Arts network celebrates L.A.

While downtown Los Angeles, notably the Walt Disney Concert Hall, has become a destination for music lovers, the area has always been a hot spot for artists of all stripes. That’s one reason New Orleans-based National Performance Network, an organization that provides support for established and emerging artists, is marking its 20th anniversary in the City of Angels.

Three evenings of dance, theater, spoken word, comedy and performance art at the Aratani/Japan America Theatre Dec. 4 to 6 mirror our multicultural city. “L.A. is a very rich performance community,” says MK Wegmann, head of the organization, “and after moving around the country for our annual meetings and performances for 19 years, we thought it was time to come to L.A.”

Next Sunday’s roster, curated by Highways Performance Space’s Leo Garcia and emceed by performance artist John Fleck, features eight artists, including high-flying Eye of Newt Circus and envelope-pushing Hae Kyung Lee and Dancers.

And though NPN’s meetings and workshops are open only to the 60 national presenters, the public can get a taste of the performances for $15 a night. Says Garcia: “It’s a great sampling of the work we do and an opportunity for L.A. artists who are ready to tour to be seen.”

-- Victoria Looseleaf