Santa Monica Celebrates the Holidays with Local Performers!

 The Montana Avenue Merchants presents its annual Montana Avenue Holiday Walk once again…in person!! The annual event takes place from on Saturday, December 4th, 2021, from 10am -6pm. The public is invited to celebrate all holidays…enjoy music, carolers, Santa, and the Grinch! 

There will be a Hanukkah Party at Whole Foods with the band Klezmer Juice. A kid’s Art Corner at Citibank and Santa’s mailboxes for all those holiday wishes. And of course fabulous shopping and great food. Lots of new shops and cafes have opened in the past year, so go check it out.

Be sure to arrive early, to shop, and take advantage of great deals! The entertainment officially starts as 12:30 pm.

Here is the entertainment line up: 

Klezmer Juice, 12:30 - 2:30 pm- at Wholefoods

We the Folk, 1 - 6 pm at The Duck Blind

Tritipsy, 1:30 - 5 pm at Le Macaron

Joe Gaeta Jazz Band, 12 - 4 pm at Frozen Fruit Co.

Miles and the Quadshot Quartet,  11 -5 pm at Peets Coffee

Guillermo Marigiano, 12:30 - 4:30 pm at Casper Bedding

Maxwell Riley 12-4 pm at the Shade Store

The Off Their Jingle Bell Rockers 2:30 - 5:30 pm

Kid’s Hands On Art Table with Adrineh - 2 -4 pm at Citibank

Santa, The Grinch, Cindy Lou Who, Caroling Princesses 2 - 6 pm

Local group…The Off Their Jingle Bell Rockers will be performing once again at the Montana Avenue Holiday Walk. They will be strolling, and stopping to sing up and down the Avenue from 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm.See photo below: (from left to right) Jon Preston, Kathy Leonardo (with guitar), Suzy Williams, Catherine Allison, Mikal Sandoval, and Rory Johnston; 

The Rockers will also be performing again at The Main Street Holiday Extravaganza, Saturday December 11th 2021 from 6:00p.m. at Edgemar Place - at the famous shopping cart Christmas tree created by designed by Santa Monica artist Anthony Schmitt. The annual event runs from 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. begins with a tree lighting at Ocean Park and Main, followed by a candlelight walk to the Shopping Cart Christmas Tree at Edgemar Place (by Ben & Jerry’s and Peet’s Coffee, 90401), where The Jingle Bell Rockers will sing a set, before they move on down the street to spread holiday cheer. 

The Jingle Bell Rockers have become a holiday tradition throughout the Los Angeles area for their cheerful, quirky brand of Christmas caroling. The six person group has been working together for over twelve years and include Catherine Allison, Rory Johnston, Kathy Leonardo, Jon Preston, Mikal Sandoval and Suzy Williams. This flamboyant, zany group performs exuberant renditions of classic non religious carols as well as their spicy made to order (just for the designated gig) originals that include all holidays.

For more info on the Off their Jingle Bell Rockers, visit their FB page (for INFO ONLY - Do NOT message here) at https://www.facebook.com/The-Off-Their-Jingle-Bell-Rockers-159658686730/

Photographer Tim Truby to Show at bG Gallery, Bergamot Station

The photography of Tim Truby is set to be featured in a group exhibition at bG Gallery. The official opening is on June 12th, but the artist reception is June 19th, 2021, 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

See image: Tim Truby, Twilight, Royal Palms, San Pedro

bG Gallery has presented “Spectrum Gestalt” for the past seven years. Gallery owner Om Bleicher said he is happy to exhibit Tim Truby’s work in the 8th annual event. “There are some great monochromatic shots where the artist has used color harmony of a landscape scene in an interesting way that will blend beautifully into the spectrum.”

Despite Covid, 2020 was a busy year for Tim Truby. He took a trip to Maui (before Covid), then in August he spent 2 ½ weeks along the coastal Pacific Northwest…prior to the wildfires. Then he enjoyed a week at Glacier NP capturing images of the various mountain locations with the smoke from 500 miles away adding an orange stain to the air. “This last spring, I explored Capitol Reef and Bryce, then the Eastern Sierras in May. Later in the summer, I’m heading to Scotland and Iceland again, and hopefully the Faroe Islands. The place intrigues me.”   

Truby pointed out since landscape photos can often look the same, he chooses to offer a different end result. “My approach involves far more post production work - exploring the texture and feeling of the place, capturing a more mythic style that takes the eye on a journey. In post, I slip past the flat 2-D photo look you get from Canon or Apple’s algorithms. I’ve found that using the software tools to create a mixed genre artwork - with layering, brush work, painterly touches, helps open the viewer’s imagination. It’s a landscape photo that’s a visual journey.”

See image: Tim Truby, Sunset, Thor’s Well

Sunset, Thor’s Well is a stunning photograph that will be included in “Spectrum Gestalt.” Truby explained that Landscape photography is a different beast from studio shooting. “The lighting and geology, the flow of tides and weather - you photograph what you’re given. So during my 2 weeks on the Oregon Coast, I booked 3 nights in Yachats to improve my chances of photographing Thor’s Well the right way. After all, this ‘well’ is a tidal pool hole that funnels the waves down a 15 foot drop into a lava tube and the ocean beyond. And it’s hypnotic. But you gotta be there at high tide in the middle of wind and waves. You’ve also gotta be there for sunset (for the total effect). Get that timing right (plus all the technical details) and you may have something.”

Unfortunately while Truby was there, the sunset at high tide, did not coincide. So he moved on to his next stop, Bandon Beach. However in the back of his mind, he kept thinking about the Thor shot so he returned to get the shot. “By sunset, waves were doing their magic, plunging down into the pit and again with a roar. There was even a cool light show.” Find out more about Tim Truby on his website: https://www.tim-truby-photography.com

See Image: Mimi Herrera-Pease, Ignite, Oil on canvas 16x16in

Artist Mimi Herrera-Pease has participated in the color themed group show for three years. “It’s one of my favorite shows of the year,” said the artist. She is a huge fan of bG Gallery, and Om Bleicher. She added that Bleicher is delightful to work with. 

Bleicher said, “Mimi is the perfect addition for a color show, she subtly blends color with a flow of emotion, like Rothko. 

Find out more about Mimi Herrera-Pease, and her art on her website: https://www.mimiherrerapease.com/ 

Juri Koll will be exhibiting work (see above) from his Handshake Series, (Käepigistus means "Handshake" in Estonian). “The series was begun as a political series back in 2019, and as Covid developed they became more personal, much less political, and more abstract and colorful. We have not been able to shake hands because of Covid, so the purpose changed to reflect on that reality.” Visit the website: https://www.veniceica.org/juri-koll

See image: Juri Koll, Käepigistus Delft 7, 2021, Oil on Canvas, 9 x 12. inches

The opening event for “Spectrum Gestalt” will be held at bG Gallery, Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Ave #A2, Santa Monica, CA 90404, on Saturday, June 19th from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. PST. The reception is broken down by color. Guests are encouraged to attend at the time of their favorite color. Neutrals: 2-3pm, Reds: 3-4pm, Blues: 4-5pm, Greens: 5-6pm, Yellows: 6-7pm. Come dressed in your color to receive a 5% discount on art acquisitions. The show runs through July 5 2021. bGartgalleries.com  

July 29 - August 1, 2021: The LA Art Show

 The LA Art Show returns to the LA Convention Center as a live in-person event, July 29 - August 1, 2021. LA Art Show Tickets are on sale now. See below for info.

This summer, the art community is excited to attend, as well as participate in the most comprehensive contemporary art show in America. The 2021 LA Art Show will feature 75 galleries from around the world, exhibiting an extraordinary selection of painting, sculpture, works on paper, installation, photography, design, video and performance in more than 180,000 square feet of exhibition space, as well as an outdoor area for the first time. Featured artwork is available for purchase.

Returning this year, DiverseArtLA will present a dynamic program of film/video art, performance and event documentation focusing on the contributions of women artists at the forefront of science and technology, and is presented by international museums and institutions.

Also, to ensure a safe live event in compliance with health and county requirements, the LA Art Show will implement reduced capacity and social distancing protocols. All visitors MUST complete a mandatory health screening form from the LA Convention Center before entering the exhibition hall.  LA Art Show Tickets are on sale now - See below for link.

Opening Night Tickets  - Thursday, July 29, 7pm - 11pm - $250     

Opening Night Tickets include:
•Admission to the Opening Night Premiere Party and all evening entertainment, including the special St. Jude Children's Research Hospital® program
•Complimentary hors d'oeuvres and beverages at the outdoor area adjacent to the exhibition hall
•Admission on regular days, with exclusive early show hours daily, 10am - 12pm

General Admission Tickets: Tickets for General Admission days are available for one of two time slots.
Friday, July 30, 2021 thru Saturday, July 31, 2021: 12pm - 4pm or 4pm - 8pm - $30
Sunday, August 1, 2021: 12pm - 3pm or 3pm - 6pm - $30

The LA Art Show donates 15% of all proceeds from ticket sales to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital®. Your ticket purchase will support St. Jude in its lifesaving mission: Finding cures. Saving children®.LA Art Show Tickets are on sale now - CLICK HERE for more info, and to purchase tickets.

KCRW’s World Festival Back at the Hollywood Bowl

The Hollywood Bowl is back and so is KCRW’s World Festival. KCRW’s long standing partnership with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association for KCRW’s World Festival at the Hollywood Bowl embodies the adventurous musical spirit of both organizations by featuring artists from a wide array of genres. Hundreds of artists have performed at the iconic venue. 

2021 KCRW’s World Festival at the Hollywood Bowl Schedule

Sunday, July 18, 2021, 7:00pm: (Kamasi Washington, Earl Sweatshirt, with host Anne Litt) Kamasi Washington brings ambitious scale to bear on jazz history, and Earl Sweatshirt gets personal. Anne Litt hosts.

Sunday, August 1, 2021, 7:00pm: (Reggae Night XIX - Ziggy Marley, Wailing Souls. with host Travis Holcombe) Ziggy Marley and Wailing Souls turn the Bowl red, gold and green for Reggae Night XIX. Travis Holcombe hosts.

Saturday, September 18, 2021, 8:00pm Brittany Howard, Jamila Woods, Georgia Anne Muldrow with host Novena Carmel) The Alabama Shakes singer steps out with definitively modern soul, while Jamila Woods and Georgia Anne Muldrow show off their visions for R&B. Novena Carmel will host

Saturday, September 25, 2021, at 8:00pm (James Blake, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, Thomas Wilkins, conductor, with host Anthony Valadez) Singer and producer James Blake expands his unique – and emotionally bracing – electronic music with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra conducted by Thomas Wilkins. Anthony Valadez will host.

Tickets will be available online at HollywoodBowl.com or via phone at 323.850.2000 on the following dates:

•Subscriptions for current subscribers only are on sale today, Tuesday, May 11, 2021

•“Create Your Own” 3-concert packages will be available May 25, 2021

•The Hollywood Bowl Box Office opens for single ticket sales Tuesday, June 1, 2021

If you have never attended KCRW’s annual World Festival at the Hollywood Bowl, it’s fantastic. Find out more about it on EatTravelGo.com - CLICK HERE for direct link (Stories Section, Arts Page, under Reviews). 

Following the health guidelines set forth by the County of Los Angeles, the Hollywood Bowl will be a majority vaccinated venue beginning July 1, with two sections reserved for non-vaccinated concert-goers with proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to attendance. Mask wearing will be required for all attendees. The Hollywood Bowl will continue to update its policies based on guidelines from Los Angeles County. https://www.hollywoodbowl.com

April 28 thru May 12, 2021: A Virtual Venice Family Clinic Art Walk & Auction

For more than 40 years, Venice Family Clinic Art Walk & Auction has been a community tradition in Los Angeles. Since its inception, this signature fundraiser has raised more than $23 million to provide vital health care to people who might otherwise not have a medical home.

Traditionally this event is held in-person but due to COVID protocols the silent art auction will be hosted online on artsy.net/veniceartwalk from April 28 – May 12, 2021.

 The auction will feature over 200 art works by nationally recognized contemporary artists, including Kelly Akashi, Matthew Brandt, Bumblebeelovesyou, Yasmine Nasser Diaz, Sam Durant, Amir H. Fallah, Kim Fisher, Jona Frank, FriendsWithYou, Alexandra Grant, Sayre Gomez, Haas Brothers, Channing Hansen, EJ Hill, Farrah Karapetian, Miles Regis, Enrique Martínez Celaya, Ed Ruscha, Liza Ryan, Analia Saban, Gregory Siff and many more. CLICK HERE to view 2021 participating artists; CLICK HERE to bid on auction items;

Browse lots and place bids before the sale closes on Monday, May 12th, at 12:00pm PDT (3:00pm EDT).

Join our Virtual Art Talks for thought-provoking dialogues between art experts and artists in this year’s Venice Family Clinic Art Walk & Auction. 

April 29 at Noon PST Art + Inspiration - CLICK HERE to register
Shana Nys Dambrot & artists Amir Fallah, Alexandra Grant, Bettina Hubby and Gregory Siff 

April 30 at 1pm PST Art + Activism - CLICK HERE to register
Dominique Clayton & artists Hasef, Alicia Piller and Trotter 

May 6 at Noon PST Art + Materiality - CLICK HERE to register
Lindsay Preston Zappas & artists Andrea Chung, Alex Olson & Analia Saban 

May 11 at Noon PST Art + Education - CLICK HERE to register
Terry R. Myers & artists Kim Fisher, Jennifer Moon and Mario Ybarra Jr. 

CLICK HERE to find out more about these events.