Sunday, August 10, 2008

The Civic's Big 5-0

Santa Monica's Civic Auditorium celebrated its 50th anniversary yesterday. A rather neglected affair despite the heavy promotion of the event. A few dozen people lining up for hot dogs and a band playing in front of an auditorium that wasn't even 10% filled could have depressed even the most hardcore Civic enthusiast.

Yet the open-air evening screening of surf movie classic The Endless Summer turned things around: perfect Summer night, small beachy/surfy audience, and the kind of laid-back, cozy atmosphere that makes you love Santa Monica.
photo LAFrog - from the Civic's 50th exhibit