Spring Street, between 5th and 4th street, was host for attractions and events that wrapped around west towards Koreatown. The presenters, Cic La Via, offered open streets, traffic control, and restrooms, along with street attractions and future interests, on this day, Dec. 10th, 2017.
Visual displays of math and a Wave Pendulum were demonstrated through theatrics and circus tricks. An advocacy group teaching bike safety to families offered Spanish/English literature that is understood by flipping the book vertically to read either one or the other’s language. They were handing out bike-bells for participation in expressing gratitude against their wall of creative works.
Safety demonstrations for kids that are transitioning into “street safety” awareness were discussed along with “why the rules make sense.”
After enjoying the afternoon on Spring Street, I came across Councilmember Jose Huizar’s tent. The tent described Jose Huizar through newsletters that were handed out by attendants. “Moving DTLA Forward,” was the topic/initiative discussed through face-to-face administration: “Bring Back Broadway,” was described through newsletters administered by the booth as having, “attracted more than 75,000 people in 2017.” Saturday, Jan 27th, 2018 would be a chance to try the event again another year.
When Broadway is barren, it appears drastically different. A Night on Broadway was full of attractions that deserved attention from many people. Blockades kept traffic on the streets and out of parking garages. Free standing maps displayed the entire venue, street by street, and brochures where given by official attendants.
Just off “South Broadway,” Grand Central Market allowed foot traffic to enter the market, which is centered between Hill & Broadway, 4th and 3rd street. Six open entrances on Hill St. and five open entrances on Broadway accepted the crowds that were showing. According to the administration of literature, “Councilmember Huizar is gearing up for the biggest grand finale of all: Night on Broadway 2018.”
Through comparison to other restaurants, bars, and open courts, I chose a seat in front of a red counter facing west, which wrapped around white pillars. The stool was fixed to the floor and spun in place. White and red neon above the kitchen described the restaurant as a “China Café.” I ordered Beef Chow Mein for $7.75 and ate with chop sticks and then continued to explore.
Heading north, heritage-based plays were being held at the “Million Dollar Theatre,” according to the administration of literature by attendants.
From my seat, ORCH 525, two gold statues, framed and embedded into the wall, could be seen comparatively to the rest of the theatre. The chair was red with wood armrests. The Balcony was shaped in a half-circle with 13 lights along the rim. 14 lanterns, big and small, were visible and accurate according to what could be observed through seating. A Great Chandelier, in what is a circular theatre, is seen clearly from the balcony. Outside, 9 bison heads compared to 8 personas in terms of pleasing effect upon pedestrian traffic.
Between 2nd and 3rd street, along Broadway, roller-skating and live rock music played at Joe’s Auto Parks. Distance from the area was provided by a chalk line which separated the arena from 2 bleachers. An electronic scoreboard tallied points from what was call the “Derby Doll Arena,” according to literature administered to pedestrians by festival attendants.
On 1st street, between Broadway and Spring Street, a Beer Garden served festival beer which was available for purchase.
Between 1st street and 2nd street, on Broadway, Visual Art by Aslia Tusavul stood according to literature administered by walking attendants. 30,000 straws sewn together and strung in rows across 50 feet of steel frame stood. The art was commissioned by the city according to the artist, Asli Tusaval, who was standing near.
Heading south on Broadway, two sidewalk artist painted at 2nd street; 21 wreaths were also for sale, by booth representatives between 3rd and 4th street and a Block Party to the west on 4th street, between Hill and Broadway, celebrated with booths and street artist.
On the other side of the street, between Broadway and Spring Street, on 4th street, another Beer Garden sold drinks. On the western side of Broadway, between 3rd and 4th street, rows of booths sold various festival merchandise.
Between 6th street and 7th street on Broadway, the Los Angeles Theatre accepted foot traffic from the festival. The balcony was railed with wood in a U shape.
Along either side of the balcony is room for thirty people. Three ceiling frescos, one large and centered between two smaller frescos surrounding the larger one, decorated the theatre. Ornamentally decorated walls extend to the ceiling.
Nine chandeliers, three large and six small, hang in the lobby. On the sub-level, large well-decorated bathrooms surround a dance floor.
An attendant sold drinks from a small booth. I purchased a six dollar Pabs Blue Ribbon and drank while trying to dance while a DJ played music.
Between 7th & 8th street on Broadway, the Globe Theatre hosted a dance party; a VIP lounge is upstairs along with a single bar. Two bars are on the bottom floor along with a single stage. Four couches with drink tables behind velvet rails were open for resting.
Between 6th & 7th street on Broadway, is the Palace Theatre. There is a small stage with velvet curtains. Two paintings, large and framed, help create an antique appearance, overall. The balcony is shaped in a half-circle and there are four pillars which appear to support the theatre.
Nearly seven hours into the event, at 10pm-10:45pm, I made it to the Orpheum Theatre. There is a half-circle balcony surrounded by six smaller balconies.
On each smaller balcony are two gargoyles guarding a decorative interior.
In addition to seating, there are six ceiling windows, for low lighting, and gold embroidery and pillars decoratively used.
At nearly 11pm, eleven low riders were on display at “Joe’s Auto Park,” according to signs for the parking lot. The cars were behind velvet ropes and comparison, one to the other, offered tutorially displayed information.
At 11pm, the Theater at Ace Hotel closed to the public, ending the night. Overall, A Night on Broadway was enormous and the theaters were richer than many others. The history of Broadway street is still developing thanks to councilmember Jose Huizar’s work: to cast light on Downtown LA’s intriguing past.