February 13, 2020

Aries 

MAR 21 - APR 19 

If you're in a relationship this Valentine's Day, then you are one of the luckier ones. A Scorpio Moon will move through your erotic 8th House of Intimacy, promising you a great deal of sexual fulfillment with your mate. The more taboo, the better! In other news, if you are conflicted about what you really want to say to your lover (or someone you have a crush on), then after Sunday, the confusion will truly set in. You might have convinced yourself that a fantasy was real and now you're sitting in the aftermath of that realization. It won't feel good.

  

Taurus 

APR 20 - MAY 20 

A friend might blurt out romantic feelings for you this week. Not only will this turn into total chaos and confusion, but you might even feel as if your friend is making you feel guilty if you don't reciprocate the feelings. Don't allow this pal to inadvertently manipulate you into sending out a mixed message just because you don't want to hurt him or her. If you don't feel the same way, then your only option is to reject his or her advances honestly. In other news, if you're in a relationship, then your Valentine's Day celebration will be extra steamy. The emotional attachment you and your lover feel for each other will be deep and delicious.

 

Gemini 

MAY 21 - JUN 20 

On Sunday, Mars moves into the most erotic and intimate part of your chart - the 8th House of Intimacy. If you're in a relationship, then you and your mate will have an invitation from the universe to cultivate the deepest connection possible. By revealing your emotional vulnerabilities and your true physical and emotional needs in relationship with one another, you'll open new doors of potential to forge an even stronger bond. Feeling safe and secure to do this will be easier than you think, and the reward is definitely worth it! If you're single, then this transit could bring the potential for a deeply satisfying sexual encounter with someone much older or younger than you. Yum!

 

Cancer 

JUN 21 - JUL 22 

If you're celebrating Valentine's Day with someone special, you're sure to feel the love in a significant way. The Moon will be in your true love sector, signaling a time of extra special romance. Feelings will be shared easily and you might also receive a gift that makes you know you belong to your lover. On Sunday, Mars will move into your partnership sector, giving you and your mate a little more spice and passion between you. At the same time, however, you may notice that you're feeling more argumentative. Choose your battles wisely.

  

Leo 

JUL 23 - AUG 22 

This will be the last week Mars moves through your romance sector, so get it while you can! After Sunday, he'll move on to a new part of your chart and won't return to your romance sector for about two years. Knowing this, you won't want to waste a moment of having the planet of assertion, motivation, and sex in the area of your chart connected to dating and pleasure. Make every moment count! In other news, Mercury turns retrograde on Sunday, leaving you and your partner more than a little confused about financial matters. It'll take some time, but you'll figure it out.

  

Virgo 

AUG 23 - SEP 22 

If you're in a relationship, all of a sudden nothing makes sense this week... You might feel as if your partner is lying to you, omitting information, or just beating around the bush and acting all evasive when you really need some clarity. If there is a decision the two of you need to make together, it might be harder than usual to reach an agreement. In other news, if you're single, then after Sunday, you'll have amazing mojo coming back into your dating life. With Mars moving through your romance sector it looks like someone is about to enter your world and fill you up with passion!

  

Libra 

SEP 23 - OCT 22 

You and your sweetheart have enjoyed a lively mental exchange over the last several weeks thanks to Mars, the ruler of your partnership sector, moving through your communication sector. Mental sparring was possible, but if the two of you did have an argument, you likely noticed the disagreements made you even hotter for each other! On Sunday, Mars will enter your home and family sector, making the primary motivation for your relationship more connected to domestic matters. The two of you will fight together to get your family life to look the way you want it.

 

Scorpio 

OCT 23 - NOV 21 

The Moon will be in your sign this Valentine's Day, making it easy for you to get caught up in your feelings and drown in the sentimental vibe of this holiday. If you're single, however, you are more likely to get caught up in the bitterness of it. Don't fall into that trap! Instead, focus on the most important relationship you'll ever have: the one with yourself. In other news, on Sunday, Mercury turns retrograde in your romance sector. Yes, that means an ex might come back into your life via some form of communication. Do you really want to resurrect this? 

 

Sagittarius 

NOV 22 - DEC 21 

Mars remains in your sign all week before leaving Sagittarius for two years. This is definitely not something you want to waste, because you've got the most incredible stamina and passion available to you now. If you haven't already made the first move and pursued that sexy someone you're crushing on, then you need to act now! Rejection isn't even a consideration for you because you know that you've got it going on. In other news, Mercury turns retrograde on Sunday and it looks like you and your partner are no longer in agreement about a domestic matter. It'll take time to sort out.

 

Capricorn 

DEC 22 - JAN 19 

The irony behind this week's Astrology is that you're going to have an amazing physical edge, but a terrible mental insufficiency. On Sunday, Mars will enter your sign, giving the most incredible power to achieve anything you want. Mars also rules sex and libido and you will absolutely be a powerhouse in this arena for the next few weeks. The problem, however, is that, also on Sunday, Mercury turns retrograde right in your communication sector. Dating and romance might prove tricky when you come across so confusing to others. But hey, you'll be smokin' hot in the bedroom!

 

Aquarius 

JAN 20 - FEB 18 

You might feel as if you've lost your mojo after Sunday. This is when Mars will move into your hidden and reclusive 12th house, which will leave you craving privacy much more than connection. Now is the time to honor this, so if you find that you're suddenly not in the mood to be social, it's OK. Adding to this is the fact that Mercury will turn retrograde on Sunday. Since Mercury rules your romance sector, it might not be the easiest time to date. The universe is advising you to take a time out from romance and recharge.

  

Pisces 

FEB 19 - MAR 20

You may start the week feeling mentally fuzzy and, by Sunday, it could turn into full blown confusion. That's because Mercury will turn retrograde in your sign. You might struggle with uncertainty in all areas of your life but, most notably, in domestic and relationship matters. Try not to stress yourself out about making firm decisions in these areas of life over the next couple of weeks. If you come across as evasive or confusing to your mate, apologize but also let him or her know that you need a minute to regroup. It's not personal.

Category: Arts & Culture

February 06, 2020 

By Saybin Roberson 

Contributing Writer 

 

The American Youth Symphony (AYS), in part of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Sounds About Town series will give the world premiere of Los Angeles native and Emmy award-winning composer and pianist Kris Bowers’s new violin concerto. Debuting February 8, 2020, at Walt Disney Hall, the piece played by violinist and former classmate Charles Yang titled For A Younger Self is an ode to Bowers’s younger self and their careers at Juilliard.

 

“When I first got commissioned to do this, we talked about what that felt like, starting Juilliard. How we had to adapt to not only the intense environment of the school but also the intense environment of New York.”

 

“That’s kind of the mindset I was going into the piece with. But it also started to have such a youthful sound to it,” he continued. “Charles is almost like our hero through this journey. It's kind of like a discovery of self.”

 

Having begun playing piano at age four, he found his passion for jazz at eight and began composing at nine. At age 13, while studying jazz at Colburn School for Performing Arts, he began composing for large groups including his school’s jazz band.

 

“My parents decided before I was born they wanted me to play piano,” he laughs. “I remember at some point I wasn’t really into practicing, especially classical music. They put me into jazz lessons and told me I had to keep the classical lessons going at the same time.”

 

“I think up until that point, I thought it was fun and I liked being good at something. But I think at the point that I started working on jazz. Being able to improvise and use my ears to learn songs off the radio and all that stuff. That's when I started to really enjoy it myself.”

 

For Bowers, his love of jazz allowed for freedom that he soon found would be necessary for his journey as a composer. “A big thing was just, the improvisation. Having a space where I could do whatever I wanted in there. The rules were a lot more seemingly relaxed and I think that that freedom was nice to experience at a young age.”

 

As he grew, he was able to find an equal balance between his composing and playing of the piano. Granting him the opportunity to record and perform with artists such as Aretha Franklin, Q-Tip and Jay Z. His talent also stretches to the gaming world as he has appeared on Madden NFL 19: Longshot, and will appear on this year’s Madden 2020.

 

“I just I've always had such a wide variety of tastes when it comes to music. When I was a kid, I listened to everything from jazz, R&B, classical, rock music, pop music and rap. I really enjoyed all of it pretty equally,” he reflects. “And so I think I've just always wanted to pursue a career that allowed me to explore all those different genres.”

 

Other major accomplishments include scoring shows such as Netflix’s Dear White People, Amazon TV’s Snowy Day, which won a Daytime Emmy and documentaries like Kobe Bryant’s Muse for the SHOWTIME Network in 2015.

 

Regarding his Emmy win, he expressed, “it's one of those things for me where it’s something that you dream about when you're a kid but like once it happens at least for me, I already have my eyes set on whatever is happening next.”

 

Bowers is fueled by not only his passion but the idea that he can be an example and vision to young Black and Brown pianists around the world. As an influencer in the industry, he has humbly taken on the task of being open and honest with anyone who reaches out to him. His best advice being, “Be yourself."

 

"Spend a lot of time discovering what it is that that's important to you and what you care about. Then pursuing that with an obsessiveness.”

 

“I think that the more I interacted with people that I really admired, the more I realized that it was the same thing they just were. They just were obsessed with, with whatever it is that they were trying to accomplish and create.”

 

One of those people happened to be Kobe Bryant. Bowers was introduced to Bryant through one of his classmates from Juilliard. He recalls upon accepting the offer, the former NBA All-star wanted to talk with Bowers to gather an understanding of just how committed and passionate he was to his craft.

 

“No matter what you were doing, if you were working on cutting a trailer or we're working on this documentary; he wanted to sit with you face to face and just have you talk about your craft and see if you're as passionate about your craft as he is or was about basketball at that time.”

 

Bowers continued, “Being around that was one of the things that honestly reinvigorated this passion for me.”

 

“His whole thing was he trusted. Once he had that first initial conversation with you about how much you cared about your passion and your craft, it was just complete trust,” Bowers detailed. Detailing the feeling of working with the late great Kobe Bryant, “It was like, as long as you are pushing yourself as much as you possibly can, then [he] trusts your judgment and trusts your choices.”

 

Honoring his friend, Bowers says, “That demand for being great was what pushed me to try to grow exponentially. My composition for orchestra has grown in the last five years exponentially, and a lot of that's due to the work that I had to do with him.”

 

“Trust the process,” he shares after reflecting on his journey. “I've always been incredibly impatient. But trusting I was doing the work and that it was going to pay off, therefore, finding enjoyment and love in that process I think is kind of the biggest thing.”

 

To get tickets to LA Phil’s Sounds About Town series concert visit www.AYSymphony.org/tickets or call 310-470-2332.

Category: Arts & Culture

February 06, 2020

Aries 

MAR 21 - APR 19 

Get ready for major romantic thrills and fulfillment! On Friday Venus moves into your sign, making you the most attractive in the land. You want the object of your affection to chase you. Well guess what... Game on! Not only will you create a vibe of "catch me if you can," but it will stimulate a passionate win at the game of love. You're the prize, of course! In fact, a Full Moon on Sunday in your true love sector has all the promise of a playful romantic moment with someone. Love is definitely in the air for you. Breath it all in!

 

Taurus 

APR 20 - MAY 20 

Love is about to become a very private matter for you. On Friday Venus whispers her way into the most hidden, reclusive area of your chart. Your feelings for someone run deeper than the ocean and yet, you're not exactly screaming about it from the rooftop -- or on social media. Instead, you want to keep this delicious secret to yourself, and your lover, of course. The two of you might have a deeply fulfilling romantic moment all alone at home over Sunday's Full Moon in open-hearted Leo. No one has to know a thing about it.

 

Gemini 

MAY 21 - JUN 20 

If there's anyone who will be vocal about love this week, Gemini, it's you! A Full Moon on Sunday in romantic Leo will land in your message sector. This lunation is all about speaking from the heart and you will have absolutely no trouble doing exactly that. Declaring your love to someone -- whether it's for the first time or the millionth time -- is what you feel you must do in order to remain emotionally balanced. Say what you need to say! Don't be surprised if conversations with your friends are all about love after Friday. Venus moves into your friendship sector then, and love is sure to be on everyone's mind!

 

Cancer 

JUN 21 - JUL 22 

On Monday, Venus will be at a perfect link to Saturn, the planet of longevity and responsibility, now in your partnership sector. You and your love are likely to make a serious promise to one another -- and you'll both keep it. This can also be a time of commitment where you are both ready to become legally married or bound to one another in some type of legal way. With Venus in your 9th House of Ethics and Faith, it will either be a legal or spiritual union: maybe even both!

  

Leo 

JUL 23 - AUG 22 

Your needs are definitely out in the open this week -- and that is a good thing! Sunday's Full Moon in your sign speaks volumes about how vulnerable you're willing to be with someone as you open your heart and reach for the level of romance your soul truly craves. Fortunately, being optimistic about matters of the heart is well supported ... and rewarded. On Friday, Venus moves into your 9th House of Expansion, making you realize that as long as you have love, anything is possible.

 

Virgo 

AUG 23 - SEP 22 

You've got plenty of romantic potential -- as long as you maximize it before Friday. Venus remains in your partnership sector until then and, on Monday, she'll make a supportive link to Saturn, the planet of longevity, now in your romance sector. This isn't just about making love, Virgo, it's about making love last. You've got all the ingredients now to help you achieve that everlasting love with someone. Come Friday, your focus shifts toward how you and your partner can make your shared financial goals finally happen.

  

Libra 

SEP 23 - OCT 22 

This Friday, the game of love changes dramatically for you. That's when Venus moves into your partnership sector and will stimulate all sorts of harmonious goodies in terms of romantic potential. You'll feel even more motivated than usual to make sure that your partner has his or her needs met and, because of this, you will receive major appreciation from your mate. Along these lines, if there has been any conflict in your relationship recently, you'll have a much easier time ironing things out.

 

Scorpio 

OCT 23 - NOV 21 

Your love life may resemble a fairy tale for a little while longer... Until Friday, Venus remains in your romance sector in gentle, dreamy Pisces. This gives you strong potential to attract new dating prospects your way if you're single. The type of person you would attract might be ethereal in some way -- perhaps even mystical. He or she may also be talented in art, film, photography, or music. Whatever his or her imaginative talent might be, a conversation with this person will help you see that it's not all smoke and mirrors. This person has real substance. You'll be enthralled!

 

Sagittarius 

NOV 22 - DEC 21 

Your love life is taking flight on Friday once Venus moves into your romance sector. Until March 4, you'll enjoy the incredible edge of having more attention come your way in the dating pool. However, the person that is most likely to captivate you will have certain qualities that set him or her apart from others. This person will be independent, courageous, passionate, and not afraid to go after anything -- including you! You'll feel instantly energized by this person and will want to bask in their vibe for as long as possible. It's a good start to something that might become great.

 

Capricorn 

DEC 22 - JAN 19 

Communication with your sweetheart should be easy as pie this week. Venus will remain in your message sector until Friday and, on Monday, she'll be at a perfect angle to Saturn, now in your sign. You'll have a seamless way of working together to accomplish any goal. You'll also find each other's perspective to be valuable, adding key nuggets of wisdom where you might have missed something. On Friday, Venus moves into your home and family sector. The two of you might be much more interested in being couch potatoes together. It's time to Netflix and chill!

  

Aquarius 

JAN 20 - FEB 18 

Love and relationships are real trigger points for you this week -- in a good way! On Sunday, a Full Moon in your partnership sector will highlight your needs in a relationship. Fortunately, this lunation will be well supported in the sky, suggesting that you can get all of them met. Your partner wants to love you deeply, loudly, and proudly -- that much is certain. The best part is that you're able to receive this love as well as reciprocate it. In fact, after Friday, with Venus in your message sector, you'll have no problem expressing your feelings to the one you adore. It will be second nature.

 

Pisces 

FEB 19 - MAR 20 

Venus remains in your sign for most of the week, so be sure to max out her powers of sweetness and attraction. The vibe of loving kindness you'll exude is extraordinary and, if you're single, that will be the quality that most attracts you to others. Along with this, your ethereal, almost mystical quality will arouse others and make them want to be around you without even understanding why. On Monday, Venus will be at a supportive link to Saturn, now in your friendship sector. A friend can help you figure out whether your latest crush is a flight of fancy or has real lasting potential. Listen to your friend's wisdom. 

Category: Arts & Culture

February 06, 2020 

By Cora Jackson-Fossett 

Contributing Writer 

 

The 28th Annual Pan African Film + Arts Festival, the nation’s largest presentation of movies by Blacks, opens with the internationally acclaimed motion picture, “Hero.”

 

The gripping production, written and directed by Frances-Anne Solo­mon, is inspired by the extraordinary and revolutionary life of Ulric Cross, who was a Trinidad Tobago citizen, diplomat and judge.

 

Cross is known as the most decorated West Indian of World War II due to his service with other Caribbean pilots who successfully flew dangerous combat missions for the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force. However, it was his courageousness following the military that landed him in the annals of Black History.

 

According to Solomon, Cross went on to play an active and important role in the Pan African Movement, which led to the creation of 28 Caribbean and 54 African nations, as well as influenced U.S. government domestic policy towards African Americans and inspired the Civil Rights Movement.

 

“‘Hero’ is about the contributions of the Caribbean intellectuals in the African liberation movement. It is an incredible moment in time in the late 1950s and early 1960s when the world changed,” noted Solomon, an award-winning filmmaker, producer and curator.

 

“But this film is not just about Cross’ life, but also about the dynamic and transformative time in which he lived and the untold story of those Caribbean professionals who helped liberate Africa from colonialism.”

 

Solomon was personally acquainted with Cross while growing up, referring to him as “a friend of my family, and like an uncle to me.”   Although she was aware of his WWII heroics, it wasn’t until her mother raised money for the production and Solomon began researching Cross’ life for the film that she learned of his critical, worldwide involvement in the campaign for independence.

 

“One of the most significant and enjoyable aspects of creating the film has been inserting the voice of a proud, Black Caribbean man into the narrative of the 20th century. Instead of regurgitating familiar narratives of slavery and victimhood, this story leaps to tell of heroic agency … liberation…[and] so many who contributed to creating the freedoms we enjoy today,” said Solomon.

 

Aiming to expose Solomon’s movie to a wider audience, Ayuko Babu, PAFF executive director and co-founder, determined that “Hero” was the perfect film to kick-off the 2020 festival.

 

“We made this an opening night film because Ulric Cross and other people in the Pan African movement laid the foundation for us to be free. This is an opportunity for people to learn about Black history in the world and how it connects to us in the United States,” insisted Babu. “This film, ‘Hero,’ is both educational and entertaining.”

 

The cast of “Hero” include Nicklai Salcedo, a Trinidadian actor and musician; Peter Williams, who appeared in “The Chronicles of Riddick” and “Stargate SG-1;” and Joseph Marcell, best known as Geoffrey in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and a current board member of Global Theater in London, England.

 

“Hero” will be screened on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 7:30 p.m. at the Directors Guild of America, DGA Theater Complex, 7920 Sunset Blvd., in Los Angeles.  Solomon and Babu will attend and a reception featuring Caribbean music and refreshments will also be held following the film.

 

For tickets or to learn more, visit paff.org

Category: Arts & Culture

Page 813 of 1617