Hey everybody,

Molly here, your KCRW Insider and your go-to for everything happening in and around KCRW. Here’s a preview of what you’ll get in the newsletter this week:

• In the studio: American Idol runner-up, David Archuleta, on finding community after leaving his religion
• In the community: Two free KCRW screenings this week!
• Around the watercooler: A Michelin-rated breakfast burrito
• In other news: Taking artists through our CD library for the new series, Must Listen

Last week, I braved the rush-hour traffic from Santa Monica to Century City to catch an early screening of If I Go Will They Miss Me, and I’m so happy I did! The acting was superb, the set design felt specific and authentic, and Walter Thompson-Hernández’s writing and directing were intentional, emotional, and fresh.

After the screening, Walter joined veteran director Gina Prince-Bythewood for a moderated conversation where I learned that he previously worked in journalism as an LA correspondent for The New York Times. He didn’t go to film school or grow up around cameras, but he clearly knows how to tell an important story and bring it to life with authenticity. His short film of the same name won the Short Film Jury Award: U.S. Fiction at Sundance in 2022, and I’m so glad he was able to expand that story into a feature.

Our very own KCRW DJ Francesca Harding was the music supervisor on the film, and her expertise and musical knowledge brought beautiful musical depth to the story. It was lovely to support Francesca outside of KCRW, and it’s always so fun to see the incredible things our staff is doing beyond HQ.

You can catch the film in theaters now!

-Molly

P.S. If I get 10 responses to this email telling me to do it, I’ll run the LA 5K with Team KCRW! I am decidedly not a runner, but I love the idea of setting a goal, trying something new, and supporting a great cause along the way. So… should I do it?!

And you might be able to join me! KCRW is putting together a team to run the 2027 LA Marathon, Charity Half Marathon, and LA 5K. As a member of Team KCRW, you’ll help raise funds for KCRW’s important work in the community. As a thank you, we’ll cover your race registration, and you'll receive exclusive Team KCRW swag, a year of KCRW membership, training runs led by our coaches, and an invitation to our post-race celebration.

In the Studio

In 2008, David Archuleta became the runner-up on American Idol at just 17 years old. Framed as the poster boy for his Mormon faith, David was forced to hide his sexuality and queerness, an experience he describes in his memoir Devout: Losing My Faith to Find Myself. On The Sam Sanders Show, David talks about learning to accept himself, why his time on American Idol was terrifying, and the surprising ways he’s found community after leaving his religion. (Please note, this conversation touches on heavy topics, so please take care while watching.)

Mila de la Garza, the youngest member of The Linda Lindas, was 10 years old when the band’s punk anthem “Racist, Sexist Boy” went viral. Mila’s sister, Lucia de la Garza, was just a few years older, as were their bandmates, Eloise Wong and Bela Salazar. Now, five years later and growing up in uncertain times, The Linda Lindas are out with their third album, Gotta Get Out, and they share all about it on Press Play.

While on tour for his new cookbook, Every Leaf, Every Stem, Pierce Abernathy joined us at the Santa Monica Farmers Market to shop for a few pop-up events. The NYC-based chef was on a mission to find stone fruit, berries, and chamomile — and he (mostly) found what he was looking for. Evan Kleiman caught up with Abernathy about zero-waste cooking on the latest episode of Good Food.

KCRW In The Community

What is your vibe this Thursday? A jazz show? An indie music showcase? A film screening? Whatever you’re feeling, we’ve got you covered.

KCRW Presents: "Third Thursdays" with Brandon Coleman Quartet, Eric Sittner, Horace Bray & Efa Etorom at Sam First tomorrow night! Expect a set that leans as much on soul and groove as it does on straight-ahead chops

KCRW and Sony Pictures Classics invite you to a special advance screening of Ha-Chan, Shake Your Booty this Thursday! Haru and Luis love competing in Tokyo’s ballroom dance scene, but after tragedy strikes, Haru withdraws into isolation. When friends coax her back to the studio, she develops an infatuation with the new instructor. She must face what comes next as sparks fly.

And on Friday…

KCRW and HBO invite you to a special advance screening of the HBO original comedy series Youth. The show follows Alex (played by Sharon Horgan), a 50-year-old divorcee, as she navigates this chapter of life, searching for sex and love, whilst juggling caring for her ailing parents on top of also parenting her should-be grown-up son.

Please note: These screenings are open to KCRW members first. Guests must RSVP to attend. Guests will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis, with members granted first entry. RSVP does not guarantee entry.

And finally, it’s a School Night at The Airliner in Lincoln Heights this Thursday! Featuring June Swoon, JP OGrady, Lyla George, and Alaina May, the show is free with an RSVP for 21+ and $10 if you're under 21. Entry is first-come, first-served.

Around The Watercooler
(Staff Recs) 

Molly here: A cozy bar in the heart of Atwater
I can’t believe I’d never been to the High Low! I went for a friend’s birthday this past weekend and loved the elevated-yet-medieval vibe. They’ve got a pool table, a karaoke lounge, great cocktails, and the carnitas nachos were GOOD. Definitely a fun spot for a casual date or a night out with friends.

Nat (Membership team): Michelin-rated breakfast burrito
What business does a Michelin-rated restaurant have making a breakfast burrito? You'll have to find out for yourself! In the most inconspicuous shopping mall in Hermosa Beach, you can find the South Bay's best-kept "secret" at Baran's 2239. Pre-order on Wednesdays via phone or Instagram DM for their burrito service Friday–Sunday. They sell out for good reason, so be ready when the mid-week DMs open. If you miss pre-order, you might luck out at Tigres de Fuego down the street, where they also sell the Baran's burritos on a first-come, first-served basis. Bonus tip: grab a coffee from Hi-Fi Espresso across PCH and take your breakfast down to the beach!

Nick (Development team): The best Hollywood Bowl picnic meal
I saw Lucy Dacus at the Hollywood Bowl this past Sunday and stopped by Ggiata for some sandwiches. The location on Melrose is a 10-minute drive from the Bowl, and you can order ahead, which makes a swift pickup easy. I ordered the J-Stilly, which was a satisfying combination of chicken, prosciutto, stracciatella, tomato, arugula, honey, a Calabrian chili aioli, on a delicious toasted seeded baguette. It didn’t disappoint!!

In Other News

At KCRW, talented artists stream through the door daily, arriving as on-air guests or taping musical performances. Now, we’re bringing their tastes to you through the brand new series Must Listen. Each episode, KCRW brings a special guest through our expansive CD library with two instructions: find a “must-listen” record, then leave a note in the CD case for the next individual who picks it. Our latest episode features Alabama Shakes, returning to KCRW to talk about their new album, I Must Be Dreaming.

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