Archive for November, 2009

Neon Indian @ The Echoplex Nov. 20

Sunday, November 15th, 2009
November 20, 2009
12:00 am

Alam Palomo has been causing quite a stir since the release of his new EP, “Psychic Chasms.” One of my favorite artists to come out in 2009, summed up his music would best be described as a lo-fi combination of electro pop and psychedelic synths with nostalgic video game sounds. He will be playing on November 20th (friday) at the Echoplex. Dont miss out!

1154 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
9pm / $12 / 18+

Event Link .

Tickets

Read Uclaradio’s Anish Patel’s review of Psychic Chasms.

Girls, Girls, Girls…

Sunday, November 15th, 2009

Remember back in the early 2000s, when almost every “cool new band” had a name starting with “The” and ending with a plural? The Strokes, The Hives, The Ataris, The Gorillaz, The White Stripes, The Vines, The Unicorns? Well, my friends, it looks like the time has come for another wave of bands with similar names to emerge. The common link? Girls. (more…)

Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day Screening at UCLA

Saturday, November 14th, 2009

On October 27th, Campus Events Commission not only brought to UCLA’s Ackerman Grand Ballroom a sneak-peak of the Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day, but also a Q&A panel afterwards featuring the writer and director Troy Duffy and actors Sean Patrick Flannery, Norman Reedus and Clifton Collins, Jr.

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UCLA Astronomy Club – Star Party Mix

Saturday, November 14th, 2009


On the 24th, the UCLA Astronomy Club went down to Griffith Park for this month’s “star party” co-hosted by the Los Angeles Astronomical Society and Los Angeles Sidewalk Astronomers. On the trip down Santa Monica Blvd, I started to imagine what a “star party” would be like. It was my first time ever going to a “star party,” so I wondered, this being the city of celebrities, if actual stars would attend; Will Smith, Charlize Theron, Convict #12, and other cast members of Hancock. Maybe, there would be the manliest of man-servants providing refreshing beverages and star and planet shaped hors d’oeuvres. What about the music? I started to list some of the songs that would most likely make it on the very exclusive stary party playlist: (more…)

This Sat at noon! JOKERPACE RADIO HOUR celebrates Scorpios with studio guest Pip Lilly!

Friday, November 13th, 2009

pip-lilly

In studio with me for the entirety will be the talented actor ‘PIP LILLY’….we’ll be discussing the premiere of a hot new theatre play he’s starring in, ‘WOMEN BEHIND BARS’… a black comedy written by tony and grammy award winning playwright Tony Eyen!

There will be a few special features going on throughout my show as well…I will be featuring the debut album of singer/songwriter DEANNA BROWN–www.deannabrown-music.com and I will be interviewing boxer and champ Manny Pacquaio’s shortest-biggest fan Minny Pacquaio in a exclusive phone interview…plus I’ll do some of the well known comedic features that have become a staple of the JOKERPACE RADIO HOUR

THE JOKERPACE RADIO HOUR (Host) JOKERPACE every Saturday – Noon – 2pm

Click on the LISTEN LIVE HEADPHONE icon in the upper right corner!

*On-Air sched for your specific Time Zone

Noon-2pm (pacific)
1-3pm (mountain)
2-4pm (central)
3-5pm (eastern

My Top 5 Albums of 2009 (so far)

Friday, November 13th, 2009

With the holidays approaching, the end of the year is looming before us–which for many avid music devotees means to reflect on 2009 and pick your favorite albums of the year. For me, 2009 offeres a plethora of awesome, as many veteran bands and new acts emerged producing solid, distinguishing albums. It seems that the “indie” scene  in 2009 was a year of solo projects and collaborations that resulted in, what I hope, will be sustaining projects that evolve into 2010. (more…)

Alphaeus Taylor / Clare Means – Tonight at 8pm!

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

Clare-MeansAlphaeus-Taylor

Two of LA’s premiere singer-songwriters – Alphaeus Taylor and Clare Means – will perform live on UCLA Radio this Sunday night!

It all begins at 8pm.

Listen Live by clicking the headphones above!

“I’m in a Band..” with DJ Octoon
Sunday, November 15th, 8-10pm
Right here on UCLAradio.com

8pm – Alphaeus Taylor
9pm – Clare Means

Pau Gasol Out Until Christmas: JUST KIDDING!

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

Last night, I think I may have had several heart attacks simultaneosly when I heard a report that Pau Gasol might be out until Christmas according to Phil Jackson.  The team’s off to a great start without Pau, and there’s no doubt that they can still contend in the West without him, but the thought of not having Pau until Christmas is one that can stir even the most confident Laker fan into a panic.  What if he comes back with Andrew Bynum syndrome?  Will playing half of the season be enough to get him in shape for the playoffs? Does this mean there’s no parade next year?

These worries were put to rest today, when Phil Jackson retracted his statements, saying that he was only joking.  What is of concern is the perplexing circumstances of Pau’s injury:

“Yeah, because with most hamstrings you see bleeding or bruises or holes in the hamstring,” says Jackson in an article on ESPN.com, “His has been one of those things [that] wasn’t a big concern to us, but has turned into a month-long injury.”  Sounds like a job for CSI.

The Lakers have rolled to a 6-1 start (and a 5 game winning streak) without Pau, second best in the West behind division rivals, the Phoenix Suns, who they hope to beat tonight at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Related topics: If the Lakers were Rappers (from LA Weekly: West Coast Sound)

PostSecret: A Great Way to Procrastinate

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

I was talking to a friend the other day and was astounded to hear that he had never heard of PostSecret before! For the uninitiated, PostSecret is sort of an art project in which people anonymously mail in a decorated postcard that shows one of their secrets. The postcards and secrets vary in mood; some are insightful or melancholy, others are hilarious or even downright disgusting. The website and concept was originally started by Frank Warren, but it has since grew and expanded. Now several books have been published full of the postcards, and there are versions of the website available in French, German, Spanish, and Mandarin.

Check out the original site at: http://postsecret.blogspot.com/

Or you can browse through older ones at: http://postsecretarchive.com/

paidticket

Concert Review: U2 @ the Rose Bowl 10/25

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

U2 360 Tour

There are very few bands in the world that have the same respect, recognition, and immeasurable fan base of U2. Over the course of 12 records, they have earned the support of millions of fans.

While Muse performed as the opening act on U2’s East coast tour dates, on the West coast, the opening act was The Black Eyed Peas. The Peas played a few of their hit songs such as “Pump It,” and “I Got a Feeling”. In a surprise twist, Slash (of Gun N’ Roses fame) appeared to play guitar while Fergie belted out “Sweet Child O’Mine.”

U2 performed on a giant circular stage, which allowed all the band members (except drummer Larry Mullen) to run around and see everyone in the stadium. The hallmark of U2’s live performances though, has always been the energy and dramatic performance of lead singer Bono. The band performed songs from their entire career – from classics like “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” to most of their last album, No Line on the Horizon.

Although I’m not a huge fan of their recent albums, U2 have accomplished much more than songwriting in the last decade. Bono has used his fame and fortune in order to advertise and finance humanitarian causes such as AID’s in Africa. The concert allowed Bono to send a message of peace and hope to the 96,000 people in the audience. As everyone sang along to the finale of “With or Without You,” it was clear that this concert was a once in a lifetime experience.

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CINEMA ITALIAN STYLE

Wednesday, November 11th, 2009

cis09box_02Ciao a tutti!

So I heard about these amazing screenings and wanted to let you guys know!

A selection of the best Italian films of 2009 will be playing at the American Cinematheque Theatres.

November 10-18, 2009

Some directors/actors of the films will be there in person to talk about their works. For example, Giuseppe Tornatore (Oscar winning director for “Cinema Paradiso” will be at the screenings for his new film “Barria”).

The tickets are $8 for students and can be purchased on-line at www.fandango.com.

If you want to know more, you should visit www.cinemaitalianstyle.org

or

www.americancinematheque.com

Buona sera!

-DJ/Intern Birdie (tweet tweet)


Double Bass, Banjo, and Tabla. You know, the usual.

Tuesday, November 10th, 2009

Bela Fleck, Zahir Hussian and Edgar Meyer are all virtuosos on their respective instruments, but when these three talented musicians came together, it made for an explosion of musical talent and unparalleled composition. By bending their genres to suit this musical collaborative, they unified Arabic rhythms with Classical and Bluegrass motifs in an unprecedented fashion.

The combination of banjo, double bass and tabla was bizarre but intriguing. Edgar Meyer, double bass prodigy and composer, Bela Fleck, banjo virtuoso, and Zahir Hussain, expert tabla player, are all extremely well established musicians. By creating this peculiar trio, they all stepped out of their musical comfort zones and opened themselves to other musical styles. Whether they were playing bluegrass solos over Middle Eastern beats or performing a classical composition using an Indian scale, the performance demonstrated not only their skill level, but the fascinating way in which three very different musical styles blended together.

The blur of the musicians’ fingers and the look of astonishment on the audiences’ faces are the only things that can truly describe the experience. The concert at Royce Hall was not only a display of musical talent and prowess, but also a model of musical collaboration that will hopefully inspire others in the future. Take advantage of the spectacular concerts offered at UCLA. Paying 15 dollars to see one of the most musically inspiring performances of your lifetime leaves you pleased with the green in your wallet and amazed at the opportunities found on campus.

If you missed the concert there is still hope! Their new CD, “Triple Concerto for Banjo, Tabla and Double Bass.” is a must for any fan of jazz, bluegrass, world, classical, and music as a whole.

Check them out at: http://www.belafleck.com/index.html

- DJ Double J (Jessica Jones), intern for Wild Mountain Nation


What We’re Listening to: BISHOP ALLEN

Tuesday, November 10th, 2009

bishopspan

Tonight, November 10th, Brooklyn-based indie pop group Bishop Allen comes to the Echoplex.

Bishop Allen is a really cool band that you need to know.

First off, the two frontmen, Justin Rice and Christian Rudder are Harvard alums which means they are super smart. Christian is a direct reason for the success of Spark Notes, as the creative write for TheSpark.com, a spin off of the website that helps promote SparkNotes through comedy. And yes, I mean that Spark Notes; the one that helped you get through Hamlet and A Tale of Two Cities back in high school.

Second, they are a band that really cares about their audience. Most bands put out a new CD maybe once every three years, giving you more than enough time to thoroughly play through the entire thing and put it on your shelf where you don’t listen to it for a couple years. These guys do things a little differently. How about 2006 for example where Bishop Allen released an EP EVERY SINGLE MONTH. The songs were polished and more importantly in the hands of their listeners. And that’s not it. They tour all the time and are super likely to be coming to your area each year. Said Rice in a Rolling Stone interview, “We make enough money if we play every night to just keep going, but if we ever stop we’ll be broke.” Did I mention that they are HERE in LOS ANGELES tonight!?

Third, Justin and Christian were DJs at Harvard’s radio station WHRB. Their show Record Hospital showcased little known indie and punk music. For Devo fans, the guys were in a tribute band during their school days and often play a cover or two at live shows. Working at a radio station, it’s just a cool thought to think that maybe someone here in our station could one day blossom into a worldwide known band!

So basically check them out if you want to hear some good toe-tapping sort of music. You may know them from their lead single on the Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist Soundtrack or you may not know them at all. Either way give them a listen; go check out the show. Have a great night.

Sounds Like: Los Campesinos!, Coconut Records, an even more upbeat Vampire Weekend

-Peter Wardell
Suuper Good Radio Show, Thursdays 12-2 pm

Rusko @ Avalon, Nov 20

Tuesday, November 10th, 2009
November 20, 2009
12:00 am

Rusko’s dubstep grimy beats will be sure to get you moving on a Friday night. Don’t miss him at the Avalon on Friday November 20th.
1735 Vine St
Los Angeles, CA 90028-5248

Rusko

Event and Ticket Info

Royksopp Nov 18 Club Nokia

Tuesday, November 10th, 2009
November 18, 2009
12:00 am

Röyksopp are an electronic music duo from Tromsø, Norway with a recently released album “Junior.”

November 18 at Club Nokia
800 West Olympic Blvd. Suite A335
Los Angeles, CA, Los Angeles 90015

Check out their Myspace

More Info Through Facebook

Tickets