Los Angeles in the Movies

Los Angeles in the Movies

by | Sep 19, 2023

The enduring writer’s strike has certainly put Hollywood movies on hold—so it is a good time to look at what the city and movies have in common. This is, to be clear, the shortlist, for this list could go on and on, but we take a brief look at some of our favorites—

Los Angeles has played a prominent role in countless movies, serving as both a backdrop and a character in its own right. Here are some notable films that showcase the city:

  1. Blade Runner (1982) – Directed by Ridley Scott, this iconic science fiction film depicts a dystopian Los Angeles in the year 2019. Its dark, rain-soaked streets and futuristic skyline have become synonymous with the city’s portrayal in futuristic settings.
  2. La La Land (2016) – Damien Chazelle’s musical romantic comedy celebrates the magic of Los Angeles. The film showcases various famous locations, including Griffith Observatory, Hermosa Beach Pier, and the Warner Bros. Backlot.
  3. Chinatown (1974) – Roman Polanski’s neo-noir classic is set in 1937 Los Angeles and explores the corruption and intrigue surrounding the city’s water supply. The film captures the gritty, sun-drenched streets of old Los Angeles.
  4. Pulp Fiction (1994) – Quentin Tarantino’s acclaimed film features various locations in and around Los Angeles, giving viewers a taste of the city’s diverse neighborhoods.
  5. Training Day (2001) – This crime thriller, directed by Antoine Fuqua, provides a gritty portrayal of Los Angeles’ criminal underworld. Much of the film takes place in some of the city’s tougher neighborhoods.
  6. The Big Lebowski (1998) – The Coen Brothers’ cult classic is set in Los Angeles and features a quirky cast of characters navigating the city’s diverse landscapes, from Venice Beach to the Hollywood Hills.
  7. Heat (1995) – Michael Mann’s crime thriller showcases various Los Angeles locations, including the historic downtown area. The film’s iconic shootout scene takes place on the streets of downtown.
  8. Die Hard (1988) – While often associated with Christmas due to its holiday setting, this action-packed film is a quintessential example of the high-rise architecture and urban environment that defines parts of Los Angeles.
  9. Boyz n the Hood (1991) – John Singleton’s coming-of-age drama offers a glimpse into South Central Los Angeles in the late 1980s and early 1990s, addressing issues of race, violence, and socio-economic disparity.
  10. Mulholland Drive (2001) – David Lynch’s surreal mystery film is deeply rooted in the mystique of Los Angeles. The winding Mulholland Drive, a scenic route through the Hollywood Hills, plays a significant role in the narrative.
  11. Drive (2011) – Nicolas Winding Refn’s stylish neo-noir crime film captures the nighttime allure of Los Angeles, featuring its neon-lit streets and moody atmosphere.
  12. L.A. Confidential (1997) – This neo-noir crime film, directed by Curtis Hanson, is set in the 1950s and showcases a period-specific Los Angeles, complete with vintage cars and architecture.

These films not only provide a visual tour of Los Angeles but also often reflect the city’s unique atmosphere, cultural diversity, and its place in the collective imagination of filmmakers and audiences alike.

The enduring writer’s strike has certainly put Hollywood movies on hold—so it is a good time to look at what the city and movies have in common. This is, to be clear, the shortlist, for this list could go on and on, but we take s brief look at some of our favorites—

Los Angeles has played a prominent role in countless movies, serving as both a backdrop and a character in its own right. Here are some notable films that showcase the city:

  1. Blade Runner (1982) – Directed by Ridley Scott, this iconic science fiction film depicts a dystopian Los Angeles in the year 2019. Its dark, rain-soaked streets and futuristic skyline have become synonymous with the city’s portrayal in futuristic settings.
  2. La La Land (2016) – Damien Chazelle’s musical romantic comedy celebrates the magic of Los Angeles. The film showcases various famous locations, including Griffith Observatory, Hermosa Beach Pier, and the Warner Bros. Backlot.
  3. Chinatown (1974) – Roman Polanski’s neo-noir classic is set in 1937 Los Angeles and explores the corruption and intrigue surrounding the city’s water supply. The film captures the gritty, sun-drenched streets of old Los Angeles.
  4. Pulp Fiction (1994) – Quentin Tarantino’s acclaimed film features various locations in and around Los Angeles, giving viewers a taste of the city’s diverse neighborhoods.
  5. Training Day (2001) – This crime thriller, directed by Antoine Fuqua, provides a gritty portrayal of Los Angeles’ criminal underworld. Much of the film takes place in some of the city’s tougher neighborhoods.
  6. The Big Lebowski (1998) – The Coen Brothers’ cult classic is set in Los Angeles and features a quirky cast of characters navigating the city’s diverse landscapes, from Venice Beach to the Hollywood Hills.
  7. Heat (1995) – Michael Mann’s crime thriller showcases various Los Angeles locations, including the historic downtown area. The film’s iconic shootout scene takes place on the streets of downtown.
  8. Die Hard (1988) – While often associated with Christmas due to its holiday setting, this action-packed film is a quintessential example of the high-rise architecture and urban environment that defines parts of Los Angeles.
  9. Boyz n the Hood (1991) – John Singleton’s coming-of-age drama offers a glimpse into South Central Los Angeles in the late 1980s and early 1990s, addressing issues of race, violence, and socio-economic disparity.
  10. Mulholland Drive (2001) – David Lynch’s surreal mystery film is deeply rooted in the mystique of Los Angeles. The winding Mulholland Drive, a scenic route through the Hollywood Hills, plays a significant role in the narrative.
  11. Drive (2011) – Nicolas Winding Refn’s stylish neo-noir crime film captures the nighttime allure of Los Angeles, featuring its neon-lit streets and moody atmosphere.
  12. L.A. Confidential (1997) – This neo-noir crime film, directed by Curtis Hanson, is set in the 1950s and showcases a period-specific Los Angeles, complete with vintage cars and architecture.

These films not only provide a visual tour of Los Angeles but also often reflect the city’s unique atmosphere, cultural diversity, and its place in the collective imagination of filmmakers and audiences alike.

Lake Tahoe Sojourn

Lake Tahoe Sojourn

by | Aug 18, 2023

In the Sierra Nevada Mountains lies the third-deepest lake in America and the 10th-deepest in the world, Lake Tahoe. It is a glistening gemstone in the wilderness filled with clear water and alpine trees. This is a lake that is claimed by both Californai and Neveda, and it is stunning no matter which direction you look at it from.

It is a 7 and a half-hour drive from Los Angeles, but what a drive! Of course, you can fly for $150 and be there in under two hours (stop in Reno and find your way to the lake).

We opted for the slow ride through the 395, with visits to Bishop, California, Lone Pine, Mammoth Lakes, Mono Lake, and finally South Lake Tahoe. Our destination is the Hyatt Regency in Lake Tahoe, with its spa and Casino. And just like that, we arrived. This is the weekend before the 4th of July, and there is a buzz about it. Dogs—to be sure, this is a dog-friendly hotel—and staff friendly!

WE HAVE ARRIVED

The hotel sits across the street from the lake, but it is a short walk to the lakeshore.

There is something to be said about what must be called “lodge style.” It is a rustic and rugged style built of wood and stone. It’s heavy and solid, and if anything can be called lodge style, it is the famous Lone Eagle Grill, which is one of the restaurants in the Regency. With vast views of the lake and at night, the open-air pits along the boardwalk provide a unique, romantic setting. The menu is also rustic, as it offers up Duncan Ranch Elk Strip Loin or Grilled Ra King Salmon Filet. Venture out a little further, and one can end up at Pier 111 Bar, which is a 275-foot suspended pier over the lake. And it is beautiful and the perfect place to mingle. Our first activity is the fine art of axe throwing, a newly appreciated sport that requires the throwing of a heavy axe at a target from a distance. It is not an easy sport, and as this is summer, it soon requires that we find shade in the verdant courtyard of the hotel.

After the strenuous axe-throwing workout, it is a good time to visit the Stillwater Spa, which offers facials, body treatments, and massages. All treatments spring from a sense of renewal and calm, and the physical Spa itself is testimony to this notion. But adventure calls once again, and we are drawn to the lake shore, where an afternoon yoga session is about to begin. In the distance, on a floating pier, is the unique Pier 111 bar. Located at the end of the floating pier, it is home base for speedboat adventures and, of course, cocktails. Back at the hotel itself, the large outdoor pool is one of four different pool areas. The large pool has a winding waterway that leads into the hotel itself. It is summer, the weather plays easy, and a night swim turns out to be a good idea. Another day, another activity.  As the sun sets on the lake, we take to our kayaks and head out into the lake, where the shoreline grows smaller. It is a fun fact that the name Larry Ellison is often mentioned. Ellison is the CEO of technology company Oracle, and he is rich. It is his property, Cal Neva Resort & Casino property, which is a 13-acre property that occupies much of the view from the kayaks. (Rumor has it he has sold the property.)

YOGA, LAKESIDE

There is nothing quite like doing yoga by a lake.

The lakeside yoga event series is hosted by DJ JOOLZ and local yoga instructor Alexandra Farrar. There is music, there is sand, there is water, and there is Yoga. DJ JOOLZ is spinning out quiet vibes as Alexandra Farra leads a group of 25 through the various yoga positions. It’s all for a good cause, as the suggested $10 donation will benefit Incline Elementary School’s “Step Up for Stem” program.

The lakeside yoga sessions  take place on September 14, and September 28, with registration beginning at 5 p.m. and the classes starting at 5:30 p.m. Following the classes, attendees are welcomed to relax and unwind at The Nest Bar and Grill for a post-yoga happy hour.

We venture around the lake on bikes, with the Regency as our starting base. The Alpine air, the clear skies, and the trails along the lake provide a unique opportunity to see the lake from a many angles.

As all things must come to an end, it is time to pack it up and leave all this behind, with regret—so many unique experiences were offered, we felt like we had scratched the beautiful surface.

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino

111 Country Club Drive, Incline Village, Nevada, United States, 89451
+1 775 832 1234

 

DJ JOOLZ and local yoga instructor Alexandra Farrar lead the Yoga by the Lake. Above: Zuke Oshiro, DJ KOOLZ, and Alexandra Farrar enjoy a post-Yoga moment.

The vast “lodge style” of The Lone Eagle Grill; a view of the resort; the spa faciltities, a lone kayaker; sunset on the lake.

Male Edition: The Art of Men’s Style

Male Edition: The Art of Men’s Style

by | Jun 12, 2023

As the age of photography enters into the  new era of AI, Fahey/Klein takes a look back at some of the most iconic images of men of style with a new group exhibit this week.

If you have never been to opening night at Fahey/Klein, drag out the finery and get ready to see and be seen.

The Fahey/Klein Gallery is pleased to present, Male Edition: The Art of Men’s Style. The photographs on display take the viewer through the varying ways personal style has been utilized in the expression of self-identity, with images spanning from the early 20th Century through the 21st Century. This group exhibition features (33) photographers with works celebrating male cultural icons, periods in history emblematic of men’s clothing, and figures with lasting influence on style today. Male Edition: The Art of Men’s Style will showcase genres and identities in culture through music, cinema, and the visual arts.

Male Edition: The Art of Men’s Style celebrates and documents the evolution of men’s style through iconic works by some of photography’s most notable artists, and the clothing that has defined the male esthetic – reveling in images of rakish style, eccentrics, and the flamboyance of self-expression. These photographs emphasize that clothes and adornments are the reflection of the individual who dons them and makes them their own.

The early 20th Century is synonymous with the rise of the “modern man”. Icons like Jazz musician, Dexter Gordon, who effortlessly combined dapper fashion with musical prowess, embodied the spirit of the time – as illustrated in Herman Leonard’s portrait. Moving forward, the rebellious spirit of the 1950’s gave way to the greaser subculture. Figures like James Dean, photographed by Phil Stern, with his relaxed posture and confident gaze became a symbol of rebellion and effortless cool. The 1960’s witnessed a revolution in numerous ways, propelled by music and cultural reckonings. Steve Schapiro’s photograph of “Hippie with ‘Love’ Hat, Haight Ashbury, San Francisco” is a glimpse into the explosive evolution in style that gave way to playful experimentation. Meanwhile, the punk movement of the 1970’s and 1980’s injected a fierce and rebellious energy into the collective zeitgeist. The likes of Billy Idol, captured by Janette Beckman, with his leather jacket adorned with pins and spikes, became a symbol of nonconformity and individuality. Fast-forward to the present day, we find common touch stones of style borrowed and repurposed to embrace and define unique idiosyncrasies – regardless of gender identity.

Male Edition: The Art of Men’s Style features photographs by Bernice Abbott, Ruven Afanador, Miles Aldridge, Janette Beckman, Tom Bianchi, Brad Branson, William Claxton, Edward S. Curtis, Greg Gorman, Bob Gruen, George Hoyningen-Huene, Billy & Hells, Paul Jasmin, Annie Leibovitz, Herman Leonard, Alexander Liberman, Herbert List, Christopher Makos, Gered Mankowitz, Terry O’Neill, Irving Penn, Herb Ritts, Steve Schapiro, Norman Seeff, Mark Seliger, Paul Solberg, Randee St. Nicholas, Phil Stern, Agnes Varda, Ellen von Unwerth, Bruce Weber, Alfred Werthimer, and Dan Winters.

Male Edition: The Art of Men’s Style features photographs by Bernice Abbott, Ruven Afanador, Miles Aldridge, Janette Beckman, Tom Bianchi, Brad Branson, William Claxton, Edward S. Curtis, Greg Gorman, Bob Gruen, George Hoyningen-Huene, Billy & Hells, Paul Jasmin, Annie Leibovitz, Herman Leonard, Alexander Liberman, Herbert List, Christopher Makos, Gered Mankowitz, Terry O’Neill, Irving Penn, Herb Ritts, Steve Schapiro, Norman Seeff, Mark Seliger, Paul Solberg, Randee St. Nicholas, Phil Stern, Agnes Varda, Ellen von Unwerth, Bruce Weber, Alfred Werthimer, and Dan Winters.

On view: June 15, 2023 – July 29, 2023

What: Male Edition: The Art of Men’s Style 
Where: The Fahey/Klein Gallery, 148 North La Brea Ave., LA 90036
When: Thursday, June 15, 2023, 7:00 – 9:00pm
Website: http://www.faheykleingallery.com

Sojourns

Sojourns

by | May 17, 2023

As summer approaches we begin to ask…what will travel be like this summer?

 

An estimated 42.3 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this Memorial Day weekend, a 7% increase over 2022, according to a new forecast released by AAA on Monday.

Some 2.7 million more people will travel for the unofficial start of summer in 2023 compared to last year, the company said.

Are we daunted? No way. Pack the bags, fill up the tank and let’s explore a few of the  popular destinations for SoCal locals.

 

“Unveiling Earth’s Sculptures: Joshua Tree National Park”

Venture into Joshua Tree National Park and witness a surreal landscape of twisted Joshua trees and massive rock formations. This unique desert ecosystem attracts rock climbers, hikers, and stargazers, providing an otherworldly experience in Southern California.

https://www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm

 

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“Exploring the Hidden Oasis: The Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve”

Discover a vibrant display of California poppies at the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve. This hidden gem boasts acres of colorful wildflowers, offering a stunning sight and a peaceful escape from the bustling city life.

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=627

 

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“A Journey into History: The Queen Mary in Long Beach”

Step aboard the Queen Mary, a retired ocean liner turned floating museum in Long Beach. Immerse yourself in the ship’s rich history, explore its decks, and even spend the night in one of the luxury suites for a truly unforgettable experience.

https://queenmary.com/

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“Unearthing Subterranean Beauty: The Salton Sea”

Visit the Salton Sea, a saline lake nestled in the Colorado Desert. Despite its eerie and unconventional allure, this offbeat destination offers mesmerizing sunsets, diverse birdlife, and the opportunity to witness the remnants of forgotten towns along its shoreline.

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=639

 

Keith Haring at the Broad

Keith Haring at the Broad

by | May 15, 2023

 

Don’t miss this opportunity to view Keith Haring: Art Is for Everybody – a must-see, first-ever museum exhibition
in Los Angeles of Keith Haring’s expansive body of work. The show is presented at The Broad, a contemporary art museum in Downtown Los Angeles that exhibits Eli and Edythe Broad’s personal art collection that includes contemporary art from the 1950s to the present by artists such as Jeff Koons, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and others. After exploring the exhibition and other galleries, you will be able to enjoy lunch on your own at The Broad’s very own Otium restaurant or – just a few minutes by foot down the street – Lemonade, a fast-casual restaurant located inside MOCA Grand Avenue, an iconic contemporary art museum that showcases a vast collection of multimedia
works produced since 1940. The trip includes round-trip luxury coach transportation, light breakfast, admission fees, private tours and a dinner
box with wine for the ride home.

7:30 am
Leave Balboa Park
8:00 am
Leave Lomas Santa Fe Plaza
10:45 am
Arrive at The Broad
11:00 am
Guided tour
12:00 pm
Free time for lunch
1:30/2:00pm Visit MOCA-self-guided tour
3:45pm
Meet at the bus (parking outside MOCA)
5:45pm
Arrive Lomas Santa Fe Plaza
6:30pm
Arrive at Balboa Park

Tickets: $165 Members | $185 Non-Members

https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E81193&id=195

When Hollywood Ran Scared

When Hollywood Ran Scared

by | May 4, 2023

Explore the history and impact of the Hollywood Red Scare and its contemporary implications for civil liberties, propaganda, and shifting definitions of American patriotism.

In October 1947, the House Un-American Activities Committee called on Hollywood figures to testify about allegations of Communist propaganda in American films. Although the committee never found evidence of this, the film industry responded by becoming the first mass employer to adopt a blacklist against employees whose political beliefs ran counter to prevailing ideals.

Making its West Coast debut at the Skirball Cultural Center with newly added artifacts, Blacklist: The Hollywood Red Scare shines a spotlight on the proceedings, investigations, motives, and choices of those caught in the crosshairs—including the many Jewish creatives and executives who suffered under and enforced the blacklist.

The result is an emotionally complex and compelling exhibition that demonstrates how the politics of Hollywood can shape the entire country.

Now on view till September 3, 2023

Blacklist: The Hollywood Red Scare is an original exhibition created by and on loan from the Jewish Museum Milwaukee.

Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 440-4500
info@skirball.org

Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo

by | May 3, 2023

Although the holiday’s roots are in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo has become a day to celebrate Mexican culture and heritage in the United States. The holiday commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French army at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.
In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated with festivals, parades, and parties. Mexican and Mexican-American businesses often offer specials and promotions on this day. And, of course, there is plenty of Mexican food and drink to enjoy!
So, whether you are of Mexican descent or not, take some time on May 5 to learn about and celebrate Mexican culture. Feliz Cinco de Mayo!
So let’s get this party started—Here are a few of the restaurants dishing out great Mexican food and Margaritas too!
 

El Cholo

LA’s oldest Mexican restaurant turns 100 years old this year and maintains a historic presence on Western Avenue just north of Pico, but there are six bustling SoCal locations serving margaritas, combination platters, and El Cholo’s signature green corn tamales.
1121 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90006
 
(323) 734-2773

LA Cha Cha Chá

Mexico City restaurant Terraza Cha Cha Chá opened this rooftop destination in the Arts District in 2021, and the response has been tremendous. It’s not unusual to find new items on the modern Mexican menu along with tacos, tostadas, and composed seafood dishes, plus a rare view of Downtown from its eastern edge.

812 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
 
(213) 548-8487

ENCANTO

A RESTAURANT AND BAR WITH A CONTEMPORARY TAKE ON TRADITIONAL MEXICAN FOOD.

The former location of Mexico City, the Los Feliz eatery has a happy hour from 4-6. The menu goes deep into the culture and one must taste the SPINACH & GREEK FETA ENCHILADAS.

 

2121 Hillhurst Ave, Los Feliz

323-741-0140

The View from Here

The View from Here

by | Apr 24, 2023

 

The view is one from the eyes of a crane operator—high above the construction of the new LACMA new building, bridging the North & South campuses over Wilshire Blvd , construction well underway.” A job not for all, but the views are spectacular.

Downtown Art (LA Style)

Downtown Art (LA Style)

by | Apr 19, 2023

Jean-Michel Basquiat’s contributions to the history of art and his explorations of multifaceted cultural phenomena––including music, the Black experience, pop culture, Black American sports figures, literature, and other sources––will be showcased through immersive environments providing unique insight into the late artist’s creative life and his singular voice that propelled a social and cultural narrative that continues to this day.

Organized and curated by the family of Jean-Michel Basquiat, this exhibition of over 200 never-before-seen and rarely shown paintings, drawings, multimedia presentations, ephemera, and artifacts tell the story of Jean-Michel from an intimate perspective, intertwining his artistic endeavors with his personal life, influences, and the times in which he lived.

Tickets sell out fast! We suggest purchasing tickets well in advance of your visit.

Monday, Wednesday – Friday
Adult – $32
Seniors, Students, Military – $28
Children (ages 3-13) – $25
VIP – $65 (Arrive any time you like, get 3 hours of free parking and a complimentary gift.)

Saturday, Sunday
Adult – $35
Seniors, Students, Military – $28
Children (ages 3-13) – $25
VIP – $65 (Arrive any time you like, get 3 hours of free parking and a complimentary gift.)

Calling All Mother’s

Calling All Mother’s

by | Apr 19, 2023

With Mother’s Day around the corner,  Burke Williams luxury day spa is featuring some specials.

Beginning Thursday, April 13, Burke Williams is offering an assortment of expertly assembled Mother’s Day gift card packages. Packages include an array of signature luxurious and rejuvenating Burke Williams treatments, including massage therapy, facials, manicures and spa baths. The all-new Tranquility Massage, included in the “Mom’s Day Off” package, integrates massage therapy with the healing effects of sound from Nepalese singing bowls for a uniquely calming experience.

LOS ANGELES, CA — California’s premier luxury day spa, Burke Williams, is pleased to introduce three customized Mother’s Day gift card packages to honor mothers this holiday with the quintessential gift of relaxation and self-care. Mother’s Day packages will launch on Thursday, April 13, welcoming mothers and mothers-to-be to partake in a luxurious and rejuvenating experience at ten Burke Williams locations statewide.

Custom-tailored gift card packages feature a variety of signature and innovative wellness treatments including massage therapy, facials and spa baths, plus spa passes that never expire. The “Mom’s Day Off” package includes Burke Williams’ all-new Tranquility Massage treatment which integrates massage therapy and the healing effects of sound to create a one-of-a-kind calming experience.

Burke Williams celebrates expectant mothers, providing a complimentary exchange for any of the packages to be utilized towards a specialty Pregnancy Massage.

Mother’s Day Gift Cards (Available Starting April 13)

Do Not Disturb – $180 (gift card value: $240)

• 80-min. Pure Relaxation Massage or Spa Facial

• Enhancement of Choice

• 1-Day Spa Pass

Out Of Office – $290 (gift card value: $390)

• 80-min. Pure Relaxation Massage

• 50-min. Spa Style Facial

• Enhancement of Choice

• 3-Day Spa Pass

Mom’s Day Off – $495 (gift card value: $675)

• 80-min. Tranquility or Vitality Massage

• 80-min. Regenerate Facial

• 20-min. Spa Bath

• 3-Day Spa Pass

Prices and services for gift card packages may vary at the San Francisco and San Jose locations. For more information on all of Burke Williams’ Mother’s Day gift card packages, please visit burkewilliams.com.

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ABOUT BURKE WILLIAMS

Burke Williams created the original urban day spa in 1984, elevating the spa experience to a new art form. Drawing inspiration from world-class European day spas, the destination worked to combine the finest traditions with nourishing innovations to transport guests from the stress of everyday life. Today, with 11 locations across California, Burke Williams is a luxurious sanctuary, a place for wellness and beauty, inspiration and optimism. For more information, please visit burkewilliams.com.

For Art’s Sake

For Art’s Sake

by | Feb 7, 2023

The LA Art Show, LA’s largest and longest-running art fair, returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center on February 15–19 to kick off the city’s 2023 art season. Guided by the leadership of LA Art Show producer & director Kassandra Voyagis, the 28th edition promises a larger global presence and more ambitious programming than ever before. LA Art Show will donate 15% of all ticket proceeds to support the life-saving work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®.

The LA Art Show 2023 includes the exciting return of the European Pavilion; the debut of the Japanese Pavilion featuring 6 galleries from Japan; and more South Korean artists and galleries than ever before in testament to the country’s thriving arts scene.

This year’s fair will inspire important social dialogue with work from Ukrainian artist-turned refugee Denis Sarazhin, stranded due to the war but able to secure accommodations in the U.S. following a generous GoFundMe campaign, and is now transmuting the chaos and uncertainty of his unraveling life into paintings of wild transformation. TRANSformation by MRG Fine Art in partnership with Zero Two 20 promises to be a thought-provoking exhibition, creating an open platform for talent of diverse backgrounds, addressing a foundational transformation inherent in the evolutionary process of both artists and society alike.

Featuring 9 art institutions, the Fair’s non-commercial program and cultural anchor, DIVERSEartLA –  curated by Marisa Caichiolo – returns with an ambitious agenda, addressing the global climate crisis. As part of this, MOLAA will present work from iconic Ecofeminist Judy Baca and AMA will present one of Mexico’s most prominent photographers, Alfredo De Stefano.  Please visit www.LAArtShow.com to learn more and purchase tickets.

Quintessential LA Experience

Quintessential LA Experience

by | Aug 24, 2022

Suddenly being back in the Arts District after a two year hiatus, as Bob Dylan once said, “Things have changed”.  Retail store, Warby Parker is gone. Hammer and Spear, gone. The Pie Hole will be closing September 17th. It’s an area hard hit by the pandemic. When the invitation to visit the Mulholland Room Hideaway arrived—we dashed. Located on the 2nd floor of the building that houses the Pali Wine Co., a building that feels like something about of a Raymond Chandler novel, the 2nd floor entrance is simply a small note on a door. The Mulholland Room Hideway was founded by actor Walton Goggins and cinematic cameraman Matthew Alper, the location has been described as a “love letter to LA.” The occasion? To sip their distilled Gin, Vodka and Whiskey, called, yes, Mulholland. This was a unique Los Angeles event; the name alone for those that know their LA history is that William Mulholland, a civil engineer that imported water into Los Angeles in the early 1900s. Mulholland Drive is a 21 mile excursion on the crest of a mountain that goes from Hollywood to to the ocean. It ihas been the subject of many a film, and it is home to many celebrities. It is distinctly a Los Angeles  road that separates the valley from Los Angeles with beautiful vistas of the Hollywood Sign, downtown and the San Fernando Valley. But tonight, we are here to sip and drink, have conversations and watch the slow descent of the summer sun on downtown Los Angeles. And while a PR event, here is the good news—everyone involved turns out to be beautiful, kind and appreciative. And here’s the even better news—the booze is great!

“At Mulholland, our mission is to create artisanal spirits that reflect and celebrate the diversity and vibrancy of our great city. We’ve traveled the entire country in search of the finest spirits available. We are working with master distillers to bring those spirits here for all to enjoy. This is our Spirit of Los Angeles™. You can find our 100 proof American Whiskey, our 96 proof New World Gin and 86 proof 100% Corn Vodka throughout California.”

To learn more about Mulholland Distilled products: https://www.mulhollanddistilling.com

Actor Walter Goggins (left) and cinematographer Matthew Alper