Vista Theatre is hands down my favorite place to see a movie in Los Angeles. Originally opened as the Lou Bard Playhouse in 1923, the Vista truly represents Old Hollywood style and charm. I am a sucker for anything from the 1920s, so with Egyptian Art Deco design elements and plush, red velvet curtains adorning the walls, the theater won me over the first time I walked down its carpeted aisles.
From the marquee out front, you know at first glance that the Vista has just one screen. This is a huge factor in coming here, in that, only one movie playing at a time means no absurdly long lines to stand in to 1) buy a ticket, 2) buy popcorn and 3) actually get into the theater. I've seen lines wrap around the corner for screenings of blockbuster releases, but they're nothing compared to the havoc at the ArcLight, the Grove or Americana at Brand.
Prints from Ed Wood's Sarah Jessica Parker and Martin Landau
You don't have to pay for parking, and ticket prices at the Vista are always a lot cheaper than all of the multiplexes in the area. Its 50-foot screen and state-of-the-art Dolby Digital sound are on par with most of those theaters as well. The only time I go anywhere else is if a film is in 3D. Those with long legs also benefit from the amount of space in between the rows of seats – best legroom ever.
House manager, Victor Martinez, makes the theater-going experience even more fun when he takes your ticket with a smile – and in costume as a character from whatever movie is playing. I've seen him dressed as Captain Jack Sparrow, Spider-Man and Harry Potter.
The sidewalk in front of the Vista boasts celebrity handprints that any cult/indie cinephile would enjoy. The casts and crew of Swingers, Paper Moon, Showgirls and Ed Wood are just some of those immortalized. The theater also hosts concerts from artists like Tenacious D, Ricki Lee Jones and Jenny Lewis. I saw She & Him perform there in 2008, and the sound was great.
Instead of going to the multiplex nearest you, see The Dark Knight Rises at the Vista this weekend. Victor is sure to be wearing his Batman costume.
Minnie Mouse meets Chairman Mao in Minnie Mao. The sidewalk stencil, designed by L.A. street artist Dog Byte, is located on Central Avenue between 2nd Street and 3rd Street in Little Tokyo.
It seems like every few years a new crop of boy bands takes root and infiltrates every corner of pop culture. Los Angeles' contribution to the current wave of boy bands is Midnight Red.
Brought together by A&R executive/Kings of L.A. label founder Pete Farmer and producer RedOne (Lady Gaga, Pitbull, Nicki Minaj) in 2009, Midnight Red is comprised of two L.A. natives – Joey Diggs Jr. and Eric Secharia – and three transplants – Thomas Augusto from Arlington, Texas; Anthony Ladao from Seattle, Wash. and Colton Rudloff from Buffalo, N.Y. – who are enjoying the diversity of the city.
"Everyone out here is different, and it's cool. When I go back to Seattle, sometimes people look at me like an alien because of the way I dress," shares Anthony.
"Los Angeles is so culturally rich that you learn a lot, you start making new friends," adds Thomas. "Your eyes are open to something larger when you come from a small town."
"I've met a lot of different kinds of people," says Colton. "One of the benefits of being in a big town is that there is a lot to do wherever you are. I've definitely gotten to experience things that I would never have gotten to living in Buffalo."
The guys and I meet at the Grove for one such event, Sean Kingston and Chris Rene performing a free show as part of the entertainment center's Summer Concert Series.
"I haven't been here to the Grove in a bit, but I used to come a lot," says Thomas. "We've always wanted to perform here."
Midnight Red in front of the stage at the Grove
"It's cool seeing artists shut down the Grove. It gets so packed," says Anthony. "I remember when the Jonas Brothers were here. I was just shopping, and there was so many people that they closed the stores."
Being surrounded by huge crowds of fans is something the quintet got used to when they were chosen as the opening act for the New Kids on the Block/Backstreet Boys tour last summer. After two years together, Midnight Red were releasing a digital EP, One Club at a Time, and embarking on their first mega tour.
"At the end of every day we got to perform at sold-out arenas, and we were well received. It was a dream come true," says Thomas.
"[On a tour like that] you learn who everyone else is. It brings you closer," says Eric.
"We had never traveled together all that much, and then we traveled thousands of miles together. We came back from that tour as something to be reckoned with," says Colton.
"It started becoming more real," adds Thomas. "After that point, we were Midnight Red. I realized that these guys are the ones I'm going to be around for the rest of my life!"
As with all bands, Midnight Red is a tight-knit unit with their own set of family dynamics.
"I remember it was my second day of rehearsing with these guys, and Eric and Thomas got into it. I was like, 'Oh my god, what am I getting myself into?' because it was this crazy childish rant between the two of them," shares Colton. "They still have them, but it's way toned down now."
"That happened today actually," says Thomas.
"When you're together with people a lot, tensions are created no matter what. But we'll talk it out," says Eric. "I don't have friends [everyone laughs]. It is kind of true though. These guys are my best friends."
Joey has introduced the guys from out of state to one of his favorite parts of being an Angeleno: In-N-Out.
"I like going to In-N-Out Burger. In-N-Out's in a few states now, but it originated in Cali and I worked there for five years," he says. "It's one of the best burgers I've had in my life."
Growing up in Los Angeles with a professional singer for a father, Joey has his share of significant concert memories.
"Whether it's new school like Kanye West and Chris Brown or it's old school like Jeffrey Osborne and Rod Stewart because of my dad, I like seeing both sides: how the old school handled their business, and how it's done nowadays. Blending the two together, trying to take what's best from each corner and make it one, is pretty fun."
Joey's not the only member who had an interest in becoming a performer at a young age. Eric started singing when he was 6 and dancing at 12. Thomas' family dubbed him the "little entertainer" when he was a child. Colton's passion for singing expressed in YouTube videos led to his invitation to join the band. Anthony distinctly remembers being bitten by the performance bug.
"It was watching an Usher performance, just the way he moved on stage. It made me realize that this is what I want to do with my life. From that moment on, it was all about dancing and music," he remembers.
Anthony's first dance teacher, Bryan Tanaka, was also a big influence, and he's one choreographer/producer that Midnight Red would love to work with in the future.
"I look up to him," says Anthony. "To have him back in my career with the group – that would be pretty cool."
Thomas adds, "Bryan Tanaka's playing with the big dogs – Beyoncé, Rihanna, Usher, J-Lo – so it would be a dream come true. "
"Rihanna would be awesome to collaborate with too," interjects Anthony.
"Yeah, Rihanna would be incredible," Thomas agrees. "She's a pop star, but she's edgy in a sense. It would be a cool match for us because I don't think we're necessarily the typical boy band. We have a little bit of the rough edges, we're a bit different."
That difference can be seen in the video for Midnight Red's new single, "Hell Yeah."
"We're not stopping until that song's on the radio," says Colton. "We're just trying to get as many eyes on that video as possible to see what we're all about. You can hear the track and say it's a brilliant song, but to get the video aspect, you see what we're about, the energy we're going to bring to a show. If you're going to a Midnight Red show, you're going to get that kind of energy. We can't possibly work hard enough on that stage. Just get ready to see a lot more of us."
As we wrap up our conversation and snap some photos, a few girls notice the group and ask them to pose for pictures. After a few seconds, the couple of gals turns into twenty, and we're surrounded by a crowd. Clearly, people are already ready for more Midnight Red.
I used to go to a lot of 311 shows. I've been to about 40 of them across
the nation. But that's nothing compared to JIGSAW's first guest
columnist, Julie Gonzalez. She is one of the band's biggest fans, so I
couldn't have asked a better person to share a 311 REMEMBER WHEN.
Fans prepare for 311 to perform on the lido deck at the first cruise in 2011. (Julie Gonzalez)
311 Caribbean Cruise
March 3-7, 2011
By Julie Gonzalez
When I was first asked to write about one memorable 311 concert, I was really excited and flattered. Then I started thinking, 'what show would I write about?' I've seen 311 over 200 times in many different places, so it was quite hard for me to decide.
I've been following 311 for over 16 years and have traveled all over the world using up almost all of my vacation time every year. I've seen them in Japan, Canada, Half Moon Cay and in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean (en route to Turks and Caicos) during their two cruises. I was even lucky enough to witness them play their first show in Alaska, which was the last state that they had left to play.
After thinking back to all of the shows I've been to, it became really difficult to share just one show that was special to me. So, I'll talk about my most recent memorable show.
"311 played as Miami faded from view." (Julie Gonzalez)
In 2011, the band decided to embark on their first 311 Cruise. What's a 311 Cruise, you ask? Well, there's a company out of Georgia, Sixthman, that puts together Carnival cruises for bands. The music group is on the boat with 3,000 fans for four days/nights.
They perform a few sets, do a Q&A and take pictures with everyone on the boat. It's the most amazing experience. They also do other things to interact with fans, like play basketball or judge a karaoke show.
As we were leaving the Port of Miami, 311 played on the lido deck, and it was one of the greatest shows I've been to. This was the first cruise, and the thought of everyone chanting, "311-3-3-11" while anxiously waiting for them to come out and play still gives me goosebumps.
My friends and I watched from the top deck, as 311 played and Miami faded from view. Everyone was so excited to be there, and the band went off.
311 Cruise 2011 (Julie Gonzalez)
It makes me smile just thinking about that set. They played my two favorite songs, "Do You RIght" and "8:16 a.m.," which made the evening even more special, along with other great tracks, such as "Jupiter," "Guns (Are For Pussies)" and "Summer of Love," which they hadn't played in a long time.
Although the shows are always an exceptional experience, one of the things I really enjoy is all the people you meet at their concerts and all of the great friends I've made over the years because of 311 and their music. After traveling and meeting a lot of their fans around the globe, I can truly say that they have the best fans. A lot of the friends I've made because of 311 are like family.
You probably think I'm crazy because I go to so many shows, but if you are passionate about anything, you will understand. I encourage anyone to go to a 311 show. You will not be disappointed!
Art Walk in Downtown Every second Thursday of the month, this free, self-guided art walk takes place on Spring and Main (between 2nd and 9th). Grab a quick bite, walk through the many galleries then settle in at Bar 107 to visit with friends and down some drinks.
Alex Brown Church of Sea Wolf
MUSIC
Sea Wolf @ Constellation Room (Santa Ana) Led by Alex Brown Church, Sea Wolf gives a sneak peek of new songs from their highly anticipated third album, Old World Romance (available Sept. 11), tonight in Orange County and tomorrow at Skirball Cultural Center. Church tells OC Weekly that these SoCal shows a transition from "classic Sea Wolf" to "new Sea Wolf," so longtime fans are sure to hear some of their favorites as well.
That Noise @ The Troubadour (West Hollywood) You might have heard these electro rockers' unique cover of Kings of Leon's "Sex on Fire" on KROQ, and the tracks on their latest EP, Love Remains, are just as infectious. The Troubadour is guaranteed to be full of gyrating bodies as soon as That Noise hits the stage. They also perform July 20 at Amplify.
FRIDAY, JULY 13
CULTURE
OC Fair @ OC Fair & Event Center (Costa Mesa) This annual event was a highlight of every summer of my childhood, and the past few years it's only gotten bigger with the addition of the concert series at Pacific Amphitheatre. The shows are kicked off by the one-and-only Willie Nelson (His cover of Coldplay's "The Scientist" in Chipotle's sustainable farming ad totally makes me cry.), and also include evenings with All-American Rejects, Duran Duran and "Weird Al" Yankovic. Through Aug. 12.
FILM
In Theaters This Week Joining the original voice cast from the previous three films are "Game of Thrones"' Peter Dinklage, Jennifer Lopez and Aziz Ansari in Ice Age: Continental Drift; Red Lights with Robert De Niro, Sigourney Weaver and Cillian Murphy; Michael Winterbottom directs Freida Pinto in Trishna, based on Thomas Hardy's Tess of the d'Urbervilles; Tammy Blanchard and Mira Sorvino are sisters in Union Square; Also in theaters: Easy Money
FOOD
Bon Appétit Grub Crawl in Downtown From 6 p.m.-10 p.m., get a taste of four Downtown culinary treasures. First stop is Cole's for some bath tub gin and a French Dip. Then, sample snacks, sandwiches, donut holes and cocktails from the purveyors at Umamicatessen. Next are margaritas and tamales at Las Perlas. And finally, watch a mixologist demo the creation of an Old Fashioned, grab a glass for yourself and enjoy live music at Seven Grand. West Hollywood's festivities on Saturday are sold-out, but you can still buy tickets for tonight in Downtown ($80) and Sunday afternoon in Culver City ($90: Father's Office, Sotto, Picca, Lukshon).
My Best Fiend
MUSIC
My Best Fiend @ The Satellite (Silver Lake) Straight off their first European tour, Brooklyn's My Best Fiend kick off their first trek up and down the West Coast at the Satellite. Their dreamy songs from debut album, In Ghostlike Fading, are the perfect soundtrack for dreamy mid-summer nights.
X @ Hollywood Park (Inglewood) Thoroughbred horse racing at night, followed by a set from X? I'm in! Racing starts at 7:05 p.m. with $10 admission prior to 8:30 p.m ($20 after). X takes the stage on the North Park lawn at 10:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, JULY 14
CULTURE
WeHo Citywide Yard Sale Part of WeHoGrnWknd 2012, West Hollywood is turning into a citywide estate sale to help reduce waste and keep valuable resources out of landfills. Click here for a list of yard sale locations.
FILM
The Lost Boys @ Street Food Cinema (Exposition Park) "Death by stereo." Celebrating its 25th anniversary, The Lost Boys is one of the more memorable films from my pre-teen years. Starring Jason Patric, the two Coreys (Feldman and Haim), Jami Gertz and Kiefer Sutherland, the movie had everything: hot punk boys, teen angst and vampires. Enjoy a set from a local band, food from trucks like the LudoTruck and the film on the lawn next to the Coliseum.
FOOD
All You Can Eat Fried Chicken @ A-Frame (Culver City) I love fried chicken, and so does Chef Roy Choi. Starting today, his mess hall-style eatery offers AYCE fried chicken every Saturday and Sunday from noon-3 p.m. For just $18, you can eat as many crispy thighs and legs as you want, along with sweet potato salad and zucchini-cabbage coleslaw. Bottomless glasses of Hite can also be had for $10.
MUSIC
Grease Sing-A-Long @ Hollywood Bowl Unleash your inner T-Bird or Pink Lady at the Hollywood Bowl's new tradition celebrating the beloved musical. Hosted by Didi Conn ("Frenchy"), there's a '50s dance party and costume competition before the film is projected on the Bowl's giant screen, complete with subtitles so you can sing along with all the songs. Pfft, as if you didn't already know all the words.
SUNDAY, JULY 15
MUSIC
Miguel and Jhene Aiko @ Key Club (West Hollywood) MySpace hosts a free secret show from Grammy-nominated R&B singer-songwriter Miguel, who's been blowing up the charts with songs from his All I Want Is You album, and former B2K background vocalist Jhene Aiko.
MONDAY, JULY 16
FOOD
dineLA Restaurant Week dineLA introduces its first-ever summer line-up. Enjoy 12 full days of two-course lunches from $15-$25 and three-course or small plate dinners for $25, $25 or $45 at some of Los Angeles' best restaurants. Some participants this year are Mo-Chica and FarmShop, but you can click here for the complete list.
At first glance, Solar de Cahuenga seems like your average café. Many of the tables are filled with people sipping on coffee, typing on laptops, reading a book or engaging in conversation. But there's a palpable energy to the place, an electric current that Right the Stars frontman Rich Jacques feels is distinct to this neighborhood in Hollywood.
"It's just this area, there's something creative in the air where you're always in that mindset of 'I'm making stuff.' It's pretty cool," he says. "It's very different when you're in a community that doesn't really understand artists or support them. Here, you really get the sense that you have complete permission to just do whatever comes to mind. You feel creatively open. I think that's why it attracts so many artists. I don't know if there are too many other places where I could actually live and work that really feel like that."
Rich usually stops at Solar de Cahuenga for a cup of coffee since it's conveniently near his home studio, and other studios he uses are just down the street. Besides coffee and tea, Solar de Cahuenga has an incredibly refreshing mint lemonade and a full menu that includes their specialty, crêpes. Rich loves Europe, so a lot of the L.A. restaurants he frequents have a European vibe.
"One of my fallback places is Figaro over in Los Feliz. I love going there and sitting outside or meeting friends, and the food's good. Little Dom's is great too," he shares. "I love great restaurants, and I was thinking that maybe next year I'll try to never repeat going to the same place twice just because there's so many amazing places, to force myself to explore and go someplace different. I just discovered the Eveleigh on the Sunset Strip towards Beverly Hills. I love the decor, the vibe of it."
Whenever he has a day off, he'll go hang out at the Getty Center.
"It is one of my favorite places. I love architecture, and that building, it's a miracle that it exists right? The lawn there is so peaceful."
Rich also enjoys taking in concerts at the Hollywood Bowl.
"Anything at the Bowl is fantastic. I've seen Sting and Sarah McLachlan with the symphony. I saw Coldplay there when they were first breaking in 2003. That was really special. I saw Radiohead there, and I just saw Glen Campbell. He was pretty impressive," he says. "When I go to a show, I like feeling joy. One of my favorite shows was seeing Phoenix at the Bowl. Everybody was just excited to be there and having a great time. You could feel it, the vibrations in the air. It made you feel good. When everybody in the crowd is on board and lifting each other up, I love that. After seeing that, I was like, 'OK, that's what I would like to create,' that kind of environment where it just feels good to be there."
Dining on the Sunset Strip, lounging at one of the city's architectural marvels and seeing shows at the world-famous Bowl are a far cry from Rich's rural upbringing in Wisconsin and even from the bigger midwestern city of his adolescence. Steubenville, Ohio is where Rich spent hours practicing guitar and began cultivating his musical taste.
"I would mow people's lawns in the summer, and I would have my Walkman on playing stuff like the Police. Anytime they came on, I thought, 'That's the greatest thing ever.' I listened to all the New Wave bands, like the Fixx. I also loved Prince, Duran Duran – all that stuff was like magic to me," he says. "A friend of mine who was a drummer, we would go to shows together when we were 15. We saw 38 Special, Kool & the Gang and Night Ranger – whatever was out there. I was always intrigued by the whole scene and setting."
While in college, Rich was a founding member and guitarist of the popular, Pittsburgh-based Brownie Mary. But by 2000, he moved to Los Angeles and began to work with other musicians.
"When I first moved here, I did a tour playing guitar for Chantal Kreviazuk. We did all of the House of Blues in the United States opening for Jason Mraz," he says. "I love those venues, they're so well run, and the sound and lights are set exactly in the way you want to be presented. It was really fun."
Rich produced tracks for several artists (Kina Grannis, Rob Giles) and also taught music around town.
"I did a lot of private lessons. I taught Ben Affleck and Don Was' kids," he shares. "It's a great way to meet some amazing people. Moving out of Pittsburgh it opens your eyes to, 'Oh wow, the possibilities are endless.' I really enjoyed it for a while."
Then in 2009, he formed Right the Stars (The name was inspired by Wilco's "Jesus, Etc."). With Rich on vocals/guitar, BC Taylor on drums, Alex Balderston on bass and Asaf Rodeh on guitars/keys, Right the Stars released their self-titled debut in 2010 and have just put forth a sophomore effort, Hello Yes OK. Their songs were quickly picked up for films (The Break-Up, Couples Retreat), TV shows ("Pretty Little Liars," "Grey's Anatomy") and video game ads ("Kinect Rush: A Disney Pixar Adventure").
"If I could write songs as a score, like Alexi Murdoch wrote songs specifically for the movie Away We Go, that would be a dream," says Rich. "If I see something visual and feel something from it – it's a great way to write. It gives you a focus: What does this feel like? I want to make the sound so it feels like this."
Ultimately, Rich just wants to create music that makes people feel good.
He says, "I wanted this current record to feel good for no other reason than just for the sake of feeling good."
Hello Yes OK is currently available. For more information, visit rightthestars.com.
There's a small lock and key/car alarm and stereo installation/auto accessories kiosk in front of the Hi-Ho Drive-in Market (1401 Glendale Blvd.) at the corner of Glendale Boulevard and Montana Street in Echo Park that is covered in graffiti murals. During business hours, the owner pulls up the metal shades that are adorned with art on the shack's front and sides. But in the early mornings and late afternoons, one can admire the colorful pieces. My favorite mural, titled Black Widow, is on the rear side of the shop, so it's on view all day.
