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Enjoy A Breakfast At The Aquarium Of The Pacific With One Of Your Favorite Characters

June 22, 2016 By Leave a Comment

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Aquarium mascots will be on hand for breakfast and exclusive photo opportunities in Cafeì Scuba this summer. Enjoy a selection of breakfast foods available for purchase, and take your photo with Sharky, Ray, Maria the Magellanic Penguin, or one of the other special Aquarium characters. There will be a featured breakfast item each month. No RSVP necessary. Aquarium admission required.

 

WHEN:           Friday, June 24, 2016, 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

                        Friday, July 29, 2016, 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

                        Friday, August 26, 2016, 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

 

WHERE:         Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

 

COST:            Breakfast item prices vary. General admission required. No additional fees. General Admission: $29.95 for adults (12+), $26.95 for seniors (62+), $17.95 for children (3-11), and free for children under age three and Aquarium members.

 

INFO:              (562) 590-3100 or http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/character_breakfast/

 

Credit: AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC:  The nonprofit Aquarium of the Pacific is a community gathering place where diverse cultures and the arts are celebrated and where important challenges facing our planet are explored by scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders in search of sustainable solutions. The Aquarium is dedicated to conserving and building nature and nature’s services by building the interactions between and among peoples. Home to more than 11,000 animals, Aquarium exhibits include the Ocean Science Center, Molina Animal Care Center, and the new Vanishing Animals and Horses and Dragons exhibitions. Beyond its animal exhibits, the Aquarium offers educational programs for people of all ages, from hands-on activities to lectures by leading scientists. The Aquarium won a 2015 Travelers’ Choice Award for Aquariums, as awarded by TripAdvisor® travelers. The Aquarium offers memberships with unlimited FREE admission for 12 months, VIP Entrance, and other special benefits. Photo:Courtesy of the Aquarium of the Pacific.

 

Filed Under: Featured Events

If you like crazy ducks, silly henchmen and a love story, this will quack you up

June 22, 2016 By Leave a Comment

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Produced by the Russian animation studio Rome, Quackerz is a comical, animated story about the Chinese legend of the Sun Duck who protects the sun. A conflict flares up between the local Mandarin Ducks and the Military Mallards, who land on the Chinese island, mistaking it for Hawaii. While the fathers fight and argue, Longway, the emperor’s son, and Erica, the commander’s daughter, meet and become friends. The kids must ally all the ducks to battle their foe, the daunting Ms. Knout, who seeks to destroy the Sun. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Morgan B. comments, “This comical, adventures and fun movie is perfect for the whole family. The story is about Mallard military ducks vs. Mandarin ducks. I like the way it all plays out with all the different story lines, characters and all the jokes.” Brianna B. adds, “The visuals of this film are very clear and captivating with bright colors and depth. The many different outfits and accessories worn by the animals as well as the humans are exciting and fun. These are not your normal hats, gloves, scarves and belts.” See their full reviews below.
Quackerz
By Morgan B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Do you like crazy ducks, silly henchmen and a love story? Then, Quackers is just ducky for you. This comical, adventures and fun movie is perfect for the whole family. The story is about Mallard military ducks vs. Mandarin ducks. I like the way it all plays out with all the different story lines, characters and all the jokes.
The characters in this film are very detailed. They all have different, wonderful voices, which I enjoyed dearly. Robbie Daymond who plays Longway is spectacular. He fits the teenage duck and you can hear the frustration he feels as his desire is to spread his wings and see the world. Andrea Becker who plays Erica is magnificent. She connects with Longway and the two ducks are destined to be together. Enn Reitel who voices Peng Li is hysterical. It is sweet of him to be so protective of his son. Mallard Commander is tough, but he has a soft side and loves his daughter dearly. You can tell that he wants the best for Erica. The story is really about how far fathers will go to protect their children. The voice-over actors are simply amazing and they all have peculiarities that fit their characters and make them sound unique.
The animation in this film is amazing. I love that it is so detailed. I like the way they show the town where people live as well as the mountains the ducks call home. All of the cooking scenes with the henchmen have astonishing details.
I loved the scene when Longway and Erica are flying and having such a good time. I am also a huge fan of romance. The ducks chewing gum and blowing pink bubbles in the air makes your heart go pitter patter and puts a smile on your face. You can just tell that these two are definitely love birds. The animation in this scene is very detailed. I am a tad bit jealous that she got a gorgeous blue firefly bouquet. It is so amazing.
I have a lot in common with Erica and can relate to her. She has girl power which makes her unique and fun. Erica is goodhearted, curious, adorable, smart and a tough cookie when needed. Those are just some of the qualities that I like about this awesome ducky.
This movie reminds me of Kung Fu Panda which also takes place in China, has talking animals and features the martial art of Kung Fu. Then, there is Romeo and Juliet’s feathered fathers who keep the star-crossed duckies apart. It also reminded me of Rio because the Mandarin ducks cannot fly. This combination of movies put into one, has a slice of cake for everyone and I love that.
I recommend for ages 10 to 18. It is certainly family friendly. So, get a box of crackers and have a family adventure of your own. Be forewarned that there is some violence and the evil Ms. Knout could use a tad more feathers. I give this movie 4.5 out of 5 quacking flapping stars!
Brought to you by Shout Factory, it is available on DVD and Digital Platforms July 14, 2016.
Quackerz
Brianna Hope B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 16

This animation has bright colors, clear visuals, great music and a story line that I’m sure you will find interesting. A young Duck Longway (Robbie Daymond-Voice) is completely bored with his uneventful life on an island off the coast of China. His life turns around when a fight breaks out against the Mandarin Ducks and the Military Mallards. Soon after that a war breaks out against the Duck and human race. To top it all off, to keep the Sun in the sky to shine for everyone, one Duck must step up to the challenge. Will he succeed?
The visuals of this film are very clear and captivating with bright colors and depth. The many different outfits and accessories worn by the animals as well as the humans are exciting and fun. These are not your normal hats, gloves, scarves and belts. Some of the belts are made of metal and the hats are very different from what you and I are accustomed to seeing. This film, for the most part, accurately displays the feelings and situations that tweens and teenagers feel and go through. I find many different aspects of a few characters to be very relatable. The flow to this film isn’t as smooth as I would like it to be. Also, many of the actions feel as though they are being thrown in haphazardly with no real meaning. The music is upbeat with catchy tunes and it connects you to each scene. One of my favorite scenes is when Longway learns to fly. It represents the freedom of flying and not being tied down to anyone or anything. It’s a great scene that shows individuality and captures what Longway wants from life. I really do not have a favorite character since no single character stands out to me as they are all basically pretty similar. There are a few comedic moments throughout the film, however not a lot.
I recommend Quackerz for ages 6 to 12. It’s for both girls and boys and I’m sure they will enjoy the special features including behind the scenes footage.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars. I would have like to see smoother transitions and actions that made sense in the sequences they are played in. Other than that, it’s a good film and I’m sure younger kids will enjoy it. Quackerz is available on DVD and Blu-Ray, so please check it out.

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Credit: KIDS FIRST!

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Tasty Sweets from Otis Spunkmeyer are a Must-Try this Summer!

June 22, 2016 By Leave a Comment

2ozCookies- 5.375 x 3.75 x 4.5

Looking for Sweets this Summer? Otis Spunkmeyer has you covered! You may remember Otis Spunkmeyer for its chocolate chip cookies and cupcakes sold at your school cafeteria or local baseball concession stand, but their tasty treats are now available for the first time in grocery stores and Wal-Marts nationwide.

I had the opportunity to receive and try a few of their products and they were simply a hit in our house! My favorites are the Mini Loaf Cakes in Lemon and the Mini Muffins in Blueberry!

Otis Spunkmeyer Lemon Loaf weet Otis-MiniMuffin-Blueberry-final.jpgvvv

The Mini Loafs are delicious! They are pretty sweet but I like that there are no artificial flavors or colors! They are naturally flavored. The Mini Blueberry Muffins are in a package of 3 mini muffins. These are great for on-the-go trips this Summer!

Look for them and their other products this Summer!

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. Photo Credit: Otis Spunkmeyer.

 

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

Apple is Pet of the Week!

June 22, 2016 By Leave a Comment

Apple, June 23 Pet of the Week

She’s the apple of our eye, all right, and so what was our choice but to call her Apple? She’s sweet as the pie of the same variety, and romping, playing and exercising are also part of her core personality. She’s the perfect pet and can be easily trained to be friends with other animals once they’ve been introduced properly. Pets this special don’t grow on trees! Meet Apple at Animal Care Services on the shelter side of the P.D. Pitchford Animal Village, 7700 E. Spring St., Long Beach, (562) 570-PETS. Ask for ID#A572569.

 

(The usual suspects contributed to this rescue)

 

Credit: Animal Care Services on the shelter side of the P.D. Pitchford Animal Village.

Filed Under: Pet Corner

Summer is Here! Summer Must Haves!

June 21, 2016 By Leave a Comment

game_cameraroll    GameName5

Here are some of our Favorite Must-Haves for the Summer!

Family Game Nights are a real must-do!

Camera Roll~
The  iPhone is one of the most popular games in the world, but how often do people look at those pictures? Do you really know what you have on your camera roll? Do you have a snapshot from a BIRTHDAY PARTY? How about a picture from your VACATION? Maybe now you’ll find a reason to show off that SUNSET pic you took 6 months ago! You have 30 seconds to find it. Every player is involved in every round! Just find a photo to match the description on the card – which means some images could be left to your interpretation! Will YOUR picture best fit the card description? Will you have the winning Camera Roll?

This one is a lot of fun for Teens and Adults! I like that it is focused on photos since taking photos is one of my favorite things to do!

Name 5 ~
Name 5 is the cool new party game that asks the easy questions most people know the answers to. Sure you know one Tom Hanks movie, one Tina Turner song…Maybe even two…But can you name 5?  This game will have players picking their brains to Name 5.  More info on both games at www.endlessgames.com

This one is a real fun game for the whole family! I like that you can have fun and learn at the same time!

All Family Products

Drinking More Water in this heat is also a must-do!

Healthy High pH Water is new to me and I am impressed with the taste!  I like the health benefits from drinking Alkaline88 Water!

Many athletes and celebrities included are attracted to the benefits of an alkaline diet as balanced body pH results in greater energy, more restful sleep, improved digestion and fewer colds according to some medical authorities.

Alkaline88, www.alkaline88.com, favored by Brande Roderick and Tim Tebow, achieves its 8.8 pH level through a state-of-the-art, completely chemical-free scientific process.

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Dr. Jamie Koufman, an internationally renowned expert on reflux, and researcher Dr. Nikki Johnston studied how alkaline water destroyed pepsin, a stomach enzyme that when activated by acid causes painful reflux symptoms that can lead to cancer. According to the findings published in the Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology, July 2012, natural artesian alkaline water with an 8.8 pH instantaneously inactivated human pepsin in laboratory studies. Ordinary tap and bottled waters had no such effect.

Find them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

https://www.facebook.com/alkaline88/

https://twitter.com/Alkaline88

https://www.instagram.com/alkaline88/

Did you know that June is National Iced Tea Month? I love Iced tea in the Summer!

Celebrate With Choice Organic Teas!

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To Celebrate Iced Tea Month right, here are easy steps to brewing perfectly balanced iced tea:

  • Start any cup of tea by boiling fresh, filtered water.
    • For best results, black and herbal teas should be steeped with water right off the boil (around 212°).
    • Green, white, or oolong teas are best brewed with water just before it’s boiled (180-190°).
  • For every 8 oz (1 cup) serving of iced tea you wish to brew, you’ll want one tea bag or 1 tsp (2-3 g) loose leaf.
  • Make a double strength concentrate by steeping the tea bag or tea leaves in half the amount of water as you would for hot tea, for an 8 oz cup you’ll brew a 1/2 cup (4 oz) concentrate.
  • Now, steep your concentrate! Here is a quick guide to steep times:
    Black: 3-4 min, Herbal: 5 min, Green: 2-3 minutes, Oolong: 2-3 min, White: 1-3 min.
    See chart below for a great reference for steep time and temperatures.
  • Once your tea has steeped, remove the tea bag or strain the leaves with a sieve or brewing basket, then add cold or tepid water to create 1 full cup of tea.
  • Pour over ice, and enjoy! If you like, you can add your favorite sweetener or a twist of lemon.

CHOICE ORGANIC TEAS
SUMMER 2016 ICED TEA RECIPES

First up in our Iced Tea Month recipe series is Berry Peach Rooibos. This is a fruity, refreshing, caffeine-free iced beverage to please kids and adults alike! Summer fruits pair perfectly with the vanilla and honey notes of rooibos creating a subtly sweet, refreshingly cool drink. This iced tea calls for relaxing in the shade with family on a hot summer day.

Berry Peach Rooibos Iced Tea:
Ingredients:
– 1 peach, thinly sliced
– 1 cup fresh blueberries
– 1 1/2 -2 tbsp honey (or to taste)
– 4 Rooibos tea bags
– 4 cups of water
– ice
Instructions:
1. Start by boiling fresh, filtered water.
2. Place the tea bags in a heat safe measuring cup and pour 1 cup of boiled water over the tea bags; steep for 5 minutes.
3. Remove the tea bags and add the honey to the hot tea, stir until the honey is dissolved.
4. Put the peach slices and blueberries in the bottom of a pitcher and pour in the tea and honey concentrate.
5. Add the remaining 3 cups of water, make sure it is tepid or cool, not hot!
6. Stir up the fruit and tea to combine.
For a stronger fruit infusion, refrigerate at least an hour before serving. Serve over ice.
Makes approximately four 8 oz servings.

This one is my favorite new Iced Tea Recipe! It tastes delicious and is super easy to make!

Fresh summer berries and herbs highlight this bright, earthy Chinese green tea, Dragon Well. Delicately flavored, aromatic, and a lovely red hue make this iced tea a hit at a summer time lunch or dinner.

Blackberry Basil Green Tea Ingredients:
– 6 cups water
– 6 tea bags of Dragon Well Green Tea
– 3 Tbsp agave (or to taste)
– 4 stems fresh basil leaves
– 1 cup fresh blackberries
– ice
– lemon slices to serve (optional) Instructions:
1. Begin by boiling fresh, filtered water
2. Place tea bags in heat safe measuring cup
3. Remove the water from heat just before it starts to boil (around 190 degrees) and pour 2 cups of hot water over tea bags.
4. Steep tea for 3 minutes and then remove the tea bags.
5. Add agave to hot tea and stir to incorporate. Set aside to cool.
6. Place blackberries and basil in the bottom of a pitcher or serving container, set aside a handful of each for garnish.
7. Pour tea into pitcher over blackberries and basil. Muddle the blackberries, basil, and tea gently for 15 seconds to release juices and flavor.
8. Add the remaining 4 cups of water to the pitcher.
9. Add ice to pitcher to chill.
10. Serve over ice
11. Top each glass with basil leaf and a few berries, serve with a lemon wedge if desired.
Makes approximately six 8oz servings.

Look for Choice Organic Teas on their Social Media Sites:  Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this Summer Round Up of Favorite Summer Products! Photo Credit: The above companies. Recipes provided by Choice Organic Teas.

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

Universal Studios Hollywood Debuts Streamlined New Logo as The Entertainment Capital of L.A. Rolls Out the Red Carpet In Celebration of its Newly Transformed World-Class Destination

June 21, 2016 By Leave a Comment

USH logo (new)

As the #1 tourist destination in Los Angeles and one of the most progressive theme parks anywhere, Universal Studios Hollywood celebrates its ambitious epic revitalization with the introduction of a streamlined new logo, epitomizing the arrival of a newly transformed world-class entertainment destination.

Five years ago, Universal Studios Hollywood initiated an unprecedented undertaking to reimagine its theme park with highly detailed immersive rides and attractions, and embarked on building an infrastructure designed to support this monumental transformation—the most significant in the park’s storied history.

Representing the theme park’s single largest investment ever made, this sweeping makeover has had an astounding effect on the destination in which 75 percent of The Entertainment Capital of L.A. has been completely reimagined.

And while the arrival of the theme park’s much-anticipated, highly acclaimed opening of “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” marked the culmination of this elaborate period of development, the progression of Universal Studios Hollywood continues with major investments in sophisticated new rides and attractions.

“This is a very exciting time for Universal Studios Hollywood, and as an economic leader we are excited about the impact our revitalized theme park will continue to have on L.A.’s thriving tourism,” said Larry Kurzweil, President of Universal Studios Hollywood. “The dramatic changes that have taken place over the past five years have substantially altered the look, feel and experience of our park to redefine us as an entirely new destination and we look forward to welcoming visitors from around the globe to a new Universal Studios Hollywood.”

“As an iconic symbol of our theme park, the introduction of a refined logo further represents our approach to our ever-evolving destination,” continued Mr. Kurzweil.

With support from parent company, Comcast, Universal Studios Hollywood successfully transformed the decades’ old park into a new theme park, launching a slate of next generation rides and expansive lands designed to further immerse guests into the worlds of favorite movies and television shows.  “Transformers: The Ride—3D” arrived in 2012, “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and Super Silly Fun Land opened in 2014, “Springfield,” located adjacent to the popular “The Simpsons Ride” and “Fast & Furious—Supercharged” roared to life in 2015, culminating with the much-anticipated arrival of “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” in 2016.

Universal Studios Hollywood is always at the forefront of what’s considered topical and will unlock its “Don’t Open, Dead Inside” doors on July 4, 2016 for its all-new permanent attraction based on AMC’s “The Walking Dead,” the most watched show in cable television history.

“The Walking Dead” attraction will be a real-life interpretation of AMC’s award-winning television series.  To elevate its authenticity, Universal Studios Hollywood is partnering with “The Walking Dead’s” creative team, including visionary executive producer and director, Greg Nicotero and his special effects company, KNB Efx. Nicotero’s team, responsible for masterfully creating the show’s realistic decaying walkers, will construct prosthetics, utilize original molds and painstakingly apply paint and detailing to the attraction walkers.

Under the scope of its recent transformation, Universal Studios Hollywood also added visually cohesive architectural theming throughout the theme park that paired the lavish designs of old Hollywood Art Deco glamor with modern sensibilities. From the 2013 installation of the 37,000 square foot Universal Plaza outdoor piazza to the stylish entry portal for the world-renowned, behind-the-scenes Studio Tour, and everywhere along the way to create, Art Deco flourishes for a consistent aesthetics appeal.

The theme park’s signature Studio Tour also played a significant role in the step-by-step reinvention of Universal Studios Hollywood. The signature attraction that has offered millions of guests unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to the world’s most alluring business—Hollywood movie-making—rolled out a fleet of a new, contemporary trams further providing guests with the best seat in the house as they peek behind the velvet curtain.

In tandem with the Studio Tour’s enhancement, Universal put the pedal to the metal with the 2015 debut of  “Fast & Furious—Supercharged,” which raced onto the scene in the groundbreaking new 3D-HD thrill ride featuring the film series original cast members.

Since its inception over 50 years ago, Universal Studios has lifted the veil on Hollywood’s most illustrious industry, placing guests at the heart of favorite movies and television shows. It continues to be at the top of its game, taking innovation, imagination and inspiration to meteoric levels working in collaboration with some of the most influential filmmakers in the business and the greatest minds in entertainment—Steven Spielberg, Matt Groening, James L. Brooks, Peter Jackson, Michael Bay, Chris Meledandri, Greg Nicotero and JK Rowling—to create intriguing rides and attractions.

Ingenuity transcends to the destination’s adjacent lifestyle center, Universal CityWalk, which in its 20th year is undergoing a similar revitalization on the heels of the theme park’s update.

To learn more, please click here.

More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebookand follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.

 

Credit: Universal Studios Hollywood is The Entertainment Capital of L.A. and includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour. As a leading global entertainment destination, Universal Studios Hollywood delivers highly themed immersive lands that translate to real-life interpretations of iconic movie and television shows. Recent additions include “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter TM” which features a bustling Hogsmeade village and such critically-acclaimed rides as “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” and “Flight of the Hippogriff™,” Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor rollercoaster.  Other immersive lands include “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “Super Silly Fun Land” as well as “Springfield,” hometown of America’s favorite TV family, located adjacent to the award-winning “The Simpsons RideTM.”  The world-renowned Studio Tour is Universal Studios Hollywood’s flagship attraction, inviting guests behind-the-scenes of the world’s biggest and busiest movie and television studio where they can also experience such authentic and immersive thrill rides as “Fast & Furious—Supercharged.”  The destination also features the Universal CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex, including the Universal CityWalk Cinemas and the “5 Towers” state-of-the-art outdoor concert venue.

 

Filed Under: Announcements

New Exhibition at the Hollywood Bowl Museum and the 2016 Summer Season Open June 18

June 20, 2016 By Leave a Comment
The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association today announced a new exhibition at the Hollywood Bowl Museum titled “Attention Pilots: Hollywood Bowl and the Skies Above.”Opening June 18, in conjunction with the opening of the 2016 summer season, the exhibition examines the long-standing efforts by the LA Phil to keep the skies above the venue clear of aircraft during performances.
The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association’s efforts to preserve one of the key environmental features of the Hollywood Bowl – a quiet oasis where live music can be heard under the stars in the middle of the buzzing city – have included outreach to airplane and helicopter pilot associations, air traffic controllers, the air support division of the LAPD, and the local office of the FAA. The exhibition’s core visual component – the ‘no fly’ posters produced since the 1970s – were distributed throughout these organizations and around the city to help dissuade aviators from flying over the Bowl during the summer season.
The exhibition also explores additional efforts made over the years, including the installation of two lighting systems designed to deter aircraft – searchlights to help mark the perimeter of the Bowl in the sky, and strobe lights on the mountaintops surrounding the Bowl grounds. From 1977 to 1979 an official plane spotter was situated atop one of the Bowl towers. When an aircraft was spotted, a call was made to the stage manager, who would subsequently call the Van Nuys control tower, who then contacted the aircraft and asked them to change course.
Also included in the new exhibition are vintage travel posters and archival video clips which address the history of airborne noise pollution in Los Angeles.
During the summer season, the Hollywood Bowl Museum is open Tuesday – Saturday (10:00 AM until show time) and Sundays (4:00 PM until show time).
Please visit HollywoodBowl.com for a look at the new Hollywood Bowl history, a comprehensive timeline of the landmark venue featuring archival images and videos, some of which have never been on view to the public.
The Hollywood Bowl 2016 summer season begins with Opening Night at the Bowl featuring Steely Dan on June 18. Subscriptions and single tickets for the entire season are available now at HollywoodBowl.com, or via credit card phone order at 323.850.2000, and in person at the Hollywood Bowl Box Office.
Credit: About the Hollywood Bowl
One of the largest natural amphitheaters in the world, with a seating capacity of nearly 18,000, the Hollywood Bowl has been the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since its official opening in 1922, and plays host to the finest artists from all genres of music. It remains one of the best deals anywhere in Los Angeles; to this day, $1 buys a seat at the top of the Bowl for many classical and jazz offerings. The venue offers something for everyone, from its sizzling summer evening concerts to the daytime arts festival for children, “SummerSounds: World Music for Kids at the Hollywood Bowl.” In February 2016, the Hollywood Bowl was named Best Major Outdoor Concert Venue for the twelfth year in a row at the 27th Annual Pollstar Concert Industry Awards. For millions of music lovers across Southern California, the Hollywood Bowl is synonymous with summer. www.HollywoodBowl.com
Filed Under: Announcements

Live Nation’s Ones To Watch Under-The-Stars Outdoor Concert Series

June 20, 2016 By Leave a Comment

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Photo: Michael Leier performs on July 2.

DTLA’s iconic Union Station will open its sweeping outdoor gardens on summer nights with a unique entertainment line-up featuring emerging bands at Live Nation’s Ones to Watch Summer Concert Series, an innovative interactive cinematic experience Union Station 360° and the provocative art installation, Cabinet Of Curiosities.

The station is currently scheduling a rotating collection of unique events, cutting edge performances, evocative music, unprecedented art exhibitions and thought-provoking cultural programing that is completely redefining Union Station.

Ken Pratt, Metro’s Director of Union Station Property Management said, “This is an important step for Union Station in that it introduces folks to this extraordinary public space and the beauty of one of Los Angeles’ most iconic architectural properties while encouraging Angelenos to take the light rail, subways, Metrolink, Amtrak and Metro buses to the station and experience the ease and comfort of our growing mass transit system.”

The historic Downtown landmark will kick-off its summer season with Live Nation’s Ones To Watch & KROQ Locals Only Presents Summer Concerts At Union Station. The free concert series under the stars begins July 2 and runs Saturday nights through Labor Day weekend.

Each concert will feature two emerging artists and a popular DJ performing between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. and will give music fans intimate access to the next generation of singers and musicians.  Additionally, some of the city’s most popular food trucks will be on site along with other creative culinary concepts.

Headlining opening night on July 2 will be Michael Leier, Bloodboy, Figs Vision, and DJ – Grant Owens performing in the station’s verdant South Patio Garden.

Other emerging artists slated to perform include:

  • July 9th – DYAN, The Brinks
  • Aug 6th – Sam Fischer
  • August 13th – Salt Petal
  • August 20th – Lauv, Pretty Sister

Additional concert details and the line-up of performers are available at unionstationla.com.

Live Nation’s Ones To Watch is dedicated to showcasing today’s most talented new artists.  “Using such a unique place as Union Station as a venue is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect these rising new performers with passionate downtown music fans,” said Live Nation’s concert and club COO Ben Weeden.

After the curtain rises on the Live Nation series, for nine days in July, the station’s South Patio will be transformed into an evocative multi-media environment with the innovative cinematic experience Union Station 360° created by the noted local experiential design firm The Hettema Group.

The Hettema Group’s projects include some of the world’s most recognized interactive attractions ranging from the recently opened One World Observatory at the World Trade Center to Las Vegas’ High Roller to Universal Studios Islands of Adventure to Jurassic Park The Ride.

Union Station’s state-of-the-art, multi-sensory 360° experience will transport guests on an extraordinary interactive journey through the unique cultural fabric of L.A. with a series of imaginative vignettes exploring the city’s storied past and vibrant present.  The Hettema Group has teamed with filmmakers and digital artists to create original cinemagraphs that will be viewed, on a massive cutting-edge projection sphere and across a Floating Sky Screen, accompanied by a hypnotic original score.

The station’s massive entry arches will become the backdrop to a 30-foot-high, projection mapped art and video installation that will respond to visitors’ movements; and guests can move freely throughout the garden beneath the translucent Floating Sky Screen bathed in iconic Los Angeles imagery.

Union Station will be transformed into a towering canvas for dazzling imagery beamed on its façade as audiences become fully immersed in the Union Station 360° experience.

Union Station 360° is open and free to guests July 15 – July 24 from 8:00 p.m. to midnight (closed on Monday, July 18).

From August 6 – August 31 the station’s Grand Waiting room will be home to the provocative art installation Cabinet of Curiosities.  The trailblazing group exhibition of Los Angeles-based artists will feature a series of mysterious worlds that are viewed through peepholes.

Built in 1939 as a portal to the promise of the California dream, this architectural gem features soaring vaulted ceilings, towering brass windows, massive Art Deco chandeliers, hand-painted mission tiles and ornate stone floors.  Union Station will evolve into a venue showcasing the diversity of entertainers, artists and innovators throughout Los Angeles.

In addition to its own emerging calendar of programing, events and activities, Union Station has become a gateway to the rebirth of Downtown’s vibrant arts, entertainment and food scene and has emerged as a bridge to important cultural venues including The Broad, Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Credit:

About Union Station:

Built in 1939, Union Station is the largest railroad passenger terminal in the Western United States. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, the station’s signature Mission Moderne style makes it one of L.A.’s architectural gems. Today, the station has evolved into a vibrant transportation center serving 75,000 passengers daily. Union Station is currently in the first phase of a Master Plan that will enable it to better handle the growing number of transit riders, accommodate high-speed rail and serve as one of L.A.’s premier public spaces while protecting the historic core of the station. For more information, visit unionstationla.com.  Connect with Union Station on Twittter, Facebook and Instagram

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News
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