Category: Events

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 14^th 2014 at 7:00pm

Directed 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 7^th 2015 at 8:00pm.

Morris 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 8^th 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.

Backed 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 17^th 2015 at 3:00pm

From 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 16^th 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 30^th 2015 at 8:00pm

Two 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).

Two-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.

November 24, 2014
Dia De Los Muertos Arts Festival Nov 2nd

Come and join us for our 2nd annual Dia De Los Muertos Art Festival in the heart of Downey outside and inside the Downey Civic Theatre, at 8435 Firestone Blvd.

Some of the events that will be happening all day are: Dia De Los Muertos Merchandise, Papel Picardo Demos, Face Painting, Calaveras Decorating, Alter Contest, Art Exhibit, Car Display, Food Trucks, and Live Music.

Trios in the Zocalo:
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Bolero Soul
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM Congranas
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM Trio Los Brilliantes

What’s Happening in the Theatre:
11:00 AM Grandeza Mexicana
11:30 AM Tradición Dance Company
12:00 PM “Macario” Screening
1:30 PM “Macario” Q&A
2:00 PM Tierra Del Sol
2:30 PM Mixteco East LA
3:00 PM Tierra Del Sol
3:30 PM Mixteco East LA
4:00 PM Group Folklorico
4:30 PM Resurreccion Mexican Folk
5:00 PM “Macario” Screening
6:30 PM Grandeza Mexicana
7:00 PM Group Folklorico
7:30 PM Resurreccion Mexican Folk

Featured Artists:

Sculpture: Martin Sanchez
Folk artist Martin Sanchez, born in Michoacán and moved to So Cal in 1984. His Riverside studio is a local hangout and tourist attraction. He’s been exhibited at the Riverside Art Museum.

Sr. Sanchez’s 22′ high, eye-popping “The Bicycle” will be showcased at the entrance of the Festival. Like all of Sanchez’s work, this catrino on a bicycle is made of 100% recycled “repurposed” materials, often referred to as “found art”.

Martin DDLM

Papel Picado: Aurora R. Chavez

“Papel picado” is cutting designs out of layered colored tissue paper, and then stringing them together to create decorative garlands. Master artisan Aurora Chavez studied with Margret Sosa who studied under Olga Ponce Furginson, generally recognized as the best of her generation. Ms. Chavez supplies paper, chisels, scissors and knives for Festival fans to create and take home a work of papel picado art. Her work is also on exhibit.

Calaveras de azúcar: Helen Nieto
Calaveras de azúcar– literally– skulls of sugar–is one of the most recognizable icons of Día de los Muertos. Master Decorator Helen Nieto was part of the team at L.A. based Reign Trading Company, the studio that sparked a local revival of this popular, traditional, art form. Ms. Nieto leads interactive, hands-on demonstrations and provides small sugar skulls and decorations of tinsel, and other embellishments for patrons to create and take home their own calaveras de azúcar.

Fine Art exhibit Curated by Carolina Del Toro – Downey Arts Coalition
The Downey Theatre’s upstairs art gallery displays the work of approximately 25 artists’ Dia de los Muertos themed art. These pieces range from oils and acrylics to collage and multimedia. Carolina Del Toro along with other volunteers from Downey Arts Coalition will curate and select these local artists. This exhibit will be on display for the month of November at the Downey Theatre.

October 22, 2014
GlennFest Film Festival comes to Downey Krikorian Oct 6-9

GlennFest is named after film buff and festival organizer Glenn Stephens, who when looking to start his own film festival decided to target Downey, because this area is underserved with independent and interesting contemporary films.

Now in its third year, the festival will screen three films the first week of October, including the new UK film Pride, the 1983 film based on the classic comedy opera, Pirates of Penzance, and the Japanese animation film A Letter to Momo. The screenings will be free for those who RSVP in advance by emailing glenn@glennfest.com.

October 6 2014, 7:30 PM

Crimson Winter

Downey Krikorian 8200 3rd St, Downey

Crimson Winter is an ambitious independent Vampire film, the tale of Elric, a vampire prince who travels to the New World to build an army large enough to seek revenge on his family. While he is gathering forces in the Montana wilderness, a group of college students begin to realize there is something sinister happening in the mountains. View the Trailer

After Party @ Epic Lounge
Join us for food and drinks after the movie at The Epic Lounge, next to LA Buns at 8239 2nd St, around the corner from the theatre.

October 7 2014 7:30 pm

Pirates of Penzance

Downey Krikorian 8200 3rd Street, Downey

The 1983 musical film based on Joseph Papp’s adaptation of Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic opera of the same name. It stars Kevin Kline, Rex Smith, Angela Lansbury,and Linda Ronstadt. The story concerns Frederic, who, having completed his 21st year, is released from his apprenticeship to a band of tender-hearted pirates. He meets Mabel, the daughter of Major-General Stanley, and the two young people fall instantly in love. Frederic finds out, however, that he was born on 29 February, and so, technically, he only has a birthday each leap year, so he must serve for another 63 years. View the Trailer

October 8 2014 7:30 pm

Pride

Free with rsvp – email glenn@glennfest.com with your name for two passes

2014 Cannes Film Festival award winner: Based on a true story, the film depicts a group of lesbian and gay activists who raised money to help families affected by the UK miners’ strike in 1984. The National Union of Mineworkers was reluctant to accept the group’s support due to the union’s public relations’ worries about being openly associated with a gay group, so the activists instead decided to take their donations directly to a small mining village in Wales — resulting in an alliance between the two communities. The alliance was unlike any seen before but was successful. View the Trailer

October 9 2014 8pm

A Letter to Momo

Downey Krikorian – 8200 3rd Street, Downey

Japanese language with English subtitles.

The last time Momo saw her father they had a fight – and now all she has left to remember him by is an incomplete letter, a blank piece of paper penned with the words “Dear Momo” but nothing more. Moving with her mother to the remote Japanese island of Shio, Momo soon discovers three yokai living in her attic, a trio of mischievous spirit creatures that only she can see and who create mayhem in the tiny seaside community as she tries desperately to keep them hidden. But these funny monsters may hold the key to helping Momo discover what her father had been trying to tell her. View the Trailer

Support this rare opportunity to see great films that you wouldn’t normally find in the grand cities between LA and Orange County!

September 30, 2014
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.

August 17, 2014
Poetrypalooza hosted by the Green Salon August 23

saturday night art music poetry wine nudity

the green salon
a monthly gathering of poets writers artists musicians dancers filmmakers
and other creative people

the fourth saturday evening of the month
at casa la reina in downey (los angeles) california
7pm

wine and vegan snacks
open mic
bring something to share
bring your books / cds for sale

POETRYPALOOZA @ the green salon

https://www.facebook.com/events/1377760522505100/

http://poetrypaloozala.altervista.org/

saturday, 23 august 14, 4 – 10pm
at casa la reina in downey

4pm poetry workshops (frank kearns, terry walker)
5:30 dinner and a movie (vegan potato and salad bar, Dead Poets Society)
5:30 poetry critiques (one-on-one writing help)
7pm music (yerri josé frankie chespi)
7:30 open mic
8pm featured readers (lorine parks and zzyzx writerz)
9pm music and poetry (shy but flyy)

this is a free event. donations accepted.

like the green salon on facebook

email roy@www.downeyarts.org for more information

August 6, 2014
Douglas Kearney at Poetry Matters August 14

This edition of POETRY MATTERS will feature Poet/performer/librettist Douglas Kearney. His second, full-length collection of poetry, The Black Automaton (Fence Books, 2009), was Catherine Wagner’s selection for the National Poetry Series. His produced operas include Sucktion, Mordake, and Crescent City.

“Where, oh where would we be without the dynamic intelligence and feats of lyric daring that Douglas Kearney’s work has delivered to American poetry? …”
—Tracy K. Smith

Thursday August 145h

7:30 open microphone

Stay Gallery 11140 Downey Ave, 90241
Downtown Downey at Firestone
DOORS OPEN AT 7

Tallahatchie Lullabye, Baby

cattail cast tattles Till tale,

lowing low along the hollow.

crickets chirrup and ribbits lick-up

what’s chucked the ‘hatchie swallow.

skin scow skiffs upon pond scum skin

getting slow along the hollow.

now may mayfly alight brown brow.

what’s chucked the ‘hatchie swallow.

maybe bye baby bye baby by and by–

lying low along the hollow —

we will slip the knot not slip will we?

what’s chucked the ‘hatchie swallow.

who’s a bruise to blue hue ‘hatchie,

going slow along the hollow?

who’s a bruise to whose hue, ‘hatchie?

what’s chucked the ‘hatchie swallow.

Kodak flash tattles Till tale

going slow along the hollow,

who’s a bruise to bruise hue?

swallow what the ‘hatchie chucks.

                  –Emett Till (1941-1955)

       Douglas Kearney, The Black Automaton

How to re-tell a brutal landmark civil right’s crime? Kearny’s understated take is to present it as a lullaby, with soothing rhymes and slick, almost too slick, consonant chatter.   The story emerges like ripples, where something has disturbed the water. A new look at an old wrong.

Doug Kearney will read his poems which contain adult themes and language at Stay Gallery August 14.

August 6, 2014
Southeast LA Artwalk August 2

Other neighboring cities to Downey are starting to catch on, that if we care about our communities and would like to see new opportunities for creative people and artists, that the initiative has to come from the people. SELA Collective has sprung up in the last year with many ideas for Southeast LA, which they’ve identified as the area which includes Bell, Maywood, South Gate, Bell Gardens and Cudahey. Meeting frequently in a thrift store, they’ve taken their case to city council meetings and social networking to spread social change and artistic expression.

Alivio Open Mic was their first event, a monthly open mic for artists of any style to share with their neighbors, held in a converted garage at a private home. The events have been packed, and even were noticed in major media outlets such as the LA Times and KCET.

The Southeast LA Artwalk is their latest endeavor, and the community support has been strong. It takes place on August 2nd, 2 to 6PM, followed by another Alivio Open Mic. Artists work will be hosted in businesses along Atlantic Ave between Gage and 16th St.

DAC founding members Carolina Del Toro and Jorge Del Toro will be showcasing work at the event at the Neighborhood Bike Shop (and the Beauty Salon adjacent to the shop) located at 6118 Atlantic Blvd., Maywood, CA (Atlantic and Randolph).

For more information about the event, you can also read other local articles such as at EnclaveLA, at this link: http://enclavelosangeles.com/ai1ec_event/southeast-los-angeles-art-walk/

SELA Co’s event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1502425179972571/

Press release below:

July 31, 2014
The Green Salon – Saturday July 26 7PM

Every month poet/artist and Downey native Roy Anthony Shabla hosts a gathering of creative people in his backyard garden, the 4th Saturday. This month features poet Scott Noon Creley, artist Arteaga Sae, and world-renowned spanish guitarist David Holguin will perform. 7PM July 26th at Casa La Reina, as its a private home, for directions email roy@www.downeyarts.org.

July 24, 2014
An Evening of Short Films – July 20th at The Epic Lounge

Falling Awake Productions and Sweet Nightmares are joining forces to present “An Evening of Short Films”, an event that combines filmmakers and films from Chicago, Illinois and Downey, California for an evening of spectacular entertainment.

Beginning at 6pm and running to about 9pm at The Epic Lounge in Downey, California “An Evening of Short Films” includes the films of Polaris Castillo and Dan Marcus. Polaris Castillo had a similar event earlier this year featuring some great films that were filmed locally in the area. This event promises to be even bigger, bolder and more entertaining by featuring some of those films (“Loveland” and “Windmill”) as well as films that were shot and produced in Chicago, Illinois. Those films, from director Dan Marcus, include “Wake” and “Streamline”. “An Evening of Short Films” will feature the exclusive Los Angeles premiere of Dan Marcus’s science-fiction short film “Streamline”.

“An Evening of Short Films” wants to celebrate the independent art community by featuring films that ordinarily wouldn’t be seen. With the film festival circuit always competitive and ever-changing, Polaris Castillo and Dan Marcus wish to bring a less formal and competitive nature to the way independent films are showcased. These filmmakers are joining forces to present an evening of films that everyone can watch and enjoy.

There will be food, drinks and a Q&A session after the screenings. The event will also feature some exclusive, never-before-seen trailers for some exciting new films that were shot in Downey and Los Angeles that are set for release later this year. Please join us for an exciting evening of entertainment and fun while we celebrate these great films from some wonderful independent filmmakers.

The event will take place at The Epic Lounge on Sunday July 20th from 6-9pm. 8239 2nd St, Downey, CA 90241

The Films:

STREAMLINE – A man haunted by traumatic memories must confront his past while eluding mysterious pursuers. Directed by Dan Marcus. Written by William Coffey, David Hammond & Dan Marcus.

LOVELAND – When soul mates Blue and Violet arrive at an end to their magical romance, a mysterious team of construction workers rise to the occasion to rebuild their broken hearts. Written & directed by Polaris Castillo.

WINDMILL – A narcotic recluse fears there is something vile outside his home. Directed by Polaris Castillo. Written by Matt Landsman.

WAKE – The story of young Max who is faced with confronting the death of his mother, while his father, Albert, tries desperately to repair the broken relationship with his son. Directed by Dan Marcus. Written by David Hammond & Dan Marcus.

Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/263658673838474/

http://www.streamlinemovie.com | http://www.polariscastillo.com

July 12, 2014
Sarah Maclay reads at Poetry Matters July 10

Poetry Matters, the 2nd Thursday of every month at Stay Gallery, is a gathering of Downey’s best poets to share an open mic, and feature a prominent poet from Southern California.

Thursday, July 10th features poet Sarah Maclay. An open mic begins at 7:30, with sign-ups beginning at 7. Stay Gallery is located at 11140 Downey Avenue, north of Firestone Blvd, 90241.

Sarah Maclay’s poems, reviews, and essays have appeared in Ploughshares, FIELD, Ninth Letter, Hotel Amerika, The Writer’s Chronicle, Pool, ZYZZYVA, lyric and Poetry International. Her debut full-length, Whore, won the Tampa Review Prize for Poetry. She currently teaches poetry at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles.

Lorine Parks curates the evening.

June 20, 2014