I love buying things in bulk. Sifting through various types of beans or dried fruit or toys or candy or jewelry or whatever, it’s satisfying, somehow, to create a combination of just about anything that is unique to a mood, a particular need, or the tastes of the recipient. Creating a work of art with … Read more
We’re spotlighting the Hear Now Music Festival in this week’s event newsletter, and always encourage our readers to support new classical music whenever the opportunity arises. Whether it’s buying a ticket, showing up, volunteering, making a simple donation, or contributing to a commission, these activities help classical evolve into its next, very dynamic phase, and what … Read more
We’re no April Fools! There are too many good things happening to stay home. In addition to the featured events below, look ahead to The Queen’s Six in the desert on the 7th, a gorgeous concert from Jouyssance on the 10th, and Fidelio coming to the LA Phil on the 14th. Easter is also looming, and churches all over the Southland will … Read more
It’s been a very big week for SoCal arts, with both happy and sad news aplenty. But we’re used to some shaking, right? The Colburn School announced a mammoth $350 million expansion with the help of some architect named Frank Gehry (oh yeah, he’s that guy who likes silver buildings…). Long Beach Opera canceled their … Read more
There’s so much creativity and exuberance happening in the arts as we find our way back into live performance again. This weekend’s opening of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion from LA Opera is an outrageously marvelous example, mixing oratorio, opera, ballet and more to help us think of one of history’s most spectacular sacred masterworks in … Read more
As we start to get busy again, I’m hearing a theme in the posts and emails and conversations and general vibe from some of our Listers: FEAR. We’re all dealing with the same reality: fewer jobs around, and way too many talented artists vying for them. It’s exactly what we’ve all trained for… but more … Read more
With Southern California experiencing an actual burst of winter (if brief and still mild) and government bodies updating health restrictions with a dizzying yet understandable mixture of hope and caution, no one would blame you if you look like the RCA dog right now. But things are looking up, as you can see from the … Read more
Call it processing. Call it the buddy system. Getting some perspective. Finding a new viewpoint. What you probably already know is that being an artist and performer is hard, and no one should go through that life alone. Whether you need a single session to clarify your goals or lay out some plans, or a … Read more
Living in Southern California, our sense of time often gets skewed because our seasons are just wonky here. It’s two days after Groundhog Day, and we’ve already seen our shadow weeks ago and are enjoying blue skies, sunshine and mild temperatures. I know I blog about the weather a lot, and this is probably why: … Read more
Boo humbug! I used to believe that Halloween isn’t for everyone. But as the holiday seems to get bigger every year, it’s clear I was wrong. There are hundreds of ways to celebrate this unique holiday, that celebrates very old traditions instead of commemorating a single event or individual. This year, we see arts organizations … Read more
