Support KCRW

KCRW's Summer Pledge Drive Kicks off today. Details on membership plans and incentives are here. Times are tough on all of us but i promise this is one of the best returns on your investment at any amount. I know it is the most enriching resource for music, news, and has always been at the pulse of Los Angeles culture for me and since it's listener-supported, it is up to us to make sure that it continues to serve the local community and world.

Just a few of the membership benefits includes great subscription premiums, eligibility for ticket giveaways and the fringe benefits incentives to over 1,000 of LA's finest local shops, retailers, and restaurants. Today is the last day to enter all 4 sweepstakes including vacations in Santiago, Paris, Shanghai, and a new Nightfire Mini Cooper convertible. Every day of the drive they will also give away a MacBook Pro. The Pledge Drive lasts until the 17th of August ; You can subscribe online or on-air but please do consider listening as a subscriber to keep the handpicked programming alive.

Night Lights : A Celebration of Storytelling

FoundTrack friends from the L.A. based video and art collective This Is What We Imagine (TIWWI), are hosting a fantastic fundraiser for 826LA on Saturday, July 25th. Night Lights will celebrate the tradition of storytelling through a narrative event series that focuses the kaleidoscope of Music, Film, Comedy, Photography, Art, and interactive installations into one multi-functional performance space at the e2 Building in Downtown LA (941 E. 2nd St).

Live Music performances from three of LA's Finest indie bands:

Voxhaul Broadcast

(http://www.myspace.com/voxhaulbroadcast)

The Botticellis

(http://www.myspace.com/thebotticellis)

Princeton

(http://www.myspace.com/princetonmusic)

Comedy Hour - 9 to 10pm:
Jonah Ray (G4's Web Soup)
Tig Notaro (Sarah Silverman Program)
Chris Fairbanks (Reality Bites Back)
Matt Braunger (Variety's Top 10 Comics to Watch in 2009)
Howard Kremer (Comedy Central Presents...)
Johnny Pemberton (In The Loop)

DJ's
The Distinguished Gentledude Writing this Post (FoundTrack)
Jody Orsborn (When You Awake/Little Radio)
Pony vs Tiger (www.ponyvstiger.com/)

Photos by:
Doodyphree Photography
EvanLane.com (http://www.evanlane.com)

The night will benefit 826 LA, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping young minds from 6 to 18 years old build their writing skills while providing teachers with the tools to empower their students to be better communicators in everything they do. All profits from this event will be donated to 826LA.

TICKETS:
$12 Advance / $15 Door ; Ca$h Bar
https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/71441

Bike Valet will be provided by L.A. Bike Coalition and street parking is available (carpooling is encouraged).

Here's a little teaser from TIWWI's Michael Humphrey

"Prop 8 - The Musical"

I found this to be pretty amusing- AND it pretty much hits the nail on the head. Behold, "Prop 8, The Musical"- It features the comedy stylings of Jack Black, John C Reilly, Neil Patrick Harris (star of the best sitcom on TV right now, "How I Met Your Mother"), and many others:

See more Jack Black videos at Funny or Die

Source- Funny or Die

GOOD December Comes to LA

Yo soCal - loCals! GOOD Magazine is launching its bangin' new community space – The GOOD Space - right here in Los Angeles with the 16-day GOOD December event series. They're inviting the whole community...that's right we're talkin' to you...from December 4th-19th to participate in various salons, workshops, screenings, installations and plenty of other happenings. Here's a sampling of some of the goodness.

Launching the GOOD Space - Thur Dec 4th 7-10pm
Private launch featuring KCRW's Jason Eldredge. A little bird told me chocolate bars, new belgium beer and ben & jerry's is on the way. Sold to the person writing this post.
RSVP at www.goodmagazine.com/events/decopening



Local World's Fair - Sat & Sun Dec. 6th & 7th 12-5pm
Good Presents an alternative to the fast and anonymous shopping we've come to expect in the holiday season with their Local World Fair including tamale-making and tea-tasting workshops as well as musical performances from Lucky Dragons and blackblack plus special guest Evan Kleiman of KCRW’s Good Food.
More info.


GOOD Holiday Party - Saturday Dec. 13th 7-10pm
Join GOOD for their Holiday/Housewarming party. You can't come to a housewarming empty-handed so free entry for anyone who signs up to volunteer or brings clothing and canned foods for the GOOD holiday food and clothing drives. Music by KCRW's Jeremy Sole.
More info + RSVP here


Slideluck Potshow - Fri Dec. 19th 7pm-10pm
Unfortunately all GOOD things must come to an end but they will be going in great fashion with a BYO-everything Slideluck Potshow, a photographic night of show and tell feat. music by KCRW's Mario Cotto
More info + RSVP here

The space will be open daily to the public from 11am – 5pm for: Into Infinity (Creative Commons & Dublab installation), free Wi-Fi, book exchange, clothing drop, maps, podcast listening station, free snacks & drinks, LED throwies, games, and more.

To learn more about all of the festivities and RSVP links please visit: http://www.good.is/december and check GOOD’s events blog for updated community-curated content, events and surprises!

Look forward to seeing you there. Here's a video from last year's Good December series in New York.

Photos from the Presidential Victory Celebration in LA

So as you all know by now, we have a new President-Elect, a gentleman named Barack Obama. Last night was a historic evening, and crazy celebrations took place all over the country - the largest being in Obama's hometown of Chicago. In FoundTrack World Headquarters aka Los Angeles, a bash was hosted by Senator Feinstein and Mayor Villaragosa at the Century Plaza Hotel Ballroom in Century City. Nasty Nass, Myself and FoundTrack political correspondents Shevin (aka little V) and Sheueskee decided to head down to party central and check it out.

As we expected we were met by ridiculously large crowds trying to get in and Police barricades:


We decided that there was no way we were going to wait in a 2 hour line, so after some quick thinking on our parts, we decided to play up our media/"talent" persona:


After doing just enough jive talking (luckily not much) to get us in with Mischa Barton's entourage, it was on to the festivities, where somehow we managed to get ourselves VIP credentials:


The "VIP" Section complete with open bar:


The "VIP" portion of the event was a little on the low key side so we decided to go and be one with the people in the main Ballroom:


As we entered the main gala we were met by an expectedly huge media presence:


And luckily, we made it in right in time for Mayor Anthonio Villaraigosa's speech, which was actually quite awesome and moving:



Once the Mayor's speech was over and Obama's victory speech was broadcast, the real celebration began. Two gentlemen and artists that put in a lot of their personal time into this election, Shepard Fairey (creator of the now iconic "Hope" poster) and DJ Z-Trip entertained the guests:


Fairey actually created a visual work live, while Z-Trip provided the tunes for the evening:


This guy was the star of the party in my eyes:



Former CA Govenor Gray Davis (former because we was "Governated" by Arnold):



FoundTrack Friend KCRW's Jason Bentley closed the night out- A night that I personally think had the best energy I've experienced in a long time:

Live Election Results Map

VOTE!

Hey Ladies and Gentlemen - don't forget to get out there and make your voice count today. It's still not too late- Polls don't close for at least a few more hours in every state... AND most states offer time off from work to vote (check if you state does, here). Find your polling places here:

Google Maps Election Site

Rock the Vote

and,
CNN Election Center for up to the minute results updates

Lots of businesses are giving away free election day treats - Free coffee at Starbucks, Free donuts at Krispy Kreme, and Free ice cream at Ben & Jerry's. And, AS ALWAYS, FREE MIXTAPES AT FOUNDTRACK !

DON'T VOTE! viral vid

This concept video, produced by DiCaprio's Appian Way and featuring just about every celebrity in the world urges everyone to get out there and vote! Or as guest star Borat would say "NOT!":

"Day of the Child" Volunteer Event in Santa Monica 11/9

Here's a great volunteer opportunity for all you LA peeps that our favorite party rocker Marchelle from Bedtime for Toys (and Good Magazine) just sent our way. Basically, the event pairs you with a foster kid for a day of free fun at the Santa Monica Pier. They're still in need of volunteers and we hope you'll be able to join us-> I just signed up and the process was a breeze.

Here's the scoop:

Children Uniting Nations, Day of the Child is a FREE, one-day event benefiting foster youth that features live entertainment by chart topping music groups, food and festivities. The goal of the event is to help create wonderful memories and special friendships for more than 1,000 children living in foster care.

SIGN UP HERE

More Info Here

Obama and McCain roast each other @ Al Smith Charity Dinner

Everyone's favorite contenders in the electoral ring Barack Obama and John McCain had a rare lighthearted moment as they took turns roasting each other at the annual Alfred E Smith Memorial Foundation dinner. Funny stuff in here and definitely more entertaining than their last debate (almost as funny as McCain's return to Letterman after bailing on him)- Definitely worth your time and some festive Friday afternoon laughs:

McCain Part 1:


McCain Part 2:


Obama Part 1:


Obama Part 2:


Source- Voice of America

A Preview of tonight's Presidential Debate (and, RIP Neal Hefti 1922-2008)

FoundTrack's favorite NY contributor Gill Bumby just sent us this little preview of tonight's Presidential Debate. Enjoy, and feel free to place Obama and McCain into either the Penguin or Batman roles as you see fit... though the real question is whether Biden or Palin is Robin?:



And in related Bat-news, we're sad to report that composer and jazz trumpeter Neal Hefti, the musician behind the "Nana na na na na na BATMAN!" AND "Odd Couple" theme songs has passed away. In remembrance of him, here's the classic tune:

Private Presale Invite- Fred Segal Santa Monica 50% off Sale

(click to enlarge)

Here's a little private presale invite for our friends and fashion fans. The stylin' peeps over at Fred Segal Santa Monica are holding their semi annual 50% off sale starting this Friday, but as usual they're holding a private presale on Thursday. Not only can you get your paws on all the good clothes and accessories (men's and women's) before the rest of the general public, but this year a portion of the presale proceesd are being donated to Heart of Los Angeles (H.O.L.A.), a youth community center. Catchya there...


Fred Segal Santa Monica
420 & 500 Broadway
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 395-1271

Sources- Fred Segal and Caroline on Crack

In Honor of International Talk Like a Pirate Day

Today, Sepetember 19 is the annual "International Talk Like a Pirate Day," founded in 1995 by John Baur (Ol' Chumbucket) and Mark Summers (Cap'n Slappy). Here is the tool they likely use to maintain their website:

And thanks to folks like the Arab Parrot and Raider fans everywhere, it looks like the pirate legacy will live on forever:

Orange Rock Corps - Community service for gig tickets

The guys at Orange mobile have teamed up with Sony Ericsson, T4 (the teen channel 4 brand) and MySpace to give people the chance to help their local communities in exchange for concert tickets. Its real simple - people volunteer for four hours and in return get tickets to a special concert at the Royal Albert Hall featuring Busta Rhymes on September 26th. Free music + good karma...what you waitin' for - sign up now!!!

For more information, check out the Orange Rock Corps website.

Seventh Letter Street Art Crew's tribute to Heath Ledger

By now, pretty much everyone and their mother (even mine, and she usually hates action movies) has seen The Dark Knight. It's hard to argue that Heath Ledger's performance, and unfortunately his passing had something to do with the phenomenal level of awareness surrounding this film. While the film critics are singing their praises, the movie and Heath are also getting props from other types of folks, including artists.

Take for example LA's legendary Graffiti crew, Seventh Letter- You might remember them from their "modification" of the Murakami Billboard a few month's ago. The guys have posted a video of a little work they did to one of the many Dark Knight billboards around town... the footage is pretty sick to watch, and the little shout out to Heath at the end is especially dope:


Augor x Revok x The Dark Knight (video Logan x Keegan) Meatpost.com from Meat Post on Vimeo.

A few other artists have been influenced by comic book characters, and Batman in particular. Checkout this piece by Anthony Lister (more on his work, at MyArtSpace):


And this piece by Alex Pardee (more on his work, at Juxtapoz) of the Dark Knight being tormented by his demons (ie his rogue's gallery):