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METRO ART PRESENTS TANGO IN THE TRAIN STATION AN EVENING OF ROMANTIC DANCE AND MUSIC AT HISTORIC UNION STATION ON VALENTINE’S DAY

February 6, 2017 By Leave a Comment
On Valentine’s Day, Union Station’s Historic Ticketing Hall will be transformed into a romantic ballroom, with a special evening of tango, the dance of love and passion. Presented by Metro Art, the evening will feature a free tango lesson, a milonga (tango social dancing), accompanied by a live orchestra Tangótico, led by composer, arranger and producer Matias Piegari and a stirring dance performance by top tango performers Carlos Barrionuevo and Mayte Valdes.
Carlos and Mayte, who in 2007 were cast in the critically acclaimed show Forever Tango, have performed in renowned international tango houses including El Viejo Almacen, El Cafe Tortonni, and Chiquin. In addition, the talented pair has danced for audiences across the globe, including at the New York City Center, Vail International Dance Festival, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, and Israel Dance Festival.
Born in Argentina, Matias Piegari began his career as  a musical director, arranger and pianist. He attended UCLA’s program in film scoring and is now composing, arranging and producing music in Los Angeles. Matias has performed with many ensembles and orchestras and has done solo concerts, recitals and tango shows throughout the world, including the United States, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil and Puerto Rico.
Doors will open at 7:30 p.m. with the dance lesson at 8 p.m. and the Milonga at 8:30. The live orchestra will begin at 9 p.m. and continue until 10:30 p.m.
Metro Art Presents showcases free arts and cultural programs at historic Union Station. Produced by Metro Art, the diverse, all-ages programming creatively activates the landmark station, engages the Los Angeles community, and attracts new riders.
Credit: L.A. Union Station.
Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Queen Mary’s New Local Band Hangout Continues with Karina Nistal, Hellhounds of London, and Aragorn & Olivia Thursday, February 16

February 6, 2017 By Leave a Comment

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The Queen Mary’s new breakout live music series, Local Band Hangout, continues with performances by Karina Nistal, Hellhounds of London, and Aragorn & Olivia on Thursday, February 16 at 7 p.m. in the Observation Bar. Local Band Hangout presents top local artists and up-and-coming bands performing live aboard the majestic Queen Mary every third Thursday of each month.

The first concert in the series was a successful sell-out. The second event in the series on Thursday, February 16, welcomes three Southern California emerging artists including sultry, multi-faceted vocalist Karina Nistal, LA based rock-blues band Hellhounds of London, and acoustic duo Aragorn & Olivia. Arrive early to the Thursday night hotspot to enjoy Happy Hour from 5 – 7 p.m. in the picturesque art deco atmosphere. Concerts will continue the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. with future performances to be announced soon.

Tickets to Local Band Hangout are $10 and the admission ticket value can be used in the Observation Bar and at Queen Mary restaurants during the concerts. Parking is $8 with validation.

Tickets, additional concert details and the schedule of performances are available online at queenmary.com.

Credit: The Queen Mary.

Filed Under: Announcements

Denim & Diamonds Fashion Show To Benefit Global Genes

February 6, 2017 By Leave a Comment

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In honor of World  RARE Disease Day Global Genes, a leading rare disease patient advocacy organization, is proud to announce the first-ever Denim & Diamonds Fashion Show on Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Coast, California. Produced by Newport Coasts’ own rare disease parent advocate Perla Portillo, models will walk the runway in honor of loved ones affected by rare disease on World RARE Disease Day. Celebrity guests, Madison McLaughlin (Arrow) and fitness model Shaka Smith, will join models on the runway in support of rare disease awareness.

All proceeds from Denim & Diamonds will go directly to Global Genes’ RARE Patient Impact Grant, an exclusive funding opportunity for rare support groups and RARE Foundation Alliance patient organizations. The program provides critical medical equipment, family therapy, sensory equipment, sports programs, genetic testing, special outings for children with rare diseases, and much more. In 2016, over 17,000 patients and caregivers had their challenges of living with a rare disease reduced through the RARE Patient Impact Grant Program.

“Rare diseases affect 1 in 10 Americans and 350 million people globally,” said Nicole Boice, Founder and CEO of Global Genes. “The need to eliminate the challenges of rare diseases is tremendous and Denim & Diamonds is an exciting way to show support for the community on World RARE Disease Day!”

Parent advocate and Denim & Diamonds creator, Perla Portillo, is a past recipient of a Global Genes Grant. Global Genes provided genetic testing and support groups for her daughter, Alanis Portillo. Though her daughter’s condition is still undiagnosed, Perla is certain that will change with the support of Global Genes.

“There are many more, like Alanis, who still need help,” comments Portillo. “Support for Denim & Diamonds and involvement in World RARE Disease Day will allow Global Genes to help make a real, lasting impact to many more families and patients in need.”

The Denim & Diamonds Fashion Show will showcase top denim collections from popular brands including Ella Moss, Freddy Jeans, Joseph Ribkoff, Miranda Frye, Ted Baker, Seven for All Mankind, Splendid, and Vitamin A Swim. Newport Coast’s high end contemporary clothing, shoe, and accessory boutique, Jeanni Champagne, is providing clothing and will style the looks for the models.  Social Dry Lounge will provide hair styling and Brax Jewelers is providing jewelry for the models.

The Denim & Diamonds Fashion Show will take place on World Rare Disease Day, February 28   at 6:30 p.m. at The Resort at Pelican Hill located at 22701 S Pelican Hill Rd, Newport Coast, California. Tickets start at $100 per person with VIP and table purchases available. For more information, to donate, or purchase tickets visit http://bit.ly/DenimandDiamonds17

Credit: The Denim & Diamonds Fashion Show.

 

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

LA Zoo’s PBS SoCal KIDS Weekend Features Curious George and Daniel Tiger Photo Ops

February 3, 2017 By Leave a Comment

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Event Also Features Book Readings, Themed Crafts,
Activities and Kids’ Dance Party

Saturday, February 18 and Sunday, February 19, 2017
10 am to 4 pm
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens

The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens hosts PBS SoCal KIDS Weekend at the Los Angeles Zoo on Saturday, February 18 and Sunday February 19, 2017, 10 am to 4 pm.  The event fills the Zoo’s Eucalyptus Grove with a variety of engaging fun for families with book readings, themed crafts, activities and a kids’ dance party.  Guest can also enjoy a special opportunity to take photos with PBS KIDS characters Curious George and Daniel Tiger from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.  Curious George is available for photos both days from 10:30 to 11 am, 11:30 am to 12 noon and 12:30 to 1 pm.  Daniel Tiger is available both days from 1:30 to 2 pm, 2:30 to 3 pm and 3:30 to 4 pm.  A Curious George photo op for members of the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association takes place on Saturday only from 8:30 to 9 am, followed by a Daniel Tiger photo op for members from 9:30 to 10 am.  PBS SoCal KIDS Weekend activities are free with paid admission to the L.A. Zoo.

The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens marks its 50th anniversary with a yearlong “ZooLAbration” of its November 28, 1966, opening that spotlights not only its key role as a world-class destination and an important community asset but also its critical successes in conservation, quality of life and premier care for animals.  Having recently completed a $172 million master plan which significantly improved the Zoo facility, the 50th anniversary coincides with the early planning stages of a new Master Plan for the future.  The landmark Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, drawing nearly 1.8 million visitors each year, is home to a diverse collection of 1,100 animals representing 250 different species, many of which are rare or endangered, as well as a botanical collection comprising over 800 different plant species with approximately 7,000 individual plants.  Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), whose members meet rigorous professional standards for animal welfare, the Zoo has achieved renown as an international leader in the preservation of endangered species and a conservation center for the care and study of wildlife.  The L.A. Zoo’s lush grounds on 113 acres feature Rainforest of the Americas, an extraordinary collection of endangered and exotic mammals, reptiles, fish and amphibians living in spaces that exemplify their natural habitat in the rainforest biosphere; Chimpanzees of Mahale Mountains, home to one of the largest troops of chimpanzees in the United States; Red Ape Rain Forest, where visitors can walk among orangutans; the LAIR (Living Amphibians, Invertebrates, and Reptiles); Elephants of Asia; Campo Gorilla Reserve; and one of the largest flocks of flamingos in any zoo in the world.  Among other highlights are an extraordinary, hands-on Hippo Encounter; the Winnick Family Children’s Zoo and Muriel’s Ranch animal contact area; the Tom Mankiewicz Conservation Carousel; a variety of daily opportunities to learn more about animals, including close-up visits, special feedings and intriguing talks; and much more.  The private, non-profit Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA), which has supported the Zoo in partnership with the City of Los Angeles for more than five decades and provides funding for and operates seven essential Zoo departments, has 60,000 member households representing more than 240,000 adults and children.  As evidence of the Zoo’s popularity, GLAZA attracts one of the largest membership bases of any cultural organization in Los Angeles.

About PBS SoCal
PBS SoCal is the home to PBS for Greater Los Angeles and Southern California.  PBS SoCal delivers the full schedule of PBS programs, plus content that is for, about and by the people of Southern California.  Content is available free through four broadcast channels, at pbssocal.org, on PBS mobile apps, and via connected TV services.  And PBS SoCal provides the community with early education resources and cultural and educational experiences through partnerships, events and grassroots outreach.  PBS SoCal has offices in Century City, Costa Mesa, and Los Angeles.  Connect at pbssocal.org and on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.

Programming subject to change.  While every possible effort is made to allow all guests a visit with the PBS SoCal KIDS characters, a photo with the characters cannot be guaranteed due to high demand and limited capacity.

All PBS SoCal KIDS Weekend activities are free with paid Zoo admission, which is $20 for general admission (ages 13 to 61); $17 for seniors (ages 62+), and $15 for children (ages 2 to 12).  No ticket is required for children under age two.  Admission for Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association members is free.

The Los Angeles Zoo is located in Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways.  5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA  90027.  Free parking is available.  For additional information, contact (323) 644-4200 or visit www.lazoo.org/

Credit: Los Angeles Zoo. Photo Credit: courtesy of PBS SoCal KIDS.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Split – Terrifying story with amazing performances

February 3, 2017 By 1 Comment

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When three girls are kidnapped by a man with 24 different personalities they have to work out which of those personalities will help them escape and which of those personalities will try to stop them. James McAvoy produces a master class performance playing the psychotic kidnapper with 24 personalities. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Alejandra B. comments, “Most importantly, I want to say that this movie is amazing! It is very well made! What I like most about it is the acting… In particular, James McAvoy and Ana Taylor-Joy really stand out.” See her full review below.

 

Split

By Alejandra Garcia, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

 

 

Most importantly, I want to say that this movie is amazing! It is very well made! What I like most about it is the acting. The actors’ performances truly deliver a great story. In particular, James McAvoy and Ana Taylor-Joy really stand out. They make you feel they truly are the characters they portray in the film. James McAvoy plays Kevin, the insane man that kidnaps three girls. His performance of this complex character is really incredible. Ana Taylor-Joy plays Casey Cook, one of the girls that is kidnapped. Additionally, the plot takes your breath away. M. Night Shyamalan’s direction stands out. He is a master of this genre and this is excellent. The scenes are so well set up and all the questions get answered at the end of the movie. The movie is full of suspense, which I love! But, if you get scared easily, this might not be the film for you.

 

Kevin has a dissociative identity disorder, something that has always fascinated science. It is believed that some can also show unique physical qualities for each personality, which is Kevin’s case. Though he has revealed 23 different personalities to his trusted psychiatrist, there remains one still hidden which is set to dominate all the others. By kidnapping three teenage girls, Kevin plays a war for survival among his different personalities and everyone around him, as everything around him collapses.

 

My favorite part of this film is when Casey starts winning one of Kevin’s personalities. She is determined to do whatever it takes to run away, because she knows she could lose her life at any moment. And, one of those ways is to win his little boy personality to find a way out. She is super sneaky and super careful in how she does it, because she has to remember he is a psycho. I love this film because it shows how smart Casey is, how she knew what she was dong and how she had to do it. She almost achieves her goal in escaping, but Kevin turns back into another personality and reverts back to his original self. When he turns back, he does not let her do anything.

 

 

There aren’t any lessons per se in this film other than not to befriend a psychopath. I recommend it to ages 14 to 18 and give it 5 out of 5 stars. Split is in theater now so, if you like horror films, be sure to check it out.

Credit: KIDS FIRST!

 

 

 

Filed Under: Media Reviews

The Founder – The Man Who Turned McDonald’s into one of World’s Best Known Brands

February 3, 2017 By Leave a Comment

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This film is about Ray Kroc, a salesman who turned two brothers’ innovative fast food eatery, McDonald’s, into one of the biggest restaurant businesses in the world with a combination of ambition, persistence and ruthlessness. This biographical drama film reveals the story of American businessman and founder of the McDonald’s Corporation. Whether you love or hate McDonald’s, this film reveals the story behind the man who turned it into one of world’s best known brands. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Maria G. comments, “The Founder is an entertaining, fascinating and interesting film that gives you a glimpse of the formation of one of the greatest and powerful food restaurant chain in America and worldwide…” Calista B. adds, “It is thought provoking and made me look at McDonald’s in a different way. I am a huge McDonald’s fan and I have to say, I still am, but after watching the origin story, my view is slightly tainted.” See their full reviews below.

 

The Founder
By Maria G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

 

The Founder is an entertaining, fascinating and interesting film that gives you a glimpse of the formation of one of the greatest and powerful food restaurant chain in America and worldwide – McDonald’s. Throughout the film you experience the historical formation of this corporation and discover how a 50-year-old became the owner of a dominant corporation. As a viewer, I personally love the concept of the film and the rich iconic history of this massive food chain.

Ray Kroc, a salesman, finds himself struggling selling milkshake machines for a couple bucks to support himself and his wife, Ethel Kroc.  As a salesman living in Illinois in the 1950s, Kroc has to face numerous rejections and several doors slamming in his face before he rises to become CEO of a grand corporation. On a drive across Route 66, Kroc comes across a family-friendly restaurant whose philosophy is “30 seconds and not 30 minutes.” Amazed by this unique concept, Kroc will do whatever it takes to franchise and popularize this exclusive restaurant.

American actor Michael Keaton delivers the perfect performance as Ray Kroc. Keaton’s physical appearance and excellent acting skills bring us a perfectly believable ruthless, greedy, egotistical portrayal of Ray Kroc. Dick McDonald (Nick Offerman, Parks and Recreation) plays the McDonald brother who invented the idea of the “speedy system” and the iconic “golden arches.” The supportive brother Mac McDonald is played by John Caroll Lynch, known for several film such as Shutter Island, Gran Torino and Zodiac. This review would be amiss without giving kudos to the film’s amazing director, John Lee Hancock and its writer Robert D. Siegel.

I really enjoyed watching this movie and watching the history of McDonald’s unravel before my eyes. I like how the director and producers made this film so precisely accurate to the actual events that took place. The history of McDonald’s is fascinating and intriguing. Minutes after the film, I was on my phone reading and learning more about its rich history.  I learned that the director used exact locations, exact character names and exact details to produce this biographical drama exactly as he could.

A clear and straightforward message is depicted throughout the 115 minutes of the film. A message of persistence and ambition can be seen through the actions of Mr. Kroc. He was a 50-year-old struggling business man who faced rejection after rejection, yet he does not give up or stop from archiving his dream. It’s his persistence, hunger to succeed and ambition that lead him to achieve his goal. There is something we can all learn form Kroc, since we all have personal dreams and goals.

As a history lover myself, I recommend this film to any history enthusiast who is interested in learning about the formation of McDonald’s. I also recommend this film to ages 15 to 18 and believe adults will enjoy this too. I give this biographical drama four out of five stars. It is playing in theaters now so, go check it out.

The Founder

By Calista B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13

 

 

 

I really enjoyed this movie. It is thought provoking and made me look at McDonald’s in a different way. I am a huge McDonald’s fan and I have to say, I still am, but after watching the origin story, my view is slightly tainted.

 

The story is about a man named Ray Kroc (Michael Keaton) who is always looking for the next big thing. He comes across a small burger stand called McDonald’s, where he promises to help the brothers who created McDonald’s turn their burger stand into a franchise. After they agree, Ray slowly becomes more and more obsessed with money and corporate greed.

 

I will say that one thing that is really good about this movie is how amazing it is paced. Ray’s transformation isn’t rushed and that’s how it becomes believable. You see him becoming more of an antagonist over the course of the film. And, it’s actually sad to watch a decent man turn evil so easily. Michael Keaton is excellent in his portrayal of Ray Kroc. The story begins and ends with a monologue that Keaton nails. He gets very invested in his role and it creates a believable character that is very human.

 

I certainly didn’t expect it to be so dark. This is the company that brings Americans Happy Meals. My favorite scene is when the brothers tell Ray about how they set up the first McDonald’s. This scene is the first scene that really sets them up as characters and it is really well done. I genuinely liked the brothers and their relationship. They definitely are each other’s best friend.

 

The sets and costumes are also pretty genuine. This movie takes place in the 1950s and the set directors and costume designers have outdone themselves at making the film look authentic to that period. The recreation of the original Golden Arches, right down to the hamburger wrappings is spot on.

 

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 11 to 18. Adults will most likely enjoy it as well and it certainly is not suitable for really young kids. Whether you like eating at McDonald’s or not, I recommend going and checking out The Founder when it comes out in theaters on January 20th, 2017.

Credit: KIDS FIRST!

 

 

 

Filed Under: Media Reviews

All 5 CHILDREN’S ALBUM GRAMMY® Nominees Perform Public Benefit Concert Ticket proceeds benefit music in the schools programs in L.A. County

February 2, 2017 By Leave a Comment

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The Children’s Recording Arts Alliance announces the eighth annual charity benefit performance featuring all five of this year’s children’s album GRAMMY® Award nominees.

Explorer cover      23 Skidoo

This year’s concert is noteworthy because all five nominated artists are independent musicians

All net proceeds from the performance will go to support The Symphonic Jazz Orchestra’s “Music in the Schools” residencies, which serve more than 3,400 students each week throughout Los Angeles County. With a unique curriculum for elementary age students, including its flagship “Bach to Bebop” residency, students in Compton, Long Beach, Watts, and the San Fernando Valley learn to become music creators, appreciators and performers.

While this event celebrates recording arts and this year’s nominees for best children’s album, it is not an official event of the Recording Academy. The children’s album award winner will be announced at the live-streaming 59th annual GRAMMY Awards pre-telecast ceremony in the Microsoft Theater at LA Live on the afternoon of Sunday, February 12th. Visit www.grammy.com for more information about these official events.

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Credit: Children’s Recording Arts Alliance. Photo credit: Brian McCarthy Photo Studios.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

French for Kids: Les Saisons

February 2, 2017 By Leave a Comment

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French for Kids: Les Saisons (The Seasons) is a fun, colorful DVD language course from Whistlefritz that is perfect for helping your kids learn French.

Les Saisons follows Fritzi, a cute and cheery mouse who attends a birthday party and then wonders when his own birthday is. His friend Marie helps guide him through the year and tells him all the special traits of winter, spring, summer and fall so he can figure it out. I had fun joining Marie and Fritzi in a well-paced lesson and jovial sing-a-long about the seasons – all in French.

 

The entire program runs 35 minutes and, while it’s about the seasons, it also covers vocabulary on saying “hi,” saying your name and other basic phrases as well as special vocabulary about holidays. This program really helps children understand by repeating words over and over and singing about the words to make it fun. The teacher Marie pronounces everything very slowly and clearly. A group of kids also repeat key words and contribute to a better understanding of what is going on onscreen. This DVD mixes animation and live action together successfully to make sure kids can follow the pronunciation but also have fun with its cast of animated characters. The lesson also includes footage of kids doing several pastimes related to the season being discussed which keeps things interesting. For instance, when they talk about fall, they shows kids jumping into piles of leaves.

 

This DVD has a special features video that explains Whistlefritz’s inventive philosophy about immersion and what exactly learning by immersion means. I recommend you watch that before showing kids the DVD.

 

I give French for Kids: Les Saisons an age recommendation of 2 to 8. There is nothing objectionable about this DVD, but I think it is most comprehensible for children at least 2-years-old. I’m not a parent, so that’s your call. The DVD’s length and cheerful atmosphere should keep your child’s attention. I give French for Kids: Les Saisons 4 out of 5 stars. This is an excellent resource for your child to begin to learn some basic French. This DVD is available on Amazon and other places where DVDs are sold. Do check out some of the other titles from its producer, Whistlefritz while you’re at it.

 

Credit: KIDS FIRST!

Filed Under: Media Reviews
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