Monday, October 31, 2011

Marley's Ghost in Claremont Nov. 5

MARLEY'S GHOST this Saturday, Nov. 5th 7:30pm (doors@7)
*call (909)624-2928 for tickets & info..

Marley’s Ghost -Since forming in the mid-’80s, Marley's Ghost has built a singular reputation among discerning roots-music lovers for its instrumental virtuosity, ultra-tight four-part harmonies and animated live performances. They blend English folk, Jamaican reggae, Gospel, Country and R&B.

Check em' out here:
http://www.marleysghostband.com/

http://www.folkmusiccenter.com/
FOLK MUSIC CENTER 220 YALE AVE. CLAREMONT, CA. 91711

Barry Big B Brenner performances this week

Barry Big Boo Brenner
this week at ...
********* ********* ********* *********
Firefly Bistro
THURSDAY NIGHT
BURGERS, BEERS & BLUES
NOVEMBER 3rd from 6-9pm

+ + + +
SUNDAY MORNING
BLUES BRUNCH
NOVEMBER 6th from 11am-2pm

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

********************** ***********************

For a Complete List of Big B’s Upcoming Shows,
Go to...
SHOWS http://www.myspace.com/barrybigbbrenner/shows
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/BigBBrenner
YOUTUBE http://www.youtube.com/bluesriff
WEBSITE http://www.bigbbrenner.com

Menu Design book signing in Pasadena Nov. 19

On Saturday, November 19, from 3-4:30 P.M., The Folk Tree hosts a book signing for Jim Heimann, editor of the recently published Taschen Book MENU DESIGN IN AMERICA 1850-1985. Heimann is a cultural anthropologist and graphic design historian. The book’s contributing editors are Steven Heller and John Mariani.

Until restaurants became commonplace in the late 1800s, printed menus for meals were rare commodities reserved for special occasions. As restaurants proliferated, the menu became more than just a culinary listing. The design of the menu became an integral part of eating out and as such menus became a marketing tool and a favored keepsake.

Menu Design is an omnibus showcasing the best examples of this graphic art. With nearly 800 examples, illustrated in vibrant color, this deluxe volume not only presents an extraordinary collection of paper ephemera but serves as a history of restaurant dining in America. In addition to the menu covers, many menu interiors are featured providing an epicurean tour and insight to more than a hundred years of eating out. An introduction on the history of menu design by graphic design writer Steven Heller and extended captions by culinary historian John Mariani accompany the menus throughout the book. Various photographs of restaurants round out this comprehensive volume.

BonAppetit.com reviewed the book prior to its official release saying: “A book due out in (fall) from the design-centric publishing house TASCHEN will feature nearly 800 examples of graphic art on menus from 1850-1985, and it looks charming as all get out… We've got a copy on the way. Restaurateurs, take note: A resurgence in thoughtful, artistic menus is past due."

Jim Heimann is Executive Editor for TASCHEN America, and author of numerous books on architecture, pop culture, and the history of the West Coast, Los Angeles, and Hollywood. His unrivaled private collection of ephemera has been featured in museum exhibitions around the world and dozens of books.

Steven Heller is co-chair of the School of Visual Arts MFA Designer as Author Program, writes the "Visuals" column for the New York Times Book Review, and is the author of 120 books on design, illustration, and satiric art.

John Mariani is food and travel columnist for Esquire Magazine, wine columnist for Bloomberg International News, and author of The Encyclopedia of American Food & Drink, America Eats Out, The Dictionary of Italian Food and Drink, and How Italian Food Conquered the World.

The Folk Tree is located at 217 South Fair Oaks Avenue, minutes walking distance from the Gold Lineʼs Del Mar station, and just south of Old Pasadena. Hours are: M-W, 11-6; Th-Sat, 10-6; Sun, 12-5. For more information, call 626/795-8733 or 626/793-4828. www.folktree.com

Arboretum to offer wreath workshop Dec. 6

Old Fashioned Wreath Workshop

Tuesday, December 6

10am-12noon

Ayres Hall

$25/$30 non-members (all materials included)

Marla Carter, Esme Gibson and Friends, Instructors



Using fresh greens (both the traditional and the unusual) from the Arboretum grounds, make a wreath to welcome in the holidays. Please bring your own gardening gloves, clippers and wire cutters (and any decorations you may wish to add to your creation). This workshop is a very special tradition at the Arboretum!



Pre-registration required; please call the class registration line at 626.821.4623.


Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden

301 North Baldwin Avenue

Arcadia, CA 91007-2697

Phone: 626.821.4624

www.arboretum.org

Opera Posse to present 'Amahl' in Pasadena Dec. 9-11

A HISTORIC PRODUCTION AT A HISTORIC VENUE:


OPERA POSSE presents Gian Carlo Menotti's Amahl and the Night Visitors
first commissioned by NBC for Christmas Eve, beginning in 1951
at the Pasadena Playhouse

Legendary actor Malcolm McDowell will open the one act opera with a reading of Dylan Thomas' iconic A Child's Christmas in Wales


Friday, December 9 at 8 p.m. at the Pasadena Playhouse

Saturday, December 10 at 2 p.m. at the Pasadena Playhouse

Saturday, December 10 at 8 p.m. at the Pasadena Playhouse

Sunday, December 11 at 2 p.m. at the Pasadena Playhouse

Sunday, December 11 at 7 p.m. at the Pasadena Playhouse

For many children, Christmas Eve celebrations involve putting presents under the tree and hanging stockings on the mantel for Santa to fill. But when mezzo-soprano Stephanie Vlahos was a child, Christmas Eves meant it was time to watch NBC's broadcast of Gian Carlo Menotti's holiday opera, Amahl and the Night Visitors. So perhaps it is no surprise that Vlahos, Artistic Director of the newly formed opera company, OPERA POSSE, chose to revive this holiday tradition and present Menotti's one act opera at the Pasadena Playhouse on Friday, December 9 through Sunday, December 11.

"Watching NBC's production of Amahl and the Night Visitors was a tradition not just for my family but for countless families nationwide throughout the 1950s and 1960s," says Vlahos. "It's a lovely opera that encapsulates the true meaning of the season.

"I've seen and directed Amahl countless times," Vlahos continues. "But its story of how a poor crippled shepherd boy, Amahl, and his mother, are visited one starry night by three kings on their way to visit a very special child never fails to move me to tears. It's so exciting to have this opportunity to revive the tradition begun by NBC over 50 years ago and share the joy of Menotti's opera with a whole new generation of children and their families."

Members of the cast, the chorus and the orchestra have demonstrated that they share Vlahos' passion for the project in a unique way. All from mezzo-soprano Suzanna Guzman, who plays The Mother, to conductor Jorge Mester have agreed to donate their time.

For Guzman, who was honored by People Magazine as an outstanding Latino in Music and was the first recipient of the Pla¡cido Domingo Award for Arts and Service, the camaraderie the cast and orchestra will experience in giving back to their craft in this unique way, will enhance the miraculous aspects of Amahl's story.

"Performing together like this, as we work with Stephanie to launch something unique, new and wonderful, an intensely magical alchemy can't help but happen," says Guzman. "The passion and creativity behind our commitment to OPERA POSSE – coupled with the legacy of craft and technique that we share will inspire us to reach new heights and create a world class production. Everyone benefits, both artists and the audience. Who could want more?"

Guzman is equally enthusiastic about OP's vision of having established artists like herself take time to mentor younger, emerging singers. "It's the perfect combination," she explains. "We infuse each other.

"Did you ever double-dutch jump rope with your mother?" Guzman continues. "You have these two ropes whipping in front of your face and it seems there is no way you are going to get in? And then mom slides in like nothing. And she's jumping and telling you, 'Wait. Wait. Wait. Now go, sweetheart!' And you' just do it. And you're suddenly in. And for a second you and your mother are one person, grinning at each other like a mirror! Then your mother glides out and you are alone, flying. And you can't wait to try again. That's why I love OP and want so much to be part of Stephanie's incredible vision for not only Pasadena but for the entire world of opera."

Joining Guzman on stage are tenor Greg Fedderly, who will play King Kaspar, baritone Leroy Villanueva, who will play King Melchior and boy soprano Caleb Glickman who will play Amahl. In addition, under the direction of Jeffrey Bernstein, members of the Pasadena Master Chorale will join the chorus, portraying villagers and shepherds. Jorge Mester Music Director of the Naples Philharmonic, Conductor Laureate of the Aspen Music Festival and former Music Director of The Pasadena Symphony will conduct several of the performances.

Because Amahl and the Night Visitors is roughly 45 minutes in length, Vlahos has programmed a reading of Dylan Thomas' A Child's Christmas in Wales to open the production. British actor Malcolm McDowell who is perhaps best known for his roles in A Clockwork Orange and as "the man who killed Captain Kirk" in the film Star Trek Generations will narrate the poem.

"A miraculous healing takes place at the end of Amahl and the Night Visitors," says Vlahos. "And that so many renowned and extraordinarily talented people have jumped on board to help make this production happen is yet another special kind of miracle. Now we're hard at work, creating the most luminous, inspiring and musically superb production possible so that Amahl's miracle continues to spread, taking up residence in the heart of each member of our audience."

Tickets for OPERA POSSE'S production of Amahl and the Night Visitors range from $49 to $100 and are available online at either www.operaposse.com or www.pasadenaplayhouse.org. Tickets may also be purchased at the Pasadena Playhouse Box Office or by calling (626) 356-7529. The Pasadena Playhouse is located at 39 South El Molino Avenue, Pasadena, 91101.

To learn more about OPERA POSSE, its mission and upcoming events and productions, visit www.operaposse.com

Descanso Gardens offers November education and fun

Enjoy the garden inside and out this November, when Descanso Gardens presents four programs sure to increase enjoyment of plants. Enjoy guided walks in the Gardens, learn new moves with your pruners and visit a local floral landmark.



Flower Mart Tour, Saturday, Nov. 12, 7 a.m.: Take a morning jaunt to the L.A. Flower Mart with floral designer Ray Tucker. Learn the ins and outs of shopping this local landmark and get tips for decorating for the holidays. $25 nonmembers, $15 members. Advance registration required by Nov. 10. Meet at the L.A. Flower Mart.

Fruit Tree Pruning, Saturday, Nov. 12, 11 a.m.: Rachel Young, native plant horticulturist, demonstrates techniques to prune fruit trees for beauty and maximum bounty. $10 nonmembers, members free. Class fee includes admission to the Gardens. Space is limited; advance registration advised. In the Harvest Garden.

Fall Color Walk, Saturday, Nov. 12, 1 p.m.: Enjoy the beauty of autumn at Descanso. Horticulturist Wayne Walker leads this walk-and-talk that showcases the best locations to view fall color. Free with Gardens admission. At the Center Circle.

Heritage Oak Walk: Saturday, Nov. 19, 1 p.m.: Experience the giants in the Descanso landscape, the Coast live oaks (Quercus agrifolia). These trees, some centuries old, are the remainder of a forest that once blanketed the region. Descanso Curator Wen Wang leads this informative walk. Free with Gardens admission. At the Center Circle.


Register for classes at the Visitor Center or by phoning (818) 949-7980. Admission to Descanso Gardens is $8 general, $6 seniors/students with I.D., $3 children 5 to 12; children 4 and younger free. Descanso Gardens is located at 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011. Information: (818) 949-4200.



About Descanso Gardens: Established as a public garden in 1953, Descanso Gardens is located at 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, near the interchange of the 2 and 210 freeways. The Gardens are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Christmas Day. Parking is free. Admission fees are $8 for adults; $6 for seniors and students; $3 for children 5 to 12, and free for members and children 4 and younger. Fees for classes and programs include Gardens admission. For information, call (818) 949-4200 or visit www.descansogardens.org. Descanso Gardens is accredited by the American Association of Museums.

Christian Mistress to release album

Olympia, Washington’s traditional heavy metal band, CHRISTIAN MISTRESS, have completed recording their Relapse Records debut album. The full-length, titled Possession, was recorded with former The Fucking Champs guitarist Tim Green at Louder Studios (Melvins, Saviours, Red Sparowes, Unwound) and mastered by John Golden at Golden Mastering.



Possession's full track list is as follows: “Over & Over”, “Pentagram and Crucifix”, “Conviction”, “The Way Beyond”, “Possession”, “Black to Gold”, “There is Nowhere”, “Haunted Hunted”, and “All Abandon”. Possession is currently set for a February 28, 2012 release and the album's Benjamin A. Vierling-adorned art can be previewed here.



CHRISTIAN MISTRESS (Christine Davis: vocals, Oscar Sparbel: guitar, Ryan McClain: guitar, Johnny Wulf: bass, Reuben Storey: drums) formed in 2007, while the band’s 2009 mini-LP, Agony & Opium, received international critical acclaim for its unflinchingly authentic take on American heavy metal.

Stay tuned to www.RELAPSE.com and www.christianmistress.com for the latest CHRISTIAN MISTRESS news / tour / album release information.

Lamb of God to release new album, pre-order now

LAMB OF GOD have set January 24th, 2012 as the release date for Resolution, the follow up to their Grammy nominated album Wrath. Resolution, produced by Josh Wilbur, will feature 14 songs and will come in a deluxe softpak with artwork by longtime art director Ken Adams. The album was recorded in various studios in Virginia and New York.



Pre-orders for the new album will begin today at www.lamb-of-god.com/resolution and will feature multiple premium bundles. On November 15th, the band will announce the first leg of what will be a 2 year world tour.



1. Straight for the Sun

2. Desolation

3. Ghost Walking

4. Guilty

5. The Undertow

6. The Number Six

7. Barbarosa

8. Invictus

9. Cheated

10. Insurrection

11. Terminally Unique

12. To The End

13. Visitation

14. King Me


www.lamb-of-god.com

The Wrecking Crew screening in Orange Dec. 10



This film is amazing, if you don't see it now you'll regret it later!


Watch out-takes and learn about this documentary and how YOU can help make it
happen




then mark December 10th on your calendar cuz YOU got a date!!!




December 10, 2011 7PM

Pepperland Music

850 N. Tustin Street

Orange, CA 92867

714/639-0909

Reception 6PM/Screening 7PM

$12 donation

http://www.wreckingcrewfilm.com/upcoming.html

Quintessential Winds and Vientos Trio recital Nov. 19

Duo Recital by
QUINTESSENTIAL WINDS
Katherine Cox, flute; Maralynne Mann, oboe; Mark Alpizar, clarinet;
Elizabeth Gutierrez, bassoon; Adrian Dunker, horn
and
VIENTOS TRIO
Ryan Zwahlen, oboe; Jennifer Stevenson, clarinet;
Michael Kreiner, bassoon

When
Saturday, November 19, 2011 at 2:00 p.m.

Where
Trinity Lutheran Church
1340 Eleventh Street, Manhattan Beach, CA
(3 blks east of Sepulveda & 1 blk south of Manhattan Beach Blvd.)

Admission
Free, donations appreciated

For more
Information
www.PalosVerdes.com/TLCmusic/TLCMBs2.htm

Winners of the Beverly Hills Auditions

The Quintessential Winds were formed as the University Wind Quintet at the Bob Cole Conservatory of California State University, Long Beach. Currently recording their first album, Quintessential Winds are featured on the Musician's Roster of the Los Angeles Arts Commission.

Members of the Vientos Trio hold Doctorates from UCLA (Ryan) and USC (Jennifer) and a Master of Music from the Manhattan School of Music (Michael).

Organ dedication in Manhattan Beach Nov. 20

19th Anniversary of The Organ Dedication
PAUL MEIER organ

When
Sunday, November 20, 2011 at 4:00 p.m.

Where
Trinity Lutheran Church
1340 Eleventh Street, Manhattan Beach, CA
(3 blks east of Sepulveda & 1 blk south of Manhattan Beach Blvd.)

Admission
Suggested concert donation $12 / $5 students
Hors d'oeuvre & dessert reception with the artists follows

For more
Information
www.PalosVerdes.com/TLCmusic/TLCMBs2.htm

Paul Meier is Assistant Organist at St. James' Episcopal Church in Los Angeles and is a doctoral candidate at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music, where he received the award for outstanding Master's degree graduate in organ. A student of Cherry Rhodes, his previous studies were with Clyde Holloway at the Shepherd School of Music, Rice University, Houston, where he was recently honored to perform a solo recital in celebration of Dr. Holloway's distinguished teaching career. Before his appointment at St. James', Paul was Organist of Bel Air Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles.

Friday, October 28, 2011

End o' Week Musings


















I hope you'll understand why there wasn't an entry last Friday.. in fact there weren't any last Friday. I wasn't even close to a computer, but then, let me tell the story my way...






I had two cool interviews the week of Oct. 17. First I spoke with songstress Judy Collins. She has released a memoir, "Suite Judy Blue Eyes," an album, "Bohemian," and three songs on a CD to accompany the children's book, "When You Wish Upon a Star." She was gracious and perky. I felt honored to talk with someone that is such a part of music history.













Collins will be visiting Mrs. Nelson's Toy & Book Shop in La Verne 6 p.m. Nov. 3. http://www.judycollins.com/ & http://www.mrsnelsons.com/




I also spoke with William Dennis Hunt, who will be in A Noise Within's production of "Desire Under the Elms." Wow! He was so passionate about acting and really appreciates that he can make a living from it.



The 20th was a crazy day. My brother, Jason, flew in from Texas, so I had to pick him up at the airport and rush to work. In the late afternoon I went to the Rose Bowl to meet up with KFWB, which was broadcasting from there. The radio station had devoted the day to everything Pasadena and had invited me to talk about all the entertainment the city offers.




When I arrived, the producer told me that he had done some research and discovered that I was a former Doo Dah Parade Queen. He decided that we would discuss a little about entertainment and a lot about me and Doo Dah in the segment. I was surprised, but it was fine, as it's a fun event for a good cause.







By the way, auditions for the next Doo Dah Queen will be April 1 and the parade will be April 28, both in East Pasadena. Visit http://www.pasadenadoodahparade.info/ or http://www.lightbringerproject.com/













Friday I took a day off from the office. My friend Byron treated my brother and I to a day at Disneyland. Jason had a terrific time and beat me in Astro Blasters. We went on all the rides we wanted and even had time to shop.



In the evening, we had my mother's wedding rehearsal. Yes, sorry boys, my mum is off the market, she married her beau Bob last Saturday. Jason gave her away and I was the maid of honor.



Saturday night, Jason and I went to an Oktoberfest where the German American Brass Band played. We ate German food, drank German beer and some schnapps and even did the "Chicken Dance." It was a nice night.




Sunday, it was to the airport and home for Jason. In the evening, I took Byron to see the Wicked Lit productions in Altadena. The plays were fantastic. The acting was really good, the setting was perfectly creepy and the sound and light people were spot on. The plays will continue Nov. 6, visit http://www.wickedlit.org/









This week was interview city and write my life away time. I spoke with Tony Adolescent of the Adolescents about the punk rockers turned fathers documentary, "The Other F Word," spent time at David Lovejoy's art studio- amazing work! and chatted with opera singer and Off-Vine restaurant owner Greg Fedderly (who would be a great dinner companion!).





Tomorrow I am going with my friend Linda to the Escondido Renaissance Faire. I guess I'll need to dig out a costume so I can get in the spirit. It should be fun.



Monday I will be dressing up for Halloween at work. I'm not telling now, as it would spoil the fun, but I'll share later. The rest of the week- more of the same- interview, write, interview, write, but that's what I love!



In rotation this week: Celtic Thunder, Brantley Gilbert, The Jigsaw Seen, Viva Girls, HorrorPops and Van Helsing's Curse.



Photos we got 'em: Some cute pet photos from the Web and a shot of Jason and me on the Astro Blasters ride at Disneyland.






Thought o' the week: Keep moving. My friend Gary called me this morning (we're working on a story about The Sounds coming out here on tour) and he sounded very tired. Gary said that he really needs to get back to working out because he sleeps better when he does. So do I. I also have less pain and more energy.








Working out doesn't have to be sweating in a stinky gym. It can be a crisp walk after work, yoga in the morning, dancing, swimming or anything you enjoy that gets your body moving. The key to sticking with it is selecting an activity you like... or at least tolerate.


I keep my shoes and workout clothes where I see them every night when I get home. That way I change into them from my office clothes and I'm out the door for my walk. If you keep with things for a couple of weeks, it becomes a habit and you'll actually miss not doing your activity if you can't for some reason.




I know the weather's changing, but there's still lots of things you can do inside. I do yoga, weights and few other things, for example. So turn off the TV, get off the couch and get moving. Your body will thank you.

Keep on rockin'

Mickie

The Huntington to display ancient Chinese bronze mirrors Nov. 12

An important collection of ancient Chinese bronze mirrors spanning 3,000 years will make its first public appearance this fall in an exhibition at The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens. “Ancient Chinese Bronze Mirrors from the Lloyd Cotsen Collection” will be on view from Nov. 12, 2011, through May 14, 2012, in the Chandler Wing of the Virginia Steele Scott Galleries of American Art.



The exhibition will include some 80 highly decorative early bronze mirrors, ranging in date from the Qijia Culture (2100–1700 B.C.) of pre- and early Chinese history, the Warring States period (450-221 B.C.), and the Han (206 B.C.-220 A.D.), Tang (618–906 A.D.), and Jin (1115-1234 A.D.) dynasties. Several related textile fragments will also be displayed.



The Lloyd Cotsen Collection was established by Lloyd Cotsen, a Los Angeles businessman, philanthropist, art collector, and member of The Huntington’s Board of Overseers. Cotsen purchased his first Chinese bronze mirrors in Hong Kong in the early 1950s while serving in the Navy during the Korean War. Today his collection contains thousands of pieces, including substantial assemblages of textiles, basketry and folk art.



“The Huntington is a natural venue for this exhibition,” notes Steven Koblik, Huntington president. “Our Chinese garden—Liu Fang Yuan, the Garden of Flowing Fragrance—not only has attracted the active support of the local Chinese American community but also has helped introduce the beauty of Chinese culture to visitors of all backgrounds. Programmatic activities like this exhibition are an ideal educational opportunity.”



Few things provide a clearer picture of an ancient civilization than the study of its material culture: the objects that individuals created, used, and valued. “From the earliest periods of China’s history, bronze mirrors have played a significant role in reflecting, both literally and symbolically, the face of the Chinese people,” says June Li, curator of the Chinese garden at The Huntington and organizer of the exhibition. In the exquisitely wrought designs and inscriptions that decorate the backs of these mirrors, centuries of craftsmanship, aesthetic taste, dynastic change, philosophy, and consumer culture are revealed.

Items of Luxury, Works of Art
As early as 2000 B.C., bronze technology was highly developed in China, and objects made from this alloy of copper, tin, and lead were considered luxury items, reserved for the aristocratic class. Among these coveted pieces were small bronze mirrors, some compact and portable enough to be held in one hand, and others large and heavy enough to require stands. Usually cast from clay molds, they were highly polished on one side, offering a reflective surface, while the other side was decorated with intricate patterns and designs that reveal an astonishing level of skill and artistry in their craftsmanship. Birds, dragons, and serpents were common motifs in the earliest mirrors. Later, more sophisticated and intricate designs included mythological figures, deities, animals of the Chinese zodiac, abstract patterns, background textures, inscriptions, enamelwork, and inlays of jade, turquoise, and mother-of-pearl.



That these mirrors were prized by their owners is evident not only in light of their fine craftsmanship but also because of related artifacts that point to how they were valued. A pottery tomb figure dating to about the first century B.C. depicts a woman gazing into a mirror while applying powder to her face. An elaborate cosmetic set includes a bronze mirror from around the first century A.D., accompanied by a silk brocade pouch, a wool powder puff, and a lacquered wooden box. Artifacts such as these, along with the mirrors themselves, provide a fascinating glimpse into the private lives of their users.


^
Cultural History Lessons
Yet mirrors also reflect the broad sweep of Chinese history—the rise and fall of dynasties, periods of war and peace, changing beliefs and values, and the influence of expanding commerce. As the Silk Road opened up trade routes to and from India, Persia, and Egypt, for example, new aesthetic elements borrowed from the West began to appear in Chinese design. Twisting grapevines, floral motifs, and intricate silver fretwork overlaid on bronze added exotic allure to these symbols of wealth and status.



Silk fabrics of related periods echoed many of the designs and patterns seen in Chinese mirrors. Selected textile fragments from the Lloyd Cotsen Collection will provide additional social, historical, and cultural context for the bronzes, adding to the viewer’s appreciation of these exquisite artifacts of daily life in early China.


^


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Related Book
The exhibition is accompanied by The Lloyd Cotsen Study Collection of Chinese Bronze Mirrors, a publication in two volumes edited by Lothar von Falkenhausen, scholar of art history and the archaeology of China at University of California, Los Angeles. Volume I (2009) is a fully illustrated catalog of the collection by Suzanne Cahill; Volume II (2011) contains essays by several noted historians. Both volumes are published by Cotsen Occasional Press/UCLA Cotsen Institute of Archaeology Press. The hardcover set ($450) is available at The Huntington’s Bookstore & More, bookstore@huntington.org or 626-405-2142.

^



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Events & Related Programming
Lecture: Suzanne Cahill, “Charts of the Cosmos: Chinese Bronze Mirrors and Textiles of the Warring States through the Tang Periods”
Nov. 15 (Tuesday), 7:30 p.m. Friends' Hall
Suzanne Cahill, history professor at University of California, San Diego, will speak on two types of early Chinese material culture, bronze mirrors and silk textiles, drawing examples from the Cotsen collections. Cahill will read the designs on mirrors and textiles as templates that tell us what early Chinese elites believed was true and important, what they desired, and what they feared, and suggest that, over a long period of time, artisans producing works in two such apparently different media influenced each other’s designs.

Lecture: Lothar von Falkenhausen, “The Introduction and Transformation of Mirrors in China”
Feb. 7, 2012 (Tuesday), 7:30 p.m. Friends' Hall
Lothar von Falkenhausen, scholar of art history and the archaeology of China at University of California, Los Angeles, speaks on the origin and geographic spread of Chinese bronze mirrors.


Visitor information
The Huntington is located at 1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino, Calif., 12 miles from downtown Los Angeles. It is open to the public Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from noon to 4:30 p.m.; and Saturday, Sunday, and Monday holidays from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Summer hours (Memorial Day through Labor Day) are 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed Tuesdays and major holidays. Admission on weekdays: $15 adults, $12 seniors (65+), $10 students (ages 12–18 or with full-time student I.D.), $6 youth (ages 5–11), free for children under 5. Group rate $11 per person for groups of 15 or more. Members are admitted free. Admission on weekends and Monday holidays: $20 adults, $15 seniors, $10 students, $6 youth, free for children under 5. Group rate $14 per person for groups of 15 or more. Members are admitted free. Admission is free to all visitors on the first Thursday of each month with advance tickets. Information: www.huntington.org or 626-405-2100.

Jason Crabb has released new live CD and DVD

GRAMMY® Award-winning Jason Crabb released an all-new LIVE CD and DVD in stores and online everywhere on October 18th. The Song Lives On (Gaither Music Group) CD landed the #1 position on the southern Gospel sales chart according to Nielsen SoundScan. The CD came in at #10 on the contemporary Christian music chart and at #118 on BILLBOARD Magazine’s Top 200 chart. The Song Lives On DVD took the top position on the Christian music DVD chart, according to Nielsen SoundScan; and it took the #2 slot on the BILLBOARD overall Music DVD chart, just behind country and pop music sensation Taylor Swift.

“I am thrilled,” stated Crabb, upon hearing the news while in the studio working on a soon-to-be-announced special project. “These songs helped to make me who I am today. I’ve been singing them as far back as I can remember, and I’ve wanted to record them for years, so I personally couldn’t be more excited about the release. Then to see that people want to hear it--that they want to go out and buy it for themselves—that is an honor and encouragement to me.”

Filmed at Nashville’s historic Loveless Café Barn, this all-new collection finds this 14-time GMA DOVE Award-winning, nationally acclaimed communicator, along with his stage band, putting his own twist to some of the most popular Gospel classics and church favorites of the past few decades.

The Song Lives On DVD and CD will be a featured special on Sirius/XM Radio’s enLighten Channel 18 and Dish TV Channel 6018. The program will air on Friday, October 28th, at 7 PM ET; Saturday, October 29th, at 7:45 PM; and on Sunday, October 30th, at 9:45 PM.

It is currently being featured on multiple tv networks as part of a direct campaign, including Airtime 1, Grace, CTN, CTS, FamilyNet, GAC, GMC, GMTN, Legacy, INSP, Miracle, RFD, TBN, TCT, TLN and Vision. Crabb was featured this past week at the GET MOTIVATED Conference in Nashville, TN, on the FOX Network (also in Nashville) and on multiple radio stations throughout the country.

The recording features hits such as “Sweet Beulah Land,” “God on the Mountain,” “Midnight Cry,” “I’d Rather Have Jesus,” “When He Was on the Cross (I Was on His Mind),” “Unclouded Day,” “I Saw the Light,” “Take My Hand, Precious Lord,” “Until Then” and “On the Battlefield” as well as the classic “Who Am I.” Featuring guest appearances by Sonya Isaacs Yeary and Rebecca Isaacs Bowman, of the renowned Isaacs, “Who Am I” has just been serviced to Gospel radio stations across the country.

The evening was also highlighted with special performances by The Gaither Vocal Band, including a new rendition of “Please Forgive Me,” a Crabb Family hit penned by Crabb’s father, songwriter of the year Gerald Crabb. Friend and mentor Bill Gaither and the Oak Ridge Boys' William Lee Golden stepped onto the stage spontaneously to join Crabb singing his version of the Kris Kristofferson hit “Why Me.” Also captured on the release is a new version of Crabb’s GMA DOVE Award-winning Song of the Year for 2011, “Sometimes I Cry,” which Crabb recently re-recorded at the Billy Graham Library in NC, as well as a guest appearance by The Crabb Family, who joined their brother for the family tradition “Through the Fire.”

In addition to his heavy touring schedule, Jason can be seen at various HOMECOMING arena concerts and video recordings. For further information, visit www.gaither.com or www.jasoncrabb.com. Connect with Jason online at www.fb.com/JasonCrabbMusic and Twitter @JasonDCrabb.

Jason Crabb is known as one of the most respected and diverse vocalists in Christian music.

His soulful, heartfelt vocals have made him a critics’ pick and a fan favorite on stages ranging from “The Grand Ole Opry” and the Brooklyn Tabernacle to the Gaither Homecoming arena platforms. With a string of number one hits and chart-topping singles, a tour schedule of over 200 dates annually, ongoing tv appearances, a book on the shelves and a new recording, this vocal powerhouse’s talent is topped only by his genuine personality and concern for others.

Burning Man opera returns to LA Nov. 20

Returning to Los Angeles for a one-night performance event following a successful run this summer, How to Survive the Apocalypse: a Burning Opera presents an extravaganza of evolution and transformation. Inspired by the origins and ongoing mutation of the notorious Burning Man festival, the show follows two newbies at the desert festival, whose story unfolds through shadow-puppets, projections, dancers, and a sizzling live rock ensemble. The LA Weekly called the show a “rousing, mythic rock pageant,” and wrote that "The evening's stars are the polished, 15-member musical ensemble, which collectively boasts one of the best sets of pipes heard on any stage in LA this year."



How to Survive the Apocalypse takes place on November 20, 2011 at the popular Hollywood nightclub King King, 6555 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90028. Doors open at 7:00pm with the show starting at 8:00pm. General admission is $20, reserved Seating is $30, and VIP seating with table service is $40. Tickets are available here. The event is 21 and over. For a video preview of the show please see www.ghostlightgypsies.com.



This special LA event also celebrates the release of the Original Cast recording of How to Survive the Apocalypse: a Burning Opera on November 15, 2011. Presenting an abridged one-disc version of the show, the album was recorded and produced shortly after the 2009 Original Cast run. The music is available digitally through iTunes, Amazon, and other fine media providers. The physical album, with full libretto, is also available as a CD on CDBaby.com and through brick and mortar retailers including Amoeba. For more on the Original Cast recording and performance please see www.burningopera.com.



How to Survive the Apocalypse: a Burning Opera was scored by Mark Nichols, with libretto by noted counterculture writer Erik Davis. Inspired by “the Burn,” the show combines rock opera, an electronic dance party, and a pagan revival show. The workshop version premiered in early 2009 at Stage Werx in San Francisco, and the Original Cast version ran in October the same year, with nine sold-out performances at Teatro ZinZanni. The San Francisco Bay Guardian’s theater critic Steve Jones wrote that the show is “both engrossing musical theater in its own right and a piece of art that truly captures the feel of the event and the Zeitgeist of its attendees.” Writing about the Ghostlight Gypsies’ successful production of the show in Los Angeles this summer, co-directed by Nichols, Stephan Hues, and Julie Lewis, the LA Weekly’s Bill Raden raved about the show’s “anarchic spirit,” and described the show’s score as “a Hair-era musical vocabulary of R&B and acid rock by way of Kurt Weill.”



The origins of How to Survive the Apocalypse lie in a Porta-Potty line at Burning Man in 2006. Ron Meiners made the comment to a friend that only opera could capture the multidimensional experience of the festival. Composer Mark Nichols, in line with his singer partner Julie Lewis, overheard the remark. As a stalwart figure in the Seattle music scene who had already written a number of demented pieces of musical theatre, Nichols loved the idea. Meiners brought in lyricist Erik Davis, a cult author and journalist who had been attending and writing about Burning Man since 1994. Davis in turn brought in director Christopher Fulling. With producer and creative advisor Dana Harrison in tow, the main team was assembled and creative obsession began. Today the project continues to evolve through the vision of Ghostlight Gypsies, with future shows in the works.

Lettermen Christmas Show in Cerritos Dec. 4

The Lettermen Christmas Show


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

Date: Sunday, December 4, 2011, 3:00 PM

Ticket Prices: $60/$48/$38/$28

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.

Shimmy Showcase Sunday in Long Beach

October 30 -- This is the evening Viento y Agua becomes haunted as coordinator Ilana, assisted by guest dancers Meryem Vani, Draca, Tehani , Amber, and Reina perform routines that will give you thrills and chills at the annual “Shiver Showcase.” If you would like to have a scary good time, please be sure to join us for this always popular seasonal theme. Feel free to wear a costume—the scarier the better!



DANCERS—we have openings for December 4 with Abraiha! Please read below for details and contact us at Shimmyshowcase@gmail.com if you’d like to perform.



Note—N405-W22 (7th St) transition is closed for construction, so folks who normally take that route please take note and allow enough time for an alternate route!



Everyone is invited 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 in the entertainment area to enjoy some really great dancing at NO cover charge!



SHIMMY SHOWCASE begins at 5:30 p.m. at Viento y Agua Coffee House in Long Beach at 4007 East 4th Street; 562-434-1182.



Please arrive at least 15 minutes before show time (earlier if you’re a performer!), so you can first stop at the refreshment counter to get a delicious beverage and perhaps a light sandwich for dinner; then head for the show area and grab a seat so you don’t miss any of our great performers!


Below is our upcoming schedule for the next several Sundays. If you are a dancer interested in performing at an upcoming showcase, please read on to see which showcases have openings and then send an email with your preference to Shimmyshowcase@gmail.com



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



November 6 -- Shimmyshowcase invites you to ”Escape to the Future” as Xandra the Cyborg and her band of other-worldly beings, aka Zahir, Eve , Meryem Vani, Bella, and Saahira take you away from the trials and tribulations of life today into a world of Science Fiction and fantasy. We invite everyone to come attired as your favorite nerd, alien, ‘droid or intergalactic superhero to help set the mood and just have some great fun! This promises to be a totally delightful event, so be sure you don’t miss it!



November 13 -- Back by popular request, Amber Ray presents the second annual Shimmyshowcase Reggae Night! It’s time once again to put on your mellow and enjoy a “natural high.” Guest dancers Siraj, Tehani and Akasha Starr are guaranteed to make you feel good. Everyone else be sure you mark your calendars and head on down to Viento y Agua Coffee House on November 13 for an awesome show!



November 20 – Saviya presents Gypsy Magic with her troupe, Tribe Roman Morga and guest soloists. This Shimmyshowcase will be lively, colorful, perhaps a bit raucous and definitely a lot of fun so be sure to mark your calendars and join us at Viento y Agua as Shimmyshowcase goes to the gypsies!



November 27 – DARK – NO SHIMMYSHOWCASE-HAPPY THANKSGIVING!



December 4 – Abraiha returns to host her first Shimmyshowcase at Viento y Agua and seeks dancers who would like to perform! If you would like to dance in this wonderful new venue, please email Shimmyshowcase@gmail.com for a performance spot!



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

Autism book signing Nov. 10 in Santa Monica



Autism is Awesomism!

Seven Keys to Unlock Autism







Jack Black, Stephen Stills and Wyatt Isaacs headline the “Autism is Awesome” concert.

You saw them live now come see the authors behind the scenes at the Third Street Promenade Barnes & Noble Thursday November 10th at 7:00pm for their book signing of “Seven Keys to Unlock Autism.”


Elaine Hall, Founder of the Miracle Project, and Diane Isaacs, Former President of Green Moon Productions and co-founder of the Miracle Project, have created seven steps to show people how to empower themselves to develop loving relationships with children who have autism spectrum disorders.

The Miracle Project believes that miracles can happen.

Humanity Thru Music benefit Nov. 13 in Hollwyood

Come join us for the Second Annual Humanity Thru Music fundraiser in benefit of the Fur & Feather Animal Sanctuary, a non-profit organization dedicated to the safety and welfare of animals. KLOS and the AVALON HOLLYWOOD is hosting this year’s Humanity Thru Music Green Carpet and “PAWsta” dinner, which promises to be even more sensational than last year’s event.



This year’s event is bigger and better with more celebrities and more excitement! Strut down our Celebrity Green Carpet, and wag your tail while you rock-out at Hollywood’s most historic landmark, the Avalon Hollywood, on November, 13th.



This is the Second Annual “Humanity Thru Music” and our concert line-up is a howling good time with celebrity Gretchen Bonaduce and her 80’s band Ankhensenamen opening for Multi-platinum recording artist Richie Kotzen (Mr. Big/POISON). The night will be hosted by celebrity pet trainer and radio host Harrison Forbes from radio show PET TALK.



The first 100 tickets sold get a raffle ticket for a chance to win a HUGE Def Leppard package. The package includes: Signed guitar byt the whole band, signed 11x17 portrait of Def Leppard by their private photographer Ash Newell, and a signed bass-drum head by the whole band!!



The night starts with a Pawsta dinner buffet, cash bars, HUGE silent auction and raffles all in benefit of Fur & Feather Animal Sanctuary, a 501(c)3 dedicated to much needed animal welfare in California. Tickets are $35 for General and $50 for VIP. TO BUY TICKETS and for more information on the ticket levels go to www.wantickets.com , www.ticketfly.com or call 818.398.0340.



Humanity Thru Music is a fundraising celebration for the safety & welfare of animals as well as the environment. Our Goal is to build the first fully solar/wind powered no-kill sanctuary in California where high-kill shelters still exist and animal cruelty runs. We are currently fundraising to buy land and build homes where animals can live in healthy surroundings until they are adopted. This environment will protect and allow all animals to live to see their full potential. Humanity Thru Music encourages people to participate in the fight for a No-Kill Nation and Solar World. We want our guests to walk away having been empowered to make a difference in the world.



For more info on F&FAS go to www.furfeather.org and for info on the event for to www.955klos.com or www.avalonhollywood.com.

Rummage sale to benefit Children's Hospital Nov. 12

Teens for the Advancement of Children’s Hospital (TACH) is hosting a huge Rummage Sale, Saturday, November 12, from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the La Canada Flintridge Community Center (4469 Chevy Chase Drive, La Canada, CA 91011). These philanthropic teenagers will be selling furniture, household items, decorations, appliances and more. All proceeds will benefit the Adolescent Medicine Division at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

TACH is all about teens helping other teens who are patients at the hospital or underprivileged. In addition to the rummage sale, TACH members have volunteered as “camp counselors” and after school aids at Rio de Los Angeles Community Center, collected over 150 new school supplies for at risk teens, acted as facilitators in Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles’ Anti-Drug Youth Conference, collected over 300 new clothing items for the hospital’s Gang Prevention Program, 350 hygiene kits for homeless teens, and over 100 new baby items through a number of drives and their annual TACH BASH.

Please support the rummage sale and encourage these outstanding young people to continue their valuable community service. For additional information, please contact the Flintridge Guild of Children’s Hospital at: 818-952-7978.

Architecture in Helsinki to tour

Before embarking on their current European Tour, Architecture in Helsinki snuck off to Australia’s Gold Coast with their good friends and fellow Melburnians Krozm (http://www.krozm.com/ ), who had mentioned to them earlier in the year that they'd met a Pyrotechnician who had offered them use of his Animatronic Dolphins.

As the band recount, “This sounded to good to be true, so we pinky swore that we'd make our dolphin dream a reality. We later found out that said dolphins were used in the 90's version of Flipper, featuring Jessica Alba (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVK7rUfQ2SM ), which only made the prospect of this clip more exciting.”

They add that “In a nutshell, W.O.W acts the soundtrack to a film about one man's quest to find answers and in turn his place in the natural universe. Somewhere along the line we convinced Cameron to make his acting debut, which included him swimming fully clothed in freezing water for a whole day.”

You can watch the video here:

http://vimeo.com/30531985

Next week AIH embark on their final US Tour for the Aria-nominated (for Best Pop Release) “Moment Bends,” so be sure not to miss the last opportunity to see them for quite a while.

Tour Dates:

02 Nov 2011 - Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre
03 Nov 2011 - San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
04 Nov 2011 - Cruz, CA @ Rio Theatre
05 Nov 2011 - Mexico City, MX @ El Plaza Condesa
06 Nov 2011 - Austin, TX @ Fun Fun Fun Fest
07 Nov 2011 - Houston, TX @ Fitzgerald's
09 Nov 2011 - Tallahassee, FL @ Club Downunder
10 Nov 2011 - Tampa, FL @ Crowbar
11 Nov 2011 - Miami, FL @ Grand Central
12 Nov 2011 - Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade
14 Nov 2011 - Carrboro, NC @ Cat's Cradle
15 Nov 2011 - Washington DC @ 9:30 Club
16 Nov 2011 - Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
17 Nov 2011 - Boston, MA @ Royale
18 Nov 2011 - New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
19 Nov 2011 - Alfred, NY @ Alfred University
20 Nov 2011 - Oberlin, OH @ Oberlin College
21 Nov 2011 - Chicago, IL @ Metro
22 Nov 2011 - St. Paul, MN @ Macalester College

Smokey Joe's Cafe in Riverside Nov. 18 and 19

MC COY RIGBY ENTERTAINMENT & FX ARTS are thrilled to announce the second in its brand new “Broadway Series” of shows, with one of the greatest, rocking and rolling-est, jukebox musicals ever written, SMOKEY JOE’S CAFE with songs by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, musical direction by Lloyd Cooper and directed and choreographed by Jeffrey Polk. SMOKEY JOE’S CAFE will open on Friday, November 18, 2011 and perform for three performances only through Saturday, November 19, 2011 at the Fox Riverside Performing Arts Center, 3801 Mission Inn Avenue in Riverside.

The songs of Leiber and Stoller provide the basis for an electrifying entertainment that illuminates a golden age of American Culture. SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE features nearly 40 of the greatest songs ever recorded, including Hound Dog, Stand By Me, Love Potion Number Nine, I'm a Woman, and Jailhouse Rock. The show was nominated for 5 Tony Awards and thrilled audiences on Broadway for five years, and the Original Broadway cast recording, “Smokey Joe's Cafe: The Songs Of Leiber And Stoller” won a Grammy award.

SMOKEY JOE’S CAFE will open on Friday, November 18, 2011 at 8pm and will also perform on Saturday, November 19 at 2pm & 8pm.

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster or at the Fox Performing Arts Center Box Office which is located at 3801 Mission Inn Avenue in Riverside.

Ticket Prices range from $30 - $69.

The Box Office is open Monday -Friday from Noon to 6:00 PM, Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and on all show days from 10:00 AM to Show Time.

The Box Office Phone number is: 951-779-9800.

Family storytimes in Arcadia Thursdays, Nov. 17-Dec. 15

Family storytimes for all ages are scheduled for Thursday, November 17 and December 15 at 6:30 p.m. Join us for an evening of stories, crafts, games and surprises for the whole family. No registration is necessary for these special programs but space is limited so come a little early!

The Arcadia Public Library is located at 20 W. Duarte Rd. Arcadia. For more information, please call (626) 821-5566, visit the Library’s website at http://library.ci.arcadia.ca.us or follow us on Facebook.

Santa Anita Racetrack talk Nov. 17 in Arcadia

The next Brown Bag Lunch Talk is scheduled for November 17 from noon until 12:30 p.m. featuring the Santa Anita Racetrack.

Bring your lunch and listen to our guest speakers who will present snippets about local history, people, places and events. The Brown Bag Lunch talks take place the third Thursday of the month on the Museum’s outdoor patio. Please dress appropriately according to weather conditions. For more information, please call (626) 574-5440, visit our website at http://museum.ci.arcadia.ca.us or follow us on Facebook.

The Arcadia Historical Museum is located at 380 W. Huntington Drive, immediately behind the Community Center. The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is always free.

Heroes of Hope Race for Research Nov. 6 in Playa Del Rey

Superstars Whitney Houston, Jennifer Hudson, Jordin Sparks and Toni Braxton have all lent their voices to this year’s Heroes of Hope Race for Research. They are urging support for this annual race, which raises critical research money to battle pediatric and adult brain tumors and cancer in Southern California.

Who:
The race is organized by The Brad Kaminsky Foundation (TBKF), which has raised over one half million dollars for brain tumor and cancer research.

Where:
Dockweiler State Beach

Playa Del Rey, California

When:
November 6, 2011

6:30 a.m. registration

Why:
Brain Tumors continue to be the leading cause of solid tumor death in children and the leading cause of cancer death in men under the age of 39. There are over 300,000 people diagnosed with a brain tumor each year and over 20% of all cancer will spread to the brain.

Details:
5K and 10k chip-timed event with ocean views
Kids’ Fun Run
moon bounce
face painting
airbrush tattoos
LA's awesome food trucks
A morning of fun and hope
Medical professionals, athletes, and those touched by brain tumors in will be in attendance including many brain tumor survivors

Contact:
Register online or make a contribution at www.heroesofhoperace.org

VP Records to release new Strictly the Best

Whether it’s currently on the top of the Jamaican charts, a huge underground seller on the streets or the massive club jam sweeping the dancehalls, Strictly The Best’s annual series provides the hottest catalog of dance hall/reggae music for the fall, winter and new year to come. On November 22, VP Records’ will unleash their latest installments – Strictly The Best Vol. 44 and Vol. 45.

Strictly the Best Vol. 44 rallies the most in-demand roots and lover’s rock singers for a must-have set from artists like Beres Hammond, Tarrus Riley, Gyptian, Queen Ifrica, Freddie McGregor, and Etana, while Strictly the Best Vol. 45 contains the season’s most popular, cutting-edge dancehall anthems, banging in the clubs and on Caribbean radio from the likes of Mavado, Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley, Sean Paul, Bounty Killer, Tifa and Laza Morgan.

"This year's Strictly The Best series also holds a special spot in our hearts because it was the last record our A&R and nephew, Joel Chin, had a hand in, since his passing. Joel was a major driving force in the series’ march to top. As lead A&R, he hand-picked every song and complied the music in a very organic yet strategic manner. He loved the music so much and it showed in his work. This year is no different, and with the help of the rest of our team to complete the project, Strictly The Best Vol 44 and 45 are both one-of-kind collections,"states VP Records President Chris Chin.

About Strictly The Best Series
Established in 1993, Strictly The Best is the longest running reggae compilation series in the business. Following the Reggae Gold release, the annual STB series offers a more comprehensive collection of dancehall and roots sounds that have crossover potential and cater to reggae fans alike. Each year, VP carefully compiles a library of most exclusive dancehall/reggae tunes to keep the pace with the biggest Jamaican hits. Showcasing the most buzz-worthy and talented artists, STB series has been the proving ground for many of reggae’s biggest stars including Sean Paul, Mavado, Buju Banton, Bounty Killer, Capleton and many others. If you want to know what the next big reggae hit is in the streets or on the airwaves, Strictly The Best is the go-to compilation.


STB 44 Track Listing:
1. Shaka Zulu Pickney – Tarrus Riley
2. Pot Still Haffi Bubble – Queen Ifrica
3. People Talk – Etana
4. My Number One – Gyptian
5. Still In Love – Alaine & Christopher Martin
6. Pure As The Nile – I Wayne
7. Firework – Tessanne Chin
8. Driving Me Insane – Chino featuring Denyque
9. Summer Love – Denyque
10. If I Could Fly – Tifa
11. This Time - Jamelody
12. I Am Missing You – Beres Hammond
13. A House Is Not A Home – Freddie McGregor
14. Never Leave I – Tarrus Riley
15. The System – Romain Virgo
16. Yap Yap – Richie Spice

STB 45 Track Listing:
1. One By One – Laza Morgan featuring Mavado
2. Love My Life – Demarco
3. Summertime – Vybz Kartel
4. Ravin - Popcaan
5. Let’s Go – Beenie Man
6. Final Destination – Mavado
7. Every Gyal – Chipmunk featuring Mavado
8. Hot Gyal – Gyptian
9. Got 2 Luv Ya – Sean Paul featuring Alexis Jordan
10. Swaggin WTF!! (Too Bad For You) – Tifa, Future Fambo & Wayne Marshall
11. Dancehall Duppy – Tony Matterhorn
12. Cigarette Murder – Twins of Twins
13. Ready Fi Dem – Bounty Killer
14. God Nah Sleep (Rise And Fall Story) - Chino
15. Wanted (Just Ain’t The Same) - Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Open Studio in Altadena Dec. 4



Kathleen Swaydan - painter
Nancy Armitage - painter
Nina Ehlig - jewelry
Annie Fourquette - photography
Kate Carvellas - assemblage & collage
Eve Kessler - painter
Lisa George - painter
Henia Flynn - painter
Anita Finnegan - jewelry & collage
Lynda Pyka - jewelry, hair adornments (fascinators), clothing


Open Studio

Sunday, December 4, 2011,10 AM – 4 PM

3061 Ridgeview Drive, Altadena, CA 91001

www.artid.com/kdswaydan

Greensleeves Records releases first album in dubstep series

This week, reggae giant Greensleeves Records opened its vaults to launch a pivotal series in dubstep. The first album, aptly entitled Greensleeves Dubstep: Chapter 1, has an awe-inspiring list of the genre’s finest producers with the likes of The Bug, Coki and Mala of Digital Mystikz, Goth-Trad, Horsepower Productions and Terror Danjah. They mix up some of dancehall’s most popular anthems from leading contemporaries Vybz Kartel, Mavado, Busy Signal and Gyptian as well as icons Yellowman, Barrington Levy and Admiral Bailey for the ultimate culture clash.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnIW9jK1hj4

Dubstep - which converges some of the UK’s most sought-after club music including garage, drum and bass, dancehall, dub and techno - always has a strong emphasis on its production, known for its experimental headiness, wobbling basslines, atmospheric ambiance and often murky undertones. Greensleeves Dubstep: Chapter 1 captures the essence of this signature sound and also charts new water by equally emphasizing on the vocalists’ side.

The artists are mostly comprised of Jamaica’s leading dancehall stars with the exception of the UK’s prime reggae sensation Gappy Ranks on “Stinking Rich” (TMSV Remix) and East London’s grime MC Flow Dan, who makes a vital contribution to The Bug’s remix of Ding Dong’s “Badman Forward Badman Pull Up”. Horsepower Productions' remix of Yellowman's "Zungguzungguguzungguzeng" and Coki of Digital Mystikz's remix of Busy Signal and Mavado's "Badman Place" are currently circulating the blogosphere and DJ circuit.

These outlets have been the driving force to transport dubstep beyond the borders of nightlife, and regional lines. For many more gems to be discovered on this must-have compilation for DJs, longtime fans and new listeners alike, the all-star tracklist below speaks for itself.

Track Listing:
1. Busy Signal and Mavado – Badman Place (Coki-Digital Mystikz Remix)
2. Ding Dong – Badman Forward Badman Pull Up (The Bug ft. Flow Dan Remix)
3. Yellowman – Zungguzugguguzungguzeng (Horsepower Productions Remix)
4. Johnny Osbourne – Fally Ranking (V.I.V.E.K Remix)
5. Sizzla – One Love (Mala – Digital Mystikz Remix)
6. Mavado – Weh Dem A Do (Coki – Digital Mysticz Remix)
7. Admiral Bailey – Jump Up (Terror Danjah Remix)
8. Gappy Ranks – Stinkin Rich (TMSV Remix)
9. Gyptian – Nah Let Go (LDD Remix)
10. Pampidoo – Synthesizer Voice (Goth-Trad Remix)
11. Vybz Kartel – Emergency (Coki – Digital Mystikz Remix)
12. Junior Cat – Caan Eat Mi Out (Cluekid Remix)
13. QQ – Tek It To Them (Kalbata Remix)
14. Barrington Levy – Here I Come (Kromestar Remix)

Gregory Isaacs toasted with 3-disc box set out this week

It has been one year since reggae legend Gregory Isaacs has passed. This week, 17 North Parade, the vintage imprint of VP Records, pays homage to the icon with Reggae Anthology: The Ruler 1972-1990. The 3-disc box set is an extensive 40-track collection of his timeless hits and includes a special bonus DVD featuring Isaacs’ feverous live stage performance at The Brixton Academy in 1984. Filled with detailed liner notes and rare photographs during his prime, fans can take an exclusvie in-depth look into the extraordinary life of Isaacs.

Gregory Isaacs, dubbed “The Cool Ruler” for his trademark smoothness and wistful crooning matched with a rebel demeanor and dapper style, was a pivotal pioneer of lovers’ rock music and also created some of the most timeless roots and dancehall anthems throughout his 40-year career. During the 1970s and 1980s, he pumped out album after album with a massive string of hits, including “My Only Lover,” “Let’s Dance,” “Soon Forward” and “Night Nurse.” He even made a small cameo in the classic 1978 reggae film Rockers as the locksmith and later performed his song "Slave Master." He continued to tour across the globe and record throughout the 1990s. This Reggae Anthology chronicles his most crucial hits from 1972-1990 and exudes the essence of this innovative lyricist and exemplifies why he is known The Ruler.

Check out sneak peak from Gregory’s Isaacs Reggae Anthology: The Ruler 1972-1990 Bonus DVD:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjbJkAAzVOw&feature=relmfu

TRACK LISTING DISC 1
1. My Only Lover
2. Do You Ever
3. All I Have Is Love
4. Lonely Soldier
5. Love Is Overdue
6. Never Be Ungrateful
7. Ba Da
8. The Sun Shines For Me
9. Set The Captives Free
10. My Religion
11. Philistines
12. My Number One
13. Tumbling Tears6
14. Special Guest
15. Border
16. Storm
17. Mr. Cop (Extended Mix)
18. Sister Love (Extra Special)
19. My Time
20. Slave Master (Live)

TRACK LISTING DISC 2
1. Let’s Dance
2. John Public
3. Soon Forward
4. Tune In
5. Top Ten
6. Permanent Lover
7. Front Door
8. If I Don’t Have You
9. Night Nurse
10. Private Secretary
11. Let Off Sup’m
12. Private Beach Party
13. Victim
14. One Man Against The World
15. Rumors
16. Red Rose For Gregory
17. Big All Around featuring Dennis Brown
18. Jealousy featuring Jimmy Cliff
19. My Native Woman
20. Too Good To Be True

DISC 3 DVD
1. Live performance – Brixton Academy 1984

Girl in a Coma on tour tomorrow

San Antonio’s Girl In A Coma have left a permanent tattoo on the hearts of thousands with their piercing songs and nuclear performances. They’ve blazed a singular trail since Nina Diaz joined the band at age 13 and have found champions and comrades along the way including Joan Jett who signed them, Morrissey, Sia, Tegan and Sara, The Pogues and Amanda Palmer who have hand selected them for tours. In addition, Robert Rodriguez asked them to compose one of the key songs for his film Machete last year. Building one of the most impassioned and diverse fan bases in music, the band is thrilled to announce a national headlining tour this Fall!

With their album coming out in just a few weeks, the band has unleashed the new video for album track “Smart” on RollingStone.com yesterday.

From sharing stages with their heroes to experiencing Arizona’s controversial laws firsthand, the album was born in an especially intense period for the band. “Hope” is a pogo ready punk assault that speaks to the Arizona immigration dispute while daring you to stay still. Album opener “Adjust” is a tale of persecution and a sonic mindfield. Nina Diaz’s voice turns from a lament to a growl in a split second while the thundering combination of Phanie Diaz’s drums and Jennifer Alva’s bass rattle your ribcage. “One Eyed Fool” is a fearless and bare declaration of the universal need to be loved. “Cemetery Baby”underscores the bands ability to seduce you with melody no matter how tragic the message. “Smart” showcases GIAC’s own special recipe for a melodic pop song. The stomping rhythm of future GIAC anthem “Control” lays a foundation for Nina’s voice to build empires of heartbreak on. The stamp San Antonio’s music scene has left on the band is all over the album and it’s stabs of punk, tejano, rockabilly, classic rock and roll, rancheras, indie rock and ballads all contributing to a sound that can only be described as Girl in a Coma.

Girl in a Coma are that rare feral band, unaffected by trends, that has managed to stay wild and thrill us at every turn. Exits & All the Rest, their 4th album out November 1 on Blackheart Records, is the most heart-stopping turn yet. Be sure to catch the band taking over the stage live in a city near you!

Girl In A Coma Tour Dates
^ = w/Concrete Blonde
* = w/The Coathangers
# = w/Fences

10/28: Austin, TX @ Mohawk
10/29: San Antonio, TX @ Pearl Park Amphitheater
10/30: Houston, TX @ Fitzgerald's ^
11/4: Dallas, TX @ The Prophet Bar *
11/6: New Orleans, LA @ Siberia Bar *
11/7: Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade *
11/8: Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506 *
11/9: Washington, DC @ DC9 *
11/10: Brooklyn, NY @ Knitting Factory *
11/11: New York, NY @ The Studio at Webster Hall *
11/13: Cambridge, MA @ T/T/ the Bear's *
11/15: Philadelphia, PA @ North Star Bar *
11/16: Columbus, OH @ Rumba Cafe *
11/17: Indianapolis, IN @ Radio Radio *
11/18: Detroit, MI @ Magic Stick *
11/19: Chicago, IL @ Double Door *
11/20: Madison, WI @ The High Noon Saloon *
11/21: Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry #
11/23: Denver, CO @ Marquis Theatre #
11/25: Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court #
11/26: Boise, ID @ Neurolux #
11/27: Seattle, WA @ Crocodile Cafe
11/28: Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge #
11/29: San Francisco, CA @ The Independent #
11/30: Sacramento, CA @ Harlow’s Night Club #
12/02: Los Angeles, CA @ The Echoplex #
12/03: Santa Ana, CA @ Constellation Room #
12/04: San Diego, CA @ the Casbah #
12/7: El Paso, TX @ House of Rock #
12/9: Corpus Christi, TX @ House of Rock #
12/10: Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live #
12/16: Laredo, TX @ Old No. 2
12/17: Mission, TX @ Smoking Aces

Rick Shea & the Losin' End in Rialto Nov. 5







Rick Shea and The Losin' End

Sat. Nov 5th
Wampumlicious at The Wigwam
2728 W Foothill Blvd
Rialto 92410 (San Bernardino adjacent)
I play a 90 min set around 6pm..


Rock, blues, jazz, Americana. It's all here. $25 admission also gets you a barbecue dinner and chili feed. Attendees must prepay by November 2nd. For security purposes, No Walk-Ons allowed. (909) 709-4578 for more info..

Hunter Drohojowska-Philip booksigning in Pasadena Oct. 30

Offramp Gallery is pleased to present a reading and book signing with Hunter Drohojowska-Philp, author of Rebels in Paradise, on Sunday, October 30 at 3pm. Bring your own copy or purchase one at Offramp Gallery for the author to sign ($32.50 + tax).

The event will be held in the garden and light refreshments will be available for purchase. The event coincides with Offramp Gallery's exhibition, Susan Sironi: New ABCs: Altered Books & Collages.

Ms. Drohojowska-Philp’s narrative history of the emergence of Los Angeles as a national and international force in visual art during the period running from the mid-1950s through the 1960s has appeared on the Los Angeles Times bestseller list for non-fiction. She has written for numerous publications on the subject of visual art since the early 1980s, and her previous book, Full Bloom: The Art and Life of Georgia O’Keeffe is regarded and an essential work on that artist.

REBELS IN PARADISE: The Los Angeles Art Scene and the 1960s (Henry Holt and Company), by Hunter Drohojowska-Philp, is the first definitive look at the rise of the Los Angeles art scene. In the 1960s, L.A. was the epicenter of cool. Sharing anecdotes from the artists and gallerists themselves, REBELS IN PARADISE reveals L.A.’s importance in the canon of art history.

Freed from the European establishment and the pressures and expectations of New York, the artists in L.A. cultivated their own compelling aesthetic and style. This new era spawned countless innovations, including Andy Warhol’s famed Campbell’s Soup Can exhibition; the work of Ed Ruscha, David Hockney, Robert Irwin, and John Baldessari; the architecture of Frank Gehry; and even the music of the Beach Boys, the Doors, and countless others.

As the contemporary art scene flourished, L.A. established itself as a hotbed for contemporary art. Today many of these artists are considered founders or innovators of the pop, minimal, and conceptual art movements, and many of their paintings and sculptures continue to define contemporary art throughout the world.

REBELS IN PARADISE opens the door to this madcap era and shares the stories, the relationships, and the exhibitions that propelled this group of artists to international fame.


Offramp Gallery = 1702 Lincoln Avenue = Pasadena, CA 91103 = 626.298.6931

www.offrampgallery.com

Girl Talk & Hornitos offer Halloween party tips

Hornitos™ Premium Tequila and renowned mashup artist, Girl Talk, have teamed up to give revelers the perfect treat for their Halloween party. “Girl Talk's Halloween Playlist, Presented by Hornitos™ Tequila,” is a compilation of must-play songs, hand-selected by Girl Talk, that are guaranteed to instigate a memorable night come October 31st.



“We know Hornitos drinkers love a good mashup – and no one delivers a better mashup than Girl Talk,” said Amy Weisenbach, Senior Director of Tequila, Beam Inc. “We asked Girl Talk to create a Halloween playlist because we knew he’d pull together the songs that would become the soundtrack for the devilish fun that Halloween inspires.”



“Girl Talk's Halloween Playlist, Presented by Hornitos™ Tequila,” was created exclusively for Hornitos Tequila and includes the following tracks:



Blue Oyster Cult - Don't Fear The Reaper

Mick Smiley - Magic (Ghostbusters Mix)

Mistah Fab - Ghost Ride It

Oingo Boingo - Dead Man's Party

Add N to (X) - Revenge of the Black Regent

Geto Boys - Mind Playing Tricks on Me

DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince - Nightmare on My Street

INXS - Devil Inside

Michael Jackson - Thriller

Kanye West ft. Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross, and Bon Iver - Monster

Busta Rhymes - Give Me Some More

The Cranberries - Zombie

The Specials - Ghost Town

Whodini - Freaks Come Out At Night

Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs - Little Red Riding Hood



And to kick your Halloween party into full-gear, pair “Girl Talk's Halloween Playlist, Presented by Hornitos™ Tequila,” with the Hornito-Lantern, a delicious mix of Hornitos Reposado Tequila, pumpkin puree and hot chocolate. Served in a Devil’s Horn shot glass, it’s just the trick to have up your sleeve to spice up Halloween night.



The Hornito-Lantern

Ingredients:

1 ½ parts Hornitos™ Reposado Tequila

1/6 parts pumpkin puree

1/2 parts chilled instant hot chocolate (no marshmallows)

Directions:

Pre-make hot chocolate and chill. Combine ingredients and shake with ice. Strain into a shot glass.

www.beamglobal.com and www.drinksmart.com

Kings Row in Pasadena to hold pig roast Nov. 1

Old Pasadena’s favorite Gastropub Kings Row is prepping for its final, always fun and flavorful, public pig roast of the year on Tuesday November 1, 2011 at 6:30pm. But that’s only the beginning.



The acclaimed restaurant, which is housed in the Heart of Old Pasadena on Colorado Boulevard, has announced plans to expand its local offerings to include catering, events and private parties.



Featuring some of the most unique food around, customers may now enjoy King’s Row unparalleled comfort food either at the pub or off site. Box catering is available featuring such favorites as its infamous Crack Mac, Quail Salad, Cornbread, Sausages and Sliders...and for those that want to go really hog wild, King’s Row now offers Private Pig Roasts.



“Customers love the diversity, boldness and comfort of our food and one-of-a-kind atmosphere that includes custom furniture, large communal tables, hanging lights, and our "beer garden" located on spacious outdoor patio,” said Shivie Dhillon who owns Kings Row along with Hagop Giragossian, Quasim Riaz and Aidin Yousif. “We thought what better time to expand with catering and private party options than the upcoming holiday season. Party here or we will bring the party to you!”



“Want to throw a holiday party that everyone will still be talking about next year? How about a private pig roast...how many people can say they have done that before?” added Yousif.



”People come to Kings Row for the experience…the rich bold dishes paired with carefully selected artisan beers to accompany them as well as an inviting comfortable atmosphere that is ideal for intimate or large social gatherings,” continued Dhillon. Now people can also create their own Kings Row personal experience at home or at the office.”



The Kings Row menu also offers are a foray of classic dishes with some slight reinterpretations including Portobello Banh Mi, Pulled Pork Sandwich made with wild boar and the Asian Duck Burger among others.



Happy Hours are daily beginning at 4:00pm.



Kings Row is located at 20 Colorado Boulevard Suite 120 Pasadena CA 91105. (626) 793-3010. www.facebook.com/kingsrow. www.twitter.com/kingsrow.

Children's author Mo Willems launches app

Disney Publishing Worldwide will launch today the first original app by three-time Caldecott Honor winner Mo Willems. “Don’t Let the Pigeon Run this App!” is now available from the App Store on the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. The unique, interactive app features author Mo Willems as the voice of the curious and determined Pigeon and invites children everywhere to create one-of-a-kind Pigeon stories using their imaginations as they add their own voices and drawings to the fully animated app.



The long list of things the Pigeon can’t do—drive the bus, stay up late, eat a hot dog—grows and grows, as children decide what the hilarious Pigeon will try to do next. Willems played a lead role in the design, writing, voicing, and illustrating of the app. The author gives voice to the Pigeon and, in the app’s drawing tutorial, Willems guides children in the exploration and illustration of their own pigeons. With kids in creative control, each time they play the app brings new surprises and an enriching reading and playtime experience.



"Interactivity has always been a key to the Pigeon books,” said Willems. “‘Don’t Let the Pigeon Run This App!’ takes that interactivity to the point where the child is not only the audience, but the author as well. I can't wait to see what awesome ideas kids will come up with. They're going to put the Pigeon through the wringer!"



Features of “Don’t Let the Pigeon Run This App!” include:

A fully animated storytelling experience inspired by the award-winning children’s book series;
A starring appearance by the Pigeon, voiced by Mo!;

Three unique storytelling modes so that readers can enjoy limitless one-of-a-kind Pigeon stories;

Read-along option;

Ability to personalize the content with readers own voice;

Shake the Pigeon to start the stories;

A Pigeon drawing tutorial with Mo;

“Favorite stories” section where readers can create their own personal libraries.


“Don’t Let the Pigeon Run This App!” is available for $6.99 from the App Store on the iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore.



For more, visit www.disneybookapps.com and www.facebook.com/DisneyDigitalBooks , or follow @DisneyDigitalBooks on Twitter.



About Mo Willems

In April 2003, television writer and animator Mo Willems published his first children's book, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! What quietly originated as a doodle in a sketchbook for family and friends became a publishing phenomenon and an instant children's classic. The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog! followed in April 2004; Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late! in 2006; and The Pigeon Wants a Puppy! in 2008. Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! was awarded the prestigious Caldecott Honor by the American Library Association and was inducted into the Indies Choice Picture Book Hall of Fame. More than 4 million Pigeon books are in print in the US, with 13 foreign-language editions around the world.

Mo Willems has been awarded the Caldecott Honor on two other occasions: for Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale and Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity. In addition to picture books, he wrote the script and lyrics for Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical, commissioned by the Kennedy Center for its 2010 season. The production is currently touring the nation. Mo also created the Elephant & Piggie books, a series of easy readers, which have been awarded two Theodor Geisel Medals and a Geisel Honor. He began his career on Sesame Street, where he garnered six Emmy Awards.

Black Lips interview & live concert online Oct. 27

There will be a special SPIN webcast featuring the Black Lips -- presented by Chevy Sonic. At 2PM EST today, SPIN's David Bevan will interview the band before they perform a special 45-minute show.


The live Q&A and concert can be seen here:
http://www.spin.com/articles/black-lips-webcast-spincom-thursday






Watch live streaming video from sonic_live at livestream.com

Pasadena Young Musicians Orchestra in concert Nov. 20

According to the old French proverb, “Where there is music, there can be love.” And Jo Stoup, Music Director of the Pasadena Young Musicians Orchestra (PYMO), hopes that this will indeed be the case when members of the community attend PYMO’s upcoming fall concert, “The French Connection,” which will take place on November 20 at 3:30 p.m. at Sexson Auditorium on the campus of Pasadena Community College.



“A large part of PYMO’s mission is to share what the legendary conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein described as ‘the joy of music’ with younger members of our community – whether they’re members of our orchestra or our audience,” Stoup explains. “For ‘The French Connection’ we’ve programmed an array of works that are so exciting, so lovely that, no matter what your age, you can’t help but ‘connect’ to them.”



Works Stoup has selected include two with an obvious ‘French connection’ – An American in Paris by George Gershwin and Rapsodie Espagnole by French composer Maurice Ravel – as well as excerpts from a piece with a connection to France’s neighbor, Spain, La Boda de Luis Alonso, a zarzuela by Geronimo Gimenez. Also, PYMO member Steven Salazar, a senior at LA County High School for the Arts, will appear as soloist in Concerto for Bassoon by Carl Maria von Weber.



“It's very exciting to have a bassoon soloist because it's such an unusual instrument to feature as a solo instrument,” says Stoup. “Often, as we’ve rehearsed the Bassoon Concerto, I recall how Debussy, who was a huge admirer of von Weber, claimed that von Weber scrutinized the soul of each instrument. Steven is an exceptional student who will live up to Debussy’s assessment and bring out the soul of the bassoon beautifully.”



“The French Connection” will be PYMO’s first concert of the 2011-2012 season. But the orchestra, adds Stoup, has already started off on a “very positive note.”



“We’ve once again been selected to take part in the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s Youth Orchestra Mentorship Program,” Stoup explains. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for PYMO as an organization. But more than that it’s an invaluable gift for our musicians. Throughout the year, they’ll have many chances to work with and learn from the Phil’s teaching artist faculty – whether it’s through personal mentoring on musicianship, attending a master class, or sitting in on an LA Phil rehearsal.”



Tickets for “The French Connection” may be purchased at the door for the suggested donation price of $7 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. For more information about PYMO or its upcoming performances, call (626) 403-1086 or visit the orchestra’s website, www.pymo.org.



Pasadena City College is located at 1570 East Colorado Blvd in Pasadena, with parking available at any PCC student lot for $2.

Rod Stewart returns to Vegas Nov. 3-20 & in spring

Legendary rocker, Rod Stewart is proving that some guys really do have all the luck as he triumphantly returns to the Colosseum at Caesars Palace for the second year of his wildly-successful Las Vegasresidency, Rod Stewart: The Hits. Stewart is kicking-off the remaining concerts of 2011, November 3 – 20, and eight concerts have just been added in the Spring of 2012 to meet the overwhelming fan demand for tickets.

Tickets for the first eight performances of Rod Stewart: The Hits. in 2012 from March 24 – April 7 will go on-sale beginning Saturday, October 29 at 10 a.m. PDT. Showdates are March 24, 25, 28, 31 and April 1, 4, 6, 7. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m.

Ticket prices are $49/ $69/ $99/ $165/ $250 plus applicable fees. Tickets may be purchased by calling 1-800-745-3000 or on-line at www.ticketmaster.com , keyword "Rod Stewart" or at www.thecolosseum.com. Tickets may also be purchased in person at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace Box Office, open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For groups of 20 or more, call (702) 731-7208.

A high-energy concert celebration, Rod Stewart: The Hits. features a set list of the iconic rock and R&B favorites that have defined Stewart's unparalleled five-decade-long career including "Maggie May," "You Wear it Well," "Hot Legs," "You're in My Heart," "Do You Think I'm Sexy," and "Some Guys Have All the Luck" mixed with a few rarities like, "Broken Arrow," and "The Killing of Georgie," and some sizzling covers. The high-impact show is designed to give audiences that intimate, only in Las Vegas concert experience – with no fan more than 120 feet from the magnificent stage.

With his soulful and singular voice, narrative songwriting and passionate live performances, Rod Stewart has paved one of the most iconic and successful musical careers of all time. His return to Las Vegas continues on the heels of his just announced and hotly anticipated autobiography with publishing giant Random House, scheduled for release in 2012 and sold-out concerts throughout North and South America in 2011. He is a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Grammy Living Legend and in 2007 was bestowed the prestigious CBE (Commander of The British Empire). Throughout his prolific career, he has garnered an estimated 250 million album and single sales and an amazing 18 Grammy nominations. For more information, visit www.rodstewart.com.

Lynyrd Skynyrd opens BBQ & Beer joint in Vegas

Lynyrd Skynyrd, one of the most iconic rock bands in American history, is kicking-off the Grand Opening of their first Southern barbecue, music and entertainment joint, “Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer” this December at the Excalibur Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. The week-long celebration begins Thursday, December 1, 2011 with a series of rockin’ live concerts, promotions, giveaways and of course, mouthwatering BBQ - all leading up to the exclusive Grand Opening on Thursday, December 8th. The once-in-a–lifetime Grand Opening on Thursday, December 8th kicks-off with an “Eat ‘N’ Greet” luncheon with Lynyrd Skynyrd and Jeff Arnett, the 7th master distiller in Jack Daniel’s 142-year history, followed by an intimate Lynyrd Skynyrd concert that evening.

Tickets for the Grand Opening Eat ‘N’ Greet and Lynyrd Skynyrd concert go on-sale beginning Friday, October 28th, 2011 at 10:00 A.M. through the Excalibur Box Office and by calling (702) 262-4400.

“With Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer, we wanted to create the kind of place that we’d like to hang out at,” says Johnny Van Zant of Lynyrd Skynyrd. “With Southern-style barbecue and great music, this will be the perfect spot for rock and barbecue fans to kick back and have a great time in Vegas.”

“Lynyrd Skynyrd fans from around the globe have reached out about coming out for the grand opening of Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer,” says Michael Frey, co-owner of parent company, Drive This! Entertainment. “We plan to put on a party that fans and barbecue lovers alike will never forget.”

The grand opening celebration will kick off the first day of National Finals Rodeo on Thursday, Dec. 1, and culminate with an exclusive “Eat ‘N’ Greet” luncheon and evening concert by Lynyrd Skynyrd on Thursday, Dec. 8. Throughout the week, Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer will feature a series of live bands, promotions, giveaways and more.

The “Eat ‘N’ Greet” luncheon will feature a unique opportunity for fans to enjoy an intimate meal with the band members of Lynyrd Skynyrd and a presentation by Jeff Arnett, the 7th master distiller in Jack Daniel’s 142-year history. The evening concert will offer Lynyrd Skynyrd fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be one of just a few hundred people to see the iconic band perform in their first dining venue. Tickets for the grand opening concert are priced starting at $300 per person. Tickets for the “Eat ‘N’ Greet” and concert package are available for $750 per person. This package will also include an array of signature grand opening items including a limited edition single-barrel bottle of Jack Daniels topped with a commemorative bronze bottle-necker autographed by Arnett and the band members of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Tickets for this 21+ concert will be available at the Excalibur Box Office at 702.262.4400 starting on Friday, Oct. 28, 2011. A portion of proceeds from both events will be donated to the Lynyrd Skynyrd Foundation, which will then make contributions to the Epicurean Charitable Foundation of Las Vegas and Nevada Children’s Medical Center.

Developed in partnership with Lynyrd Skynyrd and Drive This! Entertainment, a Las Vegas-based hospitality company that owns and operates RHUMBAR at The Mirage, Tacos & Tequila at Luxor Hotel and Casino and Casa Fuente in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer will serve fare from Kreuz Market in Lockhart, Tex. A tour of barbecue joints throughout the nation led them to the 111-year-old Texas institution, where the barbecue has been refined to perfection by the Schmidt. Kreuz Market has been widely recognized as one of the top barbeque restaurants in the country, with top honors for their brisket and sausage by the Food Network and Travel Channel, and a rating as Zagat’s number two barbecue spot in the nation.

The band’s famed “Hell House” is the inspiration behind the atmosphere, and band members Van Zant, Gary Rossington and Rickey Medlocke have consulted with the culinary team to highlight some of their Southern favorites.

Designed to capture the spirit of the band’s “Hell House,” the walls are made of authentic barnyard wood, with concrete floors and aged brick completing the downhome feel of the space. Never-before-seen Lynyrd Skynyrd relics including original album covers, guitars, artwork and photos from the bands more than five-decade-long career will be on display for fans. The staff is part of the action – hot bartenders and servers will be swinging, singing and jumping atop the bars and stage throughout the night -- leading riotous sing-alongs to classic rock songs and Lynyrd Skynyrd favorites.

Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer will serve mouthwatering ribs, brisket, chicken and more. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the high-energy hangout will transform into a late-night, high-energy rock club every night with great music and entertainment. Guests may visit the Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer web site at LynyrdSkynyrdLV.com, follow Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer on Twitter at www.twitter.com/LynyrdSkynyrdLV , or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LynyrdSkynyrdBBQ.

In 2006, Michael Frey teamed up with Craig Gilbert to launch the food, beverage and entertainment company, Drive This! Entertainment (www.drivethisentertainment.com ). Their first venture, Tacos & Tequila (www.tacosandtequilalv.com ), opened daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner at Luxor Hotel and Casino in October 2008. The highly-stylized restaurant has a fun, high-energy vibe, an array of margaritas, and an authentic Mexican menu. RHUMBAR (www.rhumbarlv.com ), a highly-stylized cocktail lounge and patio at The Mirage, offers a Caribbean-inspired atmosphere and striking views of the Las Vegas Strip. Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer, the company’s third venture, opens in December 2011. American Burger Works (ABX) also opens in December 2011 alongside Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer, with a New-York style warehouse feel featuring all-American burgers and fries.

Inglewood open studio event Nov. 12 and 13

Fine Artists in Inglewood will open their studios to the public the weekend of November 12-13, 2011 from 1:00pm to 6:00pm during the fifth annual Inglewood Open Studios tour. The event, hosted by Inglewood artists and nonprofit Inglewood Cultural Arts (ICA), will allow visitors to personally tour the studios of established and emerging artists working in drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed-media, photography, installation, and performance. Two historic public artworks in the City of Inglewood will be stops on the tour; The History of Transportation Mural by Helen Lundeberg and The Written Word Intaglio Tower by Tom Van Sant, both of which are located at the Civic Center in Inglewood on Manchester Blvd.



In addition to the tour, Inglewood Open Studios also features a group show, which includes work by all participating tour artists, at the gallery within the Beacon Arts Building from Saturday, November 12 through Saturday, November 26, 2011 with an opening reception for the exhibit on November 12, 7:00-10:00pm. The group show will be on view for 2 weeks during normal business hours: Thursday to Saturday 1:00pm to 6:00pm and Sunday 1:00-4:00pm. Beacon Arts Building is located at 808 N. La Brea Ave., Inglewood, CA 90302. (http://www.beaconartsbuilding.com / 310-419-4077)

The City of Inglewood will provide free shuttle bus service, which will run in a continuous loop, to the attending public on both Open Studios tour days. Printed maps with Open Studios location details are available online and will be at each artist's studio and at the gallery on both tour days. For additional information on Inglewood Open Studios, including the printable tour map, please visit www.inglewoodopenstudios.com and
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=218764961521294



Participating Artists in the 2011 Inglewood Open Studios are:

Gwinn Alderson, Brian Biedul, Alexis Bolter, Donald Bustraan, Marylene Camacho, Ericka Chapman, Renée A. Fox, GeoVanna Gonzalez, Morgan Gehris, Scott Greiger, Winter Jenssen, Ellina Kevorkian, Deborah Lambert, Sharon Levy, Michael Maas, Michael Massenburg, Elizabeth Mauceli, Chris Mercier, Kenneth H. Ober, David Peters, Jhoiey Ramirez, Joan Robey, Stan Smith, Dustin Shuler, Holly Tempo, Shirley Tse, Ginger Van Hook, Luke Van Hook, MonaLisa Whitaker, Pola Wickham.

Participants include professional artists, art educators, self-taught artists, and a significant number of art graduates from nearby Otis College of Art and Design. Participating artists are listed in alphabetical order.



Sponsors of the 5th Annual Inglewood Open Studios Tour: Fine Artists of Inglewood,

Inglewood Cultural Arts (ICA), The City of Inglewood www.cityofinglewood.org

Otis College of Art and Design www.otis.edu, Beacon Arts Building (BAB) www.beaconartsbuilding.com , 1019 WEST Art Studios and fer Studios www.ferstudio.com