Blog

  • Downey Theatre Fall Season: Al Jarreau, Tito Puente Jr. and more

    The Downey Civic Theatre has announced the first four shows of its
    2013-14 Season. The city provides these concert opportunities to the local community to bring quality shows to our beautiful 738 seat theater.

    Press release to follow:

    Experience the performing arts at the Downey Civic Theatre where incredible things are happening! The Downey Civic Theatre is proud to announce another exciting season of national touring artists.

    20130730-175013.jpgOn Tuesday September 24th, 2013 at 8pm “The Hungarian Folk Ensemble”, regarded as one of the greatest folkloric dance ensembles in the world, will perform at the Downey Civic Theatre. The Ensemble has performed in 44 countries across four continents and won the admiration of all audiences. Their rich and colorful repertoire entitles the Ensemble to be regarded as one of the top touring groups in the world. As a musical genre, the rhapsody is characterized by its tumultuous rhythms, strong emotion, impassioned surges of thought, and freedom of expression. It’s forceful, tasteful, glorified presentation of ethnic expression you don’t want to miss!

    20130730-175221.jpgGrammy Award winning American jazz singer “Al Jarreau” will light up the stage on Saturday October 12th, 2013 at 8pm. Al Jarreau’s unique vocal style is one of the world’s most precious treasures. His innovative musical expressions have made him one of the most exciting and critically acclaimed performers of our time with seven Grammy Awards, scores of international music awards and popular accolades worldwide. Album hits including “Look to the Rainbow”, “All Fly Home” and Breakin’ Away, cemented him as an international superstar.

    20130730-175241.jpgThe Pacific Mambo Orchestra featuring Tito Puente, Jr. will perform live in concert on Sunday November 10th, 2013 at 8pm. Tito Puente, Jr. carries his father with him – imprinted on his physical being and locked in his soul. He has captive audiences who echo his passion in performing arts centers, symphony halls and jazz festivals worldwide, with a high voltage celebration that takes place on stage. A new and exciting “big band”, The Pacific Mambo Orchestra has a sparkling rhythm section and bristles with energy, making it one of the best current Latin Big Band Orchestras in the world.

    20130730-175258.jpg“The Russian Ballet Theatre” creates a beautiful and elegant display of classic fairy tale of “Sleeping Beauty” with a blaze of color, grace and fluidity on Saturday February 15th, 2104 at 8pm. With over 50 dancers, many of whom have been with the company since its inception, the Russian Ballet Theatre will perform a repertoire that is often considered the finest achievement of the Classical Ballet. It is a grandiose and refined blending of the traditional mime, expressive pas d’action and spectacular divertissements in a lavish theatrical setting. Tchaikovsky was delighted with the invitation to write the music for a ballet based on Charles Perrault’s well-known fairy tale. The fairy tale, replete with a king and queen, fairies both good and evil, a beautiful princess and dream prince, magical stage effects, and courtly splendor, lends itself perfectly to the full evening ballet that was Petipa’s pride.

    The Downey Civic Theatre continues to offer the Marquee Club as a benefit to patrons. This membership includes the rights to purchase tickets prior to the on sale date to the general public, seat selection from the best seats available, the same seat for every show and other VIP benefits. Members also receive advance notification of added shows throughout the season. To become a member or for more information call the box office at (562) 861-8211 or stop by during normal box office hours.

    Want to be a part of the experience? Discover the benefits of volunteering for the Downey Civic Theatre. Find out how you can volunteer and support the arts by calling (562) 861-8211.

    The Downey Civic Theatre box office hours are Tuesday through Friday from 11:00 am- 5:00 pm and one hour before shows. For upcoming events and information call the box office at (562) 861-8211 or visit us online at www.downeytheatre.org. Get on the fast track for everything happening at the Theatre: text downeycivic to 22828 today.

  • A View From The Edge presents Jonathan Anderson July 25, 2013

    A View From The Edge presents Jonathan Anderson July 25, 2013

    Thursday July 25 is one of several free lectures on modern art put on by the Downey Arts Coalition, Downey Museum of Art and curated by Roy Anthony Shabla.  Lectures have been the fourth Thursday of the Month, 6:30pm, this is the fourth in the series.

    The free lecture is by Jonathan Anderson, Associate Professor of Art at Biola University, entitled Understanding Abstract Expressionism (and its Disputed Significance).

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    Jonathan Anderson has been teaching at Biola University since 2006. He holds an M.F.A. from California State University Long Beach, where he received the Distinguished Achievement Award in Drawing & Painting. He is an actively exhibiting artist, including exhibitions at the US Embassy in Wellington, New Zealand; Phantom Galleries in Long Beach, CA; the Museum of the Living Artist in San Diego, CA; George Fox University in Newberg, OR; and numerous other galleries around the country. Anderson’s work is heavily influenced by 20th-century philosophy and takes the figure/ground relationship in painting as his primary preoccupation. In addition, Professor Anderson is a regular speaker and writer about art, focusing especially on bringing contemporary art and Christian theology into more meaningful conversation with each other.

    New Location: Apollo Park in Downey, 12544 Rives Ave.  North of Imperial Hwy.  Activity Room next to the Gymnasium.

  • The Green Salon Summer Garden Party – July 28, 2013

    The Green Salon Summer Garden Party – July 28, 2013

    Annual summer garden party in conjunction with “the green salon”, a monthly gathering of poets, musicians, and artists at casa la reina (Roy Anthony Shabla’s home).

    Sunday, July 28, 2013    2:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

    Vegan food, Vegan drink, Meaty fun.

    50 gift bags.

    3:30 pm   Live jazz by surprise guest

    6:30 pm   poets… open mic

    8:30 pm   avant garde music… jam

    Art… all day long.          come spend the day.

    Bring something to share: poetry, music, wine, vegan snacks.

    For more information and directions: roy@www.downeyarts.org

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  • Melvin Project: Downey Arts Edition

    Melvin Project: Downey Arts Edition

    At our Artist Workshop with Mike Ferguson he passed out a special “Melvin Project” drawing he made specifically for the Downey Arts Coalition.  Mike offers a drawing for the community to finish with their own colors in any way they see fit.  A winner is chosen at random to receive a special gift.

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    And here are the instructions:

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    Once completed, take a picture (or scan it) and email it to submit@themelvinproject.com.  Submissions will be posted on Mike’s website as well as the Downey Arts Coalition Facebook page.  Happy creating!

     

  • DAC monthly meeting – July 27, 2013 at 12 noon

    Downey Arts Coalition Meeting

    location TBA

  • Third Thursdays Poetry Matters presents Zaida Ramos July 18, 2013

    Third Thursday Poetry Matters on July 18, 2013 at the Epic Lounge.

    Epic Lounge    8239 2nd. St.   Downey   90231

    Free admission and parking. Door entrance next to parking lot.

    Third  Thursday Poetry Series curated by Lorine Parks       lorineparks@verizon.net

    Doors  open at 7, open mic starts at 7:30 pm.

    Bring  printed copy for poem to be eligible to be chosen to be printed in The Downey  Patriot

  • Mitchell de Jarnett: How Public Art Ruined My Life – June 25

    Mitchell de Jarnett: How Public Art Ruined My Life – June 25

    The “View from the Edge” lecture series on modern art welcomes designer and public artist Mitchell de Jarnett to a free lecture this Thursday, “How Public Art Ruined My Life.”  6:30PM at the Downey City Library (11121 Brookshire Ave, 90241).

    Downey has had a rocky relationship with its 7-year-old “Arts in Public Places” ordinance, which has funded a handful of things, such as memorials to the Police and Veterans outside of city hall, as well as murals around town on utility boxes and the front of the Avenue Theatre.  Funds have also been used to help Stay Gallery on Downey Avenue open its doors to become a community arts & culture hub.

    De Jarnett is a veteran of the public art scene.  He designed, along with his artist partner Lita Albuquerque the largest, most expensive piece of public art that has ever been commissioned by the State of California.  Located outside the State Capitol building in Sacramento, “Golden State” is a walking exhibition through the history of gold, science and astrophysics, and is visually combined with the history of California in a two block long permanent installation. The project completed without much fanfare because then governor Gray Davis was in the midst of a recall election.

    Mitchell De Jarnett graduated from the California State University, Long Beach School of Fine Arts and the UCLA Graduate School of Architecture and Urban Planning. He has practiced in the USA, France, Germany, India, and Egypt where he managed the design of the interiors for the Library of Alexandria for Snohetta Architects. His current practice spans multiple design fields including new media, public art, and architectural design. He has recently completed construction of a large public plaza / environmental artwork (with partner, artist Lita Albuquerque) at the California State Capitol in Sacramento. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Grand Central Art Forum. He has taught at SCI-Arc, Otis College of Art and Design, UCLA, and the California State Polytechnic University at Pomona.

    “View From the Edge” is curated by Roy Anthony Shabla and co-sponsored by the Downey Museum of Art.  This is a free lecture provided to the community by the Downey Arts Coalition.  A salon is held afterward at a private home, which attendees are welcome to attend.

    Art lovers are also welcome to “View From the Edge TV Night” at Casa La Reina (home of curator Roy Anthony Shabla), Tuesday night the 25th at 6:30PM, for a relaxed evening screening of the film “Pollack” about abstract expressionist artist Jackson Pollack.  For more information or directions on either event, email roy@www.downeyarts.org.

  • Artist Workshop at Golden Park June 25, 2013 – Mike Ferguson

    Artist Workshop at Golden Park June 25, 2013 – Mike Ferguson

    DAC Artist Workshop presents Mike Ferguson at Golden Park on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at 7:00 PM.

    Golden Park,   8840 Golden Ave.,  Downey, CA  90242

    Born and raised in Southern California, Mike is an emerging artist with a unique style and a love for the absurd that truly sets his work apart. His art is an expression of his imagination, which transports the viewer into a charming and fanciful world where anything is possible. Sometimes disturbing, often whimsical, his work has been known to elicit both deep thoughts and deep laughs (a fact which pleases him immensely).

    With a talent that is unique yet reminiscent of the likes of Heinz Edelmann and Peter Max, Mike transports us to a land of angry suns and swirling winds, he takes us deep into the ocean to cavort with sea creatures, shows us mystic smoking totems and grinning devils, and introduces us to Tiny Robots who win our hearts with their charming personalities. The detail that goes into these fantasies is beyond description and a must-see.

    A full-time Marketing Professional, Mike also plays the mandolin and the Appalachian dulcimer and enjoys working with fused and stained glass. He currently lives with his son Joseph and his dog Gunner in Downey, CA.

    Participants will get a chance to participate in Mike’s “The Melvin Project” in which he provides the outline of his illustration and invites artists to style and color themselves.  His favorite will receive a special gift.

  • Mitchell De Jarnett lecture June 27, 2013 at Downey City Library

    “How Public Art Ruined My Life” presented by View From The Edge.

    View From The Edge is a lecture series bringing life to modern art with important voices of the local arts community.  Thursday June 27, we present Mitchell De Jarnett.

    Mitchell De Jarnett graduated from the California State University, Long Beach School of Fine Arts and the UCLA Graduate School of Architecture and Urban Planning. He has practiced in the USA, France, Germany, India, and Egypt where he managed the design of the interiors for the Library of Alexandria for Snohetta Architects. His current practice spans multiple design fields including new media, public art, and architectural design. He has recently completed construction of a large public plaza / environmental artwork (with partner, artist Lita Albuquerque) at the California State Capitol in Sacramento. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Grand Central Art Forum. He has taught at SCI-Arc, Otis College of Art and Design, UCLA, and the California State Polytechnic University at Pomona.

    The lecture begins at 6:30PM at the Downey City Library, and is free to the public.  The Downey Museum of Art, Downey Arts Coalition and curator Roy Anthony Shabla have collaborated to bring you this series.  The DMOA has had a historically significant place in the modern art movement in California, as have artists local to the area.  Come to learn about some of the significant names of the local history of modern art.

  • The Green Salon/Summer Solstice – June 22

    The Green Salon/Summer Solstice – June 22

    Poetry, art, dance, music, film ~ and conversation at Casa La Reina on Saturday, June 22, 2013 at 7:00 PM.

    Poet:  Scoot Noon Creely

    Musician: Andrew Quinones

    Artist: Terry Walker

    Bring something to share: poetry, art, wine, vegan snacks, nudity…

    Curated by Roy Anthony Shabla.

    the fourth Sunday of every month in the garden.

    email for directions: roy@www.downeyarts.org