Barry Big B Brenner performances this week

Barry Big B Brenner

Going Underground this week at . . .

~ ~ ~THURSDAY NIGHT
BURGERS, BEERS & BLUES
FEBRUARY 3rd from 6-9pm
&
SUNDAY MORNING
BLUES BRUNCH
FEBRUARY 6th from 11am-2pm

Firefly Bistro
1009 El Centro Street
SOUTH PASADENA
(626) 441-2443
http://www.eatatfirefly.com

For a complete COLOR Listing of Big B’s Upcoming Blues Shows, Go to...
http://www.myspace.com/barrybigbbrenner/shows


http://www.facebook.com/BigBBrenner
http://www.bigbbrenner.com
http://www.youtube.com/bluesriff

James Intveld in Arcadia Friday, Brothers N Blues Saturday

ABC Live Music Fans, Do not miss out on:

Friday Feb 4th James Intveld and Bobby Bluehouse
All net proceeds go to benefit a local school fund raiser on Friday Feb 4th

Sat Feb 5th Brothers N Blues, Bobby Bluehouse on Sat Feb 5th

www.arcadiabluesclub.com

Listen to:
James Intveld
Brothers N Blues

Buy tickets here online in advance or at the door before 8:30 and save 5 dollars for:
James Intveld
Brothers N Blues

AND NOW ..THE BLUES TRIVIA QUESTION: Win a free ticket to any upcoming show. Limit 1 free ticket per person/email address every 90 days. First 5 correct answers by email to arcadiabluesclub@yahoo.com win!

What is the name of ABC Blues Performer that was honored at the 9th Annual HOUSE of BLUES, Los Angeles MUSIC AWARDS voted "OUTSTANDING BLUES ARTIST?

PS We would like your help... We know many of you are not that computer and social website savvy. I know we are not but it's all headed that way sooner or later. If you like Arcadia Blues Club and want others to know your positive experiences we appreciate letting other folks know as well especially people who are new to the blues music scene.

Please comment to: www.Yelp.com and review - Arcadia Blues Club.

Of course we would like to get all the good reviews from our existing happy and satisfied customers we can. This will help balance out some of the poop from non blues fans that have dissed us and the blues. Mostly it has been negative comments posted by non regulars along with non blues fans. We know it takes some effort. We also realize most blues fans are older folks who are not into posting, facing, and all the social patronizing networking but it's time to be recognized, that is unless you think we should be doing Rap or Hip Hop. But please note that ain't ever gonna happen as long as we are around.

Mayhem Festival acts announced

ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL, the heralded hard rock and metal event of the summer, is swiftly becoming the heavy music fans’ summertime rite of passage. Today, the 4th annual summertime juggernaut announces the 2011 line-up with DISTURBED, GODSMACK and MEGADETH, joined by MACHINE HEAD, IN FLAMES, TRIVIUM, and many more of today’s most electrifying artists. The tour will make a 26 date trek across the country beginning on July 9th at the San Manuel Amphitheater in San Bernardino, California. Tune in to www.rockstarmayhemfest.com and www.livenation.com for up-to-date ticketing information.

This summer’s mainstage artists, DISTURBED, GODSMACK, and MEGADETH, will be joined by a ferocious mix of the best hard rock and metal artists of today. For the first time in festival history, through their success, IN FLAMES, MACHINE HEAD and TRIVIUM have grown through the ranks to now perform on the mainstage in rotating slots throughout the tour.

ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL is thrilled to see the return of festival veterans DISTURBED, MACHINE HEAD, TRIVIUM, and SUICIDE SILENCE.

The JAGERMEISTER stage will feature UNEARTH, KINGDOM OF SORROW, RED FANG, and the winners of JAGERMEISTER Battle of the Bands. The Extreme Stage will spotlight SUICIDE SILENCE, ALL SHALL PERISH and STRAIGHT LINE STITCH.

The 4th annual ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL will also feature ROCKSTAR METAL MULISHA JUMP TEAM, the World’s Greatest Freestyle Motocross team.

“Strap yourself in and hold on tight, cuz this ride goes reeeeeal fassst this summer,” exclaims GODSMACK vocalist Sully Erna. “Godsmack/Disturbed, Mayhem Festival!! Can't Fu@?kin' wait!!!”

Mainstage guitarist Dan Donnegan of DISTURBED emotes, “DISTURBED is looking forward to being part of the biggest summer tour in the U.S. this year. It's been years since we shared the stage with GODSMACK and we've been wanting to team up with them and join forces for a longtime. MEGADETH has been a big inspiration to us and we are looking forward to the other bands rounding out what seems to be a solid bill.”

Also, mainstage performer MEGADETH’s lead guitarist and frontman Dave Mustaine adds, “This is going to be a helluva hot summer, and you can get ready for true Mayhem this year.”

“MACHINE HEAD are thrilled to once again be a part of what has become the undisputed king of metal and rock festivals in the U.S., MAYHEM,” states MACHINE HEAD frontman and guitarist Robb Flynn. “Our run headlining the JAGERMEISTER stage in 2008 was one of the wildest and most inspiring tours we have ever been a part of. We became friends with so many great bands and Mulisha dudes. We all partied, and rode what would become an incredible wave of momentum for MACHINE HEAD. The vibe on the tour was filled with an impressive amount of goodwill due to the attention to detail and hard work of John Reese and Kevin Lyman. MACHINE HEAD will do everything in our power to make this f*&#ing huge!! Bring on the summer!”

ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL attendees can enjoy a plethora of festival activities, including perusing vendors, attending autograph signing sessions and a slew of other interactive activities that enhance the concert experience. It's a 10 hour trip to heavy nirvana.

Complete information on the 2011 ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL line-up is available at www.rockstarmayhemfest.com. There fans can also check out exclusive video clips of official ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL correspondent, radio personality, author and scene icon, Full Metal Jackie introducing this year’s tour, plus a special appearance by one of this year’s mainstage performers!

Be sure to tune in to Sirius XM Liquid Metal on Monday morning at 12pm PST to catch live, exclusive updates and information straight from the source! Famously extreme Sirius XM radio personality Jose Mangin will be sitting down with ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL tour co-producer John Reese, who will unveil the official 2011 ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL line-up. Sirius XM will be the first radio destination that fans can learn about the certified line-up and special insider information from one of the tour’s established organizers. Stay tuned into Liquid Metal after the interview for exclusive conversations with some of this year’s performers.

ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL is produced by Rockstar Taste of Chaos organizer John Reese, Vans Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman and Creative Artists Agency. The trio has made the ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL a standout on the summer concert circuit by following the proven model of utilizing sponsorship to deliver a lower ticket price and an enhanced concert experience. This year sees them joining forces once again with ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK as the title sponsor.

“Metal is ALIVE and WELL in 2011,” states tour producer John Reese. “Each year the tour gets bigger and better and 2011 is no exception. This group of artists this year are going to apply a big, bad, metal shellacking for the fans across the USA and Canada.”

“ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL 2011 is a true mix of molten veterans and smoldering up-and-comers, who are bringing their A games and giving the fans nothing less of an amazing day,” adds tour producer Kevin Lyman.

Live Nation is co-producer of the tour and will promote the festival nationally. Perry Lavoisne, SVP North American Touring for Live Nation, states, “The Mayhem team has delivered the best live metal line-up possible for four years in row, while creating a highly visible brand and value for fans of metal and hard rock. We anticipate another stellar run with DISTURBED, GODSMACK, MEGADETH and all the other bands uniting metal fans at every tour stop.”

In 2008, the ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL bulldozed onto the scene and quickly made itself known as the preeminent summer destination for the hard rock and metal community. ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL boasts the most powerful artist line-ups in heavy music. Artists who have performed in ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL’s past include hard music legends SLAYER, SLIPKNOT, MARILYN MANSON, KORN, ROB ZOMBIE, LAMB OF GOD, HATEBREED, CANNIBAL CORPSE, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, MASTODON, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE and many more. All have pummeled the stage, while delivering the intensity and heaviness that fans have grown to expect year after year.

See below for all current tour dates. When viewing, fans should take notice of the line-up changes on the San Bernardino, Mountain View and Montreal dates. On July 9th in San Bernardino, CA, Cartoon Network/Adult Swim’s metal cartoon phenomenon DETHKLOK will perform in the place of MEGADETH, and colossal Bay Area thrash kings TESTAMENT will perform in the place of IN FLAMES. TESTAMENT will also perform in the place of IN FLAMES on the July 10th Mountain View, CA date. MEGADETH will not be appearing on the Montreal, QC Heavy MTL date. Other bands will be announced for Heavy MTL soon. Go to www.heavymtl.com for further information.

“DETHKLOK has decided to play one show this year,” boasts Metalocalypse co-creator and DETHKLOK lead musician Brendon Small. “And that show is the Mayhem fest on July 9th. There is nothing more brutal than horrible hot putrid disgusting summer why not make it just a little more brutal, right? We are super honored to be a part of this amazing lineup! I can't wait!”

ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL TOUR DATES:
7/9 - San Manuel Amphitheater - San Bernardino, CA (Los Angeles, CA)
7/10 - Shoreline Amphitheatre - Mountain View, CA (San Francisco, CA)
7/12 - White River Amphitheatre - Auburn, WA (Seattle, WA)
7/13 - Idaho Center Amphitheater - Nampa, ID (Boise, ID)
7/15 - Desert Sky Pavilion - Phoenix, AZ
7/16 - Hard Rock Casino Albuquerque Presents The Pavilion - Albuquerque, NM
7/17 - Comfort Dental Amphitheater - Englewood, CO (Denver, CO)
7/19 - Verizon Wireless Amphitheater - Maryland Heights, MO (St. Louis, MO)
7/20 - Riverbend Music Center - Cincinnati, OH
7/22 - Comcast Center - Mansfield, MA (Boston, MA)
7/23 - Parc Jean-Drapeau - (Heavy MTL) - Montreal, QC /www.heavymtl.com
7/24 - Comcast Theater - Hartford, CT
7/27 - PNC Bank Arts Center - Holmdel, NJ
7/29 - First Niagara Pavilion - Burgettstown, PA (Pittsburgh, PA)
7/30 - Jiffy Lube Live - Bristow, VA (Washington DC)
7/31 - Susquehanna Bank Center - Camden, NJ
8/2 - Virginia Beach Amphitheater - Virginia Beach, VA
8/3 - Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek - Raleigh, NC
8/5 - First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre - Tinley Park, IL (Chicago IL)
8/6 - DTE Energy Music Theatre - Clarkston, MI (Detroit, MI)
8/7 - Verizon Wireless Music Center - Noblesville, IN (Indianapolis, IN)
8/9 - Zoo Amphitheatre - Oklahoma City, OK
8/10 – Gexa Energy Pavilion - Dallas, TX
8/12 - Aaron's Amphitheatre at Lakewood - Atlanta, GA
8/13 - 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre - Tampa, FL
8/14 - Cruzan Amphitheatre - West Palm Beach, FL


For more information on the ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL, visit www.rockstarmayhemfest.com.

Pasadena Adult Soccer League seeking beginning and returning players

Soccer has been called “the greatest exercise.” Yet, many adults give up the game as soon as high school ends. The Pasadena Adult Soccer League asks “Why?” and encourages people of all ages, sizes, skills and abilities to come out and join the fun.

Beginning February 6th, the league will be starting up again with leagues specifically for beginners and those who have been out of the game for years.

“Although we certainly offer competitive leagues,” said Brian Sheridan, Director of Communications, “we want to encourage people of all abilities to come out and have a good time. In fact, we have plenty of men and women as old as 70 playing in the league. To us, you are never too old to play the greatest game”.

The health benefits from a typical game of soccer have been well documented. During the course of a 90 minute game, a typical soccer player runs five or more miles, which besides being a cardiovascular workout itself, requires extensive cardiovascular conditioning. About 1.5 miles are walked, 2.4 miles are jogged, 1.5 miles are run, over a half mile is sprinted, and 0.3 miles are spent moving backward. Players also must have the muscular strength to turn, pivot and kick. For this reason, soccer is a great way for adults of all ages to stay in shape.

Beginner leagues play on Saturdays in Duarte and Sundays in Pasadena with a variety of other types of leagues offered nearly every night of the week in fields from Glendale to Pasadena to Duarte. Registration is ongoing and play begins February 6th. Costs range from $50 to $85 per person for a 10 to 12 game season.

For more information and a complete list of leagues, please visit www.adultsoccerleague.com or call (818) 406-4204.

Founded in 1972 as the Women’s Soccer Organization of the San Gabriel Valley, Adult Sports Management today organizes 140 teams and approximately 3000 players.

Elliott Caine Quintet album release party in Highland Park Feb. 20

The Elliott Caine Quintet
(EC-trumpet, Carl Randall-tenor sax, Mahesh Balasooriya-piano, Bill Markus-bass, Kenny Elliott-drums)
performs at the
York (bar & grill),
5018 York Blvd.,
LA (Highland Park) 90042
on Sunday, February 20, from 7:30-10pm.

The performance is a Highland Park celebration of the new cd release, "Hippie Chicks on Acid".

For further information, please phone 323-255-9675.

Frank Cano in Fullerton Wednesday

Wed Feb 2nd 12:00pm - 1:00 PM
Becker Theater - Cal State Fullerton
800 N. State College Blvd
Fullerton, Ca 92831

Frank Cano - Trumpet Benn Clatworthy - Sax
Larry Vasquez - Bass
Jeff Goodkind - Piano Jorge Carbonell - Drums

Trumpeter, composer, and arranger Frank Cano a native of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico received his music studies at California State University Long Beach and has gone on to perform with many diverse artist in The United Stated, Canada, Mexico and Asia.

Frank performed for 3 years with legendary conguero Francisco Aguabella with Roberto Torres, Ralfi Pagan, Tony Orlando, Jose Feliciano, Marisela.

For three years Frank was the musical director for the Nosotros/Golden Eagle Awards Show. Frank's debut CD "A Beautiful Day/Un Lindo Dia" has been very well received in the U.S., Latin America and Europe.

"Spamalot" in Cerritos Mary 4-6

Spamalot

Theater: Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos

Date: Friday, March 4, 2011, 8:00 PM
Saturday, March 5,2011, 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM
Sunday, March 6, 2011, 2:00 PM

Ticket Prices: $52/$40/$28 Friday
$67/$54/$41 Saturday Matinee & Sunday
$61/$49/$36 Saturday Evening

Ticket Information: Tickets are available only at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts* Ticket Office, at www.cerritoscenter.com , or by calling (562) 467-8818.

Jen Hirsh to release album

Soulful pop songstress Jen Hirsh will release her debut single "The Better Half" on Feb 1st. Her upcoming full-length deubt album Myself in Two is due March 1, 2011.

Evoking comparisons to the music of Sara Bareilles, John Mayer and Sufjan Stevens, Hirsh achieved a blip of mainstream success following her jazzy performance of "Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead" on Season 9 of American Idol.

Looking back on her AI performance and a tumultuous year that included a painful breakup and a cross-country move, the now California based singer/songwriter says it was all worth it. "Everything feels like it was meant to happen," she said, "because the end result is perfect."

Myself in Two was written by guitarist and songwriter Adam Tressler, and is a collection of 10 songs that capture what Hirsh experienced over the past year: heartbreak, feelings of self doubt and, as Hirsh says, "living in LA with my heart in New York."

The album features an all-star cast including producer Max Coane (Something Corporate, Jack's Manequinn), Patrick Warren on keyboard and piano (Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Bruce Springsteen, Sheryl Crow), and world-renowned mixing engineer Bob Clearmountain (Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney).

A truly incomparable talent and beauty, Hirsh grew up in Southern California and began singing and performing as a child. A graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, Hirsh has since shared the stage with icons such as Herbie Hancock, Paul Simon, Gloria Estefan, Steve Gadd, Abe Laboriel, and Michel Camilo. Currently based out of Los Angeles, Hirsh's songs and performances possess an undeniable and universal appeal that have captivated and mesmerized audiences from coast to coast.

www.jenhirsh.com

End o' Week Musings

I had a quiet week this week, but that's not necessarily a bad thing....

Friday I went to the Empty House party for the Pasadena Showcase House of the Arts. The residence is in La Canada Flintridge and is well-deserving of a makeover. It's a little smaller than some of the previous Showcase houses, but boasts lots of interesting architectural aspects, as well as a huge garden.

I am most intrigued by Joshua Cain of Saxony Designs. He has taken on the stables, which have been unused for quite some time, and is transforming the space into a guest house. I've seen a few before and in-process photos and it is quite an undertaking. I really like Joshua's work, so I'm looking forward to seeing the finished space.

On Saturday I performed with Ad Hoc Consort at the mini-Renaissance Faire in the courtyard of the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. Director Bob, Steve and I carpooled and were grabbed by tourists to pose for photos as we came off the parking lot escalator. We were all in medieval costumes- Bob was carrying his huge serpent horn, Steve had a bag with flutes and other wind instruments sticking out the top and I was armed with my swords slung over one shoulder.

We went out onto the street and quickly discovered that we were in the area of Hollywood Boulevard where the people in costumes hang out trying to make a few bucks. It was very amusing walking through this area, as no one even blinked at us! But when we crossed the street and were walking the next block up to the theater, a couple of shopkeepers asked us what was with all the Ren Faire costumed people. We explained about the event and that it was free.

Lots of people came into the courtyard to catch our shows. Inside the theater was showing all three "Lord of the Rings" films in extended versions-- that's more than nine hours of sitting on your butt in the dark! There was a half-hour break in between each movie, enough time to visit the bathroom and the concession stand and peek out at the courtyard fun.

We performed twice and I got to dance a little with my swords. But the best part was seeing old friends from Ren Faire and making new ones. A bellydancer, Jill, came over to ask me about my jewelry and introduced me to her two fellow dancers. We had a great chat and I'm looking forward to hanging out with them a bit at Faire. They were lovely dancers- very graceful and working well together - I plan to see their show too.

I also saw my first bellydance teacher Catharae. She was offering Tarot card readings. She very good and quite intuitive, plus she has a nice sense of humor. We caught up on things and hope to get a little time together at Faire as well.

Tuesday I interviewed Rita Hoskings for a story to preview her appearance at the Fret House in Covina in February. What a nice woman and she can sing well too.

Tomorrow I will be performing with Ad Hoc Consort again, this time at a Mason's Lodge in Upland for its office installation. My special guy told me to "look for the cornerstones"-- I'll have to research this before I go... sounds interesting.... I've been teasing our music director Bob about the Masons, asking him if they are going to wear funny hats? No. Is there a secret handshake? Yes. Will you show it to me? No, it's secret. OK, Bob, but remember I'm a journalist so it's my nature to learn about everyone's secrets ha ha ha!

Next week I will be visiting the Arcadia History Museum to find out about its next exhibit and going to Roy's Hawaiian Fusion Restaurant in Pasadena to try out its Happy Hour. Then I have a busy Super Bowl weekend-- one that does not involve sitting in front of the TV with a bowl of chip and a glass of beer.... hmmm... is there much that's better than that?! I'll tell you later.

In rotation this week: Bullet For My Valentine, Haarp, Sacred Oath and Manisha Shahane ( I really like Shahane's new CD- it's got world music, jazz, folk and more, plus her pretty voice).

Photos we got 'em: Some cute photos from the usual pet places on the Web.

Thought o' the week: Live life to the fullest. My mom has a friend who is more than 90 years old. She still drives and goes everywhere. She works at the San Dimas Rodeo selling hats and does other things throughout the year. She's a sharp cookie too- when my mom and her went to Target this week, she bought a kindle! My mother kept calling it an electric book (she's not any good with computers, cell phones, etc. and she's way younger than her friend!).

This woman is not letting one precious moment go without making it the best she can. She is a true inspiration to everyone... especially all the young people I hear whining "it hurts," "I'm bored" and all those other excuses for sitting around watching life pass by.

OK, I've given you the poke you need to plan your week-- one off the couch and living life. Get out there... now... and

Keep on rockin'

Mickie

Barry Big B Brenner in Chino Hills Saturday

!!! THIS SATURDAY NIGHT !!!
JANUARY 29th from 7-11pm

Barry BiG B Brenner plays the Real Down Home Country BLUES
With my special guest; Jeff “Dutch” Masters on Smokin’ Harp!

Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que
4611 Chino Hills Parkway
Chino Hills, CA 91709
909-597-1BBQ (1227)
http://www.lucillesbbq.com

For a complete Listing of Big B’s Upcoming Blues Shows, Go to...
http://www.myspace.com/barrybigbbrenner/shows

http://www.facebook.com/BigBBrenner
http://www.bigbbrenner.com
http://www.youtube.com/bluesriff

TJR Trio in Glendora Saturday

The TJR Trio will perform Live Rock and Roll Acoustica at T. Phillips in Glendora Village.

The sound of the Trio is to that of the old MTV Unplugged series.

Come on out, have a pint or two, bring 4 people with you and share one of T. Phillips gigantic hamburgers.

NO COVER CHARGE - NO DRINK MINIMUM - ALL AGES WELCOME

http://www.tphillipsglendora.com/

When
Sat Jan 29 9pm – Sun Jan 30, 2011 12am Pacific Time

Where
T. Phillips Alehouse and Grill, Glendora, CA

The Seedy Seeds win JanSport's Battle of the Bands

Thousands of bands submitted their music for the chance to play at SXSW in Austin, TX this March, 2011. JanSport's panel of judges hand-picked the top 50 bands, and thanks to your votes, we were able to narrow the selection down to the lucky Top 10. There were many talented artists in this years' pool of finalists, but only one band could be selected as the JanSport Battle of the Bands Grand Prize Winner.

Congratulations to The Seedy Seeds for being selected to play the Sonicbids Official Party at SXSW 2011, presented by JanSport.

Based in Cincinnati, OH, The Seedy Seeds have been writing and performing for the past 6 years. The concept for the band was born of a casual conversation in late 2005, in which Mike and Margaret hypothesized performing as a group with the instruments they owned but hadn't yet learned to play. The Seedy Seeds began writing, performing, and recording music shortly thereafter. Brian joined in 2008 following the release of "Count The Days," on which he contributed supplemental percussion. The Seedy Seeds have been acclaimed through various medias and become instant favorites among regional audiences and fellow performers alike.

We look forward to seeing the The Seedy Seeds live at SXSW on March 18, 2011 at Maggie Mae's, and look forward to meeting you all there as well!

Be sure to visit JanSport's Unzipped music blog for up-to-date JanSport party info at SXSW 2011.

Frank Cano Latin Jazz Band in Fullerton Saturday

SAT, JAN 29
Shows 8:30 pm , 10:30 pm
$8.00
The Frank Cano Latin Jazz Band at
Steamers Jazz Club ,
1380 W. Commonwealth
Fullerton
call for reservations 714-871 8800

Frank Cano - Trumpet , Benn Clatworthy - Sax, Francisco Torres - Trombone, Eddie Resto-Bass, Jeff Goodkind - Piano , Jorge Carbonell - Drums, Christian Moraga- Congas, Victor Baez - Bongos

Trumpeter, composer, and arranger Frank Cano a native of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico recieved his music studies at California State University Long Beach and has gone on to perform with many diverse artist in The United Stated, Canada, Mexico and Asia.

Frank performed for 3 years with legendary conguero Francisco Aguabella with Roberto Torres, Ralfi Pagan, Tony Orlando, Jose Feliciano, Marisela. For three years Frank was the musical director for the Nosotros/Golden Eagle Awards Show.

Frank's debut CD "A Beautiful Day/Un Lindo Dia" has been very well recieved in the U.S., Latin America and Europe.

"George Hearms: The Artist's Life" at REDCAT Feb. 3-5

REDCAT presents a world premiere free-jazz opera...GEORGE HERMS: THE ARTIST’S LIFEfeaturing the Bobby Bradford Mo'tet, the Theo Saunders group, and the voice of Diana Briscoll

World premiere February 3–5, 2011

Known as one of the founders of California assemblage and an influential figure of the Beat generation, George Herms premieres a new free-jazz opera featuring the Bobby Bradford Mo'tet, the Theo Saunders group, the voice of Diana Briscoll, large-scale sculptural instruments, as well as live and recorded video. In addition to standard instrumentation, a spinning metal staircase and enormous buoy sculptures serve as scenic elements and percussive instruments, played by musicians and the artist himself, as the freely improvised score progresses.

Capturing the ethos of Herms’ aesthetic and inspired by 380 boxes and 42 flat files of his own archival material cataloged by the Getty Research Institute, The Artist’s Life is an encompassing reflection with a libretto sourced from the diary entries and notes Herms generated almost daily throughout his 50-year career.

The Artist's Life is part of Pacific Standard Time. This unprecedented collaboration, initiated by the Getty, brings together more than sixty cultural institutions from across Southern California for six months beginning in October 2011 to tell the story of the birth of the L.A. art scene.

Pacific Standard Time is an initiative of the Getty. The presenting sponsor is Bank of America.

For three nights only! Performances: Thursday, February 3–5

Tickets: $20-25 (students $10-12)

Location: REDCAT, 631 West 2nd Street, LA 90012

For tickets and more information, call 213-237-2800 or visit www.redcat.org

"Standing on Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Plays" in West Hollywood Mondy and Feb. 7

Producers Joan Stein and Stuart Ross announced casting today for the Monday, January 31, 2011 performance of STANDING ON CEREMONY: THE GAY MARRIAGE PLAYS. The cast includes Peri Gilpin, Rachel Harris, John Michael Higgins, Richard Kind, Kathy Najimy and Jon Tenney.

The evening will feature one acts by some of America's most illustrious playwrights including Jenny Lyn Bader (Manhattan Casanova), Jordan Harrison (Doris to Darlene), Jeffrey Hatcher (Tuesdays with Morrie), Moisés Kaufman (The Laramie Project), Neil LaBute (Reasons to Be Pretty), Wendy MacLeod (Schoolgirl Figure), Kathy Najimy (The Kathy and Mo Show), José Rivera (Marisol), Paul Rudnick (I Hate Hamlet) and Doug Wright (I Am My Own Wife).

Conceived and directed by Brian Shnipper, these new provocative plays were created in response to the on-going battle for marriage equality throughout the United States.

STANDING ON CEREMONY, which benefits the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER) and Equality California, will perform on Monday, January 31 and Monday, February 7 at Largo at the Coronet (366 N. La Cienega Blvd.) in West Hollywood.

The STANDING ON CEREMONY playwrights have created an evening that is at once as insightful, and stirring as it is funny and heartwarming. The truth of the writing is so compelling that the program becomes a fast testimony to the struggle for commitment, compassion and humor for all people who have the courage to work through any committed relationship.

"Rallying the voices of some of our finest playwrights towards this Civil Right's issue became something we had to do, no matter what. By launching these plays we join the national movement for marriage equality," said Tony Award-winning producer Joan Stein.

"And if we foster an entertaining and engrossing evening of theatre - regardless of demographics or orientation - so much the better," added producer Stuart Ross.

Academy Award-winning producer and American Foundation for Equal Rights Board Member Bruce Cohen said, "STANDING ON CEREMONY is a beautiful production that powerfully champions the battle for marriage equality."

He added, "This funny, touching evening of theater reminds us of why marriage is so vitally important in our society, while also providing crucial support for our work to make marriage equality a reality. This collection of scenes not only supports the Foundation's work in the courtroom, but also helps to tell the stories of those affected by discriminatory laws like Proposition 8. We know that when our stories are told, equality wins."

"Raising awareness about same-sex relationships and the importance of restoring marriage equality is critical to ending discriminations," said Geoff Kors, Equality California Executive Director. "We truly appreciate the amazingly talented individuals who will bring these stories to life and Standing on Ceremony for their support in helping us continue our work to change hearts and minds and to achieve equality for LGBT Californians."

In celebration of the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," STANDING ON CEREMONY has put aside fifty complimentary tickets per performance for the women and men in the United States military. Ticket requests must be submitted by email at standingonceremony.net and a military identification card is required at the box office to verify military service.

Producing team for STANDING ON CEREMONY: THE GAY MARRIAGE PLAYS includes producers Joan Stein and Stuart Ross, and associate producer Allain Rochel.

The limited engagement will play on Monday, January 31, 2011 and February 7, 2011. All performances are at 8:00 p.m. and will be held at Largo at the Coronet (366 N. La Cienega Blvd.) in West Hollywood. Tickets are $25.00 and $50.00 and are available online at www.StandingOnCeremony.net or by calling Tix.com at 800-595-4849.

A portion of all ticket sales from STANDING ON CEREMONY will benefit the American Foundation for Equal Rights and Equality California.

Valet parking is available and there is ample street parking.

For additional information visit www.StandingOnCeremony.net.

Casting and selection of plays for February 7, 2011 will be announced at a later date.

Shimmy Showcase Sunday

January 30: Jannah goes back to the 20th century hippie era of the 60's and 70's with a psychedelic “flower power” theme night. Performing to this fun theme are some truly sensational dancers guaranteed to make this a groovy evening for all. Dig this lineup: Taji, Najma, male dancer Siraj, and the Om Sisters! So boogie on down to I-Candy and join in the fun as we turn back the clock once again.

DANCER OPENINGS!— We have a few openings for February 27 Mardi Gras showcase. Please contact us at Shimmyshowcase@gmail.com if you’d like to perform!


Everyone is invited to this cozy haven for a relaxing evening among friends. Select your favorite beverage, hot or cold, from an assortment of coffees, teas, smoothies or juice; add to that a tasty sandwich or pastry; and then seat yourself alongside our magic carpet to enjoy some really great dancing at NO cover charge!

The SHIMMY SHOWCASE begins at 7 p.m. at I-CANDY COFFEE in Long Beach (1708 E. Broadway -- 562-437-3785).

Please allow time for parking to avoid missing any of the fun. Since street parking around I-Candy Coffee is scarce, we recommend you try the perimeter of Bixby park located two blocks east of I-Candy Coffee at Broadway and Cherry. Please try to arrive before 7:00 PM (earlier if you’re a performer!) as we try not to start the show until everyone has settled with a tasty beverage.

Below is our upcoming schedule for the next several Sundays at the I-Candy Coffee in Long Beach. If you are a dancer interested in performing at an upcoming showcase, please check out the schedule below for open dates and then email us at

Shimmyshowcase@gmail.com

with the dates on which you'd like to perform.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
UPCOMING SHOWCASE CALENDAR
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

February 6: Xandra will be your coordinator for this showcase, and she delightedly welcomes back the dazzling Sabrina and The Dancing Lotus duo and new Shimmyshowcase performers Irina and Yuliya to I-Candy’s magic carpet. Why not make this a double Super Sunday and go from Super Bowl to Super Shimmyshowcase all in one day! Please come join us for a Super great time.

February 13: On this day before Valentine’s Day, love is on the mind, and Shimmyshowcase coordinator Ilana welcomes the extraordinary Tehani, Onyx, Rosé, and new Shimmyshowcase performers Rosella and Jayel as guest dancers, performing their interpretations of this day of romance which we know you will love! Please come join us for a memorable evening of dance and show a warm Shimmyshowcase welcome to all of these wonderful performers.

February 20 – DARK (No Shimmyshowcase) -- Belly Dancer of the Universe competition in Long Beach

February 27: Last month it was “Feathers & Fringe” burlesque and this time Saviya provides the opportunity for that and beyond as Shimmyshowcase celebrates Mardi Gras time at I-Candy coffee with guest dancers Meryem Vani. So don your mask and beads and join us at I-Candy for a really crazy night. Dancers, this should be a fun theme, so please don’t hesitate to contact us at Shimmyshowcase@gmail.com if you’d like to share in the zany frivolity characteristic of this festive event.

March 6: Abraiha will be your host for this Shimmyshowcase and she welcomes the elegant May, Nazila, Lois and Liz to I-Candy’s magic carpet. If you enjoy belly dancing in its classic form, you will love this program, so please come to this Shimmyshowcase and let these gorgeous ladies bedazzle you!

March 13 – Shimmyshowcase Anniversary Party! Can you believe we are celebrating our 8th Anniversary? Have we got a great Party planned for you! We’re still working on the program, but so far we are thrilled that Shimmyshowcase founders Katerina and Alexiis will be dancing again on I-Candy’s magic carpet. Plus, your present coordinators Saviya, Abraiha, the Om Sisters (Ilana, Jannah and Amber) and Xandra will be performing as well. We encourage everyone to be at I-Candy by 6:30 pm so you can enjoy some munchies and perhaps one of the café’s tasty sandwiches along with a gourmet beverage and find your seat before the show begins. Be sure to join us on this extra special night as we celebrate 8 years of Shimmyshowcase with some amazing bellydance performances!

for additional information, please visit our Blog at http://shimmyshowcase.blogspot.com/ .

Kellogg's to unveil huge cuckoo clock in Hollywood Saturday

That’s the perfect excuse Kellogg Company is offering consumers so they know it’s okay to enjoy the great taste of Kellogg’s Crunchy Nut cereal, being introduced to U.S. consumers January 19.

To celebrate the “It’s Morning Somewhere” campaign, Kellogg’s Crunchy Nut cereal is attempting to set the Guinness World Records® Record for largest cuckoo clock. Celebrity Nick Cannon will be on hand to kick off and emcee the event.

At the U.S. launch of Kellogg’s Crunchy Nut cereal at Hollywood and Highland Center in Los Angeles on January 29, 2011, the brand will celebrate mornings across all time zones with an oversized, interactive cuckoo clock. The Kellogg’s Crunchy Nut cuckoo clock brings the “It’s Morning Somewhere” idea to life with a performer that will emerge every hour starting at noon with a message and skit representing a part of the world where it’s morning. The six-story-tall cuckoo clock and performances symbolize the message that consumers have the perfect excuse to enjoy the irresistible taste of Kellogg’s Crunchy Nut cereal because “It’s Morning Somewhere.”

Kellogg’s Crunchy Nut is one of Kellogg’s most popular brands overseas and comes in two varieties – Roasted Nut and Honey and Golden Honey Nut. Roasted Nut and Honey is a delicious combination of corn and oat Os topped with roasted peanuts and honey, while Golden Honey Nut is comprised of golden flakes of corn drizzled with honey and topped with real peanuts. Consumers will have opportunities to sample Kellogg’s Crunchy Nut cereal throughout the 24-hour event.

Learn more about being part of record-setting history by visiting www.kelloggscrunchynut.com and Kellogg’s Crunchy Nut cereal’s Facebook fan page at Facebook.com/KelloggsCrunchyNut

The Chariot launches album giveaway with MetalSucks.net

Georgia’s THE CHARIOT and MetalSucks.net are pleased to announce an exclusive contest giveaway for the band’s new Limited Edition 7-inch vinyl album. Fans can enter the contest at this link. Fans can also pre-order the vinyl at the GOOD FIGHT MUSIC merch store, here. The winner of the MetalSucks.net contest will receive the #1 pressing of the green glow-in-the-dark color 7-inch. See below for information about the different colors and pressing information.

Side A of the 7-inch features two tracks. Track 1 is entitled ‘Music of a Grateful Heart’, and is a brand new unreleased track from the Long Live recording sessions. Track 2 is entitled ‘Graciously’ and is an alternate and extended version of the Long Live track ‘The Audience’. Side B of the 7-inch is an etching of the band’s familiarly infamous skull logo. The vinyl comes in four different colors with 250 pieces pressed per color (total of 1,000 copies). Each color set is hand-numbered 1 through 250. Each set will be available for purchase in a different way; one being available only at official tour dates from the band themselves, one is available at the official pre-order with a limited time bundle package, one will be made available exclusively through Hot Topic, while the remaining color set will be available to purchase at local music retail stores.


THE CHARIOT and HM Magazine have teamed up to feature the band on the cover in this month’s issue! Vocalist Josh Scogin is featured in this issue as the guest editor, as well. In celebration of this issue, HM Magazine is offering a great deal on this month’s issue and a total subscription. Magazine purchasers can enter the promo code “GoodFight” (case sensitive) and will receive half off of the cover price on this single issue, or half off of a one year subscription price (full price is $18). This code is only available for 60 days from today, so get your issues now!

THE CHARIOT is currently finishing up their run with the Peter Says Denim presented ‘Winterizer Tour’, featuring SILVERSTEIN, MISS MAY I, PIERCE THE VEIL, and A BULLET FOR A PRETTY BOY. In February, the band will head out with HASTE THE DAY, MYCHILDREN MYBRIDE, and A PLEA FOR PURGING! The tour begins on February 3rd in Seattle, WA, and comes to an end on March 11th in Indianapolis, IN. See below for all current tour dates.

TOUR DATES:

W/ SILVERSTEIN, MISS MAY I, PIERCE THE VEIL, BULLET FOR A PRETTY BOY
1/27/2011 St. Louis, MO @ Pops Nite Club
1/28/2011 Lansing, MI @ The Loft (at Harem Lounge)
1/29/2011 Buffalo, NY @ Xtreme Wheels

W/ HASTE THE DAY, MYCHILDREN MYBRIDE & A PLEA FOR PURGING
2/3 Seattle, WA @ El Corazon
2/4 Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre
2/5 Orangevale, CA @ The Boardwalk
2/6 Canoga Park, CA @ Cobalt Café
2/7 Anaheim, CA @ Chain Reaction
2/8 San Diego, CA @ Soma Sidestage
2/9 Mesa, AZ @ Nike Theatre
2/10 El Paso, TX @ Open Gate Church
2/11 Lubbock, TX @ Jake’s Sports Café
2/12 Dallas, TX @ The Door
2/13 Austin, TX @ Emo’s Jr.
2/14 San Antonio, TX @ White Rabbit
2/15 Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
2/16 Pensacola, FL @ American Legion Post 33
2/17 Gainesville, FL @ 1982
2/18 St. Petersburg, FL @ The State Theatre
2/19 Orlando, FL @ The Social
2/20 Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
2/21 Birmingham, AL @ Zydeco
2/22 Memphis, TN @ New Daisy Theatre
2/23 St. Louis, MO @ FUBAR
2/24 Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge
2/25 Cleveland, OH @ Peabody’s
2/26 Detroit, MI @ Magic Stick
2/27 Pittsburgh, PA @ Altar Bar
3/1 Montreal, QU @ Underworld
3/2 London, ON @ Rum Runner’s Music Hall
3/3 Toronto, ON @ The Annex Wreck Room
3/4 Syracuse, NY @ Lost Horizon
3/5 Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church
3/6 New York, NY @ Gramercy Theatre
3/7 Richmond, VA @ Canal Club
3/9 Columbus, OH @ The Basement
3/10 Louisville, KY @ Expo Five
3/11 Indianapolis, IN @ Egyptian Room (w/ Still Remains)



For more information on THE CHARIOT, please visit these sites:

http://www.thechariot.com/
www.facebook.com/thechariot
http://www.myspace.com/thechariot
http://www.goodfightmusic.com/

I Am Abomination release new video

I AM ABOMINATION and AbsolutePunk.net are pleased to unveil the brand new video for the band’s track, ‘Since 1776’, today! Head to this link to watch the new video. The track is cut from the band’s critically acclaimed full length album To Our Forefathers, released by GOOD FIGHT MUSIC on May 11th, 2010. To Our Forefathers can be purchased on iTunes here.

I AM ABOMINATION's featured track ‘The Deceiver’ has struck a major chord with the fanatical players of the smash hit-Rock Band video games. The track debuted at #4 on the Rock Band Network download charts! I AM ABOMINATION appeared on the top ten charts with bands such as Suicide Silence, OK Go, and Asking Alexandria. Diehard players of Rock Band games are known to embrace and endorse sections of play with fast soloing and complicated progression, and because of this, word spread quickly of I AM ABOMINATION amongst the players. This buzz is credited for the success of ‘The Deceiver’, and its debut in such a high chart position. For Rock Band fans that have yet to step up to the challenge of crushing ‘The Deceiver’, you can purchase the download here.

For more information on I AM ABOMINATION, visit these sites:

http://www.myspace.com/iamabomination
http://www.goodfightmusic.com

House Rabbit Societies discourage bunny adoption for Year of the Rabbit

House Rabbit Society (HRS) and House Rabbit Society Singapore (HRSS) strongly urge people not to acquire live rabbits for the Year of the Rabbit unless they are willing to make a 10-year commitment to properly care for the animals. In the Chinese calendar, the Year of the Rabbit occurs every twelve years. Asian animal welfare groups like HRSS are warning of an inevitable outcome this year: abandoned and neglected bunnies.

In Asian countries, and in Asian-American communities in the United States, there is a growing demand for pet rabbits, who are thought to bring luck during the Year of the Rabbit. Once the year is over, the rabbits are often abandoned. HRSS reports that in the 1999 Year of the Rabbit, rabbits in Singapore were abandoned at that nation’s shelters at twice the rate that they were in 1988.

Both HRS and HRSS point out that while rabbits are intelligent, curious, loving pets, they are not “lucky charms.” In addition, they are not low maintenance pets. Margo DeMello, president of HRS, encourages rabbit lovers to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit by purchasing artwork and gifts adorned with rabbits. Items can even be purchased from rabbit rescue groups, which then benefit rabbits, such as the rabbit-themed angbao (red envelopes in which to give money) sold by HRSS.

“Rabbits are not 'low maintenance' pets,” says DeMello; they require at least the same amount of work as a cat or dog, and often more.”

Mary Cotter, vice-president of HRS, says that many of the rabbits purchased for luck will never live to see their first birthday. Some will die from neglect, while others will be abandoned in local parks or left at animal shelters.

“It is irresponsible for pet stores to push rabbits during the Year of the Rabbit” says Cotter. “Unless people are willing to take full responsibility for the possible 10-year lifespan of a live rabbit, they should not acquire live rabbits. They should decorate their homes with rabbit-themed items instead.”

Children, especially, do not realize that rabbits are fragile, ground-loving creatures who will struggle when held and are easily hurt when dropped. Also, it is near impossible for a child to commit to a rabbit for 10 years. All too often, the child loses interest, and the rabbit ends up unwanted.

“Many pets in Singapore suffer unnecessarily because of ignorance on the part of their owners,” commented HRSS President Jacelyn Heng. “During the Year of the Rabbit, many people buy rabbits for the wrong reason and do not fully understand the responsibilities of keeping an animal at home. The problem is particularly acute for rabbits because people wrongly assume that they are low-maintenance starter pets for children.”

Jacelyn added, “Many pet shops in Singapore are also not well informed about the care needed for a pet rabbit and often provide wrong or false information to unknowing first-time owners.”

For people willing to make a long term commitment to a pet rabbit, HRS and the HRSS recommend adopting a rabbit from local animal shelters or rabbit rescue groups instead of purchasing them, as there are simply too many rabbits desperately in need of a good home. For those who are unsure about the commitment that they are able to offer, toys or rabbit-themed gifts would do just as well for this Lunar New Year’s celebrations. Let’s make this Year of the Rabbit a truly enjoyable time for our rabbits.

For people willing to make the long-term commitment, here are a few points to consider before acquiring a rabbit:

**Housing: Bunnies need a roomy indoor space to call their own. There should be room for a litterbox, toys, food and water bowls. Playpens or puppy exercise pens are a good alternative to the small cages sold in pet stores.

**Playtime: Rabbits need plenty of exercise and should be allowed at least 30 hours out-of-cage running time in a rabbit-proofed area of the home per week.

**Outdoors: Rabbits should never be left outdoors unsupervised. They can, literally, be frightened to death when approached by predators such as dogs, cats, raccoons and owls. They can also dig under fences to escape.

**Litter Box: Rabbits, once spayed or neutered, will readily use litterboxes that are place in one corner of the rabbit's cage; the rabbit’s running space should contain at least one additional box. Use dust-free litter--not the clumping kind, and no softwood shavings.

**Diet: Bunnies need fresh water, unlimited fresh, grass hay, 1-2 cups of fresh vegetables, and a small serving (1/4 c per 5 lb. rabbit) of plain rabbit pellets each day.

** Health: Like dogs and cats, rabbits should be spayed or neutered. The risk of uterine cancer in unspayed female rabbits is alarmingly high, and unneutered males are likely to spray.

**Grooming: Rabbits shed their coat 3-4 times per year; use a flea comb and brush away excess fur.

A person who chooses a baby rabbit as a pet must:

**Have lots of time, a household that can withstand some chewing, and a stable residence.

**Expect an unneutered/unspayed baby may spray urine on the walls. Know that neutering/spaying (at four to six months) will greatly alleviate or stop the problem.

**Expect accidents when baby forgets the location of the litterbox.

**Allow the rabbit at least 30 hours a week of free time outside her cage.

**Know the cute baby will soon be an adult rabbit and may have a different personality.

House Rabbit Society is an international, volunteer-based nonprofit organization with two primary goals: 1) to rescue abandoned rabbits and find permanent homes for them; 2) to educate the public and assist humane societies in teaching proper rabbit care. HRS has fosterers, educators, and chapters around the world, and a rabbit adoption and education center in Richmond, California. For more information, visit www.rabbit.org

The House Rabbit Society Singapore is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to rabbit welfare and awareness. The HRSS runs a fostering program to rescue and re-home abandoned rabbits and participates in numerous public events to educate the general public about rabbit care and behavior. For more information, visit www.hrss.net

Upcoming events from Los Angeles Visionaries Association

Here are some brief highlights from LAVA's calendar – visit http://lavatransforms.org for full details and new additions. We hope you can join us for some of these Visionary-hosted events.

If you can make just one each month, make it our Sunday Salon from noon to 2pm (next Salon: this Sunday, January 30). This is a regularly scheduled lunchtime gathering held on the last Sunday of each month at Clifton's Cafeteria, and it's where the LAVA will really start flowing, as we get to know each other better over confetti-flecked jello and other delights.

Event: LAVA's Sunday Salon
start time: Sun, 01/30/2011 - 12:00pm - 2:00pm
On the last Sunday of each month, LAVA welcomes interested individuals to gather on the third floor of the historic Clifton's Cafeteria in Downtown Los Angeles (noon-2pm), for a loosely structured conversational Salon featuring short presentations and opportunities to meet and connect with one another. If you're interested in joining LAVA as a creative contributor or an attendee, we recommend Salon attendance as an introduction to this growing community. We also recommend the shortbread.

Special program at the January 30 Salon:
• Back by popular demand, LAVA Visionary Gene Sculatti, outsider artist and pop culture critic (The Catalog of Cool) offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Salon attendees to "develop" the open spaces on his newest fantasy cityscape scroll, Majestic Boulevard. Come live the Jet Age California dream when you stake out a virtual half-acre along Majestic Boulevard and plan the commercial development of your dreams. Maybe it's tiki-themed bowling alley... or a no-tell motel named after your secret crush... or the lone Victorian farmhouse left behind when progress came to town. Interested "developers" are invited to come view the scroll in progress and talk about the possibilities with the artist. Stake your claim, and then follow your development's progress on the LAVA blog between January and June, when Gene will return to the LAVA Salon to unveil the expanded scroll to the lucky "property owners."

ABOUT GENE SCULATTI'S SCROLLS: Since the age of 9, Sculatti, 63, has created imaginary horizontal cities packed with fascinating details that reflect his evolving obsessions: googie signage, soaring bridges, skyscrapers, suburbs, amusement parks and much more. Join us for a rare opportunity to get close to these beautiful and strange artworks, and to hear the artist discuss his inspirations, working methods, and how the scrolls have stayed with him for more than four decades. To learn more about Gene's cityscapes, see photos from the March 2010 Sunday Salon exhibit of Gene's scrolls here, or read Gene's musings here. See a flier for today's presentation here.

• Also back by popular demand, LAVA Visionary Joe Oesterle, author of the just-released Weird Hollywood and the classic Weird California. Joe will be sharing wacky stories from his incredibly odd book tour, featuring a cameo from local cable access legend Skip E. Lowe. He also presents one of the characters from Weird Hollywood, the incomparable Count Smokula, making his LAVA debut with accordion-driven song and a Q&A. The multi-talented Joe Oesterle is a former Senior Editor of National Lampoon, a visual artist, musician and curator of the strange and marvelous. Joe will be signing copies of his new book, and Count Smokula will have CDs for sale.
Clifton's Cafeteria is at 648 South Broadway, near the corner of 7th Street. There are numerous paid parking lots nearby, and the closest Metro station is Pershing Square. Clifton's is online at http://www.cliftonscafeteria.com
Clifton's Cafeteria
648 South Broadway
Los Angeles 90013


Event: The Science and Art of Forensic Investigations: Criminalistics from Test Tube to Testimony
start time: Sun, 01/30/2011 - 2:30pm - 6:30pm
If you’d like to be contacted when another crime lab tour and lecture are scheduled, subscribe to LAVA’s occasional Crime Lab Newsletter. For a sneak peak into Professor Johnson's crime reconstruction lab, here's a video interview with LAVA co-founder Richard Schave.
Click here to purchase your ticket for the Jan. 30th crime lab event. This event is also scheduled on February 13.

Visionary Professor Donald Johnson, in association with LAVA and Esotouric, invites you to participate in a special four-hour event at LA’s regional crime laboratory, on the campus of Cal State LA. Space is very limited and pre-reservation required for this unprecedented opportunity to tour the crime lab, learn from working forensic investigators and educators, and discover the real art and science of crime scene investigation.

“The Science and Art of Forensic Investigations: Criminalistics from Test Tube to Testimony” provides an insider’s view of the scientific investigation of crime, as Criminalistics faculty and graduate students share their knowledge and insight on the theory and practice of forensic science in our criminal justice system. Attendees will also tour Cal State LA’s state-of the-art teaching and research facilities at the Hertzberg-Davis Forensic Science Center.

The afternoon begins with an introduction to the field of Criminalistics and the use of physical evidence in criminal investigations, hosted by Professor Donald Johnson, followed by an overview of the academic and research programs in Criminalistics at Cal State LA.

Then, attendees will be provided with additional insight on forensic methods during breakout sessions on Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Chemistry, and Forensic Biology. The CSI session, hosted by Donald Johnson and Katherine Scriven, highlights tools used by forensic specialists in the field and emerging technologies in CSI. The Forensic Chemistry session, hosted by Isaac Cheney, surveys methods used for the analysis of trace evidence and controlled substances, and current research will be presented on the development of methods to detect narcotic-tampering by health professionals. The Forensic Biology session, hosted by Kristin Honig and Stacy Wilkinson, highlights body fluid and DNA analysis, with a presentation on current research on methods to improve the recovery of semen in rape cases.

The afternoon concludes with a true life--and very graphic, viewer discretion is advised--investigation overview regarding the murder of a family in Los Angeles County and opportunities to ask questions. By the program’s conclusion, attendees will have a basic understanding of the strengths and limitations of forensic methods used in criminal investigations, and a fresh perspective on the real art and science that takes place behind the scenes and the headlines.

A portion of the proceeds from this event supports the research of Criminalistics graduate students at Cal State Los Angeles.

Click here to purchase your ticket for the Jan. 30th crime lab event.
(If you get a "page not found" error message, just refresh the page and it should show up.)
The Forensic Science Center has ample and free parking. The entrance to the building is readily located from the parking lot.
The Hertzberg-Davis Forensic Science Center (Cal State L.A.)
1800 Paseo Rancho CastillaLos Angeles 90032

Event: The New Chinatowns tour
start time: Sat, 02/05/2011 - 11:00am - 3:00pm
Esotouric presents: Reyner Banham Loves Los Angeles: The New Chinatowns: San Gabriel Valley

In the past three decades the communities of Alhambra and Monterey Park, nestled in the foothills of the southwestern San Gabriel Valley, have transformed themselves from sleepy suburban bedroom communities (bursting at the seams from a 1950s housing explosion) to the nexus of a pan-Asian megalopolis spreading east to Diamond Bar and beyond to the county line.

Fueled by immigration from Taiwan, Hong Kong, more recently South East Asia, these communities have found their identity, their economic base, and have come into their own as a new type of American “chinatown.”

Hosted by Richard Schave, THE NEW CHINATOWNS is an entertaining and illuminating historical and cultural bus tour that rolls through Alhambra, San Gabriel, Rosemead and (mainly) Monterey Park exploring significant people, remarkable places and delicious delicacies. Join us as we explore the region's fascinating history, from the land and oil booms of the 1920s, its halcyon postwar days as a suburban outpost for lower middle class Angelenos, the birthplace of the Hula Hoop (Wham-o Industries), to the “white flight” of the 1970s which created the vacuum that facilitated the first wave of migration from China. Among the significant sites on our itinerary:

* The Venice Room (Monterey Park), a groovy grill-your-own-steak bar, still family-run after forty years

.* Browning Realty (Monterey Park), site of the 1920s oil mania and still a family enterprise after eighty-plus years.

* El Encanto (Monterey Park), exquisite showplace of the failed 1920s luxury housing development intended as the Beverly Hills of the East.

* Mission Superhardware (San Gabriel), still run by the Fabriano family after more than seven decades, and previously where Howard Roach built some of the Southland's first television sets.

* Site of the original Laura Scudder potato chip factory (Monterey Park).

* Pioneering purveyors of high quality Asian herbs, teas and notions, Wing Hop Fung, for a tea tasting.

Today Monterey Park is at the crossroads of economic development. After three decades spent fostering independent businesses-fueled by immigrant’s dreams and sweat, the city is looking to bring in big business, which it claims is desperately needed for its tax base. Can this unique and quintessentially independent community survive another identity crisis, another land boom, this time of a distinctly corporate nature?

Special attention will be paid in the route to a compelling side effect of this sociological revolution: the best Asian food in the world is here as well. We will end the tour with a tea tasting at Wing Hop Fung.

This tour is just one on our Reyner Banham Tour Series.
Cafe Metropol
923 E. 3rd. Street
Los Angeles 90013
Phone: 323-223-2767

Event: Casino Moderne
start time: Sat, 02/05/2011 - 7:00pm - 11:00pm
On Saturday, February 5, 2011 the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles presents "Casino Moderne."
With a nod to the HBO series, "Boardwalk Empire" that is set in 1920 during Prohibition, the ADSLA offers a step back in time. For one magic night, our guests will be able to immerse themselves in living history, vintage style, legal gaming tables and prohibition-era cocktails in the oldest private club in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Athletic Club was founded in 1880 and counts may of old Hollywood's glitterati among its members. The evening begins at 7pm. Enjoy 4 hours of drinking Sidecars, savorying hors d' oeuvres and taking your chances at the medley of gaming tables from Poker to Roulette. 1920s dress in encouraged, but not required.

The ADSLA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that focuses on the celebration and preservation of the architecture, art, music, dance, clothing and elegance of Art Deco.
A portion of your ticket price is tax deductible.
Los Angeles Athletic Club
431 West Seventh StreetLos Angeles 90014


Event: South Los Angeles tour
start time: Sun, 02/06/2011 - 11:00am - 3:00pm
“I learned to drive in order to read Los Angeles in the original” -Reyner Banham, Architecture of Four Ecologies

This provocative Esotouric bus adventure begins downtown and works its way south through Vernon, Bell Gardens, Santa Fe Springs and Downey, and through the past two centuries, exploring some of L.A.'s seldom-seen gems. Turning the West Side-centric notion of an L.A. architecture tour on its head—just like Banham's book did for the historical monograph – the bus goes into areas not traditionally associated with the important, beautiful or significant, raising issues of preservation, adaptive reuse and the evolution of the city. The locations all speak to the power, mutability and reach of the Southern California Dream.

Some of the tour stops are:

Rancho San Antonio (1808). One of the oldest adobe structure in Los Angeles County, it was built by the Lugo family, whose rancho spread all the way to South Gate--the south gate of the property. This fascinating home sits smack dab in the middle of a 65-year-old trailer park on the banks of the Rio Hondo River in Bell Gardens. Between the layers of context at this site is the history of migration and growth in the Southland, from Spanish land grants to the dust bowl to the vast waves of stucco suburbs.

The Clarke Estate (1920). A lost masterpiece by tilt-slab concrete architect Irving Gill, this Mission Revival-inspired dwelling features symbolic leaves pressed into the walls and feels like a time capsule from a simpler California.

Johnie's Broiler (1958/2008). A cautionary tale about historic preservation, this beloved Downey diner with its landmark neon sign was illegally demolished by a renter who wanted to park use cars in its place. The site was barred from further commercial use due to public outcry, and is now being restored as a Bob's Big Boy.

Tropicana Bakery. Downey's most beloved Cuban sandwich and sweet shop, creators of such temptations as the Choco-Flan, the giant cake-and-fruit-filled Florentine cookie, and the Flan/Cheesecake layer cake.

No other city has so fascinated architecture critics and scholars of urban and cultural studies than L.A., that sprawling, self-referential zone of mystery and glamour. British writer Reyner Banham was the first to love Los Angeles for what she was, her ugliness as well as her beauty. In the early 1970s he abandoned his academic preconceptions to revel in this city of freeways, foothills, beaches and suburbs, built on mobility and flux by a series of invaders. Along the way, he discovered extraordinary spaces in neighborhoods that were often overlooked for being too remote, too industrial, or simply occupying invisible "flyover country" beneath the great L.A. freeways.

In this city on the edge of the western dream, nothing was like what came before. Status was no longer communicated through the construction of stone palaces that looked like they fought every step of the journey over the Rocky Mountains, but rather by freeway access and wacky drive-thrus, light, ventilation, organic design and a sensitivity to a built environment— commercial and architectural innovations which would have been unthinkable anywhere and anytime else.

Gone was the unified vision of a city, and yet there was a method to L.A.'s madness. What Banham saw was something far more complicated: behind this urban sprawl was a pattern, almost a language, which could not be understood through old modes of architectural and urban criticism, but which had to be viewed through the organic facts of its own ecologies.
Esotouric guides Richard Schave and Kim Cooper studied under Banham as undergraduates at UCSC, and both were deeply influenced by his work. In Fall 2007, we launched the "Reyner Banham Loves Los Angeles" architectural series in tribute to our late professor, who showed us our native Southern California through fresh eyes.

ABOUT REYNER BANHAM: Reyner Banham(1922-1988) was a prolific architectural critic best known for "Theory and Design in the First Machine Age" (1960) and "Los Angeles: The Architecture of Four Ecologies" (1971). Professor Banham taught at the University of London, SUNY Buffalo and the University of California, Santa Cruz, where he was Chair of the Art History Department.

Philippe's
1001 N Alameda St.Los Angeles 90012

Event: The Science and Art of Forensic Investigations: Criminalistics from Test Tube to Testimony
start time: Sun, 02/13/2011 - 2:00pm - 6:00pm

If you’d like to be contacted when another crime lab tour and lecture are scheduled, subscribe to LAVA’s occasional Crime Lab Newsletter. For a sneak peak into Professor Johnson's crime reconstruction lab, here's a video interview with LAVA co-founder Richard Schave. This event is also scheduled on January 30th.

Click here to purchase your ticket for the Feb. 13th crime lab event.

Visionary Professor Donald Johnson, in association with LAVA and Esotouric, invites you to participate in a special four-hour event at LA’s regional crime laboratory, on the campus of Cal State LA. Space is very limited and pre-reservation required for this unprecedented opportunity to tour the crime lab, learn from working forensic investigators and educators, and discover the real art and science of crime scene investigation.

“The Science and Art of Forensic Investigations: Criminalistics from Test Tube to Testimony” provides an insider’s view of the scientific investigation of crime, as Criminalistics faculty and graduate students share their knowledge and insight on the theory and practice of forensic science in our criminal justice system. Attendees will also tour Cal State LA’s state-of the-art teaching and research facilities at the Hertzberg-Davis Forensic Science Center.

The afternoon begins with an introduction to the field of Criminalistics and the use of physical evidence in criminal investigations, hosted by Professor Donald Johnson, followed by an overview of the academic and research programs in Criminalistics at Cal State LA.
Then, attendees will be provided with additional insight on forensic methods during breakout sessions on Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Chemistry, and Forensic Biology. The CSI session, hosted by Donald Johnson and Katherine Scriven, highlights tools used by forensic specialists in the field and emerging technologies in CSI. The Forensic Chemistry session, hosted by Isaac Cheney, surveys methods used for the analysis of trace evidence and controlled substances, and current research will be presented on the development of methods to detect narcotic-tampering by health professionals. The Forensic Biology session, hosted by Kristin Honig and Stacy Wilkinson, highlights body fluid and DNA analysis, with a presentation on current research on methods to improve the recovery of semen in rape cases.

The afternoon concludes with a true life--and very graphic, viewer discretion is advised--investigation overview regarding the murder of a family in Los Angeles County and opportunities to ask questions. By the program’s conclusion, attendees will have a basic understanding of the strengths and limitations of forensic methods used in criminal investigations, and a fresh perspective on the real art and science that takes place behind the scenes and the headlines.

A portion of the proceeds from this event supports the research of Criminalistics graduate students at Cal State Los Angeles.
Click here to purchase your ticket for the Feb. 13th crime lab event.
(If you get a "page not found" error message, just refresh the page and it should show up.)
The Forensic Science Center has ample and free parking. The entrance to the building is readily located from the parking lot.

The Hertzberg-Davis Forensic Science Center (Cal State L.A.)
1800 Paseo Rancho Castilla
Los Angeles 90032

Event: Route 66 tour
start time: Sat, 02/19/2011 - 11:00am - 3:00pm
Esotouric’s “Reyner Banham Loves Los Angeles” tours each explore themes of industry, infrastructure, architecture and the built environment.

In this third installment in our ongoing architecture series, we explore California's Mother Road and the building of its dream. The dream manifests at the turn of the 20th century as we explore how the climate was sold, the growth of the citrus industry and Tuberculosis hospitals. Then come the programmatic roadside architecture of the 1920s and 1930s and postwar V-8 visions fueled by gasoline and good climate (too bad you can't run an engine on it).

The Reyner Banham tour series is dedicated to revealing greater L.A.'s infrastructure, history, the built and natural environment, transportation corridors, drive-ins, attractions and oddities.
This tour will focus on the built environment along the Mother Road with an emphasis on old and historic alignments of Route 66 as well as signage.

Highlights of the Route 66 tour include:

E. Wald Ward Farm. Purveyors of fine preservatives and other delicacies. We will visit the barn store of this venerable Sierra Madre citrus family which has been in business of producing and selling the highest quality preserves from their orchards since 1918. We will tour the orchard and hear more about the history of this family from 4th generation member, Jeff Ward. Please peruse their price list and call ahead with your order!

Aztec Hotel. Though really Mayan in decoration, this 1924 Robert Stacy Judd-designed gem in the San Gabriel Valley's crown is becoming the place again to get your kicks. Judd's buildings in Southern California were an important influence on Frank Lloyd Wright's Mayan houses.

The McNeil & Vosberg Residences (The Feuding Slauson Sisters of Azusa). A hidden gem of Azusa lore, and family dynamics. It also serves as a reminder of the fragility of ecologies to the incessant crush of progress.

Fairmount Cemetery, a remote and fascinating Civil War-era hillside burial ground.
This four hour tour will include a complimentary coffee and cookies stop in the early afternoon.

We recommend bringing a sandwich from Clifton's or a bag lunch as well. Please note: comfortable walking shoes recommended. One of our shorter tour stops takes us over slightly rugged ground, and less agile passengers may prefer to remain on the bus.

Cafe Metropol
923 E. 3rd. Street
Los Angeles 90013
Phone: 323-223-2767

Event: Boyle Heights tour
start time: Sun, 02/20/2011 - 11:00am - 3:00pm

Join guest-host Sean Carrillo, NYC-based filmmaker and Boyle Heights native, and Esotouric's Richard Schave for a four-hour bus adventure through L.A.'s fascinating and poorly understood Eastside. Follow Sean on a voyage back to the old neighborhood, to find out if you really can't go home again, and what happens when you try.

Sean's and Richard's tour is a quick score of reds and ripple, or maybe a bennie and a toke. We'll roll down Whittier Boulevard, the Chicano Sunset Strip, where hustlers once roamed the sidewalks to the beat of Thee Midnighters blaring from hundreds of tricked-out rides, to the history-drenched intersection of Brooklyn (aka Cesar Chavez) & Soto, which has been spilling out of its top and up over its jeans for generations. This eternal community hot spot teems with the ghosts of Wobblies, Brown Berets, celebrated muralists, political activists and a pre-teen Mickey Cohen shaking down customers to buy his newspapers, and it's just one of the powerful sites on this tour of a neighborhood whose legends are too often oral, and whose heroes slip too easily into obscurity. We're pulling out the memory maps to spread tales that deserve a wider audience.

Over the decades the place has changed a lot, so we tackle the elusive question: What's the measure of a neighborhood? In 1947, deli man Ben Canter declared it was pickled beef, bragging that his Boyle Heights restaurant produced 7,000 pounds of pastrami monthly (while his upstart cousin on Fairfax moved scarcely half that). Masa is now the index for the community, and steamy tamales are comfort food for a whole new generation of Eastsiders.

Moratorium, blowouts, Ruben Salazar, Aida Handler (suspended from Roosevelt High in 1931 for "un-American" activities), Msgr. Ramon Garcia, All Nations Cultural Center, schmaltz (chicken fat) and schmeck (heroin), knishes to menudo, shortdogs of T-bird wine and the bottle of Manischewitz mama kept for company, from the sacred and the sacrilegious everything is fair game and given in the spirit of "con safos" (that means with respect, ese).

It's a journey from innocence to experience, with a focus on the ever-evolving quest for authenticity, and a myriad of political upheavals and social changes which have played out over the generations. It's the Eastside as you've never seen it before, and a very special Esotouric bus adventure recommended for anyone with a passion for Los Angeles, and a thirst for the unheard stories of the city.

The tour begins with special guest Michael Risner, who will give a show and tell presentation on the archives of a local Boyle Heights-based Japanese-American photographer which he accidentally rescued from Craigslist and certain destruction. There are well over 100,000 individual photographs in this rescued archive, with images from weddings to funerals, baby portraits to community events. Risner will explain his plans for preserving and displaying the archive while showing off some highlights from the collection. To learn more about Michael's discovery, see this L.A. Weekly feature or the video from his presentation at LAVA's Sunday Salon.

Clifton's Cafeteria
648 South Broadway
Los Angeles 90014
Phone: 323-223-2767

Event: LAVA's Sunday Salon
start time: Sun, 02/27/2011 - 12:00pm - 2:00pm

On the last Sunday of each month, LAVA welcomes interested individuals to gather on the third floor of the historic Clifton's Cafeteria in Downtown Los Angeles (noon-2pm), for a loosely structured conversational Salon featuring short presentations and opportunities to meet and connect with one another. If you're interested in joining LAVA as a creative contributor or an attendee, we recommend Salon attendance as an introduction to this growing community. We also recommend the shortbread.

Special program at the February 27 Salon to be announced closer to the event date.

Clifton's Cafeteria is at 648 South Broadway, near the corner of 7th Street. There are numerous paid parking lots nearby, and the closest Metro station is Pershing Square. Clifton's is online at http://www.cliftonscafeteria.com

Clifton's Cafeteria
648 South Broadway
Los Angeles 90014
Phone: 323-223-2767

X Japan signs with EMI and to release album

X JAPAN, the most successful rock band in Japanese history, and EMI Music have signed an exclusive three-year manufacturing and distribution agreement that will have EMI Label Services handle the band's releases in North America. The first release will be the track "Jade" on March 15, followed by the band's as yet untitled American debut set for a late Summer 2011 release.

"We are so honored to have X Japan as part of the EMI Label Services/Caroline family," commented Mike Harris, Executive Vice President/General Manager, EMI Label Services & Caroline Distribution. "After the highly successful North American tour last fall, the timing is perfect for the upcoming X Japan release."

Added Dominic Pandiscia, Executive Vice President EMI Music Services North America, "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with X Japan. They have cultivated a strong following in the U.S. and we look forward to working with them, helping to reach even more fans."

X Japan - Yoshiki/band leader/producer/songwriter/drums and piano, Toshi/vocals, Pata/guitar, Sugizo/guitar and violin, and Heath/bass - is in the studio putting the finishing touches on the album, the band's first new studio album since 1996 and fifth overall. Half of the songs will be culled from some of the band's Gold and Platinum Japanese singles; the other half are brand-new songs, and an estimated 95% of the lyrics are being sung in English.

"Some of the songs on this new album were originally written with Japanese lyrics," Yoshiki explained, "so translating them into English has been challenging. For some reason, English needs more words, so I ended up re-writing many of the lyrics but kept the same message."

Most of the album has been recorded in Los Angeles at Yoshiki's own studio. It's the same studio where Metallica recorded its classic "Black" album, and artists from Van Halen to Michael Jackson to KISS also recorded there before Yoshiki bought it and turned it into a private facility.

Yoshiki, who lives in Los Angeles, traveled to Japan a handful of times to record with the rest of the band there. In addition, some of the album has been recorded live over the Internet, with Yoshiki in L.A. and the band's other members at their studio in Japan.

Added Yoshiki, "X Japan's music is everything from fast, super-heavy rock to ballads with classical piano - all of those elements are what makes X Japan's music. We don't play just one kind of music - we want to take people on a journey."

The X Japan/EMI agreement comes on the heels of X Japan's U.S. concert debut last August at Lollapalooza, and the band's first-ever North American tour that wrapped up on October 10 with a sold out show at New York's Roseland Ballroom. Many of the new album's tracks were introduced to western fans when they were performed on the tour, including "Rusty Nail," "Kurenai," "I.V.," "Born To Be Free," "Endless Rain," and the album's first single, "Jade."

Over the course of the tour's seven dates, all played in theatre-sized venues, X Japan easily demonstrated why they've sold more than 30-million units and filled the 55,000-seat Tokyo Dome a record-setting 18 times. X Japan hadn't played venues that small in more than 15 years, so they tailored their "stadium-mindset" production to the theaters, making every effort to bring their take-no-prisoners theatrics and spectacular visuals to America. As the SF Weekly put it, "All it took was one show to make it very clear why X Japan is such a phenomenon in its homeland."

Distribution agreements outside of North America, including Japan, will be announced shortly.

To support the new album, X Japan plans to tour extensively in 2011.

Check out some song teasers from the new album here:
www.xjapanmusic.com

Piro Shoes launches Soles4Souls campaign

Piro Shoes, an activewear and lifestyle shoe brand announced Thursday that for every pair of shoes sold the company will donate a pair to a child in need. The buy one, give one program will be implemented in partnership with Soles4Souls, the international shoe charity. Soles4Souls has donated more than 13 million pairs of shoes worldwide to individuals such as victims of the Haiti Earthquake and homeless shelters in the United States.

Piro is committed to helping the global community with the overwhelming need for footwear. Currently, more than 300 million children worldwide do not own a single pair of shoes. Considering most foreign countries require a pair of shoes for a child to attend school, their donation can mean the difference between a proper education and none at all.

“We are excited about our partnership with Piro Shoes,” said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. “The simple gift of shoes can truly change someone’s life, and Piro is making a huge impact on the international community with their long-term commitments to make a difference.”

“Piro, from the start, has always strived to be more than just a footwear company. We have continuously looked for projects in which we would be able to donate our time and efforts,” said Piro CEO and President, Peter Asquini. “It is extremely rewarding for me personally and for Piro as a company to begin our relationship with Soles4Souls. They have a great team, a fantastic concept, and it is very easy to see the results of our combined efforts. Knowing that what we do as a part of our normal, everyday course of business will make a profound difference in the lives of those less fortunate, is both humbling and extremely satisfying.”

For more information on how to get involved and donate to the victims in Haiti, visit www.giveshoes.org and for a great pair of extremely comfortable and lightweight shoes that gives to others as much as it gives to you, visit www.PiroShoes.com

About Soles4Souls® & Clothes4Souls®

Soles4Souls collects, recycles and reuses shoes from warehouses of footwear companies and closets from individuals. We distribute usable shoes to people in need around the world (we recycle less than 2% of donated footwear). Since 2005, Soles4Souls has given away over 13 million pairs of new and gently worn shoes (currently distributing one pair every 7 seconds). The shoes have been distributed in 125 countries, including Haiti, Kenya, Nepal and the United States.

Clothes4Souls, a new division of Soles4Souls, provides hope for hurting people through the gift of new clothing from manufacturers, designers, and retailers. Those who graciously give (rather than destroy) unused inventory are assured their donations are distributed to people around the world living in desperate need.Donating parties are eligible for tax advantages.

Visit www.giveshoes.org or www.clothes4souls.org for more information.

Abysmal Dawn record release partyin LA Tuesday

Abysmal Dawn will be having their CD release party in cooperation with Century Media’s Metal Army. This a free event!

Check out all the cool stuff happening too:

1. New Abysmal Dawn record for $10

2. Fernandes Guitars will be giving away a guitar

3. Coffin Case will be giving away a guitar case

4. We will be playing our new album in it’s entirety

5. The band will be DJing and drinking with you all night!

6. There should be some killer drink specials if not a few free drinks as well. More on that later!

So come on down, drink with us, listen to some good music and call in sick Wednesday morning!

Help spread the event on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=185168384838037

Marillion to release 2 CD set and double DVD

Considered one of the founding bands of Neo-Progressive rock, Marillion has perfected the art of unique, thought-provoking music. Eagle Rock Entertainment, through earMusic, will showcase their phenomenal talent on Live From Cadogan Hall – a 2CD set and double DVD to be released on March 29. [Pre-book order date March 4, MSRP $19.98 for DVD, $17.98 for 2CD]

This fantastic live show, filmed in high definition, was recorded on the final night of their 2009 “Less Is More” tour, at London’s prestigious Cadogan Hall. The show is divided into two sets.

The first is dedicated to 2009’s Less Is More album, in which they deconstructed and reinvented chosen songs from their back catalogue into alternative acoustic versions. In the second set, they revisit ten other classic Marillion tracks, reinvented in the same spirit.

Redesigning the chord sequences and arrangements of their original songs, Marillion created lush, minimalist-yet-powerful adaptations, accentuated by soaring melodies and haunting rhythms. This experimental approach expanded the band’s instrumentation, including dulcimer, autoharp, celeste, glockenspiel, xylophone, and pipe organ, revealing the musical flexibility and depth of this extraordinary rock 5-piece. Marillion, composed of lead singer Steve Hogarth, guitarist Steve Rothery, keyboardist Mark Kelly, bassist Pete Trewavas and drummer Ian Mosley, has enjoyed a rich, musical history, with over 15 studio albums and over 20 UK-Top 40 hits. Throughout their 25-year career, the band has consistently dodged categorization by crafting distinct, evocative music, which has solidified an extremely loyal fanbase. Live From Cadogan Hall stands as a testament of the incredible aural magic Marillion continues to create.

Click here to view a trailer of Live From Cadogan Hall:
http://www.youtube.com/earmusicofficial#p/u/12/p0KzxMYwArw

Track Listing:

Disc 1:
1.) Go!
2.) Interior Lulu
3.) Out Of This World
4.) Wrapped Up In Time
5.) The Space
6.) Hard As Love
7.) Quartz
8.) If My Heart Were A Ball
9.) It’s Not Your Fault
10.) Memory of Water
11.) This Is The 21st Century

Disc 2:
1.) No One Can
2.) Beautiful
3.) This Train Is My Life
4.) You’re Gone
5.) 80 Days
6.) Gazpacho
7.) The Answering Machine
8.) Estonia
9.) Easter
10.) Three Minute Boy

Full House in Hacienda Heights Thursday and Friday

Hi guys, hope to see you this weekend!!!!
Come down and party with us at the new and improved City Lights!!!!

Jan. 27 and 28th @
City Lights
1257 South Hacienda Boulevard
Hacienda Heights, CA 91745
(626) 369-5522
9pm - close
No Cover


That’s all for now hope to see ya at the show
www.123drink.com
Check us out on myspace.com
http://www.myspace.com/fullhousetheband
Facebook – Full House

Clothing swap party Feb. 4 in LA

Big clothing swap Friday, Feb 4th 7-10PM at the Municipal Art Gallery

http://cakeandeatit.org/nolovelost.html

RAID YOUR CLOSETS. BRING THE SPOILS.

NO LOVE LOST: A DONATION CENTER FOR MISCREANTS, NO-GOODNIKS AND MAYHEM

FREE WITH CLOTHING DONATION

// EXUBERANT PERFORMANCES // SENSUAL SOUNDSCAPES // MASSIVE PILE OF FREE CLOTHES // CHAMPAGNE BALCONY

LOCATION: Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery
4800 Hollywood Blvd
(ie: the People's Palace)
7-10pm

ORGANIZERS: Edith Abeyta, Heard(LA), Cake and Eat It Collective

CONTACT:
info@cakeandeatit.org
323.809.6358