The Traveling Diva » Budget Diva

Britto: Welcome

Contributing Diva — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 01:55:20 +0000

By Anjanette Delgado

There’s something about Miami. It welcomes you by not making too much of a fuss about you. “Oh, so there you are,” it seems to say. Great. Dale, Chico. Te veo despues y nos tomamos un cafe.” And you know, it’s happy to see you.

My favorite spot to welcome the day in all of Miami is not anywhere near the infamous SoBe of the tanned and gorgeous. It’s not on a boat gliding past tall downtown buildings on bayside waters. It’s sitting on the sidewalk facing the huge, colorful, exhuberant sculpture at the entryway of the otherwise unremarkable Dadeland Metrorail Station in South Miami.

It’s fittingly called “Welcome” and stands amid the light gray concrete on mornings when my own bed wants nothing to do with me and, as my mother would say, “el que me fume, pierde el vicio.”

And here’s the trick: you sit on the sidewalk in front of it with your newspaper and your strong, sugary, Cuban coffee, you look at it for awhile, and pretty soon you start to feel happy and, god forbid, optimistic. By then you’ll look a little crazy to couples walking by with their strollers or their dogs, so taking a few pictures of the pure, innocent, joyous embrace it offers won’t make much of a difference. (I recommend polaroids because you’ll want to touch your production inmediately. Don’t make it too precious. You’ll be back.)

Its creator, Romero Britto, has long been an outcast of the traditional art world. (“He’s too commercial.”) He’s also an outcast of the outcasts who say there’s no depth to his work. I wouldn’t know, and I confess to being unmoved by the hanging pictures in his gallery space. But his sculptures: these big gifts of happy for open spaces, sum up for me what he’s often quoted as saying: “For me, art can reflect the celebration of the simple and good things in life. This is most important to me!” Just like Miami.

*****

Anjanette Delgado is an Emmy award-winning writer and multimedia producer with over eighteen years of experience in broadcast, cable, print and Internet environments, both nationally and internationally. Her book “The Heartbreak Pill” is out in stores and she is hard at work on her second novel “The Calle Ocho Clairvoyant.” Anjanette lives in Miami, Florida, and her very favorite quote is “When you’re going through hell, keep going,’” by Winston Churchill.

Maui Prince Video

The Diva — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:22:14 +0000

This text will be replaced

Mark DeCarlo visits the island of Maui and invites you to join in on all the fun.

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

Bowers Museum of Cultural Art

Contributing Diva — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 03:42:06 +0000

By Angela Rocco DeCarlo

Even a three-year old understands the concept of saving old things for the future.

Michelle Christine, my toddler granddaughter looked around our house one day at the children’s table and chairs and toys she knew had been her daddy’s.

“You saved this for me, “ she stated, not asked. She knew.

I pounced on her thought and told her there were people we didn’t even know who had saved things for us in big buildings called museums. Would she like to go see them? She said, yes, and so our museum adventures began ten years ago.

With my second granddaughter, Serritella Dainelle, I was late starting. She is six years old and last Sunday we went to the Bowers Museum of Cultural Art, Santa Ana, CA. The facility is having great success with its China exhibits – China’s Enduring Legacy – Warriors, Tombs and Temples; and Ancient Arts of China, but we were there to see the memorial to Christopher Columbus and the small gallery of oil paintings tucked upstairs in an out of the way location.

You are not likely to find Columbus’ bust as it is secreted deep in a courtyard near the entrance, but set back so it is not in plain sight. It is worth seeing. Serritella brought a long-stemmed rose from our garden to place on the monument. We’ve been talking about the great age of exploration and how important Columbus was in turning terra incognita into the world we now know. She was interested to see a likeness of the man she’d been learning about. Though it is generally agreed by scholars that no known portrait of Columbus shows the man as he appeared in life.

After we had paid homage to our cultural cousin we headed for the little picture gallery I remembered from past visits. In particular I wanted to see the oranges again…a vibrant painting of parchment-wrapped fruit that is as beautiful as anything I’ve seen in European galleries. As we slowly made our way around the small gallery, Serritella was entranced by the room’s ceiling of painted decorations. Then she seemed to study the paintings and asked: ‘Why are there trees in all the paintings?” I was rather astounded she had realized, without knowing the name, that she was viewing examples of California plein air paintings. This school of artists captured the natural beauty of old California with its canyons, streams and towering trees.

Painting outdoors became more likely once paint tubes were invented in 1841. Artists were able to abandon mixing their own pigments and carrying them in pig bladders or glass vials. Paints could now be produced in bulk and sold in tin tubes with a cap. The cap could be screwed back on and the paints preserved for future use, providing flexibility and efficiency to painting outdoors. The manufactured paints had a balanced consistency that the artist could thin with oil, turpentine, or other mediums. Paint in tubes also changed the way some artists approached painting. The artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir –“Without tubes of paint, there would have been no Impressionism.” For the Impressionists, tubed paints offered an easily accessible variety of colors for their plein air palettes, motivating them to make spontaneous color choices. With greater quantities of preserved paint, they were able to apply paint more thickly.

Serritella and I talked about the scenes of trees, rivers and mountains which the California plein air artists had painted. She reminded me of having seen “Blue Boy” and “Pinkie” with her mother and brother at the Huntington Museum and Library, Pasadena, CA. The galleries in which those paintings reside are mostly portraiture, so she obviously was comparing the differences between those pictures and the outdoor scenes at the Bowers. Not a bad introduction to the world of art for a very little girl.

Westrolled around the Bowers for a while after leaving the paintings looking at the artifacts displayed in the large galleries. As we were leaving Serritella asked if she could paint outside when we got back home. And that’s what she did.

Upon arriving back at our home she gathered up her water color paints, brushes,smock and set up her work on the little picnic table outside under the trellis facing the garden and pool. She worked with deep concentration for some time, creating pictures of the pool, another of the flower beds and others of the scene before her. Meanwhile, her brother, Sam, who had gone to a hockey game, not the museum with us, worked on his own picture of the yard. He chose to do a draftsman-like rendering of the pool, complete with brick coping in great detail. Their individual work indicated again, every artist has his or her unique vision and each is to be nurtured and treasured. We plan to return to the Bowers again and again for longer visits as the children gain in age.

Bowers Museum of Cultural Art
2002 N. Main St.
Santa Ana, CA 92706
714-587-3600

Days & Hours – Tues. – Sunday
10a.m. to 4 p.m.
General Admission
Adults $12, reduced rates of $9 for younger visitors.
Free Sundays –first Sunday of every month, Target Free Day

Special ticketed exhibits, such as the Chinese exhibits, require additional fees.

Credit: Angela Rocco DeCarlo, is a veteran journalist.She covers culture, travel and lifestyle.

Taste Chicago in Burbank, California

The Diva — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:40:06 +0000

Who would say no to dining Chicago style with Arlene & Joe Mantegna? This diva found herself amongst a herd of Bears, Chicago Bears that is, in the valley’s only authentic Chicago style restaurant. Taste Chicago offers a culinary gateway to the Windy City and a great alternative to hum-drum LA food. “Fugetabout”calories, tofu, or fat free anything when you go through the doors at Taste Chicago. You’ll be overwhelmed by the smell of Chicago pizza. My favorite.. sausage..yum! The pizza, as advertised, is truly ‘ a meal in itself.’ You may want to ask the server to cut it in half or quarters and share with your group, that way they are forced to order something different to share with you.

Try the meatballs, with that delicious red sauce, and of course the famous beef ‘sangwich.’ Thin sliced of authentically seasoned roast beef, served on a bakery fresh Italian roll with your choice of sweet green peppers or hot giardiniera. Ahhh.. slice of heaven…

For the more adventurous type, the Taste Chicago hot dog is not your ordinary wiener. This all beef Vienna sausage comes with an array of mustard, celery salt, relish, pickles, onions, tomatoes, and peppers.. just no ketchup… trust me. You don’t… want to ask… for the ketchup.

Can’t make it to Chicago this year? Taste Chicago is the closest thing to eating in Chi-town. Good games, great food, great people. Taste Chicago is this diva’s choice for Chicagoan food in the valley.

Taste Chicago

603 North Hollywood Way
Burbank, CA 91505-3125
(818) 563-2800

www.TasteChicago.biz

Open Daily 11am-9pm

Balboa Bay Club Concerts

Contributing Diva — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 18:54:05 +0000

By Angela Rocco DeCarlo, copyright, 2011

Nothing says summer like an outdoor concert. There are plenty of these around OC in public parks and other such venues. Unfortunately, sometimes these involve parking hassles to distant grassy areas – if there is room – with long walks back to the performing areas.
If you are one who desires a little bit more upscale ambience, here’s the spot for you. I recently enjoyed an evening at the posh Balboa Bay Club and am anxious to return for more relaxation along side the fabulous marina.
The Balboa Bay Club & Resort, at Newport Beach Harbor, provides the perfect constellation of beautiful setting, fine entertainment and tasty foods. The Club is located at 1221West Coast Highway, Newport Beach. www.balboabayclub.com; 949-646-5000.
The BBC is hosting three concerts this month that offer up summer fun at its finest.

“The Four Freshman – Live Concert“

Friday, August 12, 6:30 p.m.;

“Surfin’ Safari.- The UltimateTribute to the Beach Boys!”

Friday, August 19, 6:30 p.m;

“Mariachi Sol de Mexico”

Friday, August 26, 6:30 p.m

Tickets for these concerts are $25, each performance (non-refundable).

BBC’s Burger Bash BBQ will be available for purchase at the “Freshman…
and “Surfin’” concerts. See below for the menu and prices on foods.

“Mariachi…” concert will have available the BBC’s dinner buffet, $21.50 for adults; $15.50 for children.

BURGER BASH BBQ MENU – Aug. 12 & Aug. 19 concerts.

BBC POWER BURGER w/ fries         $8.50*
TURKEY BURGER w/fries                  $8.50*
GRILLED CHICKEN w/fries               $8.50*
SANDWICH w/fries                              $8.50*
GRILLED HOT DOG                             $5.50*
CHICKEN FINGERS                             $5.00*
BBC CHILI                                             $3.00*
CORN ON THE COB                             $3.00*
SOFT DRINKS                                        $3.00*
ICE CREAM                    $2.00*

For information on the concerts call 949-630-4120.

Reservations online: http://members.balboabayclub.com/

Balbo Bay Club & Resort
1221 West Coast Highway
Newport Beach, CA 92663
949-630-4120

Angela Rocco DeCarlo, is a former Chicago journalist, who resides in Orange, CA.

Strut Your Stuff: LA’s Top Comedy Open Mics are Great for a Laugh!

The Diva — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 20:46:02 +0000

With the economy being what it is today, we all need a cheap laugh. Included is a list of LA’s comedy open mics, for both amateurs and pros come try out their new material. Feel like a laugh? Check out these great venues at great low prices:

MONDAY

HAHA CAFÉ COMEDY CLUB
5010 Lankershim Blvd North Hollywood, CA 91610
(818) 508-4995
Sign up: 5:00 pm Show: 6:00 pm
Cost: $5

COMEDY STORE
8433 W Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90069
(323) 656-6225
Sign up: 6-6:30 pm Show: 7:00 pm

KULTURAS BOOKS (2ND Monday)
1700 Ocean Park Blvd Santa Monica, CA
(310) 450-8707
Sign up: 6:00 pm Show: 7:30 pm
Notes: Music & comedy open mic

CAFÉ MUSE
6547 Santa Monica Blvd Hollywood, CA 90038
(323) 464-6873
Sign up: 7:00 pm Show: 7:30 pm
Notes: Comedy & poetry

RAINBOW BAR AND GRILL
9015 W Sunset Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90189
(310) 278-4232
Sign up: 8:00 pm Show: 8:30 pm
Cost: $2
Notes: Comedy & music open mic

SKINNY’S LOUNGE
4923 Lankershim Blvd North Hollywood, CA 91601
(818) 763-6581
Sign up: 8:00 pm Show: 8:15 pm
Notes: Mostly booked show. Drawing for 2 open mic spots

GROUND ZERO COFFEE HOUSE
615 Child’s Way Los Angeles, CA 90089
(213) 821-1484
Sign up: 9:00 pm (USC students) Sign up: 9:20 pm (general public)
Show: 9:30 pm
Notes: Music, comedy & poetry open mic

LIQUID ZOO
7214 Sepulveda Blvd Van Nuys, CA 91405
(818) 997-3818
Sign up: 9:00 pm Show: 10:00 pm

HOLLYWOOD BILLIARDS SPORTSBAR & GRILL
5750 Hollywood Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 465-0115
Sign up: 7:30 pm Show: After booked show (approx. 10 pm)
Notes: Booked show at 8:30 pm, open mic follows

SOAP BOX at WEBER’S
19312 Vanowen, Reseda CA 91335
Sign up: 6:30 pm Show: 7 pm
Free (no cover and no minimum)
For comedians, musicians, and poets
Set length: 7 to 10 min or 2 to 3 songs
Questions: Soapboxsessions@gmail.com spreadthesoap.com

TUESDAY

HOLLYWOOD IMPROV
8162 Melrose Ave Hollywood, CA 90046
(323) 651-2583
Sign up: 4:30 pm Show: 5:00 pm

HAHA CAFÉ COMEDY CLUB
5010 Lankershim Blvd North Hollywood, CA 91610
(818) 508-4995
Sign up: 5:00 pm Show: 6:00 pm
Cost: $5

LAUGH FACTORY
8001 Sunset Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90046
(323) 656-1336
Sign up: 5:00 pm (get there early) Show: 6:00 pm

KERCKHOFF COFFEE SHOP – UCLA
Kerckhoff Hall, 2nd Floor UCLA Campus
(310) 206-0729
Sign up: 6:30 pm Show: 7:00 pm

AMSTERDAM CAFÉ
10905 Magnolia Blvd North Hollywood, CA 91601
(818) 506-1938
Sign up: 6:30 pm Show: 7:00 pm
Notes: Music, comedy & poetry open mic

BLISS CAFÉ
1249 Vine St Hollywood, CA 90038
(323) 962-2986
Sign up: 6:00 pm Show: 7:30 pm

WESTWOOD BREWCO
1097 Glendon Ave Westwood, CA 90024
(310) 209-2739
Sign up: 8:00 pm Show: 8:00 pm

THE COFFEE GALLERY BACKSTAGE
2029 North Lake Altadena, CA 91001
(626) 398-7917
Sign up: bohemianjoe@gmail.com, or call (626) 831-8285 Show: 8:00 pm

LA PIZZA
16904 Devonshire St Granada Hills, CA 91344
(818) 366-6888
Sign up: Register at socalstandup.com Show: 8:00 pm

HALLENBECK’S
5510 Cahuenga Blvd North Hollywood, CA 91601
(818) 985-5916
Sign up: 7:00 pm Show: 8:00 pm
Cost: $7 includes food and drink
Notes: Music & comedy

FENDER AVENUE BAR AND GRILL
2466 Fender Ave Fullerton, CA 92831
(714) 441-0777
Sign up: Booked open mic. Meet host for a spot Show: 8:30 pm

MICHAEL’S PUB
11506 Oxnard St North Hollywood, CA 91606
(818) 980-9762
Sign up: 9:00 pm Show: 10:00 pm

EL CID’S OPEN MIC (2nd & 4th Tuesday)
4212 W Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90029
(323) 668-0318
Sign up: 7:30 pm Show: 8:30 pm
Notes: Music, poetry & comedy open mic
Cost: $5

E STREET CAFE
128 W E St Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 230-2038
Show: 7:30 pm
Notes: Mixed open mic

CANOGA PARK BOWL
20122 Vanowen St Canoga Park, CA 91306
(818) 340-5140
Show: 8:00 pm
Notes: Booked open mic. Email host on Friday for spot
(bookings @comicdante.com)

WEDNESDAY

HAHA CAFÉ COMEDY CLUB
5010 Lankershim Blvd North Hollywood, CA 91610
(818) 508-4995
Sign up: 5:00 pm Show: 6:00 pm
Cost: $5

ICE HOUSE ANNEX
Uncle Clyde’s Comedy Contest Auditions
24 N Mentor Ave Pasadena, CA 91106
(626) 449-6542
Sign up: 6:30 pm Show: 8:00 pm
Notes: Blackout dates apply. Check website first.

BLISS CAFÉ
1249 Vine St Hollywood, CA 90038
(323) 962-2986
Sign up: 6:30 pm

THE SPOT CAFE
4455 Overland Ave Culver City, CA 90230
(310) 482-3490
Sign up: 7:00 pm Show: 7:00 pm
Notes: Sign up is a lottery

TSUNAMI COFFEE HOUSE
4019 W Sunset Blvd Silver Lake, CA 90029
(323) 661-7771
Sign up: 7:00 pm Show: 7:30 pm
Cost: $3 (incl. drink)

THE PANINI GARDEN CAFÉ
2715 Main St Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 399-9939
Sign-up: 8:30 pm Show: 9:00 pm

THE OTHER PLACE
821 E Thousand Oaks Blvd Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
(805) 497-4469
Sign up: 7:30 pm Show: 8:00 pm

PIG & WHISTLE BAR
6714 Hollywood Blvd Hollywood, CA 90028
(323) 463-0000
Sign up: 7:30 pm Show: 8:00 pm
Notes: Comedy & music

M.i.’s Westside Comedy Theater
1323-A 3rd Street Promenade Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 451-0850
Sign up: 7:00 pm Show: 7:30 pm
Notes: Lottery with about 15 names being drawn

DANNY’S VENICE
23 Windward Ave Venice, CA 90291
310-566-5610
Sign up: 8:00 pm

THURSDAY

HAHA CAFÉ COMEDY CLUB
5010 Lankershim Blvd North Hollywood, CA 91610
(818) 508-4995
Sign up: 5:00 pm Show: 6:00 pm
Cost: $5

THE JOKE GYM (1st & 3rd Thursdays)
Zapata Vive Mexican Restaurant
101 S. First Ave. (at Alta) Arcadia, CA 91006
(626) 254-9111
Sign up: 6:30 pm Show: 7:00 pm
Notes: Website for details is thejokegym.com

COFFEE BEAN
16101 Ventura Blvd, Ste 180 Encino, CA 91436
(818) 386-0935
Sign up: 7:00 pm Show: 7:30 pm

GYPSY DEN
125 N Broadway Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 835-8840
Sign up: 6:00 pm Show: 8:00 pm
Notes: Music, Comedy, Poetry

THE FUNNY LOUNGE
465 W 7th St San Pedro, CA 90731
(310) 833-3388
Sign up: 7:30 pm Show: 8:00 pm
Notes: Comedy, music & poetry. Owner scouting for paid
spot on weekend shows

THE COMIC BUG (3rd Thursday)
1807½ Manhattan Beach Blvd Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310) 372-6784
Sign up: 8:00 pm Show: 8:15 pm
Notes: Free beer (21+). Free comics for first 10 people.

UNURBAN COFFEEHOUSE
3301 Pico Blvd Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 315-0056
Sign up: 9:30 pm, drawing Show: 9:30 pm

LUCKY STRIKE LANES & LOUNGE
The Block of Orange Mall
20 City Blvd West Orange, CA 92868
(714) 937-5263
Sign up: ??? Show: 8:30 pm
Notes: Open mic at 8:30 pm, main show at 9 pm

FRIDAY

THE SUNSET GRILL
7439 W. Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 851-5557
Show: 6:00 pm

UPRIGHT CITIZENS BRIGADE THEATRE (last Friday)
5919 Franklin Ave Hollywood, CA 90028
(323) 908-8702
Sign up: 6:00 pm Show: 6:30 pm

LULU’S BEEHIVE
13203 Ventura Blvd Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 986-2233
Sign up: Email Jason at californiacomedy@gmail.com the Tuesday before Show: 6:30 pm

SILVERLAKE LOUNGE
2906 Sunset Blvd Silver Lake, CA 90026
(323) 663-9636
Sign up: 6:00 pm Show: 6:30 – 9:00 pm
free show
21+

AMSTERDAM CAFÉ
10905 Magnolia Blvd North Hollywood, CA 91601
(818) 506-1938
Sign up: 7:30 pm Show: 8:00 pm
Notes: Music, comedy & poetry open mic

COFFEE HAVEN
1708 E Broadway Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 437-3785
Sign up: call 7 am and on to get on list Show: 8:00 pm
Cost: $3

SATURDAY

ICE HOUSE ANNEX (1st Saturday)
24 N Mentor Ave Pasadena, CA 91106
(626) 449-6542
Show: 3:00 pm
Notes: Auditions for “All-Star Variety Night”

THE SUNSET GRILL
7439 W. Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 851-5557
Show: 6:00 pm

THE MONTHLY INTERVENTION (2nd & 4th Saturday)
Loyal Order of Moose Lodge
1901 W Burbank Blvd Burbank, CA 91506
(818) 842-5851
Sign up: 7:00 pm Show: 7:30 pm

SUNDAY

COMEDY STORE
8433 W Sunset Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069
(323) 656-6225
Sign up: 6:00-6:30 pm Show: 7:00 pm

THE PALMS BAR
8572 Santa Monica Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90069
(310) 652-6188
Sign up: 6:30 pm Show: 7:00 pm

THE SUNSET GRILL
7439 W. Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 851-5557
Show: 7:30 pm

iO WEST ANDY DICK THEATRE
6366 Hollywood Blvd Hollywood, CA 90028
(323) 962-7560
Sign up: 9:45 pm
Show: 10:00 pm

Pacifico Beer Tour makes waves with local parties along the coast

The Diva — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 23:19:05 +0000

For those of you who missed it, Pacifico Beer is now on tap at many locations across the US and we had a sneak taste at their party this past week. Check out the photos below from Capsule Labs Vinyl Record Pressing Studios in Los Angeles, CA.

Photos shot on GoPro HD Cam.

Music and Dance take center stage with ‘Sunset Junction’

The Diva — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 22:27:19 +0000

Get ready Silverlake! You’re up on the silver screen!

Sunset Junction, A Personal Musical, a film by Director Jesus M. Rodriguez (Director of Sundance favorite “Lucy & Ricky”, “Solitude” ), will host an invite-only screening on Tuesday, June 14^th, 2011 at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood, CA. Screening to be followed by Q&A with Director Jesus M. Rodriguez, moderated by Sweet Home Alabama writer, C. Jay Cox. After Party at Pig ‘N Whistle next door.

Soundtrack features local and acclaimed artists Helen Stellar, Fool’s Gold, Los Amigos Invisibles, Floating Action, Maleco Collective, Useless Keys, Popvert, Jail Weddings, Lemon Sun, Aurah, Thomas Greene, Zachary Ross, David Mazzarri, and Jesus Florido.

“Sunset Junction is not a musical about “making it.” It is a story about Silver Lake neighbors with a passion for music and dance. As they struggle to find their way, barriers will break down. Friendships will form. Our characters will realize that while they are waiting for their careers to take off, their real lives are moving forward. With stylized visuals, a local, cutting-edge soundtrack and amazing dance numbers, Jesus Rodriguez brings you Silver Lake as you’ve never seen it before…”

Hope to see you all there! I’ll be the redhead on the red carpet!

WHAT: Film Screening: Sunset Junction by Director Jesus M. Rodriguez followed by Q&A with C. Jay Cox
WHEN: Tuesday, June 14^th, 2011 7:30 pm Doors Open/Red Carpet 8:00 pm Film Screening: Sunset Junction followed by Q&A with Director Jesus M. Rodriguez and C. Jay Cox. After Party at Pig ‘N Whistle next door.

WHERE: Egyptian Theater is located at 6712 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood, CA, 90028.

RSVP By Invitation Only by June 12^th to sunsetjunction.movie@gmail.com

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/sunsetjunctionthemovie

FB event page:http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=175794319142975

Twitter: @sunset_junction http://twitter.com/#!/sunset_junction

ABOUT DIRECTOR JESUS M. RODRIGUEZ

Hailing from Caracas, Venezuela, Jesus M. Rodriguez has been directing film and television for more than ten years. His visionary approach to cinema stems from his interdisciplinary training in dance, theatre, visual arts and science. For several years, Jesus served as the Creative Director for Discovery Networks Latin America, heading a multi-lingual team of 33 people from three different continents. While at Discovery, he helped launch three new networks in the region as well as designing more than six Network graphic packages and creating five original branding campaigns, bringing more than 50 international awards to the company. In 2001, Jesus decided to leave Discovery Networks to pursue directing full time. His first short film, Lucy & Ricky, was selected by the Sundance Film Festival, the Miami International Film Festival, and the L.A. Latino Film Festival, among many others. He ventured forth to direct Coffee, Desserts, Light Fare and Solitude, which have been invited to festivals worldwide in Germany, Spain, Italy, Australia and New Zealand. Formerly represented by Ridley Scott and Associates, Jesus has received more than 70 international awards, including a Gold Medal in the New York Festivals, Best of Show in PROMAX/BDA Latin America and Best Directing in PROMAX/BDA Global 2004. In addition to his films, he has directed commercials for the likes of Disney, MTV, BBC America, Sony, Toyota, and Mastercard, and has worked with Rob Lowe, John Mauceri, Shakira, Andy Garcia and Madonna. While working internationally, Jesus has been living in Silver Lake for the past five years. When Jesus is not behind the camera, you can find him in his local ballet class or his favorite neighborhood coffee shop. http://sunsetjunctionthemovie.com/

ABOUT COMPOSERS MARC DOLD AND JUDITH MARTIN

Originally from Switzerland, Marc Dold and Judith Martin created the duo “Aurah” as a musical journal of their quest to experience life’s alchemy. Marc holds a degree in Classical Guitar from Switzerland and extended his studies at Berklee College of Music in Boston (USA) in arranging and performance. Just like him, Judith landed at Berklee College as a vocal, piano and arrangement student, after studies at a Jazz school in Switzerland. Emotional guitar sounds and scintillating vocal arrangements are part of the essence of Aurah’s music that is as much pop and organic electronic as orchestral and meditational. The twin sound clouds of film scores and songs reflect Aurah’s journey. Their credits say it all. Marc Dold has had five Billboard top singles as a producer and performer while working alongside such artists as Celine Dion, Peter Gabriel, Norah Jones, Enya, Nelly Furtado and Cyndi Lauper. Composing the original film score for the award winning feature film Loving Annabelle was just another notch in this duo’s belt having filled the musical cabinet of such films as Blood Diamond, Little Miss Sunshine, and Blood & Chocolate. Aurah’s music has also been heard on various major TV shows from Sex In The City and Charmed to Queer As Folk among others.

ABOUT CHOREOGRAPHERS/DANCERS LA UNBOUND

LA Unbound was founded in August 2007 by Elizabeth Tramontozzi and Betsy Uhler, both former members of IC Unbound, the student dance company of Ithaca College. As dancers and choreographers, they were seeking a similar noncompetitive setting in which to continue their dance training and to satisfy their performance aspirations. As quickly as LA Unbound was founded, like-minded dancers from an array of different backgrounds all united to collaborate, create and perform. LA Unbound fosters a respectful, innovative environment for choreographers to experiment with a variety of dance forms as well as an outlet for dancers of all experience levels to nurture their creative sides in a comfortable, welcoming space. This inviting atmosphere rapidly culminates into an extraordinary public performance for all those with an appreciation for dance. Now with over 80 dancers as well as 4 sold-out performances under its belt and more on the way, LA Unbound has consistently proven its intense value to the Los Angeles dance community. The camaraderie between the dancers, the diversity of performances and the whole-hearted commitment to the art of dance all contribute to the mission of providing an outlet for personal expression and interaction with others who share a love of dance.

2nd Annual Inpeloto Art Show featuring artist Carmen Perez, this Friday May 13, 2011

The Diva — Thu, 12 May 2011 17:23:40 +0000

Live performance by Carmen Perez with Rolly Devore and Byron Gore

In honor of May being Mental Health Awareness Month, the 2nd Annual Inpeloto Art Show Raising Awareness for Healthy Existence: Mind, Body and Soul, featuring artist Carmen Perez (“He’s Not That Into You”, “Nip/Tuck”) will take place at Suture Gallery this Friday, May 13, from 7:00PM to 11:00PM. Food and champagne available during art show and live performance by Carmen Perez along with musicians Rolly Devore and Byron Gore. There will be a silent auction and donations are welcome. Proceeds to benefit American Mental Health Foundation.

WHAT: 2nd Annual Inpeloto Art Show and Raising Awareness for Healthy Existence: Mind, Body and Soul featuring Carmen Perez

WHERE: Suture Gallery 655 10th Avenue, San Diego, CA

WHEN: 7pm – 11pm

ENTRANCE: Open to the public and free to all ages

Frivolous Fun Glasses Found

The Diva — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 04:14:10 +0000

Friends from Chicago were visiting and we were giving them the Huntington Beach, CA tour… lunch at Duke’s on the beach downtown while gawking at the wetsuited-surfer dudes, who to Midwesterners, are exotic indeed.

They can’t quite believe that surfing can be, and is, for talented people, a profession.

Celebrating with old friends from back home is always special. That’s the time when a plain red plastic cup won’t do for your wine toast. It’s fine for the beach, but otherwise something more refined is required.

As we checked out the various gift shops around the beach area we came upon one store which had a collection of hand painted wine glasses that offered a surprise. There are several brands that produce these custom items.

There amid the flip flop and ladies’ shoe glass designs was a tulip wine glass featuring a fantasy Chicago Cubs marquee, city skyline and sailboats on Lake Michigan – all capturing the fun of a Chicago summer. Obviously, no one is going to memorialize a Chicago winter – that’s for sure.

Travelers love to take home treats from vacation destinations to remind them of happy times. It isn’t often one in on a California beach where the option to take home a memento of home is realized. A bit offbeat.

The hand painted glasses on display featured a wide array of designs, including a handful of cities other than Chicago, including Las Vegas and New York. The problem was there weren’t two of Chicago and we both wanted to buy several for families members. Of course, courtesy demanded my friend get to take home the lone Chicago wine glass.

Our family of former Chicagoans,living in “exile” in Southern California, remain devoted Cubs fans. So when we spotted the Chicago wine glass we were delighted – it was fun and unique. I thought it was perfect for my three Cubs-loving sons who would get a kick out of the glasses. They are already in possession of Chicago shirts, blankets, hats, and other accouterments – a wine glass would make a good addition.

As I wanted additional Chicago glasses I did a little research on the brand. It seems the creative source behind the vast catalog of drinking implements is Lolita Healy. Her Designs by Lolita started out about ten years ago with martini glasses and expanded to the tulip wine glasses and then other household products. All have her distinctive stamp of eclectic fantasy. The wine glasses sell for under $25; they are not dishwasher safe.

If I were planning a party for next year with a guest list of 1200 or so I’d consider ordering our own special Chicago DeCarlo family design. Just a nice little fantasy…(info@designsbylolita.com). Meanwhile, I’m hunting down more of the Chicago wine glasses. I need three to surprise my boys.