Bring the Noise

Avant-garde German Composer Helmut Lachenmann Makes an Orchestrated Racket at Zipper Hall

by Julie Riggott

A violinist slides a bow vertically along the strings, instead of across them. Then she uses it to saw on the side of the instrument or even on the tuning pegs. The strange scrapes, scratches and whispers emanating from the stage might seem cacophonous to the virgin ear, but Helmut Lachenmann’s music is considered among the best of contemporary classical compositions.

All of the instruments, from the trumpet to the timpani, are used in unconventional ways in a Lachenmann concert, and each instance of noise – so called because the sounds are not pitched or tuned – is precisely orchestrated in a symphony of activity as fascinating to watch as it is to hear.

“I think it’s absolutely fantastic music, some of the greatest music written in recent times, and certainly when the history is written, this will be up there with the most important

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Coffee Anyone?

How to Find the Coffeehouse That’s Right for You

by Richard Guzm�n

As in many neighborhoods, coffeehouses Downtown are social gathering hubs where the ambiance is often as important as the brew.

But with dozens of coffeehouses that cater to various tastes and personalities, where you go for your cup of Joe can say a lot about who you are. In Downtown Los Angeles, in fact, there’s a place for everyone, whether you’re an artistic type who likes to discover hidden gems, a serious coffee aficionado who can’t talk enough about Brazilian beans, or a stressed-out office dweller who just needs an excuse to leave the cubicle.

Behold, a few Downtown destinations, along with descriptions of some of the people who frequent them.

The Connoisseur
If you think of coffee as a drink worthy of discussion and admiration, and are yearning to explore exotic beans with the help of a coffee sensei, then Caf� Corsa may be the ideal place
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A Walk on the Wildflower Side

Downtown Gets a Springtime Surprise, as Cornfield Site Blooms

by Richard Guzm�n

It took about two years for this piece of art to bloom. Now that it has, the blanket of green, purple, pink and gold that dances with the breeze will only live for a few more weeks.

But that’s just long enough to leave an impression on those who walk through the unexpected piece of natural art in Downtown Los Angeles.

“It’s really beautiful, and you don’t really expect to see this here. It almost feels like you’re in a painting,” said 32-year-old Ernesto Mendoza as he and his girlfriend, Ana Maria Torres, strolled through the field of wildflowers at the Los Angeles State Historic Park. The 32-acre plot, which a few years ago was a dead brown patch of earth, is in a largely industrial area at the northern end of Chinatown.

Thanks to this year’s wet winter, more than a dozen types of California wildflowers have

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Urban Scrawl on the Wall

Downtown News’ Editorial Cartoonist Doug Davis Exhibits His Work at Gary Leonard Studio

by Julie Riggott

When Los Angeles Downtown News editorial cartoonist Doug Davis took up his pen and inked a humorous poke at Downtown bloggers in his Nov. 26, 2007, Urban Scrawl, he aroused a bit of ire.

The image of a blogger with a canine “fashion accessory” who “moved Downtown two months ago” and does her reporting “without leaving favorite coffee house table” was part of his Downtown Snapshots series. It pushed a lot of buttons.

“I was having a little fun and didn’t expect to ruffle any blogging feathers,” said Davis, who has contributed his Urban Scrawl cartoons to Los Angeles Downtown News for almost four years. “Downtown folks don’t usually mind a little fun at their expense.”

Davis’ cartoon inspired more than just a heated Internet exchange. It spurred a colleague to honor a career full of laughs and insightful jabs.

“When I saw that

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Purple’s Reign

Oprah Winfrey-Produced Musical of Empowerment Arrives at the Ahmanson

by Julie Riggott

Toward the end of The Color Purple: The Musical About Love, actors Felicia P. Fields and Stu James share a duet as Sofia and Harpo. Fields, a full-figured gal, jumps up in James’ arms and wraps her legs around him in a playful scene that has become a definite crowd-pleaser.

“We played around with it to the point where if you can’t figure out what’s going on with them in ‘Any Little Thing,’ then God help you,” Fields said with a laugh.

She kept laughing as she added, “I came up with the jump, and he came up with the pelvic movement. It’s a tribute to Stu’s strength. When you’ve got access to muscles like Stu’s, you need to utilize them. So I keep him in the gym.”

“This song is like the icing on the cake,” James said. “It’s my favorite number in the show.”

Fields,

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The Jules Verne Adventure Film Festival schedule of events

Festival schedule of events

At the Shrine Auditorium Dec. 5-9 and the Los Angeles Theatre Dec. 14-15.

The Shrine Auditorium
  • Wednesday, Dec. 5
    9:30 a.m.: As part of its educational mission, the JVAFF will host Kids’ Day, an exclusive event dedicated to young people. More than 3,000 students will attend for free. An episode of “Captain Planet” will be followed by a question and answer period with NASA and JPL experts. Morning pass for all films and events for $9 (ages 6-14 free with valid school ID). In the Shrine Expo Hall.11 a.m.: A special NASA presentation will delve into the thrilling world of space exploration. Ages 20 and under free with valid school ID.
  • Thursday, Dec. 6
    9:30 a.m.: A “Captain Planet” episode followed by a Q&A with NASA and JPL. Ages 6-14. Tickets $7 or free to students ages 20 and under with valid school ID.10:30 a.m.: The documentary The Realm of the Great White Bear will screen
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Schrott to the Heart

Uruguayan Bass Reprises the Role That Seduced L.A., But He’s Got Mixed Feelings About Don Giovanni

by Julie Riggott

Don Giovanni claims he’s slept with 2,065 women. Erwin Schrott’s not buying it.

“He’s totally a storyteller. I think he’s such a liar, you know?”

Schrott would know about the legendary Latin lover. The opera sensation has been in Don Giovanni’s shoes – and inside his head – on stages in Washington, D.C., Florence, Genoa, Naples, Milan, Valencia and London. But he’s not counting exactly how many performances.

“Why should I count? I am not Don Giovanni. Don Giovanni is the one who counts,” the Uruguayan bass said, laughing.

The 35-year-old Schrott is in demand internationally because his sensual voice, heartfelt acting and good looks make the press rave and crowds swoon. Downtown Los Angeles audiences get a second chance to be seduced as he reprises his role in Mariusz Trelin´ski’s critically acclaimed 2003 L.A. Opera production of Mozart’s Don Giovanni

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One Hell of a Slice at Purgatory, Twice the Sushi in the Arts District and Casey’s Comeback

The name alone made Restaurant Buzz curious enough to try out this cheeky new pizza joint. As Purgatory Pizza’s saying goes, “Between heaven and hell there’s one heck of a pizza.”

Well, between the Industrial District and Boyle Heights is where you’ll find this relative newcomer, which shares the kitchen with Cakewalk Bakery and has taken over that shop’s dine-in storefront (the bakery now does catering only).

Purgatory opened in March, then closed almost right away for a lengthy revamp that brought in new management. Delivery started up again last month and has been making the rounds in a few of the residential buildings and watering holes Downtown – patrons at Bar 107 are known to order up a few pies.

The chef hails from Nicky D’s wood-fired pizza in Silver Lake, though here the simple menu sticks to half a dozen specialty pizzas and make-your-own versions with 17 toppings. There are no pasta dishes or calzones in sight, and …

Restaurant Buzz

Stylish Eats 24-7, Instant Pasta In Little Tokyo, and Trifecta Returns

by Kathryn Maese

Located on an unusual stretch of Olive just south of Ninth Street, the new Mode restaurant sticks out like a sore thumb two doors down from Club Galaxy (“100 Beautiful Girls”) and across the street from the lifeless Federal Reserve bank.

But that’s a good thing. The 24-hour French-meets-mod diner, developed by the same people who brought the stylish Royale restaurant and lounge to Downtown’s western fringe, are behind the venture set to open this week.

Owner Tony Jones gave Restaurant Buzz a sneak peak at the 4,800-square-foot space that will have its public debut at midnight on Oct. 27. The evening prior, Mode will host the after-party for the L.A. Fashion Awards.

Mode will serve an upscale version of comfort food with a French twist, with items such as fois gras and duck confit mixing with sandwiches and fries (courtesy of chef Eric Ernest). Last …