Cardboard boxes, homelessness and shattered dreams are common images that come to mind when Los Angeles’ Skid Row is discussed, but behind the facade is a vibrant community of artists, talent and rich culture. On Jan. 27-28, the Los Angeles Poverty Department is producing its second annual Festival for All Skid Row Artists at Gladys Park. The festival started last year as a response to an LAPD report that studied art’s positive influence on downtown culture. The two-day festival will… Read more

Senior Joseph Field, 24, knows how to keep busy. He is in five bands, and about to take on a new challenge, turning his passion into a profitable career. Field learned how to play the trombone at the age of 10 and hasn’t put it down since. In addition to the bands he is in, he does freelance work. His performances have included various music styles like ska, orchestral and funk. “I’ve played with hundreds of groups, every time I’m… Read more

By Andrew Lopez After releasing their least acclaimed and most scrutinized album, “First Impressions of Earth” in 2006, members of The Strokes decided to take a long break from one another. During their time apart, lead singer Julian Casablancas and guitarist, Albert Hammond Jr. both released solo albums as it looked like the Strokes might fall by the wayside. With their newest release, “Angles,” it seems as though a little time off might have been exactly what was needed. According… Read more

Hey, did you know? Special vinyl, CD releases and exclusive promotional products will be up for grabs at participating record stores across the country as part of the Fourth Annual Record Store Day on Saturday, April 16. The holiday, which is held the third Saturday of April, celebrates the art of music through independently owned record stores. Performances, body-painting, cook-outs, parades and meet and greets with artists are just part of the nation-wide festivity. Titles being exclusively released for Record… Read more

By Andrew Lopez Lykke Li is a young woman in an old soul’s body. While she is most well-known for her contribution to “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” soundtrack, it’s interesting to note that she hadn’t ever heard of the ‘tween phenomenon before the offer. According to an interview with NPR, she accepted because she identified with the film’s themes of love and romance. On her second full-length release, “Wounded Rhymes,” Li battles with her physical age and the age… Read more

By Andrew Lopez Dan Bejar, who has released nine albums under the “Destroyer” name for over 10 years, has always been distinct in sound and style. From the often-indecipherable poetry that are his lyrics, to complex song structures that challenge most first-time listeners, Bejar has found permanency in the eclectic. On his latest effort, “Kaputt,” released on Merge Records, Bejar transforms himself again, lulling casual listeners into believing he’s made a simple album. The truth is “Kaputt” is one of… Read more

By Andrew Lopez Radiohead has made a name for themselves by challenging the way listeners think of music. Where we see a platform for verses, chorus and a bridge, Radiohead sees a platform to experiment with sound, time and space. After 18 years of making unclassifiable music, is seems their sound might finally be a little easier to classify: they sound like Radiohead, and no one else. The English Quintet recently set the music world abuzz by announcing, without warning,… Read more

Dr. John Roscigno, professor of music and director of orchestral studies, will take on some part-time projects this spring. They include gigs with the Thousand Oaks Philharmonic, the 2011 Arizona All-State Orchestra and TEMPO, a music group. Although Roscigno guest-conducted last summer at the Thousand Oaks Philharmonic, he’ll take the stage for the first time  Feb. 4 as the official music director. Roscigno said he’s doing it for the love of teaching prodigies. “I enjoy working with extremely talented young… Read more