Category: City News

  • A Night with the Classical Elements

    Another successful art show, “Classical Elements,” on April 9th presented two dozen local artists’ work along with the Downey Symphony concert, “A European Exhibition.” The concert featured a new work from composer Oscar Navarro, who also wrote the Downey Overture, a whimsical orchestral piece dedicated to our city. Clarinetist Kelli O’Connor was the featured performer for Navarro’s Clarinet Concerto No. 2.

    Special thanks to all the artists who participated, as well as the concert production team, curator Eloise Ball, producer Pat Gil and coordinator Andrew Hernandez. The Downey Symphony Orchestra is conducted by Music director Sharon Lavery, and supported by the Downey Symphonic Society, president Larry Lewis and a board of dedicated individuals who keep this important cultural institution alive.

    We are also grateful to the City of Downey and Mayor Alex Saab for presenting a city proclamation to the Downey Symphony Orchestra and a certificate of recognition to composer Oscar Navarro and, acknowledging his outstanding contributions to our city.

    Consider supporting the Downey Symphony Orchestra through your donations and participating in fundraising events. This will help continue their legacy of impactful music and cultural experiences in our community.

  • Downey Civic Theatre Announces 2014-15 Season

    Downey Civic Theatre Announces 2014-15 Season

    The Downey Civic Theatre continues its presenting series of shows to bring more music and entertainment to the area.  Check out the line-up for 2014-2015.

    Mariachi Divas Christmas Show

    Sunday, December 14th 2014 at 7:00pm

    Mariachi DivasDirected and founded by trumpet player Cindy Shea in 1999, under the musical direction of GRAMMY award winning Alberto “Beto” Jimenez Maeda, the Mariachi Divas have made big waves on the national and international music scene. With two GRAMMY Awards, five GRAMMY nominations, and one Latin GRAMMY nomination, the Mariachi Divas are a unique, multicultural, all-female ensemble imbued with the true flavor of Los Angeles. The Divas discography includes 9 albums released through Shea Records and East Side Records. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the founding of the Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea.

    Morris Day & The Time

    Saturday, March 7th 2015 at 8:00pm. 

    Morris Day 1Morris Day, lead vocalist of The Time, is known as one of pop’s most verbally pretentious vocalists. In the 80’s The Time burst onto the public scene, with “Get It Up,” “Cool,” and “Girl.” More hits followed including “777-9311,” “Wild and Loose,” “Walk,” and “Gigolos Get Lonely Too.”

    STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas

    Friday May 8th 2015 at 8:00pm

    Mickey Thomas is the owner of the soaring voice that propelled STARSHIP through the decades of the 80’s and 90’s. With his soulful and compelling vocals, Mickey has established himself as one of Rock Music’s most recognizable stars.

    StarshipBacked by the power of Mickey’s vocals, JEFFERSON STARSHIP immediately scored a #1 hit with “Jane”. With this new sound and powerful new vocals the group was renamed STARSHIP and continued to record an amazing string of hits including “No Way Out”, “We Built This City”, “Sara”, and an Oscar Nomination for the #1 hit “Nothing Gonna Stop Us Now” from the movie “Mannequin”. Other top hits included “Find your Way Back”, “Stranger”, “Laying It On The Line”, and “It’s Not Over Till It’s Over” which became Major League’s Baseball’s theme in 1987. Moreover, every STARSHIP album released since 1979 has gone Gold, Platinum, or Multi-Platinum. 

    U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West

    Sunday, May 17th 2015 at 3:00pm

    US Air Force BandFrom Travis AFB CA, the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West is a select group of professional Airmen-musicians who support the global Air Force mission by providing outstanding musical products and services for official military, recruiting, and community relations events, and by fostering America’s rich national heritage.  Under the direction of Captain Dustin Doyle, the Band of the Golden West Concert Band, the largest ensemble within the organization, represents the professionalism and excellence found every day throughout the Air Force.  Touring the western states of California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Arizona, Utah and Nevada, the Concert Band performs a wide variety of music from standard concert band literature and military marches to jazz and pop arrangements, Broadway standards, and of course, patriotic music complete with instrumental soloists and featured vocalists.  During a concert, you are likely to hear stirring works from contemporary composers as well as the familiar sounds of John Philip Sousa or Major Glenn Miller. Its wide and varied programs offer something for everyone and make an excellent choice for family entertainment.

    The US Air Force Band of the Golden West has performed for thousands of listeners in live concert appearances and for millions worldwide via its numerous recordings and television and radio broadcasts. Throughout its history, the Concert Band has collaborated with some of America’s leading band conductors, receiving enthusiastic critical acclaim as one of premier musical organizations of its kind.

    The United States Air Force Band of the Golden West is dedicated to using the power of music to inspire our Air Force members and the great nation we serve, producing innovative musical programs and products, and communicating Air Force excellence.

    This performance is a free, ticketed event. Individual tickets will be available Tuesday, December 16th 2015 at 11:00am on a first-come, first-served basis, limit of two tickets per patron. With the purchase of tickets to three or more Season shows, advanced tickets for this performance will be issued prior to December 16th. 

    Rita Rudner & Louie Anderson

    Saturday, May 30th 2015 at 8:00pm

    Rita RudnerTwo of America’s favorite comedians, Rita Rudner and Louie Anderson join forces for a great evening of fun. One of the country’s top comedians and a New York Times bestselling author, Rita Rudner is also an award-winning television personality, screenwriter, playwright, Broadway dancer, and actress. A house-filling favorite in Las Vegas since she opened as one of the hottest tickets in town in June 2000, Rudner is known for her epigrammatic one-liners. She performs at The Venetian in Las Vegas, where over the course of a ten-year run and 2,000 plus shows, she has sold over one million tickets and become the longest-running solo show in the history of Las Vegas. She has been named Comedian Of The Year nine years in a row and in 2006 received The Nevada Ballet’s Woman Of The Year Award (other recent recipients include Bette Midler, Celine Dion, Chita Rivera and Twyla Tharp).

    photo 2 louieTwo-time Emmy Award winner Louie Anderson is one of the country’s most recognized and adored comics and was named by Comedy Central as “One of 100 Greatest Stand-Up Comedians of All Time.” Currently he is headlining in his own stand up show, “Louie Live” at the Plaza Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. His big break came in 1984 when he appeared on “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson” who was so impressed with the comic he called him out for a rare and coveted “second bow.” Anderson’s stand-up comedy career skyrocketed. Known as a “clean” comedian, his stories about growing up in the Midwest, being one of 11 children and dealing with an alcoholic father provided endless material for the comic with audiences of all types relating to his everyday life experiences.

    Pre-Show Party

    The Downey Theatre Lobby and Patio will open two hours prior to each Season show. Beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase at the concession operated by Lock and Key Social Drinkery, and there will be live music and dancing.

    Volunteer Opportunities

    The Downey Theatre is looking for arts enthusiasts to volunteer and assist with front of house operations during shows.  Discover the benefits of volunteering for the Downey Civic Theatre and find out how you can volunteer to support the arts by calling (562)861-8211.

    Box Office Hours

    The Downey Civic Theatre box office hours are Tuesday through Friday from 11:00 am- 5:00 pm and one hour before show time. 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.

  • Doodle-icious Mural Approved for Downey Avenue

    Doodle-icious Mural Approved for Downey Avenue

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    The City of Downey has awarded a contract to local artist Don Lamkin to recreate his popular collage of Downey images as a mural of the east side of Porto’s parking structure.  The painting will be financed by the Art in Public Places fund, and it is the first time a Downey artist has been awarded such a contract.   Read more about the artist and the origin of this piece in the Downey Patriot.

    Downey Patriot Article about Don Lamkin

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Downey Avenue Historical Exhibit August 22

    Downey Avenue Historical Exhibit August 22

    Have you ever imagined what Downey Avenue might have looked like forty, seventy, even a hundred years ago? Stay Gallery has partnered with the Downey Historical Society, Downey Museum of Art, Downey Conservancy, and the City of Downey, to host their first historical exhibit based on how this city came to be. “Downey Avenue is becoming a new destination for many, and we believe in the importance of knowing where it came from,” says Valentin Flores, the Executive Director of the gallery.
    Opening night is Friday, August 22nd at 8PM.  The photographs will be up in the gallery through the end of the month.
    Downtown Downey began developing after John Gately Downey formerly organized the Tract of the Downey Land Association in 1873 from land he purchased at auction.  Downey Avenue was originally called Crawford Street, after Downey’s trusted attorney Matson Duke Crawford, who conducted most of the land transactions in the early development of the city.
    The location was determined by the newly constructed railway line, where Downey would soon build a station. Early on the promoters of the town built a hotel at La Reina and Firestone Blvd, and an enterprising pioneer moved his general store from the further south College Settlement up to Downey.  Churches were among the first buildings as well, many of which were sold their land for only one dollar.  300 homes in the district had been established, and the town continued to grow with a courthouse, a post office, and schools.
    By the turn-of-the-century, Downey was the undisputed center of the business and social life of the area. Downtown now contained a Sunkist packing plant, a department store, banks, restaurants and mercantile shops. The shape and character of old downtown would change significantly in 1967, when one of the first significant investments in redevelopment was the widening of Downey Ave. The realignment resulted in several blocks of new store fronts and landscape improvements.
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  • Downey Symphony Free Concert in the Park August 6

    Downey Symphony Free Concert in the Park August 6

    Wednesday August 6th is the annual tradition of the Downey Symphony Orchestra’s free concert in the park.  7PM at Furman Park in Downey, on Rives Ave south of Florence.  Director and conductor Sharon Lavery will lead the orchestra in a number of audience favorites and pops classics.  This year’s concert is entitled “The Sounds of Music” and includes some of your favorite broadway classics. This is a free event in Downey’s beautiful Furman Park. Bring lots of food, drinks and good friends for a spectacular evening under the stars. Plus, don’t forget to bring the kids… they’ll thank you when they each get the chance to conduct the orchestra at the end of the concert!  www.downeysymphony.org

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  • Make Music Downey 2014 Schedule

    Make Music Downey 2014 Schedule

    Make Music Downey is this Saturday, with a hugely diverse group of musical acts, all performing in downtown Downey from 11AM to 6PM. Featuring headline acts such as Las Cafeteras, Chicano Batman, Ceci Bastida, Quitapenas, Salt Petal and more.  You can also see your favorite Downey local bands, as well as dedicated musicians from across Southern California.  This music festival is free, thanks to our sponsors and help from the City of Downey.  The Tour de Downey bike ride also takes place Saturday morning, and a vendor village with artists and more will be in the main stage area.

    See below for the full schedule with a list of locations.

    Cafes with mirrors (200x132)   Ceci Bastida2 - Copy (200x135)  Chicano Batman (200x133)

    SCHEDULE:

    MAIN STAGE – Civic Center 11111 Brookshire Ave.
    11  Gramps With Amps    Surf & 60′s Rock ‘n Roll
    12  Steve Roberson  Country Singer/Songwriter
    1   Las Cafeteras   Latin Alternative Remix
    2   Salt Petal  Argentinean Tropical Rock
    3   Ceci Bastida    Latin Grammy Nominee
    4   Quitapenas  Afro-Latin Tropical Rhythms
    5   Chicano Batman  Rock/ Cumbia/ Brazilian Fusion

    STAY GALLERY – 11140 Downey Ave, N of Firestone
    11  Long Beach Ukulele Club Pop/ Rock/ Hawaiian
    12  Dog Park Pickers    Bluegrass/ Old Timey
    1   Gary E  Pop/ Rock
    2   When Pigs Fly!  Americana
    3   Honey Whiskey Trio  Award-Winning Harmony Folk
    4   Coto Creek  Roots/ Pop/ Folk
    Music Interlude: Gary E 1st 3 sets

    JOSEPH’S – 11032 Downey Ave, N of 2nd St
    11  Silvertone Players  Classic Rock/ Pop
    12  Crave Life Band Rock
    1   Per Se  Fusion
    2   Robby Ravenwood Musical Comedy
    3   Calistoga Falls Acoustic Americana
    4   Looney’s Fortune    Traditional Irish Band
    5   Leather Tramp   Indie Folk – 12 Piece Folkestra
    Music Interlude: Bill Rademaker New Wave/ Easy Listening

    MAMBO GRILL – 11018 Downey Ave, S of 3rd St
    11  Fry Soulful
    12  The Attitudes   Rock ‘n Roll
    1   Shy But Flyy    Neo Soul/ Spoken Word
    2   Black Lab & The Banjo   Folk/ Indie
    3   New American    Rock/ Alternative
    4   Second Wind Bluegrass/ Standards

    PORTO’S – 8233 Firestone Blvd, W of Downey Ave
    11  Salt Petal  Argentinean Tropical Rock
    12  Warren High Jazz Chorus Jazz Chorus with Combo
    1 Geoff & Scarlet – Jazz/Folk/Rock
    2   Saroja  Original Power Ballad Rock
    3   Alma De Jade    Alternative/ Indie/ Latin
    4   Big D and the Blues St. Swing Band  Big Band Sound
    5   Rockimera   Rock en Español

    DOWNEY MUSIC CENTER – 8337 Firestone Blvd
    11:45   George Mc Calip Protest
    12:30   Foxes vs. Scorpions Indie/ Rock/ Pop
    1:15    Rahfee Zahkee   Electronic Eclectic/ Experimental
    2:00    Amina Camille   Pop/ Solo Vocalist
    2:45    Randell Milan   Rock/ Blues
    3:30    Diego Davidenko Indie Folk
    4:15    Ryan Kwan   Singer/ Songwriter

    CHAPEL @ FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH – 2nd Street, E of Downey Ave
    11:00   10th Muse Collective    Folk and Dance
    12:30   Sharon Leighton Joyner  Country/ Gospel
    1:15    Tiki Mcpherson Band Christian Folk Band
    2:00    Betty and Jetty Lag Pop
    3:30    Sweetwater Creek    Bluegrass/ Folk

    CHAPEL PLAZA – Outside FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
    11  Dan McNay   Folk
    12  Dust of the Saints  Harmony/ Folk
    1   Taylor Crawford Acoustic/ Indie Singer/ Songwriter
    2   Gala    Bluegrass/ Jazz Standards
    3   Karina Toriz    Indie Singer/ Songwriter
    4   Spare Parts for Broken Hearts   Alternative Rock

    EPIC LOUNGE – 8239 2nd St, W of Downey Ave
    11  The Bends   Indie Rock
    12  Rivertrain Company  Hard Rock
    1   District Verdant    Alternative Rock
    2   Big Bad Big Band    Blues/ Swing/ R & B
    3   Markers Alternative/ Indie Rock
    4   California Feetwarmers  Joyful New Orleans Sound
    5   Black Pages Acoustic Rock/ Classic Rock
    Music Interlude: DJ MARIO

    DOWNEY BREWING COMPANY – 10924 Paramount Blvd at 3rd St
    11  All About Me    Rock
    12  Blind Owl   Rock/ Psychedelic/ Punk
    1   Wakarimasen Music   Alternative/ Quasi Punk
    2   Lipstick Lumberjack Folk/ Pop Rock
    3   Karl?   Progressive/ Psychedelic Rock
    4   New Evil    Experimental Rock ‘n Roll
    5   Bootlegs of the Untitled Band   Punk

    POCKET STAGE – North of Stay Gallery, south of 2nd
    11  Devin Clark Rock/ Alternative
    12  Russ Lewark Folk/ Blues
    1   Joe Matzzie Acoustic Folk Rock
    2   Joe Matzzie Acoustic Folk Rock
    3   Crave Life Band Rock
    4   Barley Corn Folk
    5   Sweetwater Creek    Bluegrass Folk

    ECLECTIC ROOTS ARCH STAGE – The Arch on Civic Center Dr.
    12  Eclectic Roots (TBA)

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  • Stay Young Festival of the Arts, May 29-June1

    Stay Young Festival of the Arts, May 29-June1

    Stay Gallery is hosting it’s first annual ‘STAY YOUNG’ Festival Of The Arts to celebrate our local student talent.

    Over 60 curated art works will be displayed by artists from Downey High, Warren High, and Downey Adult School.

    Exhibit opens on Thursday, May 29th from 6p – 9p

    ASB members invite the community to come together on Saturday, May 31st for a family friendly day of fun filled activities.

    Stay Gallery is located at 11140 Downey Ave, north of Firstone Blvd.

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  • Downey Theatre seeks feedback on future events

    Downey Theatre seeks feedback on future events

    The Downey Civic Theatre is conducting a survey as part of its effort to make sure the theatre has long-term viability and continues to be relevant in the community.  The Theatre Management wants to hear from Downey residents regarding what they like, what they don’t like and what shows they’d most like to see.

    An online survey has been created to generate feedback which will be used to determine future programming, event coordination and marketing efforts. To participate in this survey please visit www.DowneyTheatre.com or click on the survey link below.

    http://www.bit.ly/DCTsurvey

    All surveys completed by March 31st, 2014 will be entered into the drawing for a four pack of tickets to a Downey Civic Theatre Presents performance, 4 winners will be chosen! So please take ten minutes to help us make Downey Civic Theatre’s 2014-15 Season our best season ever, we greatly appreciate your input.

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  • Downey Symphony’s Sold-out Concert

    Downey Symphony’s Sold-out Concert

    For the first time since 1985, the Downey Symphony Orchestra had a sold-out concert at the Downey Civic Theatre.  When the Theatre was being planned in the late 60’s, the Symphonic Society and the Downey Children’s Theatre argued about the size of the auditorium– the Symphony wanted 1000, and the theatre only 500.  At 738 seats today, they met in the middle.

    The concert on February 1, 2014 featured soloist Elizabeth Pitcairn, playing the famous “Red Violin,” for Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.   Poetry that inspired the music suite was read by actress Sela Ward and Italian singer Anthony Moreno.  The Downey Arts Coalition also curated an art show to accompany the concert, entitled “Red Rhapsody,” featuring 25 local artists, as well as a piece from the Downey Museum of Art.

    Unlike other traditional arts organizations that have shuttered in Downey, the Symphony has been turning it around, trying fresh new ideas to connect with the community.  Primarily, however, the Downey Symphony delivers on it’s promise: excellent musical performances.

    Read the write-up in the Downey Patriot (click here).  Congratulations to the Downey Symphonic Society, the Symphony Guild, and music director Sharon Lavery.

  • Downey Master Chorale Auditions

    Downey Master Chorale Auditions

    The Downey Arts Coalition, in partnership with music director Margaret Zeleny have announced auditions for a newly formed city chorus, the Downey Master Chorale.  The group is a new opportunity for singers to be challenged and join a community of musicians that wish to share this beautiful art form with their local audiences.

    Auditions are ongoing by appointment only.  Sign up at www.downeymasterchorale.org for more information.

    The Press Telegram has featured the ensemble’s formation, read about it here at this link.

    Zeleny is a former music teacher at the University of Minnesota who later joined the Los Angeles Master Chorale. She performed from 1969 to 1978 under the direction of founding-conductor Roger Wagner, then launched her own choir called the Pasadena Repertory Singers in 1981.

    Downey originally had an all-city chorus, the Downey Civic Chorus, which relocated to the city of Bellflower in 1989.

    Downey Master Chorale
    Margaret Zeleny leads rehearsal for Downey’s new master chorale program Oct. 1. Auditions to join the group are ongoing. (Photo by Sean Hiller/Daily Breeze)