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CALENDARTHE10SPOT
PAGES Niceness in the ’90s: An Indie Music Memoir
BY FREDERICK MINTCHELL
(Pleasant Peasant LLC) Jim Miller’s ironically titled Niceness in the ’90s (the ’90s obviously were not all nice) is part alternative rock memoir, part family and friendship rumination. Chicago-native Jim Miller moved to Los Angeles to try his luck as a local musician, and he was consequently at the forefront of alternative music when up-and-coming bands played at nowclosed haunts such as Raji’s, Al’s Bar, Jabberjaw and other clubs that were once a fixture of the underground music scene. Miller has a matter-of-fact, deadpan style, which suits his remembrances of music, acquaintances, family and landmark social events. Miller’s subjective voice personalizes the rise of grunge (L7 has a prominent role in several chapters.), the 1992 Los Angeles riots, the 1994 Northridge earthquake and his involvement in lower-echelon groups Trash Can School and Black Angel’s Death Song. Loss and good times are covered, from the passing of one of Miller’s brothers and the suicide of Kurt Cobain, to bowling parties at Hollywood Star Lanes with teams consisting of local indie music performers. Miller’s short book is a quick, enjoyable read which seems aimed mostly at those who contributed to or lived through Los Angeles’ indie music scene two decades or so ago, while Miller’s brief chapters – such as “Jim’s Heroin Experience,” “Rock for Choice” and “Your Local Police” – sum up Miller’s autobiographical moments. Archival photos provide a look through the historical prism with candid pictures of L7, Possum Dixon and Miller’s own groups as well as family and friends. Miller skips a few things, such as being a promoter, club booker and band manager (There’s no mention of Third Grade Teacher?), nor does he include any of his music (A CD or a link to a streaming Web site would have been helpful.), although he does list song lyrics he penned. Grade: B —Doug Simpson Niceness in the ’90s is currently available.
JUNINHO LEADS GALAXY IN OPENERS
Campus Circle 3.23.11 - 3.29.11
Citizens Business Bank Arena, 4000 E. Ontario Parkway, Ontario; nuclearcowboyz.com The tour has assembled the world’s greatest freestyle motocross riders, including Jeremy “Twitch” Stenberg, Adam Jones, Mike Mason, Ronnie Faisst, Beau Bamburg and Taka Higashino. Nuclear Cowboyz Freestyle Chaos is the legend of two powerful tribes told through gravity-defying and fearless aerial feats. 7:30 p.m. Also Saturday.
WEDNESDAYMARCH 23 “Burn This” Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., Downtown; centertheatregroup.org Anna is a choreographer who has lost Robbie, her best friend and collaborator, in a tragic accident. Pale is Robbie’s brother, a powder keg lost in his own way, who arrives at her doorstep in the middle of the night. “Burn This” is the anti-love story: tragic, explosive and – often in its most frictional moments – deftly funny and heartwrenchingly beautiful. Runs through May 1.
WEDNESDAYMARCH 23 The Drop: Raphael Saadiq
lagalaxy.com
THURSDAYMARCH 24 College Night at Mountain High
The Galaxy’s Juninho is more mature.
Brazilians are known for their unique flare of sparking plays in soccer, precisely when scoring. The same can be stated about the Galaxy’s midfielder Juninho, who has scored twice in two games for Los Angeles. Two potent shots led to goals for the young star. Los Angeles won its season opener on Tuesday after defeating the host Seattle Sounders FC by a score of 1-0, and then tied the New England Revolution, 1-1, at the Home Depot Center Sunday. Juninho’s goals highlighted each match for the Galaxy (1-0-1, 4 points). “He’s fitter. Last year he really struggled to play 90 minutes,” Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena says of the 22-year-old Brazilian. “He’s maturing. He’s doing a better job getting forward. He’s shown that he’s a more dangerous player.” Juninho’s goal against Seattle came from about 35 yards out of the left flank, while the score versus New England featured a 30-yard bullet from the right side. Both games experienced heavy showers. Columbian striker Angel and Uruguayan midfielder Paolo Cardozo made their season and Galaxy debuts. “Paolo is a young player,” Beckham remarks. “He is still learning the game, but he came on and he kept the ball well, passed the ball, penetrated well towards their goal. He is going to be a very good player.” Los Angeles returns to the pitch Saturday, March 26, against Real Salt Lake in Utah at 6 p.m.
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Nuclear Cowboyz Freestyle Motocross
Grammy Museum; 800 W. Olympic, Downtown; grammymuseum.org Since his days with Tony! Toni! Toné!, Saadiq has carried the torch for old-school R&B and established his place as one of music’s highly regarded recording artists and producers. 8 p.m. $20.
GALAXYKICK
by marvin vasquez
FRIDAYMARCH 25
Eric Ramos Photography
NEWS
Mountain High Resort, 24510 State Highway 2, Wrightwood; mthigh.com Ride for only $20 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. with a college ID. Visit tent city at the Bullwheel from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and party at the Bullwheel from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. with DJs, Monster drink specials, $1 hot dogs, 1/2 off draft beer and more. The is the last one of the season.
THURSDAYMARCH 24 NCAA Men’s Basketball West Regional Honda Center, 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim; ncaa.com See some of the nation’s hottest men’s basketball teams in Sweet 16 and Elite Eight action. Also Saturday.
SATURDAYMARCH 26 The Avenues Annual Art & Design Walk The Avenues, 8687 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood; avenueswh.com Gather for product launches, gal– lery shows, discounts and food and entertainment on Melrose, Beverly and Robertson. Look for performances on the streets, runway shows and, as firsts this year, several famous L.A. food trucks, a wine
garden and wine tastings.
SATURDAYMARCH 26 Elizabeth Berkley Signing Barnes & Noble, 189 The Grove Drive, The Grove; barnesandnoble.com Drawn from the many workshops Elizabeth Berkley (“Saved by the Bell,” Showgirls) has conducted with teen girls, Ask Elizabeth: Real Answers to Everything You Secretly Wanted to Ask about Love, Friends, Your Body and Life in General brings these revealing and intimate conversations to life on the page. 2 p.m.
SUNDAYMARCH 27 Dub Custom Auto Show L.A. Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St., Downtown; dubshowtour.com Top automakers cdebut never-beforeseen vehicles before they hit the streets, plus one-of-a-kind creations and million dollarconcepts from DUB Edition, D20, Alpine, West Coast Customs, Dropstars, T.I.S., Giovanna and more. Show performers and dozens of celebrities will be on hand to meet and sign autographs. Noon-6 p.m.
MONDAYMARCH 28 Milk ArcLight Hollywood, 6360 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles; arclightcinemas.com The film received eight Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Josh Brolin) and won two – for Best Original Screenplay and Best Actor in a Leading Role (Sean Penn). 8 p.m.
TUESDAYMARCH 29 Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair New Beverly Cinema, 7165 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles; newbevcinema.com See the unrated combined version, which has never been seen theatrically in the U.S. – the same print that screened at Cannes. Runs through April 2. $7, $6 w/ student ID.
For more events, visit campuscircle.com/calendar. To submit an event for consideration, e-mail calendar@campuscircle.net.