August 2008

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Bringing You Eastside Culture, Art AND LIFESTYLE

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INSIDE: BOYLE HEIGHTS ARTS RENAISSANCE: L.A. BIKE POLO HITS HARD: SEAN CARNAGE MONDAYS AT PEHRSPACE: VIDEO GAME VISIONARY NOLAN BUSHNELL

15 AUG. 08

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3 ★ AUGUST 2008 ★ NEW ANGELES

NEW ANGELES ★ AUGUST 2008 ★ 4

CONTENTS

Features: 22: SOUL NOT FOR SALE Boyle Heights experiences an arts renaissance.

24: BODY ON BODY, MALLET ON MALLET AND BIKE ON BIKE L.A. Bike Polo delivers adrenaline-fueled athletic thrill-ride.

28: GUERRILLA PARTY Iconoclast Sean Carnage hosts avant-garde Monday nights at Pehrspace.

Columns: 6: EDITOR’S NOTE 8: SNAPSHOTS East LA Meets Napa at Union Station, Hollywood Forever Cemetery screening of “Get Carter”

12: STRUCTURE Gas up, pray, grab some chicken and get on the road from Adams & Fig.

14: FOODSTUFF Profile of U.S. Barista Champion Kyle Glanville, who’s helping redefine L.A. coffee culture with Intelligentsia. In the Drink heads downtown to Seven Grand.

18: WARES Ladyboy Shoes: For Women and Men Who Won’t Buy Into the Bright and Bulk

Oscal Zagal arrived at Virgil Middle School imagining “a preppie Prince Charles cruising across green fields on a horse - bike polo was nothing like that.” He took his time observing the action before he and assistant Adolfo Banos began to capture the scene. “I was not attracted so much by the game itself but by the people playing,” says Zagal. “All the equipment they were using was made by them, everything had a very rough and personal touch. That was exactly what I wanted to portray in my photos. The character of the players.”

20: INNERVIEW Nolan Bushnell, the visionary behind Atari, Chuck E. Cheese’s and now uWink, talks tech.

Visit Oscar’s website at oscarzagal.com.

30: CALENDAR Selected events for August

EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER CHARLES N. GERENCSER EDITOR JOSHUA LURIE Art Director Paul Takizawa H Advertising Art Director Sandy Wachs Production Manager Meghan Quinn H Calendar Editor Julie Rasmussen Copy Editor John Seeley H Contributing Writers Kamren Curiel, Maxwell Harwitt, Abel Salas, Michael Saltzman, Jervey Tervalon, Ryan Willbur Photographers Jack Gould, Maura Lanahan, Gary Leonard, Noé Montes, Josh Reiss, Georgia Cobb Torcasio, Oscar Zagal H Retail Sales Manager Diana James Account Executives Jon Bookatz, Spencer Cooper, Sarah Fink, Daphne Marina, John Metzner, Carl Wolf H Accounting Christie Lee Circulation Manager Andrew Jackson SOUTHLAND PUBLISHING, INC. VP, Operations David Comden H Vice President, Sales Charles N. Gerencser VP, Finance Michael Nagami H Human Resources Manager Andrea Baker Business Manager Angela Wang CONTACT US Advertising: charlesg@newangelesmonthly.com • Editorial: editor@newangelesmonthly.com P: 323-938-1700 F: 323-938-1771 • 5209 Wilshire Boulevard H

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ast Coast transplants who wish they were still living in inferior cities like Boston and New York o en tell me that Los Angeles has no history. Sure, no Angeleno signed the Declaration of Independence, but to say L.A. has no history is ridiculous. Just how ridiculous became clear a er a recent meal at Cicada, when I had the opportunity to tour the Art Deco penthouse of downtown’s Ovia Building (1927). The roo op patio afforded views of the city’s historic core. Once I got past the CNB monstrosity across the street, I could see the blue-hued Eastern Columbia Building, a 78-year-old Art Deco gem, plus the 85-year-old Biltmore Hotel and Pershing Square. Later that week, I drove through downtown again, passing the Bradbury Building (1893) and Olvera Street (1877), L.A.’s oldest street. If you want a drink, we have The Edison, a basement bar in the 98-year-old BeauxArts Higgins Building. History isn’t just limited to downtown. It’s everywhere on the Eastside. There are two Frank Lloyd Wright buildings in Los Feliz, the Hollyhock House (1921) and the hillside Ennis House (1924). The Silver Lake Reservoir is ringed by homes from iconic architects like R.M. Schindler and Richard Neutra. Down the street, Walt Disney opened his first animation studio in Edendale. Snake your way across the Shakespeare Bridge to the corner of Hillhurst & Sunset, where D.W. Griffith shot “Intolerance” and the Vista opened in 1923. When I first moved to Los Angeles, I was a tour guide at Paramount Studios. During training, we learned that Rudolph Valentino’s ghost would o en rise from his grave in neighboring Hollywood Forever Cemetery to haunt Paramount’s backlot. Since 2002, Cinespia has flipped the script, projecting movies on the side of Valentino’s mausoleum. On July 20, Georgia Cobb Torcasio photographed a screening of “Get Carter.” She didn’t catch Valentino’s ghost on film, but she did capture the increasingly popular (and always odd) summer tradition. With Eastside history in mind, we’re introducing a new

feature called Structure, profiling a different historic intersection each month. There are dozens of historic Eastside corners to choose from, but the intersection of Adams & Figueroa seemed like a particularly apt place to start. A er all, no ma er what MTA might claim, and no ma er how high gas prices rise, L.A. is a driving city, and Adams & Fig hosts both a stunning branch of the Auto Club and a not-sostunning Mobil station. You can also pray to the traffic gods at St. Vincent de Paul Church and grab some greasy Popeyes chicken and biscuits for the road. Of course, we don’t just want to revisit history for 40 pages, so this month’s features focus on some cu ingedge Eastside entertainment options. Nolan Bushnell, the visionary behind Atari and Chuck E. Cheese’s Pizza Time Theater, just launched uWink at Hollywood & Highland. Every table in the restaurant and bar features a touch screen terminal where you can order food and drinks and play social games. Abel Salas crosses the L.A. River and unearths a Boyle Heights arts resurgence. A new generation of painters, playwrights, photographers and muralists are emulating doyenne Ofelia Esparza’s artistic spirit, and we tell you where to experience their work. In Echo Park, Dana Poblete profiles iconoclast Sean Carnage, whose Monday nights at Pehrspace have become must-a end events due to the diverse bands and avant-garde vibe. Every Saturday night at nearby Virgil Middle School, a diverse group of individualists play bike polo on the blacktop in a mash-up of competition, socialization, ta oos and booze. This month in Foodstuff, you’ll get to know Kyle Glanville, the current U.S. Barista Champion who is helping to redefine L.A. coffeehouse culture with Intelligentsia. The Hot Corner focuses on Honolulu & Market in Montrose - the town that time forgot - which suddenly has three interesting new restaurants. Finally, Ryan Willbur leads us to Seven Grand, Cedd Moses’ downtown whiskey emporium. NA

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EAST MEETS NAPA PHOTOS BY PAUL TAKIZAWA & JOSHUA LURIE

JULY 18, 2008

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he third annual East LA Meets Napa event convened at historic Union Station to benefit AltaMed Health Services Corporation, which has provided health care to minorities and economically disadvantaged Southern Californians since 1969. President Cástulo de la Rocha has helped increase service from one East LA free clinic to 33 Southland facilities and 48,000 families per year. The Union Station courtyard hosted over 40 booths, including wines from more than 20 Latino-owned or –managed wineries. Lauded Latino chefs like Jaime Martin del Campo and Ramiro Arvizu of La Casita Mexicana and Octavio Becerra of palate food + wine contributed food. Jose Rizo and the Jazz on the Latin Side All Stars played up-tempo music. NA

NEW ANGELES ★ AUGUST 2008 ★ 8

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HOLLYWOOD FOREVER CEMETERY SCREENING PHOTOS BY GEORGIA COBB TORCASIO TEXT BY MELISSA SPOR

JULY 20, 2008

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inespia has hosted summer screenings at Hollywood Forever Cemetery since 2002, projecting classic and contemporary films on a mausoleum wall. Every Saturday and Sunday from May through September, movie fans spread out on a large lawn and picnic in front of the “screen,” enjoying favorite cheeses and wines, or whatever else they prefer to snack on (it’s all welcome in the cemetery). Every week, a different DJ sets the mood before the big feature begins at 9. Past features have included “A Clockwork Orange” and “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure.” On July 20, hundreds of viewers filled the grass for “Get Carter.” No, not the Sylvester Stallone abomination; the 1971 original with Michael Caine. Yes, there was a time when Caine wasn’t just Batman’s butler. NA

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STRUCTURE

PHOTOS AND TEXT BY GEORGIA COBB TORCASIO

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he cornerstones of Adams & Fig are St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic church and the headquarters of the Automobile Club of Southern California. They were built simultan eously in the 1920s and were o en mistaken for each other. FYI: the Auto Club is the one with the Spanish Colonial Revival towers and AAA logo. The most gorgeous AAA in the Southland and one of the city’s most ornate churches are situated near the intersection of the 10 and 110 freeways, providing easy access to God and road maps. They’re also points of interest along the Figueroa Corridor Metro Adventure, which includes USC, the Exposition Park Rose Garden and museums, plus Memorial Coliseum. If you don’t have time for the full tour, check out this intersection on a Saturday. Weddings roll out onto the lawns all day. You can cross the street, pick up an itinerary for the honeymoon, gas up your car at the Mobil station and grab some Popeyes chicken and biscuits for the road. All in all, a well-conceived urban achievement. NA ST. VINCENT DE PAUL

POPEYES CHICKEN & BISCUITS

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13 ★ AUGUST 2008 ★ NEW ANGELES

FOODSTUFF

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yle Glanville discovered coffee at church. He was seven years old and began drinking coffee post-communion. He says. “My folks didn’t really care if I had a little, so I’d douse it with cream and sugar and take a gulp.” Glanville has come a long way from “big urns of horrendous coffee.” He’s the current U.S. Barista Champion and has worked with Intelligentsia to become one of L.A.’s leading coffee professionals. In high school, in Carmel Valley, California, Glanville would hang out at Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Company, a coffeehouse frequented by punk rockers, “drinking 16-ounce coffees for hours.” Finally, he got a job there. He visited his older sister in Seattle and had a coffee epiphany, remembering, “I had a vanilla latte at Espresso Vivace, one of the more renowned espresso bars in the world. I was so blown away by all the details, finesse and professionalism of the baristas, that I quickly made up my mind that I was going to be living in Seattle.” In 2001, Glanville moved to Seattle to study theatre at Cornish College of the Arts. Right before he arrived, his sister moved to San Diego. Glanville considered this a blessing, saying, “I didn’t have the family safety net, so I had to go from living with my mom and being sort of a deadbeat to figuring out how to cut it on my own.” Cutting it involved working for Victrola, a small roasting company. He remembers, “Little things I was doing on the bar were having such a tremendous impact on the outcome of the beverage or espresso. I didn’t have any answers for why. Espresso was misunderstood, and the owners didn’t have the answers. They said, ‘Why don’t you become the trainer and teach people how to make coffee and try to figure out this stuff.’” Glanville spent the next two years working to master coffee. In 2005, Seattle hosted the annual Specialty Coffee Association of America Conference, which allowed Glanville to connect with other coffee professionals for the first time. He remembers, “People were coming through [Victrola] and tasting our coffee and saying, ‘Oh my god, you guys are the vanguard.’ We thought we didn’t know anything…That was a big enlightening moment.” Glanville parted with Victrola after four years, on the eve of another SCAA Conference, and flew there immediately. “I felt like it would be a good time for me to network, seeing how I was suddenly jobless,” he says. “I crashed on hotel room floors, shook hands with a lot of people.” One hand belonged to Intelligentsia owner Doug Zell, who was expanding operations to Los Angeles. Glanville told Zell, “I would like to work for Intelligentsia. I would not like to move to Los Angeles.” Glanville and friend Tony Konecny were on the verge of joining another coffee company. He recalls, “Doug called out of the blue moments before we were about to reply and was like, ‘Hold the presses, fly to Chicago tomorrow’…We flew to Chicago, saw the Intelligentsia roasting works [and] thought there’s no way we should be working anywhere but here.” Glanville joined Intelligentsia in 2006 and currently goes by Manager of Espresso Research Development. He finds all the coffees for the company’s espresso and is currently planning the “design, functional elements and equipment concepts” for a new Intelligentsia coffee bar in Venice, which should open in November. He also trains the company’s L.A. baristas and sources coffee in South America. Glanville’s coffee philosophy has changed drastically over the years. In Carmel, “It was about the milk and the flavorings. That’s 180 degrees away from my approach to coffee now.” Working for Intelligentsia has allowed Glanville to understand coffee holistically. He now believes, “Coffee is as infinitely complex as wine. From a purely chemical structure, much more so, and from a sort of socioeconomic and global business perspective, way more complex than wine.” He’s also reversed his thinking about espresso. “[In Seattle], I remember thinking drip coffee or brewed coffee, long black coffee, is an abomination and espresso is the way to go. Now I feel almost the opposite. Espresso has such a long way to go, and drip coffee is where you have the real nuance.” Glanville first competed in barista championships in 2005, while working for Victrola. He says, “I thought my wicked technique on the coffee bar would automatically translate to the competition, which was not the case at all.” At the Northwest Regional, he ended up getting his espresso tamper stuck in the basket of coffee grounds. In 2007, he took Second at the Western Regional, “the hardest region in the world.” He says, “I went to the U.S. Championship and was shocked to be in the finals and sort of realized, my god, I actually have a chance at winning this.” He took Fifth. “I was pretty disappointed, but it also made me realize I could take the whole thing.” This year, Glanville took the whole thing, winning the U.S. Barista Championship in Minneapolis. His signature drink combined salted macadamia nuts, cracked green cardamom pods and brown sugar, toasted, stirred with heavy cream and strained into a martini glass with espresso. He then “topped it off with melted ice cream to add some texture and temperature dimension.” In June, he placed eighth at the World Championship in Copenhagen, missing the finals by only three points out of 1000. He admits, “I was way too safe… There was nothing I was really doing, aside from the way I was presenting my signature drink, that was innovative enough.” Glanville isn’t sure yet if he’ll defend his U.S. crown in 2009, saying, “It’s really stressful, and I’m having a baby too.” Glanville met the mother of his child, Deanna Mustard, thanks to coffee. “She was on the other side of the espresso machine” at Victrola. They’ve been together for five years and now work together at Intelligentsia, where she’s a barista. He plans to work with coffee until he retires, and may open a pizzeria or taproom. There’s no chance he’ll open his own coffeehouse, saying, “I would have to do it modestly, and I like doing bigger, grander, more interesting things.” NA

PROFILE:

KYLE GLANVILLE

BY JOSHUA

LURIE

Intelligentsia 3922 W. Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake, (323) 663-6173 NEW ANGELES ★ AUGUST 2008 ★ 14

PHOTOS BY JOSHUA LURIE

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ngelenos looking for a break from big-city life should drive up the 2 freeway to experience Montrose. This enchanted slice of suburbia has long been known as the town that time forgot, but three contemporary Honolulu Avenue restaurants are updating that reputation. Richard Mandeville and wife Susann named The Fat Dog for their bulldog Luther, depicted in the gastropub’s red murals and paintings. The space dates to 1923, but features pristine brown leather booths, white tile floor and a zinc-topped bar. A chalkboard menu lists draught beers and dog-themed cocktails like the Tailwagger – Stoli Razberi, sour, triple sec and fresh lime. Chef John Gladish is making sirloin hot dogs, and The Flight features mini burgers with bacon & guac, mushroom & Swiss, caramelized onions & Gruyere. Across the street, Shin Kim transformed his Zen Asian Bistro into Café Montrose, a black-and-white American bistro with Italian touches and a veritable art gallery on the walls. Chef Rafael Guzman is turning out dishes like coconut shrimp with jalapeño-honey-mustard and oranges or pan-seared pork loin with potato pancakes and pear chutney. Ian Kim (no relation to Shin) and son Brandon recently debuted Three Drunken Goats, a contemporary Spanish restaurant named for a particular wine-marinated goat cheese. The space features high ceilings, wrought-iron sconces and lanterns. Chef Jason Michaud designed a seasonal menu that may include grilled lamb chops with chickpea cakes and mint, a grilled vegetable salad with said goat cheese, spinach and radicchio, or the Queen of Nuts – ground walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds with candied orange and orange marmalade. NA

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s you climb the stairs and approach the entrance to Seven Grand, with its large wrought-iron gate, it’s evident this is not your typical L.A. bar. It feels more like you’re stepping into a 1920s gentleman’s smoking lounge. Incredibly, Cedd Moses, who also owns nearby Golden Gopher and Broadway Bar, just opened Seven Grand in April 2007. The room features 150-year-old pool tables, trophy deer heads mounted on the walls, and a bar completely loaded with whiskey. Detailed dark woodwork frames the scene as BY RYAN pa erns of green and brown pull the look together. The bartenders look like they crawled right out of an old black-and-white photo, the kind you’d find in your grandparents’ a ic. These gentlemen really seem to be carrying on the tradition of cra ing quality cocktails, armed with fresh lemon and ginger, but the real draw is behind these cra smen. Shelves are filled with 125 varieties of whiskey, a deep menu that includes bourbon blends and single-malt peated Scotches. Prices range from $7 all the way to $135 a glass. Some whiskeys, like old friends, are reliable and always there, such as Jameson and Knob Creek. Thankfully, for every bo le of whiskey you’ve heard of, there are probably three that will keep you guessing. If you’re looking to seriously sip, kick back with some sweet Rowan’s Creek. If you want something more bu ery and well-rounded, order the 10-year-old Michter’s Small Batch Rye. Beer flows from a dozen taps, but nothing you’ll find there is too surprising. A small menu of premium cigars complements the whiskey experience, heightened by a smoking balcony with comfortable seating. Seven Grand is well worth a trip downtown.

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What inspired the shift from jeans to shoes? Robbie: My wife studied shoe design in college… It’s really hard to find streamlined shoes – they’re always so bulky and rubbery. Were you afraid to open during our economic slump? Megan: The price is really accommodating [$88]. That’s why we went with production in China. Who shops here? Megan: Japanese kids here for Han Cholo, hippie hipster girls who come for Show Pony, and moms from the neighborhood. What’s up with the name? Megan: I was watching a documentary on HBO called Middle Sexes about a Thai transsexual… Robbie: We’re just really into the idea of making things for both men and women. Ladyboy Original Shoes 1553 Echo Park Ave., Echo Park (213) 975-0087

NEW ANGELES H AUGUST 2008 H 18

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PM 19 ★ AUGUST 2008 ★7/28/08 NEW12:25:43 ANGELES

INNERVIEW

NOLAN BUSHNELL I N TE R V I E W BY J O S H U A LU R I E ★ I L LU ST R AT I O N BY A N TO N Y H A R E

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olan Bushnell is widely acknowledged as the “Father of the Video Game Industry,� a visionary responsible for Atari and Chuck E. Cheese’s Pizza Time Theater. He’s also about to be the subject of an upcoming bio-pic, played by Leonardo DiCaprio. The serial entrepreneur recently launched a new concept with son Brent called uWink. The restaurant and bar has a touch screen terminal built into each table where you can order food and drinks, and play social games that are designed to increase conversation and interaction. The first location opened at the Westfield Promenade in Woodland Hills in November 2006. In June, uWink launched on the third floor of Hollywood & Highland, which is where we met. NA: A er so many successful ventures, what drives you to launch new concepts? Because they need to be done. I think the kind of stuff I do is about making the future happen sooner. NA: What was it that first captivated you about technology? Technology gave you power to manipulate your environment and to manipulate various things. It was empowering. NA: What was your first exposure to technology growing up? Miss Cook’s third grade class, where I got to play with the science box. The science box was given to one student to teach the class about something, and I got electricity. That night, a er I did that in Miss Cook’s third grade class, I set up the card table in the corner of my bedroom and went around the house and got every old flashlight, ba ery, switch and piece of wire, started tinkering, and I never stopped. NA: Do you have any mentors? Several. My first mentor was a guy named Chet Ashby, a ham radio operator down the street who I used to pester about things electronic, starting probably at 9, going on until probably 15. When I was working for Lagoon [Amusement Park in Farmington, Utah], a guy named Bob Freed. I always thought that I got my MBA from him, because he taught me a lot about managing a business and managing people. I always had a lot of respect for Walt Disney and the way he used technology. NA: How was it that he impacted you? I always thought that Disneyland was the coolest amusement park in the world. Of course I was fascinated with animatronic characters, which I ultimately emulated with Chuck E. Cheese, and just the fact that technology could be empowered to give people a good time. NA: Do you still think that Disneyland is the coolest theme park in the world? Yeah, probably. It’s not as good as it should be. I can think of a million things I’d do if I ran Disney to make the parks really pop. They’re making a lot of money, so they don’t feel the need. NA: What’s one thing you’d like to see there? They could do a lot be er job in interactive entertainment. Almost all their rides are ride through, see, look, and I just think that’s old school. Today’s world is about interacting with your environment. NA: What characteristics have helped to make you so successful as a serial entrepreneur? I’m a li le bit of chameleon. If I need to be a businessman in New York, I can wear a suit and tie. If I need to talk to engineers, I can sit cross-legged on the floor and talk tech. I think that helps. More than that, I’m very ambitious. I work very hard. NA: How do you consistently stay ahead of the curve when it comes to ideas and technology? I’m constantly questing, looking for new things that I think make sense. They’re out there, and I’m in a position where I can see them. I can actualize them and make it happen. I’m somewhat fearless. NEW ANGELES ★ AUGUST 2008 ★ 20

NA: Fearless in what ways? I’m willing to try things that have never been done before, which scares the hell out of a lot of people. I do my homework. I never do anything rash. I’m careful, but once I’ve done my homework, then I’m fearless. NA: What lessons did you learn from Chuck E. Cheese’s that have helped shape uWink? One of the things that makes Chuck E. successful is we really knew the demographic that we were looking at. We were really relentless, much to the chagrin of parents, when we said we’re going to do a really good job with the 2 to 10 age group. If it’s something that 2 to 10 like, but parents don’t like, the 2 to 10-year-olds are going to win. It’s worked. NA: What’s the demographic that you’re targeting with uWink? Women 21 to 35. NA: Why that demographic? Because it’s very safe. There’s a lot of spending money in that demographic. If you hit that demographic, then most women who are over 35 want to be 35. Most girls who are under 21 want to be 21. If you pull 21-year-old girls, you’ve got all the guys in the world, so it’s kind of a no-brainer. NA: What were you hoping to achieve with Atari, and do you feel like you accomplished it? Selling Atari was a massive blunder on my part. Rather than Warner destroying Atari, I thought it would be very helpful with ideas and providing capital, and they just did the opposite. They basically bit-by-bit destroyed Atari. NA: Do you regret selling it? Massively. NA: What were some lessons that you learned from that experience that you think will help with uWink? Take the company public. Take vacation. Don’t get too tired. Atari was very difficult to run, because we never had enough money. I jumped at a way to reward all that hard work. NA: What appealed to you about coming to Hollywood for your second uWink? The first one is in the suburbs. I wanted to see a go-go location in the middle of hip and beautiful people‌ There are consistently interesting things that happen here. NA: Chuck E. Cheese’s isn’t exactly known for their food. What did you do to make sure that adults will enjoy eating at uWink? Understand that Chuck E. Cheese has the best food possible for their targeted demographic... The target audience is 2 to 10, and they like pizzas that are pre y bland‌ With that, once you decide you’re going to go for 21 to 35-year-old females, they’re a lot fussier. You have to have a vegetarian menu. You have to have things that are really well done, and you have to have a tremendous amount of customization, because every girl wants it their way. We give them that in spades. NA: Other than the iPhone [which is on the table], what are some other technologies that you use every day? I have both PCs and Apples on my desk... I’ve got Pleo, the robot dinosaur. You pet it and it squirms and you feed it a leaf. I just love robotics... I’m [also] on Facebook. NA: What are your biggest concerns about the current state of gaming, and how does uWink help to address those concerns? Games need to be more social. They can be isolating. Some people think that being in your basement in your boxer shorts at 3 a.m. is social, and I don’t. I think that being here with friends, laughing and joking, that’s social. I’m concerned. I think games are a li le too addictive right now. There are a lot of young people who are throwing their future away right now playing video games. A couple hours a day is okay, but when it comes up to six or seven or eight hours a day, that’s clearly excessive and not helping. NA: What do you think are some possible solutions for that? A 10-step program. Video Games Anonymous. Anything that is powerful can be addictive, and I’m concerned about it. At home, parents should intervene. NA

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21 ★ AUGUST 2008 ★ NEW ANGELES

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ny conversation about art in Boyle Heights— formerly a Jewish and Japanese-American enclave, now ground zero for L.A.’s Chicano community—actually begins further east on Record Street, with Ofelia Esparza. She’s an elegant silver-haired artist, activist, healer and mother of nine. Her East L.A. sanctuary overflows with paintings, historic family photos, prints, sculptures, and folk art. Her creative spirit fans out through her garden of medicinal herbs to blanket the neighborhoods east of the L.A. River. A revered elder, she continues to inspire the newest generation of artists who are leading a Boyle Heights renaissance. “I was always drawing, ever since I was a little girl,” says Esparza, 76, of her life-long artistic impulse. Her mother, an artisan and immigrant from a small Mexican village, taught her to appreciate traditions and build altars. Esparza still draws on her mother’s connection to homespun art and holistic, herbal medicine. Esparza returned to the classroom in her 30s after all of her children were born because she “always wanted to be a teacher.” In the late ’60s at Cal State L.A., she became involved with Chicano artists who refused to separate art from politics. “I guess you could say I became the den mother,” says Esparza. She had school and family obligations, but still found time to work with fledgling non-profit arts organizations. She taught art at the Plaza de la Raza performing arts center in Lincoln Heights and installed Day of the Dead altars at Self Help Graphics, a graphic arts and serigraphy studio. For Esparza, these centers remain vital institutions. The current wave of artists who have inherited Esparza’s legacy includes Lilia Ramírez, a Boyle Heights painter and jewelry maker who calls Esparza “the mother, the mother-lode.” Ramírez is the co-founder and proprietor of First Street Studios, a gallery that also rents work space to local artists and artisans. Ramírez was raised in South Central and was initially influenced by the hiphop, break-dancing and graffiti crews prevalent in the ’80s. She experimented with graffiti, a.k.a. “public art,” before becoming interested in art, theatre and dance. Her passion for art was informed by the realization that she was a part of a significant, if marginalized, ethnic community. “I started getting into my culture and reading about it,” says Ramírez. She was especially inspired by the reconstruction of L.A. after the Rodney King riots and by the Zapatista uprising in Chiapas. In 1995, Ramírez helped launch the Peace & Justice Center downtown, dedicated to the creative needs of

L.A.’s inner city youths. The City provided the space after young Conservation Corps workers staged a sit-in there to protest the dismissal of employees attempting to unionize. A year after the Peace & Justice Center shut down, Ramírez made art her primary focus with encouragement from friends. She settled in Boyle Heights, smitten with its vibrant energy. She knew the neighborhood from frequent childhood visits. Her extended family owned a market at Whittier & Soto for almost 30 years before revamping the business as Ramirez Liquor, known for its unrivaled tequila and beer selection. Ramírez launched First Street Studios in 2006 after giving the historic storefront an extreme makeover. First Street has since hosted a steady calendar of musical events, fashion shows and visual art exhibitions. According to Ramírez, the current boom is not all bad. “There’s plenty of room for everybody,” she says. “But I’d rather have us be the entrepreneurs rather than someone from somewhere else.”

writing Boyle Heights, a play about a woman who leaves Boyle Heights and returns many years later. It is being staged this month at Casa 0101. “It was always my intention to give something back to Boyle Heights,” says López. Lopez says her landlord acknowledges her contribution to the rehabilitation of the area, but is raising her rent nonetheless. This captures the development paradox best described by photographer and conceptual installation artist Sandra de la Loza—a longtime Ramírez friend and collaborator—as “Razafication vs. gentrification.” “Razafication [is] the way working class Latino immigrants enrich our city by bringing culture… while reinvigorating neighborhoods,” explains de la Loza. “Gentrification is a top-down transformation driven by development and capital’s attempt to create profit.” Azul—real name Cristian Otoño Amaral—is a new Boyle Heights art corridor denizen, but sides with the neighborhood-first contingent. The 37-year-old photographer and DJ graduated from Eagle Rock High and has long been at the forefront of the

“It’s really about being where you’re at and respecting where you’re at,” says Azul. “I love being on this block. I love the theater… being right here… I’m glad I’m here because I want to represent.” Ricardo Mendoza, a self-professed spawn of suburbia who didn’t grow up speaking Spanish, rejected Costa Mesa safety to follow those who have taken their dreams and visions to Boyle Heights. Mendoza’s mural at Sunset Boulevard & Echo Park Avenue is a paragon of public art. The Otis School of Art graduate acquired a Boyle Heights investment property four years ago. Mendoza and an uncle gutted and retrofitted the property to create a live/work space for artists, himself included, dubbing it Chavez Studios after the street named for the farm-worker labor leader where the property sits. Mendoza wants the space to “nurture the spirit of vitality for working artists.” “I would love to see an awareness that this a critical time in history, for the neighborhood, for Chicano artists in general and especially [for] art produced out of L.A.,” Mendoza emphasizes. “I think a lot of that labeling has to start steering in the direction of just calling anybody who’s productive an artist. Period.” Boyle Heights is surrounded by freeways, with a pedestrian core that defies L.A.’s car culture. Mendoza and his contemporaries agree that a monthly art walk is no far-fetched idea. New neighbors would have an opportunity to connect with longtime residents. For these artists, it is about erasing superficial divisions, not underscoring differences. It’s about honoring a place rooted in the history of Los Angeles itself. NA Boyle Heights Art Spaces:

Across the street, Real Women Have Curves screenwriter/playwright Josefina López was a neighborhood trailblazer when she opened CASA 0101. For four years, the theater and gallery has hosted the annual Boyle Heights Latina Independent Film Extravaganza (B.H.L.I.F.E.), while offering vanguard theatrical productions and workshops in screenwriting, playwriting and acting. López is a Boyle Heights native who echoes Ramírez on the need to develop cultural spaces that embrace the community. López returned to the neighborhood years after leaving at 18 to succeed as a writer. She returned, she says, to discover that gangs, violence and despair had become even more prevalent. A poster-girl Boyle Heights success story, López witnessed a drive-by shooting and responded by

risk-takers who “discover” hot new neighborhoods and magnetize outsiders. He recently occupied a storefront just east of First Street Studios and welcomes collaborations, including a recent impromptu art happening centered around T-shirt and poster productions with Brandy Flower and the Hit and Run silk-screen art squad. Azul is best known for his “Peace in Iraq” photo series, a project in which more than 5,000 subjects have been photographed. He is also the force behind the popular Firecracker nights at Grandstar in Chinatown. His “Peace Beats & Bomb Pops” Chinatown block party on July 4th drew 800 people. Azul was raised by artists and musicians and found his calling as a teenager. He promoted house parties and brought culturally diverse communities together through music.

CASA 0101 2009 E. 1st St. (323) 263-7684 www.casa0101.org Chavez Studios 506-508 Echandia St. (323) 225-2157 Eastside Luv Wine Bar y Queso 1835 E. 1st St. (323) 262-7442 www.myspace.com/eastsideluvwinebar  First Street Studios 2026 1st St. (323) 268-0005 www.myspace.com/kozmica  Mercado Caracol/Proyecto Jardin (Last Sunday of every month) www.proyectojardin.org  Teocintli 2717 E. 4th St. (323) 266-2117 www.myspace.com/teocintli

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-2-1-Polo!” Those four words fill the air and six bicyclists barrel toward each other across the blacktop, three per side. They each carry a makeshift mallet crafted from cuts of PVC pipe bolted to sawed-off ski poles and golf clubs. A tattooed rider reels back, swings and connects…with a red street-hockey ball. No, this isn’t a “Warriors” style rumble. It’s the opening joust in a bike polo match at Virgil Middle School. Bike enthusiasts meet every Saturday night behind the Eastside school to compete, socialize, and drink. The blacktop field is as long as two tennis courts are wide. Two orange pylons serve as each goal. Matt Vidal helped introduce bike polo to L.A. last year. He considers Virgil players “super diverse. Many are anti-authoritarians or individualists.” Mike Hammer works at the Getty Center library. Tim Hammer (unrelated) works in residential real estate development on the Westside. Vidal was just hired at King’s College in London, Department of Management, on a tenure track. Other players work as bike messengers, at R.E.I., and at a motorcycle concept shop. Some of the regulars have earned nicknames. Vidal is known as “the Professor,” since he has his Ph.D. Dave Cargill is “the Scotsman,” due to his homeland. Tim Hammer is called “Centaur,” because he’s “half man, half bike” and pure adrenaline. Drinking is a key component of bike polo, but hardly required. Still, Alex Dash, a bearded polo enthusiast with a star tattoo on each elbow, calls beer “the official Gatorade of bike polo” and jokes “Cheating is not drinking.” Another player’s orange bike sports a bumper sticker that reads, “My drinking club has a biking problem.”

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a RECENT L.A. PHENOMENON People first played bike polo in 1891. According to the International Bicycle Polo Federation, “Its originator was a well-known Irish cyclist, Richard J. Mecredy. The British army and the Indian Maharajas played cycle polo in India as far back as 1900.” Vidal and Wisconsin native Jared Linzmeier discovered bike polo in Madison, and both helped import the sport to Los Angeles. Linzmeier says. “Before I came out here, I went on LA Fixed and Midnight Ridazz [bicyclist message boards] and said, ‘When I get out I want to play bike polo. Who’s in?’ People were stoked. I promoted it at the Bicycle Kitchen, [a non-profit bike repair shop in East Hollywood]. We got eight people [at Beverly & Fairfax] on a Sunday and played...All these guys were playing soccer looking at us like what the hell are you doing?” Vidal 25 ★ AUGUST 2008 ★ NEW ANGELES

moved to L.A. about the same time for a UCLA post-doc and was heavily involved in those early games. Mike Hammer said the Virgil, or (323) game, was originally “a way for people at the Bicycle Kitchen to get together outside of the Kitchen.” There’s also a Wednesday game in Palms, near Cargill’s LA Brakeless bike shop, known as the (310) game. Dash recently started a Monday (818) game in North Hollywood. Mecredy originally played bike polo according to equestrian polo rules, on grass. In Madison, they play on grass using a zero-sized soccer ball. Vidal says, “That’s a completely different thing than this hard-court bike polo, which has more of a hockey style.” Linzmeier adds, “When you’re on the grass you don’t hesitate to get physical and wipe out. Out here playing on blacktop, it’s more about precision than risk.” Three types of contact are allowed in bike polo: body on body, mallet on mallet and bike on bike. There’s never supposed to be a mix, and players don’t allow T-boning. Beyond that, the rules are simple. First team to five wins. There’s no time limit, and no such thing as out of bounds. Vidal adds that if your foot hits the ground, “get the fuck out of play immediately” and tap one of two spots on the center line to re-enter action. You can’t pass the

ball backwards through the goal or possession switches to the other team. Teams are chosen randomly. Riders who want to play throw their mallets into the middle of the field, then somebody mixes them behind their back and randomly pulls three mallets. Hammer says, “You could have teams that are equally matched, or teams with three new people who get murdered.” Vidal thinks there are two keys to bike polo: bike-handling skill and ballhandling skill. He considers Cargill the most skilled L.A. polo player: “Dave can pretty much shoot from anywhere and he’ll make the shot.” There are no set roles on the field. Vidal says, “Certain people play offense more, others are cautious and stand back.” Hammer tends to play back; he rides a fixed gear, which is good for tending goal because it’s low to the ground, with fat tires and maneuverability. When less experienced players show up, he and Vidal move up front, to ensure scoring. Vidal said most players in L.A. ride fixed gear bikes. With fixed gear, if the bike is going forward, the pedals move forward and vice versa. Free-wheel, you can coast, and pedaling backwards locks the brakes. When it comes to mallet preference, Hammer says, “People that tend to like the golf club are more of a striker position. They’re really light, really

maneuverable, you can change the direction of your swing at the last minute, but they’re not as good for defense. Somebody who would play a middie position, to use a lacrosse term, would use a heavier ski pole.” An Equal Opportunity Game Bike polo is an equal opportunity game. Mike Hammer says, “If you can ride a bike, you can play polo.” Of course, you also have to be able to afford a bike, and preferably have a back-up bike. “You want to have a polo bike you’re not totally attached to,” says Hammer. “It’s gonna get messed up and that’s a problem because there’s a requirement of having a certain amount of capital.” He suggests a steel or aluminum frame, which bend and “bounce back easily.” Carbon fiber frames snap. The players are primarily men. Hammer explains, “We’re not trying to be exclusive, but it is self-selective…You have to want to ride and be okay with getting knocked off your bike. If you hear about polo, [that means] you know somebody who has played it, and there are only 24 people here.” There are exceptions. Melanie Rodriguez has played since October, but was forced to take a two-and-a-halfmonth hiatus after injuring her finger. She believes few women play because,

“It’s aggressive. You get hurt.” Not that she’s worried. “I like to take people out. I play a little dirty. It’s fucking fun,” she adds. “It’s a really good group of guys. It’s great camaraderie. Monday through Friday, there are a lot of rules and regulations. You can cut loose here.” “In Madison there were girls who’d kick my ass,” says Linzmeier. However, he understands that “Women are more hesitant to involve themselves in a sport where they can get cut or bruised.” Linzmeier thinks the barrier is primarily financial. “Young cyclists who have the financial freedom to be able to play recreationally and put money down for new parts” dominate…You should probably have more than one bike, at least one or two nights off a week, which means you have a job that pays to do that.” Vidal is about to move to London, but he’s convinced the Virgil game is in good hands. In fact, he already referred to it as “Mike’s game,” adding, “I don’t want to take too much credit for this scene. It’s a bunch of dedicated individuals and groups that make it happen, all cool, all L.A.” NA L.A. Bike Polo Virgil Middle School, 152 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, www.labikepolo.org Saturday nights at 6:30 p.m.

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n any given Monday night in Los Angeles, you can see Randy Randall (of No Age fame) play in a No Age cover band; you can watch satanarchic short films; you can dance all night to Alice Deejay or Eve 6. Thanks to an iconoclast named Sean Carnage, this all transpires at Pehrspace. In the darkest corner of a sleepy Echo Park plaza, $5 grants you a personally finger-crocheted wristband and access to Carnage’s otherworldly experience of experimental music, performance art, and the occasional vegan pizza. Let’s go back to January 1991. Cleveland, Ohio. Euclid Tavern. Derek Hess, a young line cook and aspiring artist, began booking bands in exchange for the opportunity to design show flyers. A Case Western Reserve University student named Sean Carnage frequented this unusual music night, known as Euclid Tavern Monday Nights. “There were these musical mutants that would come out,” says Carnage, “both in the audience and on stage.” Hess hosted unknown bands like Helmet and The Melvins that found

Screwball, relishing the friendship and experimental music. The club is now located at Hyperion Tavern under the moniker Club Ding-a-Ling. In 2005, Bob Bellarue started a D.I.Y. performance space called Il Corral, allowing Carnage to host a night. Carnage chose Mondays as an homage to Hess. At the first show on August 1, 2005, the artsy 30-somethings he befriended at Club Screwball were instant fans, but the idea of an alcoholfree all-ages venue eventually stunted their interest. Carnage ended up replacing his extended family with an unexpected crew. Youngsters from all over Los Angeles flocked to Il Corral to witness the insanity that was unfolding there every Monday. They came to see acts like Robin Williams on Fire, Captain Ahab, and Health, all now pioneers in the experimental/noise scene. “These kids just blew me away with their enthusiasm and their talent,” Carnage muses. “I reached out to a new audience that I never knew existed. And now I know all these wonderful young people that I never would have otherwise met.” One of them was Kyle Mabson, who took over sound at Il

bands in a few short hours, capturing a scene that was, in his own words, “overflowing with talent.” Abe Vigoda, Health, Anavan, Wives, Bipolar Bear, The Amazements and others gave visceral two-minute performances to a congregation of local music lovers. In December 2006, Bob Bellerue moved to Portland. “It was clearly the end of an era at Il Corral,” says Carnage. Financial disarray ensued in the following weeks, so he searched for a new venue. As a favor from Dustin Krapes at the new D.I.Y. performance space Vermont House, he was able to transition for one week there before the move to Pehrspace. The low-key Echo Park art space proved to be the perfect venue for Carnage’s Monday Nights, with its progressive owners, the quality of sound, and its intimate size. Though less “punk” than its previous home, the community-oriented haven for artists and musicians fit perfectly with Carnage’s vision. “I feel that Sean Carnage has definitely carved out a niche for himself in the local music scene,” says Pehrspace owner Darren King. “His Monday night shows are an important contribution to the L.A. underground music scene.”

mean that there aren’t other awesome all-ages spaces in L.A.,” says Chris of Whitman. “I can honestly say that I’d rather play a Sean Carnage Monday Night than anywhere else in LA.” The communal quality draws in a heterogeneous crowd of individuals who find a common bond through music and performance. One might expect an aura of pretentiousness at such an avant-garde venue, but Monday Nights are quite the opposite. The basement party/sideshow ambiance is always infused with Carnage’s appreciation for popular culture, making it totally accessible and enjoyable for those with more conventional tastes. Carnage is planning another showcase for L.A.’s underground music. His new film, Friends in Other Dimensions—which he produced in conjunction with L.A.’s Retard Disco Records—features energetic performances by 25 veteran and upand-coming L.A. bands. The Mae Shi, tik//tik, Foot Village and Juiceboxxx all participated in the September 2007 filming. “[Sean Carnage] is a believer in the youth and the way they can change

success later in the decade. Carnage was inspired by the unconventional performances and awestruck by the talent that Hess managed to unearth on a weekly basis. Carnage migrated from the bar scene when his friends started an allages performance space called Speak in Tongues. This was revolutionary for Cleveland’s underground music scene, and Carnage was at its epicenter for eight years. He finally relocated to Los Angeles to experience big city life, but still craved that same irreverent, D.I.Y. experience. He discovered this in West Hollywood at Club Screwball, a Tuesday night ritual hosted by Nora Keyes and his old friend Don Bolles at the Parlour Club. Bolles became a father figure for Carnage, and for two years he never missed a single Club

Corral in October 2005. “He was the smart-aleck kid who came in and told me I was doing everything wrong!,” says Carnage. “Then he kept coming back week after week after week to make it right, and now he’s my roommate and my best friend.” As Sean cultivated Il Corral’s scene and bonded with its patrons, there was no better time for him to document what was going on in L.A. underground music. Based on a touring noise show called 10 Bands/60 Minutes, he decided to make 40 Bands/80 Minutes, a documentary featuring 40 of L.A.’s most exciting musical acts. The March 2006 filming happened to coincide with the demise of Queer TV Network, where Carnage worked. With a crew of out-of-work, anxious co-workers at his disposal, he filmed 52

Over a year after its move to Pehrspace, Sean Carnage Monday Nights are still a fiercely popular event. Slots to play are now so coveted that most shows are set up through preexisting relationships. Regulars come to watch repeat performers like John Thill, I.E., Whitman, Kyle Mabson, and an amalgam of their side projects. Carnage still works hard to expose patrons to new L.A. acts and touring bands. Elijah of emotronic duo e & e says of Carnage’s Monday Nights: “They support bands like us, when no other venues do.” Lauded sister venue The Smell—also a regular hangout and outlet for many Pehrspace denizens— has experienced a similar explosion in recent years. “It seems like The Smell is getting all the hype these days, and I love the Smell, but that doesn’t

the face of music,” says friend Margot of I.E. August 4, 2008 marks the third anniversary of Sean Carnage Monday Nights. He’s got something special lined up, with performances by his new and old favorites—a retrospective accented perfectly by the forward-thinking nature of the D.I.Y. scene in L.A. Surely it will be as memorable for the audience as Euclid Tavern Monday Nights are for him. If history repeats itself, Sean Carnage’s endeavors will inspire his protégés, and experimental music will always have a home, whether at Pehrspace or beyond. NA Sean Carnage Monday Nights at Pehrspace, 325 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles. 3-year Anniversary on August 4 at 9 p.m. $5.

29 ★ AUGUST 2008 ★ NEW ANGELES

SANGBIN IM RECENT WORK Take a visual journey through a variety of breathtaking landmarks as you stroll through an exhibition of large-scale photographs and drawings by Korean artist, Sangbin IM. The artist’s subjects include the towering bookshelves of the Columbia Library, NYC’s West Side Market bounty, and the bold and powerful Rockefeller Center. With some pieces up to five feet tall and others measuring nearly nine feet in length viewers may just feel as though they are seeing the sights with their own eyes and not through the eyes of the artist. Sangbin IM’s work will be on display Aug. 2-30 with an opening reception on Aug. 9, 7-10 p.m. L2Kontemporary, 990 N. Hill St., Chinatown. 323-225-1288 or www.l2kontemporary.com illustration by Sangbin IM

ART AUG. 1-31: NICOLE BRUCKMAN Vibrant paintings and collage on canvas of colorful human and animal subjects. Opening reception Aug. 9, 7-10 p.m. Chango Coffee House and Gallery, 1559 Echo Park Ave., Echo Park. 213-977-9161 or www. myspace.com/changocoffeehouse AUG. 2-30: HIVE GALLERY GROUP SHOW AND PERFORMANCE Large monthly group exhibition with all mediums of work represented. This month’s show features work by Jophen Stein, Tom Haubs, Tony Philippou and Miss Withers, plus an installation by Ching Ching Cheng. Opening reception Aug. 2, 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m. The Hive Gallery, 729 S. Spring St., Downtown. 213-955-9051 or www. thehivegallery.com

NEW ANGELES H AUGUST 2008 H 30

AUG. 2-30: LOOK! Artists from Los Angeles and San Francisco show creations in many media: painting, sculpture, collage, drawing and installation. Curated by Emily Sills. Includes artists Deedee Cheriel, Courtney Duncan, Katrin Jurati, Katie Lewis, Sam Lubicz, Sarah Jean Madson and more. Opening reception Aug. 2, 6-10 p.m. Jail Gallery, 965 N. Vignes St., Downtown. 213-621-9567 or www. thejailgallery.com

THROUGH AUG. 9: WRITE AND REVOLT A group exhibition of graphics and graffiti, in response to a variety of political and social issues around the world. Artists include John Carr, Mear One, Favianna Rodriguez and Winston Smith. Closing party with live painting by Mear One and spoken word by Mike the Poet Aug. 9, 6-9 p.m. Crewest Gallery, 110 Winston St., Downtown. 213-627-8272 or www.crewest.com

AUG. 7-SEP. 26: MONEY TREES A group exhibit exploring alternate sources of value, given our dwindling economy. The six participating artists (Jim Holyoak, Courtney Reid, Airom Bleicher, Cecile Gurrola-Faulconer, Kathy Ikerd and Carol Powell) were asked to explore the ironies and alternatives to monetary reward. Curated by Julie Rico. Opening reception Aug. 14, 6-9 p.m. Lime Café, 118 W. 5th St., Downtown. 213-627-1133 or www.weeneez.com

THROUGH AUG. 16: ROBERT REYNOLDS AND MARY WORONOV Two solo shows: large-scale sculptures by Robert Reynolds and paintings by Mary Woronov. Bert Green Fine Art, 102 W. 5th St., Downtown. 213-624-6212 or www.bgfa.us

AUG. 8-SEP. 5: RAVELED New oil paintings from Stella Im Hultberg that explore the darker side of relationships and human nature. Also on view in the gallery’s project room: multilayered “portraits” of living organisms by Dennis Hayes IV and gouache creations by Allison Sommers. Opening reception Aug. 8, 7-11 p.m. Thinkspace Gallery, 4210 Santa Monica Blvd., Silver Lake. 323-913-3375 or www. thinkspacegallery.com AUG. 9-SEP. 4: A NEW FRONTIER Acrylic paintings, mainly on wood surfaces, by San Francisco artist Kelly Lynn Jones. Opening reception Aug. 9, 7-10 p.m. Li le Bird Gallery, 3195 Glendale Blvd., Atwater Village. 323-662-1092 or www.li lebirdgallery.com AUG. 9-SEP. 7: GRAFIKO A new body of work by Omar Nava, one of Tijuana’s emerging artists, depicting a simultaneously chaotic and orderly universe of lines and amorphous figures. Exhibit includes drawings on paper, canvas and mixed media works. Opening reception Aug. 9, 7-10 p.m. Tropico de Nopal Gallery, 1665 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles. 213-481-8112 or www. tropicodenopal.com AUG. 14: DOWNTOWN ART WALK A free, self-guided tour to the many art venues of Downtown Los Angeles. A free shu le loops throughout Gallery Row to assist a endees on their adventure. Free, 12-9 p.m. Location map and gallery list at www.downtownartwalk.com AUG. 23-SEP. 28: MILES DAVID SCOTT, PHOTOGRAPHS Photographs of urban landscapes with an emphasis on pa ern and color capture the unique environment of Los Angeles. Opening reception Aug. 23, 8 p.m.midnight. Grace Ellay, 1615 Silver Lake Blvd., Silver Lake. 323-664-0568 or www. graceellay.com

THROUGH AUG. 23: LA ART GIRLS ART FAIR BIENNALE Work by 27 artists, from the cu ingedge generation of emerging stars that are the LA Art Girls, contained in two spectacular downtown spaces. The exhibition will include paintings, sculptures, drawings, installations, photographs, and video. Opening reception Aug. 14, 6-10 p.m. Phantom Galleries L.A., 610 S. Main St. and 601 S. Los Angeles St., Downtown. 213-626-2854 or www.phantomgalleriesla.com THROUGH AUG. 31: THE NEW YORK UNDERGROUND SCENE 1972-1977 Paul Zone’s photos of musicians and icons of the mid-’70s. drkrm Gallery, 2121 San Fernando Rd., Suite 3, Glassell Park. 323-223-6867 or www.drkrm.com THROUGH SEPT. 7: COWBOYS AND PRESIDENTS An exhibition including many historical and important images, artifacts and items that are associated with several American presidents, such as FDR’s spurs; Reagan’s cowboy boots; Clinton’s childhood drawings and more. $9. Autry National Center, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park. 323-667-2000 or www. autrynationalcenter.org

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AUG. 9: CHERRY BOMB: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BECOMING A BETTER FLIRT, A TOUGHER CHICK, AND A HOTTER GIRLFRIEND, AND TO LIVING LIKE A ROCK STAR A release event and signing with author Carrie Borzillo-Vrenna. With a display of artwork from the book’s illustrator, Liz Adams. Free, 3-7 p.m. La Luz de Jesus, 4633 Hollywood Blvd., Los Feliz. 323-666-7667 or www.laluzdejesus.com AUG. 10: ART OF THE STREETS Join two of L.A.’s prominent “writers,” Man One and Chaz Bojorquez, for a discussion of the technique and a ention to detail that separates true graffiti artists from everyday taggers.

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Free with museum admission, 1 p.m. Autry National Center of the American West, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park. 323-667-2000 or www. autrynationalcenter.org AUG. 10: AMERICA’S PROMISE Professor Mitchell Maki leads a panel discussion on the redress movement. Individuals from a variety of ethnic groups give their views of the effect on their communities. This event marks the signing of the Civil Liberties Act on August 10, 1988. Free with museum admission, 2 p.m. Japanese American National Museum, 369 E. 1st St., Little Tokyo. 213-625-0414 or www.janm.org

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AUG. 13-17: DOWNTOWN FILM FESTIVAL A plethora of independent films screened in various theatrical venues throughout Downtown. Enjoy a great film in a historic venue - or two! Film Schedule and locations at www. downtownfilmfestla.com

retiring lawman who must fight against an outlaw he put in prison. Followed by a docent-led tour of the “Cowboys and Presidents� exhibition. Free with museum admission, 12 p.m. Autry National Center of the American West, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park. 323-667-2000

AUG. 8: ‘CANARY’ The story of two children, both abandoned by their families, who bond in the wake of deadly gas attacks on the Tokyo subway systems by members of the Aum Shinrikyo cult. $10. See site for showtimes. ImaginAsian Center, 251 S. Main St., Downtown. 213-617-1033 or www. iacenterla.com

AUG. 14: 7TH ANNUAL INDIE MUSIC VIDEO FESTIVAL A fresh crop of 20 independent music videos from all over the world showcases brilliant cinematography, astonishing animation and artful editing that is sure to rock each of your senses. $5, 8 p.m. Echo Park Film Center, 1200 N. Alvarado St., Echo Park. 213-484-8846 or www. echoparkfilmcenter.org

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engagement, with an emphasis on public expressions of per formative experiences. Event includes a buffet meal. Free, noon. Farmlab, 1745 N. Spring St., Chinatown. 323-226-1158 or www. farmlab.org

AUG. 14: ALL ABOUT LULU Join author Jonathan Evison as he chats AUG. 14: ‘SWEET OLD SONG’ AUG. 9: ‘STRANGERS WHEN WE about his tale of would- be step-sibling MEET’ love in a family of wannabe bodybuilders National treasure Howard “Louie Bluieâ€? A married architect working IF onNOT a BelRETURNED Armstrong ient: The Clinic in the L.A. suburbs. Free, 7:30 p.m. BY / has/been performing for Air house embarks on a secret Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., Los most ofAS hisSHOWN. 91 years. For two decades ADaffair WILL BE PRINTED ze: 1/4 he has shared a life of creativity Feliz. 323-660-1175 or www.skylightbooks.com with a beautiful suburban mother. sue: March 07 Please be sure to double check all prices, expiration Directed by Richard Quine, starring andnumbers feistyfor humor with dates, addressKim and telephone accuracy. Any artist Barbara olor: 4c Novak, Kirk Douglas, Ernie Kovacs and Ward. Sweet Old Song is the story of AUG 14: THE ART OF LOOKING changes that you feel are necessary will be billed to your Approved without changes account at a $75 chargeArmstrong after the second revision. courtship and ep: RH Artist: educators YG Walter Matthau. $9, 7:30 p.m. LACMA, and Ward’s LACMA lead an hour-long Verdugo Monthly is not responsible for any uncorrected Approved with changes 5905 Wilshire shown Blvd., Miracle Mile. marriage — a unique partnership that discussion regarding the museum’s errors. See Changes P/U for: _______ 323-857-6000 inspired an outpouring of art and music. permanent collection. Free, 12:30 p.m. Advertiser: ___________________ ate & time in: _____________________ Free, 8 p.m. (this screens outdoors so LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Miracle Issue: _______________________ Date X/XX XX:XX oduction time out:Mile. _________________ AUG. 12: ‘ERASERHEAD’Advertiser’s Signature dress warm and bring a blanket). Craft 323-857-6000 or www.lacma.org and Folk Art Museum, 5814 Wilshire A newly restored 35mm. print of David CHANGES: AUG. 15: LIBERATION ARTS BEYOND Back 626.795.0149 Miracle Mile. 323-937-4230 or Lynch’s 1977 surrealist-horrorFax film. Stars JackTo Blvd., www.cafam.org THE BINARY Nance and Charlotte Stewart. $10, 7:30 p.m. Brent Blair leads an interactive dialog Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood on the theory, practice and evaluation Blvd., Hollywood. 323-466-3456 or www. AUG. 30: ‘HIGH NOON’ of liberation arts and community egyptiantheatre.com Gary Cooper is Marshall Will Kane, a

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AUG 8: PLATINUM PIED PIPERS The two-man musical duo performs modern hip-hop soul sounds with special guest Muhsinah. $16, 9 p.m., 18 and up. The Echoplex, 1154 Glendale Blvd., Echo Park. www.attheecho.com AUG. 9: ULTRALUXX A night of electro, indie and booty bass mixed by resident Dj’s Lexx and Los. The event also includes artists from The Hive Gallery painting live, along with light installations, photobooth and more. Free, 10 p.m., 21+. The Mountain, 473 Gin Ling Way, Chinatown. www.myspace. com/ultraluxx AUG. 14: CHESTER FRENCH Pop music by the duo Maxell Drummey and D.A. Wallach. Jeppe of Junior Senior also performs. $12, 8:30 p.m., 21 and up. Spaceland, 1717 Silver Lake Blvd., Silver Lake. 323-661-4380 or www. clubspaceland.com

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AUG. 15-16: GIPSY KINGS A lively night of vigorous guitar work and passionate vocals that represent an indigenous musical tradition known as rumba flamenca, perfomed by the Gipsy Kings. $39.75-$120.75, 7 p.m. Greek Theatre, 2700 N. Vermont Ave., Griffith Park. 323-665-5857 or www. greektheatrela.com AUG. 21: GZA A performance by The Genius, a.k.a. GZA, who is also known as a founding member of the Hip-Hop group Wu Tang Clan. $24, 8 p.m. The El Rey Theatre, 5515 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. 323-936-6400 or www.theelrey.com

AUG. 31: THE BIG PICTURE: THE FILMS OF WARNER BROS. David Newman conducts the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra in a night of music celebrating Warner Bros.’ 85-year legacy. Movie scenes will be projected on big screens in time to the music. $10-$114, 7:30 p.m. Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood. 323-850-2000 or www.hollywoodbowl.com

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AUG. 28: MATHEW SWEET This pop rock musician found most of his success in the ’90s, but he still has a few ear-pleasing tunes to offer. $18, 8 p.m., 18 and up. The Echo, 1822 Sunset Blvd., Echo Park. www.a heecho.com

AUG. 16-24: 68TH NISEI WEEK JAPANESE FESTIVAL Highlights of this Li le Tokyo festival include taiko and sumo demonstrations, martial arts, tea ceremonies, art, fashion show, odori dancing, games, car show, oodles of food and much more. For calendar and locations, 213-687-7193 or www.niseweek.org

AUG. 30: ANGEL LEBRON Y SU SABOR LATINO As the finale to LACMA’s 2008 Latin Sounds concert series, the group will perform energetic salsa sounds well into the night. Free, 5 p.m. Dorothy Collins Brown Amphitheater at LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Miracle Mile. 323-857-6000 or www.lacma.org

AUG. 17: RIVER WALK AT THE CONFLUENCE A walking tour of the Los Angeles River, offering opportunities to observe a wide variety of wildlife and birds. $5. Meet at Steelhead Park at end of Oros St. at Riverside Dr., Los Angeles. For more info and meeting time contact Ramona at mail@folar.org

AUG. 20: DOWNTOWN’S EVOLVING SKYLINE Take a sunset stroll and explore the architecture of the Central Business District and Bunker Hill downtown. Tours usually last 30-50 minutes. All ages are welcome. $10, 5:30 p.m. RSVP for location. Los Angeles Conservancy, 213-623-2489 or www.laconservancy.org AUG. 22: DANCE DOWNTOWN There is no be er way to spend a summer evening than dancing under stars on a flirtatious moonlit night. Dancers of all levels are welcome and a beginner dance lesson is offered at 6:30 p.m. before the festivities heat up. Free, 7:15-10 p.m. Music Center Plaza, 135 N. Grand Ave., Downtown. 213-972-3660 or www.musiccenter.org

ONGOING: URBAN GARDEN TOUR For 45 minutes, explore the nearly oneacre community garden that includes blooming trees, a 15-ton rose-shaped Del ware fountain and more. Free, 12 p.m., Thurs.-Sun. Tours at the Music Center, 135 N. Grand Ave., Downtown. 213-972-4399 or www.musiccenter.org

theatre/live performance

AUG. 23: ECHO PARK LAKE WALKING TOUR A two-hour walk will educate and enlighten walkers on the colorful story of Reservoir No. 4, a.k.a Echo Park Lake. $5, 10 a.m. Echo Park Lake Boathouse, 751 Echo Park Ave., Echo Park. 323-860-8874 or www.historicechopark.org

AUG. 3: BLACK TO BROADWAY A tribute to all the Broadway shows that were influenced African-American and Latino talents. With excerpts from Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope, Your Arms Too Short to Box with God and more. Free, 11 a.m. California African American Museum, 600 State Dr., Exposition Park. 213-744-7432 or www.caamuseum.org

AUG. 30: LITTLE TOKYO WALKING TOUR Relive history and learn about presentday Li le Tokyo in a tour led by museum

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California’s rich pool of flamenco artists, with additional guest artists imported from San Francisco, Albuquerque and Spain. $30, 8 p.m. The Fountain Theatre, 5060 Fountain Ave., East Hollywood. 323-663-1525 or www.fountaintheatre.com AUG. 8: BRODY’S BASEBALL BIZARRE A variety show that tackles the real problems of America’s favorite pastime. Featuring surprise comedy celebrity guests, and also Dodger Dogs, maybe. $8, 8 p.m. Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre,, 5919 Franklin Ave., Hollywood. 323-908-8702 or www.ucbtheatre.com AUG. 15: MORTAL KOMEDY! Sketch comedy that’s action-packed,

designed to terrorize…the funny bone. Directed by Josh Funk. Starring John Alston, Danny Jordon, Adam Moore and others. $10, 8 p.m. The Second City Studio Theatre, 6560 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. 323-464-1861 or www. secondcity.com AUG. 30-OCT. 19: THE HOUSE OF BLUE LEAVES Artie is a zookeeper and wannabe songwriter. Bunny is his brassy cocktail waitress girlfriend. Bananas is his long-suffering, slightly off-balance wife. Ronnie is his radical son who wants to blow up the Pope. These are just a few of the colorful characters in John Guare’s zany dark comedy, directed by

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NEW ANGELES ★ AUGUST 2008 ★ 36

Nicholas Martin. $24-$62. Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., Downtown. For schedule and further information, www.centertheatregroup.org THROUGH AUG. 24: THE ACCOMPLICES The true story of Hillel Kook (a.k.a. Peter Bergson) who, during World War II, spearheaded an extraordinary campaign of public rallies, hard-hi ing newspaper advertisements, and lobbying in Congress that forced America to confront the Holocaust. Wri en by Bernard Weinraub, directed by Deborah LaVine and produced by Simon Levy. $25-$28, Wed.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. The Fountain Theatre, 5060 Fountain

Ave., East Hollywood. 323-663-1525 or www.fountaintheatre.com THROUGH AUG. 31: MR. PUNCH A dark fable adapted from the graphic novel by best-selling author Neil Gaiman and internationally acclaimed artist Dave McKean, where the innocence of childhood and the pain of adulthood collide in the o -fragmented recesses of memory. Directed by Sean T. Cawelti, adapted for the stage by Cawelti with Miles Taber and the Rogues. $25, Fri. & Sat., 8 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 4 p.m. Bootleg Theater, 2220 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles. 800-838-3006 or www. rogueartists.org

Chandi Illuminating your vision

www.chandidesign.com • 866-4Chandi

To hear the Garden Tarts tell it,

to take home, but know you can come back any time and there will be 100 more.

in the city, a garden is where you find it. The Garden Tarts are Annette Gutierrez and Mary Gray, the creators/owners of Potted, a garden boutique on Los Feliz Boulevard in Atwater Village and on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica. Their idea was to bring their love of gardens and gardening to urbanites of every variety. To lend their stylish flair to those tenders of the most precious space in any city dwelling, the outdoors. Whether it be a half acre yard, an inner courtyard, or a ten by ten balcony, The Tarts are committed to helping those in need of a little sanctuary. One has only to visit Potted to understand the potential. The store is filled with all sorts of interesting garden pieces, most of which would be perfectly at home in home. The merchandise reflects the Tarts’ eclectic sensibilities as well as their flair for design. Many of Potted’s more popular items are designed and fabricated in house. The Neo Classic tile tables, benches and chairs are an excellent example, as well as the newer Julius pots and retro looking Egg Chairs. Potted strives to accent the urban and cultural eccentricities of Los Angeles. Mary Gray, co-Tart, tells us: “We’re always on the lookout for things that work as well inside as outside. We love the California lifestyle where all your living spaces can be blended together to create a home without walls.” Shopping at Potted is an experience unto itself. The Tarts and their staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and willing to go the extra distance. The shopping vibe is relaxed and pressure free. Potted is one of those places where you can find a hundred things you’d love

Potted 3158 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles (323) 665-3801 1021 Montana Ave., Santa Monica (310) 395-7687

Style, Grace, Elegance

Chandi Incorporated was started as a labor of love and creative expression by designer Meredith Clark in 1997. Over a decade later, Meredith continues to craft her functional works of art for clients worldwide. Chandi has become a leader in the boutique lighting industry, due largely to the meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship that can be seen and felt in each custom creation. In recent years, Meredith has expanded the Chandi line by reinterpreting the traditional chandelier to complement the integrative style of modern architecture and design. With the ability to customize size, style, color and even materials such as natural minerals and delicate copper chain, as a Chandi client you are walked through the creative process from start to finish so that the end result is a creation unique to you and to your space. “I love working with local clients here in Los Angeles,” Meredith states, “When I can walk into a space and design specifically for a person and their home, the resulting piece already carries the essence of its owner.”

Chandi 2271 Ewing St., Los Angeles (323) 662-9277/(323.)662-9278 fax www.chandidesign.com Advertising Supplement

37 ★ AUGUST 2008 ★ NEW ANGELES

Home of the

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Pet Boarding Pet Training Pet Grooming Canine Massage Doggy Day Care Dog Walking Service Pet Food & Supply Strictly Owner Operated Low Cost Vaccination

(818) 956-8580

1st day of Day Care or Boarding FREE (with purchase) exp.12/31/08

$5.00 OFF First time grooming $2.00 OFF bath Exp.12/31/08

www.glendalepetresort.com

3645 San Fernando Rd., Glendale, CA 91204

NEW ANGELES ★ AUGUST 2008 ★ 38

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