For the last week, I've been editing and writing content for a special 20-page publication we're creating for one of our clients. He's producing a fashion show on July 7 at Universal City Walk; the show's theme is "Models Around the World." I've been sitting on my ass all day, in front of my computer...reading through both professional and aspiring models' bios. I fight the feeling of frustration as I read and edit poor grammar... but then I think, "it's ok, calm down. Models are not (necessarily) good writers." I then remind myself of my pact (with my own mind)...to fight that feeling of going into "auto pilot mode" - this slightly more enlightened version of myself wants to appreciate even those so-called "dull moments." I ask myself, "What signs is the Universe giving me right now? What can I learn from this current experience?" 

And then I walk around the house and get a beverage (used to be a beer, these days I opt for some juice) and take a five minute break and think about sex, music, my cute cats...ANYTHING...but the daunting task of finishing this 20-page pub on top of the July issue of the magazine...by July 3. (note: there is no f*@#in way I'm working on July 4...it is just un-American. That and I have a pool party to go to). 

So, while on the surface my reading and editing bios might be slightly dull and frustrating I can choose to appreciate the fact that hat all of us have vastly different experiences: some are dealt more than enough struggle in life and keep at their dreams until they make it, some dream really big without really knowing where they're going, others live in a bubble an seem to think that life really is all about them. And what's cool (I suppose) is that instead of judging them...I can see that I've been each of them...in one form or another throughout the various stages of life. I've started writing this screenplay, more details will come later but, I think I'm getting into this head space where I'm becoming more compassionate-and (as a writer) get inside people's minds and determine what drives them, you know? What are their "weaknesses" and "strengths," how will they react in certain situations?

I've processed way too much today or as I like to say, "I went deep." and now I'm feeling bone-aching tired...like on those nights after you spend hours in the ocean swimming and fooling around; on those night's...sleep's never felt so good. 

LA proves once again that the longevity of its cultural landmarks is not one of its strengths. The latest in its recent deaths is Cafe Largo, a club on Fairfax Blvd. - across from Canter's Deli - known for showcasing the talents of some of the greatest singer-songwriters of our time: Aimee Mann, the late Elliot Smith, Fiona Apple, and many more. For the last twelve years, Largo was also the testing ground for material by some of today's most controversial "either-love-em-or-hate-em" comedians: Sarah Silverman, Zach Galifianakis, Patton Oswalt, and Greg Proops, just to name a few.

Fortunately for Angelenos, all is not a loss. Largo did reopen its doors on June 2. This time around, at a new location on La Cienega Blvd., in the guise of a larger theatre called the Coronet Theatre, a 60 year-old outfit that seats about 280 music devotees.

And what's more, one can now view and (perhaps, soon enough) own a documentary that captures the magic of that ol' Cafe Largo location: the intimate stage shining with brilliant performances by the artists mentioned above and many more; the dimly lit club with its 100 seating capacity; the clinking of cocktails and dinner plates; and the laughter of a small joyous audience soaking it all in. Musical genius and producer, Jon Brion, opens up the 112- minute documentary and then, it fairly trades off between musical and comedic acts.

"Largo" is screening tomorrow, Wednesday evening at 9:45pm as part of LA Film Festival's documentary competition. If you're in town and available, I highly encourage
you to go check it out. It's definitely one for the music library. For more info, visit www.lafilmfest.com.

One of  the "necessary evils" of my job as an Assistant Editor for a magazine, is working on weekends. This weekend was filled with events to attend. Fortunately, for me, the events tends to be pretty lively and I meet some really cool and artistic people. 

Friday night, I attended a fashion show in Hollywood for a fashion label called Motor City Legends; the name pretty much says it all. Inspired by rock 'n' roll, motorcycles, and LA's casual-chic style, the clothes are fun, bold and speak to a certain demo that abounds here in LA.

Saturday afternoon, I attended an event in downtown on behalf of Hollywood Weekly, who was one of the official sponsors: an eco-fashion showcase promoting a handful of green clothing and accessory designers. I believe strongly that green fashion, like hybrid cars, is not just a trend but is the movement towards creating a better future for our planet. One of the designers at the show, volunteers at an animal farm for endangered species. Her duty for the weekend was watching over a baby kangaroo (only in LA, right?). Just had to take photos because "Jackson" the kangaroo was simply too cute.

 

Saturday night, thank god, allowed for a night off.  I treated myself to a documentary that I've wanted to see for ages called "When We Were Kings," about the legendary fight between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in 1974. The music, the intensity of the fighters, the charisma of Ali...it is all so inspiring.  I was born that same year the fight took place, in September. Although the fight was pushed back until October, I couldn't escape the feeling last night, that when I was born, a little of that energy imbedded itself into in my psyche: the spirit of a contender, with her mind set on victory.

Today, I caught the last day of the Bob Dylan exhibit at Skirball Cultural Center, chronicling the early years of this music legend (1956-1966).  The show displayed

priceless photos and writings from a young Bob Zimmerman to the young Woody Guthrie wannabe in New York, to the rock icon who electrified his audience at the Newport Folk Festival in '66.  Bob Dylan's influence on the world (and on my life) can't be underestimated; as cheesy as this may sound, his music helped awaken the artist within.

Now, it's Sunday evening and back to work again tomorrow morning. To be honest-and without sounding self-pitying-I think I work around the clock. Just like every other night, I'll do some writing for myself, for the magazine, etc.. But it's true what people say...when you love what you do, you're so happy and its reflected in your work. That love and happiness provides you with the fuel necessary to keep you working hard...until your vision or goal is achieved.

One of my greatest loves on earth is rock-n-roll. It's awesome the vast emotion and energy it inspires. For me, rock never ages. I think that's because, in its pure essence, rock music is soul or spirit. And spirit is timeless. It could be said that the same holds true for a brilliant photograph; whatever the subject (a woman, a building, a mountain), it tells a story and reflects back a spirit or energy captured in time. If it's a great image, it inspires no less feeling today than fifty or one hundred years from now.



I'm in Venice CA, standing in the studio of a famous photographer - make that, a legend - who is best known for shooting many of rock's legends: The Doors, Bob Dylan, Jimmy Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and The Rolling Stones, just to name a few. These spacious studio walls hold timeless images of one the most dynamic times in American history - a 1960's California: electric, alive, spacious, rebellious, creative and free. This is Guy Webster's studio and for more than forty years, he's captured the greatest musicians, actors, writers, athletes, artists, activists, and directors of the 20th Century.

To define Guy as a rock'n'roll photographer renders too narrow a definition. His Hollywood portfolio is just as extensive, classic, and romantic. Guy captured both the beauty and essence of many of the greatest actors who have ever lived: The delicate vulnerability of Natalie Wood. The devilish slyness of Jack Nicholson. The brooding introspection of Dennis Hopper.



All of this said, I'm a little nervous about my interview with Guy - as a journalist, I've been programmed not to show it. Any uneasiness disappears the minute Guy Webster drifts into the studio, fresh from a motorcycle ride around Venice beach. We sit down in his comfy salon to talk and I actually take off my heels.



Maybe it's the ocean air blowing through the open doors or maybe it's the fact that Guy exudes a calmness that is contagious. Whatever it is, the shoes (and formalities) are gone. For the next hour, Guy and I talk about the life he's lived...a life so amazingly vibrant and charmed that after our session is over I'm left with a feeling of inspiration...closer to awe, really.

My profile piece on Guy Webster and excerpts from my interview will be published in the mid-June issue of Hollywood Weekly. I can't underestimate the honor it is for me to profile Guy in our magazine.
I hope that my words can somehow capture the loving spirit, brilliant talent and amazing life of an American legend.



Images courtesy of Guy Webster. www.guywebster.com Zsa Zsa Gabor, Dennis Hopper, Ed Ruscha, Truman Capote