PORTFOLIO KELLY ALEXIS LEWIS 2018

I manage pixels, publications & people.

I am an award-winning creative director, designer and wordsmith with 15+ years of experience synthesizing art and ideas for inspiring people, projects and publications.

A - p ( 0 o + H CREATIVE/ART GRAPHIC DESIGN PHOTO EDITING & REDESIGN & BRAND IDENTITY STORYBOARDING PRODUCTION ART & EDITORIAL DIRECTION & LAYOUT ILLUSTRATION REBRANDING & DEVELOPMENT & IDEATION MANAGEMENT ADMINISTRATION

KELLYALEXISLEWIS.COM | [email protected] | 310 621 1986 | 1514 LAKESIDE LANE, HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA 92648 CREATIVE SUMMARY SERVICES A-p(0o+H 01 MANAGEMENT As Creative Director of Backstage Magazine and Art Director of OC Weekly, I developed and designed • Concept & development of visual themes each week’s cover and feature; created and directed all original art and photo shoots; and managed • Direction & development of visual content CLIENTS staff designers and freelance photographers and illustrators. I redesigned both publications and their • Direction of photo shoots & illustrations Backstage Magazine, OC Weekly respective art departments, while overseeing all design, production and visual communication. • Original illustration & graphic design

+ 09.20.12 • backstage.com 200 Justin 1 KirK COVERS gambles big ME emmy picKs who will win; who should

tv! mindy Kaling swings into the spotlight

50+ 10 ARTISTS AWARDS

KELLYALEXISLEWIS.COM | [email protected] | 310 621 1986 | 1514 LAKESIDE LANE, HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA 92648 MAGAZINE SUMMARY SEE MORE! A-p(0o+H 02 REDESIGN/REBRAND Over the course of six months, I worked with the company’s chief executives, editorial staff, and sales For a detailed breakdown of the project, including and production teams (located in both LA and NY) to transform the mission, content and appearance before/after layouts, style guides, media kits CLIENT/PROJECT of a 50-year-old trade newspaper into a bold multimedia company with consistent messaging and and relaunch collateral, view and download my Backstage Magazine communication capabilities across various publications and platforms. Backstage Redesign/Rebrand Case Study.

TM BEFORE AFTER AUG. 25-31, 2011 SAG Elections page 3 Spotlight on TRANSITIONS starts on page 8

ac Efron has been spending a lot of time Zin hotels. The Toronto CASTING International Film Festival, where he starts on page 19 was promoting the gothic potboiler “The Paperboy” and the family drama “At Any news casting Price,” required him to jet from location to location for interviews and photo shoots. “I “ScooBy Doo live!” / nonunion musicals / think I have seen every hotel in Toronto today,” Take NoTice | n.y. / scooby and the mystery Inc. Gang he says from his seat in the hotel bar. “I could to the write a guidebook.” Still, the exhausted Efron is gracious and gregarious, stopping to pose for photos and sign autographs for ‘BAD’BONE anyone who asks—and a lot of people ask. After a long career, Giancarlo Esposito finds Spend any time with Efron and it strength in silence on ‘Breaking Bad.’ Page 16 becomes clear that Zac the burgeoning movie star does not have an

SEBASTIAN PIRAS SEBASTIAN equally burgeoning

New York Campus ego. “I might not be Efron the greatest actor, but I walk in to every ® ® ®* project willing to work 96 Oscars 241 Emmys 84 Tonys hard,” he says. “There is just a humblE, hard-working are a lot of people who One Legendary School can slide on talent their whole lives; Los Angeles Campus APPLY TODAY AND DISCOVER WHY THE NEXT GENERATION they’re just naturally gifted. I’ve never OF AWARD WINNING ACTORS ARE CHOOSING THE ACADEMY actor—who happEns to look theconsidered myself one of those people. New York Campus 800.463.8990 I enjoy outworking Los Angeles Campus 800.222.2867 aada.edu 09-8-11 Casting document.qxd 9/6/11 6:19 PM Page 17America’s First and Foremost likE this the opposition.” *The Academy’s alumni have received nominations for these and many other awards. Acting Conservatory Efron is savvy about his shot at longevity in a fickle business. Academy_8.5x2.5_ad_final.indd 1 8/19/11 4:45 PM

09-8-11 Casting document.qxd 9/6/11 6:19 PM Page 17 continued on page 20 by Jenelle Riley | PhotogR a P hed by h enny g a R funke l 0825 Cover Giancarlo Esposito.indd 1 8/23/11 4:55 PM CASTING TABLE OF CONTENTS 18 backstage 10.04.12 backstage.com backstage.com 10.04.12 backstage 19 NY LA kids Union/Nonunion Film 17 VOICEOVER Nonunion Film 17-18 17, 31 Nonunion TV/Video 18 31 Commercials & Industrials 18 31 Multimedia & Online 18 31 CASTINGACTORS | SINGERS | DANCERS | MUSICIANS | COMICS | WRITERS | MODELS | CREW Music Video 18 actor 101 advice New service Student Films 18 VoicebAnk Reality TV & Documentary 18 31 Union Stage 18-22 backstage.com/kids Union Musicals 22-23 31 voiceregistry aims NEW YORK SOUTHERN Union Chorus Calls 23-25 CASTING TABLE OF CONTENTS Union/Nonunion Stage 25 31-32 FindGets an acting teacher. Visit our career center at backstage.com Union/Nonunion Musicals 25-26 32 TRISTATE CALIFORNIA Nonunion Stage 26 32 to give actors more Nonunion Musicals 27 32-33 NY LA Comedy & Improv 27 33 Union/Nonunion Film 17 “It wouldn’t piss me off, but it certainly seems like a waste of money.” Cabaret & Variety 27-28 33 iNdustry access Singers 28 33 Louder NONUNION FILM UNION/NONUNION FILM Nonunion Film 17-18 17, 31 —SECRET AGENT MAN FORUM, “AGENT SUBMISSIONS VIA FEDEX OR THE LIKE?” Musicians & Composers 28 33 Dancers & Choreo. 28 33 Nonunion TV/Video 18 31 'THE SCHOOL,' GA Theme Parks 33 for the voice artist—until now. ‘ARKADYA’ King Flex Entertainment is casting The School, a feature horror indie Commercials & Industrials 18 31 Apropos Films (prod.) is casting Arkadya, a narrative short film. Alex- film.Tariq Nasheed, prod. Shoot starts early Oct. in Atlanta, GA. Cruise Lines 28 33-34 By Daniel lehman “Voiceregistry finally pro- ander Kaluzhsky, writer-dir.-prod.; Garret P. Fennelly & Act Zero, Seeking—Sean: male, 19-23, African-American, college student, ath- Modeling 28 Multimedia & Online 18 31 prods.; Noah Greenberg, DP. Shoots Oct. 7-10, 2011 in Brooklyn, NY. letic, "jock" type; Kayla: female, 19-24, Latina, college student, Competitions 28-29 34 new online tool called vides a place for an actor to go to ACTORS | Seeking—SINGERSBoy: 4-7 years old,| CaucasianDANCERS or European, dark hair,| ableMUSICIANSmodel/cheerleader type. | COMICS | WRITERSGroups | MODELS & Workshops | CREW29-30 34 Music Video 18 50th are CASTINGto believably portray a child of Russian heritage, to play a younger version Auditions will be held by appt. only mid-Sept. in L.A. and Atlanta. To Entertainment Jobs 30 anniversary Breakouts, , Voiceregistry, a sister site really find out what this busi- of the protagonist’s son. Note: The child will be needed for approx. schedule an audition appt. email pix & résumés to Stage Staff & Tech 30 34 Student Films 18 one-to-two days of shooting.There are no lines for this role, but the char- [email protected]. Some pay and travel provided. SAG Ultra Writers & Scripts 30 34 acter is very integral throughout the narrative. Low Budget Agreement. (First posted 09/08/11) Reality TV & Documentary 18 31 to Voicebank.net, promises ness is, how to get there, who For consideration, email pix & résumés to [email protected] or send to Apropos Films, 65 Oriental Blvd., Ste. #2F, Brooklyn, NY Union Stage 18-22 to connect established to work with, and how to find went wrong, and it was all her fault. 11235. For more info, visit www.actzerofilms.com. $100 stipend, plus Northern California Casting & Jobs — pages 17, 34 A the 50th copy, credit, meals, and travel provided. (First posted 9/8/11) NONUNION FILM National/Regional Casting & Jobs — pages 17, 35-38 Union Musicals 22-23 31 and aspiring voice actors with representation, to get connected Here’s what happened. Clara The CrafT Union Chorus Calls 23-25 the agents and casting direc- with the people who can help NEW YORK ‘DARK HAVEN: THE REVOLUTION’SOUTHERNAuditions at a Glance: annual barely glanced at the map before By Peter Jensen Dark Haven Studios is casting Dark Haven:The Revolution. Anthony NY: page 20 — CA: page 31 — Regional: page 36 Union/Nonunion Stage 25 31-32 tors who can hire them. forward you career,” Voicebank ‘HIROSHI & AKANE’ Malzone, dir.; Nilo Dutton, writer. Shoot starts fall/early winter in SoCal. new York leaving her home. She just assumed Baraka (prod.) is casting Hiroshi & Akane, a political drama set in Breathtaking Seeking—Tracy: male, 35-45, Caucasian or Latino, stocky/bulky Union/Nonunion Musicals 25-26 32 Voicebank already matches CEO Jeff Hixon told Backstage. modernTRISTATE Japan. Nicolas Rossier, prod. Shooting March 2012 (dates build, gritty attitude, hardened veteran of the policeCALIFORNIA force, think Marv Film Festival What to catch at the new York Film Festival •—By —• “GinGer it would all make sense when she got recently an actor TBD); 80 percent of the film will be shot in NYC, with possible addition- from Sin City in attitude and swagger, character is based on an animated A GUIDE TO CASTING AND JOB NOTICES Nonunion Stage 26 32 about 160 talent agencies and The tools on the new al shooting in Kyoto and/or L.A. film and will be used heavily in print and online media ads, for sketches he notices in Back Stage are organized by category. See the Casting Seeking—Japanese Actors: male and female, 18+, strong acting of the character visit www.darkhavenstudios.com/therevolution/ alright there. Well, it didn’t. Clara couldn’t auditioned for my scene study Nonunion Musicals 27 at Lincoln 32-33Center to improve your art-house cred Mark Peikert and rosa” training and strong improvisation skills required, must be fluent in Eng- TTable of Contents for a list of what categories are available this week. 04 casting directors across the Voiceregistry site, which began casting/tracy. lish and Japanese. Also seeking—Caucasian Males. For a quick look at what productions are holding auditions that do not class. In a monologue she Auditions will be held by appt. only, September in downtown L.A. or Holly- Comedy & Improv 27 33 Elle Fanning looks likely to find the right parking structure so Auditions will be held by appt. only Oct. 2011 in NYC. Email pix & wood. Be prepared to cold read from the script. To schedule an audition require an appointment, see this week’s Auditions at a Glance guide. will play host to country with more than 2,000 ad beta testing in February, include résumés to [email protected]. Deferred pay, plus credit pro- appt. email [email protected]. For more info, visit When reading the notices, you’ll be able to swiftly find the informationCabaret you & Variety 27-28 33 step out of big sister Dakota’s she left her car in the wrong place, berated her husband, paralyzed vided; producers may be able to assist with travel costs for talent selected www.darkhavenstudios.com. Some pay, credit, and meals provided. (First need by remembering the following: a slew of awards agencies, animators, and film and audio and video tutorials from NONUNION FILM posted 09/01/11) UNION/NONUNION1) The first paragraph lists the FILMproject details, including who’s casting,Singers the 28 33 shadow in Sally Potter’s latest, a spot which was half a mile away from the waist down, for not continue on page 18 TV studios. The site hosts more industry pros, instructional blog NYC CASTING/JOBS L.A. CASTING/JOBS continue on page 31 name of the production, the personnel involved, and the approximateMusicians & Composers 28 contenders33 “Frances ha” rehearsal and performance/shooting dates (if known). 02 a coming-of-age tale about from the casting office. And this was fulfilling her sexually. When Dancers & Choreo. 28 33 than 75,000 voiceover demos and posts, the ability to organize 2) The middle paragraph(s) contain the character/job breakdown (avail- Sept. 28–Oct. 14, Greta Gerwig and two girls in 1962 London who, Ic NATIONAL/ NORTHERN'THE SCHOOL,' GAable roles are in bold), including exactly what type of performers and facilitates thousands of audi- calendars, lists of contact in- on a summer afternoon when it gets she finished, I asked, “Why Theme Parks 33 director Noah according to press notes, “are ‘ARKADYA’ King Flex Entertainment is castingstaff The the productionSchool, is a lookingfeature for. horror indie from Bill Murray tions. But while the company has formation for voiceover agents so strident and angry at your REGIONAL CALIFORNIA 3) The final paragraph begins with the audition/submission info (key audi- past 100 degrees in the Valley. Apropos Films (prod.) is casting Arkadya, a narrative short film. Alex- film.Tariq Nasheed, prod. Shoot starts early Oct. in Atlanta, GA. Cruise Lines 28 33-34 Baumbach, who driven apart by a scandalous urkov tion info is in italics) and ends with the pay/contract details, followed by channeling FDR been a leader in the voiceover and casting directors, and a d wheelchair-bound husband?” ander Kaluzhsky, writer-dir.-prod.; Garret P. Fennelly & Act Zero, Seeking—Sean: male, 19-23, African-American,the date the notice was college first posted student, (in parentheses). ath- Modeling 28 worked together betrayal” amid cold war terrors. So she arrived at the audition 20 prods.; Noah Greenberg, DP. Shoots Oct. 7-10, 2011 in Brooklyn, NY. letic, "jock" type; Kayla: female, 19-24, Latina, college student, Competitions 28-29in “Hyde Park 34 on “Greenberg,” For added incentive, Christina industry for over a decade, it has searchable database through minutes late, covered in sweat. There She laughed, answering that UNION/NONUNION FILM NONUNION FILM CASTING NOTICE POLICY Seeking—Boy: 4-7 years old, Caucasian or European, dark hair, able model/cheerleader type. ack Stage reserves the right to refuse to print any notice. All noticesGroups & Workshops 29-30 34 can be polarizing Hendricks (“Mad Men”) co-stars. not provided services specifically which the agents and CDs who on Hudson” to “Beyond the hills” the new backstage. online and on newsstands. adoman was no time to waste because the the lines were written that way. to believably portray a child of Russian heritage, to play a younger version must adhere to the editorial style of the casting department and notices 03 Auditions will be held by appt.B only mid-Sept. in L.A. and Atlanta. To Entertainment Jobs 30 figures. For will be edited to fit the Back Stage style and policies. Notices must clearly [ Secret Agent Man ] director had to leave, so casting rushed her into the office. I suggested she imagine her of the protagonist’s‘OZ: son. THE Note: GREAT The &child POWERFUL,’ will be needed for‘HIROSHI approx. & AKANE’ es schedule an audition appt. email pix & résumés to Ang Lee’s “Life Cristian Mungiu, the director of art-house favorite “4 Months, on: r I Baraka (prod.) is casting Hiroshi & Akane, a political drama set in mod- state all relevant project requirements, including any fees, dues, costs,Stage Staff & Tech 30 34 those who like “voiceregistry finally provides a place for an actor G one-to-two days of shooting.ThereMI, MALES are no lines for this role, but theern Japan. char- Nicolas Rossier, prod. Shooting March 2012 (dates TBD); 80 Naturally, the audition didn’t go well, and now it’s going real husband in front of her. As Casting Associates is casting extras for Oz:The Great and Powerful,a [email protected]. Somerequired pay and ticket travel sales or provided. nudity involved,SAG along Ultra with whether or not there her affectless 3 Weeks and 2 Days,” returns with a film about the denizens percent of the film will be shot in NYC, with possible additional shooting is pay. Each notice must run in the category chosen by Back Stage.Writers & Scripts 30 of Pi” (opening34 to go to really find out what this business is, how acter is very integralfeature throughout film prequel to Thethe Wizard narrative. of Oz starring James Franco and Mila in Kyoto and/or L.A. Low Budget Agreement. (First posted 09/08/11) of a remote monastery and the ways in which their lives to be a hundred times harder for me to get her back in the she did the scene again, she Kunis. Sam Raimi, dir. Shooting in MI. Seeking—Japanese Actors: male and female, 18+, strong acting performance style For consideration,Seeking— emailAfrican-American pix & résumés Men to, Asian [email protected] Men, and Hispanic or the festival Sept. “you ain’t to get there, who to work with, and how to find training and strong improvisation skills required, must be fluent in Eng- CONTACT THE CASTING DEPARTMENT 01 are upended by an outsider. This may seem a little dull, so Men: 18+. and his neurotic room. llustrat worked to overcome her love in lish and Japanese. Also seeking—Caucasian Males. —voIcebank ceo Jeff HIxon I Getty Ima send to Apropos Films,To apply, 65 email Oriental complete contact Blvd., info and Ste.a recent #2F, photo to Brooklyn,ozex- NY At therepresentation.” Auditions will be held by appt. only Oct. 2011 in NYC. Email pix & > National Casting Editor: Luke Crowe 28). But it’s the seen nothin’ yet” films, “Frances bear in mind that the film was inspired by tales of alleged 11235. For more info,[email protected]; visit www.actzerofilms.com. include your ethnicity in the subject line $100 of the email. stipend,résumésplus to [email protected]. Deferred pay, plus credit pro- Northern California Casting & Jobs — pages 17, 34 When I asked Clara why she had behaved in such an a wrenching effort to pull away, Not accepting any other emails at this time. Pay provided. SAG Film vided; producers may be able to assist with travel costs for talent selected demonic possession(!). copy, credit, meals,Agreement and travel. (First provided. posted 9/8/11) > BACK STAGE.east, Business hours: Mon.-Fri.,10a.m.-5p.m. smaller, under- French auteur Alain Resnais Ha,” a seriocomic (First posted 9/8/11) to audition from outsideNONUNION the NYC area. (First posted 09/08/11) FILMMail: Back Stage Casting, 770 Broadway, 7th fl., NYC 10003National/Regional Casting & Jobs — pages 17, 35-38 10 backstage 09.20.12 backstage.comunprofessional manner, she wasn’t able to give me an hon- experiencing true emotions and (“Last Year at Marienbad”) look at a clumsy Phone; Fax: (212) 493-4420, press 1; (646) 654-5742 the-radar films est answer. the tension between obstacle E-mail: [email protected] is still making complex, college graduate Crossroads MULTIMEDIA & ONLINE Auditions at a Glance: NONUNION‘DARK TV/VIDEO HAVEN: THE> BACK REVOLUTION’ STAGE.west, Business hours: Mon.-Fri.,10a .m.- 6p.m. that most excite I finished my drink and turned to Lucifer. and objective. Putting herself in Mail: Attn: Back Stage Casting, 5055 Wilshire Blvd., 5th floor,NY: Los page 20 — CA: page 31 — Regional: page 36 playful, intellectually attempting “castinG By” EHOW HOME WEB SERIES Dark Haven Studios is casting DarkAngeles, Haven:The CA 90036 Revolution. Anthony 05 YOGA VIDEOS, DOCUMENTARY, to become a “Was that you?” the character’s circumstances Demand Media Studios is seeking on-camera experts to create videos Phone; Fax: (323) 525-2358; (323) 965-1340 us. Here are five rigorous films at the age of My evening with the ‘HIROSHI for& eHow AKANE’ Home. Producers state: “eHow Home is one of the top home Malzone, dir.; Nilo Dutton, writer. Shoot starts fall/early winter in SoCal. A documentary0920 NEWS.indd about casting 10 director Marion Dougherty, the godmother of 9/18/12 5:37 PM AND FEATURE E-mail: postmodern Baraka (prod.) isand castinggarden websites Hiroshi in America.The & Akane videos will, cover a political a variety of topics dramaSource set ofin Yoga is casting Seeking—a series of yoga videos,Tracy: a documentary,male, and a35-45, [email protected] or Latino, stocky/bulky that will be worth 90. Any cinephile worth her He grinned. opened her heart and the piece. modern Japan. Nicolasin the home Rossier, and garden space prod. including Shooting do-it-yourself projectsMarch (carpen- 2012feature (dates film. Caroline Klebl, dir. Shoot starts Oct. in L.A. and India. salt will be at a screening of dancer, will modern casting who brought iconic 1970s films to life with her spot-on eye for try, plumbing, electrical, painting, etc.) and home decor. Join Demand Seeking—25 Male build,Models, Actors, gritty and attitude, Athletes: 17-49, hardened beginners veteran of the police force, think Marv Prince of Darkness My mind started to race. I remembered the time I had Another way to connect self to TBD); 80 percent ofMedia’s the Talentfilm & will Experts be Network shot and in promote NYC, yourself with and possible your busi- addition-are welcome. Submit a Casting Notice! A GUIDE TO CASTING AND JOByour NOTICES time. his latest, a typically meta probably be the right actor, “Casting By” is both a love letter to Dougherty and a furious look ness to the 100 million people that visit our sites each month. Once Also seeking—Musicians:fromwill Sin create City soundtracksin attitude for the videos. and swagger, character is based on an animated to drop a young client because he was badmouthing me in character is through discovering al shooting in Kyotoapproved, and/or you canL.A. create your own video series by choosing the topics Be prepared to perform yoga at the audition.Wear clothing suitable for Visit BackStage.com/findtalent and click on “Post a look at acting and artifice. revelatory. at why casting directors are too often relegated to the fringes of filmmaking. that fit your expertise, and Demand Media Studios will match you with stretching. To begin trainingfilm for and the productions, will be youused are expected heavily to at- in printNotice” and toonline submit media your calls ads, for for cast sketches and crew. he notices in Back Stage are organized by category. See the Casting Seeking—Japanese Actors: male and female, 18+, strong acting of the character visit www.darkhavenstudios.com/therevolution/ met Lucifer in a bar the other night, and he confessed public. The idiot had been at a workshop, waiting for his the character’s dominant traits training and strong improvisationREGIONAL CASTING/JOBS skills required,continue must on page be fluent35 inN. Eng- CALIF. CASTING/JOBS continue on page 34 TTable of Contents for a list of what categories are available this week. “You AiN’t”: F Co MME FiLM; “Fr ANCES HA”: iFC FiLMS “BEYoND”: MoBr A FiLM; “GiNGEr”: ADvENturE PiCturES; “CAStiNG”: tASHtEGo FiLMS and then calling up those traits. casting/tracy. For a quick look at what productions are holding auditions that do not that he likes to put bad ideas in the heads of smart scene partner, when he decided to talk some trash. A passing lish and Japanese. Also seeking—Caucasian Males. Auditions will be held by appt. only, September in downtown L.A. or Holly- 22 backstage 09.27.12 backstage.com backstage.com 09.27.12 backstage 23 actors. Curious, I asked why he did this. The author of casting assistant heard him and called me in the morning. During rehearsals for “Balm in Auditions will be held by appt. only Oct. 2011 in NYC. Email pix & require an appointment, see this week’s Auditions at a Glance guide. wood. Be prepared to cold read from the script. To schedule an audition Gilead,” I asked the actor who résumés to [email protected]. Deferred pay, plus credit pro- appt. email [email protected]. For more info, visit When reading the notices, you’ll be able to swiftly find the information you I all sin smiled. “Creative people annoy me. Just look Then there was the time an actor followed me into a vided; producers may be able to assist with travel costs for talent selected www.darkhavenstudios.com. Some pay, credit, and meals provided. (First need by remembering the following: at the so-called great works of art that claim to capture my restaurant, interrupted my dinner, and begged me for a played Babe to explore her own posted 09/01/11) 1) The first paragraph lists the project details, including who’s casting, the image. You would be upset too.” meeting. fears and self-loathing. Propelled continue on page 18 NYC CASTING/JOBS L.A. CASTING/JOBS continue on page 31 name of the production, the personnel involved, and the approximate Lucifer had a point. The man in front of me wasn’t a to distract from those feelings rehearsal and performance/shooting dates (if known). horned monster with a red tail. He actually looked a little the man in front of me as Babe does with drugs, she 2) The middle paragraph(s) contain the character/job breakdown (avail- like Jeremy Irons. wasn’t a horned monster with found solace in a blanket from NATIONAL/ NORTHERN able roles are in bold), including exactly what type of performers and We ordered another round. My new friend went on a red tail. He actually looked childhood. Uncovering her staff the production is looking for. to explain that actors are especially open to suggestion a little like Jeremy Irons. personal desperation triggered BACK STAGE | BACKSTAGE.COM | SEPTEMBER 8-14, 2011 | CASTING | 17 REGIONALKELLYALEXISLEWIS.COMCALIFORNIA | [email protected]) The final paragraph begins with the audition/submission info (key audi- | 310 621 1986 | 1514 LAKESIDE LANE, HUNTINGTON BEACH,because CA they’re 92648 such desperate beings. “Convincing them a coping mechanism that tion info is in italics) and ends with the pay/contract details, followed by illuminated her portrayal of Babe. the date the notice was first posted (in parentheses). to get in their own way requires little more than a whisper And what about those clients who passed on auditions in their ears.” because they didn’t think they were right for the parts? When an actor enters into a UNION/NONUNION FILM NONUNION FILM CASTING NOTICE POLICY I was stunned. Actors are always cutting their own Why wouldn’t they allow the casting director to make that character’s circumstances and ack Stage reserves the right to refuse to print any notice. All notices throats for no apparent reason. Could the devil himself be decision? identifies with the character’s Bmust adhere to the editorial style of the casting department and notices the root of all that self-destructive behavior? Or worst of all, how about all the actors who write to traits, personal judgment drops ‘OZ: THE GREAT & POWERFUL,’ ‘HIROSHI & AKANE’ will be edited to fit the Back Stage style and policies. Notices must clearly Just last week, a client shocked me by ruining an oppor- Backstage, begging for a meeting with Secret Agent Man away. The wall between the tunity I created at her request. Clara, an established actor in when they don’t even know who I am or where I work? actor and the role comes down,

Baraka (prod.) is casting Hiroshi & Akane, a political drama set in mod- state all relevant project requirements, including any fees, dues, costs, ARTLETT

MI, MALES ern Japan. Nicolas Rossier, prod. Shooting March 2012 (dates TBD); 80 enabling the artist to be herself B Casting Associates is casting extras for Oz:The Great and Powerful,a required ticket sales or nudity involved, along with whether or not there her 40s, had been begging me to get her in the room for one Lucifer stood up. It was time to move on. He explained percent of the film will be shot in NYC, with possible additional shooting is pay. Each notice must run in the category chosen by Back Stage. of her favorite TV shows. So when the right part crossed my that Hollywood was keeping him busy. in service of the character. feature film prequel to The Wizard of Oz starring James Franco and Mila in Kyoto and/or L.A. Kunis. Sam Raimi, dir. Shooting in MI. Seeking—Japanese Actors: male and female, 18+, strong acting desk, I convinced the casting director to give her a shot. I had to ask. Seeking—African-American Men, Asian Men, and Hispanic CONTACT THE CASTING DEPARTMENT ONATHAN training and strong improvisation skills required, must be fluent in Eng- The show’s office was on the Universal lot, up in the “Will I see you again?” peter Jensen, : J Men: 18+. lish and Japanese. Also seeking—Caucasian Males. To apply, email complete contact info and a recent photo to ozex- Valley. Since it was hard to find, casting sent me a detailed “Perhaps.” co–artistic director of Nyc’s Auditions will be held by appt. only Oct. 2011 in NYC. Email pix & > National Casting Editor: Luke Crowe [email protected]; include your ethnicity in the subject line of the email. résumés to [email protected]. Deferred pay, plus credit pro- map with parking directions. I told Clara to leave early, just As the Prince of Darkness strolled off into the night, I t. schreiber studio & theatre, is Not accepting any other emails at this time. Pay provided. SAG Film vided; producers may be able to assist with travel costs for talent selected > BACK STAGE.east, Business hours: Mon.-Fri.,10a.m.-5p.m. to be safe. made a mental note to pick up some holy water and a few directing “Doubt,” opening oct. 10.

Agreement. (First posted 9/8/11) AMSONTECH LLUSTRATION to audition from outside the NYC area. (First posted 09/08/11) Mail: Back Stage Casting, 770 Broadway, 7th fl., NYC 10003 After the audition, she was in a state of shock. Everything crosses on my way home. I S Phone; Fax: (212) 493-4420, press 1; (646) 654-5742 E-mail: [email protected] MULTIMEDIA & ONLINE 16 backstage 09.20.12 upstage News | actor 101 | center stage cover story | features | downstage castiNg | reviews backstage.com NONUNION TV/VIDEO > BACK STAGE.west, Business hours: Mon.-Fri.,10a .m.- 6p.m. Mail: Attn: Back Stage Casting, 5055 Wilshire Blvd., 5th floor, Los EHOW HOME WEB SERIES YOGA VIDEOS, DOCUMENTARY, Angeles, CA 90036 Demand Media Studios is seeking on-camera experts to create videos Phone; Fax: (323) 525-2358; (323) 965-1340 for eHow Home. Producers state: “eHow Home is one of the top home AND FEATURE 0920 101.indd 16 9/18/12 3:54 PM and garden websites in America.The videos will cover a variety of topics Source of Yoga is casting a series of yoga videos, a documentary, and a E-mail: [email protected] in the home and garden space including do-it-yourself projects (carpen- feature film. Caroline Klebl, dir. Shoot starts Oct. in L.A. and India. try, plumbing, electrical, painting, etc.) and home decor. Join Demand Seeking—25 Male Models, Actors, and Athletes: 17-49, beginners Media’s Talent & Experts Network and promote yourself and your busi- are welcome. Submit a Casting Notice! ness to the 100 million people that visit our sites each month. Once Also seeking—Musicians: will create soundtracks for the videos. approved, you can create your own video series by choosing the topics Be prepared to perform yoga at the audition.Wear clothing suitable for Visit BackStage.com/findtalent and click on “Post a that fit your expertise, and Demand Media Studios will match you with stretching. To begin training for the productions, you are expected to at- Notice” to submit your calls for cast and crew. REGIONAL CASTING/JOBS continue on page 35 N. CALIF. CASTING/JOBS continue on page 34

BACK STAGE | BACKSTAGE.COM | SEPTEMBER 8-14, 2011 | CASTING | 17 music » artists|sounds|shows MENTALNOTES » DANIELLE BACHER Franki Doll Walks Down the Aisle he inked-up, punk-inspired rockers of TFranki Doll and the Broken Toys have always given off a tight-knit vibe, like that of a coed street gang or even a family. As of Feb. 20, singer Franki Doll and drummer Jenson Avery actually are family—they were married onstage at the Galaxy Concert Theatre in Santa Ana. The coolest part? At 7 p.m., the couple opened up the wedding celebration to the public, and after that, Doll became her own wedding singer as the band performed— along with Flock of Goo Goo, Champagne Blvd., Stay the Night, The Throw Aways, Stitched Up Heart, Broken Patron Saints, Sweet Nothings and Chasing Zero. Jenson chose their third anniversary to pop the question. “He took me to Hawaii last year for our three-year anniversary,” Doll says. “He took me to a secluded beach in Lanai. As I was sunbathing, he turned around with a PITCHFORK YOU! video camera, an anniversary card and a ring. . . . He videotaped it.” Caught by phone 20 minutes before board- ing a plane for her honeymoon, Doll declared, “We had so many people come up to us and NEWSWEEKLY SUMMARY SERVICES say it was the bestA wedding-p they(0 had ever o+H been to. It was the greatest day of my life.” REDESIGN/RESIZE I produced a comprehensive redesign/resize of OC Weekly in Jan. 2009 and another resize in Feb. 2011 • Publication redesign“Yeah, & it wastemplate unexplainable,” production Jenson Pitchforked, But Proud gushed. “I was expecting Franki to look beau- 03 tiful, but I wasn’t expecting that. I walked up to (below). The redesign brought the overall style of the paper up to date, with bolder fonts, improved • Editorial strategy & brand identity Matt Pond responds to reaction to their reactions. “They don’t any new ground but has a genial warmth. the altar, and my knees buckled.” CLIENT/PROJECT legibility, and new web-related elements bringing readers tohis our toughest website critic and and our likewebsite me and they content don’t want people into to The opening •of ArtLeaves’ direction “Speck” exempli- & editorialAw. But hey, direction what do you expect from a talks about what’s worth like me,” he says. “There are people fi es this: “Up above, I see specks of silver guy who captured his own “propose-cute” on that work there that like our music, but in the evening sky/Specks of gold in the video? From a Feb. 17 (updated Feb. 21) Heard OC Weekly: Comprehensive redesign/resize print. My detailed, grid-based templates created consistencylearning and efficiency, from those rips reducingthey’re not goingproduction to give it to those time. peo- river running• from Cover the deep &moonlight/ feature designMentality blog post. BY REYAN ALI ple to review.” He stopped keeping up See us shake in the wild distortion of the on Pitchfork reviews years ago because water’s waves/Still I know you in the THE STEELWELLS ROLLING TOWARD THE he would “read them [to] the point of darkness shining from a mile away.” COVER OF ROLLING STONE? o put it gently, Pitchfork’s opin- self-torture. It’s kind of a joke because Strangely, he’s more incisive away Here’s an interesting twist on the the whole food » reviews|listings HOLE IN THE WALL ion of Matt Pond’s work has been whatever we do or I do, they’re not from the guitar. The Brooklyn resident battle-of-the-bands concept: The editors at online » inside» GUSTAVO » 03/11-03/17 ARELLANO » 2011 music » artists|sounds|shows MENTALNOTES less than positive. Since the New going to like it. It’s like a directive at the wrote The Dark Leaves in a cabin in Rolling Stone picked 16 bands to compete» DANIELLE in BACHER ocweekly.com VOLUME 16 | NUMBER 28 » OCWEEKLY.COM T York-based singer-songwriter and his place.” For example, Pond posits that woodsy Bearsville, New York, and he a contest for Best Unsigned Artist. TheFranki grand Doll Walks TOP 5 ONLINE up front band (known collectively as Matt Pond Dave Matthews and Counting Crows discusses his fascination with nature prize includes the coveted cover of theDown maga- the Aisle THE MOST-READTACO STORIES TRIAD; ON OCWEEKLY.COM BELOW: FOR MARCH 2-8 NOT Bur, Baby, Bur PA) got going in the late 1990s, the jug- are used as tools of derision in this with great clarity. “I can’t be comfort- zine itself. Fullerton’s The Steelwells arehe rep- inked-up, punk-inspired rockers of 1 BLOGYOUR TYPICAL TAQUERO08 THE COUNTY TFranki Doll and the Broken Toys have Twittered HEARD MENTALITY 08 | MOXLEY CONFIDENTIAL | gernaut indie-rock site has graded sev- context, especially as he doesn’t believe able in the city. It doesn’t fi t my skin resenting OC in this throwdown. The magazinealways given off a tight-knit vibe, like that of a Ten Signs You’re an Aging Gamer Costa Mesa Councilman Jim coed street gang or even a family. As of Feb. 20, Righeimer could give WisconsinGENDERSHE CUISINE singer Franki Doll and drummer Jenson Avery 2 SLIDESHOW Governor Scott Walker a few eral of their records. Scores have mostly his work sounds like those artists. In right,” he says, noting how he grew up will eliminate the bands through rounds,actually with are family—they were married onstage NIGHTLIFE lessons in taking on public-sector2741 W. Lincoln Ave., Ste. B, at the Galaxy Concert Theatre in Santa Ana. Uncommon Burlesque at Commonwealth Lounge unions. By R. Scott Moxley been on the upswing with each ensu- contrast, he prefers invoking Tom Petty, in New Hampshire. “[Writing about the fi rst one ending on March 2. (Side note:The coolest part? At 7 p.m., the couple 10 | ¡ASK A MEXICAN!Anaheim, | OMFG (714) 220-9500; opened up the wedding celebration to the 3 BLOG CUD MEXICO RLY SUE US 2 GET ing review but still decisively remain Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young as nature is] the only way I know how to Rolling Stone got the band’s name right,public, but and after that, Doll became her own Taco HEARD MENTALITY SW BACK?!??!?! www.gendershecuisine.com. wedding singer as the band performed— Trent Reznor to Score and Star in ‘Abraham Lincoln: By Gustavo Arellano within the lower rungs of their grading songwriters he might not sound like but talk about people. You don’t have to go initially had their hometown as “Fullterton.”)along with Flock of Goo Goo, Champagne Vampire Hunter’ Blvd., Stay the Night, The Throw Aways, 12 FEATURE scale. The Green Fury (2002) scored an aspires to become as good as. [to nature]. You can just sit and curse The eight bands who get past the fi rstStitched Up Heart, Broken Patron Saints, The Haven Gastropub 4 SLIDESHOW 12 | MICHELLE WOO | Soka hile Orange County has Sweet Nothings and Chasing Zero. EVENT University was founded by a especially measly 1.8, 2005’s Several Pitchfork does have some valid your small New Yorkgrub City apartment*guide round will go into a studio with a major pro-Jenson chose their third anniversary to pop creators try their hand at a 2011 OC Music Awards: Arrivals Buddhist sect that preachesW always hosted an embar- the question. “He took me to Hawaii last year peace—so why are so many Arrows Later got a 4.0, 2007’s Last Light gripes with Pond’s music, and an out- and wish you were somewhere.” ducer, and then another voting processfor willour three-year anniversary,” Doll says. 5 BLOG former professors alleging it “He took me to a secluded beach in Lanai. As rassingly small African-American taken over and redesigned the menu to appeal gourmet taco stand STICK A FORK IN IT practices the opposite? a 3.7, and last year’s The Dark Leaves sider identifying an artist’s faults goes Sometime soon, Matt Pond PA will narrow the fi eld to four. After that, the remain-I was sunbathing, he turned around with a Tapatio-Flavored Fritos Now Available at Costco, »22 PITCHFORK YOU! video camera, an anniversary card and a ring. community,CHUCK OLDFIELD actual Africans are central oc to a wider audience (read: more chow mein than Coming to a Store Near You earned a 4.8. Each review came from a far in fl eshing out the work’s context. wrap up and release a new EP. There’s ing will showcaseShangdong), their talent but you incan front still get of. . the. HeRoll- videotapedold standbys it.” BY EDWIN GOEI beginning to arrive on our shores in Caught by phone 20 minutes before board- different writer, and each was painful in Looking at The Dark Leaves, his angelic an excellent possibilityCAPT’N it will MIKE’S be FISH fi lled FRY & CHICKENing Stone editorssuch and as pork music with driedexecutives, tofu—justing askawho plane $$ for her honeymoon, Doll declared, .COM MENTS in back waves. Most of them find comfortother stuff RESTAURANT 815 W. 19th St., Costa Mesa, “We had so many people come up to us and OCWEEKLY.COM READER FEEDBACK 07 | Letters its own way, occasionally throwing out rock lacks an emotional nakedness with descriptions of forestry;949-645-2875. there’s This place also is with the times,will selling decide the fi nalists. say it was the best wedding they had ever don’t envy the work the Haven Gastro- 25 CALENDARin Anaheim:44 | YouTRENDZILLA can | Doingdine your on own Ethio-10 | Hey, You! coastal oc been to. It was the greatest day of my life.” “What the hell is a tapatio?” 25 | EVENTS | You know what Philip nails isn’t so tough. By Vickie Chang 32 | Grub Guide faint praise. that turns the best folk and indie rock a decent chance that Pitchforkfish and chips willto a Mexican give audience. Does Thethe last two bands will battle it out for“Yeah, the it was unexplainable,” Jenson pub wunderkinds—Greg Daniels, Wil —“Arthur Dent” responding to Gustavo Arellano’s March 2 Glass needs? A roller-derbypian name. at Tana, eat Kenyan at Kenya53 | Concert & Club Guide Pitchforked,culinary mash-up work? We say yes. But The creamy Proud THE ABBEY 306 Main St., Seal Beach,gushed. 562-799-4246. “I was expecting Franki to look beau- Stick a Fork In It post “Tapatio-Flavored Fritos Now Available at 45 MUSIC 62 | Savage Love tiful, but I wasn’t expecting that. I walked up to Costco, Coming to a Store Near You” A smattering of the daggers con- into an unfathomably deep connection it a look. “I don’t even care about bad award, the cover and an appearance at the Dee and Alkesh Patel—have ahead of 31 FOOD Café, even45 snack | CONCERT on | Norwegian Eritrean treats Mattrefried Pond frijoles responds make to a greatreaction dip tofor their the reactions. fish, while “They don’t any Wood-firednew ground but pizzashas a genial and warmth. panini knockedthe altar, anddown my knees with buckled.” I 31 | REVIEW | Habuya in Tustin electrorockers Datarock release a tained within said reviews: Green Fury between songwriter and listener—a reviews anymore. They’rehis toughestthe rice kind isn’t critic stale—the of and cool. bestlike me possible and they don’tcomplimentBonnaroo want people for to MusicTheliters opening Festival of of very Leaves’ good “Speck”on BelgianJune exempli- 9.beer. The TheAw. win- noodlesBut hey, what are do you expect from a represents the perfect prefecture. massive, collectible single. guy who captured his own “propose-cute” on them. They’re planning a second outpost OCWEEKLY.COM SLIDESHOW at Merhaba. talks aboutMexican what’s rice. Order worth a sidelike of me,” corn he says. tortillas, “There and are people you fi es thethis: “Upsleeper above, hit,I see andspecks the of silver burgers are very popular. $$ / By Edwin Goei By Paul Saitowitz on the cover contains “tepid” songs, akin to “an revelation transported from one person Once you get beat up enough times, it’sthat work there that nerlike our be music, the but fi rstin the unsigned evening sky/Specks band of gold toin the be onvideo? the From a Feb. 17 (updated Feb. 21) Heard TED AWARD-WINNING ARTIST JR COMES TO PHANTOM GALLERIES 31 | HOLE IN THE WALL | Morangak 45 | MENTAL NOTES | Five 12 | The School On a Hill learningcan fromcreate those monster rips fish tacosthey’re notthat going are to part-English, give it to those peo- AMELIA’Sriver running from ON the BALBOA deep moonlight/ ISLANDMentality 311 Marine blog post. Ave., in Pasadena; at the Camp, their latest proj- IN LONG BEACH. But the most fascinating restau- has the Seoul of OC’s Little Korea. memorable moments from the extravagantly wrapped Christmas pres- to another via song. His portraits of like, ‘Fuck it.’ It’s a partpart-Mexican of beingBY REYAN and tough,” allALI Orangeple to review.”County, He baby. stoppedcover. $-$$ keeping They up won’tSee Newportus shake be in the unsignedBeach. wild distortion This adorable long:of the A little record- bistro has ect, Taco Asylum, enjoys the adoration By Gustavo Arellano rant of the OCbunch Music Awards. is the month-old on Pitchfork reviews years ago because water’s waves/Still I know you in the THE STEELWELLS ROLLING TOWARD THE By Brandon Ferguson ent with socks and underwear inside”; nature are beautiful and idyllic but lack says Pond, maybe learningDALAT BISTRO from 16525 these Brookhursthe would “read St., themFountaining [to] the contract Valley, point of darknesswithbrought Atlanticshining Mediterranean from a mileRecords away.” flair is to alsoNewportCOVER part OF ROLLINGBeach STONE? of the Haven faithful as well as attention 39 FILM Gendershe49 Cuisine | CONCERT | inExene Anaheim, Cervenka onlinethe o put714-839-8338. it gently, Pitchfork’s The opin- huge menuself-torture. can It’s be kind hard of a to joke get because Strangely,for nearly he’s more50 years. incisive The away pasta is Here’sfresh an and interesting cooked twist on the the whole 39 | REVIEW | The new adaption is approachable, acoustic—and NAVEL GAZING | News & More there is no “actual friction amidst such a bluntness or infl ection or je ne sais trials. “If you’re goingion of through;to Matt make Pond’s look work music,at has what been other whatever diners we doare or Ieating. ofdo, they’rethe It’s notgrand fromprize.perfectly the guitar. From Theal dente, Brooklyna Feb. and resident 15 the post. seafoodbattle-of-the-bands dishes never concept: The editors at from those curious about its novelty. But of Jane Eyre stresses thecounty’s pursuit of fi rststill totally Somali punk rock. restaurant. IfSTICK A FORK IN IT | Dining & Food Tless than positive. Since the New going to like it. It’s like a directive at the wrote The Dark Leaves in a cabin in Rolling Stone picked 16 bands to compete in independence. By Karina Longworth By Lilledeshan Bose HEARD MENTALITY | Music & Culture downy arrangements” on The Dark quoi that could give them inescapable you’re gonna haveYork-based peoplepacked singer-songwriter that for a reason:don’t and his trylike place.”the salmon For example, with Pond crispy posits rice that woodsycease Bearsville, to impress, New York, particularly and he thea contestcalamari for Best (try Unsigned the Artist. The grand PHOTOS BY JC VERA 50 | CONCERT | This year’s Grrl Fair BLOGS.OCWEEKLY.COM band (knownor collectively the grilled as Mattdill salmonPond Dave(cha Matthews ca Thang and CountingLong). $$ Crows discussescalamari his fascination Irma: stuffed with nature with crab prizeand includes served the incoveted a cover of the maga- after the been-there-done-that crowd dis- 44 CULTURE it looks likeshould a banquet be grreater than hall—fake ever. PA) got going in the late 1990s, the jug- are used as tools of derision in this with great clarity. “I can’t be comfort- zine itself. Fullerton’s The Steelwells are rep- 44 | ART | Jonathan St. Amant’s By Gabriel San Roman » cover credits Leaves; Last Light was “another Matt defi nition. Pond’s metaphors and visu- it, no matter whogernaut youFULL indie-rock are.” MOON site has 9965 graded Ellis sev- Ave.,context, Fountain especially Valley, as he doesn’t believe ablesucculent in the city. It creamdoesn’t fi tsherry my skin sauce). resentingThe staff OC inis this friendly throwdown. The magazine sipates, after the magazines and newspa- ninjas rule the Hibbleton Gallery.roses in vases,52 | LOCALS bright-red ONLY | The Orange mantles, ILLUSTRATION | Jacopo Rosati eral of their714-963-3214. records. Scores have A cute mostly neighborhood his work sounds sushi-ya like those artists.serving In right,”and he attentive,says, noting howand he the grew patio up tablewill makes eliminate for the bandsone throughof rounds, with By Dave Barton Effect go live. By Adam Lovinus DESIGN | Laila Derakhshanian Pond PA album steeped in adult alter- als resonate with the force of a light been on the upswing with each ensu- contrast, he prefers invoking Tom Petty, in New Hampshire. “[Writing about the fi rst one ending on March 2. (Side note: pers stop talking about them, they’ll need napkins folded like fans and care- ing review butAmericanized still decisively remainrolls and bento-type entrées (teriyaki the most delightful dining experiencesRolling Stone in town.got the band’s $$$ name right, but MARY BELL native at its blandest”; and his voice has wind instead of a hurricane. MATT POND BrucePA Springsteen and NeilBLOG Young as nature ON is] the only » way MUSICI know how to fully placed inside glass cups—it’s within the lowerchicken, rungs etc.)of their to grading the locals songwriters in Fountain he might Valley. not sound The like but AURORAtalk about people. 2307 You W. don’t Balboa have to Blvd., go Newportinitially had Beach, their hometown as “Fullterton.”) staying power. They’ll need to convince Assoc. Production Manager Accounting Manager Marissa Meng Senior Accounts Receivable National Circulation Director scale. The Green Fury (2002) scored an aspires to becomex as good as. [to nature]. You can just sit and curse The eight bands who get past the fi rst house specialty is the crunchy roll. $ 949-642-1073. This small Mediterranean/Middle Jorge Negreros Staff Accountant Francisco Arambula Coordinator Roger Marten Curt Sanders been compared to those of Dave Mat- But Pond has his positives, too. Even perform withespecially Rocky measly Votolato 1.8, 2005’s Several and RayPitchfork does have someHEARD valid your smallMENTALITY New York City apartment round will go into a studio with a major pro- oc weekly staff » Senior Graphic Designer Jay Brockman Project Manager Eric VanBeek Senior Accounts Receivable National Classified Ad Director the rest of the world to look past their becauseIT Systems ownerManager Bryan Stage HabibaRepresentative Abdi Arcola has Aikens Kenny Stocker ArrowsGEORGE’S Later got a 4.0, 2007’s BURGERS Last Light 17991 gripes Euclid with Pond’s St., music,Fountain and an out- and Easternwish you were joint somewhere.” has a refreshingly differentducer, and thenvibe another from voting process will MULTIMEDIA ADVERTISING Systems Administrators Frank Miles, HUMAN RESOURCES Corporate Controller Beth Cook thews and Counting Crows’ Adam Dur- when his melodies don’t stick, his songs Torres at Chaina Reaction,3.7, and last year’s The1652 Dark LeavesW. Lincoln sider identifying anThis artist’s column faults goes was Sometimecompiled soon, fromMatt Pond Heard PA will Mentalitynarrow theblog fi eld to four. After that, the remain- EDITORIAL Proofreader Jack Grimshaw RETAIL Robert VanBeek Human Resources Manager Vice President Human Resources Valley, 714-963-1774. The archetypal OC burger your run-of-the-mill local restaurant. It’s dark and $5-per-taco price tag. And if the opinions Editor Ted B. Kissell Editorial Interns Chinyere Cindy Advertising Director Jennifer Besheera cateringProgrammer Francisco business Barajas ofKelly the Inthout same Diana Fraser earned a 4.8. Each review came from a far in fl eshing outposts. the work’s For context. more wrapnews up and & releasedaily a newupdates, EP. There’s visit: ing will showcase their talent in front of Roll- Managing Editor Gustavo Arellano Amobi, Javier Cabral, Alexis Brigette Retail Sales Manager Scott Mabry Web Integrator Ed Horneij Vice President Financial Operations witz—and that’s not a good thing. contain a rich shine, and his breathy, Ave., Anaheim,different (714) writer,shack, and 635-6067; witheach was a few painful nods inwww. toLooking Mexican at The food,Dark Leaves some, his angelic an excellentlounge-y possibility yet inviting, it will be andfi lled the staffing is Stone top-notch. editors and music executives, who Associate Editor Patrice Marsters Hodoyan-Gastelum, Mi Tran Club Account Executive Kevin Poush Web/It Support Technician CIRCULATION Jeff Mars of a few people I’ve unscientifically sur- Senior Editor, News & Investigations Retail Account Manager Andreaname, Percy Todd and Sternisha old habits Circulationdie hard. Director Pat ConnellIt’s Legal Counsel Steve Suskin its own way,steaks occasionally and throwing good greasy-spoon out rock lacks breakfasts. an emotional nakedness Stick withYou descriptions can grab of forestry; a gyro there’s or sandwich, also will enjoy decide somethe fi nalists. R. Scott Moxley EDITORIAL ART Retail Account Executives Ryan Cox, Field Coordinator Hugo Castillo Executive Vice President Scott Spear Pond is familiar with Pitchfork’s careful singing suits his scenery well. allages.com. Fri.,faint praise. 8 p.m. $13 in advance;that turns the bestBLOGS.OCWEEKLY.COM/HEARDMENTALITY folk and indie rock a decent chance that Pitchfork will give The last two bands will battle it out for the Staff Writers Matt Coker, Chasen Art Director Laila Derakhshanian Jeremy Ginsburg, Jason Hamelberg, LA WEEKLY STAFF Circulation Assistant Chelsea Azuff Chief Financial Officer Jed Brunst with the combos advertised in the windows. $ fresh-made sangria, or groove to the tunes from veyed are any indication, it’s going to be Marshall, Nick Schou, Michelle Woo Layout Editor Andrea Adams Danny Hudgins, Shannon Preston,not Cara theAdvertising easiest Director Bob Dea place Circulationto navigate— Coordinator Ofelia Perez President And Chief Operating Officer A smattering of the daggers con- into an unfathomably deep connection it a look. “I don’t even care about bad award, the cover and an appearance at the Web Editor Vickie Chang Contributing Artists Jonathan Bartlett, Tavaglione, Emily Trayers, Ryan Whipple Film Category Manager Brian Bullen Scott Tobias . . LE V CUISINE OLEINTHE ALL viewpoints and does little to mask his Pond’s organic imagery doesn’t break tained$15 within at said the reviews: door. Green 17431 AllFury Brookhurst ages.between St.,songwriter Fountain and listener—a Valley, reviewsthe anymore.jukebox They’re or the kind occasional of cool. liveBonnaroo performer. Music Festival The on June 9. The win- Matt Bors, Jay Brockman, Jason Crosby, Concerts/Music Events Manager NATIONAL ADVERTISING Chairman And Chief Executive Officer Dem vs Us reviews|listings Music Editor Lilledeshan Bose H W food » Calendar Editor Erin DeWitt Mark Dancey, Jason Edmiston, Matthew MARKETING John Hill Voice Media Group 888-278-9866, Jim Larkin an uphill battle once the honeymoon is orders usually come out wrong, not contains “tepid”714-593-8511. songs, akin to One “an of the revelationbest Asian-European transported from onefusion person OnceMediterranean you get beat up enough melt times, salad it’s strikesner the be theperfect fi rst unsigned bal- band to be on the Clubs Editor Brandon Ferguson Laznicka, Alana Mccarthy, James Marketing Manager »Dana SchroedlGUSTAVOMusic/Theater & EventsARELLANO Category www.voicemediagroup.com Chief Information Officer extravagantly wrapped Christmas pres- to another via song. His portraits of like, ‘Fuck it.’ It’s a part of being tough,” cover. They won’t be unsigned long: A record- Editorial Assistant Jessica Ford Mchugh, Curt Merlo, Shaunna Peterson, Digital Product Managers Emily Dean, Manager Chris Blake Senior Vice President of Sales Gerard Goroski restaurants in Little Saigon, you can pair your cha ance between healthful and indulgent, and the over. A typical summation of the place was Contributing Writers Leslie Agan, Jim Rugg, Nathan Santistevan, Brian Lauren Monahan all theAdvertising menu Director is explained—butSue Belair the Business Systems Director page page | | |page | | | | | page| | || | |ent with socks| and underwear| inside”; nature are beautiful and idyllic but lack says Pond, maybe learning from these ing contract| with| Atlantic Records is also part Danielle Bacher, Dave Barton, Joel Stauffer, Andrew Vastagh, Michael Ad Comptroller Meg Strouse Mathew Cooperstein Senior Vice President of Sales James Hamilton 17 OCWEEKLYocweekly17 ..COMcom contents19 contents letters letters the county the county feature19 feature calendarcalendar food food film | film culture | culture » music » « music « feb.month 25-march 00-00, 3, 2011 2011 35 1 Beers, Stephanie Calvert, Albert Ching, Villegas, Kyle T. Webster, Stephen Weigl, Street Team Coordinator Alison Hord Operations Director Operations Joe Larkin Infrastructure Director Dave Marcon Fuggedaboudit! there is no “actualgio (Vietnamese friction amidst spring such rolls)a bluntness with or your infl ection spicy or tunaje ne sais on trials.hummus “If you’re andgoing pitato make will music, fill you up quickof the grand if you prize. don’t From a Feb. 15 post. Michael Coyle, Stacy Davies, Hobey Evan Yarbrough Christopher Matalone Backpage www.backpage.com Operational Support Manager downy arrangements” on The Dark quoi that could give them inescapable you’re gonna have people that don’t like “Well, it’s good, but it’s a $5 taco.” Echlin, Edwin Goei, Michael Goldstein, Photographers Mary Bell, Star CLASSIFIED food!Classified I haven’t Account Executives been Craig B. soVice Presidentsatisfi Sales &ed Marketing Brian Heimert MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY crispy rice or have an old-fashioned French dish. $$ pay attention. $$ Jack Grimshaw, Oliver Hall, J. Foreman, John Gilhooley, Zack Classified Sales Director Carl Elmore Fralick, Jason Hadley, Paul Harman, Carl Ferrer Intranet Manager Joe Kaiping Leaves; Last Light was “another Matt defi nition. Pond’s metaphors and visu- it, no matter who you are.” Hoberman, Grace Le, Dave Lieberman, Herrera, Jonathan Ho, Ryan Philip Classified Account Executives Dac Christopher Hubbert, Brandy Rhea, Network Support Manager Pond PAMAGNOLIA album steeped inCAFE adult alter- 8988 Warnerals resonate Ave., with Fountain the force Valley, of a light BAYFRONT CAFE & RESTAURANT 3412 Via Oporto It’s not just the friends I asked. When Jeremiah Magan, Todd Mathews, Lane, Keith May, Corey Nickols, Blassingame, Brian Lynch with aPaul meal Sanchez since Thanksgiving’sVILLAGE VOICE MEDIA David Fearn JAMES DEAN AND HIS TWIN BROTHER LIFE AFTER AMERICAN IDOL HOT LATIN LGBT NIGHTS GREATEST BAND MANAGER EVER MarkTACO Miller, Amanda Parsons,TRIAD; Nancy BELOW:Jeanne Rice, Susan Sabo, NOT Chad Real Estate/Rental Specialist HOLDINGS LLC Director of Business Systems native at its714-842-2844. blandest”; and his The voice non-Disneyland has wind instead answer of a hurricane. to the Ste. 103, NewportMATT Beach, POND PA 949-675-3779.BLOG If you’re ON » in MUSIC Sengstock, Beth Stirnaman, Sean ADMINISTRATION Bur,Elisa Losson Baby,Executive Bur Editor Michael Lacey Brian King Powell, Rex Reason, Jim Ridley, Ryan been compared to those of Dave Mat- But Pond has his positives, too. Even perform with Rocky Votolato and Ray xHEARD MENTALITY every online review either complains about Ritchie, Paul Saitowitz, Shuji Sakai, Teegarden, Christopher Victorio, Publisher Kurtis Barton third Productionhelping. Director Sue Limsukonth Executive Managing Editor Director New Media Bill Jensen question “Where can I get a Monte Cristo sandwich?” the mood for light, flavorful Mediterranean, this cozy GabrielYOUR San Roman, Dan TYPICALSavage, Jennie TAQUEROWarren, Andrew Youssef Group Publisher Beth Sestanovich Production Lead Jorge Picado Christine Brennan Web Development Director Bill Volhein thews and Counting Crows’ Adam Dur- when his melodies don’t stick, his songs Torres at Chain Reaction, 1652 W. Lincoln This column was compiled from Heard Mentality blog Ella Taylor, Drew Tewksbury, Andrew Photo Interns Kevin Lara, JC Vera Business Manager Daniel Werner Advertising Designers Jaguar Executive Associate Editor Digital Advertising & Marketing witz—and that’sBe aware not a good the thing. portions arecontain gargantuan. a rich shine, Eat and in his a breathy,clas- docksideAve., Anaheim, café (714) will 635-6067; serve www. you well.posts. The For more hummus, news & daily updates, visit: Twitteredthe price or defends it, it’s an indication the Tonkovich, Arrissia Owen Turner, Director Of Operations/HR Liaison Abdi’sBusuego, Diannesuqaars—sautéed Garcia, Brian Andy Van De Voorde chicken Manager Stacy Franch Doug Wallen, Annie Wharton, Robert PRODUCTION Cassie Shine GENDERSHEGuillian, Dan Selzer CUISINEDesign Director Pond is familiarsic diner with setting, Pitchfork’s with an averagecareful singing patron suits hisage scenery of 61 well. and allages.com.dolma and Fri., taboule 8 p.m. $13 are in advance; appetizersBLOGS.OCWEEKLY.COM/HEARDMENTALITY fit to be entrées, Wilonsky, Chris Ziegler Production Manager Steve Cox Operations Coordinator Nikki Pierce Imaging/Traffic Coordinator Peggy Lake Michael Shavalier viewpoints and does little to mask his Pond’s organic imagery doesn’t break $15 at the door. All ages. fi ght is against the ingrained expectation twisted into knots for hours. or beef on beds of cardamom- waitresses who are at the half-century mark. $-$$ and the selection of fresh juices (apricot, peach, | | | 2741| W. Lincoln| Ave.,| Ste.| B, | | | | | | | | | | | | | || | | | | | | that tacos are supposed to be cheap. Thank Besides, you want to taste every 24 | monthmarch 11-17,00-00, 2011 2011 » contents « letters the county featurespiked calendar rice—are food the film type culture of food music | ocweeklyOCWEEKLY.comCOM OCWEEKLYocweeklyMAI..COMcom THAI RESTAURANT contents contents 17938 letters Magnolia letters the county the St., county feature feature calendarcalendarsour cherry) food food are film | tantalizing. film culture | culture » There’smusic » « musica beer « selec-feb.month 25-march 00-00, 3, 2011 2011 35 1 Anaheim, (714) 220-9500; Taco Bell and Del Taco for making tacos nuanced gourmet ingredient you paid that makes you eat so much you’re Fountain Valley, 714-963-4929. This strip-mall Thai tion, as well, if you’d like a more adult beverage to Taco www.gendershecuisine.com. place has some of the better crying tiger in OC. Pair accompany your spanakopita. And, of course, there a commodity more than a food. But Taco for. To be sure, the chefs prepare every likely to stretch something inside Santa Ana- 3751 S. Harbor Blvd. saturday> Placentia- 310 Orangethorpe Ave. it with papaya salad and pad kee mao for a trip to is a smorgasbord of kebabs ranging from spicy Huntington Beach- 18001 Beach Blvd REUNITED, ANDDowntown Los Angeles- 516 W. 6th St. Capsaicinville. $$ ground beef to gyro with yogurt and tomato sauce. Asylum, as you might have guessed by now, component in a style indicating a lot of that shouldn’t be stretched. The Irvine- 9685 Irvine Center Drive Downtown San Diego- 555 W. “C” St. MYUNG DONG KAL GUK SU 2512 Walnut Ave., The falafelgrub with fava beans is a treat! $ The Haven Gastropub hile Orange County has www.tommypastramiIT FEELSnydeli SO.com GOOD music » *guide is not a typical taco stand—a species far thought, work and effort. Between the sambusas are really samosas, but Ste. 1, Tustin, 714-734-7789. Myung Dong Kal Guk BAYSIDE RESTAURANT 900 Bayside Dr., Newport food » reviews|listings always hosted an embar- HOLE IN THE WALL Su is one of those food specialty restaurants with a Beach, 949-721-1222. Executive chef Paul Gstreintaken over and redesigned the menu to appeal creators try their hand at a W central oc to a wider audience (read: more chow mein than removed from the corporate chains and the fl our-tortilla folds, some fi llings are more bigger, fl akier and accompanied by» GUSTAVO ARELLANO laser-guided focus on making only a few things and puts an intoxicating twist on New American Shangdong),cuisine but you can still get the old standbys rassingly small African-American CAPT’N MIKE’S FISH FRY & CHICKEN such as pork with dried tofu—just ask $$ hole-in-the-wallgourmet taquerías taco. It is a stand designer successful than others. The octopus is a fragrant green-pepper chutney Nowmaking With them well. Its experts Boys! focus on kalguksu, at this NewportRESTAURANT Beach 815 W. 19thstaple. St., Costa Classic Mesa, dishes such community, actualTACO TRIAD; Africans BELOW: NOT are Bur, Baby, Bur 949-645-2875. This place is with the times, selling coastal oc cal BEST CHILE RELLENO hand-cut noodles. The dish isn’t just part of the name as quail andfish and foie chips gras to a Mexican are audience.livened Does up the with the addi- YOUR TYPICAL TAQUERO endar Civet ditch the all-girl punk-combo concept taco shop, with a fl at-screen television tender and fl avorful by itself; in a taco, that scalds. Baked in-house is the BY EDWIN GOEI Twittered but is the first thing listed on a menu that has fewer tion of a scallionculinary mash-up pancake, work? We say shiitake yes. The creamy mushroom THE ABBEY and 306 Main St., Seal Beach, 562-799-4246. beginning to arrive on our shores inGENDERSHE CUISINE and release their best effort to date refried frijoles make a great dip for the fish, while Wood-fired pizzas and panini knocked down with tuned to its own Twitter feed. It boasts a it’s elusive, easily overpowered by sharp bur, Somali fry bread as sweet as 2741 W. Lincoln Ave., Ste. B, IN OC! than a dozen items, a majority of themBY noodles.PAUL SAITOWITZ The Asian barbecuethe rice isn’t glaze. stale—the Those best possible wanting compliment forthe fullliters prix of very good Belgian beer. The noodles are waves. Most of them find comfort Anaheim, (714) 220-9500; Mexican rice. Order a side of corn tortillas, and you the sleeper hit, and the burgers are very popular. $$ * namesake noodles—as pale as Japanese udon and fixe can ordercan create the monster three-course fish tacos that are part-English,menu, with AMELIA’S a soup; ON BALBOA ISLAND 311 Marine Ave., Taco pan dulce and as savory as a Frenchwww.gendershecuisine.com. respectable library of eclectic draft and kalamata olives and feta. It’s the same problematic, as the tortillas are often as fri/02/25 sat/02/26 part-Mexican and all Orange County, baby. $-$$ Newport Beach. This adorable little bistro has as wide as Italian linguine—have a smooth texture entrée choices such as soy-glazed Atlantic salmon, don’t envy the work the Haven Gastro- in Anaheim: You can dine on Ethio- iza Graves, guitarist and pri- DALAT BISTRO 16525 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley, brought Mediterranean flair to Newport Beach bottled beers. It sells thin, burned-looking for the beef heart, bullied by sour radish stiff as an overstarchedThe Haven Gastropubshirt. The issue is roll—tear it open to stuff with what- hile Orange County has mary mouthpieceand ghostly for Long translucence ALL’S FAIR all their own, with a softly beef culotte714-839-8338. or sautéed The huge menutiger can prawns; be hard to get and a dessert.for nearly 50 years. The pasta is fresh and cooked always hosted an embar- Beach punk combo Civet, through; look at what other diners are eating. It’s perfectly al dente, and the seafood dishes never pub wunderkinds—Greg Daniels, Wil creators try their hand at a pian at Tana, eat Kenyan at Kenya W L pliant bite and mouth-filling warmth. $$ The rotatingpacked art for exhibit,a reason: try thenightly salmon withjazz crispy performances rice cease to impress, particularly the calamari (try the homemade chips dusted with a caustic pickles and peppers to become nothing most noticeable when you order the $18 ever’s in front of you, or use it for rassingly small African-American [CONCERT] [THEATER] Amorelia[CONCERT] Mexican Cafe recently reached a transformative gourmet taco stand or the grilled dill salmon (cha ca Thang Long). $$ calamari Irma: stuffed with crab and served in a community, actual Africans are realization. PHANS The Suicide 55 Girls 6000 loo- Scholarship Dr., Irvine, 949-724-1236. and stylish décor provide the perfect setting for one Dee and Alkesh Patel—have ahead of BY EDWIN GOEI Café, even snack on Eritrean treats FULL MOON 9965 Ellis Ave., Fountain Valley, succulent cream sherry sauce). The staff is friendly Ismoked serrano-chile powder, designed more than tasteless, rubbery things. An eight-taco sampler. On the fi rst taco you sopping. Most of the tables seem beginning to arrive on our shores in 2200 Harbor Blvd. Ste. C-110 | Costa Mesa, CA 92627kalike with a weather-beatenIts website voicetrumpets the fact that the restaurant is of the area’s714-963-3214. most A forward-looking cute neighborhood sushi-ya chefs. serving $$$and attentive, and the patio table makes for one of at Merhaba. waves. Most of them find comfort came to understand that Civet Americanized rolls and bento-type entrées (teriyaki the most delightful dining experiences in town. $$$ them. They’re planning a second outpost clean, which means Fullertonians and Irvinians who BLACKBOARDchicken, BISTRO etc.) to the locals 1198 in Fountain Pacific Valley. Coast The Hwy,AURORA Seal 2307 W. Balboa Blvd., Newport Beach, to make you buy more beer. The menu is unctuous pork belly would taste marvel- eat, the tortillasdon’t envy will the work be the somewhat Haven Gastro- pliant; to feature one heap of spaghetti (a in Anaheim: You can dine on Ethio- May the Best Band Win Stone949-646-1422 Age didn’t need to be an all-female out- Wear the Pants house specialty is the crunchy roll. $ 949-642-1073. This small Mediterranean/Middle in Pasadena; at the Camp, their latest proj- pub wunderkinds—Greg Daniels, Wil But the most fascinating restau-pian at Tana, eat Kenyan at Kenya fit to portray theirare punkish nervous anti- about Little Saigon can get their pho, Beach, GEORGE’S562-596-9556. BURGERS An 17991 upscale Euclid St., Fountain diner on PCHEastern with joint has a refreshingly different vibe from otherwise just tacos and only tacos, vaguely ous as an appetizer drizzled in sauce, but but the prolongedI Dee and Alkesh exposure Patel—have ahead to of air renders relic of Italy’s conquest of the HornCafé, even snack on Eritrean treats rules-and-regulationsbun and ethos. salad In rolls in an accessible—but expen- very goodValley, variations 714-963-1774. on The eggsarchetypal Benedict, OC burger plus yourthe run-of-the-mill local restaurant. It’s dark and ect, Taco Asylum, enjoys the adoration them. They’re planning a second outpost rant of the bunch is the month-old at Merhaba. OCMA BEST LIVE BAND FINAL Twelfth Night STONE TEMPLEFor a leisurely PILOTSlunch with friends or a quick takeout meal,fact, rules of any kind only seemed shack, with a few nods to Mexican food, some lounge-y yet inviting, and the staff is top-notch. Mexican in inspiration, but global in aspi- the bánh mì-inspired add-ons of cilantro, the last fewin dryPasadena; and at the stale,Camp, their requiring latest proj- a good of Africa), but better is the hilib ari, But the most fascinating restau- to hinder whatsive—location. she had been aim- $$ county’s favoritesteaks and good French greasy-spoon toast. breakfasts. Check Stick the namesakeYou can grab a gyro or sandwich, enjoy some Amorelia Mexican Cafe is a must visit for any Mexican with the combos advertised in the windows. $ fresh-made sangria, or groove to the tunes from ect, Taco Asylum, enjoys the adoration rant of the bunch is the month-old ing to accomplishRED CLAWall along. 9475 Heil Ave.,. Fountain. Valley, blackboard LE V CUISINE for the best bets for dinner. $$ of the Haven faithful as well as attention Gendershe Cuisine in Anaheim, the Dem vs Us 17431 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley, the jukebox or the occasional live performer. The ration. There’s not a morsel of carne asada, daikon radish and carrot pickles send a bit of masticationof the Haven faithfulbefore as well youas attention can swallow. bone-in goat stew, gamy and glori-Gendershe Cuisine in Anaheim, the *After enduring the marathon listening session that is the OC Music Awards, one thing Some 400 years after his plays were origi- *Seeing Stone Templefood Pilots enthusiast. at Thethis food at Amorelia is authentic, well Civet, which Graves formed with 714-593-8511. One of the best Asian-European fusion Mediterranean melt salad strikes the perfect bal- 714-531-3500. One of many Cajun-seafood places in BLUEWATER GRILL 630 Lido Park Dr., Newport Beach, from those curious about its novelty. But county’s fi rst Somali restaurant. If made, and beautifully presented. The Chile Relleno plateher younger sister Suzi Home- restaurants in Little Saigon, you can pair your cha ance between healthful and indulgent, and the from those curious about its novelty. But county’s fi rst Somali restaurant.PHOTOS BY JC VERA If Fuggedaboudit! gio (Vietnamese spring rolls) with your spicy tuna on hummus and pita will fill you up quick if you don’t after the been-there-done-that crowd dis- it looks like a banquet hall—fake wrecker more thanthe avicinity decade ago, of Little Saigon, Red Claw is crowded, 949-675-3474. It’s all seafood all the time at this a speck of refried beans or a crusty-lipped mixed message and become all you taste. I expect Taco Asylum to fi gure out ous and as savory as birria. comes across loud and clear: Orange County is no slouch when it comes to produc- nally composed, messing with Shakespeare point in history is not just a concert, crispy rice or have an old-fashioned French dish. $$ pay attention. $$ sipates, after the magazines and newspa-PHOTOS BY JC VERA roses in vases, bright-red mantles, is one of the best you will fi nd. Served with black beanshad always been envisioned as an after the been-there-done-that crowd dis- it looks like a banquet hall—fake messy, hectic and wonderful. Go during happy hour, upscaleMAGNOLIA chain establishment. CAFE 8988 Warner Ave., The Fountain catches Valley, areBAYFRONT fresh, CAFE & RESTAURANT 3412 Via Oporto bottle of Tapatío. The curried paneer taco is faultless, how to fi x thispers stop over talking about time them, (orthey’ll needperhaps Abdi even masters the sweets—napkins folded like fans and care- ing talented bands. Sure, there were a few stinkers in the seven-concert run-up, but is not only acceptable for contemporary it’s nearly a Ripley’sand Believe seasoned riceIt or and Not! a potato taco, the Chile Relleno isall-girl act. Whenwhen its rhythm you sectioncan quench the thirst brought on by all and the chefs714-842-2844. are Thenot non-Disneyland stingy with answer the to the portions. Ste.The 103, Newport Beach, 949-675-3779. If you’re in sipates, after the magazines and newspa- staying power. They’ll need to convince roses in vases, bright-red mantles,fully placed inside glass cups—it’s smothered in a spicy843 red w. sauce 19th as st.well Costa as another Mesa madeof Jacqui Valentine (bass) and Roxie question “Where can I get a Monte Cristo sandwich?” the mood for light, flavorful Mediterranean, this cozy the rest of the world to look past their because owner Habiba Abdi has Darling (drums)that quit saltlast November with $2 beers. $$ Oyster BarBe serves aware the portionsup delicious are gargantuan. clam Eat in apots clas- and docksideoyster café will serve you well. The hummus, Taco Asylum, in fact, bottles its own however. So is the wild mushroom taco. resort to more traditional corn tortillas), her lassis contain almond milk, the ones that stood out made the inconvenience of spending nights in packed, sweaty productions, but also frequently a must. attraction. Yes, much-maligned lead949-642-0600 21 + sic diner setting, with an average patron age of 61 and dolma and taboule are appetizers fit to be entrées, $5-per-taco price tag. And if the opinions a catering business of the same with tomatillos - equally delicious. The Salmon plateon tour while the group was the pers stop talking about them, they’ll need napkins folded like fans and care- www.detroitbar.com THE RETREAT AT THE SPA 695 Town Center Dr., shots, andwaitresses the kitchen’s who are at the Bluewater half-century mark. Classics $-$$ includeand the selection of fresh juices (apricot, peach, hot sauces, one of which contains the The latter is the most balanced of the just as Havenof a few fi peoplegured I’ve unscientifically out how sur- to make almond slivers and chunks of name, and old habits die hard. It’s venues worth the effort. And now, the top bands will be performing at this year’s Twelfth Night has already been tinkered singer Scott Weilandserved is stillwith mashedkicking. potatoes and the Shrimp Fajitas areopening act for Nashville Pussy, MAI THAI RESTAURANT 17938 Magnolia St., sour cherry) are tantalizing. There’s a beer selec- veyed are any indication, it’s going to be not the easiest place to navigate— Thursday, Feb 24th the pangs of fi ndingCosta new Mesa, members 714-850-0050, ext. 135. At this hidden beer-batteredFountain fish Valley, and 714-963-4929. chips, This panko-fried strip-mall Thai shrimp,tion, asand well, if you’d like a more adult beverage to staying power. They’ll need to convince fully placed inside glass cups—it’s other spectacular dishes.INDIE an uphill battle once the honeymoon is orders usually come out wrong, not opened Graves’corner eyes to a differentin a posh spa, Cody Requejo and his buddy a massiveplace Australian has some of thelobster better crying tail. tiger An in OC.extensive Pair accompany sushi your spanakopita. And, of course, there ground-up fl esh of the ghost pepper, bunch, and therefore the best, even if the its once-shaky gastropub the toast of the mango, while the halwo, silky showcase. Friday’s show in particular, which presents the contenders for Best Live with in She’s the Yes, they’re back together despite Santa Ana- 3751 S. Harbor Blvd. Placentia- 310 Orangethorpe Ave. it with papaya salad and pad kee mao for a trip to is a smorgasbord of kebabs ranging from spicy

over. A typical summation of the place was all the menu is explained—but the approach. She found that doing SAMMI DOLL the rest of the world to look past their because owner Habiba Abdi has HuntingtonDave Beach Mau- 18001 Beach will Blvd serve you inspired sushi and Tex-Downtown Los Angeles- 516 Wbar. 6th St . deliversCapsaicinville. some excellent $$ raw choices, suchground as the beef to gyro with yogurt and tomato sauce. also known as the Bhut Jolokia, the hot- fried chickpeas included for texture have a Orange Circle.“Well, it’s But good, butwith it’s a $5 ataco.” public predis- and strong with nutmeg, is made food! I haven’t been so satisfi ed things her wayIrvine meant- 9685 Irvine throwing Center Drive Downtown San Diego- 555 W. “C” St. MYUNG DONG KAL GUK SU 2512 Walnut Ave., The falafel with fava beans is a treat! $ Act, has nicely culled the talent from this competition. Included in the lineup are metal MORE » Man (considered by a breakup and Weiland’s stint in Mex, exactly in thatwww order..tommy $$-$$$pastraminydeli.com unagi (freshwater eel) and amaebi (sweet shrimp). $5-per-taco price tag. And if the opinions It’s not just the friends I asked. When a catering business of the same with a meal since Thanksgiving’s down all conventions and opening on the town partying, and “Summer of Ste. 1, Tustin, 714-734-7789. Myung Dong Kal Guk BAYSIDE RESTAURANT 900 Bayside Dr., Newport every online review either complains about third helping. a YO LA TENGO the doors of her band to the less-fair sex. Hate,” a rollicking tale of growing up in a Su is one of those food specialty restaurants with a Beach, 949-721-1222. Executive chef Paul Gstrein weekly but usually sells out within ROMANO’S MACARONI GRILL test chile in the world. You don’t use the tendency to fall out before the fi rst bite. A posed to paying next to nothing for tacos, band Railroad to Alaska, indie band Kiev (not to be missed) and the always entertain- ONLINE many to be the high- Velvet Revolver (some of the rest 13652 Jamboree The adventurouslaser-guided canfocus oneven making rent only a fewan things electric and boatputs and an intoxicating twist on New American cuisine the price or defends it, it’s an indication the Abdi’s suqaars—sautéed chicken Friday, Feb 25th “We’d had a lot of different girls in the punk-fueled environment. “We really felt making them well. Its experts focus on kalguksu, at this Newport Beach staple. Classic dishes such of a few people I’ve unscientifically sur- name, and old habits die hard. It’s HOUSE Rd., Irvine, 714-508-7990. This chain proves that you have their meal dockside. $$$ sauce as condiment as much as you dare funky, good braised lamb tastes like some- there’s a biggerfi ght is against challenge the ingrained expectation here. Withtwisted intothe knots for hours. days. And then there’s the fried or beef on beds of cardamom- ing avant-rap spectacle of Blok. OCWEEKLY.COM light of the Amanda of the guys in the band started a band, and we realized that instead of just free in theBEST studio,” Graves CHILE says. “ThisRELLENO may hand-cut noodles. The dish isn’t just part of the name as quail and foie gras are livened up with the addi- veyed are any indication, it’s going to be that tacos are supposed to be cheap. Thank Besides, you want to taste everynot the easiest place to navigate—spiked rice—are the type of food focusing on girls,can we wanteddo mass-produced to fi nd the notItalian be as foodpolished and as ournot last have record, it but BUON GUSTObut is the4911 first thing Warner listed on a Ave., menu that Huntington has fewer Beach,tion of a scallion pancake, shiitake mushroom and others to use it. The sauce and the ghost thing you’d want to eat with warm mashed overhead, theTaco Bell ambitious and Del Taco for making mise tacos en place,nuanced gourmet ingredient you paidmashmash, the nutty chapatti, that makes you eat so much you’re FREE DINNER ON US! best drummer andtaste bass like player Olive for us,” Garden. she people$$ seemIN to OC! be into it. There were no 562-494-7593.than a dozenThe items, name a majority and of themmost noodles. of theThe menuAsian may barbecue glaze. Those wanting the full prix OCMA Best Live Band Final at the Galaxy Concert Theatre, 3503 S. Harbor Blvd., group called Army of Anyone, but namesake noodles—as pale as Japanese udon and fixe can order the three-course menu, with a soup; a commodity more than a food. But Taco for. To be sure, the chefs prepare every likely to stretch something inside Bynes oeuvre), so says. “So now we have two guys in the band, rules behind what we were able togrub do, and *guide an uphill battle once the honeymoon is orders usually come out wrong, not STONEFIRE GRILL 18727 Brookhurst St., Fountain be Italian,as but wide it’sas Italian Italian linguine—have by way a smooth of textureGreece, withentrée choices such as soy-glazed Atlantic salmon, chili pork taco, which has the raw chile potatoes, and the duck feels more like car- I don’t thinkAsylum, it ascan you might afford have guessed to bycharge now, component any in a style indicating a alot ofcrispy dish that looked like a that shouldn’t be stretched. The STATIC FRIDAYS and it’s honestly the best lineup we’ve ever that’s the way music should be.” and ghostly translucence all their own, with a softly beef culotte or sautéed tiger prawns; and a dessert. is not a typical taco stand—a species far thought, work and effort. Between the sambusas are really samosas, but Santa Ana, (714) 957-0600; www.galaxytheatre.com. 8 p.m. Free. All ages. it’s not like Fullerton’s STAGEStheatre is you probably missed that along had. Besides theValley, music, when 714-968-8300. there are four Stonefire Graves Amorelia Grilland Homewrecker is part ofMexican an penned all Cafeoctopus, lambpliant bite and and mouth-filling feta cropping warmth. $$ up on the menu.The rotating art exhibit, nightly jazz performances over. A typical summation of the place was all the menu is explained—but the bigger, fl akier and accompanied by Saturday, Feb 26th PHANS 55 6000 Scholarship Dr., Irvine, 949-724-1236. and stylish décor provide the perfect setting for one removed from the corporate chains and the fl our-tortilla folds, some fi llings are more DANCE girls in the band, it gets competitive. . . . Our the songs, with the former handling the whittled down to threads as thin as fi la- nitas than the pork in the ghost chili pork, less, but will it surge onward after the latke but tasted like a green-onion expanding chain of places that2200 specializes Harbor Blvd. Ste. in C-110 huge | Costa Mesa, CA 92627BYOB andIts no website corkage trumpets the means fact that theyou restaurant can isdrink whatof the area’s most forward-looking chefs. $$$ hole-in-the-wall taquerías. It is a designer successful than others. The octopus is a fragrant green-pepper chutney —BRANDON FERGUSON committing some type of sacrilege with with most people). They released chemistry now is really great.” bulk of the lyrics. The two grew up in “Well, it’s good, but it’s a $5 taco.” food! I haven’t been so satisfi ed salads, pizzas and fire-grilled meats949-646-1422 in an environ- you want clean,without which meansthe Fullertoniansmarkup. and $$ Irvinians who BLACKBOARD BISTRO 1198 Pacifictaken Coast Hwy,over Seal and redesigned the menu to appeal ment, exist purely for the entertainment which, in turn, owes its success to the hype subsides?taco shop, On with a onefl at-screen particularly television tender slow and fl avorful by itself; in a omelet.taco, The riches of Gendershe that scalds. Baked in-house is the Florentine’s Grill Graves’ independent streak crossed over Long Beach writing songs with their step- are nervous about Little Saigon can get their pho, Beach, 562-596-9556. An upscale diner on PCH with bur, Somali fry bread as sweet as its performance of the romantic comedy, their fi rst album since 2001 last year, bun and salad rolls in an accessible—but expen- very good variations on eggs Benedict, plus the tuned to its own Twitter feed. It boasts a it’s elusive, easily overpowered by sharp to the recordingment of Civet’s that’s latest an release, upper-scale father version playingFor a leisurely theof drumsBJ’s. lunch with behindThe friends central them. or a quick takeoutTHE meal, CANNERY 3010oc Lafayette Rd., Newport Beach, to a wider audience (read: more chow mein than It’s not just the friends I asked. When with a meal since Thanksgiving’s sive—location. $$ county’s favorite French toast. Check the namesake respectable library of eclectic draft and kalamata olives and feta. It’s the same problematic, as the tortillas are often as pan dulce and as savory as a French Love & War, issued on Feb. 22. The rau- Though 27-year-oldAmorelia Mexican Graves Cafe is afi mustve years visit for any Mexican value. The Haven boys know this. They microcubes of rendered pork cracklings weeknight, the Twitter-fed TV was static, are many, its charms plentiful, its salads are the best option. $$ 949-566-0060.RED CLAW One 9475 Heilof NewportAve., Fountain Valley,Beach’s finer seafoodblackboard for the best bets for dinner. $$ bottled beers. It sells thin, burned-looking for the beef heart, bullied by sour radish stiff as an overstarched shirt. The issue is roll—tear it open to stuff with what- [POETRY] philanthropist (yup, “witty”) whose which purports to be “infused with new and appear to be back102 onN. Harbor track afterBlvd.,ABSTRACT Fullerton, WORKSHOP CA food enthusiast. The food at Amorelia is authentic, well Shangdong), but you can still get the old standbys cous, high-energy set is a guttural spitball older than her sister, they always had the 714-531-3500. One of many Cajun-seafood places in BLUEWATER GRILL 630 Lido Park Dr., Newport Beach, every online review either complains about third helping. TERRA NOVA RESTAURANT ATmade, THE and beautifully WYNDHAM presented. The Chile Rellenorestaurants, plate this Rhine Channel favorite sells only homemade chips dusted with a caustic pickles and peppers to become nothing most noticeable when you order the $18 ever’s in front of you, or use it for KARAOKE draped in anthemic choruses—just the desire to make a career out of it together. the vicinity of Little Saigon, Red Claw is crowded, 949-675-3474. It’s all seafood all the time at this milk the gimmick to good effect on the rather than the ghost pepper or the pork. with no updates except for those left dishes divine. 714.879.7570 | florentinesgrill.comSunday, Feb 27th is one of the best you will fi nd.CAPT’N Served with black MIKE’Sbeans FISH FRY & CHICKEN such as pork with dried tofu—just ask $$ smoked serrano-chile powder, designed more than tasteless, rubbery things. An eight-taco sampler. On the fi rst taco you sopping. Most of the tables seem family honors his love of the written music” and “extreme physical comedy.” rescheduling some shows last fall. way Graves intended.3350 AvenueRather than of working the Arts, While Costa their Mesa, relationship 714-442-8593. is generally very the freshestmessy, catches. hectic and wonderful. Once Goan during actual happy hour,cannery, upscale the chain establishment. The catches are fresh, and seasoned rice and a potato taco, the Chile Relleno is when you can quench the thirst brought on by all and the chefs are not stingy with the portions. The the price or defends it, it’s an indication the to make you buy more beer. The menu is unctuous pork belly would taste marvel-Abdi’[email protected], thesuqaars—sautéed tortillas will be somewhat pliant; chicken to feature one heap of spaghetti (a with two big-name producers (as they did warm, thesmothered ebbs and in afl owsspicy redof workingsauce as well RESTAURANT as another made 815 W. 19th St., Costa Mesa, restaurant’s Facebook and Twitter. Cus- All are photogenic, the prettiest tacos hours before by a PR person. What some It used to have an all-you-can-eat $10 pasta bar at space is primethat salt withwaterfront $2 beers. $$ property, and the settingOyster Bar serves up delicious clam pots and oyster otherwise just tacos and only tacos, vaguely ous as an appetizer drizzled in sauce, but but the prolonged exposure to air renders relic of Italy’s conquest of the Horn word while laughing out loud to Collins’ That may seem like an odd fi t, but the orig- Yeah, it’s been a long time since the with Julian Raymond and Howard Willing with familywith mixed tomatillos with - equally countless delicious. hours The Salmon plate Poetic Conceit Florentine’s buy 1 dinner get the 2nd dinner FREE! Pur- 949-645-2875. THEThis RETREAT place AT THE is SPA with 695 Town the Center times, Dr., sellingshots, and the kitchen’s Bluewatercoastal Classics include oc fi ght is against the ingrained expectation twisted into knots for hours. Mexican in inspiration, but global in aspi- the bánh mì-inspired add-ons of orcilantro, beef the on last beds few dry andof stale,cardamom- requiring a good of Africa), but better is the hilib ari, on 2008’s Hell Hathwhich No Furyyou), chose the band your pasta,trapped sauces inserved a van with in andmashed some meat potatoesforeign toand place the Shrimp can Fajitasis arereflected Costa in Mesa, the 714-850-0050, menu—sushi, ext. 135. At thissalmon, hidden shellfish,beer-battered fish and chips, panko-fried shrimp, and tomers are encouraged to record them- you’ll ever see, with not a leaf of garnish have called self-aggrandizing and others other spectacular dishes. ration. There’s not a morsel of carne asada, daikon radish and carrot pickles send a bit of mastication before you can swallow. bone-in goat stew, gamy and glori- fish and chips tocorner a inMexican a posh spa, Cody audience. Requejo and his buddy Does thea massive Australian lobster tail. An extensive sushi remarkable work, which you might have inal text of Twelfth Night is plenty wacky as SoCal-originated bandchase any hit dinner it big entree with and receiveKARAOKE! your 2nd dinner entreechose to go it alonebe prepared in the studio, by trusting the chef make à la for minute. some less Those enthusiastic days moments. bouillabaisse. For an early start, try the fantastic thatselves tacos eating are supposed it, wincing, to be choking, cheap. Thankcrying, outBesides, of place, you but want arranged to taste on every custom- smart, nowa speckseemed of refried beans strangely or a crusty-lipped neither. mixed message and become all youspiked taste. rice—areI expect Taco Asylum the totype fi gure outof food ous and as savory as birria. their own talents to get the vision across. “I guess there is some Liam and Noel in Dave Mau will serve you inspired sushi and Tex- bar delivers some excellent raw choices, such as the bottle of Tapatío. The curried paneer taco is faultless, how to fi x this over time (or perhaps Abdi even masters the sweets— for FREE. Each free meal Monday,is valued up Feb to $15 28th off. Bring are gone, replaced by a $10 choose-your-own culinaryCannery mash-up Brunch.Mex, exactlywork? Thein that We order.crème $$-$$$say brûlèe yes. Thebrioche creamy Frenchunagi (freshwater eel) andTHE amaebi (sweetABBEY shrimp). 306 Main St., Seal Beach, 562-799-4246. Billy Collins read in The New Yorker and The Paris it is, featuring cross-dressing as a vital plot tunes such as “Plush” and “Inter- “On our last record, the production us [as in the Gallagher brothers of Oasis ROMANO’S MACARONI GRILL 13652 Jamboree The adventurous can even rent an electric boat and

Taco Bell and Del Taco for making tacos nuanced gourmet ingredient you paid that makes you eat so much you’re INDIE while their friends hoot and holler. To made sheet-metal platforms that are help- Taco Asylum, in fact, bottles its own however. So is the wild mushroom taco. resort to more traditional corn tortillas), her lassis contain almond milk, in that party of 20. We’ll honor it!! Buy 10 dinners get 10was so large andpasta the sound dish. wasn’t The exactly idea is thefame/infamy]. same, but You you can’t have see it onstageto refried or toastfrijoles with makeRd., scrambled Irvine, a714-508-7990. great eggs Thisdip andchain for provesapplewood the that fish, you smokedwhilehave their meal dockside. $$$ Wood-fired pizzas and panini knocked down with hot sauces, one of which contains the The latter is the most balanced of the just as Haven fi gured out how to make almond slivers and chunks of Name your favorite funny poet, whom Review. Witty? You bet! Also ironic, idi- element and taking place during the titular state Love Song,” but between this representative payof us,” for Graves seconds. says. “We Parking anything, validated! but if you$$$ spend enough time bacon is, cansomehow, do mass-produced even Italian better food and than not have it itsounds. BUON GUSTO$$$ 4911 Warner Ave., Huntington Beach, FREE DINNER ON US! taste like Olive Garden. $$ 562-494-7593. The name and most of the menu may a commodityactually take more up the than challenge a food. But and Taco apply for.less To in be preventing sure, the chefsthe grease prepare from every drib- ground-up fl esh of the ghost pepper,TACO ASYLUMbunch, and therefore the best, evenlikely if theBLOG toits stretch once-shaky ON gastropubsomething » the toastFOOD ofinside the mango, while the halwo, silky FREE! Each one valued up to $15. That’s a $150 off dinwanted- to record ourselves in a way that around us, you can see it,” she says. “Ithe rice isn’t stale—the best possible compliment for liters of very good Belgian beer. The noodles are also known as the Bhut Jolokia, the hot- fried chickpeas included for texture have a Orange Circle. But with a public predis- and strong with nutmeg, is made WEI’S CHINESE RESTAURANT 17046 Magnolia St., JOHN’S PHILLYSTONEFIRE GRILLEGRILL 18727 Brookhurst20379 BeachSt., Fountain Blvd., be Italian, but it’s Italian by way of Greece, with x you’ve heard crack wise on A Prairie omatic, smart and deadpan fun. Collins “merrymaking” (read: copious booze) holi- and the recent reformation of Sound- captured what we like and who we really think that’s natural with siblings. . . . OnMexican rice. OrderValley, 714-968-8300. a side Stonefire of corn Grill is part tortillas, of an andoctopus, you lamb and feta croppingthe up on sleeper the menu. hit, and the burgers are very popular. $$ Asylum,any amount as you of might the sauce have onguessed the tacos by now, will componentbling out of in the a style taco indicatingand onto your a lot table. of If 2937 S. testBristol chile in theSt., world. Ste. You don’t B102, use the Costa tendency Mesa, to fall out before the fi rstthat bite.STICK A shouldn’t posed to payingA be FORK next stretched. to nothing IN for tacos, TheIT weekly but usually sells out within ner!! Tax and 15% gratuity JAMESpre added FLETCHER to bill. Must purare.- It can be diffiFountain cult without Valley, an outside 714-842-9778. the whole, New I love owners being in ahave band with her.” Huntingtonexpanding Beach, chain 714-969-8755.of places that specializes This in huge local chainBYOB and no corkage means you can drink what sauce as condiment as much as you dare funky, good braised lamb tastes like some- there’s a bigger challenge here. With the days. And then there’s the fried Home Companion—and we’ll bet it’s Billy will lecture, then sign his books. Tell him day. It’s basically the Elizabethan equiva- garden, 2011 may bechase the beverages. new Not 1991. valid withTuesday, other offers. Mar 1st ear to help you fi gure things out, but we For now,Florentine’s Civet plan to spend the major-can Grill create monstersalads, pizzas fish and tacosfire-grilled meatsthat in anare environ- part-English,you want without the markup.AMELIA’S $$ ON BALBOA ISLAND 311 Marine Ave., is not a typical taco stand—a species far thought, work and effort. Between the (714) 922-6010;others to www.tacoasylum.com.use it. The sauce and the ghost thing you’d Open want to eat withBLOGS.OCWEEKLY.COM/STICKAFORKINIT warmsambusas mashed overhead, are the really ambitious samosas,mise en place, but mashmash, the nutty chapatti, feel good about it.” ity of the next year on the road crossing ment that’s an upper-scale version of BJ’s. The THE CANNERY 3010 Lafayette Rd., Newport Beach, do nothing but leave the back of your there’s one other thing that needs tweak- ROCK chili pork taco, which has the raw chile potatoes, and the duck feels more like car- I don’t think it can afford to charge any a crispy dish that looked like a 102 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton,part-Mexican CA andsalads allare the Orange best option. $$ County, baby. $-$$949-566-0060. One of Newport Beach’sNewport finer seafood Beach. This adorable little bistro has Collins. See and hear the former U.S. Martin sent you. lent of, well, an Amanda Bynes movie. Stone Temple Pilots at Fox The set was tracked in an Orange North America and making trips to Japan TERRA NOVA RESTAURANT AT THE WYNDHAM restaurants, this Rhine Channel favorite sells only removed from the corporate chains and the fl our-tortilla folds, some fi llings are more whittled down to threads as thin as fi la- nitas than the pork in the ghost chilibigger, pork, less,fl akier but will andit surge accompanied onward after the bylatke but tasted like a green-onion 714.879.7570 | florentinesgrill.com throat scorched and your internal organs ing, it’s the fl our tortillas. The texture is 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Tacos, $5-$6. Beer. Must present this ad to receive special. County studio over a GETfew weeks MORE with a OF ORANGEand Europe. With COUNTY’S the new, emboldened DALATBEST DAMN BISTRO DINING 335016525 Avenue GUIDE Brookhurst of the Arts, AT Costa OCWEEKLY.COM.Mesa, St., 714-442-8593. Fountain the Valley, freshest catches. Once an broughtactual cannery, theMediterranean flair to Newport Beach ment, exist purely for the entertainment which, in turn, owes its success to the hype subsides? On one particularly slow omelet. The riches of Gendershe longtime friend engineering behind the lineup and a great record to promote, It used to have an all-you-can-eat $10 pasta bar at space is prime waterfront property, and the setting Poet Laureate at yet another great event Billy Collins at the Newport Beach Twelfth Night at STAGEStheatre, 400 Pomona Theatre, 301 S. Garey Ave., a Florentine’s buy 1 dinner get the 2nd dinner FREE! Pur- hole-in-the-wall taquerías. It is a designer successful than others. The octopus is value. The Haven boys know this. They microcubes of rendered pork cracklingsa fragrant weeknight, green-pepper the Twitter-fed TV waschutney static, are many, its charms plentiful, its SEND COMMENTS & COMPLAINTS TO:714-839-8338. [email protected]. Thewhich youhuge chose yourmenu pasta, sauces can and be meat hard to tois getreflected in the menu—sushi,for salmon, nearly shellfish, 50 years. The pasta is fresh and cooked boards. The atmosphere was relaxed and they’re excited.chase any dinner entree and receive your 2nd dinner entree milk the gimmick to good effect on the rather than the ghost pepper or the pork. with no updates except for those left dishes divine. LIVE MUSIC! NO COVER! be prepared by the chef à la minute. Those days bouillabaisse. For an early start, try the fantastic ocweekly com|| | | | | | | | | || | | || | | | at Newport Beach Library Foundation’s Library, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport E. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, Pomona; www.foxpomona.com. party-like, allowing for the creative energy “This shouldfor FREE. be Each a big free year meal isfor valued us,” up through; to $15 off. Bring look atare whatgone, replaced other by a $10 diners choose-your-own are eating.Cannery It’s Brunch. The crème brûlèeperfectly brioche French al dente, and the seafood dishes never OCWEEKLY..COM contents contents letters letters the county the county feature feature calendar calendar » restaurant’s» food food Facebook« film « and Twitter. film culture Cus- | cultureAll are musicphotogenic, the prettiest music tacos hoursfeb. before by25-marchmonth a PR person. 00-00,What 3, some 2011 2011 [email protected] 21 1 taco shop, with a fl at-screen television tender and fl avorful by itself; in a taco, that scalds. Baked in-house is the ELECTRO Wednesday, Mar 2nd to take the band in whatever direction Graves said.in that “Hopefully, party of 20. We’ll we’ll honor be it!!able Buy to 10 dinners get 10 pasta dish. The idea is the same, but you have to toast with scrambled eggs and applewood smoked tomers are encouraged to record them- you’ll ever see, with not a leaf of garnish have called self-aggrandizing and others 222 | |month feb. 25-march 00-00, 2011 3, 2011 | | contents| | letters| | the county | | featurethey wanted.| calendar| The result was » 14 foodsongs of « filmtake everything | culture in and enjoy | it.” music| packed | for| a reason:pay for seconds. try Parking the validated! salmon | |ocweekly $$$ OCWEEKLY with crispybacon..comCOM is,rice somehow, even bettercease than it sounds. to $$$ impress, particularly the calamari (try the Martin W. Witte Distinguished Speakers Beach, (949) 548-2411; www.city. (714) 525-4484; www.stagesoc.org. 8 p.m.; 8 p.m. $49.50-$52. contents All ages. letters the county feature calendar film FREE!| Eachculture one valued up to $15. That’s music a $150 off din - tuned to its own Twitter feed. It boasts a it’s elusive, easily overpowered by sharp selves eating it, wincing, choking, crying, out of place, but arranged on custom-bur, Somalismart, now fry seemed bread strangely as neither.sweet as power street punk recalling the brute force WEI’S CHINESE RESTAURANT 17046 Magnolia St., JOHN’S PHILLY GRILLE 20379 Beach Blvd., ner!! Tax and 15% gratuity pre addedor to bill.the Must grilled pur- dillFountain salmon Valley, 714-842-9778. (cha Newca ownersThang have Long).Huntington $$ Beach, 714-969-8755.calamari This local chain Irma: stuffed with crab and served in a while their friends hoot and holler. To made sheet-metal platforms that are help- $3 wells of Motörhead, the exhaust-fume vocals of CIVET Lecture Series. Be further entertained newport-beach.ca.us/nbpl. 6:30 p.m. also Fri., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. $17-$20. —ALBERT CHING chase beverages. Not valid with other offers. respectable library of eclectic draft and kalamata olives and feta. It’s the same problematic,actually as thetake up tortillas the challenge and are apply often less in as preventing the grease frompan drib- dulce and as savoryTACO as ASYLUM a FrenchBLOG ON » FOOD $3 beers Courtney Love and the big, snappy cho- play with Hounds and HarlotsFULL at Alex’s MOON 9965 Ellis Ave., Fountain Valley, succulent cream sherry sauce). The staff is friendly any amount of the sauce on the tacos will bling out of the taco and onto your table. If 2937 S. Bristol St., Ste. B102, Costa Mesa, xSTICK A FORK IN IT pronouncing the name of the late local $50. —ANDREW TONKOVICH —ALBERT CHING DIRTY MONEY! FREE! ruses of Rancid. Standout tracks include Bar,Must 2913 present E. Anaheim this ad to receive St., Longspecial. Beach, a GET MORE OF ORANGE COUNTY’S BEST DAMN DINING GUIDE AT OCWEEKLY.COM. bottled beers. It sells thin, burned-looking for the beef heart, bullied by sour radish stiff as an overstarcheddo nothing but leave the shirt. back of your The issuethere’s one is other thing that needsroll—tear tweak- (714) it922-6010; open www.tacoasylum.com. to stuff with Open what- BLOGS.OCWEEKLY.COM/STICKAFORKINIT “L.A. Nights,” a song owed to an evening ww.alexsbar.com. Sun., 9 p.m. $5.714-963-3214. 21+. A cuteSEND COMMENTSneighborhood & COMPLAINTS sushi-ya TO: [email protected]. serving and attentive, and the patio table makes for one of throat scorched and your internal organs ing, it’s the fl our tortillas. The texture is 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Tacos, $5-$6. Beer. Americanized rolls and bento-type entrées (teriyaki the most delightful dining experiences in town. $$$ 362 | |month feb. 25-march 00-00, 2011 3, 2011 | contents| contents | letters | letters | the | county the county | feature| feature | | calendarcalendar | |222food food| |month feb.| film 25-march 00-00, film| culture 2011 3, culture 2011 » music « | music contents| contents | letters | letters | |ocweekly OCWEEKLY| | the the countycounty..comCOM | | feature feature | calendar | calendar » food « filmfilm | | culture culture | music | music | | | |ocweekly OCWEEKLY..comCOM homemade chips dusted with a caustic pickles and peppers to become nothing most noticeable when| you |order the| $18| | ever’s| in front of you, or use it for| | | | | » « ocweeklyOCWEEKLY..COMcom | contents| contents letters | letters the | county the county feature | feature | calendar calendar » » food food « film « film| culture | culture | music | music feb. 25-marchmonth 00-00, 3, 2011 2011 |21 1 OCWEEKLY14 | feb. 25-march.COM | 3, 2011 | contents| contents | letters | letters | the | county the county | feature| feature » » calendar« «food food | film | |film culture | culture | music | music | month | 00-00,ocweekly 2011. com| 1 chicken, etc.) to the locals in Fountain Valley. The AURORA 2307 W. Balboa Blvd., Newport Beach, smoked serrano-chile powder, designed more than tasteless, rubbery things. An eight-taco sampler. On the fi rst taco you sopping. Most of the tables seem house specialty is the crunchy roll. $ 949-642-1073. This small Mediterranean/Middle to make you buy more beer. The menu is unctuous pork belly would taste marvel- eat, the tortillas will be somewhat pliant; to feature one heap of spaghetti (a GEORGE’S BURGERS 17991 Euclid St., Fountain Eastern joint has a refreshingly different vibe from otherwise just tacos and only tacos, vaguely ous as an appetizer drizzled in sauce, but but the prolonged exposure to air renders relic of Italy’s conquest of the Horn Valley, 714-963-1774. The archetypal OC burger your run-of-the-mill local restaurant. It’s dark and Mexican in inspiration, but global in aspi- the bánh mì-inspired add-ons of cilantro, the last few dry and stale, requiring a good of Africa), but better is the hilib ari, shack, with a few nods to Mexican food, some lounge-y yet inviting, and the staff is top-notch. steaks and good greasy-spoon breakfasts. Stick You can grab a gyro or sandwich, enjoy some ration. There’s not a morsel of carne asada, daikon radish and carrot pickles send a bit of mastication before you can swallow. bone-in goat stew, gamy and glori- with the combos advertised in the windows. $ fresh-made sangria, or groove to the tunes from ous and as savory asKELLYALEXISLEWIS.COM birria. | [email protected] | 310 621 1986 | 1514 LAKESIDE LANE, HUNTINGTON. .BEACH, CA 92648 LE V CUISINE a speck of refried beans or a crusty-lipped mixed message and become all you taste. I expect Taco Asylum to fi gure out Dem vs Us 17431 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley, the jukebox or the occasional live performer. The bottle of Tapatío. The curried paneer taco is faultless, how to fi x this over time (or perhaps Abdi even masters the sweets— 714-593-8511. One of the best Asian-European fusion Mediterranean melt salad strikes the perfect bal- Taco Asylum, in fact, bottles its own however. So is the wild mushroom taco. resort to more traditional corn tortillas), her lassis contain almond milk, restaurants in Little Saigon, you can pair your cha ance between healthful and indulgent, and the Fuggedaboudit! gio (Vietnamese spring rolls) with your spicy tuna on hummus and pita will fill you up quick if you don’t hot sauces, one of which contains the The latter is the most balanced of the just as Haven fi gured out how to make almond slivers and chunks of crispy rice or have an old-fashioned French dish. $$ pay attention. $$ ground-up fl esh of the ghost pepper, bunch, and therefore the best, even if the its once-shaky gastropub the toast of the mango, while the halwo, silky MAGNOLIA CAFE 8988 Warner Ave., Fountain Valley, BAYFRONT CAFE & RESTAURANT 3412 Via Oporto also known as the Bhut Jolokia, the hot- fried chickpeas included for texture have a Orange Circle. But with a public predis- and strong with nutmeg, is made 714-842-2844. The non-Disneyland answer to the Ste. 103, Newport Beach, 949-675-3779. If you’re in question “Where can I get a Monte Cristo sandwich?” the mood for light, flavorful Mediterranean, this cozy test chile in the world. You don’t use the tendency to fall out before the fi rst bite. A posed to paying next to nothing for tacos, weekly but usually sells out within Be aware the portions are gargantuan. Eat in a clas- dockside café will serve you well. The hummus, sauce as condiment as much as you dare funky, good braised lamb tastes like some- there’s a bigger challenge here. With the days. And then there’s the fried sic diner setting, with an average patron age of 61 and dolma and taboule are appetizers fit to be entrées, others to use it. The sauce and the ghost thing you’d want to eat with warm mashed overhead, the ambitious mise en place, mashmash, the nutty chapatti, waitresses who are at the half-century mark. $-$$ and the selection of fresh juices (apricot, peach, chili pork taco, which has the raw chile potatoes, and the duck feels more like car- I don’t think it can afford to charge any a crispy dish that looked like a MAI THAI RESTAURANT 17938 Magnolia St., sour cherry) are tantalizing. There’s a beer selec- Fountain Valley, 714-963-4929. This strip-mall Thai tion, as well, if you’d like a more adult beverage to whittled down to threads as thin as fi la- nitas than the pork in the ghost chili pork, less, but will it surge onward after the latke but tasted like a green-onion place has some of the better crying tiger in OC. Pair accompany your spanakopita. And, of course, there ment, exist purely for the entertainment which, in turn, owes its success to the hype subsides? On one particularly slow omelet. The riches of Gendershe Santa Ana- 3751 S. Harbor Blvd. Placentia- 310 Orangethorpe Ave. it with papaya salad and pad kee mao for a trip to is a smorgasbord of kebabs ranging from spicy value. The Haven boys know this. They microcubes of rendered pork cracklings weeknight, the Twitter-fed TV was static, are many, its charms plentiful, its Huntington Beach- 18001 Beach Blvd Downtown Los Angeles- 516 W. 6th St. Capsaicinville. $$ ground beef to gyro with yogurt and tomato sauce. milk the gimmick to good effect on the rather than the ghost pepper or the pork. with no updates except for those left dishes divine. Irvine- 9685 Irvine Center Drive www.tommypastraminydeli.com Downtown San Diego- 555 W. “C” St. MYUNG DONG KAL GUK SU 2512 Walnut Ave., The falafel with fava beans is a treat! $ Ste. 1, Tustin, 714-734-7789. Myung Dong Kal Guk BAYSIDE RESTAURANT 900 Bayside Dr., Newport restaurant’s Facebook and Twitter. Cus- All are photogenic, the prettiest tacos hours before by a PR person. What some [email protected] Su is one of those food specialty restaurants with a Beach, 949-721-1222. Executive chef Paul Gstrein tomers are encouraged to record them- you’ll ever see, with not a leaf of garnish have called self-aggrandizing and others laser-guided focus on making only a few things and puts an intoxicating twist on New American cuisine selves eating it, wincing, choking, crying, out of place, but arranged on custom- smart, now seemed strangely neither. making them well. Its experts focus on kalguksu, at this Newport Beach staple. Classic dishes such while their friends hoot and holler. To made sheet-metal platforms that are help- BEST CHILE RELLENO hand-cut noodles. The dish isn’t just part of the name as quail and foie gras are livened up with the addi- but is the first thing listed on a menu that has fewer tion of a scallion pancake, shiitake mushroom and actually take up the challenge and apply less in preventing the grease from drib- TACO ASYLUM BLOG ON » FOOD x IN OC! than a dozen items, a majority of them noodles. The Asian barbecue glaze. Those wanting the full prix any amount of the sauce on the tacos will bling out of the taco and onto your table. If 2937 S. Bristol St., Ste. B102, Costa Mesa, STICK A FORK IN IT namesake noodles—as pale as Japanese udon and fixe can order the three-course menu, with a soup; do nothing but leave the back of your there’s one other thing that needs tweak- (714) 922-6010; www.tacoasylum.com. Open BLOGS.OCWEEKLY.COM/STICKAFORKINIT as wide as Italian linguine—have a smooth texture entrée choices such as soy-glazed Atlantic salmon, throat scorched and your internal organs ing, it’s the fl our tortillas. The texture is 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Tacos, $5-$6. Beer. and ghostly translucence all their own, with a softly beef culotte or sautéed tiger prawns; and a dessert. Amorelia Mexican Cafe pliant bite and mouth-filling warmth. $$ The rotating art exhibit, nightly jazz performances PHANS 55 6000 Scholarship Dr., Irvine, 949-724-1236. and stylish décor provide the perfect setting for one ocweekly com|| | | | | | | | | || | | || | | | OCWEEKLY..COM contents contents letters letters the county the county feature feature calendar calendar » » food food « film « film culture | culture music music feb. 25-marchmonth 00-00, 3, 2011 2011 21 1 2200 Harbor Blvd. Ste. C-110 | Costa Mesa, CA 92627 Its website trumpets the fact that the restaurant is of the area’s most forward-looking chefs. $$$ 949-646-1422 clean, which means Fullertonians and Irvinians who BLACKBOARD BISTRO 1198 Pacific Coast Hwy, Seal are nervous about Little Saigon can get their pho, Beach, 562-596-9556. An upscale diner on PCH with bun and salad rolls in an accessible—but expen- very good variations on eggs Benedict, plus the For a leisurely lunch with friends or a quick takeout meal, sive—location. $$ county’s favorite French toast. Check the namesake Amorelia Mexican Cafe is a must visit for any Mexican RED CLAW 9475 Heil Ave., Fountain Valley, blackboard for the best bets for dinner. $$ food enthusiast. The food at Amorelia is authentic, well 714-531-3500. One of many Cajun-seafood places in BLUEWATER GRILL 630 Lido Park Dr., Newport Beach, made, and beautifully presented. The Chile Relleno plate the vicinity of Little Saigon, Red Claw is crowded, 949-675-3474. It’s all seafood all the time at this is one of the best you will fi nd. Served with black beans messy, hectic and wonderful. Go during happy hour, upscale chain establishment. The catches are fresh, and seasoned rice and a potato taco, the Chile Relleno is when you can quench the thirst brought on by all and the chefs are not stingy with the portions. The smothered in a spicy red sauce as well as another made that salt with $2 beers. $$ Oyster Bar serves up delicious clam pots and oyster with tomatillos - equally delicious. The Salmon plate THE RETREAT AT THE SPA 695 Town Center Dr., shots, and the kitchen’s Bluewater Classics include served with mashed potatoes and the Shrimp Fajitas are Costa Mesa, 714-850-0050, ext. 135. At this hidden beer-battered fish and chips, panko-fried shrimp, and other spectacular dishes. corner in a posh spa, Cody Requejo and his buddy a massive Australian lobster tail. An extensive sushi Dave Mau will serve you inspired sushi and Tex- bar delivers some excellent raw choices, such as the Mex, exactly in that order. $$-$$$ unagi (freshwater eel) and amaebi (sweet shrimp). ROMANO’S MACARONI GRILL 13652 Jamboree The adventurous can even rent an electric boat and Rd., Irvine, 714-508-7990. This chain proves that you have their meal dockside. $$$ can do mass-produced Italian food and not have it BUON GUSTO 4911 Warner Ave., Huntington Beach, FREE DINNER ON US! taste like Olive Garden. $$ 562-494-7593. The name and most of the menu may STONEFIRE GRILL 18727 Brookhurst St., Fountain be Italian, but it’s Italian by way of Greece, with Valley, 714-968-8300. Stonefire Grill is part of an octopus, lamb and feta cropping up on the menu. expanding chain of places that specializes in huge BYOB and no corkage means you can drink what Florentine’s Grill salads, pizzas and fire-grilled meats in an environ- you want without the markup. $$ ment that’s an upper-scale version of BJ’s. The THE CANNERY 3010 Lafayette Rd., Newport Beach, 102 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, CA salads are the best option. $$ 949-566-0060. One of Newport Beach’s finer seafood 714.879.7570 | florentinesgrill.com TERRA NOVA RESTAURANT AT THE WYNDHAM restaurants, this Rhine Channel favorite sells only 3350 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa, 714-442-8593. the freshest catches. Once an actual cannery, the It used to have an all-you-can-eat $10 pasta bar at space is prime waterfront property, and the setting Florentine’s buy 1 dinner get the 2nd dinner FREE! Pur- which you chose your pasta, sauces and meat to is reflected in the menu—sushi, salmon, shellfish, chase any dinner entree and receive your 2nd dinner entree be prepared by the chef à la minute. Those days bouillabaisse. For an early start, try the fantastic for FREE. Each free meal is valued up to $15 off. Bring are gone, replaced by a $10 choose-your-own Cannery Brunch. The crème brûlèe brioche French in that party of 20. We’ll honor it!! Buy 10 dinners get 10 pasta dish. The idea is the same, but you have to toast with scrambled eggs and applewood smoked pay for seconds. Parking validated! $$$ bacon is, somehow, even better than it sounds. $$$ FREE! Each one valued up to $15. That’s a $150 off din- WEI’S CHINESE RESTAURANT 17046 Magnolia St., JOHN’S PHILLY GRILLE 20379 Beach Blvd., ner!! Tax and 15% gratuity pre added to bill. Must pur- Fountain Valley, 714-842-9778. New owners have Huntington Beach, 714-969-8755. This local chain chase beverages. Not valid with other offers. Must present this ad to receive special. a GET MORE OF ORANGE COUNTY’S BEST DAMN DINING GUIDE AT OCWEEKLY.COM. SEND COMMENTS & COMPLAINTS TO: [email protected].

222 | |month feb. 25-march 00-00, 2011 3, 2011 | contents| contents | letters | letters | | the the countycounty | | feature feature | calendar | calendar » food « filmfilm | | culture culture | music | music | | | |ocweekly OCWEEKLY..comCOM ART DIRECTION: SUMMARY SERVICES A-po+H 04 PHOTO SHOOTS As Art Director for OC Weekly, I hired and managed all of our freelance photographers. I directed most • Concept & development of visual themes photo shoots through advance art briefs, but for these and other special issues, I directed the shoots in • Planning & coordination of crew & materials CLIENT/PROJECT person, managing crew and materials, including hair/makeup artists, wardrobe stylists, props, models and • Direction of photo shoots, studio & on location OC Weekly: Cover & special issue photo shoots location. I typically handled all post-production and photo manipulation as part of the cover design. • Post-production & design &/or consultation

KELLYALEXISLEWIS.COM | [email protected] | 310 621 1986 | 1514 LAKESIDE LANE, HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA 92648 ART DIRECTION: SUMMARY SERVICES A-po+H 05 ILLUSTRATION As Art Director for OC Weekly, I was dedicated to seeking out and recruiting an ever-expanding • Concept & development of illustration subject, assortment of illustrators whose work would communicate and complement our wide variety of cover style, appearance & execution CLIENT/PROJECT stories. Over the course of a few weeks — or usually just a few days — I worked intimately with each artist • Artist recruitment & assignment direction OC Weekly: Illustration direction & design on preliminary concepting, sketches and revisions, then incorporated the art into my final cover design. • Final cover/feature design & editing of artwork

KELLYALEXISLEWIS.COM | [email protected] | 310 621 1986 | 1514 LAKESIDE LANE, HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA 92648 DIRECTION/DESIGN: SUMMARY SERVICES A-po+H 06 SPECIAL ISSUES OC Weekly’s annual “Best of OC” is the paper’s largest and most design-intensive issue of the year. I • Concept & development of visual theme developed the theme and artwork for four Best Of issues, produced three, and won LA Press Club awards • In-depth direction & editing & photo shoots CLIENT/PROJECT for two (2008: 1st Place Design, 2009: HM). “Her work in the Best of OC package shines – maintaining an • Compositing of photo illustrations & additional OC Weekly: Best of OC 2008 & Best of OC 2009 interesting, consistent approach throughout the huge feature,” wrote the judges. illustration design for cover, headers, logos, pages

KELLYALEXISLEWIS.COM | [email protected] | 310 621 1986 | 1514 LAKESIDE LANE, HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA 92648 EDITORIAL DESIGN: SUMMARY SERVICES A-po+H 07 FEATURES LA Press Club named me Designer of the Year in 2010: “Kelly’s designs are sharp and engaging. She uses • Publication redesign & template production the black & white format of the weekly to its fullest with nice typography and excellent detail.” I also won 1st • Editorial strategy & brand identity CLIENT/PROJECT Place Design (LA Press Club: 2009, 2011) and 2nd Place for Best B+W/Two-Color Layout (Maggie Awards, • Art direction & editorial direction OC Weekly: Feature Design & Layout 2007). With my editorial design, OC Weekly also earned two Maggie Awards for Best Tabloid (2010, 2011). • Cover & feature design

KELLYALEXISLEWIS.COM | [email protected] | 310 621 1986 | 1514 LAKESIDE LANE, HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA 92648 LOGOS + PHOTO SUMMARY SERVICES A-p0o 08 ILLUSTRATIONS I designed logos and produced photo illustrations for almost every issue of OC Weekly, either in the form • Creative concept & development of cover type or feature page headers corresponding to the cover design. I also created logos to carry • Branding & identity CLIENT/PROJECT through the entire paper or special section for several special issues a year. For other issues, such as • Graphic design, layout & typography OC Weekly: Logo Design & Photo Illustration “Octomom” (below) or Best Of OC, my photo illustrations functioned as the feature design itself. • Photo & vector illustration & compositing

KELLYALEXISLEWIS.COM | [email protected] | 310 621 1986 | 1514 LAKESIDE LANE, HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA 92648 NEWSPAPER TAB SUMMARY SERVICES A-p(0o+H 09 REDESIGN/RESIZE I produced a complete redesign/resize of Time Out, the weekly culture and entertainment tabloid of • Publication redesign & template production Ventura County Star newspaper. This Style Guide (below), which I created for the staff designers, details • Editorial strategy & brand identity CLIENT/PROJECT the new templates, styles, structure and design guidelines that streamlined our production process and • Art direction & editorial direction Ventura County Star: Redesign of weekly tabloid created visual unity. The overhaul targeted younger readers with new, web-related content and style. • Cover, feature & logo design

KELLYALEXISLEWIS.COM | [email protected] | 310 621 1986 | 1514 LAKESIDE LANE, HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA 92648 NEWSPAPER TABLOID SUMMARY SERVICES A-p(0o+H 10 DESIGN Following my redesign/resize of Time Out (see next page), I became the lead designer responsible for • Direction & development of visual content coordinating with the editor to plan the issue, manage the pagination, design the weekly cover and feature • Cover/feature design, page layout, pagination CLIENT/PROJECT pages, and supervise other staff designers on their layouts. For this and other issues, I also coordinated • Direction of photo shoots & illustrations Ventura County Star: Weekly tabloid, Time Out with the staff photo editor and photographers on original photo assignments. • Creative & technical supervision of staff

KELLYALEXISLEWIS.COM | [email protected] | 310 621 1986 | 1514 LAKESIDE LANE, HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA 92648 NEW MAGAZINE SUMMARY SERVICES A-p(0o+H 11 CREATION/DESIGN I created a new, custom glossy magazine for Chicago Shakespeare Theater that functioned as an arts/ • Magazine development & brand identity entertainment publication, marketing piece, and playbill in one. I had 3 weeks to develop and produce • Art & editorial direction, cover & feature design CLIENT/PROJECT the first issue. As founder, I shaped the publication’s brand identity, structure & templates. As editor & • Reporting/writing & editing/proofing Chicago Shakespeare Theater: bill Magazine designer, I formulated, assigned, wrote, edited & designed each issue from beginning to end. • Production/ad management

KELLYALEXISLEWIS.COM | [email protected] | 310 621 1986 | 1514 LAKESIDE LANE, HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA 92648 NEW! A small sample RECENT WORK: of my recent work 12 FREELANCE SUMMARY SERVICES A-p0o+ I was recruited to conceptualize and design UCI School of Drama's 2018–19 season production posters, • Ideation & graphic design CLIENT/PROJECT logos and digital collateral, with the aim of establishing a higher standard for future department visuals. • Brand identity & development UCI Irvine Claire Trevor School of the Arts I worked with tight rolling deadlines, minimal client direction and an extensive approval process. • Photo research & illustration

KELLYALEXISLEWIS.COM | [email protected] | 310 621 1986 | 1514 LAKESIDE LANE, HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA 92648 NEW! A small sample RECENT WORK: of my recent work 13 FREELANCE SUMMARY SERVICES A-p0o+ Creative direction and design are part of my everyday life, whether I'm creating an important campaign for a • Ideation & graphic design CLIENTS/PROJECTS client, or cranking out a quick project for a local organization. For example: this simple event flyer, completed • Brand identity & development Various clients in one afternoon during the same week I developed, designed, wrote, edited and launched this website. • Photo research & illustration

KELLYALEXISLEWIS.COM | [email protected] | 310 621 1986 | 1514 LAKESIDE LANE, HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA 92648 KELLY ALEXIS LEWIS CREATIVE DIRECTOR / DESIGNER

MY SPECIALITIES A - p o ( 0 + H CREATIVE/ART GRAPHIC DESIGN PHOTO EDITING & STORYBOARDING REDESIGN & BRAND IDENTITY PRODUCTION ART & EDITORIAL DIRECTION & LAYOUT ILLUSTRATION & IDEATION REBRANDING & DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT ADMINISTRATION

HELLO! EXPERIENCE I manage pixels, publications & people. Creative Director Art Director Features Designer, Publications Manager, Managing Editor, I’m an award-winning creative director, designer BACKSTAGE MAGAZINE OC WEEKLY, Travel Editor Designer, Editor, Writer Designer, Writer and wordsmith with 15+ years of experience in (2012 – 2013) VILLAGE VOICE MEDIA VENTURA COUNTY STAR CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE WINDY CITY SPORTS deadline-driven cover and feature design, visual Achievements: I planned, (2007 – 2010) (2006 – 2007) THEATER MEDIA storytelling and production management. led and produced a Achievements: I revitalized Achievements: I produced (2000 – 2006) (1998 – 2000) I specialize in: complete rebranding and the brand’s visual identity a complete redesign/resize Achievements: I created Achievements: From • Re-envisioning and refreshing existing magazines redesign of Backstage’s print and reputation by producing of the paper’s weekly arts “bill,” the theater’s own Chicago office, I guided • Leading the development of new publications magazine and brand identity, a comprehensive redesign/ and entertainment tabloid. program magazine. As editor New York magazine through • Guiding staff through institutional evolution transforming the content and resize, complete with award- I trained and supervised and designer, I planned, new ownership and content • Developing creative and administrative tools to appearance of a 50-year-old winning designs, company- other staff designers on new assigned, wrote, edited and overhaul, developing a new sync artistic vision with overall brand identity trade newspaper into a bold, wide brand standards, and templates, style guide and designed each issue, while freelance network of writers, relevant multimedia resource. improved collaboration production processes, and overseeing all ads, budget, production schedule, and While implementing the between editorial, art and coordinated and designed production and printing. I customized local content. AWARDS rebrand, I collaborated with sales teams. I established all art, covers, layouts and also developed the theater’s Plus: Assigned, wrote, LA Press Club the off-site web design firm, production systems and pagination. first in-house graphic design edited and designed features • Designer of the Year created and managed new resources for art department Plus: I designed front and department, systems and and other content for five • 1st Place Design (2x) company-wide production asset management, workflow inside pages for various archives, and supervised monthly regional action Maggie Awards standards and processes, procedures, planning, daily and weekly sections. staff designers. sports magazines, both • Best Tabloid: Winning issue art direction (2x) and cultivated a professional budgeting and hiring. As travel editor, I planned Plus: I wrote, edited, locally and remotely from • Best B+W / 2-Color Layout: Finalist and talented freelance team. Plus: I developed and weekly section content and designed and managed Denver and Chicago offices. Art Direction of various winning illustrations Plus: I developed and designed each week’s design, assigned and edited the theater’s various • Communication Arts Illustration Annual oversaw the company’s cover and feature. While freelance and wire content, communication pieces, • PRINT Magazine Regional Design Annual various media extensions overseeing the paper’s and wrote feature and including playbills, teacher CURRENTLY • American Illustration while designing each week’s design, production and display copy. handbooks, catalogs, FREELANCING cover and feature, creating brand, I created or directed newsletters, stationery, kellyalexislewis.com and directing all original all original art, illustrations brochures and signage. Please see my portfolio EDUCATION art and photo shoots, and and photo shoots, and for recent work Northwestern University managing art budgets and managed art budgets, staff MAJOR: WRITING / MINOR: ART HISTORY staff in LA and NY. designers and freelancers. B.A. HONORS, 1998 Best English Major in Writing Award, 1998 EXPERTISE Medill School of Journalism, 2 years INDESIGN ● ● ● ● ● PHOTOSHOP ● ● ● ● ● ILLUSTRATOR ● ● ● ● MS OFFICE ● ● ● ● WORDPRESS, UX ● ●

KELLYALEXISLEWIS.COM | [email protected] | 310 621 1986 | 1514 LAKESIDE LANE, HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA 92648