SPOTLIGHT ON KIDS
It was a sold-out show as the Music Center honored 16 talented young people at this year’s Spotlight Awards, emceed by notable local Tony Danza. Presentations were made in the performing and visual arts categories including classical and jazz instrumental, dance and classical voice.
More than 2,300 high school students from throughout Southern California took part in the program. The finalists in each category received cash scholarships, with $5,000 going to the first place winner and $4,000 to the runner up. Proceeds from the gala dinner and performance benefit the Spotlight Awards and its art education programs for teens.
Spotlight has helped local kids launch impressive careers. Previous winners have gone on to perform with first class companies including the Metropolitan Opera, American Ballet Theater and the New York Philharmonic.
REEL TIME
Movie buffs are gearing up for this year’s Los Angeles Film Festival. The celluloid showcase runs from June 18 to June 28 in Westwood. Highlights include Michael Mann’s “Public Enemies,” which stars Johnny Depp as legendary Depression-era outlaw John Dillinger. The action thriller follows the exploits of the charismatic bank robber whose lighting heists put him at the top of J. Edgar Hoover’s most wanted list. The festival will screen more than 200 feature films, shorts and music videos from more than 30 countries.
On the documentary side, you’ll find “Facing Ali.” The film tells the story of 10 men who went face-to-face with legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. The film features famous fighters Joe Frazer, Larry Holmes, Ken Norton, Leon Spinks and George Forman.
Next, it’ll be a blast to the past ’60s style when they screen “13 Most Beautiful…Songs for Andy Warhol’s Screen Tests.” The black and white 16-mm collection takes you back to the famous “Factory” days with portraits of Edie Sedgwick, Lou Reed and Dennis Hopper.
SEE THE LIGHT
Speaking of a groovy trip down memory lane, one of the ’70s most far out faves is about to resurface. Back in the day, anyone who was anyone made their way to Griffith Park to see the hypnotic laser light show, “Laserium.” The psychedelic glow-in-the-dark spectacle was a must see, delighting stoners, high school students and hippies for 28 years.
The rocking re-do opens June 25 at the Vine Theater. In keeping with tradition, it will feature classic tunes from The Beatles, Pink Floyd and, of course, the mighty Led Zeppelin. The new production also boasts a special interactive light instrument that allows hipsters to create their own light shows by breaking through beams of light. Boomers may not be able to go back in time but, with a trip to Laserium, they can dream on.
Can you dig it?
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