Spotlight

Rhimes Performing Arts Center’s Allen Art Gallery

HERSTORY

  • By CYNTHIA LUM

In a career that spans three decades, the name Debbie Allen is synonymous with dynamic energy, creative talent and innovation. For her vast body of work, Ms. Allen has earned more awards than I can list here including six Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, five NAACP Image Awards. Now the Debbie Allen Dance Academy proudly presentsHERstory: in honor of Women’s History Montha month-long celebration of the trailblazing women who paved the way while uncovering the unspoken narrative of modern women artists who are continuing to make history.

Highlighting a rich collection across fine arts, film, music, dance, and fashion, the HERstory celebration will feature a fine arts gallery reception accompanied by live music and dance storytelling March 2, followed by an Interactive Arts Market Festival on March 3, supporting women-owned creative small businesses featuring curated artist/vendors while incorporating live music and dance performances from Debbie Allen Dance Academy. 

Weekend 2 guests will be treated to select film screenings documenting the lives of historic and modern day followed by a discussion and Q&A by an acclaimed director.

The final weekend features a special celebration by “men who love women,” bringing together some of our favorites to pay tribute to and celebrate the women of HERstory. Concluding the month-long observance of the power of women HERstory brings a fashion show unlike any other connecting fashion and dance.

Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA), Rhimes Performing Arts Center is located at 1850 South Manhattan Place in Los Angeles.

For more of DADA, click here. For more on HERstory, click here.

One of the Good Ones March 13-April 7, 2024 at Pasadena Playhouse

ONE OF THE GOOD ONES

  • By CAROLINE LENHER

The ultimate family showdown takes place on The Pasadena Playhouse stage, and you want to be there. The world premiere, all-new comedy One of the Good Ones comes from Gloria Calderón Kellett, the co-creator and showrunner of Netflix’s Emmy-award-winning One Day at a Time

A Latino family is put to the test when their “perfect” daughter brings her boyfriend home to meet her parents. As you can imagine, it does not go as hoped as everyone’s biases and preconceptions are displayed in this laugh-out-loud, heartfelt story. One of the Good Ones explores family dynamics and the ins and outs of acceptance. As the family grapples with what it means to be American, audiences fall in love with them all, imperfectly perfect as they are.

The award-winning writer Gloria Calderón Kellett brings One of the Good Ones to the stage with director Kimberly Senior. Kellett is recognized for her work on shows like How I Met Your Mother, Jane the Virgin and Dead To Me. Award-winning director Senior has directed over 200 pieces from Broadway to Los Angeles and numerous states.

The cast includes Lana Parrilla (The Lincoln Lawyer, Spin City), Carlos Gomez (In the Heights (Broadway), Madam Secretary), Isabella Gomez (One Day at a Time, The Goldbergs), Nico Greethem (Newsies (Broadway), American Horror Story) and TV actor Santino Jiminez.

Performances begin March 13, 2024. For tickets, click here

Peace is Radical by Shepard Fairey January 20-April 14, 2024 at ReflectSpace Gallery inside the Glendale Central Library

PEACE IS RADICAL

  • By ARLENE WINNICK

Peace is Radical, a rare solo exhibition by renowned street artist and activist Shepard Fairey, will be on view at the ReflectSpace Gallery inside the Glendale Central Library.  As a contemporary street artist, Fairey gained notoriety with his Obey Giant art campaign and his Women’s Marches “We the People” campaign, but most people know him for his 2008 portrait of then-Democratic candidate Barack Obama which became an international symbol of hope. 

The works featured in Peace is Radical address a wide range of topics including the importance of democracy, race and gender equality, environmental justice and of course, world peace and harmony. “I titled this show Peace is Radical because humanity seems to be in a perpetual state of conflict.  I’m a pacifist. I believe in solution to disagreements that avoid violence. The goal of (my) art is to encourage us to see ourselves in others and to strive for health and peace for humanity and the planet that sustains us,” commented Fairey.

Almost all of his art pieces utilize screen printing, a versatile graphic medium which can produce remarkable high-end art or a multitudes of prints. He is renowned for his guerrilla street art, stickers and more than 135 public murals.

Having Fairey’s exhibit “at ReflectSpace is a monumental event. It’s message of peace and hope… fits perfectly into (our) gallery mission,” said Ara and Anahid Oshagan, Co-curators.

For more, click here.

Los Angeles Wine & Food Festival in Santa Monica

LA WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

  • By PAIGE PETRONE

Calling all “foodies!” The Los Angeles Wine & Food Festival has arrived in Santa Monica. I was quite impressed with the lineup of chefs expected to showcase their fare. The festival, in its inaugural event, is happening in the Independent Spirit Awards tent already in place. That was some good thinking on someone’s part! The tent sits in the parking lot adjacent to the legendary Santa Monica Pier — the perfect location. I now know the agency and group putting this on produces the Miami LAWFF for the past 22 years, and they have promised to produce a high-end wine and food festival.

With over 90 participating top chefs (including 17 headliners!), they are promising “three days of deliciousness!” Sounds good to me! Some of the exciting headliners are Jett Tila, Duff Goldman (Kid’s Baking Championship), Antonia LoFaso (Guy’s Grocery Games), Iron Chef Stephanie Izard, Iron Chef Alex Guarnaschelli (Chopped, The Kitchen), Jeff Mauro (The Kitchen), and Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian (Chopped, The Kitchen), to name only a few! The event features music, live art installations, unlimited food and drink, and themed rooms inspired by LA. It is a fully immersive experience. No one under the age of 21 will be admitted. Go VIP — these ticket-holders enjoy one-hour access to exclusive bites and a special VIP lounge. Get your tickets now! 

For more, click here.