Lili

Best Irish Jig Punk in NYC: The Prodigals

2008-11-20T07:43:19Z

Those who have experienced New York's CMJ Music Festival in late October know that the air in the city turns vibrant, humming with more electricity than it normally does. On this brisk fall night in late October, that is especially true at Paddy Reilly's Music Bar on 29^th and Second, where the Prodigals are about to take the stage. Among the most successful Irish rock bands to come out of New York City in recent years, The Prodigals have enjoyed an ongoing waltz of touring and performing across the U.S. and Ireland for more than ten years. They've recorded seven albums, a substantial body of work, which has received significant critical acclaim.

In a city which can arguably be at times frantic and harsh, the opposite is true tonight; the atmosphere at Paddy Reilly's is undeniably warm and festive, resembling the energy at one of those legendary family reunions or neighborhood block parties that run late into the night, fueled by music and wine and topped with laughter and dancing. As they take to the stage, The Prodigals transform from a group of friends into a live wire or, as John O'Regan puts it, a "Molotov cocktail of Irish music and rock 'n' roll." Their dynamic chemistry is palpable on stage and their smiles reveal friends who, both on stage and off, are disarmingly gracious. The Prodigals are: Gregory Grene on vocals and button accordion; Dave Fahy on vocals and guitar; Chris Higginbottom on drums; Ed Kollar on bass; and Darren Maloney on banjo.

As lead musician and bandleader for The Prodigals, Grene is a musician's musician whose record on stage as well as off, speaks of a music lover who has been true to his heart (and his ears) every step of the way. By day, he is Director of Music at DraftFCB, a powerhouse multi-national ad agency with headquarters in Manhattan. As music producer for over the last ten years, Grene has had his finger on the pulse of new music ever since he can remember. He's part of the reason that ad agencies today are regarded as important tastemakers (similar to select video game developers) versus just followers who jump on the bandwagon of the hottest music, and license it to sell more Coca-Cola. Grene has negotiated music contracts with heavyweights ranging from the Beatles to Goldfrapp; he's supervised recordings with acts as diverse as top reggae singer Abija in Kingston, Jamaica and a 60-piece orchestra in the historic Abbey Road studios.

Grene and his fellow band members blend traditional Irish melodies and rock music in a way that is both viscerally engaging and organic. This helps drive The Prodigals' longevity and success. Most recently, two of their tracks, The Open Reel and Bunch of Red Roses, were featured in New Line Cinema's "Pride and Glory," released in theaters nationwide in late October. Thanks to Grene's initiative, The Prodigals came under the radar of music supervisor for the film, Nic Harcourt, the venerable West Coast DJ and Music Director at KCRW, who is responsible for putting Coldplay, Damien Rice, Moby and Norah Jones, on the map.

The Prodigals will release a 'Best of' album in early January 2009. They continue to prove that they have staying power by pushing the boundaries of their sound, continually tapping fresh sources of inspiration, and maintaining a wholly unique personality and spirit. For more information about the band, visit www.prodigals.com.

Box Eight Gallery LA Supports Latin American Artists

2008-09-27T00:34:43Z

Let's hear it for Peter Gurnz and his Factory for supporting artists from Latin America this weekend with an exhibit titled "Beyond the Unveiled Frontier: Loud Voices from Fresh Latin American Art." This weekend's exhibit will showcase installations by a dozen or so artists and live performances by performers such as Palenke Soultribe. Gallery Eight has an expansive downtown space and the shows are, even if not all aesthetic tastes gel with your own, entertaining and fresh. The thing that makes the arts thrive in any city is for artists to constantly create and also for others to create spaces to experience this creative output. My hats off to Peter for creating such a dynamic space in today's downtown and for promoting local artists. We need more of this kind of thing if LA is to continue to be viewed legitimately as one of the pillars of modern art & culture. As Angelenos, we need to support these efforts as well.

The show, curated by Changku, will be this weekend 9/27-9/28 at 1446 E. Washington Blvd in LA 90021. Below is a little intro by the folks at Box Eight Gallery.

Latin American
culture has penetrated the flows of vanguard in the most important metropolis
in the globe. With a different way of seeing and creating and with a rebellious
attitude these artists work cuts through the system united in its diversity and
fueled by the purity of true ideals.

Sir Ken Robinson Speaks on Creativity

2008-09-22T18:44:25Z

Sir Ken Robinson - an author and recognized leader in the development of creativity, innovation and human resources - starts his keynote speech with a joke:

A little girl is drawing a picture and her teacher asks her, "What are you drawing?"

The little girl responds, "A picture of God." The teacher says, "That's ridiculous noone knows what God looks like." The child responds, "They will in a minute."

This marked the beginning of the most fascinating, thought-provoking hour-long speech I've heard in my life. Among Robinson's contentions are that "we get educated out of creativity" and that "creativity needs to be valued in our school system as much as literacy."

He's published "Out of our Minds: Learning to be Creative" of which John Cleese commented:

'Ken Robinson has written brilliantly about the different ways in which creativity is undervalued and ignored in Western Culture and especially in our educational systems.'

His new book is due out in January 2009 titled "The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything" (published by Penguin/Viking). For more info on this revolutionary thinker visit www.sirkenrobinson.com. It's time we all awakened our inner creativity to create a safer, more peaceful, loving world. Thank you to Sir Ken Robinson for leading the movement!

One of L.A.'s Finest DJs: Carlos Niño on KPFK

2008-09-12T00:52:27Z

For over the past 11 years, he's been the voice of Spaceways Radio on 90.7 KPFK-FM. On Friday nights from 8 to 10pm, Niño is the peaceful sage transmitting love and positive vibrations to devoted listeners across the city. Often times, he's accompanied by special
guests including other DJs, live performers, legendary musicians, and most importantly, his nine-year-old son, Azul. Niño's radio show provides an intimate place where music junkies can get their fix of music spanning across various genres. It's pretty spectacular how, no matter where you are - whether stuck in traffic or lounging at home - Niño's 2 hour set makes you feel like you're HOME. For the past fifteen years, Niño has also been making music in all its aspects (as producer, performer, concept nurturer, etc.) He's made over two dozen albums that have received both critical and underground acclaim and he's played a hand in the making of countless more albums. Niño's mission to make music is a spiritual matter as he describes: "I work with a lot of wonderful musicians and songwriters on a wide variety of soulful projects. For me, it's a cosmic thing. I'm being led by a calling in my heart." Niño has an incredible ear and a reputation for nurturing and driving new and existing talent to new heights. His musical projects are extensive including Build an Ark, Ammoncontact, The Life Force Trio, and many more. In Fall 2008, he'll be releasing a record with long-time collaborator, friend, and multi-instrumentalist, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson titled "Suite for Ma Dukes" (Mochilla). He's also busy working on another new recording project titled "Carlos Nino & Friends: High With a Little Help From My" (Plug Research), which will be released in February 2009.

Downtown Music & The Calder Quartet

2008-08-25T06:27:27Z

Outside the Colburn School of Music in Downtown L.A. sit four young men enjoying a fading blue sky after a rigorous three-hour rehearsal. This is the Calder Quartet - violinists Ben Jacobson and Andrew Bulbrook, cellist Eric Byers, and violist Jonathan Moerschel - artists in residence at Colburn since Fall 2007, where they landed fresh from a two year residency at the Juilliard School of Music in NYC. On the classical music scene, they have established a national presence. In the last year, the quartet's presence in LA has been palpable. In late May, the Calder Quartet made their debut at the Walt Disney Hall opening a program featuring the music of modern composer, Thomas Adès. That same day, they released their latest record, "Maurice Ravel-Thomas Adès-W.A. Mozart" (available on Itunes). "We love every piece on the album and picked pieces that would flow together and complement Thomas Adès' "Arcadiana," the centerpiece of the record." The album also gave the quartet a chance to promote other great arts organizations in town; they recorded it at the Colburn School and commissioned original album artwork by Dave Muller, a local artist from MOCA's permanent collection. The Calder Quartet is helping to bridge the gap between the classical and the modern and making it relevant and provocative for a new generation of listeners. Earlier this month, they could be heard live on KCRW's "Morning Becomes Eclectic" and at the El Rey, performing both times with indie rock sensation, The Airborne Toxic Event. On December 5th, they will perform and dazzle at Colburn's Zipper Hall. For ticket info, visit www.colburnschool.edu or www.calderquartet.com.

Brazilian Trio Azymuth Performs 8.16

2008-08-14T15:46:23Z

Celebrated as one of the worlds most electrifying and influential bands, Azymuth is known for their trademark sound, 'Samba Doido,' meaning Crazy Samba. Hailing from Rio de Janeiro's vibrant studio scene, in the late sixties, keyboardist and songwriter Jose Roberto Bertrami and legendary drummer Ivan 'Mamao' Conti met bassist Alex Malheiros in 1972. Their first session together was on the "Mustang Cor de Sangue" album with Marcos Valle, in 1973. Bertrami's wild impassioned keyboards combined with Mamao and Malheiros' risky rhythms quickly attracted attention. It was only a matter of time before their brand of new Brasilian music would find its own audience. Their first self-titled album was recorded, in 1975, was an instant classic and re-released, in 2007, by Far Out Recordings in the UK. Following an astounding live performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival, in 1977, they inked an international deal with Milestone Records, bringing Azymuth a larger worldwide audience. Their first Milestone's outing Light As A Feather spawned the single "Jazz Carnival," which sold over 500,000 copies and held the UK top 20 spot for eight weeks. It's a dance floor and proto-house classic still getting spins. Samba Doido is their swing! The world finally understands what crazy samba means in their feet and hearts. In the ensuing years, there have been many albums, solo, covers and collaborations, including a recent album with Madlib and Mamao titled Sujinho. In 2008, Azymuth are still as poignant as ever! With twenty albums under their belts and a few more grey hairs, the energy still hasn't stopped and the trio is a force to be reckoned with!

For more info on Azymuth and the show, please visit:http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=71953245

KOFIE: Mother Nature's Son

2008-08-12T06:50:37Z

From Tokyo to NYC to LA, the name Kofie rings out like a cosmic wave.

He's been commissioned to put his one-of-a-kind stamp on creative studios across Southern Cal. He creates live art during shared performances with wicked talented DJs and renowned musicians. His own downtown studio pulses with the sounds of Sun Ra as the master organic creator sets to work. He creates an urban garden setting, a city seen from a place high up in the sky, a place where industry and nature interweave in complex harmonies. This Scorpio was born in LA and thank god he has no plans to relocate any time soon. Kofie is one of the few urban LA artists who can claim to make his living as an artist. His current collage he describes as "very therapeutic." For him, it's all about the process. Doing what comes naturally that it feels like a self-portrait. "I like to build, so the form is very structural but organic." Back in high school, he was voted as most artistic, Young Kofie was a skater, illustrator, graffiti artist. The name KOFIE was born in 1993. He began experimenting with brush painting. If you visit the corner of Melrose and Martel, you'll see one of his house paintings called Hummingbirds. He listens while he paints to "anything between '59-present. old skate rock, punk, jazz, funk, soul, Indie hip-hop." Artists do not appreciate labels or definitions. He's an all around creative. To label him solely an artist would not justify the vast creative universe contained within.

For more on this amazing artist, visit keepdrafting.com. Check out this coming art exhibit this Thursday Aug 15th.

Don't Turn Around.

2008-07-11T00:40:58Z

The LA Film Festival came and went in a flash, leaving behind the faint flicker of some memorable Indie films that (hopefully) get seen again on cable channels like IFC. One of these films was "I'll come Running," written and directed by Spencer Parsons. The film is a poignant example of one my favorite axioms in life, penned by the late great John Lennon: life is what happens to you when you're busy making other plans. In the case of the film, a casual one-night stand has life-changing consequences for two young people. Pelle is a young Danish man at his wits end while backpacking through Texas (hey, who can blame him?) and Veronica (Melonie Diaz) is a young pretty American waitress working at a Mexican restaurant. The two meet at the restaurant during what's supposed to be Pelle's last night in town. Veronica is sassy and playfully challenges Pelle's air of superiority. They connect through their shared knowledge of "The Simpsons." Pretty deep connection, huh?

Pelle seems ready to get back to Denmark where he plans to start a new job. His plans, however, derail; instead, life leads Veronica to Pelle's door in Denmark. This "casual" fling shakes life to the core for Veronica, Pelle's best friend and family. Comedy and tragedy are dished out in equal parts in "I'll Come Running." Parsons' little film can be described as a broken romance about what happens when strangers change each other's lives forever. The performances in this lovely little film are very organic. It's truthful in the sense that life is messy, emotional and there are no clear-cut endings. It also demonstrates the complexity of human beings-how we often do the unexplainable and how we are often better served by thinking things through. For me, Parsons took a hopeful look at the human condition. In other words, we're doing the best we know how as we go along. Sure, we fuck up plenty but, at times, we actually grow and evolve from life's many foibles, twists, and turns.

Ingrid Betancourt and 14 hostages freed in Colombia

2008-07-11T00:08:53Z

All writers out there, I would imagine, spend a lot of time trying to put
themselves in someone else's shoes. That's not always a pleasant experience,
especially when those are the shoes of a young mother and politician held captive in the jungles of Colombia for six years. I first discovered Ingrid Betancourt in 2002, when she
announced her candidacy for the Colombian presidency and published "Until Death Do Us
Part; My Struggle to Regain Colombia." As a child, I had left Colombia in 1981,
a year that marked the end of a brief but peaceful time in my country. The new
era post-1981(not coincidentally the same year that Reagan became president)
was marked by violence, kindnappings, explosions...chaos suddenly seemed to rain
down on a people known for their celebration of life, family, religion, music,
etc.

In 2002, Betancourt quickly became my hero. First, she was a woman saying
incredibly daring things against corrupt politicians, FARC...no one was spared.
Second, Betancourt was incredibly articulate, beautiful, cultured, and
passionate. She was waging a very public battle against corruption, fighting to
save her countrywhich had fallen to drugs, bribery and corruption from all
sides. In her autobiography, she recounted incidents where she managed to talk
her way out of life-threatening situations. Betancourt seemed to be
indestructable, fearless, untouchable. So when word of her kidnapping spread in
2002, it sent chills down the spine of every Colombian...a chill across the world
really.

Six years later, Betancourt was freed on July 3, 2008, along with fourteen other hostages who had been held captive for years by Colombia's brutal rebel forces known as FARC. I cried from joy...unspeakable emotion as if it had been my own mother liberated! I felt the whole world, certainly Colombia and France (Betancourt has dual citizenship), breathing a sign of relief when word of her liberation was announced. It was the end of a long suffering for Betancourt, her family and fans the world over. Word of her condition had worsened in recent years; she was said to be suffering from deep depression. I spent nights trying to imagine her despair; her calculating a way out; her fighting off frightening bugs from the rain forest, and even more frightening FARC soldiers. At times, it seemed as if the world had forgotten about her and the rest of the hostages.

But last week the Colombian army managed to dupe FARC rebels and free Betancourt along with fourteen others (a significant number)! It seems too good to be true! Betancourt's resilience, her leadership and spirit astound me. She has announced that she will not cut her long waist-length hair as a sign of solidarity to those hostages still captured by FARC, an estimated 400 people. Betancourt has asked the world no to forget those hostages still captive. All of the events of the last week, including Betancourt's recent plea regarding the other hostages, make me appreciate my own freedom more than ever before.

Upcoming Fashion Show: Models Around the World

2008-07-01T03:31:35Z

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's Haven for Music's Creme de la Creme...Closes.

2008-06-25T06:50:48Z

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.

A Weekend of Work & Culture

2008-06-20T02:29:40Z

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.

Photography: The amazing Guy Webster

2008-06-04T15:58:10Z

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