Franklin Avenue

Upfronts 2013: Kanye Rants, "Psych" Dances, Robin Williams Quips and Much, Much More

2013-05-17T14:01:00.000-07:00

Every year the TV networks fly to New York and present their new fare wares to the nation's media buyers. It's called the upfronts, and although everyone grumbles that it's an outdated and expensive practice, there are still reasons to do it (as Joe Adalian explains here). This year the networks announced nearly 60 new shows -- and by Friday, it's hard to remember everyone and everything we've seen. But it will be hard to forget some of the other highlights of the week -- including Adult Swim's upfront party. Kanye West was the featured performer, and he definitely brought the crazy, in the form of a mid-concert tirade about... well, I'm still not sure. The media? The world? Celebrity culture? Whatever it was, it was fun. (Not so fun: Kanye's painful new track "Awesome," about you-know-who.) Kanye performed his entire show inside a mesh-covered pyramid (the Kanyeramid -- trademark pending), but briefly ran out to say hi to the crowd -- which is when I snapped this blurry pic. Meanwhile, other highlights included Passion Pit performing a few hits at the USA Network upfront; Icona Pop performing "I Love It" at the CW upfront; and attending the "Saturday Night Live" dress rehearsal featuring guest host Kristin Wiig. Some pics from my week in NYC:

Kanye performs inside his Kanyeramid (trademark pending).

Icona Pop at CW upfront.

Passion Pit at the USA upfront.

More of Passion Pit at the USA upfront.

Cousins Robbie and Stephen Amell, now stars of their own respective CW series. The CW breeding program is a success!

The pretty people of the CW.

The cast of "Psych" performs "Psych: The Musical" at the USA Network upfront.

"New Girl's" Max Greenfield cracks wise and shows off his guns on the Fox upfront stage (at the Beacon Theatre).

Rising star Rebel Wilson gives a deadpan speech on stage at the ABC upfront (at Lincoln Center).

The cast of hot ABC drama "Scandal" on stage at the network's upfronts.

"Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." on the ABC stage.

Robin Williams at the CBS upfront.

Congrats to Paul Hewitt for getting this "#dropthemic" reference all the way through and on screen at the CBS upfront (at Carnegie Hall). Sadly, Leslie Moonves is not really on Twitter.

When David Letterman walked on stage for his first upfront in several years, we all started to brace for a potential retirement announcement. He hugged Moonves and started talking fondly about CBS. "This could be it," I thought to myself. And then it wasn't. Thank goodness. That would have turned our afternoon upside down.

Rate-A-Restaurant #295: Big Gay Ice Cream Shop

2013-05-16T06:51:00.001-07:00

Restaurant: Big Gay Ice Cream Shop

Location: 125 East 7th Street (between 1st Avenue & Avenue A) (Lower East Side, Manhattan)

Type of restaurant: ice cream

We stipulated: I was hungry for some ice cream and stopped by Momofuku Milk Bar to sample a flavor -- but besides the usual cereal milk flavor, there was an unappetizing nut-flavored one. So I decided to try my chances elsewhere. I Googled "ice cream lower east side" and the Big Gay Ice Cream store came up. I had heard of it before and the reviews promised amazing flavors. I was ready to try it out.

They stipulated: "Big Gay Ice Cream began as the Big Gay Ice Cream Truck, a summer experiment by founders Douglas Quint and Bryan Petroff that began rolling the streets of New York City in June 2009. Described by The Village Voice as 'a cross between Mister Softee and Mario Batali' the menu combines traditional soft-serve ice cream with imaginative toppings such as wasabi pea dust, Nilla Wafers, Dulce de Leche, olive oil and sea salt, and other rotating offerings. These are dispensed the way ice cream should be — with humor and good cheer. With this playful attitude, BGIC spins a new take on old-school soft-serve by creating fun and unique toppings that appeal to a diverse mix of clientele."

What we ordered: "The Salty Bea Arthur": Vanilla ice cream infused with dulce de leche; covered in crushed 'nilla wafers and salt. ($5.95)

High point: I would have ordered the "Salty Pimp" but didn't want the chocolate coating. Adding salt to the "Bea Arthur" was perfect.

Low point: Not as much ice cream variety as I was expecting.

Overall impression: I'm still thinking about that cone. The right amount of dulce de leche-- not too much, not too little -- and the finely crushed 'nilla wafers was an amazing touch. Add in some salt, and it was the best ice cream cone I've had in recent memory.

Chance we'll go back: Yes, please.

Mike On Radio: Previewing This Week's Network Announcements with Kevin & Bean

2013-05-14T20:28:00.001-07:00

Live, from the quiet entranceway at the Parker Meridien hotel in midtown Manhattan today, I got on the phone with KROQ's Kevin & Bean to hash out this week's network announcements. We talked about cancellations (they were not happy about "Southland's" end) and new shows like Michael J. Fox's NBC comedy, as well as the "Late Night" shift from Jimmy Fallon to Seth Meyers and a lot more. Click on the box below for the download of my segment of Tuesday's "Kevin & Bean" show.

FRANKLIN AVENUE IN NEW YORK: Grand Centennial Parade of Trains

2013-05-13T22:29:00.001-07:00

I arrived in New York on Saturday morning after taking the JetBlue redeye from Burbank -- not the most pleasant flight ever. But at least I got to Manhattan by 7am -- too bad my hotel room wasn't ready yet. So I walked over to nearby Grand Central Terminal, where people were already lining up for the Grand Centennial Parade of Trains. It was a celebration of old trains from the start of the 20th century straight up to now. I decided to check it out -- and it's a good thing I was there early, as the line snaked through the terminal before long. (Who knew so many people were interested in old trains?)

Among the trains were several from Los Angeles -- I thought I recognized one from Chris Nichols' birthday a few years ago. Apparently the trains' owners rode them all the way out to NY (via Chicago) from Los Angeles, and next were heading to D.C. before the trip home. All told, they took 15 days for their journey.

Here are some pics from last weekend's events.

U.S. Railway Car Post Office (1910)

On-train barber shop

People file out of Metro-North cars

Vintage MTA trains on the shuttle service between Times Square and Grand Central Station

Should L.A.'s Spring Street Keep Its Green-Painted Bike Lane?

2013-05-13T21:41:00.000-07:00

See? It's not just in L.A. -- green bike lanes abound in New York!

Are downtown's lime green bike lanes really that bad? Film industry location scouts complain that L.A. can't pass for New York or any other urban mecca anymore -- particularly if you're shooting a period piece. But see above, those same lime green bike lanes are also found in New York.

Here's what the Los Angeles Times has written on the matter:

Bicyclists and downtown neighborhood groups are fans of the 1.4-mile stretch of green bike lane on Spring Street from Cesar Chavez to 9th Street. But location scouts and production managers who bring filming to the city's historic downtown core are not so happy. Spring Street is flanked by old buildings and can stand in for almost any big city in a variety of time periods. The most frequently filmed intersection in the city is 6th and Spring, according to Paul Audley, president of Film L.A.

The problem, the industry argues, is that the bright green of the bike lane is costly to erase if you're filming, say, a scene that takes place in the 1940s and you don't want a bright green bike lane running down the middle of your shot. It can't be lifted out of film by the usual post-production technique known as chroma keying, and it is more expensive to remove than other greens. And it's not just the street that needs to be color-corrected. Under the bright lights used for filming, the green bounces off the street and tints everything it touches, including actors' faces.

As the paint begins to fade — apparently it didn't bond well with the street in certain areas — film industry representatives are again asking that the portion that runs from 3rd to 9th Streets be removed or repainted something other than the offending neon color.

What do you think? Should productions suck it up, or should these ugly bike lanes lose the color?

Mike on Radio: Talking the TV Upfronts with KCRW's "The Business"

2013-05-13T05:30:00.002-07:00

It's the broadcast networks' upfront week! Look excited! This is the week that the networks announce their new TV shows (and cancel the slackers). This week, at least, everything looks great and is a potential hit. Now, come fall, 80% or so of these shows will fail too... but for now, at least, the honeymoon period has begun. I return to KCRW's The Business today to chat about the upfronts (which actually is more about the $9 billion spend that advertisers will commit to "upfront" -- hence the name) with Kim Masters. Listen below.

The Worst Gas Station in All of Los Angeles

2013-05-09T01:16:00.001-07:00

Has anyone been able to figure out how the Shell gas station at the corner of Olympic and Fairfax manages to stay in business? The station charges on average at least $1 more per gallon than any other gas station in the city. Meanwhile, despite the fact that you're paying more than any other gas station, the workers there are said to be surly, unhelpful and downright rude. Read the Yelp reviews for more details.

Writes one unfortunate patron:

IF I HAVE ONE MISSION IN LIFE IS TO WARN PEOPLE NOT TO COME TO THIS HELL HOLE -
- AND REALLY ANY SHELL STATION ON EARTH -
SPEND YOUR MONEY AND THEN - GET INSULTS THROWN AT YOU - FOR ASKING TO USE THE BATHROOM!!!
This guy is psychotic.
Shell is psychotic for hiring this guy.
It's bad enough we have to spend almost $5 a gallon -
- but to be insulted for this displeasure STAINS my life and yours too -
IF YOU CHOOSE TO LOWER YOURSELF BY VISITING THIS DAMNATION
Jesus Christ! God willing! I never hated a gas station more in my life.

LA Ad Town: Fake Elevated Line Edition

2013-05-07T17:12:00.003-07:00

This may be one of the more bizarre creative licenses I've seen in a while: The Red Line subway magically appears above ground in downtown LA, via this University of Phoenix spot. Thanks to Will Campbell for spotting this one. He writes:

Can't remember what we were watching this weekend, but this scene from an ad for University of Phoenix sure got my attention. In it, the real-life fully underground Red Line train is seen magically elevated and traveling westbound over Flower Street at 4th. That's the Bonaventure Hotel just beyond the train on the right side of the frame.

Here's the full ad:

Press Release of the Day: Accidental Racist Edition

2013-05-06T11:52:00.002-07:00

Perhaps the most unfortunate press release typo in recent memory? Yikes.

British Soul Singer Alice Russell at the First Unitarian

2013-05-06T06:33:00.000-07:00

Another rare night out as the kids were at their cousins' house, so Maria and I headed down to Koreatown to catch British blue-eyed soul singer Alice Russell perform at a unique venue: the 1927 First Unitarian Church on 8th in Koreatown. The Echo, which promoted the show (sponsored by KCRW and LA Weekly), has a deal with the First Unitarian to hold concerts at the venue, and it turned out to be quite a special place to hold a show.

I first became familiar with Alice Russell's big voice thanks to her collaboration with Quantic, 2012's Look Around the Corner. The track "Here Again" was even one of my favorite tracks of 2012.

Russell performed songs from her past releases as well as her new album, To Dust. The intimate church setting meant that we were pretty close to the stage, even far back in the audience. Some pics:

Among refreshments on sale in the courtyard: Golden Road's Point The Way IPA.

View from the balcony of opening act Shafiq Husayn and The Dove Society performing on stage

Shafiq Husayn and The Dove Society

The First Unitarian Church stage

Scenes from a Glendale Brush Fire

2013-05-03T18:24:00.000-07:00

Good news: It appears that this afternoon's brush fire in Glendale near the 2 and 134 freeway interchange has been mostly knocked down, thanks to some quick-acting fire departments!

Happy Birthday, Pio Pico! And More from Los Angeles Heritage Day

2013-05-03T18:08:00.001-07:00

I was truly honored to be included by John Bwarie in this photo of true passionate Angelenos -- including histotainer Charles Phoenix, Councilman Tom LaBonge, KCET's Zach Behrens, Hidden LA's Lynn Garrett and LA Observed's Kevin Roderick. The pic above was taken by happenstance, as we were all standing outside Pico House the afternoon of April 14 to celebrate LA Heritage Day 2013.

I can never get enough of LA history, and this year's LA Heritage Day 2013 was a great opportunity to check out what was new with the various local organizations devoted to our region's past. There was even a Pio Pico impersonator -- making this blog post timely (rather than a month late!) since Pico -- the final governor of California under Mexico rule -- would have celebrated his 212th birthday on May 5.

In my previous post, I took you inside Pico House and the Merced Theatre, two of LA's oldest remaining buildings. Now a peek back inside the main floor of the Pico House -- and around the El Pueblo plaza:

"Pio Pico"

Inside the Pico House

Los Angeles Heritage Day: Inside Pico House and the Merced Theatre

2013-05-02T01:00:00.000-07:00

One of Los Angeles' oldest buildings, Pico House, located in downtown's El Pueblo Historic Monument area, was built in 1870 as a luxury hotel by Pio Pico, the final governor of California under Mexican rule. The State of California took over the building in the 1950s, and although some of it has been renovated over the years -- most recently, in 2000 for the Democratic National Convention -- only the ground floor is used for exhibits and events. The upstairs is gutted, waiting for a full renovation.

When I visited the Pico House a few weeks ago for LA Heritage Day, I ran into LA Observed's Kevin Roderick, who was about to go on a tour of the historic building. I got to tag along and capture a rare glimpse of the upstairs. Some pics:

Directly to the right of the Pico House is the Merced Theatre, which has also been empty for decades. (Like the Pico House, a lawsuit between the city and a developer of the site has kept it all vacant.) The Merced was built in 1871 but by the turn of the century was already out of favor as a theater. Now, it's being turned into the new home of Los Angeles' public access Channel 35 TV station. (Read the LA Times story about it here.) A few pics from inside the Merced:

Downtown, It's Yuppies vs. Hollywood as Film Shoots Encounter More Angry Residents

2013-04-29T07:34:00.000-07:00

Above, a typical sight in downtown Los Angeles: A film or commercial shoot (this one looked to be for an auto) that we caught while walking around last fall.

Once upon a time, Downtown Los Angeles was so deserted after hours or on weekends that Hollywood could treat it like an empty backlot. No longer. With so many residents now downtown, the population dubbed "Yoga Yuppies" by Curbed LA are not pleased:

Here's the Mad Men location manager: "We used to film car chases all over the place and land helicopters in parking lots. You'd never have to ask permission or get letters from residents -- they weren't even there." And the guy who works on Revenge, via The Hollywood Reporter: "Years ago, we'd shoot there, and you'd barely have to tell anybody." Skid Row, on the other hand, not a problem, according to the Castle scout: "But those people know the routine ... We have more issues with the yuppies not waiting for a shot and going to walk through it with their dog or to get to yoga." They'll just have to adapt though--Downtown has been playing New York since well before it was gentrified or even ungentrified--it first appeared as Manhattan in Harold Lloyd's Speedy, shot on Flower Street in 1928. And it's still got the basic look: "Right underneath our noses in Los Angeles is this New York backlot," according to one location expert; the Mad Men manager says "The buildings — when they were built, how they were built, their height, their look — are very similar ... If you're shooting on Spring, Main or Broadway [in downtown L.A.], you have no idea that you're not in New York."

Scenes from Anaheim's Wondercon

2013-04-29T06:05:00.000-07:00

You may recall that last month I had the opportunity to moderate TV Guide Magazine's TV Showrunners panel -- featuring Julie Plec (The Vampire Diaries), Glen Mazzara (The Walking Dead), Steve Molaro (The Big Bang Theory), Remi Aubuchon (Falling Skies) and others -- at Wondercon in Anaheim.

Since I was going down there, I thought it might be fun to introduce the Blogger Kid to the "con" culture, and also brought along his older cousin for the ride. They both got a kick out of the spectacle. Evan was a bit freaked out at first by all the costumes, but the Nintendo booth (where he kept going back to try out games) and all the Minecraft paraphernalia won him over. Here are some photo highlights:

Stormtroopers

Inside the convention center

Inside the convention center

Mike on Radio: KROQ's Kevin & Bean Ask, What's Up With NBC's New Reality Show?

2013-04-25T17:25:00.000-07:00

Kevin & Bean's Bean and Ralph were taken aback by the idea behind NBC's new reality show "The Million Second Quiz" (read about it here, and brought me on the show this morning to try and explain it. Granted, it's hard to figure out just how this show will work, but I give NBC some props for at least trying to put together a live spectacle that it hopes to turn into a big event before the fall launch. Ralph and Bean aren't having it.

It was a fun give-and-take today. Listen by clicking below!

The End of the Gibson/Universal Amphitheatre

2013-04-24T18:38:00.001-07:00

Sorry music fans, Harry Potter needs the room. After 40 years, the Gibson Amphitheater -- the venue formerly known as the Universal Amphitheatre -- is set to close. And it's a shame. It's still one of the best places to see a concert in all of L.A., as there's not a bad seat in the house, even in the back.

But Universal will tear the building down after its last show in September in order to make room for a new Harry Potter-themed attraction. Here are the details:

Starting in late summer, NBCUniversal will begin construction of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter themed land at Universal Studios Hollywood theme park, as well as new and upgraded television production facilities, office space and infrastructure on the Universal Studios lot. These projects represent a nearly $500 million investment in the Los Angeles economy and the creation of more than 2,000 construction jobs alone.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood will be a fully immersive experience for the entire family designed to bring the Harry Potter fiction and films to life with impeccable detail and authenticity. Similar to the dynamic Universal Orlando Resort themed land that opened in 2010, the Hollywood experience will be faithful to the visual landscape of the fiction and films, including Hogwarts castle that will serve as the centerpiece of the impressively themed environment. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a collaboration between Warner Bros. Entertainment and Universal Parks and Resorts.

The Universal Amphitheatre first opened as an open-air venue in 1972, but was covered in 1982. News that the Gibson might shut down first leaked in 2011, but today's announcement makes it official.

I'm guessing the Gibson/Universal is the biggest venue in L.A. to be torn down since the Shubert Theatre was erased from Century City.

March Arbitrons: Ryan Seacrest Gets a "10"

2013-04-24T00:06:00.001-07:00

What's the deal with Ryan Seacrest? His KIIS-FM morning show posted a 10 share this March among listeners aged 18-34, the first double-digit share in the demo over at least the last year. That made him easily No. 1 among young adults. KROQ's Kevin & Bean dominated the money demo, adults 25-54, with a 7.5 share of the audience. And in listeners 12+, KFI's Bill Handel was No. 1 (thanks to his older audience).

In total day ratings, KIIS-FM also reclaimed the No. 1 spot among persons 12+, with a 5.7 share, followed by KBIG "My 104.3" (5.4), KOST-FM (4.6), KFI-AM (4.3), KAMP "Amp Radio" (4.0, its best showing in a year), KPWR "Power 106" (3.9), KRTH "K-Earth 101" (3.7), KROQ-FM (3.4), KHHT "Hot 92.3" (3.3) and KSCA (3.2, its best in a year).

KIIS was also No. 1 in 18-34 (9.3), while KBIG was No. 1 with 25-54 (6.2).

Spotted: "Little Mommy"

2013-04-23T11:16:00.004-07:00

Hey, I'm a fan of Little Golden Books, but I'm not sure I approve of them celebrating childhood pregnancy.

Scenes from a Sunday Ride on the CicLAvia Route

2013-04-22T11:53:00.001-07:00

The classiest way to do it: Fine dining, CicLAvia style. Of course, extra props to these people for sticking with the plan even as the temps reached 90 degrees.

Another beautiful return to CicLAvia this Sunday, as a handful of streets from downtown to Venice were shut down for bikes, strollers and pedestrians. We parked near El Pueblo and rode through downtown, making our way through MacArthur Park and all the way to Arlington before turning around. So no, we didn't make it to Venice, but that's quite all right. We enjoy the downtown vibe and biking through all those old buildings. Plus, the crowds were lighter than usual on the street, as I assume most folks wanted to see CicLAvia on the west side for the first time.

Some pics from our day on the road:

At the El Pueblo starting point in downtown.

Not too crowded at El Pueblo.

Passing Caltrans

On Main, near the Pacific Electric building

Live music at the Silo Vodka Bar on 7th

A view of the Wilshire Grand demolition

MacArthur Park pit stop

Finding shade in MacArthur Park

Lunch break: Mama's International Tamales in MacArthur Park

Tamales at Mama's in MacArthur Park!

Mandatory dismount

Yes, they really are pedaling that thing.

On Set With the Cast of "Scandal," This Year's TV Guide Magazine Fan Favorite

2013-04-16T18:14:00.001-07:00

Last week I got to make the cast and crew of ABC's hot drama "Scandal" literally scream with delight. Visiting the show's Oval Office set, I presented Kerry Washington and the show's cast and crew the TV Guide Magazine award for Fan Favorite Drama -- and they were beyond thrilled. It was quite exciting to see their reaction and truly make the day of a hard-working group of people. (Some of the crew members thanked me again as I walked off the set.)

Plus: Watch as Washington gives me a hug (it's documented, people) as I give her the Fan Favorite Award for best actress. The issue is on stands now, pick it up!

License Plate of the Day: Obi Wan Edition

2013-04-16T16:41:00.001-07:00

Kenobi! Spotted in the Valley by our pal Tony.

How TV's Southland Embraced L.A.'s Local Eats

2013-04-16T01:10:00.000-07:00

Not only does TNT's "Southland" showcase parts of Los Angeles rarely seen on TV, but it ventures into some of its legendary and lesser-known eateries for some true-to-life color. Among the joints showcased on "Southland": Philippe's, Langer's, Tony's Steak House, El Siete Mares, El Tepeyac (Manuel's special burrito, of course), Cha Cha Cha, S&W Diner, Johnnie's Pastrami, Pacific Dining Car and so many more.

The L.A. Weekly's Squid Ink blog recently asked "Southland" associate producer and location manager Mike Haro to talk about "Southland's" connection with L.A. eateries:

SI: Name a favorite restaurant that's appeared on Southland.
MH: I have several favorites. For us, budget is always a concern, but we were able to film briefly at Bottega Louie. Earlier this year we had a scene where a car totally crashed into a restaurant and we used this really cool Filipino place called Bahay Kubo.

SI: Explain your process step by step: Do you drive around by yourself?
MH: Sometimes yes, sometimes no. The way the show works, I'll get the script and break it down and discuss ideas with the director and production designer. Once they sign off, I will have my scout go out, but oftentimes, because I know the city so well, I'll say, "Go here, and check around these streets." He'll go and come back with whatever he can find in those areas.

SI: When you shoot at a restaurant, is it all visual? How important is it that the Southland cops are shown eating at a place that actually serves delicious food?
MH: We want to have at least some interesting features of the restaurant. But we are also of the belief that whatever is real is real. If we're told to find a certain kind of restaurant, we will. We like to go on locations that are readymade, that we don't have to enhance. The challenge for me and my scouts is to really make sure it fits the character, without having to do anything. A lot of shows dress a location to fit the character. Sometimes that doesn't feel real. It looks art directed as opposed to looking like a real location. I think that's key to our show having that gritty, real look. In the next couple of episodes, you're going to see some locations that we never could have art directed.

More Changes at KCRW: Harry Shearer's "Le Show," NPR's "Weekend All Things Considered" Leave Air, Move to Digital

2013-04-15T12:31:00.000-07:00

Tom Schnabel isn't the only KCRW mainstay departing the airwaves. Harry Shearer's "Le Show," which has been heard on KCRW since 1983, is also moving to digital. In its place, KCRW will now run the "TED Radio Hour" on Sundays at 10 a.m. It's part of a big weekend schedule shift at KCRW. Also gone: NPR's "Weekend All Things Considered" (which will still be heard on KCRW's online news channel, and remains over the air on rival KPCC). That means KCRW will go all-music starting at noon on the weekends. Here's the press release:

Harry Shearer’s Le Show will no longer be heard on 89.9FM. The station plans to continue to distribute the show for podcast and national syndication, and will continue to support the show on its digital platforms. KCRW will add the program to its 24-hour news stream on Sundays.

A mix of political satire and music, Le Show first aired on KCRW in 1983 and is now carried on more than 80 public radio stations across the U.S., the Pacific Islands, and on satellite radio, and has seen significant growth as a podcast in recent years.

“Harry Shearer and Le Show have been a part of KCRW since its inception, providing a voice of satire and comic relief while challenging the political establishment. KCRW pledges to support Harry and his incredible national and digital audience,” says KCRW General Manager Jennifer Ferro.

NPR’s TED Radio Hour, hosted by Guy Raz, formerly of Weekend All Things Considered, will now air Sundays at 10am. The weekly exploration of “ideas worth spreading” was NPR’s biggest new program launch in history and the podcast premiered at the top of the iTunes download charts for its pilot season in 2012.

“We're thrilled to be bringing the TED Radio Hour to Southern California radio listeners. The show brings ideas that inspire new ways of thinking, which has long been a tenet of public radio programming. We believe it's a perfect fit for KCRW's curious audience,” explains Ferro.

As announced last Friday, legendary DJ and former Music Director Tom Schnabel starts a new digital venture that aims to grow KCRW’s world music audience. An expert in world music and jazz, Schnabel will continue to share his wealth of knowledge through his popular Rhythm Planet blog, an on-demand music show, a Rhythm Planet membership club and a series of live events including an upcoming music salon on May 20.

“Tom is the vibrant heart of KCRW’s music programming. He’s our first music director and a critical part of the KCRW family. As we continue our digital expansion, Tom is the right person to lead the station into this new territory,” says Ferro. “He has vast knowledge of world music and jazz, among other things, and is an amazing curator, scholar and writer. He is not saying goodbye because he's not leaving. He's just changing platforms - from broadcast radio to digital.”

Listeners can hear Travis Holcombe’s new show Saturdays and Sundays from 3-6pm. Additionally, Anne Litt moves to the new time of noon to 3pm both days. Chris Douridas moves his two-hour show to 6pm on Saturday, followed by Liza Richardson and Metropolis, hosted by KCRW Music Director Jason Bentley.

On Sundays, Gary Calamar stays at 6pm. Henry Rollins moves to Sundays at 8pm and Dan Wilcox moves to 10pm. Eric J Lawrence returns to Sunday nights from midnight to 3am and Jason Kramer moves to Tuesday nights from midnight to 3am.

"Travis started as a volunteer at the station, just like I did, and it became immediately obvious that he had something special to offer. His depth of music draws out gems from all decades, plus he’s been an early supporter of a few artists who have become station favorites. I’m excited Travis is bringing his diverse and progressive playlists to the weekend, and am confident the audience will love what he has to offer," says KCRW Music Director Jason Bentley.

NPR’s Weekend All Things Considered will no longer air on KCRW 89.9FM. Instead, listeners will be kept up to date with top-of-the-hour NPR news headlines beginning at noon on Saturdays and Sundays. KCRW’s digital news stream will continue to carry WATC.

The new weekend schedule reflects KCRW’s efforts to redefine itself as more than just a radio station. KCRW has made significant investment in programming and distribution across multiple platforms. Last year’s launch of respected digital-only shows such as Strangers and the Organist is an example of KCRW’s commitment to expand its offerings beyond the FM dial. The development of the Music Mine and other mobile apps, as well as the successful streams on iHeartRadio, Spotify, TuneIn and others is part of this commitment to put KCRW wherever the audience is.

Here are the new weekend lineups:

SATURDAY
6 am NPR's WEEKEND EDITION
10 am THIS AMERICAN LIFE
11 am GOOD FOOD
Noon ANNE LITT (Music)
3 pm TRAVIS HOLCOMBE (Music)
6 pm CHRIS DOURIDAS (Music)
8 pm LIZA RICHARDSON (Music)
10 pm METROPOLIS (Music)
Midnight MARIO COTTO (Music)
3 am THE LAB (Music)

SUNDAY
6 am NPR's WEEKEND EDITION
10 am TED RADIO HOUR
11 am THE MOTH RADO HOUR
Noon ANNE LITT (Music)
3 pm TRAVIS HOLCOMBE (Music)
6 pm GARY CALAMAR (Music)
8 pm HENRY ROLLINS (Music)
10 pm DAN WILCOX (Music)
Midnight JASON KRAMER (Music)

More schedule details here. The new weekend schedule will take effect immediately, starting April 20. View the complete schedule at: http://kcrw.com/schedule.

Tom Schnabel Goes Digital, Leaves KCRW's Weekend Lineup

2013-04-12T11:57:00.001-07:00

Tom Schnabel, the original host of KCRW's signature music program "Morning Becomes Eclectic," is leaving the KCRW airwaves. This Sunday will be the final edition of his long-running weekend program. But KCRW says Schnabel isn't leaving the station; he's instead focusing on launching a new digital platform, "Rhythm Planet." Here's the KCRW memo (from general manager Jennifer Ferro) announcing the change:

As you know, in the last year we've made investments in digital programming and building new audience. We launched DnA and Metropolis to do both of these things last month and we are happy to see the positive response so far.

I wanted to let you know about another exciting new venture.

Tom Schnabel will launch Rhythm Planet as its own stand-alone digital universe. Tom is the heart of KCRW's music programming. He's our center, our core, our beginning.

His last on air show will be this Sunday. He is not saying good-bye because he's not leaving. He's just changing platforms - from broadcast radio to digital.

He has vast knowledge of world music and jazz (amongst other things). He's an amazing curator and scholar and writer. In fact, his Rhythm Planet blog is one of our more popular blogs even with little to no promotion.

Just like Frances and DnA, the goal is for Tom to build a community around world and jazz music. We'll have a Rhythm Planet membership club, live music events (one is coming up on May 20th) and his blog. He'll do a weekly audio show that will be found on his blog and on our site and apps.

I'm excited to announce that Travis Holcombe will join the daytime music programming line up. Many of you know Travis. In true KCRW fashion, Travis started as a front desk volunteer and eventually joined our music staff.

We're finally at a place where we can take advantage of all our platforms - over the air, online and in person. This year we're embarking on making the most of all three of those platforms.

An official announcement on weekend changes will come on Monday. I wanted you to be aware in case you hear Tom talk about his new venture on the air this weekend.

Your dedication and passion for KCRW is what drives this whole operation and I thank you.

- Jennifer Ferro

Schnabel hosted "Morning Becomes Eclectic" from July 1979 to November 1990, before handing the reins to Chris Douridas. He had hosted a weekend show since then.