Creative Muscle

Altadena Junction looks like a small theater, which it is. But it's more than just a theater. It was entirely appropriate that the Altadena Junction celebrated the Arts Coalition Open House with Alex Schaefer painting twenty-minute portraits, because from what I can tell the place is all about art, whatever form it takes.

I say "from what I can tell" because I don't know much about it yet. But I know proprietor Lance Anderson brings world-class storytelling to Altadena. (I quizzed him Friday night and now I've had a chance to Google him.) He's also bringing in a photography exhibit, teaching workshops and performing his one-person play.

Another cool thing about the Junction is the Healing Arts aspect. Dr. M. (Dr. Marisol Martinez) offers a variety of services including chiropractic. And yoga! I hear the classes are great.

Click on Alex Schaefer's link to see the final painting from the session above. It's the one on the middle right (obviously). Middle left is Altadena photographer and teacher Ibarionex Perello. If you want to study some great shots, study his blog. When I ran into Ibarionex at the Altadena Junction it didn't surprise me. It's a place for creative people. It has that energy.

I can't wait to see what else Lance Anderson is going to do.

Altadena Party Down

I don't get out much after dark so I'm no expert on night life. But I think we can all agree that Altadena is not known as a party town.

The Coffee Gallery stays open for live music in the back room. The Rancho Bar stays open for - well, for being the Rancho Bar. And...what else? Most nights Altadena's downtown is a sleepy place. That's the way we like it.

But this Friday night, May 15th, downtown Altadena (there's a downtown?) is gonna stay up 'til 9:00! Yes, I said NINE O'CLOCK! Don't call the cops because they'll already be there. From 4-9 PM it's an open house of the North Lake Avenue Business District between New York and Altadena Drives, sponsored by the Altadena Arts Coalition, "a coalition of local artists and business owners dedicated to improving Altadena's economy and culture," so says their flier.

The flier also promises an art opening at the Coffee Gallery, an antique car show at Ronnie's Automotive, twenty minute portraits at Altadena Junction and more. Webster's will be open in all of its parts, and rumor has it that Amy's Patio Cafe will be open for dinner (like I said, that's a rumor--hope it's true).

Oh--and I'll be there. Several bloggers have been invited. Confirmed blogger attendees include Debbi of Altadena Above It All and Altadena Daily Photo, Karin the Altadena Hiker, Tim of Altadenablog and Susan C of Open Mouth Insert Fork and Cancer Banter. (If/when I know of more I'll post them here.)

So I'm excited to be going out after dark. In Altadena. Heck (or should I say shucks?), I have a feeling that once us bloggers get loose up there, Altadena's going to be famous for its night life.