Events for March 6-12, 2014

Get with THE PROGRAM

THURSDAY, MARCH 6

MUSIC

Gary Numan @ The Mayan (Downtown)
If you weren't fortunate enough to see industrial/electro pioneer perform in support of his latest album, Splinter (Songs From a Broken Mind), last fall, then this is your chance to see him in all his glory in a great venue, which is intimate yet allows you enough room to dance comfortably. The album marked Numan's return to the Billboard 200 for the first time in over 31 years, and it's no wonder why. With guitar work from Nine Inch Nails' Robin Finck and compositions produced with long-time collaborator Ade Fenton, there is ample of ear and brain candy in each track. There are solid opening acts, Big Black Delta and Roman Remains, on the tour as well, so get there early.

FRIDAY, MARCH 7

COMEDY

Billy Connolly @ The Montalbán (Hollywood)
You might recognize Billy Connolly as Dain (aka the King Under the Mountain) from The Hobbit movies or his voice as King Fergus from Brave, but if you haven't seen any of his stand-up comedy routines you're sorely missing out. His shows have been known to leave sides aching and cheeks sore from so much laughter and smiling. His latest tour, The Man Live, begins its two-night stand at the Montalbán this evening at 8 p.m.

DANCE

Savion Glover @ Valley Performing Arts Center (Northridge)
Although I love dance, I'm not super fond of tapping – unless it's a routine by a phenomenal tap dancer – and there is no question that Savion Glover is a tap prodigy. The dancer, actor and choreographer has been tapping since age 7 and has spread his love for the art form throughout the world. He and his ensemble of dancers (TLHS) fuse traditional music of the past with modern flair in STePz tonight at 8 p.m.

FILM

In Theaters This Week
Annettte Bening, Ed Harris and Robin Williams in The Face of Love; Wes Anderson's The Grand Budapest Hotel stars Ralph Fiennes as the legendary concierge of a famous European hotel and involves the theft of a priceless Renaissance painting and a battle for a family fortune. Also starring F. Murray Abraham, Tilda Swinton, Adrien Brody, Saoirse Ronan, Edward Norton, Willem Dafoe, Harvey Keitel and, of course, Jason Scwartzman and Bill Murray; "Modern Family"'s Ty Burrell lends his voice to the scholarly canine with glasses and a red bow tie in Mr. Peabody & Sherman; Science documentary Particle Fever. Also in theaters: 300: Rise of an Empire; Bethlehem; Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me; In Fear; Journey to the West; Kids for Cash; Lucky Bastard; Special ID

MUSIC

Aer @ El Rey Theatre (Miracle Mile)
Word of Mouth Tour
I might be a bit obsessed with the Boston duo's "Says She Loves Me" off their self-titled sophomore album that released in January. Once you give the track a listen, you probably will be, too. Boston's David von Mering and Carter Schultz combine rap, reggae, pop and indie rock for a sound that  can be described in one word: fun. Having shared the stage with the likes of Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Slightly Stoopid, A$AP Rocky and Iggy Azalea, Aer have crafted a live show that is as infectiously energetic as their recordings.

SATURDAY, MARCH 8

MUSIC

NO @ Troubadour (West Hollywood)
The Echo Park sextet released their Arts & Crafts debut, El Prado, last month and head out on a North American tour on Sunday. So let's give them a proper send off tonight at the Troubadour. Just give songs like "Leave the Door Wide Open," "Stay With Me" and "There's a Glow" a few spins and you'll be able to sing along to the anthemic gems in no time flat. Led by the fantastic Bradley Hanan Carter, the band's live show will undoubtedly persuade you to say 'yes' to NO.

SUNDAY, MARCH 9

CULTURE

Festival of the Kite @ Redondo Pier (Redondo Beach)
If you haven't flown a kite lately (or ever), I strongly urge you to take part in Redondo's 40th annual festival dedicated to the pastime. See kites of all shapes and sizes floating in the sky, with prizes going to the Highest Flying, Best Handmade and Youngest Kiteflyer, and help launch a massive, 25-foot wide kite. There are also dance and music performances, a hot dog on a stick eating contest and yo-yo competition.

FILM

Brontë Sister Double Feature @ New Beverly Cinema (Fairfax)
Curling up by a fire with a book by one of the Brontës sounds like a fabulous way to spend a Sunday afternoon to me, but if you're in the mood for something more visually stimulating then head on over to the New Beverly for this screening of two of the sisters' literary masterpieces adapted to the big screen. First up is Andrea Arnold's 2011 version of Emily's classic tale of love and revenge, Wuthering Heights, starring James Howson and Kaya Scodelario as Heathcliff and Cathy. The double feature continues with Charlotte's romantic drama Jane Eyre, directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga ("True Detective") and starring Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender and Jamie Bell.

MUSIC

The Aussie BBQ @ Bootleg Bar (Westlake)
The cloudy weather lately may not immediately scream barbecue time, but here in Los Angeles, we can always be sure that sunny afternoons ideal for grilling are never too far away. The Fold and Sounds Australia are throwing a good, old-fashioned Aussie-style BBQ this afternoon with over 20 Australian acts hitting the stage for the biggest live showcase of talent from Down Under in the city ever. Headlining the bill are Ben Lee, Glass Towers and Gossling.

TUESDAY, MARCH 11

THEATER

"Harmony" @ Ahmanson Theatre (Downtown)
C'mon, admit it. I know there are more than a few of you who list Barry Manilow as one of your guilty pleasures. The singer-songwriter composed all of the songs – with longtime collaborator Bruce Sussman penning the book and lyrics – in this new musical about the world's first boy band. Six young lads formed the Comedian Harmonists in late-1920s Germany and went on to sell millions of records, star in dozens of films and pack concert halls around the globe until their mixed races (three of them are Jews, three of them Gentiles) become an issue. Through April 13.

New Release Tuesday 2/18/14

Feb. 18, 2014

MUSIC

NO – El Prado (Arts & Crafts)
I must admit a bit of a bias when it comes to this Echo Park sextet. Not only are they neighbors (This album takes its name from one of our neighborhood's watering holes and its cover image from a grocery store that I often frequent.), but my interview with frontman Bradley Hanan Carter was the first posted on this site. Those prejudices aside, El Prado is a brilliant debut, anchored by an anthemic lead single, "Leave the Door Wide Open," and fulfilling the promise anticipated by the likes of Filter, who named it as one of their 25 Anticipated Albums of 2014. Other standout tracks include "Stay With Me," "There's a Glow" and a cover of Leonard Cohen's "Suzanne," featuring the Mynabirds' Laura Burhenn. Catch them at the Troubadour on March 8 before they head out on the Arts & Crafts' North American label tour with the Darcys and Reuben and the Dark.

Lake Street Dive – Bad Self Portraits (Signature Sounds)
While the Brooklyn foursome take their name from a neighborhood of seedy bars in trumpet/guitar player Mike Olson's Minneapolis hometown, Lake Street Dive's pop-soul melodies would feel right in any venue. In fact, Rachael Price's show-stopping vocals could take down any house. You will be hooked on their sophomore full-length, from its opening title track and R&B-flavored "You Go Down Smooth" to the soulful "Use Me Up" and bluesy "What About Me." Unfortunately for those of you who didn't grab tickets early, their March 15 show at the Troubadour is sold out, but you can watch them on "The Late Show with David Letterman" on Feb. 21.

Phantogram – Voices (Republic)
There are many reasons why Republic pegged the New York duo of Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter as their "band to break" in 2014. Most importantly, it is virtually impossible for your body to stay still when any of the 11 tracks from Voices, their major-label debut, begin to play. Whether it's with pulsating first single "Fall In Love," captivating "Black Out Days" or the more melancholy "Bill Murray," Phantogram capture your attention then take your breath away with their beautifully crafted melodies. You don't just have to take my word for it: Tickets for their Feb. 22 show at the Palladium are totally gone. There are, however, tickets still available for their show at Ventura Theater, happening the following evening.

Paul Chesne Band – Downright Up & Left
The Paul Chesne Band is one of those acts that you have to experience live to fully appreciate, which isn't hard since the L.A.-based fivesome perform at least once a week. That being said, Downright Up & Left boasts some of frontman Paul Chesne's finest songwriting, and, of their four full-length albums, offers the listener as great of an experience as their shows do. While their energetic live sets leave a trail of sweaty bodies in their wake, one can truly appreciate the musical craftsmanship of vocalist/guitarist Chesne, keyboardist Jon Niemann, drummer Rich Berardi, bassist Jason Chesney and guitarist Josh Norton as tracks like the fiery "Allegation Woman," funk-laced "Meet Your Maker" and heart-wrenching "Tryin' to Survive" inspire a wealth of emotions throughout the album. PCB perform Feb. 21 at Pappy & Harriet's in Pioneertown, March 7 at Basement Tavern and March 12 at the Edison.

Also available – Angel Olsen's Burn Your Fire For No Witness; Ashley Riley's All the Pretty Things; Bayside's CULT; Bear Hands' Distraction; BossaCucaNova's Our Kind of Bossa; Candice Glover's Music Speaks; The Feeling's Boy Cried Wolf; The Go Find's Brand New Love; Guided By Voices' Motivational Jumpsuit; I Killed the Prom Queen's Beloved; Issues' self-titled; The Jezabels' The Brink; Juvenile's The Fundamentals; Kevin Seconds' Off Stockton; Lionize's Jetpack Soundtrack; Lost in the Trees' Past Life; New Bums' Voices in a Rented Room; Planningtorock's All Love's Legal; Pyramid Vritra's Tea & Lemonade; Shocking Pinks' Guilt Mirrors; Solids' Blame Confusion; Souls of Mischief's There Is Only Now; Suzanne Vega's Tales from the Realm of the Queen of Pentacles; We Are the in Crowd's Weird Kids; William Fitzsimmons' Lions

BOOKS

One Way Out: The Inside History of the Allman Brothers Band by Alan Paul (St. Martin's)
I am such a sucker for slide guitar, and Duane Allman absolutely slays me. Go behind the scenes of the Allman Brothers Band – their formation, recording of albums like At Fillmore East and Eat a Peach, conflicts, drug and alcohol struggles and tragic deaths – in this riveting new biography by Guitar World senior writer Alan Paul. For 25 years, Paul has written about the band and interviewed every living members for One Way Out (Also, Butch Trucks penned the foreword, and Jaimoe did the afterword.), as well as their managers, roadies and contemporaries such as Eric Clapton and Bob Weir. Also included are several never-before-scene images of the band from their road managers, in addition to photographers like Danny Clinch, Jim Marshall, Neal Preston and Stephen Paley. This in-depth look at the legendary group is a must-have for any fan.

Also available – The Adventures of Henry Thoreau by Michael Sims; Alpha & Omega (Locke & Key) by Joe Hill; American Cocktail: A "Colored Girl" in the World by Anita Reynolds; Concealed in Death by J.D. Robb; The Daniel Plan Cookbook by Rick Warren, Daniel Amen, Mark Hyman; Like a Mighty Army (Safehold) by David Weber; The Virgin Diet Cookbook by JJ Virgin; Young Money: Inside the Hidden World of Wall Street's Post-Crash Recruits by Kevin Roose

DVDS 

 
TV – Catch up on Game of Thrones: The Complete Third Season before new episodes premiere on April 6; Noah's Ark: The Miniseries Event; Nurse Jackie: Season 5; Pompeii: Doomed City

Music – The Allman Brothers Band's Live at Great Woods; Grouplove's I'm With You

Also available – Afternoon Delight; Battle of the Damned; The Best of Bogart Collection; Boys Behind Bars; Cal; The Invoking; On the Job; The Pervert's Guide to Ideology; Random Acts of Violence; Sick Birds Die Easy; Zaytoun

Events for April 4-10, 2013

Get with THE PROGRAM

THURSDAY, APRIL 4

MUSIC

NO @ Troubadour (West Hollywood)
The Echo Park indie rockers play their first L.A. show of 2013 tonight, and if you haven't seen them live this is definitely your can't-miss show of the week. Dancing and singing along to the fivesome's tracks, which run the gamut from to the heart-wrenching "Coming Down" to the heart-racing "There's a Glow," is the perfect way to get the week's end started off right. You don't just have to take my word for it, though. Give their video for "Big Waves" a gander for a glimpse at some of the fun the Troubadour is in store for this evening.

FRIDAY, APRIL 5

FILM

In Theaters This Week
Julianne Moore and Jonathan Rhys Meyers in 6 Souls; Robert Redford directs and stars in The Company You Keep with Shia LaBeouf, Stanley Tucci and Brit Marling; I can't even watch the trailer for Evil Dead, the highly anticipated remake of Sam Raimi's 1981 classic, by myself, so it's pretty much guaranteed that it's going to be a hit with horror fanatics; Danny Boyle delves into the art world with Trance, starring James McAvoy, Rosario Dawson and Vincent Cassel. Also in theaters: The Brass Teapot; Free Angela and All Political Prisoners; Jurassic Park in 3D; My Brother the Devil; The Story of Luke; Thale

SATURDAY, APRIL 6

BOOKS

Demetri Martin @ Book Soup (West Hollywood)
The stand-up comedian, actor, musician and writer is also an artist. His follow-up to the New York Times bestselling This Is a Book is a collection of hilarious drawings, poems and visual jokes called Point Your Face at This. Martin presents and signs the new book at 2 p.m.

FILM

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory @ Electric Dusk Drive-In (Downtown)
The 1971 classic, starring Gene Wilder as the eccentric titular character, is still my favorite big screen adaptation of a Roald Dahl work, and there's no better film to kick off EDDI's 2013 Family Night at the Drive-In series.

SUNDAY, APRIL 7

The Tontons (Megan Tipps)

MUSIC
 

The Tontons @ Central (Santa Monica)

The Houston quartet's frontwoman, Asli Omar, is the epitome of cool. Her commanding vocals paired with Adam Martinez's guitar set to the rumble of bassist Tom Nguyen and drummer Justin Martinez equals complete and utter sonic jubilation. Experiencing them in a venue as intimate as the Central is going to be quite the treat.

MONDAY, APRIL 8

BOOKS

Juanes @ Barnes & Noble (The Grove)
The Latin music icon and dedicated humanitarian grew up in the midst of Pablo Escobar's reign over Medellín. Even though there was a civil war raging around him, which greatly affected his life – his cousin was kidnapped and executed, a close friend was murdered by gunmen – his passion for music provided an escape and release of pent up emotions. He shares these stores in his memoir, Chasing the Sun, that was released last week, and he signs copies of the book tonight.

TUESDAY, APRIL 9

FILM

Debbie Reynolds @ The Egyptian (Hollywood)
The beloved actress just released a memoir, Unsinkable, which picks up where her first, Debbie: My Life, left off. American Cinematheque celebrates the release with a double feature of two musicals starring her – 1952's Singin' in the Rain and 1964's The Unsinkable Molly Brown – as well as a discussion with the screen legend herself. There's also a double feature of her films The Tender Trap and Mary, Mary on April 4 at the Egyptian, too.

FOOD

Free Cone Day @ Ben & Jerry's (throughout Los Angeles)
I am addicted to ice cream. It's my absolute favorite food, so Free Cone Day is always circled on my calendar. Ben and Jerry have been holding the holiday since their company's one-year anniversary in 1979, and this year they add new flavors like Candy Bar Pie and Liz Lemon Greek Frozen Yogurt to their lineup of classic flavors, which are all available for free!

MUSIC

Menage (Mary Maryanovich)

Ménage @ The Viper Room (West Hollywood)
The trio of siblings (Gabriel, Fernando and bELA Ferreira) spent their childhood living in Toronto, Canada and a small town in Portugal, infusing their musical tastes with a myriad of influences. As they moved into adulthood, spending time apart in settings such as New York and Los Angeles, they cultivated their musical passion and skills and eventually came together to form Ménage and release a self-titled debut. Experience the fruition of their labors as they celebrate the release of the video for "Promises," their third single from Ménage.

Heloise & The Savoir Faire @ The Satellite (Silver Lake)
The New Yorkers swing into Los Angeles in support of their just-released sophomore effort, Diamond Dust (via Elijah Wood's Simian Records). If you haven't been dancing around your house to the album's first single, "Vibezz," in preparation for the show, then get to it!

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10

MUSIC

San Cisco, Chaos Chaos @ Troubadour (West Hollywood)
This marks the Australian four-piece of San Cisco's first headlining tour in North America. While the release of their Awkward EP last year has steadily increased their buzz throughout the states, it's also built up the anticipation for their full-length's release later this spring. Joining them on the tour are the Saaverda sisters, Asy and Chloe, formerly of Smoosh and currently making waves as Chaos Chaos. They just unveiled an EP, S, and promise the incorporation of "the Toys R Us Big Piano, a trash drum kit and vocal processors" into their live set. Should be a thoroughly entertaining evening.

SHOW REVIEWS - Echo Park Rising 8/25/12

Lavender Diamond performs at Echo Park Rising.

 

ECHO PARK RISING

Aug. 25 in Echo Park

I used to love going to Sunset Junction, back when it was donation-only and really about getting together with friends and neighbors who loved music as much as I did to see local bands, have margaritas at El Cid and rub elbows with the likes of Karen O. As the festival ballooned in price and proportions, showcasing national acts and rickety carnival rides to lure patrons, it lost its luster for me. For the second year in a row, Echo Park Rising has given eastsiders an outlet to celebrate our community, minus the traffic jams.

The day started out with a trip to Two Boots for a slice of cheese pizza. A DJ had taken over the patio to provide background music for those standing around eating their slices or in line to get into the Echo where Highland Park's Seasons were in the midst of their set. After fueling up at Two Boots, we headed to the main stage located in the parking lot of Taix to catch some cumbia from Norwalk's Buyepongo. There was a beer garden set up in the far corner of the lot, which was a great spot to stand in the shade and watch all the action.

I had to brave the sun to get closer to the stage once Lavender Diamond began their set, though. Frontwoman Becky Stark shared facts about Echo Park since it's her home base and a community that she loves, leading into "Oh My Beautiful World" from their sophomore full-length, Incorruptible Heart (releasing Sept. 25 via Paracadute). I had only ever seen them perform in small theaters, but the open space proved no challenge for Stark's strong pipes. Clad in a gauzy salmon gown, she gracefully lifted her arms as her voice soared on other new tracks like "Dragonfly" and "Everybody's Heart's Breaking Now." With each song, the crowd around the stage grew, but their short set was over before very long and the audience was left hungry for more. Luckily Lavender Diamond begin a Monday-night residency at the Echo on Sept. 10.

Next up were Dante Vs. Zombies, headed by former Detroit Cobras guitarist Dante White Aliano, and Robert DeLong. By this time, the area in front of the stage was full of people, who were happy that the sun was going down and eager for NO to start playing. NO's latest project, a 7-inch on White Iris, released today and features artwork by Josh Evans that represents their former house on Mohawk Street, just blocks away from the stage at the Taix parking lot.

The evening ended with a set from another local band, Youngblood Hawke. The ballroom inside Taix was warm, even at 11 p.m., and after they kicked off their set with "Rootless," bodies started moving and it became sweltering hot. Youngblood had performed on the outdoor stage earlier in the night, yet the heat and any exhaustion they might have felt didn't diminish their energy. Vocalist Sam Martin bounced all over the place throughout the set, getting right in crowd members' faces for songs like "Dannyboy" and "Forever." Nik Hughes and Alice Katz pounded their drums with ceaseless zest, while Tasso Smith raised his guitar and beat on it as Simon Katz bravely took his guitar and flailed into the audience. The place exploded with writhing bodies during their cover of the Notorious B.I.G.'s "Juicy," and the entire right side of the room jumped up and down to their hit, "We Come Running." Youngblood's set was the perfect nightcap to a wonderful day in the neighborhood.

Bradley Hanan Carter of NO

Bradley Hanan Carter at his favorite table in the courtyard of Silverlake Juice and Tea

BRADLEY HANAN CARTER of NO 

At Silverlake Juice and Tea (Now Sprouted Garden Café)

2813 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles (Silver Lake)

Anyone who gets to know Bradley Hanan Carter soon learns of his passion for music and his obsession with coffee. So when I ask the New Zealand transplant to name his favorite spot in his neighborhood, it's only fitting that he replies with a café: Silverlake Juice and Tea.

From its unassuming storefront, Silverlake Juice and Tea seems like your average juice bar/coffee shop, but after grabbing a cup of his usual Coconut Latte (containing sweet bits of freshly shaved coconut) Bradley leads me past three grandiose archways into the heart of the place – a beautiful courtyard full of wooden tables and chairs, lanterns and camel statues. Having opened just over a year ago, the café shares the outdoor space with the Indian-Mexican street food restaurant next door, Cowboys & Turbans, since they're both owned by chef Baba Ji.

While organic juices and ingredient-packed smoothies are $5.50-$7, a large cup of coffee or tea is just $2. Silverlake Juice and Tea also offers a small selection of food items – sandwiches, salads, muffins. After seeing the courtyard, speaking with the friendly baristas/juicers behind the counter and glancing at the tongue-in-cheek drink names (Cacao Me Crazy, J-Bieb, Happy Hippie), it's clear why Bradley loves it here.

"I just live about a five-minute walk up the road [in Echo Park]. I've come up with really good lyrics here just sitting in the sunshine and taking in the atmosphere," he shares. "I like to get out of the house since I record and live in the same place. It's nice to get out and have a little walk down the road. This is a good place to meet everyone, it's easy to get to. There's not too many sanctuaries like this around Silver Lake, where you can just go and sit somewhere and kind of hide away if you want. I could sit here all day, have a few coffees and work on stuff – write, read e-mails, do whatever I have to do."

Besides hanging out at Silverlake Juice, vocalist/guitarist Bradley has been hard at work with his band NO. Formed in 2010 with bassist Sean Daniel Stentz, guitarist/keyboardist Reese Richardson, drummer Michael Walker and keyboardist/guitarist Ryan Lallier, the group decided to spend a year writing before recording their debut EP, Don't Worry, You'll Be Here Forever, entirely at Bradley's house on Mohawk Street.

"We wanted to write some songs we could believe in. We wanted to create some hope because it had been a really hard few years for all of us. I think when you can put some sort of hope in music, then other people maybe can feel that too," says Bradley. "Music really is the only thing that is always there for you, no matter how shit things get."

Once the EP was recorded, NO began to perform publicly. Their first show was Nov. 9, 2011 at the Satellite, and with the EP's release, a Monday-night residency at the Echo, a West Coast tour and performances at SXSW all last March, they haven't stopped since. Garnering attention from L.A. Weekly, KCRW and Time magazine, NO is steadily building a solid fanbase while doing everything completely on their own.

Overall, Bradley loves Echo Park for the cafés like Silverlake Juice and Tea, as well as the kinship he feels with other residents.

"This neighborhood is really good because you can just walk out, have a drink and go see a show. I love the Monday night thing [the free Monday-night shows at the Satellite and the Echo] because there's always a band playing," he says. "It's a really good community of artists and music, and everyone's pretty chill."

"There's a lot of people doing really good things, and it's inspiring when you go out and see your friends doing well. It makes you work harder. I think we're all kind of in the same boat here. Nobody's really showy. No one's got like lots of money, and if they do, it's not about that. It's not about what you've got and what you've done. It's more about who you are," he continues. "It's the first time I've felt that in L.A. to be honest. Most people here [in Echo Park] are just doing their stuff because it's what they want to do. It does create an honesty, and I've really enjoyed that. I mean none of us have got any money, we're just doing this because we love it [laughs]. I love when we play a show and people sing along – that's getting paid."

For more information, visit noechopark.com.

NO's video for "Stay With Me," directed by Ryan Reichenfeld: