Category: Entertainment

Paris Playbook: Lessons Learned for a Stellar LA Olympics

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Setting the stage for a star-studded Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, networks are already gearing up to apply the lessons learned in Paris to future Olympic broadcasts, ensuring that the excitement only continues to build.

Revitalizing the Olympics Post-Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic cast a shadow over the 2020 and 2022 Olympics, with empty arenas and subdued atmospheres, but Paris has turned the tide. NBC’s headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut, where the network produced its coverage, was buzzing with energy throughout the Games, reflecting the rejuvenation of the Olympic spirit. A scale model of the Eiffel Tower and giant Olympic rings set the scene, but it was the impressive viewership that truly brought smiles to NBC executives’ faces.

The Paris Olympics consistently drew over 30 million viewers daily, a stark contrast to the muted response to the Tokyo Games in 2021. According to Nielsen and Adobe Analytics, ratings for Paris surged by more than 75% compared to Tokyo, marking a significant turnaround. Mark Lazarus, chairman of NBCUniversal media group, sees these numbers as a testament to the enduring appeal of the Olympics, especially when backed by innovative coverage strategies.

Key Takeaways from Paris

NBC’s most significant realization from Paris was that allowing viewers to watch events live didn’t cannibalize the primetime audience. Molly Solomon, executive producer and president of production for NBC Olympics, noted that despite knowing the outcomes, viewers were still deeply invested in the athletes’ stories and the drama of the events. “It doesn’t matter if they know the results. They want to know the stories of the athletes and how it played out,” Solomon said.

This insight is especially exciting as NBC prepares for the 2028 Los Angeles Games, where the Pacific time zone will offer even more opportunities for live coverage. Rick Cordella, president of NBC Sports, pointed out that the fear of viewers tuning out if results were known has been largely unfounded. Instead, the combination of live events and enhanced entertainment value in primetime has drawn viewers back in droves.

Innovative Programming and Star Power

One of the standout features of NBC’s Paris coverage was the “Gold Zone,” a Peacock streaming show that whisked viewers from one event to another, offering a dynamic and fast-paced experience. This program resonated with audiences and is likely to become a staple of future Olympics, even as the network continues to innovate.

Another major success was the integration of star power into the broadcasts. Celebrities like Tom Cruise, Tom Brady, and Ariana Grande were featured prominently, adding a layer of glamor and excitement to the coverage. NBC also brought its own celebrities into the fold, with Snoop Dogg serving as a correspondent and Peyton Manning and Kelly Clarkson co-hosting the opening ceremonies. The involvement of these stars not only drew in viewers but also created a sense of community and shared experience.

Looking ahead to the Los Angeles Olympics, NBC plans to double down on these strategies. With LA being a hub for celebrities, the 2028 Games are expected to bring even more star power, both in the stands and on the screen. And while nothing is set in stone, the possibility of Snoop Dogg returning as a correspondent in his hometown is something NBC executives are seriously considering.

The Future of Olympic Coverage

As NBC looks toward the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles, one thing is clear: the network is committed to continuous innovation. “We’re going to change the times. Look at 2024, look at 2028, moving forward to 2032, we’ll change along with it,” Cordella said, emphasizing the network’s willingness to adapt and experiment.

The success of the Paris Olympics has given NBC a blueprint for the future, but it’s a blueprint that will be constantly evolving. With a focus on live events, star power, and dynamic programming, NBC is set to make the Los Angeles Olympics a spectacle that will captivate audiences around the world.

August 13, 2024
Miss USA Competitions Return to LA After Shocking Resignations

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51 contestants in both the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants will participate in the competitions this year. Each of the 2023 title holders resigned, for the first time in the event’s history, and both are returning to Los Angeles this week to declare new winners.

There are three main rounds of competition, including swimsuit (Miss USA) or athletic wear (Miss Teen USA), evening gown, and an onstage interview, though the contestants also have a preliminary interview with the judges.

Relinquishing Crowns

Noelia Voigt, winner of the Miss USA pageant, and UmaSofia Srivastava, winner of the Miss Teen USA pageant, separately announced on their social media that they would relinquish their crowns. Neither has addressed specifics publicly, though rumors of non-disclosure agreements abound. Voigt cites mental health reasons while Srivastava claims a clash in personal values between herself and the Miss Teen USA organization.

While there were no public statements, CNN obtained Voigt’s resignation letter, which helped to explain things somewhat. Starting with frustrations over administrative issues that delayed her prizes from the competition, an apartment and a car, Voigt then proceeded into much more serious allegations. In the letter, Voigt claimed that pageant president Laylah Rose attacked her character by calling her “mentally ill.” She also noted a “toxic work environment” and claims of sexual harassment during a parade appearance due to the lack of an “effective handler”.

Rose and Miss USA declined to respond to CNN’s requests for comment, but she later released a statement reported by the Los Angeles Times which refuted the allegations.

Vacancies and Upsets

Following the resignations, Savannah Gankiewicz of Hawaii, last year’s runner-up to the Miss USA pageant, stepped into the role in place of Voigt. The runner-up to the Miss Teen USA pageant, Stephanie Skinner, declined the title, leaving the role vacant. Gankiewicz may also crown the new Miss Teen USA as a result, another first for the event. Overall, the two resignations have left the organizations in a mess.

Uncertain Prizing

This year, Miss USA’s website has no information about the prize package, but Instagram posts suggest that Garcelle Beauvais of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” will be one of the hosts. Traditionally, Miss USA pageant winners have received the following: a luxury car, an LA apartment, and a six-figure salary for one year so long as they make appearances and support the organization’s causes. Additional benefits have included designer clothes, guest spots on television shows, and five-star resort stays, though none of these appear listed on the current website.

Who Can Participate in Miss USA?

To participate in Miss USA, a participant must be a US citizen recognized as medically and legally female, while either being a permanent resident, full-time student, or full-time employee of their state for a given period. There are no longer age restrictions, and previous requirements that a competitor had to be single and without children have been done away with. Julia Morehouse was the first married woman to compete.

The History of Miss USA Competitions

Another frequent question concerns the difference between Miss America and Miss USA. Both are major national pageants with a shared history, but as brands they are distinct. Miss America began as a small competition in 1921, quickly rising in prominence. However, when the 1950 titleholder, Yolande Betbeze, refused to appear in swimwear, Catalina, a company that made swimwear, dropped their sponsorship of Miss America and founded Miss USA. Today, Miss America acts as a non-profit scholarship program, while Miss USA is a franchise part of the Miss Universe Organization, whose winners automatically represent the United States during its international pageant. Miss America got rid of the swimsuit portion altogether in 2018.

What’s Next

Miss Teen USA’s 42nd finals is on August 1st, and Miss USA’s 73rd edition is on August 4th at the Peacock Theater.

August 9, 2024
Reality TV Filming Is on the Decline in Los Angeles

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The grim landscape of reality television in the Los Angeles area was highlighted by another significant drop in the second quarter of 2024 following a rough start to the year. Figures negated expectations that unscripted production would accelerate despite industry contraction and belt-tightening coming out of the strikes.

The latest production report is from the local film office, FilmLA, which found that on-location filming of the format from April to June this year fell nearly 57 percent to 868 total shoot days compared to the same period in 2023. In the previous quarter, reality television production was also behind its 2023 levels, down roughly 18 percent to 1,317 shoot days.

Reality television in 2024 has had some bright spots during the second quarter, with Selling Sunset, John Mulaney Presents: Everybody’s in LA, American Idol, 90 Day Fiance, The Golden Bachelorette, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and Accident, Suicide or Murder all being filmed in the City of Angels area during the quarter. Unfortunately, there was still a significant drop in production days for reality television that brought down the report’s entire television category, which has typically been an anchor of production in the area.

“Generally speaking, unscripted television is a location-heavy format that generates significant permit volume,” FilmLA’s VP of Integrated Communications, Philip Sokoloski, said in a statement. “The employment impact of reality production is lower than it is for scripted TV, and projects are not incentive-eligible through the State of California. It remains an important part of LA’s production economy.”

The FilmLA report is just one of the latest diagnostics showing the downward spiral of reality television production, which has also narrowed job availability, tightened budgets, and made executives even more cautious about taking risks on new project concepts.

A contributing factor in the decline of reality television in the area is that the category does not qualify for tax credits in California. This means that productions take on the full cost of the project without subsidies, unlike other major production hubs, like Georgia and New Mexico, which crafted their programs to make such content eligible.

General manager for nonfiction production companies’ trade association, NPACT, Michelle Van Kempen, added in a statement, “The unfortunate reality for unscripted production in California is that not only is the volume of business down across the industry, but because other states (and countries, for that matter) offer producer-friendly incentives in unscripted, business is increasingly going elsewhere.”

Producer Patrick Caligiuri (Naked and Afraid, American Idol) expressed little surprise over FilmLA’s data, stating it’s “not surprising because the numbers reflect what everybody in the industry has been feeling over the last year.” The producer rang the alarm on the state of reality television in a TikTok post that said, “Reality TV is dead.” He says that the struggle continues for many workers. “No one’s saying they’re making the same rate they were making before. Everybody’s saying at this point, ‘I’m lucky to get a job.’”

Currently, California is the only major production hub that doesn’t allow above-the-line costs to qualify for incentives; however, starting in 2025, credits will become refundable for the first time since the program’s creation in 2009.

July 25, 2024
Grammy Museum to Launch Landmark K-pop Exhibit Featuring Hybe and Iconic Artifacts from BTS, LE SSERAFIM, and More

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In a groundbreaking nod to Korean pop music, the Grammy Museum is about to roll out its first full-floor K-pop exhibit, shining a spotlight on the lively music, culture, tech, and fandom that fuel K-pop’s global rise. Partnering with Hybe, the South Korean entertainment giant behind BTS and other global hits, this exhibit dives deep into the company’s influence on the music scene.

“Hybe: We Believe in Music, A Grammy Museum Exhibit” will take place from August 2 to September 15 at the museum in downtown Los Angeles. Spanning a hefty 4,000 square feet, this display is a landmark for the museum, being the largest exhibit ever curated.

“This will be one of the most extensive exhibits we’ve ever curated,” said Grammy Museum President and CEO Michael Sticka. “Hybe’s impact on music worldwide is undeniable, and this exhibit celebrates their contributions to K-pop and beyond.”

A Treasure Trove of Artifacts

For the first time, the exhibit will showcase artifacts never before displayed in a museum, including items from 78 K-pop idols. Attendees can expect to see iconic outfits from music videos and concept photos, such as BTS’s “Yet to Come (The Most Beautiful Moment),” SEVENTEEN’s “Maestro,” TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s “Sugar Rush Ride,” and LE SSERAFIM’s “Easy.”

The exhibit also features memorabilia from Hybe’s rookie teams, including BOYNEXTDOOR, TWS, &TEAM, and ILLIT. Additionally, three influential books from Big Hit Entertainment founder Hitman Bang’s personal collection will be displayed, highlighting their inspiration behind BTS’s albums. These include Hermann Hesse’s “Demian: The Story of Boyhood,” Erich Fromm’s “The Art of Loving,” and Murray Stein’s “Jung’s Map of the Soul.”

Interactive Experiences and Technological Innovations

Beyond the artifacts, the exhibit offers several interactive experiences designed to engage fans and newcomers alike. A “random dance play” in the museum’s rotunda will allow visitors to sing and dance along to Hybe artists’ music. There will also be a Photoism booth for fans to pose with images of their favorite acts.

“We’re even going to have a little fan area where fans can express what K-pop means to them and leave their mark on the exhibit,” said Grammy Museum curator Kelsey Goelz. “This is the biggest and most in-depth K-pop exhibit we have ever done.”

A permanent interactive feature, “Mono to Immersive,” will demonstrate the evolution of recording technology using BTS’s 2022 Grammy performance of “Butter.” Visitors can experience how the performance would sound through different eras of technology, from the 1920s to the present day.

Hybe’s Vision and Global Reach

Hybe’s COO, Tae-Ho Kim, expressed his hopes that the exhibit will appeal to both K-pop and Hybe superfans as well as those curious about the genre. “We aim to introduce Hybe to visitors and showcase the journey we have taken in the global music industry,” he said. “I hope this exhibit will be a great chance for our rookie teams to be introduced to American music fans. This can be a significant momentum for their entrance into the American music market.”

Expanding the Narrative of Music History

This exhibit stands as a testament to the Grammy Museum’s dedication to exploring a wide array of music genres and their cultural significance. With K-pop growing worldwide, this exhibit offers a rare chance for both fans and newcomers to dive into the genre’s complexities and its impact on the global music scene.

“Hybe: We Believe in Music, A Grammy Museum Exhibit” doesn’t just celebrate K-pop’s artistic feats; it also bridges cultural divides, inviting visitors to connect with the lively, dynamic realm of Korean pop music.

July 19, 2024
Documentary ‘I Am Not a Princess’: Irina Meyer Challenges Norms

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Stereotypes often shape our perceptions, but Irina Meyer is determined to change that. The biographical documentary I Am Not a Princess highlights the unique life of the filmmaker, who challenges the conventional and advocates for diversity in film.

Produced by Meyer’s Mama Lion Productions, the documentary goes beyond mere portrayal; it serves as a call to action. Meyer explains, “It’s more than a documentary; it challenges viewers to rethink their assumptions and embrace the multifaceted realities of women.” In addition to her roles as a business entrepreneur and angel investor, Meyer is a dedicated mother who refuses to conform to societal norms.

Challenging Conventional Narratives

At its core, the documentary advocates for gender inclusion and representation in media. Meyer says, “In the digital age, interactive media can drive change and foster inclusivity in storytelling.” Despite women comprising half the global population, they receive only 35% of speaking roles in films worldwide. Meyer’s story inspires women to break barriers and demand respect in our male-dominated climate.

Through her eyes, viewers glimpse a world where adversity fuels determination. Her experiences confronting workplace challenges, including sexual harassment, resonate deeply and underscore the urgent need for societal change. Meyer reflects, “From enduring abuse to facing financial crises and personal loss, I encountered obstacles that could have derailed my path. Instead, I drew strength from adversity and found the resolve to persevere.”

The film documents Meyer’s journey and examines its more significant societal impact and her transition from a successful career in Fintech to establishing Mama Lion Productions. Meyer’s commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices continues with her production house, Mama Lion Productions, where she collaborates with marginalized communities to ensure their stories are told. Meyer emphasizes, “Transitioning from Fintech and interactive entertainment to founding Mama Lion Productions was driven by my passion to amplify diverse voices in media.”

A Call to Action for Inclusivity

Meyer is driven by her mission to diversify and inclusively create media by spotlighting overlooked stories and challenging dominant narratives. Meyer is in constant pursuit of promoting broader perspectives and inclusivity. She sees her documentary as a way to drive progress toward a future where media encourages inclusivity. With her film, Meyer empowers viewers to rewrite their own stories and challenge societal norms by experiencing diverse perspectives. She believes the media can drive social change and aims to utilize that power.

In a time when craving authentic voices and meaningful narratives is at the forefront, Meyer’s journey in I Am Not a Princess offers viewers a glimpse into a future defined not by societal norms but by diversity and equality. Meyer invites audiences to look beyond superficial labels and embrace the complexity of the human experience. Her work shows everyone has a story worth telling, essential to creating a bias-free world.

Ultimately, I Am Not a Princess transcends its role as a documentary; it starts a movement. Irina Meyer’s story inspires defiance, resilience, and hope; Meyer shares her journey and calls on everyone to join her in creating a world where every voice is heard and every story is valued.

July 11, 2024
Much Loved LA Bar, The Varnish, Closing Its Doors After 15 Years

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News of The Varnish’s closure sent shockwaves through LA, and, in many ways, it feels like the end of an era in the cocktail scene. Opened in 2009 by Eric Alperin, Cedd Moses, and Sasha Petraske, The Varnish was a West Coast spin on Petraske’s legendary New York bar, Milk & Honey. It found a home alongside Cole’s French Dip and soon became the bedrock of LA’s drinking culture, especially where old-school cocktails were crafted with purpose.

In its 15 years of operation, The Varnish received awards and critical acclaim, listing it as 14th in the World’s 50 Best Bars in 2012. It won the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award and became a James Beard Award nominee. Additionally, it served as a watering hole for notables like Jonathan Gold and Anthony Bourdain.

The closure is due, in part, to the shifting landscape of Los Angeles’s bar scene. Before The Varnish, the cocktail culture in LA was only slightly behind that of other major cities—not taken seriously at all, according to Leandro DiMonriva, one of the bartenders at The Varnish. Its establishment changed things overnight, raising the stakes on how guests in LA created and enjoyed cocktails.

Alex Day, a former bartender and now partner in other ventures, describes The Varnish’s approach to cocktails: raising a generation of mixologists to uncompromising standards. It was an attitude that had little to do with drinks but created a community where real passion for the craft and attention to detail could thrive.

With its many lit candles and playback of soft, calm jazz, the feel in The Varnish was immediate. This made the bar an asylum for those searching for more than a drink. It created an environment wherein strangers turned friends over carefully prepared cocktails and experiences shared in common, creating a sense of belonging that resonated beyond its four walls.

But apart from the timelessness of its appeal, The Varnish needed to be more attentive to everything happening in this contemporary age. The pressure of the economy—especially the pandemic—was squeezing every business in the City of Angels to a pulp, including downtown. With the economic climate changing for rapids, rising costs, and urban dynamics, it was a battle for survival, besides the effort to keep its unique identity alive.

The former bar manager, Samuel Houston, shared his challenges when the pandemic compelled them to look inward, saying, “It’s in that line between being traditional and practical to make adjustments to survive.” The difficulty for Varnish lay in not giving up on those values that made it unique in the first place: fresh ingredients and precise techniques brought this particular challenge of adapting to the new reality of fewer guests and economic uncertainty.

As The Varnish nears the moment when it will finally shut its doors, nostalgia, and gratitude fill the atmosphere for both patrons and employees. It meant so much more than just a bar to many; it stood as a tribute to the lasting power of its founders’ vision.

Varnish has left something behind—something much more than its physical location; a legacy that only happens when relentless passion meets dedication. Even marking the closure of such an era, its influence will be upon Los Angeles cocktail culture for years to come, inspiring a new crop of bartenders and spirits enthusiasts to pursue excellence in their hospitality and craft.

July 9, 2024
Historic Father-Son NBA Duo at the Court as Bronny James Drafted by LA Lakers

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Bronny James, the 19-year-old son of NBA legend LeBron James, was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers for the second round of the NBA draft. Bronny was the 55th overall pick in New York on Thursday, June 27. His selection ended weeks of speculation about the future team.

Four-time NBA champion LeBron James is potentially entering the final year of his illustrious career. The 39-year-old can become a free agent this summer by opting out of his $51.4 million player option. This scenario, however, seems unlikely considering LeBron’s declaration after the 2022 All-Star game that his “last year will be played with [his] son.”

This pairing will mark history in the NBA as the first-ever father-son duo. Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka highlighted this potential historical significance, stating, “In the history of the NBA, there’s never been a father and a son that has shared an NBA basketball court, and that feels like something that could be magical.” He added, “NBA history should be made in a Lakers uniform.”

Bronny James’ Selection and His Journey to the Lakers

Bronny expressed his gratitude on his Instagram handle with the post “Beyond Blessed.” LeBron James shared a similar sentiment with a series of photos on the same social media platform captioned “Legacy.” Bronny recently completed his first year of college basketball at the University of Southern California Trojans. He scored an average of 4.8 points and 2.1 assists per game.

Unlike his 6-foot-9 father, Bronny stands at 6-foot-1. He is known for his defensive prowess. Despite being in the spotlight as the son of an iconic player, Bronny’s journey has not been easy in the sports industry. Last July, he suffered a cardiac arrest during training. He was only allowed to return to basketball last November after being diagnosed with a congenital heart defect.

Challenges and Expectations for Bronny’s NBA Career

Considering it is Bronny’s rookie season, he is not expected to play a major role for the Lakers. However, the possibility of him appearing alongside his father on the court has already generated extensive interest in the industry. Lakers star Anthony Davis has praised Bronny, saying, “He’s very good defensively. He can read the floor very well. I think he’s a really good playmaker.”

Highlighting the historic possibility of witnessing the father-son duo on the same court, Sam Harris of BBC Sport noted that Bronny will aim to establish his own legacy in the NBA. According to Harris, playing alongside one of the league’s greatest players and its all-time leading scorer is a daunting challenge. When that player is his father, the expectations will be even higher.

Bronny’s college career was stalled by health issues, but he proved his defensive skills and agility at the 2024 draft combine. He excelled in the three-point shooting contest and agility drills. Although he may not be a significant offensive contributor in his first year, Bronny is likely to spend some time in the G-League to develop his skills further. Honing his behind-the-arc shooting skills will be crucial for his growth as a guard.

Being the 55th pick in a draft class where he will be counted among a few standout talents, Bronny might find some relief from the pressure. Considering LeBron James’ illustrious career and mindset, nothing less than reaching the pinnacle is considered a true success, and Bronny most likely shares a similar ambition.

The Lakers have recently appointed former NBA star JJ Redick as head coach and are searching for their 18th championship. This new Hollywood narrative will further intensify the excitement. Time will tell whether the father-son duo will make history, but this historic pairing certainly promises a compelling story for basketball fans.

July 5, 2024
Kendrick Lamar’s Purchase of $40 Million Estate Cements West Coast Victory

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Kendrick Lamar recently made headlines after acquiring a luxury estate in Los Angeles worth $40 million. After his highly publicized victory in a rap feud with Drake, this investment has marked a significant milestone in his life. The purchase has positioned Lamar as a major figure in the entertainment industry, showcasing the continued growth of his musical career.

Lamar, a native of Compton, California, chose a lavish residence in Los Angeles’s exclusive Brentwood neighborhood. Located in one of the most prestigious enclaves in the city, this property mirrors his achievements and investment in luxury real estate. The acquisition was followed hot on the heels of a series of professional highs in Lamar’s career, particularly a fierce exchange of diss tracks with Drake, culminating in his “The Pop Out: Ken & Friends” concert on Juneteenth.

Constructed in 2018, Lamar’s new residence is a unique blend of modern and rustic elements, evident in the stunning incorporation of wood and stone. Spanning over 16,200 square feet across three levels, the luxury property features nine bedrooms and 15 bathrooms. Interior aesthetics such as hardwood floors, elevated wooden-beam ceilings, accents of stone, reclaimed wood, and marble further enhance the residence’s grandeur.

The estate comprises all necessary amenities, including dual staircases, an elevator, a wine cellar, a fully equipped gym, a home theater, and a spa with a sauna, steam room, and massage facilities. The gated property is over a sprawling acre of land and includes a three-car garage attached to the side. The high-end kitchen is designed as a central island for dining, and a secondary kitchen serves catering purposes. The master suite on the upper floor comes with a two-sided fireplace and connects the bedroom to a private lounge, a balcony, dual walk-in closets, and bathrooms. The exterior boasts a swimming pool with a Baja shelf and a spa. The estate is complemented by a separate guesthouse.

Lamar’s purchase is considered one of the priciest transactions in Los Angeles. The negotiation was done privately as the home was not listed on the open market. The previous owners, Viet Dinh and his wife, Jennifer Ashworth Dinh, acquired the property in 2019 for $19.5 million. Dinh is a former chief legal and policy officer at Fox Corp.

As the news of the acquisition came shortly after Lamar’s victory over Drake, the feud again sparked discussion among fans and critics alike. The tension between the two rappers started in the spring with subtle jabs in interviews and tracks. The conflict escalated with the release of Drake’s track “First Person Shooter” from his album For All the Dogs, which mentioned J. Cole, Drake, and Lamar as the “big three.” This motivated Lamar’s retaliatory verse on Future’s “Like That,” dismissing the equivalence with “It’s just big me.”

This musical exchange resulted in a lyrical war marked by a volley of diss tracks. Lamar’s “Euphoria” and Drake’s retaliatory “Push Ups” and “Taylor Made Freestyle” intensified the tension. Additionally, Drake’s use of AI-generated vocals of the late Tupac Shakur without approval eventually led to a retraction of one track, which overshadowed discussions over the feud.

Each new track by the two rappers received rapid analysis as fans and critics dissected the lyrics for hidden meanings and potential responses. Lamar’s “6:16 in LA” further fueled conversation due to the mention of a significant date, which fans linked to various cultural and personal references.

The feud further heightened at Lamar’s “The Pop Out: Ken & Friends” concert in Inglewood. The show celebrated Lamar’s West Coast roots while making a public declaration of his victory over Drake. Featuring multiple West Coast rappers and athletes, the concert saw Lamar performing “Not Like Us” five times as the most popular fan-preferred song based on the beef.

Kendrick Lamar’s purchase of this luxurious Brentwood estate symbolizes his success in the music industry while making a bold statement about his West Coast victory.

July 3, 2024
Kristen Bell and Christian Campbell Are Making A Cannabis “Community” on Hollywood Boulevard

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Although it has been almost 90 years since William Randolph Hearst created panic with the propaganda film “Reefer Madness,” the movie retains its mark on culture.

The Return of a Cult Classic

Actor and producer Christian Campbell attempted to promote his Los Angeles stage revival of Reefer Madness: The Musical for its 25th anniversary, however, Facebook and Instagram flagged the word “reefer” for reasons that were, perhaps, a little too meta.

Campbell made his debut as Jimmy Harper in Reefer Madness: The Musical in 1999, when it debuted in Los Angeles. The musical, created by Kevin Murphy and Dan Studney, is a parody of the 1936 propaganda film turned stoner-cult classic. Now, the musical returns home to The Victory Garden.

Campbell says, “The Victory Garden is the outdoor dining and drinking and other post-show experience. We’ve basically created an oasis on Hollywood Boulevard.” He adds, “It’s a beautiful green, lush space. Come on in, relax.”

Campbell is being joined by Kristen Bell and Alan Cumming as producers of the new adaptation, which will be choreographed and directed by Spencer Liff. Anthony Norman and Darcy Rose-Byrnes will play Jimmy Harper and Mary Lane respectively, and a new cast includes Thomas Dekker, Nicole Parker, J. Elaine Marcos, and Brian Daniel Porter.

“Coming back to this, for me, was a no-brainer,” says Bell. “I owe so much of my life to these people and this show.”

Reviving Community and Nostalgia

Moreover, 25 years after the initial musical ran, the crew has officially recreated “The Refer Den,” a cafe next to the musical’s original venue. This was the area of Los Angeles where the cast would congregate after every show, but this time around, it is a fully functioning lounge. The lounge will feature live performances for a whole new community to enjoy.

Bell and Campbell were asked about all aspects of the show including, their favorite memories of working with the others involved. In response, Bell stated, “When I joined the cast, I was asked to audition in New York, and I didn’t show up to my first audition. And some of the New York producers, the Nederlanders who were doing it at the time, said, ‘Well, hold on. She’s worked for us before. Let’s just have her at the callbacks.’ And I don’t think I showed up for my callback either. And then finally, the second call back I showed up, and I still can’t believe that they hired me.”

“My first memory is a very awkward audition for [director] Andy Fickman and Kevin and Dan because I wasn’t really a lover of musical theater,” said Campbell. “I kind of had a bad experience in college with an ex-nun vocal teacher, and that just turned me off from any kind of singing and musical theater… I read the script and heard some of the music, poorly sung by Dan and Kevin. And I just really loved it. I loved the lyrics. I loved what it was about and what it was saying. And so I said, if this is musical theater, I can do this. And so I went on in and apparently, I did a good job.”

As for long-term hopes for the show, Bell says “…What I love about starting in L.A., regardless of where it goes, we will go where the community wants us, the community will show up where this show Is needed. The show offers something so specific. I mean look, it’s 24 years later, I can’t and don’t want to get away from it. There is a lack of high-quality musical theater in L.A., outside of touring companies that come and go. And this is something that’s going to offer you an experience, but also a community to come back to, which I think people in L.A. have a desire for even if they don’t know it yet.”

June 28, 2024
Popular Irish Bar in Los Angeles Burns Down

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One of the liveliest and most iconic Irish pubs in all of Los Angeles, Molly Malone’s Irish Pub, was forced to temporarily close after a fire scorched the building. The bar, known as a social hub throughout the city, thanks to its extensive collection of Irish memorabilia, always on-tap Guinness, and frequent live musical acts, is looking to recover quickly.

Having been open since 1969, Molly Malone’s has become an institution within the city of angels. Built within a now ninety-five-year-old building, the fire seems to have predominantly damaged the exterior side of the building, leaving the inside of the bar, the taps, and all of the memorabilia largely unfazed. As a result of the exterior damage, the bar will be forced to close its doors for several months while repairs are made. This marks the only time in the history of Molly Malone’s that the pub will close its doors, outside of COVID-related lockdowns a few years back, said owner Damian Hanlon.

Taking to Instagram to speak to fans and patrons of the pub far and wide, Hanlon said, “It was a scary day for our little pub on Fairfax, but we are blessed. Our doors will be shut (for now), but we plan to be back better than ever before you know it!”

The Los Angeles Fire Department received a report at 1:17 p.m. on Thursday afternoon that 575 S. Fairfax Ave. was on fire, the address of the pub, was on fire. Nineteen minutes after receiving the 911 call, at 1:36 pm, the flames were fully extinguished, according to LAFD spokesman Brian Humphrey. As Humphrey detailed, “There was heat and smoke inside the structure, but the flames were largely kept to the facade and the exterior of the structure.”

Fortunately, no injuries were reported, though the cause of the fire remains undetermined. Owner Damian Hanlon told the press that the firefighters he spoke with believed the blaze could have been started outside by the bar’s front door, but that was just conjecture.

Molly Malone’s is famous for its dark walls, which are in keeping with Irish tradition. They are covered with various pieces of memorabilia and art relating to its culture, including very rare paintings by Irish portrait painter Neil Boyle. Boyle’s paintings depict notable Irish figures and the bar’s longtime staff members and customers, often side by side, making the message clear: in Boyle’s view, Molly Malone’s itself is significant to Irish culture.

Fortunately, according to Hanlon, no valuable pieces of memorabilia or art were damaged in the fire. “The firefighters did an incredible, great job,” he said. “It’s all very sentimental to us. To have lost anything would have been a shame.”

To call Molly Malone’s an institution within the community and culture is an understatement. The Celtic punk band Flogging Molly got its start playing there in the 1990s and went on to take their namesake from the bar. For Hanlon’s part, he took over the business from his mother, Angela. She was a native of Dublin, and she started the pub after her family moved to Los Angeles in the ‘60s.

Now, Hanlon’s daughter works as a bartender several nights a week, and the pub has never been more successful. In Hanlon’s words, the story of Molly Malone’s pub is far from over. “My mom put her heart and soul into this place,” he said. “I want to see things continue on.”

June 26, 2024
Los Angeles to Celebrate Make Music Day

Image credit: Unsplash

Almost nothing else can bring the world together in the same significant way as music can. Breaking cultural boundaries and translating across seas, the magic of music resides with its ability to build connections and let others feel seen and heard. Celebrating the power of music and bringing artists together, the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with LA Commons and Make Music LA, is celebrating Make Music Day this Friday, June 21.

Being live streamed globally, LA’s Make Music Day celebration is a part of the Paris 2024 Cultural Olympiad, an event that runs through the end of summer 2024 and combines art and sport (or “muscles and mind” as Pierre de Coubertin put it). This popular celebration aims for inclusiveness, with Paris 2024 encouraging everyone, including, artists, troupes, non-profits, communities, sports clubs, and more, to get involved with the cultural program.

Founded in 1982 as Fête de la Musique, this musical celebration is celebrated in more than 1,000 cities in 120 different countries, becoming an international phenomenon since its birth. Its wide recognition is the reason why the Paris 2024 Cultural Olympias has named Make Music Day one of its key days of action leading up to the games.

As part of the Paris 2024 Cultural Olympiad, LA’s Make Music Day will be a part of the global “rhythmic relay” called “Pulsations,” which means “heartbeat” in French. “Pulsations” is under the creative direction of French-Lebanese trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf. Uniting 24 countries with a shared rhythmic heartbeat, “Pulsations” started in New Zealand, traveling throughout Asia, Africa, America, and Europe, offering a 100% livestream that invites everyone to join the celebration.

The LA celebration will be held on People Street in Leimert Park Village Plaza in front of the historic Vision Theater. “Pulsations LA” will feature artists recognized as “Cultural Treasures” by the Cultural Treasures of South L.A., a community-based resource for anyone looking to learn more about the culturally rich life of South Los Angeles. The resource provides a database, interactive map, and multimedia story bank of cultural treasures, featuring people, places, organizations, and events that help keep the multicultural community vibrant and diverse.

LA’s Make Music Day will feature musical performances from Kinnara Taiko, Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center Jazz Ensemble featuring vocalist Dwight Trible, tap dance by the Nicholas Dance Studio, poetry by “artivist” S. Pearl Sharp, and a family-friendly drum workshop by Project Knucklehead.

Los Angeles City Councilwoman Heather Hutt, 10th District, expressed, “We are honored and thrilled to have our Make Music Day Celebrations in Leimert Park, and partake in an amazing experience of global artistry and unity. For decades, South Los Angeles has been a vibrant center of expression with a rich cultural history. This celebration will be a testament to this legacy, inspiring our city for years to come.”

Los Angeles is set to pick up the rhythm from Mexico and pass it along to Canada, inviting musicians of all ages, cultures, genres, and skill levels to create a free public outdoor concert to share their musical heartbeats with family, friends, neighbors, and strangers.

For information on how to participate in Make Music Los Angeles, visit makemusicla.org, and a complete global livestream schedule can be found at makemusicday.org/pulsations.

June 20, 2024
LA County to Address Increased Number of Bear Sightings

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While the knowledge of bears surrounding the Los Angeles area may not be entirely new, given the terrain of the City of Angels, the sight of a large bear’s snout peering around your kitchen door in search of food or rummaging in the garbage can in your driveway can be quite startling. Los Angeles bears are known to waltz into residential areas, grazing and displaying the comfort they have among the city’s residents; however, LA officials are experiencing another uptick in reports of bear sightings that have propelled officials to develop a plan on how to keep everybody (and bear) safe.

While much of LA’s surrounding areas are protected from development due to their steep terrains, the wilderness living throughout the region does not find itself battling the same issue of expansion. In recent years, the number of LA bear sightings has continued to rise, as well as reports of sightings of mountain lions, deer, and coyotes. Yet, it is the bears that feel most comfortable sharing the area with humans.

In Sierra Madre, Mary’s Market Café Co-Owner Jenny Kay stated that bears are, “Incredibly comfortable around people, they’ve been born here now at this point this is their neighborhood too and they don’t feel threatened by us, and we’re pretty reliable food source and water,” further sharing that the wildlife is known to visit her restaurant several times a week, sometimes snatching an unattended sandwich for a snack.

As just one of the towns that have seen a big upswing in bear sightings within the last month, Sierra Madre has had nearly 100 reports of bear sightings recently. A town resident, Debbie Taylor, who has lived in the area for 13 years, shared, “This week I saw them three times and it was late at night.” Taylor commented that she is not afraid of the bears but still practices caution since they are wild animals.

Last week, Sierra Madre homeowner, Jason Wightman, was washing dishes in the evening when he caught sight of a curious black bear in his home. Both frightened at the other’s sight, Wightman and the bear each retreated from one another before Wightman returned for his phone and began videoing the event. While immediately backing away at the sight of the homeowner, the bear stuck around and poked its head back inside in search of food.

While most of the area’s bears will leave the neighborhood on their own if they are unable to find food, these animals can still cause serious damage to homes and cars on their quest—leading city officials to develop a plan to address the increase in bear sightings.

“This is not healthy for them to eat here, they need to learn to use their own natural resources and not using us as their feeding sources and that takes a whole neighborhood,” said Sierra Madre City Council Member Kris Lowe.

Hoping to help keep all parties safe, the LA County Board of Supervisors approved a plan last Tuesday to provide funding for specialists with the Department of Fish and Wildlife to create a management plan that will help wildlife and humans coexist safely.

June 12, 2024