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This issue of NoHo e-News is about what's going on in North Hollywood and a selection of some theatre shows. But we have a ton of them. Did you know that the NoHo Arts District has the highest concentration of theatres outside of New York City? Just check out the NoHo Arts District Theatre Guide>>

Here's a glimpse at what's going on in North Hollywood...ENJOY NOHO!



**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood's NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo.  

VET CLINIC CHARGES

It’s easy to trust your provider when you’ve got a sick pup, or a kitten who needs regular procedures, but we are seeing hidden and bogus charges in regular check-ups and in emergency services when customers least expect them. It’s especially common in puppy and kitten owners who are first-time pet parents. When there’s any hint of concern from a new pet owner, some scandalous veterinary clinics will see opportunity. One recent report revealed a vet clinic explaining to a customer that her dog was in dire need of tooth extraction. When 4 teeth turned into 13 teeth, it was a red flag. It’s important to get the exact details of a procedure before it takes place, and to always make known that the vet should not perform additional procedures without the customer’s consent. What happens is that often, the clinic calls during a time when the customer is least expecting a call. Perhaps supposedly mid-surgery! At a time like that, there’s a heightened sense of urgency and emotion, and customers are more likely to agree to anything the doctor orders. If they are calling you before they add any operations, you’ve got the first step down. Next, to avoid potential scamming, slow down. Ask questions that will clearly identify if your pet will be okay with the original procedure. Don’t be afraid to say that you’ll be getting a second opinion! We’re preyed upon during a vulnerable time, and no one wants to look like the stingy parent who doesn’t care for his pet. When you’re in this awkward situation, keep in mind that you might risk your pet’s health with additional and unnecessary procedures. If anything, you’re taking food out of your pet’s mouth by spending your money where it doesn’t belong. If you’re careful and aware, you could save your dog’s teeth and afford a few extra days at the doggy spa.

PET INSURANCE

Here’s another add-on that we’re seeing suggested during a strategic time. When you need insurance for your car, home, and life, you shop around for the best value for your dollar, right? The same effort should go into buying pet insurance. Companies don’t expect the customer to be as thorough in knowing every possibility that insurance will cover. Again, we want to trust the clinic and the insurance rep, so when you’re preparing to send your pet through a necessary procedure, sometimes insurance is suggested that implicates the procedure is covered by it. If it sounds too good to be true, folks, it probably is! This trick will have you paying for the entire procedure out of pocket, and losing your investment into a new pet policy. Always slow down, and always get at least one other opinion.

TEACUP PIGGIES OR BABY PIGS?

This one is absurd. While there is some controversy over whether or not miniature pigs should be pets, this scam will surely have you siding with the pet parent. Online ads for miniature pigs were recently reported. What was believed to be a miniature pig would be brought to its newly piggy-proofed and prepared home, and welcomed as the tiny new addition to the family. The problem was, weeks and months later, these pigs grew to incredible sizes. As it turns out, the pigs were not miniature pigs at all, they simply were infant pigs. The owners are told to practically starve the pigs to ensure they stay small, which no compassionate and responsible person would do to an animal, so when the pigs naturally grew, the owners were unaware and unable to care for them, resulting in the pigs being surrendered. Avoid this from happening by studying the phenotypical differences between breeds and ages of pigs before you take them in. Knowledge in this case is not only power, but empowering you to catch scam artists and protect the livelihood of these Babes.

ADVOCACY SCAMS

There’s a special place in many of our hearts for pit bulls. Pit bulls need voices to speak out against the stigma attached to them and their behavior, and against overbreeding to be used for dog fighting. Scam artists go to great lengths to try and fool us and as you can see, tugging at the heart strings is the number one way to do so. One report revealed the discovery of thousands of dollars donated to one social media crowd-funding campaign. The funds were said to go towards a pit bull who was badly abused, but it was all a scam. The pit bull was in fact abused, but the campaign funds did not go toward his treatment and recovery. It’s so important, especially when emotions are high, to do your research. There are some great advocates for pit bulls, to include Stand Up for Pits, and The American Pit Bull Foundation, led and supported by thousands of people whose hearts are in the right place. Think twice before you click to donate after watching a viral video. There are trusted organizations who will make the most out of every cent they receive.

PROTECT YOURSELVES

Protect yourselves and your pets, don’t be afraid to investigate. Nine times out of ten, your vet clinic is likely not scamming you, and crowd-funding campaigns are going to a great cause, but it couldn’t hurt to make sure. You can save yourself hundreds of dollars and save your pet from unnecessary pain and anxiety. It’s also better to be proactive rather than reactive. Reach out and act now, get involved with animal rights advocacy groups and educate yourself. Everyone wins that way.

For more information about…
The American Pit Bull Foundation, visit: http://americanpitbullfoundation.com/
Stand Up for Pits, visit: http://www.standupforpits.us/

Grandma marks a reunion with Weitz and provides Tomlin with her best leading movie role in some time (I might venture to say since the days of The Late Show).

In Grandma, Tomlin plays Elle, a writer whose longtime partner Violet has passed away. As the film begins, Elle is showing the door to her new younger girlfriend (Judy Greer), after which she is visited by her teenage granddaughter Sage (Julia Garner) who informs Grandma that she needs $600 for an abortion later that day. Though the (solely) financial aspect of this might not be a problem to those who have either ready cash or credit cards, Elle has neither, since she has paid down her debts and torn up her cards in a misbegotten attempt to feel unburdened. After some discussion as to whether abortion is really the best option, Elle and Sage go forth on a journey to secure the funds, which involves visiting Sage’s irresponsible lout of a boyfriend (who had promised her some money), Elle’s old flames and current friends--all the while hoping to avoid turning to Sage’s successful, high-maintenance, low-tolerance mother (Marcia Gay Harden).

That this road trip forces Sage, and especially Elle to contend with unresolved issues goes without saying. the pleasures in Grandma can be derived from watching Tomlin’s Elle as she confronts these head on, whether it’s Sage’s thoroughly boorish beau (don’t mess with this Grandma), or an ill-timed encounter with her café-owner friend (Elizabeth Pena) over some first editions, and most poignantly, a visit with a long-ago ex (Sam Elliott). Tomlin’s Elle can be uncompromising and abrasive, but in Tomlin’s expert playing, we see that there’s also a suppressed sense of compassion coupled with a reluctance to let people in. The scene with Elliott is nicely developed, playful at first, but ultimately hard-hitting and delicately enacted by both, as Elle is forced to realize the emotional impact her choices have had on others. While the story arc doesn’t hold a whole lot of surprises—we know where and with whom the story will play out—it’s Tomlin and company (Harden and Elliott are especially good), which make a visit with Grandma worth the trip.

Review of A Walk In The Woods

Robert Redford and Nick Nolte undertake another kind of journey in A Walk in the Woods, an adaptation of Jonathan Bryson’s account of his months-long trek along the Appalachian Trail. Redford had long wanted to make A Walk in the Woods (initially as a vehicle for him and Paul Newman), and Redford’s love of nature as well as his advancing years would seem to augur a film that embraces both natural wonders as well as reflections on mortality. Well, you only have some of the former and a little of the latter, as most of the film is just…a walk in the woods. Redford’s established writer is determined to take a hike (over the not-so-firm objections of loving spouse Emma Thompson—so good that one wishes she was going along), and Nolte, a long-lost friend, is just as determined to join him. There are some low-stake incidents, such as encounters with an obnoxious fellow hiker (Kristen Schaal), a jealous husband, and two grizzly bears, but all of these seem to glide by with little lasting impact. There is also the requisite banter, as well as some (but not much) discussion about aging, happiness, and the choices we make. Mostly however, you have Redford and Nolte, two good actors who certainly complement each other, and also manage to develop an engaging rapport that sustains them throughout the trip. It’s not a profound journey by any means, but with this entertaining if lightweight Walk in the Woods, you are in pretty good company throughout.

Review of Learning to Drive

Patricia Clarkson’s brittle book reviewer is Learning to Drive from instructor Ben Kingsley but the movie is not subtle about the title’s implications, since many of the characters are trying to “take control of the wheel.” Clarkson is still reeling after her spouse (Jack Weber) tells her he’s leaving her for another woman, and driving seems to be the way to go if she wants to see daughter (Grace Gummer) in Vermont. Ben Kingsley’s driving instructor is both a political refugee and a Sikh who is driving a cab (as opposed to teaching at a university) because he doesn’t wish to sacrifice his beliefs. He is also trying to navigate life with a new (to him) bride (Sarita Choudhury)—one who does not share his love of learning—or his knowledge of English for that matter. Kingsley’s wife is afraid of her new country (the U.S. as represented by the borough of Queens), and concerned over her new husband’s seeming lack of time and attention.

As with the previous films reviewed here, the pleasures in Learning to Drive are mainly due to some fine actors doing their best with somewhat predictable material. Sarita Choudhury excels as Kingsley’s new mail bride, especially when she has to cope with a gift that Kingsley (mistakenly) thinks will bring them closer. Kingsley is both stern and sensitive as the instructor who is can successfully blend criticism and encouragement with Ms. Clarkson, and still be at a loss over how to communicate with his wife. Clarkson manages to make a potentially unlikable character understandably human, as someone whose love of words has left her at a loss as to how to deal with people. Thanks to its leading players, Learning to Drive is a quietly amusing, touching entertainment.

Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre is back in the NoHo Arts District with “La Pasión de España,” a fiery and progressive production of “Carmen” and “Don Quixote (Act I).” Based on Bizet’s opera, “Carmen” tells the story of a seductive Spanish Gypsy who loves wildly, and dangerously. “Don Quixote” is a romantic comedy, full of chivalry and fantasy. Performances at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood are Saturday, September 12 at 8pm and Sunday, September 13 at 3pm.

The program will blend neoclassical ballet (PBDT’s distinguishing specialty), flamenco, and theatrical drama. Choreographing is Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre’s Artistic Director, Natasha Middleton. She says, “Carmen is a hot and fiery ballet, the ultimate tale of love and obsession, then betrayal. I once danced the role of Carmen, and knowing her personality made it easy when recreating the ballet from scratch. She is sensual and passionate.” Using the music of Bizet and Schedrin inspired Middleton to incorporate the flamenco dancers. “Don Quixote, Act I, is the opposite of Carmen. It’s a tale of friendship, love and loyalty. It is about a romantic old knight who invents stories to fulfill his need for chivalrous adventures. I keep the ballet in its original choreography by Marius Petipa, with a few added trick lifts and leaps here and there.”

Taylor Swantek as Carmen with Ottavio Taddei

The cast of “Carmen” is: principal dancers Taylore Swantek as Carmen and Grigori Arakelyan as Don Jose. Damara Titmus is Micaëla, Artur Aleksanyan is Escamillo, Marine De Vachon is Frasquita, Natalie Grina is Mercédès, Brandon Forrest is Remendado, Ottavio Taddei is Dancaïre, and Zachary Leighton is Zuniga. Emily Braff, Lauren Farrell, Charlotte Harrop, Aimee Ozeki, Musetta Rubin, Julie Sanches, and Grace Tiangco are the Cigarette Factory Girls and Gypsies. Moses Navarro is a featured flamenco dancer, along with special guest dancers Oleg and Nataliia Loparevi.

The cast of “Don Quixote” is: principal dancers Edgar Nikolyan as Basilio, Irina Gharibyan as Kitri, and Alexander Fost as Lead Toreador. Damara Titmus is Gypsy Girl, Marine De Vachon and Natalie Grina are Kitri’s Friends, Craig Dickens is Don Quixote, Moses Navarro is Lorenzo, and Philippe Leibzig is Gamache. Artur Aleksanyan, Brandon Forrest, Zachary Leighton, and Ottavio Taddei are Toreadors. Emily Braff, Musetta Rubin, Julie Sanches, Grace Tiangco, and Lauren Farrell and Chloe Tilton are Villagers.

“The Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre is one of Southern California’s elite dance companies. In a city where the classic arts take a back seat to the film industry, the PBDT can stand tall as not only a top company in Los Angeles, but is on par excellence with similar companies on the East coast and around the world such as the American Ballet Theatre, Ballet West and the Royal Ballet.” - Hollywood News Press

We asked Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre more about “La Pasión De España.”

Why did Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre choose these two pieces?

Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre chose Carmen because of its powerful story and exciting choreography. It is a one act ballet set to the music of George Bizet and arranged by Rodian Schedrin. I, personally, felt the challenge to set the ballet because of my having danced the role of Carmen several years ago for the Ambassador of Thailand. I am delighted to pass the torch down to our principal dancer Taylor Swantek. Ms. Swantek is a dynamic dancer as well as a beautiful actress. Grigori Arakelyan as Don Jose is a perfect match for her.

In keeping with the Spanish theme, I have chosen selections from the Ballet Don Quixote because of its light hearted story. I am using the original choreography by Marius Petipa. Irina Gharibyan as Kitri and Edgar Nikolyan as Don Baslio are a delight to watch. I believe that these two particular ballets brought together in one performance will give something to everyone in the audience to thoroughly enjoy.

Why did Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre choose NoHo?

The NoHo District promotes the arts the way they should be promoted, and our company loves performing at the renowned El Portal Theatre.


Damara Titmus and Grigori Arakelyan rehearsing a pas de deux for Carmen Damara Titmus and Grigori Arakelyan rehearsing a pas de deux for Carmen

What makes Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre more attractive to a wider audience?

We are story tellers and our performances appeal to a wider audience because of our ability to perform both the very classical as well as contemporary and neoclassic such as Dance in the USA, and The British beat. Such ballets include Rock Music from Michael Jackson to the Beatles. These particular ballets are designed for first time viewers as well as dance enthusiasts.

Can you describe to the readers what neoclassical ballet is?

Neoclassical ballet is the style of the 20th century ballet exemplified by the works of three great dancer-choreographers, Leonide Massine, Vaslav Nijinsky, and George Balanchine. The term "neoclassical ballet" appears in the 1920s with Sergei Diagiliev's Ballets Russes, in response to the excesses of romanticism and modernity.

WHAT: “La Pasión De España”

WHEN: Saturday, September 12 at 8pm and Sunday, September 13 at 3pm

WHERE: El Portal Theatre
5269 Lankershim Blvd.
North Hollywood CA 91601

TICKETS: $49 for center seats and $41 for side seats
www.elportaltheatre.com or 818.508.4200.
Very limited $100 VIP packages for the September 12 show only include best seat ticket, a wine and cheese pre-show reception, show poster, Playbill credit, and photo opportunity with a principal dancer and can be purchased by calling 818.842.0647.

Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre, under the direction of Middleton, is celebrating its 14th season. Over the past decade, the company has become one of the major dance companies in Los Angeles. The dancers come from such companies as the Dresden Ballet, Armenian National Ballet, Nevada Ballet, and Denver Ballet.



**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood's NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo.

Vintage Clothing, used clothes, second hand clothing, thrift shops are all popular places now to find the ‘finds’ you can’t get in a department store. NoHo is known for its creativity and now its creativity in fashion. Let’s give a big North Hollywood welcome to the neighobrhood's newest addition, Iguana Vintage Clothing. Head over there now or stop by their official grand opening on Saturday, September 12.

WHAT: Iguana Vintage Clothing
WHERE: 5018 Lankershim Blvd.
WHEN: Grand Opening Saturday, September 12
HOURS: Monday through Saturday 11AM-8PM and Sunday 11AM-6PM

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So what is Iguana Vintage Clothing?

Iguana Vintage Clothing was established in 1993 on Ventura Blvd in Sherman Oaks. It is a family run business that has been passed down generations and is still going strong. They cater to everyone, all occasions such as productions, auditions, parties, festivals and, most commonly, daily wear. Each location they've opened, first Sherman Oaks, then Hollywood, has an 'up and coming' vibe. That's why they feel strongly about the North Hollywood area, especially as the location is in the heart of the arts district.



They pride themelves on providing the best customer service possible. That is why the most novice vintage enthusiast should feel confident visiting the store. They are very organized and provide a great variety of clothing and accessories.

Some of their most popular items are their genuine military garments, denim Levi jackets, denim Levi shorts, flannel shirts and letterman jackets. The large selection of cashmere sweaters are consistent sellers. People get a great enjoyment seeing the large selection of dresses, whether it be for a Mad Men party, an 80s prom-themed party, or a great cocktail dress for an evening out.

To celebrate their new location in the NoHo Arts District and to introduce themselves to the neighborhood, they are having a grand opening on the Saturday, September 12. They will provide discounts, raffle giveaways and other neat treats throughout the day.

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Iguana Vintage Clothing
5018 Lankershim Blvd.
Store hours: Monday through Saturday 11AM-8PM and Sunday 11AM-6PM

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/IguanaVintageClothing
Twitter : http://twitter.com/iguanaclothing
Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/user/iguanaclothing



**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood's NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo.

You know, the life of a struggling artist! Paying real life dues!

Our client/hair stylist relationship was a positive one. I enjoyed making this unique looking actor look ‘even better.’ It wasn’t difficult, he was already striking. I just put the finishing touches on him.

After time, as he began booking more and more gigs, the studio and production companies would have his hair cut on set. My role as his Hair Stylist was no more. Ironically, in Hollywood, this is the nature of the beast and very common.

Today, I see Rocky frequently at Gold's Gym-Hollywood; always focused in an intense work-out regimen.

!!Don’t bother The Rocky when he’s working out!!

He is a full time Stuntman and is working towards his ‘dream job’: being a Stunt Coordinator.

North Hollywood has become his second home. If not shooting at CBS Radford, you’ll find him at his favorite dining spots, Hugo’s Coldwater Canyon or Pitta Kitchen, studying scripts.

Half Saudi Arabian and half Tennesseean (wrap your mind around that for a moment), he laughs at most of his stunt jobs because he’s cast as the ‘perfect terrorist.’ “I love it! It pays the bills. I’m happy to be the terrorist if that’s what’s going to put the bacon on the table.”

Rocky sat down with me at Starbuck’s The Grove, greeting me with a warm hug. He couldn’t wait to update me about his life. He’s excited. And he should be. He’s planning well and wisely:

Waide Riddle- Hey, Rocky, you look great as ever. Even better than I remember.

Rocky Abou-Sakher- Thank you. I’m feeling good.

WR- You should be. You’re shooting two projects and got three in the can. Not bad.

RAS-(He chuckles pondering these facts.) Yeah…

WR-You’re from Tennessee.

RAS- Yes. Half Tennesseean and half Saudi Arabian. My mom’s from West Virginia… I went to school at Middle Tennessee State. Then got involved into the rodeo circuit.

WR- Rodeo circuit?! No way! (I laugh)

RAS- Yes, way! I rode and did it all.

WR- You actually rode.

RAS- Yes.

WR- Damn, I love it. I remember as a kid in Texas going to the rodeos in the 60s and 70s and watching in awe. It’s a completely different world, isn’t it?

RAS- It is, but I loved it.

WR- You miss it?

RAS- Yeah, parts… It’s in my blood.

WR- Where in Tennessee are you from?

RAS- McEwen! And raised Catholic!

WR- You know, Rocky, got a lot going on in those veins of yours.

(We both laugh)

RAS- Yep.

WR- You are one hot blooded man.

RAS- You might say that.

WR- You’re definitely on a roll right now with your career. What is your goal… what do you want to achieve?

RAS- I want to be a full time Stunt Coordinator. That’s my Love.

WR- Do you have a ‘dream job’?

RAS- YES! Being cast to do Stunts in the “The Magnificent Seven.” An amazing experience.

WR- Do you think it will take anything away from the original classic? The original is a true favorite on many ‘Best Lists.’

RAS- I hear what you’re saying, and no. It’s a fantastic homage to the original. If anything, it will only celebrate it and honor it. I was in love with the first one and to be apart of this remake, it’s a job I will forever be proud of.

WR- Point taken… now, you were very insistent on bringing up your project, “Boulevard.” It was Robin Williams last film project and you were Stunt Coordinator… I’m giving you the floor…

RAS- Waide, it was a privilege to work with such a great artist as Robin. He was a genius. He was so discipled and could break down a script so easily. He was nice and genuine to everyone on set. Now, I was extremely disappointed that the LGBT community did not do more for the film. Support it. Market it. Whatever. It was a great film with an important message and the film disappeared. What happened?

WR- I remember a couple of trailers and a couple of short reviews in local magazines… and that’s it.

RAS- Yeah. That’s what I mean. I was really disappointed that the gay community didn’t jump on this one. Robin plays a man who comes out in his later years and the journey he takes to explore who he is…

( His hands go up in frustration and he shakes his head in personal disbelief)

WR- (I pause myself; I feel his annoyance) I’m sorry… hmm… I don’t have an answer to that, Rocky. Maybe, perhaps, it will get a second life during awards season.

RAS- I hope. It deserves it…

WR- Let’s switch gears…“Mad Max: Fury Road,” one of my favorites this year, what did you think of the Stunt Department’s work?

RAS- Fun. Practical. Entertaining.

WR- Another favorite,“The Town.”

RAS- Great.

WR- I agree. From start to finish. I personally think Jeremy Renner was robbed on that one. Have any favorites this year of your own because of Stunts?

RAS- “Mission Impossible” … “Southpaw.”

WR- Favorite color?

RAS- None.
WR- Boxers or briefs?

RAS- Boxers, briefs and none.

(We both laugh.)

WR- You’re versatile. Do you have any advise for someone interested in pursuing Stunts?

RAS- Get a second job to support your stunt habit. (He laughs with a devilish grin)

WR- Excellent advice. A third and fourth part time job, too. True life in Hollywood… Marriage Equality, how do you stand?

RAS- Oh, yeah. Why in the hell would anyone care who you get married to. They’re called ‘stupid people.’ Stupid.

WR- Do you want me to use that word?

RAS- Yes. Stupid. Cause that’s what they are. I can’t believe people are obsessed with a subject that shouldn’t have been a subject in the first place…

WR- I love seeing you riled like this… OK, now, what is your mission?

RAS- Climate Change. It is THE TOPIC that should be on everyone’s lips. Period. That’s what people should be talking about. Not who’s getting married to who. Greenland is melting. Iceland is melting. Antarctica is melting…

(He pauses.)

How do you feel about it?

WR- Well, I believe we have great influence on the Earth. Mother Nature and Father Nature are going to pretty much do what they want to us. We, Humankind, are in the way. We are very irresponsible on how we are treating our ‘Home.’ Our planet. And, nature will have a consequence for that. We are now seeing it everyday around the world, just as you stated.

RAS- And that’s just the beginning. How can someone not see it?

WR & RAS- Stupid.

WR- “WestWorld” the series… you’re?..

RAS- Stunt work as a ‘cowboy.’

WR- That’s it? That’s all you can tell me?

RAS- Confidentiality Clause… it’s all I can say.

WR- Oh, C’mon… “WestWorld,” it’s based on the 1973 Sci- Fi film starring Yul Brynner and James Brolin… now, what would you like to add regarding the series?

RAS- Sorry, I can’t.

WR- Well, did you at least have fun?

RAS- Kick- ass!

WR- (I’m laughing) OK, I tried. Is there any stunt you haven’t done that you really really want to do?

RAS- Yeahhhh… be lit on fire and do a high free fall.

WR- … and that’s Rocky’s typical day at work.

RAS- I love it!

WR- Congratulations. I’m very proud of you. I love seeing my friends succeed and thanks for giving me your time.

RAS- That’s it? We’re finished? That was fun.

WR- You can save me another interview in the future.

RAS- Anytime.

We both stand and he gives me a power hug. When you get a Rocky hug, you know you’ve been hugged!

WR- Thank you.

RAS- Thanks, buddy.

And just like the first time many years ago, we go our separate ways.

THE HIDDEN ARTIST: Alyse Hart
CONNECTION TO NOHO: Had long distance relationship with a guy who lived on Cahuenga Blvd. and married him.
MEDIUMS: Up-cycled canvas, mixed media, and acrylics
WEBSITE:http://www.alysehart.com/

Hallelujah! I met another phenomena of a left and right brainer—Alyse Hart.

Quirky, personable, and a great story teller, Alyse revealed her creative journey (still in it's toddler stages) to me as we sat in her living room slash gallery tucked in her home atop an actual hill in Woodland Hills. Although still a mystery to both of us, we'd become friends through some mutual acquaintance on Facebook and had been watching each other's work voyeuristically. I was initially drawn to her use of bold colors, but after our interview, I discovered I was dazzled by much more—her uninhibited ability to allow a canvas to come alive on its own.

To understand her art, we must first touch upon Alyse's life and career. Originally from New York, half of her family (mother and sister) took a creative route while her father and she settled into business. Alyse made a successful career in sales, but after speaking to her, I got the distinct feeling that her right brain (the alleged creative side) had been grappling with her left (the logical side) for quite some time. As a matter of fact, she even wrote a workbook about it called A Woman's Guide to Corporate Recovery, a pre-flight plan to help women map out an alternative lifestyle. But Alyse's own right brain take-over didn't begin until she participated in a hippy-styled Topanga art experience where the painting instructor guided Alyse onto her own creative path.

I have to admit, Alyse's story made me giggle as I imagined her in the middle of Topanga Canyon beneath a tent with sage smudge wafting around her head. I mean Alyse's general appearance is as far away from any granola-munching hippy if ever there was one. But as she spoke, I realized there was a much deeper level to this picture. She told me she'd actually gotten physically sick in her class, excusing herself many times with an upset stomach. But it wasn't the sage that made her ill. Alyse was having a breakthrough—her artistic self was fighting to get out. And it did in a flurry of pink paint. Pink, I discovered, puts people in touch with their nurturing side and gives them a sense of hope—that everything will be okay. If pink is what Alyse began her journey with, it is certainly the color that enabled her to trust in herself.

I'm taking liberties here to say I'd like to be the one who coined the phrase "we are all expressions of something larger than ourselves." I'd also like to add that if anyone is evidence of this it is Alyse. Her objective, void of any of her physical discomforts (she admits to actually having sweats) before a canvas, is to lead herself to freedom—to be metamorphosed into her authentic self, inside and out. She stays true to her out-of-boxness and does not hesitate to do as she is being directed by the ethereal energy that surrounds her so as not to lose her spontaneity. She remains alert to what her canvas is trying to convey to her. In other words, she'll use the remnants of an image on an up-cycled canvas she salvaged from the curbside and let it be the inspiration for a new piece or if a hint of something—say a fish—is poking about in the paint she's just covered the canvas with, well, a fish it'll be. The results are colorful, fresh, and inspirational—a no-bars-held look into Alyse's world...a world that definitely needs to be shared.

Contestants from the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA)  got some special attention from Millennium Dance Complex. Six winners of some of the finest dancers from the 2015 South African Performing Arts Championships competed at the 19th annual WCOPA this summer. These dancers decided to take a class at Millennium to learn the latest Hip Hop choreography. They loved the class and were thrilled with the special attention they got after class on the Millennium back patio by their instructor Max Nguyen.

COMMENTS FROM MILLENIUM DANCE CLASS WINNERS from South Africa:

EMMITT CAWLEY

(WCOPA 2015 Dancer: 7 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze, 2 Industry Awards, 2 Overall Winner Awards. 3-month Millennium scholarship)



"When I first walked into the Millennium dance Complex in Los Angeles, I was surging with excitement!

My dance partner (Jemma) and I were very anxious but keen that we were going to do this experience together. We arrived and watched the previous class in their final few minutes of their class and the excitement level went sky high. We quickly changed into our dance clothes and before we knew it we were all spread out on the studio floor warming up and getting ready for our class!

I remember when our teacher walked in, everyone there had such a positive and awesome attitude - we wanted to be there and wanted to get started. The complex is honestly a place where we dancers can truly open up and express ourselves whilst under the guidance of amazing teachers and in a world-class facility.

This was truly an experience I will always treasure and never forget. - Thank you Millennium Dance Complex, WCOPA and all those who made this possible.”

JEMMA VAN BREDA

(WCOPA 2015 Dancer : 8 gold medals, 4 silver, 2 bronze, 2 industry awards, 2 Overall winner trophies and a 3-month Millennium Dance Scholarship)



‘My experience at Millennium was indescribable. The people, the music, the vibe, were awesome. I loved the style Max taught us and the way he taught it. Each movement had such feeling so instead of us being a room full of individuals, we moved as one. We were from different parts of the world, with one common passion.

The moment I left the class, I knew that I would be coming back. Millennium feels like a place where my dance partner, Emmit Cawley and I are meant to be, so winning a scholarship fulfilled my WCOPA goals. Thank you Nancy, the WCOPA team and Millennium for this unforgettable opportunity!”

CORLANIE BOTHA, Pulse Dance Studio

‘My one and biggest hope was to get a scholarship at THE Dance Millennium. I live,breath and sleep dancing and that was the exact vibe I got from the Millennium instructors and the studio when I walked in there. They are everything a dancer wants to be and achieve one day. The instructors are so inspirational. I could see that they just love to dance. The way their bodies connect with every beat of the music is mind blowing. I have learned so much from them and they have opened my eyes to a new world of dancing.

One thing that stuck out the most was how emotionally involved they are with the routines. They explain every move so clearly that you can almost feel the emotion and vibe that they are feeling. The routines are strong and challenging. It makes you want to push yourself further and harder. Dance Millennium is powerful and energetic. It was such a honour to get a class from them. The ultimate best is that I won a scholarship from them. They have put me one step closer to my dream."

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LEANKER LAUBSCHER

"Millennium Dance Complex has stolen my heart from the first time I was there in 2013 I saw "Shane Sparks" who is a choreographer for ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ and many others. He said hi to me and I remember thinking ……’I see you on TV!! Unbelievable!’

Dancers,choreographers,performers,artists.... Every day at Millennium is like dance heaven!! I come back every year and feel so inspired and motivated to teach and dance and my studio has grown so much! "Step Up" Dancers Alyson Stoner, Misha Gabriel Hamilton, Stephen Stevo Jones, Parris.

Goebel take class at Millennium and I danced with most of them! I did a few master classes with Wildabeast Adams and Chehon Wespi-Tschopp winner of season 9 ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ also dances at Millennium...only the best …and who doesn't want to dance with the best!! ?"

**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood's NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo.

As a matchmaker, I can assure you it’s the #1 reason a lot of people are still single.

Often what trips up a lot of women is when they make judgments before they’ve even met their date. Recently we were working with a female client who had a lot of ‘rules’. She had read many books on dating and was determined to implement the techniques that she believed would help her meet the right man. The problem was she allowed these rules to get in her way.

We introduced her to a gentleman and they hit it off on the first date. She was smitten; he was intrigued. He said he’d be in touch with her to ask her out again. Day 2, no call. She assumed the worst. She was offended and did not want to go out with him if he called her later on that day because she did not want to appear to be ‘waiting around for him’. She thought he was playing games. I had to remind her that this gentleman had a life before he met her and not to jump to conclusions. Perhaps it’s a really busy period at his work or something came up that he had to handle or he got sick, etc.. There are a whole slew of challenges that we face on a daily basis that are considered ‘acceptable’ when we know the person.

The gentleman did call her later on in the day and she thanked me profusely for “getting me out of my own way” and has been dating him for a few months now.

We’ve met a lot of women who think men are ‘guilty until proven innocent’ because they’ve been hurt in the past. Every man is different and deserves a chance. And if you’re not finding that is the case, then you better start looking at the choices you’re making.

Sometimes women assume that because a potential match had to reschedule or book a date far in advance that he must not be available for a relationship. Really?! You’ve never even met the person. Give someone the benefit of the doubt. We are leading busier lives these days. Please stop psychoanalyzing, commiserating with your girlfriends or imagining the worst. It’s a great way to sabotage potentially wonderful relationships and it makes you seem rigid and even a little bitter.

Early dating should be playful and lighthearted. Don’t take things so seriously so soon. Expecting perfection and people to be on your schedule and follow your rules will always lead to disappointment.

Be flexible, stay open, say YES and come from fun, not shun.

Every Thursday we send out our NoHo e-News. Do you get it? It takes 30 seconds. Make sure you sign up, it’s FREE. Sign up HERE>>

This issue of NoHo e-News is about what's going on in North Hollywood and a selection of some theatre shows. But we have a ton of them. Did you know that the NoHo Arts District has the highest concentration of theatres outside of New York City? Just check out the NoHo Arts District Theatre Guide>>

Here's a glimpse at what's going on in North Hollywood...ENJOY NOHO!




**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood's NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo.

Did you know that we have a September 11 memorial monument in North Hollywood Park? This memorial lists the 78 Californians lost in the attacks on the U.S. on September 11, 2001.

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"September 11 is a day to remember, to remember the tragedy of lives lost and those who mourn them, and to remember the bravery and resilience of the nation." Nancy Bianconi, www.nohoartsdistrict.com publisher

Please join Councilman Paul Krekorian, the Midtown NoHo Neighborhood Council and the L.A. Beautification Team on Friday, September 11, 2015 at 6:30PM to honor the lives lost and show support for the families of the victims.





**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood's NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo.

I’ve been somewhat conditioned to primarily eating it during winter holidays and the occasional Sunday dinner.

Growing up, it wasn’t often that we had cornbread during the week with a batch of chili or soup. Looking back on it, what a shame. Cornbread, whether it’s traditional or not, is something that I could have eaten every day–breakfast, lunch or dinner. Fast forward to today, I may not have the same desire to OD on cornbread, but there’s something about it that will always have a special place in my bread-loving heart.

No one in my family did that much baking, but this quickbread–cornbread–was something fast and easy that everyone knew how to make.

It may not have been from scratch, but people knew how to jazz up a box mix. Now, I’ve grown into the kind of person who likes both versions–homemade or boxed–but when something is pretty easy to put together from scratch, why not just do it. I don’t agree with folks who say cornbread shouldn’t have sugar. You can adjust the amount based on your preference, but if you ask me, cornbread needs a little sweetness. Another thing to know about this recipe is that it is dense due to the small pan, so you will have a nice, hefty slice upon serving. Use a 9″ cake pan, if desired, and slightly adjust baking time for the modification.
Although it’s dense, the warm cornbread is moist with a soft crumb thanks to the crème fraîche, heavy cream and eggs. You may be wondering if it’s worth it to pay a few extra dollars for crème fraîche rather than a container of sour cream. The former is thicker, contains more fat making it richer and is also milder in flavor.

Of course, you can sub in sour cream, if you prefer. If you do, share your thoughts on the result!

Crème Fraîche Pimento Cornbread

Ingredients

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 cup fine yellow cornmeal
1 cup flour
1¼ cups plus 2 tablespoons sugar
⅔ teaspoon kosher salt
2½ teaspoons baking powder
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 eggs, lightly beaten
¾ cup crème fraîche, at room temperature*
1⅔ cups heavy cream, at room temperature
4 ounces diced pimentos, drained

Instructions

Crème Fraîche Pimento Cornbread

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Pour the vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter into an 8" round cake pan. Slide into the oven while it preheats.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt and baking powder.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk the melted butter with the eggs. Add the
4. crème fraîche and heavy cream, whisking to combine. Lightly stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
5. Fold the pimentos into the batter.
6. Carefully remove the greased cake pan from the oven, swirling the oil and butter around to coat the edges. Evenly pour the batter into the pan, and return to the oven. Bake for 50 minutes, then cover with foil and bake another 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and baked through in the middle.

Notes
*Sour cream is a decent substitute for crème fraîche, although the latter is less tangy and richer.

Dear MB, What a great question – thank you for asking it here. Yes, I have something in my toolbox for you! This pattern is your direct line to the answer and the relief you seek.

Most likely, that particular pattern has been operating automatically and unconsciously in your life, making it difficult to see.  In fact, you may have come to believe that these feelings are who you are. Here’s the good news: this pattern, these feelings, are NOT WHO YOU ARE, and you can interrupt and end this pattern with the help of a conscious and super simple tool called the Pattern Buster Journal.

The Behavior Pattern Buster Journal

I learned about pattern journaling at the University of Santa Monica, where I received my Masters in Psychology, and I have been using this tool ever since, specifically when I start noticing a thought or behavioral pattern that I’m repeating AND that is causing me to suffer and feel unhappy or unbalanced.

The pattern journal is where you identify and write about any pattern (mental, emotional, behavioral, physical) that you are noticing in your own life. It is an excellent method for bringing your awareness to areas in your life that may need healing, improvement, or change.

21 Days to Freedom

Get a journal or notepad.  Write in your pattern journal in the morning or at the end of each day. Either time is fine, as long as you write in your pattern journal once a day for 21 days. I prefer to write in my pattern journal at the end of the day before sleep. That way I can review my day and write about when and how the pattern showed up, how I felt, etc., while it’s still fresh in my mind, instead of waiting until the next morning when I may forget the details. I tend to work with one pattern at at time.

The pattern journal is meant to serve your well being, and is not meant for criticism or blame. If you feel self judgment or criticism coming up, practice Self Forgiveness, and then keep moving onward and upward.

Why It Works

Pattern journaling has a high success rate for breaking non-supportive patterns because it’s a direct method for bringing our awareness and consciousness to thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that we were previously not conscious of and simply didn’t see.

Pattern journaling is how we ‘out’ patterns!  It’s like the formerly submerged pattern pops up to the surface where you can see it, and then release it for good! The light of your conscious awareness melts the formerly submerged iceberg!

Identifying a pattern and then writing it down and describing it in detail, along with how it makes you feel or what you noticed, can be super empowering and enlightening, and can stop a pattern dead in its tracks. This is all because you bring your awareness to it, which supports you in then having conscious dominion over how you want to move forward in a more positive and life affirming way.

Identifying a problem can be half the battle, and once we identify a problem, we’ve already begun solving it and setting the wheels of resolution and liberation into motion. Honestly, sometimes just identifying a pattern causes it to disappear altogether.

Try It, You’ll Love It

I love pattern journaling. Sometimes I’m shocked at what I’ve been thinking or how I’ve been repeating negative patterns, and am always very relieved when I can say goodbye to a pattern that I was formerly a prisoner of. We can make ourselves happy. In fact, true happiness always begins inside of us. And when we express this, we often inspire others to do the same.

And so MB and all my readers, the tool I recommend for breaking and ending an unwanted pattern is the pattern buster journal, and doing it for 21 days.  And do this cycle anytime for any pattern you want to surface, clearly identify, and release.    

In addition MB, consider reaching outside of your comfort zone to support new and healthy patterns of the joy you really want as a new pattern. For example, take a stand-up comedy or comedy improv class, or enroll in a laughter yoga class. Yes, that’s correct – there is such a thing – Laughter Yoga!  Google it to find a class or group near you.  I know a woman who started taking laughter yoga for some of the same reasons you shared, MB, and I laugh just hearing about the exercises she does with her laughter yoga group.  Let that sadness go!  It’s not you!

Your Life Coach, Maddisen

“Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.” – C.G. Jung

“Being unconscious is the ultimate disability.” – Jessa Gamble

“A life lived of choice is a life of conscious action. A life lived of chance is a life of unconscious creation.” – Neale Donald Walsch

Copyright 2015 Maddisen K. Krown M.A.  

Since so much in this business is self-motivated, I often find actors feeling bad about themselves for not doing enough to make their careers happen.

On the other hand, I see some actors always keeping busy, busy, busy doing what actors do… and going out on as many auditions as possible. They tell me that when they are doing that they are being productive, getting results, or at least feeling better about themselves.

Recently I overheard two actors in a restaurant discussing their careers. “I went on 12 auditions last week,” one actor told the other. The other one replied, “I only had two.” I noticed the first actor was feeling good about himself while the other looked sad. I turned to both of them and said, “That’s great, did you book?” Both replied no. “Any callbacks?” I asked. Nope.

Here’s my question to you: Are you simply working hard, or are you working right? And what does that look like?

An actor goes out on an audition in L.A. The other actors at the audition all look just like him (or her); they all hold the same two sheets of paper with the same few lines of dialogue to read; and they’re all trained, with varied levels of experience and different backgrounds.

Of the 100 actors that go into the audition, 80 are simply not that good, 10 are decent, and 10 are great. The 10 great ones will get a call back. Maybe 3 or 4 will get a second callback. The bottom line though, only one will get the job. That’s the business. Welcome to Hollywood.

Are you in that 10 percent? If so, then you have a one in ten chance of getting booked. Keep at it and you will book.

As you look at how hard you’re working at your career, ask yourself if you’re doing the right work at this time. You always want to be in that 10 percent. I know one actor who bragged that he had 15 auditions in one month, while another had only 5. The actor with 5 auditions got 2 callbacks and booked one job. The actor with 15 auditions didn’t book any.

Where are you in that statistic?

Do you keep track? Do you keep your eye on it? You can’t go on this journey blindly without some introspection and self-evaluation. Look closely and ask yourself, Am I doing the right work, correctly for me?

That work involves several variables, including pictures, resume, a reel, and representation, not to mention understanding your type, training, experience, and a solid marketing plan. Take a periodic look at all these things and see how you’re doing. Ask a friend, a coach, or a fellow actor to give you some perspective. It’s not easy to do this alone. Don’t just spin your wheels. Be your best. Put in the time and effort it takes to do so.

Have a great month.

Before celebrities flaunt gorgeous gowns and stand in the spotlight at red-carpet events, they have to focus on every aspect of the way they look to get ready for all eyes and camera lenses focused on them. While wardrobe, accessories, hair and makeup are all essentials, celebrities won't have a complete look without flawless skin. That's why a focus on skin preparation is one of the main parts of every celebrity's pre-event activities.

How do celebrities prep their skin for major awards shows and premieres? These are some of their techniques, which you can follow too!

Start in Advance

You can’t start skin care the day of a big event if you want to achieve the best results. Instead, celebs begin their routine weeks in advance with treatments that vary depending on the celebrity and the beauty specialists who work on them. Some get facials that get rid of blockages, which helps prevent the skin from breaking out later. Well in advance, many celebrities get oxygen skin treatments with vitamin serums, which work to add plumpness to the skin and reduce signs of aging.

The person who founded the trademarked “Red Carpet Facial” boosts the skin with an electric current that comes from a tool called a “Resculptor.” She also fights signs of aging with LED lights, and uses beauty products to improve puffiness and drooping around the eyes, and to help the jawline stand out better. Whether they use this professional's products or some from another brand, most celebrities use some form of specialty beauty products leading up to the event in order to keep their skin clear, moisturized and looking perfect.

Closer to the Event

Then, a few days before the event, celebrities tend to get more skin treatments, such as light therapy, performed on their skin. They continue to use specialty products to enhance their skin as well. And on the day of the event, they might use some gentle treatments and moisturizing before adding a layer of event-ready makeup.

More Than the Face

When dresses show off legs, arms, backs and plunging necklines, it’s important to focus on skin beyond the face. That’s why female celebrities will often get the same treatments they would get on their faces across their entire bodies. Nonetheless, many male celebrities perform skin treatments on their faces just like their female counterparts.

Work With Professionals

In general, celebrities don't perform skin care treatments on themselves before their major events. Instead, they rely on the expertise of professional estheticians who have learned the tricks of the trade by going through esthetician school. One of the reasons to work with a professional is that they can tailor the skin treatments to each person, based on the type of skin you have and the condition of it at the moment.

Beyond Skin Care

Of course, celebrities do a lot more to prepare for their big events than work on their skin. They tend to get a variety of hair conditioning treatments to improve the hair's look and feel, work on slimming and toning techniques for their body, and go through juice cleanses to look and feel their best. They might also do tanning, a lot of exercising and follow other secret or well-known techniques. Some of these activities might have an effect on the glow of their skin, but the skin treatments are definitely an important part of the preparation process.

Maybe you can't have these specialty treatments all the time, but they're perfect for the special occasions in your life too, such as your wedding day or a career recognition event. Rely on a professional to give you the perfect esthetics for your important day.

**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood's NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo. 

What a person choses to surround themselves with is a clear mirror to their soul.  Colors, textures, variety, abundance.  All indicators of what goes on inside someone's mind.

I am a writer and a filmmaker, as well as a mum and all these activities require that I pay close attention to detail.  With kids, especially teenagers, this means that I notice when they leave, when they come back and what they smell like…Who their friends are and what they smell like too.  I have found over the years that what someone smells like is a pretty good indicator of what they get up to, as well as who they get up to it with and how they clean up afterwards.  My sense of smell has never been keener.

As a filmmaker I live and die by my attention to detail.  It can make or break a shot, the choice of location, actor, crew…everything.  Not paying attention can cost me money, and it has.  If the sound guy isn't paying attention I will have to either lose a shot or have to replace the sound with expensive ADR.  If the wardrobe person isn't paying attention, the continuity is off and the shot is useless, worse still, if the rest of us doesn't notice either, then we don’t even know what's wrong until we are in the edit and it's too late for another take.

Paying attention isn’t all about mistakes, it can add gorgeous and beautiful details to film.  It can make something with a small budget look much more expensively made.  You also have to pay attention to the smallest of details in the script, to the words each character would use, and how they communicate with each other.  It’s not just about the words that move the story along and get us from A to B, it’s about the way each character's individual voice differs from the next.  It’s really easy to forget that we all talk in different voices, our words are used differently and these specific nuances in how we interact with each other are so important in the language of a film.  It also gives the actors a place to begin to build their characters, and you certainly don't want everyone to sound exactly the same!

You must pay attention to what a character wears and how they wear it, attention to the uniqueness of every location, wallpaper, sheets, pictures on the wall, cars driven, the color of someone's hair.  Every detail as important as the next.

These days, when there is so much really great TV and film the audience is much more sophisticated, much more discerning.  The details become a game, like hidden easter eggs in video games. 

For an audience paying attention to the details of a story, whether it's a film or a book or a poem, can be how they are drawn into the story, how they are connected to the characters and what makes these characters authentic and real.  Recognizing authenticity in something is how we remember our own humanity, as well as seeing the humanity in others.

So when you think about it, details really do matter, it isn't all about the “big picture.”  It is about every tiny detail of life, the smallest of things that, like a massive, complex mosaic, make up the big picture.

The smaller the budget the more these details are important I think.  There is less to see, fewer things to hide a mistake behind.  But therein lies the amazing opportunity.

When you have to strip everything back, as we often do in very, very independent filmmaking, it’s these few and specific details that we use to create our worlds and where we can have so much fun doing it.

What ice cream are they eating, is it something specific to the region they are in or the time?  Are the sheets on the bed what this character would really have in her own room, or is it just what your neighbor’s brother has on his bed when you show up at 6am on Sunday morning?

What car does the murderer drive, probably a Volvo because that’s exactly the right  car for a psycho.  The color of someone’s sweater denotes the mood they are in.  The picture of the cat on the bedside table, where there is no cat to be seen, a sense of loss perhaps. A bass guitar, CNN on in the background, a french press rather than a coffee machine, sprouted wheat bagels, the bicycle must be red…on and on and on, everything can be utilized to create the world that you pull your audience into.

This takes time of course, but is can be as worthwhile as being able to film in an actual restaurant, or being able to borrow your cousin’s boss’s DeLorean…

Don’t underestimate the power of the detail and please do not dismiss an opportunity to satisfy that demon within you that likes to control every minute detail of everything.  Finally you get the chance to stop everything and remove the picture of the moose on the wall and replace it with an obviously erotic picture of a flower's stamen being ‘taken’ by a pollen ladened bumble bee….This is what it’s all about folks!!!

Fresh out of college Ennis landed a position with MTV working on their Reality TV shows under the mantles of writer, producer, editor and development.

Ennis also worked on AOL’s feature “SESSIONS”. During his stint with AOL, Ennis worked with such talent as The Red Hot Chili Peppers, MAROON 5, Rihanna and Audio Slave and mentioned Adam Levine (MAROON 5) as a go to guy for the band and a good guy who cared about the quality of the production.

Ennis descirbes his position of videographerfor “SESSIONS” as having a front row seat to the music to come out at that time and added that no two situations are alike. To me, it sounded like the perfect “fly on the wall” position.

Ennis also did a stint with Freemantle Media where he honed his production chops in project development. Ennis has teamed up with Street Artists to come up with a documentary about getting big money out of politics that uses the “Monopoly” game as a backdrop for it’s thoughtful presentation.

Among the Street Artists Ennis used for his documentary is a prolific Street Artist who is known on the streets by the moniker Teachr.

Teachr’s work can be viewed all over Los Angeles which includes our cozy nook of NoHo Arts District.

While chatting up Teachr about his creative process, he surprised me by allowing that he enjoys listening to actress Juliette Lewis and The Licks when he’s working. For those that don’t know who she is, PLEASE go to YouTube and check her out!

Lewis and her band bang out some heavy chops that can easily be compared to those of my Punk Rock Icon Patti Smith. In fact, on YouTube you will find a video of Smith talking about Lewis. Teachr’s choice of Lewis explains why there is Punk Rock music as the soundtrack of a Street Art documentary that Teachr appears in titled “ARTISANS TEMPLAR.”

All in all this adventure into Los Angeles’ and beyond Street Art has been a real treat with more promising to come from Paris when I leave on September 19th. Dare I mention that the French kid named Nelson Vard that I ran into at Jim Morrion’s grave in Paris was on “NOUVELLE STAR” which is a Freemantle Media production…hmmmm.

###

She Wants The LA Airwaves

Riding high on her #1 status as host of the Jill & the A-List on www.caveradiobroadcasting.com, broadcast journalist Jill Fleisher landed in Hollywood in late August to check out the local music scene and broaden her networking horizons. IE Fleisher wants our airwaves!

Seems like only yesterday that actress Angela McEwan and I were guests on Fleisher’s much touted radio show promoting my book “Gallerie de Street Art:Paris” and talking about my piece of rock n’ roll history on the music scene of Hollywood…we built this city!

During that time it was obvious that Fleisher and Aimee List (the A-List) had a great chemistry which feeds on each other’s wry sense of humor and sense of timing. This was apparent when McEwan’s role in Sheena Metal’s production of “The Vagina Monologues” came up and the subject of “bush” made us all erupt in laughter.

When Fleisher came back over to me, it was to ask about my early history with Frank Zappa at the age of 13, and guest musician Jason Caine of Bloodline Riot asked me how that occurred to which I replied I was the babysitter…isn’t it always the babysitter? More laughter and a few lacivious remarks ensued.

Make no mistake, this show is not timid nor is it family friendly.

It is for rockers and posse to have an adult platform in which they can feel free to discuss their unearthly proclivities and music projects.

Fleisher and I have known each other for a few years via Facebook and met through her sister, Dawn Marie Sargent AKA Penny Lane. In both cases there was bonding through rock n’ roll. For Sargent it was Jimmy Page and for Fleisher it was Dave Grohl.

Over Mango Sangria’s, Fleisher reveals to me that the radio show had originally started out as Hittin’ Hard, but when the co-host at the time bailed she ws still holding the time slot and decided to enist the aide of List. Although it is an obvious play on words, the show does manage to bring in the finest talent from around Detroit as well as other parts of the country.

As to why Fleisher got involved in this project, she admits that she is a fan first and is always looking for inspirational people to interview on her show.

Fleisher adds that “my friend from high school Bill Bardes asked me to come to Hollywood and let him show me the ropes. You need to come to Hollywood and meet people.”

As to why I agreed to do a radio interview when I have refused other’s requests over the years the answer is simple.

I used to run a nightclub that was called THE CAVE. The concept of the cave harkens to Lita Ford’s song “Let’s Get Back To The Cave” and of course Plato’s analogy “The Cave”.

For Fleisher, her decision to host as radio show was that “I’ve been told that when I talk about rock n’ roll I get into a zone and it shows in my face…I light up, but these days it could just be the change…LOL”

Fleisher admits that everything she has done in her past in the field of rock has evolved into what she is doing today. Fleisher adds that she’s looking to Hollywood and it’s scene to extend her range. “I would like to find a place, a niche for my show and bring it here”

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If music be the food of love, then play on. W. Shakespeare

THE MUSICAL COMEDY MURDERS OF 1940

Written by John Bishop
Directed by Michael Van Duzer
Produced by Peter Parkin and Benjamin Scuglia

It’s December 1940, and there is a killer on the loose.

It appears the “Stage Door Slasher” is running rampant through the New York theatre district and three Chorus girls have been slain. Another murder opens the story where wealthy patron of the arts, Elsa Von Grossenknueten (Jacque Lynn Colton) has assembled a group of actors, a director, and music composers at the family mansion for a “backer’s audition” of a new musical. But NYPD Detective Michael Kelly (Kevin Yarbrough) suspects someone in this group to be the Slasher and is working with Elsa to uncover the murderer.

A snowstorm traps all the participants for this weekend escapade. There is the maid Helsa Wenzel (Michelle Holmes), the Irish actor Patrick O’Reilly (Joe Nassi), the famous Director Ken De La Maize (Scott Seiffert), the Comedian Eddie McCuen (Patrick T. Rogers), the scriptwriter Marjorie Baverstock (Ivy Jones), and the music composers Roger Hopewell and Bernice Roth (Donald Moore and Anne Leyden). Numerous other murders take place over the weekend and we are left wondering “who done it?”. Da, da, da, daaaa. Secret doorways, sliding bookcases, a German maid, old secrets, a pure 1940’s murder mystery romp. They all lead up to uncovering the murderer. There isn’t a lot of music in the musical comedy, but here are loads of laughs and fun-filled moments.

John Bishop has given us a fun story, and Michael Van Duzer’s direction creates a lively stage experience. Great 1940’s music, terrific period costumes, and a wonderful set all put you in the mood to solve a mystery. Was it the maid…the director…the Comedian? No? Then who really is the Stage Door Slasher? That’s for me to know, and for you to go to see THE MUSICAL COMEDY MURDERS OF 1940 at Theatre West to find out.

Another great evening in the NoHo Arts District.

Enjoy!!!!!!

Cast: Jacque Lynn Colton, Michelle Holmes, Ivy Jones, Anne Leyden, Emily Rose McLeod, Donald Moore, Joe Nassi, Patrick T. Rogers, Scott Seiffert and Kevin Yarbrough
Directed by Michael Van Duzer
Produced by Pete Parkin and Benjamin Scuglia for Theatre West
Production Stage Manager: Roger Kent Cruz
Set Designer: Pettifogger
Costume Designer: Emily Brown Kucera
Lighting Designer: Yancey Dunham
Sound Designer: Austin Quan
Prop Master/Master Carpenter: Ernest McDaniel
Fight Director: Joe Nassi
Composer Barbara Rottman
Assistant Stage Manager: Ariel Staehle
Publicity: Philip Sokoloff

Theatre West
333 Cahuenga Blvd West
Los Angeles, CA 90068

Reservations: 323-851-7977
Online Ticketing: www.theatrewest.org

Plays: September 11 – October 18, 2015, Friday & Saturday at 8:00 pm; Sunday at 2:00 pm
Talk back with cast and crew follows Sunday, September 20th matinee
Two free audience previews Wednesday and Thursday September 9th & 10th at 8:00 pm

Admission: $20; Seniors $15; Students with I.D. $5; Groups of 10 or more $15.

We all like a delectable dish and a yummy cocktail. But they taste even better at Happy Hour and on Sunday for brunch. They taste much better when they are in North Hollywood! The newly renovated Garland Hotel has delish Happy Hour and weekend brunch at their Front Yard restaurant
that gives us a: “…new dining experience with an approachable and shareable menu influenced by L.A. culture and curated by Chef Chris Turano.” So stop in for some bites and signature cocktails during their “Social Hour” or before a matinee on Sunday for their brunch. Be sure to give them a big North Hollywood WELCOME!

BRUNCH

You can have brunch on both Saturdays and Sundays! Try their open egg sandwich or other favorites such as The Front Yard's house-made toaster strudel, shrimp and grits and el Cubano for brunch. Check out their brunch menu.

“The Front Yard is an ideal everyday dining destination that spotlights in-season ingredients and quality fresh produce woven with distinctive flavors to create an approachable, yet elevated, menu,” said Executive Chef Chris Turano. “Drawing from the techniques and flavors that I have come to appreciate throughout my career, I am excited to transform simple menu items into flavorful, unexpected and seasonally-infused dishes for both guests and locals."

HAPPY HOUR = SOCIAL HOUR

The Front Yard at The Garland in North Hollywood has just launched a new Social Hour offering a menu of bites and standout cocktails, California craft beers and wine at special prices.

Social Hour at The Front Yard | 4-7PM and 10PM-close daily

$7 wines by the glass
$4 beers
$6 cocktails & well drinks
$4-8 bites



They’ve got a selection of lighter to fuller-bodied craft beers from across California in addition to impeccably made classic cocktails such as a Bulleit Bourbon or Moscow Mule. Or, go with Lead Bartender Will Cutting’s recommendation and order the Bartender’s Choice. Among Social Hour bites by Executive Chef Chris Turano: Tuna Tartare Tacos, Smoked Beeler’s Pork Quesadilla and Fig and Prosciutto Flatbread.

About Executive Chef Chris Turano

With more than 15 years of experience in the food and beverage and hospitality industries, Executive Chef Chris Turano brings an unmatched passion and enthusiasm for food to the kitchen at North Hollywood’s newly revamped property, The Garland. The property’s highly anticipated on-property dining experience, The Front Yard, is slated to open early summer and will offer both Angelenos and hotel guests a fresh, approachable menu true to the spirit of Los Angeles.

Prior to his position as Executive Chef at The Garland, Turano was Chef de Cuisine at the renowned Bacara Resort & Spa in Santa Barbara, CA. Turano began his career studying under Food & Wine’s Best New Chef of 2001, Ted Cizma, at Elaine Restaurant in Chicago. He then went on to various leading roles in Chicago including Executive Chef at The Chicago Firehouse, Executive Chef at ESTATE Ultra Bar and Executive Chef at Crowne Plaza Chicago Metro Hotel where he ran the culinary program. Past successes include re-opening the Quadrangle Club at the University of Chicago and opening Glen Prairie, one of the top 20 restaurants in 2009 by Chicago Magazine. No stranger to the camera, Turano also competed on and won the Food Network’s “Chef Wanted” show in 2013. Turano attended the College of DuPage and also holds a Court of Master Sommeliers Level 1 Certification.

Under the guidance of Executive Chef Chris Turano, The Garland’s new, distinctive dining experience, The Front Yard, will offer guests an unparalleled dining environment, highlighting the best of Los Angeles.

For reservations: (818) 255-7290

http://www.thefrontyardla.com/

4222 Vineland Ave. North Hollywood, CA 91602 at The Garland

**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood's NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo.

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This issue of NoHo e-News is about what's going on in North Hollywood and a selection of some theatre shows. But we have a ton of them. Did you know that the NoHo Arts District has the highest concentration of theatres outside of New York City? Just check out the NoHo Arts District Theatre Guide>>

Here's a glimpse at what's going on in North Hollywood...ENJOY NOHO!



**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood's NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo.