Chris Rountree enthusiastically spins his fingers upwards as he attempts to tell me the philosophy of wild Up.  The group, which he acts as art director and conductor for, is much more than just a chamber orchestra.  Started in January 2010 by a bunch of post-graduate students looking for a way to fill what they saw as a void in the music scene; wild Up seeks to bring a new and enlivened audience to classical music and orchestral concerts.  “We can do pop music, classical music, street noises, avant-garde music, fluxes music, [and] we can do carrot,” lists off Chris, “When it comes to music, any music is fair game.”  And, they stand by that statement.  Their first performance this past February ran the spectrum of Bach to Stravinsky to Radiohead.

Attempting to break the more traditional view of orchestral music, Chris says, “The classical way of going into the text and bringing out the essence, while it’s good in a lot of ways, causes this kind of robot thing.  Like you’re goal is to sound like a recording, to be perfect and not necessarily engaging.  And we want to be perfect, but we’re gonna’ be engaging too, and we’ll get more from it.”

And to get more from it, the group has opted for a more informal experience, such as performing in unconventional spaces and relaxing the typical concert etiquette allowing the audience to interact more fully with the musicians.  “Music is about connecting with people and what better way for them to do that than to go nuts when they enjoy it, or to be close enough to see our reactions to the music,” says Chris.

Enthusiastically Chris explains that their reinvented format comes with both obstacles and rewards.  “It’s really great for some of these musicians who have been playing about 20 years with no immediate gratification to hear people just go nuts right after a movement,” explains Chris. “Performing in a conventional orchestra you just don’t see that.”  And while it enlivens the performers, it also creates problems as they struggle to hear and stay focused over the cheering and applause, but he acknowledges that that’s just something that comes with their experimenting.

“There was no expectation of the way it would be, so I’ve been open to what it will be and what it is,” says Chris.  And in terms of what it will be Chris says, “Anything goes.  I mean, you can’t sit with the musicians, at least not yet.”  As wild Up plans for their fall season, they hope to take over more unconventional spaces, possibly turning up at Downtown ArtWalk, The Getty, and other venues so keep your eyes open or check out their webpage at: http://wildUp.la.

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Spec Sheet:

Name/Nickname: Christopher Rountree

Birthplace: Anaheim, CA

Favorite things to do: “Go to the beach, people watch, read, spend time with my friends, write and make music.

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Connect with wild Up:

Website

KOFFEEHOUSE MUSIC PRESENTS ITS 4TH ANNUAL “EVENING OF INDEPENDENCE” CONCERT BENEFITING MUSICARES® SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 2010 AT THE MAGICAL FORD AMPHITHEATER

Featuring A Night Of Singers, Songwriters and Music By Katharine McPhee, Jon McLaughlin, honeyhoney, The Daylights, And A Special Reunion Performance By Sixpence None The Richer

(LOS ANGELES July 16, 2010) – Koffeehouse is proud to present its 4th Annual “Evening of Independence” benefitting MusiCares® on August 7, 2010 at the Ford Amphitheatre in Hollywood. The evening will feature the most talented emerging artists and special guests with featured performances by Verve/Universal recording artist, actress KATHARINE MCPHEE, Island Def Jam recording artist JON MCLAUGHLIN, national recording artists HONEYHONEY, Los Angeles Indie-rockers THE DAYLIGHTS, GRAMMY-nominated SIXPENCE NONE THE RICHER, who will be reuniting at The Ford after a six- year hiatus as well as a special performance by award-winning cellist, TINA GUO accompanied by Marcelo. The event will be hosted by ESPN, Current TV and Yahoo! Sports’ correspondent and host, ANGELA SUN.

Koffeehouse’s 4th Annual “Evening of Independence” is in official partnership with Los Angeles County Arts Commission and is sponsored by ABC7, KPFK 90.7fm, Univision, LA Weekly, LA18, and Fusicology. One hundred percent of the evening’s net proceeds benefit MusiCares, whose mission is to provide a safety net of critical assistance for musicians in times of need (www.grammy.org/musicares.com).

“When we started these intimate showcases in my backyard nearly seven years ago, we had no idea we would be participating in the promotion and production of so many high-profile concerts and music festivals years later,” says Koffeehouse Founder Jeremy Koff.  “We’re extremely honored to have worked with so many talented artists and take pride in giving them a platform to share their extraordinary ability with the music industry.”

The pre-show will take place in The Ford’s Edison Plaza courtyard from 6:00-7:30PM and will feature a silent auction, picnicking and performances by some of LA’s most talented emerging artists including Terra Naomi, Freddie and Francine, Shawn Hlookoff and Jayme Dee. Picnic baskets and wine are permitted during the pre-show in the Ford’s entryway as well as in the Ford Amphitheatre itself.

Previous Koffeehouse “Evening of Independence” concerts have featured artists including Jon Foreman (Switchfoot), Alex Band (The Calling), A Fine Frenzy (Virgin), Rocco Deluca & The Burden (Ironworks), Matt Scannell (Vertical Horizon), Tyrone Wells (Universal), MoZella (Universal), Trevor Hall (Geffen/White Balloon), Ryan Star (Atlantic), among many others.

Tickets to Koffeehouse’s 4th Annual “Evening of Independence” are $25 if purchased 7 days or more before the show and $30 thereafter. VIP tickets are available for $100 which includes pre-paid parking at The Ford, access to the VIP lounge—which includes an open bar and food, a mention of you or your company in the official event program, a gift bag full of goodies and the best seats in the house. Discounted student tickets and group tickets are also available. Doors open at 6:00PM. The pre-show runs 6:30-7:30PM. The main show starts at 8:00PM.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.FordTheatres.org or by calling the Ford Box Office at (323) 461-3673.

Additional sponsors include Mike Sullivan’s Toyota of Hollywood, Pink Taco, Wolfgang Puck’s Iced Coffee, and Fender Musical Instruments Corp.

Ryan and Allison are a recently engaged couple like any other. They’re just letting the world plan their wedding!  Two weeks after Ryan proposed, Allison – an editor at the Los Angeles Times Magazine – brought an idea to her editor about starting a blog where her readers have the ultimate say on all major wedding decisions.  She went for it!

Now Allison starts her journey as the official Anti-Bridezilla on her Plan My Wedding blog. Readers will vote on everything from her china to her bridal gown to her first-dance song with Ryan.  Lucky for her, Ryan, known as “The Fiance” on the blog, is in full support!

Log on to planmywedding.latimesmagazine.com to see what’s been decided and how you can help with upcoming votes.

Director, producer, editor, director of photography on music videos, and more recently, commercials. How does someone obtain so many roles during production? I’ll tell you how: perseverance, dedication, determination and some seriously long hours and hard work.

Although born in Windsor, England, matt yang predominately lived most of his life in different parts of the world: From England, to San Francisco, Hong Kong, Japan, Seattle, San Diego and finally, the great city of angels itself – Los Angeles. matt yang began his first steps towards his career during high school, where he took a few classes in production. From there he jumped entirely into his craft by launching his own production company, titled myHD (matt yang High Definition) — operating as his own establishment by fulfilling temporary staff requests for production.

Working in the video/commercial circuit for approximately five years, he has directed music videos with artists such as: Christian Stone, War Stories, Evan Robinson, Rookie of the Year, and The Apple War. His most recent work entails, the completion of Jesse Barrera’s latest music video “Tangled Up.” While the majority of matt yang’s career has been comprised of directing music videos, he has slowly begun to transition into the commercial sector, utilizing the skills and knowledge he obtained as a stepping-stone for the advancement of his career. “I’m in a place where I’m really enjoying what I’m doing —[I have] really great clients, but I’m looking to what’s next, what can I grab.”

So how much exertion is given for the production of one music video? LOTS.

matt yang usually meets with a manager, band or a production company that he is signed with before receiving the project. From that meeting, a song, a budget and other miscellaneous details such as style preferences are given from which he draws up a treatment or a general synopsis of what the final product will be. After the treatment, revisions are given, ideas tweaked and then pre-production begins. After pre-production, we move forward to production — this usually takes place over the course of 12 hours. matt yang describes this to be a type of “controlled chaos… but that’s the beauty of it.” He further explains, “I’m very structured in the pre-production; I can get everything very clear, but by doing that I allow myself that… freedom [in production]…I know what I need to get, but I can [experiment] too. I have that structure to fall back on, and I leave it open to try different things.” From production we move to post-production. Per matt yang, he tries to get a rough cut to the client within two weeks and final product within a week or two of the rough cut.

As for commercials, matt yang is currently teamed up with two advertising agencies, Snowball Ad Agency and Nucleus Worldwide. Commercials come to yang in one of two ways: through production, where the concept has already been created and all that follows is production and post-production or through the advertising agency itself, where it dabbles around with a few ideas and wants the creative input of the director. From there, pre-production, production and post-production follow.

matt yang currently has a few things in the pipeline coming up — a few commercial gigs and a potential music video gig in New York — all of which are in the works. To check out matt yang’s work, you can visit his website at www.mattyang.com. You’ll definitely want to keep him under your radar; matt yang could easily be the director behind the next big commercial campaign you see or the music video you’ve downloaded and purchased off of iTunes.

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Spec Sheet:

Name/Nickname: matt yang

Birthplace: Windsor, United Kingdom

Random/quirky facts about yourself: “Grew up internationally.”

Favorite things to do: “Work on artistic adventures, travel, play with my dog, create, cook, eat, enjoy the small things in life.”

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Connect with matt yang:

Website

It was another night in the big city. Hosted on the ground level of the towering Chapman Lofts in Los Angeles was FashionISArt – An evening of art, appreciation and fun masterminded by the Trifecta Group. The sound of the bustling streets and rustling traffic was instantly overpowered by the gripping visuals and fresh pumping music within the event walls. Posted against the venue’s stark white backdrop and fluorescent lighting were photographs by Gabriel Jeffrey, Dorit Thies, Paul Schefz and more. Whether the crowd lounged around on the plush green seating near the entrance doors or chatted the night away with friends near the DJ booth, Trifecta’s attempt to showcase designers, photographers, stylists and fashion artists of many forms under one roof was a festive success.

Interested in attending the next Fashion IS Art event? Visit www.FashionISArt.biz to learn more about the monthly soirée and find out what else the Trifecta Group has in store for the city’s creative conessuiers.

Doors open at 7:00PM, show is at 10:30PM.

Tickets are $10.00, and available at the door only. Get there early to ensure entry!!

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Personal Message from HABIT:

Hello world, my name is Habit and I am up and coming Hip-Hop artist. I was born and raised in L.A., moved to Arizona in 2006 for college, graduated class of 2010. Now I’m back in L.A. pursuing what I love. I pride myself in doing what I love in the name of Hip Hop, as well as the rich legacy that gave way to it. Not to mention those that share that same love and compassion for the art form that I do. I am a fan of all of music. When people ask me what my style is I reply, I am a walking, talking piece of motivation with a lot of soul.

Habit…

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Connect with Habit:

Website

Blog

Twitter

YouTube

Outdoors under the blue sky with perfect weather, good music, and good food is how more than 30,000 people enjoyed their Memorial Day weekend in West Los Angeles. Some people brought picnic baskets while others sunbathed. Some painted designs on their bodies while others walked around the entire day. Most would agree that everyone had a great experience.

The 24th Annual UCLA Jazz Reggae Festival is a 2-day event on Memorial-Day weekend comprised of Jam Day (Sunday) and Reggae Day (Monday). With Raphael Saadiq headlining Jam Day and Nas & Damien Marley headlining Reggae Day, it comes as no surprise that the entire grassy area of UCLA’s intramural field was filled with people on both days. The event ran from noon to 7pm, giving attendees plenty of time to walk around, eat, listen to music, and just mingle under the sun. Performances from established artists such as Q-Tip, Bilal, Cham, Nneka, and Barrington Levy, among others, kept the crowd sizzling all day as the field slowly filled to capacity. In addition, rising stars such as Tha Boogie, Quadron, and others also took the stage to help fill the air with new music.

“I was here last year sitting on a blanket… it’s a blessing [to be performing],” says Korus of Tha Boogie. With music influences ranging from Missy Elliot and Timbaland to Outkast and Radiohead, Tha Boogie, who recently toured with headliner Raphael Saadiq, were ecstatic about the opportunity to perform at such a large event.

The music was a magnet—festival attendees ranged from Los Angeles locals to other California natives, and even a few visitors from out-of-state joined in the festivities. One attendee from San Luis Obispo made the 3-hour drive to Los Angeles to enjoy both days of the festival. As a first time attendee, she said, “I heard from my sister that this was a huge event, and I really wanted to see Nas, so it was definitely worth it.” Nas & Damien Marley’s album collaboration, Distant Relatives, was released on May 18^th. Having had a number of recent shows to promote the new album, the Jazz Reggae festival was the perfect place for thousands of locals to experience their collaboration.

“The music is great, but you can’t come to the festival without getting food too,” said one audience member. In addition to music, people enjoyed the large selection of food choices as well as vendors selling apparel, handcrafted jewelry, and other goods. The food selection consisted of Brazilian food, Indian food, $1 tacos, funnel cakes, and more. Other vendors were selling art, boutique apparel, and other items. Every year, the Jazz Reggae festival at UCLA is not only for music artists to showcase their talent, but also a place for food, art, and other businesses to thrive.

And it doesn’t stop there. The talent it takes to put together such an event is also worthy of mention.

Preliminary planning for the festival begins as far back as a year in advance (meaning next year’s festival is already in the works!). With an unpaid staff of about 30 students, this huge event all comes together with careful, meticulous planning, hard work, and dedication. Alongside classes, midterms, finals, part-time jobs, and other activities, the students involved with the Jazz Reggae festival take on many tasks such as contacting and organizing vendors, marketing the event, and managing press coverage. Finally, during the hectic 2-day festival, they get to see their hard work manifested in spectacular performances and people smiling, dancing, and having a good time.

Ask someone who was there, or who has been to the festival in the past. It is a fulfilling weekend for anyone who loves food, art, sun, and of course, music.

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Say Cheese!

Raphael Saadiq and his band performing.

Venue was packed!!!

We just love this man. Essence of cool.

Family Fun

Q-Tip doing his thing!! Performance got so crazy, at one point he jumped into the crowd, rapping to the audience, for more than half of a song.

No place like LA.

Bilal and his band doing their thing.

We’re digging his new look. What do you think??

“If it makes noise I’ll play it or try to at least,” says Jason Boschetti, known as CAV3 (pronounced Cave) to other musicians and artists.  Originally from Dallas, Texas, CAV3 started getting heavy into music during his teens.  “I was always a musical kid.   Whatever instruments were around the house I’d pick up.”  And his interest in music only continued with the advent of music creation software.  “I was always wasting my time playing computer games, and it was like a computer game. But you could create something, and I was always really creative,” says CAV3.

Software such as Acid and Reason soon became a part of CAV3’s process in opening up different possibilities and ways to explore music.  “One of my biggest influences is DJ Krush. His was really the first music I listened to that I really felt like I was in a different place when I listened to it.  It transported me to somewhere else.  So when I heard that, I really felt like I had to make beats; I had to make something like that,” says CAV3.  And after some time studying in Japan and having a teacher there that taught him how to DJ, CAV3 returned to the U.S. knowing exactly what he wanted to do.

“When I got back to America, the first thing I did was get some turn tables, and I started cutting on my dad’s record collection and sampling, chopping and stuff, making beats in Reason,” CAV3 says, speaking of his enthusiasm for creating his own beats.  Shortly after returning he wasted no time sharing his passion with others by performing at talent shows and even starting a Beats Club at his high school.

“When it came time for college, I applied to schools in California because I was really interested in hieroglyphics and Living Legends and a lot of the California hip hop,” says CAV3 about how he made his way to L.A.  While studying at U.C. Berkeley, CAV3 put out his first independent album and took it upon himself to attend concerts and poetry slams, not only getting his name out there, but also making lots of contacts he’d work with in the future.

“I started meeting a lot of people that I was listening to which was really cool, and I got to work with some of them and that blew my mind because I was really aiming for that,” states CAV3 about the numerous collaborations he’s since done with artists he used to look up to.

Now working from his studio in downtown, CAV3’s authentic sound, mixing funk, an atmospheric electronic sound, drums, and bouncy baselines are getting him noticed by the tons of artists he’s constantly collaborating with.  In addition to performing  with a band every Friday night at The Embassy in Culver City, CAV3 spends his time working on the many tracks he’s putting out with colleagues as well as his own work including a new solo album, Arkatype.   In addition to a solo album, he’s currently working on a lot of stuff with SHINGO2 and polishing off an album with his wife, Gumshoe.  His tracks can be found online for sale at Myspace.com and Amazon.com.

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Spec Sheet:

Name/Nickname: CAV3 (Jason Boschetti)

Birthplace: Dallas, TX

Height: 6′

Random/quirky thoughts about yourself: “I love watermelon with peanut butter, and pizza with anchovies. I’m very limber. I sleep with earplugs and a nightcap.  If I was an animal I’d be a wolfgoatfishgiraffe.”

Favorite things to do: “Playing music, making love, hiking, swiming, surfing, eating, cooking, kicking it with friends and fam, talking & walking with God, wrestling with wifey, etc..”

Most embarrasing life moment: “Getting caught in the act with my high school sweetheart by the police in a back alley in the back of my truck. Flashlight on my naked ass. Very embarrassing.”

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Connect with CAV3:

Website

Facebook

MySpace

Twitter

YouTube

What is Oilspill?

Oilspill is an alternative rock band.

This band is jamming and carries a sound unheard of but a MUST to be heard. They have been quoted to “electrify with influences from every corner of the world from rock to hip-hop, gospel to R&B.” I had the opportunity to chat it up with the voice of the band Zee Tore (Zee) who stated, “It always starts with a gut feeling, an acoustic guitar, and an empty bottle of Canadian flavored water.”

Check out more from my interview with Zee…readers enjoy!

Jessica: “Hi! How has your day of relaxation been?”

Zee: “Pretty good actually, just relaxed like it was supposed to be.”

Jessica: “First thing’s first, where did the name Oilspill come from? When did your band begin?”

Zee: “The name Oilspill came from the fact that our whole rock band is black; it actually started as a joke. We started back in 2006.”

Jessica: “I like that! That’s what I was assuming, funny.”

Zee: “Yeah most people find it funny.”

Jessica: “When the band first began was it just for fun, or is this something you have always been serious about?”

Zee: “I personally [have] always loved music and always wanted to be in a band or pursue music as more than just for fun.”

Jessica: “Is there a mission behind your band or a movement?” What type of genre of music would you say Oilspill falls into?”

Zee: “The mission is to share with other people what we have to offer.”

Jessica: “What is one word you would use to describe Oilspill… other then an oilspill, lol?”

Zee: “Oilspill is an alternative rock group. You can hear influences of all sorts of music in our sound.”

Jessica: “I was listening to some of your songs, and they seem a little spiritual. Is it religion-based?”

Zee: “No, our songs are not religion-based, but we are all spiritual in our own ways.”

Jessica: “What can we expect to see from the band in 2010?

Zee: “Expect to hear a lot of new music, videos, and more shows.”

Jessica: “You do most of your promotions on YouTube and MySpace, correct?

Zee: “We do [most] of our promotion on MySpace, but we do have a YouTube page and are planning on posting new videos.”

Jessica: “What was the most enjoyable project Oilspill has worked on? Can you share with me about a time you guys had the most hyped-up crowd?”

Zee: “The most fun project has to be the Along Beach Festivals (If this is a name of the festival is should be capitalizes, and I would take off the –s unless it is part of the name). There were so many people, and we just killed that show! It was one of those moments when [we felt] like a real rock star [band].”

Jessica: “Ten years from today, where will Oilspill be?”

Zee: “Ten years from today, Oilspill will be one of the biggest bands touring the world!”

Jessica: “What band would you compare Oilspill to?”

Zee: “I don’t like comparing myself, but people usually compare us to Incubus.

Jessica: “I agree. I honestly could not think of a band I would compare you guys to either. Oilspill is truly unique!”

Keep on pushing N-LA Oilspill!

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Connect with Oilspill:

MySpace

Welcome one and all to another round of Yoo-N-The-Movies! This little corner of Yoo-N-LA is where you’ll find out if those hot new films you’ve been thinking about seeing are worth your hard-earned cash (sans spoilers of course!). So sit back, relax, and enjoy!

Last time we met, faithful readers, I wrote briefly on some of the horrors of the comic book film genre.  One thing I failed to mention was that these films are all sequels! In recent times, this trend has continued with movies such as Transformers 2, which is like seeing a car accident— you can’t help watching but feel bad afterwards. The list of these second-generation red-headed stepchildren goes on: Spiderman 3, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, Superman Returns (I know I mentioned this one last time, but it was really bad.), etc. With that said, director Jon Favreau and company have broken the curse and produced a film that rivals its predecessor with Iron Man 2.

The loveable playboy genius Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) once again finds himself the center of the world’s attention after outing himself as the superhero Iron Man. The film opens with Stark going before a Federal Government hearing to defend his right to be sole possessor of the Iron Man suit and its repulsor technology on the grounds that no one else would develop similar equipment for at least a decade. After a successful outcome for Stark, an unfortunate event in Monaco proves him wrong as the proverbial genie is let out of the bottle by Ivan Vanko (Mickey Rourke). Vanko attacks Stark using energy whips powered by the same technology as Iron Man. This leads to government and Stark- rival Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell) attempting to ruin Stark and usurp his technology. There’s so much more, but as always, loyal reader, this is a spoiler-free party!

The spectacular story for which you are in store is only one-third of the equation that makes Iron Man 2 a powerhouse. This film contains stunning visuals and special effects. All of Tony Stark’s technology, from his cell phone to his holographic computer, would make Steve Jobs’ jaw drop. But wait, dear reader, it just keeps getting better! Let’s move on to my favorite part of this song and dance we call movie reviews, the critique of the cast!

The cast as a whole does an outstanding job. Downey all at once proves that he is without a doubt the best man for the role of Tony Stark, completely stealing the show. As someone who reads Iron Man comic books, it is truly remarkable to see Downey completely nail the character. Downey’s portrayal captures all aspects of Tony Stark from the infantile playboy, the mad genius, and the caring friend and lover. Superb men and women all compliment and enhance each other, rounding out the supporting cast. Gwyneth Paltrow reprises her role as Pepper Potts and does a brilliant job of keeping the character strong and interesting while having to share a majority of her screen time with Downey. One of the best surprises coming from a supporting role was the performance delivered by Don Cheadle who played Lt. Col. James “Rhodey” Rhodes, Stark’s best friend. Cheadle came in to replace Terrance Howard this time out, and his performance makes one wish he had been in the first movie as well. Cheadle has taken the character and made him significantly more robust and domineering.  Scarlett Johansson proves she is a femme fatale to be reckoned with as Natasha Romanoff (although a name not used, comic book fans will know her as Black Widow). Johnasson trained for six weeks before filming began and continued to train during the entire six months of shooting. The stunts Johnasson performs are graceful and forceful all at once and really a sight to behold.  Sam Rockwell and Mickey Rourke give admirable performances as Justin Hammer and Ivan Vanko, respectively. Sam Rockwell owns the role of Tony Stark’s less successful rival and brings it to life. Mickey Rourke brings his mastery of acting to the role of Ivan Vanko and creates a character that is cunning and deadly. Viewing the performances given by Rockwell and Rourke, it is easy to forget that they are portraying comic book villains.

In closing, this is by far a movie that all must see regardless of interest in the source material. Take the kids! Take the grandmas! Take the girlfriends, boyfriends, wives, and husbands! This is an experience for the whole family! The well-rounded story, the great directing, and the brilliant acting make this film a blazing success! Ole Shellhead couldn’t have asked for a better movie! Rating this movie on the scale of one to ten, one being a glass of water from the L.A. River and ten being a chalice of the drink of the gods, pour me another one, Zeus, because Iron Man 2 is a ten!

Thanks for reading another round of Yoo-N-The-Movies! As always, remember to line your pockets and purses with foil when sneaking nachos into the theatre…(Man, that cheese was hot!)!