L.A. Escapes — "Revenge of the Great Showdowns" Exhibit

One of Scott C.'s "Great Showdowns."

I professed my Scott C. love a few years back. And I'm hardwired to over-geek out over '80s/'90s nostalgia, due to my being a member of whichever generation letter it is that claims 1977 babies. So, Scott's upcoming "Revenge of the Great Showdowns" exhibit dovetails quite neatly with my interests.

L.A. Escapes — LACMA Tuesday Matinees

The Red Balloon, 1pm Tuesday, July 1 @ LACMA

I did a piss-poor job of planning out this summer break. Waited too late to sign up for most of the camps and classes, dragged my feet until their was no more decent air fare, neglected to book rooms in time. As such, it's been a long, languorous few weeks since school let out. (Our regular library-park-mall triangulation has grown tired as hell.) On the bright side, I'm not too bad at unearthing little local distractions to help us bide our time until summer comes to an end. (And, lucky for you, I'm down to share with all my fellow slack-asses out there.)

For instance, LACMA is hosting a month full of family-friendly movies every Tuesday in July. In between checking out the "Fútbol" exhibit and the Calder and Expressionist special collections, you can pop in for 1pm screenings of "The Red Balloon," "My Neighbor Totoro," (a forever favorite!) and Chaplin's "The Kid." Tickets are $2 for members, $4 for non-members. Check out the full line-up here. Oh, and, by the by, if you need more to eat something more substantive than a frou-frou handpie from C+M, you can usually find an embarrassment of food trucks parked along Wilshire Blvd., just across from the restaurant.

Wantables — Crooked Teeth Wood Pins

My Crowded Teeth fandom continues, unabated. These wooden pins are my latest Michelle Romo-designed fixation. There are about a dozen different styles and I'm pretty sure I could find a use for each adorably pointless one of them. Isn't Workout Alpaca just begging to be popped onto a jean jacket collar? Can't you just see Skeleton Dude riding around on your computer bag strap, protecting your laptop? And Space Unicorn could make any kid's backpack that much cooler. Each one is $15 (and is far less like to give you the kind of skin irritation the brand's earring packs tend to cause...eek!).

Song of the Day

Fembot, I'm coming!

Yes, this Sunday is all about seeing Robyn & Röyksopp at the Hollywood Bowl. I lack the kind of bonkers-ass outfit that such an occasion requires — I expect to see several iterations of this and these, plus a wide variety of these. Nonetheless, as long as I've had an "old lady nap" (a "disco nap" doesn't cut it anymore) and stay hydrated, things should work out juuuust fine.

This track is just the cool-down. Trust. Things are gonna get silly.

Song of the Day

This is my second ever "Song of the Day" to feature Emily King. But this time, she's not the focus; this lushness comes to us via producer, composer and son of Bobby, Taylor McFerrin. His new album, "Early Riser," dropped this month and he's touring behind it. I very much wish I could check out his set this Friday at The Bootleg Theater, but I already blew my going-out budget (check out tomorrow's "SotD" to find out how).

Coming Down Off A Reading High

I love lists, but I've never been too enthused about those ubiquitous "Summer Reading Lists" that pop up every year. (What is the point of those? To whom are they pertinent? Are there really people who loll around on beaches/yachts/international flights/vineyard terraces and read curated stacks of books from June straight through to Labor Day? Am I just hanging out with the wrong echelon of folks? So many questions! Damn you, "Summer Reading Lists," for filling me with such uncertainty!) 

If, like me, you read what you can during whatever scrap of time you can scrounge, let this be the book: Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. 

I just finished it and my mind is abuzz. The book follows Ifemelu, a young Nigerian woman who travels to America in search of education and something more elusive — not anything as trite as the "American dream," because she's too complex for that. I'd call it a "coming-of-age story," but angsty young white writers have long-since claimed that category. But then, there I go, sounding like Ifemelu, for whom the subjects of race, culture and identity become all-consuming. 

When I was half-way through, I read a blurb that described it as a love story and I wish I hadn't. That seemed like a lazy label and I didn't want to box the story in like that. To tell the truth, romance is not what I initially focused on at all. I was more wrapped up in Adichie's enviable powers of description — the way she captures the nuances of everything from a run-down braiding salon to an overwhelmingly bougie dinner party. So sharp, so relatable (especially in contrast to the last hazy, crazy book I read). I lapped up Adichie's words and read some passages several times in a row, feeling not a little bit envious. I kept thinking, 'I want to write like her. I want her to write like this about me. I don't want this to end. I definitely don't want this to be made into a movie.' 

Though I'd ultimately give the book a B+ (For reasons I won't clarify, for fear of ruining it for future readers...which should include you), it was the kind of book that had me dog-earing pages, talking out loud to the author and wishing I was part of a book club. 

Have you read it? What did you think? Sound off in the comments section…

Watch This — Some tUnE-yArDs With Your Morning Coffee

I've constantly been checking for tUnE-yArDs (aka, Merrill Garbus) ever since I first heard "Bizness." I didn't get my act together in time to catch her sold-out show at the Fonda Theatre, so this live version of "Real Thing" — off her latest album, Nikki Nack — will have to tide me over.

These ladies (and guy) are like harmonizing, grooving exclamation points as they layer lots of simple sounds to make one big, bold one.

L.A. Escapes — Grand Performances

The Fela! Band, performing two Chop and Quench shows, July 18.

Grand Performance's FREE Summer events get underway this Friday (June 13) and I'm already trying to figure out how many energy drinks it's going to take to get me through the next couple of months. Between the Stones Throw Picnic, the Fela-loving Chop and Quench, a tribute to Minnie Riperton and one to Cesária Evora, not to mention, just about every other single performance listed on the line-up...I may as well just set up a tent down at California Plaza.

The entire 2014 Schedule is right here. And all this goodness costs nothing, people! It's time to say a prayer to the parking gods, put that enochlophobia in check and grab the light jacket that's going to save you when the temperature suddenly drops 15 degrees. (As to the latter, I'm crushing on this one right now.)

California Plaza is located in Downtown L.A., not far from MOCA — Grand Ave. and Grand Central Market.  Having attended both daytime and evening performances there in the past, I can say this: If you go during the day, bring sun protection because it gets pretty melty; and, if you go at night, the plaza's cash-only underground parking garage is not nearly the headache you'd expect.

Wantables — MaxLove X Original Chuck Caps

MaxLove Project — my friend, Audra's, awe-inspiring childhood cancer non-profit organization — just launched its line of new Summer Caps and it's so hard to pick just one.

Do I go full-on "Fresh Prince" with the T.J. Cap above?




Should I skew a little preppier with the Conner?

Or, opt for the Joey Camper's bold floral which looks, to me, like Hawaiian print meets East L.A. graffiti?

They're all so on-point for the beach, a street festival, a picnic, or whatever kind of sunny day activities I'm sure to get drafted into this summer. Not to mention their useful bad hair day-masking and forehead pimple-covering qualities.

There are 11 styles, they're $28 each and 100% of net proceeds fund wellness initiatives for kids who are fighting cancer. I am really very down for a product that helps me look good, do good and be practical, to boot!

Song of the Day

Their album, "World Clique," came out 24 years ago and I'm still pressing play. I even got my kid into it. "Mmmm...how do you say Deee-Lite???"

L.A. Escapes — "Gas Giant" at MOCA

After an incredibly sweet Mother's Day visit to the Skirball's Ezra Jack Keats retrospective, I popped over to the Pacific Design Center to see Jacob Hashimoto's "Gas Giant" installation. 

It was my first time at this particular branch of MOCA (it's a shoe box of a space, compared to the PDC's giant crayon-colored complex), and I don't think I want to ever go back again. I want to preserve it in my mind just as it is, filled with hundreds and hundreds of Hashimoto's handmade "kites."

The first floor of the exhibit gives you black, white and turmoil. Upstairs, though, there's color, light and a sense of loftiness. The few patrons who wandered up were all hit with a similar dumbfounded stare, all eyes gazing upward. There are even little stools scattered along the walls for those who want to sit and simply daydream. It is a perfect place to be very still and very quiet.

If you want to experience "Gas Giant," you'd better hurry; the show wraps June 8. Admission is FREE, but there's a $5 suggested donation.

MOCA - Pacific Design Center
8687 Melrose Ave.
West Hollywood

Song of the Day

This Phantogram track gets lodged in my head for days on end. It sounds oh-so good coming out of a booming system...like my mom-wagon speakers. The video is palatable, but doesn't necessarily enhance the experience (though, my kid says, "I think it's mesmerizing!"). Feel free to hide it behind another browser window while you listen and get your shoulder bounce on.

Song of the Day

It's been two years since I last checked in on Lianne La Havas. Since then, she's been kicking it with Prince, showing her love for Little Dragon and collaborating with London-based Tourist on this here new track. It's a less organic sound than I'm used to hearing from her, but the track totally works. Her voice is soaring over this house-infused track and I approve.

Wantables — Yoda Vans

Aww! Look at that coy little Jedi Master peeking out from behind those hibiscus flowers. So delightfully random, right? These ladies' Era lace-ups are part of the new The Vault by Vans x Star Wars collaboration. The full line of shoes and accessories hits stores June 1.

Funny enough, I'm not drawn to this print based on any particular love for the Star Wars canon (I don't even recall watching any of the films all the way through). No, when I first saw these, I was reminded of another film entirely.

In The Coen Brothers' 1987 classic, "Raising Arizona," the exceptionally quotable Nathan Arizona spat out one of my favorite movie lines of all time, one which I'd have to fight the urge to shout every time I wore these sneakers...

Cop: What did the pyjamas look like?

Nathan Arizona: I dunno...they were jammies! They had Yodas 'n' shit on 'em!

Not for nothing, Star Wars fan or no, I could also see the case for these totally '80s AT-AT Walker Slip-Ons. They make me wanna rock an OP crop top and an acid wash denim skater skirt over biking shorts.

L.A. Escapes — Ezra Jack Keats at the Skirball

From Ezra Jack Keats' "Whistle For Willie."

The iconic artwork of children's author/illustrator, Ezra Jack Keats is now on display at the Skirball Cultural Center, a fact that I'd nearly missed if not for an ad I flipped past in Los Angeles Magazine.

The Westside museum has more than 80 artworks, including original sketches, paintings and collages. Why I haven't spied pennants and billboards to this effect is a mystery to me. Keats' vibrant pinks, oranges and reds hanging from lampposts would easily cheer up commuters cursing cross-town gridlock.

I've loved his books since childhood and, as an adult, I was quick to cop a version of "The Snowy Day" the minute I knew I was having a child of my own. I even have a snapshot from "Whistle For Willie" as my phone's lock screen image (and have secretly harbored a longing to get an EJK-themed tattoo...shhh...don't tell).

"Goggles!", 1969.

For me, Keats' images evoke innocence, simplicity, urbanity and humanity, all while putting sweet little brown faces in the spotlight for a change. Looking through his pages, you can almost hear strains of be-bop, inner-city horns honking and kids laughing. (Growing up, I always just assumed Keats, himself, was a black illustrator. I later learned he was actually a Brooklyn-bred son of Jewish immigrants.)

This exhibit has me wanting to grab a knapsack and go full-on "Mrs. Basil E. Frankenweiler" (much like I wanted to during the museum's Gary Baseman exhibit).

Check it out before the September 7 close date. Admission is FREE on Thursdays.

Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd. (***there once was a 405 exit that dropped you off right on the front steps, but you have to exit at Getty Center Dr. and back-track, the last time I checked.)
LA, CA 90049

Fashion Flashback — Esprit

In the late '80s, all I wanted to do was eat Cinnabon, read The Baby-sitters Club books and watch "The Cosby Show." That last bit's an understatement. I didn't want to merely watch "The Cosby Show," I wanted to be "The Cosby Show" (but, would've settled for being a walk-on extra). At the very least, I figured, I could look the part. Enter Esprit...

Art I Heart — Doggie Wonderland Art Show/Benefit

This Saturday, May 10, adorable emporium, Leanna Lin's Wonderland, will host Doggie Wonderland "Fun Adventures With Your Best Friend," an art benefit for Ken-Mar Rescue.

Ken-Mar is an L.A-based non-profit that gives refuge to "last day" small dogs (the sweet little photos on their site will break your heart). Buy some twee, pup-related artwork (all priced under $100) and you'll be doing your part to help a small rescue dog spend its last days in secure, spacious, butt-sniffing comfort.

But wait...I haven't told you the best part!

Watch This — I Wanted Her To Fill In For Letterman, But This'll Do

Either I've been living under a rock, or NBC's done a piss-poor job of advertising the fact that Maya Rudolph is debuting her own variety show on May 19. This clip is a pretty slapdash promo, but I'll take it!



I have loved Rudolph since the Destiny's Child-parodying "Gemini's Twin" sketches on SNL (why, oh why aren't there live links to those on YouTube?). I cried while watching "Away We Go," cried laughing at "Idiocracy" and "Bridesmaids" and cried on the inside when her talents were squandered on "Up All Night."

The way I see it, NBC owes her one for that last debacle. "The Maya Rudolph Show" is set to feature reliably funny folks like Chris Parnell, Craig Robinson and Andy Samberg, plus musical guests like style goddess, Janelle Monae. Also, Raphael Saadiq is set to be the show's bandleader. If you only remember him from Tony! Toni! Toné!, do yourself a favor and get updated. Even if there weren't a host of awesome names attached to this venture, I'd tune in just for Maya. She's long-since deserved to get the Carol Burnett treatment. With any luck, this hour-long special will fair well enough, ratings wise, to spark a weekly show.

Fun fact(s): Back when my daughter was a toddler, I used to kick it at the playground with a friend of Maya's who told me my kid was the spitting image of the actress as a child. Also, when I wore white flowers in my natural locks on my wedding day, folks told me I looked like Rudolph's mom, Minnie Riperton. (After consulting Google Images, I guess I can kinda, sorta agree on both fronts.) But, wait. Are these "fun facts," or delusional ramblings? I can't decide. Either way, don't worry....I'm just a fan, not a stalker, I swear.

Whew! I got off track there. Pretend it never happened and watch this instead. Skip to 2:44 to see her do a Gwen Stefani impression that makes me giggle with delight.

Mother's Day Gift Ideas Under $75

Iconic Moms — Vivian & Claire, via Apartment 349.

Truly, there's nothing wrong with flowers. But when did oversized bouquets of hydrangeas, lilies and the like become inextricably linked with Mother's Day? Any mom with a Trader Joe's nearby can whip up a nicer display for far less money on any given day. Yet, come the second Sunday of May, she has to smile and be a gracious recipient in order to spare the giver's feelings (because she's a mom and that's what we do).

Excessively expensive floral arrangements, crowded restaurant brunches, handmade kid art...it all comes with the territory. We get it. Most moms are just happy you took the time to do anything for them (though, I suspect cleaning a toilet, or doing your own laundry would earn you way more points than carnations).

Now, I'm not your cookie cutter mom, per se, but allow me to make a few suggestions for a few last minute gifts that might curry favor with your very own Wonder Woman.

I wrote two of these posts. Guess which ones (it's not that difficult).

For the past couple of months, I've been writing for TV-centric site, Previously.TV (my archived posts are right here). It's a fun gig that allows me to revel in my No. 1 pastime. I figured, instead of lamenting the fact that I no longer have a vibrant nighttime social life, I should embrace it. Then, I took that logic a step further and decided to monetize my newfound homebody lifestyle!

I went on to find out that people (besides my husband) actually agreed with my critiques of the outfits featured on "Girls," they appreciated my input on "A Different World" cast members, and they shared my love of H. Jon Benjamin's voice talent canon. It's been a great ride, so far.

But trouble lies ahead...

For The Love of Lists — POW! May 3 is Free Comic Book Day!

***UPDATED BELOW***

Tomorrow, Saturday May 3, is Free Comic Book Day and my kid will be beating down the door of her favorite spot, Thank You Comics, trying to get her hands on some newness. Though she has no concept of money, or saving (despite our best parenting efforts), she always manages to find just enough pocket change to keep her bookshelves well stocked.

We've never made it to one of these events (held the first Saturday of May), so I don't know what to expect. According to the official event site, Thank You will be handing out designated "Kid Friendly" comics. You can find participating shops using a Store Locator on the FCB Day Home Page.

If your neighborhood store is only handing out the racy/violent/dark stuff, you can always scan the shelves for these cool kids' titles*. They won't be free, but they'll be worth shelling out the cash.

*My suggestions are based solely on the number of times my own kid has read and re-read these titles. (Most of these are appropriate for, say, a mature 2nd Grader and range from either twee/girly to unisex.)

The "Hilda" Series by Luke Pearson.

The "Zita the Spacegirl" Series by Ben Hatke.

The "Amulet" Series by Kazu Kibuishi.

The "Bone" Series by Jeff Smith, and its "Quest for the Spark" spin-off.

Ugly Doll and Mameshiba manga.

And last, but not least, my kid's guilty pleasure...The MLP "Friendship Is Magic" comics.

Lately, my kid's been sniffing around the "Adventure Time" comics. We'll see what she picks up tomorrow.

Can you recommend any other kids' comic titles? You know the kind that's so good, they wanna curl up into a little ball of reading rapture until you force them to eat/bathe/sleep.

***UPDATE***
If you're in a book-perusing mood, don't forget May 3 is also California Book Store Day! Find out what's going on at our favorites, Vroman's and Skylight Books.

This Weekend — A $5 Ticket Takes Kids Around The World

"Papa Cloudy" by Akiko McQuerrey.

The annual REDCAT International Children's Film Festival heads into its second week, with screenings all day tomorrow and Sunday. My daughter and I checked out a screening last weekend and were glad we did…parking nightmare notwithstanding (street parking was nonexistent, due to an event being held at nearby Grand Park, Disney Concert Hall parking is $9 cash, up front, and the lot leads you on a labyrinthine quest as you attempt to find the REDCAT lobby entrance).

Each screening is comprised of about six to 10 kid-centric shorts culled from all over the world. They range from animation, to stop-motion, to live action. Some are in English, some are subtitled and a few are wordless. 

In previous years, we've checked out the younger kid fare — cute creatures embarking on silly adventures, or modern-day takes on age-old fables. This year, we opted for a more "big kid" selection. The assortment of shorts in the "Dare to Dream" screening was designated for ages 10 and up. We watched docs about the rigorous daily schedule of a working-class Indian student, a boy in The Netherlands who's bullied for being a ballroom dancer and a selfless Taiwanese boy who's devoted to rescuing and nurturing his country's neglected dogs and cats. There were also two charming animated pieces, courtesy of NPR's StoryCorps, via The Rauch Brothers. Perhaps the most gut-wrenching of all the stories we watched was a bittersweet feature about a gang of homeless kids in Mozambique who are desperate to have a little bit of fun, just for a day. It was the kind of authentic global flavor kids don't typically get from the big screen. For the $5 admission price, I was able to give my kid (and myself) quite a bit of food for thought. 

As the festival continues, there are options for preschoolers, 8+/9+, as well as, All Ages screenings. You and your kids can check out films from Korea, Belgium, Brazil and beyond. It's totally possible to make a day of it, checking out multiple screenings. There's a gourmet snack bar and plenty of seating in the lobby for waiting in between shows. Or, you can take your snacks to the Concert Hall rooftop garden and munch amidst the iconic building's curves and angles. 

Tickets are available online, but theater seating is pretty ample (kids can opt for pillows on the floor) and I was able to buy tix right from the box office without any fuss. 

REDCAT is located on the bottom level of the Roy and Edna Disney Concert Hall

631 W. 2nd St.

Downtown Los Angeles

213.237.2800

Bonus...

Here are a few me-approved, kid-friendly eateries nearby:

Lemonade (walkable)

Grand Central Market (walkable)

Chego (a short drive)

Pie Hole (a short drive)

Guisados (a short-ish drive)