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Re: 1987.07.10 Variety Arts Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2010 7:24 pm
by intertwoven
I've been looking into this just now.. trying to come up with a definitive name for this venue. The tour history section calls it Center for all shows there except this one (7-10-87). The official site is
http://www.varietyartscenter.com/ So I vote we change it to Center for this show.
Re: 1987.07.10 Variety Arts Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2010 7:45 pm
by intertwoven
Listening to this show (thanks, filth!), Perry introduces the mystery backup singer on "Ted" and "Maceo" as Laura Espinosa. Though I'm not sure of the spelling. Could be Lara Espinoza, Espanoza, or something else along those lines. I tried googling around to see any musicians/singers/performers with that name, but came up empty. Maybe somebody in the Jane's camp could confirm her name for us?
This has always intrigued me, because as far as I can think of, this is the only known instance of Jane's Addiction featuring live backing vocals. Which I think is a bummer, because I'm a fan of vocal harmonies n' shit. Perry does em great on album, but of course he can't really do it live, other than messing with his delay effects. I kinda wish Dave or Eric would've chipped in some backup. Dave often mouthed the words when he was playing, so why not put a mic in front of him?

Re: 1987.07.10 Variety Arts Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2010 8:00 pm
by helicine
intertwoven wrote:I've been looking into this just now.. trying to come up with a definitive name for this venue. The tour history section calls it Center for all shows there except this one (7-10-87). The official site is
http://www.varietyartscenter.com/ So I vote we change it to Center for this show.
I did some quick google-ing, and it sounds like the building itself is Variety Arts Center, but inside where concert & events are held, is the Variety Arts Theatre
http://sites.google.com/site/downtownlo ... ts-theatre
Re: 1987.07.10 Variety Arts Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2010 8:22 pm
by intertwoven
Fair enough, but for simplicity's sake, I still think it should be listed as Variety Arts Center like the other shows in the DB.
There's actually a couple different theaters in the building, so that just adds to the confusion of where exactly the show(s) took place. from the official site:
The elegant structure, which is a registered historic cultural landmark, houses a 1,000-seat theater along with a smaller theater and nightclub space, a lounge, a library and offices. Over the years the venue has seen a smattering of events from concerts to film shoots to fashion shows.
Re: 1987.07.10 Variety Arts Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2010 8:34 pm
by helicine
I actually looked up the one show in question that was marked as "Theatre" and the flier and poster both say "Center" - so I went ahead and fixed it
http://janesaddiction.org/tour/tour_det ... tourID=387
Re: 1987.07.10 Variety Arts Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
Posted: Sat Apr 10, 2010 12:36 am
by Mike
intertwoven wrote:I've been looking into this just now.. trying to come up with a definitive name for this venue. The tour history section calls it Center for all shows there except this one (7-10-87). The official site is
http://www.varietyartscenter.com/ So I vote we change it to Center for this show.
I think either one is correct for the most part.
The whole complex / building is the "center" and it has a "theatre" and more inside.
I'll find the article to support the above and post it.
In addition the box set booklet lists it as "Variety Arts Center".
I guess if I had to choose I'd go with Variety Arts Center too.
Re: 1987.07.10 Variety Arts Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 1:44 am
by filthpurveyer
The Building is the Center, the theatre inside is a threatre or theater spelled both ways outside on two different signs, we don't get to see the upper floors with apartments and offices when a band plays, so I'm sticking with Variety Arts Theatre or Theater @ Variety Arts Center, call me gay, I don't care.
Re: 1987.07.10 Variety Arts Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 6:20 pm
by Mike
filthpurveyer wrote:The Building is the Center, the theatre inside is a threatre or theater spelled both ways outside on two different signs, we don't get to see the upper floors with apartments and offices when a band plays, so I'm sticking with Variety Arts Theatre or Theater @ Variety Arts Center, call me gay, I don't care.
You're gay but I get where you're coming from.
I can't look for the article I was talking about in my previous post at the moment but it's interesting you mention the upper floors because if I remember right in the article I'm talking there was something going on on the fourth floor.
I'll track it down as soon as I can and post it.
Re: 1987.07.10 Variety Arts Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
Posted: Tue Apr 13, 2010 8:53 am
by helicine
filthpurveyer wrote:The Building is the Center, the theatre inside is a threatre or theater spelled both ways outside on two different signs, we don't get to see the upper floors with apartments and offices when a band plays, so I'm sticking with Variety Arts Theatre or Theater @ Variety Arts Center, call me gay, I don't care.
That makes the most sense, and I set the shows accordingly. This show in particular uses 'theatre' on the tickets, and 'center' on the posters. Center is definitely the building, and it sounds like concerts such as the ones JA performed were in the main theatre.
if we find out they played a different theater w/in the center, we can update the listings accordingly
Re: 1987.07.10 Variety Arts Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2010 12:41 am
by Mike
helicine wrote:filthpurveyer wrote:The Building is the Center, the theatre inside is a threatre or theater spelled both ways outside on two different signs, we don't get to see the upper floors with apartments and offices when a band plays, so I'm sticking with Variety Arts Theatre or Theater @ Variety Arts Center, call me gay, I don't care.
That makes the most sense, and I set the shows accordingly. This show in particular uses 'theatre' on the tickets, and 'center' on the posters. Center is definitely the building, and it sounds like concerts such as the ones JA performed were in the main theatre.
if we find out they played a different theater w/in the center, we can update the listings accordingly
We don't know that every show Jane's played at the center was in the theatre.
I wish I could seach the archives I have but as you know I can't get to them right now.
The article I've previously posted about will explain what I mean by this.
I'll get it posted ASAP but the PC it's on for those of you that don't know is currently out of order.