New Obsession: Beyonce's 'Why don't you love me'

"Why Don't You Love Me" - Beyoncé from Beyoncé on Vimeo.

Beyonce's new video "Why Don't You Love Me" is right up our Culturistas alley.  The costumes and style of this video are amazing-  We love the vintage vibe and are drooling over every outfit.  Enjoy!!

The Playmix Group

The Culturistas have been longtime friends and fans of the Playmix Group! These Los Angeles based boys put together a podcast once a month comprised of their top musical pics. Taylor, Tyler, and Jeremy each bring their own flavor to the mixes which tend to be of the electronic and indie rock genres. With a variety of music and introduction to several up and coming artists, the Playmix Group keeps the Culturistas in musical check.
Playmix Fifteen: Moving In Reverse

1. The Ruby Suns – Cranberry
2. Baby Monster – She Comes Alive
3. The Radio Dept. – Heaven’s On Fire
4. Cold Cave – Life Magazine
5. Cults – Go Outside
6. Summer Camp – Ghost Train
7. Broken Social Scene – World Sick
8. MGMT – Congratulations
9. RJD2 – Walk With Me
10. Portugal. The Man – The Pusher’s Party
11. Groove Armada – I Won’t Kneel
12. Jaguar Love – Polaroids And Red Wine
13. Kavinsky – Nightcall
14. Gorillaz – Some Kind Of Nature (featuring Lou Reed)
15. Active Child – She Was A Vision
16. Bot’Ox – Blue Steel
17. Massive Attack – Atlas Air

To expand your musical horizons please be sure to subscribe to
THE PLAYMIX GROUP and get their monthly podcasts!

MIX MASTER: Alan Wilkis

The Culturistas have a deep appreciation for the art of the REMIX. Many DJS do it, however, not all have mastered it. Alan Wilkis, a Brooklyn DJ has got it down.

Culturista Picks:

"Get U Home (Alan Wilkis Remix)" - Shwayze
"1901 (Alan Wilkis Remix)" - Phoenix
"Love Astronaut (Alan Wilkis Remix)" - Murder Mystery

To listen to these bangin mixes, and get more info check out
WILCASSETES

GAGA FOR GLEE!

As supporters of the arts, it is only natural that the Culturistas are huge fans of the latest tv sensation GLEE! Every Wednesday, we enjoy an hour of high school drama presented with a variety of amazing musical mashups. The soundtrack is finally released and now it really is time to rock. From R&B to classic rock, the GLEE cast really has it covered. We hope you enjoy the soundtrack as much as we do and be sure to watch the next episode of GLEE November 11 at 9:00 PM on FOX.

Labor Day Weekend: Electric Zoo Festival!

If you like beats and fests, you will not want to miss out on Electric Zoo Festival! Located On Randall's Island, which is situated on the East River close to Harlem and the Bronx, is accessible by subway or ferry. This unique event will feature a wide variety of electro-fabulous artists Saturday September 5th and Sunday September 6th from 11 AM to 11 PM. Aside from having an enormous grassy area where the festival will take place, Randall's Island also has a rich history and was once used as an asylum and refuge for war veterans and delinquents.

This Coachella style event will feature several artists loved by the Culturistas, most notably Armin Van Buuren, David Guetta, Steve Aoki, Busy P, the Junior Boys, Deadmaus and as you will see below a whole LOT more.


For more information on stage lineups, transportation, and ticket purchse please check the ELECTRIC ZOO FESTIVAL.

See you there RAIN or SHINE!

SHWAYZE AT LE ROYALE

This Thursday August 13, 2009 at 10:00 PM, Shwayze will be performing at Le Royale a European style discotheque in NYC's West Village. Shwayze is known for hit songs such as "Buzzin" and "Get U Home." We will be performing with Cisco Adler, XXXChange of Spank Rock, and other surprise DJs. Aside from the fact that lineup will be bangin, this event is FREE with RSVP, just email "rsvp@gbh.tv" Kick on your dancing shoes and get ready to head bob for this night of live music and good rowdy fun!

Le Royale
28 7th Avenue South
New York, NY

Free Music at the Santa Monica Pier: Twilight Dance Series 2009

Every Thursday until September 3rd the Twilight dance series presents free music in the Pier parking lot. The concerts run from 7pm-10 pm. This coming Thursday, the 13th of August- two bands will be performing: Idan Raichel Project from Israel and Elijah Emanuel, bilingual reggae from Panama). See more info below:

Tips: Don't bring alcohol- it's not allowed.
Do bring your own beach/folding chairs for comfort!

Location: Santa Monica Pier 200 Santa Monica Pier Santa Monica, 90401

Phone: (310) 458-8900

Link: http://www.santamonicapier.org

The Culturistas Summer Playlist!

It's the height of summer and there is no shortage of great music playing. The Culturistas have decided to put together a playlist compiled of our favorite summer songs. Whether you are lounging around or ready to bump it, below are beats from a variety of genres and musical styles for your auditory enjoyment!

1. "Use Sombody"- Kings of Leon
2. "Electric Feel"- MGMT (Justice remix)
3. "I Gotta Feeling"- Black Eyed Peas
4. "Chillin"- Lady Gaga feat. Walle
5. "Good Girls Go Bad"- Cobra Starship
6. "Nighttiming"- Coconut Records
7. "Black and Gold"- Sam Sparro
8. "Pure Magic"- Girl Talk
9. "Tell Me Something Good"- Chaka Khan feat. Rufus
10. "Dance Wiv Me"- Calvin Harris feat. Dizzy Rascal
11. "Boys Boys Boys"- Lady Gaga
12. "Laughing With"- Regina Spektor
13. "Happy Up Here"- Royskopp
14. "Live your life"- T.I. and Rihanna
15. "Lisztomania"- Phoenix

Please don't hesitate to send us songs that you think should be included in the rotation.

Central Park SummerStage: Bela Fleck & Toumani Diabate

Tonight August 3rd from 7:30-10:00 PM is a free African-themed event in Central Park affiliated with the SummerStage series. World renowned banjoist Bela Fleck will be putting on a performance with Malian musician Toumani Diabate. This musical event will be followed by a film screening of Fleck's journey to Africa where he discovers the musical origins of the banjo. This is a great opportunity to gather your friends with an assortment of picnic food and just hang out and enjoy an evening of African culture. Events are put on by the City Parks foundation and are all free with a suggested donation of $5. Tonight's performance will be on the great lawn.

For more information please check out the Summerstage website

Concerts in the Park Series: Central Park!

Pack your picnic basket, bring your wine and cheese, and make your way over to Central Park! it's officially summer and live music is everywhere! The free summer series is sponsored by Target and open to the public. The performance by the New York Philharmonic will be followed by a fireworks display. The next performance will be Friday July 17 at 8:00 PM on the Great Lawn in Central Park. Early arrival is suggested if you want to get a decent spot to lay out your picnic blanket. The orchestra will be playing "Old American Songs" by Copland and "Symphony #1" by Mahler and conducted by Alan Gilbert.

For more information on upcoming performances please check out the New York Philharmonic's webiste!

See you at the park!

Summer fun @ the Hollywood Bowl

The Hollywood bowl in Los Angeles is a great place to visit in the summer. The weather is gorgeous (though it usually is here), the sun sets later, and picnicking is the thing to do.

This summer the line up is fabulous and eclectic. From Death Cab for Cutie and Incubus to Liza Minelli, Poncho Sanchez and John Williams, all Los Angelinos will find a concert they'd enjoy. Starting tomorrow (through to the fourth), there will be a special US Birthday bash performance, complete with fireworks and special guest John Fogerty, the guitar and voice of Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Know Before you Go:
Bring a picnic (including wine)!! You can get food and drinks at the Hollywood bowl, but you will save tons of money if you bring your own.

Take the Shuttle! You can park at the Hollywood bowl for 14-30 dollars. But the shuttle costs $4 per person round trip (and you can buy those tix in advance on Ticketmaster when you get your concert tickets). Check out the shuttle schedule and pick up areas: HERE

If you sit in a box- it is super convienient to picnic WHILE you watch, but the acoustics are amazing at the Hollywood bowl, so even if you are sitting all the way in the back it will be a great show!

Tickets range from 8 to 125 dollars, check out the schedule of events and buy tickets here:
Schedule of Events, Buy Tickets

Bonnaroo Street Style!

Those attending the Bonnaroo music festival merge their stylish clothing with more practical items like mud boots and hats. Check out some of the sartorial standouts like Drew Barrymore and Joy Bryant. We are loving these vintage and bohemian looks. Almost everyone was carrying around shoulder bags- a clear new trend this season.

Depeche Mode Concert LA

If you love concerts but just cant afford the price tag these days---check out Depeche Mode in a Los Angeles outdoor concert for FREE.

Starting tonight at 11pm to Friday at 6am Hollywood Boulevard and Vine will be closed for a Depeche Mode concert. 10,000 people are expected to show, 7,000 of who already have tickets. BUT you don't need them to see the show! -- just to get closer to the stage. The concert starts tonight at 8! So check it out!

The Jazz Bakery

The Jazz Bakery is LA's only 7 nights a week, non-profit Jazz venue. So if you are a Jazz fan, a music lover or just want to try something new- this is a great place to go!

This weekend check out:

LIONEL LOUEKE TRIO

Massimo Biolcati -bass
Ferenc Nemeth -drums

West African guitarist-vocalist Loueke makes music that is haunting, joyous, undeniably beautiful and absolutely indescribable: "A startlingly original voice", "Spellbinding" (NY Times)

Buy your tickets:Here

While you might end up paying $30 a ticket, this isn't one of those clubs that has drink minimums, expensive parking lots, or pretentious attitudes. They also have an art gallery at the Jazz Bakery. So enjoy some tea, drinks, pastries and fine art before you listen to some great Jazz.
Plus--students: don't forget your IDs- they have a great student discount for those under 21.

The Jazz Bakery
3233 Helms Ave.
Culver City, CA 90034

Upcoming music events- live from NYC

Spring is right around the corner and bands are coming to NY. It's time to dance and party. These are some upcoming shows that you will not want to miss!

4/3/09- The Presets at Webster Hall (early show)
*Presets afterparty at Le Poisson Rouge
4/3/09- MSTRKRFT at Webster Hall (late show)
4/10/09- The Faint and Ladytron at Webster Hall
4/22/09- RATATAT at Terminal 5
4/23/09- Shiny Toy Guns at Webster Hall
5/4/09- The Kills at the Music Hall of Williamsburg
5/13/09- Animal Collective at Terminal 5
6/9/09- Santigold at Terminal 5
6/9/09- Jenny Lewis at The Music Hall of Williamsburg
6/17/09- Metric at Terminal 5
7/1/09- MGMT at Prospect Park

My fellow Angelenos, be sure to check out LA tour dates for all these bands if you are also interested.

Too many shows, too little time! Bring on the soundgasms!

See Paul Oakenfold this Sat at the Vanguard!

Paul Oakenfold and Calvin Harris at Giant this Saturday (@ the Vanguard). It's a must see event if you are a fan of the legendary Deejay, Oakenfold. It costs $30 if you pre-order your tickets before this weekend. Order them here: Groovetickets.com

Deep LA's 10 Year Anniversary: House Culture

Every Sunday at the Vanguard, Marcus Wyatt, Deep LA's legendary creator and resident deejay spins house music to a crowd of loyal fans. He also brings in the best deejays the genre has to offer. Yesterday night marked the 10 year anniversary of Deep LA. It was an incredible sight to see, 1,500 people, all music lovers, dancing to the beats of Marcus Wyatt, Louis Vega, and Tony Humphries.



The thing that I found most interesting about this Deep event was the family that it has created. During the birthday ceremony for Deep, Marcus Wyatt made a touching speech to the crowd, most of whom have been going to Deep events since it's conception in '98 at the Viper room. I think this summary found on Deep LA's website is so true:

"Deep is not just an inviting dance floor, soulful house records and big bass speakers. It’s not just a successful business venture, a prime destination for international DJs, or a place to grab a cranberry-vodka on a Sunday night. It’s not even about the individuals who come to revitalize before another long week at work. No, the true essence of Deep isn’t visible. It exists within the collective energy of its dedicated patrons, blessing the faithful and free who dance in celebration of a life, which, if only once a week, is made of pure bliss."

Louis Vega Deejaying

Deep at the Vanguard attracts people from all walks of life---all enjoying a night of awesome music and fun beats. So if you want to try something new, listen to some great music, dance the night away and just have a fun night- the Culturista's recommend that you go to:

Deep on Sundays @ the Vanguard.
10pm-4am
6021 Hollywood Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90028

For more information about Deep events check out their website.

To buy tickets in advance (which saves you a few bucks) check out: Groove Tickets

Please don't stop the MUZIK!

The best mailing list I joined since moving to New York is GBH. They send out weekly emails on the best electro/dance show events going on. Their lineup is so amazing right now that I want to go to a GBH event every weekend through April. Here it is and its all at Webster Hall on E. 11th Street between 3rd and 4th Ave.

2/13/09- Xavier from Justice and Busy P

2/20/09- Felix da Housecat

2/27/09- Steve Aoki and Felix Cartel (woooo LA Crew!!)

3/13/09- Calvin Harris

3/20/09- Boys Noize

4/3/09- MSTRKRFT AND BLOODY BEETROOTS

I AM BEYOND EXCITED. Tickets to all shows are only $10 in advance. I'm about ready to kick on my dancing shoes because there is gonna be a lot of movin' in the next 2 months!

The Coachella festival

[Via Coachella.com]

The Coachella music festival goes on every year in Indio, California (about 125 miles east of LA). It brings in crowds from all over the state and country, equaling up to around 60,000 people.

It is three days long and this year falls on- April 17th through the 19th. The line up for the three days was released today and it looks like it's going to be awesome! Check it out: HERE The usually Indie-centric festival has the likes of Paul McCartney, The Killers and Amy Winehouse this year! Plus the Culturista's are huge fans of MSTRKRFT, Girl Talk and Thievery Corporation! CANT WAIT!


Single day tickets are $100 and the three day pass is $269. PLUS they are being very recession friendly with their layaway payment plan.

Purchase tickets and get more information here.

Lily's questionable fashion

Not really sure what to think of this outfit on Lily Allen. If she was going to a runway show or some kind of party I would say: way to take a risk and look fashion forward. But now that I know she was on her way to a business meeting....not so much.

BUT since she has been seen in QUITE some interesting get-ups these days (SEE BELOW)- I guess we are seeing an upward trend! And hopefully a new album soon! For those of you that aren't familiar with the musical talents of Miss Allen- check out her MySpace page here













Lily's fashion blunders: