THE MOTH Mainstage @ ROYCE HALL - w/ Rudy Rush, Jerry Stahl, Kodi Azari, Annie Duke, Brian Finkelstein - March 1, 2011.

The Moth

Rush: Stories of Ticking Clocks

Featuring host Rudy Rush with storytellers Jenny Allen, Kodi Azari, Annie Duke, Brian Finkelstein and Jerry Stahl

Join host Rudy Rush of Showtime at the Apollo and Def Comedy Jam fame and a cast of diverse storytellers including prolific essayist and author Jenny Allen, internationally renowned UCLA hand surgeon Kodi Azari, poker champion Annie Duke, Upright Citizen’s Brigade regular and Emmy-nominated writer for The Ellen Degeneres Show Brian Finkelstein and author, journalist and screenwriter Jerry Stahl.

The Moth, hailed as “brilliant and quietly addictive,” by the London Guardian, is an acclaimed not-for-profit organization dedicated to the craft of storytelling. Each show features simple, old-fashioned storytelling on thoroughly modern themes from wildly divergent raconteurs who develop and shape their stories with The Moth’s directors.

They've presented more than 3,000 stories, told live and without notes, to standing-room-only crowds worldwide through the ongoing programs-The Moth Mainstage, Moth StorySLAMs, MothSHOP Community Program, MothSHOP Corporate, and the Moth Podcast. The Peabody Award-winning Moth Radio Hour airs on more than 200 public radio stations across the country.

Join The Moth for this special Moth Mainstage, featuring stories of chasing the ephemeral, battling the ravages of the endless tick tick or begging the universe for just one more second. Put your pencils down. Time’s up.

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@ Prism - OS GEMEOS, 'Miss You' Feb 25, — Mar 24, 2012

PRISM is pleased to present Miss You, an exhibition of new paintings and sculptures within an immersive installation by famed Brazilian artists Os Gemeos. In Miss You, Os Gemeos plays with fantastical notions of magical realism. It is a visual exploration of the Twins' interest in life’s natural magic, its dreams, sentiments, surrealism, realizations, relationships, love, hate and ultimately underlines their intrinsic curiosity to question everything around them. Through their visual language, Os Gemeos creates a beautiful universe populated with their iconic characters and introduces the viewer into a vibrant world of imagination that stems from their subconscious.

For this exhibition, Os Gemeos takes the viewer through a labyrinth of visual language fashioned from the artists’ minds. Upon entering the exhibition, the viewer is transported into an alternate world filled with color, light and sound. While each work reverberates individually, together they expand through a range of pictorial styles and concepts. In Do Outro Lada Da Lua (The Other Side of the Moon), 2012, the Twins incorporate stripes, opposing colors and perspective tropes to give the optical illusion that their signature yellow character is trapped in a falling position. Miss You asks the viewer to let go, to be naïve, to resist reality, if only for a moment, and accept a world where dreams and imagination are allowed to flourish.

Os Gemeos, the Brazilian twins Gustavo and Otavio Pandolfo, are best known for their fantastical and expansive large-scale installations and murals. The main influence of their work comes from the surroundings in which they grew up. They began to experiment at age twelve on the walls, objects and materials in the megalopolis of São Paulo. This helped shape their aesthetic vernacular into a distinct and recognizable style. Os Gemeos work as one unit in every aspect of their creative process, from the paintings to the more recent animation videos they incorporate into their installation environments.

Os Gemeos garnered attention in 2005, when they exhibited at Deitch Projects in New York. In recent years, they have participated in solo and group exhibitions in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco. They have also exhibited internationally across Europe, Latin America and Asia, as well as their native Brazil. Os Gemeos were included in The Art in the Streets exhibition at The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles in 2011 and will be exhibiting at the ICA in Boston in the summer of 2012. This is their first solo exhibition at PRISM.

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OS GEMEOS em "Dores de Amores" from João Azevo on Vimeo.

Max Raabe and Palast Orchester @ Royce Hall 2.23.

The uber-suave Max Raabe and his sophisticated Palast Orchester bring a new, not-to-be-missed show to Royce Hall. The evening will feature the elegant high style and musical glory of the ‘20s and ‘30s this urbane group is beloved for, alongside tunes from its fabulous new album, One Cannot Kiss Alone. The album features exquisitely crafted modern love songs, somewhere between futuristic pop and classic song-styling, between vintage and vamp, cabaret and camp, Irving Berlin and Berlin-Mitte. This performance will include Weimar-era classics alongside modern love songs, imbued with the group’s consummate mix of irony, melancholy and wit. Blended throughout is Max’s effortless narrative banter and playfully imperious charm that woos audiences worldwide.

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Jubiläumskonzert Max Raabe from Grafschafter Nachrichten on Vimeo.

BUILT to SPILL @ The Glass House 2.22.

Built To Spill are hitting the road again to play a couple of shows in support of their latest release “There Is No Enemy”. The band has scheduled a show to take place on Wednesday, February 22nd at The Glass House in Pomona. Opening for Built To Spill will be local favorite Sister Crayon.

Three and a half years in the making, the efforts of writing and recording THERE IS NO ENEMY led Built to Spill founder Doug Martsch to wonder whether this would be the last album he ever makes. As his wife, I watched him work, pouring hour after hour , day after day into writing. Song lyrics were labored over then thrown in the trash, guitar parts revised again (and again). A musician and artist like Doug edits far more than he keeps.

For over twenty years, Doug Martsch has been writing and recording music. Built to Spill members Brett Nelson (bass), Scott Plouf (drums) Jim Roth (guitar), and Brett Netson (guitar) have all been musicians for two decades. That adds up to more than a century. Doug's strong aesthetic combines with the band members' mix of approaches to create an aural topography. Doug sets course and navigates. Each member of Built to Spill comes to the music with a different set of expectations and ideals.

With the complexity and variety of music they have created, Built to Spill endeavors to make songs interesting to themselves and their audience. They hope that the band will remain special and that people will discover the music for themselves. Year after year, new fans show up. Just like the band members, listeners come to the music with expectations and ideals. They make up their own ideas about the songs.

I once overheard Doug on the phone being interviewed. He sounded almost stand-offish in not "telling" an interviewer the meaning of a song or describing its origin. Doug and I have speculated about this sometimes: meaning (whether intended or not ) is not inherent in lyrics or in any art. Listening, looking closely, and responding with one's feelings, thoughts, and senses transforms. Doug simply does wish to disrupt any meaning someone else has found.

I can barely repress the urge to tell you what THERE IS NO ENEMY means to me. When making the new record, Doug literally lived in the studio. To be able to work all day and all night. To spend hours and hours laying down guitar tracks he realized he couldn't use since the first live takes had the best tone and feel. To undigitally remix the record. With so much work behind the band, the record is here. Now comes the album's journey into the world. This venture Built to Spill does not map out. The record is yours to respond to.

When I listen to songs Doug writes and the whole band plays, I think, “How can people make music this good?” Even though I witness and minorly assist, I still do not understand how theirs or any beloved music comes into the world. To me, the process and result are magic.
- Karena Youtz

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Built to Spill - Hindsight from Built to Spill on Vimeo.

Reggie Watts, Moon Zappa will join Sarah Silverman at Largo on 2.16.

Hilarious, brilliant, unpredictable – comedian/musician Reggie Watts is a staple of the international performance scene. Reggie's improvised musical sets are created on-the-spot using only his formidable voice and a looping machine. No two songs are ever the same. An avowed "disinformationist," Reggie loves to disorientate his audiences in the most entertaining way. You may not know what Reggie is going to do, but that's okay – he doesn't either.

As a solo performer, Reggie was handpicked by Conan O'Brien to open nightly on Conan's entire North American "Prohibted From Being Funny on Television" tour. Reggie was featured as "Hot Comedian" in Rolling Stone's Hot Issue 2010, named SPIN Magazine's "Best New Comedian" and "Best of CMJ" 2010, and a featured profile in GQ's Man Of The Year issue 2010. Reggie released his debut comedy cd/dvd 'Why $#!+ So Crazy?' on Comedy Central Records in May 2010.

On screen, Reggie has appeared on The Conan O'Brien Show, Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, HBO's The Yes Men Save The World, Comedy Central's Michael and Michael Have Issues, Iceland TV, UK's "Funny Or Die," PBS' revamped Electric Company and the music video "What About Blowjobs?" for College Humor. Reggie can also be seen in short comedic interstitials during Comedy Central's late night block and has a pilot for the channel in the works.

As a musician, Reggie recorded the Ep 'Pot Cookies' through Normative Records, sang on Regina Spektor's "Dance Anthem of the 80s" and contributed two tracks to DFA Records' Spaghetti Circus. Also the frontman for Seattle rock outfit Maktub, Reggie and his band released five albums. Reggie recorded original music featured on Louis CK's show on FX and performed the theme song for Kristin Schaal's "Penelope Princess of Pets" show.

Each month @ Largo at The Coronet Sarah Silverman brings a fantastic mix of comics and performers to the Largo stage. This month, Sarah will be joined by Reggie Watts, Kyle Kinane, Moon Zappa and a VERY Special Guest. Past special guests have included Louie CK, Dana Gould, Garry Shandling, Aziz Ansari among others. Always a hilarious evening! Seats will be assigned beginning at 6:30pm, Doors open for drinks at 7pm, Showtime 8:30pm

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LOOSEWORLD x Waverly Films: Reggie Watts in F_CK SH_T STACK from LOOSEWORLD on Vimeo.

HAROLD and MAUDE Valentines Day screening @ the Long Beach Cinematheque.

Once again we choose this wonderful film as our pick to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re an avid fan or a first-timer, there are very few finer films to enjoy on Tuesday February 14, 2012 – 9:30PM

Hal Ashby’s beloved Harold and Maude famously transcends multiple genres and emerge as one of the finest works of American cinema. At once a hilarious comedy, a tender romantic drama, a provocative and inspiring existential examination, and a reason to hit your local used record score – just try not to dig up an old Cat Stevens record after seeing this film – Harold and Maude is a celebrated work of art, and has been honored with accolades
such as:
* #45 – AFI’s 100 Years, 100 Laughs
* #69 – AFI’s 100 Years, 100 Passions
* #89 – AFI’s 100 Years, 100 Cheers
* #9 – AFI’s Top 10 Romantic Comedies
* #4 – Entertainment Weekly’s Top 50 Cult Classics
* Best Actor Nominee – But Cort – Golden Globes
* Best Actress Nominee – Ruth Gordon – Golden Globes

Art Theatre of Long Beach – 2025 E. 4th St. Long Beach, 90814


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Harold and Maude Trailer from Jesse Goldsmith on Vimeo.

on view now @ LACMA - In Wonderland: The Surrealist Adventures of Women Artists in Mexico and the U.S.-

North America represented a place free from European traditions for women Surrealists from the United States and Mexico, and European émigrés. While their male counterparts usually cast women as objects for their delectation, female Surrealists delved into their own subconscious and dreams, creating extraordinary visual images. Their art was primarily about identity: portraits, double portraits, self-referential images, and masquerades that demonstrate their trials and pleasures. The exhibition includes works in a variety of media dating from 1931 to 1968, and some later examples that demonstrate Surrealism's influence on the feminist movement. Iconic figures such as Louise Bourgeois, Leonora Carrington, Frida Kahlo, Lee Miller, Kay Sage, Dorothea Tanning, and Remedios Varo are represented, along with lesser known or newly discovered practitioners.

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Michael "Mike" Kelley October 27, 1954 – February 1, 2012 .

Los Angeles based artist Mike Kelley has passed away at his home in LA, having apparently taken his own life. The tragic news was confirmed... by Helene Winer, of New York's Metro Pictures gallery, a long-time associate of the artist. "It is totally shocking that someone would decide to do this, someone who has success and renown and options," said Winer. "It's extremely sad." She added that the artist had been depressed.

Kelley was born in 1954 in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan. He became involved in the city's music scene as a teen, and while a student at the University of Michigan, formed the influential proto-punk band Destroy All Monsters with fellow artists Jim Shaw, Niagara, and Cary Loren (a retrospective devoted to Destroy All Monsters was held in L.A.'s Prism gallery last year). Together, the band hatched a style of performance that skirted the edge of performance art.

Kelley's career took off in the early 1990s, with solo shows at the Whitney, LACMA, and other international venues. He and Oursler organized a well-received installation - a kind of monument to punk -- at Documenta X in 1997. In the early 2000s, he began exhibiting with Gagosian Gallery after 20 years with Metro Pictures. - Many in the music world might also know Mike Kelley's art from the iconic cover of Sonic Youth's Dirty (Thurston Moore was also the one who released the Destroy All Monsters albums in 1994). Read more about his fruitful career in this interview with Glenn O'Brien...

HOLLYWOOD BOWL 2012 Summer Series Announced - Feat. Animal Collective, Ben Harper, Miles Davis Tribute...

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association announced the Hollywood Bowl summer 2012 subscription series and single events for its 91st season at the historic venue. The Hollywood Bowl – named “Best Major Outdoor Concert Venue” by Pollstar magazine for the seventh straight year – is one of the most renowned summer cultural venues in the world and has been the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since 1922. The 2012 summer season spans 14 weeks, from June to September and features a wide variety of the world’s greatest artists from all genres of music with the Los Angeles Philharmonic at its core. The Hollywood Bowl box office opens for single ticket sales on Saturday, May 5, 2012.

“As we anticipate his third season at the Hollywood Bowl, Gustavo Dudamel returns with not only signature programs but even a festival! Gustavo’s programs reflect his broad musical and social interests, driven by his passion for music and message,” said Deborah Borda, President and Chief Executive Officer. ”Over the course of two weeks, he directs Americas and Americans, a week-long celebration of music from across continents, including his very first performance with Plácido Domingo; collaborates with friends including Yo-Yo Ma and Yuja Wang; and reaffirms his love of opera with a presentation of Rigoletto. We also welcome back Herbie Hancock, in his third season as Creative Chair for Jazz, and Principal Guest Conductor of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra Thomas Wilkins, who both collaborate with an array of stars from across the musical spectrum including Wayne Shorter, Carlos Santana, Juanes and Brian Setzer. The Bowl is a defining element of summer in Los Angeles and there is always something here for everyone.”

LA PHIL MUSIC DIRECTOR GUSTAVO DUDAMEL’S HOLLYWOOD BOWL APPEARANCES

Holder of the Walt and Lilly Disney Chair, Music Director Gustavo Dudamel returns to the Hollywood Bowl with six performances that feature today’s most revered soloists, and Americas and Americans – a new edition of the boundary-breaking festival first presented during his inaugural 2009/10 season at Walt Disney Concert Hall that embodies his vision of one American culture and unity across continents. Dudamel begins his summer season appearances with celebrated cellist and recent Kennedy Center Honoree Yo-Yo Ma in a special performance of Schumann’s Cello Concerto. This program concludes with Dudamel leading the LA Phil in Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4. Two days later, the stunning pianist Yuja Wang joins Dudamel for a performance of Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in an all- Tchaikovsky program that repeats the composer’s Symphony No. 4. Dudamel’s Americas and Americans festival is the week of August 14, 2012.

For the first classical program, the orchestra will play festive Latin American tangos and dances and Dominican singersongwriter Juan Luis Guerra, known for a unique mix of rhythms and melodies from a variety of styles, joins the orchestra to perform a selection of his songs. For the second classical program, Venezuelan- Argentine pianist Sergio Tiempo performs Ginastera’s Piano Concerto No. 1, followed by a performance of Copland’s Symphony No. 3, by the LA Phil and Dudamel. Dudamel’s remaining performances with the Los Angeles Philharmonic for the 2012 season at the Hollywood Bowl showcase his love of opera. He first leads baritone Željko Lučić and an international cast in a concert performance of Verdi’s tragedy Rigoletto, and then, for the very first time, he is joined by tenor Plácido Domingo in a special program featuring operatic repertoire and Latin songs.

KCRW’s WORLD FESTIVAL

July 1
Ben Harper
Additional artists to be announced
LA’s own Ben Harper brings his own brand of classic songs and fresh perspective on rock, soul and blues to the KCRW World Festival.

July 15
Reggae Night
Tuff Gong Worldwide Salutes Legends of Reggae
Ziggy Marley
Additional artist to be announced
Celebrating the 11th year of Reggae at the Bowl, Ziggy Marley brings his band and a host of all-star roots reggae legends for a unique, not-to-be-missed event.

July 22
apl.de.ap Takes You To The Philippines – A Celebration of Global Music
Black Eyed Peas rapper and DJ apl.de.ap celebrates his Filipino heritage and the Filipino culture creating a one-of-a-kind party of music and dance, from pop and traditional Pinoy artists from the Philippines to hip hop, OPM (Original Pilipino Music) and beyond.

September 9
Hot Chip
Passion Pit
Additional artist to be announced
Crafting London’s premiere electronic dance music, Hot Chip is known for its stellar live shows; in its return to the Bowl, the band will lead us on a journey through club music into funkified gospel groves. Passion Pit reveals a 21^st–century sound with soaring hooks, infectious melodies and enigmatic lyrics.

September 23
Animal Collective
Huun Huur Tu
Sonically ambidextrous quartet Animal Collective makes its Hollywood Bowl debut. Tuvan throat singing group Huun Huur Tu, direct from Siberia, will open the show.

SPECIAL CONCERTS AND EVENTS

June 22
Opening Night at the Bowl

July 2, 3, and 4
Fireworks Spectacular with Barry Manilow
In the Hollywood Bowl’s annual great American extravaganza, iconic singer and songwriter Barry Manilow joins the Los Angeles Philharmonic for a night of his favorites plus spectacular fireworks and good old-fashioned American music to celebrate the country’s birthday.

July 13
A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor
The celebrated American humorist hosts his much-loved radio show at the Hollywood Bowl, featuring the unique blend of music and comedy that audiences treasure.

August 26
Smooth Summer Jazz
The LA Phil’s annual smooth jazz concert is full of favorites including Men of Soul featuring Jeffrey Osborne, Peabo Bryson and Freddie Jackson along with White Hot Summer Groove featuring Peter White and Euge Groove as well as Mindi Abair.

July 14
Grease Sing-A-Long
Now a new tradition, the fun-filled Grease Sing-A-Long features pre-show festivities and the beloved film projected on the Bowl’s giant screen.

August 19
Dudamel & Domingo
Los Angeles Philharmonic
Plácido Domingo, the world’s greatest tenor, joins Gustavo Dudamel for the first time in concert for an evening of well-known operatic arias and Latin songs. The special evening also features Mariachi del Sol and a Bolero ensemble.

September 2
The Big Picture: Paramount’s 100^th Anniversary
Hollywood Bowl Orchestra
David Newman, conductor
Celebrate Paramount Pictures’ 100^th Anniversary with an incredible night of nostalgia featuring unforgettable scores from the studio’s rich cinematic history, including Wings, the very first Academy Award® Best Picture winner; The Godfather trilogy; Titanic; and Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol among many other favorites. Scenes will be projected on the big screen with the scores performed live by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, led by David Newman. Produced in cooperation with Paramount Pictures.

September 22
Sing-A-Long Sound of Music
The Hollywood hills are alive with The Sound of Music! The popular Sing-A-Long returns to the giant screen at the Bowl – the world’s largest outdoor movie theater. Audience members are encouraged to attend in costume (for the pre-show parade) and warm up their vocal cords.

Full Schedule Here...