Arts Briefs: Stomptowners bring dynamic blend of traditional and dance music to Altadena
Great Buildings
Before his death in 2009, photographer Julius Shulman was the essential chronicler of Southern California architecture. His pictures documented the work of the 20th century’s greatest architects, including Frank Lloyd Wright, Richard Neutra, John Lautner and Frank Gehry. Shulman’s work took him around the world, but his favorite location was always back home in the Southland.
On Thursday, Jan. 21, the documentary “Visual Acoustics: The Modernism of Julius Shulman” will screen in the Recital Hall of the Brand Library & Art Center in Glendale. The film, directed by Eric Bricker, is narrated by actor Dustin Hoffman and examines the 98-year life of the photographer, who was born in Brooklyn but moved to Los Angeles as a boy.
His photographs of modernist homes in Hollywood, Palm Springs and elsewhere captured a new way of living, epitomized by his most famous image, “Case Study House #22, Los Angeles, 1960. Pierre Koenig, Architect.” In 2005, he founded the Julius Shulman Institute School of Architecture at Woodbury University in Burbank.
At the 7 p.m. screening, Los Angeles Magazine writer Chris Nichols will lead a discussion on the film and Shulman’s work. A personal friend to Shulman, Nichols is also the author of “The Leisure Architecture of Wayne McAllister.” Admission is free.
The Brand is located 1601 W. Mountain St., Glendale. More information at (818) 548-2051 and www.associatesofbrand.org.
Stomping Into Town
A dynamic blend of traditional Irish and Scottish music and dance arrives at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena for an afternoon performance Jan. 31 in the form of the Stomptowners — a group of musicians and dancers with a descriptive name to live up to. The Portand-based group will perform music from their new album, “Knocking the Ditches Down.”
The four-piece group is led by singer Andrea Wild, and includes Uilleann Pipe player Preston Howard, Irish Bouzouki player Richie Rosencrans and dancer Kelsey Wilson. Tickets for the 2 p.m. performance are $18.
Another band of Irish players are the Ne’er Duwels, whose self-titled debut album is being celebrated with a performance this Sunday, Jan. 10. The group combines traditional Irish sounds with modern elements. Tickets for the 3 p.m. show are $20.
The Coffee Gallery Backstage is at 2029 N. Lake Avenue in Altadena. More information and reservations at (626) 798-6236
Musical Library
This year’s “Brand Associates Music Series” will deliver six free concerts to the historic Brand Library & Art Center in Glendale, beginning Jan. 30 with pianist Harout Senekeremian. Each concert begins at 2 p.m. on Saturdays, with a reception following each concert.
Other visiting musicians in the series are: Trio Brio, Feb. 20; duoKYaria, March 12; Crescenta Ensemble, April 23; cellist Maksim Velichkin, May 21; violinist Annelle Gregory, June 18.
The Brand is located 1601 W. Mountain St., Glendale. Regular hours are Tuesday and Thursday, noon to 8 p.m.; Wednesday, noon to 6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More info at (818) 548-2051 and www.associatesofbrand.org.