Being on the set is a passion for Klisans, who’s worked with many of the greats, including well-known music video director, Pablo Croce, Rosalyn Sanchez, Alejandro Fernández, Franco de Vita and famous latin band Maná.

In “HABANA EVA,” Klisans is the Producer for the Venezuelan release, slated for July 2010.  Being an active member of the organization “Venezolanos en Hollywood,” Klisans was recommended earlier this year to launch the release of the film, directed by fellow Venezuelan, Fina Torres, who in 1985 won the Cote d’Or prize at the Festival de Cannes for her first feature, “Oriana.” This Cuban-Venezuelan co-production was shot in Havana and features brilliant performances from Prakriti Maduro y Juan Carlos Garcia.

Klisans also worked on film projects directly related to incomparable Orchestra Conductor, Gustavo Dudamel. Through that experience, she has been fortunate enough to surround herself with the likes of Helen Hunt, Andy García and Edgar Ramírez.

All of Klisans’ experiences throughout her years in Los Angeles are focused on film and television projects intended for Venezuelan audiences. Klisans proves once again that although far from home, Venezuela is always in her heart.

The largest humor festival in the world, the Just For Laughs Festival features scores of stand-up comedy events, concerts, plays, skits, street theatre, parades and more fun than a barrel of monkeys. Headliners include John Leguizamo, Latin King of comedy and Emmy-award winning actor, who’ll present his new, uncensored one-man show, “Klass Klown”. Not to be missed are Cheech & Chong, the world’s favorite stoners who are back for a night of smokin’ hot comedy, hosting their own Videotron Just For Laughs Gala, Then there’s Pamela Anderson, the most downloaded woman in the world, who’ll host an hilariously high-concept evening with her Dancing with the Stars partner Damian Whitewood.  For tickets, call 514-845-4069.

The free Urban Arts program that follows the Festival is quirkiness at its best – chockablock with every variety of passion, talent and licensed madness…all brought together into major events in public spaces.  Beyond the Parade of Twins are majestic parades of fantastical characters who leave a mysterious impression in their wake; a huge outdoor dance party; wandering stilt troupes; Rock Band and Guitar Hero contests: a procession of tumblers, acrobats and other masters of imagination; light shows and pyrotechnics; face-painting and clowns, mimes and harlequins; and, if all this isn’t enough — Live-on-the-Street, the story of a musician wandering with his double bass, an instrument that thinks it’s a dog and socializes with the audience!

If your sides hurt from laughing, you can always explore the fabulous city of Montréal, Discover the Ice Age at the Montréal Science Center; run the Lachine Rapids in a jet boat; amble through the Montreal Botanical Gardens; or rocket up to 68 mph on the new Goliath roller coaster at La Ronde. In Old Montreal (the town was founded in 1642) are narrow streets lined with 19th-century buildings, many transformed into art galleries and cafés.

As for the culinary arts, Montreal is jam-packed with wonderful food and wine establishments (mwah!) and there are plenty of family-fare eateries as well. No fewer than five different Just For Laughs packages are available — from a one-night VIP Gala Evening to a five-night Laugh ‘n Pass package that includes a souvenir swag bag, three main floor tickets to one of the Videotron Just For Laughs galas, five tickets per person to a Club Series themed show, and more. Plus, there are a dozen hotels to choose among.

Check out the Just For Laughs Festival presented by Videotron web site:  www.hahaha.com. For more information: Call 514-845-4069 or for reservations call 1 877 484-4242.

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

Hollywood’s Premiere Comedy and Music Showcase, Continues With an All-Star Line-Up featuring performances by Brad Sherwood, Tom Wilson, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Horns, John Ernst,Mark DeCarlo, Jimmy & Joey, Hempstead Nursery, Erin Ragland, Roxanne Ferrara, and the house band Old Blues Eyes

ODD WEDNESDAYS, the new, live, bimonthly comedy and music variety show returns on Wednesday, March 31st, 2010 @ 9:30PM at the famous Ivan Kane’s Café Was featuring an amazing lineup of talented bands, singer-songwriters, and comedians coming together for the newest comedy & music showcase in Hollywood.  The March 31^st All Star event will feature stellar performances by Brad Sherwood, Tom Wilson, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Horns, John Ernst, Mark DeCarlo, Jimmy & Joey, Hempstead Nursery, Erin Ragland, Roxanne Ferrara, and the house band Old Blues Eyes. Show starts at 9:30PM and tickets are only $5. Ivan Kane’s CAFÉ WAS is located at 1521 N. Vine St. Hollywood, CA.  For artists individual bios please see below or visit the Facebook Page: ODD WEDNESDAYS & www.oddwednesdays.com

*
WHO: Presented by Mark DeCarlo and Ivan Kane’s Café Was
*
WHAT: ODD WEDNESDAYS at Café Was: A bi-monthly comedy & music show featuring established A-List performers and artists, together with a select up-and-coming singer/songwriters, providing Hollywood with a unique show every month. The March 31^st event will feature performances by  Brad Sherwood, Tom Wilson, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Horns, John Ernst, Mark DeCarlo, Jimmy & Joey, Hempstead Nursery, Erin Ragland, Roxanne Ferrara, and the house band Old Blues Eyes.

*
WHEN: Wednesday, March 31^st, 2010 at 9:30PM (and continuing EVERY Third WEDNESDAY of every month (4/21, 5/19 etc.), following a Jam Session EVERY First WEDNESDAY of every month (4/7, 5/5 etc.)

*

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

*

TICKETS:              $ 5.00

*

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

MARK DECARLO & OLD BLUES EYES (www.markdecarlo.com)

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.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy HORNS – Since their arrival on the music scene in 1993 in a legendary residency at Los Angeles’ Brown Derby nightclub, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s irresistible live show and aggressive, musically perceptive approach has proven them over time to be the singular standout among the numerous bands that launched the Nineties swing revival. The seven-man group forged a massively successful fusion of classic American sounds from jazz, swing, Dixieland and big-band music, building their own songbook of original dance tunes, and, sixteen years later, BBVD is a veteran force that to this day adds new fans by the roomful every time they play. BBVD’s originals include “You & Me and the Bottle Makes Three (Tonight)” and “Go Daddy-O” featured in the film Swingers. the band’s music has appeared in over sixty movies and television shows, including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Conan O’Brian and Live with Regis & Kelly. (bbvd.com)

BRAD SHERWOOD

Brad Sherwood is a regular cast member on ABC’s Whose Line Is It Anyway? and was a regular on the British version on Comedy Central as well.  His credits include The Drew Carey Show, The Green Screen Show, The Smartest Guy In Town, VH-1’s I Love The 70s, 80s & 90s and over 100 appearances in sketches on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno. Brad’s other past credits include a season on LA Law, To Tell The Truth, The Newz, guest hosting Talk Soup and hosting The New Dating Game. Brad is currently touring North America with Colin Mochrie in the very successful and critically-acclaimed, two-man improv show appropriately titled An Evening With Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood. (www.bradsherwood.com)

TOM WILSON

Bringing his enthusiasm and charisma to the stage, Tom Wilson has always kept his stand-up comedy clean. His humor is suitable for any audience. With four children, his family humor hits home with many, while stories from his diverse acting career bring laughter to all. He uses his musical talents to get the audience involved and brings the house down with his song parodies as well as performing original songs.

JON ERNST

Jon Ernst is a much sought-after L.A.-based composer and music supervisor. An accomplished singer-songwriter, Jon’s television career began as “Pianoboy,” the on-camera musical director of the classic MTV game show “Singled Out.” Jon is Music Supervisor on MTV’s mega-hits “The Hills” and “The City”, and has worked in that capacity on many other shows, including “Celebrity Circus” (NBC), “Nashville” (Fox) and “Laguna Beach” (MTV). As a composer, Jon scored most episodes of VH1’s legendary “Behind the Music,” as well as the syndicated hit “Ex- Treme Dating” and several original shows for TV Land. A native of Chicago, Jon studied at Berklee College of Music in Boston and is a graduate of the University of Florida. (www.jonernst.com)

JIMMY & JOEY

Jimmy & Joey are everybody’s favorite Italian comedy team. They’ve appeared in some of today’s top television shows like America’s Got Talent, Minding the Store, Last Comic Standing. “Should have been on the Sopranos but they couldn’t meet our price….” explains the funny duo.  “Should have also been in Goodfellas, Godfather 1, Godfather 2, Godfather 3, Casino and My Cousin Vinny.”  Jimmy & Joey can also be seen every Sunday at Jon Lovitz Comedy Club. (www.myspace.com/jimmyandjoey) (www.myspace.com/themeatballsofcomedy)

HEMPSTEAD NURSERY

Hempstead Nursery is fronted by Lead Singer/Songwriter David Floyd.  This Detroit, Michigan native blends his Mid-Western roots and West Coast attitude into a stunning pop-rock mix of melody and lyrics.  On lead guitar is the Motor City’s own Harvey Salter, combining inner city angst with surf punk abandon.  On drums is Indiana export, Todd Torok, providing the beat that moves your feet. Completing the rhythm section is Bassist Jon Newkirk.  Born on the California beach between high tides, Jon’s laid-back style introduces the “tude” you can groove to. Hempstead’s sound is a dynamic mix of hum-till-you-drop pop tunes, haunting melodic ballads, and good old hard-edged, hard driving, rock & roll.The band has been featured on KLOS 95.5 FM’s “Local Licks” program as well as Westwood One’s syndicated “Loveline.” They have also kept busy performing at several Los Angeles area venues including The Roxy and Whiskey A Go-Go. “Soul searching lyrics, sensitive singing, and tasteful arrangements.” – BAM Magazine.“Recommended”-LA Weekly. (www.myspace.com/hempsteadnursery)

ERIN RAGLAND

Singing is something Erin Ragland just decided to do.  She woke up one day at age 5 and just felt like she could, so she did.  “I didn’t look for influences, but was always drawn to songs that were passionate, songs that made your guts come out of your mouth when you sang them,” says Erin.  “Singers like Janis Joplin and Pat Benatar taught me how to feel a song, and I learned how to riff from Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey.”  Today it’s Glen Hansard, Susan Tedeschi, Patty Griffin, Toots and the Maytals, Gavin DeGraw, and Amy Winehouse that meld her sound. Odd Wednesdays discovered Erin, or “Rags” as she calls herself, on their opening Jam Session at Café Was, March of 2010. “My first show here in the city, my introduction to Los Angeles, and hopefully it’s just the start.”

ABOUT IVAN KANE AND CAFÉ WAS

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.” 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. Ivan Kane’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.”  Reservations or Information: 323.466.5400 www.cafewas.com

For media inquiries, or to set up an interview with any of the artists, please contact Yeni Alvarez @ oddwednesdayshow@gmail.com or call 213.840.3158.

Mama Shelter’s unique name corresponds to its equally new concept.  Normally staying in a boutique hotel designed by  Phillipe Starck does not come cheaply, especially in a major city.  Mama Shelter changes all that.  The rates at Mama Shelter start at 79 Euros.  Anyone who’s stayed in a fine but functional Parisian budget hotel knows this rate can’t be beat.

The first photo shows a typical Paris budget hotel room at a cost of around 100 Euros, the second shows the rooms at Mama Shelter.

Mama Shelter showcases Phillipe Starck’s whimsical eye with graffiti grazing the ceilings and a unique mix of materials that include concrete, glass, and wood.  The eating areas combine old-school or shall I say Old World long wooden tables and benches.  The tech addicted can dine and surf at tables equipped with built in computer screens.  I-Macs, free Wi-Fi, Kiehl’s toiletries and five star bedding await you in your room.  All I can say is “bonjour, baby” and bye-bye to stiff, scratchy sheets.  You’ll find live indie rock and electronica music across the street at La Fleche D’or.

So here’s the deal.  Mama Shelter is in the 20th arrondissement, which in more ways than one lays on the fringes of Paris.  The only touristy thing to do near the hotel, is to visit the nearby Pere Lachaise cemetary.  So expect a metro or bus ride to get to the tourist areas of Paris.  According to the Mama Shelter website the St. Blaise quartier is part of the authentic Paris with cafes, gardens, and an air of rebellion.  Other media indicates this area as “the toughest and least fashionable areas of Paris”.  This burgeoning area is similar to any area entering “hipification”,  think Williamsburg 12 years ago.

Artists as well as new immigrants populate the area drawn by cheap rent and large vacant studio spaces.  This raw, bohemian vibe may not be for everyone.  If you’re interested in getting to know a different part of Paris or perhaps seek some inspirato from fellow creative types then Mama Shelter should top your list.  The nearby Belleville neighborhood deserves a visit as well.

Mama Shelter resulted from the vision of the Trigano family who just so happen to be the founders of  a little business called Club Med.  The Trigano family credit philosopher Cyril Aoizerate as helping to create Mama Shelter.  I’m intrigued by any business that has a philosopher on board.  These visionaries took what was once a multi-story carpark and transformed it into what’s destined to become The trendy hotel of Paris.

A desire to look beyond tourist attractions and explore other areas of a city separates tourists from travelers.  Staying outside of tourist areas give a true peek into the heart of a city.  Mama Shelter promises a stimulating environment within and outside of its confines that beg to be explored.

For more photos check out their flickr page.

Content borrowed from Travelista.com

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

WHAT: ODD WEDNESDAYS at Café Was: A bi-monthly comedy & music show featuring established A-List performers and artists, together with a select up-and-coming singer/songwriters, providing Hollywood with a unique show every month. The March 31^st event will feature performances by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Horns, Mark DeCarlo, Brad Sherwood, John Ernst, Jimmy & Joey, Hempstead Nursery, Erin Ragland, Roxanne Ferrara, and the house band Old Blues Eyes.
WHEN: Wednesday, March 31^st, 2010 at 9:30PM (and continuing EVERY Third WEDNESDAY of every month (4/21, 5/19 etc.), following a Jam Session EVERY First WEDNESDAY of every month (4/7, 5/5 etc.)

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

TICKETS:              No Cover Charge – Free

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Mark DeCarlo and Old Blues Eyes (www.markdecarlo.com)

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.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy HORNS – Since their arrival on the music scene in 1993 in a legendary residency at Los Angeles’ Brown Derby nightclub, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s irresistible live show and aggressive, musically perceptive approach has proven them over time to be the singular standout among the numerous bands that launched the Nineties swing revival. The seven-man group forged a massively successful fusion of classic American sounds from jazz, swing, Dixieland and big-band music, building their own songbook of original dance tunes, and, sixteen years later, BBVD is a veteran force that to this day adds new fans by the roomful every time they play. BBVD’s originals rocketed the group into its first phase of stardom, when “You & Me and the Bottle Makes Three (Tonight)” and “Go Daddy-O” were featured in the 1996 indie film landmark Swingers. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, named famously after an autograph by blues legend Albert Collins, sold more than two million copies of the albums Americana Deluxe and This Beautiful Life, and received national critical acclaim while the band’s music has appeared in over sixty movies and television shows. The band’s career milestones have included appearances in the Super Bowl half-time show, writing theme music for ESPN and network television, and performing for three American presidents. They have appeared numerous times on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Conan O’Brian and Live with Regis & Kelly, and wrote, performed and recorded the current theme song for the Carson Daly show after appearing multiple times as the show’s house band. And now, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s songs have passed into the classic American songbook, playing alongside pop standard songs in film and television, and even on reality competitions like Dancing With the Stars. (bbvd.com)

Brad Sherwood is a regular cast member on ABC’s Whose Line Is It Anyway? and was a regular on the British version on Comedy Central as well.  His credits include The Drew Carey Show, The Green Screen Show, The Smartest Guy In Town, VH-1’s I Love The 70s, 80s & 90s and over 100 appearances in sketches on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno. Brad’s other past credits include a season on LA Law, To Tell The Truth, The Newz, guest hosting Talk Soup and hosting The New Dating Game. Brad is currently touring North America with Colin Mochrie in the very successful and critically-acclaimed, two-man improv show appropriately titled An Evening With Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood. (www.bradsherwood.com

Jon Ernst is a much sought-after L.A.-based composer and music supervisor. An accomplished singer-songwriter, Jon’s television career began as “Pianoboy,” the on-camera musical director of the classic MTV game show “Singled Out.” Jon is Music Supervisor on MTV’s mega-hits “The Hills” and “The City”, and has worked in that capacity on many other shows, including “Celebrity Circus” (NBC), “Nashville” (Fox) and “Laguna Beach” (MTV). As a composer, Jon scored most episodes of VH1’s legendary “Behind the Music,” as well as the syndicated hit “Ex- Treme Dating” and several original shows for TV Land. A native of Chicago, Jon studied at Berklee College of Music in Boston and is a graduate of the University of Florida. (www.jonernst.com)

Jimmy & Joey are everybody’s favorite Italian comedy team. They’ve appeared in some of today’s top television shows like America’s Got Talent, Minding the Store, Last Comic Standing. “Should have been on the Sopranos but they couldn’t meet our price….” explains the funny duo.  “Should have also been in Goodfellas, Godfather 1, Godfather 2, Godfather 3, Casino and My Cousin Vinny.”  Jimmy & Joey can also be seen every Sunday at Jon Lovitz Comedy Club. (www.myspace.com/jimmyandjoey) (www.myspace.com/themeatballsofcomedy)

Hempstead Nursery is fronted by Lead Singer/Songwriter David Floyd.  This Detroit, Michigan native blends his Mid-Western roots and West Coast attitude into a stunning pop-rock mix of melody and lyrics.  On lead guitar is the Motor City’s own Harvey Salter, combining inner city angst with surf punk abandon.  On drums is Indiana export, Todd Torok, providing the beat that moves your feet. Completing the rhythm section is Bassist Jon Newkirk.  Born on the California beach between high tides, Jon’s laid-back style introduces the “tude” you can groove to. Hempstead’s sound is a dynamic mix of hum-till-you-drop pop tunes, haunting melodic ballads, and good old hard-edged, hard driving, rock & roll.The band has been featured on KLOS 95.5 FM’s “Local Licks” program as well as Westwood One’s syndicated “Loveline.” They have also kept busy performing at several Los Angeles area venues including The Roxy and Whiskey A Go-Go. “Soul searching lyrics, sensitive singing, and tasteful arrangements.” – BAM Magazine.“Recommended”-LA Weekly. (www.myspace.com/hempsteadnursery)

Singing is something Erin Ragland just decided to do.  She woke up one day at age 5 and just felt like she could, so she did.  “I didn’t look for influences, but was always drawn to songs that were passionate, songs that made your guts come out of your mouth when you sang them,” says Erin.  “Singers like Janis Joplin and Pat Benatar taught me how to feel a song, and I learned how to riff from Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey.”  Today it’s Glen Hansard, Susan Tedeschi, Patty Griffin, Toots and the Maytals, Gavin DeGraw, and Amy Winehouse that meld her sound. Odd Wednesdays discovered Erin, or “Rags” as she calls herself, on their opening Jam Session at Café Was, March of 2010. “My first show here in the city, my introduction to Los Angeles, and hopefully it’s just the start.”

ABOUT IVAN KANE AND CAFÉ WAS

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.” 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. Ivan Kane’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.”  Reservations or Information: 323.466.5400 www.cafewas.com

For media inquiries, or to set up an interview with any of the artists, please contact Yeni Alvarez @ oddwednesdayshow@gmail.com or call 213.840.3158.

By Josie Villa-Singleton a.k.a Travelista

Rail Europe recently began promoting The Eurostar high speed train that runs from London to Paris. November 14 marked the start of the new service provided by Eurostar which decreases travel time by 20 minutes (at speeds of up to 186 mph), making the journey from London to Paris 2 hours and 15 minutes. Tickets for the journey vary in price ranging from $97 to $400 depending on when the ticket is booked and what class seat is selected.

The cheeky “get a little Paris with your London” Rail Europe campaign touts that “…you’ll be drinking wine in Paris while the lager foam from London is still on your lips”. The accompanying website provides a cute game where you can create “mashups” of London and Parisian animated icons. You can even enter your own mashup version of London and Parisian symbols or icons for a chance to win a trip to London that includes a stay in Paris via the Eurostar of course.

Trains leave from the refurbished and central (near Oxford Circus and Covent Garden) St. Pancras station in London and arrive in the Gare du Nord station in Paris (near Montmarte, Sacre Coeur). Otherwise known as the “Cathedral of the Railways” the St. Pancras has been transformed into a destination unto itself with various shopping opportunities that include a farmers market. Europe’s longest champagne bar as well as a gastropub and brasseries will help travelers pass the time while awaiting their train. Champagne aside, another benefit of the Eurostar is that as of November 14th the journey is completely carbon neutral.

The prices of the tickets depend on a variety of factors (peak times, class of seat) so it might be worth trying out different dates and times if possible when booking a reservation. It also seems that booking round trip tickets is cheaper than booking one way fares. Tickets purchased early will also cost less.

Alternatively, you can look into a low cost European carrier (EasyJet, Ryanair, etc) and compare the price of the same trip (London to Paris) and determine which is cheaper. If your trip is one way compare the cost of a discount airline to the train because the price for the Eurostar is a bit pricey for one way tickets. Low cost carriers provide the best deals when booked early. If you book early enough you may find that it is cheaper to fly than take the train. However, several factors must be considered before you book.

The low fare provided by low cost carriers comes at the cost of time. Extra time must be accounted for when taking a low cost flight within Europe. Usually the airports are smaller and more remote so extra time must be allotted in getting to and from them. Time must also be allotted for arriving early enough at the airport to account for checking in and getting through security. Include transportation costs to and from airport. For the flight from London to Paris: 11 pounds for the Capital Connect train that takes you from London to London Luton Airport (where most low cost carriers depart from) and 8 Euros for riding the RER from Charles de Gaulle airport into the city. Add these costs to the ticket price to get a more accurate representation of the cost.

If traveling from London to Paris is on your itinerary or if you are thinking of including it consider both rail and air to determine which works best for you. If time is of the essence then the train is your best option because you will be leaving from an easily accessible city center and arriving in another area of the city that is easily accessed by public transport (metro) and close to all the tourist action. If you don’t mind losing a little time to save a little money then check out discount European airlines to find a good deal. And don’t forget to wipe the lager foam off your lips!

Content borrowed from Travelista.com

By Josie Villa-Singleton a.k.a. Travelista

I last attended the mayhem that is Paris Fashion Week two years ago.   I’ve since learned a lot about pulling an outfit together by scouring the photos of fashion magazine editors and tastemakers that I took during that trip.  Seeing how the most fashionable women in the world show up to fashion shows can inform our choices when it comes time to pack our bags for a trip.  Though these photos are from seasons past they still contain valuable information.

1.     Black is always in fashion
Attendees of fashion shows and Europeans in general favor black and dark colors. Choosing mostly black clothing makes packing easier and of course black clothing flatters and camouflages our figures. Look for items made in travel friendly materials such as synthetic blends: rayon, polyester, lyocell, etc. Accessories keep the look from being boring.

Both these looks are easy to pull off. Tight but stretchy skinny black pants, an interesting black tee. Top it off with a long, loose cardigan and a necklace.

2. Fashion remains Neutral
If all black is not your thing you can break it up with a variety of neutrals. Or choose all neutrals and ease up on black altogether.

The woman on the left breaks up all black with a soft brown and faded black jeans, the woman on the right looks smart in pleated, cropped pants in gray with a brown coat and black is used only in the accessories.

3. Jean Pool
Jeans in every cut look fashionable as long as they have a flattering fit. Dressing jeans up or down makes them a versatile staple that should be included in your suitcase. Topped with a smart jacket you could easily move from daytime to dinner.

4.     Flats are Fab
Yes, there’s many a fashionista donning teetering high heels but a good amount of women also stick to chic flats. The women at Fashion Week run from show to show so comfort is important. Take a cue from them and leave the platform pumps at home.

5. Keep it Chic and Simple
Looking great doesnt’ mean your clothes have to have lots of bells and whistles. Combine simple separates to achieve a chic look. Packing simple separates makes packing easier if they can be mixed and matched for many outfit options.

These ladies also gives a lesson in adding colorful accessories such as sunglasses or a belt to add personality and interest.

6. In the Trenches – Classic Outerwear
A trench coat never fails to deliver a chic and classic look. Worn with the appropriate layers, this topper works from fall to early winter. As shown here it works for a variety of age ranges. Accessorize the look with a scarf and a few beautiful bangles.

7. Scarve it Up
If you haven’t figured it out, I’m a huge fan of the scarf. It’s the easiest way to add that dash of European je ne sais quoi. Plus they are quite functional. Scarves can be used for warmth and/or as an extra acccesory. Blend them into your travel wardrobe or choose a standout color, your personality – your choice. Look at how these ladies pull off the look.

8. Sunglasses are always glam
You can never go wrong with a glamorous pair of sunglasses. Oversize sunglasses add mystery and can hide your tired eyes after disembarking a long flight or an overnight train. Classic aviators and Ray Ban Wayfarer’s graced the faces of many fashionistas. Find inexpensive versions at stores like Forever 21 or Urban Outfitters.

Happy Packing fellow Travelistas!

Content borrowed from Travelista.com

Cafe Was is the latest jewel in Kane’s crown – the bold impresario behind the LA and Vegas incarnations of the retro-burlesque “40 Deuce.”  His new place, a ‘Bohemian Bistro’ in Hollywood at Sunset & Vine has been open 15 months and is hitting its stride just as the weather turns warmer and people are venturing out of their homes.  With live entertainment, including burlesque Thursday through Sunday, Kane was open to something different while expanding his entertainment to Wednesdays. And that’s what he got.

TV host Mark DeCarlo, best known from the dating show Studs and more recently, “Taste of America,” a comedic food show on the Travel Channel, was back home in LA and itching to do another live show.  “TV’s Mark Walberg and I used to host a variety show at the Atlas Suppler club, adjacent to the Wiltern Theater a few years ago. It was a combination of comedy, improv, variety acts and great live music,” he explained.  “We had Second City guys like Steve Carrell, and Jim Turner, along side new singers and strange hypnotists. It was the Gong Show without the Gong.”

DeCarlo hosts Odd Wednesdays, sprinkling in his off-the-cuff comedy between jamming with the phenomenal house band, Old Blues Eyes. Regular viewers of his Travel Channel show would catch brief riffs of his harmonica playing, but live at Cafe Was, DeCarlo lets it fly. The house band, comprised of session players and film and TV composers, backed DeCarlo, and all the singers throughout the night and stunned the packed house with their expert playing, all while keeping the volume perfectly suited for the upscale, yet comfortable club.

A few mediocre comics were mixed into the night. Not hilarious, but brief enough to endure.  Comedic highlights included Italian comics Jimmy & Joey and Ron Barba’s musical comedy set, mixed in with awe-inspiring juggling by Bryson Lang and Roxanne Ferrara’s risqué burlesque. DeCarlo also had some fun with the packed house in between acts.

One comic ended her act by spitting milk all over the stage floor, shorting out the entire sound system.  The crew flew into action to fix the problem, leaving DeCarlo on stage – with time to kill. Using the easy, laid back style honed in over 400 Travel Channel cities, he simply started talking to audience members, settling finally on a little 8 year old girl who’d just seen “Cats” down the street at the Pantages Theater.  The audience was howling as the little girl described the various cats in the show, while DeCarlo had fun with her, but never at her expense.  In no time, the sound was fixed and the show continued.

By far the musical discovery of the night was young vocalist Erin Ragland. An unknown, DeCarlo found her through MySpace and invited her to join the cast for the night on a hunch.  Her robust, throaty voice rocked the room and brought even show business veterans like Chris Bearde (creator of the original Gong Show), and Billy Riback (Home Improvement) to their feet.

Though the show presents twice a month, each show is conceived differently. The First odd Wednesday of each month is a ‘jam night’ where unknowns come down and sing and perform their acts in rapid succession.  The Last odd Wednesday of each month features only known musicians and actors from film and TV, with just one or two of the Jam Night standouts mixed in.

Odd Wednesdays plans to be the place where musicians in town to play one of LA’s larger venues can come in and do a few tunes to promote an upcoming gig along side established comics in a hip room in the heart of Hollywood.

And not just Hollywood… Mike Sinclair of Streaming Media Hosting shoots the show with an array of video cameras, and sends it out as a live webcast all over the world.  Past shows are archived at www.cafewas.com

DeCarlo goes on: “The goal is to do a an original, one of a kind show where people can walk through the door and see someone they know from TV doing something they didn’t know they did.”

“Jeff Goldbulm played here New Years Eve,” explained Kane recently. “The guy is a fantastic musician, had his band around him. People were stunned at how good he is. He played all night, and we were filled with happy people. Which is how I like it.”

Seems like Kane and DeCarlo are well on their way to being happy for a long time.

For information on specific performers for each episode of Odd Wednesdays, visit www.oddwednesdays.com or www.cafewas.com Odd Wednesdays
Presented by Ivan Kane, hosted by Mark DeCarlo with Old Blues Eyes.
Every Odd Wednesday night from 9:30pm – 11:30pm at Cafe Was.

Hump Day in Hollywood has never been this much fun.

Pierre –Auguste Renoir Exhibit
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
February 14 – May 9,2010

Pierre – Auguste Renoir,(1841 – 1919) the French Impressionist painter known for his luminescent female nudes, was a towering figure in the art world along with other Impressionist greats such as Monet and Cezanne. This ticketed LACMA Renoir exhibit; February 14 – May 9, 2010 – illuminates Renoir’s later works as a postimpressionist whose influence on modern painters, such as Picasso, has received lesser discussion.

This exhibit, which opened this past fall at the Grand Palais, Paris, is the first to focus on the mature works of Renoir, in his last years. The exhibit moves on to the Philadelphia Museum of Art June 17. The show brings together about 80 of his paintings, drawings and sculptures from collections in Europe, the United States and Japan. In addition, works by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisee, Aristide Maillol and Pierre Bonnard demonstrate Renoir’s often overlooked influence on their art. A startling echo can be seen in Picasso’s female figures after viewing Renoir’s nudes painted in his 20th century career.

Many years ago a friend and I took our seven young sons – ages 3 to 12 – to see a glorious Renoir exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago. The huge canvases of beautiful early career nudes shown as though lighted from behind. On the way home in the proverbial stationwagon of that era I asked, of no one in particular, “Did you like the show?” “Yes,” came the immediate reply from the way way back. “We counted 47 nudes.”

Alas, this show would perhaps have disappointed. I counted less than fifteen nudes, which are different in their light reflective qualities from early works. Nonetheless, it is an exhibit for serious art students as well as casual observers. The curators of the exhibit wish to demonstrate how Renoir’s curiosity and determined art self-instruction influenced his late works.

According to the experts, in October, 1881,  Renoir decided, after finishing his  Luncheon of the Boating Party, one of the most famous and admired Impressionist paintings, to achieve his ambition to go to Italy. He planned to visit Venice, Rome, Florence and Naples to view the paintings of Raphael, Titian and other Renaissance masters. He did just that and was as awed as any ordinary tourist, except his titanic talent allowed him to utilize what he had absorbed in creating something different in his later paintings.

That something different did not always please his admirers. American Impressionist painter Mary Cassatt is said to have written to a friend that Renoir was painting pictures of “enormously fat red women with very small heads.”  Visitors today may see for themselves whether that critique holds true. The later nudes are characterized as “monumental” in describing the appearance of out-of-proportion lower limbs.

As Renoir aged he was ravaged by severe rheumatoid arthritis and moved to Cagnes, in the South of France, for the milder climate. Though unable to walk or even stand, with hands deformed by his disease, he nonetheless continued to explore his vision to create new perspectives of his art. He often used his three young sons and a nanny, Gabrielle, as his models. His later paintings includes the 1902 masterpiece, Reclining Nude ,which recalls Rubens and Raphael themes of idealized spring and fertility.

In 1913, Renoir is said to have stated he was about to reach the goal he’d set for himself with his trip to Italy 12 years before; “I’m starting to know how to paint.”

Perhaps this is the mark of genius when curiosity and ambition cannot be faded by age or infirmity. Renoir is said to have painted until his last days.

Not a bad life for an old man –using his talent to capture his vision of the naked model before him. Beauty such as he created does not age or wither…tastes may change and new perspectives open to works unappreciated previously. This exhibit encourages modern viewers to learn and enjoy the enduring creativity of a great painter.

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Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
5905 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles CA 90036
Tickets – $20; admission $12 –under 17 years free, seniors, $8
Free second Tuesday of each month;Target Free Holiday Mondays. After 5 p.m.
daily “pay what you wish” program.
Hours – Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, noon-8 p.m.; Friday, noon-9 p.m.
Closed Wednesdays.
1-323-857-6000
www.lacma.org

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Angela Rocco DeCarlo, copyright, 2010