June 13, 2013

The Weekend Go Go: Fringe Element, Disney Hell, Ghettogloss

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Oh, the places you'll go....

Androgymnasium at the Hollywood Fringe Festival

Go Go’ers, it’s not officially summer yet but summer is happening big time this weekend.

One swell fest.

Two quirky events.

Three chances for last-minute Dad Day gifts.

One surefire chance for Favorite Child Forever status.

Don’t blow it.

Just Like the Movies But Live

Go Go’ers, Los Angeles is a showbiz town but that doesn’t mean the biz is all multiplexes and movies for 12-year-old boys.

The usual summer offerings notwithstanding….

A perfect example of entertainment without a safety net: the Hollywood Fringe Festival.  Now in its fourth year, the Fest’s Thursday opening  begins two weeks of  a thousand performances of two hundred-plus productions at twenty Hollywood venues.

That’s a lot of working actors.

The always-hilarious Lost Moon Radio departs from their usual structure with  Roger Wodehouse’s Androgymnasium (a NOT-for-kids kids show).  Will Matthews (Punk’d) and Casey Christensen (Chelsea Lately) offer up the satirical one-act Daddy Isn’t Dead, Is He?

Your call whether the second play is a good Dad outing or not.

A Working Theater, which scored a Best of Fringe award in 2012 and nomination for Best Ensemble, is back with the world premiere of Lisa Ebersole’s Baby. And magicians David & Leeman (a.k.a. Filthy Liars), who were winners of the 2012 Los Angeles Comedy Festival and returning Top 10 Show of Hollywood Fringe Festival 2012, show you How to Convincingly Fake Honesty.

That latter skill should help you in the other Hollywood….

HOLLYWOOD FRINGE FESTIVAL 2013 — Daily, Thursday, June 13 – Sunday, June 30.  For shows, schedule, prices, and venues, go to: http://www.hollywoodfringe.org/

There will be noise....

Music makes you braver.

There Will Be Bass

In 2006, composers Thomas Bergerson and Nick Phoenix — collectively known as Two Steps from Hell – started writing music for movie trailers including The Dark Knight, Pirates of the Caribbean: World’s End, No Country for Old Men and Tron: Legacy.

You were just wondering about Tron.

The duo has subsequently had music featured on TV in Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, and Homeland, among others, and released three albums – Invincible, Archangel, and Skyworld — which have consistently charted in the top 100 on iTunes/Soundtracks for the past three years.

These guys are not to be taken lightly.

This Friday, the hell-raising duo takes over the Walt Disney Concert Hall where their beloved-by-Millennials classical music will be performed by the L.A. Philharmonic, a 60-voice chorus, and guest cellist Tina Guo in their first (and so far only) concert.

Dude, just put down the remote and go.

TWO STEPS FROM HELL — Fri, June 14 @ 8pm; $90 – $140 – Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., DTLA, 90012.  323/850.2000. For info & tix:  http://www.musiccenter.org/ or http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0B004A64C23A5A83?artistid=1842047&majorcatid=10002&minorcatid=203

Gorgeous Ghettogloss....

Gorgeous Ghettogloss….

The Tightrope to Success

Question: where do indie culture and Costco meet?

Answer: at the Ghettogloss Grand (Re-)Opening this Saturday at the historic Connors Plumbing Building in  Eagle Rock.

GG founder Fiora Boes, whose collaborators have included Tommy Chong, Benicio del Toro, Mark Mothersbaugh, Shepard Fairey, Allee Willis, Eddie Ruscha, Roseanne Barr and Angelyne, has long created happenings to promote the work of other artists.

You remember Ghettogloss’s sketching sessions of bikini models in gorilla masks, right?

This weekend, Boes promotes her own gorgeous work in the circus-themed Tightrope: a series of original paintings that combine large-format, digital process with hand-painted and silkscreened elements.  And they’re available at Costco online.  Yes, Costco.

Want to make sure the paintings fit in your tiny, Staples Center-adjacent pied a terre?  Stop by Ghettogloss’s new digs and check out the art (and the scene) while consuming Kettle Korn and absinthe popsicles.

Absinthe: always good for making clear-headed decisions about art.  And everything else.

GHETTOGLOSS PRESENTS: TIGHTROPE — Sat, June 15, 8-11pm — Ghettogloss, 4680 Eagle Rock Blvd (the historic Connors Plumbing building), Eagle Rock 90041  323/871.8100 http://www.ghettogloss.com/events/

Ready?  U Know U Want 2 Go Go….

 

June 6, 2013

The Weekend Go Go: Puppet Takeover, Jubilation, A Lot of Wine

Posted by Kim Ohanneson under The Weekend Go Go | Tags: , , |
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String theory....

String theory….

Maybe it’s the end of school, maybe it’s the approach of summer but this weekend is all about festivals.

Read on for the best places to fest.

Puppet Regime

It’s unclear when marionettes and sock people inhabited Northeast Los Angeles in the first place — or what cruel conqueror drove them from their  homes along the Arroyo — but this weekend, they’re back.

Yes, Go Go’ers, on Thursday, Puppets Retake NELA.

This revolution will (probably)  not be televised.  It should be, though.  Puppets are one of the oldest art forms.

Shadow animals on cave walls, anyone?

Expect shadow puppets and more  this weekend at the three-day festival at the gorgeous Ebell Women’s Club (a former haven for suffragettes).  On Thursday, expect tales of L.A. and Uruguay from Beth Peterson and Leslie Gray before the puppets get kinky with Paul Zaloom.   On Friday, Caitlin Lanoff and Danrae Wilson, as well as Yelena Zhelezov deliver more tales of early City of Angels while Gina Pavlova, Elizabeth Luce, and Christine Papalexis bring family friendly fare on Saturday with sensitive princesses, salty sailors, and a Japanese  goddess.

Yes, there will be hula hoops.

There will also be “a special historic show recreated from the vaults of the International Puppetry Museum in Pasadena”.  Didn’t know there was an International Puppetry Museum in Pasadena?

You’re welcome

PUPPETS RETAKE NELA — Thurs, June 6 & Fri, , the former June 7 @ 8pm; Sat. June 8 @ noon; FREE but registration strongly suggested — The Highland Park Ebell Club, 131 S Avenue 37, Highland Park, 90042 https://www.facebook.com/events/374765802625127/

Shake and shout!

Shake and shout!

Put Your Hands in the Air

There are approximately 3 billion (give or take) music fests in Los Angeles.

Music and arts fests?  Not so many.

That’s just one of the reasons that the Jubilee Music & Arts Festival stands out.  Formerly of Silver Lake, the still-cozy, eco-sustainable fest, which benefits the Los Angeles Arts & Athletics Alliance, has must-catch music acts like The Black Lips, Pangea, Trash Talk, Bleached, and Free Energy on three stages over two days.

The fourth stage is where things get different.

Go to the Santa Monica Stage to check out some of L..A.’s best spoken word collectives like Tongue and Groove and Dirty Laundry during the Literature Block (courtesy of Pen USA) as well as comedians like Natasha Leggero and Joe Sib during the Comedy Block curated by Iliza Shlesinger.  There are food trucks, vendors and cash/credit cards booze gardens…

…which just happen to be your favorite kind of garden.

JUBILEE — Fri, June 7 (gates open at 5 pm) & Sat, June 8 (gates open @ 3pm); $30-$50 — Los Angeles Arts District at 590 S. Santa Fe Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013 http://jubileemusicfest.com/

You'll want to pay attention to this.

You’ll want to pay attention to this.

Wine is Ready for its Close-up

Wine country tours — love the drinking but hate the driving from winery to winery to winery?

Localize — and glamorize — your vino experience with the 8th Annual LA WineFest,
which takes place over two days at the historic Raleigh Studios movie lot in Hollywood.

It’s going to be perfect weather to sample over 500 wines, brews and spirits, up your game with wine and cheese seminars (Question: is the hallowed duo always a match made in heaven?), eat from top L.A. food trucks, listen to music, and build up your bar with products from curated vendors.

Mr. DeMille would definitely approve.

8TH ANNUAL LA WINE FEST — Sat, June 8, 2 – 6pm & Sun, June 9, noon-5pm; $20 (Designated driver)- $155 — Historic Raleigh Studios, 3800 Melrose Blvd, LA 90038 http://www.lawinefest.com/wordpress/

Ready?  U Know U Want 2 Go Go….

 

May 30, 2013

The Weekend Go Go: Block This, They Make Music, Party at the Arroyo, and So Many Burgers

Posted by Kim Ohanneson under The Weekend Go Go | Tags: , , , |
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Goodbye May.

Goodbye May.

It seems like it’s been May forever.

That’s probably why Angelenos are celebrating the first weekend of the new month with lots of food and music, music, music.

It’s June/spoon/tune for a reason, people.

Music for Your Mouth (and Eyes and Ears)

Two things go without saying.  You have to eat.  You have to have fun doing it.  (You were never a fan of sad eating.)

So hurray for the return of the Komodo Block Party – mingling fun, food, fashion, and music.

Always at the intersection of Pico and Robertson and always on the last Friday night of the month through September, the first of this year’s Block Parties features quintessential summer snackage. Pretend you’re at the beach with by-the-shore crustacean from the Lobsta Truck, sip Del’s icy lemonade in the shade, and lick the edges of  ice cream sammies from Coolhaus.

In addition to more food truck options,  Le Fashion Truck will offer enticing wares including lingerie, jewelry, bags and dresses.  And if you want to show off your new frock on the spot, DJ Syntax brings the best beats to the street.

The only thing needed at this insta-party is you.

KOMODO BLOCK PARTY — Fri, May 31, 6-10pm; FREE admission — Intersection of Pico and Robertson, WLA http://komodoblockparty.com/#news

Make Music Pasadena 2013Many, Many Bands and You

Go Go’ers, you’re ready to get summery.  Just in time, the season of free music and massive crowds kicks off  this weekend with two, gratis, Gold Line-accessible fests.

First up on Saturday is the annual Make Music Pasadena, which takes over 30 public spaces in the ‘Dena with 150 free concerts in 12 hours.  For the math-challenged among you, that’s 12.5 concerts an hour.

Stock up on Red Bull now.

Genres run the gamut from the electronic indie rock of Tanlines to the Afro-folk of Las Cafeteras to the Grammy-winning Bill Cunliffe Trio to  international artists  like French folk singer Soko and Brazilian singer-songwriter/cellist Dom La Nena.

If you prefer snacks and libations to crowd surfing and sunscreen, multiple Pasadena eateries and drinkeries will host acts as well.  Catch tropical surf rockers Salt Petal at  (natch) Twin Palms or follow Americana duo David & Olivia as they double dip at Creme de la Crepe then POP Champagne and Dessert Bar.

How to stage hop without speed skating?  Jump on and off the Make Music Pasadena shuttle for free.

It’s the next best thing to wings.

MAKE MUSIC PASADENA — Sat, June 1, 11am – 11pm; all age/FREE (but $5 prepaid donation suggested) — Schedule, locations, and transportation info.

lummis day 2013Arroyo Bash

Charles Lummis was the first City Editor of  the Los Angeles Times and a passionate booster of Los Angeles: a destination he thought rivaled Paradise.  Lummis also hand-built El Alisal, a quirky house of river stone taken from the Highland Park-adjacent arroyo.

Lummis threw wild parties at El Alisal — he called them “noises” — and invited painters, actors, poets, musicians — basically, everyone who was anyone in early L.A.

100+ years later, the tradition continues with Lummis Day 8: a celebration of Lummis, artists, and the power of parties.

The NELA bash starts at El Alisal (a.k.a. Lummis House) at 10:30 a.m. with music and poetry including an introduction from Lummis’s granddaughter Suzanne, Director of the L.A. Poetry Festival.   “Outsider art” exhibits continue at El Alisal until evening.

At noon, the performance part of the “noise” moves to the nearby Heritage Square Museum where four stages will host a variety of dance and music acts amidst  restored period homes, some of them open for free tours.

Check out folk legend Jim Kweskin (Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin and The Doors) who’s performing with the Crockett Sisters (a.k.a. the Evangenitals), local faves Ollin, Gospel slingers Little Faith, the Tall Men Group (songwriters including Marty Axelrod and Lummis Day alumni Severin Browne), the Lineage Dance Company, and many more.  Of course, there will be food, crafts, and small fry-appropriate events.

Charles Lummis would approve this noise.

LUMMIS DAY 8 — Sun, June 2; FREE  http://www.lummisday.org/2013/

10:30am – 5pm @ Lummis House/El Alisal, 200 E Ave 43, LA 90042

noon – 7pm @ Heritage Square Museum, 3800 Homer St, LA 90031

Nothing says summer....

Nothing says summer….

Burgerville

This may be the “Weekend” Go Go but the Oinkster’s Burger Week is worth bending the rules to make it an extra-long (seven extra days to be exact) weekend.

You can do it, Go Go’ers, YOU CAN DO IT!

Chef Andre Guerrero and team continue the tradition of reinventing Burgers You Know (i.e. the McRib is reinterpreted as the McRibster), each for one day only.  Fantasy burgers such as the Thrilla from Manila (“5oz Pork Patty with Shrimp & Mushrooms in a Lumpia Wrapper, Green Papaya Relish. Pork Belly & Sweet Thai Sauce on a Pan de Sal Bun”) are also available.

The Grill ‘Em All truck guys — now with an Alhambra brick ‘n mortar — are doing a Thursday only kitchen takeover for a final run of the “Weedeater” Burger (“a Half Pound Burg, Jalapeño Bacon, Cheddar, Funyuns, Garlic Aioli & Seared Pulled Pork in Mosh Pit BBQ Sauce”) before it’s retired forever.

Let the wailing and gnashing of teeth begin….

Become a “Burgerlord” and get an exclusive t-shirt by eating each of the week’s seven signature burgers.  Scavenger hunt wins can get you and a BFF to the front of the (prepare yourself) long lines.

But hey, it’s summer.  You have something better to do?

THE OINKSTER’S BURGER WEEK – Mon, June 3 – Sun, June 9; 11am – 10 (Sun – Thurs) and 11am – 11pm (Fri & Sat) –The Oinkster, 2005 Colorado Blvd, Eagle Rock 90041.  For more info including BURGER WEEK RULES & REGULATIONS, go here.

Ready?  U Know U Want 2 Go Go….

 

May 24, 2013

The Weekend Go Go: Almost Infinite Improv, Knit Wit, Giant Robot BBQ, Jazz/Reggae/You

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Laughter will ensue....

Laughter will ensue….

So.  The fridge is stocked with dogs, and burgers.   The cooler is stocked with beer.  The Hawaiian Tropic and pool noodles are lined up by the slip and slide.

Now what?

Tradition is great but man (and woman) can’t live by backyard bbq/party alone.  Read on to change up the scenery.

Go Go’ers, getting rid of the inflatable palm tree is not enough to avoid cliché.

Funny As In Ha Ha

Think 13 is an unlucky number?  You’ll think again after kicking off the weekend watching 13 hours of improv at the LA Indie Improv Festival.

That’s right, get ready for a funny bone workout.

There’s something for every improv persuasion: five different stages, over  100 improv teams with p(h)unny titles like Tupac Liqueur and Werner Hotdog, and  Theme Hours including 2 Man Power Hour, Hip Hop Block, and two separate Musical Improv Hours — for those of you with massive record collections, photographic memories, and too much time on your hands.

You know who you are.

In an alternate universe, a ticket for this one-day improv-a-thon would cost roughly a bajillion dollars.  (Ms. Go Go is looking at you, Coachella.)

Producers TNT, Crashbar, Room 101, the 11th Hour Show, and the Manifesto Show are clearly the coolest kids on the block, however, and the whole, 13 hour shebang is free.  You’ll want to bring some shekels for the food trucks, though.

A Somewhere Over the Rainbow improv is unlikely to get you a free kebab.

LA INDIE IMPROV FESTIVAL 2013 — Sat, May 25 from 11am – midnight; FREE — For theaters/locations/schedule go to: http://laindieimprovfestival.com/

The best dressed museum in L.A.

Jack Nicholson leers  approvingly at the Granny-Squared Craft and Folk Art Museum. (Photo courtesy YBLA)

A Stitch in Time

In their quest to highlight fiber art as fine art rather than an oft-dismissed and marginalized “craft”, the guerrilla art group — or knit graffiti collective as they call themselves — known as Yarn Bombing Los Angeles (YBLA) have previously knitted and crocheted trees, fire hydrants, and parking meters.

No word on meter maid reactions to the latter.

Making their flashiest and most fabulously fun statement yet, the Yarn Bombers have set their sights on a craft/architecture contrast and collaboration with Granny Squared. The already dollhouse-like Craft and Folk Art Museum (CAFAM) has been covered in 12,000 five-inch, crocheted “granny squares” submitted by artists from 50 states and 25 countries.  Contributors include visually impaired crafters from the Braille Institute and neurotherapy patients from a Turkish village.  You can meet and mingle with YBLA founders and local bombers at the opening reception this Saturday night.

Go Go’ers, just don’t try to take home a granny square as a potholder/souvenir.

On display through July 1st, the squares will then be taken down and sewn into blankets for Thanksgiving installation and distribution at the Downtown Women’s Center (DWC) and sale to the public at MADE, the DWC’s retail/resale boutique.

Whether you do a drive-by or get up close and personal, the Granny Squared CAFAM is def the best-dressed building in town.

GRANNY SQUARED – Opening reception May 25, 7-9pm; $12.  Exhibit continues through July 1 – Craft and Folk Art Museum, 5814 Wilshire Blvd, LA 90036, 323/937.4230.  www.cafam.org

streetsStreet Dreams Are Made of This

Here’s the thing about “normal” Memorial Day weekend barbecues. Generally, you can’t shop, eat kimchi, or drink summertime sake punch.

And if all of the above ARE happening, Ms. Go Go would like directions to your party pad.

Alternatively, head over to Susan Feniger’s Street for the former Top Chef finalist’s A Korean BBQ of Giant Proportions. Collaborating with Boutique Sake’s Yoshi Murakami, who’s created a Sake/Soju Lounge on the patio, and Giant Robot, the West L.A. gallery of great/playful/nutso art, Feniger will be dishing up Korean short ribs and  other Korean nom nom like Bibimbop and five kinds of kimchi including Green Peach!

Green Peach kimchi, people!

Giant Robot and their pals at Never Press and Space Camp will have pop-ups from noon to three but the BBQ bash runs from noon- 9pm.  It’s possible you could even fit in another engagement, one with rubbery chicken and overly-mayo’ed coleslaw….

But seriously, were you not paying attention during the summertime sake punch and Green  Peach kimchi part?

A KOREAN BBQ OF GIANT PROPORTIONS – Sun, May 26, noon -pm/pop-ups noon – 3pm; $35 (48 hrs in advance) -$45 atr - Street, 742 N Highland, LA 90038; 323/203.0500, eatatstreet.com

Jazz and Reggae 2013 completeFun, Sun, Music, Rinse, Repeat

Sometimes, nothing will do but to kick off the (faux) start of summer with a big, music blow-out.  There are plenty around this weekend but the fest with the most bang for your buck has got to be the Jazz – Reggae Festival over at UCLA.

Sunday’s “Jam Day”  features Santigold and Common, just for starters, while Ziggy Marley headlines “Reggae Day” on Monday.

You might be able to think of some other leisure activities to do out on the Intramural Field.

Food vendors go beyond the usual suspects with a range of Caribbean and Southern-centric fare including Derrick’s Jamaican Food, Irie’s Choice, and Kobbler King.

Oh, yeah. It’s starting to feel like summer.

THE 27TH ANNUAL JAZZ – REGGAE FEST — Sun, May 26 & Mon, May 27; noon – 7pm; $30 – $60 – UCLA Intramural Field, 405 Hilgard Ave, LA, 90025.

For tix:  http://www.jazzreggaefest.com/tickets

For parking & other info: http://www.jazzreggaefest.com/info

Ready?  U Know U Want 2 Go Go….

 

May 16, 2013

The Weekend Go Go: Party Boldly, Walk This Way, Museum Drive By, and Beer Stories

Posted by Kim Ohanneson under The Weekend Go Go | Tags: , , , |
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Visit the Gamble House entry hall at Museums of the Arroyo Day. (Courtesy of MOTA)

Visit the Gamble House on Museums of the Arroyo Day. (Courtesy of MOTA)

It’s one of those weekends.  If you want to go go from (almost) dawn to (beyond) dusk, the only thing stopping you is you.

Go Go’ers, this weekend, don’t be the pooper at the  party.

Speaking of a Party….

Burning Man.  Coachella.  Downtown Los Angeles?

The common denominator of the above locales is the party purveyor known collectively as the Lucent Dossier Experience and while the center of the city may seem far from the playa,  it’s at the heart of where you’ll want to play this Friday and Saturday night.

Brace yourself. It's pretty good.

Brace yourself. It’s pretty good.

The weekend’s Private Parties V and VI at Rendezvous Rouge, the new in-town home of  Lucent Dossier Experience, will have the troupe’s signature elements such as on-site, large-scale art creation, great music (e.g. KCRW DJ Jeremy Sole at Friday’s bash) and swell cocktails; Serrano and Ginger Tequila, anyone?  Unlike past LDE partypaloozas, however, the cirque -de-sexy performers will be cavorting amidst the audience, which will hopefully include you wearing something inspired.

Maybe not a literal Burning Man outfit….

LUCENT DOSSIER EXPERIENCE PRIVATE PARTY V and VI – Fri, May 17 & Sat, May 18; 9pm – 4am; $35 – $1500/21+ — Rendezvous Rouge, The Lighthouse Parking, 437 S Hill St, DTLA 90013  http://www.lucentdossier.com/

No clowns....

No floats….

Which Walk, L.A.

This weekend, be a tourist in your own town with The Big Parade 5: a two-day, 35-mile urban hike from Downtown L.A. to Mt. Hollywood.

More couch potato than weekend warrior?  Not to worry.

Both days of the Big Parade are designed with easy enter/easy exit loops that let you do a mile, a marathon, or anything in between. Hardcore hikers might want to rev up with the NELA preview hike on Friday; sociable sorts should note that Day One ends with a party at the Music Box Stairs where Laurel and Hardy tried to move a piano.

You will not be required to do the same. 

You’ll provide water, sunscreen, and take-along food.  The Big Parade will offer 100 public stairways, fun ‘n fugly architecture, music, poetry, secret sites, wild parrots, ukuleles, and lots of surprises along the way.

As if the ukuleles weren’t enough of a surprise…..

THE BIG PARADE 5 – Sat, May 18, 8:30am – 6pm (+ after-party)  & Sun, May 19, 8:30am – 7pm; all ages/FREE – NOTE: Times are approximate but for the schedule and more info, check here.

Technicolor dreams: Visit Hale House at Heritage Square during Museums of the Arroyo Day

Technicolor dreams: Visit Hale House at Heritage Square on Museums of the Arroyo Day

Luxury For Free

Are you a true crime buff?

Need wedding dress inspiration?

Want to get  a preview of the high life for when your Powerball number comes in?

Ms. Go Go is not talking plot points for a Black Widow murder thriller but touting some of the highlights of this Sunday’s free, once-a-year Museums of the Arroyo Day.

More must-see houses than buildings full of dusty artifacts, the MOTA museums include: Heritage Square, Lummis Home and Garden, the Gamble House, Pasadena Museum of History, and the Los Angeles Police Museum.  Bike, drive or shuttle (limited availability for the latter) up and down the Arroyo Seco (translation: “dry stream bed”) Parkway, which was the occasionally watery artery connecting early Los Angeles/Highland Park and swanky Pasadena.

The latter city is home to a Greene & Greene/Arts and Crafts masterpiece (the Gamble House) and a Beaux Arts mansion (Pasadena Museum of History) while Highland Park has a house made of river rock (Lummis Home), an octagonal house and a colonial drug store (two of eight distinctive buildings in Heritage Square), and a Gangster Squad exhibit in a gangster era police station (the Los Angeles Police Museum).

Expect vintage wedding apparel, art for sale, and more kid-centric activities than you can shake a hand-carved stick at including a lock-up in a real jail cell.  There’s fun for adults as well; you can snap your own, free mug shot.

Free meaning no bail bondsman involved.  This time.

MUSEUMS OF THE ARROYO DAY – Sun, May 19, noon – 5pm; all ages/FREE — More info here.

Behind the beer...

Behind the beer…

Beer And How It Came To Be

There are two kinds of people (at least for this story).

People who drink beer to get drunk and people who drink beer as connoisseurs.  One group wears hats made out of crocheted-together beer cans, the other…doesn’t.

Ms. Go Go is guessing that in both cases, you fit in the latter category and consequently, should get to know Beercentricity, a society of drinkers (also brewers) who feel beer goes beyond product, even beyond craft, to art.

On Sunday, May 19, join other fans of the hop and the grain at Beercentricity’s inaugural event: Beer Storytelling.  Brewers Mark Jilg of  Craftsman Brewing Company in Pasadena, Alexandra Nowell of Kinetic Brewing in Lancaster, Jeremy Raub of Eagle Rock Brewery in Los Angeles, and Lee Chase of Automatic Brewing in San Diego will gather, appropriately, at Barbara’s at the Brewery Art Colony to talk about the inspiration and stories behind their beers, which are some of California’s finest.

In addition to the brewers’ tales, participants will enjoy four beer  flights of the brewers’ creations and beyond-the-beer-nuts food pairings, all included in the price of tickets, which are only available in advance.

Beercentricity, meet beer aficionado.  Beer aficionado, meet your newest obsession.

That felt good, didn’t it?

BEERCENTRICITY PRESENTS BEER STORYTELLING — Sun, May 19 @ 6pm; $20/21+ – Barbaraʼs at the Brewery: 620 Moulton Ave #110, LA 90031 323/221.9204  Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/379297

Ready?  U Know U Want 2 Go Go….

 

May 9, 2013

The Weekend Go Go: So Much Funny, Get Lit, Bowling with Aliens, Shop Uniquely

Posted by Kim Ohanneson under The Weekend Go Go | Tags: , , , |
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Be interesting, my friends. (Image courtesy of Trade City (http://www.trade-city.org/the-popwagon/)

Be interesting, my friends. (Image courtesy of Trade City http://www.trade-city.org/the-popwagon/)

So…perhaps you have a mom-tastic brunch/high-falutin’ afternoon tea/schmancy dinner on your calendar this Sunday.

You are a good offspring.

But Go Go’ers, there are a few other things to do this weekend before the gifts of golf balls and Ghost the Musical tickets are presented (to mom), and the bottomless mimosas are  consumed (by you).

Some of the events can even help you up the ante in the present department.

Because Moms can’t live by Slankets ™ alone….

There will be laughter....

There will be laughter….

Laughter is the Best Medicine Fest

Go Go’ers, it may seem like there’s a comedy fest every other week in Los Angeles and there just about is.

Let’s face it.  People like funny.

The Los Angeles Comedy Festival, which starts Thursday, delivers a lot of  bang for your sawbuck from comedy shorts  (Stephen Tobolowsky’s A Little Something on the Side) to features (National Lampoon’s Snatched with Andrew McCarthy, Jonathan Silverman, Jay Thomas, and Ernest Borgnine) to sketch comedy (Lost Moon Radio, a fan fave at the Hollywood Fringe Fest) to stand-up (Matt Baca, winner of America’s Got Talent, Latino Style).

Past participants have won Oscars for Best Short Film, received feature film distribution, and joined the cast of Saturday Night Live.

You don’t want to miss the chance to say you saw them when…

LOS ANGELES COMEDY FESTIVAL – Thurs, May 9 – Sun, May 19th; $10 per show; various times – Let Live Theatre, 916a N Formosa Ave (the blue building), LA 90046, http://www.lacomedyfest.com/

Expose yourself to literature.

Expose yourself to literature. (Art work by Peter Nye)

Books Near the Rose Bowl

Didn’t lug enough tomes home from the L.A. Times Festival of Books?

Need to pick up a last-minute novel to go along with the bookmark you decoupaged for Maman?

Want to sit in the sunshine, paint poetry on a car, and watch L.A.’s iconic Bob Baker Marionettes?

Head to the 2nd Annual LitFest Pasadena this Saturday, May 11 for all of the above plus new books by novelist/Satellite Sister Lian Dolan (Elizabeth the First Wife), biographer Megan Marshall (Margaret Fuller: A New American Life), and memoirist Reyna Grande (The Distance Between Us).

See?  Those books have “Mom” written all over them….

There will be panels with award-winning novelist Michelle Huneven, Pulitzer Prize-winning food critic Jonathan Gold, and Micky Neilson (lead story developer for World of Warcraft) plus an audience participation/reality show takeoff  about TV wives orchestrated by writer, editor, and performance artist Kate Durbin.

This is something you’ll want to do.

And if you’re a mom and want to participate in any of the above sans offspring, there’s a kid’s creativity station.

Note: glittery owls may ensue.

2ND ANNUAL LITFEST PASADENA — Sat, May 11, 10am – 5pm; FREE – Central Park, Fair Oaks and Del Mar, Pasadena 91105 http://litfestpasadena.org/

Aliens will be here.

Aliens among us.

Area 51 in Eagle Rock

Go Go’ers, aliens are clearly superior beings who know how to have a good time no matter where in the universe their spaceships take them.

Case in point: the upcoming Bowling with Aliens, presented by sound adventurer/multi-disciplinary artist Jeepneys (a.k.a. Anna Luisa Petrisko) at the always fun All Star Lanes in Eagle Rock.

Do aliens roll intergalactic gutter balls?

Find out this and other  planetary pop culture minutia when you hit the lanes with the celestial pals —  including the Big Bugs — of Jeepneys and  the Machine Project, which organized Bowling With Aliens  at the Fifties-kitsch All Star Lanes as part of The Machine Project Field Guide to L.A. Architecture: itself part of the Getty’s Pacific Standard Time Presents: Modern Architecture in L.A.

Little known fact: aliens like architecture as much as they like  spares and strikes.

After the bowling party, Jeepneys and friends will present an interstellar music and movement performance in the PopWagon (see above), which will be transformed into a vibrant tropical spaceship.

Evidently, aliens also like black light and DayGlo.   A lot.

JEEPNEYS’ BOWLING WITH ALIENS — Sat, May 11, 8-10pm; FREE — All Star Lanes Bowling Center, 4459 Eagle Rock Blvd, Eagle Rock 90041  https://www.facebook.com/events/546372455414398/546372462081064/?notif_t=like

Shop here and Mom will love you more.

Shop here and Mom will love you more.

Mother’s Day Gifts for Procrastinators

Of course you have a good excuse.

You were working.

You were traveling.

You were abducted by aliens. (See above)

Whatever the reason, you know you can’t face your mom without a token of your love and gratitude for her part in making you the damn fine person you are today.

Your disorganized self could pause at a freeway off-ramp exit for a wilted-in-the-sun bouquet or  paw through the sad piles of mall  merch left by other, better organized offspring.

Disinheritance is a drag, however.

Secure your future by shopping at the Unique LA Spring Show where 350 vendors — including  clothing designer Eva Franco, custom portraitist Emmie Bean, jewelry designer Blue Eyed Squirrel and prestige-quality perfumist Goest + Perfumes — will offer jewelry, art, clothing, stationery, gourmet edibles, housewares, and bath and body items. The event runs on Saturday and Sunday (for true slacker last-minute gifts among you) at the California Center Mart in Downtown LA.

There will be FREE cocktails, the consumption of which will undoubtedly foster creativity at the DIY crafts and workshops available all weekend long, and you can take drunken photos of all your handmade goodies at  the Oh Snap! photo booth.

Perfect to slip in the card you give to Mom….

UNIQUE LA — Sat, May 11 & Sun, May 12; $10 — California Mart Center, 110 E 9th St, DTLA; for directions/parking/tickets & other info, go to: http://stateofunique.com/unique-la/ 

Ready?  U Know U Want 2 Go Go….

 

May 3, 2013

Cinco de Mayo: Cinco Fiestas

Posted by Kim Ohanneson under Go Go Here | Tags: , , , , |
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Drinking with skulls....

Party with skulls….

Go Go’ers, in the City of Angels, Cinco de Mayo is a weekend not a day.

Here’s where to celebrate early and strong.

TE’KILA

It’s always a party at Te’Kila‘s courtyard location on Hollywood but they’re kicking off the Cinco celebration early this weekend with tequila shot specials and extended Happy Hours (4:00 to 8:00 p.m.) starting on Friday.  The fun ramps up on Sunday with free gifts, guest appearances, live mariachi, and a pinata smash.

The latter refers to the pinata, not you.

TE’KILA — Fri, May 3 – Sun, May 5; 11am – 2pm – 6541 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood 90028 https://www.facebook.com/TekilaHollywood

RUSH STREET

If Cinco de Mayo is a fave drinking holiday and brunch is your favorite meal of the week, double down at Rush Street  with an all-day, two story/two bar/two lounge/two patio bash.

Drinking at gunpoint..

Party at gunpoint (not really)….

Get your drink (and food) on starting at  10:30 am with an endless $20 Micheladas & “Bloody Maria” bar, move on to afternoon Dos Equis drafts and Coronas specials plus free tequila samples (while they last), get serious with Margarita specials at dinner, and finish your Cinco de Drinko on the roof with Dos Equis pitchers specials and a Beer Pong and dance party until close.

And just in case you like to mix kids and 25 kinds of tequila, dinner is free to tykes under twelve.

Your call.

RUSH STREET – Sun, May 5; 10:30 am – 1:30 pm – 9546 Washington Boulevard, Culver City 90232  https://www.facebook.com/RushStreetCulverCity  For reservations, call 310.837.9546..

TORTILLA REPUBLIC

If you like to drink and donate al fresco, head to WeHo on Sunday where Tortilla Republic is throwing their first ever Grande Cinco de Mayo Block Party , which will benefit Project Angel Food.

Margarita Pitchers, tons of tacos, a Top 40 Mariachi band, and  DJ’s Dan Knapp + Aaron Elvis are enough to make it a party but trust Tortilla Republic to innovate with a Pinata Pit.

You don’t want any of that pinata loot to get away….

TORTILLA REPUBLIC — Sun, May 5, 2-7pm; Donations: $10 GA/$20 – 616 N Robertson Blvd, WeHo 90069

Advance tix here: http://tortillarepublic.com/west-hollywood-california/grande-cinco-de-mayo-block-party/

LAS PERLAS

When it comes to Cinco de Mayo, you don’t need bells and whistles (or sombreros and mariachis).  All you ask for  is top shelf tequilas, the best street tacos, and a great space to consume them.

Party with Los Lobos....

Party with Los Lobos….

Natch, Las Perlas has you covered with $7  Herradura Blanco & Herradura Reposado shots, $6 Palomas, Batangas, and El Jimador Margaritas, $5 El Jimador Tequila shots and tortilla-wrapped goodness from Julio Arenas.

It’s good to be a purist.

LAS PERLAS – Sun, May 5, 4pm – midnight; 21+ - 107 E 6th St, DTLA 90014  http://213nightlife.com/cinco-de-mayo-w-las-perlas?id=May%205th,%202013

KCRW’S 2ND ANNUAL CINCO DE MAYO FESTIVAL WITH LOS LOBOS

If it’s all about the music, head to the Greek Theater, which is kicking off their 2013 season with KCRW’s 2nd Annual Cinco de Mayo Festival featuring Los Lobos with Robert Randolph and special guests Grammy and Latin Grammy-nominated Kinky and jazz group El Chicano, which has garnered five gold records.

The beers may be pricier but with a lineup like this, who cares?

KCRW’S 2ND ANNUAL CINCO DE MAYO FESTIVAL WITH LOS LOBOS – Sun, May 5 @ 6:30 PM; $25-$69.50 — 2700 N Vermont, LA 90027 http://www.greektheatrela.com/index.asp
Ready?  U Know U Want 2 Go Go….
 

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