LA Life: February in Our Amazing City
We know that our amazing City of Angels has a big heart but following the LA devastating wildfires, we have witnessed an unprecedented outpouring of love from Angelenos. LA Life photographer Lorraine Devon Wilke’s cover photo and story reflect that loving spirit beautifully. All of our other super-duper contributors (Tasting Tomato Molly Cheek, Artist Annie Wood, Theatre Maven Laura Foti Cohen, Fashion Stylist Felicia Arlin and Poetess Penny Peyser) are back for the LA Life February issue. Yahoo! And February in LA is chock full of special events including more ways to help fire victims, Tomatoes.
Heart LA: Cover Photo and Story
This week’s cover photo and story, from our fantastic LA Life Photographer Lorraine Devon Wilke, captures a literal “love letter” to Los Angeles. Los Angeles is adored by Angelenos and no matter what is thrown at us, LA will endure and overcome. 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.
Heart LA
Exhausted, beaten, and battered by the horrific wildfires that bludgeoned the city in early January, Los Angeles has taken a hit unlike any it’s felt before in terms of scope and impact. And yet, resilience and dogged determination to reclaim what was lost, to rebuild and reimagine, have emerged from the wreckage to choreograph countless events, activities, and efforts, from donation parties and neighborhood clean-ups, to the amazing FireAid LA Benefit Concert, a five-hour extravaganza of performers from A-list icons, to local bands, and everything and everyone in between, there to help to raise money for the rebuild effort. What was so heartening to me, and to many others, was articulated beautifully in this comment on social media: “People denigrate LA and entertainers all the time, but look at the musicians performing their asses off, some of whom have lost their homes, raising spirits and money to help this beautiful, tormented city. I love how much talent lives here. I love how much the talent cares about all people who live here and who will rebuild here. The last five years have tried to break us and guess what remains? We do. Musicians do. Art and entertainment do. Stay strong, LA.” That gave me goosebumps. Because it’s true, I love LA and today’s photo, “Heart LA,” which captures a fabulous piece by street artist, WRDSMTH, says it all.
Tastes of LA: American Beauty
Our ever so discerning LA Life Tasting Tomato, Molly Cheek, embarked on a journey that was daunting but, oh my oh my, was she oh so glad she did. The American Beauty Restaurant at The Grove overcame all her expectations and was indeed worthy of a rave review. Thanks for this marvelous tip, Molly! READ ON.
Artist Corner: Art by Annie Wood
LA Life Artist Annie Wood painted “Resilient LA” during the LA wildfires. Amazing how beauty can rise out of tragedy. And it is an amazing work of art that expresses her love and pride for LA. In honor of those affected, part of the proceeds from this painting will be donated to those who lost everything in the fires. Thank you for this Annie.
Resilient L.A. embodies the spirit of strength and recovery. When I began this piece, the fires forced me to evacuate from the Sunset Fire, leaving it half-finished. Returning the next day, surrounded by ash and smoke, I poured my emotions into completing it. This work reflects the resilience of my hometown and its people in the face of destruction.
Resilient LA captures the raw intensity and unwavering spirit of a city tested by fire. Bold strokes of acrylics intertwine with the fluid movement of inks, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow that evokes both chaos and renewal. Layers of texture, enhanced by the gritty presence of charcoal, mirror the scars left by the flames yet radiate a sense of hope and rebirth. The composition pulsates with energy, its abstract forms and vibrant hues symbolizing the resilience and strength of Los Angeles and its people. The unfinished edges and grommeted corners add to its authenticity, allowing it to be displayed as a raw, unfiltered expression of survival and beauty.
Annie Wood is an internationally exhibited mixed-media artist living in her hometown of Hollywood, California so as an LA native she is Super LA. Annie Wood is interested in reexperiencing her dreams by painting them, daydreaming new ones, finding order in chaos and chaos in order, seeing familiar things in new ways, and creating visual stories that make people feel peaceful, make them wonder, remember, and pause. You can see all her creations at Annie’s online art gallery and purchase a piece at anniewood.com. And you can also subscribe to her free newsletter How to Love the World with poems, stories, short films and art from Annie to you. 🫶🏼
LA Style Stories
In LA Story “Baby it’s Cold Outside” Felicia Arlin, our fab LA Life Stylist, shares that a monochromatic neutral palette choice can elevate your look and keep you warm in this chilly weather. And you’ll be amazed by Felicia’s creativity and insights in “Texture Mashups”. Remember I only highlight a snippet of Felicia’s amazing cur8edme posts so be sure to follow her on Instagram. And she is the most amazingly insightful guide for helping you to find the right and most flattering style for you. Just sayin’, Tomatoes. READ ON.
Sonnets from Suburbia
Lady Penelope’s moving and poignant sonnet “Did You Hear” uniquely expresses the gut reactions to the destruction of the wildfires that so many of us cannot put into words. Lady Penelope will be performing her brilliant one women stage show “Sonnets from Suburbia” on Feb 12. Here’s your chance to be thoroughly entertained by Lady P, so hop to it and make your reservations pronto, Tomatoes. READ ON.
Theatre Buzz: Laura Shamas: Bringing the Light
Our wonderful LA Life Theatre Maven, Laura Foti Cohen, has a fascinating, informative and inspiring column “Laura Shamas: Bringing the Light” . Laura Shamas who has written the award winning and provocative new play “Four Women in Red” about the current crisis of missing murdered indigenous women in the US. The world premiere of “Four Women in Red” runs Feb 14th -March 23rd at the acclaimed Victory Theatre. Laura Foti Cohen is an experienced and talented playwright herself and serves on the creative team as playwright/producer with the NEO Ensemble Theatre as well as working as a freelance writer, editor and consultant. She’s also a playwright affiliated with Theatre West. READ MORE.
Benefits
Feb 12 It’s Complicated An Evening of Songs
“It’s Complicated, An Evening of Songs About Love (the good, the bad and the messy)”, from the Musical Theatre Guild, is a concert to benefit the Theatre Palisades Youth and the Pasadena Playhouse Education Department – students and arts programs displaced by the wildfires.
A Day of Healing & Celebrating Benefitting Local Families Impacted by the Palisades Fire Hosted by Topanga Farmers Market at The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum.
Feb 23 The She Angels Fund Benefit Concert
In response to the devastating crisis that Los Angeles is facing, She Angels Fund will give three emergency grants supporting women fire victims in Los Angeles. This unforgettable evening is about more than music—it’s about community.
More Ways to Help Those Affected By the Fires
Check out this list, Tomatoes, with a few additional targeted avenues for helping wildfire victims.
Help for Theatres & Actors
- Public Displays of Altadena
- Hollywood Fringe
- Theatre Palisades
- SAG/AFTRA Disaster Relief Fund
- LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund
Vroman’s Helping Eaton Fire Victims
Vromen’s loves the Altadena and Pasadena and the communities surrounding them. So Vromen’s has launched a new feature that will do a great deal of good for those affected by the Eaton Fire.
The Guitar Center Music Foundation and Guitar Center are supporting those affected by the fires in Los Angeles with a special one-time grant replacing instruments and gear destroyed by the fires.
3T LA Life Wildfire Info and Resource Guide
In January’s LA Life’s special edition, I compiled a list of some of the top recommendations here from a variety of trusted sources for both those in need of assistance and for those seeking to lend a hand. Worth checking out again.
Black History Month
There are quite a few Black History Month events that caught my eye. There’s a variety of informative and joyful exhibitions and festivals happening in LA to celebrate African American Heritage and History, Tomatoes.
Through Feb 26, LA City Hall is celebrating Black History Month by hosting an exhibition featuring a retrospective of the work of Los Angeles Photographer Leroy Hamilton. The Story of Us displays Black Angelenos in several dimensions of their lives and captures the fullness of Black life.
Pan African Film Festival Dream Beyond, through February 17th, is America’s largest and most prestigious International Black film festival featuring filmmakers, artists, and unique craftspeople from over 40 countries and six continents. It is PAFF’s goal to present and showcase the broad spectrum of Black creative works, particularly those that reinforce positive images and help to destroy negative stereotypes.
Our LA Central Library in DTLA is inviting Angelenos to Inspiring Journeys: African American Histories, for a day of celebration and learning with speakers, workshops, entertainment and family activities on February 22nd.
The African American Festival, February 22nd and 23rd, is back at The Aquarium of the Pacific. There’ll be music, dance, historical displays, the Aquarium’s Heritage Award ceremony, storytelling and that’s just the beginning. A wonderful place to hang for all ages.
On Feb 27 you can celebrate the history of performance and storytelling and how black artists influenced creativity and culture withUplifting Black Legacyat The Annenberg Community Beach House. Post performance and panel discussion there will be a mixer with artist and panelists.
Lunar New Year Celebrations
It’s the year of the snake and it’s all about renewal and regeneration. The snake may have a bad rep at times but in Eastern Cultures the snake is celebrated and revered. Kudos to the snake, Tomatoes! Enjoy!
The South Coast Botanical Garden is celebrating Lunar New Year every weekend through February with red lanterns, festive activities and two 30-minute live performances that will include lion dancers, folk dancers and drummers. And on Feb 8 2025, Santa Monica Place will mark the Lunar New Year occasion with seasonal decor including cherry blossom wishing trees, red envelope deals and takeaway craft kits. Angelenos of all ages and ethnicities will enjoy these spectacular, colorful, rich, diverse and free experiences all over town. The Golden Dragon Parade, on March 22nd, is celebrating the history and achievements of Chinese Americans in Los Angeles. This is the oldest Los Angeles cultural tradition in DTLA celebrating 121 years and is the premiere cultural event in the Southern California Asian-American Community.
Valentines Day
If you are at a loss for a special or unique way to celebrate love and Valentine’s Day then I highly recommended checking out “Today LA’s” Guide to Valentines Day. And if you are still in a quandary, strolling through the magnificent Camelia Forest at Descanso Gardens might just fit the bill. Wishing you a Happy Valentine’s Day, Tomatoes!
Feb 18 Saving Abigail
Women of Wilshire (WOW) is hosting an incredible evening with author and advocate Liz Hirsh Naftali speaking about her new book, “Saving Abigail: The True Story of the Abduction and Rescue of a Three-Year-Old Hostage”.
On the morning of October 7th, 2023, Liz Hirsh Naftali’s young niece was one of the hostages taken by Hamas. “Saving Abigail” tells her story as well as the international effort Ms. Naftali took to share her niece’s face and story – with the US government, bipartisan congressional leaders and world leaders – to save her from captivity.
Feb 8 Pickwick Vintage Show
The Pickwick Vintage Show is back in LA at Row DTLA featuring vintage clothing, jewelry, accessories and more from 40+ local vendors. Yay!
Row DTLA is also home to the nearly 3000 square foot ARCADE, a vintage co-op and consignment shop that is also part of their outdoor show. Cool!
Feb 9 Cocktails in Historic Places
The Art Deco Society of Los Angeles will convene for Cocktails in Historic Places at the French inspired Perch LA bistro and bar in the historic Pershing Square Building in DTLA. Doesn’t get much better than Perch, Ladies, and wow what a view!
Built in 1924 by architects Claud Beelman and Aleck Curlett in the Italian Renaissance Revival style, the Pershing Square Building is a cornerstone skyscraper of that era’s grand metropolitan revival of the Pershing Square area. More than a century later, the building’s top two floors and rooftop are the home to Perch LA with unobstructed views of downtown Los Angeles. The Art Deco Society of Los Angeles gathers once a month in a historic building with a bar, to socialize and revel in the beauty of historic architecture.
Feb 19-23 LA Art Show
The most comprehensive international contemporary art show in America, The LA Art Show, is back, Tomatoes! See it all for yourself and enjoy this very special art show and art lovers’ paradise at the LA Convention Center.
The LA Art Show showcases the very best of Modern, Contemporary, Historic and Traditional art. Los Angeles has emerged as a global epicenter of art & culture, with a distinct, interwoven multi-cultural influence unique to the city. As LA rises as the world-class destination for art, the LA Art Show continues to lead the way with innovative programming and one-of-a-kind experiences for an expanding collecting audience.
Through March 23. In Defense of Nature
Joseph Beuys is one of the most influential artists of the 20th century and the Broad’s new exhibit, Joseph Beuys: In Defense of Nature” is a true testament to the power of art in shaping the future of our planet.
The In Defense of Nature exhibition celebrates German artist Joseph Beuys and his transformative vision for an equitable and sustainable world. Step into the world of Joseph Beuys and see over 400 works from The Broad’s renowned collection. Beuys’s art reminds us of our power to shape a more just future.
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
