L.A: light / motion / dreams

was four evenings of literature, dance, music, and theatre, rooted in diverse L.A. culture, and resonating with the L.A: light / motion / dreams exhibition. The series brought together writers, poets, musicians, dancers, actors and comedians whose art has been shaped by Los Angeles and whose talent illuminates the city. We are currently planning future evenings similar to L.A. Live! Send an e-mail to performances@nhm.org to be notified of these events.

The LA Live! premiere event on May 1st will feature an assortment of local writers and poets presenting a diverse and fascinating collage of stories, tales, dreams, observations and fantasies about the city. Reading from her recent novel, Southland, Nina Revoyr transports us back to the Crenshaw of the 40s, 50s and riot torn 60s. Steve Abee takes us for a ride and introduces us to his personal and surreal Los Angeles from the pages of his new book, The Bus. Pleasant Gehman conjures up the specter of a punked-out Hollywood from her essays, Escape From Houdini Mountain, while poets Wanda Coleman and Lewis MacAdams explore the mystery and magic of LA that inspires them to verse.

KCRW DJ Jason Bentley, one of the preeminent purveyors of modern music, will host an evening of LA songwriters and artists whose rich and diverse styles will be integrated into an audio tapestry of the city. Featuring Cut Chemist, Joe Frank, Supernova String Quartet, and Stephen Dewey of Machine Head, this musical experience takes you on an amazing journey through LA in sound and song.

Renowned choreographer Lula Washington, and her dance company, will premiere a new piece commissioned by the Museum on the theme of L.A: light / motion / dreams. Following the performance, some of the city's top dance instructors will demonstrate the hottest steps of the city. KCRW DJ Tom Schnabel will spin the sounds of LA, as guests are invited to dance the night away in the Museum's beautiful Grand Foyer.

In a star-studded evening of comedy and theater, LA's legendary Firesign Theatre will present a collage of their classic Los Angeles humor. Joining the Firesign Theatre is LA's illustrious Culture Clash performing scenes from their recent hit, Chavez Ravine. Rounding out the bill is Sandra Tsing Loh, the queen of Los Angeles tongue-in-cheek humor.
SOLD OUT!

Six original paintings by Venice-based artist and ceramicist William Attaway on the themes of light, motion, and dreams will adorn the performance space. His most recent public commission is the 25-foot tall ceramic column entitled Dreams Come True created as part of the refurbishment of the Historic Venice Ocean Front Walk.

All shows begin at 8:00 PM at The Jean Delacour Auditorium
Concessions and convenient parking available
Tickets can be purchased by calling 866-468-3399, or at www.ticketweb.com.