music – Journo James's Journal

East L.A.’s Hidden Gem

Post author:journojames
Post published:May 15, 2012
Post category:Entertainment & Culture Feature

It’s a hidden gem.

From the outside there is nothing remarkable about the large building on Third Street. It’s easy to miss; it’s camouflaged in a dull beige-color and sits quietly across from the Metro Gold Line station.

The L.A. Music and Art School in East Los Angeles, Photo by JournoJames

But step inside the brick structure and it’s anything but dull. Bright paintings and drawings jump off the walls, dancers leap and spin in the studio, and music echoes up and down the halls. This is the Los Angeles Music and Art School (LAMusArt) and the place is alive. (more…)

The Mike Terlizzi Trio Plays Super Mario Bros.

Post author:journojames
Post published:March 16, 2012
Post category:Entertainment & Culture Feature Interview

Originally published Nov. 30, 2011 Shot and edited by JournoJames.

Santa Monica City Council & S.M. Civic Auditorium Report

Post author:journojames
Post published:February 10, 2012
Post category:News

Originally published Mar. 14, 2011

SANTA MONICA, CA – The Santa Monica City Council unanimously voted Tuesday to work with one of the nation’s top concert producers in an effort to revitalize the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium despite serious concerns about the projected $45 million commitment in renovation.

smpatch — Santa Monica City Council, Photo courtesy of Santa Monica Patch

City Council members and citizens were enthusiastic about partnering with the Nederlander Organization, which has produced successful musicals like “Wicked” and “The Lion King” as well as presented such headlining music acts like Paul Simon and U2.

Nederlander would take over and manage the neglected 3,000-seat historical landmark that has either sat empty or been relegated to hosting occasional gem and cat shows. In better times, the Civic Auditorium was home to the Academy Awards ceremony and to popular concerts like Bruce Springsteen. (more…)