Rachel Willis-Sorenson as Violetta Valery in the LA Opera production of La Traviata. Photo by Cory Weaver, used with permission.  In the current LA Opera production of La Traviata, relocated here from San Francisco, things are presented with a highly modern touch of naughtiness. From the opening party scene, the action periperhal to the singing shows a visible sexual tension among the attendees. The Spanish Dancers from Flora’s soiree get a cheeky update that turns out to be quite a stunning optical illusion. The staging tends to bright pastel colors. In contrast to the deep-red-velvet h ..read more

gene gave us members of the san pedro bay historical society got a most happening tour of chinatown today! photo by mike watt – – – – – mike watt’s hoot page ..read more

Chef Pablo Salas. Image credit: Michael Kleinberg Tucked away inside the Hotel Dena, an art-driven Pasadena hotel, you’ll find Agents Only, a restaurant and bar with a unique look thanks to its wall of speakers and vintage TVs. The space’s allure goes deeper than visuals, however, thanks to the addition of Chef Pablo Salas, who just started a partnership with this hidden gem.  A native of Mexico who’s competed on “Iron Chef: Mexico,” Salas has two restaurants in the Mexico City area, as well as in Chicago and Florida. Located in Toluca, Mexico, Salas’ first restaurant, Amaranta, repeate ..read more

The Punk Museum at Taylor Junction, Joshua Tree, March 9, 2024. Photos by Monique A. LeBleu. Last month, the LA Beat’s own Tequila Mockingbird joined forces with graphic artist, Rolo Castillo, and AI artist and inventor, Phil Bosua, to bring “the past, present, and future of Punk” through the art of AI and the Punk Museum to the Taylor Junction Gallery in Joshua Tree. According to Mockingbird, she, Castillo and Bosua–the latter two as The AKA–, together provided the art for the exhibit that represents the past, present and future of Punk through the art of AI. Beginning the evening’s vibe wa ..read more

my prac pad here in my pedro town now has its own mural! thank you angels gate cultural center and the artists who brought this! thinking about it… I’ve been here thirtyseven years now – I’ve got the oldest lease! crimony. photo by mike watt – – – – – mike watt’s hoot page ..read more

Rachel Willis-Sorenson in the LA Opera production of La Traviata. Photo by Cory Weaver for the LA Opera, used with permission. This weekend sees the LA premiere of a new production of Verdi’s classic opera La Traviata. The miraculous Rachel Willis-Sorenson, who knocked us out at last fall’s Otello, returns to the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion take on the role of Violetta de Valery, with Liparit Avetisvan as Alfredo Germont. While this piece is never far from an LA audience, Shawna Lucey’s direction promises a spectacular new look. The orchestra will be under the direction of James Conlon, who pro ..read more

Image courtesy of All’Antico Vinaio. All’Antico Vinaio has been praised as “the home of the world’s best sandwiches” by no less an authority than Saveur. Started in Florence, Italy in 1991, All’Antico Vinaio has earned accolades by locals and tourists alike for its superior merging of high-quality ingredients with freshly baked Tuscan bread. After a huge success with its three New York City locations, All’Antico Vinaio is now focusing on bringing its panini to Los Angeles. All’Antico Vinaio will preview its second location in LA, this one in Koreatown, on Friday, March 29, and is celebrating ..read more

back on sunday raul morales, tom watson and myself started recording the next missingmen album at casa hanzo in my pedro town w/peetzo on the knobs. “static” is its name and also the title of the first tune, written special for me by john devries – we played it live for the first time ever tonight at the ‘dine. photo by mike watt – – – – – mike watt’s hoot page ..read more

Photo courtesy of Masters of Taste. Regarded by many as one of LA’s best food events, Masters of Taste returns to the field at Pasadena’s Rose Bowl on Sunday, April 7.  Attend Masters of Taste and you’ll help raise major funds for Union Station Homeless Services as you stroll along the iconic stadium’s 50-yard line savoring food, drinks, and sweets from over 100 of LA’s best creators of culinary and beverage experiences.  Now celebrating its 7th year, Masters of Taste has already raised nearly $3 million to help homeless people find housing and dignity. The event offers food from d ..read more

two new murals in my pedro town, west side of pacific avenue just south of second street. photo by mike watt – – – – – mike watt’s hoot page ..read more