Jimmy Webb to perform “MacArthur Park” where torch song was inspired

Architecture & Design · Music
This just in from Liz Hirsch, the powerhouse behind the Levitt Pavilions, a national network of outdoor amphitheaters in urban park settings. The Pavilions’ marvelous ethnically diverse music offerings are all provided gratis for the pleasure of a picnicking (and often dancing) audience. Writes Liz: On Saturday, June 15 Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles at MacArthur ...

Party on, arts·meme people!

Ideas & Opinion · Visual arts
It was an arts lovers Saturday night on LaBrea Avenue. A throng of party people clustered ’round a new exhibition, Francisco Zuniga: A Centenial Tribute, to appreciate the great Mexican artist and to celebrate five years of arts blogging on arts·meme. The party was hosted by Jack Rutberg Fine Arts. View the photos here. Like ...

Francisco Zuniga at Jack Rutberg Fine Arts – opens June 1

Theater · Visual arts
We’re very excited to get into the mix at Jack Rutberg Fine Arts Saturday night. The highly respected gallery on La Brea Avenue just north of Beverly Boulevard is hosting an evening that’s all about love of the arts. The main event is the opening of a centennial tribute to Mexican sculptor and painter Francisco ...

Nureyev influenced Mick Jagger 3

Dance · Music
“Nureyev: His Life,” Diane Solway (William Morrow & Company, 1998) contains a brief interview with pop singer Marianne Faithfull (pages 333-4): Among [Nureyev’s] biggest fans were Mick Jagger and his girlfriend, the pop singer Marianne Faithfull, who were photographed arriving for the premiere [of Roland Petit’s Paradise Lost (1967) made for Nureyev and Dame Margot ...

Happy birthday, arts·meme! The little lady turns five. 2

Ideas & Opinion
We’re positively ancient … five years old … and we’re throwing a swell birthday party. Hope you can come by. The party’s happening at Jack Rutberg Fine Arts on LaBrea Avenue on Saturday, June 1. It’s concurrent to the opening of a wonderful art gallery show, “Francisco Zuniga: A Centennial Tribute.”  In the thanks-and-gratitude department, ...

Remembering Republic Pictures 2

Film
We’re very excited to attend a celebration, hosted by Hollywood Heritage, of the films and stars of Republic Pictures. Founded in 1935 by Herbert J. Yates, Republic Pictures was an independent film production-distribution corporation with studio facilities. Republic’s brand focused on westerns, movie serials and B-films emphasizing mystery and action — Saturday matinee staples. Troupers ...

Honoring Gilda Radner 1

Film
We were extremely touched by a wonderful acceptance speech from Comedy Central’s Jack Herrguth upon receiving a GILDA Award from the Cancer Support Community – Benjamin Center last Saturday night. Founded in 1982 by Doctor Harold Benjamin, the CSC was built upon the principle that no one should face cancer alone. Offering support groups, mind & ...

New York Times honors Jack Cole & dance critic 3

Dance · Film · Ideas & Opinion
It’s a big honor to be recognized in the New York Times. I am awfully proud to receive a shout-out (used to be called a “name mention”) from Dave Kehr, the highly respected film critic. In his weekly New York Times round-up of recently released DVDs, Kehr writes: MEET ME AFTER THE SHOW The choreographer ...

May is for frolic

Dance
… so start frolicking.

Ricky Jay’s magical existence examined in “Deceptive Practice”

Film · Reviews
“Deceptive Practice: The Mysteries & Mentors of Ricky Jay,” a new documentary directed by Alan Edelstein and Molly Bernstein, is a love story. Oh …you thought it was about magic? Well, isn’t love the ultimate magic trick? The film’s early sequences show Ricky Jay, magician, scholar, collector, author, historian and actor, obsessively practicing his card ...