Goodnight Hollywood Boulevard...

Oh, hello there dear reader.

So I've survived a little more than two weeks here in this ant farm we lovingly call Los Angeles. I'm finally becoming acquainted with this city's streets, layout, food, beaches, people and yes, even culture (perhaps heresy for a New Yorker to claim)...and yes, the more time out here I spend and the more sunny days I endure, I say, "Yes, I definitely more well-suited for New York and yes, I do miss the occasional summer storm" (though I suppose those have been few and far between this summer). Now don't get me wrong, I'm surprising myself by really enjoying my time out here and actually getting into the whole LA thing, but I always know deep down where my home really is.

So with these introductory details out of the way, let me lay you on to some of the highlights so far and in no particular order:

The Central Avenue Jazz Festival - My uncle took me to this staple event of the African-American community here in Los Angeles where we witnessed performances by two of the staple musicians out here: a vocalist Ernie Andrews and an arranger/trumpeter known as Gerald Wilson. Both have been out here and residents of the Central Ave. community and diaspora for 60+ years. Andrews was accompanied by one of the top tenor players out here, a cat by the name of Rickey Woodard. Wilson directed a 21 piece orchestra and led us through a history of his involvement with the music. Good music, good community vibes and good food (Praise be Walter's Special! - red beans and rice topped with jambalaya). Interesting area now because it seems to have transitioned to a predominantly Latin American demographic.

Leimart Park - After reading about this as the home of the great drummer Billy Higgins, I hopped in my car to check out this area without reading the fine print. A very Afro-centric area, almost militantly so, and in retrospect, not one I should have explored alone. (This is one of the strange things about Los Angeles - it's more a series of suburbs than a city and each suburb has a community that is almost isolated from the others, especially along racial lines). Anyways, I knew I was in the right place when I saw not only stars for Higgins, but also the great pianist and educator Horace Tapscott on the community's Walk of Fame, along with a sign that said, "No Cruising: Cruising is driving two times past this sign in six hours." Yikes! I think I may have actually been guilty of that. Anyways, I discovered a great book shop and an even better vintage book, record, magazine shop with all kinds of rare items pertaining to the blues and jazz traditions. So all in all the trip was a total success, minus the incident as I ventured out of a store onto the owners screaming about white people and cops and the like - utterances probably not untrue, but certainly creating an uncomfortable situation for me.

Malibu Beach - Simply put, we went to this beach up in Malibu that was basically a secluded cove. Beautiful blue, but freezing water and drinking beers while laying out in the sun all day. Seals that come swim up real close to you. Yeah, I agree, it's a really hard life out here.

Food trips - Some significant food-age has happened in the form of adventures to the Kogi Korean BBQ Taco Truck, Philippe's the Original, Factor's Famous Deli, Daikokuya and The Apple Pan.

Dodgers game vs. the Mets - My friend Kate and her family were generous enough to invite me to join their family for a Dodgers game. The company her father works for buy season tickets and have absolutely incredible seats. Front row on the third base side about 20 ft into the outfield. What a way to see the game! Just like the players! The Mets fielding was out of control and despite the Dodgers losing, it was a really fun experience. Dodger stadium is beautiful and Dodger dogs are awesome.

The Museum of Jurassic Technology - This is one of the most inexplicable places on Earth. I will not abuse myself by struggling to describe it. Simply check out the web site and come here if you're ever in Los Angeles.

Additionally, I've been trying to explore neighborhoods based on record stores and have been attending lots of fun parties affording ample time to hang with the small, but dedicated Columbia/Barnard contingent out here.

(Pictures to come).

On Thursday, I head to the Pacific Northwest with my friend from college Annie for about two and a half weeks. Stay tuned for more madcap laughs.