blogdowntown Weekly: December 16, 2010

NEWS YEAR ENDFOOD EVERYDAYStadium and Wilshire Grand plans advance

Arts District prepares for its Daily Dose

Thanks for helping make 2010 great

Social net-working on a squash court

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LIFE IN DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES / BLOGDOWNTOWN.COM / DECEMBER 16, 2010 1.19FREE

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UPCOMING SHOWS DISNEY ON ICE STAPLES CENTER THROUGH SUN DEC 19

HOLIDAY SING-ALONG MUSIC CENTER FRI DEC 17 8PM

OZOMATLI CLUB NOKIA SAT DEC 18 8PM LA PHIL’S PARADE OF TALENT

1714HOLIDAYCALENDAR

Colburn Children’s Choir

UNIQUE DOWNTOWN GIFTS Pages 10 - 13

Images Downtown’s Week in Pictures

1Members of the Rockettes light L.A. Live’s LED holiday tree during a tele-vised special. December 4, 2010

3Theo, Dex, and Chaz Frank show off gingerbread houses made at a benefit for the Art of Elysium held Saturday at Tiara Cafe. December 11, 2010

2SMOG performs during Red Bull’s Culture Clash at Exchange L.A. December 3, 2010

Photo by erIc rIchArDSoN

Photo by DAvID mArklAND

Photo by mIkey WAlly

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blogdowntownWeekly2 Online at blogdowntown.comDecember 16, 2010

PUBLISHER

Eric Richardson

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Ed Fuentes

CONTRIBUTORS

Rich Alossi, Mark Fisher, Sommer Lawal, David Markland, Michael F. Robleto, Pamela Rouse, Jenni

Simcoe, Monk Turner

DIRECTOR OF

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Alan J. House213-927-1877, Ext.1

[email protected]

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Most Popular Stories Most Commented StoriesNFL Deal to Happen Fast or Not at All, Leiweke Says bdtwn.com/5932

Metro in Talks to Buy Union Station? bdtwn.com/5937

Suspects Sought in Killing of Good Samaritan bdtwn.com/5931

Art Walk Preview for December, 2010 bdtwn.com/5930

Fight Continues Over 5th & Flower Station bdtwn.com/5928

NFL Deal to Happen Fast or Not at All, Lei-weke Says — 48 this week – 48 total bdtwn.com/5932

Metro in Talks to Buy Union Station? 13 this week – 13 total bdtwn.com/5937

Gallery to Screen Video Censored by Smithsonian — 12 this week – 12 total bdtwn.com/5927

Ninja Flashmob Appears At Pershing Square — 11 this week – 11 total bdtwn.com/5926

Looking Back on blogdowntown 2010

Year EndBy Eric Richardson

One year ago, this newspaper was barely even an idea. Now here we are at the end of 2010 with 19 issues under our belt, getting set to do all sorts of exciting things in the new year.

Before we get too caught up in things yet to come, though, I wanted to share a few things that I’m thankful for right now.

First of all, the process has made me thankful for the people who have opened businesses in Downtown. While blog-downtown.com will turn six in the first

few weeks of 2011, this year was our first as a real company. Having to deal with accounting, permit-ting, cash flow and the like have certainly left me with an even deeper respect for those who have managed to operate a successful enterprise. I’m particularly thankful for those busi-nesses who made a choice to spend their advertising dollars with us during 2010. It’s not an easy time for any business, but we couldn’t have made it this far without them.

This first year has been an amaz-ing learning process and has left me convinced that we couldn’t be in a better place at a better time. Downtown Los Angeles is a unique place, and I’m proud of the small role that we get to play in its development.

2011 is going to be an exciting time for Downtown, and it’s certainly an excit-ing time for us. On the next page we

write about two massive projects moving forward. While not on the same scale, we’re working on some projects of our own.

When our next print edition comes out on January 6, expect to read news of a new editor, a new office and some new plans for continuing to create a conversation about Downtown.

Enjoy the holidays, and let’s get ready to get back to work in 2011.


A pair of these Nihola cargo tricycles from Flying Pigeon turned out to be the perfect vehicles for delivering a new urban newspaper


Photo by erIc rIchArDSoNAt the beginning of 2011, blogdowntown will open up our new office to the neighborhood, inviting you to come join us in creating community here in Downtown

Who would have thought newsracks were so hard to find? After seeing racks like to this one in London over the summer, it took six months for us to create something similar here in the U.S. Expect to see more of these popping up in high traffic locations around Downtown in the first few months of 2011.

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blogdowntownWeekly 3Online at blogdowntown.com December 16, 2010

News

Full Speed for Stadium DealLeiweke says the deals needed to build a stadium and bring the NFL to Downtown will happen in the next three months or not at allBy Eric RichardsonBefore 350 attendees of a Central City Asso-ciation luncheon last week, AEG CEO Tim Leiweke reiterated his commitment to bring-ing a new stadium, at least one NFL team, and an expanded Convention Center, but only if the deal happens quickly.

“I spend most of every waking hour right now on the NFL,” Leiweke said. “But I will also promise you this: we’re going to give this our best shot over the next two to three months … We’re not going to hang around for ten years.”

At the center of that vision is the Los

What Will It Look Like?renderings of the proposed stadium and events center are scheduled to be unveiled to the media on Wednesday at 5pm, after this issue went to press.

We will have full coverage of the designs on blogdowntown.com as they are revealed.

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Wilshire Grand Project Moves ForwardBy Eric RichardsonThe development proposed to rise on the site of the Wilshire Grand Hotel heads to the city’s Planning Commission on Thursday for an important step in the approval process.

The project, first announced in April of 2009, would replace the current hotel structure with a pair of high-rise towers — a 60-story office tower and a 40-story hotel — and a modern retail base.

Before construction can begin, though, the project must make its way through approvals.

Back in March, the chairman of Korean Airline’s parent company chastized the city for not doing more to speed up his develop-ment.

Sure to be a particularly controversial part of the process is the expanse of LED signage proposed for the sides of the towers and base.

On Wednesday morning, Mayor Antonio Villaraiogosa, Councilwoman Jan Perry and representatives from the companies involved in the development gathered to tout the 7,000 on-site construction jobs and 5,000 additional construction-related jobs that they believe the project will create.

Angeles Convention Center, whose West Hall would need to be torn down to make way for the stadium. Leiweke emphasized Wednesday that the center was more than just a land source.

“Do we believe in football? Yes, we do, we’re excited about it … but we believe in the event and tourism business even more,” he said.

He also stressed his commitment to making sure that the city didn’t end up on the hook for any of the costs.

Leiweke offered a few details on trans-portation improvements that would need to

take place around the new stadium. 10 to 20 percent of stadium attendees could arrive via rail, and Leiweke said that the existing Blue Line station at Flower and Pico will need to be upgraded to handle the increased load. AEG plans to build just two new parking structures next to the stadium, counting on the 32,000 spaces that the company says are available with less than a 15-minute walk to handle the NFL load.

And what will that extra traffic mean for Downtown residents? “I don’t think you came here for the peace and quiet of the ocean and the waves,” Leiweke said. AEG would make sure that NFL games don’t over-lap with Staples Center events, but otherwise the company doesn’t see much impact for residents. “For the most part, life doesn’t change in Downtown,” he said.

“I hope that what we look at years from now is a hundred thousand people who want to live Downtown because it’s not only one of the most livable areas in the country, but it’s exciting and it has energy and it has nightlife.”

Suspects in Dismemberment Murder Caught

Edward Garcia Jr. and Melissa Hope Garcia

By David MarklandA Pennsylvania couple wanted by police for killing, then dismembering, a good samari-tan at a Skid Row hotel have been caught.

Agents with the U.S. Marshall’s Service arrested Edward and Melissa Garcia shortly before 4pm on Friday. They were found stay-ing at an abandoned building just steps away from the Hollywood Walk of Fame on the 1600 block of La Brea Avenue.

The couple are charged with killing and torturing Herbert Tracy White at the Conti-

nental Hotel on November 29. Police allege the couple, in an effort to clean up the crime scene, had dismembered White’s body and hidden pieces in a backpack and wrapped in a blanket under a bed. A maid at the hotel discovered the gruesome scene when she entered the room for cleaning.

White has been described as a good samar-itan and an experienced martial artist. His family believes he was lured by the couple to the hotel in an effort to help them before being killed.


You Said...Commenters continue to be ‘love it’ or ‘hate it’ on the idea of a Downtown NFL stadium.

…leiweke saying people didn’t move to down-town for the peace and quiet is complete bS. Sure it’s not the quietest place in the world, but that doesn’t mean I want the hassle of a football stadium and all the associated events. Traffic is hell already when the lakers play, imagine if

there’s just one game where theres a basket-ball game and a football game. And a ton of extra parking, this whole proposal seems very unsound. I especially don’t want to pay a dime in taxes or anything else to support it.David crowley

…the sooner this project gets up and running, the sooner hundreds if not thousands of construc-tion jobs can start getting people back to work. once up and running, a stadium operation could provide thousands of part-time jobs as well as collateral revenue into the local television market and benefits to the City’s General Fund from

the Parking occupancy tax to name just one possibility.

In short, this Downtown resident wants a NFL team in los Angeles and supports the stadium project Downtown. Let’s find ways to make this happen, not ways to keep it from happening!benjamin Pezzillo

I live in evo and I support the project. If it wasnt for AEG there would be no downtown life at all. I look forward to walking to football games and enjoying everthing else that will come with it. build it ASAP please!! Guest

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Ac mArtIN


Rendering of the towers proposed to replace the Wilshire Grand Hotel.


Metro in Union Station Talks?

Nikkei Center Negotiations End

Free Holiday Rides

According to the current owner, someone will be purchasing the 1939 station. A vague agenda item hints it could be Metro

Developer still wants in on project, but cites high purchase price and Regional Connector delays in not closing deal

Buses and trains will be offering free holiday trips overnight on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve


By Eric RichardsonCould Metro be in talks to buy Los Ange-

les’ historic Union Station?While neither the transit agency nor

current owner Prologis would offer any details, a mysterious item on the closed session agenda at last week’s Metro Board of Directors meeting hints at talks.

Roger Moliere, the agency’s chief executive for Real Property Management & Develop-ment, was listed as the negotiator on a deal involving “800 North Alameda Street,” the address of the 1939 station. Under discus-sion were “terms and payment,” according to the item.

While that’s non-specific language, the station is definitely on the market. Prologis recently told shareholders that it intends to sell all of its non-industrial properties

within the next year. While she would not speak to any specific negotiations regarding Union Station, Prologis spokeswoman Mo Sheahan confirmed Friday that the company was aiming to complete a sale in early 2011.

The facility is a major hub for Metro, and its role is only expected to grow with the addition of High-Speed Rail. The transit agency has funded some improvements to the station in the past, but has never been in direct control of the facility.

Prologis acquired the station in 2005 when it purchased Catellus Development Corp., the real estate company formed out of land owned by the Southern Pacific Railroad and the Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad.


By Jenni SimcoeCelebrating the holidays usually means

choosing a designated driver. Once again this year, that driver comes free in the form

By Eric RichardsonPlans for a large mixed-use development

on the edge of Little Tokyo got sent back to the drawing board last week, but the devel-oper still hopes he can get back onto the project.

On Wednesday the City Council voted to end a negotiating agreement with Nikkei Center Partners, LLC, for the 5.66-acre site at 1st and Alameda.

Terms signed in 2008 would have had the

company purchase the site for $44 million. It would then have built a mixed-use devel-opment with 390 residential units, 80,000 square feet of retail and 166,500 square feet of office space.

Jon Kaji of Nikkei Center Partners told blogdowntown that he still hopes to build the project eventually.

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The 1939 Union Station building (bottom left) sits across the tracks from Metro’s headquarters at One Gateway Plaza (upper right).

of a free Metro fare during designated times during Christmas and New Years. Metro bus and rail lines will offer free rides to every passenger who boards between 9pm and 2am on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve.

No matter where your partying takes you, you’ll find a way to get there via Metro. The free rides extend to Metro’s fleet of some 2,200 buses, the Metro Orange Line to the San Fernando Valley, the Metro Purple Line to Wilshire/Western, the Metro Red Line to North Hollywood, the Metro Blue Line to Long Beach, the Metro Green line between Norwalk and El Segundo and the Metro Gold Line to Pasadena and East L.A.

For complete route and schedule informa-tion go to metro.net or call 323.GO.METRO.Photo by erIc rIchArDSoN


EverydayydayBy Jenni Simcoe“In Australia they call it ‘mateship,’” says Neil Kritzinger, a 64-year-old architect from the African country of Namibia, about his connection to his Australian friend, Greg Fowler, a 49-year-old realtor. The pair had met at the Los Angeles Athletic Club through an old fashioned social network called squash.

“The squash pro pairs up members by dividing them into skill levels,” said Cory Hathaway, Director of Sales and Marketing at the Athletic Club, describing the foun-dation of a box league. “Everyone within the certain skill level plays all of the other members in that level each month.” At the end of each month the top players in each box are moved up a level while those at the bottom of each box move down a box. The box scores are then posted next to the squash courts for all to see. “It’s great motivation,” says Hathaway.

When Kritzinger and Fowler first played one another a year and a half ago, they instantly hit it off. “Right from the begin-ning I could tell Neil was very good. He was very humble. It took three minutes to figure out that he knew what he was doing,” said Fowler.

A lifelong squash player, Kritzinger had just joined a box league at the Athletic Club after a ten-year hiatus from playing due to injury. From age 21, he was a competitive player in South Africa and was ranked in the top 20 players in the world. “It was the dawn of the pro era. The two leading players made a bit of money,” said Kritzinger. “The rest of us depended on our financial resources, the kindness of strangers, equipment given to us by manufacturers, and a bit of appearance money—barely enough to go out and have a good time that night.”

Fowler’s experience with a racquet and

ball goes back to his youth. “I played tennis from the age of eight and was competing in junior tournaments at the age of twelve,” he said. Fowler was good enough to move to Florida to attend the Harry Hopman Tennis Academy to train with the Davis Cup cham-pion.

“I wasn’t good enough to make money to do it full time, so I would teach and play tournaments and did a few small circuits in the Bahamas,” said Fowler. After playing competitively, he went to school for Busi-ness Administration and then moved to California, where he worked as a tennis pro at a club. He got his introduction to squash when he met pro Stefan Castelyn and started taking lessons.

Fowler joined the Los Angeles Athletic Club when Castelyn took a job as the pro at the club. “The club is an international hub of squash players,” said Kritzinger. The pool of players includes top players from Belgium and Fiji.

Fowler plays squash about four times a week, usually against an opponent from a pool of 15 to 20 other members of the club. Kritzinger plays a couple times a week. “I’d like to play more but I’ve been busy, and if I play too much, my body starts feeling it,” said Kritzinger.

Depending on their scores from the previ-ous month, the two may or may not be in the same box of players. When they do get to play one another, there’s a bit of “light trash talk” according to Fowler. Kritzinger says the trash talk is less common in squash than other games. “I moan and groan about umpiring decisions. Jokingly we might say


More Than Just a GameFor players at the Los Angeles Athletic Club, the game of squash provides exercise and a social network

Continues on Page 19


Neil Kritzinger and Greg Fowler stand on a squash court at the Los Angeles Athletic Club.


Women’s Center Opens New Home

A Collecting State of Mind

San Pedro facility offers expanded housing and services

Staples Center fans get a look at sports history

By David MarklandTypically, anyone making a move to a

new home only a few blocks away would spend more time grumbling about pack-ing than they would celebrating. Not so for the residents of the Downtown Women’s Center, who danced in the streets with a New Orleans-style processional to their new and improved residences.

On Friday, L.A.’s oldest and largest facility for homeless women moved into a renovated former shoe factory at 442 S. San Pedro that includes a computer room, space for arts and crafts and food prep areas. The building also will provide health care services and a cafete-ria that will serve up to 200 lunches per day.

The new site has 71 residential units, 21

more than the previous facility. That build-ing, located at 325 S. Los Angeles, will under-go renovations of its own next year before reopening as additional housing.

Following the processional and opening remarks given by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Councilwoman Jan Perry, the Mayor assisted in rolling out a red carpet for the new residents to walk down into their new home.

At the opening, attendees also received a sneak peek at a ground floor retail shop that will be staffed by Women’s Center residents, providing them with job training. It will offi-cially open in February.


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Photo by erIc rIchArDSoNGary Cypres next to a set of baseball cards in the “Early Trading Cards and Games” exhibit

By Eric RichardsonAnything and everything having to do with

sports, Gary Cypres has probably got it. He’s been collecting memorabilia for 25 years.

“You’re either a collector or you’re not,” he said with a grin last week. “It’s unexplainable to most people.”

Just a tiny piece of Cypres’ collection is currently on display inside the Sports Muse-um of Los Angeles at STAPLES Center, open

Jaywalking Breakdown

Source: L.A. County Superior Court

Talk of tickets soared after LAPD said that it planned to emphasize enforcement of jaywalking laws during the holiday season. The $25 ticket costs a whopping $190 once all the fees and penalties are added in. Just where does the money go?

DIScUSSoNlINe

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to those attending games in the arena.The exhibit “Early Trading Cards and

Games” features items dating back to the start of the 18th century. It will be on display until February, when an NBA-specific exhibit will be installed for the NBA All-Star Game.


Fannie Mayfield and other residents of the Downtown Women’s Center, along with supporters, marched and danced from their old building to the new facility


FoodGet Your Daily DoseTucked away in an Arts District alley, the soon-to-open eatery puts a focus on the ingredients that go into its foodBy Jenni SimcoeWhen Daily Dose opens in mid-January, owners Christian Page and Sarkis Vartanian plan to put their coffeehouse on the map as a “traditional European coffeehouse experi-ence” Downtown. Judging by their location in an ivy-covered alley in the Arts District, they’ve accomplished the feel of Europe.

To say that Daily Dose will be just a coffee house may be misleading. The duo are bring-ing their local, sustainable food to the table. “D-Squared is our mascot,” Vartanian says of their logo that represents the “working man.” “When I was thinking about the brand Daily Dose, I thought everyone deserves good food, well-prepared, delicious food for a reason-able price,” said Vartanian.

When he started planning the coffee house concept two years ago, Vartanian planned on offering pastries and “a few sandwiches.” But then he met Page. The duo met at the Los Angeles Athletic Club and started hanging out together. “We were mad competitors on the squash court,” said Page.

Vartanian and Page talked about their separate business concepts that they were working on. Page had just graduated from USC’s Marshall School of Business and was

planning a sustainable concept of his own. “To hear him talk about food with such passion draws you in,” said Vartanian. “Christian had the same kind of passion for food as I did about opening a restaurant.”

“Sarkis showed me a drawing of an oven he was going to build and I thought, I want to work there,” said Page. The two decided to expand the Daily Dose concept to include a broader menu that Page would execute.

Page’s passion for local sustainable foods goes back to his early childhood in Stamford, Connecticut, where he and his five siblings each got their own little spot in the garden so they could grow whatever they wanted. “We never really bought vegetables. We grew everything we ate. It was pretty awesome. We had beehives and used to sell the honey in the stores,” he said.

When Page visited his grandparents’ house as a child, he would hang out in the kitchen with his grandparents’ cooks. “I’d ask them ‘how did you do that?’ They put me on a little

Continues on Page 19Sarkis Vartanian and Christian Page stand in the doorway that will soon lead to Daily Dose




Cabbage Patch OpensNew 6th Street eatery is the fourth location for the ‘farm fresh fare’ chain based out of Beverly HillsBy Jenni SimcoeCabbage Patch, a popular Beverly Hills lunch spot, has opened its latest location this week Downtown at 520 W. 6th. “Our concept is farm fresh fare that includes a mix of Asian, Mediterranean and American food,” said

Saro Babakhanian, manager.The restaurant is set in a stark space with

a loft that will soon have a billiard table and lounge area.

“It’s a farm to table restaurant,” claims Continues on Page 19

Photo by JeNNI SImcoeCabbage Patch opened its doors on 6th Street this week, in space formerly occupied by Showbiz Ribs

Foodie News Restaurant News:

KK Woody on 7th Street’s Restau-rant Row will reopen next week as Sushi Express. Manager Benson Wong tells blogdowntown that the restaurant will offer a choice of Japanese style breakfast or Chinese Dim Sum for breakfast for $2.99. Lunch will be served in bento boxes ranging from $5.99 to $8.99.

Also on Restaurant Row, the highly antic-ipated opening of Mas Malo will be in early January according to a spokesperson for the restaurant. The menu will be “Mexican comfort food using the finest fresh ingre-dients including handmade corn tortillas (made at the restaurant), as well as some of the menu favorites from Malo in Silver Like – including the famous ground beef and pickle tacos.”

New Year’s Eve Feasts:

Noe Restaurant & Bar 251 S. Olive / 213.356.4100

Billed as “a decadent menu featur-ing those pesky ‘no-no’ items like butter, creams and carbs to enjoy before the New Year’s diet starts.” Say goodbye to your vices in style!

Seating 1: 5pm to 8pm, 3 course dinner, $60 per person

Seating 2: 8pm to 10:30pm, 5 course

dinner, $90 per person

Corkbar 403 W. 12th / 213.746.0050

New Year’s Eve four-course, prix fixe dinner, $55 per person, Three optional flights available at an additional cost (beer for $10, wine for $18, and sparkling wine for $25)

Two seatings: 6:30 and 9:30 p.m.

Chaya Downtown 525 S. Flower / 213.236.9577

Downtown dwellers are transported over-seas to the Orient with lion dancers and an Asian-themed menu including Dim Sum Bonsai Box including Hama Hama Oyster and Sea Urchin with Yuzu Ponzu Jelly; Flash Seared Wagyu Beef and Braised Kobe Short Rib with Duo Maitake Mushroom, and Champagne Risotto and a champagne toast at Midnight.

One seating only: All night (5-10 p.m.): $75 per person (Four-course prix-fixe menu) or à la carte menu. Omakase Sushi Lover’s special for $65 per person (at the sushi bar only)

Pete’s Cafe & Bar / 400 S. Main / 213.617.1000

Pete’s will offer a prix fixe menu at $40 in addition to the regular menu on New Year’s Eve. The prix fixe will include a glass of champagne. There will be a champagne toast at midnight along with party favors.


Bubble Wire Necklace with PearlsCitrine607 S Hill Arcade #4Jewelry District You might miss this shop hidden inside a jewelry mecca if it weren’t for the sparkling necklace in the window showcase tempting you inside. The rhodium plated brass wire encircles pearls like grape clusters in this gorgeous statement necklace, with chiffon ribbon ties in the back for an elegant finish. JS

Metal Magazine RackiSquared758 S. SpringHistoric CoreFor the fashion magazine enthusiast on your list, get them this stylish organic shaped silver magazine rack from Vela. According to manager Michelle Pastor, “It’s a way to decorate with contemporary style with an organic twist. JS

Michael Jackson Thriller JacketPopkiller343 E. 2ndLittle TokyoThe Holy Grail for any Michael Jackson fan is this leather jacket modeled after the one he wore during “Thriller.” Designed specifically for the video by Deborah Nadoolman Landis, the wife of costume designer John Landis, the jacket will set anyone apart, whether at a cocktail party, zombie walk, or skating in Pershing Square.

Downtown may not have

many of your traditional

retailers, but our neigh-

borhoods are full of great

gift ideas if you just know

where to look.

By David Markland, Jenni Simcoe and Shannon Vasquez

Dog Treat Christmas Bulbs Pussy & Pooch 564 S. MainHistoric CoreDogs see a shiny Christmas tree light and think: tasty treat! Why not indulge their fantasy with a rubber light bulb? Fill the middle with a Scooby Snack or peanut butter, and your Bumpas hound will be too distracted with chewing to notice when the Christmas ham comes out of the oven. DM

$850 small / $11 large

$580

$147

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Tree SwingSlingshot Bowls Little TokyoLong before the Red Rider BB Gun, kids clamored for the perfect Y shaped stick and a stretch of rubber band to make the perfect slingshot. As an adult, you can af-ford to buy the premium version. Made of Buckthorn branches (a restricted noxious weed in Minnesota, where the weapon is crafted) and natural latex tubing with a leather projectile pouch, these slingshots are perfect for rodent hunting or marsh-mallow fights. DM

Membership to the Grammy Museum 800 W. Olympic grammymuseum.orgSouth ParkThe basic “emerging artist” indi-vidual membership grants you free admission to the museum all year, a commemorative art piece, and pre-ferred ticketing and invites to hosted programs, events and performances. Recent events have included inti-mate performances and q&a’s with Jerry Lee Lewis, Yoko Ono and The Doors’ Ray Manzarek. DM

$21

$50+


Fat Rabbit Farm T-Shirt and BookRobocon988 N. Hill Street #202 Chinatown Sold only at anime conventions, Fat Rabbit Farms makes a rare retail appearance at Robocon. The characters include “a fluffy bunny who loves ice cream, a lone pirate bunny who sailed from beyond the skies, a quiet little turtle, and a bad tempered mushroom,” making for stories that are bent enough for adults, and colorful enough for kids with cool parents. Even if the tales don’t catch you, the t-shirt images are addictively cute. DM

Swrve Men’s Wool SweaterSwrve1031 S. Broadway #1002 Fashion District “Designed to perform seamlessly on a bike and stylishly in the world,” this cozy Swrve Men’s Wool Sweater is a hit. The cyclist on your list will love the rear dual pockets and interior stash pocket. The Italian wool blend and stand up collar also make it perfectly suited for metro rides and walks with the dog. Shop locally and have a mini adventure on the elevator ride up to the 10th floor. When you enter you’ll be in the middle of the operation, a cool peek into the garment construction world! SV

Vintage Fabric Earrings and BraceletsHaute Olive838 S. SpringFashion DistrictGive the gift of two loves: vintage fabrics and accessories! L.A. based designer Muse repurposes vintage fabrics and ties to make one of a kind earrings and bracelets. Fabrics are sought out for their color, print and texture so no two will be alike. The bracelets look great stacked up the arm or worn solo. The colorful earrings add pop to any outfit and will be appreciated by all the women on your list. At this price you can afford a pair for everyone! SV

$5 to 20

Vintage Straw andBamboo HandbagClever Vintage117 W 9th St. #918 Fashion DistrictNot just for springtime, Vintage Straw and Bamboo Handbags will delight the lady who appreciates a finely patinaed closure or a classic shape to accessorize her wardrobe. With requests from A-list Hollywood celebrities, the bags and the shop are a true find. Exploring the historic fashionable building is half the fun of shopping “by appointment only” at Clever. For everyday or special occasion use, your recipient will appreciate not seeing herself everywhere. SV

Harley Davidson Vintage Crop TVirgo216-A E. 9thFashion DistrictThe designers at Virgo have the Chic Biker Trend covered with these custom-ized vintage Harley Davidson T-shirts. They cropped the hem, taking them from big and bulky to feminine and flirty. A variety of styles are available for $32. SV

For Dad, have you considered a designer tie?FIDM scholarship storeGrand & 9th / South ParkEveryone knows Dad loves being surprised with a tie for Christmas. Kick things up a notch with one from Louis Vuitton on the rack at the FIDM Scholarship Store, which includes ties among the numerous overstock designer clothing and accessories at bar-gain basement prices. Spend the savings on something for yourself. DM

$32

Action Figure Package Throughout Downtown Fight the evil forces of Trademark Enforcement with this collection of action figures that have broken free of their corporate overlords. DM

$55 to 65

$4

$10

$6 +

Peruvian Nativity Set Olvera Candle ShopW-3 Olvera StOlvera Street Part of what makes these imported Pe-ruvian Nativity sets rare are shoplifters nabbing the baby Jesuses for their own, leaving behind a manger scene with-out a manger. At Olvera Candle Shop, they keep the infant stashed behind the counter for safekeeping. The complete set is a sweet take on the Nativity, with Joseph and Mary in South American garb and the wisemen appearing like missionaries. DM

$150

$20

$23.99/shirt $18.99/book

2008 Mer Soleil “Silver” Unoaked Chardonnay BottleRock 1050 S. FlowerSouth ParkOn its own or part of a gift basket, the ceramic bottle alone will ensure this bottle of wine won’t be added to the receiver’s regift pile. From the Mer Soleil/ Caymus Family of Vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands, the contents never touch wood throughout the entire wine making process. DM

$32.99

Mix TapesOoga Booga943 N. BroadwayChinatownLet’s face it: emailing your crush an iTunes playlist isn’t going to get you a smooch under the mistle-toe. But a mix tape will get you kisses that will last til Auld Lang Syne. K Records

founder Calvin Johnson compiled these assorted mixes from his personal collection of LPs and 45s with a range of themes and musical styles included foreign girl pop, mid-70s disco, and funk . Boombox not included. DM


Lance 125 Cali Classic Scooter Dynasty 515 W. PicoJet around Downtown in this butterscotch beauty. Slide past traffic backed up by that guy who’s ignoring the no left turn sign. Park it right up on sidewalk while you enjoy a snack at Banquette. Cruising at up to 60mph with 105mpg, you’ll actually look forward to your occasional gas sta-tion fill ups. And by you, I mean whoever you’ll be gifting this to. DM

Vintage Victorian-eraPocket Watches Estate Jewelry Buyers of Los Angeles615 S. Hill Jewelry DistrictGet your steampunk on with a vintage pocket watch. The turn of the century timepieces from the 1850’s to the 1920’s are solid gold or platinum with high grade movements. The store also has a platinum art deco pocket watch surrounded by diamonds. For the true steampunk look, get a Hamilton railroad pocket watch to put in your vest pocket and head to the Edison where you’ll fit right in. JS

Los Angeles: Portrait of a City Metropolis Books440 S. MainHistoric CoreThis coffee table book from Taschen traces the City of Angels development from the 1880s to the present day through a photo-graphic history of the city. This book will be loved not only for history buffs, but also for the newest Angeleno to see a glimpse of the past. JS

Los Angeles History Playing CardsStudio for California History977 N. HillChinatownA deck of 54 playing cards, each documenting a person or event in Los Angeles history. Play “Go Fish” with the likes of Eva Ikuko Toguri, Pio Pico and William Mulholland. DM

L.A. ThemedZippo LightersPanawest319 E. 1stLittle TokyoThese L.A.-themed Zippos are the perfect gift for the ironic smoker. Use the Dodg-ers lighter to earn a smoking citation while watching the ball game, the LAPD shield lighter to burn the ticket and the City of Los Angeles crest lighter to light up a stogie after Council overturns the smoking ban. Then again, maybe these are better for the delusional smoker. DM

Custom Leather Bohemian Hippie BagsMurillo LeatherW-6 Olvera StOlvera StreetMurillo Leather crafts all their goods in site, including these bohemian hippie bags. Offerings range from raw sheets of leather to the dyed and painted works they sell in their shop. Additional modifica-tions run the creative gamut including stamped initials, icons, or characters, and ink colors. Custom designs take up to five working days, or choose from a current selection on the shelves. DM

Chubby Boob Mouse ShirtArchrival349 E. 2ndLittle TokyoPerfect for your Uncle Walt, the debased Disney fan on your list, or possibly anyone you know interested in underground t-shirt design. From the folks at Chubby Boob, you’ll be hard pressed to find this shirt out-side of Little Tokyo’s Archrival. DM $30

“Beer-Sket” Spring Street Smokehouse640 N. SpringIt’s a rib joint in a can: Spring Street Smoke House’s “beer-sket” con-tains their inhouse brand of BBQ sauce, rubs, a bottle or two of Angel City beer, and a branded t-shirt to wear after you spill the sauce on your white t-shirt. DM

Middle Kingdom Handpainted Porcelain Teapots Realm425 Gin Ling Way ChinatownMade in Jingdezhen, China, near where the Imperial kilns were once located, these handpainted porcelain teapots combine modern design with timeless practicality. DM

Upcycled Book BoxesCentral Library Gift ShopAmong the assorted unique products geared towards the literary crowd inside the Central Library’s Gift Shop are hinged boxes made from former library books. While perfect for hiding secrets, the use of the original book’s interior pages for the box’s lining will make them more suitable for showing off.

L.A. Conservancy Membershiplaconservancy.org / (213) 623-2489Give the gift that will bring instant city nerd credibility with a membership to an organization dedicated to saving L.A.’s rich architectural heritage. Includes a subscrip-tion to their print newsletter, advance notice and discounts on special Conservancy tours and events. DM

$1999

$300 to 3,000

$70

$50

$40+$99+

$9

$35

$2295 +

$69


Gundam Model Kits Neo Happyland988 N. Hill #108ChinatownSurprisingly, the best place to find the best selection of these popular Japanese model kits is in Chinatown. Neo Happyland has an endless number of actual Gundams (which the Transformers arguably ripped off) ranging in scale and into the hundreds of dollars. DM

Williamsburg Handmade Oil PaintsRaw Materials436 S. Main Old Bank DistrictIt’s the proper balance of appropriate pigment that explain why a 37ml tube of these hard-to-find paints ranges from $11.95 to $55.95, which may be a small price to pay for what next museum piece the artist in your life will be making with it. Not only does Raw Materials carry this line, but they’re offering 30% off the usual retail price. Take that, Crayola! DM

Vintage Nikes Holy GrailSouth ParkFor the die-hard sneakerhead, the Holy Grail shoe consignment shop has numerous vintage Nikes, Adidas, and other shoes in mint condition years after production stopped. One such pair are the Nike Dunk Huxtables (mens size 9 1/2), suitably named in honor of Bill Cosby’s 80s era sweaters. Selection and sizes rotate constantly. DM

Hand EmbroideredSweater CoatDolce Vita915-2 SanteeFashion DistrictThe faux collar on this sweater gives a feel for the wild without having to leave your natural habitat. The graceful blend of colorful hand embroidery and fur trends makes each one distinctive. Also available in a pullover short sleeve version. Don’t be afraid to fur it up this holiday season! SV

Gift Certificate to the L.A. Gun Club1375 E 6th Stthelosangelesgunclub.com / (213) 612-0931For the person who just needs to vent, a gift certif-icate to the L.A. Gun Club may be the solution to their Holiday stress. Gift certificates are available at any price, but with gun rentals from $5 to $10, and boxes of ammo from $11 to $15, set up your loved one with $40 or more of Charlton Heston worthy fun. DM

$40+ $129-149

$200

$15 $1195+


CalendarTHURSDAYDECEMBER 16

F O O DBreakfast with SantaThe Music CenterThu Dec 16 11am-2pmThe Music Center135 N. Grandlaphil.comThe popular Breakfast with Santa returns this year with a gourmet brunch by Patina Catering, You and your children can take photos with Santa, decorate gingerbread cookies after enjoying the new build-your-own pancake bar and carving stations. It’s held on the Fifth Floor at the Dorothy Chan-dler Pavilion. Additional Break-fasts with Santa on December 22 from 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm; $18 for kids under 10; $35 for adults includes a mimosa or a glass of champagne. For reserva-tions, call 213-972-7565.

A R E N A Disney On IceThrough Sun Dec 19Staples Center1111 S. Figueroa Ststaplescenter.comDisney’s “Let’s Celebrate” stars Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse celebrating a Very Merry Unbirth-day Party with Alice and the Mad Hatter. There will be plenty of ice time for other Disney char-acters, including Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen, Lilo & Stitch, Woody, Jessie and Buzz Light-year; plus some of Disney’s vil-lains. Through December 19 with multiple shows each day.

M U S I CKLOS Mark & BrianChristmas ShowThu Dec 16 7pm Nokia Theatre777 Chick Hearn Ctnokiatheatrelalive.comThe morning DJ’s annual Christ-mas show has scheduled perfor-mances from Billy Idol; comedian Ron White; an “All-Star Band” composed of Paul Rodgers, Peter Frampton, Michael Anthony, Ja-son Bonham, John Waite, Steve Lukather and Marc Bonilla. Brian’s mom, Zelma, will do the annual reading of “’Twas the Night Be-fore Christmas.”

M U S I CAdam LambertThu Dec 16 7pm Club Nokia 800 W. Olympicclubnokia.comThe runner-up, and many con-sider favored contestant, from

Season 8 of American Idol brings his Glam Nation Tour to Down-town. Lambert’s rise is so heated, L.A. Live installed a policy not allowing fans to camp overnight. Line up will be permitted for the concert beginning at 6am the day of the show.

M U S I CMcGegan conducts Mozart and HaydnThu Dec 16 8pmWalt Disney Concert Hall 111 South Grandlaphil.comMozart scholar and pianist Rob-ert Levin joins the L.A. Phil and conductor Nicholas McGegan. Also Friday, December 17 (11am), Saturday, Dec 18 (8pm), Sunday, December 19 (2pm).

M U S I C Nick RosenThu Dec 16 9pmBlue Whale123 Astronaut E S OnizukaSuite 301 (Weller Court)bluewhalemusic.comBlue Whale begins its program-ming week with composer and bassist Nick Rosen.

M U S I CLeo RondeauThu Dec 16 9pmRedwood Bar and Grill316 W. 2ndtheredwoodbar.comAustin’s honky-tonk angel Leo Rondeau and Baja-Western style of The Vaquetones.

FRIDAYDECEMBER 17

‘Peaches Christ Superstar’Fri Dec 17 9pmThe Orpheum Theatre825 S. Broadwaylaorpheum.comThe dance-provocateur brings her one-woman rendition of “Jesus Christ Superstar” for its West Coast premiere. First mounted in March at the Hebbel am Ufer Theatre in Berlin (with lyricist Tim Rice in the audience) Peaches takes on all the parts with the help of pianist Chilly Gonzales.

M U S I C Music CenterHoliday Sing-AlongFri Dec 17 6:30pm The Music Center135 N. Grandmusiccenter.orgThe Music Center Holiday Sing-

Along is a free evening of bundled family and friends singing along with live musical accompaniment among the holiday lights of the plaza. Lyric sheets are provided and admission is free (dona-tions are welcomed). Tickets are required and will be distributed beginning at 6pm (one ticket per person to those waiting in line) Capacity is limited. First come, first served.

M U S I CHoliday Organ SpectacularFri Dec 17 8pmWalt Disney Concert Hall111 S. Grandlaphil.comHoliday music with David Higgs on the Walt Disney Hall organ.

D A N C E‘Set and Reset/Reset’Fri Dec 17 830pmREDCAT 631 W. 2ndredcat.orgThe centerpiece of this special presentation by The Sharon Dis-ney Lund School of Dance is a restaging of Trisha Brown’s 1983 ‘Set and Reset,” renamed “Set and Reset/Reset.” Performed by seven of CalArts’ expert dancers and featuring a score by Laurie An-derson, it is recognized as one the finest examples of Brown’s trade-mark combination of fluid move-ment and geometric style. Also to be performed is an excerpt from Israeli American choreographer Barak Marshall’s physical-theater work Rooster; New York-based choreographer Daniel Charon’s trio Juncture; and a short new piece by Rosanna Gamson. Also runs Saturday, December 18.

C O M E D YDowntown Comedy ClubFri Dec 17 8pm and 9pm

“Set and Reset/ Reset” at REDCAT: Photo by Julieta Cervantes.

Downtown Comedy Club 114 W. 5thdowntowncomedyclub.comAt 8pm, Ron Yavniele, Ryan Meshel, Kristi McHugh and head-liner Tim Shaw. Hosted by Chris Z. At 9pm, Brian Hunt, Steve Coo-per, C-Bazz, Tommy Gimler with headliner Marc Patrick.

M U S I CEdwin LivingstonFri Dec 17 9pmBlue Whale123 Astronaut E S OnizukaSuite 301 (Weller Court)bluewhalemusic.comUSC Faculty member Edwin Liv-ingston, who carries a long list of jazz credits, brings his group to the Blue Whale.

M U S I CThe ZerosFri Dec 17 10pm The Redwood Bar & Grill316 W. 2ndtheredwoodbar.comThe ZEROS. Also, Crazy Squeeze, Stitched Lips, and Dirty Eyes.

M U S I COff!Fri Dec 17 8pmTheSex816 S. Santa Fethesexla.comOff! is touted as the new punk super group with Circle Jerks/Black Flag singer Keith Morris, Burning Brides’ Dimitri Coats and Redd Kross bassist Steven McDonald. They raise hell for the release of a new record. Plus Thee Oh Sees, No Bunny, White Shit.

SATURDAYDECEMBER 18

M U S I C Holiday Sing-Along Sat Dec 18 11:30am and 2:30pmWalt Disney Concert Hall111 S. Grandlaphil.comSing along with The Angeles Cho-rale under the direction of con-ductor John Sutton.

O P E R A RigolettoSat Dec 18 2pmDorothy Chandler Pavilion135 N. Grandwww.laopera.comLast night of betrayal, shame and revenge.



By Alanna LinEbony Fay is SoulFire Community Choir’s

Founder and Outreach Coordinator. An

international vocalist who just finished a long stint in Japan, she returned to Los Angeles intent on establishing a musical

community Downtown.

In this busy day and age where there’s Facebook, Youtube, and Twitter, why should someone join a choir?

While technology has brought us a lot of connectivity, it hasn’t bought us enough relativity. Aaron Sorkin said that social networking is to real social situations what reality TV shows are to reality. It’s this hyper thing where people don’t have to expose themselves to real relationships. People can become really disjointed, showing only frag-ments of their personality.

A choir is a different situation, where people are invited to just really bring all of themselves to the group. The idea of up close contact where you can get a hug, eye contact, a smile, a laugh--it’s much more than being in a bubble or vacuum (online).

Can everyone sing?(laughing) Everyone can emit sounds from

their body. The Bible says, “Make a joyful noise.” It didn’t say it had to be pretty, you know?

With singing you’re creating vibrations in your body. It kicks in your endorphins, your seratonin. It heals on levels of spirit, mind, and body that nothing else can. When you add that to the synergy of instruments and people coming together, you experience a spiritual oneness that cannot be matched on any level.

Who would you like to have join your group?

I want people who can come weekly, who can bring their love and light and attitude. They just have to want to be in a room with people.

When and where is your new choir going to be singing?

Tuesday, December 21st in Pershing Square for the Downtown on Ice Holiday Singalong. It’s a clear first target. There’s going to be some gospel, choral, group based, easy call-and-response.

We’re going to put on a program of one-hour’s worth of gospel, popular and holiday tunes. We’re trying to represent the diversity and vitality of the downtown community. It’s gonna be fun.

Soul Fire Community Choir rehearsals are open to the public. They take place Tuesday evenings from 7-8:15pm, at the Los Angeles Theatre Center (514 S. Spring) with additional Saturdays scheduled for December in the lead up to the performance. For more information contact Ebony Fay at [email protected] a Joyful Noise

For her new SoulFire Community Choir, Ebony Fay is looking for folks who are interested in showing up and making some noise



Ebony Fay outside the Los Angeles Theatre Center, site of SoulFire Community Choir’s weekly practices


M U S I CBela Fleck & the FlecktonesSat Dec 18 8pm The Orpheum Theatre842 S. Broadwaylaorpheum.comThe banjo master and his Fleck-tones bring their bluegrass-jazz-fusion holiday tour to Broadway.

S C R E E N I N GScroogedSat Dec 18 7:30pm Devil’s Night Drive-In240 W. 4thdevilsnight.comRooftop drive-in screening of Bill Murray’s “Scrooged.” Plus, the An-gel City Derby Girls make a visit.

C O M E D YDowntown Comedy ClubSat Dec 18 8pm and 9pm Downtown Comedy Club114 W. 5thdowntowncomedyclub.comMatthew Noriel, Courtney Ca, Leah Wyman, Jon Scheiszer at 8pm. Shelagh Rattner, Nasry Malak, Jeremy Beth Michaels and Shawn Pelofsky at 9pm.

M U S I CBilly White BandSat Dec 18 9pmCafé Metropol923 E. 3rdcafemetropol.comA night with a little hip-hop, some French attitude, and a lot of jazz piano from Billy White. With Day-na Stephens (tenor saxophone), Yunior Terry (bass), and Steve “Anthony” Belvilus (drums).

M U S I COzomatliSat Dec 18 8pmClub Nokia800 W. Olympicclubnokia.comOzomatli marks its 15th year in music properly by throwing them-selves a quinceanera bash at Club

Shifting Gears Cycling Downtown Fun Holiday Ride

Dec 19 8amMusic Center135 N. Grandshiftinggearscycling.com

This informative sight-seeing ride through Downtown LA will begin at the Music Center. Then cyclists will pass through the theatre district, downtown lofts, then make a stop at Persh-ing Square’s Ice Skating Rink before moving on through the city. Helmets are mandatory. Bring any type of bike you’d like to ride.

Nokia. With Chali 2na (of Jurassic 5) and La Santa Cecilia.

M U S I CBar That SucksSat Dec 18 9pmRedwood Bar & Grill316 W. 2ndtheredwoodbar.comBar That Sucks presents The Su-perBees, Hellbound Hayride, LA Ghost, The Hitchhikers, and Los Creepers.

M U S I C15th Annual House Full of Toys BenefitSat Dec 18 8pmNokia Theatre800 E. Olympicnokiatheatrelalive.comStevie Wonder’s annual holiday show is joined by guests Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Eric Benet, Melanie Fiona, Janelle Monae, Lisa Dawn Miller, Oliver Richman.

SUNDAYDECEMBER 19

M U S I CZoot Suit RevueSun Dec 19 2pmPershing Square532 South Olivelaparks.org/pershingsquareWInter Concert Series’ Swing Salsa Blues Sunday featuring Zoot

Suit Revue.

M U S I CThe Wave’s Kozy ChristmasSun Dec 19 6:30pmNokia Theatre L.A. Live 777 Chick Hearn CTnokiatheatrelaive.comJazz concert with Dave Koz & Friends. With Jonathon Butler, Brian Culbertson and Candy Dulfer.

M U S I CRichard SearsSun Dec 19 8pmBlue Whale123 Astronaut E S OnizukaSuite 301 (Weller Court)bluewhalemusic.comJazz with a twist of indie-rock is what you can expect from key-boardist Richard Sears.

M U S I CSomos MysteriososSun Dec 19 8pmRedwood Bar and Grill316 W. 2ndtheredwoodbar.comSomos Mysteriosos. Plus Danger-ously Sleazy, Skull Control, and Useless.

M U S I CBlack ElephantSun Dec 19 9pmThe Smell247 S. Main thesmell.orgBlack Elephant. Plus Dash Jack-et, The Lovely Bad Things, and School Knights.

MONDAY DECEMBER 20

S P O R T SClippersMon Dec 20 7:30pmStaples Center1111 S. Figueroanba.com/clippersL.A. Clippers vs. Minnesota Tim-berwolves

M U S I CUndercover GirlsMon Dec 20 NoonPershing Square532 S. Olivelaparks.org/pershingsquareClassic rock band with no apolo-gies and no men.

M U S I CGo Tell It on the Mountain: The Blind Boys of AlabamaMon Dec 20 8pmWalt Disney Concert Hall111 S. Grandlaphil.orgThe four-time Grammy-winning gospel legends perform and spiri-tual renditions of carols, hymns and pop standards.

TUESDAY DECEMBER 21M U S I CString PlanetTue Dec 21 NoonPershing Square532 S. Olivelaparks.org/pershingsquareString Planet is violist Novi and Stick player Larry Tuttle playing fast and loose with classical and pop music.

S P O R T SLakersTue Dec 21 7:30pmStaples Center1111 S. Figueroanba.com/lakersL.A. Lakers vs. Milwaukee Bucks.

M U S I CManhattan Transfer ChristmasTue Dec 21 8pm111 S. Grand AveWalt Disney Concert Halllaphil.orgWith additional horns and strings, Tim Hauser, Janis Siegel, Alan Paul and Cheryl Bentyne bring their holiday pop-bop sound to Downtown.

M U S I CCasey Lipka GroupTue Dec 21 9pm123 Astronaut E S OnizukaSuite 301 (Weller Court)bluewhalemusic.comCasey Lipka jazz sound combines soul, funk, contemporary and a bit of Brazilian.

M U S I CBlack Beverly HeelsTue Dec 21 9pmRedwood Bar and Grill316 W. 2ndtheredwoodbar.comBlack Beverly Heel continue their Tuesday night December resi-dency with Barrio Tiger and The Stitched Lips.

Richard Sears Photo by molly crANNA

Continued from Page 14


Ozomatli


By Donna PerlmutterForget the fact that Gustavo Dudamel,

now in his second season as music direc-tor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, is off spreading his talents elsewhere in the world. The parade of guest conductors and boldface virtuosos continues at Walt Disney Concert Hall - that gleaming marvel on the hill – and all of them are hosted by the resident band.

Lately, we’ve had a lineup of intrigu-

ing talent. There was the young French conductor Stéphane Denève and the old maestro Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos, along with pianist Nicholas Angelich and violinist Hilary Hahn.

And one grand feature of all these roster exchanges is hearing the differences brought to bear by an array of traveling musicians. Consider the old adage: everything depends on who does what, where and how. There’s

that. But also remember, the band plays on. Sometimes with greater refinement, balance and clarity, sometimes with greater over-all presence and sonic impact. Sometimes with less of both, but that would be rare for the Phil, which now performs with pretty predictable excellence.

Take Denève, for instance, a big man on the podium with big hair and glasses (pardon me, he looks like an overgrown Franz Schubert). We heard a great deal of refine-ment under his ministrations, the kind that picked up the delicate sparkle of Debussy’s “Ibéria,” and its skimming sensuality and also the faraway, blissful mysteries of Guil-laume Connesson’s “Glimmer in the Age of Darkness,” with its Ravelian traces and even overly lush, commercial romanticism.

In fact, Denève’s approach was very much in sync with Angelich, playing Beethoven’s “Emperor” Concerto. While they hit all the heroic high points together, the pianist also had support for his purling delicacy in the passagework and runs. Blustery, no. Aris-tocratic, yes. The whole concert was of a piece – with musicians on the same page, so to speak.

Ditto, the following week’s celebrants.Hilary Hahn gave us a big-toned, luxuri-

ant Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto. Unafraid of slowing down – her opening chords were actually of the “now listen to this, folks” style of playing – she dug in for gorgeous, burnished deliberative passages. And early on she even hit some squally, excited allegros high on the string. There was also a bit of self-consciousness on the stage during the orchestral parts. But her utter engagement and brilliant technique in the last move-ment’s propulsion led to an inevitable stand-

ing ovation – deserved and received.For his part, Frühbeck de Burgos followed

her meticulously, making every allowance she called for. But after intermission he indulged the troops with an all-out account of Berlioz’s “Symphonie Fantastique.” Truth to tell, we could have named it Berlioz’s Concerto for Orchestra, so elaborately displayed were each of its section contingen-cies. The band knows this score cold, given its staple status. But rarely does a conduc-tor let it open up to this degree. Grand to hear, even at the sacrifice of that taut, tight, teetering at the high edge of madness that Berlioz wanted to convey. Still, the players had an exhilarating workout. Bully for them.

Donna Permutter is an award-winning music and dance critic, journalist and author. Formerly the chief music and dance critic for the Los Angeles Herald Examiner, she is a regular contributor to the Los Ange-les Times and other publications.

A Parade of TalentWith Gustavo Dudamel off trotting the globe, the L.A. Phil has welcomed in a lineup of intriguing talent


“Unafraid of slow-ing down ... she dug

in for gorgeous, burnished delibera-

tive passages.”PhoTo by GLEN RossViolinist Hilary Hahn


By Lauren MattiaAfter the controversial censorship of David

Wojnarowicz’s piece “A Fire in My Belly” from Smithsonian’s “Hide/Seek: Differ-ence and Desire in American Portraiture” on December 1st, Downtown resident and CB1 Gallery owner Clyde Beswick decided to take a stand. Seeing his gallery as a venue to give audiences the opportunity to see the video for themselves, he began screening the film at Thursday’s Downtown Art Walk.

The reaction from residents and visitors has been positive. “It’s been an amazing past four days here in the gallery,” Beswick said Sunday. “I was completely blown away by the attitude of the people who came in.” While he was hesitant that audiences might not give the video the attention it deserved, when CB1’s visitors were watching the 13-minute video, “it was absolutely amazingly silent.

For Beswick, “A Fire In My Belly” is a particularly important piece of art. The film was Wojnarowicz’s response to the govern-ment’s lack of action during the 1980s AIDS crisis. “My brother died of AIDS in 1986, so it’s a very personal issue for me,” he explained.

The Smithsonian removal was a case of “deja vu all over again,” said Beswick, refer-ring to the video’s censorship from exhibits during the 1980s.

When Catholic League president Bill Donohue and several members of Congress demanded that the piece be removed for its “sacrilegious” content, “A Fire in My Belly” was removed from the Smithsonian’s exhibit,

which highlights various representations of the LGBT community in art. Shortly after news of the removal went public, the video went viral, bringing worldwide attention from artists and LGBT activists.

The Warhol Foundation, which has donat-ed nearly $400,000 to the Smithsonian’s various institutions and has supported the “Hide/Seek” exhibition, recently threat-ened to cease all funding if the video is not restored. The well-known foundation stated that the “decision to censor this important work is in stark opposition to our mission to defend freedom of expression” in an open letter to Smithsonian’s secretary Wayne Clough. The foundation claimed that that the institution caved “to the demands of bigots who have attacked the exhibition out of ignorance, hatred and fear.”

Although the intention of the Catholic League was to hide the video from the public, ultimately the removal “has had the complete opposite effect,” according to Beswick. But what was the real reason for censoring Wojn-arowicz’s video? According to Beswick, it was “homophobia, pure and simple.”

“A Fire in My Belly” will be showing at CB1 during regular gallery hours through Sunday, December 19th, alongside the exhibit “Mira Shor: Paintings from the Nineties to Now.”CB1 Gallery / 207 W. 5th / 213-806-7889

Censored Art Film Draws a Crowd


WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 22

M U S I CGilli MoonWed Dec 22 NoonPershing Square532 South Olivelaparks.org/pershingsquareAlternative indie singer Gilli Moon.

S P O R T SClippersDec 22 7:30pmStaples Center1111 S. Figueroanba.com/clippersL.A. Clippers vs. Houston Rockets.

M U S I CSPAZMATICSWed Dec 22 8pmPershing Square532 South Olivelaparks.org/pershingsquareRock Around the Rink takes its

Continued from Page 14 80s theme back to the future with the Spazmatics. You can ice skate to their cover versions of Tainted Love, Jessie’s Girl, plus other hits once played on a synthesizer.

M U S I C Randy Ingram Trio Wed Dec 22 9pm Blue Whale123 Astronaut E S OnizukaSuite 301 (Weller Court)bluewhalemusic.comJazz pianist Randy Ingram (from NYC).

M U S I CThe Crazy SqueezeWed Dec 22 9pmRedwood Bar and Grill316 W. 2ndtheredwoodbar.comThe Crazy Squeeze with Long Neck Goose; Plus the Blackerby’s and Red Roses.

LA County Holiday CelebrationDec 24 2:30pmDorothy Chandler Pavilion135 North Grand Avenuemusiccenter.orgIt may be smaller this year, but you can still expect to see a wide range of choirs, music ensembles, and dance compa-nies perform at the L.A. County

The Colburn Children’s Choir at the 2009 Holiday Celebration PhoTo by ED KRIEGER

Holiday Celebration. You can watch the live broadcast on KCET, or see it in person inside the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Attendance and parking are free, and no reservations or tickets are necessary. Doors open at 2:30pm and attendees can arrive at any time. Stay as long as you wish.

March 2010. Bublé spent the majority of this year selling out major arenas around the world and playing to his biggest crowds yet. He won his second Grammy Award in Febru-ary 2010 and was recently nominated for two more. He also won four Juno Awards and his very first American Music Award. Bublé has sold over 25 million records worldwide and doesn’t appear to be slowing down any time soon. Not bad for someone that grew up wanting to be a professional hockey player.

It’s completely fitting that Bublé is signed to the same record label that Frank Sinatra started. The crooner from British Columbia is often compared to “Old Blue Eyes” and it’s evident when he’s performing onstage. Bublé is a great performer and has the ability to

Still from David Wojnarowicz’s “A Fire in My Belly”

entertain the audience even when he’s not singing. His set was mostly filled with his latest efforts off the edgier Crazy Love, but several of the songs were known covers. The artist has a wonderful knack for taking tracks from legendary artists like the Eagles, Van Morrison, Billy Vera and even the Beatles and recasting them with his relaxed style and flavor.

Michael Bublé’s Crazy Love Tour will resume in February 2011 when he heads to Australia and the Far East.Bublé Returns to

Staples Center

By Mark FisherCanadian jazz singer Michael Bublé closed out a very successful 2010 by returning to Staples Center for the second time this year. The 35-year old singer/songwriter has been touring in support of 2009’s Crazy Love since

more PhotoS bdtwn.com/ 5949

PhoTo by MARK FIshERMichael Bublé performs at Staples Center on Monday evening


things. Some guys, all they do is trash talk. But, there’s not much time for it on the squash court.”

Squash is much quicker than most Ameri-can spectator sports, and is not commonly televised. Kritzinger says that is because the quick little ball doesn’t translate well on TV. “Squash has inevitable connota-tions of being an elitist sport because it was exported by the British and came to the U.S. and ended up in private clubs and Ivy Leagues. In Europe it’s become an every-man’s game, particularly well-suited to the weather conditions.”

Both Fowler and Kritzinger play for fitness. “In 45 minutes the average player can burn all the calories they want to for a whole week because of its intensity,” said

stool and taught me how to make things like a Scotch egg,” he said. “The food at our house was never quite as good as my grandparents, so I started cooking at home,” Page said.

His mom encouraged him to pursue cooking through middle school and high school through local cooking classes. His father wasn’t so enthused when Page said he wanted to attend the Culinary Institute of America, so Page ended up going to college for a bachelor’s degree in business. After college, Page moved to New York and was surrounded by great food. He worked in finance by day and at restaurants by night before deciding to attend culinary school at night to pursue his passion. After getting his Grand Diplome du Cuisine degree from the French Culinary Institute in New York, Page started a catering company in Manhat-tan. After five years of running Knives & Fire, he decided to move to Los Angeles to complete the MBA program at USC in Entrepreneurship.

While planning the menu at Daily Dose, Page and Vartanian have focused exten-sively on finding only local ingredients for the menu. “The most important thing about food is where it comes from,” said Page. He and Vartanian vow to visit each farm where they purchase produce or meat from to make sure it’s sustainable or in the case of beef, pork and poultry, that the animals were treated humanely. “I want to see that they are doing what they claim. If we visit a creamery for cheese, I ask where they get their milk from,” said Page. “You have to meet the people and see if you really want to do business with them, not just call a phone number to order 10 pounds of pork belly,” he added.

“A lot of restaurants go to the farmers’ market and get meat and vegetables and say that they are a farm to table restaurant. But I think all the meats that are commercially

available are disgusting. All of our meat is humanely treated and almost everything is pastured in its natural environment and bred naturally,” said Page. He says that eating proteins that haven’t been bred sustainably is the nutritional equivalent of eating card-board. “You are what you eat,” he said.

Everything on the Daily Dose menu will be made from scratch. “We make our own ketchup, mustard, sauces, grow our own herbs. We even make our bread from scratch,” said Vartanian.

“We want to teach the masses that food starts with the ingredients. I think people just look at packaging rather than ingredi-ents,” said Vartanian. “Food doesn’t have to be complicated. Look at sushi for example. Good sushi is three ingredients and it’s so simple that you can taste each ingredient,” he added.

The menu includes coffee from Intel-ligentsia and pastries baked daily. Break-fast includes quiche, pastries and granola. Sample lunch options include a local dry cured ham and jack sandwich with house pickles and whole grain mustard; Cali combo sandwich with local charcuterie, oven dried tomato vinaigrette and sauce vert; and “The Big Soup” with heirloom beans and vegetables topped with Marcona almond pesto. Sample dinner entrees include heri-tage chicken cassoulet, heirloom beans, and basil-mint pistou; crispy lamb meatballs with smashed fingerling potatoes and goat cheese mornay purple cabbage with hazelnuts; and a wood grilled grassfed burger with Midnight Moon cheese, home ketchup garlic aioli and pickles.

Daily Dose will be open Monday through Friday from 7am to 11pm and 9am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday. Dinner will be a prix fixe menu limited to a certain amount of plates each night. A prix fixe brunch will be available on Sunday. “Our menu will be one thing each night for dinner that will change daily,” said Page.

Babakhanian. “One of the restaurant’s owners, Samir Mohajer, serves as the chef and goes to the farmers’ market it Santa Monica three to four times a week to buy fresh produce,” said Babakhanian. Mohajer’s pedigree includes creating menus at The Little Door and Rustic Canyon Wine Bar.

The menu is split into sections including a wide variety of soups, salads, Asian bowls, sandwiches, pizzettes, Mediterranean plates, rotisserie chicken and sides. Sustainable meats include beef from Niman Ranch and

PhoTo by MARK FIshER

Cabbage Patch Opens

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Squash Court Friendship




Kritzinger. The intensity of the game is why squash has been named the number one sport by Forbes magazine for its level of fitness. “It’s a great workout,” said Fowler, who noted that many top tennis players are now using squash for off-season training.

After a game, the ‘mates’ head a block west to Casey’s for a pint of beer. “We don’t expect to go straight to the locker room and disappear. That happens more in the U.S.,” said Kritzinger. “Maybe they don’t have time or socialize the same way.”

Both men say that belonging to the Athletic Club does more than just give them a workout; it gives them a sense of cama-raderie.

Speaking of his friendship with Fowler, Kritzinger said, “When you find someone else who’s prepared to sit around and shoot the breeze after a game, you’re a happy camper.”

Andrea Bocelli Serenades Downtown with Christmas Cheer

more PhotoS bdtwn.com/ 5942

Jidori chicken. Gourmet salads include a Fuji Apple and Arugula Salad, Chicken and Apple Salad and a French Green Lentil Salad. Sand-wiches include a vegetarian Grilled Veggie sandwich, a BTLA (bacon, lettuce, tomato and avocado), and Oven Roasted Turkey Sandwich. Plates include a choice of Falafel, Beef Gyro or Chicken Kabob.

Price range from $6 for a fourth of a rotisserie chicken to $13 for the Albacore Tuna Salad. The restauant is open Monday through Friday, 11am to 6pm with Satur-day and dinner hours planned to begin in January.

By Mark FisherItalian tenor Andrea Bocelli’s “My Christ-mas” tour rolled into Staples Center on Friday, December 10th. The six-city event was in support of the superstar’s multi-platinum “My Christmas” album which was released in 2009.

Bocelli was born with poor eyesight in rural Tuscany in 1958. He started playing piano at age six and went on to learn saxo-phone, flute, harp, guitar, drums, trumpet and trombone. At the age of 12, Bocelli lost all vision following a sports-related inju-ry. Bocelli’s passion for music guided him through his teenage and college years as he went on to complete law school and became a court-appointed attorney. He was discovered in the early 90s and it wasn’t long before Luciano Pavarotti and others began singing praise for the gifted singer and songwriter. Today he is the biggest-selling solo artist in the history of classical music with over 70 million records sold worldwide.

The first half of the Los Angeles perfor-mance featured classical and opera selec-tions, while the second half covered songs off the seasonal “My Christmas” record. Bocelli was backed by a large chorus and orchestra, which was conducted by Eugene Kohn. A number of guests were brought on stage throughout the evening.

Bocelli will perform in the “Christmas in Washington” special in front of the Presi-dent, First Lady and other VIPs before returning to Europe to finish out 2010.

Photo by erIc rIchArDSoNNeil Kritzinger prepares to strike the ball while warming up



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blogdowntown Weekly: December 16, 2010