discoveries of a traveler.
Most of the time this blog is dedicated to the cutting edge, however this last week I had the opportunity to play at a grassroot venue in Corona. The Lounge is a venue that defines dive bar, and brings an amazing diversity of people in to the place. The night was a folk night and I met bros, hippies, cowboys, stoners and those people that can only be described as indescribable. Impressive Corona. If you ever want to shoot pool and meet random people, I suggest the lounge.
This last week I had the opportunity to attend a lecture on LA’s newest high profile high school by Coop Himmelb(l)au. The panel discussion consisted of HMC architects and the majority of the consultants. While the opportunity to tour this work in contemporary architecture was worth the trip, the most valuable piece of the evening was seeing the discussion and the underlying tensions caused by a project of this magnitude and ambition. When it really comes down to it, the real question is what is the function of that school? For if it is just to be a fancy high school, then the few hundred million it took was a waste. However, this high school is serving to cement the investment back into downtown. Which can secure 100 fold of investment back into the city core. If the high school is judged on this level, then grounds for the large budget might be justified. The high school is iconic, most people think it is hideous and remember it for that. I actually think that is an incredibly valuable asset…eminem comes to mind. Regardless of the final product, this is an impressive feat in the contemporary world of litigious restrictions. I like this behemoth.
On most of my friday nights I find myself country dancing. However, this last week I mixed it up a little with all you can eat Brazilian pizza. Now, this experience was made even better by the accompaniment of two Brazilians from my church, which was a valuable asset when ordering. As soon as the pizza started being served it was hard to keep up, and, they save the best pizzas for last, which makes it all the more challenging. With very few exceptions, the pizza was well crafted and flavorful. The desert pizza was the winner though, it was so good. Bella Vista Brazilian Pizza in Culver City is well worth a visit.
Last Friday I had the opportunity to see Olafur Arnalds play at the bootleg theater in los angeles. Unsure of what to expect, I was wildly blown away. First off, the sure was very cozy and intimate, as the performance was in a candle lit dance theater with small tables set up in front. Combined with Olafur’s casual, relaxed demeaner, and fantastic music, the show was well worth it.
Going to New York? You should check out the subway station under city hall. While it isn’t open to the general public, you can stay on the train while the car turns around at the end of the 6 train and see this gem. Nice.
This weekend I had the opportunity to see Joanna Newsome and Robin Pecknold perform at the Orpheum Theater. The night was fantastic, it is rare to find such amazing talent in one room. Robin is the lead singer of Fleet Foxes and he performed with just his voice and guitar. He had amazing presence and filled the room with beautiful melodies reminiscent of old Baptist Hymnals yet delivered with precise originality. Joanna Newsom, a Northern California Native, brought her charming yet peculiar stage presence, as well as a full accompaniment of world class musicians. This year has been an amazing year for live performance, with acts like Mum, Sea Wolf and now these two, I cannot complain!
I recommend all of the above artists.
