Monday, December 23, 2013

FREE Holiday Eve Fares with Metro

LA Metro Red Line Station
Go Metro for the holidays!  Safely travel for free using all Metro bus and rail lines* this holiday season for the periods of:
  • 9PM on Tuesday, December 24, 2013 until 2AM Wednesday, December 25, 2013
  • 9PM on Tuesday, December 31, 2013 until 2AM Wednesday, January 1, 2014
*Note: Metro Rail will close per its regular schedule around midnight (12 AM) on December 24th, but late-night buses will be free during this time. All Metro Rail Lines and the Metro Orange Line are scheduled to operate all night - 24 hour service - every 20 minutes on New Year's Eve with free service for the designated times above.

For more information, visit Metro.

Happy Holidays and safe travels.

-ExperienceLA Staff

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Review: STOMP at the Saban Theatre

Remember when you were a little kid and played with pots and pans in the kitchen?  Or perhaps you've had the experience of being an audience member to such a kid.  At some point while watching STOMP, I couldn't help but think about this scenario - the idea that everyday objects can be sources of music, about how early we might discover that knowledge.  There's something about STOMP that calls to this innate understanding of rhythm and sounds in everyday objects, but then makes you catch your breath with how complex the everyday can be and become.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

A Christmas Carol Takes Over Los Angeles

A Christmas Carol - First Edition Book - Front Page

Charles Dickens' classic tale A Christmas Carol is a beloved holiday story for many and nowhere is that more apparent than in the theatre productions inspired by it happening all around Los Angeles.  Check out this list of productions that highlight the traditional story (many featuring Dickens himself!) as well as new and creative twists to the tale!

Thursday, December 05, 2013

Destination Spotlight: Descanso Gardens (Photos)


View of the Mountains from Descanso Gardens

Open year-round in La CaƱada, Descanso Gardens is a 160-acre botanic garden that offers among many things a rose garden, Japanese Garden, and the largest camellia collection in North America.  It's a beautiful and rather tranquil place with great sights to see.  If you're looking for some nature just outside citylife or just wanted to be surrounded by a little beauty, it's well worth the trip.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

ExperienceLA Alternative Black Friday Ideas: 2013 Edition

While we think every day is an excellent day to experience Los Angeles, Black Friday may be one of the best times for our non-shoppers out there!  You probably have the day off.  You may be visiting from out of town or have visitors to entertain.  You may have been meaning to check out something, but just haven't had the time! Whether you're filling time, seeking a new adventure or need a little nudge to get out the door, check out some of these ideas we've gathered to help you spend your day out of the stores.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Geeks Who Drink: Doctor Who Pub Quiz at The Complex

With the upcoming Doctor Who 50th anniversary episode, it's likely that many Whovians have been celebrating for weeks, if not months, watching Doctor Who marathons and geeking out to the slow trickle of sneak preview photos and video clips.  It's the kind of behavior that is perfect training for days like Saturday, November 16th when Geeks Who Drink hosted a nation-wide "Don't Blink: A Doctor Who Quiz" night.


My "Cheering" Dalek Doodle during the
Doctor Who Pub Quiz
I want to regale you with a tale of my team's amazing trivia skills and random Doctor Who knowledge.  I want to tell you about how much we studied for this event, memorized the Doctors and the villains and the plot points of new and classic Who, watched countless episodes in marathon stride.  Or to even say we possessed a Doctor Who eidetic memory and didn't need to study.  But...that didn't happen, and it was kind of more fun that way anyway! 

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Roy Choi at ALOUD LA

Evan Kleiman and Roy Choi at ALOUD LA Event
on November 13, 2013.  Photo by Gary Leonard. 

Library Foundation of Los Angeles President Ken Brecher opened the L.A. Son: My Life, My City, My Food event by describing the audience as "truly Los Angeles...truly diverse."  The audience that gathered at ALOUD LA's event last night is a reflection of how Roy Choi, the man behind the new book L.A. Son (co-written with Tien Nguyen and Natasha Phan), has not only influenced Los Angeles, but undoubtedly is a part of the pulse that makes Los Angeles tick.

LADOT 2014 Tap Card Design Competition

Are you a LA-based artist/designer that knows Downtown Los Angeles? This might be the competition for you! The City of Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT), in collaboration with Gallery Row Organization (GRO), has just announced their LADOT Tap Card Design Competition.

Thursday, November 07, 2013

Free Events for Veterans Day Weekend

There are many ways to celebrate and appreciate veterans and their experiences this upcoming Veterans Day Weekend.  Here are a few (and FREE!) ideas from our calendar that you may want to explore.  Read on to learn more about a festival in the Port of Los Angeles, the reading of Civil War letters from the battlefields, and poetry that inspired Benjamin Britten's great work War Requiem.

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Review: MESS by Kirsten Vangsness at the Theatre of NOTE

MESS is written by and stars Kirsten Vangsness

Kirsten Vangsness describes her one-woman production MESS as "sort of based on a 'TED Talk' called 'Making Sense of a Visible Quantum Object' by Aaron O'Connell".  I'm not much of an expert on quantum-anything, so I can't really tell you how much spiffy science is in "sort of", but what I can tell you is that Vangsness' MESS is smart, funny, and inspiring - the kind of art that makes you see the world a little differently in the end.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Get Your Phil - Friday and Saturday Night Dinner and Disney Hall Concerts


With all of the new restaurants opening in Downtown Los Angeles along with old favorites, the Los Angeles Philharmonic just launched a new program branded as "Get Your Phil"   - a Friday (or Saturday) night dining and concert ticketing package.   The second opportunity occurs this Friday night at the Border Grill Downtown LA and continues into November with dates at Le Ka Restaurant and Blue Cow Kitchen and Bar with a soon to be posted additional Saturday date of December 7th at Rivera for the Scheherazade concert.  The Get Your Phil program opened last Friday with Chaya Downtown LA in tandem with one of the LA Phil 10th Anniversary concerts (Debussy and Bartok) featuring conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen. These dinners include a special ten minute discussion with one of the LA Phil musicians. The $32 Friday/Saturday night dinner program is available to existing LA Phil season ticket holders and to those looking to package up the promotional dinner and purchasing LA Phil concert tickets, which can be easily done online at LAPhil.com/GetyourPhil. The promoted evening LA Phil concert tickets at various price ranges (from $67 - $75 for Terrace or Front Terrace seats) are now available for the following dinners and concerts:

Friday, October 25
Border Grill Downtown LA
Salonen and Sibelius*

Friday, November 8
Le Ka Restaurant
Tovey and Shostakovich*

Saturday, November 30
Blue Cow Kitchen and Bar
Bach, Schumann and more
  
*This evening is also a part of the LA Phil's Casual Fridays program, which includes a post-concert Question and Answer session with the artists and a meet-and-greet with the orchestra.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Dia de los Muertos Events in Los Angeles

Newlyweds by ~db~
ExperienceLA Flickr Pool

Throughout the world, Dia de los Muertos - or Day of the Dead - is a holiday where family and friends remember those who have passed on.  Los Angeles is a great place to celebrate the day and there are plenty of Dia de Los Muertos-related events currently on the ExperienceLA calendar.  Check out this list of select events to find an event near you.



Thursday, October 10, 2013

Snap, Tag, and Win! #WDCH10 Photo Contest (10/8-10/14)

Share your photos of Walt Disney Concert Hall and enter to win tickets to Salonen Conducts Debussy & BartĆ³k on October 18.

Thursday, October 03, 2013

Halloween Film Screenings

Collage of Halloween Film Events: Young Frankenstein, Shriekfest, E.T., Eat | See | Hear Shoctober, and Amittyville Horror II

Continuing with our Halloween event coverage, we're sharing with you some frightful and fun film screenings happening in Los Angeles this month. From film festivals with new works to classic movie marathons to a silent film with live organ music, there's bound to be something that is your perfect Halloween movie treat!



Thursday, September 26, 2013

Kid-Friendly Fall Events with a Halloween Twist

Pumpkins and a "Leaf" by intellichick

Fall offers us a number of great events for everyone, but it's an especially fun time for kids.  Check out these kid-friendly events to celebrate fall and Halloween all month!

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Lots of Laughter at "The Bells of West 87th"


In this new play by Elin Hampton, The Bells of West 87th offers a cast of characters that guarantees an evening of laughter.  The story centers on building manager and amateur poet Molly Fein (Cameron Meyer) who introduces her dysfunctional family to her night-school boyfriend, portrayed by James Marsters, known for his work on Buffy, Angel, Torchwood, and Smallville.  As the evening unfolds, secrets unravel - laughter ensues - and to Molly's surprise her boyfriend appears to be mostly unfazed.


Thursday, September 12, 2013

Review: The Caterpillar's Kimono - The Past Revisited


The Caterpillar's Kimono draws inspiration from  F. Scott Fitzgerald's Babylon Revisited, modernizing the tale of main character Charlie who seeks to be reunited with his young daughter, after a stint in rehab and his wife's passing gave guardianship to his sister-in-law and brother-in-law.  Both this film, written and directed by Bailey Kobe, and the original short story by Fitzgerald illuminate the struggle to truly change, to become the person you want to be.

Wednesday, September 04, 2013

Happy 232nd Birthday, Los Angeles!

Happy Birthday Los Angeles!
Today Los Angeles turns a very young 232!  The Pueblo de Los Angeles was founded on September 4th, 1781.  To celebrate, we think you should explore our calendar and experience LA!


 



Thursday, August 29, 2013

Moby Dick Takes Over Los Angeles

Moby Dick Whale Brooch. From houseofismay on Etsy.

September may be the perfect time for Angelenos to rediscover (or newly uncover) Herman Melville's Moby Dick.  The Library Foundation of Los Angeles (LFLA) and the Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) is leading Whatever Happened to Moby Dick?, a month-long and city-wide adventure through the literary landscape of Melville's classic novel and how the book might relate to people in Southern California today.


Thursday, August 22, 2013

Editorial: On Being a Carless Angeleno


Runners in Elysian Park. Photo by intellichick.
I'm no stranger to writing about how much I love being a carless Angeleno here, but it is a welcome change to read so much about the topic in the news.  Recently, outlets NPR ("Why Millennials are Ditching Cars and Redefining Ownership") and The New York Times ("Hollywood's New Stars: Pedestrians") have featured articles on emergence of Los Angeles' carless culture.  As a carless Angeleno, I'm thrilled by these developments because I love knowing that more people are spending less time in cars to experience all that LA has to offer! 

Thursday, August 15, 2013

LA-based Band The Coals and 'A Happy Animal' [Video]

Cover of The Coals - A Happy Animal
If you haven't taken the time to listen to LA-based country band The Coals, you're missing out.  The band recently released A Happy Animal, an album that is as fun and whimsical as it is often charming, tender, and sweet.  If you don't believe me then I'll reference you over to KPCC's interview ofThe Coals lead singer and main songwriter Jason Mandell where they called the band's new album "inventive, catchy, genuine, and moving."

Thursday, August 08, 2013

GameHaus: Board Game Cafe Coming Soon to Glendale

Game Haus Logo
A board game cafe is opening up soon in the Los Angeles area and we can't wait to check it out!  GameHƤus will be opening in late summer/early fall in Glendale, CA near the Atwater Village and Silver Lake neighborhoods and there couldn’t be a more opportune time.  With the revival of board games as entertainment and hobby, the cafe's creators felt that Los Angeles needed a space for gamers to play and eat at the same time.

Thursday, August 01, 2013

This Year’s Best Los Angeles Art Walks

"Art...Walk." Photo by Charity Tran.
If you’ve never been on an art walk, you’re missing out. Art walks are a great way to take in some of the city’s culture, see some of latest and greatest art works, and have fun with people in the community. These events typically focus on a particular theme or location where local galleries or vendors showcase their art. Los Angeles, being the vibrant, creative city that it is, hosts a lot of cool art walks that happen year round. Here are some of this year’s best LA art walks.

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

SDCC Recap: [Photos] Outside Sights - Balloons, Lego Statues, and Pirate Ships!

At Sunset, Two-Three Stories Tall: Teen Titans Go! balloons at SDCC 2013
At Sunset, Two-Three Stories Tall: Teen Titans Go! balloons at SDCC 2013
There's always so much going on at San Diego Comic-Con that it's often difficult to remember how much goes on outside the convention walls!  Some of the most interesting sights at this year's 2013 SDCC was quite literally outside.  

Thursday, July 25, 2013

SDCC 2013 Recap: Photos from the Floor

I spent last week in San Diego at Comic-Con International, for the next few days I'll be providing some recap of this annual geeky adventure.  This recap features some our favorite photos from the Exhibition Room Floor, including some awesome cosplay.  Some favorite highlights:
  • Cosplay
    • Wonder Woman Ballerina 
    • Characters from Up
    • Doctor Who and Dalek Costumes
    • Chewbacca 
    • Streetfighter
  •  Costume Display at the BBC America Booth featuring Doctor Who
  •  Colorful booths featuring Star Wars, Sponge Bob, Dragonball Z, Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit, Wonder Woman, Iron Man, and more
Check out the photos in the slideshow below!




-Charity Tran  

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Free Event: National Dance Day at Music Center (7/27)

Continuing on our mission to give you a FREE Summer, we suggest you head out to the Music Center for National Dance Day! There will be appearances by host Adam Shankman, Executive Producer of "So You Think You Can Dance" Nigel Lythgoe, and many other SYTYCD celebrities! Come out from 10-2pm on July 27th and dance the official National Dance Day routines, enjoy the food trucks, music, and much more on this FREE day of dance!

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Have a FREE Summer, LA!

One of our favorite things about Los Angeles summers is that there are so many free things to do!  It's a great way to head out with family and friends to experience some of Los Angeles' best offerings and discover gems throughout the greater LA area.

Free Summer Concerts and Performances

Grand Performances is one of our summer favorites, always offering not only an eclectic mix of outdoor entertainment, but a great venue for emerging voices and ideas.  This summer is no exception with guests like Las Cafeteras, Uncaberet, children-friendly Bob Baker Marionettes, Mucca Pazza,  Rufus and Friends with Black Light All Stars, Songs in the Key of L.A. with Ozomatli and Friends, Lux Boreal, and many more.

The Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors offer a number of free events including Marina del Rey Summer Concerts at Burton Chace Park featuring a wide-range of musical styles and talented artists like Taylor Dayne, Poncho Sanchez, and Rose Royce.  Make sure to also check out their listings for their Farmers' Market, Walking Club, Craft Classes, Yoga Classes, and more! 

Wednesday, July 03, 2013

Happy Independence Day!

In our latest newsletter issue, we feature some great Independence Day events and spotlight the upcoming arrival of the great dance company, the American Ballet Theatre!

Need more great events to celebrate the Fourth of July?  Check out these event listings on the ExperienceLA.com calendar!

Whether it's a BBQ cook-out, a trip to the beach, or fireworks and the symphony (or all of the above!), we wish you a happy and safe Fourth of July weekend!

-ExperienceLA Staff

Friday, June 28, 2013

L.A. Conservancy Launches New Website



The Los Angeles Conservancy just launched a new website! In addition to a whole new look-and-feel (and an updated logo!), the site has a number of new features including a map of 400+ Historic Places in Los Angeles.  There is also a special segment on Modern Architecture (part of the Conservancy's educational Curating the City: Modern Architecture in L.A.) which includes virtual tours, curated guides, and a spotlight on Modern places that are current preservation issues for the Conservancy.

Make sure to stop on by and learn more of the Los Angeles Conservancy!

-Charity Tran, ExperienceLA Editor


Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Be Inspired: WriteGirl Write On! Campaign

WriteGirl Write On! Tree
WriteGirl is an excellent organization based in Los Angeles that features an equally excellent cause: empowering teen girls by helping them discover their own voices.  This year, WriteGirl helped 300 teen girls, but there is always more to do!  With their current WriteGirl Write On! Campaign, you can help them launch a new session of creative writing programs and mentoring of teen girls.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

CicLAvia - Iconic Wilshire Boulevard (6/23)

This Sunday, June 23rd from 9AM-4PM, CicLAvia takes over Wilshire Boulevard with their Iconic Wilshire Boulevard route! Highlighted as their "most walkable CicLAvia ever," the route begins at One Wilshire Hub and extends west toward Miracle Mile.  Check out a few guidelines and highlights you can experience along your route! 

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

"Before A Fall" at the Hollywood Fringe Festival

Before a Fall is a play that tackles difficult subject matter, but easily pulls the audience into its layers, anxiously making you wait to see the storyline unfold.  Promoted as a "Southern Gothic tale of faith, family, and fear," Before a Fall by Lily Mercer is centered on a small Southern town and a family under the firm grip of Reverend Jack Hawkins, a controlling grandfather and patriarch of a church. 

The play is currently running at the Hudson Theatre, an intimate space that moves the audience through time and space as those on stand, witnesses at Darla's trial, give their testimonies.  We sit as likely jurors, able to see exchanges in the courthouse, the classroom, the church, and the land owned by Reverend Hawkins. 

Friday, June 07, 2013

Summer Outlook: Hollywood Bowl and Ford Theatres


Left: Hollywood Bowl
Right: Pacha Massive performs at Ford Theatres 
Our most recent newsletters offer a glimpse at great upcoming summer events in two of our favorite outdoor venues: The Hollywood Bowl and Ford Theatres.  Check out great events this summer featuring music, theatre, film, dance, and more!


What are you most looking forward to this summer? 

-ExperienceLA Staff 


Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Photos from our Flickr Pool

 We always have some great contributions to our ExperienceLA Flickr Pool!  Here's a look at some of our most recent favorite photos!  From sunsets to park strolls and professional cyclists to singing cowboys, Los Angeles experiences can't be beat.

-ExperienceLA Staff


by Charity Tran
Clifton's Cafeteria - Historic Exterior
Los Angeles (Downtown), CA


Spectacular sunset in the magnificent skies near LAX in beautiful El Segundo, California.

by Jeffrey S.  
Spectacular sunset in the magnificent skies near LAX
El Segundo, CA

Thursday, May 16, 2013

The Art of Dance: Los Angeles Events

There's plenty of dancing going on in Los Angeles! Check out these great upcoming events where you can watch the art of dance in its endless forms.

Saturday, May 18th, 2013; 6:00PM
West LA
Laurel Tentindo and friends present a site-specific, movement-and-sound ritual performance that migrates through the Museum. Come stroll the Fowler and see it transformed with magical imagery, dance, and sound.

LACMA: Indian Dance Performance
Saturday, May 18th, 2013; 7:00PM
Mid-Wilshire - Museum Row 
The Shakti Dance Company performs Devadasi: The Eternal Dancer at LACMA's Bing Theater.  The show "transports the audience into the world of ancient Indian temple tradition" with this classical Bharata Natyam production created by master choreographer Viji Prakash.

Wednesday, May 08, 2013

Bikes Take Over Los Angeles: Metro Bike Week

Bright Bikes from CicLAVia.  Photo by Charity Tran.  
At ExperienceLA, we love Los Angeles experiences where people learn to explore the city on public transit...and bikes!  Check out these events for Metro's upcoming Bike Week and more!

Metro Bike Week 2013
May 11-May 19th
Metro is having a Bike Week, advocating traveling with your bike everywhere.  There's a bike adventure for almost every day of the week.

Wednesday, May 01, 2013

Saturday 5/4: Star Wars Day and Free Comic Book Day

Contrary to my Star Wars desk calendar, Saturday isn't just any day - it's Star Wars Day!  It's also Free Comic Book Day!  To help you celebrate, we've compiled this selection of events!

May 4th, 2013: 11AM-4PM
Long Beach, CA
Come dresssed as your favorite Star Wars character or piece one together at the Los Angeles Costume Swap!  There will be Star Wars craft activities throughout the day and a children's book reading of Star Wars starting at 3PM.  From 3PM to 4PM you can also swap comic books with other fans! 

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Literary LA: Festival of Books and a Book Drop Bash

Young Reader at LA Times Festival of Books
My status as a literary nerd is no secret, so I'm just going to cut to the chase and nerd out about last Saturday.

I headed out to the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books during the day and followed it with an evening at the Library Foundation of Los Angeles' Book Drop Bash at the Central Library.  While reading is often a solitary affair, literary adventures like these are often best enjoyed among the company of those who love books too.  Lucky for me, the Festival of Books is an excellent place to gather with your book-loving friends.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Today is ArtsDay!


Arts Day 2013 in City of LA Council Chambers. Photo by Terence McFarland
At ExperienceLA.com we celebrate the arts every day.  We love our many partners and their wonderful  events and destinations.  We're glad to be a place that can connect visitors and residents alike with the diverse offerings of Los Angeles' arts and culture scene.  But there is something spiffy about official days to make sure we express our appreciation and advocacy.  We are very glad to say that today is one of those days!  Hello ArtsDay 2013!


Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Celebrate L.A. Heritage Day 2013!

Pico House. Photo Credit LA Heritage Alliance. 
This upcoming Sunday, (April 14th, 2013) from 11am to 4pm, head out to El Pueblo with family and friends to celebrate and learn more about Los Angeles Heritage! Featuring over 200 organizations from across LA, experience exhibits, booths, tours, five museums, children activities, and more for free!

Wednesday, April 03, 2013

Wandering Wondercon 2013

Wall-E Robot at Wondercon 2013
For the second year in a row, Wondercon arrived at the Anaheim Convention Center.  The only day I was able to make it to the convention was Easter Sunday, and it marked the first time going to a convention on its last day.  Last days are interesting: the craziness of the convention generally dies down a little and the crowds are a little less intense, but there's still plenty of fun to be had with events, vendors, and cosplayers roaming around.

I wandered the convention center with my friend Elizabeth Ann (Nerdlush) who festively wore a bunny-eared fascinator while I had decided that it was the perfect time to bring out my TARDIS costume with a modified fascinator hat for Easter Sunday.

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Upcoming Literary Events

Panoramic Bookshelves at Skylight Books by intellichick
Panoramic Bookshelves at Skylight Books by intellichick
The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books recently announced their schedule of events for April 20-21 at USC.  While we're super excited for the event, it is a WHOLE MONTH away!  So while you're planning your Festival of Books excursion, here's some great events to quench your literary thirst in the mean time!  Literary events can be found throughout Los Angeles at literary venues, universities, theaters, museums, libraries, and more!

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Happy World Puppetry Day

Chain Chomp from Chatterbox Puppets.
Chatterbox Puppets offers custom-made puppets
and classes in puppet-construction 

Our friends at the Pantages Theatre let us know that today is World Puppetry Day!  So, how best to celebrate then by looking at our events calendar for puppet-related events?  While there are events for kids, the humor and magic of puppetry comes to life in shows for all kinds of ages!

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Reflecting on "This is Your Library"

From Left to Right: John Szabo, Exene Cervenka, Hector Tobar,
Mike White, and Justin Veach.
Photo by Gary Leonard
On March 2nd, I enjoyed an evening program at the Central Library entitled "This is Your Library".   Conducted in a late-night TV show style, the program was moderated by humorous host Justin Veach and accompanied by the Library All-Star Band.  Guests included a number of prominent Angelenos: punk legend Exene Cervenka; actor, writer, director Mike White of HBO’s Enlightened; author and Los Angeles Times journalist HĆ©ctor Tobar; and new City Librarian John Szabo.  Following the event was a performance by Feeding People.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

The Los Angeles Theatre or “The Theatre Unusual”

The Los Angeles Theatre proudly featured "Romeo & Juliet" for one night only.

A few weeks ago I was lucky enough (thanks to Cinespia and the Los Angeles Historic Theatre Foundation) to visit the Los Angeles Theatre, a movie palace built in 1931 on Broadway in the Los Angeles Theatre District. It was the last of its kind to be built. The reason for my good fortune was a charity event to help fund the care for this theatre, as well as others, in the Los Angeles area.  The event featured a special screening of Baz Luhrmann's rendition of the Bard’s Romeo & Juliet.

Monday, March 04, 2013

TED Fellow Cyrus Kabiru C-STUNNERS Art Exhibit Until March 9, 2013

DSC_4810
A quick heads up from ExperienceLA. If you blink, this one week exhibit of wearable C-STUNNERS eyewear sculptures by 2013 TED Fellow Cyrus Kabiru from Africa will be gone, as it was timed to immediately follow the recent 2013 TED convocation. I frankly stumbled on this exhibit on Saturday, while eating lunch at Bergamot Station in Santa Monica. I had a chance to discuss the exhibit with Ed Cross who curated the exhibit at the Frank Pictures Gallery, as to how Cyrus developed his unique artistic skill and how he was discovered by TED. The exhibit will close on Saturday, March 9, 2013 with an art talk and closing reception from 4 pm to 6:30 pm. As I understand it, Cyrus Kabiru will still be around.  The Frank Pictures Gallery is open daily from 11:30 am - 6:30 pm for this exhibition.  The rest of my C-STUNNER flickr pictures can be found here.

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing the C-STUNNERS eyewear:



Friday, March 01, 2013

Top 10 Take Off on Outer Space Related Tourism Destinations in Los Angeles

Central Library Public Art - Earth
I was reading "What If We Made Space Travel Practical?" by Curtis Hill and I began to think about the top ten destinations in the Los Angeles area that could take you on a NASA inspired journey in greater Los Angeles.  Now Curtis Hill's theme of his just released book is how one could go about drastically reducing the cost for a reuseable spacecraft (the Star Horse Project concept) with a focus on weight reduction, and it was coincidental that this week, there was an announcement on a privately funded flyby space flight to Mars, and now another SpaceX flight to the orbiting space station. So with thanks to Curtis Hill for inspiration to write this post, and to encourage one to visit his website, where one might find out when he might be doing a presentation and book signing, I present to you the ExperienceLA top ten ways to reach for the stars in Los Angeles.

Stay Home and Read Today!

I know what you're thinking: "Wait?  You're telling me to stay home? Experience LA is telling me to just stay home?"  But that's the name of a great fundraising event today for the Library Foundation of Los Angeles called The Stay Home and Read A Book Ball, and you don't actually need to stay home to participate.  

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

African American History: Beyond the Month of February

The California African American Museum currently has African American
Military Portraits from the American Civil War.
Pictured: Unidentified African American Soldier in Union uniform with
wife and two daughters. From Library of Congress.
February may be African American History Month, but this doesn't mean that you can't continue the exploration of African American history, stories, and culture throughout the year.  Check out these events and destinations to keep the experience going!