An Introduction to 19th-Century Naturalism

The Velaslavasay Panorama
~Celebrates the end of summer with a new schedule of events~

Systema Naturae
A Diorama of 19th-Century Naturalism As Dictated By An Opto-Mechanical Device
Sunday, August 21, 2016 - 12:00pm

An automated lecture performed by a 35mm incandescent slide projector - the EKTAPRO 9000 - chronicling the rise of naturalism in North America amongst researchers, enthusiasts and autodidacts of the 19th century. Propelled by a sense of exploration, adventures into twilight zones and uncultivated lands inspired the study of creatures & vegetation while marking the birth of modern outdoor recreation. The EKTAPRO 9000's dissociated vocal survey will be accompanied by field recordings of the featured flora & fauna.
 

The lecture will be presented on the half hour: 12 noon, 12:30pm, 1pm, 1:30pm, 2pm, 2:30pm, 3pm, 3:30pm, 4pm, 4:30pm, 5pm & 5:30pm. This lecture is free with admission. Enjoy the exhibits and gardens of the Velaslavasay Panorama all day.

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Illusion Travels by Streetcar / La Ilusión Viaja en Tranvía
Directed by Luis Buñuel, Mexico 1954. 35mm, b/w, 90 min. Spanish with English subtitles.
Digital Projection
September 1, 2016 7:00 PM

Join the Velaslavasay Panorama Enthusiast Society and the Luis Buñuel Film Institute for a special film screening of one of Luis Buñuel's most biting and underrated comedies. Set in Mexico City, "Illusion Travels by Streetcar" tells the tale of two tram repairmen whose favorite car is about to be retired and dismantled. After protesting in vain to the management, the men decide to take the car on a drunken spree around the city for one last run. The two drive all night, picking up an eclectic group of characters along the way and attempting to return the beloved vehicle to the depot before they are discovered.

The film will be preceded by a brief overview of the erstwhile Los Angeles trolley system, including the Los Angeles Inter-Urban Railway line which once rolled past the Union Theatre on 24th Street, home of the Velaslavasay Panorama, along with other rareties and tidbits about the life and work of Luis Buñuel.

Admission: $10 (All tickets available at V.P.E.S price!), reservations available online.

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I am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story
 Documentary Film Screening - Introduction by DJ Lance Rock
Directed by Dave LaMattina and Chad N. Walker, UK 2015, 90 min.
September 4, 2016 7:00 PM

The Velaslavasay Panorama Enthusiast Society welcomes DJ Lance Rock (Yo Gabba Gabba!) for a special screening of this touching documentary about the life and work of Caroll Spinney, Sesame Street's Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch since 1969.  I Am Big Bird features incredible footage of Spinney's earliest collaborations with Jim Henson and traces Caroll's journey in giving life to some of the most beloved characters on earth. The film will be preceded by an introduction by DJ Lance Rock (Yo Gabba Gabba!), who will give an overview of his work in children’s television and share some of his favorite sketches and clips from well-known animators and character actors.

Admission: $10 (All tickets available at V.P.E.S price!), reservations available online.

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These film screeenings will be in anticipation of a very special landmark event!
The Velaslavasay Panorama announces....

THE LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL NEON JUBILEE
A free, all-day street festival, followed by an evening ticketed program
 

The Velaslavasay Panorama cordially invites you to to The Los Angeles International Neon Jubilee Festival -- a day-long street festival marking the re-lighting of our restored 1939 neon marquee and celebration of the wealth of diverse cultural identities and their histories in Los Angeles. The Velaslavasay Panorama has planned a day of happenings in our theatre, garden, and surrounding street including music, dance, performance, puppet shows, film screenings and workshops bound to dazzle adults and children alike. For a detailed schedule of the day's events and a list of partnering organizations and artists, please visit our website.

Events from noon until 6pm are free and will be ticketed on a first-come-first-served basis. The garden and grounds of the Velaslavasay Panorama will be open all day. The day portion of this event is completely free and open to the public. RSVP to attend the street festival here.

And in the evening...
 

At 8pm join us for the evening program segment of the Neon Jubilee featuring the musical stylings of DJ Lance Rock, puppetry by the Bob Baker Marionette Theater, more music by Frank Fairfield, and the long-awaited unveiling of our newly refurbished neon marquee (along with other surprises) to end this one-of-a-kind day of celebration. This ticketed evening program helps support the entire festival; advance reservations, available here, are highly recommended. (General: $20.16, VPES Members: $18.98)