Dakah Hip Hop Orchestra @ Grand Performances

“dAKAH blends thick beats with breakbeat-worthy soul, jazz, funk, rock, classical, symphonic fat sh@t. Bringing it to you thoroughly live, fresh from the guts, hearts and brainstems of Dakonductor Geoff ‘Double G’ Gallegos and 80-or-so of our closest musical friends.”

See details…

This week…
Thursday, June 17
	LA Film Fest 2010
	Now in its sixteenth year, the 2010 Los Angeles Film Festival returns June 17 - 27 with the best in cinema, both new and old.
Friday, June 18
	Fusion Fridays at the Pacific Asia Museum
	Fusion Fridays blends fine art with a nightclub atmosphere, complete with gourmet food trucks, cocktails, live DJs, and cultural performances.
Saturday, June 19
	Make Music Pasadena
	Make Music Pasadena is a FREE music festival in Downtown Pasadena. This year’s line up includes Matt & Kim, Breakestra, Big Whup and many more!
Sunday, June 20
	Hollywood Bowl with Baaba Maal, Tinariwen and more!
	Kick off the Hollywood Bowl summer season with an amazing show featuring Baaba Maal, Tinariwen, Fool’s Gold, Yeasayer, Playing for Change and more.

]]> http://thelek.com/blog/dating-in-la/from-grand-performances-to-the-hollywood-bowl-summer-is-officially-here/feed/ http://thelek.com/blog/dating-in-la/sake-silver-lake-and-other-sundries/ http://thelek.com/blog/dating-in-la/sake-silver-lake-and-other-sundries/#comments Thu, 20 May 2010 18:48:12 +0000 Sabrina http://thelek.com/blog/?p=1502

Silver Lake Jubilee

Silver Lake is known for its deep-rooted indie rock culture, its eclectic bars and nightlife and generally hip and laid-back lifestyle. What is less known is how Silver Lake, East Hollywood, Echo Park, Los Feliz and surrounding communities are transforming Los Angeles into a music, arts, culture and food destination. These neighborhoods are home to some of LA’s best restaurants, trend-defining music acts, accomplished writers, artists, gallerists and performers.

Festival-goers can expect over 20 musical acts (both local and national), comedy, theater performances, poetry readings and live performances by LA-based groups. For foodies there will be over 40 food vendors highlighting the best of Silver Lake/Los Angeles cuisine. For those looking for something unique, there will be over 60 merchandise vendors selling hand-crafted, unique and locally-sourced goods. The festival also includes an interactive children’s village, arts village, literary village and eco village.

See the weekend line-up!

This week…
Thursday, May 20
	Silk Road Sake Tasting
	Last chance to experience Silk Road’s premium sake tasting, coupled with a sampling of Izakaya Sasaya’s superlative Japanese style tapas. Only $20 at the door! Save your spot now!
Friday, May 21 - Saturday, May 22
	LA Weekly’s LA Weekend
	LA Weekly’s latest and greatest editorial arts celebration includes two days of music, art, theater, film, food and books, including performances by Parson Red Heads, Tune In Tokyo, Ja Prawn and much more!
Saturday, May 22
	Pretty in Pink Drive-In
	Load up your friends in the hooptie and head over to The Devil’s Night Drive-In for a screening of the Molly Ringwald classic, Pretty In Pink. Isn’t she… pretty in pink…
Sunday, May 23
	Venice Art Walk
	The granddaddy of art walks features more than 50 artists’ studios and a 400-piece silent art auction. All proceeds benefit the very worthy Venice Family Clinic.

]]> http://thelek.com/blog/dating-in-la/sake-silver-lake-and-other-sundries/feed/ http://thelek.com/blog/drinking-in-la/blues-free-concerts-future-sounds-art-and-a-call-to-sake/ http://thelek.com/blog/drinking-in-la/blues-free-concerts-future-sounds-art-and-a-call-to-sake/#comments Thu, 13 May 2010 20:56:17 +0000 Sabrina http://thelek.com/blog/?p=1498

Silkroad Sake Tasting!

Silkroad’s resident sake sommelier will be on hand to guide both the connoisseur and the novice alike through the nuances of fine sake… until we all reach the inevitable point where everything tastes the same.

The cost of admission is only $22 which covers an array of premium sake tastings, coupled with a sampling of Sasaya’s superlative izakaya style Japanese tapas.

Space is limited so be sure to reserve your spot now!

This week…
Thursday, May 13
	The Soul of John Black
	John ‘J.B.’ Bigham, aka the Soul of John Black blends blues, folk and classic soul and effortlessly moves from acoustic guitar and handclaps to funky, stuttering electric guitar and booming bass.
Friday, May 14
	Friday Night Sessions @ Cal Plaza
	Catch a show by a future Coachella performer before they make it big. This week’s lineup: Robotanists, BoxViolet, Downtown/Union, and American Primitive.
Saturday, May 15
	Flying Lotus plus special guests
	Flying Lotus has been described as the Jimi Hendrix of his generation. Bending space and sound, Flylo is orchestrating the fruits of our audible futures.
Sunday, May 16
	Santa Fe Art Colony Open Studios
	Santa Fe’s annual open studios offers a rare glimpse into interconnected layout of  57 art studios where over 40 artists, from the established to the emerging, will present their work.

]]> http://thelek.com/blog/drinking-in-la/blues-free-concerts-future-sounds-art-and-a-call-to-sake/feed/ http://thelek.com/blog/drinking-in-la/from-beer-fests-to-cherry-blossom-fests/ http://thelek.com/blog/drinking-in-la/from-beer-fests-to-cherry-blossom-fests/#comments Thu, 08 Apr 2010 18:59:11 +0000 Sabrina http://thelek.com/blog/?p=1486

LA Beer Fest

The 2nd annual LA Beer Festival follows last year’s sold out event, and this year’s promises to be even bigger and better. The event will feature dozens of international and domestic beers, over a dozen food trucks (food sold separately) as well as live entertainment.

Some of the confirmed breweries: Ballast Point, Bierbitzch, Bootleggers, Coronado Brewing Co, Deschutes, Fireman’s Brew, Hangar 24, Hebrew, Coney Island, Karl Strauss, Kona, Stone Brewing Company, Maui Brewing, Laguanitas, Left Coast, Mendocino, Nakhon, New Belgium, Sapporo, Sam Adams, Shipyard, Allagash, Sierra Nevada, The Bruery, Unibroue, Widmer, Wing Man, Wyder’s, Napa Smith, Duvel, Chimay, Dogfish, Speakeasy, Edison, Green Flash, La Trappe, Cerveza Cucapa, PALM, Aktien, Weltenburg, Allgau, Bischofshof, Yanjing, St. Peters, Affligem, Moretti, Fischer, Weihenstephan, Skycraper, Oskar Blues, Ichigo, and Orion.

Some of the food trucks: Coolhaus, Buttermilk, Border Grill, Umami, Grilled Cheese, Lomo Arigato, and Nom Nom.

See details…

This week…
Thursday, April 8
	Distant Relatives feat. Nas and Damian Marley
	Catch a sneak peak of Nas and Damian Marley’s collaborative album, Distant Relatives, which celebrates the roots of Hip Hop, Dancehall and the human family.
Friday, April 9
	The Lift
	KCRW’s Jeremy Sole and Wiseacre invite you to get down into the wee hours with special guest DJs Nickodemus and Eduardo Castillo. Be uplifted.
Saturday, April 10
	2010 Cherry Blossom Festival
	The Cherry Blossom Festival is a celebration of Japanese and Japanese American culture. The 2-day fest features everything from J-Pop performances to sumo wrestling.
Sunday, April 11
	CalArts Open Studios
	Over 60 CalArts MFA candidates open their studios to the public. This is a rare opportunity for the greater Los Angeles community to interact with this exciting group of emerging artists.

]]> http://thelek.com/blog/drinking-in-la/from-beer-fests-to-cherry-blossom-fests/feed/ http://thelek.com/blog/dating-in-la/bin-73/ http://thelek.com/blog/dating-in-la/bin-73/#comments Wed, 07 Apr 2010 22:04:57 +0000 deidre http://thelek.com/blog/?p=1479

On the touristy little strip of Washington Street just before the pier has a new wine bar for those who are looking for something a little more subdued than The Whaler or Cabo Cantina. It’s a unique concept for a wine bar and perfect for the economy; 7 whites, 7 reds; 7ounce pours $7, 3ounce pours $3. Most of the snacks fall into these two price ranges as well.

There are sliders, truffle fries, cheese plates, and most of the typical trappings. Some of the more unique offerings are smoked bacon and mushroom profiteroles. Or skinless grapes rolled in goat cheese and candied walnuts, drizzled with a little balsamic glaze. The wine list is interesting. More South American, Italian and French varietals than your typical California offerings. And did I mention the glassware? Uber cool. I see home collections growing throughout the Marina.

Why Bin 73? It’s the year the proprietress was born in. Bin 73 is small and intimate. Service is great and so is the company. You are likely to leave with all new friends by the time you walk out the door. This is a welcome, and much needed addition to Washington Street. Where else can you get a glass of wine for $7??

Lebowski Fest

Lebowski Fest is a celebration of all things related to the 1998 Coen brothers cult comedy, “The Big Lebowski.” Fans of the film (aka “Achievers”) come from far and wide to drink white Russians, throw some rocks and party with an array of Dudes, Walters and Maudes (not to mention a nihilist or two).

Fri, April 2nd - Movie Party - Creedence cover set by Paddy and The Poor Boys + special guests Jack Kehler (Dude’s Landlord), Philip Moon (Woo The Carpet Pisser), Jim Hoosier (Liam), Jeff Dowd (inspiration for The Dude), Peter Exline (inspiration for the story), Andrea Nunn (Julianne Moore/Maude’s Stand-in for the carpet flying scene) and possibly others followed by a screening of The Big Lebowski.

Sat, April 3rd - Bowling Party - Bowling, costume, trivia and other contests. Special guests Mike Gomez (”Leads” Cop!), Jim Hoosier (Liam) and Jeff “The Dude” Dowd. Bowling and shoe rental included.

See details…

Thursday, April 1
	My Barbarian at MOCA
	Join the artist collective, My Barbarian, for an evening of playful and participatory performance, music, and video situated around the museum.
Friday, April 2
	NHM 1st Fridays with Breakestra and Fitz and the Tantrums
	The Natural History Museum presents some serious funk from Breakestra and the 60’s soul stylings of Fitz and the Tantrums so that you can groove in front of giant stuffed grizzly bears. This is how school museum trips should have been.
Saturday, April 3
	World Pillow Fight Day
	Rules: 1. Don’t talk about [Pillow] Fight Club! 2. Don’t be in location until the exact minute. 3. Rush in screaming “PILLOW FIIIIIIGHT!!!!!” 4. After 15 minutes of excruciating fun, leave.
Sunday, April 4
	Thai New Year
	The Songkran Festival closes off a 1 mile stretch of Hollywood Blvd and explodes with a pageantry of food, music, art, culture and WATER FIGHTS! Check out how they do in Thailand…

]]> http://thelek.com/blog/dining-out-in-la/from-pillow-fights-to-water-fights-and-the-dude/feed/ http://thelek.com/blog/drinking-in-la/sake-to-em/ http://thelek.com/blog/drinking-in-la/sake-to-em/#comments Thu, 25 Mar 2010 19:07:14 +0000 Sabrina http://thelek.com/blog/?p=1463

LA Sake Fest

See details…

Thursday, March 25
	Stereolove
	Stereolove presents a soulfilled line-up with opening sets by Bruce Hathcock, Francophile delights by Last Call avec KCRW’s Mr. French, and a rare LA appearance by Derek McKeith.
Friday, March 26
	Mad Max Trilogy
	Who doesn’t love a post-apocalyptic triple feature with everyone’s favorite crazy man? Mel+Tina+Lord Humungus+all the S&M fashion you could ever desire.
Saturday, March 27
	Very Be Careful and El Haru Kuroi
	Very Be Careful and El Haru Kuroi promise to be swinging from chandeliers in a vallenato, bossa nova, ponkero style madhouse at Bordello Bar!
Sunday, March 28
	Shitty Jobs
	Upright Citizen’s Brigade turns your shitty job into comedy gold. UCB takes a random audience member’s worst job and spins it into a full improv show filled with creepy bosses, depressed co-workers, and jerk-ass customers. Yay!

]]> http://thelek.com/blog/drinking-in-la/sake-to-em/feed/ http://thelek.com/blog/drinking-in-la/from-moca-to-marathons/ http://thelek.com/blog/drinking-in-la/from-moca-to-marathons/#comments Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:23:38 +0000 Sabrina http://thelek.com/blog/?p=1457

LA Marathon Finish Line Party

The Finish Line Beach Party is open to all and will feature live music, food and beverage, exhibitors and other interactive exhibits for fans of all ages. Arrive early to watch the race on the big screen video board or use the Marathon as an excuse to sleep in extra late and avoid all the LA Traffic!

See details…

This week…
Thursday, March 18
	Free MOCA Art Talk
	Renowned curator Alma Ruiz gives an illuminating walkthrough of MOCA’s First Thirty Years Collection, with a focus on the Light and Space artists.
Friday, March 19
	Labyrinth Midnight Screening
	In this Jim Henson classic, a sweet, young Jennifer Connelly is besieged by an evil, 80s David Bowie and his hoard of Muppet monsters. Doesn’t get much better.
Saturday, March 20
	SewDown
	Fashion Week’s most popular and populist show, SewDown, features cutting edge fashion, music, art and a one-of-a-kind sample sale.
Sunday, March 21
	Tears for Fears
	From “Head Over Heels” to “Shout” 80s icons Tears for Fears head to the Wiltern to consummate our pop megalomania with “Everybody Wants to Rule the World.”

]]> http://thelek.com/blog/drinking-in-la/from-moca-to-marathons/feed/ http://thelek.com/blog/drinking-in-la/from-art-walks-to-star-wars-burlesque-to-curb-your-enthusiasm/ http://thelek.com/blog/drinking-in-la/from-art-walks-to-star-wars-burlesque-to-curb-your-enthusiasm/#comments Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:11:53 +0000 Sabrina http://thelek.com/blog/?p=1451

PaleyFest 2010

This weekend, meet the folks behind Flash Forward, Men of a Certain Age, Glee and Curb Your Enthusiasm.

See details…

This week…
Thursday, March 11
	The Artwalk Lounge
	The Artwalk Lounge has been reborn as the central meeting point for the Downtown Art Walk. Dalai Sonido, the favorite band for “people who hate bands,” is back by overwhelming demand.
Friday, March 12
	Star Wars Burlesque
	If you’re a Star Wars fan and you think you’ve seen it all, get ready to jump to an entirely new galaxy. Of course, if you’re a fan of Princess Leia in slave girl costume, ya kinda know what’s coming.
Saturday, March 13
	Vinicio Capossela with Sara Lov
	Vinicio Capossela is a singer/songwriter who draws his musical and lyrical inspiration from the likes of Chaucer and Tom Waits but, like Bjork, he’s a talent too large to be contained by his homeland.
Sunday, March 14
	Michael Cera presents “Freebie and the Bean”
	The seemingly sweet Michael Cera, of Superbad, Juno and Youth In Revolt fame, presents the mayhem-packed, filthy-mouthed comedy “Freebie and The Bean.”

]]> http://thelek.com/blog/drinking-in-la/from-art-walks-to-star-wars-burlesque-to-curb-your-enthusiasm/feed/ http://thelek.com/blog/dating-in-la/best-date-ever/ http://thelek.com/blog/dating-in-la/best-date-ever/#comments Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:57:48 +0000 Mells Bells http://thelek.com/blog/?p=1439 The best date I ever had was here in Los Angeles.  I was working at Trader Joe’s and this hot artsy looking guy passed through my checkout line.  I only had mere minutes to strike conversation, hook, line and sink him, as I scanned his produce.  I asked him how his day was going and what kind of work he did.  He replied furniture maker, and I creamed my panties.  (That is one of my top three favorite careers for my future husband, along with professional hockey player and architect.)  I cannot let this guy get away!  I remembered that I had handcrafted a table once, seriously, so I shared that information and asked if he taught workshops.  I know, I’m pretty good.  (Insert eyebrow raise and devilish look.)  Maybe I should teach workshops on how to be so damn smooth.  Anyways, he replied in the negative, but wrote his phone number and website down and said, “But here’s my information, we’ll work something out.”  OH YEAH, MAMA’S GONNA GET SOME!  Time to straddle the ol’ sawhorse, ha ha.  We began our “relationship” via emails back and forth while I was back home visiting family.  He was witty and charming and fun loving; I could not wait to get back to California to see him.

Our date began at his work studio in downtown L.A.  I brought him a 40 oz. of beer in a wine bag (always bring a host gift) and myself a bottle of pinot noir.  We popped open our drinks, toasted, and he showed me around the workspace.  It was huge, and sexy, with woodchips and carvings sprinkled about and random sculptures and ginourmous machines used for cutting wood.  It smelled of freshly cut trees and wood polish, the perfect man’s cologne.  We headed to the rooftop for some sightseeing (people smoking crack in the alley ways of the high rises) and conversation. We then moved to a vacant studio on the top floor.  I am not talking studio apartment, I am talking art studio, like in the movies, 2500 sq. feet of emptiness, walls of windows, wood beams, such character.  Out of nowhere he takes my hand in his and we begin dancing.  Are you kidding me??  Straight out of a movie!  I am with the perfect guy in the perfect place in the perfect moment, dancing without any music.  I was in love.

After my Beauty and The Beast Disney movie moment we headed out to an art show.  Downtown L.A. is so cool.  That is the best way to describe it.  Hip, urban, sheik but not pretentious.  We walked hand-in-hand to the warehouse art party, he paid my admission, and bought me a drink.  Such a gentleman.  There we proceeded to commence dancing once again, this time along with a rock band.  Our moves had evolved; we were now representing The Jungle Book.  Anyone else would have been embarrassed by this situation, but he was so charming and loveable, I felt so free.  There came a point somewhere around midnight when I realized I had drank the entire bottle of wine, on an empty stomach.  We left the art show and headed back to his house for food.

While he was rummaging in the kitchen for tasty delights I was undressing myself ever so coyly in my drunken stupor.  As to not appear as a harlot, I draped my dress on top of my limp wino body as I drifted off to sleep.  In the morning I found my earrings and necklace laying on his dresser and my body covered with flannel pants and a delicious smelling man’s t-shirt.  I woke to the consuming fragrance of breakfast.  Could it be?  My dream guy, lets me pass out from over consumption and does not try anything fishy with me, redresses me in warm clothes to sleep comfortably in, and has breakfast prepared for me in the morning.  And I still have all my organs?!  It was the best L.A. breakfast I have had.  I call it the California breakfast sandwich- toast with avocado, two eggs over easy, and bacon.  Breakfast of course was not complete without a game of catch with the Golden Retriever in the backyard.  Are you fucking kidding me?!

You ask, “So what happened?  Did you live happily ever after?”  No.  Like most dudes in L.A. he turned out to be a total hipster douche.  Ok, that is only partially true.  The other part is I was tired of him rescheduling our dates that I finally said, “Fuck this” and told him that three strikes he’s out.  Of course a couple weeks later when I was feeling like I may have pushed away the greatest guy ever, I went crawling back, trying to fill the hole I had dug, but it was too late.  His exact words were, “Just let it go.”  Ouch.  There was a recent sighting of furniture maker man at the local grocery store I once worked.  I was relieved to see he had grown himself a rat tail, for that alone cured any pining feelings I may have harnessed.  I can finally just appreciate the date for what it was, just a great date, although if I had drank less I am sure I would have gotten laid, and then that would have been the best date ever.