Blog

  • A Civil War Christmas – Dec 14-16

    A Civil War Christmas – Dec 14-16

    On the cold Potomac, a young rebel soldier’s innocence challenges the angry resentment of a union soldier, while in our nation’s capitol, a runaway slave woman searches the streets for her lost daughter and Mary Todd Lincoln stops at nothing to find the perfect Christmas tree to please her distracted husband.

    History’s almost forgotten heroes come together in this powerful human drama by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel, A Civil War Christmas: An American Musical Celebration.  The show weaves an American tapestry of music and drama that teaches us that the gladness of one’s heart is the greatest gift of all.

    The First Baptist Church of Downey presents this work of compelling theatre, under the direction of DAC founding artist Lana Joy Wahlquist and musical director David Stanton.  FBC Downey has produced a Christmas show every year for nearly forty years, most famous locally for “The Living Christmas Tree” productions that were always anticipated events for the community.

    Shows are at 7PM on Friday December 14, Saturday the 15th and Sunday the 16th, and are held in the church worship center at 8348 Third Street, behind the Embassy Suites and across from the Downey City Library.   Tickets are free, and are available at the church office.  Call (562) 923-1261 to reserve your tickets.

  • The W Art Show in Whittier Nov 16-17

    The W Art Show in Whittier Nov 16-17

    The Downey Arts Coalition is proud to be involved in the Whittier Cultural Arts Foundation’s annual art exhibit, November 16th and 17th at Parnell Park in Whittier.

  • Downey Theatre provides a full 2012-2013 season

    Downey Theatre provides a full 2012-2013 season

    The Downey Civic Theatre is on its second season of it’s new management, and has put together a wide variety of entertainment options for is 2012-2013 season.  So far we have seen the National Circus of the People’s Republic of China, as well as a concert by rock legend Eddie Money.

    Here are the shows on the horizon (from their press release):

    On Friday November 30, 2012 at 8 p.m. the Downey Civic Theatre presents an evening of music with legendary Latin Jazz musician Arturo Sandoval. A protégé of the one and only Dizzy Gillespie, Sandoval has garnered numerous Grammy awards for his albums and his work in television and film. As well as playing trumpet, he is also a classically trained pianist who has performed with the most respected orchestras in the world. Arturo Sandoval is one of the most dynamic and vivacious live performers of our time.

    “A Peter White Christmas” featuring Rick Braun & Mindi Abair is coming to the Downey Theatre on Wednesday, December 19th2012 at 8:00pm. Smooth jazz lovers eagerly await this annual concert featuring Peter White, an extraordinary and fluent acoustic guitarist whose skills are world-renowned. Mindi Abair is a double-edged talent with her fluid saxophone and emotive vocals. Rick Braun is a masterful trumpet/flugelhorn player whose warm tones transform the simplest melody into a work of art. They have each separately sold millions of records and their combined fans will appreciate this special performance of Christmas music.

    Los Lonely Boys, the rock power trio, will be live in concert on Wednesday, February 27th 2013 at 8:00pm. After proving themselves one of the most stunning and wonderful musical success stories of the last decade, Los Lonely Boys are now carving out their legend with their fourth studio album Rockpango. They soar with previous hits “Fly Away,” rip it up to percolating Latin beats on “Love In My Veins” and “Baby Girl,” and their debut single “Heaven” was a number one hit on the Billboard adult contemporary chart and reached the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100.

    “Dance Brazil” has thrilled audiences with its dazzling artistry for over thirty years, across the United States and throughout the world, and they will perform at the Downey Civic Theatre on Friday, March 8, 2013 at 8 p.m. Dance Brazil uses contemporary dance and Capoeira, the traditional dance/martial arts form that has its origins in Africa and evolved in colonial Brazil. The dancers and musicians of Dance Brazil never fail to enthrall audiences with the company’s unique fusion of Afro-Brazilian movement.

    An American vocal quartet whose repertoire has included doo-wop, jazz, soul, R&B, disco, adult contemporary, hard rock, and showtunes, The Four Tops appear on Saturday May 18, 2013. This Hall of Fame group is a towering testament to the enduring legacy of the Motown Sound they helped define for many decades with dozens of hit songs including “Baby I Need Your Loving”, “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)”, “Reach Out I’ll Be There” and “Ain’t No Woman (Like the One I’ve Got)”.

    Tickets are on sale now. Box office hours are Tuesday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and one hour before show time. For upcoming events or information call the box office at (562) 861-8211 or online at www.DowneyTheatre.com.

    The Downey Civic Theatre also offers the Marquee Club, an exclusive membership that allows members to take “ownership” of the seat of their choice, including the right to purchase tickets prior to the on-sale date to the general public. 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.

    Also, the Downey Civic Theatre has a wonderful volunteer program for those seeking to support the theatre with their time. Find out how you can volunteer and support the arts by calling (562) 861-8211.

  • Poetry of Daniel McGinn at Wine+Words Nov 15

    Poetry of Daniel McGinn at Wine+Words Nov 15

    Third Thursdays poetry returns November 15th with a featured reading by poet Daniel McGinn, and an open mic hosted by curator Lorine Parks.

    Daniel McGinn, one of Southern California’s most esteemed poets, has been a part of the Greater Los Angeles poetry scene since 1995. “Old school,” “skinless honesty” “frequently surreal”, his poems appear in his newest collection, ONE THOUSAND BLACK UMBRELLAS. He co-authored The Shape of Her Back with Paul Suntup.  Married to poet Lori McGinn, he has co-authored a book with her, Chemistry Set.

    my prayers follow me around like a bread crumb trail
    my prayers end abruptly
    my prayers are swallowed by birds

    from “Stand me up”

    7:45 PM at Mari’s Wine Bar, 8222 Firestone Blvd. Downey, CA 90241

  • The Art of Rancho – Nov 7th to 11th

    The Art of Rancho – Nov 7th to 11th

    Downey is home to one of the top rehabilitation facilities in the country, Rancho Los Amigos Hospital off of Imperial and Rives.  Their extensive use of the visual and performing arts as a tool of healing has had a powerful impact on the lives of its patients over the years.  The Downey Arts Coalition this year featured the work of a founder of the show, Steve Clay, who himself was an artist that lost his physical ability only to have it come storming back through his treatment at Rancho Los Amigos.

    The annual “Art of Rancho” exhibit is coming November 7th 6PM to 9PM.  To RSVP for the opening reception, call 562-401-7651 before November 1st (12 & over please, dress is business attire).  The exhibit is held in the Rancho Support Services Annex, and features the works of 40 Rancho “graduate” artists.

    To view samples of the work from 2011, visit the Rancho Los Amigos website events page.

  • Art on the Vine presents William Rademaker, Lissette Nicole De La Trinidad, Marita Nylen – Nov 3rd

    Art on the Vine presents William Rademaker, Lissette Nicole De La Trinidad, Marita Nylen – Nov 3rd

    Saturday November 3rd is our monthly “Art on the Vine” show, featuring local artists William Rademaker and Lissette Nicole De La Trinidad, along with Marita Nylén, a teacher and artist from Sweden who has fond memories of her time in Downey.  An evening of watercolors, ink, chalk, ceramics and photography.  Enjoy live music, food, and raffles of original artwork.  7PM to midnight at Mari’s Wine Bar, 8222 Firestone Blvd, Downey, CA 90241.

  • Sculpture workshop with Jorge Del Toro – Oct 23

    Sculpture workshop with Jorge Del Toro – Oct 23

    Downey resident and celebrated sculptor Jorge Del Toro will be featured as the demonstrator for the regular meeting of the Downey Art League, Tuesday October 23rd.  The free workshop takes place from 7 to 9PM at the Barbara J Riley Community Center at Apollo Park.

    In June the Downey Art League voted in a new board, comprising of president Andrew Wahlquist, who founded the Downey Arts Coalition.  Original Coalition members comprise the rest of the board, including Don Lamkin, Pat Gil, Carolina Del Toro, Lana Wahlquist and Donald Marshall.  Eddie Aguirre continues on the board after 14 years serving as the Downey Art League president.

    Join us for this first artist demonstration of the fiscal year.

    Jorge Del Toro  is from Chapala Jalisco, Mexico.  As a child, he was taught how to restore pre-Columbian artifacts.  He became intrigued by ancient cultures, particularly the Mayan.  He loved making miniature pieces of reptiles with Mayan influences.

    Jorge immigrated to the USA at the age of 17.  He graduated with honors from Huntington Park High School.  Jorge received several awards and recognition for his outstanding clay creations, making the front page of the local newspaper.  Jorge has attended, exhibited and received several awards from Cerritos College.  His artwork has also been exhibited in several galleries of the LA and Ventura counties, and at the American Museum of Ceramic Art, in Pomona, CA.

    Jorge’s main inspiration is reptiles, and portrays them with an astonishing level of detail and realism.  Most of Jorge’s artwork depicts a statement, hoping to draw attention to these unique, and often endangered species, and the environmental challenges they face.

    Although Jorge is mainly considered a Sculptor, he has recently been exploring a long felt desire to paint, and has demonstrated to encompass the talent as well.  As with his sculptures, his mostly abstract soft pastels/paintings, not only depict his interest in reptiles, but also the inner turmoil of suppressed feelings.

    The Downey Art League began informally in 1958, and was formally incorporated in 1967.  Since then it has provided a community gathering place for visual artists to learn new techniques and get their work shown out in the city of Downey.  Membership is open to anyone, and is currently $15 for the year.

     

  • Downey Arts Coalition meeting Sat Oct 27

    Downey Arts Coalition meeting Sat Oct 27

    The regular monthly meeting of the Downey Arts Coalition will be Saturday, October 27th at the Downey Theatre.  We meet in the green room.  The theatre is next door to the Downey City Library off of Brookshire and Firestone.  Enter through the office entrance directly across from the library.

    Meeting begins at noon, and ends around 1:30PM.  We talk about upcoming arts events, as well as ways that we can improve the city’s relationship with the arts.  There is a lot of opportunity here locally if you have an interest in any of the visual or performing arts, meetings are open to anyone.

    For more information, email Andrew at ajw@www.downeyarts.org

     

  • House of Terror Halloween Fundraiser Oct 27

    House of Terror Halloween Fundraiser Oct 27

    High culture takes a back seat this Halloween (October 27th) for “HOUSE OF TERROR” a Haunted House event to raise funds for the Downey Arts Coalition & Downey Art League.  Facing your fears is an art form all its own, and this evening will be no exception.

    Your donation is your admission, pay as you’re able either with advance tickets or at the door.

    7901 7th Street, Downey, CA 90241 (click for map)

    Saturday October 27, 2012

    5PM to 11PM

    Suggested donation at the door:

    Adults – $10 donation for 1 pass.
    Students with I.D. – $6.00 donation for 1 pass (limit 2 per ID)
    Kids under 4ft free with adult (psychotherapy not included).

    Advance passes available at the following locations at a discount:

    Adults -$7.00
    Students w/ I.D. – $5.00 (limit 2 per ID)
    Kid s under 4ft free with Adult

    CASH ONLY

    Locations to buy tickets around Downey are listed below.

    Why donate to the Downey Arts Coalition?  The DAC is now under the umbrella of the Downey Art League, a 55 year old organization formed to bring local artists together to bring their work to the residents o Downey.  The DAC provides a place for local arts advocates to gather monthly to get involved with improving the arts in our city.  We operate a monthly art show of local and regional work, as well as monthly poetry readings, and events for all the various artistic disciplines such as theatre (Urban Acts reading series), film (Bumblebee & Balloonhead screenings) and live music.  We are also a partner with Downey’s new Stay Gallery to create an arts and culture hub ignite change in downtown Downey.

    Advance tickets available at: (check in advance for open hours)

    Mari’s Wine Bar
    8222 Firestone Blvd.
    Downey, CA 90251d
    (562) 869-6274

    Gallery Frames
    9033 Florence Ave.
    Downey CA 90240
    (562) 923-9666

    L.A. Buns
    8237 2nd Street
    Downey, CA 90241
    (562) 923-9038

    Stay Gallery (Starting 10/13)
    11140 Downey Ave.
    Downey, CA 90241
    (562) 334-5126

    More locations to follow.

  • Downey Open Mic Nov 10

    Downey Open Mic Nov 10

    November 10th is the next Downey Open Mic– a great opportunity to bring your music, poetry, monologues or comedy acts in front of an audience that’s game for anything.

    Hosted by the Downey Moravian Church at 10337 Old River School Rd., Downey, CA.  The evening starts at 7PM and continues while there are acts to perform.

    For more information and FAQ visit them on Facebook (click here)

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