LA Life: Marching into April & Spring!

 Spring has sprung, Tomatoes! April is a bloomin’ great month. LA Life Photographer Lorraine Devon Wilke’s Cover Photo, “The Rounds of Pershing Square”, definitely reflects the whimsey of spring.  It wouldn’t be the 3T LA Life Newsletter without “LA Style Stories from LA Life Fashionista, Felicia Arlin, Tastes of LA from the LA Life Tasting Tomato, Molly Cheek, or “Sonnets from Suburbia from our LA Life Poetess Penny Peyser. Not to mention LA Life’s Artist Corner with Annie Wood or Theatre Buzz with Laura Foti Cohen. There’s an abundance of fun April events in our Angel City, Ladies. Yahoo!

The Rounds of Pershing Square: Cover Photo & Story

In the heart of  DTLA resides the iconic Pershing Square with a variety of eye popping colors shapes that delight as reflected in this month’s cover photo and story, from our fantastic Photographer Lorraine Devon Wilke.  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. And yay…Lorraine’s new and terrific novel, “Chick Singer” launches today.  It’s a must read, Tomatoes!

An urban square can either meld into the steel, concrete, and glass backdrop of its cosmopolitan surrounds, or it can leap into view with colors, shapes, and visuals that grab the eye, inspire playfulness, and tickle the imagination. The “Rounds of Pershing Square” in that downtown Los Angeles park chose to do the latter. A large and prominent feature of the open-air concert and event center, which is bordered by Hill Street to the east, Olive Street to the west, 5th Street to the north, and 6th Street to the south (making it a full city block on all sides), the colorful concrete balls were part of the 1990 renovation of the park. With other design features like platforms, playgrounds, fountains, and monuments, the open area is used for performances, an ice rink in winter, and a variety of community and political gatherings (including the recent Women’s March that set off for City Hall from that iconic starting point … something that’s happened several times over the years!). Always memorable, Pershing Square never fails to delight—especially children—with its decorative rounds.    

Artists Corner: Annie Wood

Watch a video message from Annie Wood.

Moving words and thoughts are expressed exquisitely in Artist Annie Wood’s Facebook Video “Always be writing a love letter”. Especially poignant in these difficult times is, also, Annie’s work of art “Abwall” from her “Shape of Feeling Collection”. Annie’s deft use of deep vibrant hues reflect the vitality of love and spring that will uplift your spirits. Abwell is Mixed Media Oil on Wood Panel. Annie’s Art is always a love letter to the world, Tomatoes.

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. 

Theatre Buzz:  Jeanne Syquia as Jane Eyre

The Elizabeth Williamson’s stage adaptation of Jane Eyre has opened at A Noise Within and LA Life Theatre Maven, Laura Foti Cohen, has done a remarkable interview with Jeanne Syquia, who stars as Jane. A 19th century heroine with a 21st century voice. Perfect! 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.

 LA Style Stories

Wow Ladies! In LA Story “Don’t Wait!”, fab LA Life Fashion Stylist, Felicia Arlin, says “It’s a wear now world so enjoy what you’ve got”. So…Don’t wait for right season to wear what’s hanging in your wardrobe.  And “Summer Cabana Stripes go Spring Preppy” is an absolutely adorbs look and Felicia illustrates perfectly how to make it happen. 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.

Tastes of LA: Canto VI

Canto VI was not just a culinary journey but a bit of a drive for our illustrious LA Life Tasting Tomato, Molly Cheek, who ventured to Chatsworth, home to the new wine bar.  Was it worth the drive? Well, you’ll have to read her illuminating perspective, Tomatoes.  READ ON.

Sonnets from Suburbia

Okie Dokie Ladies!  Our LA Life clever and honest Poetess, Lady Penelope, announces that her libido is alive and well in her sonnet, “Got Libido?”!  There is hope for all of us women of a certain age. Penny Peyser (Lady Penelope) has outdone herself with “Sonnets from Suburbia: Romance Dance”. It’s masterful, brilliant and an easy and deliciously entertaining ride.  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, Tomatoes. READ ON.

April 4. “Chick Singer” Novel by Lorraine

Ladies, I wanted to do a special shout-out for our LA Life cover photographer, Lorraine Devon Wilke, whose latest and “gem of a novel”, CHICK SINGER, is launching today. I love that she’s not only added color and interesting stories to the LA Life Newsletter over the years, but has now had four novels published, all of which you can access through her website. But let’s talk Chick Singer. GET THE BOOK ON AMAZON TODAY!

April 5.  Corgabunga

Corgabunga!, aka SoCal Corgi Beach Day, is where corgis come to PAWTY at the beach! And it’s not just for Corgi’s, Gals!  SoCal Corgi Beach Day, in the heart Huntington Beach (Surf City, USA) is a free festival of Corgi fun. Everyone is welcome where there will be corgi meet-and-greets, doggie limbo contests, photo ops, vendors, food trucks, giveaways, and MORE! A portion of the proceeds goes to “Queen’s Best Stumpy Dog Rescue” to “save low riders, one bark at the time”.  Gotta love that, Tomatoes!  The event, which has drawn national and global media coverage, since it began in 2012 with just 15 dogs and now, they have over 1,200 Corgis attending and Corgi enthusiasts come from all over the USA- even as far as Japan!

April 5.  Jazz Tracks

Metro Art is presenting KJazz Tracks at Union Station, and it promises to be an unforgettable evening of live jazz in the center of DTLA, Gals. Headlining the night is the brilliant, Grammy-award winning Kiefer Trio, with opening performances by sonic explorer Salami Rose Joe Louis, and the visionary David Binney Action Trio. KJAZZ 88.1 FM DJs Rhonda Hamilton and José Rizo will host and serve as emcees. RSVP at bit.ly/KJazzTracks2025 !

April 5.  Vegan Street Fair

For all you Vegan Tomatoes in LA, the Los Angeles Vegan Street Fair has come a long way. The World’s Largest Vegan Festival – is in its 10th year in LA, baby! It’s going to be BIG this year so come celebrate a decade of amazing vegan events! Hosted by John Lewis, aka BadAss Vegan. 150+ vegan & vegan friendly vendors from around the world will be there to serve delish Vegan cuisine, Gals.

April 6. Wiggle Waggle Walk & Run Pasadena Humane

The Wiggle Waggle Walk & Run is the biggest fundraiser of the year for Pasadena Humane to help them save thousands of animals lives in their community. And with the devastating Eaton Fire in January, they need more help than ever, Tomatoes.  Every dollar raised for the Wiggle Waggle Walk & Run helps to support animals who came to Pasadena Humane after the Eaton Fire. With the help of animal lovers like you, Pasadena Humane is able to provide the care that lost or injured pets need to recover. They make sure these precious pets get the second chance that they deserve.

April 17 – June 19. Classic Cinema Nights

Well, well, well, the idea of classic iconic movies being shown at the equally iconic & historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel’s Cinegrill Theatre is awesome.  It’s perfect location for Classic Cinema Nights with a classy road down memory lane of amazing films. Check it out!

 April 12. City of Stem + LA Maker Faire

How did I not notice this before, Tomatoes?!  Two incredible organizations The LA Maker Faire and the City of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) come together for the City of STEM + LA Maker Faire Extravaganza presented by the Columbia Memorial Space Center and the Los Angeles Public Library. It’s the Official Science Festival of Los Angeles. The City of Stem + LA Maker Faire is Southern California’s largest celebration of science, making, creativity, exploration, invention, experimentation and fun! The event is free and open to the public with hands-on activities, workshops, panels, live music and food trucks! The mission is to inspire learners of all ages and backgrounds and to celebrate science, technology, engineering, and math.

April 12 & May 10. BIRD SIT

Join the Pasadena Audubon Society at the Gamble House for a free, drop-in Bird Sit led by PAS Board Member Deb Tammearu. Learn to identify the birds that surround you while you enjoy the beautiful grounds and architecture of the Gamble House. The Bird Sit is approximately 1.5-hours and begins at 8:00 a.m. under the big oak on the rear lawn. Please bring water, sunscreen, a lawn chair or blanket and a hat. Binoculars are encouraged.

 April 26 – June 1. Visions of the Future

All eyes are on talented middle and high school students exhibiting their extraordinary artwork in The Autry’s Student Visual Arts Exhibitions: Visions of the Future with a juried exhibition. You have to see their work sharing their vision of the future in the American West, Ladies. Featuring 100+ students, see what these young people think the future holds for them? For Los Angeles? For California? For the American West? What do they think the world will look like, sound like, feel like in ten years, fifty years, one hundred years, or even a thousand years? Food for thought from our future adults.

April 26. Earth Month Celebration

FoLAR (Friends of the Los Angeles River) is hosting an Earth Month event to honor and celebrate our magnificent planet!  From hands-on restoration and guided nature walks, to unique learning and art activities, music, and an eco-friendly marketplace – FoLAR’s Habitat Restoration Day and Earth Month Celebration event has something for everyone. The Habitat Restoration Day and Earth Month Celebration, at the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve, is free and open to the community. And the event will feature opportunities to learn more about the local ecosystems that keep our communities thriving.  Register now to reserve your spot, Ladies.

Opening April 26 – June 28. Rooftop Movies

The historic Hollywood venue, The Montalbán, presents its annual Rooftop Movies  offering guests fantastic cinematic experiences under the stars. The first weekend kicks off with “Grease” and that is just the beginning of The Montalban’s  dynamic curated programming, Ladies!

April 26 – 27. Festival of books

Inspiration soars at The Festival of Books! Tomatoes can enter the wonderful world of stories with the world’s best storytellers at The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books hosted by USC. The variety and quality of talent present is legendary. It’s all about celebrating literary culture and the Los Angeles Times’ passion for story. Even the kiddos and grand kiddos will love it. For over 30 years, The LA Times Festival of Books has gathered writers, poets, artists, filmmakers, musicians, and emerging storytellers and is considered the largest event of its kind in the United States. Yep, books are the name of the game with lectures, signings, and performances as well as art installations and culinary demos with a star-studded lineup of authors.

 April 27^. Skirball Puppet Festival

The Skirball’s Puppet Festival promises to be pure magic, Tomatoes! Celebrate the art of puppetry with a festive day of performances, art making, and new and classic tales told through marionettes, shadow, and full-body puppets. No matter what your age, excitement and wonder await as you experience the best of the best SoCal premiere puppetry acts. Adding to the magic are two wildly fun puppet parties, where festival goers and puppeteers all meet up to enjoy live music together. While you’re there, design a puppet with imagination-sparking materials so your newly created pal can join the fun, too! I would love my own puppet!

 April 26 -April 28.  Art Deco Los Angeles Centennial Celebration

The Art Deco Society’s Centennial Celebration at the Oviatt Penthouse , one of the few remaining Art Seco Design interiors, is marking the 100^th anniversary of the Art Deco Style from the April 28^th opening day of the 1925 Paris Exhibition. It is the only celebration of that Centennial in Los Angeles. In Los Angeles, the 1929 Oviatt building design was directly influenced by the exposition. The centerpiece of The Art Deco Society’s three-day celebration is “Art Deco Tous Les Jours,” an original exhibit of period objects from toasters to textiles, illustrating the influence of Art Deco style on the aesthetics of everyday life in the 1920s and 30s around the world. The influential style inspired architects and designers who attended the expo to create their own interpretations at home.