Attend the premiere and after party of "The Raven," starring John Cusack

When this request came through to us, it was practically a no-brainer. It celebrates the things we love: a historic theatre in downtown LA, film and literature! So, without further adieu, here are the rules to enter our contest for a pair of passes to attend the premiere of Relativity Media's thriller "The Raven," based on some of Edgar Allen Poe's famous tales and starring John Cusack, Luke Evans, Alice Eve, Brendan Gleeson, and Oliver Jackson-Cohen, on Monday, April 23 at 8PM at the Los Angeles Theatre.

Los Angeles Heritage Day is April 29

On April 29th, the Los Angeles Heritage Alliance will host a special day-long event to celebrate the Southland's colorful and diverse history. With over 500 years of stories to tell, the 4th annual Los Angeles Heritage Day will be an event not to miss especially for the history geeks! The event features such items as menus from long-ago restaurants, L.A.'s first fire "truck," a Civil War tent, and a wooden nickel among others. Kids will also find history to be fun with a special scavenger hunt planned.

Saying "Goodbye" to the Wilshire Grand Hotel

Wilshire Grand Hotel - Aerial View.  Photo by ExperienceLA Staff.

We all know the saying, "All good things come to an end." Alas, the time has come for us to say good-bye to our friends and wonderful partners at the Wilshire Grand Hotel. Tomorrow - December 23 - after 59 years, the hotel will bid farewell to its last guest before being demolished. Future plans for the lot include a two-tower hotel and condominium skyscraper, slated to open in 2015.

Cirque du Soleil Day in L.A.: IRIS from Cirque du Soleil® takes over Los Angeles #CirqueDayLA

This Thursday, June 16 will be known as Cirque du Soleil Day in Los Angeles in celebration of the 27th anniversary of Cirque du Soleil® and the upcoming debut of IRIS, A Journey Through The World Of Cinema™ opening at the Kodak Theatre.

Festivities will take place across Los Angeles in Hollywood, Pasadena, Century City, and Santa Monica, and there will be something for just about everyone. In addition to the FREE (!!!) live events, residents and visitors can participate on Twitter and Foursquare using the #CirqueDayLA hashtag and be entered into a sweepstake for a chance to win IRIS related prizes.

L.A. Film Fest 2011

Ahhh! Summer is in the air, and we here at XLA couldn't be more excited! With the change of season comes a slew of festivals to look forward to, as was previewed in a recent issue of our ExperienceLA newsletter.

One of those festivals, opening on June 16th, is the world-class Los Angeles Film Festival presented by the L.A. Times. 2011 marks the 17th year of the festival, which will showcase over 200 features, shorts and music videos representing more than 30 countries. The L.A. Film Fest will return once again to Downtown, with most events taking place at L.A. Live

Vote Now: @DowntownNews "2011 Best of Downtown" Contest

Hey Los Angeles! Show your love and support for your favorite Downtown business. L.A. Downtown News is currently holding its annual "Best of Downtown" contest. In addition to giving a nod to your favorite, you'll be automatically entered into a drawing for some fun prizes, including a grand prize of a complimentary two-night stay at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, dinner for two at Sai-Sai, $200 spending cash, dinner for two at Morton's The Steakhouse, $150 Ticketmaster gift card, and a Los Angeles Conservancy walking tour! Not a bad package!

Polls are open until Friday, June 3, 2011. Visit www.votebestof.com to cast your vote.


-ExperienceLA Staff

Experience L.A.'s Valley Performing Arts Center

I live in the valley. To many of my friends, it may as well be another universe. "How can you live in the valley?" "What's there to do in the valley?" "How do you entertain yourself?"

Well - to start - I have a house in the valley with lots of convenient services nearby like a grocery store. I guess that's how I can live here. I do all kinds of things in the valley, such as go for walks, take my dog to the park, and talk to my neighbors. As for entertainment, there's plenty: visiting the NoHo Arts District, going to the venerable jazz club Charlie O's, Universal Studios Hollywood, and shopping along Ventura Blvd. And now, I can chalk to this a state-of-the-art, beautiful 1,700 seat performing arts center!