[elaymade]

DUBLAB

Above many other things, we are constantly grateful to live in a city that calls itself home to such a vast array of musical scenes. From the recent Echo Park Rising music festival, FYF and HARD fests, to Grand Park Summer Sessions and the Twilight Concerts at the Santa Monica Pier, this town is certainly not lacking in melodic entertainment. We get some of the worlds greatest orchestras, including our own LA Phil, at the Hollywood Bowl and who could forget the eery-yet-exciting performances in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. While festivals and concerts abound during the summer, the rest of the year we often find ourselves turning to the radio to catch our favorite classics and discover new jams. Sadly, most of our radio stations churn out the same songs that are all starting to sound the same... and at a rate of about 30 times per hour. Ugh. Though all may seem lost to these hair whipping, roaring, twerking teen 'idols', don't you fret fellow Angelenos, for, thankfully, there is Dublab. 

A+A: For starters, what exactly is Dublab?

M: At its core, Dublab is a non-profit internet radio station. Dublab is a group of creative people, musicians, DJ’s, filmmakers, visual artists who have come together to create this collaborative organization. We’ve been doing radio since ’99 but we also do a lot of tangent projects that are all music related as well.

    A+A: Well, that's just plain awesome. How did Dublab get started?

M: I first got really involved in music back in 1994 in college radio. I was lucky to land there at a time when a lot of interesting folks were coming together (many of the founders of Dublab) like Daedelus, my brother and Edit of The Glitch Mob. We were developing this new kind of underground sound that was really exciting because there wasn’t much of it around at the time. Wu-Tang would be on one night and maybe a techno guy the next. We were also an illegal/pirate radio station and we knew at any moment we could be shut down. Because of that, I started looking into Internet radio and was able to get it up and running online by early 1998. We wanted to keep the momentum going and so we just went for it!

A+A: Can you tell us about some of the events and projects you guys put on?

M: In the fall and winter we have a night called 'Give Up…Stop Dancing and Cry' where we play all sad music and films. We also have a signature event called Tonalism, which is an all night space/drone/ambient music happening that we do worldwide. We also produce art shows that are music related. We did one with Creative Commons called Into Infinity, an infinity-themed art and music show. The art was circle shaped and the audio was 8-second sound loops recorded from artists all over the world. Then we combined the visual and sound over and over to create different combinations and new sounds. Over the years we’ve had these various art and music shows that are intended to explore the edges and angles of music. We like to play with how people interact with sound.

  A+A: What is your role in Dublab?

M: I am the executive and creative director. I work with our team to create the radio broadcast schedule and I also conceive some of the special projects we do, whether it’s an album release or curating a show or making a film. I try to set those things in motion and guide the organization creatively, while simultaneously figuring out the logistics and funding. We want keep the identity of Dublab loose enough so it’s still fun, but strong enough so that we have a unique identity.

  A+A: So, who are the kinds of people that create a place like Dublab?

M: Each person involved with Dublab inspires the next. We all try to do things for the passion of music itself. We look to inspiring individuals, record labels, other artists and organizations, like the radio station WFMU out of the east coast. They are over 75 years old and are always doing things that are progressive. We try to remain on our own path but also to bring the right people together.

When we first started we were always told to click one box to describe the type music we played, but nothing really fit. We decided to coin the term Future Roots Music for our genre. We like to play the most progressive music, sometimes straight from the artist's studio. We are playing music that hopefully influences people. Music that might not have a large audience at first, but may grow and inspire. In one set you might hear  1920’s music from Baghdad played next to a brand new song from LA. We select DJ’s that feel very strongly about their musical taste and we just let them do their thing. We never tell a DJ what to play, we just find the right DJ’s to play the music.

    A+A: Tell us about some of your DJ’s.

M: We have a really broad range. A lot of them actually make music themselves. Diego Herrera aka Suzanne Kraft, who is on right now, got involved when he was 15 as an intern. Today, he just completed his first European tour and participated in the Red Bull Music Academy. Aaron Coyes aka Slayron of the dub-psych group Peaking Lights just started a Friday show called The Analogue Players Club. The record label and PR group Friends of Friends host a monthly show as does the producer Daedelus who is a founding Dublab DJ. Staff member Ale of Languis and the band Pharaohs hosts a weekly show right before Matthewdavid who runs Leaving Records. Matthew's wife Diva is also a Dublab DJ and also recently signed to Stones Throw Records. Dublab DJ Danny Holloway is a legend in the record world. He lived in Jamaica in the 70's while working for Island Records and produced bands like The Heptones. Mahssa runs a store called Mount Analog which is one of the best new record shops in the country. They do a lot of in-store shows and serve as the US base for the Finders Keepers record label. There are so many more amazing folks involved which you can see and hear at dublab.com/labrats.

  A+A: What are your favorite music venues and/or music nights in and around LA?

M: I like more of the unconventional ones. Natural spaces are always interesting. One of our DJs does a lot of forest shows and this year is doing a desert party in Joshua Tree where he will have yoga classes and a Japanese chef. I like collaborative work. Incorporating different senses gives a variety of experiences. Museum venues are also fun. We have done a lot of events with LACMA, MOCA and The Getty. Being able to expose the public community is always exciting for us. I love Human Resources and REDCAT. They both have a big variety of shows. We work with Cinefamily a lot, which is an amazing space. That’s one of the things I love about LA: it has so much space!

  A+A: where are your favorite late-night food spots?

M: I’m a fan of classic LA spots like Pacific Dining Car on 6th just west of downtown LA. It’s an old train car, the waiters wear tuxedos, the food is great and they make amazing martinis. It’s open 24-hours, but from 11pm on they have a half price menu! The mulitas at Taco Zone are so good and really authentic. Sqirl just down the street on Virgil is amazing.  G&B Coffee in Grand Central Market is great. The owners are big supporters of ours. They put great soul and craft into what they do. India Sweets & Spices is a favorite lunch spot and you can actually buy old Indian music cassettes in the attached grocery store. Speranza in Silver Lake has wonderful Italian food and a great vibe! Elf Café in Echo Park is my favorite restaurant. It’s all organic and vegetarian North African style cuisine. The atmosphere is super cozy and the food is mind-blowing.

  A+A: And any favorite bars?

M: I like places with history like HMS Bounty, Tiki-Ti and Hank’s Bar downtown on Grand. On the fancier side, I like The Varnish, L&E Oyster Bar and The Virgil, right underneath us.

  A+A: What is you favorite music of the moment?

M: I’m really into Michael Hurley. He’s this amazing old vagabond (in the best of ways) and one of the best song writers out there. Peaking Lights new album is one of my favorites, Pharaohs, I listen to a lot of Alice Coltrane, Caribou’s Daphni Project, Ariel Pink’s new album and this producer out of the UK, Andy Stott.

  A+A: On your 85th birthday where do you picture yourself?

M: I hope to be feeling no regrets, to have lived a life on my own terms but also very aware and thoughtful of people around me, and to have a happy family whom I have passed my values onto. I want to have done my part in the community by doing positive, creative things that have influenced people, to have sent out a positive ripple in the universe. Also, I hope to have a great beard and be totally nuts!

  A+A: What’s the most important quality in a best friend?

M: With full trust anything is possible. Being able to have adventures and try new things with someone is most important.

  A+A: Anything else?

M: Dublab has always been a radio station at the core. We end up doing so many other things that sometimes people can't guess what we are but we have expanded our live broadcast schedule a great deal and are focusing on radio in a big way! It’s our dream to keep operating as a radio station that does other creative projects, is free, open and accessible. Also we are having a celebration of 14 years on September 21st, so save the date! 

                          Mark 'Frosty' McNeill

[elaymade]

LAB ART

In our perfect world, every blank wall of every ugly concrete building would be covered in street art. Wouldn't it make the world such a happier place to live in? At the very least, it would be colorful! Until laws regarding street art begin changing, the best we can do is cover our own walls with the vibrant, modern art. That is where Lab Art gallery owner Iskander Lemseffer comes in. Three years ago, Iskander began to realize the awesome potential in this underground art form. He created a haven where street artists could display and sell their work, without the the threat of it being buffed off the walls just a few days later. Essentially, Lemseffer is enabling street artists to have something that many of them have never experienced before: a lasting presence. With a longer 'wall life', if you will, more and more people are able to see the gritty beauty and hear the messages of this previously belittled culture. We were lucky enough to sit down with Iskander himself and hear a little more about the life of a street art entrepreneur.

A+A: What inspired you to start Lab Art?

I: I used to go to art openings and galleries all the time. After a while, I began to notice that they always only displayed one or two street artists, at the most. I didn’t see any galleries that were specializing only in street art. I worked in the fashion industry for 17 years and I wanted to get out of it, because when the Zaras and the H&Ms of the world came, you couldn’t sell high end denim anymore. A friend of mine had a 5500 square foot showroom in downtown LA which was basically a just an empty, white box. So I thought to myself, “Okay, I'll do a one night show, fill it up with artwork and see what happens.” Alec Monopoly was doing live painting during the event as well. Three hundred people showed up, I sold 11 paintings, and I thought, “Maybe I should be doing this. This is my ticket.” So the next day I went out looking for locations and about two or three weeks later I found this space on La Brea. It did not look like this when I found it. It used to be an auto body shop. Now, we’re in our third year in this space and we’re the nation’s largest street art gallery. I never expected it to be the biggest one, but here we are. 

A+A: What a great story! Well, you’ve really done an amazing job with the space. And especially to have the foresight to open in this area! La Brea Corridor is really turning into quite the hotspot. So how do you find your artists?

I: My artists find me. We get five to ten submissions a day and there is a three month waiting list. We have 25 different artists right now. We used to have 64 at a certain time but with street art, you know, some people come and go. You always have your usual suspects; your Alec Monoply, your Thank You X, your Mar, your Annie Preece, your Louis XXX. They’re always around. Most of our artists are local and from LA as well.

A+A: Do you find that you’re more drawn to certain styles of street art, or do you keep yourself pretty open in terms of who you display here at Lab Art?

I: I’m pretty much open. However, we don’t carry artists like Shephard Fairey, Banksy and Mr. Brainwash. The reason is, I always wanted to give the little guy a chance. But I'm starting to notice that all these little guys are becoming big guys right now. When I did that event where Alec was live painting, the press came and I told them, “Go interview that guy. He is going to be huge,” and they kind of brushed it off and didn’t bother to go talk to him. Now look where he is. 

A+A: There are several contemporary street artists right now, like Mr. Brainwash and Alec Monoploy, who are appropriating old, popular images and making it their own by painting versions of it on street walls. Granted, we do live in the age of appropriation, but what are your thoughts on this recycling of images and pop culture?

I: I actually like it. There’s a certain comfort to it because it’s recognizable. The Annie Preece condensed soup painting over there? Of course we’ve seen that image a million times but the play on words there says, “Yeah, this has already been done, but we’re going to do it again.” It's sending a different message. Street art has the ability to bring these old images back into the mainstream, where they weren't before. Street art has always been frowned upon and has never been respected by the fine art community. Although, I have good news regarding that because we’ve always wanted to give street art the place it deserves in art history. I’ve just been accepted as a member of the Art Dealers Association of California, which legitimizes all of this.

A+A: Congratulations! That’s such a huge accomplishment, especially since you are such a pioneer in the street art world. So, are there any cool trends you see happening between the street art world and the contemporary art world, in general?

I: I’m going to be very honest with you, I am so enclosed in this place that I don’t even look at what other people are doing. Before I opened Lab Art, I saw a lot of galleries that, again, had one or two street artists. Nobody carried only street art. After we opened, they just started mushrooming everywhere. And now, they’re all closed. People would call me and ask if I’d seen what this guy done and what that guy had opened, and I’d say no, because I’m just doing my thing. Whatever they are doing is their deal. I just go with my gut feeling on things and support what I think is the best out there.

A+A: That makes a lot of sense actually. This space is really cool as well because, on the street you can only see on piece at a time, whereas here, you can see multiple pieces at a time. It makes each artist seem more like an ‘artist’, or what we normally associate with the word artist.

I: Well that’s another thing. In the beginning, each section was dedicated solely to one artist. And then I thought, no, I should be like in the streets: all mixed.

A+A: Who are some of your favorite local, up and coming artists that you are featuring right now?

I: Skyler Grey, who is a 13 year old LA street artist. We are hosting his debut party here on September 19th. Everyone else… no one is really  up and coming anymore! 

A+A: Is there anyone that you have found that you are really excited about?

I: I can honestly say that I discovered Skyler Grey. He’s been trying to get in here for two years. Every time he’d come in, I’d tell him that he wasn’t ready. One day, he posted something on Facebook and I called his dad and said, “We need to have a meeting next week.” He brought in two Queen Amys and they both sold within less than 24 hours. A month later, he brought in two more, different colors and different styles (everything we sell is one of one, no reproductions, no prints), and both of those sold within 24 hours as well. It’s been crazy.

A+A: What did you see in his work that had changed? What was that shift?

I: There was something about him… something in his work. When you go the extra step in your work, people notice it. Louis XXX, when he first started, was doing very small pieces. I called him one day and said, I need you to come here, pick up all of your stuff, take it home and paint over it. It needs more layers. He brought them back and we started selling them like hot cakes. When you see more work put into something, it speaks more to people.

A+A: That makes a lot of sense, actually. In anything, really, when there are more layers, there’s more depth and it makes it that much more interesting. It gives it more history.

I: And the way I curate, if I see a piece and I think, “this can hang in my living room”, I put it in here.

A+A: So why did you decide to start Lab Art in LA as opposed to another city?

I: Well, I live here so that was a major factor. In my early twenties I was going to move to New York but then… there’s the cold. I don’t do cold, simple as that. I’m from Morocco, and Casablanca is on the same meridian on the planet as LA, so it’s the exact same weather, which is perfect. Also, LA is the capital of street art around the world, so this really is the right place to do this.

  A+A: What are some of your favorite neighborhood spots around LA? 

I: I love Larchmont. I also love Cross Creek in Malibu. I went to Pepperdine for a little while, so that’s why I love Malibu. It reminds me of my college years. There’s also a little hidden gem in LA called the Petit Ermitage Hotel. That is my home away from home. If I don’t answer my phone and you want to find me, I’m there.

A+A: Where are your favorite areas or walls to find new street art?

I: Downtown, on Mateo and 7th. They’re called the LA Freewalls. They are constantly changing. That’s how I actually got into street art because, being in the fashion industry, I was always downtown. Everyday I would drive by, and what I was looking at in the beginning was Shepard Fairey’s Andre the Giant. I remember thinking, “What is this thing? Is it an ad?” Then, a couple years later, I started seeing Brainwash’s face, holding a camera, appearing on the walls. I actually knew him from the clothing industry, because I’m French-Moroccan and he is too. From that moment on, I started to become curious about what this street art movement was. Two years before the show I hosted downtown, I was seeing the Alec Jack Nicholsons pop up in LA. I looked Alec up and sent him and email asking to buy one of his Jack Nicholsons. I never got a response. Two years later, we’re doing the event, he’s there doing live painting, and he comes up to me and asked if I had sent him an email a while back asking to buy his work. I said yes, and he says, “give me a second”. He goes to his car, comes back and says, “this was Seth Rogen’s but you can have it, I’ll just make him another one.”

  A+A: Um... that is a rad story! Have you ever made any art yourself?

I: Yes, but I don’t show it. I am an artist, which is why I am attracted to all of this, but no, I don’t show my work.

  A+A: Where do you picture yourself on your 85th birthday?

I: Hopefully in the south of France with my kids and my grandchildren all around me.

A+A: If you could live in any era, when would it be and where?

I: 50s and 60s, the Mad Men era, in LA or New York. Everything was impeccable during that time.

  A+A: What are your future hopes for the company and the growth of Lab Art?

I: Hopefully opening more Lab Arts around the world and exposing the world to LA street art. We’re actually hosting an exchange in April 2014 with Graphic Gallery in London, during Brit Week here. Lab Art will invade London at Graphic and we’ll send them 5 of our LA artists, and Graphic will invade LA at Lab Art and they will send us 5 of their London based artists.

  A+A: Sounds great. We’ll definitely be there! The more spreading of street art around the world the better! It makes our cities so much more beautiful and colorful to exist in.

I: It brings happiness! That’s why it makes me so upset that they keep buffing everything off the street walls!

  A+A: Us too! But hopefully, thanks to people like you, these artists and these murals will start to be recognized as true works of art, just with a different sort of canvas. Any upcoming events?

I: Skyler Grey on September 19th, 2013!

                                           Iskander Lemseffer

[elaymade]

THREE JERKS JERKY

(Photo by Hagop Kalaidjian)

Ahh, jerky. A true American staple. We’d go out on a limb and bet that almost everyone reading this has experienced the simple, dehydrated joy that is beef jerky. As jerky enthusiasts ourselves, we’ve tried a whole range of the sinewy, dried delicacy. Sadly, the vast majority of the jerky selection is tough, dry and chock full of nasty preservatives.  We always hoped that one day, a standout jerky would arrive on the scene, putting all other jerkys to shame, shining in all its healthy, tender, and flavorful glory. The HTF (healthy, tender, flavorful) trifecta is clearly a hard one to perfect in the jerky game. We've watched and tasted many brands who have tried and failed, rarely even hitting two of the three. Then, we met Three Jerks Jerky. When we heard they made their version of the beef snack with filet mignon, we were intrigued. We got in touch with the jerks and asked them if we could swing by, get a little jerky demo and learn what sets them far apart from the Jacks Links, Obertos and Slim Jims of the world.

A+A: Can you start by telling us the story behind the jerky? What inspired you to start Three Jerks Jerky?

J: It started when I was living in Orange County. We were all sitting around one night watching TV and a conversation about jerky came up. We quickly came to the conclusion that we all loved jerky, but that everything out there really sucked. It was clear that all the big companies had no interest in making a good product, and all the smaller guys, who were doing the organic, grass fed stuff, weren’t making anything that great. So, we decided to try making our own. The next day, we went to the store and bought the best meat we could find. We did batches of filet, batches of rib eye, batches of New York strip – all the premium cuts of beef- and they actually turned out pretty good! Little by little, people were trying it, liking it and asking for more. So we started working on a ton of different flavors, tried a ton of different meats and eventually, it evolved into two realizations: 1) filet mignon is the best meat to use and 2) people really liked our product.

  A+A: Well that sounds like a pretty lucky start! Did you just teach yourselves how to make it? Or did you go in with some former jerky makin’ skillz?

J: We are totally self-taught. It's kind of the standard grass roots, entrepreneurial story: we’d go to my apartmtent after work almost every night, every week, and just work on jerky until 3 or 4 o’clock in the morning.

A+A: Whoa! That’s a lot of jerky time!

J: A lot of jerky time. I would set an alarm every hour in the middle of the night to go and check the dehydrator to see when it was perfectly done. It was a lot of work.

D: I was living up here in Santa Monica when Jordan was living in Orange County, and I was doing the same thing at home, on my own. We experimented with so many different flavor combinations. We’re launching with three, Original, Chipotle Adobo and Memphis Barbecue, but we probably have about 8 or 10 flavors that are legitimate possibilities for down the line.

J: A whole roster of delicious flavors.

    A+A: What's the philosophy behind Three Jerks Jerky?

J: As far as the product goes, we want to make the absolute best beef jerky we can. Jerky is typically thought of as a primarily blue collar food, but we want to change that stereotype and create a premium side of it.

D: We’re basically making red neck charcuterie.

  A+A: How long have you guys been at this?

J: A full year at this point. We launched our Kickstarter two weeks ago, but leading up to that was a lot of work getting the product set, getting a supply chain set, figuring out our branding and marketing, finishing our packaging-

    A+A: Yeah! We love your packaging. Very rustic. And love the three layered animals! 

J: It's actually a little bit of a character play on us. Fogey is the bear, I don’t know why but they chose me to be the jackass-

D: It has nothing to do with personality…

J: And the other founder, who is no longer with us, is the chicken.

A+A: Are you looking for a new jerk?

J: We're actually thinking about getting a chicken as a placeholder for the third jerk. 

A+A: Haha well, that would be appropriate! Are your ingredients local, sustainable, and organic?

J: Yes. For the most part, everything is totally local. The meat sourcing- the farms, the cows- are all local. The manufacturing facility is local, our spice supplier is local in Long Beach-

D: Even the guys who are making our final packaging are just 35 miles east of downtown.

A+A: So rad. LA is a very self sufficient city. It seems like the jerky business is becoming somewhat of a trendy pocket of the food world. Obviously your use of filet already puts you far ahead of the competition, but what else do you plan to do to continue to set yourself apart from other jerky makers?

J: Well we’re intrinsically set apart because of the meat we use. Obviously, other people might try to start making their own filet mignon jerky, and if it happens, it happens. We will always remain the original though, and we will continue to work as hard as we can to make really excellent jerky and keep building our brand. We really put our heart and soul into this and I think that comes through. We can only hope people will recognize that.

  A+A: Clearly filet is your forte but is there any interest in ever moving into other cuts of beef jerky or other types of animal jerky?

J: We tried other types of beef and through that process we learned that filet is the best. It’s the leanest and it’s the most tender, so I don’t think we’d stray away from filet. There are definitely plans for expanding with our rubs and our marinades and bottling and selling those. As far as other animals go, as long as there is a premium cut, and there is something that keeps within the same characteristics of top quality and most delicious, then I think it's something we'd look into.

(Photo by Hagop Kalaidjian)

A+A: Why did you decide to do this in LA?

D: The pace of life here in LA is more creative than it is insane (like it can be in some other cities).

J: The other day, I was watching Fogey do his magic with social media (we call him the Sultan of Social), reaching out to people and accessing our networks to let them know about our launch. I was thinking that if we were to try and do this in any other city, it would be incrementally more difficult, just because of what happens in LA with the entertainment industry and so much entrepreneurialism. There’s such a social context for creating a business that makes it much easier than other cities.

(Photo by Hagop Kalaidjian) 

A+A: As meat purveyors, where do you guys go to get the best meat dishes in LA?

D: My barbecue.

J: Yes. Fogey’s barbecue. The dry rub that we use for our Memphis Barbecue flavor is the same dry rub that Fogey has been using on his barbecue since he was 7 years old. It's insane. There's also a restaurant in Culver City called A-Frame and they have this beer can chicken that is one of my favorite dishes in LA.

D: One of the best meat meals I've had is at Hatfield’s. They have this sous-vide short rib. I mean, I'm starting to drool just thinking about it. It was one of the best meals I've had in a while.

J: Playground in Orange County does a pork chop that is one of the best things I've ever eaten in my entire life. Its brined, sous-vide, seared and then they do a maple glaze on top. It's amazing.

D: In terms of just a pile of meat on a plate, there’s one place on Rodeo and La Cienega called JR's Barbeque. It’s a family owned BBQ place that's been around forever. It is some legitimate barbeque. 

(Photo by Hagop Kalaidjian)

  A+A: Whats your favorite view in LA?

D: The view from my parents backyard in the Palisades.

J: Fogey's backyard, definitely. Also, there’s a hike in Topanga Canyon called Tuna Canyon and the view is unlike anything I've ever seen in LA.

(Photo by Hagop Kalaidjian)

  A+A: What was your favorite meal as a kid?

J: I grew up in a Cuban family in Miami and there is this one Cuban dish called Vaca Frita, which is a flank steak, shredded, then fried on the griddle with garlic, onion and lime. I could eat that until my stomach explodes.

D: Growing up, I had a nanny who has been with my family for longer than I've been alive, about 30 years. She used to cook the most phenomenal, authentic Mexican food; the best guacamole, the best quesadillas, everything. Anything that she cooked was, and still is, my favorite.

  (Photo by Hagop Kalaidjian)

  A+A: If there was one law you could change, what would it be?

D: Making sure that Lyft and Uber doesn’t become illegal.

J: There’s been a lot of headway with gay rights which is awesome, so I think probably gun control would be the most critical at this point.

  A+A: What are your future hopes for Three Jerks Jerky?

J: It’s tricky because we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves. We have no way of knowing where this is going to go, whether it will become huge or whether it will die out. The only thing we can control is how hard we work. We just want to continue giving this our heart and soul and working as hard as we can. If we continue to do that, I think we will succeed. 

                  Jordan Barrocas + Daniel Fogelson

[elaymade]

EL AY SEEN: THE HAPPY SUMMER PROJECT BY cARTel

Well, the wonderful humans at cARTel have done it again. The community of artists has created a traveling show unlike anything we've seen before. Last weekend we had the pleasure of attending the most recent cARTel production, The Happy Summer Project. Actors, rappers, poets and comedians graced the wooden-deck-turned-stage of a beautiful Laurel Canyon home and pieced together their talents to create a beautifully cohesive collaboration. The purpose? To explore the causes and effects of happiness, both deep and superficial, and what we do to get there. The Happy Summer Project is an inspiring, heart-felt medley of anecdotes, songs and spoken word, producing a wild range of emotions, from fits of laughter to moments of deep reflection and contemplation, all while sporting some incredibly well embellished and bedazzled backpacks.

When we arrived, we were given cards and asked to write down a vice, a favorite food,  and one thing that made us happy in each of the following categories: family, work, relationship. We laid down some blankets and claimed our spots in the picnic-style audience. Shaded by the leafy green canopies of the Laurel Canyon forest, we watched as a troupe of about 15 artists made their way playfully up to the stage. Some were in costume, others in plain clothes, and some had even bejeweled their faces, but it was clear they were all there for the same reason: happiness. Each artist created their own piece on the subject, but this was far from your typical talent show where artists present in turn. Instead, pieces segued and flowed into each other, actors and artists appearing in many more than just their own works. Because of this, the entire afternoon had a wonderful sense of wholeness that is easily lost when presenting individual stories. Beginning with a passionate rap about In-n-Out, and moving into pieces about pretzels and popcorn, old friends and new lovers, and acknowledging that even the smallest interactions are important exchanges of energy, each piece brought another aspect of happiness to the stage. 

We felt transported for the entire afternoon. Everything from the dreamy, hippie setting in Laurel Canyon, to the colorful clothing, backpacks and personalities of the artists, it was truly a warm and happy treat for the senses. The Happy Summer Project has it's final two performances this weekend, August 10th and 11th, at Outpost Bar and Corazon y Miel, respectively. Each setting brings something new and joyful to the experience and while we were basking the the filtered summer light by a beautiful pool, you will have the opportunity to revel in the glory of an epic beer pong challenge or delicious bites from the Corazon y Miel kitchen. Buy your tickets here!

[elaymade]

LINDY & GRUNDY

I think we've all heard it a thousand times but for posterity's sake, we'll say it again: you are whatchya eat-- and don't you forget it! Although, I think we're all beginning to realize that really, we are what we eat, eats. And no, it's not thanks to that stupid Perdue commercial where the cartoon farmer tells us he only feeds his chickens the "healthiest corn and marigolds". We all know that's a lie. It's thanks to pioneers like Erika Nakamura and Amelia Posada, the two badass chicks who own and operate the West Hollywood meat mecca, Lindy & Grundy. Local, honest and responsible, Lindy & Grundy has one goal: to bring sustainable, clean and delicious cuts of meat to the tables of LA. 

A+A: Butchering seems like it has become somewhat of a lost art this day in age and, at the very least, is certainly an interesting field to get into! Can you tell us about how you both arrived here?

  E: I hit the culinary scene at a young age, starting as a dishwasher and moving my way through the kitchen to a line cook. I always kind of hated it. It just beat you down. To me, it always felt slightly demoralizing because it was so much pressure. I got a lot of wonderful skill from it, but eventually I just felt like I needed to find something that fit into the quality of  life I was looking for. Butchering had always been a part of the kitchen that really intrigued me. I often found myself flocking over to the butchering station and hovering. I just loved it so much. When I first started learning how to butcher small animals, I would have these dreams about butchering! I would wake Amelia up in the middle of the night and tell her “I want to butcher!”--

  A: And this is real. This literally happened! I thought it was so weird. I'd never even been to a butcher shop, let alone thought about butchers… I didn’t even eat meat at the time! I had been a vegetarian for 14 years! So when [Erika], who is this 5 foot tall, tiny person, was telling me she wanted to butcher, I just thought “Can you?” I really didn’t get it at first.

  E: It became this fire that just took over. I quit my job as a line cook and started working at the neighborhood butcher shop in NYC. I wanted to learn more and more but it's very difficult to find people who want to teach you. Everyone is so competitive and weird about what they know. Eventually, I apprenticed at a butcher shop in upstate New York. It was during the winter so, of course, I dragged Amelia along with me cause there's nothing to do in upstate New York in the middle of the winter. About 2-3 weeks into it, I came home and said “So. Let's talk about this butcher shop that we want to open up,” and Amelia was like, “Um.. this what?”

  A: At the time, I was a floral designer on the upper east side. I was spending my days at the St. Regis Hotel doing the flowers there and was a part of that whole upper east side scene. Total pretty princess land. Total high powered event designer world. So when she came to me, I said, “You want to open a butcher shop? Sure. What do I have to do?” And she said, “Well, you have to learn how to butcher with me”. So I said “okay” and we did it. It was the craziest experience of my life.

 E: She cried when she took her nail polish off.

 A: I did. I took my nail polish off and could never wear nail polish on my nails again.

A+A: Well it seems like it was worth it!

A: Oh definitely.

   A+A: Now, because of fast food restaurants and all the disheartening information we hear about the rising obesity epidemic, GMOs, and the quality of ‘food’ our meat sources are being fed, it feels like meat has really been villianized, to the point where vegetarianism and veganism are looking like much safer, healthier ways of life. Do you have any insight on how one can continue to enjoy meat and get around these struggles?

  A: First of all, I think “everything in moderation”. I don’t believe that anybody should be eating large amounts of meat, everyday. You don’t need to eat a rib eye every day. I personally eat meat a few days a week, but everybody’s body type is different.

  E: It's also essential for your body to have a certain level of protein, so as a vegetarian, if you want to figure out how to combine your foods in order to get that, that’s fine. But of course, as omnivores, it's important to really have everything. But I think what we’re really talking about here is the difference between grain fed meat and grass fed meat. At Lindy & Grundy, we completely focus on pasture raised animals who are never fed any grains. Some people may not have a taste for it, as it does taste a little different than the 'commodity meat' (for lack of a better term) that’s out there. It's something you have to get used to. Commodity meat is way fattier. Moreover, the kind of fats that exist in that kind of protein are saturated fats, which are difficult for the body to break down. It’s the number one cause of high cholesterol and heart disease in this country. I can see how if you take that information and spin it a certain way, of course it makes meat look bad. But the fact of the matter is, grass fed beef like this is actually quite healthy. You are what you eat, and you’re essentially what the animal is eating as well. So, when you're getting unsaturated fats as a result of the grass fed nature of the animals, it's much better for you. You're actually getting a lot of anti-oxidants, phosphates and omega-3s.

  A: We have so many customers that tell us their doctors specifically tell them to come here to buy meat. Doctors, acupunctureist, homeopaths, traditonals doctors-- they all recommend their patients come in to get raw liver and cuts high in iron. We have a lot of support from the health community.

  A+A: That’s so great to hear! We were both raised by very health conscious families so we completely understand and support the benefits of being an educated consumer. It really does make a difference.

  A: I always tell people there's really only one way you should consume meat and that is directly from the farmer. Either buy directly from a farm, go to a farmers market or come to our shop. We’re the only butcher shop in all of Southern California that actually buys directly from our tiny, family farms and butchers all our meat here, on site. Nothing comes in a box. We don’t buy from big distributors. We are close family friends with all of our famers. It's raised the old fashioned way and it's just better.

A+A: Can you tell us what kinds of meats are the healthiest? As consumers what should we look for when buying meat, in general?

  E: In terms of healthiest, that’s an interesting question because, of course, most people are pretty fat-phobic. The type of fat that is in grass fed animals though, is actually fairly good for you. If fat is the concern, I would say the leaner proteins are a good choice. Examples of those cuts would be: a London Broil, which is super lean, and Hanger Steaks, which are really great because they connect to the kidney, meaning there are a lot more nutrients in that particular muscle. For people who are anemic who don’t want to eat liver, I usually suggest Hanger Steaks.

  A+A: What do you find are your most popular meat orders?

A: Ground beef is by far the number one seller. There just so much you can do with ground beef- bugers, meatloaf, Bolognese—

E: And it also stretches a really long way. Some customers who come in get a little jolted by the prices, but when you start thinking about it, of course you shouldn’t be eating expensive rib eyes all the time. These are high end cuts. With ground beef, you’re spending $7.99 and you might be able to feed five people.  We actually help people design a menu according to what their budget is.

  A+A: What are some of the interesting and unique cuts of meat that you have here that you might not be able to find other places?

E: A lot, actually! What's pretty amazing about getting the whole carcass is that we get the chance to isolate these really wonderful muscles that usually just get ground up. The primary reason for that is because Americans love hamburgers, and I get that, but the beef industry is really driven by it. Some of the things that we offer are: a Faux Tender, sometimes called a Shoulder Tender or Mock Tender, which is literally about as tender as a filet; a Blade Steak, which is a sub-scapulus, a muscle that sits in the inside of the shoulder blade and holds the chuck roast to the shoulder blade, but it's super tender. It’s actually being patented right now as the ‘Las Vegas Strip’, which actually makes me want to die a little bit. We also have something called the Oyster Steak. It's something that we do tenderize, but its also known as a Butter Steak because of its buttery qualities. We have the Velvet Steak, which is cut from the back of the hamstring and even though it comes from a really hard working area of the body, it’s a totally tender muscle and also very lean so its great for people who are health conscious.

  A: My favorite cut is the Faux Hanger Steak. It’s the sirloin flap also known as the Bavette steak.

  A+A: We’ve already hit on some really incredible things that make Lindy & Grundy such a unique and wonderful place, is there anything else we haven’t covered that adds to your stand out services?

  A: We only support local, small farms that raise their animals sustainably, organically, and humanely. We also only get whole animals in. We don’t get anything in a box and we butcher and utilize the whole animal. From soups and stocks, to patés and terrines, to smoking our own bacon and sausages made from scratch. Everything is hand cut and cut to order. We are very community driven here as well. We don’t give out numbers because otherwise, how am I going to get to know you? I like to know your name and your kids' names. I like getting to know your family and your eating habits so I know your palate and can suggest new things for you to branch out and try.

  A+A: Can you tell us some of the restaurants and chefs you supply to here in LA?

  E: More recently we’ve started supplying to Salt’s Cure which is really exciting. They get their pork from us and they actually use the same beef purveyor so that’s really awesome. We also sell to Eveleigh, Animal, Tavern, Wood & Vine, and The Luggage Room which a pizzeria across town. Sqirl is also a new one we supply to. The Chateau Marmont as well.

    A+A: You mentioned that you both were on the east coast prior to Lindy & Grundy. What made you want to leave and start this amazing business in Los Angeles?

  A: I’m born and raised in LA, actually, so for me, it was coming home. Also, the New York market was completely saturated and honestly, I just didn’t want to live the rest of my life in New York.

  E: When I first met her, she told me she hated New York and I was shocked! I wasn’t sure we could date! I love New York. I tried really hard to get her to like New York but after a while, she said that if we were going to get married, we'd have to move out west. So, of course I said ‘okay, I can do that’. And here we are.

  A+A: Well it was definitely a good move! You two are really pioneers of the butchering world out here and have created a niche. It sounds like you would have just been one of many in New York.

E: Yeah, its really great to be able to set the standard... and then continue to push the standard.

A+A: Can you tell us some of your favorite restaurants in LA?

A: Animal is definitely my favorite restaurant. Also, The Hart and the Hunter. Son of a Gun is great and Cooks County is also a favorite. They are super farm to table. Jessica is doing a great job a Sqirl. Gjelina is amazing as well.

  A+A: Whats the one thing that’s always stocked in your fridge at home?

A: Sriracha

E: Kewpie Mayo! It’s a Japanese mayo. I grew up on it in Tokyo.

A: Together, they’re a perfect pair!

    A+A: Where do you hope to be on your 85th birthday?

E: Easy. I will be where I am every year for my birthday, my happy place, in Kauai.

A: And I will be right there next to her, with our Tecates and our sagging tattoos.

A+A: What are your hopes and dreams for the future of Lindy & Grundy?

A: We plan to open several more Lindy & Grundy locations here in Los Angeles. We definitely want to have our own USDA processing facility and our own slaughterhouse.

E: We got into this business so that we could change the way people eat in this country. It's a huge undertaking, but we’re activists and we’re really concerned with the grassroots movement of things. We’d like to think that we can make some sort of an impact in that area. I think we do it on a microscopic level everyday, but we always want to be louder and have our voices heard more. More locations would be great. Identifying issues in the slaughter system is something that happened early on for us and that’s why we want our own system. Eventually, being able to supply the cleanest, most honest and responsible meat possible, to as many people as possible. 

                       Amelia Posada + Erika Nakamura

[elaymade]

ALI'S EL AY FIND: C O O L - Le Youth

If you’ve spent any time around me in the past three months, or have had the good fortune of rolling up next to my car (the tiniest disco in LA), you have undoubtedly heard me bumping my ultimate summer jam, C O O L by Le Youth. Sampling Me & U by Cassie, the song is a much more than a remix- it’s a revamp. And that’s saying a lot when the original is already a pretty damn perfect tune. Le Youth, otherwise known as Wes James, is a Los Angeles based producer who can be credited with being one of, if not the most, influential forces behind the new breezy, tropical-disco sound currently coming out of LA. While his music is electronically produced, I find the vibe to be less ‘EDM’ (whatever that means) and much more akin to the sultry sounds that were spinning on my discman and the decks of my middle school dances. And I’m real pleased about that fact. Le Youth has perfected the art of taking those nineties jams all us eighties babies grew up grooving to, and re-crafting them in a way that keeps them relevant on a modern dance floor, while maintaining their classic, Clinton-era charm. I was lucky enough to catch Le Youth a couple months ago at Private Label and since then, have been praying he makes another LAppearance where I can catch him. Until then, I’m perfectly happy getting down to his recently dropped EP, on repeat, all the time. Consider my summer sound defined. 

(Photo courtesy of Le Youth)

[elaymade]

SUMMER BUMMER

There's something special about Venetians. No, not the Italian kind, we're talking about the laid back yet passionately driven residents of the famous Los Angeles beach town. The community is made up of the coolest, creative cats this side of the Mississippi, and Alexandra Cassaniti is no exception. Hailing from NYC, Alexandra moved west, touting the mantra 'LA is the New York', and we certainly couldn't agree more! We stumbled upon her company, Summer Bummer, while surfing the web one day. Little did we know, our virtual surfing would lead us to Alexandra's doorstep and her bad ass line of women's surf gear. Once we laid eyes on her statement-making 'mirrored X' sunglasses though, we knew we had to hear her story. When we arrived at her super deluxe Venice loft, we were greeted with black rose Russian tea, served in tea cups bearing the visages of the British Royal family. Umm... could it get any more perfect?

A+A: Tell us what Summer Bummer is all about!

A: Summer Bummer started 5 years ago when I moved from New York to LA. I was suddenly faced with the big decision of what I wanted to do next. When you do something major, like a big move cross country, you finally have the chance to really start something new. So, I started this.

My background is in design and I had been working in the field for quite some time in New York. I went to school for fine art and have had careers in fashion, art and cultural studies. Somehow though, I always come back to fashion. Summer Bummer is somewhere between a surf and lifestyle brand. We're not ageist or sexist. We're unbiased about who can wear our items. I wanted it to be very accessible, but accessible to the people who understand it. That was the goal. Also, everything is made in a conscientious way.

I started the Summer Bummer surf line because, as a girl surfer, I noticed that we really don't have many options out there. I just didn’t want another hibiscus floral thing. It's really not for me. So that’s where I began. At the time, I had a showroom in New York and they thought I was crazy working on surfwear! They were really against it. So of course, I thought "Great! We’ll do it rght away."

A+A: That is awesome! Buck the system, girl! Can you tell us about your wet suits for lady surfers?

A: Well, wet suits are very technical to make. The reason why I don’t have a full wet suit is because you really can't make them here in America. To make a really good full suit you have to go overseas because of the laws and regulations. There's a lot of procedures you have to go through when working with neoprene – like taping and sewing with flat lock machines and glues that we're not allowed to be around – which aren’t allowed in America. But, I've never done things the easy way, so it's not a problem for me. 

I also do unisex tee shirts which are compostable. I love them because they're good for your skin and everyone can wear them. I really believe they are a necessary thing to have. That's what I struggle with every time I create an object. I think: "Do we need this?", and some ideas just don’t go away, so that's when I make them.

  A+A: You mentioned you're a lifestlye brand. Besides clothing and surf wear, what are some of the other things that you carry?

A: We do sunglasses with a mirrored X on the lenses. The X idea came from a documentary on the history of New York, actually. Jane Jacobs went up against Robert Moses in court and saved NYC from having a freeway put down the middle of it. Her ideas on how we live are really inspiring. She believed that in every 6 square blocks, there should be a butcher, a grocery store, a fabric store – everyone should have access to these basic necessities. She also believed that buildings shouldn’t be over 6 stories high. Her concept of lifestyle and living really resonated with me. There is footage of her fighting Robert Moses where she had all her backers wear X’s on their glasses. In my head, I saw the X as a protest symbol. So I put them on all my glasses. I can't wait for people to catch on! Everything has a story behind it.

I also have neoprene bags, which are a great alternative to leather. Neoprene is kind of an alternative to everything, really. You can light it on fire or spill water on it and it's very forgiving. That’s one of the reasons I love neoprene. Anything that’s forgiving, I'm all about. I want to accommodate and encourage an active lifestyle with products.

  I also have Earth Tu Face. My friend Stephanie and I collaborated on this project together. I helped with designing the name, graphics and branding. The girls Sarah and Marina made the good stuff on the inside- the real magic. It's completely natural, made from edible grade ingredients. If youre putting it on your skin, you should be able to ingest it.

    A+A: We agree! Your skin is your biggest organ and should be treated with love! Can you tell us the story behind your catchy name?

A: I feel that summer is the best season. I also believe that things are either really great or really bad- kind of like a ying-yang idea. So it's either a summer, or a bummer. I name every season Summer- Summer 1, Summer 2, Summer 3 etc.- even if its Fall or Winter. Its always summer somewhere, and its always summer to me!

  A+A: Why did you choose to do the line here as opposed to staying in NYC?

A: I grew up surfing and the longer I was in NY, the more I started to surf there again. It would always start getting so cold in October and November. I would come to LA for the month of December anyway and I just started to feel that I was losing touch with nature in NYC. I also felt like I was looking up all the time because the space there is so closed in. I wanted to be somewhere bigger where I had more room to breathe. I felt the pull to move to LA, so I did. When I first moved out here, I started making and handing out these tote bags that said ‘LA is the New York’ on them. I just felt like there was this huge NY to LA migration.

  A+A: What are your favorite spots in Venice?

A: I go to GTA To Go in morning a lot... maybe too much. I love Axé. I also love the Roosterfish bar. Its such a cool, weird divey spot. I go to the farmers market a lot as well.

  A+A: What are some of your fave beaches to surf?

A:  I've been surfing Topanga a lot. I surf down in San Diego whenever I can as well. You end up driving a lot as a surfer, you just go where its good.

   A+A: If you could live in any era, when would it be and where?

A: You know I don’t usually think about that at all! If I had to answer, I think I'd say here and now. I do have issues with now, but I can't really see myself at another time either.

  A+A: Where do you hope to be on your 85th bday?

A: I'd like to throw a big party with lots of people! My grandma had 85 people to her 85th birthday and she had to be very selective about who to invite. I hope I can do something like that.

  A+A: As you think about your journey creating Summer Bummer, are there any tidbits of wisdom you can share about making your passion your full time job?

A: Sometimes you forget why you started, so don’t forget to go back to the beginning and remember.

                          Alexandra Cassiniti

[elaymade]

AMELIA'S EL AY FIND: NATUREWELL

  One of the things that I love about LA is that it has a seemingly never-ending surplus of cool places to discover. Naturewell is little juice and snack bar located in the hip neighborhood of Sunset Junction in Silver Lake, and has become a whenever-possible stop on my daily commute. I was searching for a place to get young coconut juice (straight from the coconut) when I found Naturewell, they’ll hack it open for you and put it in a to-go cup (for only $3) and you’re on your way! Naturewell also offers a huge assortment of snacks: kale chips, nuts, and a 100% organic wellness bar where the juice or smoothie of your choice is made right in front of you. All of the produce used is from local, fair-trade and pesticide free farms. I recommend the Naturewell Special, a refreshing, blended concoction of grapes, strawberries, young coconut juice and meat, a super-hydrating and delicious smoothie, perfect for these hot summer days.

(Image courtesy of naturewell.com)

[elaymade]

STONE + CLOTH

We first discovered Matthew Clough at one of the booths at Unique LA. Amongst the sea of creatives and craftsmen, something about the Stone + Cloth backpacks caught our attention. Could it have been the simple, strong design? The bold, blocks of color standing out in the crafty chaos? The two strapping young gents manning the booth? Or maybe we just had an inkling that there was more to their story than just some rad looking bags. One thing we knew for sure: we wanted to know more. 

  A+A: Tell us the story of how Stone + Cloth came to be?

M: When I was in college, I was really into being outdoors. I had this dream of climbing the seven summits, the highest peak on every continent. I had the opportunity to check one off the list and go climb Mount Kilimanjaro. After 4 days of climbing, we reached the top. In our descent, I learned that my porter, Benson - the person who was cooking my meals, waking me up with tea every morning and carrying my 40lb backpack- he and all the other porters were earning less than a dollar a day. I also learned that what they all wanted more than anything was to be able to put their kids through school. 

It wasn’t till I got home that it hit me: my whole life I’d had access to luxuries like clean water and food on the table. I was the kid who was complaining to my parents because I had to share a car with my older brother! That trip was a real turning point for me. I realized how lucky I was. I knew then that I wanted to help other people.

At the time, I was living in Arizona. I had gone to school for design and really wanted to hone those skills, so I started by finding an old sewing machine on Craigslist. I even drove out to this trailer park in the middle of nowhere to pick it up. After that I just started making bags. The original bags were called The Benson and The Lucas (named after the porters from Mount Kilimanjaro) and the original logo is the outline of the summit of Kilimanjaro. 

So it was just me, out in Arizona, making bags with zero resources and a wild imagination! At the time, I was working a full time job selling advertisements for Yelp, but I was so much more passionate about helping people in Tanzania and designing cool products. So, I reached out to TOMS. They loved my story and had me come out to California to intern for them. After my internship, I wasn’t quite ready to leave so I convinced them to let me stay and I moved from the e-commerce department to the creative department. I gained so much valuable insight on how to build a sustainable business with giving at it's core. They really helped me restructure my business model and continually help guide me.

Now, here we are, hustling to make as much progress as possible! We officially launched the project in January 2012 and, in the first year, we had a goal of selling 2,000 units. We weren’t sure if we were going to make it, and then literally in the middle of November TOMS called and said they wanted to buy our backpacks as gifts for their employees, which brought us over our first year goal. That is just an example of how supportive TOMS is to their own.

   A+A: So what is the charity benefit of buying a Stone + Cloth bag?

M: We partner with the Knock Foundation, who are mainly focused on health and education. In terms of the way we give, I always want it to be led by the community. We want to give help where people want to receive help. When it comes to community development, I think you should always listen first and then ask questions and figure out what they need help with. If a community doesn’t want help, you should turn around and walk away. I learned that one of the biggest needs in Tanzania is education (they don’t really need backpacks) but the backpack is a symbol of education. Your purchase is the equivalent of putting a child through school for a month. What we are doing is chunking all of the donations together, identifying the potential future leaders in the community and helping them get scholarships year after year so they are able to graduate from high school.

  A+A: You often hear that by the time charitable donations reach the intended party, a large portion of the funds have disappeared along the way. How do you ensure this doesn't happen to you?

M: That is why I didn’t partner with a huge foundation. I was connected with the Knock Foundation through a coworker at TOMS. A girl from California, who I talk to on the phone daily, started the foundation. It’s a very small operation and because of that, we know exactly where our money is going.

  A+A: Where do you do all of your production?

M: It's all done in Southern California. Originally, we were producing out of Orange County, but we just found two new cut and sew shops that are about a mile from here. I can actually bike there! The other is in the City of Commerce.

  A+A: How do you choose and source your materials?

M: Originally I wanted to make them all out of canvas, but when I started making prototypes out of denim, the response was so good that we just kept making them that way. It’s such a subtle, sophisticated difference, and we are sourcing from local vendors. Because we are so small, we can’t got to the mills quite yet so we're using a middleman to source the materials from all over LA.

  A+A: Can you describe Stone + Cloth in 3 words?

M: Carry An Education.

  A+A: Are Stone + Cloth products only sold online or can you buy them around LA?

M: Mainly online but you can also find us in Brooklyn, as part of Rudy’s Barber Shop, in Huntington Beach at a store called The Aosa Project and at Shop Good in Oklahoma City.

  A+A: You started in Arizona, why did you decide to move to LA and build your business here?

M: If you are ambitious about doing something creative, I think Los Angeles gives you so many opportunities to succeed. Its a city full of the top talent, resources and creative professionals who have defied the odds. I love downtown (where we work out of) in terms of creating actual products. I also think Silicon Beach (Santa Monica) is great. There are some truly amazing companies, like Amplify, that are investing in these little tech startups, giving them mentors and seed money, hosting workshops and providing co-working spaces (HUB LA) which I think is really great. There endless resources here, as well as ample demand.

  A+A: What is your favorite place to grab a drink?

M: If I need to get away from work I’ll go to Escondida (Spanish for “The Hideout”), which is around the corner. Their menu is illegible, but it’ s amazing. Pizzanista! is my favorite spot for pizza and next to it is this little bar called Tony’s Saloon. It’s this is really grungy dive bar, a great place to get drunk and play darts. Outside of downtown, The Roger Room in West Hollywood.

  A+A: What is the number one quality you look for in a best friend?

M: Trust.

  A+A: If you could live in any era, when would it be and where?

M: I would live in the future. I am constantly forward thinking and I feel like if I knew just a little more about it, I would sleep better at night!

A+A: If you could have any super power what would it be?

M: To not have to sleep.

  A+A: Do you have any words of advice for aspiring designers and charitable organizations?

M: I will say a few things. Embrace your community. I think a lot of people who are trying to start businesses are scared that someone will steal their idea, but everyone is too damn busy to steal your idea so embrace the people around you and network as much as you can.  The other thing that I think is really important is defaulting to action. Start wherever you can with whatever resources you have and don’t lose sight of your vision.

  A+A: What are your hopes for the future growth of the company?

M: I am hoping for steady growth year after year. My long-term vision is to keep the company small (in terms of employees) because I think the energy and ambition is really inspiring at that intimate level.  We want to give value to the consumer by designing the best possible products and, in turn, help send kids to school in Tanzania.

                          Matthew Clough

[elaymade]

EL AY SEEN: HABER

For some reason, Los Angeles and New York City are forever at odds with one another, constantly vying for the title of 'America's Best City'. Every year, there's bound to be some sort of published list explaining why living in 'city x' is just so much more terrible than 'city y'. Really people? We get it. That being said, we will admit that in the realm of fashion, NYC has really been leaps and bounds ahead of LA, well, forever. That is, until now. Over the past decade or so, the fashion scene has grown some strong roots in the SoCal sand, providing Los Angeles with some serious players in the game. Monique Lhuillier, Rodarte and Jenni Kayne are just a few of the incredibly talented (and successful) designers to come out of LA, not to mention a whole roster of up and coming talent who are sure to be some heavy hitters.

Lucky for us, we recently had the pleasure of previewing one of these emerging brands called Haber. Silver Lake-based designer Heather Goldberg invited us to an intimate preview of her new collection, held at the incredibly well-curated West Hollywood boutique, TENOVERSIX. And what a perfect location it was! The space aligned brilliantly with Haber’s aesthetic, featuring perfect little vignettes of accessories, clothing and jewelry around the presentation- even the light fixtures seemed to be a part of the collection!

The clothing itself was a pastel daydream of hand-embroidered gauzy dresses, something you’d image a modern day Daisy Buchanan would wear. Her inspiration for this collection was “making the invisible visible”, describing the moody color story as a “melancholic seascape.” The collection evokes Alberta Ferretti's timeless, goddess-like gowns mixed with modern metallics reminiscent of the Spring '13 Burberry Prorsum catwalk, yet Goldberg delivers something completely new. Frayed edges give her pieces that special raw quality; gowns with cascading ruffles remain flattering and body conscious; and metallic disco details add a playful finishing touch - right down to the model’s silver glitter toenail polish; it was truly an ethereal, hipster fairytale.

Goldberg's collection is influenced by California’s rich and diverse history from the vibrant skate and surf culture to old Hollywood films and noir literature. Goldberg also mentioned that she loves to play with extreme opposites. Particular inspirations came from conceptual artist Bas Jan Ader’s “In Search of the Miraculous" and the French films "La Piscine" and "La Collectionneuse." She says, “having this innate inspiration from all these different sources and mixing them together,  is something that I think is really indicative of my generation.”

Heather attributes the “underlying tomboy nonchalance” of her line to growing up with three brothers. The name “Haber” comes from Heather’s great grandmother’s last name, whom she was also named after. She describers her ideal customer as, “someone who exudes a really nonchalant confidence and follows her own path in life and career.” Sounds like our type of SoCal sistah. We'll definitely be keeping our eyes open for Haber to appear on racks and runways around the globe.

[elaymade]

ALI'S EL AY FIND: WOLVESMOUTH DINNER

I'm going to preface this post with the admission that I have not yet had the pleasure of enjoying one of these legendary wolvesmouth dinners, but I'm hoping that someday (soon!) my name will be chosen from the hundreds of e-mail requests and I am finally invited to dine on some truly incredible art.

When I say that chef Craig Thornton has changed the game in Los Angeles dining, I mean he has changed. the. game. in Los Angeles dining. Thornton has created a private dining experience which has garnered as much legitimacy as any above-ground establishment, while maintaining its underground mystique. Several times a month, Thornton throws dinner parties in his downtown LA loft which he has named 'the wolvesden'. To be invited to one of his innovative dinner presentations, you must e-mail him the week prior (he sends out notifications on his mailing list) with only your name, which dinner you'd like to attend and if you are bringing a guest. You can add anything else you'd like - your occupation, an anecdote, begging, pleading, promising your first born - but trust me, nothing has proven to help win you a seat. You are only allowed to bring one guest maximum, but I would recommend going alone as it adds to the magic of the experience. 

While Thornton is clearly breaking all sorts of rules, borders, maybe even some laws (foie gras, anyone?) with his cooking, he is also pushing social boundaries with his dinners by bringing a group of people together in a very intimate setting who, in normal circumstances, might never cross paths. Like his incredibly well planned and executed dishes, each guest is carefully selected by Thornton to ensure an interesting occupational dynamic. Sparked by sensational culinary prowess, I can only dream what spectacular conversations must arise between such an array of humans. And what do you have to shell out for such a unique and mind-expanding experience? Well, that's really up to you. All of Thornton's dinners are donation based, so, at the end of your meal, you decide how satisfied you are with the experience and toss your contribution into the crocodile head, conveniently placed in the center of the table. 

I highly recommend getting on the mailing list and putting yourself in the mix for what might be the most memorable dinner party of your life (and if you get in, you best be bringing me as your guest). 

(Photo courtesy of wolvesmouth blog)

[elaymade]

EL AY SEEN: CORAZON Y MIEL

We always hoped that throughout our time blogging in LA, we'd be able to check back in with people we've interviewed and see how they’ve grown. We just didn't think it would happen so fast! When we first interviewed Robin and Eddie of Whim Kitchen, they talked about their aspirations of one day opening a brick and mortar restaurant all their own. Now, a mere 6 months later, the dynamic duo has not only managed to successfully open a new restaurant (not an easy feat!) but, they have created a foodie destination in the quiet city of Bell (located about 15 minutes south of downtown) that Angelenos are already flocking to. Corazon y Miel definitely tops the list of our favorite LA restaurants.

                          The 'Executive Room'

The inviting space immediately puts you at ease and feels like a place friends and family come to relax and hangout for hours. A cozy dining area greets you with spacious table seating in the front and a big comfy booth in the back. Local art covers the walls and a soft blue glow comes from the sleek bar, adding enough of a nighttime vibe so that hanging out past your bedtime feels totally appropriate. They even have an “executive room” in the back for private events and parties. What is most apparent and impressive about Robin and Eddie’s endeavor, is the care they have for their craft- Eddie in the kitchen and Robin behind the bar- so much so that it practically leaps off the menu!

 We were able to grab Eddie (a former chef at the LA hot-spot, 'Animal') for a moment to talk a little about his inspiration behind the menu. Strongly influenced by family traditions and simple Mexican street food, Eddie says, “the Carnitas Rillette was inspired by my grandfather. He would always marinate his pork in orange zest and Coca Cola, so we do the same here. Then we cook it with oranges and make a rillette out of it.”

The rich, panko crusted Avocado Frito, served with a mango and habanero chutney, was inspired by the food served at Mexican fairs of his childhood. “It’s what you always wanted out of carnival food, but never got, and we’ve taken it up a notch!”

One of our favorite dishes was a simple appetizer of Patatas Frita (homemade potato chips) crisped to perfection and served with a smoky dipping sauce made from scallion ash- yes, ash! This is a perfect example of how Eddie has taken a common concept and made it gourmet, while still remaining approachable.

Along with the Carnitas Rillette, we shared the Atlantic Burger - a juicy lamb burger topped with lime aioli, serrano curtido, rajas de chili and bursting with flavor.  It's the type of food that you just keep eating, even when you are far past full, just to experience the incredible mixture of textures and flavors combining in your mouth.

In creating the drink menu, Robin and co-collaborator Christian took a mixologist’s approach to the typical drinks you’d find in most Mexican restaurants. All of their syrups and juices are made in house to create a fresh, artisanal cocktail.  It was important to Robin and Christian to use obscure alcohols like Pisco  (the spirit of Peru) and Mezcal  (a strong, smoky tequila) because they add more interesting flavors. Playfulness is the main ingredient in many of the drinks, like the Paleta En Su Jugo, a mixture of rum and lime juice poured over a Mexican Popsicle and the Pelon y Beso, a vodka drink made with traditional Mexican tamarind candy which comes with an extra “beso” (kiss) shot for your friend!

At the end of the meal, Eddie brought us a dessert he calls "Boca Negra" (black mouth) a rich, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate cake topped with blackberries and whipped cream. We couldn’t describe it better than him: “It’s how I make love to food!” Damn. Straight. It may be the best thing we've ever eaten. Ever. 

Robin and Eddie have also stayed true to their new surroundings. Being newcomers to the city of Bell, the two have really incorporated the neighborhood into their business. They source as many ingredients as possible from local vendors, while also paying homage to their roots and keeping with family traditions. Robin and Eddie told us in our last interview that their ultimate goal was to bring people together over a great meal and, in our opinion, they have been wildly successful. Corazon y Miel is truly a product of genuine passion, innovation and talent and we are proud to support them on their new adventure! Cheers to the kitchen!

Corazon y Miel is open Mon-Thurs, Sun 5-10:30 PM and Fri-Sat 5-2 AM. They are located at: 6626 Atlantic Ave. Bell, CA 90201

[elaymade]

JEREMY BERNSTEIN

         Living in LA, we are often rubbing shoulders with actors and actresses and, as much as we may like to deny it, it can be pretty exciting! If you saw J-Law milling around Trader Joe's, you'd probably want to go give her a high five for her performance in Silver Linings Playbook . . . or at least for how gracefully she handled her fall up the stairs. But what about all the people behind our favorite animated characters? Sure, there are big name actors who are hired to do their voices, but the real artists behind Wall-E, Mike Wazowski, Master Shifu and King Julien are animators like Jeremy Bernstein. As an animator, Jeremy has to get into the minds and bodies of his characters so he can create realistic movements and expressions that translate on screen. Amelia met Jeremy one day while he was in the midst of one of his favorite activities: drawing the everyday characters around him. Intrigued by his incredible skills, we asked Jeremy if he would let us pick his brain a little more about the magical and inspiring world of animation. Thankfully, he agreed and we got one step closer to understanding the intricacies of how the world's most lovable characters came to be.

A+A: So, you have a pretty awesome job. Can you tell us a little about what you do?

  J: I currently work at Nickelodeon Animation Studios and I do story boards for a TV series called Monsters vs. Aliens that will be out in about a year. It’s a spin off from the DreamWorks film. Before that, I worked on the Penguins of Madagascar, which is also a DreamWorks spin off from the movie Madagascar. I worked on 2 seasons of that and have been at Nickelodeon for 3 or 4 years drawing storyboards.

I got my start at DreamWorks, working on all the big features – Shrek 2, Shrek 3, Kung Fu Panda, Monsters vs. Aliens, Madagascar. I was doing digital animation while I was there, but I went to school for hand drawn animation and, after awhile, I really missed doing the hand drawn part of it. So, to get back to drawing, the best avenue to take is storyboarding. That’s how I ended up at Nickelodeon. Not only do you draw all day when storyboarding but you’re really creating the shots, playing cinematographer, director, actor, editor – it’s very challenging, but I like that challenge.

Besides animating for Nick, I also always draw everyday for myself.  I draw people I see, my friends, characters I make up, models in classes- and I’m always pitching ideas for new shows. I actually just pitched an idea to Nickelodeon and am in development for a pilot right now, which is really exciting! It’s going to be awesome.

    A+A: Congrats! That's so exciting! What are some of your favorite projects you’ve worked on?

  J: My first film out of school was Shrek 2 and I honestly wasn’t the biggest Shrek fan up to that point. That being said, going from school and living in your dorm to being given a car, an apartment and being trained by the most talented echelon of the animation world was really incredible. They flew us all to SF to train at the facility up there. You work your ass off but if you're good enough and test well enough, they bring you on to the movie. It was really a great experience.

Kung Fu Panda was also a really challenging but rewarding and fun project. I really loved the movie – the premise, the designs, the characters- but, again, it was a challenge. You had to be really good at understanding the characters and they way they acted. Especially when it came to the Kung Fu. Understanding how the body moves when performing those positions takes a lot of studying. They had masters come in to teach us and we all took classes.

Madagascar was fun in a totally different way because we really got to play and stretch the characters. They could be really over the top and comical whereas with Shrek, the characters had to be much more realistic.

      A+A: So you have a pseudonym named Captain Yolk? What’s that about?

  J: Oh man, it’s actually a really stupid story. I used go out tagging in high school with a little gang of friends and my tag was ‘CPT JPN’ (Captain Japan). I think I heard it on Howard Stern one time or something. I’ve been a huge Howard Stern fan from age 14 on. Anyway, I just thought it sounded really cool so I’d tag it everywhere. Then, cut to a few years later when Yahoo Messenger and the whole Internet revolution was starting and I needed a screen name. Captain Japan was taken, so my friend just made my name Captain Yolk. After that it kind of just stuck. I made it my Hotmail and my blog and I’m even pitching it as an idea for a character. I used to have CaptainYolk.com but some guy in Pakistan stole my fucking URL! I finally tracked him down and he wanted $9000 for it. So, needless to say, I decided to let it go, but it was pretty upsetting!

  A+A: No way! That totally sucks! Ugh. It’s a crazy place, that Internet. As an artist, what would you say are your biggest influences?

  J: Honestly, everything. People I see, places I go, my friends. The Darkroom on Melrose has a bunch of characters so we like to go sit there and just draw people. For my own project, one of my characters is based off my uncle. Another character has a really hard time saying “No” to anyone and is very giving. She’s based off my twin sister, Rachel. One of the characters is kind of like me…a little bit Kramer, a little bit Pee Wee Herman and little bit Weird Al. 

    A+A: Haha! So that’s the way you would describe yourself? Very interesting. So, you’ve made 6 books in 6 years. That’s amazing. What was your 2012 book about?

  J: Well all my books are really different and weird and experimental.  This one is called ‘Texts’. I go to these Thursday night drawing classes (www.thedrawingclub.com) – a costumed life drawing class. It’s a different theme every week. If it's a Wizard of Oz theme, you will hear Wizard of Oz music, see the movie playing, and the model will be dressed up as a witch. You are totally immersed and almost trapped in a different dimension.  The original idea for the book was to put a selection of these drawings together and write a poem about each one, but I didn’t really have time. So instead, I thought it would be funny if I mixed my text messages that I’d sent and received over the past year and added them to the drawings. I had this list of funny texts I’d saved and I hand wrote them on every single drawing. There were lots about relationships, some kind of bizarre but all pretty amazing. Its kind of exposing myself a little bit, which is hard, but I think healthy as an artist.

  I have this other one about Daft Punk. I’m a huge Daft Punk fan. I even made the spine of the book glow in the dark. Its basically what I would imagine would happen if you put one of their helmets on for a day. Again, it’s a weird story but its fun.

A+A: Daft Punk?! We want one immediatecly. SO COOL. Do you sell your books locally?

  J: I mostly just sell them on Etsy but I do have a table at Comic Con every year and sell my books there. That’s kind of the goal – finish a book a year for Comic Con.

    A+A: What about LA inspires you?

  J: Well, my dad has a bookstore of old and rare books in downtown LA called Caravan Bookstore. It’s really magical. I am really inspired by old children’s books. I have a collection of old Golden Books from the 50s which were illustrated by Disney artists. Growing up in that world of fine art and first edition books was really inspiring and influential. Other than that, LA is a city with such an immense variety of styles, which is really inspiring as an artist because anywhere you go, you are experiencing something different. The dirtiness of Hollywood juxtaposed with the pristine beauty of Beverly Hills – you have a taste of everything here.

  A+A: Where is your oasis in LA?

  J: My Moms house! I’m lucky to have my family here. When I go home it’s like a hotel and the fridge is always full. It’s just relaxing.  Also, I love the horse ranch up Beachwood canyon. If you go all the way up Beachwood Dr. there’s a little horse ranch and you can ride a horse up to a Mexican restaurant called Viva Fresh.

   A+A: Umm, that’s amazing. Definitely checking that out. Favorite place to grab a drink in LA?

  J: Right now, Bar Covell. Darkroom is always great too. They play great movies and, as I mentioned, it’s fantastic people watching. El Chavo is also awesome. The black light on the sombreros and the Dolly Parton poster make it pretty special. Monty Bar downtown is a new favorite. I love places with dance floors that aren’t necessarily clubs. It’s really fun! And they play a great, wide selection of music.

    A+A: What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

  J: When my buddy left DreamWorks, he wrote a letter to Jeffrey Katzenberg and Katzenberg wrote back to him and said ‘Good luck out there and believe in your work’. That really stuck with me. You can’t be wishy-washy about your art, you have to stand by it and truly believe in it. Even if it gets rejected, over and over, keep standing by it, tweak it a little – even take suggestions – and re-submit it. 

I was once riding around with this Disney recruiter and she told me about this guy who applied, turned in his portfolio and got rejected. So, he went home, rearranged the same artwork, re submitted it and guess what? He got hired! It really goes to show that it’s all about timing… and maybe a little presentation.

       A+A: If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

  J: Because I always want to see everything and learn about everything, read everything and watch everything – absorb as much as possible, really- I’d want the power of time. The power to live longer so I can experience everything I want!

  A+A: If you could live in any era, when would it be and where?

  J: My first instinct is now because I like technology and I like what’s happening with the world. But I’m always saying to friends “I wonder what this would be like in 200 years” so I guess 200 years in the future would also be awesome.

  A+A: What material possession would you grab if your house was burning?

J: At 14 it would have been this big pamphlet of all these clippings and paraphenalia from the Tim Burton Batman movie I had collected. Today, it would be a box of my original sketchbooks.

  A+A: And lastly, what is your spirit animal?

J: A wise, old owl.

                               Jeremy Bernstein 

Check out Jeremy's Website and buy his awesome books on Etsy !

(All images courtesy of Jeremy Bernstein)

[elaymade]

AMELIA'S EL AY FIND: SIR SLY

  I always jump at the chance to go to shows and check out new bands. I love the excitement in the air, the camaraderie of the crowd and most of all, discovering great new music. A few weeks ago I saw the band Sir Sly play at The Echo and was blown away! Their sound pulls you in with a mixture of pounding beats, dark pop and soothing vocals, captivating you right from the jump. The LA based trio Landon Jacobs, Jason Suwito, and Hayden Coplen impressively recorded, mixed and mastered their debut EP Ghost in Suwito's studio. Sir Sly has kept an alluring veil of mystery about themselves providing only a basic facebook page and, with the latest release of "Easy Now", four incredible songs. Next up, the band will be playing several shows at SXSW music festival in Austin, TX, if you are in the area, make sure to see them. No doubt, Sir Sly is headed for greatness. 

[elaymade]

BEN MEDANSKY CERAMICS

Local ceramicist Ben Medansky is one of the most genuinely happy and talented people we have met. His exuberance for his craft is so strong that you can’t help but get excited when talking to him. His pieces are 'functional wares' with a great sense of humor and a distinct style all his own. In his words, "...because of this post-depression era we are in, it’s easier to sell something that is actually useful, but I also want my friends and family to be able to own nice ceramics." That certainly makes sense to us! Just because we're all pinching pennies these days, doesn't mean we have to settle for quality and style. Ben graciously invited us to tour his studio in a big, artist collective warehouse in Glassell Park. We mused over his comical and beautiful designs while learning about the fascinating ceramics process.

  A+A: Can you tell us a little about you and how you started your business?

B: I started this company in May of last year. I moved out to LA from Chicago after graduating from The Chicago Art Institute. I worked for the ceramic artist Peter Shire in Echo Park. He does a lot of Op[tical] art, bright colors and shapes- think Michelle Tanner's bed sheets on Full House! I learned so much from him about how to successfully run a studio and be a genuinely happy artist. He was always bringing people into the space and constantly making something new. When I started my studio, I knew that was how I wanted to run it as well. 

  A+A: Can you describe your ceramics in 3 words or less?

B: Honestly made.

  A+A: What drew you to ceramics as opposed to other mediums?

B: I’ve worked with almost every medium, from wood to metal, to ceramics and plaster. I’ve painted, and even worked with plastics, but something about ceramics just stuck. Sometimes, I think maybe it’s because I played with silly putty so much as a kid!

I also like that there isn't much math involved. Ceramics is more about physics; even if I do something 100 times, the 101st time it still might end up being different. That excites me! I’ll put something into the kiln and think, “this is going to be the best piece ever” and when it comes out, it may end up being more like my 9th best piece ever. It’s fun and exciting and challenges me. It keeps me eager and wanting to do more. 

A+A: Wow. So it's sounds like a piece can really change a lot in the kiln. Can you tell us a little about that process?

B: It goes through a process called quartz conversion where it actually turns the mud into crystal. Ceramics are actually one of the strongest materials- it’s what spaceships are made out of! It’s brittle, so we don’t use it to build buildings anymore, but it can withstand intense heat and pressure. To give you more of an idea, steel is a 5 on the hardness scale, a diamond is a 10 and ceramics are right in between at an 8. 

A+A: Do you have a favorite piece that you’ve made so far?

B: It’s kind of like having children, you can’t choose a favorite. Or if you do, you don’t tell anyone! Sometimes when I’m working in the studio it feels like I have a bunch of crying babies all around me because the pieces are all drying at different times. I’m constantly going around and checking on the different stages of each piece. Usually its around 30-40 pieces a day.

  A+A: Where are your pieces sold around town?

B: Hemingway and Pickett in Silver Lake, IKO IKO on Fairfax and 12345 in downtown. My latest collection was released on February 14th and I’m taking it on a 'west coast tour' with my dog to go introduce myself and my collection to new retailers. I think it's a unique and personal way of doing business.

  A+A: Why did you choose to do this here in LA as opposed to another city?

B: I was working for a company, doing overseas production and selling in the wholesale market, so I got to travel all over the US. Through my travels, that I discovered that LA had the biggest industry for what I wanted to do. This city has such great design and people I want to collaborate with! My sister also lived out here and I saw how amazing the quality of life is in LA- the weather is amazing! You also get so much more for your money out here and I love that everyone is so health conscious. 

  A+A: Can you tell us a few of your favorite places that you frequent?

B: I love Baller Hardware, Artware and Home Depot for supplies and inspiration. Proof Bakery in Atwater Village has the best pour-over coffee and amazing sandwiches. This party called 'Cafeteria' at The Short Stop has become my favorite Tuesday night thing to do. It’s a bunch of lunch-lady realness and sometimes even drag queen performances. It's always a great dance party and the DJ’s are awesome.

A+A: Are there any places around LA that have inspired you?

B: I get really inspired whenever I drive out to Palm Springs or Joshua Tree. I think because they are miniature versions of where I grew up (Scottsdale, Arizona). The combination of colors from the palm trees, mountains, sand, and rocks is so beautiful. Those landscapes really influence my southwestern palette and types of clay bodies I use. I also get really inspired when I take hikes in Griffith Park. I went to the old bat cave yesterday- where they used to film the old Batman TV show! There are so many hidden trails and beautiful views.

  A+A: Do you have a most memorable, quintessentially “LA” moment?

B: I honestly get that feeling once a week. Usually it’s after I’ve finished a long day of working on some amazing pieces, I’ll get out of my car and, inevitably, there is beautiful sunset and I'll just get goosebumps. There are also those moments like when I went for a walk the other day and I saw Chloe Sevingy like three times. Then, later that night, I saw the guy who has a satirical comedy show on her, out at a bar. Or, when you start recognizing the guys from the Geico commercials around town! It's those crazy moments that are so "LA" to me.

  A+A: If you could live in any era when would it be and where?

B: Right now! Why would I want to live in any other time? Remember how the world was going to end a few months ago? Well the other thought process was that it was a new beginning- a kind of golden era. This time, right now, is very exciting to me.

   A+A: Where do you hope to be on your 85th birthday?

B: In my open-air studio (one of many) in some tropical beach town, with my two assistants, just making art and drinking cappuccinos. I want to be doing what I’m doing now just on a bigger scale!

  A+A: Ummm, us too! That sounds like perfection. So, lastly, throughout your journey as an artist, is there anything you've learned that you want to share with us?

B: I believe in being patient and sharing everything with everyone. I don’t believe in the saying “hide your sources”. In my practice, I'm always open to telling people what I do, it’s gotten me so much work. Just being open to possibility is important.

In terms of being a ceramicist specifically, I think patience is number one and accepting the outcome of a piece, whatever it may be, is key. There is always the chance that it still might explode in the kiln! 

                               Ben Medansky

[elaymade]

EL AY SEEN: "THE FIRE ROOM" SOUND/STAGE BY cARTel

Before TV, 3D and all the new fangled technology that makes using your imagination, well, just an option, there was radio. Families and friends would gather 'round their radios to listen to their favorite programs broadcast across the airwaves. cARTel, Collaborative Arts LA, has brought back the old idea of spoken theatrics and created 'Sound/Stage', a series of one-act plays read aloud to an audience.

We were invited to take part in this special evening for their Valentines Day themed edition, “The Fire Room” written by Meghan Brown and directed by Amanda McRaven. We weren't quite sure what to expect but we were certainly excited to find out what Sound/Stage was all about. cARTel requested that all attendees arrive in old Hollywood-inspired cocktail attire to help transport the evening back in time. Held at the historic, and very fitting, El Cid in Silver Lake, the Spanish tavern was built in 1900 by filmmaker D.W. Griffith and was the original sound stage for the screening of his controversial film “Birth of a Nation.” This little oasis was the perfect venue for a night of old world romance and paid homage to a piece of LA theater history.

  Upon arrival, cocktail hour was held on El Cid’s charming courtyard patio. Cozy red booths beckoned guests to sit back and relax, strains of 1920’s jazz floated through the air and a red carpet photo booth encouraged everyone to show off their finest bowties and heels. The bar offered signature cocktails: The Sound, a saffron and cardamom infused vodka drink, and The Stage, a whiskey/basil/lemonade concoction. Another Valentine perk were the cartelegrams: personalized hand-made-to-order valentines available for purchase ahead of time, so a sweet surprise note would be waiting for your date in his or her seat.

  cARTel gives a succinct description of “The Fire Room” as “ the story of Meredith and JW, two ghosts who have, at long last, found true love. But when Meredith's soul is involuntarily reunited with her husband's after he passes, JW finds himself adrift in the sea of those who 'died alone'. Ultimately, JW must choose between accepting his destiny... or getting the girl.” The story was compelling and the cast was absolutely phenomenal.  Meghan Brown has a way of painting a picture with words, which proved the lack of traditional theater tools, like costume and set decoration, a non-issue.

Following the performance our friends Robin and Eddie from Whim Kitchen (read our interview HERE) provided a delicious complementary dessert in anticipation of their new restaurant, Corazon y Miel, opening on March 1st!

It was truly a pleasure to attend this event celebrating the Los Angeles arts community. cARTel does an incredible service broadening our creative horizons and bringing artists together, both onstage and off. In a time when we are constantly bombarded with special effects, it’s a breath of fresh air to experience the theatrical craft, stripped to its simplest form, and appreciate the power of the spoken word.

[elaymade]

ALI'S EL AY FIND: LOW END THEORY

West coast hip hop has brought some pretty legendary names to the game. With the likes of Tupac, Snoop Dogg - sorry, Lion- and more recently, the Odd Future clan, I think the best coast has proven it can hold its own against eastern hip-hop hubs of New York City and Atlanta. Over the past few years, a new instrumental hip-hop sound has seen steady growth in the streets and downtown clubs of Los Angeles, and Low End Theory has been at the forefront of bringing that sound to the people. Every Wednesday night at The Airliner in Lincoln Heights, Low End Theory hosts a weekly showcase of uncut, beat heavy tracks spun by some of the most talented DJs out there. Founded in 2006 by Alpha Pup Records label head Daddy Kev, Low End Theory has helped launch the careers of familiar names such as The Glitch Mob, Daedelus, Nosaj Thing and even the highly revered Flying Lotus. Today, residents include Daddy Kev, The Gaslamp Killer, Nobody, D-Styles and MC Nocando. While the space can feel a bit small (let's be real, you're going to get to know your neighbor really well), once the music gets going there will be no question it was a $10 well spent. And who knows, you may even be lucky enough to catch Thom Yorke or Flying Lotus' rapping alter ego, Captain Murphy, who have been known to take over the stage every once and while.

If you're not an Angeleno, don't fret, Low End Theory has expanded to New York City, San Francisco and Japan. Also, check out the Low End Theory podcast, featuring mixes from resident and guest DJs, released on a monthly basis.