You See LA: Summer 2019
Special Edition
For this special summer edition of You See LA, UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture staff share their favorite things to see and do around Los Angeles.
Things to see:
Photo booth image of Amorette Muzingo, Visual and Performing Arts Education Program, and friends at a Cinespia screening
Outfest Under the Stars at Ford Theatres – Jul. 24–27 in Hollywood
– Phinn Sriployrung, UCLA’s Center for the Art of Performance
Secret Movie Club screening of David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive – Aug. 17 at The Vista, Los Feliz
– Felipe Navarrete, Department of Art Alum
Eat|See|Hear's outdoor screening of The Shining! – Aug. 31 at the Autry Museum, Griffith Park
– Felipe Navarrete, Department of Art Alum
The Montalban’s Rooftop Movies – through Sep. 1 in Hollywood
– Helen Tran, Department of Design Media Arts
Hollywood Forever screenings run by Cinespia – through Aug. 24 in Hollywood
"Movies at the cemetery! For as long as I can remember, I’ve always gone to the summer screenings run by Cinespia. Friends, family, and I will go, get dressed up and partake in the food trucks and photo booths and enjoy watching a movie under the stars and with the quiet neighbors in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. This is where I’ve danced to DJ Questlove, watched fireworks under the stars, and posed in themed photobooths."
– Amorette Muzingo, Visual and Performing Arts Education Program
Recommendation seconded by Tess Stevenson, Department of Architecture and Urban Design
Valley Relics Museum – open Thursday–Sunday in Van Nuys
"I recommend checking out the Valley Relics Museum in Van Nuys: not only can you see some great pop culture exhibits and learn some history of the San Fernando Valley, but you can play pinball for free! Go on a day when it’s not too hot outside. It’s in a hangar type building so it can get warm. $10 entrance fee and it’s a 501c3."
– Lynn Tatum, Department of World Arts and Cultures/Dance
Japanese Garden – open Monday–Thursday and Sunday in Van Nuys
"People tend to forget that there are actually things to do in the valley!"
– Lynn Tatum, Department of World Arts and Cultures/Dance
Petersen Automotive Museum Breakfast Club Cruise-In – monthly on the Miracle Mile
"A gathering for classic car enthusiasts with coffee & bagels to boot!"
– Nikki Parrish, Dean’s Office
SAMSKARA – Thursday–Sunday in the Arts District, Downtown LA
"Samskara is an immersive art exhibition featuring works of transformational artist Android Jones."
– Felipe Navarrete Department of Art Alum
A+D Museum – Wednesday–Sunday in Downtown LA
– Tess Stevenson, Department of Architecture and Urban Design
Sam and Alfreda Maloof Foundation for Arts and Crafts – Thursday–Saturday in Alta Loma
– Olivia Fale, Hammer Museum
BAKERU: Transforming Spirits – through Oct. 6 at Japan House LA in Hollywood
"BAKERU is a participatory exhibition that invites visitors to step into the supernatural world of Japanese folk traditions through a process of transformation (bakeru means ‘transform’ in Japanese)."
– Erin Kermanikian, Department of Art
Dodgers – Elysian Park
"…This is the year!!!! World Series!!!!!!!"
– Chris Wybenga, Dean’s Office
Ed. Note: Skip the parking headache, and take the free shuttle from Union Station.
Things to hear:
Sofar Sounds image provided by Nikki Klepper, Dean's Office
Sunset Concerts at the Skirball (Free) – in Bel Air
The Klezmatics (Aug. 1), Cha Wa (Aug. 8), Tamar Ilana & Ventanas (Aug. 15), Josef Leimberg (Aug. 22)
– Phinn Sriployrung, UCLA’s Center for the Art of Performance
Factory 93 presents Loco Dice at Exchange LA – Aug. 3 in Downtown LA
"One of Ibiza's biggest stars lands at the Factory. Via his DJ sets or his productions on labels like M_nus, Cadenza, Ovum, Four Twenty and Cocoon, he merges perspectives in his delicate sense for sounds and reflective atmospheres, underpinned with solid, physical grooves inspired by the hip hop that was his early sonic stomping ground in the mid- to late ‘90s. There’s something there for the dreamers, as well as for the 9-to-5ers who just want to lose everything in a moment of abandon on the dancefloor."
– Felipe Navarrete Department of Art Alum
Buddy Guy at Hollywood Bowl – Aug. 7 in Hollywood
"Living legend!"
– Chris Wybenga, Dean’s Office
Chinatown Summer Nights – Aug. 10 in Chinatown
– Tess Stevenson, Department of Architecture and Urban Design
La Boheme at LA Opera – Sep. 14–Oct. 6 in Downtown LA
"Old standby, classic story, can’t go wrong."
– Chris Wybenga, Dean’s Office
Zebulon – Monday, Saturday, & Sunday in Frogtown
"Grab drinks and hang out with friends at Zebulon, this venue has really diverse programming in terms of musical artists and performers local and international, and the energy is always super interesting. You’ll always run into someone you know (or someone you think you know) at Zebulon."
– Amorette Muzingo, Visual and Performing Arts Education Program
Sofar Sounds – (various locations) and the Santa Monica Twilight Music Series – Santa Monica Pier
– Nikki Klepper, Dean’s Office
Things to eat and drink:
Smorgasburg images provided by Nikki Klepper, Dean's Office
BREAKFAST: Gardena Bowl Coffee Shop – Gardena
LUNCH: Pikunico – Downtown LA
DRINK: Ototo Sake Bar – Echo Park
– Olivia Fale, Hammer Museum
Kismet – Los Feliz
"Grab breakfast and don't miss the cardamom iced coffee."
– Louise Forster, Dean’s Office
Pacific Dining Car – Downtown LA
"Go at 3 a.m. or later for the crispy hash browns and fascinating overheard conversations."
– Anne Marie Burke, Dean’s Office
Highland Park Brewery – Chinatown / Monkish Brewery – Torrance / Brouwerij West – San Pedro
"These are the best beers in the city."
– Chris Wybenga, Dean’s Office
San Pedro Fish Market – San Pedro
"Crazy and gritty. Fish right off the boat. Awesome outdoor deck to watch the boats come in the harbor."
– Chris Wybenga, Dean’s Office
Malibu Seafood – Malibu, on PCH
"Watch the sunset from the [BYOB] patio! Part fresh fish market and part seafood restaurant, this little surf-shack-style eatery is worth the drive down PCH."
– Kylie Carrigan, Dean's Office (Kylie recommends the ceviche and fried shrimp)
Recommendation seconded by Erin Kermanikian, Department of Art (Erin recommends the fish & chips)
Gjusta – Venice
"The best veggie burger."
– Anne Marie Burke, Dean’s Office
Woon Kitchen – Rampart Village
"Woon Kitchen is for sure one of my staple favorites – it has the most elegant design and the most delicious Chinese food. It started out as a family run pop-up but is quickly growing into a big deal around East LA."
– Amorette Muzingo, Visual and Performing Arts Education Program
Open Face Food Shop – Culver City
"Perfect for a post gallery visit and close to UCLA Margo Leavin Graduate Art Studios and the Department of Architecture and Urban Design’s IDEAS campus in Culver City."
– Jennifer Wells Green, Dean’s Office
Eleven City Diner – Mid-City
"Retro style diner on Wilshire Blvd. Full bar, candy shop, great food, and retro atmosphere. Fun for the whole family!"
– Nikki Parrish, Dean’s Office
Smorgasburg – on Sundays in Downtown LA
– Nikki Klepper, Dean’s Office
Barnsdall Art Park Foundation Fundraiser Wine Tastings – East Hollywood
"A great way to catch up with friends, many people dress retro in whites and pastels, summertime hats and parasols. Pack a picnic basket and bring a blanket - it’s a good time. DJ and Food trucks, etc. are onsite."
– Nikki Parrish, Dean’s Office
Recommendation seconded by Tess Stevenson, Department of Architecture and Urban Design
Cicada Resaurant – Downtown LA
"Art Deco Fabulous! This place takes you back in time through its décor and showcase of swing bands from all around. Enjoy dinner, dancing and a stroll through the 20s, 30s, and 40s. Be sure to dress the part!"
– Nikki Parrish, Dean’s Office
Pasta e Pasta by Allegro - Arts District, Downtown LA
– Helen Tran, Department of Design Media Arts
Things to do:
Photo courtesy Erin Kermanikian, Department of Art
Cuco’s album release block party – Jul. 26 in Grand Park, Downtown LA
– Phinn Sriployrung, UCLA’s Center for the Art of Performance
Echo Park Rising – Aug. 15–18 in Echo Park
– Tess Stevenson, Department of Architecture and Urban Design
Sanso – Frogtown
"A shop full of unique house plants in beautiful ceramic planters."
– Louise Forster, Dean’s Office
KCRW Summer Nights – Twilight on the (Santa Monica) Pier Free live performance by Rostam – Aug. 21 in Santa Monica
– Phinn Sriployrung, UCLA’s Center for the Art of Performance
Final Dance DTLA (Cumbia Night) – Aug. 30 in Downtown LA
"Part of the Grand Opening of the renovated Music Center Plaza."
– Phinn Sriployrung, UCLA’s Center for the Art of Performance
Sandstone Peak – Malibu
"The highest summit in the Santa Monica Mountains—for a great hike."
– Anne Marie Burke, Dean’s Office
Acro Yoga on The Green in Santa Monica – Sundays on The Green in Santa Moinica
"Bring a friend or go on your own, these un-structured meetups are a great time with a supportive community of yogis and balancers who are friendly and always willing to share tips and tricks with newcomers."
– Kylie Carrigan, Dean's Office
Recommendation seconded by Nikki Klepper, Dean's Office
Run / Walk around Hollywood Reservoir – Hollywood
– Louise Forster, Dean’s Office
Hiking Eaton Canyon Falls – Altadena
– Olivia Fales, Hammer Museum
The atrium lobby of the 1893 Bradbury Building – Downtown LA
"LA’s first historic land marked building. Located at Broadway and 3rd in Downtown LA. Be sure to take a ride in the ‘bird cage’ elevators."
– Anne Marie Burke, Dean’s Office
House Tours…favorites include: Eames House and Studio (Pacific Palisades), Neutra VDL House (Silverlake), Gamble House (Pasadena), Hollyhock House (East Hollywood), Stahl House (Hollywood Hills—go for the sunset tour), and Schindler House (West Hollywood).
– Louise Forster, Dean’s Office
Vintage shopping: Playclothes Vintage – located in Burbank – Clothing and housewares from every era, darling – items are displayed by decade – it’s the cat’s meow! La Bomba Vintage – located in Long Beach – In the heart of Retro Row on East 4th Street- This store is a vintage wonderland! On the 3rd weekend of every month, they host the “Pile Sale” where there’s a huge pile of clothing that you can literally dive right into – each piece in in “The Pile” is no more than $5! Jet Rag – located in Hollywood – Great finds from formal wear to everyday wear - men’s and women’s vintage clothing – Bonus: $1 sidewalk sale on Sundays! Son of A Vet Thrift Shop – located in the El Sereno area (L.A.) – Great vintage housewares, collectibles and clothing for the whole family! Pattye’s Closet Vintage II – located in Highland Park on trendy York Blvd – From the elegant to the eclectic, you can find something fabulous here! They have a $4 clothing rack where you can nab some awesome vintage ladies clothing.
– Nikki Parrish, Dean’s Office
Shorthand – Highland Park
"Run by Iron Curtain Press, this is my favorite stationery and office supply store in the city. Best place to buy cards for any occasion. This newsletter (and most of my work) is made possible by Shorthand to-do list pads."
– Louise Forster, Dean’s Office
Recommendation seconded by Kylie Carrigan, Dean's Office
Highland Park Bowl – Highland Park
"Nostalgic bowling alley – also hosts live music some evenings."
– Nikki Parrish, Dean’s Office
Evita – West Hollywood
"The glitzy Los Angeles queer party Evita has found a new home at Nightingale Plaza, after taking a brief hiatus due to renovations at its former venue, Bootsy Bellows. Cofounded by Oly Innes and Andres Rigal, producers of Daddy Issues and Summertramp. A weekly party, every Friday at Nightingale in WEHO. Performing Drag queens and club kids. Different guests every week, no cover."
– Felipe Navarrete, Department of Art Alum
Eighty Two – Little Tokyo
"Retro Arcade Games – classic arcade and pinball."
– Nikki Parrish, Dean’s Office
Read past editions of this series.
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