Not-so-Vanilla Diva

R & H SEGERSTROM CONCERT HALL – COSTA MESA, CA GIACOMO PUCCINI’S “LA BOHEME” staged in concert APRIL 19, 21, 24, 8 P.M. by Angela Rocco DeCarlo Pacific Symphony’s masterful concert production of Giacomo Puccini’s great love story, “La Boheme,” is the very distillation of operatic chic. With Carl St. Clair conducting and A. Scott Parry directing, the Pacific Symphony orchestra’s vibrant, yet, velvet backdrop to the opera’s sexy lead singers produced a singular intimate sensation.   Frankly, it was a revelation to experience such an affecting “La Boheme” in a concert setting. Last night’s performance at the Renee & Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Costa Mesa, ( next April 21 & 24 ) demonstrates Puccini was and remains a great artist of human emotions. His music – which he orchestrated, as well as composed – apparently doesn’t need elaborate sets and costumes when it has young beautiful actors with fine voices to carry the drama. Hyung Yun as Marcello captivated with his abundant dramatic charm and exasperation at Georgia Jarman’s naughty Musetta. Denis Sedov’s imposing stature as Colline is endlessly graceful, while David Lomeli as Rodolfo and Maija Kovalevska and Mimi make real the unfortunate lovers. Jeremy Kelly’s Schaunard is the resourceful friend. Together they filled a ...

Hello darlings!  Traveling Diva, at your service!  I did a bit of research, and Dallas is not as boring as you think !  Here are a few off-the-beaten-path things to consider for group outings before and after the fabulous event.  Woo hoo! My first pick: Deep Ellum - I discovered this hunting around on the net and it looks amazing for a full day into night trip.  Try out the Art Cafe and shop for odd stuff surrounded by the NY loft backdrop before picking a live music spot to settle into.  Deep Ellum has been often described as a 'little New Orleans and Southern SoHo' - It is trendy, zaney, and very unique. The shops you will see there are even decorated in a very colorful manner. This is the place for pyschics and tattoo shops, as well as individual nightlife and restaurants. Deep Ellum is the modern eclectic side of Dallas. This website gives you all the info but the upcoming events calendar is a bit outdated...  :) http://ondaweb.com/deep_ellum/ This one deserves a "hod-dam!" The 6th Floor Museum -   Go to the 'lower Greenville Street' area, northeast of the city. It's a small, 'happening' area, with some blues bars, restaurants, and ...

Larisa Safaryan Presenting her intricate egg shell sculptures. Larisa Safaryan chose egg shells to create her delicate works. On the same show - a Group Exhibition of original oil paintings, Mixed media and sculptures by our gallery artists. Don't miss this rare opportunity to attend our Artist's Reception   Opening night Reception and Exhibit Saturday, March 31, 2012 From 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm Gallery Exhibit March 31, 2012 - May 18, 2012 Please join us on March 31 for a special reception and meet these artists in person! Silvana Gallery  Location and Hours  Get Directions  Tel: 818 662 7070, Tel: 818 395 0313, Fax 818 662 7075       Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 7pm   Sunday and Monday closed  info@silvanagallery.com     www.silvanagallery.com This Exhibition is Sponsored by SVH Tours and Travel Services www.pleasantvacation.com     www.applespecials.com

By Emanuela Cariolagian We arrived in Port Grimaud on Saturday afternoon, quickly changed into our swim suits and went to catch some afternoon rays of sunshine on the beach.  We sat under the warm and soothing sun, which felt so good on our tanned skin, and quietly and peacefully read our books, from time to time reading to each other funny excerpts from each of our three different books…laughing and sharing… As we sat along the bord de la mer, smelling the salty and crisp air of the sea…we heard the sea gulls crying and the waves crashing along the seaboard…the sound of these natural phenomenon made us relax even further into a tranquility and peace that rarely exists in Paris.  The fresh and clean air was beating against our soft skin delving us further into a meditative state of being… We looked far at the sea, mesmerized by the waves that were dancing and seducing us…with the strong and green mountains behind the body of water… it reminded us of the hills of Spain. And as we walked back to the cozy and quaint summer holiday villa along the canal and marina of Port Grimaud, we saw some boats go by and the ...

Who would say no to dining Chicago style with Arlene & Joe Mantegna? This diva found herself amongst a herd of Bears, Chicago Bears that is, in the valley's only authentic Chicago style restaurant. Taste Chicago offers a culinary gateway to the Windy City and a great alternative to hum-drum LA food. "Fugetabout"calories, tofu, or fat free anything when you go through the doors at Taste Chicago. You'll be overwhelmed by the smell of Chicago pizza. My favorite.. sausage..yum! The pizza, as advertised, is truly ' a meal in itself.' You may want to ask the server to cut it in half or quarters and share with your group, that way they are forced to order something different to share with you. ;) Try the meatballs, with that delicious red sauce, and of course the famous beef 'sangwich.' Thin sliced of authentically seasoned roast beef, served on a bakery fresh Italian roll with your choice of sweet green peppers or hot giardiniera. Ahhh.. slice of heaven... For the more adventurous type, the Taste Chicago hot dog is not your ordinary wiener. This all beef Vienna sausage comes with an array of mustard, celery salt, relish, pickles, onions, tomatoes, and peppers.. just no ...

Get ready Silverlake! You're up on the silver screen! Sunset Junction, A Personal Musical, a film by Director Jesus M. Rodriguez (Director of Sundance favorite "Lucy & Ricky", “Solitude” ), will host an invite-only screening on Tuesday, June 14th, 2011 at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood, CA. Screening to be followed by Q&A with Director Jesus M. Rodriguez, moderated by Sweet Home Alabama writer, C. Jay Cox. After Party at Pig ‘N Whistle next door. Soundtrack features local and acclaimed artists Helen Stellar, Fool’s Gold, Los Amigos Invisibles, Floating Action, Maleco Collective, Useless Keys, Popvert, Jail Weddings, Lemon Sun, Aurah, Thomas Greene, Zachary Ross, David Mazzarri, and Jesus Florido.  “Sunset Junction is not a musical about “making it.”  It is a story about Silver Lake neighbors with a passion for music and dance. As they struggle to find their way, barriers will break down. Friendships will form.  Our characters will realize that while they are waiting for their careers to take off, their real lives are moving forward. With stylized visuals, a local, cutting-edge soundtrack and amazing dance numbers, Jesus Rodriguez brings you Silver Lake as you’ve never seen it before…” Hope to see you all there!  I'll be ...

There are many places outside of LA that serve as great options for a getaway.  Few are the ones you’d also consider living in.  Claremont is that city.   Away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, you’ll find a thriving city with the charm of a small town. 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 ...

Featuring acclaimed comedians Ludo Vika, Katy Franco, Jackie Dollar, Shayla Rivera, Tere Joyce, Jeffrey Peterson and Ruben Rabasa.   Kick start your weekend with Ludo’s Funny Burlesque, yet another fabulous show from vivacious comedian Ludo Vika, a one time only event on March 4th at 10 PM at M Bar in Hollywood!  Ludo puts a sexy spin on stand-up comedy by giving her talented comic friends a touch of Burlesque and providing the audience with an hour and a half of firecracker entertainment.  Comedy by acclaimed comedians Ludo Vika, Katy Franco, Jackie Dollar, Shayla Rivera, Tere Joyce, Jeffrey Peterson, and Ruben Rabasa.  Music and Burlesque dance by: Roxanne Ferrara, Jacquelyn Kennedy, and Enicole Smith. Surprise guests and prizes including Cancun vacations and giveaways by Goddess Fitness! Burlesque clothing for performers provided by Dewberries.  Tickets are $15 at the door.  The two-drink minimum will get you in the mood for a little burlesque and a lot of laughs!  The party continues at El Floridita for more drinking and dancing!  M Bar Restaurant & Lounge is located at 1253 Vine Street, Hollywood, CA 90038, right next to El Floridita.  For more info please call 323-856-0036 or find Ludo’s Funny Burlesque on Facebook ...

The Infini Couleur Group exhibit will feature two pieces from Carmen Perez’s WonderDreams Collection Carmen Perez, noted Hollywood’s Latina It-Girl and fine artist will be exhibiting at Norbertellen Gallery’s Infini Couleur Group Exhibition this February 6th through March 26th.  From her memorable appearance on Nip/Tuck to the top of the Pop Music Charts, to hugely successful gallery exhibits, Carmen continues to thrive in the art world, focusing on her collection “WonderDreams.” The show will feature two pieces from the collection along with the works of established and emerging local, national and international artists in Norbertellen Gallery’s classic parlor style exhibition of painting, illustration, photography, mixed media and sculpture. Audiences are invited to meet Carmen during Opening Reception, Saturday, February 5th, 6pm to 10pm at a meet and greet. Gallery doors will remain open through The Downtown LA Art Walk Thursday, February 10th from 12pm to 10pm.  The must-see exhibition is open to the public and free to all ages. Norbertellen Gallery located at 215 W 6th Street Suite 110, LA, CA and there is no charge to attend. For more info please see below or visit carmenperezart.com WHAT: Carmen Perez's Art at Norbertellen Gallery’s Infini Couleur Exhibition WHERE: Norbertellen Gallery at 215 W 6th ...

What better way to express how you truly feel on Valentine's day... than with a first class ticket to Europe or some fabulous crazy destination?   Where ever your Valentine's Day takes you this year, there's always room for a little chocolate and flowers.  For us LA divas, there's a great idea for your out-of-the-norm chocolate-and-flower-filled event.  For Valentine's Day, make him work a little harder.. and boys.. she's worth it!  Take a look at the outstanding gifts that are sure to bring asmile to any diva's face! SEED Floral Couture announces their newest Valentine’s Day collection now available, featuring exquisite hand crafted gift boxes for your loved ones. Each gift box features incredible floral designs with romantic color palettes incorporated with gourmet chocolates, scented candles, unique vases and more.  All gift box materials are eco-friendly, and designed with certified organic flowers. Owner of SEED Floral Couture, Stephanie Elhayani is the visionary behind each design and can work with each client to customize their gift box purchase. New customers can receive 10% off their first purchase. Delivery is available in the greater Southern California area only. “Every arrangement, whether romantic, classic or hip should communicate a unique sense of style, ” says ...