Win Tickets to See Julian Casablancas at the Palace Theatre
Eric Richardson
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Julian Casablancas performs during a November 13 show inside the historic Palace Theatre. » Photo Gallery (6)
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Strokes lead singer Julian Casablancas is bringing a little life back to Downtown's historic Palace Theatre. Casablancas is halfway through a four-week solo residency in the 1911 venue, built to host the Orpheum vaudeville circuit. On Friday, he returns for show number three and we've got a pair of tickets to give to a blogdowntown reader who wants to be there.
The Palace has sat dormant for years, rarely hosting public events like this one. Weeks one and two have shown off both the potential and the challenge of bringing a 1911 building back into regular use.
The venue features one of the largest stages on Broadway, and Casablancas has taken full use of the room with a series of changing visual backdrops. Low lighting on the performance makes clear that the show is about the sound and the projections behind the performers.
Residents of Spring street likely feel like they've been at both shows. Just a thin concrete wall separates the back of the Palace stage from the alley behind, and sound reverberates onto a block that is home to hundreds of residents. That's not that big of a deal for special events, but would need to be addressed before the venue could host a full calendar.
The Delijani family, owners of the Palace and Los Angeles Theatres among others, have pledged to restore both venues if the city constructs a parking garage on Broadway. That may take a few years, but Downtowners should hope these four nights are a sign of many more things to come.
Want to see the show? We've got one pair of tickets to give away. Just leave a comment saying why you should win, and be sure to include contact info (email address or Facebook). Contest closes tonight at 10pm.
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Jeremy Schwartz on November 19, 2009, at 01:46PM – #1
I should win because I live on Spring Street and like you said, I've felt like I've been to the last two shows. However, its absolute torture because I haven't actually seen it! I ask that you please help me out and don't let me suffer through another Friday night of hearing the muffled sounds. Let me experience the show first hand, how its meant to be seen and heard. Thank you.
A Domasin on November 19, 2009, at 02:14PM – #2
my birthday is just a few days away. this would be a great early birthday present.
Danyul on November 19, 2009, at 02:14PM – #3
I should win because a dear friend has a deep seeded love of Julian and she needs an outlet for these rich complex emotions or she might just die. So, in an effort to prevent Casablancas related deaths, you should give the tickets to me so I can take her. Step up to the plate and be a HERO!
tracy fung on November 19, 2009, at 02:56PM – #4
I should win, because I just purchased and picked up the keys to a new loft in LA Downtown. What better way to celebrate and get to this beautiful city than winning the tickets to one of the most celebrated singers in a historic landmark theater?
Caleb Wicker on November 19, 2009, at 03:57PM – #5
Why should I win? Because I love you. I love you blogdowntown. I'm not here because I'm looking for a quick fix friday night. I'm here because I love your blog. You, boredla, and LAist are my bookmarked blogs, and you tell me what's up daily. I love you, I love Julian Casablancas, and I love my girlfriend. What a better way to complete the love triangle by letting me take her to see Julian tomorrow night, courtesy of you. The love history that could be made!
xes on November 19, 2009, at 04:46PM – #6
Its so hard to get tickets to this show -- when yur broke :( Big Strokes fan... have every cd!
Luke Sikura on November 19, 2009, at 04:58PM – #7
Flew in from Canada. Can't pay full price for tickets because I'm a college. Julian's music and lyrics have profoundly changed my outlook on life and I will never forgive myself if I don't get to this concert. Oh and each song from "Phrazes for the Young" has over 200 play counts on my itunes. I am his biggest fan.
Minaly on November 19, 2009, at 05:00PM – #8
First of all, thank you soo much for this give away. I should win because Im dying to go see him. I never got to see the strokes, and I was beginning to think I never would. Then Julian came out with this solo album and I just got soo excited. I get a chance to see him! I know this sounds cheesy and it doesn't matter if I win or not, but I just have to say that I love and respect Julian soo much. I have a lot of admiration for him and his work he truly is a genius. I love him as if he was one of my friends. I'd be so honored if I got to see him.
melanie on November 19, 2009, at 05:11PM – #9
When I was a juvenile , I got my first speeding ticket listening to the Strokes.
Years later...it would be great to get redemption for that $380 ticket in my own special way haha
Do the Right Thing on November 19, 2009, at 05:30PM – #10
Give me the tickets, please. I dig the Strokes. I dig this guy. Never seen either one perform live. I'm a newish DTLA res, trying to see and do as much downtown as my schedule and finances will permit, which ain't much. But a gratis event in a beautiful old DTLA theatre with a hot modern artist performing is the best kind of way to experience my current hood. And here's another reason... I will settle for one ticket and go solo. You can give another eager fan my other ticket. See that? I'm sharing the DTLA love. Clearly, I deserve to go.
Eric Richardson (@blogdowntown) on November 20, 2009, at 12:42AM – #11
Thanks everyone for entering. A few hours late, but I'm closing off comments to pick a winner. Good luck!