David Cross Book Signing
Book Soup – Los Angeles, CA
9/17/09
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After a decade spent in isolation in the Ugandan jungles thinking about stuff, David Cross has written his first book, I Drink for a Reason. Known for roles on the small screen such as “never-nude” Tobias Funke on Arrested Development and the role of “David” in Mr. Show With Bob And David, as well as a hugely successful stand-up routine full of sharp-tongued rants and rages, Cross has carved out his place in American comedy. Whether deflating the pomposity of religious figures, calling out the pathetic symbiosis of pseudo-celebrity and its leaching fandom, or merely pushing the buttons of the way-too-easily offended P.C. left or the caustic, double-standard of the callous (but funnier) right, Cross has something to say about everyone, including his own ridiculous self. →

A couple of months ago I was asked by Bee Nguyen to participate in a video interview to promote the new AMP Energy drink. I was kinda hesitant but when he mentioned the fine roster of folks who were involved, I relented. I was really psyched on collaborating with Guy Logan who did an excellent job in filming. I was sick at the time →

Two artists.  One city.  A gathering of intellectuals in open discussion.  This was the beginning of a significant dialogue about art, cultural identity, and the spaces we live in.  Big City Forum and Evil Monito hosted a very special night at EM’s Echo Park studios, featuring the work of Shizu Saldamando and Gary Garay with USC’s Josh Kun facilitating the evening discourse. →

“I ain’t done yet, there’s still gas in the tank at sunset/ Leave em to believe that your days are numbered, Stopped to reflect got lost and wandered/ Not running on empty nor forgotten the hunger, Keep swinging til we outta the bunker”

August 28th saw the release of Sydney recording artist Urthboy’s 3rd album Spitshine. For me the build-up was akin to waiting on that summer movie to finally make it to cinemas after being excited by a sweet preview many months earlier. The anticipation goes back much further than that, yet his 2nd album The Signal, released in 2007, is still high on my playlist. The evolution of Urthboy’s sound from The Signal to Spitshine is just as great as it was from his first release →

Psych Funk 101 – A Global Psychedelic Funk Curriculum is a funky fuzzy psychedelic tracks from 60s and 70s Nigeria, Iran, Turkey, Russia, South Korean and loads of other exotic countries. →

When the members of the legendary “Tropicalia” band Os Mutantes took the stage before an audience of thousands at the Hollywood Bowl a few years back, it seemed one of the greatest secrets in modern music was finally out. The seminal band whose ethereal absurdist pop music had inspired so many prominent musicians since their breakup decades before, were back. This time the world seemed ready. →

Music Festival
Outside Lands- San Francisco, CA
09/28- 09/30

In its third year, Toyota’s Free Yr Radio brings music to the masses by hosting the Free Yr Radio Broadcast Stage benefiting independent radio stations at All Points West, Outside Lands, Bumbershoot, CMJ and Voodoo Experience. In addition to hosting and broadcasting interviews and performances at each festival and offering audio content to the nations network of CMJ-reporting indie radio stations, Free Yr Radio will make a contribution to each festival partner station and give each the opportunity to raise additional funds through on-site activities geared toward festival attendees. Toyota’s Free Yr Radio festival activities include a Corolla photo booth, and a ®SHRINKY DINK wearable art station. →

If you have never had the opportunity to peek at some of Thomas Doyle’s work, you’re missing out. When it comes to detail, no one does it quite like this guy. Thomas Doyle’s mind-bogglingly beautiful dioramas creates an intricate world of wonder sculpted in 1:43 scale and smaller. These dioramas are often sealed under glass, separating his world from ours. His works often depict a variety of captured moments from major transformational experiences to the quieter moments that can’t be forgotten. →

HITCHCOCK SILENTS: Blackmail
The Silent Movie Theater – Los Angeles, CA
9/2/09
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If Alfred Hitchcock had died before the coming of sound, he still would be remembered as one of the masters of silent cinema. Here is the strongest evidence. Blackmail, a thriller about a girl with a terrible secret, was made in both formats simultaneously. The sound version is justly praised for its inventive use of the new medium, but the silent Blackmail, rarely shown, is the culmination of Hitchcock’s silent period and the better film. →

In anticipation of their latest record The Day After Forever, this video features Oakland’s Crown City Rockers rehearsing “Soul,” a nod to the soul legends of the past. With a funky synth and upright bass combo, the five-piece hip-hop band plays an eclectic mix of old school instrumental hip-hop. If the first single is any indication, the record should tide you over after The Blueprint 3 disappoints →