LOS ANGELES AS COLOSSUS—A Tour of LA's Architectural Past w/ Domenic Priore

Sure, local resident Ivy Rorschach of The Cramps got it right when she dubbed L.A. "Hell Town," but there was a time... well, several times, actually, when the place was being set up by idealists and Modernists as a Space Age version of Rome during the Empire, sans California boundaries that anyone could really see. Beginning with architects John and Donald Parkinson during the Art Deco years, then Welton Becket and Associates after World War II, there seemed to be a way that Los Angeles was SUPPOSED to look. Their work spearheaded thousands of other imaginative people to build previously-unknown realities that could be accommodated by great weather to create a new kind of city where there was far more than one center. Tiki begins in Hollywood with Don the Beachcomber; this is just one example of larger urban panorama visions dotting the entire landscape, from the mountains to the sea, to all of Southern California... before the '70s ruined everything.

Please join acclaimed writer and TV producer Domenic Priore (Riot on Sunset Strip, Pacific Ocean Park, Pop Surf Culture) for this fascinating illustrated presentation on Los Angeles architecture and culture!

ABOUT DOMENIC PRIORE

Domenic Priore is a writer and television producer specializing in pop culture, sociology and music. He is the author of Riot on Sunset Strip: Rock 'n' Roll's Last Stand in Hollywood (foreword by Arthur Lee of Love), Pacific Ocean Park: The Rise and Fall of Los Angeles' Space Age Nautical Pleasure Pier (with Christopher Merritt, foreword by Brian Wilson), Shag: The Collected Works (introduction), Beatsville (with Martin Macintosh), Pop Surf Culture: Music, Design, Film and Fashion from the Bohemian Surf Boom (with Brian Chidester, forewords by Kathy Kohner aka Gidget and Billy Al Bengston) and Smile: The Story of Brian Wilson's Lost Masterpiece (forewords by Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks). As a result of that project, Domenic wrote the liner notes, sourced photographs and helped sequence the music for The Beach Boys: Smile Sessions box set (Capitol Records), which won the 2013 Grammy Award for Best Historical Album. He did the booklet inside Penelope Spheeris' documentary box set Decline of Western Civilization and was also the primary writer of the AMC documentaries Hollywood Rocks the Movies: The Early Years 1955-1970(narrated by Ringo Starr) and Hollywood Rocks the Movies: The 1970s (narrated by David Bowie). A Los Angeles native, Priore has returned to SoCal after living in New York City and San Francisco.

Documentary (and film) Domenic has been involved with research-wise (and sometimes on camera) include Helter Skelter: An American Myth (2020), Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), Manson: Music from an Unsound Mind (2019), CSNY: Fifty By Four (2014), The Byrd Who Flew Alone: The Triumph and Tragedy of Gene Clark (2013), Sunset Strip (2012), Brian Wilson: Songwriter 1969-1982 (2012), Brian Wilson: Songwriter 1962-1969 (2010), Tales of the Rat Fink (2006), Beautiful Dreamer: Brian Wilson and the Story of Smile (2004), Mayor of the Sunset Strip (2003).

Please email [email protected] or phone 323-663-2167 with any questions

ABOUT YesterdayLA

This July, the Philosophical Research Society celebrates our beloved city’s rich and diverse past with YesterdayLA, a month-long exploration of unique stories and works of art that have become part of the fabric of Los Angeles history. The landscape of our city is changing faster than ever before. By examining the LA of yesterday, we invite Angelenos to gather together to not only look back but forward to the possibilities of our great city’s tomorrow.

Throughout its 90+ year history The Philosophical Research Society has stood as a sanctuary for those seeking truth and enlightenment, with its doors open to Angelenos who have created great works of art and innovation, political movements, and spiritual evolutions across the eras. YesterdayLA will explore the fascinating stories of our city’s past with the continued spirit of curiosity that has stood as the pillar of PRS’s mission.

CONTENT DISCLAIMER

The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed within exhibited works are solely those of their creators and may not represent those of the Philosophical Research Society (PRS), its affiliates, or any individuals associated with PRS. Screenings are intended for educational and entertainment purposes.

ACCESSIBILITY

PRS wants all guests to be able to enjoy our events safely and comfortably. If you require any accessibility accommodation, please reach out to [email protected] before showtime and we will be happy to assist you.

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All sales are final. There are no refunds for PRS events , except in the event of a medical emergency, including but not limited to a positive COVID-19 test. Ticket exchanges may be granted on a case by case basis, pending circumstances.

In the event that PRS is forced to cancel an event entirely, tickets will be refunded or vouchers offered for a rescheduled event.

PARKING

Limited parking is available onsite at PRS in the front lot (entry from Los Feliz Blvd. when heading east), as well as street parking on Griffith Park Blvd. and (after 7 PM) on Los Feliz Blvd. We encourage attendees to consider carpooling, walking or biking to events if possible, and please be considerate of our Los Feliz neighbors when parking.

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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Philosophical Research Society, 3910 Los Feliz Boulevard, Los Angeles, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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