LA Life: It’s June & Summer is Calling!
As I will be taking a summer break to live a bit more of the LA Life, I thought “Shoreline Canoes” from our incredible Photographer Lorraine Devon Wilke is the perfect photo and story to leave you with, Tomatoes. LA Life Poetess Lady Penelope, Fashion Stylist Felicia Arlin, Artist Annie Wood, and Tasting Tomato Molly Cheek are all back with their super-duper columns and contributions. The summer is chock-full of wonderful events and happenings, and I hope my list will serve as your summer resource guide. Yep, summer is calling, Ladies, and I hope you have a fantabulous one.
Shoreline Canoes: Cover Photo & Story
As a Midwest gal, I found Lorraine’s cover photo not only beautiful but also so alluring that I couldn’t help but choose “Shoreline Canoes” by LA Life Photographer Lorraine Devon Wilke for June’s cover photo and story. It’s perfect for introducing summer in LA. Be sure to check out Lorraine Devon Wilke’s marvelous photos on her webpage and browse her entire website, as it reveals the vast tapestry of Lorraine’s amazing talents. And check out Lorraine’s new and terrific novel, “Chick Singer”. It’s a must-read, Tomatoes!
Where I grew up in the Midwest, once my family left the big city of Chicago, was a rural area predominantly comprised of flat farmland and gently rolling hills. Though lovely terrain, I quickly discovered that getting anywhere near a body of water larger than a pond or creek inspired a level of exhilaration in me that was almost magical. When summer hit, my father and mother would pile us in the cars and drive north to Wisconsin, where, coming up over a rise to see Twin Lakes sparkling in front of us, I would almost burst with excitement. Given that, it’s not hard to figure that when I made my way to Los Angeles as a young woman in my early 20s, my very first night was spent getting to the mighty Pacific Ocean, which I had never before seen. I remember throwing my arms wide as I rushed to the shoreline, taking it all in with authentic wonder: the colorful canoes tucked in the sand, the bleating of seagulls as they swooped overhead; the waves crashing and rolling out again. At that particular time there were few people on the beach, which made it seem as though my friends and I were in one of nature’s sacred spaces, reveling—and revering—in all that was being shared with us. I still feel that way when I walk the shoreline, always ready to capture a new moment, a different perspective, a new view … as this issue’s photograph, “Shoreline Canoes” illustrates. It always charms and exhilarates me, the ocean.
Sonnets from Suburbia
“Residuals”, a lovely sonnet by Lady Penelope, contemplates long-lost lovers, memories, and time. Penny Peyser (Lady Penelope) has outdone herself with “Sonnets from Suburbia: Romance Dance”. It’s masterful, brilliant, and an easy and deliciously entertaining ride. If you haven’t already, don’t forget to order a copy of Penny Peyser’s first brilliant book, “Sonnets from Suburbia: More Candles Than Cake” to add to your collection, Tomatoes. READ HER LATEST SONNET.
LA Style Stories
“Tie One On”, from LA Life Fashion Stylist Felicia Arlin, reveals that scarves are not just for your neck, Tomatoes. Felicia brilliantly utilizes a scarf to enhance her outfit in a different way. Easy, stylish and breezy came to mind when I first saw Felicia’s picture-perfect summer frock in “The Temperature’s Risen”. As a personal stylist, Felicia is the most amazing and insightful guide for finding the most flattering style for you on any occasion. And I’m speaking from my own experience with her as my stylist. Check out my interview with Felicia and her website to learn more. Just sayin’, Tomatoes. Remember I only highlight a snippet of Felicia’s amazing cur8edme posts so be sure to follow her on Instagram. Read the latest style stories.
Artist Corner: Annie Wood She Is
I have a hard time deciding which is more exciting and beautiful, the deeply gifted artist herself, Annie Wood, standing next to her work of art… or… the powerful work itself, She Is? Well, I think seeing them both together is a double whammy of wonderfulness. A stunning work of art and a stunning woman standing side by side in today’s world.
She Is
Is a bold declaration and reflection, She Is explores the space between vulnerability and power. The central figure—raw, unapologetic, and fully herself—stands grounded, leaning on a golden sword -near, etched on rice paper, are words that remind us of our own resilience. A layered, textured narrative of being a woman in the world. In this piece, the feminine form becomes both shield and sword, the body itself a battleground of self-acceptance and sovereignty.
Part of the Stay Gold series, this work embodies the reminder to value yourself, stand strong, and shine through simplicity and raw expression. Annie Wood is an internationally exhibited mixed-media artist living in her hometown of Hollywood, California so as an LA native she is Super LA. Annie Wood is interested in reexperiencing her dreams by painting them, daydreaming new ones, finding order in chaos and chaos in order, seeing familiar things in new ways, and creating visual stories that make people feel peaceful, make them wonder, remember, and pause. You can see all her creations at Annie’s online art gallery and purchase a piece at anniewood.com. And you can also subscribe to her free newsletter How to Love the World with poems, stories, short films and art from Annie to you. 🫶🏼
Tastes of LA: Hatchet Hall & Tomat
Our ever so discerning LA Life Tasting Tomato, Molly Cheek, has two special restaurant finds for you this month, Hatchet Hall in Culver City and Tomat LA in Westchester. Yum! When Molly speaks you should definitely listen, Tomatoes. Read the reviews.
Mr. Brainwash Museum
There’s a new pop-up exhibit in town from one of the planet’s best-known artists, Thierry Guetta, aka Mr. Brainwash, and it is definitely out of this world. The Mr. Brainwash Art Museum is a wild ride of pop art & culture that redefines “art as experience” and a welcome reminder of his personal mantra: Life Is Beautiful. Hint…it won’t be there forever, Tomatoes. So, make your reservations ASAP! The Mr. Brainwash Art Museum will keep you continuously curious, entertained and impressed by the range of art displayed.
June 7 & 8. The Watermelon Festival
The 50,000 pounds of watermelon awaiting you at The California Watermelon Fest at Hansen Dam will certainly get you in the mood for summer. Any way you slice it gals, there is nothing better than juicy ice-cold watermelon on a hot summer day so pucker up, for two days of non-stop excitement and joy, Tomatoes! Besides endless watermelon feasts, you can savor mouthwatering watermelon-themed delicacies, enjoy thrilling rides, play exciting games, dance to live music, and much more. The California Watermelon Festival is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping fund local after school programs and charities.
June 7 & 8. American Indian Arts Festival
Experience a weekend filled with unforgettable moments at the “American Indian Arts Festival”. Join the Autry in honoring and celebrating the enduring spirit of Indigenous arts. Shop for unique art, jewelry, and pottery, learn about the rich heritage of the Tongva peoples, and enjoy Native American art and performances. Admission includes entry to the museum’s renowned exhibitions of Indigenous art and perspectives, including Future Imaginaries: Indigenous Art, Fashion, Technology; ReVOlt 1680/2180: Sirens & Sikas; and Human Nature, an exhibition exploring how traditional ecological knowledge can help current residents understand and care for our California environment.
June 8. LA Pride Parade & Village
There is an abundance of LA Pride Celebrations across Los Angeles, but the annual LA Pride Parade and Pride Village, hosted by the Christopher Street West (CSW) nonprofit is a standout as it is the not only the largest but the longest running Pride Celebration in SoCal. And there are fab partner events throughout June, too, Tomatoes! Christopher Street West (CSW), is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that organized the world’s first permitted gay parade on June 28, 1970, to commemorate the Stonewall Rebellion on Christopher Street in New York City the year prior. Over 50 years later, they have built a rich history as an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community across Greater Los Angeles, and beyond. Their mission is to create safe and inclusive spaces of self-expression, celebration, and diversity/equity/inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community of Greater Los Angeles.
Starting June 8. Theatricum Botanicum’s Repertory Season
The 2025 Repertory Season at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum beautiful, outdoor amphitheater in Topanga Canyon opens this weekend with two comedies by…you know who…William Shakespeare: Much Ado About Nothing (June 7th) and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (June 8th) And that’s not all they are offering!
Through September 2. The Dead Sea Scrolls
The Dead Sea Scrolls Exhibition, a new traveling exhibition from the Israel Antiquities Authority, at the Reagan Library offers a rare look at one of history’s greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th Century. Wow! This is a remarkable showcase of ancient manuscripts that have shaped civilizations for thousands of years. The Dead Sea Scrolls Exhibition is more than a display of artifacts – it’s a journey through human spirituality, resilience, and the enduring quest for meaning.
June 12 – June 29. Hollywood Fringe Festival
The 15th Annual Hollywood Fringe Festival is bringing 400+ Live Shows with diverse programming to LA making it the biggest year yet. With shows across many genres and a mix of new works, original works, and independent artists, across hundreds of shows, the Hollywood Fringe Festival offers something for everyone at extremely reasonable prices, Tomatoes. The Hollywood Fringe Festival is also an important opportunity for LA to demonstrate the power of community and to rally around the arts and live entertainment. And with the average ticket price of $15 the shows are more accessible to the public. Definitely a great time to see theatre in LA.
Juneteenth
Juneteenth, an extremely significant holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, is a day of celebration, remembrance, and reflection. There are many celebrations across LA but 4 near the beach caught my eye, Ladies.
On Saturday June 14th, The City of Santa Monica will host the 33rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration The free family-friendly event will feature an afternoon of music, unique food and craft vendors, a kid’s activity area, and health and other local resources. The Long Beach Juneteenth Celebration, also on June 14th, will be filled with entertainment, education and guest speakers to honor this monumental day. Again, in Long Beach, on June 19th, at
The Aquarium of the Pacific Annual Juneteenth Celebration you can learn about the history of this holiday and its significance to the African American community and beyond. From June 19th to June 28th, Black in Mayberry is hosting “Freedom: Juneteenth Art Exhibition & Celebration, a 9-day extravaganza in Venice with powerful art exhibitions, live concerts, family fun, Black Art Fair & inspiring talks.
Starting June 14. Summer Concerts
Yes, Tomatoes, awesome outdoor concerts are bountiful this summer all across the City of Angels. From Summer Concerts at Warner Park in Woodland Hills and NoHo Summer Nights in North Hollywood to Concert for a Cause in Coldwater Canyon, a Concert Series in Venice, and more, there are wonderful concert opportunities awaiting you, Tomatoes.
- In the San Fernando Valley you have Summer Concerts at Warner Park, June 15th – August 24th and NoHo Summer Nights starting July 26th from The Valley Cultural Foundation.
- June 14th – August 23rd, The Getty Center is presenting their annual outdoor summer concert series, Off the 405, for free.
- On June 14th TreePeople & Ever Clothing Present Concert for a Cause to support efforts to restore lands affected by the most recent wildfires in Los Angeles.
- The free outdoor Venice Concert Series on the Venice Boardwalk will feature various bands on June 26th, July 31st, and August 28th.
- And also on June 14th, the Bollywood Express, presented by Metro Art on the ticket concourse, will be rockin’ Union Station.
Friday Summer Nights
Friday Night Wine Tastings at Barnsdall Art Park (June 6th – Sept 26th) are back with Silver Lake Wine and it is the perfect way for a Tomato to de stress and cool down after a hot summer day. And Friday Nights at the Gamble House (June 13th – Aug 22nd) with West Altadena Wine will make your summer in LA dreams come true. These lovely wine tastings sell out fast so chop… chop… Tomatoes. Both summer-long series proceeds benefit the museums which makes the wine and the evening even sweeter.
June 13 – July 26. Shakespeare by the Sea
Enjoy the unforgettable magic of Shakespeare by the Sea under the stars, Ladies. And it is free, free, free! Their first performance of the season opens at Recreation Park in Long Beach before they tour to a multitude of locations in LA & Orange Counties. By golly, that’s a lot! So, there’s bound to be a Shakespeare performance near you this summer. Shakespeare by the Sea is admission-free professionally crafted Shakespeare that will sweep you away into the world of the best storytelling there is…Shakespeare. Shakespeare by the Sea (SBTS) is a nonprofit organization that was launched in 1998 by Lisa Coffi. It is the only annual admission free theatrical event that serves the entire South Bay, LA, and parts of Orange Counties and the only Shakespeare company on the West Coast that travels to so many communities with its programming. Bravo!
Through August 31. Away at the Catskills Exhibit
At the Skirball, celebrate inherited and imagined memories of Jewish resorts in the new exhibition Away in the Catskills: Summers, Sour Cream, and Dirty Dancing which features a series of fifteen prints capturing the pleasure and freedom that families experienced in the Catskills from LA based artist, Marisa J. Futernick. And so much more. How wonderful & fun, Gals!
June 15. Father’s Day Car Show
The Rodeo Drive Concour d’Elegance Father’s Day Car Show is, indeed, elegant. A perfect opportunity for car lovin’ Tomatoes, fathers, and families to enjoy an intimate look at some of the world’s most amazing vehicles against the backdrop of the famed Rodeo Drive. With this year’s theme “Luxury in Motion”, the annual event will showcase more than 100 rare, exotic and beautiful automobiles in the heart of Beverly Hills. The Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance is a spectacular, world-class event that brings together luxury, fashion and a car culture that is unique to Rodeo Drive. And it’s FREE!
June 14 & 15. Pasadena Chalk Festival
The Pasadena Chalk Festival, named the largest street painting fest by Guiness World Records, returns to The Paseo for 2 days of amazing art and music featuring from over 500 incredible artists turning the pavement into breathtaking masterpieces. A rare experience to be sure, Tomatoes. The Pasadena Chalk Festival won’t cost you a dime to attend, pet-friendly and a fundraiser to boot. They use over 25,000 sticks of chalk. Can’t wrap my head around that tidbit. That’s a lot of chalk and art, Tomatoes.
June 20 – August 1. Dance DTLA
It’s always good to shake your booty gals and for the past + 20 years the Music Center has made it possible to dance on Friday nights under the stars all summer long with Dance DTLA. Trip the light fantastic at this free dance party for all Angeleno’s. Remember Tomatoes…women over 40 rock…literally. Each Friday night Dance DTLA features a different dance genre and beginner dance lessons led by top LA dance instructors alongside a live band or DJ. Learn easy-to-follow steps and then hit the dance floor to practice some new moves. All ages are welcome and no dance experience necessary!
Butterfly Sightings
It’s butterflies galore with both The Butterfly Pavilion at NHM through August 24th and Soar at The South Coast Botanical Garden through September 30th. It might be hard to fathom but hundreds of butterflies are just a wing flap away, Tomatoes! You can once again get intimate with these magical creatures in both exhibitions, Tomatoes. The Butterfly Pavilion at NHM also showcases a unique ecosystem that gives you a better understanding of the environment needed for butterflies to thrive and survive. At Soar at The South Coast Botanical Garden, guests will again have the opportunity to feed their butterflies using a flower vial filled with nectar while inside the pavilion for the optimum and most immersive experience. There is just so much to delight and tickle your senses at The Butterfly Pavilion and Soar.
The Three Tomatoes LA Life editor, Debbie Zipp is your friendly guide to the best of everything in LA with a tomato style perspective. Debbie is an actor, producer, and writer. She is best known for her recurring role as Donna on the CBS series "Murder She Wrote" starring Angela Lansbury. She has had many other TV and stage roles and has starred in over 300 national TV commercials. As head of In The Trenches Productions, Debbie produced, directed, acted in many short films for her company. Her book, The Aspiring Actor's Handbook: What Seasoned Actors Wish They Had Known was recently published.
Buy her book: The Aspiring Actor's Handbook: What Seasoned Actors Wish They Had Known
