Our whimsical cover photo, “Birds and Beads” by Lorraine Devon Wilke, is soooooo LA and that tickles me pink. It wouldn’t be the 3T LA Life Newsletter without “LA Style Stories” from Felicia Arlin and “Sonnets from Suburbia” by Penny Peyser. There are great theatre choices starring women. Celebrate Tree People with a concert and prepare yourself for “Odd Nights.” “Blacklist” is a new exhibit at the Skirball. “Dine LA” is back and so is the new season of Mount Wilson’s “Concerts in the Dome.” Hope May puts a spring in your step, Tomatoes.

“Birds and Beads” The Story Behind the Cover Photo

Every city has iconic items and images that bring their location to mind, but Miami and New Orleans ain’t got nothin’ on Los Angeles when it comes to birds and beads! The City of Angels is a place where whimsy and imagination are given full sway as a matter of course, in any arena, any quarters; any circumstances, whether our street art, the design of our most revered concert hall, or how we bedazzle what’s right in front of us. In this case, local beach dwellers got busy with pink flamingos and a hefty dose of Mardi Gras beads to make a splash on their little piece of “beach lawn,” a decorative statement that never fails to delight passersby. Of course, this photo is titled, The Birds & Beads.” Flamingos always making us think of Miami Vice, it is so Los Angeles, I think!

I adore Lorraine’s quintessential LA perspective in this photo and story.  Really. I mean, where else would you find a beach garden bedazzled with Flamingos and colorful beads but our fabulous Los Angeles. Be sure to check out Lorraine Devon Wilke’s marvelous photos on her webpage, Gals.

LA Style Stories

Well, I just have to say that when I first laid eyes on Felicia Arlin’s two ensembles it stopped me in my tracks …in a wonderful way.  Just stunning! In her LA Story “Cabana Club”, there’s nothing like a great cabana stripe to sweep you off your feet carrying you to another era. Felicia also says that Kaftans are a game changer in “Early Evening Cocktails”.  Remember, I only highlight a snippet of Felicia’s amazing cur8edme posts so be sure to follow her on Instagram. GET THE DETAILS. 

Sonnets from Suburbia

Lady Penelope laments an acquaintance’s sugar addiction but banning sugar entirely does not suit. The answer is in her latest sonnet… “Sugar”.  And don’t forget to order a copy of Penny Peyser’s (Lady Penelope) brilliant newly released book, “Sonnets from Suburbia: More Candles Than Cake”.  GET THE DETAILS.

Through May 12. Dine LA Restaurant Weeks

It’s time to loosen your belts to get your fill of LA’s best food with “Dine LA Restaurant Week.”  370 + restaurants, yep, I said 370, participating across 66 neighborhoods, representing 30 global cuisines, and including 39 Michelin recognized establishments. There will be 61% outdoor dining spaces and more than half of the participants are pet-friendly. Dine away and Dine LA, Tomatoes.

It’s a wildly fabulous array of delish food menus from a seemingly endless list of very fine eateries. Our LA restaurants have been on a roller coaster ride through very tough times the last few years, and they have done their best to remain strong and find ways to continue to serve great food.  Let’s help to keep them recovering and thriving by using our local restaurants to thrill and delight our tastebuds.

May 21. Concert for the Trees 

“Concert for the Trees/Concert for the People” is a one-night-only concert celebrating 50 years of Tree People’s work to unite communities and grow a greener California. Tree People’s mission is awe-inspiring and, oh so vital to our beautiful city. The Concert will be a truly magical evening in the hills above Los Angeles so get your tickets ASAP, Tomatoes.

The evening opens with sunset specialty cocktails for guests and a live harp performance in the outdoor comfy pop-up lounges among the trees. The event will move to the S. Mark Taper Foundation Amphitheatre for a concert inspired by the Laurel Canyon neighborhood’s storied musical history. The funds raised from this event will help support Tree People’s work including bringing trees to communities across Southern California from Watts to Riverside, restoring habitat and fire-scarred landscapes in the Santa Monica mountains and Angeles National Forest, as well as providing hands-on environmental education to tens of thousands of students each year.

May 19. Odd Nights at the Autry

“Odd Nights,” the 3rd Friday of the month through Sept 15, is returning to the Autry Museum and it is not odd at all. Just a night market unique in its focus on local and sustainable products with a plethora of vendors carefully curated to offer a diverse selection of high-quality and eco-friendly products and, of course…oddities. Time to get your shopping shoes on and your pocketbooks ready, Ladies!

And let’s not forget the food trucks, many of which feature locally sourced ingredients. Visitors can explore the museum’s galleries, gardens, and other exhibits while enjoying the festive atmosphere of the night market. “Odd Nights at The Autry” is a great way to support local businesses and artists, while also experiencing the vibrant culture of Los Angeles. Whether you’re looking for a unique gift, a delicious meal, or just a fun night out with friends and family, you’re sure to find something to love at this exciting event. Gotta love that admission is only $5 and parking is free!

May 14-Oct. 8. Concerts in the Dome

When we think of observatories in Los Angeles Griffith Park Observatory first comes to mind. However, we must never forget the magnificence and significance of the Mount Wilson Observatory as a scientific marvel. Angeleno’s are so lucky that they present concerts in their breathtaking dome. So, Ladies, you might want to catch a concert during Mount Wilson Observatory’s 2023 season of “Afternoon Concerts in the Dome.”

On May 14th Mount Wilson Observatory, the modern-day temple to science in the mountains above Pasadena, presents the first of six Sunday “Afternoon Concerts in the Dome” under the breathtaking vaulted dome of the historic 100-inch telescope. Each concert is still curated by Artistic Director Cécilia Tsan, herself an award-winning cellist. Tickets are available for purchase  in advance (highly recommended) or at the door, given availability. Such a darn cool event!

May 4 – Sept 3. The Blacklist Exhibition and Film Series

Opening May 4. “The Blacklist: The Hollywood Red Scare” Exhibition at the Skirball Museum explores the history and impact of the Hollywood Red Scare while the film series “Behind the Blacklist,” kicking off May 7 and inspired by the exhibition, takes a closer look at this period in American History through film and conversations. Both are emotionally complex and compelling.  A must see!

“The Blacklist: The Hollywood Red Scare” Exhibition features more than 100 artifacts, including letters, telegrams, historical press coverage, court documents, film costumes, movie posters, artwork, and Oscar statuettes. It examines the devastating impact of the people caught in the crosshairs, and demonstrates how the politics of Hollywood can also shape the entire country. “Behind the Blacklist” Film Series is a monthly double feature series programmed in collaboration with noted film historian, author, and cinema host Alan K. Rode. These programs feature conversations with film historians, filmmakers, and family members of Blacklisted creatives. The May 7th debut will present films two films, “Trumbo” and “The Prowler”, focusing on the award-winning screenwriter Dalton Trumbo. Film Critic Leonard Maltin and film historian Alan Rode will be speaking between films.  Well, that’s a Wow!

Theatre Featuring Women

I love all the theatre coming up that feature women, Tomatoes. I’m highlighting three today! Wow! So, please check out these great choices of productions, where women rule, in theatres all over town. I know at least one of them will tickle your fancy.

Ireland’s Fishamble new play company will be presenting Margaret Mc Auliffe in her award-winning “The Humours of Bandon” for 3 performances ONLY at the Odyssey Theatre. On the eve of the Irish Open championship, we meet Annie (Margaret Mc Auliffe), a 16-year-old Dubliner, as she charts us through the various successes and disappointments of her Irish Dancing life in “The Humours of Bandon”. A coming-of-age story, full of heart, humor and wisdom, for anyone who had a childhood passion that threatened to overwhelm their life.

“The Book of Will” performances begin May 13 at A Noise Within. Geoff Elliott and Julia Rodriguez-Elliott co-direct “The Book of Will, a comically outlandish but true story of love, loss and laughter by Lauren Gunderson. History, humor, and hijinks abound in this love letter to theater and friendship. Peppered with some of Shakespeare’s most famous lines, this fresh, modern look at the Bard is a must-see whether you love Shakespeare, origin stories, or tales of friendship.

AND the new Braid Salon Show, “What a Surprise!”  is virtually everywhere, live in person and on Zoom, May 7-June 11.  The true stories of life’s surprises & the Jewish values that met the moment come to life in The Braid’s “What a Surprise!” Our tumultuous times disorient us, and division has jaded us. But Jewish values have a special power to anchor, guide and uplift. The messages resonate powerfully with all of us.