DOWNTOWN WEEKLY
THE SPIRIT OF DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES
DTLA WWW.DTLAWEEKLY.COM VOL 17. NO. 04 JUL 28TH - AUG 3RD 2022
E K A M R O L A E R BELIEVE?
Jazz
in the
Skyy Sk
at City Club
VUUKA RESTAURANT DOWNTOWN'S
NIGERIAN EXPERIENCE
2 THE METAVERSE OF DOWNTOWN WEEKLY
VOL 17. NO. 04 - JULY 28TH - AUGUST 3RD - 2022 WWW.DTLAWEEKLY.COM
ON THE COVER NFT EXPOVERSE
location: SOUTH PARK GRAPHICS by: Keri freeman
THE NFTS
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SQUARE ONE : OUR WARMEST WELCOME...3 5 REASONS WHY THE WORLD LOVES E-CENTRAL ...4 VUUKA: THE NIGERIAN EXPERIENCE OF DTLA....5 NFT EXPOVERSE COMES TO LA CONV. CTR ...6 JAZZ IN THE SKY AT LA CITY CLUB...8 GET2DTLA EVENT GUIDE...10 DTLA MAP INSIDE... 11 DTLA WEEKLY
editor and chief KERI FREEMAN
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
RANESSA HARDING janae saia CASSANDRA MOMPLAISIR KERI FREEMAN
photography
GARY LEONARD eric epperson KERI FREEMAN
VIDEO Production
@kerieatsdtla design and layout @kerieatsdtla
social media
@kerieatsdtla
Special thanks to... MAYOR OF LOS ANGELES & council district 14 THE CITY OF LA ARTS DISTRICT CHINATOWN CIVIC DISTRICT BUNKER HILL EXPO/USC HISTORIC CORE LITTLE TOKYO FASHION DISTRICT FINANCIAL DISTRICT SKID ROW SOUTH PARK WAREHOUSE DISTRICT THEGRAWN ARTWALK NEWS
DTLA WEEKLY All rights reserved. Downtown Weekly is a news, event, LIFESTYLE & Hospitality FREE community resource. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without express written permission from the publisher. DTLA WEEKLY, in support of local residents, businesses, workers and visitors of Downtown Los Angeles, publishes DTLA WEEKLY. Readers are recommended to make appropriate inquiries before wagering any sum in relation to any ad, article or feature published herein. DTLA WEEKLY will not be liable to any person for loss or damage incurred or suffered as a result of his/her accepting, offering to accept or following any invitation or advice contained in any ad, article or feature published herein.
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DTLA SQUARE ONE: OUR WARMEST WELCOME
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SQUARE ONE: OUR WARMEST WELCOME
D
esire is the key to motivation, but it's determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek. -Mario Andretti
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4 DTLA STAYING WITH US - HOTEL REVIEW BY JANAE SAIA
VOL 17. NO. 04 - JULY 28TH - AUGUST 3RD - 2022 WWW.DTLAWEEKLY.COM
5 REASONS WHY THE WORLD LOVES
E
E-CENTRAL HOTEL
-Central Hotel is a beloved hotspot in DTLA. Take a look as we dive into Five Reasons Why Downtown Loves E Central Hotel as part of our 2022 Staying with Us? DTLA Hotel Reviews. Number 1 – Fit for a King or Queen
E-Central Hotel recently unveiled its new branding concept designed to immerse guests in all of the excitement and uniqueness that downtown Los Angeles has to offer. The new look and feel of the contemporary hotel conveys an authentic L.A. vibe. All the rooms at E Central Hotel are Platinum suites with exception to the Executive suites which are larger. The hotel offers a combination of 179 chic, spacious rooms and suites, exciting views and desirable amenities. Each suite comes with a spacious king or two deluxe Queen beds and amenities galore. With Wi-fi, cable tv, house robes, temperature control and even a full desk to work if need be, every room at E-Central is sleek, trendy, spacious and comfortable, fitting in perfectly with the Metropolitan Los Angeles backdrop.
Number 2 – Affordability
E-Central offers unique and enticing offers and packages that are sure to get you one step closer to living your best life. For around $229 dollars on an average busy day, you can book a lovely deluxe two bed suite at E Central. With surrounding hotels normally listed at almost twice the price, E Central is one of Downtown LA’s most affordable hotel options.
Number 4 – Close to the Action
Number 3 – E Central’s Nixo Lounge
E-Central Hotel is conveniently located for the frequent traveler, sports fanatic and professional who seeks an L.A. experience at the center of it all releasing visitors directly across from the Crypto.com Arena, Microsoft Theater, L.A. Live and the L.A. Convention Center so there’s never a dull moment.
Visitors from all over the world love E-Central Hotel’s signature Nixo Patio Lounge. Situated on the 3rd Floor roof deck Nixo is a trendy, urban hotspot with a full bar, wine selection and specialty cocktails and a never boring view of LA LIVE excitement.
“Our guests want to be as close to the action as possible and desire to be immersed in a culture that can only be found here,” said Patrick Nee, General Manager of E-Central Hotel. “The modern conveniences and easy access we offer is exactly what visitors to downtown Los Angeles desire.”
Elegant Gazebos and the warming firepits make for a perfect place to mix and mingle, network and live it up plus, Nixo serves a seasonal menu of shareable foods, juicy burgers, and tasty fan-favorite wood stone pizzas.
Number 5 – Top Notch Concierge
The patio has also proven itself to be a great place for hosting weekly community or exclusive private events.
From parking to check in, to the time spent ar E-Central, the concierge is top notch, ensuring your stay will be memorable. Located at 1020 S. Figueroa Street, booking Ecentral is done quickly via their website @Ecentralhotel
VUUKA
VOL 17. NO. 04 - JULY 28TH - AUGUST 3RD - 2022 WWW.DTLAWEEKLY.COM-5
DOWNTOWN APPETITE
DTLA APPETITE: VUUKA RESTAURANT BY CASSANDRA MOMPLAISIR
the nigerian experience of downtown la
T
he world has been doused in the rhythmic vibes of afrobeats, and now Vuuka Restaurant & Cafe emerges to widen our palettes with African cuisine.
T
his new Nigerian hotspot in DTLA is proving to be something to experience. As a new member of the blackowned restaurant club, simply put: Vuuka offers a taste of rich culture, seasoned with luxury and class. Headed by the talented Nigerian native, Chef Abby, a vital part of Vuuka Restaurant’s mission is to accomplish two things. For one, Vuuka Restaurant has set out to serve as an introduction to special Nigerian plates for those who have not yet been blessed to have had the cuisine. This is evident in their varying levels of spice which never compromises their salivating flavor. Secondly, the Vuuka Restaurant experience aims to over-perform in satisfying those who are well versed in the country’s traditional food. By featuring popular dishes like their best seller, the Suya entree. They also feature national staples such as Jollof Rice, Egosi and Beef Stew. The Spicy Golden Pompano Grilled Fish is both intriguing and mouthwatering. The culture is undeniably well represented.
Jollof Rice The taste speaks volumes for itself but peeling back the layers on the architect of such a menu allows for a new level of appreciation. We got a front row seat at the force behind it all. Chef Abby opened Vuuka Restaurant & Cafe in Feb 2022 because she wanted others to have a hospitable and quality experience in an intimate setting.
Suya Entree She credits her delicious creations to self care and compassion. Doing little things like exploring new make-up techniques allows her to stay creative and in an explorative headspace. Chef Abby prides herself on being a prayerful person, a woman of faith who enjoys helping and counseling others.
Pompano Grilled Grilled Fish
When asked what was next for her, in her words, “I would like to have cooking classes so that others can learn how to cook African Cuisine”. It is safe to say that a chef who pours their heart and soul into spreading both culture and knowledge can be trusted to pour love into every single plate prepared to be served at Vuuka Restaurant. This makes for a holistic experience. And if that were not enough, Vuuka may be a beautiful venue to host your next event, as they also host upon special request.
This is a marvelous meal to enjoy on a lovely Los Angeles summer evening as the featured afrobeat music will add even more seasoning to your Nigerian food experience. Vuuka Restaurant & Cafe is located at 641 S Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014. @vuukarestaurant
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DTLA REAL OR MAKE BELIEVE? NFT EXPOVERSE COMES TO DTLA
VOL 17. NO. 04 - JULY 28TH - AUGUST 3RD - 2022 WWW.DTLAWEEKLY.COM
Enter the Metaverse
I
NFT EXPOVERSE AT THE LOS ANGELES CONVENTION CENTER
n an industry that, let’s face it, can be somewhat closed and difficult to understand for outsiders, NFT Expoverse coming July 29th – 31st to the Los Angeles Convention Center is changing the game! Starting on July 29th, NFT Expoverse will be taking over Los Angeles! Offering a totally riveting and educational experience where attendees will feel as if they jumped right into their computers and into the Metaverse – but better, because this event is happening in real life. Taking place at one of the country’s top cultural hotbeds, this show stands out for its radical inclusivity approach. NFT Expoverse will be welcoming not just insiders, but also newcommers seeking to learn more about web3, crypto, blockchain technologies, and more. Another one of NFT Expoverse’s most exciting aspects is the way it combines the Metaverse with real-life, tangible experiences for all of its participants. They offer attendees, especially their younger and academic audiences, a one-of-a-kind opportunity to network with influencers, celebrities, investors, entrepreneurs, tech developers, artists, and many other industry insiders, all in person. Plus, attendees will also get exclusive access to some of the industry’s most renowned brands, learning all about their products, services and ideas directly from the 100+ exhibitors themselves.
Among the many exhibitors include Tokenframe, Hector Finance, Freeverse, CryptoBlades, Linqto, Lunar, and Enhance.
from Crypto.com, Jasmine Cooper from Riple, Darcy Donavan from Income Island, Giovanna Graziosi from Decentraland, among others.
Most of these exhibitors at the event will be displaying their products and services for attendees to try out and experience never before seen features and perks.
Even the youngest minds in the industry have a thing or two to say. NFT features Joseph Loatchwel, Teresa Melvin, Christopher Lyons, and Brooklynn Bailey, approximately named, Kids of the Metaverse panel.
For those all about dApps with in-chain social interactions, P2E video games, innovative DeFi platforms, or even Crypto Wallets, boy, NFT has got weekend plans for you. One of NFT Expoverse’s main goals is to offer as much value as possible to a diverse audience across all levels of expertise. This is why they’ll be featuring hundreds of hours of educational content, including conferences, debates, and seminars led by renowned industry speakers and professionals with years of experience. By the way, here’s a sneak peek of this edition’s highlighted speakers: Nicole Alexander from Meta, Jeremy Lewis
Not only will this event be packed with expert speakers and trailblazing companies, but also, tons of digital creators who are changing the course of art history for good! Featuring live NFT Art Galleries, meet and greets, exclusive inevent NFT drops, live painting, and private presentation rooms, NFT Expoverse proposes a unique way to experience crypto art using all of our senses. Now, because the best is always saved for last, or in this case almost last, let’s talk about their latest Event Horizon Giveaway partnered with Astranaut, Worldview, the Planetary Society, and Lunar.
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While NFT Expoverse is known for their wild giveaways, let’s face it, this one is simply the most ambitious. To win, participants must register on Gleam and complete a series of tasks. Whoever gets the most points by the deadline wins.
For those who can’t make it to the event in person, there’s no need to worry. Official Metaverse Sponsor, RLTY, will be creating a Metaverse version of the event with free registration included with all paid tickets.
First place as we mention is a trip to the edge of space, second place is a chance to meet with Bill Nye, and third place is a free Zero Gravity experience.
Thinking of joining NFT Expoverse Los Angeles as an exhibitor? Booth spaces and sponsorship opportunities are still available but selling fast.
NFT Expoverse will be held from July 29th to 31st, 2022, at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Plus, based on their pre-show success, they’ve just announced a second edition that will take place in Fort Lauderdale.
Additionally, DT Weekly readers receive a 25% discount on NFT Expoverse tickets when using the code ‘DTLA25’. KIDS enter FREE. @nftexpoverse
10 DTLA MUSIC TO YOUR EARS BY KERI FREEMAN
VOL 17. NO. 04 - JULY 28TH - AUGUST 3RD - 2022 WWW.DTLAWEEKLY.COM
JAZZ IN THE SKY
RETURNS TO THE CITY CLUB
W
ith Jazz in the Sky, legends of Jazz are invited to perform inside or atop of LA’s most luxurious commercial high rises, private clubs and apartment houses.
L
inda Sam is a member of the Leimert Park Jazz and Blues Society, and the founder of Jazzabration, a nonprofit organization whose mission has been preserving the legacies of Jazz and Blues Legends since 2010.
Linda Sam, Jerrell Ballard, Mikal Majeed, Clifton Brown & Roscoe Lee Owens attendance but also through sponsorships and collaborations”.
As the African proverb says, “…if you want to go far, go together.”
The Return of Jazz in the Sky
Shortly after the formation of the non profit, Linda caught the eye of a fellow Jazz ensemble booker Roscoe Lee Owens who had long founded JazzZone, Inc, in tribute to his late father, Legendary Jazz drummer, Jimmy Owens.
This weekend, the jazzy duo will be hosting their 16th Jazz in the Sky performance at the prestigious City Club in the Finance District.
Stuart Elster is a professional pianist based in the Los Angeles area. Elster has performed and/or recorded with various pop, R&B, Blues and Jazz artists. He has also released award winning Jazz recordings. In addition to playing piano, Elster also works as a musical director in a plethora of local clubs.
Jerrell Ballard is one of LA’s finest Fifty-one stories high, views from the City drummers. He has played with many Club are most impressive. The Los Angeles recording artists such as The Temptations, After years spent producing numerous Social club is rich in diversity, networking The DeFranco Family, Linda Hopkins and The Marvelettes. opportunities and caters to some of the Jazz shows throughout Los Angeles, the two would eventually co-found a series most passionate professionals in the City. A celebration of Jazz culture in Los of nonprofit events and organizations Angeles, Musical Director Charles Jazz in the Sky will return to the together including Jazz in the Sky, An Small and band will accompany Lettrice City Club, July 30th, adding an A-list Elevated Jazz Experience, featuring Jazz Lawrence and Marva Smith as they of talented performers, with honorees legends from around the world. will be singing tributes to the late great accepting awards during the event. Barbara Morrison. Despite showcasing hundreds of local Honorees include Luther musicians over the course of two Apart from soul moving Jazz decades, Linda perceives the current Hughes, Stuart Elster performances, the event will also state of Jazz in the Sky and her work over and Jerrell Ballard. feature a catered buffet. the years as simply scratching the surface. It is her goal to take the movement Bassist Luther Hughes has played For those who appreciate the Historically national. with some of the biggest names in black genres, Jazz & Blues, this will surely Jazz in a career spanning over 40 years. be an event to attend. RSVP required at In Linda’s words, “This is our passion He has performed or recorded with Jazz @jazzintheskyla and we want the world to know that this Legends such as Gene Harris, Mundell work needs to be supported not only in Lowe, Joe Henderson and many more.
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