Category: Arts

Underground Jazz Movement in L.A.: The Hidden Concerts Cultivating a Fervent Fanbase

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For years, a hidden jazz phenomenon has been quietly brewing within the vibrant city of Los Angeles, drawing fervent fans and creating an enviable underground music scene. The man behind this movement is Yousef Hilmy, the founder and creative director of Minaret Records. Hilmy’s journey and his dedication to preserving and advancing jazz culture in L.A. offer a unique perspective into the city’s electric music scene.

Hilmy’s commitment to creating a jazz community that thrives in the face of challenges like government policies, economic uncertainty, and inaccessibility has been the driving force behind Minaret’s success. Minaret Records, founded in 2019, has been on a mission to make jazz accessible to people of all ages and to ensure that musicians are compensated fairly for their performances. Hilmy’s hands-on approach to every show reflects his dedication. He takes care of everything, from adjusting lights to lighting incense and checking microphones. His friends and fellow jazz enthusiasts often join him, wearing Minaret merchandise and helping with various tasks to support the cause.

Hilmy is clear that Minaret is a community effort, and it’s not just about him. It’s about everyone who contributes to defining the sound and spirit of Minaret. The jazz label is more than just a record company; it’s a movement that connects people through music. The inception of Minaret Records was driven by a shared feeling of dissatisfaction within the jazz community. Hilmy and his peers believed that existing labels weren’t doing enough to support independent music and young artists.

The aficionado’s love for jazz developed gradually, with influences ranging from Miles Davis to Charles Mingus, hip-hop samples, and music from his Egyptian heritage. Growing up in Orange County, Hilmy often found himself at the center of a cultural divide, facing prejudice due to his Arab identity. Despite the challenges, he pursued his passions, eventually transferring to Brown University to study English.

The birth of Minaret Records came from a chance meeting with artist Takoda in an abandoned house in Santa Ana, California. They both envisioned creating a jazz label that represented youth culture and expanded the genre’s legacy. Hilmy’s tireless efforts and relentless commitment have made him a crucial figure in the jazz scene.

What sets Minaret apart is its sense of community. Going beyond the average record label, Minaret stands out as a collective of friends and like-minded individuals who come together to support jazz. Hilmy strives for more representation of women and queer individuals within Minaret and aims to participate in charity and education. The future of Minaret is promising, with plans for festivals, collaborations, and a growing backlog of demos. Hilmy’s boundless energy and passion continue to drive the label forward, making it an essential part of the L.A. jazz scene.

Unpredictability is part of the art form in jazz. Similarly, the intertwined fates of Minaret and Yousef Hilmy are part of a larger symphony of passion for the L.A. jazz scene. As the jazz community continues to grow, Hilmy and Minaret Records will remain at the heart of this thriving movement, fostering a culture of inclusion and appreciation for the timeless art of jazz.

November 7, 2023
Musical Geniuses Behind ‘Dante’ Earn Grammy Nominations

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In a remarkable achievement for classical music, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, under the baton of celebrated conductor Gustavo Dudamel, has garnered significant attention in the 2024 Grammy Award nominations. Their masterful performance of “Adès: Dante” has put them in the spotlight, showcasing their exceptional talent and dedication to the arts.

Gustavo Dudamel, a renowned figure in the world of classical music, has been nominated alongside the L.A. Philharmonic in the Orchestral Performance category for their rendition of “Adès: Dante.” This nomination comes during a pivotal moment in Dudamel’s career as he prepares to transition from the Los Angeles Philharmonic to the New York Philharmonic in 2026 after a remarkable 17-year tenure.

The competition in this category is formidable, with nominees including Karina Canellakis and the Netherlands Radio, Yannick Nézet-Séguin with the Philadelphia Orchestra, JoAnn Falletta leading the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and Esa-Pekka Salonen conducting the San Francisco Symphony. This diverse group of talented conductors and orchestras highlights the vibrant and dynamic nature of the contemporary classical music scene.

Dudamel, at 42, is no stranger to Grammy acclaim, already holding four Grammy Awards. Last year, he and the L.A. Phil were nominated for “Dvořák: Symphonies Nos. 7–9,” though they did not secure the win. This year, the possibility of Dudamel earning his fifth Grammy among six nominations adds an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming awards.

His previous Grammy victories include Best Choral Performance for “Mahler: Symphony No. 8” and “Symphony of a Thousand” at the 64th Grammy Awards, and Best Orchestral Performance for “Ives: Complete Symphonies” the preceding year. He also claimed the same category at the 62nd Grammy Awards for “Norman: Sustain” and his first Grammy win during the 54th Grammy Awards for “Brahms: Symphony No. 4.”

British composer Thomas Adès, the creative force behind “Adès: Dante,” has been nominated for Contemporary Classical Composition. Adès’ composition, which Times critic Mark Swed described as “wondrously anarchic and entertaining,” premiered in May 2022 at the L.A. Phil’s Gen X festival. Adès faces competition from Andy Akiho, William Brittelle, Missy Mazzoli, and Jessie Montgomery for this prestigious award, which honors contemporary compositions written within the last 25 years.

Additionally, “Adès: Dante” producer Dmitriy Lipay has been nominated for Producer of the Year, Classical. This nomination recognizes his work on several productions with the L.A. Phil, including “Fandango” and “Rachmaninoff: The Piano Concertos & Paganini Rhapsody.”

The album Fandango, featuring Dudamel, violist Anne Akiko Meyers, opera baritone Gustavo Castillo, and the L.A. Phil, has been recognized in the Engineered Album, Classical, category. Engineers Alexander Lipay and Dmitriy Lipay are in contention for this award, which honors technical excellence in recording. The album also received a nomination for Classical Compendium.

The 66th Grammy Awards, set to air live on CBS and Paramount+ on February 4th, promise to be a spectacular event celebrating the very best in music. The ceremony, taking place in the Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles, will not only be a testament to the enduring legacy of classical music but also a platform to honor the modern-day maestros and their contributions to the rich tapestry of the musical arts.

November 1, 2023
California Teachers: Honoring Excellence in Education and the Arts

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On October 16, three Los Angeles County teachers, Casey Cuny, Andrew Lewis, and Hannah Rodriguez, were recognized as one of the five California Teachers of the Year by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.

A news release from the California Department of Education praised each recipient for their impact on their students and pointed to their work as evidence of the excellence of California’s school system.

“Congratulations to these five remarkable educators, who all display deep commitment and innovation in their work—all while supporting their students through a difficult time,” said Thurmond. “They make profound differences in their students’ lives and provide both inspiration and the practical tools students need to succeed. They are all prime examples of the exceptional work in California schools.”

Andrew Lewis, who teaches at Ramon C. Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), has been teaching for 17 years and half years and currently teaches vocal music.

Lewis stated that the award “meant a lot to him” insofar as it drew attention to and recognized students of the arts. Doing so, he noted, was the most rewarding part of his job.

“I think it is important to recognize that a holistic education includes the arts. It is not STEM, but STEAM, which includes the arts as a part of an education for students,” Lewis said. “To me, that’s meaningful.”

LAUSD Board President Jackie Goldberg also recognized the importance of recognizing instruction in the arts, adding that since music education “enriches students’ lives and fosters creativity, discipline, and expression,” she found it to be a “particular joy” to see Lewis recognized.

Lewis’s principal, Jantré Christian, praised him for demonstrating “an ongoing and consistent commitment to his students and families in our community – both inside the classroom and out” and noted the long hours that he often works to “provide students with opportunities to rehearse and participate” in public performances.

Casey Cuny teaches honors English and senior myth and folklore at William S. Hart High School and Valencia High School in the William S. Hart Unified School District.

He has been teaching for 18 years and, in the last year, has been named Valencia High School Teacher of the Year by his peers, District Teacher of the Year by the Hart Governing Board, and honored as one of 16 Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year.

Thurmond was also nominated by Cuny as the California representative for the 2024 National Teacher of the Year competition, the winner to be announced next spring.

Superintendent Mike Kuhlman described Cuny as “a role model for his students, helping them develop deep, creative, and critical thinking skills,” noting that this was the second California National Teacher of the Year from the Hart District in the last four years.

Recognizing how much he learned from his fellow teachers, Cuny pointed to his district’s excellence, stating, “The teachers of our district are the best in the country.”

October 26, 2023
John Carpenter’s Suburban Chronicles

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In the heart of Los Angeles, behind a picturesque white picket fence, lies the sanctuary of the legendary John Carpenter. The iconic director is known for evoking terror from the most mundane settings. Imagine, for instance, a masked villain terrorizing a quiet suburb. At the age of 75, Carpenter’s mischievous wit remains sharp. Greeting visitors to his office is a life-size cardboard cut-out of Justin Bieber from his “Believe” era, strategically placed to spook an unsuspecting friend playfully.

Carpenter’s office is adorned with memorabilia from his classic films, Big Trouble in Little China to Vampires. However, his recent endeavors, graphic novels published through Storm King Comics, and his music albums dominate his workspace. As he gears up for New York Comic-Con, the air is thick with anticipation for his latest album, Anthology II (Movie Themes 1976–1988).

The journey Carpenter began with 1974’s Dark Star has earned him a seat in the pantheon of genre greats. Although he occasionally steps into the composer or executive producer role, as seen with the recent Halloween reboots, he seldom rewatches his movies. To him, they’re chapters closed. Yet, amidst the critical acclaim lurk shadows of commercial failures and career lows. Carpenter feels the weight of those setbacks deeply.

John Carpenter’s Current Interests

Music, video games, and women’s basketball now occupy his interests more than the retrospection of his film career. As he chats animatedly about the WNBA and its stars like A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum, it’s evident that Carpenter’s passion extends beyond the cinematic world.

After 13 years since directing his last feature, The Ward, a new venture beckoned Carpenter. The advent of streaming saw him helm Peacock’s horror anthology, John Carpenter’s Suburban Screams. In this series, Carpenter digs into his horror roots to narrate a woman’s harrowing experience with a phone stalker.

Forty-five years after the release of Halloween, Carpenter remains grounded. While the world celebrates the film’s legacy, it’s simply work to him. But he acknowledges the fortune of having lived his childhood dream. He recalls the profound impact of his films on fans, noting the unusual devotion of some who even get Halloween tattoos. His journey had its low moments, too, like the initial failure of The Thing and missing out on directing Firestarter.

His recent involvement in scoring the Firestarter reboot and David Gordon Green’s Halloween series showcases Carpenter’s enduring touch. When asked about watching movies, Carpenter chuckles, admitting he prefers viewing them from the comfort of his home. His humorous take on Barbie, starring Margot Robbie, reveals his ability to find fun in unexpected places.

Carpenter’s Latest Project and Reflections

Suburban Screams, Carpenter’s latest series, is rooted in reality, with each episode exploring true horror stories. Creating tension and suspense around a woman’s account of being stalked was a challenge he relished. Carpenter’s method? Finding the perfect actress, Julie Stevens, to bring the harrowing tale to life.

Intriguing narratives fueled the transition from a decade-long hiatus to directing again. And while Carpenter remains open to running features, he believes music is the purest form of art. It transcends words and boundaries, connecting souls across time and space.

Reflecting on his career, Carpenter acknowledges the immense stress it brought. Chain-smoking and deteriorating health forced him to step back. As he ponders life’s ephemeral nature, he remains grateful for his journey.

In the end, for this master of horror, it’s the affirmation of life that remains the ultimate message of the genre.

October 17, 2023