Independent cinema is thriving more than ever. Check out the latest work from emerging talent at North Hollywood CineFest. This fun event has a combination of great film screenings, press and red carpet events, parties, seminars, all offered in this seven-day event, is what makes this a dynamic and must-go film festival. Enjoy best feature film, best feature film international, best documentary, best documentary short, best short film in multiple genres, and best student film. They all will be shown at Laemmle NoHo 7 Theatres.
For all who love poetry, check out Grand Park’s Downtown Bookfest! This event features the poetry of Emily Dickinson with a twist. Performers include Get Lit Players, David Prather, St. Bernard High School Poets, Cut Chemist, Brendan Constantine, Kim Dower, and many more. Free hands-on activities include creating your own pieces of poetic genius with PUBLISH! by Writ Large Press, constructing handmade books using dried plant specimens, a photo booth with Victorian-era props and prose, free writing advice, 826LA’s never-ending story, and pop-up bookshops for literary lovers big and small. Downtown Bookfest is a part of Grand Park’s Our L.A. Voices, a season-wide celebration of Angeleno expression. A new movie about Dickinson is set to come out in April — just in time for National Poetry Month!
Inspiration is everywhere, especially at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in L.A. It’s time for 25th annual exhibition of motion picture costume design. If you love the movies, this is a perfect exhibit for you. It’s also FREE. Now through April 22 from 10AM-5PM. FIDM is located at 919 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90015. Thinking of becoming a costume or clothing designer? FIDM LA is an acclaimed school with a wide variety of creative disciplines to pursue.
Vegan and non-vegans alike will enjoy all the yummy selections at the Vegan Street Fair in North Hollywood on March 26. This annual celebration celebrates the latest in vegan cuisine in bite-sized portions. All bite-sized portions are only $4! The Fair itself is FREE. They’ve also added a Beer Garden at the Federal Bar, more vendors, more activities, and more games. Check out these vegan recipes to try at home.
On March 10, enjoy a night filled with art, music, culture and more at ArtNight Pasadena. This free event features 18 of Pasadena’s art and cultural venues. ArtCenter, Norton Simon, Armory Center for the Arts and more are included. This is a very popular event with 28,000 in attendance the last time. Yummy food trucks will also be there. Free shuttles are provided for your convenience at every venue.
There’s so much creativity in this town and it’s almost time for the most coveted of awards, the Oscars. With so many great performances, it’s hard to choose who will win. Hacksaw Ridge, La La Land, Manchester by The Sea, Fences, Arrival, Moonlight and more are up for multiple awards. Categories include best pictures, best actors, writing, directing, visual effects, set design, costume design, score, sound, documentaries, shorts films, you name it! Here is the list of nominees. The Oscars will take place on Sunday, February 26 and shown on ABC.
Here we celebrate the independent lifestyle like no other with modern and spacious living as well as uniquely inspiring amenities including an onsite performance theater and Road Theatre Company. Be mindful of your health at our modern and fully equipped fitness studio. We’ve also got EngAGE® — complimentary onsite arts, health, wellness and interactive community programming. You’ll also love our heated swimming pool, computer/business center, visual arts studio, and pet-friendly environment. Each beautiful residencecomes with a full appliance package, in-home washer/dryer, and designer finishes. Everything you need to live well and make the most of your independent lifestyle is at NoHo Senior Arts Colony in North Hollywood. Call us at 855-399-5381 today and let’s talk!
Here are two great events that honor Black Cinema.
NFMLA presents ‘InFocus: Black Cinema’: FEB 18
In honor of Black History Month, NFMLA presents ‘InFocus: Black Cinema’ to open up this month’s festival screening. The program consists of films that cover a range of stories and cultures seeking to underscore the importance of films that have starred, filmed, directed, or been produced by the black community. We have two comedies of how far one goes to break the walls between color in the name of love, a witty comment on stereotyping, a beautifully captured character study of a youth from the streets, training his way to the Olympics, and a historical snapshot of an economically challenged community in Detroit transformed though the modernist architecture of Mies Van Der Rohe. In between programs, meet and mingle with the filmmakers and industry supporters over cocktails and sounds at the filmmakers’ lounge inside the private entry to the 500 seat theater of the South Park Center in Downtown Los Angeles.
Hollywood Black Film Festival in Marina Del Rey: FEB 22
Dubbed “The Black Sundance,” the Hollywood Black Film Festival (HBFF) is an annual 4-day celebration of Black Cinema drawing together established filmmakers, popular film and TV stars, writers, directors, industry executives, emerging artists, and diverse audiences from Hollywood and around the world. Attracting such stars and industry insiders as Sidney Poitier, Forest Whitaker, Spike Lee, George Tillman, Tina Andrews, Blair Underwood, Sanaa Lathan, Antwone Fisher, Ice-T, Rev. Run, and Loretta Devine, the Festival has become a hotbed for the Black Hollywood community.
Welcome to an urban retreat of year-round natural beauty, internationally renowned botanical collections and spectacular seasonal horticultural displays. This weekend, Descanso Gardens will have its annual Camellia & Tea Festival. Enjoy Chado tea tasting, camellia crafts, camellia walks, exploration station, and Invertigo Dance Theatre Performance. Learn about the history of camellias. If you’re looking for more natural wonders, check out the Los Angeles Arboretum and Huntington Library & Gardens.
Looking to learn something new for work, fun, or on the tech-side? Then Lynda is for you! Their popular online video tutorials let you learn on your computer, tablet or mobile device. The range of subjects is extensive and taught by experts in their field. Software tutorials include Excel, Photoshop, WordPress and iOS. They even have a free 10-day trial. Check with your local library if you can get free Lynda classes if you sign up for a library card. Happy learning!
The Paley Center in Beverly Hills is happy to partner with Essence for the exhibit The Power of Our Presence – An Exhibition Celebrating the 10 Year Anniversary of the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards. This exhibit from February 8-28 commemorates the televised luncheon’s tenth anniversary and features one of the iconic white coats worn by Kerry Washington on Scandal, costumes from Taraji P. Henson’s “Cookie Lion” of Empire, and Tracee Ellis Ross’s scrubs from black-ish. Archived memorabilia, photos and footage from the luncheon’s nine-year history will be on display, including re-creations of the event’s extraordinary tablescapes, images from past honorees, special video messages from Angela Bassett and Lynn Whitfield, a compilation footage of some the event’s most touching acceptance speeches, and much more. FREE and open to the public.
One of the most popular places to hang out is at the W in Hollywood. Not only is it a gorgeous hotel but they have all kinds of events to enjoy. Enjoy creative events such as Sunday Soul Revue, Sunday Night Jazz, Fit Yoga, Yoga Sundaze, and more! The view from the rooftop pool is pretty amazing! AS for dining, try Delphine which features elevated bistro fare. The Living Room is ideal for meeting friends for cocktails. Station Hollywood is a New York inspired café. Of course, nothing beats a great cup of coffee and the Brew Espresso Bar is ready and waiting for you.
Get ready for lots of incredible upcoming shows at the Pantages on Hollywood Blvd. and Vine! Motown The Musical has the music that filled our lives with so much joy and so many memories. An American in Paris is a timeless musical about an American soldier and French girl. If you’re looking for comedy, Sebastian Maniscalco brings the goods. Beach Boys music legend Brian Wilson has PET SOUNDS: the final tour in May. Hamilton will finally make its way to the west coast in August. Don’t forget that at NoHo Senior Arts Colony, we have our very own performing arts theatre and Road Company with incredible performances as a truly unique and inspiring amenity. Isn’t it time you moved here today?!
Learn about Japanese history, arts, and culture at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles. This beautiful venue has a strong community base and offers programming that is vital, interesting, and informative. Their exhibits are meant to give context to diverse culture in America and represent the unique Japanese American experience. They are world-class as well as an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. Enjoy current exhibits in addition to permanent collections.
Looking for inspiration and knowledge about our planet? Try the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles. This incredible venue has some amazing permanent exhibitions that include ancient Latin American art, the Dinosaur Hall, gems and minerals, insect zoo, North American mammals, birds, becoming L.A. and more. Special exhibits at the museum include butterfly pavilion, dino lab, edible garden, and spider pavilion. This venue is perfect for all ages —especially the grandkids!
Rainy days are perfect for getting cozy with a good book! The New York Times bestseller list has some interesting new reads. John Grisham’s The Whistler is about a whistleblower on the mob. Hidden Figures is the book the new movie of the same name is based on. The Princess Diarist is sadly, Carrie Fisher’s last book. Discover her memories of being on the set of Star Wars. The Power of Habit reveals the science behind the habits we form. Happy reading!
On January 21, the year of the rooster begins. Monterey Park has one of the most popular Lunar New Year celebrations in Southern California that will include performances of the lion & dog dance, kung fu, Chinese music, and folk dances. There will be a folk art art with Chinese calligraphy and traditional dough sculpture. Of course, the food will be amazing too with popular snacks like BBQ corn on the corn with spicy powder and mayo, Taiwanese sausage, egg waffles, and dragon’s whisker candy. Learn more about the traditions associated with this holiday.
We all know the acting brilliance, legacy, and mastery that is Anthony Hopkins. His roles in Silence of the Lambs, Remains of The Day, and recently HBO’s WESTWORLD are unsurpassed. But did you know he is also a prolific painter? Hopkins is generous with color, dynamic in his portraits, and expressive in his compositions on canvas. The other thing of note is that he likes to use all mediums: acrylics, oils, markers, watercolors, etc. While many artists religiously stick to one medium only, Hopkins enjoys using any and every medium at his disposal. The lesson is to trust your instincts and enjoy making art like you did when you were a child. He’s 79 and there’s no slowing him down. There is no one medium that defines art. Explore and have fun discovering what suits your style and subject matter. Check out Anthony Hopkins’ artright now.
This Friday, the new season for the 2017 Archway Theatre begins with a production of William Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale.” This resident company is comprised of actors, directors, designers, techs, and artists dedicated to creating great performances and share their combined talents. They also offer classes that include Shakespeare studies, contemporary scene study, and yoga retreat days.
Start the new year off with something sweet! The Los Angeles Chocolate Festival & Pastry Show is coming up on Sunday, January 8 from 3-6pm at the Omni Hotel in Los Angeles. Meet the world’s #1 Chocolatiers, Pastry Chefs, and confectioners at this delicious show. There will also be yummy pairings with top champagnes, wines, and spirits. This is not only a fun event but it’s for a wonderful and deserving cause as well. St. Baldrick’s Foundation is the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants. These funds are granted to childhood cancer research experts worldwide to give all kids a real chance at beating cancer.
