12/29/2010

One more fabulous choice for New Year's!

One more fabulous choice for New Year's.....what to do?


FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2010
New Year's Eve with the one and only...
ERNIE ANDREWS
Featuring his All-Stars
Jackie Kelso (S) Rickey Woodard (S) Art Hillery (P)
Richard Simon (B) Ralph Penland (D)

Listen: Love Is Here To Stay http://www.ernieandrews.com/

The Culver's Club: NEW YEAR'S EVE "JAZZ EXTRAVAGANZA"
THE RADISSON LA WESTSIDE HOTEL
6161 W. Centinela Ave.
Culver City, CA 90230

A four course sit-down dinner with choice of entree, midnight champagne toast,wait staff gratuity, best in jazz music and an assortment of New Years party favors to celebrate the arrival of the new year!

$110 per person, Specialty overnight packages also available.
(310) 649-1776 x 4137 to purchase your tickets!

Final Pick of the Week for 2010!!!


It is the final week of 2010 and I am trying to make my way out of a NYC snow storm back to what I hope is sunny Venice Beach.

What shall be the Pick of the Week?…..Well let’s talk about New Year’s Eve.  See below, this first one, “Wokano’s Black and White Ball,” is my pick. Not too expensive, somewhere hip on the Westside where you can meet up with your buds….there’s still time to get a deal if you order now.  

The second is a local favorite, the famous “Hal’s Restaurant.”  I have wonderful memories of one very romantic New Year’s Eve at Hal’s. It is a great way to welcome the New Year! If you live in Venice, it is always nice to stay close. Make sure to call for reservations now.

The third and final choice is a bit pricey, but heck, it is New Year’s Eve….this would be the time to splurge.  The Viceroy is quite the mesmerizing hotel.

Whichever you choose, see below for more details and have a wonderful, safe New Year’s!


NEW YEARS 2011 AT WOKCANO'S BLACK & WHITE MASQUERADE BALL
Get your tickets NOW at www.wokcanonewyears.eventbrite.com 



Santa Monica Rings in the New Year with Live Brazilian Dancers, Fire Performance, Amazing Eats, Masks, Cocktails, Dancing and More

WHAT:  Wokcano Santa Monica will ring in the New Year with a Black and White Masquerade Ball on Friday, December 31, 2010. The evening's festivities will feature music by DJ Frankie and live entertainment by Brazilian Samba Dancers and Fire Dancers throughout the night. Admission is $40.00 in advance and $50.00 day of and includes passed hors d'oevres and an open vodka bar from -10PM. Black & White Cocktail Attire & Masks are required.    Admission includes party favors and a champagne toast at .  Parade this multi-level nightclub" outdoor patio in a classy disguise this New Years Eve!  The menu includes Spicy Crabmeat Tempura Roll, Fresh Tuna with Truffle Oil on Flatbread, Spicy Tuna on Crispy Rice, Glazed Walnut Shrimp, Pan-Fried Chicken Dumplings and Yakitori Chicken Meatballs

WHEN:  Friday, December 31st, 2010,  

WHERE: Wokcano (1413 5th Street Santa Monica, CA)

TICKETS: General admission tickets are $40.00 in advance and $50.00 day of. Tickets are available at www.wokcanonewyears.eventbrite.com.  VIP $50 (front of line access).

OTHER: Dinner reservations are available by calling Wokcano at 310-458-3080.  Group packages and table / cabanas reservations are available by calling 310-497-6324

*********************************************************************************


HAL'S INVITES YOU TO CELEBRATE THE ARRIVAL OF 2011!NEW YEAR'S EVE FRIDAY DEC. 31, 2010!!!MENU RESERVATIONS

Hal's will be open at serving bar menu and cocktails...dinner service beginning at . Use the links above to view our special New Year's Eve Menu

FIRST SEATING reservations between and . Our special New Year's Eve menu will be available prix fixe for $57 per person or ala carte

SECOND SEATING 3 course prix fixe menu for $78 per person. Pricing does not include tax or 20% gratuity. Second seating reservations available at and after. Reservations for the second seating will be able to keep their table all night and includes, DJ, dancing, party favors and complimentary champagne toast at

HAL'S HIDEAWAY our upstairs dining room will be available for more intimate dining, please request when making reservations

COCKTAIL TABLES will also be available for dinner reservations

BAR MENU in addition we will have our bar menu available from and again late night from until (bar only)

COVER CHARGE $10 per person for guests arriving after for the bar
CANCELLATION POLICY $25 per person for dinner reservations not cancelled within 24 hours credit card required for all dinner reservations

**************************************************************************************************************
NEW Year’s at The Viceroy

Recognized as Santa Monica's most vibrant lounge, Cameo Bar is a destination for locals and world visitors alike. Viceroy's poolside patio will transform into an unforgettable New Year's Eve celebration with the Main Tent spinning music by world-renowned DJs while guests put on their dancing shoes and dance the night away over our covered pools. The night will showcase music by Mayer Hawthorne and Classixx. Other special guest DJ's to include Jason Bentley and Raul Campos of KCRW.

Pricing:
$200 presale tickets


For additional information, please call +1 310 260 7507 or email events@viceroysantamonica.com.

PRESALE TICKETS AVAILABLE AT: WWW.VICEROYSANTAMONICA.COM/NEWYEARSEVE

Cabana Rentals
Exclusive private cabanas can be rented for the evening. Cabana service includes dedicated platters of food plus bottle service. To reserve a cabana, please call +1 310 260 7507.



12/26/2010

December Art Show at Figtree's Cafe

Hope you all enjoyed the holidays. Now that they are over, take a moment to relax and smell the roses. Stop by Figtree’s Cafe and enjoy delicious happy hour specials as well as an incredible art show. This week, Figtree's Cafe is featured in the Argonaut, (pg 14) with a photo showing Dianne Neuman's "Venice Lights".  This special art exhibition at Figtree's displays works by David Hinnebusch, Dianne Neuman, Sam E. Razar and others.


Figtree’s famous happy hour is always available with food specials such as tasty quiche and delicious hummus with pita, etc for just $5.00 or $6.00 as well as $4.00 wines, sangria and $3 imported beers.

Figtree’s Café is a charming restaurant and bar, located right on the Venice boardwalk at Paloma Ave, just two blocks south of Rose Ave. Figtree’s has been voted the best restaurant on the boardwalk since 1978. Their delicious fresh healthy food is their signature and their relaxed ambiance has kept Figtree’s at the top of the best restaurant  lists. Figtree’s Cafe is located at 429 Ocean Front Walk Venice, at Paloma Ave, two blocks south of Rose.


www.figtreescafe.com.

12/18/2010

Live music and beautiful art on a not so sunny Sunday afternoon in Pasadena

Yes, sometimes, I actually do get out of Venice. Tomorrow afternoon, December 19th, make your way out to Pasadena. Live music and beautiful art on a not so sunny day in LA. Amy Delaporte is helping to put on this show with these two hosts, Lou Kalogerakos and Robert Kyle. See info below, Appetizers and refreshments will be served make sure to rsvp. Hope to see you tomorrow.....I'll be there.


The event will be held from 1-4 P.M. at the home of Michel Macho, 290 North Mar Vista Ave, Pasadena. Live music will also be part of the celebration with performances by Jacob K, Robert Kyle & Stephan Oberhoff.

For more information, contact Lou Kalogerakos at 818.306.0420, or Robert Kyle at 626.797.9855.



12/15/2010

Start the Venice Art Crawl at Figtree's Cafe

Tomorrow, Thurs, Dec 16th start off the Venice Art Crawl at Figtree’s Cafe from 6:00 pm till 8:00 pm with a very special opening, featuring works by David Hinnebusch, Sam E. Razar and others. Figtree’s famous happy hour will be available with food specials such as tasty quiche and delicious hummus with pita, etc for just $5.00 or $6.00 as well as $4.00 wines, sangria and $3 imported beers.

Figtree’s Café is a charming restaurant and bar, located right on the Venice boardwalk at Paloma Ave, just two blocks south of Rose Ave. Figtree’s has been voted the best restaurant on the boardwalk since 1978. Their delicious fresh healthy food is their signature and their relaxed ambiance has kept Figtree’s at the top of the best restaurant  lists. Figtree’s Cafe is located at 429 Ocean Front Walk Venice, at Paloma Ave, two blocks south of Rose. www.figtreescafe.com.

The Venice Art Crawl is a monthly event that continues every third Thursday of each month in Venice. The Famous artist and sculptor Attaway will exhibit his work this Thursday at the Venice Ale House,
(2 Rose Ave on the Venice Boardwalk) as well as Lindsey Nobel and Martin Linns. The Venice Ale House offers a happy hour from 6:00 pm till 7:00 pm.

Also the Cadillac Hotel has a wonderful group show in the lobby with art by Bill Dambrova, Arturo Mallmann, Sam E. Razar, Ivo Vergara and others. The Cadillac Hotel is located at 8 Dudley Ave. right off the Venice Boardwalk

12/13/2010

Some sweet deals from Figtree’s Café.

Winter in LA, how lucky we are. The weather has been amazing, and the sunsets remarkable, so why not drop into Figtree’s Café tonight for an inexpensive dinner and marvelous views? If you haven’t been to Figtree’s you are in for a treat. Located right on the Venice Beach boardwalk, they offer friendly service, fresh delicious food as well as drink specials and spirits, all in the heart of Venice Beach.


The sunset is calling you. Take a break from the holiday madness and treat yourself to Figtree’s delectable happy hour, while enjoying the best of the Venice Beach boardwalk. People watch while dining on yummy appetizers for just $5.00 or $6.00. Also on Happy Hour are $4.00 wines, sangria and $3 imported beers. An incredible value, available every night between 3 pm and closing every weekdays, Monday thru Friday.


If you happen to be a morning person, take advantage of the breakfast happy hour 8 to 9 am 50% off on everything but alcohol, 7 days a week except major holidays.


For more info go to www.figtreescafe.com

12/10/2010

Experience Live Theatre this weekend, NIGHTSONG FOR THE BOATMAN

There is nothing like LIVE THEATRE, This weekend treat yourself and your loved ones to the exciting experience of a live performance.

John Stark presents, NIGHTSONG FOR THE BOATMAN by Jovanka Bach which is playing now at the Odyssey Theatre (2055 S Sepulveda Blvd 90025). This is the final weekend and you won’t want to miss this fabulous production directed by John Stark. Showtimes are Friday Dec 10th and Saturday Dec 11th at 8:00 pm as well as Sunday Dec 12th at 2:00 pm.


Here is a quick synopsis of the show.

Harry Appleman, an aging, washed-up poet, plays dice with fate, and loses.  Through various cunning contrivances he tries to avoid his mortality. He discovers his humanity when he learns he can’t sacrifice his daughter, but a tricky graduate student will do.


This is a guest production at the Odyssey Theatre. To purchase tickets or more info you can call the box office at (310)477-2055 or buy tickets on line at http://www.odysseytheatre.com/ $18.00 per person,

12/06/2010

Wed Dec 8th, The Jingle Bell Rockers Set to Perform at Dannys Venice

Come celebrate the Holidays with The Jingle Bell Rockers…..This Wednesday Dec 8th …..Free BABY!!! All night long 7:00 pm till 10:00 pm. The happy hour menu and drink specials will be extended till 8:00pm….for this night only…..So come early and take advantage of  the yummy deals and festive atmosphere…..

We’ll whip you into the spirit with our spunky renditions of classic carols, quirky lyric additions and of course our bluesy originals. Just in case you have been living under a rock… The Jingle Bell Rockers have been performing together for the past 8 year.   We bring a vibrant, zany twist to the traditional Christmas Carol and also perform several originals. With our flamboyant costumes and bawdy presentation The Rockers will spice up any holiday party. We are still accepting bookings ….email soon to reserve The Jingle Bell Rockers for your holiday party.


Come on down to Dannys Venice Beach Bistro and Bar this Wednesday Dec 8th at till .  (23 Windward Ave.)  Enjoy one of their famous Mojitos, a delicious dinner and some tasty treats. Revel in the holidays with The Jingle Bell Rockers.  Happy hour is extended till 8:00 pm. Admission is FREE!

12/04/2010

Tonight Main Street, Santa Monica, Tomorrow Abbot Kinney, Venice

PICK OF THE WEEK.....it's all About the HOLIDAYS ....WE WILL BE JINGLE BELL ROCKIN!!!

Don't forget tonight....Main Street.....in Santa Monica....see this week's Argonaut and yesterdays blog for more info...and link below.

http://www.eventbrite.com/event/1091186769

Venice celebrates the Holidays with The Jingle Bell Rockers. Tomorrow, Sunday December 5th, the Abbot Kinney Holiday Extravaganza features this zany group of professional singers, who have been spicing up the holidays here in LA for the past 8 years.


The Jingle Bell Rockers are proud to be a part of The Abbot Kinney Holiday Extravaganza once again this year. The event runs from 3:00 pm till 8:00 pm. Sunday Dec 5th. The Rockers will be meeting up with Santa Claus at Tales and Toys 1140 Abbot Kinney, at 5:00 pm then stroll up and down Abbot Kinney, between Venice Blvd and Westminster Blvd. Kids of all ages, come to the Wintry playground with SNOW at the Brig Parking lot 1515 Abbot Kinney. Please join our local Police and Fire Departments and donate a new unwrapped toy.

http://culturemob.com/events/6293158-the-jingle-bell-rockers-are-back-and-ready-to-rock-ca-venice-venice-90291-abbot-kinney-blvd

12/03/2010

Tomorrow's Events.....All Free!

Here are 3 events happening tomorrow.  Check out this week's Argonaut for more info and  pix 
 

The Jingle Bell Rockers are very excited to be performing again this year at The Main Street Holiday Extravaganza this Saturday December 4th from 6:00 pm till . This FREE event begins with a Christmas tree lighting at Ocean Park and Main, (the site of the Sunday Santa Monica Farmers Market) followed by a candlelight walk to an amazing Shopping Cart Christmas Tree at Edgemar Pl (by Ben & Jerry’s and Peet’s Coffee, 90401) where The Jingle Bell Rockers will sing a set, before they move on down the Street. Most of the stores on Main Street will stay open and the Rockers will be stopping in to spread holiday cheer.

Make sure to arrive at Edgemar Place by 6:15 to catch the Rockers. Over the years, they have gained quite a fun reputation, so people have started to come early to reserve a spot.


# 2 Holiday shopping Event, right down the street from where we will be performing....Come early, park, do some shopping then stop in to see us sing and enjoy free cider, cookies and coffee.

Enjoy two wonderful days of  holiday shopping in Los Angeles!  My friend Fahmina makes the most beautiful leather purses and waist bags....simply gorgeous www.fahmina.com.

Fahmina will be at this event showing her line of accessories. Plus there will be 25 + cream of the crop art/ design/crafters with the most interesting, unusual and affordable gifts for everyone on your list. Free Peet's coffee, Coconut Bliss, and a charity raffle for Y.O.G.A. for Youth.

Holiday MART is happening 
Dec 4 + 5 
this Saturday + Sunday from 11 am – 5 pm
at 2000 Main St (at Bay St)
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Free to attend!

Visit their website for all the details!


# 3 Event...Art Opening

My good friend Michael Baroff is showing a series of "Dancing Gesture" drawings as part of a group show -- "Small But Powerful" (work 8"x10"maximum) at the Blue 7 Gallery.

The reception is Saturday December 4th from 6-9 PM.  I may make it later, after my gig.

Blue 7 Gallery
3129 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica
(Across the street from Trader Joe's)

12/02/2010

This Friday is NOT the Abbot Kinney Holiday Extravaganza

Yes this Friday Dec 3rd is First Fridays on Abbot Kinney....but NO, it is NOT the Abbot Kinney Holiday Extravaganza. I am still receiving emails concerning this. Sunday is the holiday event. The Jingle Bell Rockers are booked for a private party tomorrow night, but we definately will be performing this Sunday Dec 5th on Abbot Kinney from 5:00 till 8:00 pm.


The actual event runs from 3:00 pm till 8:00 pm. Sunday Dec 5th. The Rockers will be meeting up with Santa Claus at Tales and Toys 1140 Abbot Kinney, at 5:00 pm then stroll up and down Abbot Kinney, between Venice Blvd and Westminster Blvd. Kids of all ages, come to the Wintry playground with SNOW at the Brig Parking lot 1515 Abbot Kinney. Please join our local Police and Fire Departments and donate a new unwrapped toy.




Tonight and this weekend....Art, Wine, and more to come!

So much to do this weekend.....not sure what will be the pick of the week.....I am leaning towards all the holiday events...Don't ya think? However I will be posting some options for all you holiday bashers. If you have lost all of your jingle balls and want to steer clear of the holidays, there are several great art openings happening in the downtown area as well as the westside.....stay tuned.


If you are looking for some tasty art and wine tonight of course, you won't want to miss the closing reception for Courtney Reid  6-10pm (performance 8-8:20pm). It all happens at Bleicher Galleries 1431 Ocean Ave. Santa Monica CA 90401