Saint Motel

Greg Erwin, Dak Lerdamornpong, Aaron Sharp and A/J Jackson of Saint Motel at Kouraku Restaurant

SAINT MOTEL

At Kouraku Restaurant

314 E. 2nd St., Los Angeles (Little Tokyo)

When I found out that Saint Motel wanted to meet at Kouraku Restaurant in Little Tokyo, I felt a bit nostalgic. I remember visiting Little Tokyo with my grandparents when I was little to pick up some mochi for New Year's Day, then going to Kouraku for lunch. I stood in front of their display case, mesmerized by plates and bowls filled with plastic food. I yearned to take them home and add them to my play kitchen. I couldn't help smiling as I walked up to that same display case on a balmy summer evening to meet Saint Motel. It's not surprising that the band members – vocalist A/J Jackson, guitarist Aaron Sharp, bassist Dak Lerdamornpong and drummer Greg Erwin – are fans of Kouraku since it's just a few minutes from their rehearsal space and it stays open until 3 a.m. (midnight on Sundays). Although there are several noodle shops in the area, Kouraku was actually the first ramen establishment to open in the United States in 1976.

Plastic food in front of Kouraku

When I ask Saint Motel what they usually order here, the quartet reply in unison: "Ramen!" A/J sings the praises of the No. 22 Chashu Ramen with its tender pieces of pork, even comparing it in deliciousness to the rich broth at the famed Daikokuya.

Saint Motel not only share my love for ramen, they met in my hometown. Aaron and A/J were both film majors at Chapman University when they got to know Dak, who was working as a sushi chef at their favorite restaurant (Sushi Sho in Costa Mesa), and Greg, who was going to a different school in the area. After playing together in different groups, they formed Saint Motel in 2007, released their first EP (ForPlay) in 2009 and relocated to Los Angeles.

"I love the city's history and architecture, especially Downtown. I love how something new is built from something old so organically, like we do with our music. I think Downtown is a very appropriate place for what we sound like," says A/J. "So much is different about Los Angeles, depending where you are, what neighborhood you're in. It's a blessing, because you can just go from one mindset to the other – if you're feeling like going to the mountains or to the beach or the valley. It's a really fun city. There's always something going on. There's always someone new to meet."

The group definitely likes to make a unique first impression on those who come to see them play. Over the past few years, Saint Motel have built a reputation for cinematic shows – from rock 'n' roll circuses and zombie proms to a Future Fathers Day and Spaceland residency with each week based on a different film genre (sci-fi, erotica, experimental and slasher). This creativity extends to their music videos, which are often mini theatrical adventures. As they prepare for their debut full-length, Voyeur, to hit stores tomorrow and its release show at the El Rey this Saturday, they're working on a video for lead single, "1997."

"We actually just came from shooting today. That's why we still have a little make-up on. We don't always wear make-up," laughs Greg.

"We shot at the Dresden, and it's kind of a Marty and Elayne thing. The band's at a piano bar. So, that's a good starting off point. From there, I can say: out-of-body experience and hypnosis," adds A/J.

There's always a hint of humor in all of Saint Motel's videos, like "Puzzle Pieces" which was filmed at the Roxy, as well as their music. But along with their tongue-in-cheek fun, there is a sincere honesty to whatever narrative they have concocted.

"Hopefully with this album people will understand that all we're trying to do is write songs that we think are awesome. We're not trying to be like the coolest band or the poppiest band. We're not trying to be anything. We're just making music that makes us happy," says A/J. "Our music is escapist, because for us, music is where we want to be. It's not usually where we are – it's happier. We have to play it every night when we're on the road. It's therapy. I hope people who  listen to this album will understand the hard work we put into it. We feel like the album fits together pretty well, I feel like we assembled it from experience. From song to song, there's a fluid journey. I hope they understand by listening to it what Saint Motel sounds like and what Saint Motel is."

There is a distinct progression apparent in Voyeur from ForPlay, specifically with experimentation with Latin, tropical, retro and big band sounds. But the musical growth is not something that Saint Motel worked hard at achieving in one specific way.

"We don't really try. It's organic," says Dak.

"We're just different people and probably because we've been doing it so much, writing and collaborating with each other, the process seems like it's ripe right now for all sorts of interesting, creative directions that we haven't really gone before. I feel like the bulk of Voyeur is the direction that we're heading. It's a bridge to where our next recordings are going to be," says A/J. "We want to do stuff that is ambitious but lo-fi and record it ourselves. It's all about making the most compelling song we can, something that will stand out 20 years from now and is not just part of an über hot movement today."

With an album named Voyeur, I can't resist asking whether each member prefers to be the one being spied on or the one doing the watching.

"Everyone's a little bit of both. We are both all the time. We're being watched, and we're watching," replies A/J.

Aaron chimes in, "Voyeurs like to be watched as well, actually."

"Because of all the film stuff, I prefer to be the voyeur. But I love performing. When I'm performing I feel different. Everyone has both sides in them," concludes A/J.

Greg jokingly adds, "The telescope out of my window points at Dak's house, but his points back at my house."

After the El Rey show, the band heads out on a cross-country tour in support of Voyeur, and each member is looking forward to visiting a new town together.

Dak: Nashville
Greg: Yeah, we haven't really done the south proper together. We're also doing Atlanta.
AJ: [Lansing,] Michigan.
Greg: We'll be back in Austin too, at Stubb's BBQ.

At the mention of the famous Texas barbecue joint, I wonder where the guys return to first when they come home from tour.

Greg answers, "Tacos Delta [in Silver Lake]. I go get a burrito. You can never get good Mexican food out there on the road."

While A/J sticks to Downtown, "Bottega Louie is one of my favorites, and Cole's. There are so many good restaurants and good food here."

Voyeur is currently available. For more information, visit saintmotel.com.

Events for July 3-10

Get with THE PROGRAM

TUESDAY, JULY 3

MUSIC

Beach House @ The El Rey (Miracle Mile)

Hopefully you got your tickets for this one weeks ago since it's already sold out, but I can't think of a better show to get you totally chilled out for all the barbecues and fireworks on the Fourth than this one. Experiencing Alex Scally and Victoria Legrand's latest album, Bloom, live will put you in the perfect mood.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4 

FOOD

Papaya King (Hollywood)

If you're too lazy to fire up the grill at home or if you're just completely addicted to Papaya King, wear red, white and blue today and get four Classic Franks for $4.

Celebrate the Fourth at Hollywood Bowl

FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS

Americafest at the Rose Bowl (Pasadena)

Fireworks Extravaganza @ L.A. Coliseum (Exposition Park) 

Fireworks Spectacular with Barry Manilow @ Hollywood Bowl

Fourth of July Aboard the Queen Mary (Long Beach) 

Fourth of July Celebration in San Pedro 

Fourth of July Fireworks and Military Appreciation Night @ Dodger Stadium (Elysian Park) 

Fourth of July Parade (Pacific Palisades)

July 4th BBQ @ Aquarium of the Pacific (Long Beach)

July 4th Fireworks in Marina Del Rey

L.A. Galaxy vs. Philadephia Union with Post-Game Fireworks @ Home Depot Center (Carson)

Mr. & Mrs. Muscle Beach @ Venice Recreation Center 

Vision Outside 4th of July Jazz & Blues Festival @ Vision Theatre Backlot (Leimert Park)

FRIDAY, JULY 6

FILM

In Theaters This Week

The Amazing Spider-Man: Who doesn't love Emma Stone?; The Duplass brothers' latest, The Do-Deca Pentathlon; Morgan Freeman in Rob Reiner's The Magic of Belle Isle; Oliver Stone directs Taylor Kitsch, Aaron Johnson, Blake Lively, Benicio Del Toro and Salma Hayek in Savages. Also in theaters: Crazy Eyes; Katy Perry: Part of Me; The Pact

SATURDAY, JULY 7

MUSIC

Blind Pilot @ The Fonda (Hollywood)

You may recognize them from "One Tree Hill" or from sold-out marquee signs since the Portland, Oregon-based six-piece have done two-sold out national tours over the past year or so. They roll back into Los Angeles this week in support of their sophomore effort, We Are the Tide. 

The Hootenanny @ Oak Canyon Ranch (Silverado Canyon)

Celebrate 20 years of pure American punk rock from Tim Armstrong and Matt Freeman of Rancid. The Reverend Horton Heat, Lucero, Bouncing Souls and the Growlers, among others, are all going to be on hand.

PAPA

PAPA @ Bootleg Theater (Silver Lake) 

If you can listen to PAPA's "I Am the Lion King" off their A Good Woman Is Hard to Find EP from last year without breaking into dance (or at least tapping your foot and nodding your head, all you jaded Angelenos), then you are dead inside.

SUNDAY, JULY 8

MUSIC

Apl.de.ap Takes You to the Philippines @ Hollywood Bowl

What could the Black Eyed Peas' Apl.de.Ap, actor Lou Diamond Phillips, comedian Jo Koy, pop songstress Nicole Scherzinger, actress Vanessa Hudgens and yours truly possibly have in common? Filipino pride! Traditional vocalists, hip-hop and pop artists join Apl.de.Ap for a night celebrating Pinoy talent.

Flo Rida, Cee-Lo Green, B.o.B @ Sports Arena (Exposition Park)

Flo Rida's Wild Ones album hits stores today, but all of Sia's parts on the title track have been stuck in my head for months, especially the bridge: "I am a wild one / Tame me now / Running with wolves / And I'm on the prowl." Plus, any opportunity to witness Cee-Lo wail in person should not be missed.

Rags & Ribbons @ The Satellite (Silver Lake)

Must be something in the water up there in the Pacific Northwest. Rags & Ribbons are this week's second band hailing from Portland, Ore. Their anthemic melodies soothe the soul with delicate yet driving keyboards. The intricate arrangements are sure to fill the Satellite with an enormous wave of sound.

MONDAY, JULY 9

FOOD 

Marcus Samuelsson @ Son of a Gun (Mid-City West)

The Ethiopian-born, Swedish-raised winner of "Top Chef Masters" Season 2 hosts a guest chef dinner at Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo's seafood restaurant. I'm betting there will be an amazing salmon dish in the mix. Samuelsson memoir, Yes, Chef, just hit stores in June.

TUESDAY, JULY 10

BOOKS

Justin Halpern @ Skylight Books (Los Feliz) 

The author behind the Shit My Dad Says Twitter feed, best-selling book and TV show just released his hilarious memoir, I Suck at Girls. Head to Skylight for a discussion and signing.

L.A. HAVENS - Hugo's Tacos

Hugo's Tacos in Atwater Village

Hugo's Tacos

3300 Glendale Blvd., Atwater Village

4749 Coldwater Canyon, Studio City

Almost a year ago, our family decided to try and only eat meat once a week. When we do eat meat, it should be humanely raised (free-range chicken, grass-fed beef). Like most Angelenos, we're addicted to Mexican food, but our dietary restrictions meant saying goodbye to our beloved taco stands like Tacos Arizas. We definitely wouldn't have lasted this long without Hugo's Tacos.

Not only does Hugo's Tacos offer vegetarian and vegan choices, all of their meats are humane. We eat at the stand in Atwater Village at least once a week, and I've tried pretty much every item on the menu at least once. I like the food at Hugo's Tacos so much that even when I've gone to its parent restaurant in West Hollywood (Hugo's) – where there are plenty of scrumptious options to choose from – I've ordered dishes that I normally order at the taco stand.

My favorite thing to order is a soy chorizo burrito. The chorizo has just the right blend of spices, and it really tastes similar to the traditional pork sausage. I've tried soy chorizo at other vegan places, but Hugo's Tacos is by far the best. They grill the chorizo with diced potatoes and zucchini, then fold that into a tortilla with organic Spanish rice and white beans.

A soy chorizo burrito from Hugo's Tacos

Hugo's Tacos' other vegan-friendly filling is the mixed veggies with herbs: grilled cauliflower, potatoes, zucchini and yellow squash. I don't like this option as much because the herbs they use are just too overpowering, and the natural taste of the veggies gets lost.

Even when it's a "meat day," I usually stick to my soy chorizo burrito, but their carnitas are also amazing. They take marinated pork, shred and brown it on the grill just enough so that it's still moist and succulent. Often times, you'll find bits of the marinade (whole black peppercorns or pieces of orange peel) in your taco. 


Both the chicken and steak are marinated in a citrus and chili mixture that gives the meats a slightly red tint before they're grilled. Other meat fillings are the al pastor (diced pork marinated in Middle Eastern spices) and grilled fish.

Their salsas range from mild Pico de Gallo to the quite spicy Salsa Arbol. I'm such a spice wimp that I usually stick with the Jalapeno & Tomatillo that is just one step higher than the Pico de Gallo. But even the Salsa Habanero isn't too crazy hot.

Besides burritos and tacos, you can order any of the fillings on top of nachos, a tostada, green tamales (which are really heavy), a salad, bowl or inside a quesadilla. Oh and there's no rubbery, orange cheese at Hugo's Tacos. They only use Oaxaca, Cotija or vegan (if requested) cheeses.

One of the more unique items they offer is the Torta Ahogada. The standard Mexican sandwich is kicked up a notch by dipping it in their sweet Honey Chipotle salsa then cooked on a griddle. They also do the same dip-in-Honey Chipotle-then-griddle treatment on a beef or veggie patty for their Salsa Burger.

Hugo's Tacos' French fries are delicious and can be added to any menu item with a soda for $2.48 extra, or you can add chips/salsa or rice and beans instead of fries. They also have delicious watermelon Agua Fresca (Their Horchata is a bit too sweet for me.).

If you like them on Facebook or join their newsletter, you'll be alerted to their special offers. Every Wednesday night, you can get burritos for half-off with their secret password, and from 10 a.m.-11 a.m. on weekdays, breakfast burritos are just a fraction of their regular price.

The Dahls

Melinda and Caitlin Dahl at La Poubelle Bistro

 

CAITLIN AND MELINDA of THE DAHLS

At the Franklin Strip (Franklin Village)

So often in Hollywood, people claim that they can sing, act and (insert a random third talent here, usually, dance) really well. However, it is actually quite rare that someone can truly call himself a bona fide triple threat, and even scarcer does one family produce a pair of talented dynamos at the same time.

Twin sisters Caitlin and Melinda Dahl are skilled actors, having appeared together in "Nip/Tuck" and "House," and separately in "Bones," "American Horror Story," "CSI: NY," "Cold Case" and The Amateurs with Jeff Bridges and Ted Danson. Caitlin has directed acclaimed short films and numerous music videos, while Melinda has photographed actors, models and musicians and exhibited her work in fine art galleries around Los Angeles. Together they run a multimedia creative agency, DahlHouse Productions, that has worked on campaigns for brands like Sexy Hair and Guess. With Melinda on vocals and rhythm guitar and Caitlin on vocals and electric guitar, they are also the singer-songwriters at the helm of the Dahls. Joined by Emily Isacson on keyboards and accordion, Ryan Carman on drums and Omar Velasco on bass, the Dahls are set to release their debut album, Midnight Picnic, on Aug. 14.

Caitlin and Melinda recently took time out from their hectic schedules to give me a tour of their favorite block in Los Angeles, the Franklin Strip in Franklin Village. They lived around the corner from the strip for six years, and even though they've moved a few miles away, it's still their main stomping ground.

First we step into a bookshop and record store rolled into one, Counterpoint Records and Books. Melinda shows me the various book sections, while Caitlin dives into the record bins and unearths an Andrews Sisters' vinyl to add to her collection. Her choice amazes the cashier ("You know who they are?!") but isn't surprising to anyone familiar with their musical upbringing.

The Dahls at Counterpoint Records and Books

"We've always sung together since we were really little," says Caitlin.

"Caitlin is a great harmonizer, she can naturally harmonize to anything. I was pretty obsessed with singing all the time, and she would just come along and do the harmony. It was amazing,"  says Melinda.

"They didn't have YouTube back then, but if they did, oh boy, we'd be all over it," laughs Caitlin.

"Our dad is fantastic singer," she continues. "When he was a little boy he was in a boys choir school in Toronto. And then our uncle is a folk musician."

"He would take us to folk festivals as little kids. There are photos of us dancing, and Ashley MacIsaac playing violin," adds Melinda. "We also saw Loudon Wainwright III when we were 8, because I played 'Lullaby' – you know, [sings] 'shut up and go to bed' – for my uncle who said to me, 'He was at the folk festival when you were 8,' and I thought, 'Wow, I can't believe we saw him when we were that young."

"And I just saw him this past year in Downtown at the Orpheum opening for John Prine," interjects Caitlin. "That was an incredible show. They sang 'Angel From Montgomery,' and we were so moved that we started covering it at our shows."

We pass Counterpoint's area with rare books, Harmony Fine Books and Art, as well as an organic juice bar, Real Raw Live, before browsing the $20 rack in front of Native Boutique. I immediately recognize the Dahls' style in all the cute dresses hanging at the store.

We move on past Sushi Taiyo, Upright Citizens Brigade, Franklin & Company Tavern (run by the same owners as the Oaks Gourmet at the Bronson end of the strip), Birds (that Caitlin says is a good lunch spot, and Melinda lauds its Chicken Strips) and the Bourgeois Pig café, to get to the Daily Planet at the Tamarind Avenue end of the strip. The Dahls spend time looking through magazines and then take me through the shop full of items – candles, journals, scarves, paperbacks – that often make perfect birthday gifts for their friends.

Reading magazines at the Daily Planet

When we're finally tired of shopping, we head to their favorite part of the strip, La Poubelle Bistro. Caitlin is a fan of the French restaurant's Filet Mignon and Crispy Brussels Leaves, while Melinda prefers the salad with burrata cheese and Coq Au Vin. It's clear that they come here often when they lead me inside and I see a portrait of them hanging on the wall.

"We love the atmosphere, the food, the people – it's all artists and musicians – and the owners are so wonderful," says Caitlin.

"They support artists, and they love art. We even had shows here when we first started out," adds Melinda.

The Dahls have since graduated to performing at venues like the Viper Room, Hotel Café and Room 5 over the past few years, while releasing a self-titled EP in 2009 and steadily working on material for Midnight Picnic. Often times, inspiration could be found in every-day situations.

"We relax by going on hikes, taking long walks. I come over here [to Franklin Village] to visit friends, and we walk up to Bronson Park and the "Bat Caves.' It's so beautiful," says Melinda. "Right at the top of Bronson, that's where [the title track] 'Midnight Picnic' was inspired."

Even when they tried to take a short trip to relax, inspiration would hit and they would find themselves working on a song. A jaunt to Lake Elowin in Three Rivers, Calif., led to the track, "Periwinkle Sky."

"The color of the sky on Lake Elowin was periwinkle purple," says Melinda. "I went up there with Ryan, and we wrote 'Periwinkle Sky.' We came back, recorded it with the band, worked it out/arranged it, recorded the song and went back to Lake Elowin and shot the music video. So, it was full circle."

The Dahls' "Periwinkle Sky" video

"Periwinkle Sky" and "Feathers" are two of the more lighthearted songs on the album, but Midnight Picnic also delves into the darker moments of life.

"For me, I want listeners to be transported into the experience of the songs. As you go through the lightness of 'Periwinkle Sky' and the darkness of 'Dark Side,' there's a journey in between the songs and the stories," says Caitlin. "Because, often times, the only way through the darkness is to follow the light. Life is full of ups and downs – don't we know."

As Caitlin pauses, I feel like she is specifically alluding to one of the darkest moments in the family's life, the sudden and tragic death of the twins' older sister and wildly talented artist, Lauren "Lolo" Dahl, in 2004. But neither twin chooses to remain overcome by sadness for too long.

"Life can be really challenging. There are moments of pure and utter joy and happiness. You want to really take advantage, go for the happiness if you're feeling it. Write those happy songs and really embrace them. Then, when you're in a darker place, having a bad day or a bad break-up – that's part of life, too," Melinda says. "It's so nice to be able to channel all that energy into something creative where you feel it's like therapy. It's like a catharsis, writing a song – especially the dark ones."

"It feels so good when it's all out on the table," says Caitlin.

No matter what life throws at them, the Dahls always choose to weather the storm together.

"We always joke that we'll definitely end up together when we're 80. We'll be roomies in the old folks home," says Caitlin with a laugh.

Midnight Picnic is currently available. For more information, visit thedahlsmusic.com.

The Dahls' "Dark Side" video 

 

REMEMBER WHEN - Guns N' Roses

Object of my teenage obsession: Slash (Travis Shinn)

Guns N' Roses, Metallica and Motörhead

Oct. 3, 1992 @ The Rose Bowl (Pasadena)

While most girls my age were obsessing over the guys on "Beverly Hills, 90210," my good friend Victoria was head over heels in love with Axl Rose and I was totally infatuated with Slash. Guns N' Roses posters and magazine photos of the guitarist covered my bedroom walls. So much so, that my mom would often proclaim how hesitant she was to go into my room because of all those "scary pictures."

When Use Your Illusion I and II came out, Victoria and I would talk on the phone for hours, dissecting every song while simultaneously watching the "November Rain" video on MTV (her puking at Stephanie Seymour, me drooling over Slash's solo). Once the huge stadium tour was announced, we made a pact to go together. However, my mom had seen footage of the riot at the Missouri concert and wasn't about to her 15-year-old go alone. I finally convinced her to let her best friend's 20-something son, Mike, chaperone Victoria and I to the show. It was all we could talk about for the next few months: our dreams of sneaking backstage and, more practically, our plans on how to smuggle a camera into the show.

Finally, the day arrived. And after an hour-long lecture from mom about how we should never leave Mike's side and the hour-long trek to Pasadena from Orange, we stood in the Rose Bowl parking lot – Victoria with a disposable camera lodged between the back of her neck and her lace turtleneck. At this point, I'm not even sure where Mike wandered off to, but he had his ticket so we were sure that we would meet up him at our seats on the floor.

All I remember of Motörhead's set was thinking that Lemmy didn't look as ragged as expected for being ancient at 47 and us singing "Ace of Spades" over and over. Likewise, Metallica's set is sort of a blur. I do remember excitedly screaming when the first strains of "One" could be heard and feeling bad for James Hetfield's burned and bandaged arm.

But all hell pretty much broke loose when Slash's guitar riffs filled the stadium, and the band roared onto the stage with "Welcome to the Jungle." The audience was jumping around so much that Victoria and I could barely remain standing on our chairs, but it didn't matter. We were having the time of our lives being bounced around  to "Mr Brownstone" and "It's So Easy."

GNR cooled things down a bit with a cover of Paul McCartney & Wings' "Live and Let Die" and Duff taking over lead vocals for a cover of "Attitude" (Misfits). Right about then, Mike finally sauntered to his seat, just in time to partake of whatever the guy next to him was passing around (Ha, what a chaperone!). Besides "Nightrain" and "Patience," they mainly stuck to Use Your Illusion tracks, including "Bad Obsession," "Yesterdays," "Double Talkin' Jive," "You Could Be Mine" and "Estranged." Matt Sorum had a wicked solo after "Civil War," while Gilby Clarke and Slash added unique flourishes to between-song breaks: The Godfather theme song, bits of "Wild Horses."

As the show drew to a close with "Paradise City," I remember Victoria and I held hands and yelled every word right back to the stage. Even though we knew that we would never run off and elope with Axl and Slash, we were still almost in tears because we were so happy just being there together, watching our favorite band and making a memory we would cherish forever.

Events for June 27-July 2

Royal Teeth

Get with THE PROGRAM

 

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2

MUSIC

Royal Teeth @ The Library @ The Redbury (Hollywood)
New Orleans is known for its glorious food and amazing music, and this six-piece continues to build on that musical tradition. Garnering attention with the release of last year's Act Naturally EP and making their way from New Orleans to CMJ, SXSW and finally to Los Angeles this week, Royal Teeth energize stages with their thoughtful lyrics and infectious dance beats.

THURSDAY, JUNE 28

ART

Levitated Mass @ LACMA (Mid-City West)
After making news during the boulder transport last March, Michael Heizer's Levitated Mass finally opened over the weekend. Since it's located in the outdoor sculpture park, you can view Levitated Mass for free, and if you live along the boulder's transport route, you can also get free admission to LACMA's galleries through July 1 if you bring proof of residence in one of the zip codes listed here.

COMEDY

"The Tony Clifton Revue" @ Comedy Store (West Hollywood)
Two years ago, Andy Kaufman's alter ego took over the Comedy Store for four sold-out nights and created a hunger for more nights of comedic bedlam. Finally Tony Clifton is back tonight, tomorrow night and every Friday in July, bringing the music of the Cliftones and the burlesque routines of the Cliftonettes with him.

MUSIC

Check Yo Ponytail 2 @ The Echoplex (Echo Park)
Definitive Jux founder and CEO, El-P, journeys to the West Coast to takeover the 1s and 2s at CYP2. Also spinning tonight are Killer Mike, Mr. Muthafuckin Exquire and Despot.

FRIDAY, JUNE 29

BOOKS

M. Shawn Crahan @ Book Soup (West Hollywood)
Crahan, aka Clown, of Slipknot is not only one of the band's percussionists and founding members, he is also its art director and creative visionary. Away from the band, Crahan is quite passionate about photography, which is evident in his new book, The Apocalyptic Nightmare Journey, that he'll present and sign at Book Soup.

Men of Magic Mike (Warner Bros. Entertainment)

FILM

In Theaters This Week
Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfer, Matt Bomer and Joe Manganiello take it all off in the Steven Soderbergh-directed Magic Mike; Alex Kurtzman, co-creator of "Fringe," directed, co-wrote, co-produced Chris Pine and Elizabeth Banks in People Like Us; Seth MacFarlane makes his jump to the big screen with Ted; Also in theaters: Beasts of the Southern Wild; Neil Young Journeys; Tyler Perry's Madea's Witness Protection

SATURDAY, JUNE 30

ART

Greatest Hits Party @ Royal/T (Culver City)
The cultural events space is moving from its current location at the end of August. What better way to celebrate the past five years than to throw a party? From 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., past Royal/T curators will be on hand to walkthrough the space and discuss pieces. Then the party kicks in at 9 p.m. with desserts, DJs and performances, all capped off with a midnight toast.

FILM

Labyrinth @ Cinespia (Hollywood)
"You remind me of the babe."
"What babe?"
"The babe with the power."
"What power?"
"The power of voodoo."
"Who do?"
"Do what?"
"Remind me of the babe."
God, I love this movie!!!

FOOD

Vegan Pizza Day
Besides a Vegan Pizza Crawl in Echo Park (25% off dine-in, vegan deep-dishes at Masa, 15% off vegan slices at Two Boots, two vegan slices for $4 at LA Pizza Co losangelespizzacompany.com, specials at Mohawk Bend and $1 off draught beers for pizza crawlers with receipt at Sunset Beer Company) other restaurants across the city are participating. Get 10% off all vegan fare at EVO Kitchen (West Hollywood), 20% off at Pizza Cookery (Woodland Hills) and specials at Pizzanista! and Urbano Pizza Bar (Downtown), M Cafe de Chaya (West Hollywood) and Cruzer Pizza (Los Feliz).

MUSIC

MxPx @ House of Blues Sunset Strip (West Hollywood)
This summer marks the 20th anniversary of the pop punk trio, and they kick off their celebratory tour this weekend, starting Friday night in Anaheim, before heading across the country and over to Europe and Asia.

SUNDAY, JULY 1

MUSIC

Ben Harper, Fitz and the Tantrums, Vieux Farka Touré @ Hollywood Bowl
Part of KCRW's World Festival, the night is hosted by Garth Trinidad and headlined by the soulful Harper. Having released his 10th studio album, Give Till It's Gone, last year, the singer-songwriter is as honest as ever, both on the record and on stage.

American Royalty

MONDAY, JULY 2

MUSIC

American Royalty, The Orwells @ The Echo (Echo Park)
Psychedelic blues-rock trio American Royalty begin their Monday-night July residency bringing tracks from their latest offering, Matchstick, to the stage. The vocals of Marc Gilfry and Billy Scher take you on a sonic journey, from heart-wrenching soul to eerie and electronic, that promises to be even more powerful live. In the lineup for the evening, Chicago's the Orwells, who release their debut album Aug. 7.

Tashaki Miyaki @ Bootleg Theater (Silver Lake)
Dark but hauntingly beautiful, the male-female duo generated buzz with their cover of the Everly Brothers' "All I Have to Do is Dream" before releasing a debut EP last fall. Catch them at an intimate hometown show before they graduate to the bigger leagues.

STREET SIGNS - L.A.'s Teachers

Overlooking the Yoshinoya parking lot at the northeast corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Alvarado Street across from MacArthur Park stands Héctor Pónce's 1997 mural entitled Los Angeles' Teachers. Originally from El Salvador, Pónce worked as a commercial sign painter in Mexico as he developed his artistic skills and vibrant style. After moving to Los Angeles, he began to paint murals all over the city, including the massive portrait of the Beatles, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley and Arnold Schwarzenegger on the Harvey Apartments in Hollywood.

Los Angeles' Teachers is significant because it captures actor Edward James Olmos (before he became Adama in "Battlestar Galactica") with Jaime Escalante on the set of 1988's Stand and Deliver. Escalante, whom Olmos portrays in the film, was a ground-breaking math teacher at East Los Angeles' Garfield High School. Escalante passed away in 2010, but through Pónce's mural, he continues to inspire many of the city's teachers and youth who pass it every day.