L.A. Weekend Guide: Adobe Punk, Franz Ferdinand, Beyond Wonderland and Smiile L.A.
Every Thursday, Los Angeles magazine curates a list of the best events in and around Los Angeles. Craft a great last-minute schedule with our Weekend Guide to L.A., and don't forget to sign up to have the guide delivered to your inbox every week by clicking here. at Plaza de la Raza's Margot Albert Theatre — March 28 (runs through April 13)Inspired by the new photo exhibit, 'Punk in Place: Concerts and Casuals' shot by Theresa Kereakes, Adobe Punk, co-written/directed by mother-son team, Theresa Chavez and Gabriel Garza, offers a frenetic, concert theater piece with personal portraits reflecting the '70s/early '80s music scene in L.A. The story of three young musicians squatting in one of L.A.'s oldest adobe homes in Bell Gardens, the play follows them as they form a band inspired by the local legends X, The Bags, and The Minutemen, making for a immersive, history-filled musical experience. The opening matinee on Sunday, March 30 includes a post-performance Q&A with Kereakes conducted by Dr. Jorge Leal.
Billed as 'the ultimate inclusive rave,' Ibiza-based DJ Chloé Caillet and her partner, art director, Carla Molina bring the joyful dance bash to L.A., touting community, positivity and safe spaces for individual expression and connection. Line-up includes Caillet CARISTA, Heidi Lawden and Lovefingers. Click link for location info.
Back at NOS Events Center this weekend, this electronic music festival conjures storybook vibes that Alice —and dance music lovers— are mad for. Themed-stages, costumed performers, immersive art, biggie DJs and producers (including Grammy Award-winners The Chainsmokers, Afrojack, Benny Benassi, ILLENIUM and more) make it a rabbit hole you may not want to return from.
The legendary performance artist discusses her new book Covid Vortex Anxiety Opera Kitty Kaleidoscope Disco. With the 5th anniversary of the pandemic reminding us all of the isolation and fear that COVID wrought, Finley seeks to look back with humor via her provocative prose.
'Take Me Out' made them indie icons but fans of that song would be wise to listen to the U.K. group's full repertoire. Like their latest studio album, The Human Fear, which Rolling Stone called their 'best album in 15 years.' Hear the old hits and the new stomps at this L.A. tour stop.
Comic and cosplay get the spotlight at this popular con from the promoters behind San Diego Comic-Con. Funko, Bandai Namco Toys, Toddland, Yesterdays, the California Browncoats, Little Shop of Pins, Hero Complex Gallery, Prism Comics, Magma Comix, and many big brands and independent companies will be vending and some hot panels are scheduled.
Take a trip out to Carlsbad for an eyeful of beautiful blooms, butterflies, and an array of events this weekend— and all Spring long. This Sunday, there's yoga, flower crown workshops, and Zydeco band, the Bayou Brothers, performing live. See full schedule of events via link.
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Fast Company
an hour ago
- Fast Company
MrBeast used AI to create YouTube thumbnails. People weren't pleased
YouTube star Jimmy Donaldson—aka MrBeast—is the face of the online video-sharing platform. He tops the platform's most-subscribed list, with more than 400 million people following his exploits. Online video has made Donaldson rich, with his business worth an estimated $1 billion. However, the megastar is now embroiled in controversy following the launch of a new AI-powered thumbnail generator. The tool, developed with the analytics platform Viewstats, was promoted in now-deleted videos by Donaldson as a way for creators to easily generate eye-catching thumbnails—including the ability to swap faces and styles with existing popular videos. The product was condemned by fellow YouTubers and artists, who accused MrBeast of facilitating the theft of their creative work and brand identity. Prominent creators like Jacksepticeye (i.e. Seán McLoughlin) publicly criticized the tool after his own logo and thumbnail style were used in promotional materials without his consent, calling the practice deeply unethical and harmful to the creative community. 'I hate what this platform is turning into. Fuck AI,' Jacksepticeye posted on X. (Neither McLoughlin nor Donaldson responded to Fast Company 's request for comment.) Donaldson quickly acknowledged the concerns, pledging to make changes to the tool. 'I'll build this more in a way to be inspiration for artists/a tool they use and not replace them,' he posted on X. Still, the incident has gained momentum, provoking angry responses and heated debate about the endorsement of such an AI product. For example, another YouTuber, Eric Pointcrow, said of Donaldson: 'What a piece of work.' The mini-drama has riled the YouTube community in a way few other issues have, touching on a common occurrence in the space: the copying of video thumbnails. Why? 'I think there are several things going on here,' says Jess Maddox, associate professor at the University of Alabama, who studies platform dynamics on sites like YouTube. Primarily, Maddox believes that underlying the controversy is 'some good old-fashioned YouTube drama.' The platform often responds as a mob to things it deems offensive, so it's unsurprising that this incident has triggered so much anger. 'YouTube pioneered online pile-on culture, in which everyone wants a piece of someone else's name, image, or likeness,' says Maddox. 'But it's actually quite hard to go after MrBeast, who's one of the biggest and most successful creators. He's almost too big to fail, or ride his coattails.' Beyond that, Maddox points out that the technology—and the broader fear of automation —is also driving the intensity of the response. 'AI in the creator economy is incredibly controversial right now,' says Maddox. 'Many do view it as theft, and other creators view not using it as a badge of honor—that they can say with pride they either do all the work themselves or pay their team fairly to do so.' Donaldson's decision to launch the AI product also came just after YouTube admitted that it used a subset of the 20 billion videos on its platform to train Google's Veo 3 video generation AI model—a fact that may have further amplified the backlash. Yet a recent small survey of U.K. YouTube creators suggests that up to four in five creators are already using AI themselves, saving nearly eight hours of work each week. 'What's caused this backlash isn't just the tool, it's what it represents,' agrees Dom Smales, cofounder of GloMotion Studios, a digital entertainment studio and longstanding voice in the YouTube space. 'When the most powerful creator on the platform automates creativity using other creators' work, it hits a nerve. It further exposes the growing gap between mega-creators and everyone else, which has to be handled carefully as this is a community above everything else.' This combination of factors helps explain why the criticism has been so strong and so sustained. 'MrBeast clearly has enough money to pay for this work, so the fact that he isn't doesn't paint him in the most positive light,' says Maddox. The idea that such AI systems might worsen existing problems is also top of mind. 'If the biggest YouTube creator out there is using AI, I think many creators are nervous this will unfairly exacerbate the divide between big creators and mega-creators—never mind the divide between those and micro- and nano-creators,' Maddox says. 'AI is a labor issue, and it risks making an already unequal creator economy even more unequal.' Yet Smales cautions that people shouldn't be so quick to vilify AI—so long as it's used responsibly. 'AI is here to stay and can be a superb tool to level creators up and allow further democratization of the creator economy,' he says. 'I'm building businesses that use it, but I believe it has to be developed with creators, not just deployed on them.'
New York Post
an hour ago
- New York Post
Country music legend Ronnie McDowell rushed to hospital after slurring words mid-concert: ‘Incredibly stressful time'
Ronnie McDowell suffered an apparent medical emergency during his latest concert. The 75-year-old country singer was rushed to the hospital after slurring his words while performing at the Summer Solstice Music Festival in Oley, Penn. on Saturday, according to Nashville-based radio station WKRN. McDowell's tour manager told the station that the star was three or four songs into his set before he started 'not making sense.' 7 Ronnie McDowell performs at Tootsie's Orchid Lounge in Nashville in 2010. FilmMagic The tour manager then pulled McDowell off the stage and asked him if he felt okay, to which McDowell replied, 'No.' McDowell mentioned that he thought he might be having a stroke, his tour manager claimed. The 'Smokey Places' singer was taken to a hospital in Reading, Penn. where he was still undergoing tests as of Sunday morning, according to WKRN. 7 Ronnie McDowell in 1970. Michael Ochs Archives 7 Ronnie McDowell during a performance. Ronnie McDowell/Facebook After the concert, McDowell's son, Tyler Dean McDowell, released a statement on Facebook addressing his dad's health scare. 'Hey everyone—I know you're all concerned. I promise—no one is more worried than I am,' Tyler wrote. 'Please understand, this is an incredibly stressful time, and right now, my focus is on my Dad. If there's anything that needs to be shared, I promise—we will.' 7 Ronnie McDowell in 1977. Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images 'If you can, pray,' he added. The next day, Tyler gave an update on the singer's health in another Facebook post. 'Just wanted to let everyone know — I made it to Pennsylvania. Ronnie Dean & I are in the room with Dad,' Tyler penned. 'He's talking to us, and we're waiting to do the MRI. As soon as I know more, so will y'all. Love Forever.' 7 Moe Bandy, Ronnie McDowell, and Gene Watson attend the 2nd Annual Legendary Lunch presented by Webster Public Relations and CMA in Nashville in 2016. Rick Diamond 7 Ronnie McDowell performing at a venue in Sept. 2024. Ronnie McDowell/Facebook 7 Dick Clark, Ronnie McDowell in 1977. Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images In a second update shared hours later, Tyler wrote, 'Brought dad some Popcorners and a Kombucha (snacks he likes). Ronnie Dean brought his comfy shows, favorite brush, and Vietnam hat. Dad was very excited about all this — like a kid in a candy store. Figured y'all could use a lil' levity.' McDowell, whose career spans decades, is best known for his chart-topping songs 'Older Women' and 'You're Gonna Ruin My Bad Reputation.' His very first album was 1977's 'The King Is Gone,' which was a tribute to Elvis Presley after the music legend's death at age 42 that same year. McDowell has five children, including sons Tyler and Ronnie Jr., who are both musicians.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
10 Most Iconic Moments Of The Buss Era As Lakers Ownership Ends
10 Most Iconic Moments Of The Buss Era As Lakers Ownership Ends originally appeared on Fadeaway World. On June 18, 2025, the storied relationship between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Buss family, dating back to Jerry Buss's $67.5 million acquisition of the franchise in 1979, came to a historic close. In a deal valuing the team at around $10 billion, Dodgers owner Mark Walter steps in as the majority owner, bringing a winning pedigree honed by two World Series titles and 11 division crowns. Advertisement Jeanie Buss remains as team governor, retaining at least a 15 percent stake, ensuring continuity even as a new era dawns. It's the perfect moment to look back on the ten defining highlights of the Buss dynasty, from the birth of Showtime and Magic Johnson's electrifying dominance, to Kobe Bryant's ascending legend and the 2020 bubble championship, before the baton passes to Walter. Those chapters forged the Lakers into one of the most iconic brands in sports history, so let's go back in time and remember the 10 most iconic moments of the Buss era. 1. Magic Johnson's Rookie Finals Performance (1980) Magic's breakout validated Jerry Buss's grand plan to blend athletic excellence with Hollywood flair. Stepping into Kareem's shoes in Game 6, the 20-year-old rookie not only stunned the league but also delivered one of the most audacious performances in NBA history, 42 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists, which vaulted the Lakers to their first title since 1972 and cemented Magic's status as a superstar overnight. Advertisement But the narrative meant more: it told the world that this franchise didn't just belong in sports headlines, it belonged on center stage. Magic's confidence, expressed in that wink to coach Paul Westhead and the quip, 'Never fear, E.J. is here,' delivered not just a championship, but the birth of a brand which we all know today: Showtime Lakers 2. Birth of 'Showtime' (1979-1991) After Jerry Buss purchased the Lakers in 1979, he envisioned a more entertaining brand of basketball. He brought in fast-paced offense, dancers, and celebrity sightings at The Forum. It became a spectacle unmatched in pro sports. Even today, there isn't anything like the Lakers when they come to town. Advertisement Led by Magic's passing, Kareem's scoring, and Laker Girls' flair, 'Showtime' delivered five championships in the 1980s. The era redefined franchise identity, making Lakers games a Los Angeles cultural event. Magic's rookie performance was iconic, but the upcoming four titles solidified the Lakers' iconic Showtime for good. 3. Shaq-Kobe Era & Three‑Peat (2000-2002) Jerry West's 1996 trade for Kobe Bryant and the free-agent signing of Shaquille O'Neal, one orchestrated under Buss, transformed the Lakers. The duo delivered three consecutive NBA championships through dominant performances and global star power. Advertisement The three-peat era under Shaq and Kobe is arguably the most dominant team stretch in Lakers history. Shaq's Finals performances were staggering, averaging nearly 36 points and 15 rebounds over three consecutive finals, earning three straight Finals MVPs. Simultaneously, Kobe emerged as the scoring catalyst who consistently elevated the team when Shaq was double-teamed. This run reinvigorated Lakers' glory after a decade-long drought, reaffirmed the Buss commitment to big talent and major theatrics, and reshaped a new generation of Laker fandom. 4. The 33‑Game Win Streak (1971-72) Before Buss took the helm, the Lakers set a still-unmatched NBA record by winning 33 consecutive regular-season games in the 1971-72 season. With Wilt Chamberlain anchoring the defense and Bill Sharman innovating the pace, the streak underscored LA's dominance. Advertisement It culminated in the franchise's first championship since 1954, establishing a winning culture that Buss would later elevate. The streak remains one of basketball's most awe-inspiring feats. 5. Drafting Magic Via Coin Flip (1979) The 1979 coin flip that delivered the top draft pick to the Lakers was a moment of rare fortune and foresight. Magic Johnson's selection was a watershed moment: he brought electrifying play, viral charisma, and global appeal that became the foundation of the Lakers' premium brand. Magic's versatility and showmanship reshaped how teams conceptualize superstar impact: recruiting wasn't just about statistics, it was about identity and spectacle. That coin flip didn't just pick a player; it delivered a cultural phenomenon that would resonate for decades. 6. Hiring Pat Riley (1981) When Buss promoted Pat Riley in late 1981, it forged the perfect marriage of style and grit. Riley famously quipped, 'No rebounds, no rings,' reinforcing that glamour wouldn't come without effort, and his 1-3-1 trapping defense exemplified how entertainment and execution could coexist. Advertisement Over the next eight years, Riley transformed elements of basketball culture, introducing suit-wearing coach fashion, high-energy defense, and relentless pace, all underpinned by five NBA Finals appearances and four championships. His brand of basketball became the blueprint for modern, multifaceted coaching. 7. Hiring Phil Jackson (1999) Bringing in Phil Jackson wasn't merely acquiring a coach; it was acquiring a championship philosophy. Coming off six titles with Chicago, Jackson brought the triangle offense and a psychological toolkit that mediated egos and cohesion between Shaq and Kobe. As Kobe articulated, Jackson's arrival reframed pressure as 'an opportunity'. The result? Three straight titles, the first under Jackson in 2000, and two more to complete the second NBA three-peat, validating Buss's faith in building dynasties from the top down. 8. Kobe & Pau Gasol Titles (2009-2010) When Jerry and Jeanie Buss orchestrated the February 2008 trade that brought Pau Gasol to Los Angeles, it set the stage for the franchise's next championship chapter. Gasol became Kobe Bryant's perfect partner: a skilled offensive player, an elite passer, and a hard-working defender. Advertisement In fact, Gasol's impact was immediate; he led the postseason in win shares (4.3), supporting Kobe needed to finally end the team's title drought in 2009 by defeating the Orlando Magic in five games. That year, Kobe earned Finals MVP, but Gasol's constant production, 18.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, was equally critical. But perhaps more impressive was the 2010 Finals redemption tour against the Boston Celtics. In a tension-filled Game 7, Gasol's dominant performance, 19 points, an astonishing 18 rebounds (including nine offensive caroms), and two blocks, helped snap a painful 0-6 all-time record against Boston in a Finals matchup. 9. Buss Family's First Title (1982) That 1982 championship was more than a second ring; it became a powerful statement that 'Showtime' was here to stay, not just as flash, but as substance. After a rocky 1981 season, including Magic Johnson demanding a trade and coach Paul Westhead's mid-season firing, Jerry Buss's decisive move to promote Pat Riley re-centered the franchise's vision. Advertisement Riley's fast-paced strategy, fused with Magic's leadership and Jamaal Wilkes's sharpshooting (27 points in Game 6), propelled the Lakers through a 12-2 postseason and clinched a 114‑104 Finals victory in Philadelphia. Importantly, the 1982 Finals were nationally televised in prime time, bringing the Lakers' brand of Hollywood excitement to broader audiences. Magic's 16.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game earned him Finals MVP honors again, reinforcing the notion that Showtime was not just entertainment, but elite basketball. 10. Jeanie Buss's 2020 NBA Title When Jerry passed in 2013, the passing of power to his daughter Jeanie set a new tone. She became the controlling owner in 2020, leading the Lakers to a championship in the Orlando Bubble, making her the first female owner to win under her control. Advertisement It certainly helped that the Lakers acquired two-way superstar Anthony Davis to pair with LeBron James, and the duo was simply too large, dominant, and skilled for any team to handle. This victory was the perfect modern triumph carried out in unprecedented circumstances, and a testament to the Buss legacy's relevance. Related: Magic Johnson Shares Exciting News For Lakers Fans After $10 Billion Acquisition This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
