James Franco gets a lot of criticism for the kinds of projects he attaches himself to. Why would one of the most talented and bankable stars of his generation attach himself to so many low-budget duds? Read more...
Photo: (Courtesy of A24)
Arts, Music
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April 11, 9:31 pm
Musicians of all backgrounds find niche in UCLA’s Game Music Ensemble
Ellen Key first fell in love with the viola in fourth grade and instantly knew she would never stop playing. But she never imagined that her future repertoire would include less Beethoven and more World of Warcraft. Read more...
Photo: Second-year civil engineering student Ellen Key plays viola for the Game Music Ensemble at UCLA. She and the ensemble are preparing for their upcoming concert “Leveled Up” on May 8 in the Ackerman Grand Ballroom. (Zoe Hessler/Daily Bruin)
Arts, Music
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April 11, 9:28 pm
Q&A: Musician Matisyahu aims to up tempo of interaction at UCLA performance
Matisyahu draws from the Jewish philosophical ideas found in the Torah and Kabbalah for inspiration when shaping his music. When performing the music, the Grammy-nominated reggae artist said he tries to create an environment in which his audience can connect with their own psyche, emotions and intellect. Read more...
Photo: Reggae artist Matisyahu and special guest Nadim Azzam are performing at college campuses, including UCLA, to encourage conversation between Muslim and Jewish students. (Courtesy of Chris Townsend)
Arts, Arts Columns, Lifestyle
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April 10, 11:23 pm
Vegan Ventures: Thai Vegan
To highlight the delicious perks of her vegan lifestyle, Daily Bruin staffer Alejandra Reyes-Velarde showcases 10 diverse vegan restaurants in the West Los Angeles area. She will be joined by Daily Bruin staffer William Thorne to bring a meat-eating perspective to vegan cuisine. Read more...
Photo: Thai Vegan in Santa Monica exceeded expectations with its massaman curry, fresh vegetable tofu rolls and pad thai with tofu. The consistency of the tofu and the texture of the kabocha squash was such that the dishes would have, in fact, been ruined by the addition of meat. (Angie Wang/Daily Bruin senior staff)
Arts, Music
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April 10, 11:21 pm
Album Review: ‘Cosmic Explorer’
Japanese trio Perfume doesn’t look like it would be an electronic dance music group. The girl group’s doll-like aesthetic is sharply juxtaposed with futuristic beats, creating an effect of a delicate comet that does not look dangerous but still burns through the night sky. Read more...
Photo: (Courtesy of Universal Music Japan)
Arts, Lifestyle
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April 10, 11:19 pm
Festival of Books drew alumni from UCLA, USC to promote books, speak
Festival goers strolled under umbrellas and ponchos, ducking into tents to flip through books and escape the drizzle. Authors, vendors and readers congregate for a weekend to celebrate the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books each April. Read more...
Photo: The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, hosted at the University of Southern California, brought readers and alumni together from both USC and UCLA. The Festival drew diverse crowds and promoted books Saturday and Sunday. (Kayla Hausmann/Daily Bruin)
Arts, Lifestyle
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April 8, 12:27 am
Alumna promotes cultural pride as Miss Chinatown USA
Stephanie Wong took a step forward to separate herself from a line of young women dressed in elegant costumes. She stooped down and a silver jeweled crown was placed on top of her dark brown, perfectly laid hair. Read more...
Photo: UCLA alumna Stephanie Wong was crowned Miss Chinatown USA in February. After her experience in the pageant, Wong said she has accepted her Chinese culture. As a pageant queen, she feels inspired to serve as an ambassador for the Chinese-American community. (Tehya Faulk/Daily Bruin)