Introducing ARTBASH

A common topic in FRINGE planning jams is the concept of “The Scene” – the social/creative network created by artists working and playing together.

LA is commonly dubbed a “film town” – the reputation being that non-film-based arts are secondary, a sideshow to the film game, a place to gain “exposure” and to “showcase” yourself. Many believe this attitude hurts arts, culture, and society in our fair city – indeed the term “showcase” engenders groans from those artists serious about their craft. What is arts without total commitment? A project on a stage should mean just as much to the artistic soul as one with high powered lights and cameras.

A professional and social scene for serious artists is needed in LA – a passionate, roving, and committed camaraderie with a shared belief in the perpetual importance of all arts. Team players – interested in exploring new paths of creativity and inspiration together. The scene is what Hollywood Fringe is all about.

So when Matt Wells of Need Theater approached us with their idea of a party/festival for the arts community in the heart of LA, we were more than thrilled to jump on board as a co-producing organization. We have assembled over 20 arts groups (in a very abbreviated time frame) in all walks of the artistic strata: Theatre, Music, Dance, Hip hop, Performance Art, Visual Art, and Burlesque. This may be the first blush of the greater Fringe movement in our city.

Artists working together, playing together, creating together…all for the benefit of the community, society, and the greater culture of LA. It is artists banding together under the umbrella of a common interest and belief system that will (and I don’t think I can exaggerate here) eventually save the arts, and everything we love about it.

…and it is a party. Complete with dancing, events, and plenty of drink thanks to our sponsors at New Beligium (Fat Tire Beer), Boru Vodka, Barefoot Wine+Bubbly, Hansen’s, Monster Energy, and Le Tourment Vert (Absinthe!).

So come join us at the emerging LA arts scene. Here are the salient details:

www.ARTBASHLA.com
Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008 8pm-2am
$20 admission, $10 open bar access
at the A+D Museum,
5900 Wilshire Blvd. (across from LACMA)

Featuring:
Anacron • DJ Jedi • DJ Shiro • dj.AnaRoxSicc • Himself • Kruse • Tha Brothaload • Cabeza de Vaca Arcestra • CDN Collective • Gavin Worth • Invertigo Dance Theatre • Kinetic Theory • LA Contemporary Dance Co • Monday Night Tease! • Poor Dog Group • Ryan Harrison • Soup Greens • The Follies Sisters • The Original L.A. Breakers • The Petrojvic Blasting Co • Vox Dance Theatre