Arts & Culture

Is It Lights Out for MONA Downtown?

By Ed Fuentes — September 23, 2009 — 10 Comments

Walking Past Art Ed Fuentes

After a long history in Downtown Los Angeles, The Museum of Neon Art may be taking refuge in the suburbs of Glendale.

Yesterday, the Glendale City Council voted unanimously to begin lease negotiations on a city-owned building at 216 S. Brand, reports the Glendale News Press. — Continued Inside...


Win Tickets to See the Songs of Cy Coleman at the GRAMMY Museum

By Eric Richardson — September 21, 2009
3 Comments

Cy Coleman

Cy Coleman passed away in 2004, but the music of the renowned songwriter is very much alive. Last week saw the release of tribute album "The Best Is Yet To Come," and this Wednesday, September 23, Jill Sobule, Sara Watkins, Perla Batalla and Julianna Raye will join producer and musical arranger Dave Palmer at the GRAMMY Museum to talk about the album and perform...


Sunday Brings the Emmys: Know Your Street Closures and After-Parties

By Eric Richardson — September 18, 2009 — 2 Comments

Emmy Red Carpet Eric Richardson

The 61st Primetime Emmy Awards comes to Nokia Theatre on Sunday afternoon, the show's second year in the Downtown venue. Preparations at L.A. Live are in full gear, with a massive red carpet setup filling Nokia Plaza and Chick Hearn Court.

While most blogdowntown readers won't be walking that carpet, it pays to be aware of the closures and events that come with an awards show such as this. — Continued Inside...


Cafe Metropol's Angie An and Paul Im

By Monk Turner — September 15, 2009

Angie An and Paul Im Monk Turner

|Photo Gallery| Veggie Burger Man.

It isn't a name I try to deny. After all, I do visit Cafe Metropol on a weekly basis and order the garden burger every time. Every once in a while I'll bring a group of people with me and they'll also order the garden burger. So I feel this title is well deserved.

But it isn't just the garden burger that has led me to become a regular at Cafe Metropol the last few years. It is also the amazing jazz musicians that appear on their stage every weekend. — Continued Inside...


Win Tickets to See Bajofondo at the Mayan

By Eric Richardson — September 15, 2009
5 Comments

Bajofondo Tango Club

South American collective Bajofondo began by mixing tango and electronica, but over time the group's sounds broadened to include elements of house and trip-hop. Thursday, September 17, the band brings its eclectic sounds to Downtown's historic Mayan Theatre and we've got tickets for blogdowntown readers who would like to be there courtesy of Goldenvoice.


City Updates El Grito Sound

By Ed Fuentes — September 14, 2009
1 Comment

El Grito

The City's official commemoration of Mexican Independence Day takes place Tuesday evening, offering top Mexican musical talent and a new urban focus. The free event starts at 7:00pm and is expected to draw thousands to the Spring Street steps of City Hall.


Around the September Art Walk

By Ed Fuentes — September 14, 2009 — 5 Comments

IMGP0202 Ed Fuentes

|Photo Gallery| I am happy to report Downtown Art Walk hasn't crumbled yet. There were plenty of people milling in and around Gallery Row last Thursday, despite fewer opening night receptions. Still, some galleries continued to limit their presence to avoid the crowds.

Before we claim the name "Art Walk" is merely theory, it has to be remembered that the event began as a venturesome exercise to bring people to the Historic Core. Its success was, and still is, based on providing community outreach and authenticating a contemporary Downtown culture. — Continued Inside...


Win Tickets to See The Dan Band at Club Nokia

By Eric Richardson — September 10, 2009
10 Comments

The Dan Band

The Dan Band returns to Club Nokia on Saturday, September 12, its second appearance at the venue in just two months. Tickets are on sale now, but we've got a chance for some lucky blogdowntown readers to attend the show for free courtesy of Goldenvoice.


Art Walk Preview for September, 2009

By Ed Fuentes — September 09, 2009

Para Familia Ed Fuentes

The Downtown Art Walk has its believers and non-believers.

Some say the second Thursday of the month is an apparition of urban activity appearing from nowhere, asking for a faith in Downtown. Others wait for the crash as some gallery owners shift hours to avoid the crowds. A few will say that the vision of people visiting Downtown's core is just a haze fueled by the search for wine.

Still, the monthly pilgrimage to Gallery Row continues and there is art to be found. — Continued Inside...


Win Tickets to See Sinbad at Club Nokia

By Eric Richardson — September 08, 2009
8 Comments

Sinbad

Sinbad is usually associated with the 1990s, but this Friday, September 11, it will be fresh stand-up on the stage at Club Nokia as the comedian films a special for Comedy Central. Tickets are on sale now, but we've got a chance for a few blogdowntown readers to enjoy the show for free.