Blog

For Issa Rae of ‘Insecure,’ Supporting Black LA Is a Mission That Goes Beyond the Cameras

"Issa Rae is finishing up production on Rap Sh*t, a new HBOMax comedy series that she’s co-executive producing with hip hop duo, City ...

My Favorite Cafes To Work From In Mexico City

Mexico City is rising as a popular digital nomad destination and for good reason! The city has a rumored 150 ...

On Solo Travel and Intimacy with Mother Earth

The most surprising thing I’ve learned in my four and a half months on the road is that just like ...

Post-Election Musings: The Best-Laid Plans of Mice and (Wo)men Often Go Awry

The plan was to go out. Memories of President Obama’s first election were still vivid in my mind and I ...

Danielle Dorky Presents TAROTVIEWS: vōx

Tarotviews is a new interview series I’ve concocted that fuses a traditional Q&A with a three-card tarot reading. I’ll use ...
BROKE LA

Broke L.A: No Money, No Problems

If I’m honest, my afternoon before BROKE LA started off pretty rough ...
Lightning in a Bottle 2014 Line up

Enter to Win an Ultimate Lightning in a Bottle VIP Package!

Masterful event creators and production innovators, Do LaB, are offering an incredible opportunity to win the ultimate VIP package for ...

Dearly Beloved: How Prince Helped Us Get Through this Thing Called Life

I guess at 30 years old I’m technically considered a millennial. I wasn’t of the privileged generation that got to ...

Making Space for Peace: How Yoga and Meditation Helped Me Manage My Anxiety

I became fascinated with words and definitions at an early age. I would write often in the earliest versions of ...

Lessons from Envision: How Costa Rica Helped Me Embrace Turning 30

I’ve never had much of an age complex. Throughout childhood my mother would often remind me, “Either grow old or ...
Photo by Jon Haloossim

Why I Believe in Free the Nipple Yoga

If I’m honest, I don’t know how serious I was the first time I approached Jon about hosting a topless ...

New Intentions for a New Moon: The 21 Day Love Thyself Challenge

A 21-day commitment between friends to practice self-love, a challenge meant to help establish new habits and eliminate negative behaviors ...

Banned Books Week Spotlight: Green Girl – Kate Zambreno

Danielle Dorky spotlights Kate Zambreno's feminist novel Green Girl in honor of Banned Books Week ...

#IStandWithPP: How Planned Parenthood Helped Me Take Charge of My Sexuality and Reproductive Health

In solidarity with Planned Parenthood, I tell my story of how the organization helped empower me to make informed choices ...

Event Review: AstroSounds – Audreytina & Royal Auditorium

Event recap of the first AstroSounds concert with Royal Auditorium and Audreytina, along with pictures and videos of performances! Next ...

It’s Not Just Hello: On the Varying Degrees of Street Harassment

After sharing a story of street harassment and learning how commonplace it is, it's become clear to me that it's ...

Presenting AstroSounds: A Cosmic Concert Experiment

Danielle Dorky has partnered with Astroetic Studios to create AstroSounds, a new, free monthly concert series that will change the ...

The Wisdom of Insecurity, and Reflections on Self Care

In The Wisdom of Insecurity: A Message for an Age of Anxiety, Alan Watts examines the ways in which we cope ...
Danielle Dorky at Lightning in a Bottle photo by Jonathan Haloossim

Lightning in a Bottle Festival Starter Kit

After a mind-blowing five-day weekend spent camping at Lightning in a Bottle festival with friends, a LIB newbie returns with ...
Alabama Shakes - Sound & Color

Album Review: Alabama Shakes – Sound & Color

Alabama Shakes' latest release Sound & Color effortlessly raises the stakes and cements the band's placement in contemporary rock history.  ...
Brokechella - Photo credit Justin Baker

Brokechella: Long Live Broke Kingdom!

Now in it's fifth year, cARTel's Brokechella has established itself as an an affordably authentic alternative to that-festival-that-shall-not-be-named-in-the-desert ...
2015 Lightning in a Bottle festival line-up

Ignite Your Consciousness at Lightning in a Bottle Festival – May 21-25

Taking place over Memorial Day weekend from May 21-25 in Bradley, California, Lightning in a Bottle is a festival that seeks ...

On Near-Death Experiences or, One Way to Get Over Hump Day

It was Wednesday, which is usually the day that work tends to drag by, and I find myself daydreaming about ...
REM: Exploring Sleep Through Art. Saturday, April 4th, 8pm at Astroetic Studios

REM: Exploring Sleep Through Art at Astroetic Studios

All are invited on a surrealistic journey through a tangible dreamscape at REM: Exploring Sleep Through Art, a one-night gallery held ...

On Bestowing the Benefit of the Doubt or, How to Beat the Seattle Freeze

After a magical trip to the Emerald City, I reflect on the lessons learned during my stay in Seattle ...

Book Review: Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng

Everything I Never Told You is the breathtaking debut novel from author Celeste Ng; it’s a haunting portrayal of the unique ...

Mantra for 2015: Invest, Sustain, Evolve

A new year is upon us, which means doing away with ineffective practices and identifying new ones that will help ...

No New Friends (Who Aren’t Allies)

It's been less than a week since a Staten Island Grand Jury revealed their decision not to indict police officer Daniel ...

2014 Dorky Holiday Gift Guide

Danielle Dorky lists her top literature- and music-inspired gifts to give to dorky family members and loved ones this holiday season.  ...

Black Lives Still Matter: My Reaction to the Grand Jury’s Decision in Ferguson

My reactions to the Grand Jury's decision not to indict police officer Darren Wilson for the murder of Mike Brown ...
Royal Auditorium - Above Ground Sex Culture

Dorky Discoveries: Royal Auditorium

Rising Los Angeles electro-soul duo Royal Auditorium are the latest to be profiled in the Dorky Discoveries column ...
Polly: Sex Culture Revolutionary

Book Review: Polly: Sex Culture Revolutionary

Following up on her interview with the author from earlier this year, Danielle Dorky reviews Polly Whittaker's recently published memoir, ...
Sensory Event by Astroetic Studios

Astroetic Studios: Elevating the Creative Conscious of DTLA

Nestled in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles’ famous Garment District, just one block west of Santee Alley, is Astroetic ...

Five Musicians Speaking Out and Demanding Justice for Mike Brown

In the wake of another young black life lost at the hands of police, musicians are rallying to bring the ...
Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra

Event Review: Jeff Goldblum & the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra

Danielle Dorky attends one of Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra's infamously jazzy stage shows ...
The Goods - Zanzibar

Dancing in LA: 7 Places Where It Actually Happens

Danielle Dorky presents a comprehensive list of the best spots to bust a move in LA ...

The Grieving Process: Six Months Later

Reflections on the stages of grief and personal progression through the grieving process since the loss of a close friend six ...

Celebrating Freedom: Explosions, Excess, & Good Old-Fashioned ‘Merican Exploits

America sure loves to celebrate how great it is, doesn’t it? ...

Event Review: By Any Means Necessary: A Spike Lee Joints Retrospective

After attending a 25th anniversary screening Spike Lee's Do The Right Thing, Danielle Dorky discusses the film's continued relevance and ...

Recommended Reading: Five Books For All Your Summer Travels

From science fiction to audiobooks to a soon-to-be adapted film, Danielle Dorky creates a summer reading list for wherever your ...

Letter from the Editor: Six-Month Check Up

Danielle Dorky reflects on the first six months of her blogging journey, and reveals some major changes readers can look ...

Guest Album Review: Jack White – Lazaretto

Guest contributor and Jack White superfan/aficionado Lorimar Hidalgo gives her thoughts on the seasoned rocker's latest solo album Lazaretto.  ...

Book Review: Sex at Dawn – Christopher Ryan and Cacilda Jethá

Danielle Dorky reviews Sex at Dawn, and gives her thoughts on the controversial nonfiction book about the nature of human ...
Lee Fields & The Expressions - Emma Jean

Album Review: Lee Fields & The Expressions – Emma Jean

Nicknamed “Little JB” for his resemblance to James Brown, Lee Fields brings original soul back full force in his third ...
Maya Angelou

Dr. Maya Angelou Recommended: 10 Authors & Poets Who Inspired the “Phenomenal Woman”

From mid-19th century gothic poets to modern-day UN diplomats, Danielle Dorky identifies 10 poets and authors who influenced the late ...
Unorthodox Tea Time with JoJo Broccoli City

Unorthodox Tea Time: Broccoli City Interview with JoJo

As I mentioned in my Broccoli City Festival review, I was given an opportunity to interview early 2000's teen pop sensation JoJo ...
Little Dragon - Nabuma Rubberband

Album Review: Little Dragon: Nabuma Rubberband

Danielle Dorky reviews electro Swedish band Little Dragon's recent album Nabuma Rubberband and gives the record a rare 10-glasses rating ...
Broccoli City Festival

Broccoli City: When Festivals Go Green

Danielle Dorky covers Broccoli City, a new festival dedicated to celebrating art, practicing sustainability and fostering community ...

Book Review: Things I Should Have Told My Daughter – Pearl Cleage

Danielle Dorky reviews New York Times Bestselling author Pearl Cleage's new journal memoirs Things I Should Have Told My Daughter, ...
#Brokechella

Brokechella: Frugality at its Finest

Danielle Dorky reviews cARTel’s Brokechella and gives her thoughts on whether the festival on a budget lives up to its ...
Danielle Dorky and Catherine Unorthodox Tea Time

Danielle Dorky Presents: Unorthodox Tea Time

I'm so excited and nervous to share my latest project with you all!  ...

Book Review: The Revolution of Every Day by Cari Luna

Danielle Dorky reviews The Revolution of Every Day, a debut fiction novel from Cari Luna that addresses the revolt against ...

For The Record Presents Tarantino: A Gleefully Gory Homage

Danielle Dorky reviews For the Record Presents Tarantino, a rock musical based on the films of Quentin Tarantino at DBA ...

Six Music Festival Alternatives for Last Minute, Penny Pinchin’ Music Fans

Danielle Dorky has compiled a list of comparable (and in some cases better) music festival alternatives for fans who are ...
Polly: Sex Culture Revolutionary

Interview with Sex Culture Revolutionary Polly Superstar

San Francisco feminist and kink legend Polly Superstar tells Danielle Dorky about her forthcoming memoir Sex Culture Revolutionary and how ...
St. Vincent

Women’s History Crush Wednesday: St. Vincent

Talented singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist St. Vincent is featured as Danielle Dorky's Women's History Crush Wednesday in a special spotlight that ...
Grand Park LA Lunchtime Concerts

Grand Park LA Lunchtime Concerts: Adaawe

Last week Danielle Dorky went to the first concert in Downtown Los Angeles' Grand Park's Lunchtime Concert series and saw ...

Women’s History Crush Wednesday: Roxane Gay

Roxane Gay is the first feature in Danielle Dorky's #WHCW (Women's History Crush Wednesday), a column that highlights women making history ...
The Doublemints

The Doublemints: Double Your Pleasure with Sophistiratchet Fun

Danielle Dorky was lucky enough to snag the first interview with Awkward Black Girl-affiliated and "sophistiratchet" hip-hop group The Doublemints, ...

Dorks of Black History: Jessie Redmon Fauset

Known as the “Midwife of African American Literature”, Jessie Redmon Fauset was one of the most well-received figures of the ...
FKA Twigs

Dorky Discoveries: FKA Twigs

FKA Twigs is the UK-based chanteuse who is currently turning ears stateside with her minimalist take on 90’s trip-hop and ...

Album Review: Schoolboy Q – Oxymoron

After attending a pre-listening performance of Schoolboy Q's "Oxymoron" album hosted by Sonos Studios,  DanielleDorky.com's resident hip-hopologist Tony Breckenridge offers ...

Kan Wakan: Genre-Colliding Soundscapes of the Future

Danielle Dorky interviews rising Los Angeles band Kan Wakan about their 2014 debut album Moving On and the influences behind ...
From left to right, "Common Sence" Ross, Albertine Pickins, Ferd "Jelly Roll" Morton, Ada "Bricktop" Smith, Eddie Rucker, Mabel Watts.

Dorks of Black History: Jelly Roll Morton

In honor of Black History Month, I am introducing a brief series of articles recognizing the Dorks of Black history, ...
Valerie June - Pushin' Against A Stone

Dorky Discoveries: Valerie June – Pushin’ Against A Stone

Homegrown Tennessean Valerie June's long-awaited studio album Pushin' Against A Stone promises to captivate and transport listeners with what she calls ...
Danielle Dorky Launch Party

Event Review: Danielle Dorky Launch Party

I threw a party for the launch of DanielleDorky.com this past Saturday and it was a complete hit! The event ...
Moses Sumney at School Night LA

School Night! LA Concert Review: Moses Sumney

I saw one-man soul-folk orchestra Moses Sumney perform at School Night! LA this past Monday. The unsigned musician blew me ...

Self-Inflicted Wounds: Heartwarming Tales of Epic Humiliation by Aisha Tyler

Charming, hilarious, and chock-full of snark, Aisha Tyler's Self-Inflicted Wounds: Heartwarming Tales of Epic Humiliation is one part memoir, one ...

You’re Invited: Danielle Dorky Launch Party in LA!

I'm thrilled to announce a Danielle Dorky Launch Party, presented by Citizens of Culture Book Club. Join friends for a book ...
Dear Dorky

Dear Dorky: Bashful in Baltimore

Dear Dorky is my Dear Abby-inspired column with a twist; instead of offering advice, I'll recommend a book. I'm a firm ...
Counterfeit 20s

Counterfeit 20’s: Fakin’ It All The Way to The Bank

Counterfeit 20’s are the LA-based parody rap collective currently blowing up YouTube with their tongue-in-cheek renditions of hip-hop’s most recent ...

Dorky Discoveries: Daughter

I first had the idea to do a Dorky Discoveries column when I was making a playlist for all of ...

Purple Reign: Prince Tribute Concert

I've always been skeptical of cover bands. Maybe I've seen one too many billboards advertising Led ZepAgain concerts at my ...

The Wild Reeds

I’m pretty sure if you lined up every indie band member in Los Angeles and made them join hands, you’d ...

2014: All Systems Go

January is upon us and I have not just the turn of another calendar year to remind me of goals, ...
because the internet

because the internet

Tony Breckenridge reviews Childish Gambino's recently dropped because the internet album and pontificates on how Gambino is making hip-hop for the ...
For Today I Am A Boy by Kim Fu

2014 Dorky Literature Forecast

In a culture with 90-second news cycles, half of what's current is still pending release. The album released today was ...

Wench: A Novel

Wench is the debut historical novel from Dolen Perkins-Valdez that gives us a glance at how American slavery impacted women ...

Mother, Mother

Mother, Mother tells the story of the Hurst family. To all of their neighbors and friends, the Hursts are a ...