Mickey Champion, June 15, 9pm
“She’s the last of a dying breed”, commented late blues great, Charles Brown. She’s played with Billie Holliday, Ray Charles and Count Basie, to name a few. Yes, one of Los Angeles’ true great treasures and a throwback to the Big Mama Thornton school of blues shouters, Miss Mickey Champion has been emanating the blues from her soul for over forty years. Her fans include artists such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers, X and Fishbone. This Crenshaw-based legend is known for establishing a connection with her audiences, second to none. In light of her powerhouse voice, she often goes without a microphone. Treat yourself to something pure, unfettered and special. Your soul will thank you for it. Harvelle’s, 1432 4th St., 310.395.1676, www.harvelles.com, $5
Conversations with John Thomas and Philomene Long,
June 9 and June 23, 9:30pm
We don’t usually recommend television in our What’s Hot section – in fact we never do. However, it’s not often you get to say poetry and television in one sentence and for that reason alone, we’re picking “Conversations” as something to watch. Oh, but there are more reasons. Philomene Long, the Beat Queen of Venice as we like to call her though she’s better known as the Queen of Bohemia, is currently the Poet Laureate of Venice. Her late husband John Thomas was, shall we say, a local legend and his poetry known the world over. Together they wrote some amazing stuff, and they shared an amazing love that lasted until Thomas’ death. It’s not just that they were “there” – they were it!
Artinquiry, The Venice Beat Scene: Conversations with John Thomas and Philomene Long on Adelphia Cable. Part 1 airs Friday, June 9 at 9:30pm. Part 2 airs Friday, June 23 at 9:30pm.
