LAist

Universal Studios Unveils The Creature

Elise Thompson — 2009-07-06T11:30:29-08:00

]]>

Last week Universal Studios unveiled its newest attraction, The Creature from the Black Lagoon: A Raging Rocking Show". The show is a "Broadway-level contemporary musical adaptation" of the original Universal horror film. It features an original score and will be featured exclusively at the Hollywood Universal Studios.

LAist was there at the press event along with Julie Adams, the original "Kay" in the 1954 film to witness the arrival of The Creature. But as the giant aquarium was wheeled out, and the cage was pulled out by a giant crane, the bars of the cage turned out to be bent and the cage was empty! Members of the press jumped as The Creature lept out at them and ran wild before being contained.

The musical attraction runs about 25 minutes and adds romance and humor to the original movie's storyline, but is otherwise pretty faithful to the original. The most impressive update is the underwater effect achieved by the use of hidden wires. The monster is styled differently, with Predator-style dredlocks. The one way the story may stretch a little too far from the original from the original movie is when The Creature mysteriously grows into a giant and eventually swallows the character of Kay.

The show was created by Director and Choreographer Lynne Taylor-Corbett, Scenic Designer James Youmans, Creature & Puppet Designer Michael Curry, Fly Sequence Designer Paul Rubin, and Producer Marc Routh,

Ron Gough contributed to this post

Google Transit Finally Launches in Los Angeles*

Zach Behrens — 2009-07-06T10:30:23-08:00

View Larger Map

After much pushing and prodding by the public and media, Metro finally succumbed, quietly launching Google Transit this past weekend. Go ahead and play, it's like we're in a real big city now, catching up with most other major ones.

Update: Metro is being coy and says although it launched this weekend, there's nothing official yet. "We're not at the point of making an announcement," explained Spokesperson Dave Sotero, noting that there is no formal relationship. He said he could not go into details, but said the functionality should not be turned off and characterized it not as a launch, but rather as a data test.

Recently
- Google Transit Data Available for 3rd Party Applications
- LAist exposes Metro's internal drama over Google Transit

From Market to Menu: An Interview With Chef Ben Ford

Guest Writer — 2009-07-06T10:10:00-08:00

Chef Ben Ford uses locally sourced produce to create his dishes. Food photo by oranges are not the only fruit via LAist Featured Photos/Flickr

By Eli Sussman for LAist

Ben Ford, head chef and owner of Culver City’s Ford’s Filling Station speaks of the farmer’s market and its farmers with great reverence. Chef Ford grew up with his hands in the soil, gardening from a very young age so his respect for the food grown by the farmers comes naturally.

It’s this connection between the grower, the food and the dishes he creates, that he honors by utilizing the farmer’s market products. Ford’s menu can change daily, depending on what he has fresh on hand, has selected from the farmer’s market or has delivered from a select group of trusted farms he regularly visits.

Ford’s Filling Station led the emergence of Culver City as a dining destination and Chef Ford has been at the forefront of the Taste of the Nation event, held in Culver City for the past 5 years.

On a cloudy “June-Gloom” Wednesday morning, LAist caught up with Ford as he shopped at the Santa Monica farmer’s market. Dressed in Chef pants and a Ford's Filling station T-shirt, the upbeat chef moved through the market, stopping to talk with several of his favorite farmers as he shopped.

Ford spoke about how the farmer’s market influences his cooking style and his process of using the fresh produce he buys when conceptualizing dishes. He let LAist in on where he buys his favorite leeks, his thoughts on organic certification, what drew him to open his restaurant in Culver City and his process for teaching chefs in the kitchen.

When you go to the market, does the market influence your cooking ideas, or do your ideas drive your purchases?

It’s very infrequent that it’s the latter. Most of the time I’m going in and trying to work with what looks good that day. Sometimes in anticipation of certain seasons you might go in there differently with more intent. I’m always there looking for the things that I think provide the most bang for the buck on the menu as far as quality and flavor. Plus there are about 10-12 ingredients on my menu right now that I cant get anywhere else besides at the farmer’s market. They run throughout my whole menu.

Why do you buy items from the market specifically as opposed to having them delivered from a vendor?

Some of the reasons why I buy stuff at the Farmer’s Market is because there is a quality of the product there that you are looking for that you want to hand pick. And the farmer’s market is one of the best ways of being able to do that. The vegetables there are even better quality that what the purveyor can bring you.

Are there certain items you only will buy from the Farmer’s Market?

At any given time there are 10-12 ingredients I use that I can only get through the farmer’s market. I have my core ten (farmers) that I buy from and then another 5 or 6 I keep my eye on. I get these wonderful long leaks from Windrose farms. She really takes a lot of care in how she grows them and they are a thing of pride for her. They are incredible and then they are gone! They just went out of season. That’s an example of something that’s really special at the farmer’s market because yes, you can get leeks year round pretty much, but these, because of the care put in to them and their seasonality and how they are taken care of are just beautiful.

Another example is these red frill mustard greens from McGrath and these tiny red and white onions that I love. No matter how many times you might explain it to a purveyor they won’t understand what it is. Plus the quality is that much better and they are grown with care and consideration.

We are also getting duck eggs, turkey eggs and pheasant eggs and guinea hen eggs, and chicken eggs, from Peter Schaner at Schaner Farms. And we are using a lot of those in our brunch menu to sort of extend the egg offerings. And that’s been a nice addition.

We are getting most of our lettuce from Coleman Farm. He grows a lot of different kinds of lettuce that you can build salads with. It seems like it’s almost made for building salad combinations.

How much does the personal relationship with the farmer figure into your decision to shop at the Farmer’s Market?

The thing about the farmer’s market is those guys really care about what they are doing. Another farmer, I don’t know them personally and I’ve never been to their farms. These guys, I’ve been to their farms. I’ve seen how much pride they take in the growing.

Does Certified Organic matter to you when you are buying ingredients for your restaurant?

Whether 100% it’s organic or not doesn’t really even really matter that much to me as long as they are taking pride in doing the right thing. There might be a lot of reasons why they can’t get certification. Maybe it’s a family owned business for 6 generations and they’ve always farmed it the same way and they’ve always done a great job at what they do. But that doesn’t mean they were doing the wrong thing or shouldn’t have a place in what we are trying to do as chefs.

So you just purchased about 15 pounds of these beautiful heirloom tomatoes. With these tomatoes, what’s the process of these coming back into the restaurant and then ending up on the menu?

Well first off all I love the three colors together and so I think the fact that they are all tasting really good right now is a unique day for me anyhow. So I really want to combine all of them into a really simple tomato salad. I’m going to totally let it speak for itself. With these guys really…garlic is going to come into play a little bit. I might do a really good bruschetta with them. Or maybe a bulgur salad. And if I marinate them I’m not going to use anything emulsified on these. It’s definitely going to be a very light vinaigrette just seasoned right with a little bit of salt and pepper. Salt and pepper is going to be even more important than the vinaigrette I put on it.

Who are you using to screen new dishes before they go on the menu? Entire staff? Kitchen staff only? Select people you trust?

Just me. It goes on really fast.

Are there any ingredients that define your cooking?

It’s always changing. My cooks are always laughing at me because last year it was fennel. This year it’s definitely onions. The onions I am going after because there is a subtle sweetness to them I can use in my food. I can caramelize them a little bit.

Do you fall in love with an ingredient and then try to do as many things with it as you possibly can?

Yeah, because it’ll be gone tomorrow and then you turn around (to the farmer) and you’re like “you don’t have that?”

What do you say to someone who says I can’t afford to shop at the Farmer’s Market or it’s an intimidating place for me and I don’t know what I’m doing when I’m there?

There is a way of life that I think people are returning to and sort of learning how enjoyable it is to forage for your ingredients to build a meal. To go buy bread from the person who makes really good bread, then go to the market and get your vegetables and then go to your meat or fish monger ... those processes are a way of living your life with a little more rhythm. That way of life slows us down a little bit and is good for everyone. You can shop around easily at a farmer’s markets. They are still competitively pricing and if you are buying what’s plentiful at the market, there are lots of good deals to be had.

When you opened up Ford’s Filing Station, you were one of the first to come down to Culver City. At first it wasn’t this vibrant area with tons of restaurants. What drew you to Culver City?

The buildings next to me were vacant. And across the street where Rush and Gyenari are were vacant buildings. When I lived in Cheviot Hills, I’d invite over people who were potential investors for a BBQ and then tell them we were going on a beer run and just whip by (the current location of Ford’s Filling Station), and say hey, there’s the place, want to go look at it? And nobody would get out. And they were all like “no we aren’t interested. Anywhere but here.”

But (Culver City) had the studio, the cool hotel, this great city hall, they had developed the streets and it looked nice. I knew a movie theater was going in, I knew Kirk Douglas Theater was going in, and so in that way, I wasn’t worried about the neighborhood. I thought I’d grow with the neighborhood. When I first developed this menu I developed it for the people that live in this neighborhood. I didn’t expect this to become a destination location for Los Angeles.

So you want to design a restaurant that’s for everybody. My idea was to not overpower them. I wanted to have a concept that had some flexibility so we could evolve with them. Coming in with a high profile restaurant I didn’t want them to think I was trying to change their town. I was sensitive to the people that lived here.

When you are teaching your chefs in the kitchen, is it a process of you letting them run free and reeling them back in if something is not up to your standards or do you begin step by step and have them follow so its all uniform?

I don’t really ever start step by step. I want to see how certain guys will put their arms around a position. (I want to see) if someone understands that area fairly quickly and if you give someone some freedom you can see what they are more capable of.

So in the beginning I’ll throw guys into a station that isn’t that difficult. And then you teach them the salads but you don’t stop them from starting to peek at what the pizza guy is doing. And when they aren’t busy you never stop them from peeking down the line and letting them get interested in that. Because if you see those peeks, you know they are interested. You see they want to get better and you can then nurture that. But if you never give them the chance and only show them you want them to do A-B-C, you may not get those chances to see a glimpse of what potential have there.

Now that this restaurant row has sprung up around you, is there any competition between you and Chef Akasha Richmond of Akasha and Jason Travi of Fraiche? Are you surveying the entire LA restaurant landscape or just doing your own thing?

Well we brought all these new cooks into the neighborhood. And you start off with diner cooks and these waffle house cooks because you are breaking new ground. It doesn’t matter who you are, to a certain extent it was hard to get cooks and waiters to come down here in the beginning so we found ourselves training staff for the whole neighborhood. Now we are kind of trading back and forth and it’s all fun and good. Their styles are different. I think there is an idea that we should all be really good at what we do so we can get more people down here.

What’s a restaurant in LA that you are constantly returning to and why?

I like going places where it gets my wheel turning a little bit. I really don’t eat that much for sustenance and I really am out there for an experience. And it really doesn’t have to be anything crazy. It could be a really good French onion soup.

So places I go to are gonna be places that I believe may be able to help me forward my own concepts. So that’s one way of going to eat out. Another way is to go and eat something I don’t let into my cuisine, which is Asian influence. So I’ll go and have Vietnamese noodles and sushi. Places I go to learn something and get that experience [are] Church and State, Comme Ca, Animal, Grace and BLD. I have an affinity for [those chefs] combination’s and artistry of what they are trying to do on their menu.

Eli Sussman is one half of the Freshman in the Kitchen duo. LAist spoke with him in April 2009 about his own cooking adventures and philosophy. Ford's Filling Station is at 9531 Culver Boulevard in Culver City.

]]>

Michael Jackson Memorial Could Suspend Blue Line Service

Zach Behrens — 2009-07-06T10:03:19-08:00

Photo: Fred Camino

The memorial for Michael Jackson tomorrow will require shutting down a large area around the Staples Center. Metro's Blue Line Pico Station sits at the corner of that closure and while they are preparing to run service as normal, they are prepared and warning commuters of the worst case scenario, meaning massive crowds forcing the trains to operate between Long Beach and the Washington station. "We're going to run the blue line until told not to," explained Metro Spokesman Rick Jager. "The biggest impact is the busses because they've cornered off a large area." Over 50 bus lines will be re-routed (details below). "We're really urging people to plan ahead tomorrow. They will probably be a lot of delays," said Jager.

On Tuesday, July 7, beginning at 12:01am (or when barricades are in place around the immediate Staples Center area). Listed below are the Metro Bus Lines impacted and their general routings:

28, 728 - via Alvarado and 6th/5th (no service on Olympic/Hill/Spring between Alvarado and 6th/5th).

30, 31 - via Vermont, Santa Monica Freeway to Broadway (no service on Pico between Vermont and Broadway).

81 - via Washington, Alvarado, 6th/5th (no service on Figueroa between Washington/8th/9th and 6th/5th).

439 - via Santa Monica Freeway to Main, 6th/5th, Figueroa (no service on Figueroa/Flower/Grand or Olive between 6th/5th and Santa Monica Freeway)

442, 444, 446, 447, 460 - via Harbor Freeway, Adams, Main, 6th/5th (no service on Figueroa/Flower between Adams and 6th/5th)

450X - via Harbor Freeway, Adams, Main, 6th/5th (no service on Figueroa/Flower between Adams and 6th/5th)

485, 490 - westbound only via Grand, 9th, Hill, 18th (no service on Grand between 9th and 18th)

On Tuesday, July 7, beginning at approximately 3:00am and until the end of the event. Listed below are Metro Lines impacted and their general routings:

2, 4, 302 - via 6th/5th, Main/Spring, 16th (no service on Hill/Broadway south of 6th/5th)

10, 48 - via Washington, Main/Spring, 6th/5th (no service on Hill/8th/9th between 6th /5th and Main)

14,37 - via Washington, Main/Spring, 6th/5th (no service on Olive/Grand between Washington and 6th/5th)

28, 728 - via Alvarado, 6th/5th (no service on Olympic/Hill/Spring between Alvarado and 6th/5th).

30, 31, 730 - via Hoover, Washington, Main/Spring (no service on Pico/Broadway between Hoover and 1st).

33, 333 - via Hoover, Washington, Main (no service on Venice between Hoover and Main).

66, 366 - via Alvarado, 6th/5th, Main/Spring (no service on 8th/9th between Alvarado and Main/Spring).

70, 71, 76, 78, 79, 96, 378, 484, 485, 490, 714, 770 - via 6th/5th, Main/Spring, 16th/Venice (no service on Grand/Olive south of 6th/5th).

81 - via Washington, Main/Spring, 6th/5th (no service on Figueroa/8th /9th Hill between Washington and 6th/5th).

83, 90, 91, 94, 794 - via 6th/5th, Main/Spring, 16th/Venice (no service on Hill south of 6th/5th).

439 - via Venice/16th, Main/Spring, 6th/5th (no service on Figueroa/Flower/Grand or Olive between 6th/5th and Venice/16th)

442 - via Washington, Main/Spring, 6th/5th (no service on Figueroa between Washington and 6th/5th).

444, 446, 447, 460 - via Washington, Main/Spring, 6th/5th (no service on Figueroa/Flower between Washington and 6th/5th)

40, 42, 45, 740, 745 - via Venice/16th, Main/Spring, 6th/5th (no service on Broadway between 6th/5th and Venice/16th)

For route and schedule information patrons can call 1-800-C-O-M-M-U-T-E or visit www.metro.net. Metro apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause to our patrons.

]]>

A Ride Along with L.A.'s Water Cops

Zach Behrens — 2009-07-06T09:40:45-08:00

Photo by Näystin via Flickr

NPR's Ben Bergman did a ride along with one of the fifteen Department of Water and Power's Water Cops, who patrol and respond to complaints about water wasting. It's not like riding along with a police officer, he rode with a city employee in a Toyota Prius, whose job is about trying to educate before writing citations as high as $600.

Although the concept of telling the city about your water wasting neighbors doesn't go over well wtih some, LADWP's CEO David Nahai certainly has an eloquent way of putting it: "Most people report wasteful practices because they geninuly believe waste is occuring. This isn't somebody snitching as such, it's really Angelenos banding together to deal with a problem confronts all of us."

If the drought gets worse, Nahai may have to propose banning lawn watering completely. Currently, you can only water your lawns on Mondays and Thursdays and only before 9 a.m. or after 4 p.m. If you care to, you can report wasters by calling 1-800-Dial DWP or emailing waterconservationteam@ladwp.com.

Six State Parks May Go to Federal Control Temporarily

Zach Behrens — 2009-07-06T08:45:45-08:00

Leo Carillo SP

The National Park Service does not want to take control of state parks, but will take six of them, including the nearby Point Mugu State Park, if Gov. Schwarzenegger's proposal to close 80%, or 220, of them goes through under a Federal land transfer agreement. If parks do close, they will stay open through at least labor day. "It's important to note that nobody is proposing to close these parks permanently. This is a temporary suspension until budget times are better," a State Parks spokesman told the LA Times. "We have no intention of giving them away or selling them. There's an interest in finding a way to preserve and protect them. It could be temporary federal control. We would hope they can come back to state parks." A proposal to pay for state parks via an annual $15 fee on vehicle registrations will be vetoed by Schwarzenegger if it hits his desk. Last month, LAist exposed a letter--currently making the media rounds--from the National Park Service to the Governor alerting him to the legal consequences.

Tujunga Brush Fire Near Full Containment*

Zach Behrens — 2009-07-06T08:25:51-08:00

An L.A. County fire department helicopter makes a water drop on flames as a fast moving brush fire tears through heavy brush in the Little Tujunga Canyon area of the Angeles National Forest (AP Photo/Mike Meadows)

A fire that broke out yesterday afternoon in Little Tujunga Canyon where the Marek Fire scorched nearly 5,000 acres is close to full containment with last reports at 85%, according to authorities. A total of about 250 firefighters from city and county departments are assisting federal authorities in the blaze that's located in the National Angeles Forest. 130 acres have burned since 1:45 p.m. yesterday. One firefighter has reportedly suffered a minor injury.

*Update: The fire is no 95% contained.

Extra, Extra

Manny — 2009-07-05T18:30:00-08:00

"Up" by el daverino via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr

1.2 MILLION people registered online for a chance for free tickets to the Michael Jackson memorial service at Staples Center. Problem is there are only 17,500 free tickets available.
Even if you dont plan on attending the memorial, you could still be affected by it with the road closures and delays expected around the area.
Have the budgets talks in Sac-Town gotten so bad that there is a possibility of a reality TV show? The Governator says that he would be OK with televising or webcasting the talks. Real World Sacramento???
LAStreetsBlog continues their series on alternative transportation friendly communities. This time up, the Fairfax District.
LAPD has issued an AMBER ALERT on a man who allegedly raped his ex, shot another woman in attempt to take her car, and fled with the woman's children and two of his own. Anyone with information is urged to call (213) 359-8720
Three young hikers were found unhurt after getting lost in the Angeles National Forest. After hiking for a few hours they became disoriented and ended up calling for help from their cell phones. An LA County Sheriff's found them some time later.
Despite bad times with the local economy, some local colleges and universities see a large number of people taking summer campus tours. The tours are not just made up of potential college students picking out college campuses but also parents dreaming of a college education for their young children .
Finally... City officials understand that there are a LOT of passionate MJ fans flocking to Encino to pay their respects with makeshift shrines and leaving gifts and flowers. But at some point, things have got to return to some sort of normalcy there!

Aretha Franklin @ Hollywood Bowl 6/27/09

Bobzilla — 2009-07-05T17:30:49-08:00

“Did I dare to wear my tightest gown tonight?”

Not having access to Aretha Franklin’s wardrobe closet, we can’t say for sure, though after checking out the figure-hugging rhinestone-studded black number she’d just changed into, it seemed likely. Why not, it was a night for bold moves. A short time later, she’d dare openly lust after our President (“Brother is fiiiine… mmmm!"). Judging from the rapturous response generated by her every word, Franklin could have dared to do just about anything. Who can complain when the singing’s this good?

That voice, one of the most stirring sounds ever heard in American music, is not completely untouched by time, and now showing a bit less power in its upper register. But her remarkable sense of tonality and phrasing remains completely intact. And to experience it in its full glory, live in person, is an undeniably emotional experience.

Backed by a full orchestra and choir, led by orchestrator and conductor H.B. Barnum, Franklin’s set focused on her most revered catalog of R&B classics, the Atlantic years, though one of the night’s finest performances came as she accompanied herself on piano to a song from her forthcoming album. Sensitivity to temperature and altitude have made live appearances outside the Detroit area relatively rare, and she noted that, while “Mother Nature got the best of me” during her 2007 show at the Greek Theater, she was taking steps (heat lamps on the stage, and a total prohibition against backstage air conditioning) to prevent a repeat occurrence. Whatever she’s doing, it seemed to be working, though I sure feel for the crew that has to work a summer tour with no AC.

Uptempo belters like “Respect”, “Chain Of Fools” and “Think” were the night’s biggest crowd-pleasers, even if their performances were a bit restrained. Franklin’s light burned brightest when reaching back to the blues, and this night’s versions of “I Never Loved A Man”, “I Remember” and “Today I Sing The Blues” left blood on the stage. Mid-tempo and mid-range seem to be her strengths now, and she played to them well during the two-hour concert.

She also displayed an unusual touch when it came to the program. Leaving the stage just short of an hour after she’d appeared, we were expecting the house lights to come up so we could find our way to the bar. Instead, a parade of colorful dancers and musicians made their way through the aisles as a spontaneous Brazilian party suddenly broke out. They challenged the befuddled VIPs in the box seats to shake their gilded tushes, occasionally succeeding, then after about fifteen minutes, filed out down the aisles as Franklin returned to the stage. It was the strangest, and maybe the most fun, intermission I’ve ever witnessed.

There was also a poignancy to the event, with many of the giants of Black American entertainment in attendance, so soon after we’d learned of Michael Jackson’s passing. It was hard not to think of Jackson as she sang her closing number, “The Greatest Love Of All,” a song I’d thought I could never stand to hear again. In Franklin’s hands, and given the emotional tenor of the night, it managed to find resonance even with the cynical old git writing this review, something I’d never have thought possible. Don’t bet against Aretha,

]]>

Week Around the Ists

Lindsay William-Ross — 2009-07-05T17:00:24-08:00

Courtesy: Jason Wagner

Gothamist followed the story of a woman who claimed a police officer manhandled her—punching her and grabbing her breasts—because she had taken her pug out of its carrier. There were numerous, some differing witness accounts and the police are investigating the allegations.
Seattlest owned up to its darkest, most claustrophobic fear--getting trapped in a badly maintained hellevator.
SFist wondered why some Bay Area residents feared the high speed rail system, which would whisk people from downtown San Francisco to downtown Los Angeles in two hours.
Phillyist was disappointed but unsurprised when the makers of Trojan condoms named Philly amongst the least-sexed cities in the States.

Chicagoist checked out the annual Pride Parade, which celebrated its 40th anniversary.
Torontoist didn't just get to watch their city's Pride Parade (or people-watch after it)—they got to march in it, snapping photos as they want.
LAist found that there is no better way to represent your 'hood than by sporting an area code t-shirt--818, 213, 310, 323 & 562 in the hizzouse!
Londonist wondered if the candid spectacle of a backpacker sniffing his own underwear constitutes entertainment.
(Grandpa) Bostonist criticized the fixie phenomenon and white trash parties, inviting the wrath of hipsters citywide.
DCist spoke to the sad owners of a dog who they suspected had been stolen while tied up outside a local Whole Foods, which, it turns out, made their commenters surprisingly angry.

Week In Rock: Ray LaMontagne, Andrew Bird, Dirty Projectors, Everest

Joshua Pressman — 2009-07-05T16:00:00-08:00

Dirty Projectors will be playing at the Troubadour | Photo by Nina Mouritzen via Dirty Projectors' Myspace

This week Maine-based folk troubadour Ray LaMontagne will be performing with local ruddy-haired songstress Jenny Lewis (LAist Review, #2, #3, #4) and LAist favorites Blitzen Trapper (LAist Interview) in tow. Chicago-based multi-instrumentalist Andrew Bird (LAist Review) is poised to headline the Greek Theatre with Syracuse-bred indie rockers Ra Ra Riot and yet another LAist favorite, Cincinnati's own garage rock outfit Heartless Bastards. Local alt-rockers Everest (LAist review, #2) will be performing with Red Cortez (LAist Review, #2) at UCLA's Hammer Museum for this week's edition of Also I Like To Rock. And, lastly, Brooklyn's crown jewel, the erratic experimental indie rock collective known as Dirty Projectors (LAist Review), will be gracing the Troubadour.

Dirty Projectors - "No Intention"

Monday

Andy Clockwise, The VLA, Globes on Remote, Miniature Tigers @ Spaceland
Japanese Motors, My Pet Saddle, Audacity, Gestapo Khazi @ The Echo
60-Watt Kid, High Castle, Italic Indian, Skull Kiss, Garrett Pierce @ Women (1852 Crenshaw Blvd.)
Kim Divine record release, Amie Miriello, Emy Reynolds, Jackie Tohn @ The Hotel Café
Last American Buffalo, Eastern Conference Champions, Globes @ Silver Lake Lounge
Tommy Santee Klaws, Oh Foot, Marshweed, Elisa Ferrari @ Echo Curio
Weasel Walter/Aram Shelton/Josh Berman Trio, Pigeon Religion, Adrien Barbobott @ The Smell
Pase Rock @ The Roxy

Tuesday

Vieux Farka Toure, Luke Top @ Troubadour
Kitty, Daisy & Lewis, Le Switch @ The Echo
The Hold Steady, The Bronx @ El Rey Theatre (Sold-Out)
HoneyHoney @ The Roxy
Bleu, Drake Bell, Heather Waters, Elisa Ferrari, Scott Simons @ The Hotel Café
Foot Ox, Stephen Steinbrink, Whitman, Voice on Tape @ Women (1852 Crenshaw Blvd.)
Fishtank Ensemble, Ukulele Loki, Klaus Knomi, Petrojvic Blasting Company @ Bordello
The Captains, Birds Beware, Infrared Sunday @ Silver Lake Lounge
Fritz Helder & The Phantoms @ Cinespace

Wednesday

Sergio Mendes, Eddie Palmieri, Poncho Sanchez @ Hollywood Bowl
Dirty Projectors, What's Up? @ Troubadour
The Watkins Family Hour @ Largo at the Coronet
CLUB NME w/ Army Navy @ Spaceland
Mika Miko, Ty Segall, Charlie & The Moonhearts, Shark Toys @ The Smell
Andy Votel, Massa, Dak @ The Airliner
Rootbeer, U-N-I, Boombox Ninjas @ The Echo
The Monthlies, Purple Melon, The Faraway Places @ Silver Lake Lounge
The Volunteers, The French Semester, Anderson, Joe and the Jungle @ On The Rox at The Roxy
Watts Ensemble, Baby and Guy @ Bootleg Theatre
David Ryan Harris, Zachariah & The Lobos Riders, Ernie Halter, Danny Chaimson, Derek Evans @ The Hotel Café

Thursday

Joan Baez, Tift Merritt @ Santa Monica Pier
Old 97's @ Henry Fonda Music Box
Gillian Welch @ Largo at the Coronet
Everest, Red Cortez @ Hammer Museum
Tortoise @ Amoeba Music
Dusty Rhodes and The River Band, These United states, Olin and The Moon @ Echoplex
The Minor Canon, his Orchestra, Courtenay Green @ Silver Lake Lounge
Oliver Future, The Rhone Occupation, Old War Shirt @ Edgar Varela Fine Arts (542 S. Alameda Street)
The Start, Bloodcat Love, Into the Presence, Useless Keys @ The Roxy
Cave Country, Sparrows Gate, Quiet Life @ Spaceland
Steve Wynn and The Miracle Three, The Urinals @ The Echo
You Me and Iowa with The Damselles, Rachel Goodrich, Oak and Gorsky, Sara Roberts @ The Hotel Café
Confirmed Bachelor, Dick and Jane, Cat Hair Ensemble, The Blasting Company @ Hyperion Tavern
The Ruse, Goldenstate, Red Letter Agent @ Troubadour
Kay Hanley, The Dollyrots, The Janks @ The Viper Room

Friday

Jon Brion @ Largo at the Coronet
Andrew Bird, Ra Ra Riot, Heartless Bastards @ Greek Theatre
Klever, Paul Ahi, Destructo, Mr. White @ Avalon
The Rural Alberta Advantage @ The Echo
The Ringers, The Yelling @ The Viper Room
Sara Lov, Two Sheds, Big Organ Trio @ The Mint
Mix Master Mike, Nola Darling @ The Viper Room
Seaspin @ Spaceland
The Widow Babies, NASA Space Universe, Audacity, The Amazements @ The Smell
The Idyllists, Aidan Hawken, Hool, Damion Suomi, The Steelwells, Beth Jean @ The Hotel Café
Foot Village's record release, The Urxed @ Origami Vinyl
Cydney Robinson, Automatique, Gypsy River Haunts @ Pasadena Museum of California Arts (490 E. Union St.)
The Press Fire!, Halloween Swim Team, Narwhal Party, Not the Government @ Box & Sparrow (646 N. Spring St.)
Demonica & the Darklings, The Bourbon Saints, The Lords of Altamont, Stab City @ Redwood Bar & Grill
Tyrone Wells, Curtis Peoples, Huntingfield @ Troubadour

Saturday

Rise Against, Rancid @ The Forum
Michael McDonald, Boz Scaggs @ Greek Theatre
Mandy Moore @ Largo at the Coronet
Mas Exitos, Domingo Siete @ The Getty Center
Tortoise @ Troubadour
Copeland, Sherwood, Anchor & Braille, The Union Line, The Music Lovers @ The Hotel Café
Adam Freeland, Drop the Lime @ The Vanguard
Lucky Dragons, Foot Village, Kit, Death Sentence: PANDA!, Gowns, Softboiled Eggies, The Urxed @ The Smell
Beware of Safety, Gifts from Enola @ Mr. T's Bowl
Ema and the Ghosts, Red Maids @ Pehrspace
The Happy Hollows, The Valley Arena @ The Prospector
Aushua's EP release, We Barbarians, Red Cortez @ Detroit Bar

Sunday

Ray LaMontagne with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, Jenny Lewis, Blitzen Trapper @ Hollywood Bowl
Oneida, Amps For Christ, Clip'd Beaks @ The Echo (Early Show; 2 PM)
Grand Ole Echo w/ Gina Villalobos record release @ The Echo (Early Show; 5 PM)
Part Time Punks w/ The Summer Cats, The Tartans @ The Echo (Late Show; 10 PM)
Loch Lomond, The Heavenly States @ Spaceland
Kim Lenz @ Amoeba Music
Flexions, Bronze, Puppy Dog, Kill Kill Kill @ The Smell
Dottie Grossman, Michael Vlatkovich, Anna Homler, Emily Hay @ Echo Curio
Johnette Napolitano, Seth Roberts & The Lakes, Flo Paris, Aras Baskauskas @ The Hotel Café
Alejandro Escovedo @ McCabe's Guitar Shop
Mayhem Festival 2009 w/ Marilyn Manson, Slayer, Bullet For My Vallentin, Cannibal Corpse, Black Dahlia Murder @ San Manuel Amphitheater

]]>

Brush Fire in Angeles National Forest

Lindsay William-Ross — 2009-07-05T14:35:33-08:00

A brush fire is burning this afternoon in the Angeles National Forest near Little Tujunga Road, according to e-mail and txt alerts. The wildfire has burned 20 acres, and at this time is reportedly about 20% contained. Because the fire falls under the Angeles National Forest (ANF) jurisdiction, the firefighting response requires mutual aid. LA County says there are about 100 firefighters along with air support on scene, and winds are moderate. Earlier today the LAFD worked quickly to put out a small brush fire in Elysian Park.

Classical Pick of the Week: "Pop" Music

samkim — 2009-07-05T14:00:00-08:00

Music in film is one of the most important devices used in cinema today; this music has been ingrained in popular culture, to the point that most people could recognize the tunes. Also sprach Zarathustra, Ride of the Valkyries, Beethoven's 5th, are a few of the major works that come to mind. This week, you can hear a few of these tunes and more at several venues.

At the Hollywood Bowl, Kirill Karabits and the LA Phil perform a few works of Prokofiev, who happened to compose music for films. Peter and the Wolf was most recently heard on the Coke ad in the Super Bowl. Vladimir Feltsman, famous pianist and professor at Mannes, performs as the soloist for the piano concerto. On Friday and Saturday, the LA Phil performs works of famous composer Henry Mancini. This includes a selection of some of his most famous works, including "Pink Panther", "Moon River" and "Charade". Marina Del Rey kicks off the summer season with a performance of Carmina Burana, which is shown above. The concert is on Thursday at 9 PM. Also, the Asia America Symphony Association will perform Beethoven's 9th this Friday at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Ruby's Shake Shack Opens on the Historic Malibu Pier

Lindsay William-Ross — 2009-07-05T13:00:00-08:00

]]>

Last Sunday we urged you to Get Out and get yourself some free burgers, fries, and shakes from Ruby's Shake Shack at their Grand Opening party. Ruby's Shake Shack is indeed part of the Ruby's chain, but it's a chain with a lot of local history (the first one opened on the Balboa Pier in Newport Beach in 1982, styled like a classic 40s diner and named for the owner's mom).

Well, LAist Featured Photos pool contributor Michael Ngim (hinducow) did indeed head over to the historic and restored Malibu Pier to check out the festivities and the food, and sent us this report:

Not being a native to SoCal, I didn't know the history behind Ruby's. It is a cool story about a guy opening up a burger joint along the coast and using his mom as inspiration. They had a great Beach Boys cover band, the mayor of Malibu and Ruby herself in attendance. It was pretty cool. And the best part, FREE burgers. And these weren't the smaller, skimpy burgers you would think they would provide. These were huge plus they came with fries. And they were passing out small cups of their famous shakes. They had strawberry, chocolate, and oreo to name a few. The oreo was yummy.

He also sent us these shots of the celebration and the eats. Although the food isn't free everyday, Ruby's is now open for business on the Pier; head down at the very least to help support the Malibu Lagoon State Beach area--one of our state parks that very much needs us these days.

Ruby's Shake Shack @ The Malbu Pier
23000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu
(310) 456-3443

Tonight In Rock: Death Cab For Cutie, Émilie Simon, Avi Buffalo, Tijuana Panthers

Joshua Pressman — 2009-07-05T12:00:00-08:00

Émilie Simon will be playing tonight at the Bootleg Theatre | Photo via Émilie Simon's Myspace

Our Pick: Émilie Simon, Penelope Fortier, Joel Virgil @ Bootleg Theatre

Tonight Bellingham-based indie rock outfit Death Cab For Cutie will be performing at the Hollywood Bowl with the Los Angeles Philharmonic bolstering their sound. Local indie rockers Avi Buffalo (LAist Interview, Review) are headlining Silver Factory Studios. And, lastly, Long Beach's own surf punk trio Tijuana Panthers will be performing at the Echo for this week's edition of Part Time Punks. But we strongly suggest heading over to the Bootleg Theatre to catch legendary experimental French pop chanteuse Émilie Simon.

You can find these listings as well as the rest of the week's in our weekly Week In Rock post, which (generally) goes up every Sunday.

Émilie Simon - "Desert"

Death Cab For Cutie w/ The Los Angeles Philharmonic, Tegan and Sara, The New Pornographers @ Hollywood Bowl
Émilie Simon, Penelope Fortier, Joel Virgil @ Bootleg Theatre
Part Time Punks presents Tijuana Panthers, Tall Hands @ The Echo
Avi Buffalo, Shiloe, The Shade @ Silver Factory Studios
The Coathangers, Bipolar Bear, Goldiggers, mans assassination man @ The Smell
Fishtank Ensemble, Voko @ Echo Curio
I Will Never Be The Same, 8mm, Pollyn, Aimee Francis @ The Viper Room
Stacey Q @ The Airliner
The Five Deadly Venoms @ Amoeba Music

]]>

This Week's Most Popular

Lindsay William-Ross — 2009-07-05T11:00:46-08:00

]]>

When you read something you like on LAist, we love it when you hit the "like" button, and we love it even more if you put your two cents' worth in the comments. Getting a dialog going with our readers and making sure we're giving you content you can use are top priorities for us. And if you really like what you see, why not Tweet it or post it to your Facebook? Share the love!

Rockets' Red Glare, Bombs Bursting in Air: Last Night's 4th of July Fireworks in and Around Los Angeles

Lindsay William-Ross — 2009-07-05T10:00:00-08:00

]]>

We may have spent the evening watching fireworks go off all along the horizon, in the streets, on the hills, and from major venues in Los Angeles, and we may have fallen asleep to the not-so-dulcet sounds of neighbors snap-crackle-popping their own stash of illegal fireworks into the wee hours, but we also woke up to a few great photos posted online from last night's many fireworks displays.

Tell us: How did you celebrate the 4th of July yesterday?

Get Out: Pier Plaza 4th Continues, Sawdust Festival, Sharks at the Aquarium, Bigfoot's Sunday Session

Lindsay William-Ross — 2009-07-05T09:00:00-08:00

Photo by Lord Jim via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr

Huntington Beach Pier Plaza Festival
Don't stop till you get enough, right? Head down to the Huntington Beach Pier for the third and final day of the Pier Plaza Festival and enjoy crafts, food and surf rock music, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sawdust Festival
Laguna Beach is home to the Sawdust Festival, which continues its 43rd annual event today (runs through the end of summer). See and shop the work of over 200 local artists and crafters exhibiting their ceramics, clothing, glass, jewelry, paintings, photography, sculpture and pottery. In fact, what's unique about this fest is that all of the participating artists are residents of Laguna Beach, making this a truly local event. There's live entertainment, and workshops for adults and kids, too. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. $7.50 adults; $3 kids.

Aquarium of the Pacific's Shark Summer & Free Screening
Long Beach's celebrated Aquarium of the Pacific has sharks--but it's still safe to venture into their waters, so to speak, and you can stay there even later on Sundays this summer. In celebration of its Shark Summer, the Aquarium of the Pacific will be extending its hours until 10:00 p.m. on Sunday nights. Plus, tonight they're having a free screening of an episode of a classic Discovery Channel "Shark Week" episode on their front lawn at 8:45 p.m.

Sunday Sessions at Bigfoot Lodge
Head over to the Bigfoot Lodge and kick back with a cocktail and enjoy their Sunday Session. From 2 pm - 2 am you can enjoy live music and Bloody Sunday Specialty Cocktails (bar opens at 2 pm, live music goes from 3 - 6 pm.). Today's lineup: 3 pm: Grit; 4 pm: Avery James and the Hillandales; 5 pm: Hobo Jazz and 9 pm - 2 am: Bigfoot Bingo (you can win booze and other prizes!).

]]>

Jackson Memorial Lottery Draws 1.6 Million Names; Lucky 8,750 to be Picked Monday Today

Lindsay William-Ross — 2009-07-05T08:00:55-08:00

Photo by Lucy in LA via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr

1.6 million people signed up to be eligible to win tickets to attend Tuesday's highly anticipated public memorial service for late music icon Michael Jackson, according to MyFoxLA. The Staples Center's website caved under the pressure of the hits several times since the lottery was announced and until the cut off time last night at 6 p.m. local time. Initially the registry was open only to US residents, but soon expanded to allow anyone around the world to sign up for the chance to win a pair of tickets to the event, about which few details are known, save that there will be no funeral procession, and that it will cost the City of Los Angeles a pretty penny to host.

8,750 names will be selected at random, which will distribute "11,000 people to the Staples Center plus 6,500 in the Nokia Theater overflow section next door." ~~The drawing was rescheduled from today until tomorrow, according to KFWB.~~* Fans who do not receive passes are being urged to stay home and watch the service on television or the internet; there will be no big screen broadcast on the plaza of LA Live, and the LAPD have already begun to close down streets around the venue. A Jackson family rep explained they are carefully checking the entries in the lottery to eliminate duplicates and automated "go-bot" entries, and will be vigilant about checking wristbands and regulating potential scalpers.

Early predictions indicate hundreds of thousands of people will attempt to flood the area on Tuesday regardless of their ticket status, which means our LAPD will be working overtime to keep things in order. Yesterday, City Councilwoman and Mayor Pro Tem Jan Perry asked the public to consider making donations to help defray the cost of the memorial, much like how L.A. afforded to host last month's Lakers NBA Championship parade. This morning will find Rev. Al Sharpton also making a plea; he'll be at the First A.M.E. Church in South L.A. calling for a National Day of Mourning, and for the US Postal Service to issue a Michael Jackson stamp--something done traditionally at least 5 years following a person's death.

*The AP has retracted their mistaken report that tickets will be delayed one day. [KTLA via Twitter]

Extra, Extra

Lindsay William-Ross — 2009-07-04T15:00:00-08:00

Photo by Ryan Resella via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr

Whoops: Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge John Thaddeus Doyle was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving late Thursday night in Baldwin Hills.
Want to lick the backside of Michael Jackson? Al Sharpton thinks we all should be able to!
Police in Ventura have determined the June stabbing of Wendy Di Rodio wasn't coincidental, but rather that the victim had been targeted.
Starting Monday, three LA-area County-run beaches will be closed three days a week.
One of three armed men attempting to rob a Compton barbershop yesterday afternoon was shot and killed by a shop employee.
Hey, have you heard? There's this truck that sells Korean BBQ-style tacos, and one that sells architecture-themed ice cream sandwiches!
Happy 4th of July, everyone! Be safe and have fun.

Care to Donate to the Michael Jackson Public Memorial Fund? City Council Hopes You Do!

Lindsay William-Ross — 2009-07-04T14:00:05-08:00

So the City of Los Angeles is going to put their hands deep into the Piggy Bank to pull out the cash needed to foot the bill for Tuesday's public memorial service for Michael Jackson at Staples Center. That means shutting down the streets around LA Live's Downtown "campus" and lots of bucks to pay LAPD officers to serve as security to police the anticipated throngs of crowds. And don't bother showing up if you aren't on the list: "Officials said that there would be no funeral procession and that no one would be allowed inside a large area around Staples unless they had a ticket and a wristband, a media credential or could prove they live or work there," notes the LA Times.

And if we thought DTLA was packed and chaotic following last month's Lakers celebration, early predictions indicate "that crowds surrounding the barricades outside the Staples Center memorial could dwarf the tens of thousands who came to celebrate the Lakers win," according to KTLA. With the Mayor out of town for the big event, Councilwoman Jan Perry is in charge, and now she is asking for the same kind of generosity of spirit that helped our struggling city pay for the Lakers' parade. She has "reached out to potential donors to help the city defray at least some of the costs to cover sanitation" and other costs Tuesday.

But who hasn't opened their wallets yet? Perry noted "the Jackson family has not come forward." AEG, the company who owns Staples Center, also was firm in their commitment to make the event free to Jackson's many loyal fans--17,500 of them, to be exact, all selected randomly out of the hundreds of thousands who have registered for the online lottery that closes at 6 o'clock tonight.

MIXist: 4th of July

Joshua Pressman — 2009-07-04T13:00:00-08:00

Photo by Julius Metoyer for MJR

On behalf of all of us at LAist, happy 4th of July! Here's an hour-long mix suited for cold beers and BBQ in the blazing hot sun. Amen.

Stream:

Download

4th of July Mix.m4a

Track List:

1. Sack & Blumm - "Free Butter"
2. The Chemical Brothers vs. The Beatles - "The Sun Never Knows (Pheugoo Mix)"
3. 40 Thieves Feat. Qzen - "Don't Turn It Off"
4. Thomas Mapfumo - "Mukadzi Wangu - My Wife"
5. Prof Longhair - "Big Chief"
6. Lee Fields & The Expressions - "Ladies"
7. The Years - "Let's Stay In Love"
8. Jamie T - "Sticks n Stones"
9. Best Coast - "Sun Was High (So Was I)"
10. Les Surfs - "Tú Serás Mi Baby"
11. Love Is All - "From Your Corner"
12. New Look - "Everything"
13. Cicada - "Metropolis (The Twelves' B-LIVE Rio Mix)"
14. Luke Vibert - "Wow! It's Now!"
15. John Robinson - "Sorcerers Feat. MF DOOM and Invizible Handz"
16. Lushlife - "The Fall Of The Light Brigade"
17. Cubic Zirconia - "Fuck Work (DâM-FunK Remix) EQd"
18. Panthers - "Goblin City (Holy Ghost! Extended Disco Dub)"
19. Hey Champ - "Cold Dust Girl"
20. Temper Trap - "Sweet Disposition"

]]>

Tonight In Rock: John Fogerty, Deer Tick, Imaad Wasif, Hootenanny Festival

Joshua Pressman — 2009-07-04T12:00:00-08:00

Imaad Wasif will be playing tonight at the Nomad Collective Art Compound | Photo by Nick Zinner via Imaad Wasif's Myspace

Our Pick: The New Weird America Festival featuring Imaad Wasif w/ Two Part Beast Ancestors, Night Horse, Weird Owl, Radio Moscow, Spindrift, Farflung @ Nomad Collective Art Compound (1993 Blake Ave., Los Angeles)

Tonight Berkeley-bred rock singer-songwriter John Fogerty, best known for his time with Creedence Clearwater Revival, will be closing out a three-night stint at the Hollywood Bowl. Rhode Island-based rockers Deer Tick are poised to grace Spaceland with locals Dawes. And, lastly, the Hootenanny Festival, which features none other than Los Lobos, Reverend Horton Heat, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and Dusty Rhodes and the River Band, among many others, will be commencing in Orange County. But we strongly suggest heading over to the Nomad Collective Art Compound to catch the New Weird America Festival. LAist favorites Imaad Wasif, Spindrift and Night Horse are all slated to perform.

You can find these listings as well as the rest of the week's in our weekly Week In Rock post, which (generally) goes up every Sunday.

Imaad Wasif - "Loose Talk"

John Fogerty @ Hollywood Bowl
Deer Tick, Dawes, The Moondoggies @ Spaceland
The New Weird America Festival featuring Imaad Wasif w/ Two Part Beast Ancestors, Night Horse, Weird Owl, Radio Moscow, Spindrift, Farflung @ Nomad Collective Art Compound (1993 Blake Ave., Los Angeles)
Second Annual Riot Girl Carnival: Benefit for The Downtown Women's Center w/ A Pretty Mess, Las Sangronas Y El Cabron, Mermaid, Anus Kings, Kitchen, The Potential Lunatics @ The Smell
Sander Kleinenberg, Joachim Garraud @ Avalon
Lillian Axe @ The Viper Room
Hootenanny 09 w/ Reverend Horton Heat, Los Lobos, HorrorPops, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Supersuckers, Blasters, 3 Bad Jacks, Roger Alan Wade, Lee Rocker, Dusty Rhodes and the River Band @ Oak Canyon Ranch

]]>

He's Baaaaaack

Jimmy Bramlett — 2009-07-04T11:00:00-08:00

Dodger fans make the trek down to San Diego to show their support for Manny. AP Photo/Denis Poroy

“I can’t wait to get to the field,” Dodgers slugger Manny Ramirez said of his 50-game suspension. “I miss the game the game that I love.”

And with that Manny being Manny returns three-ring style in Petco Park in San Diego.

Throughout the day walking around my hotel in the Gaslamp District in Downtown San Diego, it looked like Dodger fans outnumbered Padres fans. You could see the natives leering at those wearing their Dodger jerseys.

As game time grew closer Dodger fans could be seen congregating in the outlying parking lots.

“There are going to be more Dodger fans than Padres fans tonight,” Omar Franco from Los Angeles told me in one of those outlying parking lots.

And there were. As I stepped through the turnstiles all I saw were Dodger fans. I really tried to look for Padre fans, but looking for them was like searching for Waldo.

“As you can see [the Padres] don’t have a fan base,” said San Diego resident Drew Lang who was wearing his Padres gear. Apparently so since it took me fifteen minutes to find him.

But when I asked him if he was a true Padre fan he responded, “No, I’m a Yankee fan.”

“I just came to boo Manny,” Lang continued. “I’ve always disliked him, but I’ve always respected him as a player. Now I have to question him.”

Fair enough, even though he was rooting for the Dodgers to win a Dodgers-Yankees World Series because of his admiration of Joe Torre. But that’s neither here nor there.

As I settled in my seat for the game, it really did feel like a Dodger home game. Boos for the Padres, cheers for the Dodgers. The “Let’s Go Dodgers” cheer being heard as clear as day. If I had to hazard a guess, I would have to say it was a 70-30 Dodger crowd.

Then Manny came to the plate. While boos and jeers could be heard, it was dueling with the cheers from the Dodger fans. In the end Manny would go 0-for-3 with a walk, but the Dodgers would win 6-3 thanks to a five run first inning that lasted nearly 30 minutes.

“We’re not expecting him to hit a home run tonight,” Franco said. “We’re expecting him to just add to the lineup.”

The rust showed in Manny’s swings, and predictably he was taken out after his fourth plate appearance in the sixth inning. He probably won’t be in the lineup Saturday afternoon.

Regardless, LA has its Manny back and from the sound of it LA couldn’t be happier.

]]>

LAistory: The Cocoanut Grove

Jacy Young — 2009-07-04T10:00:00-08:00

The Cocoanut Grove, a supper club where the rich and famous dined and danced, opened 3 months after the Ambassador Hotel, in April 1921. It was designed in Moorish style. The palm trees that decorated the room were rumored to have come from the Rudolph Valentino film, The Sheik and they had stuffed monkeys hanging from them. The ceiling was painted midnight blue and sparkling stars were strewn across its firmament.

Joan Crawford won over a hundred dancing contests under those stars. It's said that she was discovered there, while on the dance floor, as was Carole Lombard and Loretta Young. It was a regular hang out of the Rat Pack in the fifties. In remembrance, Sammy Davis Jr. recorded a live album there. He wasn't the only one. When Judy Garland staged her comeback there, her live album featured the last night of her appearance. Bing Crosby began his career crooning to the dancers.

The first Academy Awards where they gave the famous "Oscar" statue was held in the Grove in 1930. It was also the home of the first Golden Globe Awards.

There were efforts on the part of the LAUSD to save the Cocoanut Grove as part of the school they were building there. Later, it was found (because of numerous overhauls) to be unsalvageable, and has since been demolished.

Now the ghosts have had to find some place else to dance. Those stars have been extinguished, the whole building, with all its style and history wiped out, the victim of necessity and blindness.

LAistory is our series that takes us on a journey to what came before to help us understand where we are today.

Check out our other entries in the series:

Val Verde; Thelma Todd's Roadside Cafe; An eclectic house in Beverly Hills; Echo Park's Bonnie Brae House; Marineland of the Pacific; Grand Central Air Terminal; LA's Own Wrigley Field; How LA got its name; The wreck of the Dominator; The 1925 "Hollywood Subway."; The Pink Lady of Malibu; Lions Drag Strip; Disneyland...when it was cheap to get in; The ugliest building in the city; Union Station; Union Station's Fred Harvey Room; A Smelly Mystery at another train station; The Egyptian Theatre; Pilgrimage Bridge; The "It" Girl, Clara Bow; Elias J. "Lucky" Baldwin; Get Involved!; Houdini's House; Spanish Kitchen; The Platinum Blonde; Chutes Park; Fatty Arbuckle; The Brown Derby; Griffith Park; The Outpost Sign; Cross Roads of the World; Sowden House; Monkey Island ; Carthay Circle Theater; The Post-War House & the Home of Tomorrow; Dan the Miner; Tropical Ice Gardens; William Desmond Taylor; Alligator Farm; Schwab's Pharmacy; Tail O' the Pup; Good Reads; Fatty Arbuckle's Plantation Cafe; The Garden of Allah, Mapping LAistory, The Pan Pacific Auditorium; Pickfair; Tower of Wooden Pallets; Hollyhock House; Randy's Donuts; the Ennis House; Helms Bakery Coaches, The Ambassador Hotel

]]>

Too Tipsy? Take a Triple A Tow.

Lindsay William-Ross — 2009-07-04T09:40:00-08:00

If you happen to live within seven miles of where you find yourself too inebriated to drive home today, you can take advantage of The Automobile Club of Southern California's Tipsy Tow service. AAA is offering "free towing in an attempt to keep drunken drivers off the road during the Fourth of July weekend," explains the Daily Breeze. "The Tipsy Tow program will be available to intoxicated drivers through midnight tonight in the 13 Southern California counties served by the Auto Club." If you're in need of a ride (or you are taking the keys out of a tipsy driver's hands) call 1-800- 400-4AAA (1-800-400-4222) and ask for a Tipsy Tow, and a tow truck will haul your car and your drunk ass (not passengers) home (within 7 miles).

Get Out: It's the 4th of July!

Lindsay William-Ross — 2009-07-04T09:00:00-08:00

Photo by Synapped via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr

What's that saying? You can't swing a dead cat without (in today's case) hitting some sort of 4th of July celebration. Yeah, that's pretty much how it is. If you are looking for something to do, there are a few events you might want to look into, or, grab your loved ones and head out to where the fireworks are legit.

Burbank's Starlight Bowl
The Starlight Bowl's Summer Concert Series begins tonight with the program "Star Spangled Salute to America." The show, which takes place under the stars in the lovely hills above Burbank, features performances by the Burbank Philharmonic Orchestra, the Swing Kings and a finale fireworks show. Performances at 6:30 p.m.; fireworks are at 9 p.m.

The Standard Hollywood's Free Pool Party
There's a free poolside party today 11am-7pm at the Standard Hotel in Hollywood. Check out the fun in the sun and enjoy live performances by DJ Max Vanville and a sun-filled BBQ with organic hot dogs. Try your luck in the Ping Pong Tournament, too.

Shin Hae Chul and N.E.X.T. @ the Ford Ampitheatre
Korean Pop legend Shin Hae Chul, who pioneered the fusion of pop music with traditional Korean instruments, popularized "arena rock" in Korea and launched the Korean techno dance craze, makes his first ever L.A. appearance with his band N.EX.T. tonight at the historic Ford Ampitheatre in the Hollywood Hills. Show is at 7:30. Bring a picnic!

Le Merigot's Classic Americana BBQ
Santa Monica’s Le Merigot (a JW Marriott Beach Hotel and Spa) is throwing a beachfront BBQ with all the fixin's from 11:30-4 today in the Courtyard. Enjoy a gourmet meal and hang around the beach to catch fireworks from neighboring areas. $35 per guest; $17.50 for the “young-ins” 12 and under. Call for reservations/availability. (310) 395-9700.

Bootie LA Mashup Dance Party
Bootie LA is Los Angeles’ original mashup dance party, showcasing the best in bootleg music, culture, and DJs. They play the first Saturday each month, at The Echoplex, and they aren't taking a break today. Head over to see and hear the "fireworks" on the dancefloor and shake your Bootie like a true American. 9pm till 2am; Cover: $5 before 10pm, $10 after (& free Bootie mashup CDs for the first 75 patrons). 21+ only.

]]>

Where to Watch the Fireworks Tonight in Los Angeles County

Lindsay William-Ross — 2009-07-04T08:30:00-08:00

View 4th of July 2009: Fireworks in a larger map

Remember it's illegal (not to mention annoying and kind of stupid) to light your own fireworks in Los Angeles, but if you want to see pretty sparkles in the sky and some serious flag waving, here are the public and professional fireworks shows happening when the sun goes down on this Fourth of July. Some even have stuff to hang around and do before the pyrotechnics, too.

Have fun, and be safe!

Folksy Fourth Tonight @ Machine Project

Christine N. Ziemba — 2009-07-04T08:00:27-08:00

You can buy a guitar off Olvera Street before heading over to Machine Project's Singalong and Porchestra. / Photo by daisylind via LAist's flickr pool.

Like to sing? An aspiring musician? Maybe a hack at both? Then Machine Project in Downtown LA has an alternative 4th option for you: “The Porch of July: Folk Americana Groupsing with an Open Porchestra” at 6 pm.

It’s an acoustic celebration and singalong of American folk music led by balladeers Daniel Brummel and Laura Steenberge. Song selections will run the gamut from subversive to spiritual and peace to protest (think: Guthrie, Seeger).

Everyone’s going to be encouraged to singalong (even badly), while real and amateur musicians are being asked to bring their acoustic instruments to provide accompaniment. (Check out the chords and songs here.) If you don’t have instruments at home, hand percussion instruments will be widely available.

The event’s free and open to the public, and refreshments will be provided. If it's a little too Mayberry for you, then here's to hoping they spike the lemonade.

The Porch of July
6 pm
Machine Project
1200-D North Alvarado St., Los Angeles

Extra, Extra

Manny — 2009-07-03T18:45:00-08:00

Pete Yorn at The Roxy | Photo by nicadlr via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr

A man who went into the street to rescue a woman trying to commit suicide died in the hospital after being struck himself. The driver of the car was not cited or arrested but the accident is still under investigation.
Investigators are saying that the death of the Bentley driver on the 101 last December might have been a Cartel hit.
You can get seriously busted for watering your grass past hours, but it turns out some government agencies aren’t even following the law!
The CHP are stepping up patrols to prepare for the Independence Day weekend. Be careful out there!
Mayor Tony V went on vacation a day after his inauguration. He will attend a summit in South Africa sponsored by the Academy of Acheivement.
The fireworks at Marina del Rey are a sight to behold… the bad thing is that everyone wants to go and see them. If you are around there you might want to be mindful of some street closures.
Finally… If you find yourself celebrating a little too hard to drive home, AAA is offering free tow-rides home. Celebrate safely LA! Just call (800) 400-4AAA (4111)

Happy Ritchie Valens Day!

Zach Behrens — 2009-07-03T18:30:48-08:00

On the heels of the Grammy Museum's attendance spike--thanks to their Michael Jackson exhibit--today its operators and curators celebrated, along with City Councilmembers Richard Alarcon, Tom LaBonge and Jan Perry, the declaration of the first Ritchie Valens Day.

For the past 15 years, the Fourth of July marked not just the holiday celebration at Hanson Dam near Valens' Pacoima home in the Northeast Valley, but also a correlating festival named in his honor (additionally, there is a city park named after him).

Back at the Grammy Museum, officials announced three new Valens artifacts: the shirt he wore in his first promo photo, his 1957 harmony guitar and the handwritten lyrics to his hit song, La Bamba (Valens' aunt actually wrote them down for him because his Spanish was not up to par).

Valens, 17 at the time, died on February 3rd, 1959 in a small plane crash in Iowa that is now known as the day music died. Buddy Holly and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson were also aboard. At today's ceremony, Tommy Allsup who played with Holly, spoke about how he and Valens flipped a coin for a seat on the plane--Valens had never flown before and won the seat.

Valens was one of the first to have a breakout Spanish rock and roll song and the Northeast San Fernando Valley wont' let that part of history be forgotten.

The Next Mobile Food Truck: Johnny Rockets

Zach Behrens — 2009-07-03T17:44:12-08:00

Orange County based Johnny Rockets is launching two mobile food trucks, but you won't find them in California until later. The fast food American fare chain restaurant is taking the mobile truck model and doing it franchise style. "Each mini-burger truck will have a 22 foot kitchen and a 14 foot trailer. Each is designed to provide a condensed Johnny Rockets menu consisting of hamburgers, shakes, fries, hot dogs, chicken tenders and maybe even onion rings," explains the Orange County Register. The first truck will hit the streets in Ashburn, VA, home of the Washington Redskins training facility--Johnny Rocket's parent company RedZone Capital also owns the football team. The second truck will found in... the Middle East.

NOLA Ice Burglary Demonstrates What Shop Owners Should Do

Zach Behrens — 2009-07-03T16:45:01-08:00

Security footage of the break-in

One of the most consistent tips police give retail business owners along Ventura Blvd. is to leave cash registers empty and open over night to show potential burglars there's nothing to steal. However, that doesn't mean they'll try anyway.

One night last week, the New Orleans Sno-Ball and Cupcake Shop, NOLA Ice and Se' La Vi Sweets in Sherman Oaks, became a victim when a man threw a rock through their front glass door at 3 a.m. He headed toward the register where only a minimal amount of cash--$20--was left over night and made his way out (dude, you missed the awesome cupcakes!).

Luckily, their security camera caught him on tape, which is aiding police who have been dealing with a string of similar smash and grabs in the area.

'So Delicious!' Summertime Lassi Recipes: Strawberry, Basil & Black Pepper

Zach Behrens — 2009-07-03T15:55:17-08:00

Local foodie Aarti Paarti's latest webisode tempts us to make Indian lassi's with a twist this weekend. How can you go wrong with mango, chile, lime and cayenne? Or rosewater, pistachios and cardamon? But first, we're off to the farmer's market this weekend to accomplish the strawberry, basil and black pepper lassi. Aarti's videos are accompanied by the recipes written down on her blog.

Long Beach Residents Still Confused about Bicycle Laws

Zach Behrens — 2009-07-03T15:29:24-08:00

Long Beach Press-Telegram Sports Columnist Doug Krikorian witnessed a little girl with her family riding along Long Beach's new green bike lane in Belmont Shore. He was a bit taken aback, worried for her safety among the potentially deadly cars on the road. Others shared that sentiment: "This is an absolutely crazy concept," says Long Beach resident Bernie Selmanson. "Who's going to accept the responsibility when someone gets seriously hurt? The first time that happens - and it inevitably will - that'll be the end of cyclists sharing the right lane with motorists in Belmont Shore." With our without the green painted lane, the law will always allow for bicyclists to share the road. As heard many times about this and other projects, serious education on bicycle laws need to happen in communities and at the DMV level.

TV Junkie: The 96th Tour de France Debuts Tomorrow

Tom Lewis — 2009-07-03T15:00:12-08:00

The Tour de France begins this Saturday at 6:30am on Versus

This Saturday at 6:30am the US broadcast of the 96th Tour de France begins on Versus. Will Lance Armstrong reign supreme again or will he race to support another up-and-coming team member? Will there be a drug scandal or other legal shenanigans? Whatever happens, we'll see athletes put themselves through the most grueling race in the most grueling sport on the planet.
---
Neil Patrick Harris is in negotiations to host this year's Emmys. We should find out in the next week or so if it's Harris we'll see on CBS this September 20th.
---
The TV Junkie Plan: Tonight - "Friday Night With Jonathan Ross", Bill Moyers. Saturday - Tour de France, "Kings", "Boston Pops". Sunday - Tour de France.

Tonight

8:00pm Friday Night With Jonathan Ross BBC America - Matthew Fox; David Mitchell & Robert Webb; Davina McCall

8:00pm Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? FOX - Returns from hiatus

8:00pm The Chopping Block NBC - The contestants must serve dishes to Italian customers, including Vincent Pastore, Federico Castelluccio and Mario Batali.

9:00pm Bill Moyers Journal PBS/KCET - Scholars Cornel West, Serene Jones and Gary Dorrien examine what America's core ethics and values say about the nation's politics and policy.

Saturday

6:30am Cycling - Tour de France Versus - Stage 1 From Monaco

8:00pm Kings NBC - King Silas sends David on a mission to recover a national treasure; Jack and Katrina's (Leslie Bibb) engagement gets attention.

10:00pm Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular CBS - Neil Diamond performs some of his classic hits with the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra, conducted by Keith Lockhart

Sunday

5:30am Cycling - Tour de France Versus - Stage 2 From Monaco to Brignoles

]]>

Lori Drew Verdict Thrown Out in MySpace Case

Zach Behrens — 2009-07-03T14:30:42-08:00

Lori Drew as she leaves the federal courthouse in Los Angeles yesterday (AP Photo/Nick Ut)

A Los Angeles federal judge tentatively threw out a jury's verdicts against a Missouri mother who used MySpace in a hoax directed towards a teenage girl who eventually killed herself. The trial about the out-of-state incident happened in Los Angeles because MySpace servers are located here. Judge H. Wu's decision will become final once it's in writing.

Wu overturned the jury's decision because if Lori Drew were convicted of illegally accessing a computer, anyone could be guilty of a misdemeanor for breaking a website's Terms of Service (TOS).

From a legal internet perspective, many cheered Wu's move, even if they were saddened by Drew's actions and the out come for her. "For the state to deny her liberty for lying when she created an account on a social network would be excessive and chilling and imperil hundreds of thousands of people who, while doing the TOS version of jaywalking, set themselves up for selective prosecution if some chain of evidence or events can associate them to someone else’s tragedy," expressed John C Abell on Wired.

$259K of Stimulus Money Spent on Foreign Bus Wheel Polishers

Zach Behrens — 2009-07-03T13:59:47-08:00

The Foothill Transit agency approved $259,141 of federal transit money for two automated wheel polishers from Australia, the Pasadena Star News found. Watchdogs are obviously not happy, but the agency said no U.S. companies placed a bid, that the polishers will "dramatically" reduce time spent on prepping buses, therefore streamlining operations, and $72,000 a year will be spent on polisher supplies from the U.S. "If we were to look at the highest-priorities for FTA, I don't know that this would fit," said Tom Schatz, president of Citizens Against Government Waste, to the paper. Foothill said most of the money they received went towards expanding programs.

Pencil This In: Cantastoria Performance @ Manual Archives, Art Around Town and...Neil Diamond Exhibit!

Christine N. Ziemba — 2009-07-03T13:00:47-08:00

The Seductive Espionage: The World of Yuki 7 book release and art exhibit happens tonight.

PERFORMANCE
Now here's something you don't get a chance to see everyday: “Mild Light: An evening of Cantastoria from the Performance Department of the Museum of Everyday Life” comes to the Manual Archives tonight. "Cantastoria" involves the display of representational paintings accompanied by sung narration. Clare Dolan, Chief Operating Philosopher of the Museum of Everyday Life (Vermont), will demonstrate the "versatility and saucy immediacy of this performance form, with stories ranging from accounts of bloody crime in the 1930's written by Bertolt Brecht, to the dilemmas of a modern-day heroine trying to make a living and achieve total happiness." There are two shows tonight at 8 and 10 pm. Tickets are $12/$8.

ART+BOOKS*
Alhambra in da house! Gallery Nucleus is holding an opening night martini reception for "A Kiss from Tokyo Art Exhibition & Book Release" tonight at 7 pm. It's a retro-inspired exhibition and the official book release of "The Seductive Espionage: The World of Yuki 7," about a cute little spy girl from Tokyo. The book and exhibition of the same name, is the brainchild of artist/ illustrator Kevin Dart, who'll be displaying his art along other artists like Bob Logan, Bridgette Barrager, Chris Turnham, Daniel Arriaga, Don Shank, Elizabeth Ito, Horia Dociu, John Klassen, Josh Parpan, Justin Parpan, Megan Brain, Scott Morse, Ted Mathot and Victoria Ying. The exhibit runs through July 14.

BRASIL
Viver Brasil returns to the Ford Amphitheatre tonight at 8:30 pm with "Feet on the Ground/Aiyê," featuring sacred and contemporary dance, multimedia displays, "Afro-Bahian rhythms, drums, rolling hips and exuberant colors and costumes." The event is perfect for the whole family, with $33 tickets. $5 tickets for students and children. And remember you can head up to the Ford early and picnic on the grounds.

SHAKESPEARE
If you're in the mood for a little Shakespeare in the park, then head over to the outdoor stage at Barnsdall park (next to the Hollyhock House) tonight at 7:30 pm. On the program tonight is The Tempest. Admission is free, but reservations are recommended. Bring your kids, bring your picnics.

Art by Miles Thompson @ La Luz Gallery.

ART
There's an artist reception for an exhibit of two cartoonist/illustrators at La Luz de Jesus Gallery: Dale Sizer and Miles Thompson. Sizer paints homages to classic retro themes "particularly drawing on his childhood fascination with all things tropical to create mash-ups of Polynesian pop and pulp romance." Thompson takes his inspiration from California's history and culture.

NEIL DIAMOND
And while the MJ exhibit at the Grammy Museum has been getting a lot of play this past week, we don't want to forget another American legend: Neil Diamond. (And yes, I am being totally serious.) The Museum's "I Am, I Said: Selections from the Neil Diamond Collection" features a selection of personal and iconic pieces from Diamond's own archives. On display: costumes from the covers of albums Hot August Night and The Jazz Singer, an early guitar, handwritten lyrics and Diamond's high-school letterman's sweater for....fencing? Who knew?

*Pencil pick of the day

]]>

God Hates Fred Phelps: Westboro Baptist Church to Protest Jackson Memorial on Tuesday

Tasha Paradise — 2009-07-03T12:30:59-08:00

From the Michael Moore's Awful Truth, Season 2 (1999-2000)

The beyond ironically-named "Love Crusades" of Westboro Baptist Church is on its way to Los Angeles to demonstrate at Michael Jackson's memorial. The crusades are part of a hate-based mission started in Kansas by the WBC and Fred Phelps in order to picket the funerals of people who had died of AIDS, demonstrate against the "fag lifestyle" and other loving Christian activities. It appears their main beef is well, Michael Jackson's very existence, his death, and any mourning by anybody. If you are still unclear, here is the official announcement from the website's picket schedule. I am intentionally not linking to their site, because this is probably more attention than they deserve already.

07/07/2009 Staples Center - Michael Wacko Jacko Jackson is in hell! 1111 S. Figueroa St WBC will be there to remind you to stop worshiping the dead. We will be there to tell you to Thank God for the death of this filthy, adulterous, idolatrous, gender-confused, nationality-confused, unthankful brute beast. We will be there to remind you that God Killed Wacko Jacko. There is a God, and a Day of Judgment. For you to wallow and murmur against God for his righteous Judgments is sin and will cause YOU to join Michael in hell

Imagine the most peaceful soft-focus picture of Jesus you have ever seen. Now try to imagine Him carrying a sign saying "GOD HATES FAGS". Who the hell are these people to tell us who God likes or doesn't like? God can give us a flood or plague of locusts and tell us Himself.

Previously: Uh Oh, They're Back: Westboro Church to Protest Fairfax High School