Category: Music

  • Russtache Bash

    Russtache Bash

    Russ' Benefit Jam

    Russtache Bash –

    Join us this Sunday, May 3, at the Epic Lounge for the benefit concert for local Downey musician Russ Lewark, who is battling Myelodyplastic Syndrome (MDS)

    Live Music by:    Dennis Roger Reed Band  –  Fossiltones  –  Ben King

    Raffle Prizes,  PhotoStache  “Booth”, and other amusements

    Please donate $20.00 at the door on arrival – and grab your free “One Foot In Songbook” CD as you leave and Dennis Roger Reed CD, and Kahuna Cowboys Jug Band CD

    Bring your instruments to jam after the concert.

    Sunday, May 3, 2015,  1:00 PM – 3:00 PM,  Epic Lounge,  Downey, 8239  2nd Street, Downey  (323) 841-0194

     

  • In Concert: Tenth and California April 19

    In Concert: Tenth and California April 19

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    Singer/songwriter Macain Treat (originally from Downey) brings a Free concert based on the new album “Angels Singing in The Dark,” the debut recording by the Santa Monica based music collective Tenth and California, Produced by Macain Treat , a veteran Los Angles session and touring musician, this modern Americana Gospel recording contains 7 original selections along with 3 inspired reinterpretations of classic hymns.

    “Angels Singing In The Dark” features musical contributions from some of the best session musicians in Los Angeles. The band collectively has recorded or toured with such legendary artists as Roger Daltrey, Barbra Streisand, Quincy Jones, PINK, and Ray Charles to name a few. “The most wonderful thing about working with such talented musicians,” Macain explains, “is being able to throw anything at the musicians on the stage or in the studio and know they can pull it off”.

    Tenth and California has it’s roots at Trinity Church Santa Monica, a community of believers that formerly met at the corner of 10th and California. “We are a spiritually hungry group that puts God as our focus in worship and hearing His word through music” said Macain. This desire to share the teachings of God’s word accompanied with a calling to share their experiences of faith became the foundation for the record.

    The concert is sponsored by the Downey Arts Coalition and the First Baptist Church of Downey, Sunday April 19 at 6:30pm, 8348 Third Street. Admission is free, but donations will be collected to support the future efforts of the musicians. CD’s also for sale.

    For further information about the band, visit tenthandcalifornia.com. Follow Tenth and California on Twitter @tenthandca and on Facebook at facebook.com/tenthandcalifornia

  • Rebirth Art Show at the Downey Civic Theatre

    Rebirth Art Show at the Downey Civic Theatre

    April 11 – “Romantic Gems” Downey Symphony concert & Rebirth art exhibit

        Downey Symphony Orchestra closes their season on Saturday, April 11, with “Romantic Gems.” The program will include pieces by Johannes Brahms, and the violin concerto of Jean Sibelius, as performed by the winner of the 2013 Downey Symphony Young Artist Competition, 18-year-old violinist Hao Zhou. Hao began playing the violin at age six and currently studies under Aimée Kreston at the Colburn School of Performing Arts in Los Angeles.
    Karen Yee: Fight Like a Girl   The art exhibit, Rebirth, will take place in conjunction with the concert, and will run for a month long. The mixed media exhibit will showcase art, submitted by 33 local artists, that portrays the theme of rebirth — death, life, and transformation. This installation is the largest yet for this space, with over 50 total pieces on display. Both the exhibit and concert are a celebration of Easter and the welcoming of spring.
    The exhibit will open at 6:30 p.m., followed by the concert at 8:00 p.m. Purchase tickets at http://www.downeytheatre.com/Event
    Romantic Gems - FINAL

  • Poetry Matters presents Roy Anthony Shabla March 19

    Poetry Matters presents Roy Anthony Shabla March 19

    It’s poetry March Madness, Poetry Matters features poet/artist Roy Anthony Shabla, who is the curator of The Green Salon, and at the end of the month the Green Salon will feature Lorine Parks, curator of Poetry Matters.

    Here, sans capitalization, is the announcement for Poetry Matters:

    poetry matters
    downey arts coalition
    stay gallery

    are proud to present the poetry of

    Roy Anthony Shabla at "Art on the Vine"
    Roy Anthony Shabla at “Art on the Vine”

    roy anthony shabla

    with the music of

    joshua woodcarver
    and
    gabriel armenta

    and the film work of

    andrew wahlquist and celina armenta

    thursday, march 19, 7:30 pm
    11140 downey avenue 90241

    roy anthony shabla is an accomplished poet and painter.
    he is director of collections for downey museum of art
    and hosts a monthly arts gathering, the green salon (join on facebook).
    the green salon is free for everyone.

    shabla is the author of ten books of poetry and three books of prose.
    several received critical acclaim (see royanthonyshabla.com).

    his art, poetry, sound art, film, and performance have appeared in
    los angeles, portland, new york, paris, london, madrid, leningrad, beijing
    and many more places… yet he remains downey’s favorite son.

    joshua woodcarver (josue quiquivix and andrew ariza) and gabriel armenta
    are local musicians who regularly collaborate and tour with several bands.
    josue quiquivix teaches at california guitar academy in downey.

    andrew wahlquist is a filmmaker and co-founder of downey arts coalition.

    celina armenta is a graphic artist who regularly collaborates with shabla.

    poetry matters is a monthly literary gathering hosted by poet, lorine parks.
    there is no admission fee and all are welcome.

    for more information, join downey arts coalition on facebook.

    Poetry Matters reading-web

  • Photos from Reflections Art Show with the Downey Symphony

    Photos from Reflections Art Show with the Downey Symphony

    Congratulations to the talented artists of the “Reflections” art show, which accompanied the Downey Symphony Orchestra concert “Harp & Soul” on January 24th at the Downey Civic Theatre.  The group show, which featured over twenty local artists was curated by Eloise Ball and produced by Pat Gil and her team from both the Downey Arts Coalition and the Downey Symphonic Society.  Artwork is on display at the theatre through February 28.

    These photographs are courtesy of Moving Still Pictures and the talented work of Oscar Dominguez.

    See the end of this post for a full list of participating artists and their contact information.

    Participating Artists:

    Ruben Acosta – Whittier, CA – salvageconcepts.com

    Michael Alvarez – Bellflower – Facebook.com/MichaelAlvarezArt

    Susy Arteaga – Downey, CA – Facebook.com/Arteaga Sae

    Kristine Augustyn – Los Angeles, CA – kristineaugustyn.com

    Jessie Castillo – Los Angeles, CA – Flickr.com/photos/kastleart

    Carolina Estrada-Del Toro – Downey, CA – Facebook.com/Carolina Estrada-Del Toro

    Dani Dodge – Pasadena, CA – DaniDodge.com

    Mike Ferguson – South Gate, CA – wmferg.com

    Valentin Flores – Downey, CA – Val@staygallery.org

    Mercedes Guzman – Torrance, CA – mercedesguzman.blogspot.com

    Kirk Kain – Whittier, CA – kirkkain.com

    Irina Krakov – Lake Balboa, CA – exoticabstract.com

    Lisa Maffia-Reynoso – Chatsworth, CA – Lisa.Maffia-Reynoso@ah.org

    Ricky Ostendi – Whittier, CA – Rickydraws.blogspot.com

    Roy Anthony Shabla – Downey, CA – royanthonyshabla.com

    William Rademaker – Downey, CA – william_taxman@msn.com

    Marina Santana – South Gate, CA – bloodtearsandlipstick.com

    Elaine Stewart – Torrance, CA – elainesart.blogspot.com

    Lindsay Yost – South Gate, CA – lindsaylittlebits@gmail.com

    Elsa Van Leuven – Downey, CA – emvanleuven@gmail.com

    Esmeralda Villalobos – Bellflower, CA – sme.design.arte@gmail.com

    Monica Wyatt – Los Angeles, CA – monicawyatt.com

    Karen Yee – El Segundo, CA – karenyeefineart.com

  • Vic Joachim Smith: Early Work from the DMOA, Jan 10

    Vic Joachim Smith: Early Work from the DMOA, Jan 10

    Downey Museum of Art is proud to announce its first exhibition for 2015. Vic Joachim Smith ~ Early Work opens Saturday, January 10th, 1 pm, at Southgate Museum and Art Galleries. This is an important show.

    Vic Smith moved to Southern California from the Pacific Northwest to pursue a calling in art. He graduated from Cal State Long Beach in 1954 and later developed the arts program and taught at Cal State Fullerton.

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    During the 1950s and 60s, Smith exhibited throughout Asia and Europe alongside other renowned American artists such as Pollack, Rothko, Kline, and De Kooning.   California institutions, including the Museums of Art in Downey, Newport Harbor, Laguna, Long Beach, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Oakland, also hosted exhibits of his work. In 1967, Los Angeles Times art critic William Wilson noted, “The art of Vic Smith is so good, I can’t understand why it isn’t more famous.”

    Downey Museum of Art holds in its collection one complete early series by Vic Smith. “High Sierra” will be shown in its entirety as well as samples of other early work and ephemera.

    VicSmith2Simultaneous to Vic Joachim Smith ~ Early Work, Downey Museum of Art will offer a second show, Selections from the Collections, featuring large, avant garde, and constructed paintings from its permanent holdings, including the work of Charles Villiers. Both exhibits are hosted by the Southgate Art Galleries.

    The opening reception will include live music and theater. Featured at 3 pm, The Other Theater Company will offer a production of “Off Kilter”, a short play about how to look at modern art. And throughout the reception, Isaac Takeuchi will perform Bach and original cello compositions.

    The Southgate Museum and Art Galleries is located at 8680 California Avenue, just north of Firestone Blvd. The opening reception is Saturday, January 10, from 1 to 5 pm. Admission is free.

    Editor’s note: The Long Beach Museum of Art will exhibit one early painting by Vic Smith in February.

    Roy Anthony Shabla is Director of Collections for Downey Museum of Art, and a poet and painter living in the Los Angeles area.

  • Symphony Concert “Harp and Soul” Jan 24th, Reflections Art Show

    Symphony Concert “Harp and Soul” Jan 24th, Reflections Art Show

    The Downey Symphony Orchestra will hold its winter concert on January 24th at the Downey Civic Theatre, “Harp and Soul,” at 8:00pm. This concert will feature the Downey Symphony’s talented string section along with award winning harpist Alison Bjorkedal. Come hear the compositions of Mahler, Copeland, Debussy and Tchaikovsky. Also, the Downey Symphony seeks to to promote young American composers, and this concert will also include the world premiere of Five Variations of Loss and Isolations by Bryan Kostors.

    Accompanying the concert will be the art show “Reflections” presented by the Downey Arts Coalition and curated by EJ Ball.  Over 20 artists will be featured in the lobby gallery, with new works by local and regional artists.  The Call to Artists for this show is still open, see the details below.

    For details about the concert and bios of the soloist and composer, visit the Downey Symphony Orchestra Website.

    To purchase tickets online visit the Downey Theatre website.

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    Reflections-Call-to-Artists

  • Christmas Concert this Sunday – Downey Master Chorale

    Christmas Concert this Sunday – Downey Master Chorale

    On Sunday, December 21st, 2:30pm experience our city chorus perform at the lovely sanctuary of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, 9820 Lakewood Blvd. in Downey. The concert will feature “Christmas Cantata” by Daniel Pinkham and “Ave Verum Corpus” by Mozart. Unusual arrangements of favorite carols plus some interesting surprises will add to the delight of all present. Come, celebrate and support Downey’s very own quality choral group.

    Director Margaret Zeleny brings an incredible energy to this new choral group.  Downey hasn’t had it’s own city chorus for over 20 years, we hope this new opportunity to celebrate the human voice will be embraced by the community.  Auditions are ongoing, for those who have a passion for singing.

    Read about the Downey Master Chorale in the Downey Patriot

    ADMISSION  General: $20; Students and seniors: $15. Group rate available, inquire by phone or email.
    Click to Email your RSVP

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    PROGRAM

    “Bring a Torch Jeanette, Isabella” arr. Keith Chapman

    David York, organ

    “Christmas Cantata” Daniel Pinkham

    “Carolling Carolling” Alfred Burt

    “Deck the Halls (in 7/8)” arr. James McKelvey

    “The Holly and the Ivy” M. Boughton

    “Sure on This Shining Night” Samuel Barber

    “Christmas in the Straw” Lloyd Pfautsch

    “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” arr. Richard Donohue

    “Medley Christmas” arr. Ron Howard

    Carol Sing-along with audience

    “One Solitary Life” Dr. James Allan Francis

    “Lullaby” John Ness Beck

    “Ave Verum Corpus” W. A. Mozart

    “A World That’s Free” Carol Owens

    Elora Chavez, soprano soloist

    “O Little Town of Bethlehem” arr. Kay Hawkes Goodyear

    Diane Fort-Woody, contralto soloist

    “What We All Want for Christmas is Peace” Susie and Joel Raney

    Vince Gonzales, baritone soloist

    “Behold! Rise Up! Go Tell! Shine!” arr. Mark Hayes

  • 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.

  • Dia De Los Muertos Arts Festival Nov 2nd

    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:

    martin-ddlmSculpture: 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

    aurora-ddlmPapel 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.

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