PBS Socal's 62nd ANNUAL L.A. COUNTY HOLIDAY CELEBRATION Returns Virtual Dec.24th & 25th.

 PBS Socal's 62nd ANNUAL L.A. COUNTY HOLIDAY CELEBRATION Returns Virtual Dec.24th & 25th 2021.

Facts edit by Karen Ostlund

                                                                    

The 62nd annual L.A. COUNTY HOLIDAY CELEBRATION three-hour seasonal music and dance spectacular will be hosted by internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano and Emmy® Award winning television host Suzanna Guzmán as well as actor Brian White. 

  PBS SoCal and KCET, Southern California's  PBS stations will present 62nd Annual L.A. COUNTY HOLIDAY CELEBRATION at Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, which is a local tradition since 1959.

This holiday celebration is presenting music and dance performances from more than 20 L.A.-based artists who showcase the diverse talents of L.A. County.
The event will be broadcasted and streamed LIVE on PBS SoCal on Fri., Dec. 24 from 3-6 p.m. with encores on Fri., Dec. 24 from 10 p.m.-1 a.m. on PBS SoCal and on Sat., Dec. 25 from 6-9 p.m. on KCET. The program will also be available online at pbssocal.org/holidaycelebration

The Music Center has announced cancellation of the LIVE audience of 62nd annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration out of a rise of COVID-19 cases, but the show will be broadcasted as usual.

2021 L.A County Holiday Performances will include:
 Adam Mandela Walden, an autistic savant who is currently a senior at Berklee College of Music in Boston—the first severely autistic student to attend a conservatory full time and the subject of two Emmy-winning HBO documentaries (Autism: The Musical and Autism: The Sequel)—will perform Ralph Vaughan Williams' “Fantasia on Greensleeves” for violincello (also known as “What Child is This”) as well as “Ave Maria” by Franz Schubert, both accompanied by classical pianist Jordan Daniels.

• Amare Girls Band breaks tradition, seamlessly combining traditional Chinese instruments—guzheng and pipa—with the Western flute and violin to perform an inclusive composition by band leader and guzheng artist Annie Zhou that highlights the power of women in music.
                                                                 

• Celtic Irish Dance Academy, L.A.’s premier Irish dance school under the direction of Riverdance star, Maeve Croke, will perform a traditional Irish dance that showcases fast feet and the ability to tell a story through music and dance.

• Dembrebrah West African Drum and Dance will perform “Koredjuga,” a rhythm shared by the Bamana and Malinke ethnic groups on the border of Mali and Guinea, traditionally performed by intermediaries between the people and the traditional chief whose only purpose is to educate others through laughter and irony.
                                                                        

• Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles, whose holiday concerts are a beloved, decades-old L.A. tradition, returns to Holiday Celebration for the 31st year in a row to perform classic and inspiring holiday songs from Holiday Homecoming at Royce Hall.

                                                                             

• Daniel Ho & Hālau Hula Keali’i o Nālani, performing original Hawaiian music and hula together for over a decade, return to Holiday Celebration with a medley of two original Hawaiian songs composed by six-time GRAMMY® award-winning Ho and co-writer Amy Ku'uleialoha Stillman.

                                                                          

• Jung Im Lee Korean Dance Academy, the official Korean cultural ambassador to Southern California, returns to Holiday Celebration with Geom-mu, a Korean sword dance traditionally performed at royal and official feasts to celebrate victory over war, hardship or disease.

• Leela Youth Dance Company will perform “Malkauns Tarana,” choreographed by renowned artist Rina Mehta, showcasing the rhythmic footwork, dynamic movements and swift chakkars (pirouettes) characteristic of kathak classical dance of North India.  

• Lorenzo Johnson & Praizum will sing high energy Gospel renditions of classic Christmas songs, accompanied by fun choreography.

• Los Angeles Chamber Choir will perform “Glory, Glory, Glory to the Newborn King,” based on the spiritual “Go Tell it on the Mountain” with additional words and music by Moses Hogan.
                                                                         

• Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea, the two-time GRAMMY® award-winning all-female ensemble that has pushed to expand the scope of Mariachi music for over 22 years, will reach out to touch those with broken hearts this Christmas season with a Mariah Carey holiday medley.

                                                                    

• Mostly Kosher will add New Orleans flare to high energy klezmer and Jewish folk melodies, blending Hanukkah and Mardi Gras into one experience.

• MUSYCA Children's Choir will sing “Believe” from The Polar Express, reminding us that everything is possible at Christmas, and “Seasons of Love” from Rent in honor of the many losses and triumphs experienced by students and their families during this unprecedented time.
                                                                       

• Pacifico Dance Company returns to the Holiday Celebration with “Fiesta Calentana,” a journey through Mexico’s Southwestern, coastal state of Guerrero that explores Peruvian cultural influence in the region through dance, music and holiday traditions.

• Palmdale High School Choral Union and Sunday Night Singers, a select ensemble of current high school and alumni singers that has performed nationally and internationally, will perform “White Christmas” and “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” an energetic, joyful carol that celebrates coming back together to celebrate the holiday.
                                                                         
• Sean Oliu and The Coastline Cowboys return to the Holiday Celebration with songs celebrating country music and the holiday season.

• Street Corner Renaissance—just back from a six-week engagement in Dubai—will wow the audience with a cappella renditions of the classic Christmas blues tune “Please Come Home for Christmas” by Charles Brown and a spirited medley of “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” and “Joy To The World.”
                                                                           

• The Citrus Singers, the first American choir to win the International Choral Festival in Spittal, Austria, returns to Holiday Celebration with stunning choral arrangements of holiday favorites accompanied by handbells.

                                                                           

• The Opera Company at LACHSA (Los Angeles County High School for the Arts), which has produced some of this country’s finest singers, will perform holiday works from contemporary composers and Jonathan Dove's opera, Mansfield Park, based on the Jane Austen novel and set in the Regency era.

• The Spirit Chorale of Los Angeles, a professional ensemble dedicated to keeping alive the Negro spiritual along with jazz, blues and original Gospel works, emerges from the pandemic to perform the debut of “Hope for Tomorrow,” celebrating and shining a light on the possibilities of the future.

• VOX Femina Los Angeles, L.A.’s premier women's choir, will celebrate the season with a performance of holiday songs including the traditional Hanukkah song “S'vivon,” the Christmas classic “Jingle Bells” and the Spanish carol “A La Nanita Nana,” honoring the diverse communities that make up Los Angeles.

• Young Angels Choir and Orchestra will combine voices, orchestra and handbells to perform “Christmas Eve Sarajevo,” then rearrange the song to meld Western music with Eastern traditions by adding traditional Korean drums. HolidayCelebration.org
 

Range Rover 2022 Unveiled at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

 Range Rover 2022 was unveiled at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, during Range Rover Leadership Summit.

#NewRangeRover #RangeRoverLeadershipSummit #LandRoverUSA

(Los Angeles, CA, November 19 2021) Photos by Karen Ostlund
                                                                        

New Range Rover 2022

Land Rover 2022 brought together entrepreneurs, athletes, business and entertainment pioneers at the first ever Range Rover Leadership Summit at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles November 15 2021. The Summit was part of the debut of the new 5th Generation Range Rover and to unveil the vehicle featured at the 2021 LA Auto Show, November 19th-28th.
                                                                          

Musical artist Wyclef Jean participated in the Leadership Journeys panel discussion before performing some of his greatest hits including “Hips Don’t Lie” and “Sweetest Girl” to kick off the unveiling of the New Range Rover in front of a full audience at the museum’s outdoor Walt Disney Company Piazza.

                                                                          

An entrepreneur himself, Wyclef launched Sodo Mood Lab, the first ever black owned Source Music Library, powered by composers of color. To celebrate the launch of the New Range Rover, Wyclef created a bespoke remix of his new track, “We Celebrate Life,” which made  world premier at The Range Rover Leadership Summit.

The Range Rover Leadership Summit was created as a celebration of the evolving nature of modern leadership discussions, Q&A’s and keynote-talks with some of today’s most respected leaders across various industries, including world-renowned athlete, Lindsey Vonn; Chairman & CEO, IFF, Andreas Fibig; Founder & CEO, The Agency, Mauricio Umansky and VP of YouTube Marketing, Angela Courtin.
                                                                       

"Range Rover 2022 has a 7-seater version  for the first time with a V8 powered by the BMW X7, while plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and all-electric (EV) versions come in 2023".

 

“It was a very proud moment to bring together customers and some of the most inspiring thought-leaders today to talk about the evolving nature of modern leadership in celebration of the most compelling, elegant and capable SUV on the market, the New Range Rover,” said Joe Eberhardt, President & CEO, Jaguar Land Rover North America. “We’re also thrilled to be back in Los Angeles as its one of the top Range Rover sales markets in the world, and home to some of our most loyal and passionate customers, who were the inspiration for the Range Rover Leadership Summit.”
                                                                         

Ballet dancers showing interior design of Range Rover 2022.

Range Rover is the original  SUV which has led by example for 50 years, combining comfort, modernity and capability.
What’s the difference between “Land Rover” and “Range Rover”? Land Rover is a brand, but the Range Rover is a specific Land Rover SUV.
The New Range Rover is available in the U.S. starting Spring 2022.  LandRoverUSA.com

Los Angeles Auto Show Returns to LA Convention Center, November 19th-28th 2021.

 Los Angeles Auto Show Returns to LA Convention Center, November 19th-28th 2021.

Attendees will experience vehicle debuts, accessories, race-cars, ride and drive opportunities, and a life-size Barbie Car sold at Walmart as a toy.

                                                                          

FIAT'S Barbie Car

Photos by Karen Ostlund

(LOS ANGELES, Nov. 19, 2021) The Los Angeles Auto Show® - the leading automotive and lifestyle in-person event, returns today after a two-year absent to LA Convention Center, November 19th to 28th 2021.                                                                    

VINFAST Global EV Premiere

                                                                                  

FISKER OCEAN SUV electric

This year’s lineup of AutoMobility LA press-conferences of November 17th vehicle debuts, included  Fiat’s Barbie, Biliti Electric Inc., Bremach, EdisonFuture, Fisker Inc., Hyundai Motor, Kia, Mullen, Subaru and VinFast.                                                

HYUNDAI Seven Concept Interior

                                                                                 

KIA Concept EV9 electric

The LA Auto Show will showcase dynamic startups and established brands as they deliver 10 jam-packed days of test drives, never-before-seen vehicles, custom and exotic cars, all-new zero-emission vehicles, interactive activations, and one-of-a-kind experiences. Influencers and shoppers can test drive vehicles from brands such as Audi, Chrysler, Dodge, Electra Meccanica, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Jeep, Nissan, Ram, Subaru, and Toyota.

First-time exhibitors will offer attendees an exciting opportunity to see dynamic new interpretations of vehicle design and creation. From Barbie to BREMACH to ElectraMeccanica to MOLNAR, these electrifying new vehicle exhibitors will showcase how to turn car dreams into a reality.
                                                                            

718 Porsche Cayman GT4RS

"The LA Auto Show is jam-packed with exhibitions and displays, celebrating Los Angeles' unique transportation style and culture," said Lisa Kaz, owner and CEO, LA Auto Show. "This is the only time people can see a three-wheeled EV vehicle, an electric flying car concept, customized exotics, pet adoptions and even a life-size version of the Barbie® EXTRA car, all in one location."

This year's LA Auto Show first-time exhibitors across the Los Angeles Convention floor:

Barbie (West Atrium): Barbie is going the extra mile in debuting her new set of wheels at the LA Auto Show! Fiat has manufactured a life-size version of the Barbie EXTRA car, showcasing all the bells and whistles that make her new ride slay.(Barbie car sold at Walmart as a toy)
BREMACH (South Atrium): Offering special edition 4x4 vehicles, co-developed with international OEM partner Sollers/UAZ, BREMACH delivers unmatched price and performance value.
Cobera (West Atrium): From the teams behind the Corvus Racer Red Bull for the Red Bull Race Series and Breitling aerobatic aircraft, the Cobera C300 is designed and built to aero-nautical grade materials and standards.
EdisonFuture (West Atrium): A new way to EV, EdisonFuture's light-duty electric vehicles are built for a responsible and sustainable future.
ElectraMeccanica (West Atrium): The one-seat, three-wheel SOLO EV offers 100 miles per charge on a standard outlet while eliminating wasted space on every journey.
Imperium Motor Co. (South Atrium): With a line-up including e-bikes, e-Scooters, Low Speed ZEVs, Cars, Trucks, SUVs, Commercial Trucks and Urban Busses, Imperium Motor Co.'s mission is to transform the way the world drives.
MOLNAR (South Terrace): Visit the MOLNAR flying race car display to view the new MOLNAR "Streetwing" electric flying car concept, and the new Molnar GT Gyrocycle.
SONDORS (South Atrium): From head-turning electric bikes to an industry-buzzing Metacycle, to the innovative Model SONDORS EV – all SONDORS are designed and engineered from the ground up.
Additional family friendly on-site exhibitions and activities include:
"The Garage" (Under South Hall): Where car culture lives and auto enthusiasts explore renowned tuners, customized rides, cool collectibles, and preferred aftermarket goods/services.
ArtCenter College of Design (South Terrace): ArtCenter will present live sketching demos and student work—including "Quiet Flight," a full-scale concept developed in partnership with Lincoln—as well as visits with well-known Transportation Design alumni who will informally discuss their career trajectories and latest projects.
DoVE Project (Breezeway): Dogs of Violence Exposed is a non-profit organization focused on supporting the end of the dog meat trade in S. Korea. Open on weekends only.
Outdoor Street Test Drives: Audi, Chrysler, Dodge, ElectraMeccanica, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Subaru and Wagoneer will feature an array of vehicles to step inside and experience first-hand across four outdoor test drive or ride areas.
Plus … Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, EspoResto, EVgo, Kia Times Square New Year's Eve Numerals Tour, NextGen Foundation, Road & Track, Wagoneer, food trucks, and more!


New Activations, Showcases and Consumer Experiences.

“Camp Jeep” (Outdoor): Jeep’s 25,000-square-foot exhibit will give LA Auto Show attendees a chance to experience the extreme off-road capabilities of Jeep vehicles without leaving the show. Camp Jeep consists of several obstacles that simulate some of the rigorous testing that Jeep vehicles endure before customers get behind the wheel. The course offers a first-hand look at ground clearance, traction, stability, articulation, breakover, off-camber, and suspension. Camp Jeep is an interactive adventure zone where professional 4×4 drivers allow riders to experience a Jeep brand vehicle’s on and off-road capabilities. Expert drivers will drive participants in the 2021 Wrangler Rubicon, Wrangler 4xe, Grand Cherokee, Gladiator Rubicon, Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, and Cherokee Trailhawk vehicles.

EV Track Powered by Electrify America (Indoor): Electrify America—the largest open ultra-fast DC charging network—is the exclusive sponsor of LA Auto Show’s all-new indoor electric vehicle (EV) test track and charging provider for the automotive brands and vehicles featured in this year’s outdoor test drives. Enthusiasts, shoppers, and the EV-curious can conveniently test drive several of the latest EV models along a 55,000-square-foot test track inside South Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center. There, visitors will also be able to learn about Electrify America’s charging solutions including HomeStation—a Level 2 home charger— and public DC fast chargers as well as the debut of a prototype during the press days. For more information or to locate an Electrify America charger, visit https://www.electrifyamerica.com/

                                                                       

Ford “Bronco Built Wild” Experience

    
Ford “Bronco Built Wild” Experience (Outdoor): At Built Wild, LA Auto Show visitors can experience the Bronco family’s full throttle on a specially designed off-road course and put their courage to the test with a ride over Bronco Mountain—a 38-degree hill—located in the North Plaza of the Los Angeles Convention Center. Visitors will learn about the Bronco brand’s beloved legacy, get acquainted with the all-new Bronco family—from Bronco Sport to the 2-door and 4-door Broncos—and learn about modularity and accessories to suit their lifestyles. Guests will also experience the thrill of Bronco’s off-road capability and connectivity on an off-road course designed by Vaughn Gittin Jr.; the experience showcases Trail Turn Assist, where the vehicle spins almost entirely on the same spot.
Ford’s “Built To Electrify” and “Built Ford Wild” Experiences (Indoor): Ford’s Built to Electrify experience inside the West Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center will offer guests the opportunity to learn the benefits of electric vehicle (EV) ownership and see Ford’s full EV lineup. LA Auto Show visitors will be able to get an exclusive look at the all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning and take an adrenaline-pumping Mustang Mach-E ride that will get their hearts racing. Also in West Hall, Built Ford Wild will showcase Ford’s full line of trucks including the all-new Maverick, 2021 F-150 Hybrid, and F-150 Lightning. Visitors of Built Ford Wild can discover the stories of local customers who love their Ford trucks and learn how Ford’s latest offerings can make their work and recreation even better.

“Ram Truck Territory” (Indoor): The ultimate in-truck adventure demonstrating the power and capabilities of the Ram Truck vehicle lineup will make its debut in the West Hall of Los Angeles Convention Center. Professional drivers will navigate guests through the interactive course in the 2021 Ram 1500—the most awarded light-duty truck in America. Ram Rebel, Limited, Laramie, and Longhorn models will also be available for LA Auto Show visitors to enjoy a ride. Ram Heavy Duty trucks will include Ram Power Wagon, Ram 2500, and 3500 Limited Models. Ram Truck Territory will include a stability demonstration on the High Banked Wedge, a structure over 6’ tall, 70’ in diameter with a 30° tilt. A series of steel culverts will showcase Ram handling capability and suspension options. Participants will also be able to feel the traction and experience hill descent technology on the legendary Ram Mobile Mountain, a 13-foot high, 30-yard-long simulated mountain with 30-degree approach and departure angles. Ram will demonstrate towing in a 2021 Ram 3500 with a High Output 6.7 L Cummins Diesel Engine as the truck hitches to the 24’ tall Ram Tow Power Tower and lifts a heavy weight to simulate towing.

                                                                   

2023 Subaru Solterra electric

Subaru National Parks Experience & Pet Adoptions (Indoor): An all-new auto show experience showcasing core Subaru models and the brand’s dedication to preserving our National Parks awaits visitors in Los Angeles Convention Center’s West Hall—featuring an immersive 180-degree LED wall and LED floor, wilderness-inspired sights, sounds, smells and two levels of viewing. Explore an interactive cave spotlighting “no-touch” technology and be sure to visit the “Subaru Loves Pets” daily adoption event. Subaru’s all-new performance area will feature the 2022 WRX and more.

“VW Roadshow” (Outdoor): Volkswagen invites LA Auto Show attendees to experience their fun-to-drive SUVs at the “VW Roadshow” where they can discover the all-electric ID.4 SUV—awarded “World Car of the Year,” the all-new compact Taos with VW Digital Cockpit, the family-ready Atlas, boldly styled Atlas Cross Sport, and the compact Tiguan—winner of the “Car & Driver Editor’s Choice Award.” Volkswagen’s custom, closed-track experience in Los Angeles Convention Center’s Gilbert Lindsey Plaza will feature obstacles that showcase the agility, stability, and adaptability of Volkswagen SUVs. To expedite check-in, attendees are invited to pre-register online at http://www.vwroadshow.com/
For tickets and more information  www.LAAutoShow.com

Ghostbusters Exhibit makes debut at the Hollywood Museum

  (Hollywood, CA, November 4th 2021)   #TheHollywoodMuseum #Ghostbusters

Photos by Karen Ostlund                                 

The Ecto-1 Cadillac was the vehicle in Ghostbusters 1984, used in New York City busting ghosts.

Ghostbusters is Hollywood Museums' latest exhibit, which opened to the public yesterday, November 4, 2021 at the historic Max Factor Building on 1660 N. Highland Ave, Hollywood, CA.

This new exhibit celebrates all four films, including the 37th anniversary of the 1984 Ghostbusters film  and the upcoming Sony Pictures  release of "Ghostbusters Afterlife" film exclusively  in movie  theaters November  19, 2021.                                     

(left) Russ, Donelle Dadigan and George Braunstein

President and founder of the world-famous Hollywood Museum, Donelle Dadigan, announced,  “The Hollywood Museum is thrilled to open our next blockbuster exhibit  in collaboration with Sony Pictures and world renown “Ghostbusters” super collectors.  “The exhibit will evoke memories for several generations of fans of the ever-popular “Ghostbuster’s movie franchise”.
                                                                                 

Hollywod Museum installation from Ghostbusters II 1989

All four films including  the 37th anniversary of  the 1984 Ghostbusters film and the upcoming Sony Pictures (November 19 2021)  release of "Ghostbusters Afterlife" film are featured. The opening day tribute honored the Ghostbuster Movies, with a special video appearance of Ghostbusters star Ernie Hudson via video.                                            

Ghostbusters 1984 installation "Stay Puft Marshmallow Man".

Fans will be able to see original costumes and props, along with original collectible merchandise that fans of all ages loved to enjoy and collect from all four films.

Highlights from the Ghostbusters  Hollywood Museum Exhibit will include original screen matched artifacts, original iconic costumes, screen accurate replicas including the Ecto-1 from the original film, photos, posters and more.
                                                                   

Nate Truman, Jack Johnson, Donelle Dadigan and William Bryan.

                                                                            

(Center) Donelle Dadigan with Jean Kasem and Nancy Harding.

The dedicated team of mounting the Ghostbusters exhibit included world-renown collectors Sean Bishop, Chuck Costas, Henry Thomas, Matt Sanders, Robert O’Connor, William Bryan, Jack Johnson, Dan Fopma, Eddy Guerrero, James Johnson, Michael Carrey, and Sony Pictures.Roger Neal was the special organizer of this exhibit.

www.TheHollywoodMuseum.com  1660 N. Highland Ave, Hollywood, CA 90028.

About Ghostbusters After Life,  (in movie theaters on Nov 19, 2021)

From director Jason Reitman and producer Ivan Reitman comes the next chapter in the original Ghostbusters universe. Ghostbusters: Afterlife, features a single mom and her kids arriving in a small town, when they begin to discover their connection to the original ghostbusters and the secret legacy their grandfather left behind. The film is written by Gil Kenan and Jason Reitman.

Based on the 1984 film “Ghostbusters,” an Ivan Reitman film written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis.  Ghostbusters: Afterlife is produced by Ivan Reitman and executive produced by Dan Aykroyd, Gil Kenan, Jason Blumenfeld, Michael Buegg, Aaron L. Gilbert, Jason Cloth, and stars Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, McKenna Grace, Annie Potts and Paul Rudd.

French G’Vine Gin Launch at Optimist Studios in Los Angeles.

 At G’Vine Gin Launch at Optimist Studios, LA        

(Los Angeles, CA October 25, 2021)  #Ginsideout #GVineGin

This October 2021, G'Vine Gin made of grapes instead of grain launched the U.S market with tasting at G’Vine Garden Optimist Studios in Los Angeles.

By Karen Ostlund

Rick Arline is mixing signature drinks: D-Vine's Gin & Tonic and Tangerine Dream, made of G-Vine Gin, Dry Vermouth, Orange Bitters and Fino Sherry.

The G’Vine gin was created in 2006 from the master distiller Jean-Sébastien Robicquet and the team at Maison Villevert, using French grapes and vine blossoms, which gives gin a much smoother and silkier taste, compare to gin made of grain.

Once a year, in mid-June, the vine flower blossoms, for just a few days before maturing into a grape berry, which get handpicked to preserve its fragrance and flavor. "Not only do grapes produce a sweeter liquor than grain, but grapes also create a more well-balanced gin, for who want to move away from grain spirits and gluten in general," said Alexandre Robicquet, North America Market Manager.
                                                                                   

"The vine flower is a summer bloom that actually tastes like the season, that’s why G'Vine gin lends well to the concept of 'making summer last longer'," added Alexandre Robicquet.

Each vine flower is harvested by hand before being macerated in grape brandy for a few days, then distilled into a fragrant alcohol. "The flower essence alcohol" is then combined with other plants and spices, distilled to form a spirit. This spirit then undergoes a second and final distillation in an alembic dubbed “Lily-Fleur,” in the step of Gin de France, before becoming G’Vine.
                                                                               

The G'Vine gin family is divided in four groups; G'Vine Floraison which is a fresh, smooth and rounded spirit with a distinct floral note from fragrant vine flowers; G'Vine Nouaison which is a bold, spicy, crisp and aromatic spirit inspired from a 1495 recipe and suited for cocktails like the Negroni; June By G'Vine flavored collection (Royal Pear and Cardamom and Summer Peach and Wild Fruits); and Nouaison Gin Reserve, aged in Cognac barrels. https://g-vine.com/en/

                                                                                   

G’Vine Garden at Optimist Studios, LA

The Grand Opening of Fixins Soul Kitchen LA, a Sacramento-based soul food restaurant by former NBA player Kevin Johnson.

The Grand Opening of Fixins Soul Kitchen downtown LA, a Sacramento-based soul food restaurant by former  NBA player Kevin Johnson.

                                                                         

Kevin Johnson and Charles Barkley at Fixins Soul Kitchen Opening, October 18 2021.

  #FixinsSoul  #FixinsSoulKitchen  
 By Karen Ostlund

Kevin Johnson, former NBA All-Star and mayor of Sacramento, opened his restaurant Fixins Soul Kitchen, in  Shaquille’s space at L.A. Live at 800 West Olympic blvd after a year of preparations.
                                                                            

Former NBA player Charles Barkley and sports anchor Jim Hill from CBS2, at the grand opening.

 Shaquille’s space belonged to Hall of Fame basketball player and former Lakers star Shaquille O’Neal,  who opened his first LA restaurant Shaquille’s in February 1st 2019.
Shaquille left the restaurant to Kevin Johnson and Fixins Soul Kitchen in Sacramento, when Covid-19 pandemic hit Los Angeles, March 16 2020.
Many staff members from Fixins Soul Kitchen in Sacramento moved to Los Angeles to prepare for the opening of their second restaurant in October 2021.
                                                                                  

FIXINS Peach Cobbler with ice cream

Johnson and wife Michelle Rhee first opened Fixins in the Oak Park neighborhood of Sacramento at the corner pf Broadway and 35th street, in 2019 with the desire to serve home-style soul food. They focused on family recipes like grandma Gladys’s peach cobbler and home-made Banana Pudding.
                                                                                      

FIXINS Crispy Chicken and Waffles

Their signature dish remains crispy fried chicken and waffles, with choice of white or dark meat.

                                                                            

FIXINS Oxtails and Fried Chicken Salad

Other popular entrees include, Shrimp and Grits, Oxtails, and Smothered Pork Chops and Fried Chicken Salad.                                                       
Sacramento style appetizers on the menu include, Deep Fried Deviled Eggs, Fried Green Tomatoes with Chipotle mayo, Catfish Nuggets and Artichoke dip.
                                                                                  

FIXINS Deep Fried Deviled Eggs and Catfish Nuggets

Opening night's most popular cocktails were Kool Aid with Ciroc, Lavender Lemon drop with Tito's, Water Melon Margarita with El Jimador Tequila, Uncle Nearest Mint Julep and Myer’s Dark Rum Float Hurricane. FixinsSoulKitchen.com                       

Early evening at Fixins Soul Food Kitchen at L.A. LIVE.

22nd Annual Día de los Muertos festival returns to Hollywood Forever Cemetery, October 30th in two sessions.

 By Karen Ostlund  (Hollywood, CA October 15 2021)                                         

Tyler Cassity, president and co-owner of Hollywood Forever Inc. at rehearsal October 13 2021 with Grupo Folklorico Sabor de Mexico.

22nd Annual Día de los Muertos festival returns to Hollywood Forever Cemetery on Saturday October 30th 2021, featuring a daytime and an evening event, “Dia de los Muertos” & “Noche de los Muertos” - allowing guests to experience a more intimate look at this year’s theme THE RETURN OF QUETZALCOATL – EL REGRESO DE QUETZALCOATL.

 "Adorned with the feathers of the Quetzal bird we welcome the Return of Quetzalcoatl, the plumed serpent, ancient God of the Mayans and Aztecs, Priest King, Lord of the Winds and the Harvest Maize – that seed of civilizations – and the One God who descends into the underworld and resurrects humankind with his own blood".

On Dia de los Muertos, tradition holds that the dead return to earth to visit their living relatives, which can be traced to Aztec people in central Mexico.The Aztecs used skulls to honor the dead a millennium before the Day of the Dead celebrations emerged.

 It is believed that although these relatives can’t see them, they can s feel them. It's a night is an important feast and when family members share memorable stories that evoke the lives of their ancestors.

Dia de los Muertos is one of Mexico’s traditional holidays reuniting and honoring beloved ancestors, family and friends.

It's an ancient ritual when the living commune with the dead – a mystical night when the veil is lifted between their two realms and they may share a day together. The historical roots of this celebration date back to the pre-Hispanic cultures of Meso-America of the indigenous people, especially the Nahua (Aztecs, Mayans, Toltecas, Tlaxcaltec, Chichimec, Tecpanec) and others native to Mexico more than 3,000 years.                                                        

Headliner daytime, Banda Las Angelinas.

Dia de los Muertos
9AM GATES OPEN - 3PM, OCTOBER 30 2021               

THE DAYTIME EVENT FEATURES A CHILDRENS PLAZA AND  CULTURAL PERFORMERANCES, AS WELL AS ALTARS, ART EXHIBITIONS, AZTECS, FOLKORICO DANCE, TRADITIONAL DANCE, CHILDRENS PLAZA, ARTS AND CRAFTS VENDORS, AND CULINARY VENDORS.


MAIN STAGE
Banda Las Angelinas, the female Mexican blow-horn music band.

Christopher Garcia
Grupo Folklorico Sabor de Mexico
Inspiraciones De Danza Mexicana
Ballet Folklorico Cielito Lindo
Ballet Folklorico del Mosaico

LA CATRINA STAGE
Jaime López
Leticia Servin
Laurie Muniz
Eli Presser
Martin Espino

AZTECA STAGE
CATHEDRAL ART EXHIBITION
UNAM EXHIBITION
L.A. TACO CULINARY VENDORS

                                                              

 Chilean singer, Mon Laferte is headliner evening session.

Noche de los Muertos
5PM GATES OPEN - 12AM, OCTOBER 30 2021               


THE EVENING EVENT FEATURES MUSICAL ARTISTS, AS WELL AS ALTARS, ART EXHIBITIONS, AZTECS, TRADITIONAL DANCE,  CULTURAL PERFORMERS, ARTS AND CRAFTS VENDORS, AND CULINARY VENDORS.

MAIN STAGE 

Chilean singer Mon Laferte, known for her musical versatility, in pop, rock, bolero, cumbia and salsa will perform in the evening after dark at Noche de los Muertos.
Little Jesus
Y La Bamba
Marinero

LA CATRINA STAGE
Perla Lopez
Flor Amargo
Angel Ng
Conjunto Tenocelomeh
Cunao Danzo
Aparato
Alebriges En Vuelo
Conjunto Xi

AZTECA STAGE
CATHEDRAL ART EXHIBITION
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Academy Museum Of Motion Pictures opened Sept.30th, with the largest film-collection in the world

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures' 50,000 square feet of gallery space, opened with the largest film-collection in the world, September 30 2021.

By Karen Ostlund                                         

1927 Oscar statuette for "Cinematography on Sunrise" to Charles Rosher.

The Academy Museum Of Motion Picture Art and Sciences has been collecting film-related  items since 1927 and has over 13 million photographs, 250,000 films, 71,000 screenplays, 67,000 posters and 137,000 pieces of production art.
                                                                                

September 30th 2021, 10 AM, the official ribbon-cutting ceremony of  Academy Museum of Motion Pictures kicked off at The Walt Disney Company Piazza.
Among the speakers were Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Director and President of the Academy Museum Bill Kramer, AMPAS CEO Dawn Hudson, AMPAS President David Rubin, Chief Artistic and Programming officer of AMPAS museum Jacqueline Stewart and Board Chair of AMPAS Museum and Co-CEO of Netflix Ted Sarandos.

                                                                               

Taron Egerton’s costume, as Elton John, in the 2019 film “Rocketman”.

The Academy Museum was constructed by AMPAS (oscars.org) and dedicated to the history, arts, sciences, and cultural impact of the film industry. It occupies a 300,000-square-foot campus at the intersection of Wilshire Blvd. and Fairfax Ave. at 6067 Wilshire blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036.
The two buildings feature exhibition, special event spaces, a Shirley Temple educational studio, Café Fanny’s, a museum store, along with two movie theaters, 1000 seats David Geffen theatre and 288 seats Ted Mann theatre, both designed by Italian architect Renzi Piano. The both theatres will be the home to a year-round slate of screenings, film series, member programs, panel discussions, and other events.                            

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

The 3-floor exhibit “Stories of Cinema” features galleries devoted to Steven Spielberg, Spike Lee, Bruce Lee, Thelma Schoonmaker, The Wizard of OZ, Citizen Kane, Pedro Almodovar and Real Women have curves.                                                               

Prop from the movie "Jaws"

In addition “Stories of Cinema” features also costume design, production design, sound, visual effects, animation, cinematography and props from films including Jaws, Star Wars, North by Northwest, Black Panther, Alien, The Big Lebowski, Blade Runner, Toy Story, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Mad Max Fury Road and more.

In three of the temporary exhibit spaces, visitors will discover a Richard Balzer Collection of pre-cinematic technology including 1821-91 magic lanterns, peep-shows and praxino-scopes.

                                                                               

- The Pixar Toy Story 3D Zoetrope in Warner Bros. gallery features a giant zoetrope of the characters of  the Toy Story film.

-Japanese film-artist and animator Hayao Miyazaki has put together a retrospective of his 6-decade career at  the Jeffrey Katzenberg Gallery in form of original image-boards, character designs and story boards together with posters.

                                                                      

“Backdrop: An Invisible Art” (September 30-October 2022) spotlights a famous backdrop painting "Mt. Rushmore"  from Alfred Hitchcock’s movie "North by Northwest (1959)" at the 34-foot double-height Hurd Gallery space at the Academy Museum.
Tickets at academymuseum.org