The Avengers charge into the pack of epic trailers released during tonight’s Super Bowl Coverage in a brand new teaser for Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War.
Take a look at the jam packed Super Bowl spot below:
Fans will get a closer look at The Guardians of the Galaxy, teamwork between Doctor Strange and Iron Man, as well as the battle hardened Captain America.
Fans may even get a look at that prototype shield that was teased in Spider-Man: Homecoming. With so many releases coming out this summer, including multiple Marvel properties, it’s definitely a great year for comic book fans.
To learn more about the upcoming Avengers sequel, please visit http://marvel.com/avengers
Avengers: Infinity War opens in U.S. theaters on May 4, 2018.
With only months leading up to the release date of Solo: A Star Wars Story, fans finally get a taste of the next installment of the Star Wars Anthology series.
Take a look below at the short teaser released by Lucasfilm during the beginning of tonight’s Super Bowl coverage.
Tomorrow will be the official trailer debut, which will be on Good Morning America’s broadcast. Make sure to stay tuned for the full trailer and all the latest updates this side of the Galaxy by visiting’s Star Wars official site: www.starwars.com
Plot Synopsis: “Board the Millennium Falcon and journey to a galaxy far, far away in “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” an all-new adventure with the most beloved scoundrel in the galaxy. Through a series of daring escapades deep within a dark and dangerous criminal underworld, Han Solo befriends his mighty future copilot Chewbacca and meets the notorious gambler Lando Calrissian, in a journey that will set the course of one of the Star Wars saga’s most unlikely heroes.
The film stars Alden Ehrenreich, Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke, Donald Glover, Thandie Newton, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Paul Bettany.”
Catalina is not just an island paradise; it’s a very close island paradise, which makes it a perfect day or weekend getaway for Southern California residents. In fact, at only 24 miles across the sea from Long Beach, the place can be reached by boat in one hour. With this in mind, a friend and I recently escaped to the island for a memorable getaway.
Our journey began in downtown Long Beach, where we picked up tickets from Catalina Express (www.catalinaexpress.com) and boarded one of the company’s sleek, catamaran-styled vessels for the journey across the Catalina Channel.
Featuring comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, lots of big windows and a full bar and snack shop, the boat makes for a fun trip. Highlights of the crossing include great views of the legendary Queen Mary; the giant, white geodesic cruise ship dome (former home to the Howard Hughes “Spruce Goose”); and schools of playful dolphins following alongside.
When we reached the city of Avalon, the captain anchored in the harbor, which was full of colorful boats and yachts, and schools of bright orange Garibaldi – the California state fish – swimming in the clear water. From here we walked to our room at the Pavilion Hotel.
Located steps from the beach, the Pavilion Hotel boasts 72 tastefully-appointed rooms and suites, many with direct access to a central courtyard, where beautifully landscaped tropical gardens and comfy chaise lounges provide an ideal spot to relax and get in that “island mood.”
Our room featured cheerful marine colors, two queen beds, and opened to a beautiful garden courtyard, where each morning staff present a free continental breakfast overlooking the ocean. The breakfast features tasty items such as applewood smoked bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, fruit juice and coffee. At night, the hotel offers a complimentary wine and cheese reception in the courtyard beside a cozy fire.
After unpacking I walked five minutes to the island’s historic Casino for the “Behind the Scenes Casino Tour.” This attraction, led by Catalina Island Company, takes guests back to a time when hundreds of people would sail to the island each week to see and hear big bands with the likes of Benny Goodman, Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Gene Autry and other greats play on one of the biggest wooden dance floors the world had yet seen.
Leaving the tour I walked around the circular casino building, encountering a myriad of scuba divers, taking advantage of one of the country’s best dive sights. I then found a small outdoor café serving fish and chips on the wooden pier. While dining I enjoyed a cool ocean breeze and watched yachts sway in the harbor and people walk along on the beach.
I concluded the evening with a beer and a little karaoke at The Galleon restaurant and bar. In the morning I enjoyed breakfast on the Pavilion lawn and then lounged on the sand with my toes in the water.
After breakfast I boarded a bus for the Inland Expedition tour, an exciting 31-mile expedition through Catalina’s pristine wilderness. The tour follows the island’s original 19th-century stagecoach route and navigates through a native plant nursery, a bald eagle habitat and traverses the secluded backside of Catalina, for endless views of unspoiled shoreline.
A tour to the secluded side of Catalina provides memorable views of cliffs, coasts and even wild buffalo (photo by Greg Aragon)
The expedition also passes the favorite grazing spots of Catalina bison. On our tour we spotted a family of wild buffaloes eating grass on the roadside. The animals were left here after a movie shoot in the 1950’s and today number more than 100.
Catalina Express offers trips to Catalina from Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point. Regular adult fares for Catalina Express from Long Beach are $36.75 one way and $73.50 roundtrip. For more information, visit www.catalinaexpress.com. For more info on staying at the Pavilion Hotel visiting Catalina Island, visit: www.CatalinaChamber.com.
“IT” makes the viewer tense at the edge of their seat, fearful of what is to come next from a frightful dancing clown. The movie’s special features a 2-disc blu-ray set and showcases four selections each at an average of 15 minutes in length. That’s a pretty decent running time with a compact yet thoughtful outlook on the making of the movie.
Key players in the creation and development of Pennywise the Dancing Clown takes center stage as the producer, director, and the man behind the makeup, Bill Skarsgard, reveal the central components of giving the audience nightmares beyond the Deadlights.
A special treat includes Skarsgard demonstrating his physical abilities that help win him the monstrous role. The child actors of the Losers Club are shown that not only do they portray life-long friends on screen, but off screen as well.
The master of suspense himself, Stephen King, chimes in and reveals his own analysis of his own work admired by millions around the world. Deleted and alternate takes of select scenes establish some unanswered questions and variations during the editing process for the nightmare-inducing flick.
The 2-disc Blu-ray edition provides just enough to appreciate the hard work and effort that was so passionately held by the filmmakers. But keeps enough to not overwhelm or take the fear out of your darkest imagination.
Pick up your copy today by visiting your favorite online or local retailer!
“Sometimes to love someone, you got to be a stranger.”
Blade Runner 2049 was an epic undertaking and daunting task that stands out for its use of special effects, practicality, and realism. There are two major documentaries that go into the cinematography and casting of the film, each giving unique insight on what it took to bring the Oscar nominated film to life and into the future of the 1982 original.
What is most striking is the dedication to practical sets, which were built to scale to bring the world of 2049 into the camera. Even the backdrops and settings were filmed in practical methods to provide a full experience for the cast that allowed them to become fully immersed in the scene.
This is a groundbreaking trend in modern cinematography, and shows the difference in quality of a film when the extra time goes in to create real moving props, natural elements, and a more subtle mix of digital touch ups. Lead, Ryan Gosling, noted during his interview on the film that he needed additional time on set to soak in the environment and squash his sense of awe so he could feel more detached and familiar in the settings as he filmed.
Both these feature sets really take you inside that combined effort, and having that knowledge of balance on film is truly breathtaking. The only area of weakness in showing the behind the scenes footage is the lack of mention of Sean Young’s return as the legendary replicant, Rachel. Though mentioned in articles and online features, having an in depth look at the hard work that went into bringing Rachel to life would have been a great featurette.
A combination of a stand in actress, digital reproduction, and work with Young herself created the very real representation of her 1982 appearance. Here’s a breakdown video that would have been a nice addition to the Blu-Ray set along with commentary and additional footage from Young and the crew who helped bring her character to life for this amazing scene.
The disc set also gives a unique opportunity for three prologue features that explain some of the events leading up to the film’s story. The first, in anime-style, leads you down the path to the “Blackout” that shifts the tide of the world and what’s to come. It’s a brilliant segment that is definitely worth a watch.
Here’s a full list of included features on the set below:
Designing The World of Blade Runner 2049 To Be Human: Casting Blade Runner 2049
Prologue
– PROLOGUES: 2022: Black Out – PROLOGUES: 2036: Nexus Dawn – PROLOGUES: 2048: Nowhere to Run
Blade Runner 101
-Blade Runners -The Replicant Evolution -The Rise of Wallace Corp -Welcome to 2049 -Within the Skies: Spinners, Pilotfish and Barracudas
For hardcore cinemaphiles, the features are definitely worth the time, as this movie rings in both the tone and marvel of the original film. Blade Runner 2049 is now available on Digital, Blu-Ray & DVD.
This last weekend was the final run of Star Wars The Last Jedi at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood. From a visit from The First Order’s stormtroopers, to a quick photo opp with BB8, to a one of a kind laser show experience, there was plenty of excitement for everyone.
Here’s a quick look at some of the images and fun from all the activities over at The El Capitan.
Downstairs, fans had a unique look at some of the behind the scenes photography by Rian Johnson.
Costumes used in the film by Mark Hamill, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, and Carrie Fisher were also on site for viewing.
The El Capitan did a great job at creating a complete Star Wars experience from start to finish.
Before each showing, a spectacular laser show draws you into the power of The Force.
On the way out, there was also a beautiful look back at the marquee in tribute to Star Wars and our princess, Carrie Fisher.
To learn more about the other exciting events upcoming, including the highly anticipated release of Marvel’s Black Panther, check out https://elcapitantheatre.com/
Now that we are almost a month in to 2018, Disneyland is definitely going into off season mode with refurbishments, scaffolding, and updates around every corner. Though the crowds are still strong in numbers, you can definitely feel a little bit more space around you as you roam through the park gates into the magic that awaits.
There are a few obstacles to keep in mind before the fun can begin though. The previously announced updates to the Main Street track and central hub are now underway, creating a tight squeeze for everyone going in and out of the park. In tradition with years past, this time of year is best for major updates and maintenance that are more difficult to get away with during major holidays and crowd surges.
So many walls out there.
The usual suspects are down such as Grizzly River Run, Splash Mountain, and The Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. Though this year we are also seeing updates to the area around It’s A Small World, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, and Paradise Pier. Pixar Fest and Pixar Pier are just around the corner and the party can’t begin until some major work can be completed.
Coming Soon
Still, upon roaming the parks, the scaffolding and walls don’t seem to dampen anyone’s spirits. Photos are still being taken along Paradise Bay, wait times are holding strong, and people are eager to see what’s to come.
As sad as I am to see Paradise Pier fade off into the sunset, it is interesting to see all the work that is underway for Pixar Pier. Due to the tall nature of the design, it makes it a lot harder to hide the renovations. This means we will get a front row seat to the updates from start to finish. It’s sobering and exciting at the same time.
When I pier up at the remains of California Screamin’ and Mickey’s Fun Wheel, I will forever see the memories shared with the past forms that are now being transformed. Yet, getting to see that transformation first hand is powerful and uniquely intriguing in a way I didn’t quite expect until I got to see it all for myself.
The fading of the light.
Rose gold colored glasses aside, this brief moment of the “off-season” is not just about walls and construction. There are plenty of other fun surprises that will be worth taking a closer look into. Star Tours is a great example. For those who haven’t been on it since the release of The Last Jedi, new scenes have been thrown into the mix that take you to the mineral planet, Crait, as well as a sneak preview of Galaxy’s Edge.
The initial scenes have also been tweaked to be more consistent with the new trilogy timeline that feature Rey, Kylo Ren, and Poe Dameron. Since the beginning of Star Tours: The Adventures Continue, we have been used to random locations from cross the entire Star Wars saga. This new format creates the potential for an update that makes more sense.
Image courtesy of Disneyland’s official website.
Currently, you could jump from being confronted by Darth Vader to almost ramming into Jar Jar down on Naboo. Another jump could have you racing down the slopes of Hoth during a battle with the Empire only to find yourself rushing through another intense battle above Courscant during The Clone Wars.
Rather than jump from the prequel era to the original trilogy, and then back again, there is an opportunity for Star Tours to be era specific. Each trip will focus on key scenes from each era, staying within the same timeline, but allowing the element of surprise since there are three separate eras you could find yourself in. With the large assortment of various scenes, we can create a more uniform story.
I can only hope I wasn’t the only one who imagined that possibility. The focus for the time being will remain on both The Last Jedi and ultimately, Galaxy’s Edge. For those eager to jump into the Star Wars’ theme land, thankfully, there is more to be seen over the walls in Frontierland.
A look at the amazing Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge model.
The towering spires of the newest land are starting to come into view and construction is well under way. Once completed, there will be plenty of incredible adventures to embark on. For the time being, we will have to focus on some other new distractions while we wait. These come in the form of new entertainment in Downtown Disney.
Along the Star Wars theme, the newest VR experience can be found in Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire. Fans can jump right into the story and complete a walk through of custom made puzzles, battles, and choices leading up to a classic Star Wars finish. Reservations and advance ticketing for the venue are made available online, which can be viewed at https://www.thevoid.com/dimensions/starwars/secretsoftheempire/
Images courtesy of Lucasfilm and The Void
Just around the corner, guests will also get a chance to knock down a few pins at the soon to open, Splitsville Luxury Lanes. Once the ribbon is officially cut, all are welcome to venture in to explore the over 20 bowling lanes, state of the art kitchens, and California themed hot spots.
From concept to construction. Coming very soon! Image courtesy of Splitsville
The venue will be using a fixed price structure for play, rather than a more traditional setup. Time slots are also predetermined based of party size rather than per a set number of games.
Plenty of food options will be available that range from traditional burgers and fries to a more wide assortment of cuisine. To get a closer look at all the details, menus, and pricing, visit their website link below:
http://www.splitsvillelanes.com/location/anaheim/
Despite closures and construction, there is still a lot to discover and to do around the resort area. It’s going to be a fun ride and one I look forward into the new year.
Laughlin is Las Vegas on a lazy river, smaller, slower paced. And nowhere is this feeling more personified than at the Colorado Belle Hotel and Casino.
Located on the bank of the Colorado River, in the middle of “casino row,” the Belle is a replica of a 19th century Mississippi paddlewheel riverboat and the New Orleans and Bourbon Towers. It boasts two giant, iconic paddle wheels, four towering stacks, and an endless array of ornate styling and furnishings reminiscent of a Mark Twain novel.
I was thinking of Twain as a friend and I recently checked into the hotel. I wondered how he would describe this massive “boat,” with its 1,104 guest rooms and 57 suites, 65,000-sq.-ft. gaming, three restaurants, four lounges and a microbrewery. I bet he would have spun a fantastic yarn about it all.
But I didn’t drive four hours from Pasadena to Nevada to bet on Mark Twain. I came to win cash; gorge myself on cheap buffets; catch a live show or two; and to enjoy the Colorado River in winter, when the weather is mild and crowds are scarce.
So after unpacking in a spacious fifth floor suite with a two queen beds, a balcony full of songbirds, and a serene river view, I hit the casino.
My first stop was the 25-cent slots, where I spent about an hour winning a little, losing a little more, and sipping Bloody Marys. I then headed to a $5 minimum blackjack table, where I fared better. Showing uncharacteristic willpower, I left the table ahead $10.
I then joined my friend for a sure-thing: the seafood & prime rib buffet at The Loading Dock Bar and Grill. Located at the north end of Colorado Belle with spectacular mountain and river views, the restaurant offers indoor seating and patio dining overlooking the river. The delicious, endless buffet is great deal. It runs 4pm – 10pm and costs $24.99.
After dinner, we explored more of the vessel. The six-story Belle stretches 600 feet and features numerous rooms and suites with awesome river views. Besides restaurants and gaming, there are two pools, a Jacuzzi, and a state-of-the-art fitness room. There are also gift and candy stores, a pastry shop a private beach, and water features with hundreds of giant carp swimming around the premises.
As for accommodations, the rooms are beautifully appointed with memorable views of the Colorado River or the surrounding Nevada desert landscape. They equipped with one King or two Queen Beds, 32” flatscreen TVs with expanded viewing and pay-per-view options and all-new bedding and amenities. Of the resort’s 1,164 hotel rooms, 74% are non-smoking.
On the river side, the hotel offers a water taxi for guests who want to visit other casinos and hotels. From the docks, visitors can also hop aboard tour boats and jet boats for trips to nearby Davis Dam and the London Bridge in Lake Havasu.
For those who prefer exercise, Laughlin’s numerous riverfront casinos are linked by a walkway along the shore. This is not only a great way to see other casinos, but is also provides a wonderful stroll along the mighty Colorado River.
Meandering more than a thousand miles from the Rockies to the Sea of Cortez, the Colorado River provides irrigation, public water and hydroelectric power to parts of California, Nevada and Arizona. In Laughlin, the river also offers a wide spectrum of recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy boating, water skiing, jet skiing and fishing or a refreshing dip in the brisk water.
On February 10, legendary singer/songwriter Paul Anka will be performing at The Colorado Belle. The former teen idol, who has recorded 125 albums and sold close to 15 million albums worldwide, will be showcasing his new album “Rock Swings” as well as singing some of his hits such as “Diana,” “Lonely Boy,” and “You’re Having My Baby.”
The Colorado Belle is located at 2100 S. Casino Drive, Laughlin, NV 89029. For more info on staying at the call (866) 352-3553 or visit: www.coloradobelle.com. For more info on visiting Laughlin, visit: www.visitlaughlin.com.
12 Strong is the story of soldiers who rode on horses against tanks in the earliest days of the War on Terror. It’s one of those stories that sounds far too unrealistic in a Hollywood script but here it was, bright as any day that could be legally declassified, in our very own reality. After the September 11 attacks that shook the global landscape as we knew it. A war unlike any other would swiftly follow and its devastating effects are still being, a team of a dozen CIA and Green Berets were shipped off to Afghanistan to unite with General Abdul Rashid Dostum to fight against the Taliban.
American action cinema has a problematic cinematic shorthand with its current crop of war movies and espionage thrillers. Mysterious, terrorizing boogeymen from the Middle East are consistently lined up for fodder for super powered strongmen, the likes of which are no match for the Jack Bauer’s of the medium. Hey, I’m not one to judge. I too indulge in 24‘s low budget action thrills. But it’s an odd feeling that encroached during the viewing of 12 Strong. After receiving backlash for its treatment of Middle Eastern characters (more often caricatures than fully rounded people), 24 wrote in an episode where two Middle Eastern brothers who owned a gunshop assisted Bauer as he and a friend attempted to survive an attack by mercenaries. It’s not that the idea is bad, it’s that the execution is a little hokey and stilled didn’t address the moral complexities that go into radicalization of terrorism, foreign and/or domestic. 12 Strong is based on actual events, and I found myself thinking of a Fox primetime action series.
The War on Terror is and was a disaster. No exit strategy, uprooting communities and practically defecating on several countries and their populaces. The effects of this military endeavor are still being felt today. So when 12 Strong insists on telling a story about American Bravery and hammering away the saccharine nature of a Jerry Bruckheimer production, it feels disingenuous. It is hardly the subject matter that would fit into a gun-ho feel good story about American might and the men who represent it. While it may have been less exciting in a pitch meeting, there’s a compelling story to tell about the ramifications of the war and seeing the perspective of the men who were actually in it would bring a much needed flavor to cinematic experiences. Not to mention how it remind us to have sadly necessary conversations about the impact of terror and the faulty reactions to it.
Furthermore on the 24 comparison, the Fox series might actually have a more cinematic feel to it. It’s shot for television, 24 episodes with a tight year long schedule. But some lively editing and constant screen sharing of characters in condensed spaces added something only done in comic book panels by that point. Just to reiterate, I’m not saying 12 Strong needs to be like 24 or any variation of pop action media. I’m simply saying when you’re working in this medium, you should use it to its full advantage. And this movie is about as visually exciting as wet concrete.
Nicolai Fuglsig, a Danish filmmaker and photojournalist, attempts to focalize his story on explaining facts and who these soldiers are. Unfortunately, there’s never an interesting placement of the camera. Everything is eye level with flat color grading and even more uninspired blocking in the scenes. For those interested, the energetic hyperrealism peaked with the Paul Greengrass Bourne films.
Thankfully, the cast is at least filled with performers who never fail to deliver quality. Chris Hemsworth, Michael Shannon, Trevante Rhodes, Navid Negahban, William Fichtner, Rob Riggle and more all do far more than a shallow script would normally allow. Trevante Rhodes and William Fichtner continue proving they deserve more time in the spotlight, while Hemsworth continues to prove he has charisma and talent outside of the Thor movies, though his name still isn’t quite the box office draw. That’s okay, though. People like me will always love him for his smaller movies like Blackhat. Oddly enough, Blackhat is a movie that may actually be more conscious of the impacts of modern warfare and terrorism.
It’s not a terrible movie and it doesn’t cause any disrespect to the people in the armed forces. Yet, it’s hard to imagine the immense quality improvement if 12 Strong would bring attention to a much needed discussion regarding the impact of the United States and its relationship to terrorism, warfare and the toll of being the first men in undiscovered warfare territories. Instead, we have another movie in another January weekend.
The Lunar New Year celebration is about to begin at Disney California Adventure park, commemorating the Year of the Dog. This year’s celebration will run from January 26 through February 18 and will feature specialty Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cuisine. All of the delicious food you see listed below will be offered in marketplaces located throughout the north side of Paradise Pier. Be sure to come celebrate the time-honored traditions that commemorate the start of a new year, and check out Erin Glover’s recent post about all of the festivities that will be returning for this year’s celebration.
Korea Marketplace (In front of The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure)
Kimchi Bokkeumbap – Vegetable fried rice
Yachae Mandu – Steamed vegetable dumpling with sesame-garlic soy sauce
Yang Gaeng – Sweet red bean and raspberry jelly
Banana Ooyu – Non-alcoholic banana milk
Mae Shil Ju – Plum wine cocktail
Hite Pale Lager
China Marketplace (In front of Golden Zephyr)
Xiao Long Bao – Pork soup dumplings with black vinegar and ginger
Baixiangguo Lucha – Passion fruit green iced tea with lychee popping pearls (non-alcoholic)
Tsingtao Lager
Vietnam Marketplace (In front of Golden Zephyr)
Banh Chu’ng – Sticky rice cake with pork
Chao Tom – Sugar cane shrimp skewer with sweet and sour sauce
Banh Khoai Lang Tim – Purple sweet potato macaron
Ca Phe Sua Da – Vietnamese iced coffee (non-alcoholic)
Paradise Gardens Cart
Zhurou Bao – Steamed bao filled with pork and served with sweet chili dipping sauce
Xìngren Qu Qi – Three Mini Almond Cookies
Paradise Garden Grill
Ca Ro Phi Chien Gion – Whole crispy tilapia with chili-lime vinaigrette served family-style with soup, vegetables and rice
Japchae – Sweet potato noodles, onions, shiitake mushrooms, carrots, spinach, snow peas, broccolini and lightly sauteed tofu tossed with sesame oil and sweet and spicy sauce and topped with toasted sesame seeds
Galbi – Short ribs marinated and grilled Korean-style and served with steamed rice and kimchi
Pho Bo: Beef noodle soup with seasoned beef stock, thinly sliced tri-tip and rice noodles with classic accompaniments of onion, jalapeno, basil-lime and hot sauce
Banh Mi Thit Nuong – Marinated pork belly, pickled carrots and daikon with cucumber, cilantro, seasoned mayonnaise and jalapeno on a crispy baguette
Mango Pudding
Almond Milk Black Iced Tea with Pudding (non-alcoholic)
Cirque du Soleil is excited to be adding one week of performances (March 21 – 25, 2018) to the previously-announced Costa Mesa engagement of its delightfully-imaginative and visually-stunning production LUZIA, a waking dream of Mexico. Now from February 21 – March 25, audiences are invited to a redesigned white-and-gold Big Top at the OC Fair & Event Center to escape to an imaginary Mexico – a sumptuous world suspended somewhere between dreams and reality. Tickets for additional performances are available now at www.cirquedusoleil.com/luzia.
LUZIA is currently performing next to Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles through February 11, before moving to Costa Mesa. Tickets for all Southern California performances of LUZIA are now available online at www.cirquedusoleil.com/luzia.
About LUZIA – A waking dream of Mexico
Written and directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, in association with Brigitte Poupart, LUZIA takes you to an imaginary Mexico, like in a waking dream, where light (“luz” in Spanish) quenches the spirit and rain (“lluvia”) soothes the soul.
In a series of grand visual surprises and breathtaking acrobatic performances, LUZIA takes audiences on a surrealistic journey filled with wonders, playfulness and striking artistry. Smoothly passing from an old movie set to the ocean to a smoky dance hall or an arid desert, LUZIA cleverly brings to the stage multiple places, faces and sounds of Mexico taken from both tradition and modernity. Rich in awe-inspiring moments, LUZIA enchants by incorporating rain into acrobatic and artistic scenes – a first for a Cirque du Soleil touring production.
Santa Monica Place commemorates the Year of the Dog with its annual Lunar New Year celebration on Saturday, February 17 from 2 – 6 p.m. Hosted by Katherine Ho from The Voice on NBC, celebrations will include authentic cultural performances and activities such as the traditional Chinese dragon dance, Korean fan dance, stilt walkers, classical folk music from a Chinese musical duo, New Year’s Wishing Trees and family-friendly arts and crafts for all to enjoy.
“We are excited to integrate the cultural traditions of the Lunar New Year holiday into Santa Monica Place’s shopping and dining experience,” commented Stephanie Eglin, Senior Manager, Marketing, Santa Monica Place. “The holiday is important to locals as well as to our international visitors and this event will offer an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate.”
Santa Monica Place’s Lunar New Year celebration features a variety of free cultural activities for the whole family to experience. Patrons are invited to hang a wish on the branches of the two New Year’s Wishing Trees for a two-dollar donation. The proceeds will benefit Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA) at UCLA. CSSA-UCLA is an officially registered on-campus organization devoted to organizing activities for Chinese student groups and promoting traditional Chinese culture on the UCLA campus.
More information about Santa Monica Place and the annual Lunar New Year event is available here.
Santa Monica Place is located at 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, at Broadway and Third Street Promenade. The event will be held on level one in Center Plaza.
Disney Legend, author and Cal State Fullerton alumna Martha Blanding will speak at a CSUF commencement ceremony for the College of Humanities and Social...
