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WHO: Presented by Mark DeCarlo and Ivan Kane’s CAFE WAS

WHAT: ODD WEDNESDAYS, the newest comedy & music premiere showcase

WHEN: Beginning St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th, 2010, (and continuing EVERY ODD WEDNESDAY of every month (3/31, 4/7, 4/21, 5/5, 5/19 etc.)  Doors @ 8 PM Show @ 9 PM

WHERE: Ivan Kane’s CAFÉ WAS 1521 N. Vine St. Hollywood, CA (323)466-5400

TICKETS:   No Cover Charge – Free – 8PM Sign-up, 9PM Jam Session/Open Mic

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SIGN UP FOR JAM SESSION / OPEN MIC – 8 PM

Singer-Songwriters and comedians are welcome to join us to play 1 or 2 songs or sets on a first come first serve basis; e-mail oddwednesdayshow@gmail.com for sign up sheet. Win cool prizes and the chance to be invited to perform with A-List comedians and musicians in our exclusive upcoming shows the third Wednesday of every month at CAFÉ WAS.

ABOUT MARK DECARLO

When “Studs” took TV by storm, host Mark DeCarlo took to the road. A Chicago native, DeCarlo used the popularity from his television series (Big Deal, Good Night America, the X Show and most recently Taste of America) to play the blues all over the US. Finally after years sitting in with the likes of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Cowboy Mouth, Meatloaf, Keb Mo, Taj Mahal, and the Queen of the Blues Ms. Koko Taylor, Mark knew it was time to transform into his musical alter-ego, TORNADO JOHNSON, put together a band and hit the road.  The result, OLD BLUES EYES, features players from LA, Toronto and Chicago – the hottest session guys and composers cold beer and good BBQ can buy. The band is a high energy, at times hilarious, audience blues explosion.  No two shows are ever the same. Sometimes Mark will bring up singers up out of the audience, some nights he’ll become part of the audience himself.  That’s what happens when Tornado Johnson and his five piece musical marauders get up and play. Old Blues Eyes has headlined for CBS Studios & the Deal or No Deal Celebrity Golf Event, rocked the Jimmy Kimmel stage at the Hollywood San Gennaro Festival, and jammed in joints too small to change their pants. No matter where they play, the results are always the same: BIG BAD BLUES. (www.markdecarlo.com)

ABOUT IVAN KANE

With the phenomenal success of Ivan Kane’s Forty Deuce in both the Hollywood club and at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, and his newest venture, Ivan Kane’s Café Was, a bistro, bar and live music venue, the entrepreneur has added his own unique blend of excitement and edge to going out, turning “nightlife into a more theatrical experience.” His long-range goals include continuing to build the Ivan Kane Enterprises brand and realizing his dream project, a boutique hotel which he has already conceptualized and designed. He’s been called an impresario and a nightlife guru, but most of all Ivan Kane is an innovator. “I’m constantly looking to redefine nightlife,” he concludes, “by doing the unexpected.”  

ABOUT IVAN KANE’S CAFÉ WAS

Hollywood’s newest and most unique Cafe dining experience, created by nightlife trendsetter Ivan Kane offers an intimate bistro experience and piano lounge. Unlike other Hollywood fine dining establishments, Cafe Was integrates a bohemian feel with chic design and classic Bistro fare, offering unique café dining in this reflective dream world on Sunset and Vine. Unique materials, salvaged bars, balusters and doors along with distressed plaster walls, antique mirrors and velvet curtains make up the mystical space. The revolving 1924 Mason and Hamlin grand piano offers optimal views and can be removed for other performances. Wednesday specials: Bohemian Feast- Four Course Prix Fixe Menu only $30.00, Half price flask service in our signature Café Was brown paper bags & Half Price on ALL bottles of wine and champagne with entrée.  Reservations or Information: 323.466.5400 www.cafewas.com

Last Valentine’s Day, I had a tour de force culinary experience.  It started with an invitation to a popular restaurant I had heard of, but was afraid to try.  I’m speaking of Dining in the Dark at OPAQUE.

Opaque’s mission is to engage all the senses in a pitch-black dining room, while eager guests are taken from one course to the next, softly guided by their respective blind or visually impaired servers.

Let me start from the beginning.  We first walked in to the lounge area and were greeted by friendly staff, who reacted as if they knew something we didn’t when we announced it was our first time.  They knew we were in for a treat.

We picked our meal in the dimly lit romantic lounge and waited for our server to guide us to our table.  Behind closed curtains we entered.  Hands on my guide’s shoulder we went, slowly making our way between pockets of fading conversations in a sea of darkness.

The maze ended up in a comfortable corner near the entrance to the kitchen. At this point, our ears were still getting adjusted to the mumbling, as we picked up on various voices at the same time, being aware that there might be someone sitting quietly, right next to us, listening.  We sat down as our server explained where exactly we would find our utensils, plate and glasses.  Lo and behold!  They were exactly where she explained they’d be!

My brain wandered: “Will I be startled as a voice jumps from the darkness to fill my glass or ask me how dinner is going?” “When is this going to get old?”  To my surprise, I was very aware of my server approaching the table and the sweet manner in which she guided us from appetizer to entrée to desert.  Each course seemed a discovery all on its own.  Who knew carrots could taste so sweet?  I had no idea what my food looked like, yet I savored every juicy bite, every texture, every discovery.  Even my breath had lingering flavor.

By the time the main course came around, I had given up on the task of accurately putting the fork in my mouth and was using my hands to eat.  This, by the way, was my favorite part of the meal.  The food was easy to identify, satisfactory to pick up with my own fingers, and delectable to all my tens of thousands of taste buds.

The Mango Panna Cotta was nothing short of an orgasm.  Not being able to use my sight for the past hour, my other senses danced around me in circles.   This delicious desert exploded with flavor in my mouth, while, in my head, and I held back from ‘Mmm-mmm-ing’ out loud, afraid of repeating the infamous “When Harry Met Sally” scene.

Needless to say, Valentine’s dinner was as unforgettable and as a sure shot to a romantic ending as the greatest chocolate cake in the world… or the biggest diamond.

Opaque is the ultimate voyage of the senses, all neatly engaged in a prix fixe 3-course gourmet meal, a experience not only of taste but of smell and sound.  This experimental journey of the senses gets the Diva’s Wink ™ of approval.

OPAQUE –Dining in the Dark

http://www.darkdining.com/index_main.php

LOS ANGELES (Also in San Francisco and San Diego)

Every weekend on Friday and Saturday starting at 6 PM.

V Lounge

2020 Wilshire Blvd

Santa Monica,

California 90403

www.darkdining.com

310 546 7619

Regular 3 course dinner menu Price: $99 incl. Tax (no host bar)

For more information or to order make reservations please call 800-710-1270 or visit

www.darkdining.com. Reservations required!

Written By: Yeni Alvarez -

A very appropriate name for a fluid, explosive show, Cirque du Soleil’s “O” is this Diva’s choice for entertainment when visiting Las Vegas. The signature show of sin city’s Bellagio Hotel, this water-filled extravaganza pays tribute to the magic of theater and the spell cast by dreams.

By now, who hasn’t heard of the incredible feats and flying acrobatics of Cirque du Soleil’s fame? It’s so famous, Traveling Diva is happy to introduce an adjective in their honor “Cirquedusoleil-ish.” No acrobatic show will ever again escape the comparison.  Written and directed by Franco Dragone, “O” has raised the standards of must-see shows on the Las Vegas Strip.  This incomparable show can only be experienced live and its creators are very careful when releasing pictures or videos, thus keeping their secrets safe and the element of surprise on their side.  No pictures are allowed during the show, and the awed look on the audiences faces is enough to let this diva know why.

Audiences were dazzled by the floating carousel dropping from the sky slowly in a clockwise motion only to be further attonished when they sailed away on the surface of the water. Performers leaped in and out of the water constantly, while attempting higher and higher altitudes either from a trampoline or a god-knows-how-many-floors-high ramps.

Pre-show activities include two clown characters trying to take an inflatable raft from one side to the other, across people’s laps, in the most hilarious of ways.  They also bring props like umbrellas and a water gun.  Audience interaction is common in Cirque du Soleil shows, some by choice, all in fun.  Keeping in mind that half of the show takes place underwater, this is one show where you won’t mind getting a little close to the water. The 1.5 million-gallon pool is kept at a warm 88 degrees and hopefully so is the water in their water gun.

“O” employs an international cast of 150 technicians, and 85 acrobats, synchronized swimmers, divers and characters, all scuba certified.  At one point during the show, the pool bottom lifts and the scuba divers are shown in full gear, flipping their fins like fish out of water, giving onlookers a peek at their guarded secret.  Without taking away from the illusion, this gave us a momentary laugh at reality and a sudden yearning for a floating umbrella more than anything in the world.

All in all, Cirque du Soleil shows are always unexpected, filled with surprises, amazing music, incredible performers and unique must-see acrobatics.  Adding to all that, “O” takes it a step further by adding water into the mix.  Truly a stroke of genius, H2O is the secret ingredient that separates ‘O’ from the rest and while Vegas shows come and go, audiences will always search for the next big “O.”

“O”

Bellagio, Las Vegas, Nevada,

Wednesday through Sunday at 7:30 and 10:30 p.m.

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

Santa Monica, CA 9-21-09
Chicagoans living in exile in Southern California may not miss the weather, but we sure do miss the foods – pizza, hot dogs, Italian beef & “sanguages”.

That’s why there were 300 people, connected with the entertainment/media industry,  packed into Chicago restaurateur Jerrod & RJ Melman’s new eatery, “La Grande Orange” in Santa Monica, CA. Rich Melman speared headed the original Chicago “Windy City West” parties beginning 22 years ago. This party, with AT & T sponsorship, along with many other entities; including United Airlines, Chicago Sun-Times, Columbia College and the Illinois office which assists filmmakers, promised Lou Malnati pizza, Portillo’s Italian beef, with sweet peppers, Eli’s cheesecake and other assorted treats, which caused party goers to fast for at least two days prior to the party.
The logjam at the kitchen where none-other-than-Mark Malnati was hand-making luscious Lou Malnati pizzas was prodigious. Nonetheless, I got what I came for with a bonus…three pieces, of Malnati pizza and the opportunity to let Mark Malnati know what fans we are of his products. Whenever we’re in Chicago we take an insulated bag to Lou Malnati’s restaurant near the airport, and load up on frozen pizzas. We horde these tastes of home carefully, never serving them to guests unless we feel they are “Malnati worthy”.
The event was Melmanesque  - lavish, yet down-home style with friendly service and generous hospitality. Letting people hang out in the kitchen with Mark Malnati was a stroke of genius, branding the party true Chicago style.
The entrance to the party was glammed up with a velvet rope, “Orange Carpet” walkway, very chic. The original parties’ networking opportunities were much more casual. People met, talked, deals were struck over a bite of hamburger without fanfare. Today, marketing holds a larger role in every enterprise.
There were no tickets. To qualify as a guest one had to be invited by a member of the host committee. Each host invited 20 guests – personal friends ( or parents, in our case ) in the industry so that there was a sense of community unusual for such a large party.
After chowing down all that free food – and drink if you were so inclined – departing guests received an orange themed packet which contained gifts cards to Orange, Lou Malnati’s and Hub 51 in Chicago. I confess, I felt guilty to go home with a goodie bag after being fed my favorite foods for free.
Tonight’s party erased the “indigestion” of a bogus Chicago party at an auto museum a couple of years ago, run by a Chicago guy who didn’t live up to standards and promises. Boy, did he hear about the lack of food and snooty atmosphere.
The standards were set beginning 22 years ago, when Ginny Weissman, Tribune TV Week editor, and her group ran Windy City West parties for ten years. The only purpose, as perennial emcee Tom Dreesen liked to boast, was for Chicagoans to “hangout” and eat hometown foods. The venue back then was Rich Melman’s iconic diner Ed Debevic’s, Beverly Hills.I can still taste those yummy mini milk shakes and hamburgers.  It was all about the foods. And Chicago friends. That was it. No charity collection. No superfluous awards. Just lots of familiar faces eating their way through treats unavailable in California.
It was the party to hang with the likes of TV star Steve Allen, writer Studs Turkel, comedian Shelley Berman, magicians Gay and Harry Blackstone, Jr., TV soap writers Bob Bell and Lee Phillips, actress Marilu Henner, vegetarian, whom I recall declined to even stand in front of the Italian beef as I interviewing her,  though she ate most everything else.
At tonight’s party most of the faces were new to this veteran party-goer aside from Ginny Weissman; actor, Joe Mantegna; actress Nia Vardalos; comedian Mark DeCarlo; comic Tom Dreesen; actor Danny Breen; producer, Gay Blackstone; Dick Butkus and actresses Meagan Cavanagh and Yeni Alvarez.
With Rich Melman and Mark Malnati the party lived up to standards. I still can’t get over that Mark Malnati personally made the pizzas for us all. For Chicago pizza buffs that’s like having Da Vinci paint your portrait.
Tom Dreesen introduced various luminaries such as Dick Butkus and folks from Columbia College made a few comments, but for the most part it was about foods and friends.
The La Grande Orange is a casual style eatery on a corner location on Main St., Santa Monica. Dozens of young attractive women served the foods with care and warmth. It looks like the old Windy City West party has been reborn with a new name, and extensive sponsorship…Chicago Link Event. But the important things – the favorite hometown foods and convivial atmosphere were unchanged.
Nobody does it better than Chicagoans.

For more information, please visit:

Chicago Link Productions    http://www.chicagolinkproductions.com/

La Grand Orange   www.lagrandeorangesm.com

Lou Malnati’s Pizza    www.loumalnatis.com

Hub 51 Chicago   www.hub51chicago.com

Portillo’s Italian Beef   www.portillos.com

Elli’s Cheesecake  www.ellicheesecake.com

Title: ORO CD Release Party PALENKE SOULTRIBE
Location: The Conga Room – 800 W. Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Link out: Click here
Description: Palenke Soultribe was created in Los Angeles in 2005 by Colombian producers Juan D. Borda ( AKA Insectosound) and Andres Erazo ( AKA Popa) and later joined by drummer/percussionist A.Zuluaga. Under WC-Music Records and up to 2008, they have released a vinyl named \”Folkloric Deconstruktion\” (2005); followed by their first album called \”Tropic an Heaven\” (2007 )( album that was awarded with the Independent Music Awards 2008 in the Dance/Electronica category; and a compilation of remixes entitled \”Tropico y Cielo\”. Their upcoming album release, ORO, shows a development in the sound of the project and features known international artists like Miami\’s Locos por Juana ( Grammy nominee 2009), Sr. Mendez ( Grammy Winner 2007), Cesar Pliego ( bass player from KINKY), Elastic Bond , Toddy Walters and many more. Official released date scheduled March 2009. Palenke Soultribe deconstruct atmospheric and warm Colombian sonic textures that ride over underground beats and exploratory synthesizer sounds. The foundation of PST\’s work is the colorful sound of Colombia\’s traditional music mixed together with electronic beats.
Start Time: 9pm
Date: 2009-07-30

July 10th marks the unveiling of Vegas-famed wine, Rock ‘n Roll Wine party at the House of Blues in the Sunset Strip.  Featuring amazing varietals  from around the world, including the company’s own award-winning wines, this evening of live music and wine tasting proclaimed its residency upstairs at the House of Blues’ exclusive Foundation Room.

Following on the footsteps of their Vegas success, RNR Wines wooes Los Angeles with live music pairings to the featured wines. Artist Jeremy Cornwell delighted audiences with his music, while guests swayed from table to table perusing the different selections from the featured vineyards. Tunes ranged from Californication to Sweet Child of Mine. Willamette Valley’s Lavelle Riesling 2006, a fantastic semi-sweet Kabinett style Riesling with aromas and flavors hinting of peaches and apricots, was sweetly paired with Tyler Hilton’s Kiss On.  Also a favorite, the French import,  a 2005 Maison Galhaud Grenache Noir with deep ruby color reminiscent of its black fruits, pepper and spice, created a buzz by smoothly pairing up with Black Eyed Pea’s I Gotta Feeling.

This fabulous event takes place only once a month. Tickets are $35-$40, and well worth it.  This splendid event of delicious wines and appetizers by the House of Blues makes a great night for a date.. or two.  See you by the reds!

www.rocknrollwine.com

702-240-3066