Friday, May 28, 2010

Dance Downtown: Cumbia and Merengue Night and More!

The arts don't have to be an observational experience, get out and enjoy the summer weather and free dance lessons with Active Arts at the Music Center.  Last Friday, I learned a few dance steps and danced the night away at the first of Dance Downtown's summer dance series featuring Cumbia and Merengue!

Photos, Video, and an Announcement after the jump.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

L.A. Wonderland

Los Angeles has always been a place open to the unique, unusual and bizarre. Events which make you think, move you emotionally and sometimes are so strange that you have to laugh. Well, at least you're enjoying yourself! In theme with the opening of Alice in Wonderland Design Exhibition at the FIDM Museum & Galleries, here is a short list of some events coming up that might end up in Wonderland:

Monday, May 24, 2010

Metro-Friendly Eats: Caveman Kitchen

My friends Jeremiah and Esteban introduced me to a rotisserie chicken and burgers placed called Caveman Kitchen.  Looking for fresh eats where the meat is never frozen?  This is the place to be.


Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Silverlake Lounge: Joe K's Kid, Box of Birds, and Niantic (Videos)

Last weekend I headed out to the Silverlake Lounge to experience music (and a cheap early evening happy hour!).  It was the perfect outing of music to get me all gung-ho for the Silver Lake Jubilee coming up this weekend.

It was great evening of Joe K's Kid, Box of Birds, and Niantic.

[Pictured: Box of Birds]

Help the Gulf Oil Spill: Get a Haircut

Think you're too far to help the Gulf Oil Spill?  Think again.  Go out and get your haircut at a participating salon.  I did!

More information on how to help (by getting a haircut and more!) after the jump.

[Pictured: Refuge in Silver Lake]


Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Metro-Friendly Eats: Lark Cake Shop

Lark Cake Shop features cupcakes and coffee/tea in a quaint little shop.  Plus there's free WiFi to stay connected while enjoying a cupcake!  And if you're looking for beautiful and fun cakes to order, they sell those too.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Universal CityWalk's "StreetFest" returns


Every Sunday from May 16-June 13, expect the unexpected at Universal CityWalk. Billed as SoCal's largest gathering of street performers, "StreetFest" kicks off the summer season with its eclectic collection of talent.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Must-See: Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo

Last week I had the pleasure of watching Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo.  Aside from hearing it mentioned as a finalist for the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, I hadn't heard too much detail about the storyline or spent too much time investigating either.  I like to go into things with an open mind and let the story unfold before me.  This play's story is a rich and layered one about the war in Iraq - about soldiers stationed there, about people who lived (and died) there.  But it is more than just a story about war.  It is also one that is about the physical world as well as the metaphysical.  There were moments that brought you into deep thought and the balance of hilarious, lighter humor that makes sure you don't get too lost in that train of thinking.

Monday, May 10, 2010

A test of faith

Theatre is about taking risks. Often directors, producers, cast members and crew sign on to a project with little clue what the the final outcome will be and how they will pull it off.

Such is the case with Filament Theatre Co.'s LA premiere of "second." In this dark comedy written by Neal Utterback, six New Yorkers have their beliefs put to the test after a mysterious event takes place. (Photo credit: Joe LaRue)

Friday, May 07, 2010

Celebrate Tchaikovsky in Los Angeles

If you've visited Google today at all, you'll know from the logo change that it's Tchaikovsky's 170th Birthday.  This famous composer is a sure bet to be celebrated throughout the year however.  We have Tchaikovsky events for today, tomorrow, next month, and in the next few months.

Break on 2: Spring 2010 Show [Videos]

Last week I enjoyed a free dance show at USC featuring Break on 2, USC's showcase Ballroom and Latin Dance Troupe. In addition to the original choreography and creative dance movements of the group, the show also featured various high school and elementary school groups throughout the evening.  One of the best parts about this show is the use of music that you might never associate with the type of dance.  The following post showcases videos from Break on 2's performances featuring the tango, cha cha, waltz, mambo, and a tribute to Michael Jackson.

Here's the playlist:
  1. Cha Cha - Sick Boy/Fireflies
  2. Waltz - He Lays in the Reins
  3. Mambo
  4. Tango - Mi Confession
  5. Michael Jackson Tribute


Wednesday, May 05, 2010

¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo! Eclectic Events for Today

There's plenty to do on Cinco de Mayo than partake in your favorite - ahem - beverages.  If you're looking for something to do tonight (some of which you can probably order the aforementioned beverages), here are some ideas:

Tuesday, May 04, 2010

Happy Star Wars Day! May the Fourth Be With You! [Photos]

Today is Star Wars Day!  May the Fourth Be With You!

Whether you're a fan or not, it's hard not to be familiar with the iconic characters of Star Wars.  To celebrate the day, here's a few select photos that we liked in the ExperienceLA Flickr Pool that pays tribute to the awesomeness of Star Wars!

Pictured: Untitled by Fire Monkey Fish


Monday, May 03, 2010

Getty Center Outing: Outdoor Photos and Experiencing da Vinci and Illuminated Manuscripts

Saturday was the perfect Los Angeles outdoor day - sunshine, breezy.  I had a little work I needed to get done on my laptop, but I also wanted to take in the Leonard da Vinci exhibition currently at the Getty Center.  So naturally, I just put the two activities together and hopped on the Metro Rapid 761 for its stop right in front of the Getty Center.