Arts & Culture Newsletter: Oscar-winning 'Last Repair Shop' a win-win story about music

Dana Atkinson in a scene from "The Last Repair Shop."

This week, a new Steve Martin documentary, “Motown” sings in Escondido, Paul Oakenfold and Cinema Under the Stars

March 28, 2024 5:30 AM PT

Good morning, and welcome to the U-T Arts & Culture Newsletter.

I’m David L. Coddon, and here’s your guide to all things essential in San Diego’s arts and culture this week.

Do yourself a favor. Take 40 minutes out of your day or evening and watch “The Last Repair Shop.” Available to stream free on YouTube, this Canadian-American doc quite deservedly took home the Oscar a couple of weeks ago for Best Documentary Short Film.

But that’s not the reason it’s worth your time. Directed by Kris Bowers and Ben Proudfoot, “The Last Repair Shop” is understated and inspirational, and it’s a story about people young and old whose lives have been enhanced, even saved by music.

The focus of the documentary is a downtown L.A. warehouse where musical instruments are maintained and repaired free of charge for students in the Los Angeles Unified School District. We meet four of the craftspeople there — Dana Atkinson, Paty Moreno, Steve Bagmanyan and Duane Michaels — each of whom has his or her own backstory. Moreno, for example, was a single mother with not enough money to feed her children. An opportunity with the schools led her to the repair shop job and a new life for herself and her family.

The other faces of “The Last Repair Shop” are students in L.A. schools whose instruments, whether a saxophone or a piano, have given them confidence, joy and a dream to follow.

None of that might be possible without the help of the people in the last repair shop.

Streaming

Steve Martin photographed in 2022 in New York City.

Remember when Steve Martin was just one of the “wild and crazy guys” (with Dan Aykroyd) in a “Saturday Night Live” sketch? Or when he did standup comedy with a banjo and an arrow through his head? In the five decades since, Martin has fashioned a career as a comedian, an actor and a writer. You could even make a case for his being Hollywood royalty, though he’d probably chuckle at that lofty suggestion.

Martin’s life and long career in showbiz are the subject of “STEVE! (martin) a documentary in 2 pieces,” which is premiering Friday on Apple TV+. Jerry Seinfeld, Tina Fey and Martin’s “Only Murders in the Building” costars Martin Short and Selena Gomez are among those appearing in the documentary.

Theater

CCAE Theatricals' "Motown: The Groove that Changed America."

Motown may have begun as a Detroit record label founded by Berry Gordy Jr. in 1959, but the Motown sound and the hundreds of artists associated with it are part of not only American musical history, but American history period.

Little wonder (that’s a nod to Motown superstar Little Stevie) that we still can’t get enough of the Motown sound.

CCAE Theatricals in Escondido has been so successful with its Motown theatrical concert show in the past, that this year it is moving “Motown: The Groove That Changed America” from the 404-seat Center Theater at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, to its 1,523-seat Concert Hall. There are two performances on tap: Friday and Saturday night at 7:30. Tickets at artcenter.org.

Dance music

A musical legend among club-goers, Paul Oakenfold has to be at the beginning of any discussion of influential DJs, producers and remix masters. So if you’re into dance music, there’s no reason to miss Oakenfold’s gig on Saturday night at the Music Box in Little Italy.

Oakenfold is celebrating 30 years of his record label, Perfecto, on this 15-city tour, which — get this — doesn’t include a stop in Los Angeles. San Diego, Costa Mesa, San Bernardino, yes, but not L.A. How often does that happen? So any Angelenos reading this, come on down.

Movies

Only in Southern California could we sit outside on a March evening and comfortably enjoy a movie. That’s been the business model for the long-running “Cinema Under The Stars” programming in Mission Hills. For the spring movie lineup, visit topspresents.com.

On Friday and Saturday night at 8 p.m., the series screens the underappreciated 2011 rom-com “Crazy, Stupid Love.” Its ensemble cast included two people who enjoyed memorable evenings at the 2024 Oscars: Emma Stone and Ryan (“I’m Just Ken”) Gosling.

By the by, if you’re an Oscars fan (or a real fanatic) and a Hulu subscriber, you can now stream the entire Academy Awards show, Gosling’s memorable Ken number included, along with all of ABC’s pre-coverage from March 10. Visit hulu.com.

U-T art stories you may have missed this week

Loaded fries at The Draft by Ballast Point in Section 105 of Petco Park.

UCTV

University of California Television invites you to enjoy this special selection of programs from throughout the University of California. Descriptions courtesy of and text written by UCTV staff:

“Jake Blount: Live Performance and Discussion”: Jake Blount, a powerfully gifted musician and scholar of Black American music, illuminates the African origins of the banjo and African Americans’ pivotal role in shaping roots music and Americana. Enjoy a riveting performance at the Loft, as he shares a dynamic mix of traditional tunes and original compositions. Next, join Blount as he discusses Afrofuturism’s fusion with folk music, emphasizing its role in reshaping historical narratives and envisioning futures. He highlights the trans historic feedback loop, showing how revisiting history through music impacts our understanding of the present and future, particularly in the context of climate change. By reinterpreting traditional folk songs, Blount not only refreshes their meanings but also initiates critical discussions on contemporary issues.

“Conversation with Poet Laureate Jason Magabo Perez”: Jason Magabo Perez, San Diego’s Poet Laureate, engages with UC San Diego’s Erik Mitchell in a revealing conversation about his poetic journey and its impact on community and self-awareness. Perez shares readings from his work, which weaves together narratives of grief, identity, and resilience. His ability to articulate complex emotions and historical contexts through poetry provides a window into the experiences of Filipino-American communities and broader societal issues. He also discusses his initiatives as Poet Laureate, emphasizing his commitment to making poetry accessible and relevant to a wide audience. His projects aim to foster a vibrant literary culture in San Diego, highlighting the power of poetry to build solidarity, empower youth, and give voice to marginalized communities.

“CARTA: The Recent History of Tattooing in Europe and North America”: Dr. Matt Lodder explores the development of professional tattooing in Britain and America from the late 19th century, based on primary sources for his forthcoming book. He uncovers a tightly knit network of transnational artists and clients, debunking traditional narratives about tattooing’s commercial emergence and re-evaluating the “Tattoo Renaissance” of the 1970s and 80s. Lodder’s research reveals a more nuanced story of tattooing’s evolution, showcasing the diverse and interconnected paths of design, technology, and influence. This exploration not only challenges our understanding of tattoo history but also enriches the cultural tapestry of Euro-American tattooing.