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Articles by Isabella Durgin
Grammys 2022: Jazz musician Jon Batiste ends night with 5 awards, including album of the year
The Grammys are embracing all its glitz and glamor, Vegas-style. After a two-month postponement and relocation, the 64th annual Grammy Awards occurred at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Sunday. The ceremony welcomed back comedian and host Trevor Noah for a second year, who navigated the event away from potential scandal following last week’s Academy Awards. “Please remember, guys, tonight is not just about winning. You’re nominated.
Oscars 2022
Film review: ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ brings unique plot to the big screen
Oscars 2022: Score producer on 'King Richard' talks matching music with story - Daily Bruin
“King Richard” is keeping score, on and off the court. Nominated for six Academy Awards including best picture, the biopic looks at the life of Richard Williams (Will Smith), father to tennis stars Venus (Saniyya Sidney) and Serena Williams (Demi Singleton), through Venus’ journey from dreamer to professional player. As the family moves from Compton to Florida to chase after the young duo’s and Richard’s dreams, family dynamics and tennis politics play out on the court.
Oscars 2022: Lush world of 'Encanto' blooms from on-screen representation - Daily Bruin
Colombian representation in film blooms boldlyin “Encanto.” Nominated for three Academy Awards including in the Animated Feature Film category, the Disney film follows the magical Madrigal family as they navigate their gifts and enchanted home – their “encanto” – set in the protected, forested landscape of Colombia.
Alumni's production services company finds success in entertainment industry - Daily Bruin
Quixote is a moving home for the entertainment industry. What began as a small collection of customized motor homes in 1992 has developed into a production services company that now offers an assortment of trailers, trucks and studios for the entertainment industry. Quixote was founded by alumni Jordan Kitaen and Mikel Elliott, who used their background as English students to carve a path in the film world, Kitaen said.
Film review: Love isn't a low score in Venus and Serena Williams' 'King Richard' - Daily Bruin
Richard Williams takes center court and center stage in “King Richard.” Played by Will Smith, the titular father figure is in full view in the new tennis biopic executive produced by Venus and Serena Williams. The film follows Richard and his wife Oracene (Aunjanue Ellis) as they raiseyoung Venus (Saniyya Sidney) and Serena (Demi Singleton) to become the best players the sport has ever seen.
Restaurant review: Lulu elevates the museum cafe, hammers home environmentally conscious menu
Lulu is lightening up Westwood’s palate. Spearheaded by chefs Alice Waters and David Tanis, the restaurant opened Thursday at the Hammer Museum. Dedicated to sustainable practices, local sourcing and regenerative agriculture, Lulu marks food activist Waters’ first Los Angeles location and newest restaurant in 40 years – and the food came prepared to impress.
Concert review: Lord Huron executes thrilling visuals, delivers dynamic performance
Lord Huron is worshipping the dead. In the indie rock band’s performance Thursday night, Hollywood Forever Cemetery was greeted by constant references to those who slumbered beneath its grounds. But for those listening on top of the grass, the concert was anything but a lullaby. Led by frontman Ben Schneider, the Los Angeles-based band transformed their repertoire of heart-filled serenades into an eclectic mix full of life.
Music preview: Artists' recent singles suggest fall albums will showcase growth, maturity - Daily Bruin
Fall releases are dropping like leaves. With records evoking nostalgia and maturing careers, artists are setting a cozy tone for the autumn season. Whether it’s a return to an earlier era or a push for a new sound, Bruins can keep warm with upcoming albums as the quarter cools off. Keep reading for the Daily Bruin’s lineup of golden records.
Bruin Bash 2021 shines with stellar performances from Rico Nasty, opening artists
Bruin Bash launched students into another dimension following a year of navigating rocky terrain. Turf-covered tennis courts served as the dance floor for the annual event with the Los Angeles Tennis Center’s scoreboard transformed into a space-themed display. Two projector screens flanked the stage, displaying the concert’s developments and futuristic graphics for students in the seated areas – yet Bruins were almost entirely on their feet, whether on the floor or in the stadium’s Bowl.
Q&A: Noah Kahan reflects upon his identity in sophomore album 'I Was / I Am' - Daily Bruin
Noah Kahan is stepping back into the light. Set to release his sophomore album Friday, the indie artist said his record reckons with his identity after the COVID-19 pandemic’s forced slowdown. “I Was / I Am” is a reflection upon his time away from the stage, and Kahan said he created the energetic production around upcoming live performances. Kahan spoke with the Daily Bruin’s Isabella Durgin about his relationship with fame, reconnecting with his younger self and embracing a new sonic environment.
Rapper Tkay Maidza announced as Bruin Bash 2021 opening act
Bruin Bash is adding stars to the soundtrack of an otherworldly campus welcome. Three days after space-themed Instagram posts popped up on the accounts of UCLA Campus Events Commission and Cultural Affairs Commission, Bruin Bash has announced Tkay Maidza will open the returning musical student tradition. The Sept. 20 concert will be in person but has switched venues to the outdoor Los Angeles Tennis Center as opposed to the traditional location, Pauley Pavilion.
Restaurant review: Bluestone Lane offers a taste of Melbourne’s coffee culture
Bluestone Lane is bringing Melbourne’s coffee culture to Westwood’s streets. The Australian-inspired chain opened its newest addition to its seven Los Angeles locations on Sept. 2. Located on the corner of Weyburn Avenue and Westwood Boulevard, the cafe features a wide variety of drinks and brunch food. Despite its mediocre meals and low-budget look, Bluestone Lane has a reliable assortment of quality coffee and snacks that can keep Bruins both energized and satisfied.
LA State Historic Park introduces new immersive experience with 32 Acres app
Los Angeles State Historic Park’s story is expanding beyond its 32 acres. Presented by the Center Theatre Group in association with the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, 32 Acres is an immersive sound experience at the LA State Historic Park running until Sept. 29. The site–specific soundwalk functions via an app, guiding users through the namesake 32 acres with narration, sound and music about the historic park and Los Angeles as a whole.
Sound editors emphasize the quiet in Emmy-nominated ‘The Queen’s Gambit’
Working together like pieces on a chessboard, the soundtrack of “The Queen’s Gambit” is a resounding checkmate.
Rising Artists: Four hot, new artists to brighten up summer soundtracks
As rising temperatures melt away winter stagnation, up-and-coming artists are on fire. Summer is the season of vibrance, and sunny days are accompanied by new musicians who will grow even brighter, evading a later autumnal fade. Read on for the Daily Bruin’s picks of artists whose intensity will last beyond summer’s warmth.
Music Preview: Post-pandemic summer albums reflect optimistic attitudes
Upcoming albums aim to be the soundtrack of the summer as the world emerges from pandemic restrictions. Whether they’re known for brooding or for rejoicing, artists across the board are embracing lighthearted themes in stride. It’s the season of sun, and musicians are bringing to light what Bruins have been missing. Keep reading for the Daily Bruin’s highlights for vibrant summer playlists. (Courtesy of Sony Music) “VICE VERSA” by Rauw Alejandro Rauw Alejandro is ready to make the world dance again.
New PEER Lab uses sensory experiences to explore music from global perspective
New research is building a recipe for uniting the senses. As a new addition to the Herb Alpert School of Music, the Practice-Based Experimental Epistemology Research Lab explores the realm of creative practice through an experiential and experimental lens. Founded by director and professor of musicology Nina Eidsheim, the PEER Lab will launch its debut event “Soundtrack to Creativity: Refiguring American Music Authors” on Thursday.
Alumna’s film details source of LA water supply, emphasizes Indigenous voices
All streams lead to Los Angeles – and that water has a memory. By interweaving three stories around a singular California location with deep ties to water, UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television’s alumna Ann Kaneko directed, produced and co-edited “Manzanar, Diverted: When Water Becomes Dust.” Payahuunadü was the site of forced Indigenous removal and incarcerated Japanese Americans, and it continues to supply much of Los Angeles’s water.
New UCLA Film & Television Archive director aims to diversify collection - Daily Bruin
May Hong HaDuong is leading the UCLA Film & Television Archive on a new path in 2021, beginning with her notable appointment. HaDuong is the first woman and person of color to serve as the director of the 55-year-old Archive, the world’s largest university-held collection and the nation’s second largest collection of motion pictures.
New club aims to increase UCLA community's knowledge, understanding of autism - Daily Bruin
A new club is Zooming to spark conversation around inclusivity and neurodiversity through the virtual sphere. Autism Advocacy was launched fall quarter to provide resources for connection, education for the campus and service for the autism community at large, said third-year molecular, cell, and developmental biology student Niveda Balemurughan. As the founder of the club, Balemurughan said her interest in advocacy stems from her brother, who is on the spectrum.
Album review: Miley Cyrus reshapes herself with new rock 'n' roll sound in 'Plastic Hearts' - Daily Bruin
Miley Cyrus’ plastic heart melted just a little with her induction into rock ‘n’ roll. The singer’s seventh studio album “Plastic Hearts” was released Friday on a wave of enthusiasm from persistent fan demand and singles teasing the record’s debut. Threading together emotional yet vivacious ballads with unabashed self-acceptance, “Plastic Hearts” is an energetic expedition into Cyrus’ mind and the heart of rock.
Virtual theater collective produces audio dramas using artificial intelligence
The Theatre of the Electric Mouth is taking a byte out of the possibilities of artificial intelligence. Formed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the virtual theater collective explores the connection between technology and theatrical performance. The company’s new project, “From the Electric Mouth: a reading series of AI-generated scripts,” began streaming its first segment on Nov. 11 on YouTube and Facebook and is now available on major podcast applications.
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