Tonight @ SKYLIGHT BOOKS - Graphic novelist Vanessa Davis will sign and discuss her new book 'Make me a Woman'

It’s easy to understand why Vanessa Davis has taken the comics industry by storm and is poised to do the same with the world at large—her comics are pure chutzpah, gorgeously illustrated in watercolors. No story is too painful to tell—like how much she enjoyed fat camp. Nor too off-limits—like her critique of R. Crumb. Nor too personal—like her stories of growing up Jewish in Florida. Using her sweet but biting wit, Davis effortlessly carves out a wholly original and refreshing niche in two well-worn territories: autobio comics and the Jewish identity.

Davis draws strips from her daily diary, centering on her youth, mother, relationships with men, and eventually her longtime boyfriend. Her intimacy, self-deprecation, and candor have deservedly earned her many accolades and awards. Her deft comedic touch, lush color, and immediacy will set Davis apart not only as one of the premier cartoonists, but as one of the leading humorists for her generation, too.

More Here...

at The HAMMER Tonight- Terry Zwigoff's 'CRUMB'

Crumb

Shot over a period of six years, director Terry Zwigoff's Crumb is an illuminating portrait of the controversial comic artist. The film uses uncensored interviews with the artist, his family, colleagues, critics, and ex-lovers, along with footage of his work, to paint a riveting picture of Crumb and the influences that have endowed his creativity.
(1995, 119 MIN., DIR. T. ZWIGOFF)

In conjunction with the exhibition The Bible Illuminated: R. Crumb’s Book of Genesis

More Here...

New UCLA Live 2009-10 Season Announced

A world premiere production of “Medea” starring Annette Bening will kick off UCLA Live’s 2009-10 season, announced artistic and executive director David Sefton Wednesday evening at Royce Hall.

The play, the first-ever original production created by UCLA Live, will be directed by Croatia’s Lenka Udovicki who is known for her opera and theater creations throughout Europe. “When Lenka brought this project to me, I was thrilled. And the fact that an actress of the caliber of Annette Bening had signed on to play the lead just confirmed what a tremendous opportunity this was,” said Sefton, who typically spends months traveling each year to find performances for UCLA Live. “For nine years we have been bringing extraordinary work to Los Angeles — this project lets us stretch in new directions as a producer. I am certain audiences are going to be blown away by the results.”

"Highlights of the 2009/2010 Season include"- A rare as hens teeth appearance by R. Crumb,They Might Be Giants, Neil Gaiman, McCoy Tyner, Joni Mitchell, Randy Newman and David Sedaris.

Also, L.A.-based Latino performance troupe Culture Clash will celebrate their 25^th anniversary with a gala performance at Royce Hall on Oct. 30 featuring guest performers such as Zack de la Rocha of Rage Against the Machine, comedian Carlos Mencia, singer-songwriter Michelle Shocked, actor Edward James Olmos and many others. In addition to music and comedy, the evening will include a preview of the next Culture Clash theater project, “Palestine, New Mexico.”

For a complete schedule by genre go Here!