By Angela Romeo
There are some weeks when there is so much happening that one doesn’t know where to start. This is such a week….
First let’s start with the worldwide musical celebration to honor Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s 85th birthday. Coachella Valley resident Jason Rothberg is spearheading this event: “The Archbishop has dedicated his life to the service of others and continues to preach the message of Unity. In celebration of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu’s 85th birthday and in support of the Desmond Tutu Peace Foundation, the kickoff celebration will be in Los Angeles for the UNITY Mini-Big Show Benefit Concert Series.”
“On October 7th at the Saban Theatre, an all-star group of artists will unite to put this philosophy into practice with a once-in-a-lifetime concert. Those artists joining us include Incubus, Steve Vai, Fishbone, Pato Banton, members of The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Spencer Davis and Donovan. Each one of these artists understand the messages of the Archbishop and by performing are bringing awareness to the work that still needs to be done,” shared Rothberg.
“The year-long celebrations of Archbishop Tutu’s life will culminate in October 2017, with an all-star grand finale event that will take place in Cape Town. Additional Mini-Big Shows will be held throughout 2016-2017. Confirmed cities, dates, and acts include: Toronto, November 2016; New York, December 2016; Miami, March 2017; Atlanta, April 2017 with more cities to be announced. These Mini-Big shows are designed to be an intimate performance designed to reach the largest audience possible worldwide. Each concert will take place in a theater as opposed to a stadium and will be live streamed in partnership with Facebook, with audio simulcasts on terrestrial radio in each market. Proceeds will benefit the Desmond Tutu Peace Foundation. People can learn more – including how to be involved by visiting tutufoundationusa.org,” continued Rothberg.
Unity and art are naturals, as both require an open heart.
Secondly, opening October 8 is BLAM – “Shift and Fade” as BLAM has challenged artists from Los Angeles, New York and San Diego to take their mediums, often everyday objects, and create art that speaks to the contrast between the paltry nature of human existence and the grandeur of human dreams. The exhibition will include installations as well as individual works.
Curators Alanna Marcelletti and Dani Dodge challenged 21 artists to participate in “Curiouser and Curiouser.” In “Curiouser and Curiouser,” each artist will present an object, no larger than 12 x 12 x 12 inches, that tells the story of who they are and where they are from.
As with all BLAM events, the excitement of the art is matched only be the response of the viewer. This exhibition runs through October 30, 1950 S. Santa Fe Ave, #2007, Los Angeles. For more information visit www.blamprojects.com
Lastly, sometimes art has its dark moments. Artist Todd Williamson was exhibiting in Palm Springs. Three of the works, estimated at $20,000 were stolen. This is not how art lovers behave and the theft has had an effect on the local art community.
“The works were removed by unknown persons. I am at a loss to explain why or how this happened. To say I am devastated is an understatement. The works are now on the lost art registry. But, since the theft is not covered by insurance, I am asking that anyone with information to please contact the Palm Springs Police Department or me, todd@toddwilliamson.com.”
In the local art world it has truly been a week!
