Pioneering interdisciplinary artist Rachel Rosenthal, 83, is set to release her long-awaited book, The DbD Experience: Chance Knows What It’s Doing! DbD, or “Doing by Doing” describes her signature method of teaching improvisational theater. In the 130-page book, the Obie winning performer explores improvisational theater and its relationship to life, offering a blow-by-blow account of what happens in her 34-hour DbD weekend intensive workshops (currently still happening on a bi-annual basis in Los Angeles). This mix of memoir, teaching manual, and manifesto was edited by Kate Noonan and is set for US release in December 2009 by Routledge. Read the rest of this entry »

Cirque Berzerk photo credit: Brion Topolski

Cirque Berzerk, a wild, sexy, decadent and demented alternative circus, that isn’t exactly for kids, makes its triumphant return to downtown Los Angeles for an exclusive engagement debuting June 18, 2009, and running through 4th of July weekend (at least). The event of the summer will take place at the Los Angeles State Historic Park 1245 N. Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90012. All ages are welcome. Tickets will range in price from $25 to $80.
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Dance Camera West‘s annual festival, recognized as one of the world’s foremost celebrations of dance on film, announces the Dance Camera West Eighth Annual Dance Media Film Festival screening at venues throughout southern California in June 2009. A unique cinematic experience that focuses on the intersection of cinematography and choreography, the month-long film festival features all forms of dance media. Chosen by Los Angeles Magazine as “Pick of the Month” for their June 2008 issue, Dance Camera West (DCW) again partners with the city’s most prestigious venues in offering a global perspective on a new visual language through a host of experimental shorts, documentaries, features, and symposiums with visiting international artists. Please visit DCW’s website for continuous updates – www.dancecamerawest.org. See below for the confirmed events.

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Carmichael Gallery of Contemporary Art is pleased to present the Los Angeles book signing party for Total São Paulo: A Guide to the Unexpected on Saturday, May 9, 2009 from 3 to 7 p.m. The gallery, known for its well-respected Brazilian street art exhibits, welcomes author Phuong-Cac Nguyen, as she returns to her native Los Angeles for the celebration. Total São Paulo, the first offering from new book publisher Unhinged Jaw Press, is scheduled for release on April 29, 2009. Join the author for complimentary caipirinhas provided by Leblon Cachaça, music and other surprises while enjoying the art of talented Brazilian artist Thais Beltrame, whose solo exhibition opens in the gallery on May 7. Carmichael Gallery is located at 1257 N. La Brea Ave., West Hollywood, CA 90038. For more information on the gallery please call 323-969-0600 or visit www.carmichaelgallery.com. To learn more about Total São Paulo: A Guide to the Unexpected please visit www.totalSPguide.com.
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The Asian Classics Institute of LA (ACI-LA) is thrilled to present two rare talks by world-renowned spiritual teachers, Geshe Michael Roach and Lama Christie McNally. On Friday, February 20 and Saturday, February 21, 2009 they will present “Where is Your Spiritual Partner?” from 7:00 – 9:30pm. Join Buddhist monk, Geshe Michael and Lama Christie as they use ancient spiritual texts to explore how to make love work in the 21st century. Learn how to find the perfect partner for you and reach a higher level of happiness with them. Following the teaching on Saturday night, stay for the Los Angeles release party and book signing for their new book, King of the Dharma: The Illustrated Life Of Je Tsongkapa, Teacher of the First Dalai Lama (www.jetsongkapathebook.com). ACI-LA, located near LAX, will hold both night’s events at Holy Nativity Episcopal Church in Westchester (6700 West 83rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90045). The events are free but you must RSVP at www.aci-la.org/SpiritualPartners.html. These teachings are jointly hosted by the Asian Classics Institute of LA and the Holy Nativity Episcopal Church in a spirit of shared wisdom between all faiths of the world. Both nights will be webcast live at www.ustream.tv/channel/SpiritualPartners. For more information on ACI-LA please visit www.aci-la.org.
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Art Dimensions is proud to present Fertile Dreams, an exhibit by Los Angeles based artist Freyda Miller. Integrating assemblage, photography, and installation, Miller explores the complex aspects of the maternal psyche. This solo exhibit opens on Saturday, February 7, 2009 with an artist reception from 5:00 – 8:00pm. It runs for six weeks, closing on Saturday, March 21st. Art Dimensions is located at 1326 Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90024. For more information please call 310-446-9180 or visit www.artdimensionsonline.com. For information on the artist please visit www.freydamiller.com.

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The “Art of Change Inaugural Ball – Los Angeles” brings artists and creative thinkers from all communities together to celebrate the swearing in of President Barack Obama on Tuesday, January 20, 2009. The revelry will take place in Downtown LA at the beautiful Mayan featuring The Mutaytor as well as DJ Motion Potion, DJ Wolfie, a surprise special guest performer TBA, and others. Creative formal attire is encouraged! Located at 1038 S. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015, to learn more about the venue please call 213-746-4674 or visit http://www.clubmayan.com. Doors open at 7:00pm and guests 21-years old or older are welcome. Tickets cost $10 and an advance purchase is highly recommended as the event is expected to sell out the Mayan’s 1,500-person capacity. For more information or to purchase tickets please visit http://www.wonderlandadventuresinc.com.
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From hidden bars serving up $2.50 caipirinhas and tiny boutiques, to the best clubs and vintage markets, Total São Paulo: A Guide to the Unexpected (Unhinged Jaw Press) is a must-have travel resource for discerning creative types traveling to one of the world’s most up-and-coming cities. Written by Phuong-Cac Nguyen, an American journalist who has been reporting and breathing Sao Paulo’s pop culture/lifestyle beat for years, this beautifully designed 176-page paperback guidebook packs in places off the beaten track in 10 essential neighborhoods. Sprinkled among the candid, gorgeously shot photographs are also 11 easy-to-read, illustrated maps and 17 interviews with Sao Paulo VIPs who give the inside scoop on the metropolis’ best spots. Total São Paulo: A Guide to the Unexpected will be released in April 2009 through www.unhingedjawpress.com and independent bookstores worldwide. A supplemental online Sao Paulo city guide will be launched in December at www.totalSPguide.com with profiles on hotspots, provocative features and a regularly updated happenings calendar.
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Antidote Films is pleased to present Bomb It, the global graffiti documentary by award winning director Jon Reiss. Currently on a whirlwind international film festival tour, the film will screen theatrically for US audiences in spring 2008 followed by the DVD release. Featuring street artists and top graffiti writers from 5 continents Bomb It is the first film to update the story of graffiti with a truly international perspective. Personalities such as Cornbread, Lady Pink, acclaimed hip hop artist and former graffiti writer KRS One, international art machine Shepard Fairey, Brazilian bombing twin brothers Os Gemeos, and others share their lives with the camera. Globally comprehensive as well as politically relevant, a recent review by IGN.com reported, “… At the core of the film is a poignant social statement about public space and the war being waged for it.” To learn more please visit http://bombit-themovie.com and http://www.myspace.com/bombitthemovie and for constant updates about this film and graffiti culture in general, especially artist’s rights, visit the Bomb It blog at http://bombit-themovie.com/blog
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