by Randy Dunbar | 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
“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
“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/
“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
by Randy Dunbar | 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
by Randy Dunbar | 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
by Randy Dunbar | 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.
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.
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
by Randy Dunbar | 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.
by Randy Dunbar | 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.)
by Randy Dunbar | 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.
###
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.
by Randy Dunbar | 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.
by Randy Dunbar | 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
by Randy Dunbar | May 11, 2022
There is a smell rampant in Los Angeles—it fills the air with a sweet, earthy, herbal and periodically “skunky” smell. It is the smell of Marijuana running through the airstreams of Los Angeles. It all began in November 2016, when the Adult Use of Marijuana Act (Proposition 64) was approved and what was once illegal became legal — and it also became big business. Today, it is reported that there are thousands of unlicensed dispensaries and over 200 licensed. It is with this brief knowledge that we decided to ask an expert about pot. We turned to Geza Frey, Jr. for some answers:
During the lockdown and afterwards, as an industry how as the pot trade fared?
During the lockdown sales soared. The industry was booming and if you needed a job, the cannabis industry was the place for you. Cannabis workers weee labeled essential in the state of California. Since then, sales have slowed a bit and I know that a lot of brands/ dispensaries are in the red these last two quarters.
Where is the greatest concentration of dispensaries?
The Greater Los Angeles area but as cities and states begin to legalize and adopt cannabis, more and more dispensaries are opening. Some of my favorites are in DTLA, Venice, and Fairfax/ Melrose.
What determines price? There seem to be endless kinds of pot?
Indoor flower is the highest quality and most potent
Outdoor is more affordable and less potent
Indoor typically hits higher price points vs outdoor
There are also edibles, concentrates, oils, topicals and more.
What is the good stuff?
Everyone has their preferences and reacts differently to each strain. I love me a good indoor indica dominant strain in the Glue or OG family rolled in a leaf wrap with a glass tip. It’s my version of the canna-cigar
If you are a beginner, what would you recommend?
For beginners I would recommend starting with CDB products and than moving up to 1:1 CBD + THC and than go from there. There are a ton of options it’s best to start small and gradually build up a tolerance/ find out what strains you like the most.
What is the law regarding driving under the influence of pot?
If it is determined that you are driving well high on cannabis you can potentially get a DUI or DWI
https://amp.sacbee.com/news/california/article232688547.html
Do they have statistics on the people buying as in age, etc?
This article breaks down some mind blowing stats when it comes to cannabis sales and who is buying (in the legal market)
https://financesonline.com/cannabis-industry-statistics/#recreational-usage
Geza Frey, Jr. is a multi-talented artist that specializes in sneakers, fashion, cannabis, tech, sports, and lifestyle. He has worked both in front of the camera and behind the scenes in various global marketing campaigns over the last eight years.
Tomorrowisntpromised.us
by Randy Dunbar | Apr 1, 2022
Last week at the luxurious photo studio compound in Culver City, Smashbox Cosmetics presented a unique artistic event to celebrate the pilot of their inaugural Open Studios Program that drew a fascinating crowd.
The four-week incubator provided artists with premium resources to create, along with a physical studio to develop and showcase their work. The artists were also offered mentorship from Smashbox veterans, including the brand’s founder, Davis Factor, and Global Lead Pro Artist Lori Taylor Davis, on photography, branding, design, and makeup in science and practice.
The program culminated in a group show on the evening of the 31st, unveiling three new projects from artists Uzumaki Cepeda, who creates faux-fur environments designed as safe havens for communities of color; Randijah Simmons, a photographer, and co-founder of community creative studio The Babe Cave LA, and Gabriela Ruiz, a mixed media artist who works with vibrant color palettes to explore ideas of self, home, and environment.
by Randy Dunbar | Mar 24, 2022
The 94th Oscar event is this Sunday. Coming out of the static that was the pandemic, the Oscars this year will surely be something different. Will it work, will it engage and audience that has been dwindling? Will Packer will produce the event. With three hosts, Regina Hall, Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes the event will be held at the often-used Dolby Theater in Hollywood. But what about the Oscars, this crazy race to hold the golden man, the winners, losers, the gowns and tuxedos? The big picture, the Best Picture Award will likely go to CODA—a great, unpretentious movie with a happy ending. The spoiler could be the thoroughly complex, Drive My Car, Ryûsuke Hamaguchi’s film about love, sex, celebrity, theater and betrayal all told primarily through words. The Power of the Dog, also a great movie with a complex storyline may be just a little too complex, although it is hinted that Jame Campion could win the coveted Oscar, much to the chagrin of that old tired Sam Elliott. Passing on actors and actresses, the other moment of joy will be when Summer of Soul wins the best documentary award. Questlove! Other minor but important nominations are best score—Dune, for sure; No Time to Die (was there any competition?) But lastly, a word about Dune and art direction. A big category in terms of creating the environment of a movie—Dune was especially remarkable for its art direction, taking us to a space that that felt oddly felt new, which is hard in this category (space).
