There are two new books I will hole myself up in the house with and read cover to cover this weekend: #1 (obviously) Harry Potter And The Deathly Hollows. #2 The Blot by Tom Neely. Neely is my new graphic novel crush. The Blot is an existential nightmare living in the form of an ink blot that plagues the cartoon protagonist's daily life panel to panel. He simply wakes up to a blot that will not go away. It pesters and festers in everything from food to taking over people's faces. The graphic style is comparable to old timey comic strips of the depression era as well as surrealist Magritte paintings. And since the comic is "silent" (no talking bubbles) one can focus on the subtleties of the narrative and the hand crafted vintage style. The complete graphic novel as well as the serialized versions are now available at Secret Headquarters and they're holding a reception for Tom Neely tomorrow night. Neely is taken but I can still get my book signed.


Friday, Jul. 20th 8:00-10:00pm
The Blot opening reception with author Tom Neely
Secret Headquarters
3817 Sunset Blvd.
Silver Lake, 90026


Also, check out Tom Neely's ode to 1940s propaganda cartoons - his political satire "Brother Can You Spare a Job?".

Labels: books, comics, events, videos

In the book tour tradition, a very special lady graces cities across the country telling anecdotes and promoting the acheivement of her new book. Miranda July is indeed one special lady. Long before she was grabbing up indie film awards for Me And You And Everyone We Know she was holding unique lectures as part of her personal credo project to create art everywhere all the time. She pretty much does everything that requires any creativity and does it with open arms for the world to share. Her stop at the Hammer this evening to share her collection of short stories should be sweet and special. If you can't make it early for a good seat just peruse her new website for the book No one belongs here more than you. You'll get a taste of her wacky exuberance and like me you'll begin to wonder, why haven't I used my refrigerator for a white board before?

Tuesday, May 15 7:00pm
Miranda July reading
Hammer Museum
10899 Wilshire Blvd.
Westwood, 90024
310.443.7000
Free

Labels: art, books, events, freebies

I was going to spend the weekend pouting that I didn't get Coachella tix and watching the recently released Twin Peaks Vol. 2 DVD but then my Friday took a turn for the more social with these three happening events.

Enlightened Development + Crosswired - A & D Museum
6:00-10:00pm
Not even my architect buddies knew there was an Architecture & Design Museum in LA. But there is, a small gallery with a lovely courtyard space near Wilshire's museum row. Friday nights until May 21 DJ's take over the courtyard for vodka fueled mingling over new architecture models. Even if pre-fab is not in your vocab, free drinks and techno beats is not a bad way to kick-start your weekend. Like any gallery reception, show up on time. Shop promptly closes up @ 10pm.

A&D Museum
5900 Wilshire
Miracle Mile, 90036
323.932.9393


Not For Tourists Party - Footsie's Bar
6:00-9:00pm
Another FREE party with beer - print out the invite for a complimentary PBR. This time the folks at NFT (Not For Tourists) City Guides opens up Footsie's Bar in Highland Park to celebrate their new 2007 Los Angeles edition. I'm a big fan of their pocket city guides. The New York City guide really saved my bootie when I was in desperate need of the closest subway or latte in Manhattan. Their neighborhood maps of LA's burroughs make attractive and informative office decor too. Giveaways at the door while supplies last.

Footsie's
2640 N. Figueroa
Highland Park, 90065
323.221.6900


Dirty Found - Steve Allen Theater
8:00 & 10:00pm
The adorable Davy, Jason and the gang of FOUND Magazine reach new heights off the grounds of decency and privacy with a very special DIRTY FOUND Outreach Show. Pulled from the pages of the 'zine, which collects found objects of the risque nature (homemade cartoon porn and pervy Polaroids never meant to see the light of day) the multimedia show will feature slide shows, readings, songs and more. Tickets are still available for $12 at the box office or add on $3 for an online ordering charge.

Steve Allen Theater
4773 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Feliz, 90027
323.666.4268

Labels: art, bars, books, design, events, freebies

Ah... Skylight Books. How I love to linger and peruse you aisle by aisle. And now you're even hosting one of my favorite poets of all time. Formally known as LeRoi Jones, then inspired by Malcolm X gave up his slave name, Amiri Baraka was an important voice in the San Francisco Beat scene. Black History books and plays also fall under his impressive body of work. He reads from his new collection of short stories Tales of the Out and Gone Thursday at 7:30pm.

Amiri Baraka in person
Thursday Feb. 15 7:30pm
Skylight Books
1818 N. Vermont
Los Feliz


A Poem for Speculative Hipsters
Amiri Baraka

He had got, finally,
to the forest
of motives. There were no
owls, or hunters. No Connie Chatterleys
resting beautifully
on their backs, having casually
brought socialism
to England.
Only ideas,
and their opposites
Like,
he was really
nowhere.

Labels: books, events, politics

Tonight Fantagraphics books hosts the release of BEASTS! A large gold collection of mythological and folkloric beasts throughout time by 100 illustrators. Artists will be attendance with their work on display.

Friday, Jan. 19
7:00-10:00pm
ThinkSpace Gallery
4210 Santa Monica Blvd.
323.913.3375

Labels: art, books, events

#1 Sunset Junction
The annual celebration of Silver Lake neighborhoods with three stages of music all day, greasy food, voter registration booths, and the usual street fair wares. Get the parasols out and don't forget the sunscreen. Park at a friend's house or bus it -- the streets become incredibly unfriendly to cars especially after dark.
Saturday 8/26 & Sunday 8/27 10:00am - 11:00pm
Full Lineup
map

#2 Revenge of The Book-Eaters
UCLA Royce Hall
Jenny Lewis, Aimee Mann, Dave Eggers, Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifh Vowell, The Mountain Goats and Jake Gyllenhaal battle out an age old question: What's better - Words or Music? Hosted by Andy Richter. The price is steep and it's probably sold out, but ticket sales benefit 826LA, a charity devoted to providing kids with writing classes, tutoring and creative outlets.
Saturday 8/26 8:00pm

#3 Roller Derby "Jail Break"
Industry Hills Expo Center
Tough Cookies v. Sirens on the banked track. This is not your mother's roller derby. These ladies mean business and the business gets mean. $15 door charge includes a classic car show - still accepting entries btw.
Saturday 8/26 8:00pm, 5:00pm Doors
map

#4 Cannibal Flower 6 Year Anniversary
828 Main Street, Downtown LA
Live art. Live music. Bunch of young local talent take over downtown warehouse with live music provided by the flan loving Ninja Academy. Plus DJs. Plus Body Suspension - yow!
Saturday 8/26 9:30pm - 2:00am
map

#5 Primetime Emmy Awards
NBC Channel 4
Ooh and aw at the pomp and circumstance as the television community applauds itself. Thank goodness there are no desperate housewives to root for this year.
Sundy 8/27 8:00pm
Nominations

Labels: books, events, music, television