lbcsrw's Podcast

Lee Adams reads from her new novel, Nighthawks

Sander Wolff — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:25:47 GMT

Lee Adams has more talent in the tip of her pinky toe than most amass in a life-time of effort. From her early days as a child performer, singing and dancing in a top hat and tails, to her later work as singer/songwriter/bandleader, she has brought artistry, intelligence, and class to everything she's done. Her work as a novelist is no exception. On Saturday, November 14th, at 7 PM Lee will be celebrating the release of her second novel, Nighthawks. Join her at Porfolio Coffeehouse, located on the South East corner of 4th & Junipero, to hear her read, answer questions, drink some delicious coffee, and get your copy of the new book signed. Even though it arrives just a bit after Halloween, Nighthawks is all about ghosts. It picks up about a year after her first novel, 5th and Vanguard, ends. Julie Page, still recovering from the whirlwind celebrety of her book about the enigmatic Maxene Montego, tries to make a home for herself in the run-down outskirts of her hometown, Berle.

Complexity and Beauty: An Interview with Musician, Composer, and Educator Rychard Cooper

Sander Wolff — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 05:19:47 GMT

I met Rychard Cooper back in 1982, when we were both enrolled in the Electronic Music & Audio Engineering programs at Long Beach City College. He and I would spend hours in the lab, programming the huge Moog modular synthesizers they had, and exploring various recording and tape manipulation techniques. Good times. Flash forward to present day, and he's teaching at CSULB's Cole Conservatory of Music. He also played a significant role in the on-going exhibition of Brian Eno's 77 Million Paintings at the University Art Museum, helped facilitate the recent Circuit Bending and Slow Sound Festival performances and, this Saturday evening at 7 PM, he is giving a multi-media lecture at the UAM titled "Complexity and Beauty: The Art of Brian Eno." This is something he often shares with his students, but this is the first time he's presented it to the public. This interview was recorded prior to the opening of the exhibition, the Slow Sound Festival, and the Circuit Bending concert. In it he talks about the recent events, his own work as a composer, and his work as an educator.

A Sense of Newness: Christopher Scoates talks about UAM's exhibition of Brian Eno's 77 Million Paintings

Sander Wolff — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 06:18:08 GMT

Christopher Scoates, Director of the University Art Museum at California State University, Long Beach, has worked diligently during his four and a half years there to present works and artists that reflect a kind of modernity not often seen in established art exhibition spaces. Works that blend technology, interactivity, and narrative are often featured. In this audio interview, Scoates talks about the exhibition of Brian Eno's 77 Million Paintings, which includes a series of prints, and real time displays of new works being created. He speaks about the process which led to this show, and the other events surrounding it, including a Circuit Bending workshop and concert, a panel discussion featuring a number of forward thinking artists, the Slow Sound Festival, SoundWalk, and Eno’s only public appearance in the United States this year, at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center. A few words about Brian Eno, for those unfamiliar with his work: It is almost impossible to conceive of modern music without Eno. He has worked in collaboration with innumerable music artists: Roxy Music, Devo, U2, Coldplay, David Bowie, The Talking Heads, Peter Gabrial, Paul Simon, Robert Fripp, John Cale, Ultravox, James, Geoffrey Oryema, Elvis Costello, Laurie Anderson. The list (he has 6 pages of credits on AllMusic.com) goes on and on. These working relationships weren’t casual, either. More often than not, Eno's participation led directly to a huge growth in artists' popularity and creativity. He's also released more than 30 genre defining solo albums, and almost single-handedly forged a new genre known as 'ambient.' Eno has also worked in the visual arts, creating early and award winning music videos for the Talking Heads, and a variety of mixed media installation works. He's been a significant participant in the Clock of the Long Now project, which will build a 10,000 year clock to help illustrate the risks associated with short-sighted actions. He's active in the area of generative creation, a systems based process that uses simple tools to create music, video, and static art filled with wonderful complexity. Tickets may still be available for his lecture at the Carpenter Center, but they’re sure to sell out. The opening and reception for the museum's exhibition takes place on Saturday, September 12th from 6-8 PM. Scoates will open the reception with a gallery talk.

Larry Bott - Founder and now ex-Director of Gallery 118

Sander Wolff — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:56:31 GMT

For more than a decade, Larry Bott has been a driving force behind the East Village Arts District. Through investments in artist live/work spaces, and the creation of the first cooperative gallery in the district, he helped shape the concept and the reality. Larry recently announced his resignation as Director of Gallery 117. His departure creates a void that, hopefully, will be filled before the gallery closes it's doors permenantly. I met with him at his home in the East Village, and we had a wide-ranging conversation about the history of the Arts District, the gallery, the unique challenges associated with supporting the arts in Long Beach, his own work with wood, and his ideas about what the future holds.

Have A Vision: A Conversation with Musician and Producer Chris Schlarb

Sander Wolff — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 18:34:49 GMT

Since the inception of Long Beach record label Sounds Are Active, mastermind and musician Chris Schlarb knew that musical diversity was its cornerstone. Free Jazz, Hip Hop, Noise, Punk, Progressive Rock, and Electronic genres live happily side by side and, occasionally, merged into new amalgams. Artists on the roster include Soul-Junk, Bizzart, Viva Voce’s Kevin Robinson and, in September, a CD release from legendary guitarists Nels Cline (Wilco) and G.E. Stinson (Shadowfax) titled Elevating Device. Schlarb’s recent solo release, Twilight and Ghost Stories, received wide-spread critical acclaim and led to his performing live with assorted local musicians in Athens, Manhattan, and San Francisco. Also, he received a grant from Meet The Composers, through the MetLife Foundation, for a three-day stint in Austin. Schlarb met me at a local Pizza restaurant where, with classic rock blasting in the background, we talked about the label’s evolution, his various recording and performing projects, and his work as a producer.

Sound takes over: A Conversation with Guitarists Nels Cline and G.E. Stinson

Sander Wolff — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:47:02 GMT

From his early Jazz explorations with brother Alex to his work in support of artists such as Willie Nelson and Rickie Lee Jones, Wilco guitarist Nels Cline has constantly pushed the boundaries of his abilities as an instrumentalist, composer, and improviser. Named by Rolling Stone Magazine as one of the top 20 guitar gods, and "World’s most dangerous guitarist" by Jazz Times, his work is consistently diverse, adventurous, and really good. G.E. Stinson was a founding member of the influential, genre-defining, and Grammy winning group Shadowfax. Known for their world music influences, well crafted arrangements, and evocative melodies, the band helped shape a whole generation of music artists. For the last 2 decades, Stinson has been exploring other aspects of Jazz and improvisation, including recent forays into ‘bit crunching’. The two have played together, on and off, since the mid 90’s and, in the upcoming Sounds Are Active release titled “Elevating Device,” they bring every bit of their attention to bear for 40+ minutes of concentrated creation. The two sat down with me and talked about their collaboration, the process of creation, their gear, extended technique, and the addictive nature of fuzz. What emerges is a glimpse into the hearts and minds of two very talented artists, with some laughs (and interjections from Vlad the Dog) along the way.

City Manager Patrick West Speaks About Arts Funding in Long Beach

Sander Wolff — Wed, 20 May 2009 06:41:00 GMT

Patrick West, City Manager for the City of Long Beach, talks about the current municipal arts funding model, some of the successes, opportunities, and challenges that face the Arts Council for Long Beach, and explains the cuts in the upcoming budget.

Transformations II: A Conversation with Lydia Parusol and Denise A. Scott

Sander Wolff — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 06:04:50 GMT

Transformation II is a unique multicultural art exhibition featuring work created by artists from Cambodia, and the United States. The opening reception, taking place on Saturday, April 11th, from 6-9 PM at the 2nd City Council Art Gallery + Performance Space, showcases sculpture, photography, painting, mixed media, and installation works. The show coincides with the celebration of the Cambodian New Year, and will include a second reception on Friday, April 24th, that includes film screenings and a Cambodian book forum, with signings by the authors. Long Beach is home to the largest population of Cambodians outside Cambodia. The exhibition will serve as a bridge between the Cambodian community here and the creative community in Cambodia. It will also create and sustain connections between the local Cambodian community and the non-Cambodian community. Co-curators Lydia Parusol and Denise A. Scott took time out of their hectic schedules to chat with me about the show, its origins, and some of the featured artists. Lydia lives in Phnom Penh, and is the Art Manager and curator for Meta House, part of the Meta Art Center. Denise is an internationally known installation artist. The running time is just under 13 minutes.

More Is More: A Conversation with Robert Swayze, City of Long Beach Manager for Economic Development and Cultural Affairs

Sander Wolff — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 05:27:16 GMT

On Saturday, March 28th, The Arts Council for Long Beach, in conjunction with the Economic Development and Cultural Affairs bureau of the City of Long Beach and the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, presents "Create Long Beach," a community forum that's seeking community participation in formulating the City's Cultural Master Plan. This document will help guide municipal leaders in advancing existing cultural and artistic assets, and in using them to improve the quality of life for everyone. Robert Swayze, manager of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs, has been a leader in formulating a vision for the City's cultural future. He took time to speak with me about the upcoming event, the formulation of the Cultural Affairs division, and the opportunities and challenges that await us. "Create Long Beach" takes place from 9 AM - 12:30 PM at the Museum of Latin American Art, located just South of 7th Street, at 628 Alamitos Avenue. Parking is free. Please plan to arrive a few minutes early so the event can start on time. The conversation runs 48 minutes and 32 seconds.

Episode 5

Sander Wolff — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 06:02:42 GMT

Artist and curator Lisa Wibroe walks me through a gallery show featuring 12 artists whose works span a variety of media and styles. At the end, we're joined by Mary Grace, a ceramic artist, and host of the show.

Episode 4

Sander Wolff — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 05:43:12 GMT

Robin Cox is on the faculty of the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University, Long Beach. For more than 10 years his ensemble, which features cello, marimba, vibraphone, bass clarinet, and Cox on violin, has performed original and commissioned music that defies easy categorization, but is consistently pleasing to both the novice and discerning ear. As part of the Faculty Artist Series, The Robin Cox Ensemble is performing this Friday, January 30th, at 8 PM in CSULB's Gerald R. Daniel Recital Hall. Tickets are $10 at the door. Plan to arrive early. Joining them is world renowned composer, conductor, arranger, and violinist Todd Reynolds. Perhaps best known for his work with Bang on a Can, The Steve Reich Ensemble, and Yo Yo Ma's Silk Road Ensemble, Reynolds will be performing with The Robin Cox Ensemble, and doing some of his solo works as well. Robin took some time to speak with me about his work, Todd, and the upcoming performance.

Steven Glaudini - Associate Creative Director - Musical Theatre West

Sander Wolff — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 18:21:53 GMT

Steven Glaudini, Associate Creative Director and producer for Musical Theatre West, talks about the 08/09 season, and shares some insight into the opportunities and challenges of presenting great musical theater.

Championship Energy: A Conversation With David Witham

Sander Wolff — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 06:15:27 GMT

What do jazz greats like Luis Conte, Lee Ritenour, Eric Marienthal, Tom Scott, and Ernie Watts have in common? Long Beach native son David Witham has lent his talent and artistry to each, and many more. He’s the principal pianist for Wicked at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, and was the long time band leader for George Benson. He recently released a CD of original compositions titled Spinning The Circle on the Cryptogramophone label. The playing is stellar, and the writing diverse: In turns expansive, reflective, and joyous. Supported by top musicians like Nels Cline (Wilco, John Zorn, Geraldine Fibbers), Jay Anderson (Maria Schneider, Frank Zappa, Tom Waits), Jon Crosse (Captain & Tennille, Michel Columbier, Paul Anka), Greg Leisz (Willie Nelson, Beck, Joni Mitchell), Scott Amendola (Pat Martino, Charlie Hunter, Nels Cline), and legendary percussionist Luis Conte (Queen Latifah, Diana Krall, Eric Clapton), David’s playing and writing glistens and shines. David’s not a one trick pony, though. In addition to his full time music work, he also produces a public access show called Portable Universe. With more than 100 episodes, he’s showcased a wide variety of artists, musicians and, with the help of Neon Hunter, explored his other passion: Neon art. David took some time to speak with me about his work, and performed two songs. Click on the Podcast link to hear the interview, and on the video player below to watch the performance. Watch Portable Universe Fridays at 8:30 pm on Long Beach Community TV (ch. 65/69/95 in LB and Signal Hill if you have cable) and 24/7 at www.portableuniverse.tv.

The Poem Will Save You: A Conversation with Raindog Armstrong

Sander Wolff — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 06:25:03 GMT

Raindog Armstrong is a poet, publisher, and pied piper for poetry. With his Lummox Press, he published the Lummox Journal as a monthly magazine, which showcased artists from around the country, and around the world. Publishing both poetry and in-depth interviews, the Journal has now moved onto the internet. This has freed him, at last, to publish the first of several volumes of his own work, the first of which is called Fire & Rain. It reaches back to some of his earliest work, and spans nearly 15 years of creativity. Raindog joined me for a free wheeling, and wide ranging, conversation that includes three poetry recitations, discussions of 9/11, and his past and future musical efforts. It is 50 minutes of honest talk with one of our fair City's creative icons.