Currents Fall 2012

CURRENTSFALL 2012

BEAUTY IN MOTIONStep inside the world of Dance in Flight

Rediscover SeaverDiscov

er LA

MUSICAL MAESTROS KATT & FRANCES

final currents.indb 1 12/5/12 4:36 PM

REELSTORIES FilmFest is an opportunity for filmmakers to instill change by creating films that captivate and chal-lenge the audience to think beyond the accepted norms in society. RSFF will showcase the student works which best resonate with this vision, as well as critically acclaimed feature length films.

REELSTORIES FilmFest seeks to unite the Pepperdine com-munity and the Malibu community through a night of celen-rating and appreciating the art of film. Our purpose is sim-ple: to utilize the power of film to reflect the reality that we envision for our world.

REELSTORIES FilmFestival arrives on campus Jan. 25

WHAT IS RSFF?


TABLE OF CONTENTS

3CURRENTSFALL 2012

CURRENTS

URBAN BEAUTYCheck out this issue’s photo spread starting

on p 26.

9 Sauntering TerritoriesA look inside this year’s musical produc-tion.

12 A Company All Their OwnStudent dancers find a creative outlet through Pepperdine’s Dance in Flight.

16 Behind the music: Meet a few of Seaver’s rising starsThe two musicians reveal that being a part of the music world requires more than just talent.

19Rediscover your tastes from abroadTaste buds feeling nostalgic? Explore these LA hotspots to reminisce traveling abroad.

22 Tribalism in the CityFootball isn’t the only sport stateside that incites crazy fandoms. Sports tribalism within Lakers and Clippers fans is ex-plored.

26 Urban ElegancePhotographer Brandon Scheirman proves LA still has an elegant side.

31 Grab. Sip. Enjoy. Escape campus and reenergize at these coffeehouses.

35 Thy Brew Runneth OverCraft bars and breweries are on the rise. Discover the best brews LA has to offer.

38 Feel the burn, conquer the monotonyNeed a change of scenery? Test out these running routes and discover a new side of LA.

THE LA SPORTS COMPLEX

What do the Lakers and Clip-pers have in common besides being NBA teams? P 22 will

explain all.

RELAX AND SMELL THE COFFEE

Need a break? Flip to p 31 for some LA coffee spots that’ll break the

monotony.


CURRENTSEditor in Chief

Assistant Editor

Graduate Assistant

Advisers

Photographers

Contributors

Copy ChiefPhoto Editor

NIKKI TORRIENTE

SAVANNAH GARRETTGENEVIEVE SMITHRUTH BOOK

DANIELLE ACCOVELLIDANIELLE DIMEGLIOKAYLA FERGUSONSAVANNAH GARRETTSHELBY GOTELLISIENNA JACKSONBRITT KIDDNIKKI TORRIENTE

MONIQUE BATACSAVANNAH GARRETTKATT NEWLONMARISA PADILLABRANDON SCHEIRMANGENEVIEVE SMITH

HEATHER MANES

ELIZABETH SMITHCOURTENAY STALLINGS

Designers SAVANNAH GARRETTALEXANDER HAYESRACHEL TEETERNIKKI TORRIENTE

4 CURRENTS FALL 2012

Special thanks to TASCHA ANDERSONTYLER BURKBRANDON CAPIRORYAN CAPIROCONSTANCE EGLIJOHN GIBSONJEAN HARTLEYFRANCES HOALAN HOLLEYANDREW KASSELMANNHALEY LANINGHAM LAUREN LONGKATT NEWLONCAROLYN OLERASHLEY RHAMEELYSE SARTORDIMITRI SMITHKELSEY SUTTONBILL SZOBODY & DIF


he newsroom has been a con-stant part of my life since I began my time at Pepperdine. For a semester, I watched type-A personalities collaborate — and

argue — day in and day out over the Graphic newspaper and Currents magazine thinking, “These people spend entirely too much time here.” Little did I know that soon I’d sell my soul to the newsroom, but without regret.

I wrote my first article for the newspaper during my second semester of my freshman year — it was a music review on The Black Keys — and the rest is history. I haven’t left the newsroom since. And why would I? My type-A personality emerged from its hid-den location and set me up for a wild and fantastic ride through the world of college journalism.

As my abrasive personality grew, so did the amount of time I spent in the newsroom. My commitment to Student Publications gradually became a full-blown addiction, un-consciously of course, and in a flash it was my turn to fill some big shoes of editors past.

As cliche as it may sound, I’ve always had a great love for magazines. Vogue, Rolling Stone and Vanity Fair allowed me to live vicariously through their glossy pages and fueled my pop-culture adoration. Second to having a book, holding a real magazine is one of the greatest experiences in life. I can flip the page and hear the sound of crinkling paper, smell the Chanel perfume ads, dog-ear or rip out a photo and hang it up on the wall. The tangible quality of owning a magazine was, and is, so much better than the online editions. Don’t get me wrong, the online websites for magazines are amazing and offer a more multi-dimensional experience, but, for me, it’s impersonal. And so, I knew that someday I would work on a magazine.

There’s no use in lying. The road for Currents has been a rocky one this semester. But I think it has come together beautifully. I envisioned a culture and lifestyle magazine that would take both parts of the world in which Pepperdine students live and give them a major facelift. I believe the staff and I have done a great job of making the content and look of the magazine fresh, and I hope people enjoy what we’ve done.

With that said, I couldn’t have tamed this wild beast without the help of my left-hand woman, Savannah Garrett. My beautiful assistant editor has been my saving grace. Just when I thought the magazine was at rock bottom, she slapped me across the face — hypothetically, of course — and pulled Currents out of the slumps. Her humor and wit are exactly what the magazine needed, and I’m so very happy to have had the chance

to collaborate with her. But most of all — excuse the sap — I’m happy to call Savannah a great friend.

Genevieve Smith, the photo editor for this issue, has been a great help. Although gathering photos was a difficult process at the beginning, she gave me some great shots. It was fun collaborating with her on shoots and being able to be open with each other on what we liked and disliked — it made the creative process exponentially better.

A million thanks to PGM’s copy chief Ruth Book. I think I owe her my first born for all the copy she edited for Currents. An amazing friend, she let me shovel tons of content on her to pick out those Oxford commas and make sure we had solid gram-mar. Without her, we’d have been a hot mess. Her copyediting has made sure that Currents is a quality product.

Also, I need to give a big thanks to my mom for letting me be creative and do my own thing and thanks to my little brother, Jordan, for re-inspiring me to be loud and be silly. It’s made this entire process more excit-ing knowing I have their support.

I’d especially like to thank Elizabeth Smith and Courtenay Stallings, the magnifi-cent advisers of Student Publications. I could

write a million words about how amazing they are, but I won’t. I would not have made it through this semester without those two. They are the reason I come back to the news-room year after year. As much as they are my professors and advisers, I am honored to be able to call them my friends. I’ve learned to be a classy type-A lady from them and hope that this semester of Currents makes them proud.

I hope everyone enjoys all the hard work that went into Currents this semester. Redis-cover Pepperdine and discover the magic of LA. Go forth and explore!

Nikki TorrienteEditor in Chief

TCURRENTS

Letter from the Editor

FALL 2012 5CURRENTS


“app”solutelyawesome.

aRRIVes apRIl 11GET GMOBILE NOW


ince the beginning of my existence, I’ve always loved magazines — the glossy pages simply entice and inspire

me. As a little girl, I would spend hours upon hours cutting up my mother’s magazines and making giant collages on my bedroom walls. I was amazed how a group of people could come together to make a piece of art. After many internships and working on Currents this semester, I’ve realized the real beauty of magazines: the people. Cliche or not, I love being surrounded by writers and artists who share a cohesive goal. Granted, we’ve had some issues with cohesion and unanimously sharing goals — but it looks good and came together to be exactly what Nikki and I envisioned.

From the get-go we didn’t want a “theme” — we wanted fluidity. And that’s what we’ve accomplished. From start to finish, we are en-couraging you to rediscover Seaver and discover our ginormous backyard: LA. For our models, we wanted to use the people you see all over campus, performing, working with their fra-ternities or sororities or running philanthropic organizations. I want to extend my greatest appreciation to all of our photographers. They all took our abstract visions and manifested

them into concrete glory — thanks. Likewise, our writers did an amazing job of bringing their assignments to life. I want to also take this opportunity to thank Courtenay Stallings and Elizabeth Smith for taking a chance on me and allowing me to be a part of the Graphic Media family this semester.

But most importantly, if you don’t know Nikki Torriente, then get to know this beezy. She chose me among many applicants, and for that I am very grateful. I can’t believe we began our time at Pepperdine at the same time and had never met before now. She has become one of my best friends, and I am so honored to have had the opportunity to work with her and be her left-hand woman.

So please, take the time to enjoy Currents. It is our baby, and I couldn’t be more proud of this publication.

Lots of Laughs, Love and Kittens,Savannah Jean Garrett

he pace of Currents magazine is defi-nitely something to be admired. It’s slow, steady, gradually building, then … BLAM! The pages explode with

the fervor of the many contributors excited to share with an onslaught of anticipating read-ers. For months, Currents’ pages are prepped and pressed, then set hot and fresh on news-stands after cooking in the editorial oven. We do hope you appreciate what we’ve prepared for you, savoring each spice.

It has been a treat further exploring the

craft of photography and the decisiveness of editing. What can be produced from collab-orating with others is truly amazing. Buen provecho enjoy unwinding from your semes-ter by exploring Currents magazine and this exotic City of Angels.

To the power of one (insert noun here) joined by many,

Genevieve Smith

Note from the Assistant Editor

Note from the Photo Editor

7CURRENTSFALL 2012

S

T

Interested in exploring more of LA? The best places are those less traveled, especially when it comes to experiencing the great art of the city. Sure museums showcase amazing work, but the street art of today has become a formidable force in the art world.

Scan the code to begin a Venice art journey!

Photograph by GENEVIEVE SMITH


Complete Part 1 and Part 2 of the application process detailed on reelstoriesfilmfestival.com.

The official selections to REELSTORIES FilmFest will be voted, deliberated, and decided upon by the Board of DIrectors of RSFF. Official selections will be reviewed and selected based on the judging rubric.

All official selections will then be submitted to the panel of celebrity judges for this year’s festival and the films will again be reviewed based on the same judging rubric. The celebrity judges will individually vote on the award winning selections.

The official selections will be showcased Jan. 25.

SUBMISSIONS DUE JAN. 16 AT 5 P.M.

INTERESTED IN SUBMITTING?


Sauntering Territories

or the average Seaver student, the first day, week and month of school are academically lackadaisical and filled with a series of college-level firsts. However,

within the first week of school, students in the Fine Arts Division audition for the fall production, the opera, the improv troupe and the musical.

Performing arts students focused on scoring a role in this year’s musical, Rodg-ers and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!”

Since the production’s opening in 1943, “Oklahoma!” witnessed great fame and ad-oration throughout the American musical theater world.

“If we’re all honest, ‘Oklahoma!’ is everyone’s favorite musical,” says senior Lauren Long.

And it came as no surprise that when “Oklahoma!” was announced as the fall musical by Pepperdine faculty, the poten-

tial cast members and directors were filled with anticipation and excitement.

“I really love getting to do things that are new, things I do not get to do often. In this position, it is fun because we get to take all the performing arts and mash them into one thing that is musical theatre,” says Dr. Ryan Board, director of choral activities and the vocal music direc-tor of “Oklahoma!”

Having worked as an opera vocal director several times, Board explained a musical is a compilation of staging, orchestration, vocal excellence and scenery that, when combined, create a single expe-rience that is much greater than any of its individual entities. While those individual entities are only part of the experience, the auditioning process measures each poten-tial cast member’s abilities over the course of three days beginning with singing, followed by dancing, then a cut, and finally dramatic readings.

Pepperdine’s Fine Arts Department puts a ’Bu spin on a Rodgers and Hammerstein classic.

Written by SAVANNAH GARRETTPhotographs by SAVANNAH GARRETT & KATT NEWLON

F

9CURRENTSFALL 2012

MILD LOUNGING From left: Lauren Long, Carolyn Oler, Dimitri Smith, Tyler Burk

and Kelsey Sutton


“When someone comes out and really does great, we respond to that and acknowl-edge their performance and meet them at the level in which they brought it,” Board says. “But inevitably there is always someone who is perfect and has an amazing audition, but so have many others.”

With such an intimate yet diverse array of talent, Pepperdine Performing Arts finds itself at an advantage and a disadvantage be-cause the directors already have close working and personal relationship with all of their students — freshmen excluded. However, Dr. Bradley Griffin, Board and Jane Lanier would make a grand effort to view each student with an objective lens.

hen approaching the audition, actors and actresses address it in a way that is

calculated and natural. “I look at what roles are in the show and

then compare which ones I would see myself playing — the people I relate to,” says senior Carolyn Oler, who played the obnoxiously loveable Gertie Cummings in the musical. “Then, I try to find songs that are similar to those characters. So, if it’s a really bubbly character, I wouldn’t sing one of her songs, but one from the same genre and period.”

The ability to relate to a character is the driving force behind auditions, and Lauren Long, who was cast as the lead role of Laurey Williams, dove right into getting in touch with her character.

“[Laurey] is very young and innocent, but at the same time feisty, and has a big atti-tude,” Long says. “So, I tried to find music that would represent her classic voice while at the same time showing her attitude.”

Although auditions are individual acts and

students are competing against each other, the closeness of the department fosters sup-port throughout the entire process. The sing-ing portion of the audition is a great example of that because it is done in groups of five, so nobody is isolated during the section.

“By watching other people, you can see what they’re doing and decide if you do or don’t like it,” says senior Dimitri Smith, who played the dark and emotionally distraught Jud Fry. “And then excitement changes, because you’ve seen many variations, and you can do it your way and decide if you want to bring them something entirely new, or if you want to combine what you have already seen

with your original ideas.” Being able to see and hear your competi-

tion is the only way to stay a step ahead. “I am your solution to your problem,” says

sophomore Kelsey Sutton, who played the rambunctious Ado Annie, in regard to how she approaches auditions.

“I tell myself that I am going to do the best I can do,” Oler says. “So, who cares what everybody else thinks of my performance? As long as I go in thinking, ‘Hey, I’m just going

to go in and do what I do best’ — just go out there and have fun. As long as I was proud of my performance, I didn’t and don’t care what anyone else thinks.”

After casting is complete, the work is far from over for the actors and actresses. Since “Oklahoma!” is a staple show for professional, community and academic theatrical groups, the bar gets set that much higher to make sure that the production is memorable.”

“Everyone knows it — it’s a classic,” Smith says. “So there are things that are im-movable, but it is so well-written there aren’t many crazy ways to reinvent it. The strong American music ideals of virtue triumphing

over evil and true love are reflected through-out it.”

According to Smith, the beauty of “Oklahoma!” is reflected and maintained by the American themes of musical theater that Rodgers and Hammerstein put into the show. Thus, those who perform it run the risk of falling among the many productions that exist but are unmemorable.

“[The production] has a new vibe that’s not in many productions of ‘Oklahoma,’”

“We’re not just saying lines and singing silly songs, we are putting real, hardworking people in motivated situations.”

LAUREN LONG senior


WAITING FOR CLOSEUPS

From left: Kelsey Sutton, Carolyn Oler,

Lauren Long and Dimitri Smith

W

SAUNTERING TERRITORIES


Long says. And the credit for that vibe is due to the directing techniques of Griffin.

The vibe stems from Griffin’s devotion to the individual characters that make up Rod-gers and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!” Smith explained that Griffin presented the cast with creative opportunities to discover and actu-alize their characters through open dialogues about their characters’ specific motivations and histories.

“We’re not just saying lines and singing silly songs. We are putting real, hardworking people in motivated situations,” Long says.

Griffin provided the perfect world in which to place the actors and actresses and then let them do what they do best — per-form. Within the rehearsal process, actors

and actresses split their minds between two worlds: reality and the stage. Students found theatrical inspiration from witnessing fellow cast members navigate through these two worlds.

“It’s fun to get to see people I know every day, like Dimitri, become a completely different person, and pull a character out of nowhere,” Oler says. “Getting to know my friends better by watching them act is the most rewarding part of rehearsals.”

The development of each character and growth of each actor and actress is aimed to-ward one unified goal — the stage show. For an extended period of time, the cast members are voluntarily living a schizophrenic lifestyle to accomplish theatrical excellence.

The final hurdle, however, is making the leap to performing in front of an audience. And as nerve-wracking as that may be, the joy of getting to those moments of sharing every ounce of hard work that went into the production with an audience is worth the stress and exhaustion.

“You’re happy with yourself, you’re happy with how you look and you’re happy with how you feel — it’s just pure happiness,” Oler says. “And for me, to have the joy of being onstage in this production and sharing that is meeting a goal.”

11CURRENTSFALL 2012

FRONT AND CENTERTop: Lauren Long and

Carolyn Oler Bottom: Kelsey Sutton and

Tyler Burk

“Getting to know my friends better by watching them act is the most rewarding part of rehearsals.”

CAROLYN OLERsenior

g [email protected]


A Company All Their Own

An exploration of the dancers behind DIF.

Written by DANIELLE ACCOVELLI& NIKKI TORRIENTE

Photographs by GENEVIEVE SMITH



nfluential American dancer and choreographer Martha Graham once said, “Dance is the hidden language of the soul.” For the dancers of Pepperdine’s Dance

in Flight, their souls find a place where they can speak. And come Jan. 31, the dancers of DIF will share their language with the Pep-perdine community.

“Dancing, for me, is my soul speaking,” says senior Taylor Kalupa. “It allows me to express my emotions and work with others who love to dance just as much as I do.”

DIF offers a creative outlet and means of self-expression for dedicated, passionate dancers who want to continue dancing for the sake of performing the art of dance. It is more than a campus club; it is a professional dance company committed to showcasing amazing performances and, most importantly, building relationships between all involved.

For the dancers, DIF holds a special place in their hearts in light of Pepperdine not offering a dance major or minor.

“It’s good for a student’s well-being and spirit to have a creative outlet in which self expression can flow,” says founder and chore-ographer Bill Szobody.

“Involvement in an activity such as Dance in Flight enhances the overall college expe-rience and provides opportunity for student dancers to grow socially, academically and personally,” Szobody says. “Students feel plugged-in to their experiences with others who have a similar passion and interest.”

The breadth of backgrounds and majors that make up the company provide a unique opportunity for the dancers to form rela-tionships across various academic and social groups. It is this unique blend of people that provides an invaluable source of creativity for DIF.

DIF’s inclusivity allows students to interact with both a diverse group of people and a variety of dance styles. The 20 years since DIF’s creation have revealed that the program isn’t made up only of a classically trained cast. It has become an avenue that allows dancers of all types to collaborate with other dancers to achieve a common goal — to let their passion speak through their move-ments.

“When I came to Pepperdine and started dancing with Alex Nicandros [now assistant director for DIF], my view of hip-hop com-pletely changed for the better,” Kalupa says. “[Alex’s] passion for the arts and genuine love

for the other dancers made me begin not only to enjoy hip-hop, but get better and better at it.”

DIF showcases a variety of dance styles and invites every dancer, despite their con-centrations, to audition for all dance numbers. Allowing dancers the chance to explore their creativity in different genres asserts the idea that dance reveals passion, because those in-volved in DIF are able to tap into a multitude of genres and express themselves in different ways. By expanding dancers’ horizons, DIF heightens its company members’ technique and respect for other genres of dance.

“Dance in Flight features all dance styles, so by taking master classes in different styles,

it has helped me become a more well-round-ed dancer,” says senior and costume chair Carolyn Oler.

Members of the company are able to grow as students, dancers and human beings because DIF focuses on fostering creative ex-pression. Self-expression is a crucial aspect of dance, and DIF offers them a stage on which to project themselves.

“Especially for me, [dance] is an outlet to express myself,” says junior Hayley Kiss. “It is a way for all of us to express our feelings and passion with the audience.”

For the dancers of DIF, expression is best relayed through movement. DIF prides itself on putting on a show that tells a story with

I

Dance in Flight is more than a place where dancers can stay connected to their passion — the program has evolved into a fam-ily and their love of dance has been reinvigorated.


5, 6, 7, 8Kelsey Alexander prepares

for her next shot during the DIF promotional

video shoot.

A COMPANY ALL THEIR OWN


which both the dancers and the audience can form a connection. Through their live perfor-mances, the dancers of DIF hope to establish an emotional connection with the audience. DIF doesn’t look to be simply a spectator performance; it looks to get the audience invested in the dancing and the storytelling.

“I love telling a story through movement. I love being able to use my entire body to express emotion,” Oler says. “As a performer, any opportunity to connect with an audience is pure joy.”

Not only is DIF a means of emotion-al expression but also a creative outlet for the dancers. “I love that [dance is] such a creative outlet, and you are able to tell a story in a different way, in a way that words can’t describe,” says senior and student director Kelsey Alexander.

DIF’s innovative multi-dance-media formula is partially to credit for the pro-gram’s yearly success. Szobody and company look outside of the traditional form of a dance production to create something much more than a show people go to watch. DIF creates an experience that those who have

seen previous performances or those who are planning to attend in February can describe as awe-inspiring.

In order to achieve the highest quality production, the professional and student

choreographers, along with the dancers, ded-icate hundreds of hours to rehearsal during the school year to create the highest quality experience. Despite the grueling nature of the work that goes into the program, the chance to keep dance an active part of their lives is well worth it for the students involved.

“Dance is more than an extracurricular ac-tivity that I enjoy,” Kalupa says. “It is a part of my life that I can’t see myself living without.”

And for most of these students involved in DIF, the inextricable bond that they’ve formed with dance has found its way to the deepest parts of their souls. The ability to share that most sacred language with those

who share similar passions for dance and to emote their passion to the audience offers the most sincere expression. It’s this sincer-ity found in their dance that has made DIF a beloved and respected program since its beginning 20 years ago.

“Dance is more than an extra-curricular activity that I enjoy. It is a part of my life that I can’t see myself liv-ing without.”

TAYLOR KALUPAsenior

15CURRENTSFALL 2012

DANCING QUEENSPaige Davis and Taylor

Kalupa look fierce for Alex Palmer, DIF

videographer.

g [email protected] [email protected]


BEHIND THE MUSIC:

Written by NIKKI TORRIENTE

Meet a few of Seaver’s rising stars



The first time I heard senior Katt Newlon play, I was covering an assignment for the Graphic for a reporter who couldn’t attend Battle of the Bands.

I had no idea who would be performing, but I braved the chill of the evening anyway. A few bands passed and then a band called “Hero’s Garden” took to the makeshift stage, and there Newlon was with her instrument in hand. I watched as the three-member band set up their equipment, and I couldn’t help but notice that Newlon was tuning a strange looking instrument. It was large like a cello but seemed to be missing the meat of the instrument. I was equal parts puzzled and intrigued at what she was doing. And then learned that she would be playing an electric cello. An electric cello? How freaking cool.

“Hero’s Garden” began their set, and I was blown away by Newlon’s talent. If I’m being honest, she was the best part of the band. Her cello playing commands atten-tion because when she has the instrument in her hands, a quiet confidence emanates

from her. It’s not so bad that the instrument sounds absolutely beautiful as well.

From that moment on, I became a Katt Newlon fangirl. Secretly of course, and not stalkerish in the least, I knew that when an opportunity arose to decide what I would write for Currents, I had to interview New-lon. Thankfully, Newlon was all for the idea, and I got to meet her in person — officially.

It’s no surprise that Newlon came upon the cello as a way to stand out and be differ-ent. Early in her middle-school life when the decision of what instrument she would play popped up, she decided on the cello because nobody had chosen it yet. And luckily for the cello, she continued pursuing music. The amazing thing about her talent is that she hasn’t been playing since childhood.

“I didn’t start taking [cello] seriously [until the last few years],” says Newlon. “I started taking private lessons freshman year of high school, and then I started practicing last year, ’cause I got a new teacher and he kicks my ass.”

Her college music experiences have revived her passion for music and opened up opportunities for her to have a future in the music business.

“I’m hoping to go to grad school because last year a lot of stuff happened musically for me, and it kind of turned me on to music,” Newlon says. “It was also right after I’d been to Heidelberg for the music program and [that experience] was like ‘ahhh! Oh my God, this is so cool!’”

The summer Heidelberg music program revealed to Newlon that a future in music is possible and that it could be a perfect outlet for her to explore the world and share her passion. On her return to Pepperdine’s Mal-ibu campus, Newlon participated in Battle of the Bands, which also helped solidify her desire to pursue music.

“Now it’s something I’m hoping to pursue for real life,” Newlon says.

For Newlon, her music is so much more than a way for her to share her natural talent. She’s able to reach across boundaries — both self-imposed and social — and connect with people.

“It [practicing cello so frequently] makes me approach things differently in life,” New-lon says. “Music is very emotionally driven and forces you to put everything out on the table, and it makes you be vulnerable. I’ve al-ways had an issue being vulnerable with peo-ple, so it’s kind of helped me overcome that for myself a little bit. You get a lot of time to self-reflect when you’re in the practice room. And it carries over to real life.”

However, Newlon’s musical journey hasn’t always been roses and unicorns. It hit a few road bumps, which made her drastically rethink her future.

“For me, personally, coming back this year, I was really turned off to the idea of music for a few weeks,” Newlon says. “And then I had a little pep talk with my cello teacher and, basically, what music does is it gives you an outlet to really reach people in a way that nothing else can. Music has this ability to tap into those emotions that people can’t explain, and that’s what I really dig about music. That’s what my conversation with my teacher really made me realize was that I love getting to know people. Music can help you know those people in a way that nothing else can.”

17CURRENTSFALL 2012

KATT

CELLO LOVEKatt Newlon, senior and music and creative writ-ing major, discovered the cello on a whim to have something “differ-ent” and never looked back. Years later, the cello still has her heart.


After making sure Katt Newlon was on my list of musicians to interview, I needed to find one more person to make my article come to fruition. I’d asked around and people offered a few names here and there, but nobody really jumped out at me. One day, I was talking to a Currents contributor who mentioned she knew an amazing pianist and continued to gush about how talented and amazing this person was. I proceeded to get this person’s contact informa-tion and soon was on the search for Frances Ho.

The first time I mentioned I was writing an article on junior Frances Ho, people’s eyes lit up and smiles bloomed across their faces. I don’t know how many people I came across who said Frances was an uber-talented musician and a marvelous human being. Finally, I got to put a face to the legend and sit down with Frances to talk about her music and dig a little deeper into her life as a pianist.

Don’t be fooled into thinking she is mu-sic-focused at all times. As an IMC major, she’s had to learn to balance her music life with her career track. But music hasn’t been completely absent from her undergraduate life. Ho made a promise to herself to keep piano an avid part of her life so she took on a music minor with a piano emphasis to ensure that it would.

“I’ve been playing since I was six, maybe,” Ho says. Music, specifically piano, has been such a large part of her life that she’s been through it all.

“In middle school, I hated it,” Ho says. “I hated practicing. My mom was like ‘No! You have to.’”

Thanks to her mother, Frances persevered and pushed forward with her music. She started taking lessons in seventh grade at the Blair School of Music, which is Vanderbilt Uni-versity’s pre-college music department program. While at the Blair School, Frances started taking accompaniment classes as well as private lessons. The program helped foster Ho’s passion for music.

“I really discovered once you get past a level you can appreciate [music] more,” Ho says. “You’re starting to realize this is what I’m good at, this is what I’m not good at. That’s when I realized it’s one of my passions.”

High school also helped Ho’s passion to grow. She began accompanying for her high school’s musicals and was able to be a part of various productions like “Seussical,” “Grease,” “Cinderella” and “Bye Bye Birdie.” It was during these productions that she discovered she really loved music and loved the accompaniment side of it just as much.

“Piano in itself is a beautiful instrument,” Ho says. “You can put so much emotion into it, and when you combine it with other instru-ments, I just love the fact that I’m a part of

something bigger. I love being a part of an en-semble. And when you have all these different sounds somehow clashing, but they come out so harmonious, I think that’s so magical and beautiful and I love doing that. And it’s cool, it’s collaboration and you get to learn from other musicians.”

Ho’s genuine love for music and the collab-oration that occurs in ensemble productions grants her a unique insight as a musician. She better thrives in an environment in which she can share the experience with others who are equally as passionate about what they do. Ho’s musical ability also acts as a therapeutic force in her life.

“When I’m mad or sad or really happy [music] kind of balances me out,” Ho says. “It’s a good outlet.”

And although Ho is unsure of what the

future holds for her, she knows that it would be impossible to cut out piano entirely from her life.

“I would like to incorporate it [piano] into my future,” she says. “If I could use that in my future career, that would be great. I’ve been teaching piano since high school, so I have a couple students here I teach. Teaching’s not my favorite, but it’s something that I can do, so might as well do it. And it’s fun. I definitely plan on continuing to play. I think that’s some-thing that I need in my life. I’ve had it for so long — I can’t just forget about it.”

18CURRENTSFALL 2012

FRANCES

FIERCE FRANCESA junior IMC major and music minor, Frances Ho plans on keeping piano in her life even after college. “I think that’s something that I need in my life. I’ve had it for so long — I can’t just forget about it.”

g [email protected]

BEHIND THE MUSIC


your tastes from abroad

Taste buds nostalgic? Craving the culinary delights of study

abroad past? DANIELLE DIMEGLIO braves LA to offer

worthy restaurants bound to satisfy those hunger pangs.

Photographs by MONIQUE BATAC

19CURRENTSFALL 2012

REDISCOVER


ave you ever experienced a craving so intense that it consumed your thoughts and your taste buds? I have. For months I ventured through the cobblestone streets of

Florence, Italy, enjoying the magic of the city and the divinity of la cucina italiana, or Italian cooking. During my time abroad, I was spoiled with savory authentic pizza, fresh homemade pastas and rich gelato that seemed to cure the severest of ailments.

Now that I have returned stateside, those Florentine memories feel like a dream and so do the tastes of the culinary delights that I was able to experience in the “City of Lilies.” I am plagued with a craving and nostalgia that can only be cured by a pricey plane ticket back to Italy. Melodrama aside: I have a solution that will satiate those hunger pangs while sparing you the cost of a pricey plane ticket for all students who have studied abroad or for anyone who has ever wished to experience food from the various study abroad host countries.

I searched high and low for various restaurants throughout LA that come close to filling that deep international hole in your stomach. Take a step into our big Angelino backyard and embark on a culinary journey to rediscover the savory dishes that you remem-ber so well from Pepperdine’s International Programs.

FLORENCELooking for a cheap and delicious risto-

rante or trattoria that showcases authentic Italian eats? The 800 Degrees Pizzeria, located in Westwood Village, offers a variety of fresh pizzas made right before your eyes in a wood-burning oven. This small and popular pizza joint channels the traditional flavors of Italy while creating a modernized and lively atmosphere for guests. Diners enjoy an interactive experience by watching the chefs toss pizza dough in the air and add choice toppings from a display of fresh ingredients. The pizzas are then thrown into the blazing wood-fire oven and served piping hot and ready to eat. Although not direct from Flor-ence, 800 Degrees Pizzeria will satiate that amore for Florentine pizza.

Location: 10889 Lindbrook Drive, LA (424) 239-5010

HEIDELBERGFor a quick taste of Germany’s best, stop

by Wurstkuche in Venice Beach, which serves classic bratwurst and kielbasa. Their menu isn’t entirely authentic to Heidelberg’s stan-dards — they serve sausages that are made of alligator and rattlesnake — but Wurst-kuche is worth the stop. Top it off with some

onions, sauerkraut, peppers and a mustard of your choice, and suddenly you’re transported right back to the heart of Deutschland. And what’s a German restaurant without beer? You’ll be happy to hear they also have a wide variety of international brews on tap — for those 21 and older — served in a frosty mug, just like Oktoberfest. They also offer Belgian fries with a white truffle oil glaze and various dipping sauces to accompany your wurst.

Location: 625 Lincoln Blvd., Venice (213) 687-4444

LONDON A short drive down the coast brings you to

Ye Olde King’s Head, an English pub in San-ta Monica that is home to some of the best fish ‘n’ chips this side of the Atlantic. They’ve mastered the British art of fish ‘n’ chips by perfecting the technique of keeping the out-side lightly battered and crispy and the inside

moist and fluffy. The old brick building’s cozy and dark wooden interior makes you want to turn on the telly to watch your favorite foot-ball team with your mates and grab a frothy pint of ale. Classic favorites like bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie and even Irish beef stew will warm your spirits. Who needs the fog of London town when you have the sunshine of Santa Monica?

Location: 116 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica (310) 451-1402

SHANGHAI If you want amazing, out-of-this-world

Chinese dim sum, you must try Empress Pavilion. Different carts loaded with tasty hot and cold morsels arrive at your table in nonstop succession, allowing you to chow down as fast you can with as much as you can get. The food is filled with explosions of flavor, splashes of color and crispy textures,


HREDISCOVER YOUR TASTES FROM ABROAD

BRITS & CHIPSNothing like a burger from Ye Olde King’s Head to clear up the

London fog.


21CURRENTSFALL 2012

which show off the best of Chinese cuisine. Located in the heart of Downtown LA’s Chinatown, Empress Pavilion is a world-class establishment, offering a diverse spread of steaming pot stickers, fried pork and shrimp dumplings, soft doughy bao filled with steaming meats or veggies and a host of other tantalizing treats. The usual staples of rice, noodles and other traditional Chinese fare are also available on the menu. If you can keep up with the pace, Empress Pavilion is the Shanghai substitute for you!

Location: 988 N. Hill Street, #201, LA (213) 617-9898

LAUSANNE If you get the craving for authentic Swiss

chocolate delights, Teuscher Chocolates of Switzerland is just the place. Teuscher is a fabulously authentic Swiss chocolate shop lo-cated in the middle of Beverly Hills. Known for their creamy lattes, fresh truffles and their wide variety of the most delicious chocolates ever, the Teuscher name has also become known for its friendly and fast service. The chocolates are made fresh each week in the Teuscher family kitchens in Zurich, and then they are flown out to their chocolate shops around the world. So, if you’re craving a sweet treat, try out this delectable chocolate shop.

Location: 9548 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills (310) 276-2776

BUENOS AIRESLala’s Argentine Grill brings a little bit

of Buenos Aires to Studio City, serving high-quality selections of grilled steaks, warm empanadas filled with meats or veggies, arroz con pollo and a wide array of other favorites straight from the Pampas. Lala’s is a fusion restaurant that brings together the best and most delicious Argentine dishes with Califor-nia cuisine. Even the grill’s setting is inspired by the great country of Argentina and will be sure to add to the charming atmosphere of the eatery. If you’re looking to get in touch with your inner gaucho and rekindle those memories of good eats in Buenos Aires, this is tu lugar.

Location: 11935 Ventura Blvd., Studio City (818) 623-4477

MAMMA MIA!Pizza pies from 800

Degrees Pizzeria will satisfy those Italian

cravings.

VISIT THE EMPRESSCarts full of delicious

Chinese cuisine arrive at your table at Chinatown’s

Empress Pavilion. g [email protected]


Tribalismin the city


Although it doesn’t have a professional football team, the City of Angels makes up for it in basketball fanaticism. With two NBA teams competing in the same arena, fan tensions run high. Who’s the best team? Lakers and Clippers fans reveal how sports tribalism runs rampant throughout the city.

Written by SIENNA JACKSON




or decades, the “rivalry” between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Clippers was just that — the word rivalry enclosed in sardonic quota-tion marks.

But things have changed, as have these teams.

Only five games into the season, the Lakers fired their second-year coach Mike Brown, appeasing the bloodthirsty Lakers fans who have been calling for his head since the Lakers’ lackluster preseason — a stunning zero wins, eight losses.

The Clippers, on the other hand, are on their way up. Their game — and their bench — has never been stronger, and their fans have never been more energized.

Suddenly, the battle for LA — the nation’s second largest media market — is a real thing. Tribalism and aggression are intrinsic aspects of human nature. The urge to compete and triumph is an inescapable part of what it is to be human.

So, it’s no wonder that tensions among Clippers and Lakers fans have escalated, no wonder that the Lakers franchise yielded to the demands of the fans and fired Mike Brown, no wonder that Clippers fans have become even louder for their team.

From a psychological perspective, human beings have a need to identify with a group. Humans like feeling that they are a part of something. What’s more, they like the feeling that they’re a part of something successful.

“Most people go there [sports events] to identify with the group and to identify with the winner, and so the idea is that we’d rather win than lose, and by association, if the team wins, then we win,” says Dr. Tomas Marti-nez, professor of psychology at Pepperdine University.

“We attribute our strengths to that group’s strengths, and so the stronger the group is, the better the group is, the more we are better and stronger. I think to some extent that’s why we kind of gravitate to teams that are winners — so if we buy the jerseys, we buy the outfit, we dress like them, we must be them,” Martinez says.

The emotional investment that fans place in their teams is the psychological foundation of the fan upon which team loyalty is built. But what is at work within the mind of the fan when opposition comes into play? What elevates simple team loyalty and identifica-tion into competition and tribalism?

“If you look at the history of where these competitions came from, historically these groups met on the battlefield, with com-petition over land or territory or strength,” Martinez says.

“I think to some extent these two teams have heightened the distinctions and the loyalties. Clippers fans who were Clippers fans before are going to be diehard Clippers fans now, more so than ever. One is because

they’re better, because they’re winning, but two is they’re more easily identified as the strong team, so I think that’s part of the value of having competition between two teams that are in the same area. The Lakers are kind of like the old guard and the Clippers are the new guard; I think to some extent it’s almost like the past and the present compet-ing for the future of basketball loyalty in Los Angeles.”

Rivalry is inevitable in sports events, but there is a particular tension at any Clippers versus Lakers games that is impossible to deny.

“When you talk about the separation be-tween the Clippers and the Lakers and their fan base — it is a rivalry. It’s a rivalry for fans, and, candidly, it’s a rivalry that’s being pushed because of the economics associated with the sport,” says Professor John Watson, former director of athletics.

“The Clippers want to make more money. They’ve not done well financially as an orga-nization, and they would like to see success on the court turn into more fan support and ultimately turn into more revenue. It’s a professional program for a reason. It’s not just to build community relations; it’s to make money. So, they will encourage their fans to grow and to expand,” Watson says.

But increased fan loyalty isn’t just encour-aged by the franchises themselves, Watson notes. It’s also reinforced and guided by fellow fans.

“Fans have leaders. There are vocal people within that group who stimulate the rest of the fans and guide them in a certain direc-tion. It can be positive or it can be negative. And wherever they take it, the whole group migrates with them. It’s amazing to watch how people are influenced by those who take leadership in that informal gathering,” Watson says.

Any casual observer of American sports can pick up certain trends about what fans enjoy and what they demand as spectators. Today, the most popular sports are fast-er-paced and more violent than ever before. Baseball has been superseded by football in terms of audience and revenue, similar to how UFC and MMA have outstripped boxing in popularity.

“There are a lot of studies out there that show several things are occurring. Trying to get male supporters, primarily. You watch TV commentators, you watch promos and you see what athletes do. It’s becoming more and more violent, and that’s what the spectator wants,” Watson says.

Fortunately, as Martinez notes, the darker aspects of sports tribalism lie on the far end of the spectrum of fan behavior. For the most part, fans are in it for the inter-fan camara-derie and the adrenaline rush of competition, even if that competition is being experienced vicariously through the teams with which we choose to identify ourselves.

“I talk a lot about identity being part of the experience of the fan. We take it on as a part of our identity ... the kind of teams we choose vary so much. Some people choose a team because of a particular set of quali-ties they represent — I know a lot of people who are St. Louis Cardinals fans because for much of the history of the team they’ve been a ‘working class’ team,” says Dr. Loretta Hunnicutt, professor of history at Pepperdine University.

“There’s a similar dynamic when you look at the Brooklyn Dodgers, who were one of the most unsuccessful teams ever for much

FTRIBALISM IN THE CITY


of their history. They lost every time to the Yankees, one way or the other, but there were fans who were kind of attracted to that as still part of their identity. The Dodgers were often referred to as ‘dead bums’ because they’d lose every year, but still there was this love for the team. However, some people just like the win-ner aspects, that winner aspect when a team starts winning they gain quite the fan base.”

The Clippers have a similar tradition of working class, underdog appeal in comparison to the Lakers, who have long been the only basketball team worth pledging allegiance to in LA. That Dodger vs. Yankee dynamic is

very much at work in LA with its basketball teams.

But what is it about sports and being a fan that is so integral to the American experience — what drives people to buy the team jersey, go to every game, cheer on favorite players by name and rattle off a team’s accomplishments with personal pride?

“We want to be a part of something bigger than ourselves and share that with other people. That is what a sporting event is; often you share that with a crowd. What’s the difference between watching a game on TV and being there? A lot of it’s the crowd that

you’re sharing it with, that sense of human drama, the entertainment of it. Same reason we like movies and all the other things that we can experience outside of ourselves, that we can come to care about one way or another,” Hunnicutt says.

To be a fan of a team is to participate in a primal experience. Fans crowd into an arena with tens of thousands of other people and for the next two and a half hours whoop, cheer, stomp their feet and roar. It’s tribal, it’s primitive, it’s a heck of a lot of fun. Whatever the season may bring for the Clippers (and the Lakers), it’ll be a wild ride to the playoffs.

g [email protected] 2012

Courtesy of AP


Urban ElegancePhotographer BRANDON SCHEIRMAN sheds a new light on LA, where beauty can be found on every corner.


Elegance

LA FULL OF GRACEElyse Sartor, Constance Egli,

Haley Laningham and Jean Hartley take to the streets of Westwood Village and prove that a little grace goes a long

way in the city.


A LITTLE ROUGH AROUND THE

EDGESElyse Sartor goes

against a rough LA backdrop. Beauty

can be found in the most inconsequential locales in the City of

Angels.



ARC DE TRIOMPHEColor accents are best served in vibrant shades, and LA is no amateur when it comes to showcasing its color palatte. Mix that with Haley Laningham’s contrasting figure, and beauty is the only outcome.

29CURRENTSFALL 2012


FREESTYLIN’Constance Egli sets up for a

graceful one-handed freeze in a picturesque LA locale.



hile sipping a warm latte, soft acoustic music trickles in through the sound system to help deter the minds of

Pepperdine students from their chronically chaotic lives. The powerful aroma of java takes over. As relaxation sets in, the oversized chair becomes more comfortable, and it is impossible not to notice that everyone else in the room is also enjoying a few moments of serenity.

The hustle and bustle of life as a college student catapults Pepperdiners easily into Malibu isolationism. Students must calcu-late every second of every day, becoming so over-committed that they forget to sit back and smell the coffee. Although taking a break from the busyness can be difficult, it’s neces-sary every now and then to step away from it all and find a place that can bring peace of mind.

Venture to a new place, sip an aromatic cup of coffee, stir gently and presto: Life slows its rapid pace for a moment. Living in the melting pot of LA, students are exposed

to a flavorful blend of coffeehouses waiting to be stumbled upon by over-worked college students. While many turn to quick caffeine fixes from coffee monopolies, it’s easy to forget the best point of having a good ol’ cup of joe: community. So, take up the challenge and embrace LA’s coffee culture. Here are a few places to prime the palate.

URTH CAFFEWith locations in Santa Monica, Beverly

Hills, West Hollywood and Downtown LA, Urth Cafe offers artisan coffees and teas while maintaining organic values that are characteristic of all their food and drinks. Their intimate, candlelit setting and earthy tones provide the ultimate coffeehouse am-bience.

House Special: Spanish Latte Locations: 8565 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood267 South Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills2327 Main Street, Santa Monica451 S Hewitt St, LA

THE BOURGEOIS PIG Complete with a pool table, trendy coffee

bar and a jungle-themed room, The Bour-geois Pig is known for its hidden nooks and exceptional coffee. This place is perfect to shoot a game of pool or hang out with friends.

House Special: Pirate’s Chai Location: 5931 Franklin Ave, LA

CAFFE LUXXE Offering a sophisticated atmosphere

infused with European accents, Caffe Luxxe brings an assortment of artisan coffees, espressos and organic teas to the LA area. The Caffe celebrates friendship and commu-nity while sipping an expertly brewed cup of coffee. The Caffe has no Wi-Fi connection, which is a conscious decision to keep the social atmosphere alive.

House Special: Caffe Shakerato Locations: 925 Montana Avenue, Santa Monica225 26th Street, Santa Monica11975 San Vicente Boulevard, LA

Grab.Sip.Enjoy.

W

At times, it’s where you study that counts. Explore independently owned coffeehouses in LA.

31CURRENTSFALL 2012

Written by SHELBY GOTELLIPhotographs by SAVANNAH GARRETT


CAFECITO ORGANICOWith a location right in Malibu as well

as LA and Costa Mesa, Cafecito Organico produces artisan coffees made with strictly organic products. However, this coffee shop goes one step further than offering a comfy place to hang out with friends. They offer cof-fee tastings and workshops as well as monthly coffeehouses featuring local musicians. For more information, visit their website, cafeci-toorganico.com.

House Special: The Global Warming Location: 710 North Heliotrope Drive, LA534 N. Hoover St., LA

f life is too hectic to get out into the greater LA area, there are other ways to experience the local coffee culture right at home. Two coffee-loving connoisseurs have discovered a way to deliver LA

coffee beans directly to you. The LA Coffee Club began just over a year ago when friends Adam Scott Paul and Antone Hall recog-nized people’s need for fresh coffee beans after their office’s supply ran out one day.

“There were so many people in need of coffee,” Paul says. “I am a problem solver, so the wheels started turning, and we found a solution.”

The LA Coffee Club works with more than two dozen roasters and delivers fresh coffee beans to doorsteps every two weeks.

“We try to focus on the local community because it is about the experience of drinking coffee, basically, from your backyard,” Paul says.

And that concept is what makes the LA Coffee Club so unique. Close to opening their doors to the public, the club will be offering monthly coffee subscriptions and will ship anywhere in the U.S.

As the service prepares to extend its brand into various cafes throughout LA, Paul has noticed a coffee culture emerging throughout the LA area.

“Our city is so diverse and so huge that everyone has room to spread out and do their own unique thing without competing against each other,” Paul says. “Because of this, you have a culture based upon community with different roasters rather than competition, which makes it unlike anywhere else.”

If joining this wave of coffee artisans sounds interesting, visit the LA Coffee Club’s website at lacoffeeclub.com for more infor-mation or news on upcoming events.

hained to a desk at Payson Library? Or just need to regain some perspective?

Get out, smell the java and see what LA has to offer.

I

C

GRAB. SIP. ENOY.

g [email protected]




THY

RUNNETH OVERWritten by KAYLA FERGUSON

LA has more than 190,000 bars, clubs and lounges. From West LA to Downtown to North Hollywood, there are unlimited options for exploring and experiencing the nightlife of LA. So when given the choice, what’s the right pick? Not every location is for everyone. Some enjoy the hipster-dive atmosphere of Good Luck Bar on Hillhurst, others choose the swankiness of Hemingway’s on Hollywood, others the playful tree-house vibe at The Hudson on North Crescent Heights. However, if none of those choices are appealing, try some-thing new and dive into a budding subcul-

ture of nightlife: microbreweries and craft beer bars.

The emergence of microbrews, or craft beers, is very similar to the melting pot of American culture. According to the Brewers Association, while assimilating to American culture, immigrants aban-doned the traditions and styles of brews that they had brought with them, and thus the only American-made beer was light, unsatisfactory lager. As a result, import-ed beers became highly sought after and the prices for these beers was substantial. Ironically, the forgotten beer traditions of

the “old country” was what the American palate craved. During the late 1970s, a home-brewing culture emerged because it was the only way the average person could enjoy the beer traditions and styles found in other countries. By the 1980s, the quality and quantity of these home brews became progressively better and opportunities for cross-state distribution became possible. Although American home brewers and distributors were mimicking the recipes and styles of European brewing, the culture of craft beer and microbreweries is uniquely American.


THY BREW RUNNETH OVER

We dare students — who are over 21 — to break away from the typical LA nightlife and from cover charges and check out these five hot brew spots. With good prices, great atmosphere and a plethora of craft beers to

indulge in, LA has a great range of places to try.

Karl Strauss Brewing Company Westwood Brewing Company Weiland Brewery

Tony’s Darts Away Los Angeles Brewing Company

Karl Strauss Brewing Company is located on the Universal City walk in Hollywood. Although it’s a chain, Karl Strauss is not a bad place to check out while visiting the CityWalk. Visitors can enjoy their brews during happy hour Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. While the brewing actually takes place in San Diego, they keep their flagship IPA, Red Ale, Amber and Pale Ale on tap year round, and while the fall still lasts, saunter over and check out their Oktoberfest. This marzen (served very cold and typically a dark copper color) is unique for its herbal tinges, twists of toffee tasting malts and easy drinkability. Even if it is just for the food and a single beer, Karl Strauss won’t disappoint.

The Westwood Brewing Company is located just where its name suggests — Westwood. Not surprisingly, large por-tions of its patrons are UCLA students and it has a young, sports-bar vibe.

With several imported brews and local craft beers on tap, the search for the right beer won’t be difficult. Their house brews are nothing special, but they are cheap. The most popular home brew is the red ale. Red ales, or American ambers, typically have a solid balance of toasted malts and light notes of dark fruits. Westwood is not a bad place to check out, but it’s geared toward the college crowd.

Weiland Brewery is a great option if searching for a place to watch a football game Downtown. With a spectacular happy hour, enough beers on tap to sat-isfy an Irish rugby team and four house drafts, this brewery in Little Tokyo is sure to satisfy. The 199-year-old brew house offers their own Honey Blonde Lager, IPA, Amber Ale and Hefeweizen — as well as a full bar and selection of various craft brews. Their kitchen is open until 1:30 a.m. Be sure to check out their Honey Blonde: deep gold, completely brewed with malts, subtle fruitiness, low bitterness and a very light hint and aroma of honey.

Tony’s Darts Away is a hidden IPA bar in Burbank swarming with hip, young locals. Small but comfortable, it has a pool table and an extensive collection of books about beer and board games. Also, if accompanied by vegan friends, this is the place to go. Tony’s has vegan beer on tap and vegan-friendly meals on the menu. Not sure what an IPA is? Look no further. India Pale Ales range from pale gold to reddish ambers in color and are packed with either herb-al or citric hops, are bitter at the initial taste and are balanced with sweet malts for a clean and satisfying experience.

It wouldn’t seem right to do a review about microbreweries in LA without mentioning The Los Angeles Brew-ing Company. Located in the heart of Downtown, it is an ideal place to grab a drink before beginning any Downtown activities. Although the parking is horri-ble, The Los Angeles Brewing Company makes the hassle worth it. It has more than 100 beers on tap and is the perfect place to go with a group and get a few samplers.

Check out these five craft brew bars in various parts of LA that are guaranteed to enhance a great American pastime. If a clos-er locale makes for an easier out-ing, try Ladyface Alehouse and Brasserie, which is located on the corner of Kanan and Agoura in Agoura Hills. The next time an ad-venture is in order, think beyond Cafe Habana and Moonshadows, and find out what LA has to offer. Remember to drink responsibly and always have a designated

driver.



Don’t be intimidated by the brew jargon!

BARLEY

A grain that is malted and used in the mash of the brew. Barley is considered the supreme ingredient to most beers, unless it is a wheat beer.

HOPS

An herb added while the beer is fermenting that makes a bitter taste and smell. If a beer is described as hoppy, it has the scent of hops but not the bitter taste — typical of pale ales.

MALT

Foundation ingredient of beer that determines color — more malt will typically provide a darker beer. Malts also have an earthy aftertaste, dark color and a sweet initial taste.

WHEAT

Creates a light and crisp taste. Ales are predominantly composed of wheat.

ALE

Light fruitiness, or esters, is common in ale’s taste and aroma. By “light” we mean fruits that are light in color such as pears and bananas, but not limited to a simple floral aftertaste, (e.g. roses).

LAGER

Because a lager is fermented in cooler temperatures, there is natural lack of esters, providing a crisper taste, low bitterness and a thick consistency.

BELGIAN

While it can be brewed in a variety of ways — dark ale, dubbel, tripel, biere de garde — you will mostly likely stumble upon the witbier. The appearance is cloudy and light due to the unfiltered pair-ing of wheat and oats. There will also be hints of orange and various spices.

Originating in the south of Ger-many, a hef is a wheat beer that has a cloudy gold appearance and mild hops. The hefeweizen has a banana or apple taste to it, with typically a hint of cloves. It has become trendy to serve it with a lemon, but most snobs would insist adding lemon to the golden brew ruins the beer.

HEFEWEIZEN

IPA

The Indian Pale Ale (as in India) is the current beer of choice for all young hipster-Americans. The color ranges from clear gold to crimson amber. Hops galore, heavy floral taste and bitter as they come. IPA is not recommended for those suffering from acid reflux.

PILSENSER

Straw-colored and crystal clear, the original recipe dates back to 19th-century century Bohemia. A pilsenser features a very crisp and clean taste with hints of grass and mild malts.

PORTER

High in viscosity and smoky malts, when it’s cold outside a por-ter will surely warm you up. Porters, especially American porters, have a burnt flavor that is typically paired with either coffee or chocolate during the fermenting process.

THY BREW RUNNETH OVER

37CURRENTSFALL 2012


FEEL THE BURN,

Sweeping vistas and winding staircases await those who dare to ven-ture outside the Malibu confines. Break through the monotony of life and spice up the bland existence of your exercise regimen with some of LA’s best running spots.

Written by BRITT KIDDPhotographs by MARISA PADILLA

MONOTONYCONQUER THE


THE CLIMBReady for a change of

scenery?


t first glance, LA appears incredibly accessible. But as students get busy with Pepper-dine life, it’s easy to lose a sense of adventure and the chance to

explore a truly incredible and diverse city. For those who want to explore but have no idea where to start, LA is a daunting metropolitan world that can be overwhelming to navigate. The busy schedules and the constant to-do lists of students make it nearly impossible to make time to discover what LA has to offer — and make it difficult to make an effort to stay active, healthy and fit.

Discover five marvelous places to take a trip outdoors and get in some exercise. The routes’ unique locations will offer all running levels a chance to escape the humdrum gym environment and see the sights of the great city of LA.

Whitley Heights, Hollywood If you’re in the mood for something a

little glamorous with some real Old Holly-wood charm, take a jog through Hollywood’s historical district, Whitley Heights. Nestled in the charming hills behind the Hollywood Bowl, the Mediterranean-style estates in this neighborhood once housed stars such as Jean Harlow, Charlie Chaplin, Judy Garland and Rudolph Valentino.

The route is short, approximately two miles, but don’t think Whitely Heights is an

easy trail — there’s an uphill incline waiting for you. A portion of the incline is devoted to staircases, which is perfect for those who are looking for an intense workout. Begin your jog at Highland Avenue and remember to pace yourself because this route isn’t a completely flat trail. While giving the district a run-through, be sure to check out the Whitley Terrace Steps, which are open to the public. Tucked away in this elusive neigh-borhood, these whimsical stairs will give you a peek into the private backyards of some of the gorgeous mansions in the area and will also give you a great workout.

With a fabulous incline and various sets of stairs, this scenic trail will leave you feeling victorious once you reach the end. The trail’s star-studded charm will lure you in and keep you entertained as you stride through a little slice of Tinseltown heaven.

The Venice Boardwalk and Canals For runners with hipster swag, this Venice

Boardwalk route is perfect. Founded in 1900, the town of Venice has miles of enchanting canals near the boardwalk that runners can access all the time. Famous for its Bohemian spirit, with artists and musicians populating the shop-lined streets, this route is enter-taining and will keep you on your toes — the crowded streets are known for their unpre-dictability.

The 2.5-mile boardwalk run is located

between Marina del Rey and Santa Moni-ca, but if you prefer a calm scenic vibe, run alongside the Pacific. It’s best to arrive before 8 a.m. when the vendors are only starting to set up for the day’s activities; however, if you are hoping for some entertainment from Venice’s quirky characters and touristy crowds, run at any time during the day. If the boardwalk is too much to handle with all its congestion and distractions, check out the 14 bridges that go over the Venice Canals locat-ed between Washington Avenue and Venice Boulevard.

The Venice scene will give you a great workout and a good laugh. You will even sharpen up your reflexes by dodging crowds and wacky street vendors. You might even catch a glimpse of a celebrity or two.

The Santa Monica StairsLooking for an intense workout to tone

your legs and tighten your glutes? Are you bored of the monotonous and ugly gray Stairmaster at the gym? The Santa Monica stairs will give you all the toning you need, while the scenic view will take your mind off your sore and tired muscles.

Located on 4th Street and Adelaide Drive in Santa Monica, “The Stairs” have 189 steep steps along two sets of stairs. The wider, wooden steps have a more gradual incline and straight path while the concrete steps are more narrow and steep. People of all athletic

A


ROAD RUNTake a breath of fresh air and enjoy a scenic route

that’s bound to spice up gym boredom.

FEEL THE BURN, CONQUER THE MONTONY


levels climb the Santa Monica stairs daily, so don’t worry if it is your first time and you get passed by a few people.

This route is a great alternative for those who are fed up with the boring nature of the gym. The mixture of the salty air, palm trees and positive Californian vibe will provide a pleasant atmosphere to distract from the mo-notony and let you experience something new.

Griffith ParkIf you only had one day to see the high-

lights of LA in a single snapshot, the 360-de-gree panoramic view from the Griffith Park trail is the best choice. Currently the largest urban park in the United States, Griffith Park offers more than 50 miles of trails with incredible views of the city. From the Griffith Observatory West Trail Loop, you can see views of the Griffith Observatory, the Holly-wood sign and the LA Basin.

The two-mile hike begins at the picnic area on Fern Dell Drive and takes you directly up the hill to the Observatory. After running up the trail, reward yourself by soaking in the breathtaking views. Built in 1933, the Obser-vatory is perched on Mount Hollywood and is home to numerous scientific exhibits. Admis-sion to the grounds and the building is free.

With incredible sweeping views of LA and an uphill incline to get your blood pumping, the Griffith Park trails will give you a good workout while also giving you an insider’s view into LA.

Runyon Canyon Park If you want a great workout, are eager to

spot a celebrity and don’t want to leave your four-legged friend at home, Runyon Canyon Park is an ideal trail. Located in the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains in Hollywood, this urban park is noted for frequent celebrity sightings and a lenient dog policy. Celebrities such as Fergie, Khloe Kardashian Odom and Scarlett Johansson have been spotted jogging on the trails.

The western trail, which is accessible from Vista Street, can be anywhere from a 60- to 90-minute hike. The route is steep, but it is worth the extra work because it offers incredi-ble views of South and West LA.

Despite the intense uphill incline, the company of your four-legged friend, the amazing Hollywood views and the potential celebrity sightings make this trail worth every stride.

Instead of staying in Malibu this weekend, break free from the bonds of the Malibubble and explore LA. Let yourself discover the sights and reward your hard work with an amazing workout and a new adventure. Soak up the Southern California lifestyle, and ex-plore all the fun outdoor trails LA has to offer.

ONE STEP AT A TIME

Brave the steps of Whitley Terrace, and test your endurance.

41CURRENTSFALL 2012

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Currents Fall 2012