UCLA alumni film first person pilot in Alaskan wilderness

UCLA alumni Ben Arfmann, JP Castel and Justin Perkinson spent two weeks in Sitka, Alaska filming through the cold, rain and snow in the unforgiving Alaskan wilderness for their survival series pilot. Premiered on Sept. 27 on the History Channel, “Dead or Alive – Stranded in the Alaskan Wilderness” is set in the heart of […]

Youth orchestra seeks to provide stage for future musicians

Jules Levy expected to hear conductor Alexander Treger briefly thank and dismiss him at the end of his audition for the Young Artists Symphony Orchestra. Instead, as the double bassist finished his piece and exhaled with relief, Treger complimented him on his sound and inquired further into the make of the instrument. “My jaw dropped […]

Ride-sharing service lifts quality of life for drivers

Julio Medina peed his pants while driving for Lyft. The third-year fine arts student picked a couple up, conversed about Eminem, middle school awkwardness and Air Force 1 shoes before dropping them off. “I couldn’t hold it so I just peed,” Medina said. “I went home, took a shower and got back on the road.” […]

Q&A: Tabla virtuoso, composer Zakir Hussain on blending musical genres

In 1970, Zakir Hussain took the Royce Hall stage for the first time, and has since performed hundreds of shows across the world. Hussain is a Grammy Award-winning tabla player and composer best known for his influence on world music and fusion between Indian and Western styles. Hussain will return to Royce Hall Tuesday with […]

Q&A: UCLA alumnus discusses upcoming novel, Japanese culture

Alex Austin realized that if the waves became too strong when his sons were surfing, he could do nothing to rescue them. The alumnus said this feeling of paternal terror stuck with him and became a theme weaving through his latest book, “Nakamura Reality.” The thriller novel was completed earlier this year and is dated […]

Art instructor brings modern flair to historic Westwood landmarks

Eric Rosner spent over 20 years sketching the grand, swooping skyline of New York City, where each tower and pointed spire felt like home. When he moved to Westwood from New York City two years ago however, he felt the cultural shock. He said internalizing the history behind architecture in Los Angeles was difficult until […]

Westwood home to long history of Hollywood film debuts since 1931

Klieg lights circle in the sky above the the Regency Village Theatre, signaling for miles around that tonight is a special evening in Westwood. Polished limousines pull up and out spill the stars of Hollywood, their dresses shimmering and their expensive smiles beaming. As they tread the thick red carpet, they strike a pose as […]