Jazz & junkies in Shirley Clarke’s “The Connection” @ New Beverly Cinema

Film · Music
This recco comes from arts·meme friend Ross Lipman, who was the chief restorationist for the film … Just wanted to let you know that Milestone Films is nationally releasing UCLA’s restoration of THE CONNECTION, and it will be running for a full week at the New Beverly, opening this Friday. Shirley Clarke‘s 1961 portrayal of ...

In Pittsburgh, with Andy Warhol

Visual arts
It was a great joy to exit my United Airlines flight last weekend — yes, the pleasure of getting off the aircraft — was augmented by an exhibition of Andy Warhol art work right there at Pittsburgh International Airport. Capturing my eye in particular was a display case of photos illustrating Warhol’s rather impressive transition ...

Gary Lucas’s “scary magical Jews” terrify in “Der Golem” @ Cinefamily 1

Film · Music · Reviews
Grammy-nominated Gary Lucas, whom Rolling Stone calls “one of the best and most original guitarists in America,” performed his well-traveled and exceedingly harrowing  score to “Der Golem,” the brilliant 1920 silent horror exemplar of German expressionism. The sold-out performance took place earlier this evening at The Cinefamily on Fairfax Avenue — speaking of ghostly Jewish ...

Zorina in Balanchine’s “Zenobia” ballet 3

Dance
Here’s the esteemed Mrs. George Balanchine #2, also known as the Continental beauty Vera Zorina — luscious, lovely, and delectable. In this precious video, Zorina dances the Princess Zenobia pas de deux made by Balanchine for the Richard Rodgers musical “On Your Toes” (1936). Oh my god, I love when toward the end she balances ...

Gwen Samuels’ skyscraper stitchery @ A & D Museum

Architecture & Design · Fashion · Visual arts
Looking forward to seeing artist Gwen Samuel’s amazing architectural clothing installed at the Architecture and Design Museum on Wilshire Boulevard across from LACMA.  Samuels considers that when we dress and go out into the world we turn ourselves into a moving canvas or a sculpture … or even a classic building. Whatever building I am, ...

Diverse dance makers selected for National Choreographers Initiative

Dance
The ninth annual National Choreographers Initiative takes place this summer from July 9-27, 2012. During the three weeks of intense creative effort at the dance studios of University of California, Irvine, teams of choreographers and professional dancers produce new dance works culminating in a public performance at the end of July. The invaluable program is ...

Fred & Barrie for the Fourth 2

Dance · Fashion
The meeting of two slenderellas …. in her red jumpsuit, Barrie Chase looks like a Fourth of July firecracker!

Good to be a Raelette — @ Hollywood Bowl Ray Charles tribute 1

Music
A stellar line-up heading our way at the Hollywood Bowl July 11. It’s the Ray Charles tribute concert co-produced by Phil Ramone and Gregg Field in association with the LA Philharmonic. At the core of a packed program (I hope it’s coherent; there so much talent crammed in) — four amazing “girl” singers replicating the ...

Amy Jean Boebel’s intriguing mesh-metal sculptures 1

Fashion · Visual arts
I am really liking artist Amy Jean Boebel’s beautiful wire and mesh screen sculptures. The Santa Monica sculptress and creator of wearable art also makes tutus! Boebel, who studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and Tulane University School of Architecture, will showcase not this work, but a new installation at Diverted Destruction 5 at The ...

A note from Ojai on the 2012 Music Festival…

Music
by 
The rural town of Ojai is a little more than an hour and a little more than a lifetime outside of Los Angeles. In my mind’s eye Ojai is dreamlike and fantastical, like the Hundred-Acre Wood of Winnie the Pooh (in reality Ashdown Forest in East Sussex, a little more than an hour outside of ...