“Recorded in Hollywood” Spotlights L.A. Music History by M.R. Hunter

In 1948, John Dolphin, a black businessman from Detroit, relocated to Los Angeles and made music history when he opened a record store on Vernon near Central Avenue called "Dolphin's of Hollywood." Unable to procure a space in Hollywood due to racism, Dolphin, also known by the nickname "Lovin' John," decided to bring Hollywood to South Los Angeles. What he accomplished before his murder in 1958 was more than just selling records, he became a major influence in the transitional period of rock n' roll and R & B, creating his own labels and introducing a hungry generation to artists like Sam Cooke, Billie Holiday, Little Richard, James Brown, B.B. King and Tina Turner among many others.

Neon Boneyard Museum, Las Vegas, NV by Charles Phoenix

The Neon Boneyard is the heart and soul of Las Vegas.

To stroll thru this time-travel treasure trove of over-the-top, mostly mid-century, vintage Vegas signage and other extraordinary Sin City artifacts is like being transported to some sort of parallel universe, where you are thrilled to feel about 3 feet tall. The signs are way, way bigger than you thought, when you are standing right next to them.

The fact that all of these sensational signs were saved is nothing short of a MIRACLE. 

Eyestrology: Happy Birthday Taurus by Cici Psy-Chic

For the month of 4/20/15-5/20/15

Happy birthday to these celebrity April Taurus: Shemar Moore (4/20), Queen Elizabeth II (4/21), Jack Nicholson (4/22), George Lopez (4/23), Kelly Clarkson (4/24), Al Pacino (4/25), Channing Tatum (4/26), Sheena Easton (4/27), Jessica Alba (4/28), Jerry Seinfeld (4/29), Kirsten Dunst (4/30

Celebrity May Taurus: Tim McGraw (5/1), Dwayne Johnson (5/2), Frankie Valli (5/3), Lance Bass (5/4), Adele (5/5), George Clooney (5/6), Traci Lords (5/7), Melissa Gilbert (5/8), Billy Joel (5/9), Bono (5/10), Mike Lupica (5/11), Tony Hawk (5/12), Robert Pattinson (5/13), Mark Zuckerberg (5/14), Emmitt Smith (5/15), Megan Fox (5/16), Bob Saget (5/17), Tina Fey (5/18), Grace Jones (5/19), Cher (5/20)

All signs should be focused on career and money matters this month. It's a good time to vault ahead or review your current situation. Focus on long term gains rather than immediate benefits, as these could actually cost more down the road. Concentrate by digging in, committing to your task fully without procrastination or avoidance. Be frugal right now. Free events can help cut down wasted entertainment expenses. Pay attention to areas of your life that seem stagnant. Change can be positive during this transitional window. Take advantage!

Music + Poetry + Art Tours @ Union Station

Metro Presents Son Mayor Friday, April 10 45-minute sets at 8:00pm & 9:00pm Union Station Fred Harvey Room One of the most sought-after Latin bands in Los Angeles, Son Mayor brings a captivating vintage and contemporary Cuban sound. Voted "Best Salsa Band" by the LA Weekly, the high-energy band formed nearly two decades ago, and has since performed alongside major artists such as Chucho Valdez at the Hollywood Bowl, Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Los Van Van, Sonora Ponceña, Oscar D'León, El Canario, Ozomatli, and Los Muñequitos De Matanzas. Led by the Ortiz brothers–Eddie, Julian, Alfred "El Niño," and Georgie–the band features a danceable blend of horn, bass, and percussion.

Epic Roadside Dinosaurs – Cabazon, CA by Charles Phoenix

Beloved epic land-of-the-giants scale roadside Dinosaurs delight in, Cabazon CA since 1964 !!! …THANK YOOOU PEE WEE HERMAN !!! … for immortalizing these roadside relics in your totallyyy classic BIG ADVENTURE movie !!! … which, of course … happens to be one 'o my faaave flicks of alll time !!! … I KNOWWW !!! … And yes these are the greatest fake dinosaurs on earth !!! …


By Charles Phoenix


*Cabazon is a roadside attraction just west of Palm Springs, off the I-10.

Eyestrology: Happy Birthday Aries! by Cici Psy-Chic

For the month of 3/20/15-4/20/15

Happy birthday to these celebrity March Arians: Hal Linden (3/20), Gary Oldman (3/21), Reece Witherspoon (3/22), Perez Hilton (3/23), Jim Parsons (3/24), Elton John (3/25), Steven Tyler (3/26), Mariah Carey (3/27), Lady Gaga (3/28), Lucy Lawless (3/29), Celine Dion (3/30), Ewan McGregor (3/31)

Celebrity April Arians: Asa Butterfield (4/1), Christopher Meloni (4/2), Eddie Murphy (4/3), Robert Downey Jr. (4/4), Pharrell Williams (4/5), Candace Cameron (4/6), Jackie Chan (4/7), John Schneider (4/8), Kristen Stewart (4/9), Mandy Moore (4/10), Alessandra Ambrosio (4/11), Jennifer Morrison (4/12), Ron Perlman (4/13), Abigail Breslin (4/14), Emma Watson (4/15), Martin Lawrence (4/16), Victoria Beckham (4/17), David Tennant (4/18), James Franco (4/19), Shemar Moore (4/20)

This month will be full of surprises—most of them pleasant. Go with the flow and adapt to changing circumstances instead of meeting them with resistance. Earth and Air signs can expect a quieter phase, while Fire and Water will be running at top speed. All signs should strive towards balance between their work-week and playtime. Expect highs and lows of bouts of confidence and insecurity. Master these feelings with levity and good humor. We can avoid anything too serious right now so enjoy the playfulness of others. Choose the easy breezy.

Bach in the Subways L.A.

Bach in the Subways L.A. will celebrate the 330th birthday of Johann Sebastian Bach this Saturday, March 21, 2015 with pop-up performances of the German composer's repertoire throughout Los Angeles. Part of the global Bach in the Subways Day 2015, this special day of music is a unique opportunity for classical musicians to bring their instruments to the streets and public spaces of L.A. and play for the community.
 
A few standouts among the day's events will be an unprecedented 10-hour Bach Marathon in downtown L.A.'s Union Station. The 1930s rail terminal will be the site for chamber music performances by ENLIGHTENMENT MUSIC SERIES of the Orchestral Suite No. 2, the Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 and the Bach Double Violin Concerto; an organ recital played on an Allen Organ donated by the Los Angeles Organ Company; and a solo viola performance by the genre-fusing musician and composer MIGUEL ATWOOD-FERGUSON.

Performances are scheduled at other noteworthy public spaces and neighborhoods as well...