Nabucco

Verdi; a master of gorgeous ceremonial chords, pushing religious and political boundaries––and like most artists who’ve endured generations––a visionary ahead of his time.
Plácido Domingo; a passionate performer, with rich texture and strong physical presence––not just a famous tenor, but a true actor.
LA Opera; a breath of fresh air, full of zest and willing to challenge audiences with programs that are both important and beautifully mounted.

The Morning News

I remember waking up to the delicious smell of coffee with sweet cream and sugar,
Still half asleep, I’d walk into the kitchen to find my grandma and grandpa reading the morning news paper;
I was always eager to receive ‘The Mini Page’ so that I could feel like a grown up.
I was hooked on the intoxicating smell of recycled paper and ink––games, activities, and fun articles that would inspire me.
Journalism and exploring world events was just one of many wonderful life moments my grandparents shared with me.
Now, as I sit on my iPhone and comb through the stories that populate my news feed, I miss those delightful exchanges.
I’ll be forever grateful for the wisdom and knowledge they instilled in me.

A Trip To The Huntington Library

Waves from the Zen rock garden carry tranquility,
Encouragement jumps from original manuscripts by Chaucer,
Passion smeared across canvas,
Beauty in every direction; history sounds me.
The water fountains provide a baptism for inspiration.

The Fabulous Life of a Dancer

The more you drink,
The fatter you get;
Plus it’s really hard to wake up in the morning!
How do you say “no” to fabulous events with dancers and choreographers from around the world?
Answer: You don’t––you drink more and worry about it once the festival ends.
#LifeOfADancer

Dance United

Nine countries,
Three hundred dancers and choreographers,
Music, laughter, cross-cultural conversation, food, and wine;
A brilliant way to unite the world.

Airport Case Study

I never get tired of people watching.
Especially at an International airport-
Europeans are always well dressed and smell good.
Asians are always quite and efficient.
Americans are always poorly dressed, loud and eating something.
These are all generalizations, of course.
Still, I find it crazy that in every culture, young and old, EVERYONE is plugged into a power source... or desperately searching for an outlet!

ART!

A trip to the Getty Villa-
Inspired by the gardens, sculptures and view.
Reminded that culture and history surrounds us, if we open our eyes and soak it up.
The only way to tell a new story, is to understand how people before us told theirs.

New York, Brooklyn?!

I thought the saying was New York, New York!
Nevertheless, I'm on a couch in Brooklyn visiting with my friends in the city.
Flashback to eight years ago, when I used to live in NYC, and you NEVER would have found me in Brooklyn! NEVER.
NOT because it wasn't safe, or hip, or cool.
It just wasn't The Big Apple!
When I was a kid growing up, I never dreamed about moving to Brooklyn-
No offense. It just wasn't part of the Broadway experience.
So after PLENTY of ribbing and clichéd jokes, I decided to give Brooklyn a chance...
I mean, I didn't really have a choice, that's where their house is, and I needed a bed to sleep in!
All I can say is that I was wrong.
Their tree-lined street is gorgeous. Their apartment is charming. The food and culture rivals anything I've seen in Manhattan, and they live right next to a spectacular park!
The only down side-
Two subway transfers and 20 minutes to get to midtown...
#YouCan'tHaveEverything!

Going To The Getty

The perfect Saturday afternoon-
Wine on the terrace,
Walk through the Herb Ritts collection of photos,
Beer on the veranda,
Walk through the beautifully manicured garden.
European tourists everywhere!
Delicious people watching...
The perfect museum getaway.

Cultured By Brooke

I've mentioned her numerous times before, and rightfully so! My sophisticated friend Brooke has lead me on another intoxicating adventure... Brooke is as cultured as they come. Her personalized style and eclectic palate is refreshing and almost unheard of in L.A. (Let's face it, most people in Hollywood follow trends.) Somehow, Brooke has her finger on the pulse of what's hot, without being a "follower." Seriously- I can't even get her to Tweet the hilarious and off-the-cuff one liners that effortlessly explode from her lips! She's witty, gorgeous and the coolest chick you'll ever meet.
Tonight's journey involved a trip to the Echoplex in Silver Lake to see the dynamic band Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.
People overuse the word "corky" however, in this case, I think it's an appropriate adjective.
The band features two missed matched guys with the perfect balance of stage presence and passion.
It doesn't hurt that their voices sound killer together too!
The bands sound is youthful and energetic.  But don't let that fool you... the nearly packed house was entirely mixed with young and old, men and women, gay and straight, hipsters and plaid wearing preppy's - all dancing (in their own special way) to Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.'s music.
I loved their heavy percussion full of rhythm and tempo changes.  In one song the lyrics promise to "take you there" and they really did! They push the audience past uncomfortable, into outrageously intense in the best way.
It was an excellent night. Rocking music and a night out with the fabulous Brooke Kivowitz!