Treasure LA

Chive gruyere biscuit, Cortado, & a quiche make a blissful morning at Proof Bakery/Cog Coffee

PROOF & COGNOSCENTI COFFEE

Keep your candy and your chocolates, the way to my heart is with fresh pastries. Far too many beautiful mornings have been ruined with a nice cup of coffee paired with a dry, disappointing pastry – or even worse, a tasty pastry ruined by a lousy cup of Joe. Finding great pastries and excellent coffee in the same place is no easy task, and that is why Proof Bakery and Cognoscenti Coffee is my current favorite LA spot.

Proof pastries

Nestled in Atwater Village, Proof  Bakery offers excellent scones, croissants, quiche, and all the good things in life. My sole complaint is that the menu is rather stagnant, but that doesn’t stop me from filling up a pastry box every weekend.

Cog Coffee owner Yeekai Lim and Western Barista Champ Nick Griffith

Completing the one-two punch is the excellent coffee provided by Cog Coffee. Located inside Proof and owned by Architect Yeekai Lim  (Masters from Columbia, worked with Frank Gehry – this is one smart espresso puller), Cog offers excellent coffee without pretension or intimidation. I usually order a cortado (espresso with a little milk), and a cup of single origin coffee brewed with a V60 cone. Cog regularly offers beans from top roasters Handsome (LA), Four Barrel (San Francisco), Heart (Portland), and Coava (Portland). If you want to learn more about the LA coffee scene, it’s also a great place to linger. One morning, I saw LA Weekly coffee writer Tien Nguyen, Tony and his crew from local roasters Tonx Coffee, and had a cortado pulled by Western Barista Champ Nick Griffith. The coffee geek in me knew that I was in the right place, and I’ve been back almost every weekend since.

Proof Menu

Proof Bakery & Cog Coffee
3156 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90039

CITY TAVERN

Flight of Strand Beers at City Tavern Pint Night

City Tavern = Beer. Lots of beer, great beer – 22 taps of rotating craft beer to be exact. This Culver City restaurant is my current favorite place to grab a brew because there is always something unique on the tap menu, the staff is friendly and take care of their regulars, and it’s near my home.

My Pint Glasses from City Tavern

Another reason I love City Tavern is their pint nights. A couple Thursdays a month, City Tavern offers flights of beers from a single brewery, complete with tasting notes and a souvenir pint glass. Frequently you’ll even be able to share a pint with the Brewmaster. You can see my collection of pint night glasses above!

On Feb. 23, 2012, City Tavern will be hosting a pint night with Stone from San Diego. They we will be putting both the Stone 14th Anniversary and the 15th Anniversary beers, a double dry hopped Ruination, and from 2010 the Stone Imperial Russian Stout. Also making an appearance is the Old Guardian Seasonal Barleywine.

Charcuterie plate at City Tavern

City Tavern is also making a name for itself as a cocktail bar. Assistant Manager Jeremy Back has curated an impressive liquor selection, and there’s no better time to test their cocktail program than a Sunday night with their new Market Basket Bartender program. Every Sunday from 3pm-close, diners can pick one of three options in three categories (spirits, fruits, and syrups), to create a custom $6 cocktail. I thought I was really challenging bartender Gia St. George by making odd ingredient selections on a recent Sunday, but she was able to whip up delicious drinks that were a steal at $6.

Once you see the beer list, you’ll end up wanting to order a ton of tasters and will need some grub to keep you going. The menu can be pretty hit or miss, but the The Brew Burger and charcuterie plate are always smart choices. Treasure Tip: If they are offering a special, order it! All of my best dishes at City Tavern have been specials by Chef de Cuisine Jessica Christensen. The skate special pictured below is probably the best thing I’ve ever had there.

Skate Special at City Tavern

City Tavern
9739 Culver Boulevard
Culver City, CA 90232

ZAM ZAM

Tandoori Chicken at Zam Zam

Zam Zam is a tiny, hole in the wall gem that is equally delicious and frustrating. This Culver City Pakistani joint exists to serve the mosque down the street, but it lets the occasional white guy like me order its cheap and mind-blowing kabobs and tandoori. It’s frustrating because it’s not always open (only Thursday-Sunday usually), and to get the good stuff like lamb biryani, you have to reserve an order almost as soon as they open.

Beef Kabobs at Zam Zam

Don’t think of bringing a date here – the atmosphere is non-existent. Instead, call ahead an order (don’t forget the naan!), pick it up, and open a few IPAs at home. Treasure Tip: Bring cash and they won’t charge sales tax. Midtown Lunch has the full rundown. 

Chicken Biryani from Zam Zam

Zam Zam
11028 Washington Blvd, Culver City
310-841-2504

INK.SACK

The Jose Andrés (aka the Spanish Godfather) serrano, chorizo, lomo, manchego

When tatted Top Chef Michael Voltaggio opened his hip sandwich shop ink.sack in Aug. 2011, the food blogosphere couldn’t contain their excitement. The byzantine process of getting approved by city health inspectors delayed the opening of his fine dining restaurant Ink., so Voltaggio threw the doors open to his casual sandwich first.

Spicy Tuna (spicy tuna miso-cured albacore, sriracha, mayo)

With GQ’s Alan Richman naming Ink the #1 best new restaurant in America, there’s no better time to check out Ink Sack if you haven’t already, or go show it some more love if you’ve been neglected it for other buzzworthy restaurants. Venture to Melrose on a beautiful day and fill your sack with a couple sandwiches, a soda, and a Gooey Mocha Hazelnut cookie.

Maple-pepper turkey melt, camembert, mostarda, arugula

ink.sack 
Open Tuesday-Sunday 11am-8pm
8360 Melrose Avenue #107
Los Angeles, California 90069

SHOW AT BARRE, VT

Show at Barre is the ace up my sleeve when I need a fool-proof, magical LA night on the town. Cabaret, cocktails, dinner, beautiful people singing and dancing… all the good things in life are yours for the taking inside the Vermont in Los Feliz.

You’ve seen me rave about their cabaret shows based on films by the Coen Bros and John Hughes. Now, you can see their most crowd-pleasing and exhilarating show yet! For the Record: Baz Luhrmann features 27 songs from Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet, Strictly Ballroom, and Moulin Rouge performed in a 360-degree theater by a rotating cast of talented Broadway and Off-Broadway beauties. Weekly performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 9 pm, and Wednesday and Sunday at 8 pm. Tickets are $35 and may be purchased online.

Show at Barre
1714 N. Vermont Ave.
Los Feliz

Lucent Dossier Experience dance rehearsal at warehouse

This article originally appeared on LAist

Last time we checked in with the “unique, elaborate, and electric” Lucent Dossier Experience (LDE), we eagerly wondered where they’d show up next. Theatergoers craving more than the usual song and dance are in luck. The 20+ person avant-garde circus is bringing their magic back to the Palace Theatre Friday and Saturday night.

Dance rehearsal

Costume Closet

The inspiration for the brand new show, When Lucent Found Herakut, is courtesy of Artistic Director Dream Rockwell’s trip to Costa Rica, but just a few minutes with the company, and you get the impression that they find inspiration everywhere and in everything. Their warehouse in Downtown L.A. looks like a playground, complete with a slide, but no one was playing during our recent visit. Everyone was working hard to get ready for this weekend’s shows.

Costume Closet

LDE members are never content just performing. While some performers are rehearsing their choreography, others are building sets, and the lead is busy sweeping the floor. Ask any performer what makes LDE so special, and they’ll tell you that it’s because everyone puts so much work and heart into each show.

Dance rehearsal

Dance rehearsal

In addition to a brand new set, costumes and music, Lucent Dossier is upping the madness factor by collaborating with internationally renowned German art duo Herakut. Show up early for pre-show activities, stay for the after-party and see Herakut’s paintings come to life in what looks like another sexy, creative and stimulating show.

Wig Mania

New Herakut-inspired costumes for the Palace Theater shows

When Lucent Found Herakut plays at the Palace Theater February 17 and 18. Tickets are available online.

Performers in Spiegelworld's "Absinthe" at Caesar's Palace

This article originally appeared on LAist

There are countless ways to enjoy Vegas. You can go to Sin City to escape — party hard for two days straight and get caught up in the intoxicating rush of the neon city. But after a few raging trips that test your youthful stamina, it comes time to try Vegas another way: an eclectic Vegas trip where you seek a series of fleeting moments and strive to be mindful of every unique experience.

Spiegelworld's "Absinthe" at Caesar's Palace

After you settle into your Strip-view hotel, open a few beers and savor them as you journey on foot to the Cosmopolitan hotel. Stop and appreciate the elegance of the Chandelier Bar in the Cosmo, but continue your journey to Vesper Bar by the Cosmo’s front desk. Peruse the impressive specialty cocktail menu, perhaps enjoy a Black Widow made with Fernet Branca, Deschutes black butte porter, and bourbon cream.

Your next quest is to scour the Cosmo for Secret Pizza. If you find the correct unmarked hallway, you’ll be rewarded with stellar pizza and red plastic cups of beer. Scarf down a couple slices of white pizza and finish your beer on the inexplicable log in the Cosmo lobby.

Now you’re ready for some burlesque, comedy and world-class acrobats. Spiegelworld’s “Absinthe” at Caesar’s Palace is exactly what your night requires. The beautiful women are talented, the comedy is two notches above what you’d expect in a circus tent and the awe-inspiring acrobatics will remind you that if you treat your body right, it can do anything. And if you have a thing for grandma’s motorboating and kissing young “drunk sluts,” the audience participation portion won’t disappoint. Absinthe is currently the must-see show in Vegas.

Border Grill

In case you sobered up in the alien world of Absinthe, get a taste of home at the Border Grill in the Mandalay Bay. Start at the bar where you’ll be greeted with $5 margaritas and the familiar chips and salsa of home. Be sure to save room for chocolate mousse — four types of milk blend to form a cold, creamy, mouse bursting with chunks of chocolate. Pair it with the delicious cincuenta y dos cocktail, made with horchata and orange & cafe liqueurs.

Plantains at Border Grill

Fed and fuzzy? Good. Now it’s time to call up the Spearmint Rhino and get a free limo and free cover for your group. Regardless of your views on strip clubs, a “proper” Vegas adventure requires at least a quick visit. Topless-only Spearmint Rhino keeps it clean and classy, a great stop for first-timers.

The Cupcakery

Assuming you were smart and paced yourself on night one, why not treat yourself to cupcakes for breakfast? The Cupcakery is worth a visit just to see how out of place the innocent sweetness and cheery employees are compared to the rest of Vegas.

Bun Bo Hue at Bosa 1

Continue your journey off-Strip to Bosa 1 in Chinatown for a dirt-cheap Vietnamese feast. Before you even have a chance to sit down, the waiter will inform you that they do not serve pho. That’s okay, the real reason you’re here is a bowl of bun bo hue, generously filled with pigs blood and blood jelly. Add in stellar nuong cuon spring rolls, a shrimp combo, and a glass of homemade hot soy milk, and you’ll be eating like a king for a pittance.

nuong cuon spring rolls at Bosa 1

Before the night’s festivities begin, consider spending a couple hours at your hotel’s spa. Day passes run around $25 and your body will thank you after a long soak and some time in the steam room. Use the time to reflect on the previous night’s fun, maybe have a friend help fill in a few blanks and think about what you want out of your remaining visit. Lose yourself in the zen before the storm.

Blue Man Group

Let the Blue Man Group jolt your final night into high gear. If the closest thing you’ve come to seeing the Blue Man Group is when Tobias attempted to join in Arrested Development, you owe it to yourself to see why the show has continued to delight audiences since 1987.

Signature Meatloaf at Simon

Unless you gambled all of your money away, now’s the time to treat yourself to one more great meal and hit the clubs. If money is tight, try checking if Travelzoo is offering any entertainment deals. One recent deal offered a 4-course dinner at Simon, a drink, and a VIP pass to the four Palms Clubs for only $50. I was able to leisurely enjoy Simon’s signature meatloaf, mac and cheese and the famous junk food platter, and skip the lines at Rain, Moon, and the Playboy Lounge. The only thing you’ll have to worry about is at what point do you need to step in and tell your friend that the lovely lady he’s talking to is a prostitute?

Calamari at Simon

It’s easy to try to ignore the seedier aspects of Vegas — quickly bypass the men asking if you want titties in your face before you can even get your morning coffee. Or you can try to appreciate the hustle. Interact with the city’s unique personalities. Wonder how jolly Tony ended up on that corner, spending all day and night trying to interest passers-by into going to Treasures strip club. Talk to people. Always try to stay mindful as the sun goes down. Let yourself go as the night drifts.

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT: JENNY & JOHNNY

When I think of the LA indie rock scene these days, I immediately think of bands such as Silversun Pickups, Edward Sharpe, Local Natives, and No Age. Before Silverlake and Echo Park was pumping out great music, only one band came to mind when I thought of the genre: Rilo Kiley. Rilo Kiley was “so LA.” Formed by childhood actors Jenny Lewis (Troop Beverly Hills along with dozens of film and TV credits), and Blake Sennett (Boy Meets World & Salute Your Shorts), Rilo Kiley released four full-lengths that range from solid to outstanding.

Rilo Kiley – Portion for Foxes

The final Rilo Kiley album was in 2007′s Under the Blacklight. Frontwoman Jenny Lewis released the solo album Rabbit Fur Coat backed by the Watson Twins in 2006, and another solo album in 2008 (Acid Tongue). Since Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes introduced Jenny Lewis to Scottish-American songwriter Johnathan Rice, the two have been romantically and professional inseparable. Johnathan played on Rabbit Fur Coat, co-produced Acid Tongue, contributed to Elvis Costello’s Momofuku along with Jenny Lewis, and has played at every one of Jenny Lewis’s solo shows.

Jenny Lewis – Acid Tongue

Considering how close they became both privately and professionally, it was almost inevitable that the two would form their own band. After recording demos with Rilo Kiley’s Pierre De Reeder, the two road-tripped to Omaha, Nebraska to record their I’m Having Fun Now with the brilliant Mike Mogis of Bright Eyes. The two played most of the instruments themselves, with the occasional assist by Rilo Kiley drummer Jason Boesel. The result is a joyous pop record perfect for an LA summer. I admit that I was a little disappointed after the first couple of listens last year, but this summer it has really grown on me and it’s a beautiful driving record.

Jenny and Johnny – Scissor Runner

Jenny and Johnny – Big Wave

Next week we will see what other former Rilo Kiley members are up to.

Monday Aug. 22

Frank Fairfield at the Redwood Bar & Grill

Start your week with some folk revival. This 25 year old from California’s Central Valley has been playing his fiddle and banjo while opening for Fleet Foxes, and now is heading to the Redwood Bar & Grill to play some standards as well as some original tunes.

Frank Fairfield – I Wish I Was a Mole in the Ground

Free Shows

Every Monday in LA provides the opportunity to check out a great local and/or up-and-coming band for free. Today, you can see Stone Darling at The Satellite, Active Child at The Echo, The Ross Sea Party at The Silverlake Lounge, or Robert Francis at The Bootleg Theater.

Robert Francis – Mescaline

Tuesday Aug. 23

Troubadour Jazz Fest at The Troubadour

This is a lot of jazz for $10. Sarah Renick, Natasha F Agrama, Laura Mace, Rebecka Larsdotter, Patrice Quinn, Kamasi Washington, Ruslan Sirota, Ian Martin, and Tony Austi.

Chris Thile at Largo

Chris Thile? The name didn’t immediately ring a bell for me either. You might know Chris better from the acoustic trio Nickel Creek or the mandolin player for the Punch Brothers.

Chris Thile & Michael Daves- My Little GIrl in Tennessee

Wednesday  Aug. 24

Keegan DeWitt at Origami Vinyl

Singer-songwriter, film composer, and actor Keegan DeWitt will be performing at Origami Vinyl at 7 pm. If you can’t make this show, seem him Thursday at the Hotel Cafe.

Keegan DeWitt- Thunder Clatter

Obits at the Satellite

If you are still mourning the loss of Hot Snakes or Edsel, you’ll have the chance to ameliorate the pain for one night at the Satellite. Obits is composed of  guitarist Sohrab Habibion of Edsel and vocalist/guitarist Rick Froberg of Pitchfork, Drive Like Jehu, and Hot Snakes. These veterans are doing back-to-basics rock and supporting their recent release Moody, Standard, and Poor.

Obits- You Gotta Lose

Thursday  Aug. 25

Deadmau5 at Hollywood Palladium

Don’t miss the chance to see producer Joel Thomas Zimmerman don a mouse head at the Hollywood Palladium. Dancing shoes required. There will be an encore performance on Friday at the Palladium.

Deadmau5 – Professional Griefers

Friday  Aug. 26

Atmosphere at Greek Theatre

The  Minneapolis, Minnesota hip-hop duo is taking over the Greek.

Atmosphere – Yesterday

John Vanderslice  at the Echo

After five years with experimental pop band MK Ultra, singer-songwriter John Vanderslice  has been doing the solo thing since 2000.

John Vanderslice- Too Much Time

Saturday  Aug. 27

Jon Brion at the Largo 

Multi-instrumentalist Jon Brion is a staple at the Largo. If you haven’t seen him do his monthly show at the Largo yet, it’s a no-brainer.

Goo Goo Dolls & Michelle Branch at Greek Theatre

If you are feeling nostalgic this week, check out the Goo Goo Dolls & Michelle Branch play their hits at the Greek Theatre.  It’s my belief that the 1998 Goo Goo Dolls album Dizzy Up the Girl still holds up as a wonderful pop record.

Goo Goo Dolls- Name

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT: FOSTER THE PEOPLE

My summer would be incomplete if it wasn’t for newcomers Foster the People. While the music is meant to be listened to with the windows down and cruising on an empty road with the breeze blowing in your hair, I usually resort to listening to these 20-somethings when I’m crawling on the 10 East and dream of  going 15 mph. Each track on the 2011 debut album Torches is instantly catchy, without ever getting repetitive. I think they broke the code for what makes a brilliant indie pop song. If you’re a fan of MGMT, Passion Pit, Phoenix, Yeasayer, or last week’s featured band Grouplove, you need to give this local treasure a listen when the sun is shining and you want to turn a timid smile into a big fucking grin. 

Monday 8/8

Active Child @ The Echo (FREE)
Miss Active Child last Monday at the Echo? Well, now you have another chance. Opening acts include Therapies Son, Letting Up Despite Great Faults, and Cassettes Won’t Listen 

Active Child – Wilderness

Tuesday 8/9

Deerhunter at Wiltern

I highly suggest checking out this 4-piece from Alanta. Georgia. You may be familiar with lead singer Bradford Cox’s solo project, Atlas Sound. They draw upon a diverse set of influences, and consistently put out solid albums.

Deerhunter – Helicopter

Wednesday 8/10

Vetiver at The Troubadour

Indie folk at my favorite LA venue. Waters & CB Brand are the slated openers.

Vetiver- Wonder Why

Thursday 8/11

Local up-and-comers LA Font are headlining The Echo with The Dead Ships (Echo Park)  and Terraplane Sun (Venice, CA) in tow. Support local acts for only $5.

LA Font – Fine Lines

Friday 8/12

LA Font at Casey’s Downtown (FREE)

Busy Thursday night? Short on cash? Feat not, you can catch locals LA font Friday as well at Casey’s downtown.

The Decemberists at Greek Theatre

The Decemberists have recently found their way back into heavy rotation on my iPod. The open air Greek Theatre is the perfect place to listen to the beautiful arrangements, layered and highly-literate lyrics (I think it’s against the law to mention the Decemberists and Hold Steady and not use the word ‘literate’), and Colin’s unique voice. The addition of folk rock band Wye Oak will make this a very special show.

Decemberists – The Rake’s Song

Junip @ Bootleg Bar

This Swedish group features José González, a remarkable Angentinian guitarist whose solo work you should really check out. After a 5 year break, the band is back help you chill out after a long week.

Junip- Rope and Summit

Eels @ El Rey Theatre

This 90′s favorite from Los Feliz is still kickin’. They recently completed a concept album trilogy exploring “desire, loss, and redemption.”

Eels- Love of the Loveless

Saturday 8/13

Pacific Festival at Oak Ranch

THE place to be this weekend is the Pacific Festival in Orange County. Just look at this impressive line-up: Cut Copy, Snoop Dogg, Calvin Harris, Black Lips, !!!, Toro Y Moi, The Twelves, The Growlers, Jason Bentley, and 40+ other bands on four outdoor stages.

Nico Vega at Saint Rocke

If you are like me and prefer music in more intimate venues over big music festivals, jump on the 405 S and check out locals Nico Vega in Hermosa Beach. I just rediscovered their 2006 EP Chooseyourwordspoorly and have been spinning it regularly. Lead singer Aja Volkman can really belt it live and my fondest memory at the Hammer museum was seeing her get the crowd going.

Sunday 8/14

Roots Roadhouse II

Over a dozen bands will be celebrating roots music this Sunday at the Echo and Echoplex for Roots Roadhouse II. There will be beer, bingo, and BBQ in addition to a diverse line up of country, swing, rockabilly, singer-songwriter,  honky tonk, rock, alt-country, and more. $15-18, starts at 3 pm.

Tickets to Buy this Week:

Chromeo at the Wiltern for Nov. 17 goes on sale this Friday at 10 am

Welcome to Music Monday, a new TreasureLA feature highlighting upcoming local concerts and spotlighting great local bands.

Group Love – Don’t Say Oh Well

The first local band I’d like to feature is Grouplove. Their infectious debut EP has been dominating my car listening on these sunny California summer days. After meeting at an artists’ residency on the isle of Crete, they packed their bags for our fair city to record their debut. The self-titled EP came out last year and you can expect their full length debut Never Trust a Happy Song on Sept. 13.

Yesterday, they announced a full US headline tour with a 10/26 show at the El Rey. If you don’t want to wait that long, you can catch them at the Wiltern on 9/22 supporting the talented Irish indie rock group Two Door Cinema Club. If you want a sneak peek of next week’s featured band, download two free songs posted today:  Foster the People remixing Grouplove, and Grouplove returning the favor.

Group Love – Gold Coast

Every Monday in August: Active Child Residency @ Echo – Local Pick of the Week

Active Child – Hanging On

If you are like me and find Mondays pretty exhausting, I recommend chilling out tonight at the Echo with LA’s own Active Child. You can lose yourself in the hazier tracks, or get off your ass and dance when he transitions to the bangers. If you miss them tonight, you’ll have a few more chances to see them this month. It’s free, but you’ve got to be 21+.

Monday: Cary Brothers @ Bardot

Tonight’s musical guests at the weekly free concert “It’s A School Night!” at Bardot in Hollywood are Cary Brothers and Damnwells, plus DJ sets by Metronomy, Adrian Govind, and Chris Douridas of KCRW. Singer-songwriter Cary Brothers will be showcasing his simple, beautiful bedroom pop songs. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because it’s on your iTunes courtesy of the Garden State soundtrack.

Tuesday: Woods plus Fresh & Only’s at Echoplex

Fresh & Only’s – Waterfall

NY’s Woods & San Francisco’s Fresh & Only’s are swinging by the Echoplex to bring their unique and completely enjoyable take on folk-pop music.

Tuesday: Dntel @ Detroit Bar

If you are willing to drive down to Costa Mesa, you’ll be rewarded with a set by electronic artist Dntel. You may be more familiar with Dntel’s work as ½ of the Postea Service, but If you haven’t heard the excellent Enya Mixes he just released, do yourself a favor and download it for free now.

Thursday: RX Bandits @ Mayan Theater

I’m bummed to be writing this, but the RX Bandits are playing their last LA show this Thursday. This Orange County band formed in 1995 and can be credited with the honor of being the first band to get me out of my shell enough go nuts on the dance floor. Expect an awesome farewell show with lots of energy.

Saturday: Weezer @ Del Mar Racetrack

At this point, you should already have a strong opinion about Weezer either way. If you haven’t caught Rivers & co. live before, you can count on a polished, solid set of old favorites and hopefully not too many new songs. The show is free if you are attending the races, only $20 if you show up just for the concert.

Panel Discussion. Left to right: MC, Visual Effects Supervisor Harrison Ellenshaw, Visual Effects Supervisor Richard Taylor, Writer-Director Steven Lisberger, and VFX Computer Animator Bill Kroyer

Two things everyone in the world knows about Los Angeles is that it has wonderful weather and is the home of Hollywood. Whenever I walk around Hollywood and see the several hostels and hotels surrounding the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, I imagine bus loads  of young, disappointed tourists walking around asking each other: “Where are the movie stars?? Why is this place kind of dirty and depressing?”

While you may not bump into a lot of movie stars walking around Hollywood Boulevard,  you can see quite a few great films. My latest obsession is The American Cinematheque, a nonprofit organization that showcases new and classic films at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood and The Aero Theatre in Santa Monica.

On March 5, I had the great pleasure of watching a 70 mm print of the original 1982 film Tron at the Aero Theatre. Seeing the film on the big screen in the wonderful 1940 theatre was a true treasure in its own right. In addition to screening the film, there was a lengthy Q&A with writer-director Steven Lisberger, visual effects supervisors Richard Taylor and Harrison Ellenshaw, VFX computer animator Bill Kroyer and VFX crew member John Scheele.

Rare screenings with special appearances are not uncommon at the Egyptian and Aero Theatres. Just this month, the Egyptian is doing a series of double-features of the first Star Trek films  and  some classic James Bond flicks. I’m especially excited for the March 31 screening of 2001: A Space Odyssey, a film that demands to be seen in theaters in 70 mm.

Since I plan to be at most of the following screenings, I should probably pull the trigger and become an American Cinematheque member & pay only $7 for tickets instead of the still-reasonable $11 (or $9 for students and seniors).

Calendar and Ticket Info

THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN / OCTOPUSSY

Thu, March 17 – 7:30pm, Egyptian Theatre

CASINO

Fri, March 18 – 7:30pm, Aero Theatre

Discussion with Sharon Stone

FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE / DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER

Fri, March 18 – 7:30pm, Egyptian Theatre

GOLDFINGER / YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE

Sun, March 20 – 7:30pm, Egyptian Theatre

STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE

Thu, March 24 – 7:30pm, Egyptian Theatre

Discussion with cast and crew

MIDNIGHT COWBOY / THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS

Fri, March 25 – 7:30pm, Aero Theatre

STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN / STAR TREK III: THE SEARCH FOR SPOCK

Fri, March 25 – 7:30pm, Egyptian Theatre

STAR TREK IV: THE VOYAGE HOME / STAR TREK V: THE FINAL FRONTIER

Sat, March 26 – 7:30pm, Egyptian Theatre

Discussion with cast and crew

DANCES WITH WOLVES

Sat, March 26 – 7:30pm, Aero Theatre

STAR TREK VI: THE UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY

Sun, March 27 – 7:30pm, Egyptian Theatre

Discussion with cast and crew

2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY

Thurs, March 31 – 7:30pm, Aero Theatre

If you are interested in watching the Q&A from the Tron event,  someone in the audience filmed it & uploaded it on Youtube.