CELEBRATING OUR ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Arts In Los Angeles

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May 2013

Arts!

CULTURE CLASH!

By CYNTHIA LUM
Photos Courtesy of CAMI/RICHARD REINSDORF

Coming to the Walt Disney Concert Hall are two of the most popular, exciting and electrifying classical musicians of our time. The Los Angeles Philharmonic musical director, Gustavo Dudamel and famed Chinese pianist Lang Lang, who wowed audiences at their premiere duo concert at the Hollywood Bowl in 2011, will team again for an unforgettable evening of classical music.

Once again, the LA Philharmonic lives up to its reputation for being the most forward thinking and contemporary orchestra in the United States, bringing the passion of conductor Dudamel and charisma of pianist Lang Lang to its stage. From opposite corners of the globe, Chinese born Lang Lang, and Gustavo Dudamel, born and raised in Venezuela, meld their cultures and music into something special, proving that music has no borders; bringing people together in an atmosphere of pure joy and inspiration.

Performing Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto, which was first criticized as being unplayable, it has become one of the most popular and best known of all piano concertos. This promises to be a dynamic evening of classical music with enough star-power to match any Hollywood production.

Dudamel and Lang Lang will perform at Walt Disney Concert Hall May 2 – 5. Click here to buy tickets.

VISION OF DIANE ARBUS!

By JOSE MARTINEZ
Photos Courtesy of Estate of Diane Arbus LLC

Acclaimed American photographer Diane Arbus, renowned for her startling black-and-white portraits of “deviant and marginal people” (i.e. dwarfs, giants, transgender people, nudists, circus performers), had a knack for capturing an honest and surreal image. “I really believe there are things which nobody would see unless I photographed them,” she said.

The Fahey/Klein Gallery is currently showcasing several of Arbus’ work. Culled over many years, this never-before-exhibited private collection contains several important Arbus photos. Born Diane Nemerov, Arbus, who changed her name after marrying Allan Arbus at the age of 18, was raised with money—her parents owned Russek’s famous Fifth Avenue department store. A mother of two daughters (one a writer and the other a photographer) died by suicide at age 48.

Her work remains some of the most influential and revered in photography. Arbus’ portraits of socialites, nudists, transvestites, carnival performers, and eccentrics reflect her long-standing interest in subcultures and the rituals of groups within society. Her photos are exceedingly personal, engaging the subject, photographer, and viewer. She feared she would be branded as a “photographer of freaks,” but that title is one that is now used to praise her vision and work.

The Diane Arbus – Photographs exhibit can be seen at Fahey / Klein Gallery, located at 148 N. La Brea, through May 18.

Venice Art Walk!

By ANDREW FISH
Graphics By VENICE ART WALK & AUCTIONS

Strolling along Abbot Kinney Boulevard, you know you’re smack in the middle of one of L.A.’s great cultural hot spots, yet the frenzy of creation is just out of view. Want to see what’s happening behind closed doors? The annual Venice Art Walk turns the beach town inside-out as painters, sculptors, welders, glass-blowers, photographers, and architects open their studios and homes to reveal the astounding work that’s going on just under our noses.

Hosted by Google Los Angeles, the event features live music, delectable food, special exhibitions, bike tours, and an enormous silent auction with over 300 artists represented. Be sure to take in the sharp angles and rough-hewn landscapes of renowned sculptor and fine artist Laddie John Dill, and the crisp light and shadows of acclaimed portrait photographer Kwaku Alston. And do yourself a favor and enter the all-out awesomeness of Jim Budman’s studio, a walk-in collage of curiosities that excite, inspire, and give you the shivers in the best possible way.

With proceeds going to the Venice Family Clinic, the celebration offers an amazing Sunday while helping to provide healthcare for those in need. So check out the Venice Art Walk & Auctions on May 19th. It’ll be good for you — and for someone else, too!

For more information and tickets, visit www.theveniceartwalk.org

LADIES’ NIGHT!

By ELAINE PETRONE
Photos Courtesy of TOM JONES

Ok, ladies, let the fun begin! Tom Jones is coming to the Troubadour in Los Angeles.  His female fans have been known to throw room keys, bras and underwear on stage to get his attention. Although the Welsh born baritone was born in 1940, apparently, the infamous ladies man still has that kind of appeal.

He first attracted American audiences in the 60’s as part of the British Invasion.  He appeals to a wide audiences singing Country (“Green Green Grass of Home”) to movie themes (“What’s New Pussycat?” and “Thunderball”). He has had over 36 top 40 hits and has performed in Las Vegas every year from 1967 to 2011.

Tom Jones was knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 2006 for his outstanding contribution to music. He has performed at the Emmy Awards and at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee at Windsor Palace. Now, we can take Tom home with us, at least on CD. He recently released Sprit In The Room, where he performs songs written by Paul McCartney and Paul Simon.

Tom Jones will be performing at the Troubadour, located at 9081 Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood, on May 11 and May 12. 

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