The Observatory: A Local Musical Goldmine

Hidden in the middle of an industrial complex in the OC, a musical gold mine can be found.  The Observatory has housed many different talented musical guests along with their adoring fans.

Previously known as The Galaxy Concert Theater, the doors opened on December 4, 1994 bringing famous performers such as Beck and Little Richard under the spotlight.  After shutting its doors and reopening back up on September 12, 2010 under new ownership The Observatory is nothing short of a concert hotspot.

Performers include Irvine native band Young the Giant, GroupLove, Dr. Dog, and LA native band Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros.

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros performing 40 Day Dream at the Observatory in 2012.

GroupLove performing Tongue Tied at the Observatory.  

The venue also has a smaller and more personal room, The Constellation Room, for local bands to perform in front of audiences.  The venue itself is standing room only, and allows for a fun atmosphere to performers and concert goers alike.

The Observatory is a personal and fun experience for performers and their fans.  After experiencing my favorite band Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros at The Observatory, this venue is my favorite and I look forward to seeing my next concert there.    

   

Long Beach Art Museum: An Enriching Experience

Overlooking the ocean with the world famous Queen Mary in the distance, the Long Beach Museum of Art is a unique experience for the young and old alike.  The museum currently has 4 different art exhibits that showcase art pieces from ceramics to paintings.

One exhibit entitled, Enriching and Engaging, showcases art work created or donated by Southern California residents.  The work includes painting, sculptures, and lithographs.  The exhibit runs through June 15, 2014.

For more information on this particular exhibit visit the Long Beach Museum of Art website.  

Along with bringing art to the Long Beach community the Long Beach Museum of Art also strives to educate the public about the arts.  The museum offers an extensive list of educational opportunities about different art mediums for adults, families, and children alike.

After experiencing the art within the museum, you are then able to experience the beautiful view of the ocean while enjoying a meal at the museum's very own restaurant, Claire's.  The restaurant has an extensive happy hour, breakfast, and lunch menu.  

The Long Beach Museum of Art offers a fun and educational experience for people of all ages.       

  

Los Angeles Native Band: Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros

 Musician Alex Ebert met fellow singer and band member Jade Castrinos at an LA cafe.  A new band was born, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. The 12 member band then released their debut album Up from Below on July 7, 2009.

American Indie band Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros first came onto the music scene in July 2007 after their debut performance at The Troubadour in West Hollywood, California.

Since their debut back in 2007 this Los Angeles band performs to sold out shows and has released two sophomore albums.  One titled Here and their most recent self titled album.  

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros are most known for their top hit Home from their debut album Up from Below.  

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros Official Music Video: Home 

More recently Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros toured with other well known folk bands Mumford & Sons and Old Crow Medicine Show.  During this tour the three bands allowed a documentary, Big Easy Express, to be created regarding their unique means of transportation (a train), performances, friendships, and creating/writing music.

Final Scene from Big Easy Express Documentary.

Mumford & Sons, Old Crow Medicine Show, and ES&TMZ

This unique Los Angeles band creates a new yet nostalgic sound.  The band is free spirited, and does not like to put labels on their style of music.  They create art and are truly talented individuals.  For more information on Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros research their music label Community Music or the Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros band website.   

               

Backhausdance: Gaining Momentum

Backhausdance is a company to keep an eye out for.  This Orange County based company's repertoire, strength, and momentum is increasing as audiences begin to take notice.

Artistic director, Jennifer Backhaus, founded this company back in 2003.  Since then Backhaus has had increasing success.  She was named OC Metro’s 40 Under 40 in 2009 and received an honor from Chapman University (where she is currently a professor) by being named Alumni of the Year.

Backhausdance currently has 9 company members and 2 company apprentices.  All of the dancers involved with this company are talented dancers and performers that can be commended for their artistry and athleticism.  

Most recently Backhausdance premiered The Elasticity of the Almost at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach, Calif.  

          

Video Clips and interviews of Backhausdance performing

 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center.

This piece was unique to Backhausdance.  Jenny Backhaus is a choreographer that likes to push boundaries artistically, choreographically, and physically.  The Elasticity of the Almost was no exception.

Backhausdance dancer's navigating through the maze
 of red balls. Picture courtesy of castanet. 

The piece of art presented by Backhaus incorporated a prop.  Balls.  Huge, red, bouncy, tiny, plastic, and colorful balls.

The performers remained completely composed while dancing in between the obstacles created by the props.  The piece was overall exciting and completely breathtaking.  Audiences were on the edge of their seats and were not disappointed.

Backhausdance is a company to keep on the radar as their successes continue to increase.  Visit the Backhausdance website for more information about upcoming performances, open classes, auditions, and summer intensive opportunities.

Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet Company performs in SoCal

Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet Company is a New York based company that had their first performance season in 2003-2004.  The company prides itself on its innovative movement, strong dancers, and the work they have performed and created with sought-after choreographers.  

Cedar Lake currently has 16 company members and Alexandra Damiani is the interim artistic director.  This season the company premiered the piece Rain Dogs choreographed by Johan Inger at the Irvine Barclay Theater in Irvine on February 13, 2014. 

                            Video Clip of Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet performing "Rain Dogs"

                                                                                                                                                      

Rain Dogs choreographed by Johan Inger was a comical and quirky piece that commented on what it is to be human and differences between genders.    

The piece opened up with a single dancer on stage standing in front of a closed curtain.  He was dressed in a suit, mumbling, performing over the top gestures, and dancing to a radio.  Once the curtain came up a full cast appeared onstage, with the women in long dresses and the men in suits.  

The most visually pleasing aspect of this dance was a straight line on stage right.  Every other dancer would move across the floor, and then the other dancers would stay in the straight line doing dramatic gestures.  The dancers would then switch roles.  

Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet in Johan Inger’s “Rain Dogs”
 Photo by Ally Duffey. Courtesy of Cedar Lake, Inc.

 

Dancers would run off stage and then return in their underwear, once all were in their underwear they would run off stage and then return in the clothing of the opposite gender.  The men then completed the piece in dresses and the women in suits. 

The repertoire presented included many unique elements from film, shadows, back lighting, fog, and beautiful contemporary movement. 

For more information about the up and coming company, Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet Company visit their website.  The website has information about the company, upcoming performances, workshops, auditions, etc.