Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
First Fridays feat. The Tallest Man On Earth @ Natural History Museum 05/07/10
It’s the end of the first week of May, and if you’re a nerd (just admit it) and like good music, then you might’ve considered yourself a hot dog wrapped in bacon the other night at this season’s fifth First Friday at the Natural History Museum. If you haven’t heard, First Fridays are a miraculous transformation in which one of the most prestigious science museums in the world transforms into a rump-bumpin’, hip-happenin’, love-makin’ nightclub. I wouldn’t be surprised if I discovered a secret switch that flips the DJ table from out underground, or maybe that certain elephant tusk you tug on twice to descend a disco ball from the ceiling.
On the May 7 show, Dr. Regina Wetzer gave a tour of the marine biology collections while Dr. David A. Caron lectured on the growth of toxic algae on the coastlines. This lecture followed what seems to be the ongoing theme of “You Know You’re Going to Die... But How?”. Last month was earthquakes, this time it’s the breakdown of your nervous system via the Red Lobster, and in June a supermassive black hole will suck all that is into nothingness. I smell a sequel for 2012...
I’ve heard of varying degrees of difficulty of finding a good spot for the bands, but from what I saw it wasn’t too bad this time around. Like always, there are the few die-hards waiting in line for an hour or two, but I attended the lecture, took a look at some dinosaurs, and leisurely made my way down to the Mammal Hall with a very nice spot. Tickets do run out quickly, though, so it is best to arrive as early as possible.
Rocking the hall this month was psychedelic-folk band Gamble House and the one-man show of the Tallest Man On Earth. Gamble House immediately drew obvious comparisons to Grizzly Bear. They sorely lacked the fragile croon of Ed Droste, though, leaving one audience member to refer to them as “Grizzly Cub.” They did, however, have a more straightforward and upbeat tone at times, which was refreshing. The Tallest Man On Earth, aka Swedish singer-songwriter Kristian Matsson, twanged away on his guitar while spouting a rough and worn vocal timbre; it seemed to complement the vastness of the room and reverberated throughout. He was not, in fact, the tallest man on Earth, but during his set it sure seemed like the Tallest Man In The Room was directly in front of me.
Support for LAist comes from
Next time on June 4, Peanut Butter Wolf and Neon Indian will bring us more of a lively performance to match the overall raucous atmosphere. I just hope during the set of the latter there isn’t a luminescent Native American blocking everything I can see.
Photos by Michael Camacho for LAist
Words by James Thomer for LAist
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons Thursday after suddenly shutting down six months ago. -
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars.
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
Best of LAist