Downtown LA/West LA: Grand Performances & Diddy Reese

Last Friday (August 18th) I met up with my friends to catch Grand Performances at California Plaza (only a block from the Metro Red Line - Pershing Square Stop).

Showing at Grand Performances that evening was Speak Theater Arts - N*W*C: The Race Show (MMM). I previously saw the show two years ago when they performed at USC's Bovard Auditorium and had been trying to go back to see the show since (and of course tell all my friends about it). And for those who may be Trojan haters, the artists reign from UCLA.

N*W*C* (Find the full title at the NWC site - I can't write the real title in because the entry has to be somewhat family friendly) stars performance artists Miles Gregley, Rafael Agustin, Allan Axibal in a must-see show about race in America - it touches on humorous personal narratives, stereotypes, historical references, etc. I can't really sum up what a great show it is - just that it's hilarious, moving, and a worthwhile experience to watch. Unfortunately for the Los Angeles area, N*W*C heads out on a national tour until December - but there is a stop at Chapman University in Orange, CA tomorrow (08/25). I'll try and give a head's up when they're out here again.

Of course there's a lot of awesome shows coming up at Grand Performances including Beijing LDTX Modern Dance (08/25-26), Masanga Marimba Ensemble (09/08), and Seña y Verbo - Noche del Tigre (Night of the Tiger) (09/15, 09/17).

After seeing the show, I headed off with my friends (Damon, Sara, Hollie, and Serena) for Diddy Reese (West LA - Bruin Territory). Unfortunately, the line for Diddy Reese was out the door and winding, so we ate at BJs across the street for a bit before heading back over when there was no line. The cookies were worth the wait though!

-Charity Tran, ExperienceLA Web Coordinator