What?
Shecky’s is an online and event destination for what’s cool and undiscovered in FASHION, BEAUTY and FUN with the girls.

From emerging designers to great beauty discoveries, delicious cocktails to free giveaways— Shecky’s offers a wonderland for girls to SHOP, SAMPLE & SCORE the world of things girls love.

How?
Shecky’s partners with 1200+ cool companies a year to bring women the latest and greatest in fashion, beauty, entertainment, and more in unique web and event experiences that can be shared with friends.

Why?
Because once in a while, women need a place to escape, where we can indulge, pamper ourselves and have some quality girl time—without the boys!

What’s Shecky’s Mission?
To spoil girls with fashion, beauty, fun and the best girlfriend group experiences.

Shop Fabulous LA!

Date: Wed.-Thu., May 19th-20th, 2010
Time: 5pm-10pm
Place: Santa Monica Civic Auditorium
1855 Main St. (Pico Blvd. & Colorado Ave.)

TO PURCHASE TICKETS PLEASE VISIT THIS LINK:

http://girlsnightout.sheckys.com/?rf=LA_TravelingDiva

and choose “Socialista” from the “We’re very curious! How did you hear about this event?” drop down menu on the checkout page and write in my full name, YENI ALVAREZ.

See you there!!!

The 12th edition of the Spa Week Event is slated for April 12th – 18th, 2010. In total, the nationwide Spa Week Spring Event will include 30 markets and a list of participating spas will be posted on www.spaweek.com by mid-March. The Spring Spa Week Event will bring $50 spa treatments to consumers at over 800 spas across North America. As always, the goal is to introduce a new generation of consumers to the benefits of a healthy lifestyle by opening up the spa industry to the masses. Spa Week has spent the last 6 years turning “wellness” from a mere buzzword into a healthy reality.

Thanks to the efforts of Spa Week and their Spa Week Spring and Fall Events, the spa industry now offers health benefits to an unprecedented cross-section of the American public. Since its inception, Spa Week has afforded hundreds of thousands of people the ability to heal, strengthen, and energize at the spa. Spa Week has dashed the old myth that the spa is where the rich and famous go to be pampered; thanks to the success of the Spring and Fall Events, over 350,000 affordable spa treatments have been booked and enjoyed by average Americans since 2004.

Never content to rest on past successes, though, each Spa Week Event brings the cutting edge of health and wellness technology to the average consumer. In addition to offering traditionally beneficial stress-busting and immune-boosting spa treatments like massage, Spa Week brings intensive, clinical therapies to consumers at the same $50 price point with hundreds of participating medi-spas all over the country.

As the healthcare crisis rages on in Washington, Spa Week’s mission to educate consumers to the health benefits of the spa lifestyle is more important—and more successful—than ever. Spa Week affords everyone the ability to experience the incredible physical benefit of spa treatments and therapies.

Spa Week was created and founded by Cheryl Reid, who hails from successful careers within the luxury spa industry and publishing spheres. Spa Week is thrilled to announce it’s 2010 Presenting and Title Sponsor: Dove Deodorant; National Media Sponsor: Allure Magazine; Exclusive Cosmetic Sponsor: Bare Escentuals; Exclusive Wine Sponsor: Rioja; Exclusive Destination Sponsor: Canyon Ranch; Exclusive Wedding Sponsor: The Wedding Channel; Exclusive Fashion Sponsor: Fashion Week Daily; and Exclusive Spa Association Partner: ISPA.

Content borrowed from www.spaweek.com

San Diego, like Shakespeare’s Cleopatra, “…age cannot wither nor custom stale her infinite variety…” enjoys a glamorous reputation.  The Southern California city,  is a sparkling jewel set about with water and dotted with lovely hotels, fabulously fun entertainments, and historical sites such as SeaWorld, San Diego Wild Animal Park, San Diego Zoo, architecturally adventurous Balboa Park with its many museums, the USS Midway,  and the first of the 21 California missions, Mission San Diego de Alcala, established by Franciscan Friars in the 18th century for the Spanish crown.

It is true to say that  no matter how many times one visits San Diego there is always more to see and relish. Having written about San Diego for decades it is refreshing to know there is always something left unexplored to which one can look forward.  Though summer is past, fall offers continuing warm weather, with fewer tourists, online discount coupons and lower hotel rates.

There are many special events to entice visitors: Fleet Week San Diego, actually runs into mid-October with many events, including US Navy ship tours; Miramar Air Show, Oct. 2, 3 and 4;  SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular; Little Italy Festa, Oct. 11 and SD Wine & Food Festival, Nov. 18-22.  Admission to SD Zoo and SD Wild Animal Park is free for children ages 3-11 in October. The Da Vinci Experience (to Nov. 1)  at the SD Air & Space Museum features over 30 full-sized and interactive replica Da Vinci machines along with reproductions of 12 of  Da Vinci’s most famous paintings. It’s best to consult the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau, one of the best such sources,  for complete information on the vast array of attractions: www.sandiego.org or call 619-236-1212.

Recently we treated two of our grandchildren, Michelle, 11 and Andrew, 9,  to a few days in sunny San Diego in order for me to be introduced to the killer whale, Shamu – a celebrity nearly as famous as the late Michael Jackson. Alas, we had missed him on previous visits to see artist Edgar Degas’ Little Ballerina sculpture, the Pompeii exhibit,  the SD Zoo pandas, the Wild Animal Park giraffes, the USS Midway and the mission San Diego de Alcala. I was intrigued to see this world renowned performer. As I consider myself to be something of a “non-fish” person– yes, I know Shamu is not a fish, but our cousin mammal – I was not anticipating what happened to me at SeaWorld. While there are a wide variety of animals such as polar bears, penguins, walruses, dolphins, sharks, fish, whales, etc., at SeaWorld I wanted to see Shamu.

San Diego  SeaWorld is an easy drive from our homes in Orange County, CA, and to cut down on driving even more we selected hotel accommodations ten minutes from Shamu’s place…we didn’t want to waste a moment. So after settling into the lovely Paradise Point Resort & Spa on Mission Bay, www.paradisepoint.com,  a 44-acre charmer with lavish tropical gardens, five pools, bike trails, marina and an 18-hole putting green (Andrew’s favorite), we dashed over to see Shamu.

It was love at first sight.

Much to my surprise – and not a little embarrassment – I became emotionally enthralled as Shamu began to perform. Silly to say, but I felt as I did the first time I’d seen Frank Sinatra in person and immediately understood his half century successful career. I felt he was singing especially for me. And Shamu – with apologies to Frank – was nearly as enticing. Shamu seemed to be smiling at me as he slid up from the water in a marine salute to the audience.  My emotional response accelerated and produced a near-Stendhal syndrome experience. I’d heard about the Stendhal or Florence syndrome after being dazzled by the art at the Uffizi Museum in Florence, Italy. Apparently, it is a recognized phenomenon in Italy. A highly emotional response consisting of a mixture of awe, wonder, delight in great art or natural beauty which can  produce, among other things,  dizziness, fainting or weeping.

How else to explain that Shamu, in his own way, was nearly as awesome, in the correct sense of that over-used word, as a Florentine art treasure. It seemed to me Shamu is one of the wonders of the world.

Shamu is sleekly black and white, spectacularly beautiful, agile and talented – and yes, he certainly has personal charm. It was the Sinatra effect all over again. This glorious creature graciously enacted improbably daring – they looked that way –skills just for me. Well, OK, for the entire audience.

The show is artfully conceived and Shamu is presented in a creative narrative in an aquatic theater overseen by highly talented trainers and performers. And like the Stendhal response I nearly wept with the beauty of what I was seeing. Even now, I’m not sure why I responded so emotionally to what is, after all, only an animal act. I can only say the Shamu (actually there are several killer whales that enact the role) I saw perform has “it” – that indefinable quality that grabs an audience and leaves an indelible impression.

We also saw the dolphin show, which was wonderful. The dolphins are trained to swim around the perimeter of the water tank while flipping water at guests – who love it!  It was fun, but I did not fall in love with any of the performers, same with the dog show. Cute pooches doing cute things, but no love affair developed.  The Wild Animal Park denizens were lovely to see, especially the giraffes that come up close to the guest tram to nibble one of the few trees – maybe they it would be good to plant more trees in the animal area. Anyway, again, no bells ringing. Yet, I’m willing to bet that each visitor will have his or her unique experience in response to the splendid variety of experiences within San Diego. No doubt someone has fallen in love with the giraffes or dolphins, as I did with Shamu. This is a city which offers so many entertainments return visits are necessary.

With fall there are more special promotional discounts on parks and accommodations.The best strategy is to first check the San Diego Visitors & Convention Bureau, then the individual attractions you wish to see. Leave time for unexpected delights that will certainly turn up. One should check online for discount coupons for SeaWorld and other attractions, as well as hotel rates, vacations packages  and operating hours for various attractions. Request any available informational booklets, brochures, coupons, etc., be mailed  to you. Once you go, you’ll know and will return again & again.

Before you go:

SeaWorld – www.seaworld.com,  and www.seaworldsandiego.com,
1-800-25-SHAMU.

San Diego Convention &Visitors Bureau – www.sandiego.org,
1-619-236-1212.

Paradise Point Resort & Spa – www.paradisepoint.com,
1-858-274-4630.

As heard on Mad Dog’s radio show in Palm Springs:

The Maui Prince, Hawaii -  Filled with enchantment and romance, this Hawaiian paradise will find its way into your hearts without emptying your pockets.  Rated one of the top hotels of the island, the Maui Prince is now offering amazing rates for all their rooms, including ocean front rooms.  Their amenities range from spa to complimentary valet to wi-fi in your room, should you need it.

Take advantage of their Special Packages or let them take the worry away from planning a wedding!  That’s right, lucky divas!  They also have wedding packages, complete with every detail, including the fabulous backdrop of Black Rock and red sunsets.

***

Email us at diva@travelingdiva.com for more info and special rates not advertised on their website!

and….. shhhhhh… the secret to their free upgrades!!!!!! diva@travelingdiva.com

THE CASTLE ESTATE
Joanne DiBernardo
The Castle Estate
35250 Loma Ventoso Lane
Temecula, California 92592
(951) 699-3940
joanne@thecastlebandb.com
www.thecastlebandb.com

DELYTE’S FINE FOODS
Leah D. Di Bernardo
Exec. Chef – The Castle Estate…   southern california wine country
Local, Organic & Seasonal Foods Catered
(323) 376-1799 C.
(951) 694-3663 (food) O.
www.delytes.com

PR and Media Relations
Regina Marston (regina@ideationunlimited.com)

November 2009

Current exhibition

Le Quotidien 20.10.2009	Le Quotidien 10.11.2009	Opening reception 15.10.2009 expo Cedrix Crespel

• Leslie VII, 2009, glycerophtalic and acrylic paints on canvas, 89 x 116 cm,  2.087 EUR HTVA
• Leslie VIII, 2009, glycerophtalic and acrylic paints on canvas, 97 x 130 cm, 2.261 EUR HTVA
• Leslie IX , 2009, glycerophtalic and acrylic paints on canvas, 89 x 116 cm, 2.087 EUR HTVA
• Leslie X, 2009, glycerophtalic and acrylic paints on canvas, 97 x 130 cm, 2.261 EUR HTVA
• Leslie’s Stockings, sculptures, 80 x 80 x 25 cm (call for prices)

The value added tax (VAT) of 15%  and the transport costs will be added to these prices for shipping inside the European Union.

An artbook about Cédrix Crespel showing the paintings exhibited at the gallery and a selection of his former artworks has been published at the Blurb Bookstore and can be ordered online at the website. (Standard Portrait 20 x 25 cm, october 2009, 88 pages, softcover, 30 EUR).

Invitation to the opening reception of the upcoming exhibitions

LESLIE’S ARTGALLERY has the pleasure to invite you to the opening reception of the solo exhibitions featuring the Japanese artist Teiji HAYAMA and the American artist Jane ZWEIBEL at the gallery in Bridel on Thursday, 3rd december  2009, starting at 7.00 p.m.The artists will be present. We look forward to seeing you in the gallery, Leslie Barnig

LESLIE’S ARTGALLERY a le plaisir de vous inviter à la galerie au Bridel le jeudi 3 décembre 2009, à partir de 19h00, au vernissage des expositions personnelles de l’artiste japonais Teiji HAYAMA et de l’artiste américaine Jane ZWEIBEL, en présence des artistes. En attendant d’avoir la joie de vous accueillir à la galerie, Leslie Barnig

Free services for art collectors and art lovers

Leslie’s Artgallery has the pleasure to offer the following new services, free of charge, to the visitors of the webpage www.lesliesartgallery.eu/stock.php :

• Artworks from selected self-represented artists auctionned currently at eBay worldwide
• Filtered artworks from selected famous artists auctionned currently at eBay US, DE, FR
• Filtered  Digital Artworks auctionned currently at eBay US, DE, FR
• Filtered Photographies auctionned currently at eBay US, DE, FR
• Recommended Artbooks available at Amazon US, DE, FR
• Items created by artists of the gallery available at Amazon US, DE, FR
• Customized search tools for Contemporary Art in Luxembourg, Conceptual Art and Generative Art
• Links to Auctions & Sales at Christies, Sotheby’s, Drouot, Artprice and art fairs

Christmas 2009

LESLIE’S ARTGALLERY
66-68, rue de Luxembourg
L-8140 Bridel
Luxembourg

Tél: +352 621 132 890

Visit us at www.lesliesartgallery.eu

Opening : tuesday – saturday : 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Ouverture: mardi – samedi : 15h00 – 19h00

Title: 1st Annual SANTA Monica Pub Crawl
Location: Santa Monica, CA
Link out: Click here
Description: The First Annual SANTA Monica Pub Crawl will take place on Saturday, December 19, 2009 at 5PM in Santa Monica, CA at the city’s best bars and restaurants to help raise money and food for those in need for the holidays, through a partnership with the Westside Food Bank. Participating locations will be offering drink and food specials as part of the SANTA Monica Pub Crawl festivities. Crawlers are asked to bring non-perishable food donations to drop at Westside Food Bank collection barrels strategically placed along the pub crawl route, which will allow them access to the drink specials at each location. For a list of bars, pub crawl maps and updates, visit the official Web site at www.santamonicapubcrawl.com.

SANTA Monica Pub Crawl participants are asked to dress in Santa/Holiday attire so the streets of Santa Monica will be filled with merry cheer as Santa, Mrs. Claus, Elves, Reindeer, Carolers and Santa\’s Helpers. The Pub Crawl will include bars on Wilshire, 4th St. and Broadway to Santa Monica Blvd and Ocean Ave as well as bars in and around the Main Street and 3rd Street Districts.

COST: Minimum donation of one non-perishable food item per person. The donation will
provide participants with a wristband that offers discount food & drink specials at all of the participating locations. A list of donation drop off locations along with a map of participating bars will be announced on the official Web site at www.santamonicapubcrawl.com.

SPONSORS: Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, Westside Food Bank, Santa Monica
Daily Press, YELP.com, JACK FM, Local Buy Santa Monica, SPIN Public Relations

Start Time: 5:00PM
Date: 2009-12-19

Rock ‘n Roll Wine will host their next event on Friday, Nov. 6, 2009 at the House of Blues VIP club, Foundation Room and feature performances by Porter Lori and Peter Goetz. The Vegas-famed wine party will feature 15 plus hand-selected, mouth-watering wines from around the world, including brands such as Kim Crawford, George DuBoeuf, Geyser Peak, and Barnard Griffin, as well as Rock ‘n Roll Wine’s own award-winning blends: “Reggae Rhapsody,” and “The Grotto”. Rock ‘n Roll Wine invites LA to “Rock Out With Your Cork Out®” on Friday, Nov. 6 at the Foundation Room!

Doors open at 7:00 p.m.  The festivities will conclude at 10:00 p.m. though patrons will be able to remain in Foundation Room for the remainder of the night. Tickets for this event are $35 in advance and $40 at the door.  Ticket price includes all live entertainment, wine tasting, and light hors d’oeuvres. To purchase your tickets in advance, visit www.rocknrollwine.com or call 702-240-3066.  Must be 21 years of age or older to attend.

“We’re excited to continue to bring our signature, high-energy wine tasting concept to Los Angeles exposing new fans to delicious wines and cutting edge live entertainment all in one affordable package,” says Founder Chris Hammond.

Co-founder Sonny Barton agreed, “We pride ourselves on the wine experience and combining our concept with the eclectic setting of the Foundation Room makes for a truly memorable evening.”

Rock ‘n Roll Wine believes the wine experience is just as important as the quality of the wine.  Combining the right atmosphere, with the right music, and the right people is when “the juice” truly shines.  As the company grows, so does the quality of events bringing the best live music and most delicious wine to one place at one time. For more information, go to www.rocknrollwine.com.

Featuring All-Female Performances by Mandi Perkins, Sara Haze, Elizabeth Nicole, Samantha Stollenwerck, Katie Cole, Emily Jaye, Gabrielle Brisson and a Special Guest Appearance by Caitlin Crosby

Koffeehouse Music Productions presents another stellar line up of talent at Koffeehouse Sessions, the popular musician’s showcase at Harvelle’s in Santa Monica, taking place on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009.  This month’s showcase, LOVE YOUR FLAWZ, will feature some of LA’s most talented female artists, including the amazing Mandi Perkins, Sara Haze, Elizabeth Nicole, Samantha Stollenwerck, Katie Cole, Emily Jaye, Gabrielle Brisson and a special guest appearance by Caitlin Crosby. The evening is dedicated to supporting Caitlin’s LOVE YOUR FLAWZ movement dedicated to empowering young women everywhere. For more info go to www.loveyourflawz.com. Doors open at 6:30PM with Open Min until 8PM. Cover charge is $10.00 or just $5.00 if you bring with you a handwritten note embracing your flawz (Visit www.loveyourflawz.com for ideas).
For more info on the artists performing, see their individual bios below.

“I am thrilled to be collaborating with Koffeehouse on their music series and to perform with such a wonderful group of women, says Caitlin.  “It’s great that so many people are interested in spreading the word about my website LoveYourFlawz.com.  I hope that fans will embrace the message behind it, to celebrate who you are and not let stereotypes dictate otherwise-this message also inspired my album FLAWZ,” she concludes.

Who: Koffeehouse, SPIN PR & Harvelle’s

What: Koffeehouse Sessions is a monthly musicians showcase featuring the best in emerging singer/songwriters and bands and is quickly becoming a staple Los Angeles industry showcase for discovering new talent. LOVE YOUR FLAWZ Music Night will feature LA’s most talented female artists including Mandi Perkins, Sara Haze, Elizabeth Nicole, Samantha Stollenwerck, Katie Cole, Emily Jaye, Gabrielle Brisson and a special guest appearance by Caitlin Crosby. The evening is dedicated to supporting Caitlin’s LOVE YOUR FLAWZ (loveyourflawz.com) movement dedicated to empowering young women everywhere.

When: Thursday, November 5, 2009 (and continuing the first Thursday of every month)
Doors @ 6:30PM, Open mic from 6:30-8:00PM. 21+

Where:  Harvelle’s in Santa Monica -  1432 4^th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Admission: $10.00 or $5.00 if you bring a handwritten note embracing your flawz! (Visit www.loveyourflawz.com for ideas!).  To reserve a table, call (310) 395-1676.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

7:45PM: GABRIELLE BRISSON (www.gabriellesongs.com)

Adventure has always been a way of life for this Danish/American soulful singer/songwriter. Growing up with a suitcase in hand, traveling and living in different countries across Europe and the US, change was a major influence. At seventeen, desire to take her musical career to another level brought her to Los Angeles. Gabrielle immersed herself in a whirlwind of music life, teaming up with renowned musicians who helped her become a mature, well rounded musician, songwriter and performer. Gabrielle’s style has been compared to artists including Norah Jones, Amos Lee, Bonnie Raitt and Joni Mitchell. Being a powerful vocalist and versatile singer, Gabrielle soon became sought after for demo sessions, corporate events, radio jingles and vocal harmonies. Singing about the constant evolution of emotion, Gabrielle digs deep for honesty and hopes her listeners will be taken on a great journey with her!

8:05PM: KATIE COLE (www.myspace.com/katiecoleofficial)
“Most artists will tell you if they only touch one person in the crowd with their music, then their job is done. For me, I want to reach everyone!”  Meet Katie Cole. She is a young singer-songwriter originally from Australia now living in Los Angeles. With uplifting and clever pop songs, Katie is currently working with Producer Howard Willing (Smashing Pumpkins, Liz Phair, Ok Go) on her debut record.

8:25PM: SAMANTHA STOLLENWERCK  (www.samanthamusic.com)
‘Cali-soul’ is the term Samantha uses to describe her sound; a unique blend of soulful pop rock that has landed her on bills with the likes of Dave Matthews Band and Ziggy Marley.  She recently finished a record with Sheryl Crow’s producer Jeff Trott and collaborated with songwriter Danielle Brisebois who was a co-writer on Natasha Bedingfield’s hit singles, “Unwritten” and “Pocket Full of Sunshine”. Samantha rounded out the record by bringing aboard GRAMMY award winning mixer, Manny Marroquin (Alicia Keyes, Usher, Kanye West) to bump up the grooves.  Samantha is looking forward to playing her new songs live this summer as well as for her 2009 release of her new record and single, “Carefree”.

8:50PM: SARA HAZE  (www.sarahaze.com) Releasing her first major album, My Personal Sky, at the age of 19 has been a long time coming for songstress Sara Haze, writing fan favorites like “Lovely” and “My Own Hands To Hold” years earlier.  Wise beyond her age, this sun-bleached Southern California girl writes about growing up in the modern teenage world in a way that connects.  “When one of my songs touches someone it means the world to me,” exclaims Sara who’s had over 30 songs placed in films and television shows.  Fans of MTV’s reality phenomenon The Hills responded en masse with over 300,000 hits on Sara’s MySpace page when two of her songs were used on the popular show.  The fans kept coming when more of Sara’s songs were used on America’s Next Top Model and The Style Network’s Ruby.  Performing at major festivals worldwide including South By Southwest, CMJ Music Marathon and Film Festival, Canadian Music Week and Europe’s Popkomm, Sara caught the attention of industry icons including Randy Jackson, Gene Simmons and digital music guru Ted Cohen.  But it’s Sara herself running the show and, most notably, Sara is writing the music- giving the album a personal touch that makes the listener wonder if Sara hasn’t written the songs just for them.

9:25PM: CAITLIN CROSBY (www.myspace.com/caitlincrosby) Having been born and raised in Los Angeles, the 24 year old Caitlin Crosby is practically a veteran in the city’s immense music and acting community. But it’s her honest songwriting on a life spent in and around the gritty neighborhoods surrounding Hollywood that separates her from other artists who call Los Angeles home.  After graduating from the program, Caitlin set out to pursue her passion for music — supporting herself with acting gigs including appearances on television shows such as Malcolm In The Middle and That 70s Show and earning a role in Danny DeVito’s upcoming feature, Housebroken. In between auditions and bearing witness to the hard lives of LA’s down and out, Caitlin wrote songs about a life in between the two worlds — finding her voice in intelligent songs with a positive point of view on human nature, relationships and self-acceptance. Giving life to her powerful lyrics, Caitlin’s magnetic voice has the ability to be both raw and delicate. Her charming live performances has won her fans throughout the city’s varied live music venues from grimy rock halls to the popular Hotel Café.
Most recently, Caitlin joined indie music favorite, William Fitzsimmons, on two songs featured on his new album, The Sparrow & The Crow. She has also written and recorded with Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Robin Thicke, Plain White T’s, and Brian Wilson. She has also been a featured songwriter in Levi’s jeans ad campaign. Caitlin is now in the studio recording her debut album that will be released on Blackledge Music in early 2009.
9:45PM: ELIZABETH NICOLE (www.elizabethnicole.com)
At 22, Elizabeth Nicole is quickly rising to the top as a young pop artist in the Los Angeles music scene. A singer and pianist since age 8, and a songwriter since age 15, Elizabeth’s lyrics show wisdom and humor beyond her years. The juxtaposition of her smoky voice with her tongue-in-cheek attitude will put a smile on your face. “My logo of the heart with devil horns says it all,” Elizabeth says. A former ballerina and current actress, Elizabeth has performed professionally since the age of 7 (The Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, WB’s 7th Heaven, ABC-TV’s Port Charles), but she decided early on that her passion for music could in no way be suppressed. Elizabeth is blessed to have world-wide successful songwriters take her under their wings such as Shelly Peiken, Jon Ingoldsby, John Shanks, The Matrix, Kay Hanley of Letters to Cleo, and Danny Wilde of The Rembrandts. Currently, Elizabeth is in the studio writing new songs with the crafting of uber-engineer/producer Howard Willing (Smashing Pumpkins, Liz Phair, Fiona Apple, Ok Go!). Along with her lead roles in the indie films “Getting That Girl” and “Cornered” due out in 2010, Elizabeth can currently be seen playing live in Los Angeles at clubs such as Green Door, Molly Malone’s, Hotel Café and Genghis Cohen.

10:30PM: MANDI PERKINS (www.myspace.com/mandiperkins) The girl next door, only louder … Mandi Perkins is an intensely passionate and charismatic singer and songwriter who creates uncompromising melodic rock. Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Mandi began writing and performing at a young age. Her ambitions inspired a move to California to pursue both a career in music and to attend UC Berkeley where she graduated with Honors in English Literature. Immediately following graduation, Mandi made a move to Los Angeles in order to pursue a career in music while simultaneously attending law school. MSN Music recently featured her as their “One To Watch” artist, Yahoo Music named her one of their “Who’s Next” artists and she was featured on the cover of November‘s Music Connection Magazine.  Mandi recently finished her six-week headlining national tour this past August where she debuted material from her new band project, Of Verona. BMI recently stated that “Mandi Perkins is undoubtedly one of the freshest, most prolific songwriters to hit the U.S. from our North American neighbor, ” while Ryan Tedder of the group OneRepublic, stated that  “Mandi Perkins is the new frontier when it comes to females that rock; she’s unfiltered, unedited, and is a “true” artist – Her lyrics are 100% her life and I’m excited for the rest of the world to hear what I know will be one of the best new rock acts in years.”

11:30PM: EMILY JAYE (www.myspace.com/emilyjayemusic)

With a bass guitar in hand, singer-songwriter Emily Jaye takes a unique lead position fronting a powerful four piece band.  Influenced by Paramore, The Killers, Garbage and Sheryl Crow, Emily’s sound is distinct vocally and lyrically – expressing her belief that “confidence is the sexiest thing you can wear.”   Within four months of picking up the guitar she started playing at open mic nights and coffeehouses around Los Angeles, singing her own material.   Emily landed an ad campaign in 2008 with Fruit of the Loom’s subsidiary company “Vassarette.”  Emily modeled the company’s new product line, sang the campaign’s theme song “Are You Ready” and secured a Gibson bass guitar endorsement.   Her ads can be seen in entertainment publications and women’s magazines nationwide, throughout 2009.  She also did a live performance of the song on The Style Network’s new reality show, Running In Heels. Emily is also currently working in the studio on a solo CD with producer/guitarist Eric Fraley set for a late summer, early fall release.

ABOUT KOFFEEHOUSE
Koffeehouse Music Productions, LLC is Los Angeles’ premier, grassroots live music production company, best known for creating unique outdoor performance spaces for the most talented emerging singer-songwriters and bands. Koffeehouse takes pride in giving these artists a platform to share their extraordinary ability with music industry executives and music lovers alike. Koffeehouse won the 2006 Community Service Award from the LA Music Awards, and in beginning of 2008 became an official partner of the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, in connection of the Ford Amphitheatre 2008 and 2009 Seasons. www.koffeehouse.com

ABOUT HARVELLE’S:
Harvelle’s is the Westside’s oldest live music venue (1931) and is legendary for its blues and jazz. This dark, sexy room is the perfect spot for listening dancing and drinking to the best local, national and international artists. www.Harvelles.com.

The Yard, the popular neighborhood gastropub in downtown Santa Monica, celebrates its brand new look and menu and introduces Executive Chef, Chris “CJ” Jacobson of Bravo’s hit cable TV show “Top Chef.” The grand re-opening week will begin with a private celebration on Tues. Nov. 3, 2009 at 6p.m.  This fully-hosted extravaganza will consist of a complementary smorgasbord of hand-crafted specialty drinks, mouth-watering American-style tapas, live entertainment, and meet-n-greets with Chef CJ. The Yard will open to the public, continuing with the festivities at 9 p.m. Please go to the official website www.theyardsm.com to view an updates of the grand opening week’s offerings.

“The Yard was started around the idea of creating community around the Arts and Westsiders, in general, at an underground location that ran for two and half fun, crazy years,” says Sean Norris, owner of The Yard.  “Now that we have CJ on board at our great new location, we have all the elements of what I like best in a restaurant – outstanding food and drinks served in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere.”

Chris Jacobson, better known as “CJ,” is thrilled to be fulfilling his long-time dream of running his own kitchen as Executive Chef at The Yard.  A former private chef, CJ has cooked for the likes of author and columnist Arianna Huffington and the Marciano Family of the Guess Corporation.  He began his culinary career cooking in the kitchens of popular restaurants such as Axe, Wolfgang Puck Catering and Harold Catering.  He then moved to Campanile where he furthered his skills under renowned Chef Mark Peel.  As a competitor on Season 3 of “Top Chef,” CJ distinguished himself from the crowd with his approachable yet competitive spirit.  He most recently appeared on “Top Chef Masters” as sous-chef to Michelin-starred chef Michael Chiarello.

“My vision for The Yard is to be a place where foodies can enjoy great, fun food at an affordable price in a comfortable atmosphere,” CJ explains. Inspired by seasonal fare, CJ shops for ingredients at the Santa Monica’s Farmers Market weekly.  Some of his favorite dishes at The Yard include Crispy Beef Cheek, Pan-Seared Diver Scallops with Citrus, Fresh Fish Tacos and Grilled Skirt Steak with Horseradish & Grilled Grapes.

Who: The Yard, Your Neighborhood Gastropub in Downtown Santa Monica, CA

What: The Yard Grand Re-Opening Party with New Chef Chris ‘CJ’ Jacobson                                                     of “Top Chef” Fame Introducing a New Look and Menu.

When: Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at 6pm; The Yard opens to the public at 9pm offering grand opening specials.

Where:        119 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401