of Fine Arts Gallery 3001 S. Flower St., (213) 743-1804 or roski.usc.edu.

Through Dec. 16: Phantom Presence is a group show featuring Roski faculty member Julia Paull, with Amanda Alfieri, Senna Chen, Renee Martin, Joey Lehmann Morris and Natalie Shriver.

Velaslavasay Panorama 1122 W. 24th St., (213) 746-2166 or panoramaonview.org.

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.

Annette Green Perfume Museum FIDM, second floor, 919 S. Grand Ave., (213) 6241200 or fidm.edu.

Ongoing: “Fame and Fragrance” is up in this, the only museum of its kind in the U.S. It’s dedicated to enhancing our understanding the art, culture and science of the olfactory. Originally opened in New York City in 1999, the collection — 2,000 bottles, perfume presentations and documentary ephemera dating from the late 1800s to the present — was donated to FIDM in 2005.

California African American Museum 600 State Drive, (213) 744-7432 or caamuseum.org.

Through Oct. 25: “Inside My Head: Intuitive Artists of African Descent” showcases the work of 32 contemporary artists of African descent who have developed a mature style in an intuitive manner. The exhibition explores pure artistic creativity and validates the connection to ethnic-specific traditions.

Through Nov. 29: “Tuskegee: Journey to Flight” tells the story of the Tuskegee Airmen, who fought on many battlefields, foreign and domestic yet were under acknowledged and under appreciated.

Through Jan. 10, 2010: “Harlem of the West, Jazz, Bebop and Beatnik” celebrates the Fillmore District of

October 5, 2009

Arts & Entertainment San Francisco in the 1940s, ’50s and early ’60s where Bebop cross-pollinated with the Beat Movement and avant-garde film making to make a dynamic scene.

Nov. 19-March 7: “An Idea Called Tomorrow” was co-conceived by CAAM and the Skirball Cultural Center and showcase works by twelve contemporary artists that imagine what a civil future looks like.

California Science Center 700 State Drive, (323) 724-3623 or californiasciencecenter.org.

Oct. 3-Dec. 31: “Race” explores the science, history and personal experiences of race, helping us understand what race is and, perhaps more importantly, what it is not. The exhibit provides guests the opportunity to think and talk about one of our nation’s most challenging issues and encourages us to rethink assumptions of race and human variation.

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 Motion-Based Simulator and the Ecology Cliff Climb. The human body is another big focus: The Life Tunnel aims to show the connections between all life forms, from the singlecelled amoeba to the 100-trillion-celled human being.

Chinese American Museum 425 N. Los Angeles St., (213) 485-8567 or camla.org.

Oct. 24-May 30, 2010: “Hollywood Chinese: The Arthur Dong Collection” is an exhibition of movie memorabilia collected during the 10 years of research for Arthur Dong’s documentary on the Chinese in America feature films. Explore the filmmaker’s archive of over 1,000 items, including posters, lobby cards, stills, scripts, press material, and other artifacts dating from 1916 to present-day.

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. The display is outlined into four distinct time periods. Each period is defined by an important immigration law and/or event, accompanied by a brief description and a short personal story about a local Chinese American and their experiences in that particular historical period.

Permanent: “Neighborhood Stories” a photographic exhibition exploring the beginnings of Los Angeles’ changing Chinese American communities, from the city’s original Chinatown, New Chinatown, China City and Market Chinatown. This exhibit will provide a glimpse of how the Chinese American community began to make Los Angeles home.

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 monument’s Visitors Center; the Fire House Museum, which houses late 19th-century fire-fighting 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.

FIDM Museum and Galleries 919 S. Grand Ave., (213) 624-1200 or fidm.edu.

Oct. 21-Dec. 13: “High Style: Betsy Bloomingdale and the Haute Couture” celebrates a donation of over 125 haute couture garments given to the FIDM Museum and Galleries over four decades by Betsy Bloomingdale. The exhibition includes over 60 ensembles and describes the process of haute couture, showcases her favorite designers and examines her personal fashion style and lifestyle. A video documentary includes interviews with Bloomingdale, Hubert de Givenchy, James Galanos, Adolfo and François Lesage.

Grammy Museum L.A. Live, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-6800 or grammymuseum.org.

Through Dec. 31: “Songs of Conscience, Songs of Freedom” explores the 200-year history of music and politics in America, and music’s role as a political force in society.

Ongoing: “Roland Live” is a permanent installation courtesy of the electronic musical instrument maker, Roland Corporation. The exhibit gives visitors a chance to participate in the music-making process by playing a wide variety of Roland products, from V-Drums and BOSS pedals to VIMA keyboards and the MV-8800 Production Studio.

Japanese American National Museum 369 E. First St., (213) 625-0414 or janm.org.

Oct. 24-Jan. 24: “The Giant Robot Biennale: 15 Years,” curated by Eric Nakamura, is an expanded follow-up to the 2007 exhibition Giant Robot Biennale: 50 Issues. It will highlight artists associated with the magazine over the past 15 years.

Museum of Contemporary Art, Grand Avenue 250 S. Grand Ave., (213) 621-2766 or moca.org.

Through Oct. 19: “From the Permanent Collection: Robert Frank’s ‘The Americans’” celebrates the

50th anniversary year of the publication of his portfolio “The Americans.” The American edition included an introduction by Jack Kerouac, and the pictures have become landmarks in the history of photography, created with a hand-held Leica camera, often with a wide-angle lens. MOCA is showing a complete set of photographs, in the order devised by Frank; it’s the only complete set on the West Coast.

Through Oct. 19: “Collecting History: Highlighting Recent Acquisitions” is inspired by the growth of the museum’s holdings through gifts and purchases over the past decade. The museum’s recent collecting is notable for its breadth and range, and the exhibition assembles significant works by historical, mid-career and emerging artists working locally, nationally, and internationally, including Eduardo Abaroa, John Altoon, Jennifer Bornstein, Stanley Brouwn, Tony Conrad, Hanne Darboven, Roe Ethridge, William Wegman, and Lawrence Weiner.

Nov. 15-May 3, 2010: The museum celebrates its permanent collection in an exhibit entitled “Collection: MOCA’s First Thirty Years.”

Permanent: Nancy Rubins’ cheekily and comprehensively titled “Chas’ Stainless Steel, Mark Thompson’s Airplane Parts, About 1000 Pounds of Stainless Steel Wire, Gagosian’s Beverly Hills Space, at MOCA (2001-2002)” is a monumental sculpture made out of parts of an airplane.

Museum of Neon Art 136 W. Fourth St., (213) 489-9918 or neonmona.org.

Ongoing: Check it out soon, because MONA is mulling a move to Glendale. Before it leaves, however, an exhibition featuring pieces from Larry Albright and “A Cautionary Tale,” photography by Tom Zimmerman, remain on view.

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County Natural History Museum, 900 Exposition Blvd., (213) 763–3466 or nhm.org.

Through Nov. 8: The one-of-a-kind Spider Pavilion is a beautifully landscaped area on the museum’s south lawn where spiders freely spin their spectacular webs for all to see. It’s open every day of the week from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., with the last tickets sold at 4:30 pm.

Ongoing: The “Dino Lab” is a working paleontological lab, wherein museum preparators will work on a several dinosaur and other fossil creature skeletons for future display at the museum.

Sports Museum of Los Angeles 1900 S. Main St., (213) 763-4824 or sportsmuseumla.com.

This treasure trove of sports memorabilia is closed to the general public, but private functions or group tours can be arranged. Inside are thousands of rare, vintage baseball cards, original basketball uniforms, old baseball gloves and early bicycles, among other oddity collectibles.

USC Fisher Museum of Art 823 Exposition Blvd. on the USC campus, (213) 7404561 or fishergallery.org.

Through Dec. 19: “Victor Raphael, Travels and Wanderinsg, 1979-2009, features work from the last 30 years and will include paintings, Polaroids, video, and interactive technologies.Work from the ongoing Space Field series will be included as well as work from Japan, Paris, Turkey, Mexico and Alaska. The exhibit will also feature work from several collaborations between Raphael and other artists.

Wells Fargo History Museum 333 S. Grand Ave., (213) 253-7166 or wellsfargohistory.com.

Ongoing: Take in an Old West exhibit including a faux 19th-century Wells Fargo office, a real-life Concord stagecoach that once traversed windy southern Kentucky roads and a gold nugget weighing in at a shocking two pounds.

FILM Downtown Independent 251 S. Main St., www.downtownindependent.com.

Through Oct. 7: Beyond Biba is the first ever film entirely about Barbara Hulanicki, a 1960s London fashion icon.

Oct. 8-10: Willoughby is a thriller based on a true story, in which a man is shot and sees his destiny, then struggles with his will to live.

Oct. 10: In Hollywood, California, on the corner of Hollywood & Vine, there is a karate school with a weird type of karate, a DVD store with movies that nobody wants, and a café with the world’s worst cook. Add to the story a crazy Italian with a deadly secret; a musician with terrible allergies; a computer nerd who thinks everyone is in love with her, and you have Karate Film Café.

Flagship Theatres 3323 S. Hoover St., (213) 748-6321.

Through Oct. 8: Zombieland (1:15 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5:45 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m.); Surrogates (12:45 a.m., 3 p.m., 5:15 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.); Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs (12:15 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:45 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.)

REDCAT 631 W. Second St., (213) 237-2800 or redcat.org.

Oct. 5, 8:30 p.m.: Ulrike Ottinger’s The Korean Wedding Chest explores the “well-stocked miracle”

of Korean wedding chests. The story concerns an enchanted maze of a modern Asian metropolis flush with mythological heroes, traditional rites, ancestral symbolism, dreams of eternal love, and a whole lot of Western kitsch.

Future Film IMAX Theater California Science Center, 700 State Drive, (213) 7442019 or californiasciencecenter.org.

Through Dec. 31: Under the Sea 3D will transport moviegoers to some of the most exotic and isolated undersea locations on Earth, for face-to-face encounters with some of the most mysterious and stunning creatures of the sea. (10:30 a.m., 1:45 p.m., 5 p.m.).

Through Dec. 31: Across the Sea of Time is the story of Tomas, an eleven-year-old Russian stowaway bound for America to find family members who had immigrated to New York a hundred years ago. (11:30 a.m., 2:45 p.m.).

Through Dec. 31: Pulse: A Stomp Odyssey is a visual and auditory celebration of diversity and culture, rhythm and humanity. It introduces audiences to percussion groups from places as disparate as Timbalada of Brazil to the Kodo drummers of Japan, from the American Indian Dance Theater to the Jackie Robinson steppers of New York.

REDCAT 631 W. Second St., (213) 237-2800 or redcat.org.

Oct. 12, 8:30 p.m.: In Towards the Depths of the Even Greater Depression, avant-garde filmmaker Ken Jacobs (Star Spangled to Death) shows of his repertory of techniques.

Oct. 19, 8:30 p.m.: Giving a rare U.S. presentation of his animation oeuvre, artist and filmmaker Sun Xun screens a program of shorts ranging from a witty experiment in body art to the creation of an expansive imagistic world that evokes China’s checkered voyage toward technological and political modernity.

Oct. 26, 8:30 p.m.: Mosca and the Meaning of Life is a groundbreaking multimedia piece in which animated characters leap off the screen and join up with a live performance crafted by award-winning filmmaker and animator Christine Panushka and theater and spoken word artist Beto Araiza.

Oct. 27, 8:30 p.m.: The Berlin-based Brigitte Maria Mayer traces a via dolorosa through the modern world in a timely new video based on Heiner Müller’s excoriating 1984 adaptation of Titus Andronicus.

Oct. 30-31, 8:30 p.m.: Celebrate Halloween with one of the earliest and surely creepiest horror films in cinema history, accompanied with live music by tricked-out ghouls under the direction of Brian LeBarton, best known as Beck’s prodigious music director.

Nov. 5, 8:30 p.m.: Satellite, As Long As It Is Aiming At the Sky, by Nasrin Tabatabai and Babak Afrassiabi, peers into the microcosm of Farsi-language satellite television stations, now numbering more than 20, that broadcast internationally from Los Angeles.

Dec. 14, 8:30 p.m.: Two documentaries on indigenous Mexican culture. Reencuentros: 2501 Migrantes examines the effects of mass emigration on the Oaxacan town of Teococuilo. Dia Dos is an irreverent take on the second day of a P’urhepecha wedding.

Regal L.A. Live Stadium 14 1000 W. Olympic Blvd., lalive.com.

Oct. 27-Nov. 1: Michael Jackson’s final film is a compilation of rehearsal, behind-the-scenes and other footage of the pop legend preparing for the This Is It concert series, which was to be held in London. The movie shows on all 14 of the theaters screens, which means show-times aplenty.

Japanese American Cultural & Community Center JACCC Plaza, 244 S. San Pedro St., (213) 382-04886 or jaccc.org.

Dec. 20, 11 a.m., 2 and 4 p.m.: The JACCC and other partners present a retrospective of films from the golden era of Japanese cinema. The Japan Foundation opens its vast archives for films that will include works by directors Mikio Naruse, Kon Ichikawa and Tadashi Imai.

BARS & CLUBS 8Hill 801 S. Hill St., (213) 489-4342.

This new watering hole is dark and loud, perfect for dancing away your troubles.

The Association 610 S. Main St., (213) 627-7385.

Carved out of the area that used to belong to Cole’s, the bar in front, the Association is a dimly-lit, swank little alcove with some serious mixologists behind the bar. Look for a heavy door, a brass knocker, and a long line.

Banquette 400 S. Main St., (213) 626-2768 or banquette-cafe.com.

This petite cafe and wine bar with its red and white striped awning has become a popular hangout for casual evenings of drinking wine and meeting up with friends. During monthly Art Walks on the second Thursday of the month, Banquette buzzes with almost every kind of Downtown denizen you could imagine. They have a small but lovely selection of wines by the glass as well as beers.

October 5, 2009

Downtown News 25

DowntownNews.com

A Circus of Symbolism A Five-Hour ‘Siegfried’ Is Packed With Avant-Garde Thrills

by Marc Porter Zasada contributing writer

R

ichard Wagner’s massive Ring cycle of operas has always been a symbol-fest. Wotan, king of the gods, carries a spear carved with the contracts that sustain the world — a spear cut from the “world ash-tree,” which then withered. There’s a ring of power that can only be forged by a person who renounces love. A broken sword that can only be mended by a person who has never known fear.

In Los Angeles Opera’s daring and spectacular Ring, director and designer Achim Freyer has loaded on a whole truckload of additional symbols from his own imagination: Blacksuited figures cross the stage or walk in circles, symbolizing time. Color-changing fluorescent tubes symbolize not just sword and spear, but the underlying order of the universe.

Sometimes these tubes get broken, sometimes they all line up and point east.

This Ring is not just a symbol-fest, but a symbol-circus and a symbol-vaudeville, symbol-farce and symbol-apocalypse.

Often it works as brilliant creative spectacle, at once campy and profound and wonderful.

Now and then, however, Freyer’s symbols start to clutter up the stage, obscuring Wagner, the singers, and the underlying human drama of the story beneath big masks and heavy face paint, oversized costumes and wacky stagecraft.

Over the nearly five hours of Siegfried, the third installment of the Ring, which is at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion through Oct. 17, there is plenty of avant-garde genius on display (especially in the first act), as well as some avant-garde shortcomings (especially in the second and third acts).

In Siegfried, the very human hero is a muscular dolt — in this production an out-and-out doofus in a blue muscle-suit, yellow fright wig and bearskin pants. John Treleaven performs this difficult role with high camp, and though on opening night his voice faltered considerably as he came to the end of the first act and headed into the grueling last act, he dominated with his magnificent heldentenor (or heroic tenor) and his good spirits.

It’s not Siegfried’s fault that he’s so dumb — he’s been

raised alone in the forest by a twisted dwarf named Mime, superbly and comically sung by tenor Graham Clark. When Mime finds that Siegfried doesn’t even know what “fear” might be, he realizes the lad is the perfect hero to re-forge the broken sword of Wotan and kill the dragon guarding the magic ring of power.

This first act, set on a “racetrack” of time, with all the characters at their starting blocks, and ending with the re-forging of the sword, is a phenomenal demonstration of stagecraft, and a full realization of Wagner’s own fevered symbolism.

The second act should be one of the most dramatic in all the cycle, as the evil dwarf Alberich (ably sung by Oleg Ryjak), who forged the corrupting ring, returns from the first opera to lurk outside the cave of the dragon. He has a dramatic confrontation with Wotan, again sung with exquisite and brooding sensitivity by bass Vitalij Kowaljow, who is beginning to see the twilight of the gods, i.e., the next opera, Gotterdammerung, on the horizon.

In this act, Siegfried begins to develop his stunted mind. He kills the dragon, escapes poisoning by Mime and heads off to find Brünnhilde, the sleeping heroine of Die Walküre.

Here Freyer seems to lose his usually clear focus, as he purposefully undercuts the drama by introducing much fussy business, including a ladder and unnecessary surrogates for the leading characters. The dragon turns out to be a joke and poor Treleaven doesn’t even get to wield his own “sword,” merely symbolized by a fluorescent tube carried by one of the omnipresent figures in black. Mime, who seeks to kill Sigfried, doesn’t get to carry his own poison vial.

Despite much fine singing by everyone, including Eric Halfvarson as the hapless dragon, there is little sense of satisfaction. No doubt Freyer wants us to feel unsatisfied, but still…

Act III is mostly a massive love duet, one of the greatest in the canon. Siegfried steps through a circle of fire to awaken Brünnhilde, the dynamic walküre, who has been in a magic sleep for about two decades. When he encounters a female for the first time, not to mention love, he does learn fear.

Brünnhilde, once immortal, embraces mortality.

photo by Monika Rittershaus

John Treleaven performs the difficult title role of Siegfried with high camp and strong vocals. The L.A. Opera production is at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion through Oct. 17.

To symbolize all this, Freyer has Treleaven sneak offstage and return in a red muscle suit (remember, it used to be blue), symbolizing his newfound passion. Brünnhilde, once a dynamic walküre, is forced to stand stock still for nearly an hour in a gigantic symbolic dress, bits of which are symbolically torn from her by black-suited figures symbolizing time, and leaving behind their black handprints. Since she has become mortal, her dress is painted with lurid veins and arteries, breasts and genitalia. Only once do the lovers touch.

Yes, it all makes sense symbolically, but even as the stage is flooded with passionate red cloth and red lighting, much of the romance flees.

The lighting design by Freyer and Brian Gale is astounding, and the artwork by Freyer himself is an endlessly surprising amalgam of German expressionism and gaudy comic book sensibilities.

Siegfried runs through Oct. 17 at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, (213) 972-7219 or laopera.com. Read a synopsis of the full Ring in advance or you will be hopelessly confused.

metro.net

Metro Briefs Medical, Dental, Metro Pass

Go ahead, climb on up there.

Rideshare Week begins October 5. Now is the time to get your company involved – ask your boss to buy Metro passes for all employees as an employee bene>t. Employees save money riding Metro and the company enjoys tax savings, reduced parking demands and improved employee morale. Find out more at 213.922.2811.

Metro Vanpool Wins Outstanding Service Award The Association for Commuter Transportation presented the successful Metro Vanpool Program with its Outstanding Service Award for 2009. There are more than 800 vanpools that are now part of the growing Metro Vanpool family, all getting up to $400 a month toward the lease of a van. Find out how to join at metro.net.

DowntownNews.com, we want to hear from you.

Majority of Riders Are Satis>ed With Metro A recent survey of more than 15,000 Metro riders shows that 85% are satis>ed with their bus and rail service. The June 2009 survey shows customer satisfaction with Metro continues to score well with riders and is improving, up from 83% who expressed approval in the Spring of 2008.

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Check Measure R Progress Online It’s your tax dollars at work and metro.net will keep you updated. Track the progress of Measure R funded projects in your area or those of special interest to you online.

Just go to metro.net and search for “Progress Tracker.”

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26 Downtown News

October 5, 2009

DowntownNews.com

Off to the Races Red Bull Soapbox Derby Makes for Plenty of Dum Fun

by RichaRd Guzmán city editoR

A

s a camera rolled and I performed my bell dance decked out in red sweats, a yellow shirt, mustard tube socks, a red baseball cap with a green flag sticking straight up and a bowtie, it was obvious that things didn’t turn out quite as I imagined they would when I decided to take part in the Downtown Red Bull Soapbox Race.

But I must admit, even though I looked ridiculous, I felt at home amongst the racers, and I think I even impressed a childhood hero.

As part of the Downtown Challenge column, I thought I would take part in the race that was held in Downtown on Saturday, Sept. 26, and live out my “Speed Racer” fantasies by flying down Grand Avenue at 30-some miles per hour. However, when I learned that you actually had to design and build your own engine-less car from scratch, and considering that most of the vehicles looked like they were built by the Disney Imagineers, that was out of the question.

So when Red Bull spokesman Scott Houston said I could be part of a pit crew for one of the teams, I jumped at the chance.

“You will be the team’s go-to guy — help them unload their craft, set up their pits, get them anything they need and push the craft onto the starting ramp,” he told me.

“Wonderland Adventurers even said they might have a costume for you.”

Sweet. It was on.

What the?

Since I’d never been to a soapbox derby and had no idea what the costumes were all about, I instantly imagined myself in a sleek leather racing suit like the pit crews wear on the NASCAR circuit. Or maybe a cool Red Bull outfit with all the sponsor logos.

“The first order of business,” Scott said.

“The team needs to know your sweatpants size, shirt size, as well your neck size! Goodbye Richard, and hello Tweedle Dum!” “Tweedle Dum? What the [expletive]!” was my first thought as I went back over

some info Scott had sent me about the team which I hadn’t bothered to read.

“Our initial inspiration was to have a car that would snake down the course, much like a hinged plastic snake toy,” explained Mark Santa Ines, the team leader and driver in the team bio Scott had sent me. “Then we came up with the idea of using the caterpillar from Alice in Wonderland to give it some Southern California flavor.”

I went to my editor and said, “I think I’m going to be Tweedle Dum from Alice In Wonderland,” though I couldn’t remember exactly what he looked like. My editor burst into laughter and instructed me to Google Tweedle Dee ASAP. I buried my face in my hands when I saw the image. I turned on my recorder so I wouldn’t forget my actual words.

“Aughhh no, come on. Great. Sadly, I kind of look like that,” I said into my recorder, which also captured my editor’s uncontrollable laughter in the background.

But Team Wonderland needed Tweedle Dum, and I was the man for the job.

Ship for Dorks I picked up my outfit the night before the race. The first thing I noticed was the red baseball cap with the green flag sticking straight out. It was attached to the hat with a long wire, like a flag on a ship for dorks.

The red sweats and yellow shirt made a striking combination with the mustard tube socks that went up above my knees. A white T-shirt had been cut so that it looked like a bib around my neck and the blue bowtie put the final accent on the ensemble, and decimated the last bit of coolness I had left.

Combined with the fledgling beard I’ve decided to grow for some reason, I looked just like Tweedle Dum as he would look years after the fame was gone and he was a homeless drunk living in whiskey land rather than Wonderland.

There was no backing down. It was either cry and look even more pathetic in my outfit, or go all out and be the best darn Dum I could.

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Dressed as Tweedle Dum (right), a Downtown News reporter takes on the Red Bull Soapbox Race. He was part of the team Wonderland Adventurers.

Mark, an architecture student, spent months working on his soapbox car, which was a stunning recreation of the caterpillar from Alice in Wonderland. The car was a three piece set-up with Mark, dressed as the Mad Hatter, driving the front end and his girlfriend Venice, as Alice, in the third car.

The middle was empty for decorative and I’m sure aerodynamic purposes.

The rest of the team included Mark’s sister Ellen as the Queen of Hearts; his cousin Robert as the White Rabbit; and Ed, another cousin, as my twin Tweedle Dee. We would be competing in the speed and style category, as well as for fan favorite against 40 other teams. We would also be judged on our booth, our characters and our energy.

Not so Dum The morning of the race, dressed in full Tweedle regalia, I snuck out of my apartment building, hoping none of my neighbors would see me. I drove Downtown and parked in the lot across the street from where the teams were setting up, and encountered my first joke of the day.

“You don’t look like a racer,” the parking attendant said in Spanish.

“I know, this is just how I dress every day,” I answered, steeling myself for an onslaught of Dum jokes.

But once in the racers’ lot, I kind of fit in.

It turns out people go all out for the soapbox derby and create outlandish cars mixed with equally crazy outfits. There was a Spaceballs car based on the 1987 Mel Brooks movie spoof. There was a Wizard of Oz team, with the Lion, Scarecrow and a very shortskirted Dorothy, and the Tin Man as the soapbox car. There was also a team with the guys dressed in prom dresses and a stripperthemed entry, with a car that looked like a stage in a strip club, complete with two girls in skimpy outfits dancing on the car.

The most outrageous entry was the Baywatch tribute team. Their car was a life-

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guard tower and the guys were dressed in the famous red trunks. Of course, there was a Pamela Anderson in a hot red bathing suit — except it was a guy in a blond wig.

Suddenly being Tweedle Dum wasn’t so bad after all.

Our team pushed the car up the hill and into our tent, which we decorated with playing cards, a tea set, flowers and a big colorful sign reading “Wonderland Adventurers.”

We were a hit with the crowd. A lot of people asked to take their picture with us, and many of them wanted Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum together. We were more than happy to oblige.

Dozens of people asked who was Tweedle Dee and who was Tweedle Dum. “I’m Dum,” I quickly answered.

One particularly perky blond woman was excited about having her picture taken with the Tweedles.

“You guys are just too cute,” she squealed as the three of us posed together. “You make a perfect Tweedle Dum,” she said, intending it as compliment.

“Sadly, I do,” I answered in a whisper.

Dance Dum A Red Bull camera crew came to film us, and after Mark talked about the car and the team, he handed it off to the Tweedles.

“We also have a dance,” he said, which was news to me. But as the camera turned our way, I immediately started swinging side to side with my legs flying around like a dinger in a bell. Unfortunately, Tweedle Dee chickened out and stopped dancing.

“That was just a little too much for me,” he said.

Soon the judges showed up to see our booth. To my complete shock, one of my childhood heroes was standing in front of me.

Erik Estrada, better known as Officer Francis Llewellyn “Ponch” Poncherello in the 1977 classic police series “CHiPS,” was a judge. He looked over our booth and sat in

restaurants

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@

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Re

October 5, 2009

Downtown News 27 photos by Gary Leonard

DowntownNews.com

the car.

I acted like my 2-year-old daughter would if she met her hero — Elmo from “Sesame Street.”

“Oh my God! Erik Estrada! Hi, I’m Tweedle Dum,” I burst, forgetting my actual name for a second. As he looked up and stared at me with a blank and slightly annoyed look I snapped a picture with my cell phone camera. More than anything, the moment made my entire day.

In the end, Wonderland Adventurers

wasn’t the fastest car. We didn’t win the fan favorite category and the tube socks left a reddish-purple mark around each of my legs.

But it was a fun event that drew more than 100,000 spectators to Downtown, my team was made up of great people and I finally got to meet one of my childhood heroes.

And I’m sure Erik Estrada will always remember the day he met Tweedle Dum. Have an idea for the Downtown Challenge?

Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.

The Sept. 26 event drew more than 40 teams and over 100,000 spectators. Teams included a Speed Racer replica and a car with a stripper pole. Judge Erik Estrada checked the speed as racers caught some air on the jumps.

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28 Downtown News

Parks Continued from page 1 “Every department head in the city is waiting to find out what’s going to happen,” he said.

Yet the department’s previous slow pace in acquiring land has many, including Ninth District Councilwoman Jan Perry, unhappy.

“I don’t think we’ve seen a lot of progress,” she said. “We’ll have to continue to push them.”

Officials have noted that prospective sellers sometimes jack up land prices when they learn that the city is interested in buying. Still, since the situation began, Rec and Parks has acquired only one Downtown property, spending $5 million this year on a nearly one-acre parcel on Spring Street in the Historic Core. A series of community meetings to gather in-

October 5, 2009

DowntownNews.com put on developing the site kicked off last Wednesday.

Perry, who helped spearhead the purchase, said now is a good time for city officials and park advocates to look for other, similar opportunities. Despite the fiscal crisis, the money for land acquisition has already been collected and, by law, Quimby fees cannot be directed to the city’s general fund or the department for day-to-day operations.

“We do better when we look at private property and at whether there’s a developer that wants to part with a piece of land, especially in a down market,” Perry said.

New System Quimby fees (named after former state Assemblyman John P. Quimby, who created the program in 1975) are charged to housing developers and generally run from about $3,000-$9,000 for each new residential unit. They must be spent on park projects within two miles of where they are gathered. Some developers have paid millions of dollars in Quimby fees, and have been angered by the lack of green space that followed. photo by Gary Leonard

Recreation and Parks General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri said that although more than $500,000 has been spent on a study to analyze the city’s park needs, the department does not have the $600,000 necessary to complete the second part of the program, a master plan.

The city in 2007 hired landscape architecture firm Mia Lehrer and Associates to conduct a citywide study to identify park gaps. The goal was to use the data to create a master plan to analyze existing park facilities, needs and available park funds.

Michael Shull, head of Recreation and Parks’ Planning and Development Division, said in an email last week that the department spent $521,445 on the study. But Recreation and Parks does not have the $600,000 necessary to follow through with the master plan, which could take another year to complete, said Mukri.

“Right now I don’t have the funding, and $600,000 is a lot of employees,” he said. “I’m kind of caught right now because I really don’t know what’s going to happen with our budget.”

In the meantime, Mukri said, the department has created a computer mapping system to better track Quimby fees and other park money and plan expenditures. That occurred after the department revealed that it did not have an adequate program for recording and managing the millions that had been collected.

“It gives you real-time information about the collections and expenditures,” Mukri said of the new system. “It’s being enhanced even as we speak.”

Yet other plans to bring more parks to Downtown have fallen by the wayside.

Council District Nine had generated about $15.9 million in Quimby fees as of 2007, a figure Mukri says has not grown significantly. Two years ago, about $7 million was set aside for acquiring two parcels: a nearly one-acre triangle at Rose and Third streets in the Arts District, and a 1.3-acre lot at 410 Center St., in a largely industrial area where the 101 Freeway meets the L.A. River.

Shull said last week that while the city remains interested in the Arts District property, the asking price is still too high.

The department has dropped plans for 410 Center St., he said, because of a lack of community support. Another deal that had been in the works, for the city to purchase a South Park parcel from developer the South Group, has been abandoned because of funding and title issues.

Grassroots Despite the challenges the department faces, Recreation and Parks in the coming months will help develop and program the Spring Street park, said Mukri and Perry.

Department officials have also met with area residents who want the city to purchase a parking lot at Ninth and Hill streets from developer the Kor Group. The price tag is more than $8 million, said Downtown real estate agent Bill Cooper, who is leading the effort. Quimby fees available for the purchase, which would come from projects in the Ninth and 14th districts within two miles of the site, only total about $2 million, he said.

Still, Recreation and Parks officials have expressed support for the effort and are “anxious to help us as we continue to ramp up,” Cooper said.

The nonprofit L.A. Parks Foundation has pledged to hold any funds raised for the purchase. The organization, chaired

by Recreation and Parks Commission President Barry Sanders, was created about 14 months ago to raise money for park projects the city cannot afford.

So far, approximately $300,000 has been raised, said Parks Foundation Executive Director Judith Kieffer. Current projects include raising money for the annual Pershing Square ice skating rink, which this year lost the sponsorship of the L.A. Kings, and helping to find a replacement sponsor, Kieffer said.

The citywide park master plan that Mia Lehrer and Associates was slated to create is also on the Foundation’s radar, she said, though the organization does not have a campaign dedicated to it.

“We’re a general service fundraising business, so we are just trying to raise funds from every corner,” said Kieffer. “It’s on our list, but the list is long; the list is very, very long.”

Contact Anna Scott at anna@downtownnews.com.

October 5, 2009

Downtown News 29

DowntownNews.com

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DowntownNews.com

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October 5, 2009

Downtown News 31

DowntownNews.com

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Locations Nationwide

Spring Tower Lofts:

2300 sqft. w/3 bdrm 2 bath LOFT $2,800/mo. • Live/Work space • 14 story bldg. • Rooftop garden terrace w/city view • Pet friendly

Beautiful Offices For As Little As $400 Fully Furnished/Corporate ID Programs Flexible Terms/All New Suites

Premiere Towers:

Services Include: • Reception • Mail • T-1 • State-of-the-Art Voice Mail & Telephone • Westlaw • Fax • Photocopy • More

2 bdrm/2 bath, $1550/mo. • Rooftop garden terrace/GYM w/city view • 24 hr. doorman • free (1) parking

City Lofts:

Additional Features: Kitchen Facilities, All Support Services, Great Views, Free Conference Room Hours, Fully Trained Staff, Cost Effective.

900 sqft, 13 ft ceilings, $1500/mo. • Granite marble top • Stainless steel appliances/ refrigerator etc. • Pet friendly We are located in a prime area in Downtown LA nice neighborhood w/ salon, market, café etc. Wired for high speed internet & cable, central heat & A/C

Jenny Ahn (213) 996-8301 jahn@regentBC.com www.regentbc.com

Please call 213.627.6913

111 N. Hill Street Los Angeles, CA 90012-3014 Case Number: BC391815 Dated: August 7, 2009 John A. Clarke, Clerk Dawn Alexander, Deputy The name, address, telephone number, and fax number of cross-complainant Plaintiff’s attorney is: Shulman Bunn LLP Stephanie J. Shulman State Bar: 108556 20341 SW Birch Street, Suite 320 Newport Beach, CA 92660 Telephone: 949-679-1800 Fax: 949-679-1802 Pub. 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26/09

Free Rent!

Offices • Offices • Offices • Offices

Burbank • Brentwood Century City • Downtown L.A. Woodland Hills

to call an attorney right away.

If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www. lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/ selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association.

The name and address of the court is: Los Angeles County Superior Court Central District

IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY! studios from $1,685* • 1 bedroom from $1,818* • 2 bedroom from $2,212* *Availability and prices are subject to change at any time.

• Brunswick Four Lane Virtual Bowling • Full Swing Virtual Golf • 3100 Square Foot Cybex Fitness Facility • Massage Room, Sauna and Steam Room • Rooftop Pools with Dressing Room • Free Abundant Gated and Garage Parking • Business Center, Conference Room • Directors Screening Room

• Lavish Fountains and Sculptures • Free Tanning Rooms • Concierge Service • 24 Hour Doorman • 24/7 On-site Management • Free DSL Computer Use Available • Free Wi-Fi • Magnificent City Views • On-Site Private Resident Park with Sand Volleyball Court, Workout Stations, BBQ’s and Jogging Track

UNITS FEATURE: Private Washer and Dryer • Fully Equipped Gourmet Kitchens Maple European Style Cabinetry • Granite Counter Tops Natural Stone Marble Counter Baths

www.cityloftsquare.com

Luxury Rooms in Downtown Monthly Rents Start at $780 1 & 2 Rooms Available

CAN YOU

CAN YOU HELP?

HELP?

photo by j. mcnicol

Mission to Cambodia Distributing Medical Supplies, Food & Clothing to Children & Families.

Items In Need: 3 Clothing & Shoes for girls, boys, men & women 3 Personal Hygiene items: shampoo, conditioner, soap, facial cleanser, tooth paste, tooth brushes etc.

3 Medicine/Vitamins 3 School Supplies, Computers, Notebooks, Pens/Pencils All products must be in there original packaging and clothing with price tags due to customs.

Items will be collected at:

Global Travel Outreach 1105 Wesley Ave. Pasadena, CA 91104

626-791-7900 www.GlobalTravelOutreach.com

Van For Sale

Mission CANOnLy YOU 6,573 miLeS to Cambodia

HELP? Like-new fOr $22,000

ExCELLENT Distributing Global Travel Outreach CONDITION under “DaughtersStill of Vision” Medical Supplies, warranty!

A three phase program, Food & Clothing to Daughters of Vision seeks Children & Families.

CHeVrolet 2008 eXpress 3500 extd to wbaide passenger Van- 6,573 miles. the poverty-stricken

15-Passenger, excellent condition, all power. children 5 year /100,000 mile powertrain of Cambodia.

Items In Need: limited warranty with 24 hr roadside assistance. 4-Door, loaded with power 3 Clothing Shoes power locks, tinted windows, security alarm, tilt steering, power&windows, For more info visit our web site wheel, air conditioning. loaded with an 6.0 Liter vortec 3 Personal HygieneRemote Itemskeyless entry, or call tollCD free.

Donations in the v8 engine. Passkey III theft deterrent, am/fm stereo player w/mp3 format. checks, cashiers checks 3 Medicine/Vitamins $22,000.

(323) 721-3947 Virginia or (323)formof 314-4360 Fernando. or money orders can be made 3 School Supplies payable to: Drop-Off Location:

Global Travel Outreach

1105 Wesley Ave. Pasadena, CA 91104

Global Travel Outreach

1105 Wesley Ave. Pasadena, CA 91104

Toll Free: 626-791-7900

• Fully Furnished • 100% Utilities Paid • • Refrigerator, Microwave & TV In Each Room • • Wireless Access Throughout Bldg. • Gym • • Close to USC & Loyola Law School • • Presidential Suite with Kitchen • Parking Available Onsite

50 Channels $690 1 person Direct TV Global Travel Outreach aides Daughters of Vision

Special STUDeNT RaTe!

A three phase program, Daughters of Vision seeks to aide Mayfair Hotel the poverty-stricken children of Cambodia.

1256 West 7th street

Phase I An existing structure bequeathed to Global Travel Outreach Simin (213)will 484-9789 Ext. orand(213) 632-1111 be transformed into 555 a school community hall.

Orsini

550 NORTH FIGUEROA ST. LOS ANGELES, CA 90012 OPEN DAILY

877-267-5911

WWW.THEORSINI.COM

Phase II

We will open the Daughters of Vision Girls home, a place dedicated towards ending the extreme poverty & destitution affecting Cambodia’s children, as well as a refuge and sanctuary Children’s Perfofor rmyoung roupfrom the reach ing Ggirls of child traffickers.

1 month Free rent askcommunity. for details Phase III Create a medical clinic to service the

Sunshine Generation

1 orders Bdrmcan loft For rent Singing,of checks, cashiers checks or money be made payable to: dancing, $1600/mo.

Global Travel Outreach performing 850 sqft., walk-in closet, concrete 1105 Wesley Ave. Pasadena, CA 91104 and fun! polished floors, washer and 626-791-7900 For boys & dryer, stainless steel appliances, GlobalTravel08@gmail.com girls ages 3 parking garage enclosed, 24/7 www.GlobalTravelOutreach.com and up!

For more info visit our web site or call toll free. Donations in the form

EASY AS

surveillance, pet friendly and extra parking available.

SunshineGenerationLA.com 909-861-4433

1340 W. 4th St., Los Angeles Oscar Mendoza 818.438.0939 / 213.240.1230

DowntownNews.com makesplacing a classified ad in the L.A. Downtown News is easier than ever.

Your ad will appear online and in our publication in a couple of easy steps.

• Online ads will appear immediately after they are approved.

• Print ads must be received before Thursday at noon PST to be processed for the following Monday's edition.

Deadlines subject to change for special issues and holidays.

For legal notices please call 213-481-1448

32 Downtown News

October 5, 2009

DowntownNews.com

We Got Games Post-Season for the Dodgers, and a New Season for the Kings Los Angeles Dodgers Dodger Stadium, 1000 Elysian Park Ave., (213) 224-1400 or dodgers.mlb.com.

Oct. 7-8, TBA: The final details won’t be settled until after press time, but the most likely scenario is that the Dodgers will host the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round of the National League Championship Series in games one and two, on Oct. 7 and 8. The Dodgers may have (hopefully) won the division, but they were lousy late in the season, and the Cardinals boast the fearsome Albert Pujols.

Los Angeles Lakers The Forum, 3900 W. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood, (310) 330-7300 or nba.com/lakers.

Oct. 9, 7 p.m.: Yes, the Lakers’ home is Staples Center, but for one night they bring back the glory days of purple and gold with a preseason matchup at the Forum in Inglewood.

They’ll host the Golden State Warriors in an exhibition game.

Los Angeles Clippers Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., (213) 929-1300 or nba.com/clippers.

Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m.: In their second pre-season contest, the Clippers host the Brandon Roy-led Portland Trailblazers, one of the Western Conference’s strongest young squads.

Los Angeles Kings Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., 1 (888) KINGS-LA or kings.nhl.com.

Oct. 6 and 8, 7:30 p.m.: It’s hockey time in Los Angeles again, as the Kings take on the San Jose Sharks and the Minnesota Wild. The team has high hopes this year, after numerous seasons of coming up short in the playoff hunt.

They’ll depend on players like Dustin Brown, Anze Kopitar and Alexander Frolov to make this season different. Hey, at this time of year, everyone is tied for first place.

—Ryan Vaillancourt

photo by Gary Leonard

Randy Wolf will likely start the first playoff game for the Dodgers.

Downtown, it’s not just big business anymore!

Grand Tower 255 south Grand avenue Leasing Information 213 229 9777

Promenade Towers 123 south Figueroa street Leasing Information 213 617 3777

Community Amenities: ~ 24 Hr. Manned Lobby ~ Concierge ~ Pool / Spa / Saunas ~ Fitness Center ~ Gas BBQ Grills ~ Recreation Room

Community Amenities: ~ 24 Hr. Manned Lobby ~ Pool / Saunas ~ Fitness Center ~ Covered Parking

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

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

Now For Call n Specials Move-I

8 7 7 - 2 65 - 714 6

museum Tower 225 south olive street Leasing Information 213 626 1500

Apartment Amenities: ~ Refrigerator, Stove & Dishwasher ~ Central Air & Heating ~ Solariums and/or Balconies

On Site: ~ Convenience Store / Coffee House / Yogurt Shop / Beauty Salon

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)

It’s our business to make you comfortable... at home, downtown. Corporate and long term residency is accommodated in high style at the Towers Apartments. Contemporary singles, studio, one 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 with kitchen. Beautiful views extend from the Towers’ lofty homes in the sky. Mountain vistas and slender skyscrapers provide an incredible back drop to complement your decor. Far below are a host of businesses 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.

TOWERS T H E

A PA RT M E N T S

www.TowersApartmentsLA.com

MAID SERVICE • FURNITURE • HOUSEWARES • CABLE • UTILITIES • PARKING RESIDENCES: SINGLES • STUDIO • ONE BEDROOM • TWO BEDROOM