Thanksgiving conjures multitudes of memories and impressions in our minds of stupendous family meals.  There is the enduring image of going to grandma’s house where she spent all day in the kitchen cooking up homemade ravioli and other special holiday dishes – a feast for her eager family.  While the adults snuggled around the dining room table, the kiddies caused a ruckus in the kitchen.
These days I’m no longer the young mother with small children, but the grandmother, who has never made homemade ravioli. The shame of it haunts me – but only for a little while. Times change. This year I engineered our Thanksgiving dinner, but did not cook it, as we dined in comfort and charm at the splendid Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach, California. I’m sure my mother never enjoyed such luxury back in Chicago.
The BBC provided the ideal venue for an elegant family Thanksgiving dinner, serenely soothing with tinkling piano in the background, and I knew every song being played, including the lyrics. It wasn’t just recorded noise…it was authentic music. The four-course menu offered several choices ($75 adults; $37 children) – and all were declared “delicious.”  Though I am the only person who actually ate turkey – the others opted for prime rib, sea bass, and, in the case of the youngest, peanut butter and jelly, even though it was not on the menu…
Every one of our family of nine enjoyed the beauty of the bayside scenery just beyond the wall of mullioned windows. The children liked watching the magnificent yachts gliding past or moored just beyond the glass. The BBC is perfect for watching the famous Newport Beach Christmas boat parade, Dec. 14-18.
This was the best Thanksgiving dinner in recent memory – great food, excellent service, all amid what is possibly the prettiest dining room on the water. It is not overdone, with gaudy appointments – it is a symphony in creamy tones with touches of terra cotta. Tables and comfortable rattan chairs are spaced at distances, which make for a secluded sense. For those who value a dining experience which leaves one happy and content, this is the place. There are many opportunities in the next month to savor the season’s festivities at the beautiful BBC.

Balboa Bay Club Holiday Events

Wed., Nov. 30th6- 7 p.m. Complimentary
HolidayResort Lighting Ceremony – cookies& hot beverages.
Featuring the 1st Marine Corps Band, Camp Pendleton
Please consider donating a new, unwrapped toy for the Toys forTots program.

Thurs. Dec. 1 –The Four Preps Holiday Concert
Grand Ballroom 6p.m.
Tickets $25 949-630-4120

Dec. 14-18 Christmas Boat Parade
Starting at 6:30p.m.

Dec. 1st-23rd  Holiday Afternoon Tea
Two seatings – 2 p.m.& 4 p.m.
The Library
Traditional Tea  $34
Governor’s Tea – w/champagne $39
949-630-4145

Dec. 23rd The Night Before Christmas Eve
Featuring the All-American Boys Chorus
6 p.m. & 9p.m.
The Grand Ballroom
Please considerdonating a new, unwrapped toy for the Toys forTots program.
$68 adults; $34 children
949-630-3120

And these special evenings -
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dinners
New Year’s Eve Black Tie Gala
New Year’s Eve in Duke’s Place

Balboa Bay Club
1212 West Coast Highway
Newport Beach, CA 92663
949-645-5000
For details visit http://www.balboabayclub.com/
www.balboabayclub.com
Reservations - 949-630-4145

Angela Rocco DeCarlo  copyright 2011

Hotel Casa 425 is just what it claims to be: a home away from home. Located on the town square, within steps of fine restaurants, cafes, boutiques, art galleries and the prestigious Claremont Colleges, Casa 425 is a sophisticated boutique hotel with spacious rooms with clean lines and understated art. This diva recommends you grab a drink at the hip lounge or a complimentary green apple on your way out.

Another great alternative is the Doubletree Hotel Claremont. DIVA’s TIP: All Doubletree Hotels offer a warm cookie at check-in. If you are nice, you can get more than one…. Want to float off into winter? Try Essentials Day Spa & Salon at the Doubletree Hotel Claremont 555 W. Foothill Blvd. Claremont, CA 91711 Phone: 909-626-2411 www.Doubletreeclaremont.com

Charming Downtown streets have a charm of their own. Reminiscent of middle America, with the advantages of LA’s technology-driven stores, downtown offers select stores, products and services, sure to satisfy the most eclectic of tastes. For the visiting foodies, La Parolaccia, an Italian gourmet corner restaurant seems to be the all the rage in Claremont Village. Within the fancy interiors, the first thing you notice is the smell of delicious garlic and the smile of our server. Try the Focaccia Forza Italia, a thin crust focaccia from their wood burning oven, topped with goat cheese, tomato sauce, arugula, fresh tomatoes and white truffle oil, or their Carpaccio di Bue con Arugola e Funghi, or as I called it, heaven in my mouth. This appetizer of raw beef tenderloin came topped with fresh arugula, mushrooms, capers and shaved parmesan cheese. La Parolaccia Osteria Italiana 201 N. Indian Hill Claremont, CA 91711 909-624-1516 http://laparolacciausa.com/

This tree-lined downtown houses a myriad of mom and pop places as well as trendy favorites. You.ll find a specialty cheese and olive oil place, The Cheese Cave, where you can try cheeses from all over the world, specialty fennel salame and hand-pressed olive oils. Definitely ask for a taste of Snow White. You’ll absolutely adore it. You’ll never think of the fairy tale the same way again. Cheese Cave 325 North Yale Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711-4727 909-625-7560 http://www.claremontcheese.com/

What a better place to start a hot date than a dimly lit place being served high quality wine and light fare, surrounded by comfy pillows? Add 1950′s standards to that equation and no woman could resist. Packing House Wine Merchants on First Street offers excellent service with an enjoyable, relaxing, and fun atmosphere at which to shop, drink, and learn about wine. This is definitely a place of which Sinatra would approved. Packing House Wine Merchants 540 West 1st Street Claremont, CA 91711-4618 909-445-9463 http://www.packinghousewines.com

For those looking for nightlife, there’s Hip Kitty, a swanky and intimate jazz supper club and lounge in downtown Claremont Village. Live music is featured on its stage 6 nights a week and every seat in the house has a great view. If comedy is your style, Flappers Comedy Club’s A-list comedians perform for very thankful audiences. Order the cheese plate, unexpectedly fantastic, and even the MC and host comedians were great. Make sure you drink plenty at the Wine Merchants downstairs and the comedy and cheese will seem even better. There’s also Piano Piano, your big city dueling piano bar with some of the most amazing talent you’ve ever seen come out of a small town.

La-la land getting too crowded for you? Come relax in Claremont. This is a place you will want to go back to time and time again.

DiscoverClaremont.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/discvrclaremont

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/discoverclaremontca

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Blithe Spirit, the 1941 Noel Coward comedy, playing at the intimate Costa Mesa Playhouse until September 25, allows theater-goers the opportunity to enjoy good talent, brilliant dialog, all amid some zany antics designed to conjure back to life the dear departed. The three-hour production is directed by David Anthony Blair.

Coward’s play opened in 1941 London during the worst of the German bombings: The Blitz – of Britain during World War II. So it might be easy to see how a creative exercise onstage, of retrieving loved ones from the grave, would resonate at that time in history. However, the play has enjoyed long life, with many revivals, during the past 70 years. It’s most recent incarnation on Broadway was in 2009 with Angela Lansbury in the key role of Madame Arcati, the eccentric medium, who accidentally conjures a dead wife, much to the chagrin of the current, alive wife.

The Costa Mesa specter hits the right notes of comedy and British sophistication without creeping anyone to pieces.  The seven-member cast of this well-staged production is fortunate to be well-clothed and placed onto a nicely designed set, as they handle the required British accents with success. Author Coward took the title from the Percy Bysshe Shelly poem, To A Skylark’s Hail to thee blithe spirit, bird thou never wert Coward’s London office was destroyed in the wartime bombing and it is said he went away and wrote the play during a week in the countryside. Blithe Spirit ran for nearly 2,000 performances in London and more than 500, later in 1941, on Broadway. It’s still around because it is beautifully written and works. Actors have sparkling speeches, situations are amusing and the people never lose their cool even when highly exasperated. What a treat to never have to hear dialog that resorts to vulgarity and code curse words. It is worth the ticket if only to hear humans speak so eloquently in every situation.

English socialites Ruth and Charles Condomine,� well-played by Jennifer Pearce and Paul Griffiths respectively, host a dinner party and seance featuring a well-known local eccentric, medium Madame Arcati, played with a light zany touch, by Judy Jones. Charles plans to use the evening to research psychics for his next novel. Friends, Dr. and Mrs. Bradman, played by suitably scientific Dan Henry and charmingly giddy Norma Jean, respectively, round out the guest list. The doctor is a skeptic and his wife is willing to believe whatever may turn up once Arcati goes into her trance. The maid, Edith, played by Danielle Macinnis, is too-noisy a presence in early scenes. Though necessary later on.

Of course, the evening goes bump in the night and Arcati accidently conjures Charles’ dead first wife, Elvira, strongly played by Emily Price, to plague the proceedings. Her initial appearance is appropriately ghostly, until she settles in to demonstrate she just showed up to finish aggravating her husband, a job apparently left undone in life.

It is a marvelous tribute to art in the abstract that individuals such as these fine Costa Mesa actors work so hard to provide an evening’s entertainment for a group of strangers. The audience was suitably appreciative for the laughs and opportunity to contemplate what it would be like to have departed loved ones return. But most of all for an evening of sophisticated intelligent entertainment,� without a hint of current TV sitcom mentality, marked by the lowest common denominator, usually inane ‘sex up your nose’ nonsense. If only contemporary writers might grab a dictionary or thesaurus and write dialog that sings, instead of slangs, but there was only one Noel Coward. His works is still worth experiencing.

Costa Mesa Playhouse has an excellent website with prompt ticketing applications. Future productions include “Earthlings Beware!”; “Nunsense”; “The Crucible”; “Hedwig & the Angry Inch”. Ticket prices are modest, discounts for students and seniors. Learn more at http://www.costamesaplayhouse.org

Costa Mesa Playhouse
661 Hamilton St.
Costa Mesa, CA92627
949-650-5269

Angela Rocco DeCarlo copyright, 2011

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.

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. 

How to get there: The eastern-most city in Los Angeles County, Claremont is 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles along Interstate 10. It’s a destination quite unlike any other in Southern California: A hidden gem within the sprawling, urbanscape of the L.A. basin.  From LA: Take the 134 to the 210 exit North Towne Avenue South. Ontario International Airport (ONT) – 10 miles  Los Angeles – 40 miles

STAY:   Hotel Casa 425 is just what it claims to be: a home away from home. Located on the town square, within steps of fine restaurants, cafes, boutiques, art galleries and the prestigious Claremont Colleges, Casa 425 is a sophisticated boutique hotel with spacious rooms with clean lines and understated art.  Most of the rooms of this stylish boutique hotel open onto a tranquil courtyard in the heart of historic Claremont Village, and within walking distance of all the nightlife.  This diva recommends you grab a drink at the hip lounge or a complimentary green apple on your way out.

Hotel Casa 425 425 West First Street, Claremont, CA 91711  909-624-2272 http://www.casa425.com

RELAX: Besides being a great place to stay of Doubletree fame, this hotel houses an incredible top rated spa and salon for Claremont visitors. Essentials Day Spa & Salon claims it is specifically designed to provide a haven for your Mind, Body and Soul, so I put it to the test.  As I floated out of the salon after my spa pedicure and my full-body massage/scrub by an incredibly gorgeous Latina/Amazon goddess, I questioned my plans to keep on discovering the city, or go back inside for more pampering.  I highly recommend you spend at least half a day experiencing Essentials’ exquisite hair and nail services, full body massage, treatments, and complete skin spa menu.  Remember to thank the Amazon goddess as you float out after your massage.

Essentials Day Spa & Salon at the Doubletree Hotel Claremont 555 W. Foothill Blvd. Claremont, CA 91711 Phone: 909-626-2411 www.Doubletreeclaremont.com

EAT! La Parolaccia, in Italian, literally means “The Bad Language,” which you’ll be using if you happen to miss out on dinner at this place.  This Italian gourmet corner restaurant seems to be the all the rage in Claremont Village.  Within the fancy interiors, the first thing you notice is the smell of delicious garlic and the smile of our server.  I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed eating so much, munching on Focaccia “Forza Italia,” a thin crust focaccia from their wood burning oven, topped with goat cheese, tomato sauce, arugula, fresh tomatoes and white truffle oil.  YUM! …and while I generally like my meat well done, I have to admit to LOVING the Carpaccio di Bue con Arugola e Funghi, or as I called it, heaven in my mouth.  This appetizer of raw beef tenderloin came topped with fresh arugula, mushrooms, capers and shaved parmesan cheese. DOUBLE YUM!

La Parolaccia Osteria Italiana 201 N. Indian Hill  Claremont, CA 91711 909-624-1516 http://laparolacciausa.com/

HANG OUT! Claremont Village. This tree-lined downtown houses a myriad of mom and pop places as well as trendy favorites.  You’ll find a specialty cheese and olive oil place, The Cheese Cave, where you can try cheeses from all over the world, specialty fennel salame and hand-pressed olive oils. Definitely ask for a taste of “Snow White.” You’ll absolutely adore it. You’ll never think of the fairy tale the same way again.

Cheese Cave 325 North Yale Avenue  Claremont, CA 91711-4727  909-625-7560 http://www.claremontcheese.com/

WINE AND DINE! What a better place to start a hot date than a dimly lit place being served high quality wine and light fare, surrounded by comfy pillows? Add 1950’s standards to that equation and no woman could resist.  Packing House Wine Merchants on First Street offers excellent service with an enjoyable, relaxing, and fun atmosphere at which to shop, drink, and learn about wine. This is definitely a place of which Sinatra would approved.

Packing House Wine Merchants 540 West 1st Street Claremont, CA 91711-4618  909-445-9463  http://www.packinghousewines.com/

CULTIVATE! Fancy a romantic walk amongst the flowers?  Head to Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Garden.  Spread across 86 acres in Claremont, California, the Garden is located approximately 35 miles east of Los Angeles. Nestled in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, the Garden offers beautiful mountain vistas. The Garden displays about 2000 taxa of California plants and includes those native to the California Floristic Province as a whole. This region extends into southern Oregon, far western Nevada and extensively into Baja California, Mexico. Docents lead tours of the Garden periodically. 

Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Garden 1500 N. College Ave. Claremont, CA 91711 909-626-7670   http://www.rsabg.org

PARTY! Piano Piano is your big city dueling piano bar with some of the most amazing talent you’ve ever seen come out of a small town.  I was lucky enough to be there on a night when Susan was at one of the pianos…. I can’t say I’ve ever seen a more fabulous rocker chick who can blow your mind on the piano, drums, keytar, AND harmonica.  All while looking like Rocker Barbie. That same night, Shaun, a fantastic voice, not to be overshadowed by the sexy dances while grinding on the stage and on some of the lucky guests.  This is a place you will want to go back to time and time again.

Piano Piano (at Doubletree Hotel) 555 W Foothill Blvd Claremont, CA 91711  909-626-2411  http://www.duelingpianopiano.com

JAZZ IT UP! Hip Kitty is a swanky and intimate jazz supper club and lounge in downtown Claremont’s Village.  Located in the renovated, historic landmark Packing House, the warm and eclectic vintage décor takes you back to an era when jazz was subversive and fondue was all the rage.  Hip Kitty is classy but casual and over 21 only- a great place for a date night or a special celebration.  The retro menu features a wide selection of cheese, meat, seafood and chocolate fondues that are cooked right at your table, in addition to our lounge food menu.    Live music is featured on its stage 6 nights a week and every seat in the house has a great view.

Hip Kitty Jazz & Fondue 502 West 1st Street Claremont, CA 91711  909-447-6700 http://www.hipkittyjazz.com/

VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE! Partying not your thing?  Make sure to catch a show or two when you are Claremont.  If comedy is your style, Flappers Comedy Club’s A-list comedians like James P. Connolly perform for very thankful audiences.  The food at Flappers is also quite good. The cheese plate was unexpectedly fantastic, and even the MC and host comedians were great. Make sure you drink plenty at the Wine Merchants downstairs and the comedy and cheese will seem even better. 

Flappers Comedy Club 532 W 1st Street, Unit 218, Claremont, CA  91711 818-845-9721  http://www.flapperscomedy.com

Ben D. Bollinger’s Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theatre provides patrons with a dinner theatre and musicals for a theatrical experience the caliber of the Broadway shows in downtown LA without the freeway or parking dilemmas. Located in the center of Claremont, CA, audiences can enjoy a nice dinner and a show surrounded by locals.  This is the sort of place you’d take your parents.

Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theater 455 W Foothill Blvd Claremont, CA 91711  909-626-1254  http://www.candlelightpavilion.com

THE SCOOP! Don’t let this college town fool you.  Yes, there are plenty of youngsters, but that also brings about the hot singles and the eye candy.  Who says you can’t find a good man in LA?  Well, they’re half right… go find him in Claremont.

WHAT: CARMEN PEREZ’s ART & LIVE PERFORMANCE

EXHIBITING ARTISTS: Carmen Perez, Abel Alejandre, Damian Chavez, Marsha Judd, Jose Lozano, Rosalind McGary, Carlos Molina, Andres Montoya, Julie Nagesh, Oscar Sanabria & Jose Luis Sedano

PERFORMANCE BY: Carmen Perez with Byron Gore (guitar) and Rolly Devore (acoustic & bass)

WHEN: Sunday, December 12^th, 2010, 2p-5p

WHERE: Fremont Gallery, 812 Fremont Avenue, Suite 100, South Pasadena, CA

TICKETS:  No Cover Charge – Free

Koffeehouse is proud to present its 4th Annual “Evening of Independence” benefitting MusiCares® on August 7, 2010 at the Ford Amphitheatre in Hollywood. The evening will feature the most talented emerging artists and special guests with featured performances by Verve/Universal recording artist, actress KATHARINE MCPHEE, Island Def Jam recording artist JON MCLAUGHLIN, national recording artists HONEYHONEY, Los Angeles Indie-rockers THE DAYLIGHTS, GRAMMY-nominated SIXPENCE NONE THE RICHER, who will be reuniting at The Ford after a six- year hiatus as well as a special performance by award-winning cellist, TINA GUO accompanied by Marcelo. The event will be hosted by award-winning correspondent and host, ANGELA SUN of Yahoo! Sports’ Minute, Tennis Channel and NBC First Look.

Koffeehouse’s 4th Annual “Evening of Independence” is in official partnership with Los Angeles County Arts Commission and is sponsored by ABC7, KPFK 90.7fm, Univision, LA Weekly, LA18, and Fusicology. One hundred percent of the evening’s net proceeds benefit MusiCares, whose mission is to provide a safety net of critical assistance for musicians in times of need (www.grammy.org/musicares.com).

“When we started these intimate showcases in my backyard nearly seven years ago, we had no idea we would be participating in the promotion and production of so many high-profile concerts and music festivals years later,” says Koffeehouse Founder Jeremy Koff.  “We’re extremely honored to have worked with so many talented artists and take pride in giving them a platform to share their extraordinary ability with the music industry.”

The pre-show will take place in The Ford’s Edison Plaza courtyard from 6:00-7:30PM and will feature a silent auction, picnicking and performances by some of LA’s most talented emerging artists including Terra Naomi, Freddie and Francine, Shawn Hlookoff and Jayme Dee. Picnic baskets and wine are permitted during the pre-show in the Ford’s entryway as well as in the Ford Amphitheatre itself.

Previous Koffeehouse “Evening of Independence” concerts have featured artists including Jon Foreman (Switchfoot), Alex Band (The Calling), A Fine Frenzy (Virgin), Rocco Deluca & The Burden (Ironworks), Matt Scannell (Vertical Horizon), Tyrone Wells (Universal), MoZella (Universal), Trevor Hall (Geffen/White Balloon), Ryan Star (Atlantic), among many others.

Tickets to Koffeehouse’s 4th Annual “Evening of Independence” are $25 if purchased 7 days or more before the show and $30 thereafter. VIP tickets are available for $100 which includes pre-paid parking at The Ford, access to the VIP lounge—which includes an open bar and food, a mention of you or your company in the official event program, a gift bag full of goodies and the best seats in the house. Discounted student tickets and group tickets are also available. Doors open at 6:00PM. The pre-show runs 6:30-7:30PM. The main show starts at 8:00PM.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.FordTheatres.org or by calling the Ford Box Office at (323) 461-3673.

]]> http://www.travelingdiva.com/miscellaneous/american-idols-katharine-mcphee-to-perform-at-koffeehouse%e2%80%99s-charity-concert-benefitting-musicares%c2%ae/feed/ 0 http://www.travelingdiva.com/miscellaneous/the-1st-annual-poppa-palooza-bbq-music-and-comedy-festival-on-father%e2%80%99s-day-june-20th-2010-at-the-historic-roundhouse-in-aurora-il/ http://www.travelingdiva.com/miscellaneous/the-1st-annual-poppa-palooza-bbq-music-and-comedy-festival-on-father%e2%80%99s-day-june-20th-2010-at-the-historic-roundhouse-in-aurora-il/#comments Fri, 11 Jun 2010 05:07:27 +0000 The Diva http://www.travelingdiva.com/?p=1897 Hosted by Iconic WGN Radio Personality Steve Cochran, WGN-TV’s Mike Toomey, Patti Vasquez and Travel Channel’s Mark DeCarlo

The all-ages charity event features FREE BBQ, Live Blues Bands, Comedy Acts, Golf, Cooking Demonstrations and More!

Johnsonville Sausage invites you to celebrate this Father’s Day, Sunday June 20th, 2010 at Poppa-Palooza, a one-of-a-kind, all ages music and comedy festival featuring Chicago’s greatest personalities, musicians and comedians at America’s Historic Roundhouse in Aurora, IL. The phenomenal line-up includes legendary WGN radio personality Steve Cochran, WGN-TV’s Mike Toomey, with popular Chicago  comedian Patty Vasquez, and Travel Channel’s Mark DeCarlo alongside the band Old Blues Eyes. Doors open at 5pm and festival continues until 11pm. America’s Historic Roundhouse is located at 205 N. Broadway, Aurora, IL 60505. Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for children under 12. All tickets include two (2) FREE Johnsonville Brats and all Dads will receive a FREE raffle ticket. Tickets can be purchased by calling 630-264-2739 or visiting www.rh34.com .
Poppa-Palooza will include a fun-filled afternoon of golf contests, incredible raffle prices, live music & comedy, cooking demonstrations, competitions, a live auction and surprise guests. This event is geared to gives Dad’s a day off while helping to raise money for what they treasure most: kids. A portion of proceeds will go to benefit www.almosthomekids.org, an organization that enhances the lives of children facing serious and ongoing medical challenges.

“We’ve got an amazing venue here at America’s Roundhouse, great comedians and Old Blues Eyes will rock the Roundhouse! It’s a great way to celebrate Father’s Day in Aurora, helping the Almost Home Kids Foundation. Really, is there anything Dad’s love more than kids?” says Mark DeCarlo, Travel Channel host and leader of the band. “I mean besides golf, beer and BBQ cooked by someone else?”
“I love the Roundhouse and having nothing but fun on Father’s Day!” says Steve Cochran. “Don’t get Dad a tie. Get him tickets to Poppa-Palooza.”

POPPA-PALOOZA OFFICIAL LINE UP
Father’s Day, June 20^th, 2010
Festival 5-11PM. Doors open at 5PM. Show at 7PM.
5 PM  DOORS OPEN

6 PM – 8 PM GOLFSMITH PUTTA-PALOOZA PUTTING CONTEST
Every player gets a $10 Goldsmith gift card. All 10 finalists will get a $25 Golfsmith card & Weber cookbook. Winner gets Grand Prize: A custom Fit set of MacGregor irons + driver + bag.

7 PM – 8:30 PM MUSIC
Blues from Mark DeCarlo and the band Old Blues Eyes  www.oldblueseyes.com
8:30 PM RAFFLE/AUCTION
WGN Radio’s Steve Cochran and Mark DeCarlo host the live auction and award raffle prizes.

COMPETITION: Funniest WGN Listener comedy competition. Winner wins a showcase spot at a future Roundhouse Comedy night
9:00 – 11:00 PM   COMEDY
Mark DeCarlo

Patti Vasquez
Mike Toomey
Steve Cochran

Plus
Poppa-Popular Raffles & Live Auctions
* Fender Strat signed by Buddy Guy donated by Guitar Center
* Weber S-310 Genesis Grill & accessories
* Bed & Breakfast Weekend at the Palmer House Hilton

* Gift Certificate from Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants
* 4 almost Front Row Cubs Tickets from Image Base
* A round of Golf with Steve Cochran at Bollingbrook Golf Club
* Custom-fit set of MacGregor Irons, driver + golf bag from Golfsmith
*Comfort Suites/Roundhouse weekend package
*Best Buy merchandise
*Dinner & show from Buddy Guy’s Legends Bar

* Plus more gifts and surprises

+++++++++++++++++++++

RECAP

EVENT: 1st Annual Poppa-Palooza 2010, a Father’s Day music and comedy celebration  with BBQ, live music, comedy, games, live auction, raffles, prizes, cooking demonstrations, surprise guests, and great fun for the whole family benefiting AlmostHomeKids.org.

DATE/ TIME: Father’s Day June 20^th 2010 5pm-11pm

LOCATION: America’s Historic Roundhouse -205 N. Broadway, Aurora, IL 60505

TICKETS: Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for children under 12 and ALL TICKETS INCLUDE TWO (2) FREE JOHNSONVILLE BRATS and All Dads get FREE RAFFLE TICKETS. Tickets for the festival are currently available for purchase by calling 630-264-2739 or online at www.rh34.com .

Legendary guitar hero Michael Landau will debut at the infamous Moe’s Alley in Santa Cruz, CA on Sunday, June 20th, 2010 with his amazing psychedelic-blues-jazz-cosmic band “The Michael Landau Group,” along with soulful blues-rockers The Kirk Fletcher Band for a special afternoon Father’s Day performance.

“I live for those live moments when the sound and emotion becomes this monstrous force bigger than the individual musicians, it becomes a unique creation and feel, exciting and calming at the same time, difficult to describe but I’m addicted to it,” Landau describes about playing live with his group.

Landau has recorded on over 700 records with everyone from Michael Jackson, Pink Floyd, Miles Davis, BB King, James Taylor to Joni Mitchell; and been known to wear many hats as a songwriter, producer, and engineer in addition to his enormous guitar credits since the early 80’s. Landau’s supergroup includes jazz artists Gary Novak on drums and Travis Carlton on bass. Landau will also perform as a featured guest in The Kirk Fletcher Band, with a special jam session to conclude the show. This amazing co-bill of jazz, blues and rock all in one afternoon is not to be missed!

Moe’s Alley is located at 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz, CA. Doors open at 3pm. Show starts at 4pm. Phone number is (831) 479-1854. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased in advanced by visiting www.moesalley.com.  To hear music from Landau or Fletcher, please visit http://www.myspace.com/michaellandau or http://www.myspace.com/kirkfletcherband.

CALENDAR LISTINGS:

SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 2010
The Michael Landau Group & The Kirk Fletcher Band
CASPAR INN
14597 Caspar Road, Caspar, CA 95420. 707-964-5565
$10 before 10pm, $12 after
http://www.casparinn.com

SUNDAY, JUNE 20, 2010
The Michael Landau Group & The Kirk Fletcher Band at Moe’s Alley for a special Father’s Day BBQ & Blues performance.
MOE’S ALLEY
1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz, CA. 831-479-1854
$15. Can be purchased by visiting www.moesalley.com

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 2010
The Michael Landau Group & The Kirk Fletcher Band
THE COMPOUND GRILL
7000 E. Mayo Blvd.  Building 21, Phoenix, AZ 85054. 480-840-5483
$20 Adv, $22 DOS.
http://www.thecompoundgrill.com

To view more dates, please visit www.myspace.com/michaellandau