Echoes of a Saturday Night

Date:  December 13, 2014

Destination: The Echoplex, Echo Park

Cost: $30.90 plus gas

Thank goodness the room was so dark. Standing near the stage, you could barely tell if the person next to you was man or woman, so I felt less insecure about being older than my fellow patrons by about 35 years. The Echo Park club scene has stirred my curiosity, but I usually found an excuse to avoid it. Learning that Gardens & Villa was headlining at The Echoplex moved me to action.

I’d heard this Santa Barbara band when they opened for The Shins a few years ago. Any group which adds a wooden flute and didgeridoo-like textures to their synth-beats has my attention, so I mustered up some courage and bought a ticket in advance, knowing I’d wimp out otherwise.

Saturday night traffic was blessedly light, and I found free parking a few blocks from the club next to Echo Park Lake. The Echoplex is a large, minimally appointed venue – the black walls surround banquettes and cocktail tables. There are television screens near the back bar, so you can watch the show from the rear lounge if you don’t feel like standing up front. Drinks aren’t too overpriced and are quite strong. The club is described as a hipster den, but to me it just seemed like a place where a lot of kids go to hang out on Saturday night, the crowd mostly attired in jeans and hoodies. Besides being the oldest person there, I was also overdressed. Way to blend in.

But, like I mentioned, it was dark, so I got over it and focused on the music. TV Girl started the evening with sunny electronic surf pop. Next up was the performance-art inspired musical stylings of Geneva Jacuzzi (the former girlfriend of Ariel Pink), who I found pretentious. She’s probably great at Burning Man if you’re on crazy drugs. Finally, at 11:45, Gardens & Villa took the stage.  It was worth the wait – their self-proclaimed “coco-vibes” were as chill as I remembered. They put on a poignant performance, since they were losing their founding drummer, Levi Hayden, and this would be his last show. Frontman Chris Lynch has a cool energy which carried the evening as the audience sang along.

The crowd spilled out onto Glendale Blvd after 1:00 a.m., so there was no traffic on the drive home. I was happy to have conquered the Echo Park club scene and won’t be afraid to return, although I’ll dress a little grubbier next time.

Ho Ho Ho

Date: December 14, 2014

Destination: Sierra Madre Playhouse

Cost:  $49.45 plus gas (theatre ticket and two meals)

We can usually use a little push to get us into the holiday spirit. An easy path to December jolliness can be found by attending a live holiday performance, whether it’s a ballet school’s The Nutcracker, a community chorale singing carols or a local play. My friend, Jim, had been cast in the Sierra Madre Playhouse production of “A Little House Christmas” which provided the perfect chance to head to this San Gabriel Valley burgh for some holiday cheer.

With tickets in hand for a Sunday matinee, I arrived early to snoop around and grab a bite to eat. Sierra Madre was founded in 1881 and incorporated in 1907, so the main shopping district is historic and reflects on a gentler time, free from chain stores and drive-ins. The village sits at the base of the rugged San Gabriel Mountains and its insular quaintness reminds me of Ojai. On this warm afternoon, the restaurants were buzzing with outdoor diners and shoppers browsed the hip boutiques in search of Christmas gifts. I was struck by the friendliness of the locals, who greeted me with smiles and hellos. I picked up a tasty pre-made ciabatta sandwich from Bean Town Coffee House and sat outside so that I could people watch.

As curtain time approached, I met my friend, Mirth, and we queued up at the playhouse box office with the stylishly-attired patrons. Once inside the well-kept theater, I was struck by the high quality of the stage set, rare in many tightly budgeted community theater productions. “A Little House Christmas” is based on the Laura Ingalls Wilder books, and the script, adapted by James DeVita, honors those works, taking the dialogue verbatim from the printed page. The director, Emily Chase, made the smart decision to add music – so there are scenes with Christmas carols, fiddle playing and even a whirligig dance number. The production has the lightness of a holiday divinity candy, well acted by a multi-talented ensemble.

Midway through the first act, I thought it unfortunate that there weren't more youngsters in attendance. What an effortless way to introduce children to the joy of live theater! As the house lights came up at intermission, I noticed that nearly half the audience was kids. They were so enthralled that they hadn't made a peep!  

Post-show,  Jim and two castmates joined me and Mirth at Lucky Baldwin's Pub, where I quaffed a brew and enjoyed a sausage roll in Merry Olde England style. It was great to watch the actors light up as we lavished praise upon them, a fitting holiday gift. Mission accomplished: the afternoon in Sierra Madre got me in the Christmas mood. 

Musical NoHo

December 5, 2014

Destination: Kulak’s Woodshed

Cost: $10.00 plus gas

It was Friday night, and I found myself sitting in a very funky room which looked like a cross between a thrift shop and a garage apartment, hidden behind an old storefront on Laurel Canyon Blvd in North Hollywood. There was audio and video equipment everywhere and an assemblage of old Topanga Canyon hippies. My childhood neighbor, Linda, turned me on to Kulaks’ Woodshed and I was there to check out their monthly $10-by-donation First Friday event. 

Linda’s been coming here for years, and knew most of the audience members and performers. The room contained an assortment of mismatched chairs, sofas and even a bed, to settle in comfortably to watch the show, which is broadcast via a live, high quality webcast. Besides the First Friday gigs, Kulak’s hosts Monday open mic nights, regular performances and “Rent Club” when they need to raise money to keep the doors open.

I came to hear Severin Browne and Friends and opening act Janeen Rae Heller. Janeen was intriguing; a skilled guitar player with a beautiful voice (“She sings like an angel,” remarked Linda). Janeen played musical saw accompanied by piano in one number, which could have been background music in Star Trek heaven. Severin Browne (Jackson’s brother) and his group had that feel good, folksy, bar band vibe. They weren’t pushing any limits, but the talented musicians served up a satisfying show for their listening friends. 

Kulak’s isn’t exactly a music venue; it’s more like a community. It seemed like everyone knew each other and I was quickly welcomed into the fold. Linda explained that after her third or fourth visit, she was ceremoniously inducted into the “tribe.” I look forward to returning to the Woodshed, to hear non-threatening music in a quirky, warm environment.

Nobody Walks in L.A.

November 22, 2014
Destination: Great Los Angeles Walk 2014

Cost: $9.49

I toyed with joining the Great Los Angeles Walk last year when I was visiting for the weekend – but wimped out, even though the jaunt down Sunset Blvd. sounded like fun. This year, there was no excuse not to participate – since the departure point was about a mile from my new residence in the West Valley.

This annual event started nine years ago, when local journalist, Michael Schneider, marked his tenth anniversary in the City of Angels by coordinating a community walk along Wilshire Boulevard – from downtown to the sea. The goal was to get folks out cars, explore the city on foot and to build community along the way. Each ensuing year, on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, Michael gathers a throng of walkers to tackle a new thoroughfare.

This year’s event featured Ventura Blvd. and began at Warner Center Park – where the crowd was greeted with handouts of the route’s highlights, a Nudie Mobile was on display, and representatives from two Valley history museums presented some pre-stroll background. We were told this was a non-sanctioned, informal event – and if anything happens “you’re on your own.” At 9:00 a.m., after a group photo, we set off toward Ventura and settled into an easy stride on the shady south side of the street.

What a trip to walk past all the landmarks of my Valley Girl past – places where I worked, danced, ate, went on dates. So many places have gone – to be replaced by new businesses: some thriving, some struggling. It was fun to chat with the other amblers, who came from all over the city. When you’re sharing a journey, it’s easy to strike up a conversation with a stranger.

Due to time (and energy) constraints, I knew I wouldn’t complete the seventeen mile route to the Metro station in North Hollywood, but I was surprised at how fast the miles flew by. I peeled off at mile seven, to explore Los Encinos State Historic Park for the first time. Drinking in the warm sunshine of a perfect fall afternoon in the small citrus grove, I explored the adobe buildings, observed a variety of ducks near the fountains in the spring fed pond and rested my legs.

    

With a staggering appetite, I moseyed back to The Stand where I wolfed down an exceptional Chicago dog, small kale slaw and soda for under $8. Satisfied with my trek, I hopped on the Metro 150 bus to return to the starting point – determined to tackle the next stretch from Balboa Blvd to Laurel Canyon on another pleasant Valley day.

Turkish Troubles

November 10, 2014

Destination: AFI Fest, Hollywood

Cost: $4.50 plus gas

Another week, another film festival. This time it’s the AFI Fest – Los Angeles’ longest running filmfest, originally started as Filmex in 1971. The LA Times (one of the event’s sponsors) published a promotional insert/schedule in last week’s newspaper, and I quickly noticed that tickets for many of the films were free.

Say no more. I jumped online and procured a seat for an upcoming screening of The Blue Wave at the TCM Chinese Theatres. The subject matter was appealing – a tale of four teen girls in a mid-sized town in Turkey, going through the same sorts of growing-up problems that we all face. I hoped the 1:15 p.m. screening time meant I’d avoid traffic.

I arrived early, hoping to find a place in Hollywood to park for free. After scouring the residential streets below Runyon Canyon, I found that Hollywood Boulevard west of La Brea has unmetered parking from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Score! The film should be done by 3:15 p.m. and it was only a ten-minute walk to the theater.

Once in the Cineplex, I was surrounded by typical SoCal scenesters – including students, a few retirees and a Stewart Copeland lookalike. The film’s two female directors, Zeynep Dadak and Merve Kayan, welcomed us warmly and then the lights went down. The next two hours were spent following the life of Deniz in the small city of Balikesir. One of the best things about foreign films is that you can experience new places without the cost of airfare. 

The Blue Wave, explored the universality of teenage conundrums – planning for an unknown future, lusting after guys, making bad choices and worrying about the consequences. I enjoyed the film’s focus on the importance of music in teen lives – there were scenes with the girls dancing, sharing music on laptops with friends, practicing for a talent show and singing in the car. During the Q and A after the film, the directors explained that the soundtrack consisted of Turkish hits from the nineties, as well as new tunes penned for the film by kim ki o. The directors have previously filmed music videos, and this perspective is apparent in their first feature.

Back out among the tourists on Hollywood Boulevard, I made a quick walk four blocks east to Skooby’s Hot Dogs near the corner of Cherokee, across from Musso and Franks Grill. I ordered a garlic dog with sauerkraut and spicy mustard for $4.50, which was surprisingly delicious. I walked and ate my way back to the car, arriving just in time at 3:57 p.m. Who says you need to spend a lot of money to have a great afternoon in Hollywood?

Dia de los Muertos

November 2, 2014

Destination: Olvera Street

Cost: $6.25 plus gas

And so begins the march of the holidays. Now that Halloween is behind us, Thanksgiving will be here in about ten minutes and Christmas in about twenty.

I spent All Hallow’s Eve at the home of friends, greeting costumed kids in a popular West Hills neighborhood and chastising them if they didn’t follow proper protocol. York patties were only handed out after a “trick or treat” request. If a costume was unidentifiable, I grilled the youngsters about their identity. If they came “as themselves,” I suggested they try harder next year. Halloween is not a holiday that celebrates being nice – it’s about witches, right? Someone on facebook suggested a “Frozen” drinking game – in which you take a swig for every Elsa that shows up at the front door. Thank goodness we opted out – I would have been a blithering idiot by 6:15.

On Saturday, I ventured to Olvera Street for Dia de los Muertos. I found free parking on a hill above Chinatown (College Street) and discovered the Main Gateway and New Plaza for the first time. It was fun strolling past small shops along Broadway packed with lucky bamboo, Asian produce and cheap tourist trinkets on my way to the Los Angeles Plaza Historic District. I approached the main plaza by cutting through the courtyard at La Placita church – which was founded exactly 200 years ago.

Not surprisingly, there were throngs of visitors at El Pueblo that day. Aztec dancers were performing just as I arrived, exhibiting great energy as they jumped with ankle rattles to the beat of two drummers. There were also traditional shrines to the departed and a weirdly out of place skateboard demo. Cutting through the narrow merchant-lined alley to Cielito Lindo was an exercise in patience, and it took about a half hour of waiting in line to secure the prize – 3 taquitos with beans for $6.25. Worth the wait, and this allowed ample time to admire the creative skeleton facepaint sported by many festival-goers.

Back at the main plaza, a Peruvian-styled flutist played the Paul Simon song “El Condor Pasa (If I Could)” while homeless men slept in the sunshine on the inset brick benches lining the square. I strolled back to the historic Brunswig building, vowing to visit La Plaza de Cultura y Artes next time. After hiking back uphill to my car, I followed the scenic route through Chavez Ravine and Elysian Park to return to the freeway. It’s always best to celebrate the dead by spending an energetic day among crowds of the living.

   

Carry On

October 4, 2014

Destination: Greek Theater

Cost: $56.75 plus gas

It was near the end of junior high, May 1969, and somehow this geeky fourteen year old had entered the heights of society, wrangling an invite to Kerri Vest’s slumber party and getting to hang out with the Charles Evans Hughes Junior High literati – the brightest and coolest kids in the West Valley during those wonder years.

Kerri had a new album to share with us, and pulled Crosby, Stills and Nash off the top of the stack of LP’s. We played that record over and over on that warm just-before-summer night, in the glow of black-light posters while putting on Yardley nail polish, all of us entranced. It was different music than what we were used to as Beatles and Monkees fans. These boys would not be in Tiger Beat. Listening to their soulful folk-rock may have marked our first adult musical experience.

How can that memory be 45 years old? How can Crosby, Stills and Nash still be together? Their appearance at the Greek Theatre on Friday proved they’re very much together and thriving: they created a magical evening.  I had previously seen Buffalo Springfield at The Santa Barbara Bowl (with Steve Stills and Neil Young), but never saw CS&N perform live.  Thanks to Goldstar, I was able to get a $69.00 ticket for $40.00. After that, I found out about the Greek parking shuttle lot near the pony rides in Griffith Park, where it costs only $7 to park. So I was able to justify stretching my budget to see this iconic band.

They opened with an all-time favorite, “Carry On” and it was clear from the outset they had a crack backing band. Over the next three hours (with one intermission) they played a variety of old and new tunes for the adoring crowd. David Crosby’s strong vocals were a big surprise – “Guinnivere” was an unexpected highlight of the evening.

We’ve all weathered a bit in the ensuing years, but it was gratifying to see the Greek packed to the non-existent rafters with members of the peace and love generation. We

geezers still have the stamina to venture out on a balmy night and sit under starry skies to hear some great rock and roll. Thanks goes out to Crosby, Stills and Nash for rewarding us with their vital performance: they are indeed three together and for each other.

Wunderbar

September 27, 2014

Destination: Santa Anita Park

Cost:  $35.98 plus gas

I never thought I’d experience a polka version of the Beatle’s “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da,” but leave it to Oktoberfest to bring out the Teutonic in all of us. I’d heard that Santa Anita Race Track was hosting a Beer Garden in their infield, and a little horse racing would sure add some Oomp to my Pah.

It seemed like a good deal - $10.00 to enter the festival area, which had a stage for live music, lots of quality breweries offering their wares, and the obligatory pretzels and wurst. Parking was free in Lot 6, all that was needed was frauleins in dirndls and frat boys in lederhosen. Happily, there were attendees that eagerly donned Bavarian attire. As a bonus, tents were set up where you could place wagers so that you didn’t have to leave the biergarten to bet the ponies. Then later in the day, the German band gave way to music by Boogie Nights and Spazmatics – interrupted by thundering hooves every forty minutes or so.

I didn’t realize was how much fun the infield was – even without the Oktoberfest activities. There was a great selection of food trucks circled up like a wagon train, plenty of beverage stations, and many happy racing aficionados camped out with their folding chairs, umbrellas, and drink tables. It took me a little while to get the hang of the race schedule, figure out the odds, and keep an eye on the clock so I wouldn’t miss the post – but pretty soon I was placing bets and cheering for my horses.

 

Later in the afternoon, I walked through the tunnel under the track to the Grandstands and experienced the real Santa Anita. I hadn’t been here since watching equestrian events at the 1984 Olympics, and loved the old building with its dated green and yellow décor. The views out to the San Gabriel Mountains were fantastic and the people-watching was exceptional. I especially enjoyed the young couples decked out in racing finery, both sexes wearing hats with the men in ties and the girls in fancy sundresses.

I had some trouble trying to figure out the automatic wagering machine. It spit out a ticket for a different horse than the one I thought I had bet on. The goofed up ticket was my only win of the day. I might have to try to mess up again next time.

Millpond

September 21, 2014
Destination: Millpond Music Festival
Cost: $35.00 plus gas

Outdoor music festivals are all the rage these days, with events like Coachella and Outside Lands attracting thousands of attendees. Life on the east side of California is a little more low key, but the Millpond Music Festival has been drawing music lovers to Bishop for twenty-three years. Instead of throngs of tattooed twenty-somethings, Millpond draws a gaggle of old hippies who dance and sing like it’s the Age of Aquarius.

What makes Millpond special is its musical variety, laid-back vibe, and unparalleled setting at the base of the Sierra crest. The $35.00 day pass fee is a bargain. Violent electrical storms had shut down the last act on Saturday night, so I was glad the weather calmed for Sunday, with bunched billowing clouds shielding the crowd from Bishop’s sometime scorching heat.

As I arrived, Keale was finishing a set. Had I known they were playing music of Hawaii I would have arrived earlier.  I wandered over to the workshop tent to get a preview of Mary Jane Lamond and Wendy MacIsaac, who had roared into the venue just as I was driving in, shouting “we need to be on stage in twenty minutes!” They had come all the way from Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia and their Gaelic tunes traveled well.

David Jacobs-Strain shared amusing tales between his bluesy folk songs, but I was anxious for the arrival of Chris Hillman and Herb Pederson. Seeing a member of The Byrds in the outback of Inyo County was a treat. Their set was polished, but unfortunately lacked verve. Next up on the main stage, the full set from the Nova Scotians and then the talented Mia Dyson brought the crowd to their feet with her driving guitar and powerful vocals.

Besides wonderful music, Millpond offers a chance for the tight-knit Eastern Sierra community to celebrate, recover from a busy summer season and recharge for the coming winter. Kudos go out to Lynn Cooper and the staff at Inyo Council for the Arts for putting together another magical event. I look forward to returning for the 24^th installment. 

Ship Ahoy

September 11, 2014
Destination: Ventura and Oxnard

Cost: $18.75 plus gas

This time, the DMV decided my getaway. I needed to take care of some business, and I could get an appointment in the Valley in four weeks, Thousand Oaks in two weeks, or Ventura in one week. Heck, I love Ventura! What better excuse to head up the coast.

With only light traffic, I arrived early for my 9:50 a.m. appointment and so had time for a quick side trip to Foster’s Donuts on Main St for a yummy “glazed buttermilk” with just the right crunch on the outside and tenderness within. By 10:15 a.m. my DMV chore was over and the day was free.

I made the short drive over to Channel Islands Marina and sat near the breakwater watching lovely yachts head out to sea on a fresh September morning. I arrived at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum, just after it opened at 11:00 a.m. – and I was the only visitor there, so a friendly volunteer docent gave me a personal tour of the whole (somewhat small) facility.

She provided me with full details on every 17^th century seafaring oil painting in the gallery, as well the history of each ship exquisitely modeled in miniature by Ed Marple. Her eyes lit up as she told the tale of Zheng He (displayed as a life-sized mannequin in rich brocaded robes), an ocean voyager during the Ming Dynasty, who some think may have inspired the tales of Sinbad the Sailor.  Best of all, just outside the large museum windows, a pod of sea lions snuggled on the boat docks, barking when kayakers came too close.

Because of the lavish attention showered on me at the museum, I spent much longer there than anticipated. Finally back out in the sunshine, I strolled along West Channel Park until I reached Marine Emporium Landing. There I discovered Sea Fresh, a casual restaurant with an extensive, reasonably priced menu. I settled on calamari and chips, but opted to switch out the chips for their salad bar (no extra charge). What a treat to sit on the attractive harbor front deck and feast on the generous portion of slightly spicy tempura battered squid. A great find!

There was still time for a stop at San Buenaventura State Beach (undergoing restoration) and a late afternoon stroll along Ventura’s charming Main Street, vanilla bean frappucino in hand. What a fun way to turn a dreaded DMV visit into a vacation day.

Mindfulness

Destination: Mid-Valley Regional Library, North Hills

Cost: Gas only

I’ll commence this post with the clarity and serenity achieved after an hour of zen breathing practice.

(Photo from the web)

I’ve noticed the LA Public Library System offers a variety of events, and was pleased to discover that there’s a free beginning meditation class at the North Hills branch on Wednesday evenings. The library website provides phone and email contacts to register – so I sent an email asking if it was okay to drop in. Jay at Won-Buddhism Valley quickly got back to me and said “Just show up at 5 pm with comfortable clothing.” And so I did.

In our modern world, the gong sound comes from a smart phone – but it worked and in the opening meditation I was able to relax quickly. We then circled the room in a walking meditation for about 15 minutes, noticing the weight of our legs and the pressure of our feet on the floor, alternately. The gentle snores of a few classmates accompanied the next reclining meditation. The balance of the session was in seated mindfulness, as we became aware of our breath and body sensations. How strange to have a hot flash in the middle of this and concentrate fully on every aspect of the flush of heat and subsidence.

I’ve had some experience meditating, but usually commit for twenty minutes or so. This hour of breath-focus was like a mini-vacation and I came away with a clear head. To exit the meeting room into a library full of books with a fully functioning mind was a real treat. I picked up a scholarly tome on David Bowie and read about how Bo Diddly, Keith Richards, and Marc Bolan influenced his work in the 70’s. Relaxation and stretching exercises for the brain.    

  

Food Porn: Episode Three

September 8. 2014

Destination: ArcLight Cinemas, Sherman Oaks

Cost: $13.50 plus gas

I completed the food porn cinema trifecta last night after traveling to Sherman Oaks to see The Hundred-Foot Journey.  In this summer of food films, I've already consumed Chef and The Trip to Italy. Each movie had its own distinct flavor: Chef was peppery, bursting with Latin rhythms, foul language and exuberance, Italy was tart, sun soaked and funny like a kumquat, while Journey blends eastern spice with refined elegance.

I've long been a fan of director Lasse Halstrom, (Who’s Eating Gilbert Grape, Chocolat, My Life as a Dog) and actress Helen Mirren almost always chooses interesting projects, so I knew The Hundred-Foot Journey would not be horrible. It featured breathtaking scenery of the south of France, good acting with fresh faces, and glistening shots of tantalizing food. The smart owner of a food truck featuring Indian cuisine should park his coach near the theater exit.

The story tells of an Indian family relocating to Europe, accidentally landing in a small French village and opening an ethnic restaurant across the street from a Michelin-starred fine dining establishment, owned and operated by the haughty Madame Mallory (Mirren). The immigrant family’s son is a singularly talented cook who learns about haute cuisine, life and love as the story unfolds. The film was almost too beautiful and perfect, which made sense once I learned Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg were producers. I enjoyed all aspects of it – writing, acting, directing, photography, sound – but would have preferred it be a little rougher around the edges.

The Trip to Italy was an astonishing delight but probably not to everyone’s taste.  A mash-up from a BBC sitcom directed by Michael Winterbottom, it tells the tale of two comedian friends road-tripping through Italy, reviewing six restaurants in six days while listening to Alanis Morrissette, reading poems of Byron and getting into all kinds of shenanigans. I’m a big fan of British humor, and this flick made my cheeks hurt from laughing. The goofy impersonations alone were worth the ticket price. 

Speaking of ticket prices, I paid a little extra for the ArcLight experience in Sherman Oaks last evening. I've been curious about the poshness advertised by ArcLight and other luxury cinemas. I really appreciated the lack of pre-show advertising, limited trailers and stylish environment. There was a distinct improvement in the film and sound quality. But the seats weren't very plush: molded and non-reclining with headrests that thrust my noggin forward in an uncomfortable position. Also, if an establishment offers a bar on premises, it would be nice if patrons were allowed to bring a glass of wine into the theater. Just sayin'. Nevertheless, the slight premium I paid made a visit to ArcLight (and the restaurant-heavy Sherman Oaks Galleria) more like a fun night out that just a schlep over to the movieplex.

Happy Trails

Date: September 7, 2014

Destination: Zuma Canyon Loop Trail

Cost: Gas only

The oppressive Valley heat has gotten old, but I yearned for an afternoon on the trail. Simple solution: head over to the coast for a trek with an ocean breeze. I've never been to Zuma Canyon before, which seems strange given the multitude of visits I've made to Zuma Beach. The National Park Service website gave me all the info I needed, including a trail map that I printed out to carry along.

I parked at the trailhead at the end of Bonsall Road, which is on the inland side Pacific Coast Highway at Westward Beach Road. The parking area is large and it’s free. Exiting the car, a blast of hot air made me second guess my decision. It wasn't that much cooler at the coast and I had arrived at the hottest part of the afternoon. Undeterred, I donned my cap and set off up canyon.

The Zuma Canyon Loop trail soon appeared on the left, which seemed like the best option given the temperature – no need to ascend ridges. But the trail soon diverted from the canyon floor and made a moderate ascent up a chaparral covered hillside. Wiping sweat from my brow and everywhere else, I wished the ocean breeze was a bit stronger. After pouring some drinking water over my head, I continued on and the trail soon leveled, providing expansive views of the pristine canyon. The crinkly dry brush could succumb to wildfire in an instant, and most bushes looked dead and brown. In other spots, bay leaves were deep green and glossy and there were a few lushly flowering buckwheat surrounded by appreciative bees.

The trail meanders back downhill to the canyon floor – passing under a wide ancient oak which provides welcome shade. Arriving at the dry stream bed, with a slight dip in temperature thanks to the leafy sycamores – I continued up to the rocky narrows, enjoying the diverse boulders that had lurched down from upper reaches. Hiking in the heat meant I had this beautiful canyon to myself, with chirping birds and scurrying lizards to keep me company.

I came back out via the Scenic Trail side loop and returned to the car – for a total of about three miles. I can’t wait to return after a spring storm, when the perennial creek is gushing and green grasses and wildflowers are abundant. With cooler temps, I’ll tackle the Zuma Ridge Trail or Ocean View Trail – far too ambitious for a hot summer Sunday.

Much Ado about Twelfth Night

September 6, 2014

Destination: Theatricum Botanicum, Topanga Canyon

Cost: $41.00 plus gas

(also:  August 24, 2014, Independent Shakespeare Company, Griffith Park, Cost: gas only)

Summer in SoCal is synonymous with Shakespeare. (Hope that’s enough alliteration for you.) At present, according to the Shakespeare in LA website, there are 25 bard-inspired productions currently playing or about to start.

I made the short trek to Topanga Canyon on a hot summer Saturday to see “Much Ado About Nothing” in the oak-shaded ravine that is home to Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum. I don’t know of a lovelier venue in the Southland and this troupe consistently produces shows of good quality.

“Much Ado” is a favorite of mine due to its feisty heroine, Beatrice – but this is a tricky role to animate with feeling. Susan Angelo was a capable physical comedienne and more than competent at Shakespearean wordplay. Robertson Dean’s Benedict stole my heart. This actor understands how to imbue rich Elizabethan language with feeling and blends a sense of the contemporary with Shakespearean style.

The production had the lightness of a gavotte, and was choreographed to utilize all areas of the expansive stage and chaparral covered hillside. The players were well cast, and only one actor fell in to the fake English accent trap that is so common in American classical performances.

The comedy in the Botanicum’s show was much gentler than that put forth by Independent Shakespeare’s Co.’s production of Twelfth Night in Griffith Park.  I saw this free performance two weeks ago and was delighted by the huge turnout and mix of attendees. This play is very special to me, as it’s the first show I directed when we started Sierra Classic Theatre in Mammoth Lakes fifteen years ago. Like Much Ado, Twelfth Night is driven by a dynamic heroine, Viola, who has a complex, modern personality.

Setting up for the Green Show in Griffith Park

The actresses in Twelfth Night were the weak link, however, with Kalean Ung’s Viola completely missing the mark. Her shouted, metered delivery - with accents in strange places - ruined the subtleties of a finely drawn character. There was no chemistry between the sets of lovers – and while the comedy worked as Countess Olivia falls in love with the young man Viola is impersonating, the feelings felt false.

What was brilliantly effective in this show was the broad vaudevillian comedy. Shakespearean clowns often fall flat, but I eagerly anticipated each of David Melville’s entrances as Feste, with his one-man band musical contraption and “ba-dum-bum” delivery. You don’t go to Twelfth Night expecting Sir Andrew Aguecheek to steal the show, but Andre Martin did just that. His performance was stagey in the the best possible way – hysterically over the top; he preened in his garish yellow morning dress and mugged shamelessly. LA Weekly’s review of the show echoes my sentiments. 

Dollar for dollar, laugh for laugh, Twelfth Night provided more bang for the buck than Much Ado About Nothing. But the Theatricum production left a deeper impression and inspired me to take action. I’m looking into their Shakespeare scene study workshops to better reacquaint myself with the Bard.

Fruits de Mer

August 7, 2014

Destination: Pismo Fish and Chips

Cost: $13.25 plus gas

Before summer slips away, I’ll record another adventure from the August road trip which took me up the California coast to Clear Lake and then back to San Francisco and the Outside Lands festival. “Day One” of vacation always hints of unlimited possibilities, so I decided to beach hop up the coastline. After leaving LA in the early morning, I got coffee and a breakfast burrito to-go in Carpinteria – perhaps my favorite Southern California beach town -  and noshed on the strand.

After exploring the Santa Ynez Valley for a while, I made a late lunch stop in Pismo Beach. While I’ve stayed in motels here, I’ve never actually explored the downtown area. I liked that it was unglamorous and apparently so did the bustle of tourists from all over the world. It didn’t hurt that it was a perfect summer day – sunny with a fresh salty breeze. The restaurants on the main drag were jammed, and I was hoping the spot I’d read about on TripAdvisor, a few blocks away at the corner of Cypress and Stimson, wouldn’t require a long wait.  

No worries – Pismo Fish and Chips had plenty of open tables. Their menu offered a variety of options with reasonable prices. Shunning the obvious choice (fish and chips, duh), I selected the half-size Shrimp Louie which seemed perfect for a summer afternoon.

This restaurant has been owned and operated by the same family for over fifty years and its old school décor was a delight, featuring a hand painted mural of Holland on one long wall.

I’d hate to see what the full sized salad looked like. My large bowl was filled to the brim with crunchy lettuce, eggs, tomatoes, olives and piles of small tender shrimp, served with a thick slice of warm and crispy Sizzler-style garlic bread. The Louis dressing was the de rigueur salmon color and brought back memories of lunches with my grandmother at the Cliff House in San Francisco. It seemed as though I ate and ate and ate – but finally waddled out into the sunshine to continue my northward journey.

The combination of friendly service, reasonable prices and fresh, tasty food made Pismo Fish and Chips a winner, and I look forward to the chance to eat my way through their menu.

Wilderness50

September 2, 2014

Destination: Little Lakes Valley, John Muir Wilderness

Cost: Gas only

It’s hard to imagine that before 1964 the U.S. did not have any designated wilderness areas.  On September 3 of that year, Congress crafted a bill – signed by President Lyndon Johnson - which protected 9.1 million acres of pristine lands across our country. We were the first nation to introduce this kind of legislation, but certainly not the last. In ensuing years, an additional 100 million acres have been protected as wilderness. September 3rd marked the 50th anniversary of the 1964 Wilderness Act and there are myriad celebrations marking this astounding achievement.  

My party was pretty small. It involved me hiking into the John Muir Wilderness (one of the original designated areas) and visiting Little Lakes Valley, one of my favorite spots in the Eastern Sierra, just south of Mammoth Lakes.  The Mosquito Flat trailhead is reached by taking Rock Creek Road west from Highway 395 and following it past Rock Creek Lake to the end of the road. This is a famous fall color corridor on the Eastside, and the aspens were already showing hints of gold after an uncommonly early spring. Since it's a popular hiking spot, finding a parking place can be troublesome in the summertime. Since I went the day after Labor Day, I had no problem – other than delays getting to the trailhead due to road work. 

The trail leads gently, but steadily uphill with Rock Creek on the left.  The path continues through this stunning alpine valley touching upon one lake after another – Mack Lake, Marsh Lake, Heart Lake, Box Lake, Long Lake and Chickenfoot. The main trail continues to Morgan Pass or a side trail leads up to Ruby Lake. There’s astounding scenery in every direction and many more lakes off the main trails. I have hiked this valley at least 10 times and have only scratched the surface.

On this warm and mosquito-free September afternoon, with limited time, I only made it as far as Heart Lake, where I found a spot on the grassy shore and enjoyed an impromptu picnic. I basked in the sunshine for a while, enjoyed the sparkly reflections on the crystal clear water, and in honor of the Wilderness Act, cleaned up a bunch of sunflower seed shells left by an ignorant tourist. 

My time was limited, since I was attending a Sierra Club houseparty celebrating this important anniversary. It featured a Google Hangout with the Club’s Executive Director, Michael Brune, a discussion of ways to encourage our youth to care about these special places, and an advance showing of the Smithsonian Channel’s Aerial America – highlighting wilderness. A fitting day spent marking an important occasion.

Laissez les Bon Temps Rouler

August 28, 2014

Destination: Skirball Cultural Center

Cost: $10.00 parking plus gas

The nights in LA are still deliciously warm, but, alas, the summer outdoor concert season here is drawing to a close. I was listening to KCSN and heard about the final performance of the season at the Skirball Cultural Center – music by Jeffrey Broussard & The Creole Cowboys. As a longtime fan of zydeco and Cajun music, a trip up the Sepulveda Pass was in order.

Admission to the galleries is free on Thursdays, and there’s no charge for the concert – so with your $10.00 parking ticket (which you must show at check-in) you gain entrance to the galleries and the Taper Courtyard music venue.

Pre-concert, I toured The Snowy Day and the Art of Ezra Jack Keats exhibit. While not familiar with this children’s book author and illustrator, I enjoyed his blocky prints and warm palette. The whimsical artwork belied the serious themes of his books.  I was particularly drawn to the collages he created with marbleized papers.

Back outside, a large crowd assembled in the courtyard. This is a lovely space, with the stage set in a pool filled with floating lilies. A large dance floor

had been placed at ground level, surrounded by groups of chairs, mostly reserved for dinner guests and VIPs. I toured the upstairs gallery, which provided some nice views and a fresh breeze, but was unable to find an open seat with a view of the stage, so I stood next to the sound technician as the concert got underway.

The band played lively Creole music and soon the dance floor was filled with smiling couples. Jeffrey Broussard is an accomplished accordionist and good singer, but the band’s sound was a bit thin, since they only had a drummer, bass player and Jeffrey’s son on the rub-board.

This was a “feel good” evening that made me wish summer nights would linger.

Surf's Up

August 27, 2014

Destination: Malibu Surfrider Beach

Cost: Gas only

With word that Hurricane Marie was spawning big waves, I headed to the coast yesterday to see what all the fuss was about. Malibu's Surfrider Beach seemed like the obvious destination, since this Valley girl didn’t want to make the drive all the way down to Orange County’s iconic “The Wedge.”

Leaving in late afternoon meant there was a bit of rush hour traffic on the 101 freeway, but Las Virgenes Canyon was clear sailing and I decided to park across from the Malibu Library to extend my journey to the shore. By doing this, I discovered Malibu Legacy Park, a fifteen acre preserve across from the Civic Center that was designed as public open space and a stormwater/urban runoff project. The park contains well-designed interpretative features, some nice sculpture and walking paths. This made for a perfect stroll over to Pacific Coast Highway and Malibu Lagoon, one of my favorite spots for birdwatching.

Arriving at the strand of Malibu Surfrider (Second Point), I was surrounded by abundant tourists and locals, out to watch the surf and surfers. The late summer afternoon could not have been nicer, warm with a soft breeze. Is there a subculture which produces a finer strain of strapping young men than surfing? I think not. The scenery was magnificent, and I’m not talking about the waves.

There were a ton of photographers taking it all in. I was looking for celebs in the sea, and spotted Richard Gere and Ashton Kutcher lookalikes. (Unless it was really them??) There was even a drone overhead, perhaps from Surfer Magazine. Renowned surfer Laird Hamilton shot the pier on a paddleboard, and evidence of this made it to Youtube.

An afternoon at the beach is always fun, but viewing giant waves and droves of expert surfers made a good day better.

Miss Yvonne, Again

August 20, 2014

Destination: The Hollyshorts Film Festival

Cost: $16.63 plus gas (plus $1.00 for the meter)

Is it just me, or it does it seem like there's a film festival in LA every week? This isn't a bad thing. These festivals have a great vibe, so the more opportunities to attend, the better.

Last night I headed to the TCL Chinese Theaters (formerly Grauman’s) to view an evening of comedic digital short films at the Hollyshorts Festival. Approaching Hollywood Blvd and Highland, I knew something was up – there were traffic officers in the street and a massive crowd assembled in front of the theaters. The film premiere of “If I Stay” was happening at the same time as the short film festival and the red carpet was getting in the way of my timely arrival.

I parked just off Sunset and sprinted uphill to the theaters, only to find the front entrance blocked off from the west side, necessitating a detour around a parking structure, up an elevator to the back service area of several restaurants, out through a mall to the street – and then up another elevator to the third floor back entrance to the multiplex lobby. Here, finally, were a bunch of tinseltown scenesters hobnobbing it up and posing for photos. I cut through the schmoozers and settled into a seat in the crowded dark cinema just as the first film “Bingo Night” was starting.

And there was Lynne Marie Stewart in the lead role – the former Miss Yvonne of Pee-Wee’s Playhouse. This was a happy coincidence, since I just saw her perform live on stage two weeks ago at the Groundlings (see previous post) and I’m not ashamed to profess my fondness for Pee-Wee.

“Bingo Night,” directed by Jordan Leibowitz, was one of the highlights of the screening. The other standout shorts included “One-Minute Time Machine,” “The Lord of Catan,” “Human Resources” and "Floating Sunflowers.” The program, titled “Too Funny Shorts,” was mislabeled, since many of these films were barely comedic and a few had ultra-dark themes – but it was still a fine evening. The best part of these festivals is the rousing applause and cheers from the filmmaking teams and the Q&A sessions with directors after the screenings. Also, the crowds tend to be convivial, and did I mention, hip?

The regret is that I didn't arrive earlier in order to celebrity gawk at the film premiere and have time to grab a cocktail with Hollyshorts attendees pre-show.  At least I got to see the ad hoc memorial for Robin Williams at his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Hello Dolly

August 16, 2014
Destination: The Annenberg Space for Photography, Century City
Cost: $1.00 for parking, plus gas ($3.30 at Pili's Tacos)

A friend highly recommended a visit to the Annenberg Space for Photography and since it’s been impossible to avoid the “Country” banners hanging from light posts all over the city, I decided to venture over the hill on a hot Valley Saturday afternoon to take in this exhibit, which documents the rise in popularity of country music in America.

While I’m not a huge fan of this musical genre (excepting bluegrass), the show at the Annenberg made a compelling case for the importance of the work of some distinctive photographers in promoting country singers and musical groups and advancing their celebrity. The photos ranged in time from the birth of fiddle and banjo music in the South, to Nashville's Grand Ole Opry heydey, to portraits of current performers. There’s a large informal area in the gallery lined with director’s chairs where films about the artists are shown – which added depth to this concise show.

Prior to visiting the photography space – I ventured across the plaza to Skylight Studios to view a National Geographic documentary “The Power of Photography,” which was produced by the Annenberg to highlight a previous exhibition there celebrating the magazine’s 125 years of excellence in photojournalism. This inspiring film got me in gear for appreciating photographic art.

These two arts spaces are a welcome addition to LA’s cultural menu and a great gift from this philanthropic family. On the weekend, parking in the structure below costs only $1.00 with validation and the Gallery and Studios have no entrance fee. I enjoyed wandering among the massive Century City towers on a quiet, breezy Saturday – I have a strange fascination with empty skyscrapers, go figure.

Top it all off with a stop at Pili’s Tacos on Santa Monica near Bundy for a little snack ($1.50 tacos) and a drive up the coast and through the canyons and you have a pretty nice weekend afternoon.

Wine Country Bounty

August 9, 2014

Destination: Earth’s Bounty Kitchen and Wine Bar

Cost: $10.82

Here’s another report from my recent road trip:

My friend, Sal, lives life with zest and has a special fondness for all things gastronomic. When I first met him he was running a restaurant in Mammoth Lakes, but he left for the Napa area to "up his game." Over the past decade or so, he’s been involved in many worthy food and wine ventures – and I was anxious to visit his newest enterprise: Earth’s Bounty Kitchen & Wine Bar on Highway 12 in Santa Rosa. This project is spearheaded by Chef Christopher Ludwick, who also owns and operates Grapevine Catering. Sal and Chris have been working together for years – and now Sal is General Manager of EBK.

I arrived on a hot Saturday in mid-afternoon and was disappointed to find an empty parking lot. The large interior space highlighted the fact that I was the only customer. Most days, the restaurant and wine bar don’t open until 5:00, so I had to content myself with the deli menu. The sandwich choices were very appealing, and I settled on Zoe’s Roasted Turkey Pesto. While waiting for my meal, Sal walked into the front deli, very surprised by my unannounced visit. He explained that the new restaurant is going through “peaks and valleys” in terms of customers – I was clearly there at a low point.

I’d love to help him along the road to success. The sandwich was memorable: tender focaccia bread provided a perfect base for the turkey with pesto aioli, topped with provolone, charred red pepper, Hobb’s bacon and arugula. It came with a side salad of ultra-fresh greens tossed lightly in Chardonnay vinaigrette. What a perfect picnic item to grab for a visit to a local winery. Instead, I sat on the shady back porch along a seasonal creek bed and enjoyed my late lunch alfresco.

Judging by reviews on Yelp, Opentable and similar sites – EBK guests are having a great experience. Besides the deli/restaurant, they sell wines, cheeses, charcuterie, and other delicacies – I picked up some salami and French olives to bring as a gift to my evening hosts.

I’m not an unbiased reviewer, but Earth’s Bounty Kitchen gets my hearty endorsement. I can’t wait to travel through Santa Rosa again to check out their dinner menu – hopefully among a crowd of happy patrons.  

Outside Lands

August 10, 2014

Destination: Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

Cost: $133 plus gas

“You realize that life goes fast - It's hard to make the good things last.” So sang Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips during an extravagantly staged performance at the Outside Lands Festival in Golden Gate Park. Earlier, while wearing a lycra bodysuit imprinted with human musculature topped with a silver fringed cape, he danced among giant aliens. Later, he encased himself in a giant plastic bubble and crowd surfed his way to a platform on the sound booth – about 50 yards away.

This was theatrical rock at its finest and the highlight of my Sunday trek to San Francisco to attend Outside Lands for the third time. The draws for me this year, besides The Flaming Lips, were appearances by Ben Howard, Spoon, Gardens and Villa and the Killers.

I've learned that the strategy for these giant festivals is to arrive early in order to find parking and enjoy the venue before the crowd gets too large, too drunk and too out of control. After watching a few minutes of Jonathan Wilson’s opening set, I wandered over to The Barbary Tent to watch a performance by The Improvised Shakespeare Company. These guys were hilarious as they created a full Elizabethan-esque play to the audience-provided title: “Melissa Saves Her Salad.” There was a special surprise: Patrick Stewart joined in their zaniness. This was particularly magical for me as I had met Mr. Stewart in the 1970’s – hanging out with him in various London pubs and backstage at the Royal Shakespeare Company during a theater course there.

After this special treat, I stopped at Beer Lands for a Kolsch from Magnolia Brewing and a fabulous chicken tamale from Alicia’s Tamales Los Mayas. Next stop – the Panhandle Stage for a set by Hiss Golden Messenger – weird name, good southern rock band. The day was mellow until I headed over to the Twin Peaks Stage to check out electronic music from Flume. The crowd swelled with young concertgoers anxious to hear this musician I’d never heard of. I listened for a few minutes then grabbed a bourbon-and-cornflakes ice cream cup - the flavor is named Secret Breakfast - from Humphrey Slocombe and went over to the Lands End Stage for Paolo Nutini – quite the heartthrob. This put me in a good position to catch the upcoming Spoon performance – which I had to cut short to see Ben Howard at The Sutro Stage.

Speaking of heartthrobs, Ben Howard, in his quiet, unassuming way, grabbed the attention of many  young girls in the crowd – some screaming out “Marry Me!” as he dazzled with his unique guitar style and impassioned vocals. Okay, I’ll admit it – I fell a little in love, too.

Watching Ben Howard’s full set, I missed the opening of Flaming Lips, a recurring problem at this festival, with so many artists overlapping. The Lips were a revelation and performed with such vitality that I felt satisfied and decided to depart (and miss The Killers) as the crowd got sloppier and the beautiful park completely trash strewn by inconsiderate fans. I caught a few minutes of Ray LaMontagne on the way out and then walked off into the foggy dusk.

It’s hard to make the good things last, indeed – but a full day of inspiring music of all genres is great way to spend a Sunday and very good for the soul. Until next year.     

Shooting Stars

August 12, 2014

Destination: Las Virgenes Open Space Preserve

Cost: Gas only

Where do you go to watch a meteor shower in LA? I’ve been spoiled by living in the Eastern Sierra, where the night skies are inky and the Milky Way is a sparkly swath of stars. With the annual Perseid Meteor Shower peaking, I was disappointed that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy it like I did in the mountains.

While entering Las Virgenes Canyon to hike a few weeks ago, I spotted a flyer at the trailhead kiosk announcing a Meteor Shower Party at the eastern end of the Las Virgenes Open Space Preserve. It seemed like a great way to escape city lights and enjoy the night sky.

My friend, Sarah, joined me as we made the short drive to the west end of Victory Blvd. in West Hills and headed into the Preserve. This nighttime “walk and talk” was hosted by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. At 8:00 p.m. an assorted group gathered: singles, couples and families. Our cheerful guide walked us through our solar system by measured paces as we headed up the trail. This helped clarify how far the distant planets are from our inner circle of Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars.

When we arrived on a hilltop, the view was spectacular, but unfortunately overlooked the San Fernando Valley with its miles of glaring illumination. In spite of this, the group collectively saw six or seven shooting stars and a beautiful waning gibbous moonrise. Naturalists from MRCA had set up telescopes on the plateau, trained on Saturn. They also pointed out constellations and told tales from mythology about the heavens.

It was a beautiful warm night and we spread out blankets on the hard dirt to lie down and take it all in. While the shooting stars couldn't match the display in the remote Sierra, MRCA provided a great opportunity to enjoy the Southern California night sky and learn a few things in the process.

    

Lots of Rocks

August 11, 2014

Destination: Pinnacles National Park

Cost: $10 entry fee plus gas

A recent road trip kept me from posting blog updates, so I’ll backfill with some of these fun explorations in the northern part of our state.

Pinnacles is the newest of California's nine National Parks, achieving this status just last year. It was previously a National Monument, dating back to 1908 when Teddy Roosevelt first preserved this rocky outpost. Its location east of Soledad is a bit off the beaten track, and I’d never found the right time to visit. Since I was heading out of San Francisco late in the evening, en route to LA – I decided to opt for an inexpensive motel room in Hollister (Best Western San Benito Inn – quite nice for the price) so that I’d be in close proximity to the east entrance of Pinnacles the next morning. Summer heat necessitated an a.m. visit, but arriving on a Monday morning off season meant no crowds in the park.

After a brief stop at the Visitor Center, I headed to the Bear Gulch trailhead to visit the talus caves. This two mile loop trail was highly recommended by the park staff and it was a winner. The uphill trek wound through a shady tree-lined canyon, with majestic tufa rock outcroppings on all sides. The trail passes through several dark caves, formed by giant boulders tumbling down the hillside, and a small creek meanders through parts of the caves. I whomped my head on overhead rocks a few times – blame it on my flashlight’s  weak beam - but emerged at the summit and enjoyed the lovely view of the small Bear Gulch Reservoir. Fortunately the trip back to the parking lot along the Moses Spring Trail was all downhill, since the day was becoming hotter.

Back in the car – I drove to the end of the road at the Old Pinnacles Trailhead to check it out, but this really isn’t a place for car touring. Visitors come here to explore the 30 miles of hiking trails. I'd love to return to Pinnacles National Park in the spring for wildflowers, cooler temps, and perhaps the chance to spot a condor.

Billions and Billions of Tourists

August 5, 2014

Destination: Griffith Park Observatory

Cost: Gas only

There’s nothing like spontaneity to mess up your evening. I got an unexpected e-mail from a friend who’s visiting the metropolis. She was going to the “Sunset Walk and Talk” at the Griffith Park Observatory with her daughter and asked if I wanted to join them. It sounded fun – a casual hike from the observatory grounds up the Charlie Turner Trail to the Berlin Forest and back, with stops along the way to learn about the history of Griffith Park and look at objects in the night sky. The price was right: free.

I last visited the Observatory in November 2012 and I was really impressed with the improvements made to this historical landmark – which had been closed from 2002-2006 for an ambitious expansion and renovation.  I have fond memories of planetarium visits in college – when we’d journey up the hill to attend the  Laserium shows there. These laser-light shows set to prog-rock music were all the rage in the 70’s.

So, I thought it would be great to rendezvous with friends at this iconic local spot. I fought traffic all the way to Vermont Ave – and called my friend at 7:25, to say it didn't look like I’d make the 7:35 p.m. start time for the hike. She said she’d sent me an e-mail -  her daughter was sick and they couldn't make it.

Since I was already there, I continued up the hill past the Greek Theater until traffic came to a standstill. There were hundreds of cars lining the winding canyon roads and the closest parking spot I could find was about a mile and a half from the Observatory. It was a beautiful night for a stroll, so I headed up the road with plenty of company, eavesdropping on conversations in a variety of languages.

The exhibits inside were interesting, but crowded - with lots of little kids pushing to the front and misbehaving. It was just not the right time to be there, so after about 45 minutes I started the long dark stroll back to the car. Fortunately, I love walking – so the views of the chaparral covered canyons and expansive L.A. Basin as the city lights came on prevented the evening from being a total failure. But I will not return to the Observatory during the height of the tourist season.  

Laughs on Tuesday

Destination: The Groundlings, West Hollywood

Cost: $20.00, $2.00 parking plus gas

I usually jump at the chance to head into "the city," so when a friend called up offering a ticket to a special performance at The Groundlings, naturally I said yes.

So off to Melrose Ave. on a Tuesday night – and a visit to the legendary place that launched the careers of folks like Pee Wee Herman, Maya Rudolph, Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy and Will Ferrell. Traffic was a little challenging during rush hour, but parking was easy. There are plenty of metered spots on Melrose and adjacent side streets, with no parking restrictions after 8:00 p.m.

The show “Charlotte’s Shorts” was a series of brief humorous monologues read by a team of eight former/current Groundlings, including Laraine Newman and (oh happy day!) Lynne Marie Stewart (who played Miss Yvonne on Pee Wee’s Playhouse). These shorts were written by Charlotte Dean and directed by Dean and her mother, Tracy Newman - sister of Laraine. The audience seemed to be mostly friends and colleagues, including actress Edie McClurg.

My companion knew Tracy through her musical work, so it was fun to meet her beforehand and be treated like an insider.  After a little Google research, I learned that Tracy is an Emmy-winning comedy writer (for the Ellen "coming out" episode) and one of the founders (along with her sister, Laraine) of The Groundlings. Charlotte inherited her Mom’s funny bone. There were some riotously clever passages, well presented by these actors with fine-tuned comedy skills. You can read some of the shorts on Charlotte’s blog.

After seeing the photos of so many famous comedians adorning the lobby walls of the Phil Hartman Stage, I’m anxious to return to see a regular performance. Laughter is the best medicine.  Note to self:  don’t head back to the 101 Freeway via Highland on a Hollywood Bowl performance night.