Urban Ruins, Found Moments Sunday, March 28, 2010

Experimental filmmaker, writer, performer and restorationist Ross Lipman screens a collection of his cinematic shorts in Urban Ruins, Found Moments, an exploration of human inspiration and the inevitable decay of creation. Sayeth Lipman: "The detritus of civilization tells us no less about our current epoch than an archeological dig speaks to history. The urban ruin is particularly compelling because it speaks of the recent past, and reminds us that our own lives and creations will also soon pass into dust." Films to be screened include Lipman's Self-Portrait in Mausoleum (2009, 1 min.), 10-17-88 (1989, 11 min.), Rhythm 06 (1994/2008, 9 min.), plus selections from his video cycle "The Perfect Heart of Flux" and performance essay "The Cropping of the Spectacle." REDCAT, 631 W. Second St., dwntwn.; Tues., March 30, 8:30 p.m.; $9, $7 students. (213) 237-2800. (Originally published in L.A. Weekly, March 26, 2010.)

posted by Derek Thomas @ 11:28 PM, ,

Scratch Orchestra Thursday, March 18, 2010

Experimental music ensemble the Scratch Orchestra first got groovy in 1969 with the publication of their "draft constitution," a founding document of open minds and curious hearts that produced ground-breaking sounds and innovative art. Los Angeles musicians re-create the collective's work with a performance of scores from founder Cornelius Cardew's 1972 book Scratch Music, plus new works based on instructions in the constitution. After the music: a screening of Luke Fowler's 1996 Pilgrimage From Scattered Points, a profile of Cardew, and a panel discussion on radicalism and experimental art, with members of such collectives as Ultra Red and the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians. Fiesta Hall, 1200 North Vista St., W. Hlywd.; Sat., March 20, 4-10 p.m.; $15. (323) 960-5723, sassas.org. (Originally published in L.A. Weekly, March 19, 2010.)

posted by Derek Thomas @ 5:18 PM, ,

Futureskate Monday, March 15, 2010

Turns out the whole economic meltdown that America's currently mired in was prophetically portrayed in 1991's Prayer of the Rollerboys, a postapocalyptic action flick wherein trench-coated hoodlums blade around town wreaking havoc. So what ultimately saves us from complete societal collapse? An uber-moussed Corey Haim, of course. Rollerboys director Rick King speaks following the screening, hopefully on why Hollywood ever thought they could capitalize on the rollerblading fitness fad by turning Venice Beach into a Mad Max wasteland. (Wishful thinking?) Let's just hope they never make a sequel involving Segways. Also on the bill: 1986's Solarbabies, about teenage rollerskating hockey players, which would have made a much better title than "Solarbabies." Cinefamily, 611 N. Fairfax Ave., L.A.; Sat., March 20, 10 p.m.; $10. (323) 655-2510, cinefamily.org. (Originally published in L.A. Weekly, March 19, 2010.)

posted by Derek Thomas @ 10:07 PM, ,

Chinese Banquets on Gold Mountain Friday, March 12, 2010

The Culinary Historians of Southern California, a.k.a. the nonprofit committee in charge of the L.A. Public Library's cookbooks, presents author Andrew Coe's food talk "Chinese Banquets on Gold Mountain: The History of Chinese Food in the American West." Coe wrote the similarly named tome Chop Suey: A Culinary History of Chinese Food in the United States (2009, Oxford University Press), so he likely knows what he's talking about. Chop suey's shocking origin? Turns out the 19th-century Gold Rush essentially created the signature dish of 20th-century Chinese-American cuisine, an odds 'n' ends, bits 'n' pieces stir-fry blanded down for Americans' Pepperidge Farms palates. More historical/gastronomical turning points: America's initial trade with China in 1784, slumming it in New York's Chinatown with Jazz Age socialites, and President Nixon's 1972 trip to China. Following the talk, a book signing and reception with "themed refreshments" — here's hoping for General Tso's Chicken. Mark Taper Auditorium, Los Angeles Public Library, Central Branch, 630 W. Fifth St., dwntwn.; Sat., March 13, 10:30 a.m.; free. (213) 228-7025, lapl.org. (Originally published in L.A. Weekly, March 12, 2010.)

posted by Derek Thomas @ 12:48 PM, ,

Art of the Steal Monday, March 8, 2010

The mind-blowing true story of $25 billion-plus worth of art sequestered in the Philadelphia suburbs, Don Argott's documentary The Art of the Steal chronicles the incredible tale of Dr. Albert C. Barnes, who amassed a stunning art collection — Picassos, Renoirs, Van Goghs — in a deliberately un-urban private gallery. The Barnes Foundation's collection includes 181 Renoirs, 69 Cezannes, 59 Matisses, 46 Picassos, 16 Modiglianis, and 7 Van Goghs, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art wants them bad. Says director Argott: "Barnes was more concerned with educating serious students in his vision than reaching casual tourists, so he restricted attendance and refused to loan paintings to other institutions. His individualism earned him antagonists with the Philadelphia elite, and for the past 50 years the Barnes Foundation has been under siege, first by outside special interests and most recently by the Barnes trustees themselves." Argott appears in person with producer Sheena Joyce and executive producer Lenny Feinberg at this weekend's screenings. The Landmark, 10850 West Pico blvd., W.L.A.; Fri.-Sat., March 12-13, 7:20 p.m.; $12.50. (310) 470-0492. (Originally published in L.A. Weekly, March 12, 2010.)

posted by Derek Thomas @ 1:30 AM, ,