LA LIFE: Art, Tastes, Sonnets, Tours, Fests & More
Welcome to March and Women’s History Month, Tomatoes! “The Art of Watts Tower”, this week’s cover photo and story, from our LA Life Photographer Lorraine Devon Wilke is simply breathtaking. Lorraine beautifully portrays the magnificence of these towering metal sculptures. In Tastes of LA, the esteemed Molly Cheek, our LA Life Tasting Tomato, reminds us not to forget restaurant gems that might reside right around the corner from our homes. LA Life Poetess, our beloved Lady Penelope, warms our hearts with a sweet sonnet in Sonnets from Suburbia. And it’s a banner two weeks of super cool events.
The Art of Watts Towers: Cover Photo and Story
The Watts Towers are truly an iconic image of Los Angeles and our LA Life Photographer Lorraine Devon Wilke’s striking and unique photo reflects their full magnitude with exquisite artistry. They are an unfathomable feat as our LA Life Photographer Lorraine Devon Wilke explains in the story behind the photo, “The Art of Watts Towers”. Be sure to check out Lorraine Devon Wilke’s marvelous photos on her webpage and browse her entire website as it reveals the vast tapestry of Lorraine’s amazing talents.
A city as diverse and eclectic as Los Angeles has no shortage of iconic sites, and one that stands out—or up, as it were—is the amazing, inimitable collection of swirling, surreal metal sculptures called Watts Towers. Located in Simon Rodia Historic State Park in the Watts neighborhood of southern LA, there are seventeen structures in all, of varying sizes, each designed with whimsical mosaics of tiles, stones, shells, and other eye-catching bits and pieces covering everything from gates to spires. Perhaps the most interesting fact of the Towers is their creator: Simon Rodia, a 4’11” Italian immigrant who wanted to create something “big” as a monument to his artistic vision. Alone, and by hand, he built the entire structure over a period of thirty-three years (from 1921-1954), with the tallest tower being ninety-nine and a half feet tall, a remarkable and almost unfathomable feat for one small man. The symbolism of his achievement is described well by the California State Parks: “Since coming to the world’s attention in 1959, the site has become the focus of cultural and aesthetic movements addressing issues of social and economic justice. To this day, the Watts Towers serve as a symbol of freedom, creativity, and initiative for the local African-American and Latino community and beyond.” I urge you to visit their official site, and, when you can, the campus itself. I promise, you will be amazed by “The Art of Watts Towers.”
Tastes of LA: Petit Trois and Mistral
Our LA Life Tasting Tomato, Molly Cheek, finds comfort and masterful meals in the convenience of dining close to home. I, too, find my familiar neighborhood restaurants provide delish relaxation. However, I gather, from Molly’s praises, that Petit Trois and Mistral are definitely worth a drive if they are not in your neighborhood. GET THE DETAILS.
Sonnets from Suburbia
LA Life Poetess, Lady Penelope, recalls a priceless moment between her and her Dad. And guess who has a brand spanking new book out? Penny Peyser (Lady Penelope) and she has outdone herself with “Sonnets from Suburbia: Romance Dance”. It’s masterful, brilliant and an easy and deliciously entertaining ride that you will adore, Tomatoes. Remember if you haven’t already, don’t forget to order a copy of Penny Peyser’s first brilliant book, “Sonnets from Suburbia: More Candles Than Cake” to add to your collection. And you can always find out more about Lady Penelope on her website Tomatoes. GET THE DETAILS.
March 2, March 9, March 17. Two LA Conservancy Tours
We’ve got not one but two cool LA Conservancy Tours coming up this month, Tomatoes. Yay! Firstly, The Lawrence Halprin: Reconnecting the Heart of Los Angeles Walking Tour, March 2nd and March 9th, explores how the famed architect and his iconic designs transform DTLA. And you can geek out at the magical Meet Us at The Greek Tour . These tours sell out fast, Ladies.
As always both tours are led by LA Conservancy Docents. The Lawrence Halprin: Reconnecting the Heart of Los Angeles Tour focuses on the four Halprin designs that make up the Los Angeles Open Space Network. The Network was an ambitious plan to connect downtown Los Angeles through the use of open landscapes, and is made up of Wells Fargo Center, Bunker Hill Steps, Maguire Gardens, and Grand Hope Park. These open urban spaces foster art, community, and a connection with nature.
The Meet Us at The Greek Tour is a behind the scenes tour of the iconic Greek theatre that sounds absolutely fabulous! The Greek has been home to the most amazing concerts and events for over 90 years. The magic doesn’t just happen on the mainstage but the backstage as well. Tomatoes should register now for the one day only event tour. What a history The Greek has!
March 3. Stay at Home and Read Book Ball
Mark your calendars, Tomatoes, for the 36th Stay at Home and Read a Book Ball presented by the LA Library Foundation to help fund programs at the LA Public Library that enrich the lives of every Angeleno. Time to find a book you’ve been longing to read or finish and park yourself on a bench, a cozy couch, or just stay in bed and have a ball reading, Tomatoes!
The “Stay at Home and Read a Book Ball” event is the Library Foundation’s longest-running and most-beloved “non-event.” What a relief to not have to get dressed up and drive across town to attend a fancy gala. Grab a glass of champagne or some chocolate while you are at it and pick one or several good books to read. Join thousands of readers across Los Angeles in reading for a great cause. How luverly, Tomatoes.
March 8. ArtNight Pasadena
ArtNight Pasadena Spring 2024 is a big…WOW! Why? It’s a FREE, city-wide event evening of music, dance, visual art, theater, artmaking, storytelling and food trucks as a plethora (I mean a ton) of Pasadena’s most prominent and popular arts and cultural institutions swing open their doors for fun and amazing cultural experiences. Now you gotta admit Tomatoes…that is impressive!
ArtNight offers an amazing journey through Pasadena’s signature celebratory art and cultural event. ArtNight is an ongoing partnership among many cultural institutions and the Cultural Affairs Division of the City of Pasadena. The event is sponsored by the Pasadena Arts & Culture Commission with support from the following: Pasadena Department of Transportation Transit Division; Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority; and Pasadena Center Operating Company.
Feb 29 to March 3. Frieze Art Fair
On the other side of town at the Santa Monica Airport you might want to catch the Frieze Art Fair , a leading international art fair, celebrating contemporary art, the incredible and diverse culture of LA and our city’s world-wide contributions to visual arts. It is quite the art fair, Tomatoes!
Frieze Art Fair LA features 95 of today’s most exciting galleries from across the globe, an expansive program of ambitious installations, collaborations with nonprofit organizations, plus unique activations and social initiatives and pop-ups from some of Los Angeles’ most beloved restaurants with many local female chefs representing Regarding HER. Frieze was launched in 2019 by Christine Messineo, the Director of Frieze Los Angeles and Frieze New York.
March 1-3. LA Food & Wine Fest/ Regarding Her
The inaugural Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival in Santa Monica this weekend will be a fully immersive celebration of our cherished city. 90 + participation Chefs will each be contributing unique dishes to the LAWFF Festival! Wow! With a special focus on showcasing the talents of female owned restaurants in LA and a thank you to LAWFF’s non-profit partner, Regarding HER. LAWFF is also a tasty way to celebrate Women’s History Month. And the foodie experiences won’t end there, Tomatoes.
You can experience women-owned and food and beverage businesses all through March 31st during the 4th annual Regarding HER Women’s History Month Festival/LA. , Regarding HER. is a national non-profit on a mission to advance women-identifying and nonbinary food and beverage entrepreneurs and leaders by way of innovative platforms. Regarding HER aims to use their groundswell movement to advance women and non-binary people, the hospitality industry, and society at large. They work to facilitate more equity, inclusion, well-being, and resource accessibility by leveraging our common need for food, connection, and uplifting experiences.
The inaugural Los Angeles Wine & Food Festival, in conjunction with Frieze Week Los Angeles, also boasts 17 headliners and in true LA fashion there will be a different headlining DJ on each day, live art installations, unlimited food & drink, and themed rooms inspired by LA neighborhoods.
March 7, April 11, May 9. GLAZA Sustainable Wine + Dinner Series
Incredible wines from various wineries, (Peake Ranch Winery March 7, Caella Wines April 11, and Ramona Ranch Winery May 9), will be the inspiration for The GLAZA Sustainable Wine + Dinner Series. A custom four-course menu created by GLAZA’s own executive chef Adam Young is included in these exclusive evenings with spectacular views of the LA Zoo, Tomatoes.
Guests will be able to see sustainability from different angles—from agriculture to food and wine production to wildlife conservation. The evening will feature a conversation with a curator or keeper and wine introductions from winery representatives. Remember, seating is limited. The proceeds will go to GLAZA, the Zoo’s nonprofit advocate and partner, committed to providing financial and mission support to the Zoo and its programs; raising public awareness about the Zoo; enhancing the visitor experience; and stewarding the investments of visitors, members, and donors.
Starting March 8- May. Wildflower Hotline
As we say goodbye to February (hard to believe, right?) and say “Hello” to the first day of March (even harder to believe), I’m reminded that spring will soon be sprung upon us. You know what that means. The wildflowers will start to peek through with their pretty blooms and blossom. And the Wildflower Hotline will be back in business to guide your wildflower viewing around SoCal for the 2024 season Tomatoes.
March 2. UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden Tour
It’s the first of the month, Tomatoes, and time to explore the UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden featuring collections of plants from around the globe with the UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden Tour led by a Garden Educator. What a marvelous opportunity to tour one of the most important botanical collections in the US.
You’ll hear the stories of a selection of plants in the garden, and their relevance to human society. All ages are welcome. Remember the tours take place the first of every month. It will not only be beautiful but highly educational and inspiring. The UCLA Mildred Mathias Botanical Garden is literally a “living museum” and a 7-acre public garden with approximately 5000 species in 225 families, including many tropical and subtropical plants. It’s simple awesome and an incredible place to hang out.
The Three Tomatoes LA Life editor, Debbie Zipp is your friendly guide to the best of everything in LA with a tomato style perspective. Debbie is an actor, producer, and writer. She is best known for her recurring role as Donna on the CBS series "Murder She Wrote" starring Angela Lansbury. She has had many other TV and stage roles and has starred in over 300 national TV commercials. As head of In The Trenches Productions, Debbie produced, directed, acted in many short films for her company. Her book, The Aspiring Actor's Handbook: What Seasoned Actors Wish They Had Known was recently published.
Buy her book: The Aspiring Actor's Handbook: What Seasoned Actors Wish They Had Known
