Afro-Cuban band incorporates intercontinental sounds to inspire free-flowing dance

Ritmo de Orun combines the Spanish word ‘ritmo,’ meaning rhythm, and the Nigerian word ‘orun,’ meaning heaven or sun. The name encapsulates the two cultures that inspire the Afro-Cuban band’s style. Ritmo de Orun will perform at the Fowler Museum on Wednesday – their first gig as a group. Douglas Sauceda-Vidal, who will play electric […]

Q&A: Artist births vocal performance inspired by human cell functions

Artist Meredith Monk took inspiration from human cells and their functions of replication and division. These biological processes gave birth to her performance “Cellular Songs.” To be staged Saturday at Royce Hall, the show will include her vocal ensemble as well as lighting effects, instrumentals and a video installation. Monk said the show aims to […]

Movie review: Questionable science, disconnect plot hinder horror aspect of ‘Happy Death Day 2U’

Imagine Bill Murray navigating the opening scene of “Scream” every single day. That’s what director Christopher Landon’s latest film feels like. Combining the heartfelt moments of “Groundhog Day” and brutal deaths of “Scream,” “Happy Death Day 2U” attempts to balance its predecessor’s blood-curdling homicide with poignant mother-daughter moments. The sequel makes a fine addition for […]

Upcoming art installation projects shadow of journalistic suppression

Projected silhouettes will illuminate the issues of corruption and persecuted journalists. Graduate design media arts student Zeynep Abes’ exhibition at the Broad Art Center will feature interactive video projection technology. The interactive projections are triggered by the presence of a viewer, revealing hidden text when activated. On display Tuesday, the artwork aims to raise awareness […]

Alumna Judy Chicago promotes a feminist conversation on sexuality though art

This post was updated Jan. 30 at 10:19 a.m. Judy Chicago was the only woman in a spray painting class with 250 men in the 1960s. The alumna is known for her 3D installation “The Dinner Party” – a banquet table setup with plates commemorating important women in history – and will exhibit her other […]

Alumnus merges math degree and melodies in budding songwriting career

Nick Marechal occasionally melds his mathematics Ph.D. into the blues-influenced music he plays. The UCLA alumnus has played blues-rock music since adolescence, but only in the past few years did he decide to make music his full-time career. On Jan. 25, he and his band will perform at the Canyon, a music venue in Agoura […]

HOOLIGAN to bring second storm to UCLA with adaptation of ‘Singin’ in the Rain’

Yellow raincoats, high-pitched voices and “talkies” will usher in HOOLIGAN Theatre Company’s fall season. The company will perform a stage adaptation of the 1952 film “Singin’ in the Rain” at the Ralph Freud Playhouse starting Friday. The film chronicles the transition of silent-film costars Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont to talking films. Don struggles with […]