I can’t help but adore our precious cover photo, “He Bent It Like Beckham”, from LA Life Photographer, Lorraine Devon Wilke. Our new Theatre Maven Laura Foti Cohen is chiming in with LA Life Theatre Buzz as is LA Life Fashion Stylist, Felicia Arlin and LA Life Poetess Penny Peyser (aka Lady Penelope).  There’s a super cool car show for you and the dads in your life celebrating Father’s Day. And more wonderful upcoming things to see and do. I’ll be back from my summer break on July 14. Enjoy your LA life till then, Tomatoes.

“He Bent It Like Beckham” The Story Behind the Cover Photo

Love LA Life Photographer, Lorraine Devon Wilke’s  cover photo this week? It captures a special candid moment that reflects scenes all across Los Angeles.  LA is a dog city after all. There is so much to love about this photo, but you will adore it even more when you read the story behind our cover photo this week. And be sure to check out Lorraine Devon Wilke’s marvelous photos on her webpage, Gals.

Los Angeles is a dog city. You can’t walk, drive, bike, mosey, or meander down any street, in any park; any beach or backyard and not see dogs everywhere. Dogs of every type, age, style, and breed seem to accompany Los Angelenos of every type, age, style and, well, personality, and it usually proves true that the act of walking a dog is the surest way to meet your neighbors, make new friends, or simply charm giggling children or ambling seniors. And if you really want to ratchet up the engagement factor, get a Golden puppy. This darling boy named Bowie surreptitiously (since dogs are, sadly, not allowed on most LA beaches) found his way to a beach and a ball, and exhausted himself playing soccer with his teenaged human. Finally taking a break, his very puppy-like pose elicited plenty of, “omigod, how cute!!” commentary from passersby. We call this photo, “He Bent It Like Beckham.”    

Sonnets from Suburbia

Lady Penelope’s Sizzle Reel is a wonderful surprise for all who view it.  Please do.  It will give you a broad taste of the hilarity, wit and charm that is the in dominatable Lady Penelope.   And you can catch Penny Peyer’s final performance as Lady Penelope in “Sonnets from Suburbia” at the esteemed Hollywood Fringe Festival on June 23. WATCH NOW.

LA Theatre Buzz: Hollywood Fringe Festival

Our new LA Theater Maven, Laura Foti Cohen, has the skinny on all the fab women telling their tales in “Women Tell Their Tales at The Hollywood Fringe Festival”. Of the 130 solo shows 63% are by women. Yay! As Laura says, “That’s a lot of women getting their truth out there… bask in the female empowerment”. Check out Laura’s perfect guide to the shows from women you should see at The Hollywood Fringe Festival. GET THE DETAILS.

LA Style Stories

In Felicia Arlin’s Style Story, “Black Magic”, wearing all black is magical and flattering. And for the summer months, it can also be light and easy.  Have you ever thought of combining navy and black into your look. Hmmm… I haven’t… but after reading LA Style Story, “Navy and Black Chic”, I’m convinced I should give it a go. Remember, Tomatoes, I only highlight a snippet of Felicia’s amazing cur8edme posts so be sure to follow her on Instagram. GET THE DETAILS.

June 17 & 18. California Watermelon Fest

Watermelon will certainly get you in the mood for summer and you can gorge on watermelon till the cows come home at “The California Watermelon Fest” at Hansen Dam. 50,000 pounds of watermelon awaits you! Any way you slice it gals, there is nothing better than juicy ice-cold watermelon on a hot summer day so pucker up Tomatoes!

Tomatoes and their family and/or friends can experience two days filled with non-stop excitement and joy. Indulge in endless watermelon feasts, savor mouthwatering watermelon-themed delicacies, enjoy thrilling rides, play exciting games, dance to live music, and discover a whole lot more. The California Watermelon Festival is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping fund local after school programs and charities. Filling your mouth with watermelon and your heart with joy all while doing good is the best!

Through August 14. All Consuming: Art and Essence of Food

“All Consuming: Art and the Essence of Food” explores how artists responded to and shaped food cultures in Europe from 1500 to 1900, as shown in a group of 60 paintings, prints, photographs and sculptures at the Norton Simon Museum. Food and drink appeared nearly everywhere in European art back in the day and those images not only offer aesthetic appeal but also reveal actions and dynamics that give food profound social meaning. Who knew?! This exhibit is a winning combo for food and art lovers.

Three distinct themes, “Hunger,” “Excess” and “Sustenance”, are represented and that examine a range of relationships with eating and drinking, both positive and negative, displayed across two galleries of art. The third and final gallery brings the exhibition’s broader themes closer to home through Edward Weston’s and Manuel Alvarez Bravo’s photographs of California and Mexico in the 1930s. So fascinating and definitely worth a visit, Tomatoes!

June 17. Juneteenth Celebration

The first Juneteenth in Santa Monica was held in 1992 as a small observance and the event has grown, many times over, into an important annual tribute. The “31^st Annual Juneteenth Celebration/ Coming Together in Appreciation, Reconciliation and Commemoration”, in Santa Monica, will be jam packed with music, unique food and craft vendors and local resources, Gals.

In March 2022, Santa Monica City Council designated Juneteenth as an official City holiday, one year after President Biden acknowledged Juneteenth nationally. Funding for the event comes from the City of Santa Monica and the generous support of Activision/Blizzard, LA County Department of Mental Health, Snap Inc., and Broad Stage along with contributions from Juneteenth Celebration Committee, Inc., Santa Monica Cultural Affairs Division, and Virginia Avenue Park.

June 18. Rodeo Drive Car Show

The “Rodeo Drive Concour d’Elegance” is, indeed, elegant. A perfect opportunity for car lovin’ Tomatoes, fathers, and families to enjoy an up-close look at some of the world’s most amazing vehicles against the backdrop of the famed Rodeo Drive. And it’s FREE! Yep! That’s how Beverly rolls!

“The Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance” is a spectacular, world-class event that brings together luxury, fashion and a car culture that is unique to Rodeo Drive,” said Rodeo Drive Committee President Kathy Gohari. “We are delighted to welcome car lovers back to the street to enjoy a celebration of the finest automobiles ever made.” Take advantage of it while you are in Beverly Hills to enjoy all the restaurants and shops within walking distance. Very Cool!

June 24 & 25. MAPPING Performance

Metro Art at the historic Los Angeles Union Station will present “MAPPING Performance: 10 Years of Metro Art Presents” to commemorate 10 years of arts and cultural programming inspired by the Los Angeles area and the people it serves each day. Celebrate this milestone, Tomatoes, with music and dance bringing the community together in the heart of Los Angeles at the center of the LA Metro transit system.

From dancers to DJs to rock bands, Metro Art Presents invites the community to witness how Angelenos draw from their varied cultural backgrounds and traditions to create contemporary performing arts.

June 23-August 18. Dance DTLA

It’s always good to shake your booty gals and the Music Center makes it possible to dance on Friday nights under the stars all summer long with “Dance DTLA”. Just start jiggling to the music and trip the light fantastic with variety of dance styles at this free dance party for all Angeleno’s. Tomatoes, remember…women over 40 rock…literally. So, join the fun!

Each Friday night features a different dance genre and beginner dance lessons led by top L.A. dance instructors alongside a live band or DJ. And all ages welcome and no experience necessary. It all starts tonight June 23^rd with Hip-Hop.  Learn easy-to-follow steps and then hit the dance floor to practice some new moves.  Remember, no dance experience necessary!

Through August 26. Off the 405

“Off the 405” is the Getty Center’s annual outdoor free summer concert series. The Getty Museum Courtyard is such an exceptional place to enjoy a live summer evening concert with its breathtaking architecture, gorgeous gardens and incredible sunset views. What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday night, Tomatoes.

The concert series brings the best up and coming, exciting and diverse DJ’s and Live Bands to the Getty’s outdoor stage. Remember it is FREE Tomatoes? All you pay for is the parking. There’s special pop-up snack bars, food and drink at the museum’s outlet or bring a picnic. Awesome!

June 25. The Business of Empowering Women

Presented by Sundays with The Braid “The Business of Empowering Women” will be live on Zoom with Beth Kaplan, Business Executive behind global brands such as: GNC, Rent The Runway, Crocs, Brilliant Earth and Cover Girl. Just wow! Reserve your place, ASAP, Ladies!

You don’t want to miss this in-depth conversation exploring how Beth Kaplan came to be part of the FIRST ALL FEMALE IPO, and how she kept her reputation intact during a very difficult situation. Beth Kaplan’s family history is the story of Jewish America. Learn about the influences that inspired her.

Garden Events

Get out and about in the beauty of two inspiring gardens, Tomatoes.  Every weekend from June 16 to August 27, meander through the inspiring Japanese Garden at Descanso Gardens with lovely music during the “Camilla Lounge” events. Also, at Descanso is “Tonalism” a late night ambient music happening on July 1st and 2nd.  And on June 24^th explore a living museum through a docent guided tour at the UCLA Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden. What could be lovelier, Tomatoes.