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.
Tom Morello at Grammy Museum 3/31
Man, downtown is kickass. Yeah, you've seen the great theatre and the wonderful eats and the art walk, but you've probably also thought about the homeless population, or the proclivity for violence in the face of an economic abyss. And while all of these things, in their own way, are true about downtown, things like the Grammy Museum are really helping to elevate the standard while keeping an eye on what’s important in their neighborhood.
Enter Tom Morello, former lead guitarist for Rage Against The Machine and Audioslave, current Nightwatchman and Street Sweeper rocker. Oh, and he's a badass with an honors degree from Harvard who happens to be one of the best guitarists in the world, all while fighting the social ills that are killing the world. And guess what? The Grammy Museum's got him. Well... had him...
On 3/31 Tom did a two hour question and answer session with the Grammy Museum on their beautiful location right in the middle of LA Live, and even took some questions from fans before breaking into a small acoustic set that got the audience jumping, literally. I mean, who else in the world could break out an acoustic version of Guerilla Radio and play their OWN GUITAR RIFFS on harmonica?!
Tom Morello is not only a rock institution, he’s also a social and political phenomenon. Leaning far to the left and strongly towards socialist activism, Tom has been witness to riots, placed in handcuffs, and barred from so many events it’s staggering. But one thing that hasn’t changed is his love of the people, be it in Los Angeles or Lithuania. And, sitting inside the comfortably furnished Grammy Museum space, when Tom mentions the 75,000 people sleeping on the streets of LA, you really understand what it means to be a part of the problem, or part of the solution. And Tom Morello, with the help of the Grammy Museum, shows just how much fun it can be to be a part of the solution.
Support for LAist comes from
The Grammy Museum recently changed it's hours, and will now be open Sunday through Friday 11:30 to 7:30, and Saturdays 10:00 to 7:30. It is located on the corner of Olympic and Figueroa at LA Live.
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 L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs. -
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
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.
Best of LAist