Bjork Concert at Nokia Theater LA 12/12/2007

This was my fourth time seeing Bjork in concert, and first time at the new Nokia Theater in Downtown Los Angeles (next to Staples Center).

Bjork
No matter how many times you've seen her live, it's always exciting and you never know what to expect. She's always reinventing herself and her concerts are a feast for the eyes and spirit.

Colorful Chinese banners were used for set design, and Bjork wore a quirky reflective silver costume and headband. We also got to hear/experience her sweet "thank you's" tinged with her Icelandic accent and for some reason a few "gracious's" as well.

The audience was on their feet the entire concert. The spider web thread was a nice touch and kept people standing afraid they'd miss something if they sat down. And there was pyrotechnics as well. It was just that kind of concert.

To the guy that was standing in front of me wearing a floppy desert hat. I own a similar type of hat which my mom commented, "Did you just come back from Iraq?" when she saw me wearing it. I get it when you're at Coachella, out in the hot desert sun. It's a great hat for being out in the elements. But in an air conditioned, pitch black, closed concert theater? Not so much.

I was however happy to see lots of other cooler hats in the audience and people who dressed up.

Bjork announced this will be the last time she plays in the United States for probably 3 years.

Complete Setlist for the Evening
01. Intro - Brennið Þið Vitar
02. Anchor Song
03. Immature
04. Unravel
05. Unison
06. Jóga
07. Hunter
08. The Pleasure Is All Mine
09. Pagan Poetry
10. Who Is It
11. Cocoon
12. Earth Intruders
13. Army Of Me
14. Innocence
15. Cover Me
16. Wanderlust
17. Hyperballad
18. Pluto

Encore
19. Oceania
20. Declare Independence

Ratatat - the opening band

The keyboardist reminded me of "Animal" - that's right the muppet. U. was in stitches watching his theatrics, head banging to each note, and doing back bends for extended periods of time. Usually I wouldn't laugh, but he had a huge afro, dressed in a checkered shirt and acted completely ridiculous- it was just too much and I had to laugh out loud a few times myself.

Nokia Theater
It's very cool that we have another concert venue in Los Angeles. I like the location and it was surprisingly convenient to get in an out of. Also appreciated the advertising free atmosphere inside the theater. Orchestra seats were nice, but it looked like wherever you sat, you'd have a good view. The one downside was the parking - $25. The theater is pretty sparse inside. It leaves you feeling like maybe it's unfinished. Or were they just trying to be minimal with plain black?

Quirky tour of historical Downtown Los Angeles

"Charles Phoenix is a 'histo-tainer" best known for his retro slideshows using other people's vintage slides."

According to Charles Phoenix, "Downtown Los Angeles is the most misunderstood downtown in the entire world."

LA Decompression Festival (it's a small world)

Photo by Lush.i.ous

The photo above was posted on LAist. I thought "Who are those clowns?" and then "Wait I know those clowns!" (pun intended). That's my friend Chris with the red wig and bumble bee stripped tights, and that's his wife Annemarie. I don't recognize the third clown.

Turns out Chris and Annemarie produced a stage called "Clownarchy" which featured clowns, stilters and aerial acts. They had a blast.

Traveling by train to Santa Barbara

A smooch from my husband and we're off!

We took Amtrak's double-decker Pacific Surfliner train to Santa Barbara with the special $40 round trip offer.

On the way to Santa Barbara we sat downstairs (and on the way back to Los Angeles we sat upstairs. In SB they announced over the loudspeaker that the downstairs area was reserved for the elderly and wheelchair bound, and that all able bodied persons needed to be seated upstairs.)

This was our first time traveling by train on the west coast. (We've traveled by train on the east coast and in Europe, but somehow never in our own state before.)

Traveling by train is the way to go. Large windows, foot rests, tray tables, and reclining chairs. No traffic and stress free.

There's a lounge car with a snack bar/cafe as well. We had red wine with chocolate as we sat back and relaxed and enjoyed the ride/view. We departed from beautiful Union Station in downtown, Los Angeles.

It was neat to travel under the LA bridge, along the LA River, and even zoom by our own neighborhood in LA and see landmarks from the train window.

The train stops several times along the way including Glendale, Burbank (Airport), Ventura (Ventura County Fair), but still only takes 2.5 hours to get to Santa Barbara. The train travels along the coast.
It's a scenic ride, with a view of the ocean and shoreline. And here we are in Santa Barbara.

We're staying at a bed and breakfast that's within walking distance (2 blocks) of the train station.

Tonight we're going to Bouchon (a French restaurant touted as the best restaurant in Santa Barbara) for dinner, and then in the morning we're off on a wine tasting tour. This is our first weekend getaway together without the baby in 2.3 years. It feels a bit strange to be traveling without our daughter, yet it's like a second honeymoon as well.

Graffiti in Los Angeles: Art, Vandalism or Both?

Today "Which Way, LA?" on KCRW (89.9 FM) featured a story about LA's graffiti.This hit home for me as I remember seeing the beautiful murals along the freeway in Downtown LA as a kid, but now they're so badly defaced that they're sad to look at. I also feel sorry for the local mom and pop shops in my neighborhood that have to constantly paint their walls to cover over the graffiti. (Sometimes it's good when it rains in LA - it keeps the taggers away.)

Dan Freeman, (the Maintenance Deputy for California Department of Transportation’s District 7) acknowledged that the California Department of Transportation has spent almost $2 Million dollars in the past two years restoring murals defaced by graffiti, and they can't keep up. He said that most of the murals in LA were done around the 1984 Olympics and they were painted low enough to the ground where they're easy access for taggers. He said they haven't figured out a way to remove the graffiti without removing the art, so they just leave the graffiti.

They also interviewed Steve Grody: Author of 'Graffiti L.A.: Street Styles and Art'

Book Description

"Long before graffiti was adopted as the visual expression of hip-hop culture in the 1980s, Chicano gang members in East Los Angeles had been developing stylized calligraphy and writing on walls. Cholo (gangster) scripts became the first distinctive letter forms to evolve in the modern vernacular tradition of graffiti writing. Today Los Angeles writers of diverse backgrounds draw from a unique confluence of cultures that has led to regionally distinctive styles.

Graffiti L.A. provides a comprehensive and visual history of graffiti in Los Angeles, as well as an in-depth examination of the myriad styles and techniques used by writers today. Complementing the main text, interviews with L.A.’s most prolific and infamous writers provide insight into the lives of these fugitive artists. Essential to the understanding of the development of the graffiti movement, this book will be an invaluable source to graffiti fans around the world."

Graffiti Lingo

• Taggers have a signature and call themselves "writers" (not "artists").
  
• "Throw-Ups" - blow up letters thrown up onto a wall.
  
• "Piece" short for masterpiece - more elaborate art done by a graffiti artist.

The Downtown Art Wark

Next Art Walk: Thursday, July 12, 2007
The Downtown Art Walk is a self-guided tour that showcases the many art exhibition venues in Downtown Los Angeles — commercial art galleries, museums, and non-profit arts venues.

When: The Second Thursday of Every Month

Where: Downtown Los Angeles

Time: 12 noon to 9 PM

Cost: Free Admission (Although some venues have limited hours for free admission - check the website for details.)

Who:

1. MOCA (Geffen Contemporary)


2. L.A. Artcore Center


3. M.J. Higgins


4. 2nd Street Cigars & Gallery


5. Art Slave


6. Morono Kiang Gallery


7. bank


8. Continental


9. Crewest


10. Regent Gallery


11. Pharmaka


12. L.A. Center for Digital Art


13. El Nopal Press


14. Bert Green Fine Art


15. INMO Gallery


16. Red Dot Gallery


17. Niche LA Video Art


18. Art Murmur Gallery


19. 626 Art Gallery


20. groundfloor@santeecourt


21. Infusion Gallery


22. G727


23. The Hive Gallery


24. City Center Gallery


25. Gary Leonard


26. Grey Goose


27. MOCA (Grand Avenue)


28. Downtown Art Gallery
    

For more information, go to http://downtownartwalk.com/.

The Age Of Love

I just watched the first episode of the newest reality dating show called "The Age of Love." It's like "The Bachelor", with a funky twist. The creators claim that it's a social experiment based on the question: "When it comes to falling in love, does age really matter?"

Premise of the Show

A 30 year old single bachelor (Australian tennis star Mark Philippoussis) is looking for love, but what he doesn't know is that the eligible bachelorettes are in their 40's. (One is 48 years old.) After he gets over his initial shock, (what's so great is that he doesn't hide the fact that he's shocked!) and after he gets to know the 7 women who make up the 40's group, he has to eliminate one woman. Next the show has another twist - they introduce the bachelor to 6 more eligible bachelorettes - this time they're all in their 20's. So it's 40 vs. 20 (aka "Cougars vs. Kittens".)

Showtime

The show airs on NBC, Monday nights (8 PM here in LA).

The 40's Then & Now
The most fascinating aspect of the show is the women who make up the 40's group. They all look amazing, and none look their age.

Maria (Age 42) - Now Maria (in her 20's) - Then

Lynn (Age 40) - Now Lynn (in her 20's) - Then

Kelli (Age 40) - Now Kelli (Age 26) - ThenJodi (Age 46) - Now

Jodi (Age 19) - ThenJen (Age 48) - Now Jen (in her 20's) - ThenJayanne (Age 39) - Now Jayanne (Age 24) - Then Angela (Age 40) - Now

Angela (Age 28) - Then

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40's vs. 20's

So the show pits the 40 year olds against the 20 year olds, as both groups of women vie for the bachelor's love and attention.

I had to laugh out loud when I saw the 2o somethings on the plane flying into LA - the music in the background was perfect - it felt like "Here comes the party!" And to hear the 20 somethings bashing the 40 somethings was classic reality TV. One girl said that the 40 year olds had no chance with their "stretch marks and sagging boobs."

But of course I'm rooting for the 40 somethings! I mean come on - they look fabulous! I don't belong to either camp as I'm in the my 30's but I always root for the underdog, and I can relate more to the 40's, as they are a bit more mature.

The 20 something girls talked a lot of trash, but then were shown being completely insecure with themselves, even crying all night long. Sheesh. I guess the perky boobs don't help there.

The bachelor thought he would have a great time with the hot 20 year olds - especially after someone suggested they hop in the jacuzzi - but then there was silence. No one said a word and it was really awkward. When interviewed, the bachelor said it was like "pulling teeth" and at that point he was wondering what the 40 year old women were doing. The 40's seemed to be the more fun group. Later the same day the bachelor went with the 40's to a roller skating disco and they dressed up in outrageous 70's outfits and had a blast.

Host

The host is Kelly Ripa's husband - Mark Consuelos

Standing next to the 6'5" bachelor, Mark looks very tiny.

Location
1100 Wilshire building in downtown Los Angeles.

Yes, the building that you can see off of the 110 fwy that has been abandoned for so many years.

The have the 40 year old women on the 40th floor, and the 20 year olds on the 20th floor.

In the show you see a lot of downtown LA.

Tuning in next week

I'll definitely be tuning in next week to see how the show develops.

Silent Greta Garbo Movie @ the Orpheum Theatre

Tonight Uwe and I saw a silent Greta Garbo movie at the Orpheum Theatre on Broadway, in downtown LA. It's part of the annual "Last Remaining Seats" film screenings presented by the Los Angeles Conservancy. This year being their 21st annual production.

LA Conservancy

The LA Conservancy shows classic movies in historical theaters in and around Los Angeles. The tickets are general admission (no reserved seats) and are $18 for advance tickets, or $20 at the door (if not sold out), available through LA Conservancy. The show begins At 8 P.M. and doors open At 7 P.M. For more info call (213) 430-4219 or visit laconservancy.org

The Movie

This 1926 silent, black and white movie called Flesh and the Devil (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, 113 minutes) starring Greta Garbo and John Gilbert, ignited the silent screen in this melodrama about a deadly love triangle involving boyhood friends who are turned against each other when they both fall for seductress Garbo. Gilbert’s off-screen romance with Garbo helped create some of the steamiest love scenes Jazz Age audiences had ever witnessed. Directed by Clarence Brown; co-starring Lars Hansen.

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The Real Story is even Better than the Movie

So the story goes, Greta Garbo and John Gilbert met, fell in love and had a passionate affair during the production of the movie. Before the movie was released, the couple had moved in together, and were engaged to be married. Rumor has it that Greta Garbo left John Gilbert standing at the altar. She never married and it's been said that she was a lesbian who never got over a female drama school student she had an affair with. As for John Gilbert, his career ended with the invention of the talkies. (Although Greta Garbo remained loyal to him and had him hired for parts in movies she starred in.) Greta Garbo became a recluse in New York City, and when she died, she left everything to her niece.

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A Live Orchestra

Since the movie had no sound, it was accompanied by the Robert Israel Orchestra.

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A Short Film before the Movie

The movie was also preceded by a screening of a 1920s short (but felt extremely long) film "Moonland" with live organ accompaniment.

The History of the Los Angeles Orpheum Theatre

The Los Angeles Orpheum Theatre- is the last of the four Orpheum theatres built in LA. Situated at 842 South Broadway, downtown Los Angeles, it is near the southern end of Los Angeles' Historic Core theatre district. Built in 1926 for Vaudeville, at a then staggering cost of $2 million dollars, it was the most elaborate vaudeville house ever constructed in southern California. The interior style is French Renaissance.

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The Orpheum stage was built to accommodate the largest vaudeville acts, with the most modern lighting and stage riggings of its era. There are six floors of dressing rooms serviced by the backstage elevator. Facilities were included to house circus animals which over the years included elephants, tigers, and lions. It was designed by G. Albert Lansburgh of San Francisco.

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The Orpheum has played host to some of the most venerable names in show business – from burlesque queen Sally Rand, a young Judy Garland (as Francis Gumm) and comedian Jack Benny, to jazz greats like Lena Horne, Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington. The 1960s brought a completely new dimension to the theater – "rock and roll" – with performers such as Little Richard, Aretha Franklin and Little Stevie Wonder. It closed briefly during the Great Depression.

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In 2001 the Orpheum underwent a multi-million dollar rehabilitation under the supervision of owner Steve Needleman. The venue currently is a rental facility for special events and location filming. It's also the location for the filming of the TV show "American Idol".

The LA Orpheum Theatre - Then

The LA Orpheum Theatre - Now

Auditorium
The Orpheum’s spacious orchestra, loge, balcony, and side boxes offer newly-installed upholstered seats and comfortable accommodation for over 2,000 people.The first five rows of seats can be removed to create extra space for camera crews, a dance floor and a variety of other needs.The main floor and balcony are wheelchair accessible.

Stage

The stage, which measures 30’ (D) x 50’ (W), is completely upgraded with all new rigging and electrical, making the facility more user-friendly to promoters, film companies and event producers. An eight-foot stage extension is available.

Orchestra Pit & Organ

The orchestra pit accommodates up to 16 musicians.

The Orpheum is home to the Mighty Wurlitzer, the last of the great theater organs remaining on Broadway. It is one of only three original theater organs still existing in Southern California theaters. This beautiful instrument is moveable to either side of the orchestra pit, or can be stored backstage.

It was installed at the Orpheum in 1928. This 13-rank, three-manual Wurlitzer organ has metal and wood pipes than can simulate more than 1,400 orchestral sounds. Now restored to working order, it is lovingly cared for by the Los Angeles Theater Organ Society.

Mezzanine
The mezzanine, which overlooks the theater’s lobby, is a wonderful, out-of-the-way space that lends itself well to silent auctions, event overflows, exhibition space and other uses. This area accommodates up to 125 people.Lobby

The lobby’s white marble walls are beautifully restored and new plush carpeting replicating the lavish pattern of the original has been installed. This lovely space accommodates up to 300 people for cocktail parties, hors d’oeuvres, bar setups, coffee & dessert bars and much more.

Lounge

The Orpheum’s handsome wood-paneled lounge can handle up to 175 people. The room’s decorative fireplace adds an inviting touch. A separate private cocktail lounge and food preparation room are conveniently located for parties and other events.

This would be a cool place for a bar. There was even a sign which said "Tavern" but it wasn't open tonight. It's located on the floor beneath the lobby.

The evening's sponsor was Hugh Hefner And yes, we saw Hugh Hefner walk in with his 3 girlfriends and entourage. (This is a photo of them from another night.)

He looked good from the front, wearing a black suit, but later when we saw him walking around with his two bodyguards, from the back we saw the old man shuffle. He's getting up there in age.

Uwe didn't know who the women were with him, and I had to explain that they are his 3 girlfriends. Sad that I know, but yes, while channel surfing I came across their reality TV show "The Girl's Next Door."

After the movie we went next door to the Broadway Bar for a drink.

We also have tickets to see the original 1932 Scarface gangster movie produced by Howard Hughes (set in 1920's Chicago) showing at the Alex Theatre in Glendale on June 27, 2007. They'll also have have a swing band that night performing 1930's music. Looking forward to it.