I confess…I couldn’t decide which brilliant version of The Porch, from LA Life Photographer Lorraine Devon Wilke, I loved more… so I used both. The fab Sarah Brooke is our latest guest artist in the LA Life Guest Artist Corner.  Super Duper LA Life Fashion Stylist Felicia Arlin has the skinny on summer looks. And I’m tickled that our LA Life Poetess Lady Penelope and LA Life Tasting Tomato Molly Cheek are back with fantastic columns. Sooooo much is happening with Juneteenth, Pride, Father’s Day, and a myriad of summer events that it boggles the mind…in a good way, Tomatoes.

Cover Photo and Story: The Porch

A beautifully crafted porch can be so enchanting and inviting. LA Life Photographer Lorraine Devon Wilke has captured that magic in her photo and story. Each version of The Porch has its own unique sensibility that I find so comforting. I just couldn’t decide which I adored the most.  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 talent.

“The Porch” — When you live in a “warm city,” a place where the weather is temperate, sunny days outnumber the inclement ones, and outdoor living – whether in sidewalk cafes, open-air malls and plazas, or inviting porches and patios – is the preferred norm, the craft of creating those appealing, comfortable, inviting spaces becomes an artform. While the pandemic may have insisted that restaurants provide outdoor dining for patrons willing to venture out during the height of that fraught event, by the time the urgency had subsided and eating indoors was once again permissible, it turned out we liked those outdoor dining experiences. Given that, most establishments not only preserved their initially make-shift dining rooms, but improved upon them and made them permanent. Of course, a good porch doesn’t need a global pandemic to emphasize its appeal. There’s almost no space as cozy and welcoming as a well-appointed, delightfully landscaped, lovingly kept veranda. Today’s simply titled photograph is, “The Porch,” which captures a sweet space I have often visited and always found utterly delightful. Come join me… have a seat and relax!

Guest Artist Corner: Art by Sarah Brooke 

Our truly gifted and talented Guest Artist this week is Sarah Brooke. I am highlighting her magnificent oil on canvas painting, Tranquil Wetlands, which I believe reflects the depth of her talent. I love that after 40 years of acting she found a new passion in painting. Welcome to the Guest Artist Corner Sarah!  Tomatoes, I am so delighted to be able to share her breathtaking work with you.

About her painting, Tranquil Wetlands, Sarah says: “The house I grew up in Connecticut had a huge picture window with a view of the wetlands.  I’d sit for hours and gaze out at the ever-changing light and seasons. To this day, I find nothing more peaceful and calming.”

Sarah Brooke is an artist and an actress living and working in Los Angeles. After over 40 years on stage and screen, she decided to try her hand at painting. With the help of some fine teachers at the Kline Academy of Art in LA, where she studied classical oil painting techniques, she discovered a new passion. She loves to paint actors acting on stage, wetlands and beaches, odd animals and beautiful little bits of nature. Sarah can still be found onstage now and then, acting at Ensemble Studio Theatre Los Angeles and Pacific Resident Theatre.

LA Style Stories

In “Style Story Surf and Sparkle,” LA Fashion Stylist Felicia Arlin reminds us that opposites attract but… you need to know how to make them work together.  Capris are back. Not pleased? Well, Felicia has a great solution if you’re not thrilled how capris look on you in “Capris and other Summer Trends.”  Both these stories are perfect for the start of summer.  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. GET THE DETAILS.

Sonnets from Suburbia

Oh My, Oh Heavens, Oh Geez! LA Life Poetess Lady Penelope hits the nail on the head in her sonnet, My To-Do’s. I relate more than you will ever know.  And guess who has a brand spanking new book? Penny Peyser (Lady P) 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. READ ON.

Tastes of LA: Red Rooster, Vicky and Mizlala

In Tastes of LA, our LA Tasting Tomato, Molly Cheek, shares her impeccable taste (no pun intended😊) and recommendations for the Red Rooster Bakery Cafe, Vicky’s All Day Brasserie and Mizlala Mediterranean Grill. Her mouthwatering descriptions will definitely make LA Tomatoes put these fab three on their “Must Try” list. Thanks and Bravo Molly! READ ON.

June 8- 9.  LA Pride

There is an abundance of LA Pride Celebrations across Los Angeles but, of course, The 54th Annual LA Pride Parade on Sunday June 9th is a standout being the largest and longest running Pride Parade in SoCal. And seeing the longest running classic cult film, The Rocky Horror Picture Show at The Landmark Nuart Theatre on Saturday June 8 is a great way to celebrate too, methinks.  Both events will be  grand, Tomatoes.

This year, The LA Pride Parade is planning even more fun with celebrations with extra performances, music, and celebrity surprise and the Icon Grand Marshall will be actor and activist George Takei.  The Landmark Nuart Theatre has been screening The Rocky Horror Picture Show regularly since 1976. How many years is that?! Since 1986 they have shown this movie every Saturday and they continue to do so.  Wow!

June 8. Summer Exhibitions Opening

Not one but four new exhibitions will be opening for the Hammer’s Summer Season and the Hammer is so excited they are throwing an opening celebration. Four new exhibitions, each with their own unique flair. Wow!

An innovative fashion exhibition blurring the lines between clothing and art, to a gripping erotic thriller, and a towering seven-foot-tall bubble machine sculpture are included in the Hammer Summer Season. Plus, artist EJ Hill’s returns to the Hammer, this time as curator, where the color pink takes center stage.

June 8-9. Burbank Arts Festival

The “Downtown Burbank Arts Festival”, presented by the Downtown Burbank Partnership and Jackalope Arts, returns to the heart of Downtown Burbank featuring over 150 handmade artisan booths with over 100 local, hand-selected artisans and a plethora of fun activities.  Get those shopping shoes ready, Tomatoes!

Shoppers can expect to find trendsetting indie goods including original fashion and jewelry design, paper goods, innovative home decor and housewares, art, photography, food, plus you can enjoy Downtown’s more than 600 shops and eateries and explore the ever-growing collection of outdoor murals. It is family and dog-friendly and FREE, my fav 4-letter word!

Through July 27. Movies on the Roof

Yay! Movies On The Roof, is back at Westfield Fashion Square! The alfresco movie-screening experience includes comfortable seating on comfy bean bag chairs or deep-seated Adirondack chairs, state-of-the-art projection and sound, and valley views on the rooftop of Westfield Fashion Square.

Get there early Gals because all seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Prior to the movie presentation you can enjoy pre-show eats and savor a delicious dinner. And there’ll also be music, raffle giveaways, lawn games, and more. It’s a jam -packed fun evening.

June 14-July 20.  Tree People Presents

The arts and activism converge at Tree People’s  S. Mark Taper Foundation Amphitheatre this summer. There are concerts, movies, conversations, hikes and more to be found at Tree People Presents events, Tomatoes. I love it!

Tree People Presents is focused on curating experiences that you can’t find anywhere else in Los Angeles. They are focused on giving artistic communities a space where their unique and exciting voice can be heard. Events that engage have a home at TreePeople’s S. Mark Taper Foundation Amphitheatre and that’s a marvelous thing!

June 15. Juneteenth Celebrations

The 32nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration Rising Above Racism: A Legacy of Empowerment & Pride, in Santa Monica, will be jam packed on June 15th with music, unique food and craft vendors and local resources. And on the same date, in Exposition Park, CAAM will be celebrating Juneteenth with a full day of health and wellness activities for the family, Gals.

The first Juneteenth Celebration in Santa Monica was held in 1992 as a small observance and the event has grown, many times over, into an important annual tribute. Self Care Yoga, a Sound Bath, Tochi Tales and Zine Workshop will all be included in CAAM’s Juneteenth Celebration.

June 15- August 24. Off the 405 Concerts

Off the 405 is the Getty Center’s annual outdoor free summer concert series. With its breathtaking architecture, gorgeous gardens and incredible sunset views, The Getty Museum Courtyard is such an exceptional place to enjoy a live summer evening concert. It all starts June 15th, Tomatoes.

The concert series, June 15th, July 20th & 27th and August 24th, brings the best up and coming, exciting and diverse DJ’s and Live Bands to the Getty’s outdoor stage. Remember it’s FREE Tomatoes with just the cost of the parking. There’s special pop-up snack bars, food and drink at the museum’s outlet or bring a picnic. What an awesome way to spend a Saturday summer night!

June 16. Father’s Day Car Show

The Rodeo Drive Concour d’Elegance Father’s Day Car Show 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. With this year’s theme Supercars, Hypercars and More, the 29th annual event will showcase more than 100 rare, exotic and beautiful automobiles in the heart of Beverly Hills. And it’s FREE!

“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.” While you are in Beverly Hills to enjoy all the restaurants and shops within walking distance. Very Cool!

Every Friday through August 30. Friday Night Wine Tastings

Friday Night Wine Tastings at Barnsdall Art Park are back and it is the perfect way for a Tomato to de stress and cool down after a hot summer day. Summer in LA is made even more enjoyable during the cooler evening temps with a glass of wine, food trucks, ice cream and a sunset to die for. These lovely wine tastings sell out fast so chop… chop… Tomatoes.

The summer-long series is a fundraiser for the magnificent Barnsdall Art Park, its projects, art programs, historic renovations and Gallery exhibitions.  Wow that’s a lot! Food trucks will be available, but you are welcome to bring your own picnic.  If you want to take a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House you can do so at an additional cost. Sipping wine for a great cause is always delightful.

June 21 – August 16.  Dance DTLA

It’s always good to shake your booty gals and for the past 20 years the Music Center has made it possible to dance on Friday nights under the stars all summer long with Dance DTLA. Trip the light fantastic at this free dance party for all Angeleno’s. Remember Tomatoes…women over 40 rock…literally.

Each Friday night features a different dance genre and beginner dance lessons led by top LA dance instructors alongside a live band or DJ.  Learn easy-to-follow steps and then hit the dance floor to practice some new moves.  All ages are welcome and no dance experience necessary!