Hello,

Tonight, I invite you to put down this email until you've done your last chore for the evening –– your pet's been fed, your socks are paired, the leftovers are in the fridge, etc.

Go ahead. I'll wait.

Come back in a few when you're relaxed, ready to receive and absorb your neighbors' creative thoughts, drawings, and feelings about this city we share and love. I'm talking about Love Letters to LA, an initiative we've invited you to participate in to help us heal and come together. 

I just finished immersing myself in the deep-tissue soul massage of missives from all over the LA region that left me feeling soft, glowy, and ready for a good night's sleep. Why? 

Because it turns out we're hella tough. And kind. And we're going to make it, LA.

— Maria & Gilda, Mt. Washington

We have each other. 

Your KCRW Insider,
Connie Alvarez

MBE Live From SXSW @ Rivian Electric Roadhouse

MBE fans, all next week, Morning Becomes Eclectic is camping out at Rivian Electric Roadhouse for SXSW where Novena Carmel will bring a diverse mix of new releases, timeless classics, offbeat gems, live performances, and candid artist interviews. If you’re heading to Austin for the fest, get your mornings started right with MBE at Rivian House. Staying in LA? Tune in with the KCRW App or 89.9FM on the dial.

From Scams to Second Chances: Hipster Grifter Kari Ferrell's Story

Sam sits down with one of the original viral scam artists — Hipster Grifter Kari Ferrell — who received international attention back in 2009 for her small-time cons. Scam artists have probably been around since apes started using tools, so what makes Kari different? A redemption arc. In this week’s episode, learn Kari’s backstory, lessons learned, and what Sam would call himself if he were a scam artist. Listen and then hit me up with what you would call him (or yourself!) and I’ll pass it on.

The Great LA Sandwich Debate (with Chef Duff Goldman!)

Concordia Shawarma McGraw sits down with Ace of Cakes and Baking Championship series host Duff Goldman to chew the fat while chewing sandwiches… and a loaded hot dog that may or may not be a sandwich. The banter is tasty and the sandwiches are going home in cargo shorts. Duff doesn’t disappoint in his review of some of LA’s best sandwiches (you'll want your own cargo shorts). 

Doug Aitken Lightscape Activation with Los Angeles Master Chorale

The Marciano Arts Foundation resides in an architecturally historic monolith with a past shrouded in the Freemason secrecy of Old Hollywood. Discover the past with exhibitions and shows that inspire wonder — like Lightscape — free and open to the public. This immersive installation explores sound, space, and the human voice in a bold, rhythmic display where you can intermingle in live performances from the film soundtrack.

The Transformative Nature of Poetry

Life’s challenges abound so in poetry is found,
A transformative embrace, oft not clear on its face,
As “an invitation back into the world,” grappling traumas — unfurled,
Yet in making the choice to examine our voice,
We can find appreciation in our own words of Consolation