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0 Just because you’re not on the guest list for Vanity Fair’s Oscar party at the Sunset Tower Hotel or Soho House’s viewing party doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate and party like an A-lister this weekend. There are many great events – many even free! – this weekend on The Sunset Strip, so grab your sunglasses and best paparazzi smile and come join the fun.
Toast Of The Town
Ponder your Oscar picks while enjoying red carpet-themed cocktails at The London Bar on Friday, Feb. 25. The movie-themed selections include "The Spotlight" (pear vodka, fresh ginger and a splash of ginger ale), "Red Carpet Cooler" (citron vodka, pomegranate liqueur, lime juice and splash of soda) and "The Cameo" (gin, Aperol, muddled cucumber and lemon juice) all for only $5 from 5-7 p.m. Want to park like a celeb? Valet parking also available for $5. www.thelondonwesthollywood.com
Party With A View
One of the hottest events of the weekend also happens to be free to attend. Saturday, Feb. 26 Skybar hosts the electronic balladry of Zola Jesus as part of Mondrian Sessions. The KCRW and IAMSOUND music series features some of the top indie artists and DJs as they perform poolside. The million dollar, sprawling views of the city are just icing on the cake. The event is free, but reservations are required: skybarla@morganshotelgroup.com. Ages 21 and older only. To book a table for the event, please call 323-848-6027.
Laugh The Night Away
The Comedy Store will pay tribute to the dearly departed with a night that is far more entertaining than the In Memoriam portion of the Oscar Awards. On Friday, Feb. 25, roastmaster Jeffery Ross will inspire tears of laughter as he brings his sharp tongue and biting wit to celebrate celebrities and historical figures that have passed beyond this world. Contact for availability. www.thecomedystore.com.
Learn How To Be A Player
Two events on The Strip Saturday will help guide you as you transition into a key Hollywood Player. “The Jestfest: A Panel Of Hollywood Industry Executives” at The Comedy Store will feature a conversation with panelists Anthony Hill (writer, Meet the Browns), Traci Blackwell (former VP of Current at the CW) and Dave Becky (manager, 3 Arts Entertainment) as they discuss making it in TV and film, and how to start your journey. 12 p.m. www.thecomedystore.com
Just down the street, learn how to become a media mogul, hip-hop style, as author Dan Charnas discusses and presents “The Big Payback: The History of the Business of Hip-Hop” at Book Soup. The book takes readers from the first $15 made by a "rapping DJ" in 1970s New York to the recent multi-million dollar sales of the Phat Farm and Roc-a-Wear clothing companies in 2004 and 2007. 5 p.m. www.booksoup.com
Dine In Style
Moby, Pierce Brosnan and The Social Network’s solo twin Armie Hammer are among the celebrities that have been seen at The Strip’s Eveleigh restaurant this week. The new farm-to-table style restaurant boasts fresh fare, a patio with a herb garden and amazing views of the city. Even better, they just launched a weekend brunch – with organic cocktails including their take on the Pimms Cup (with fresh cucumber and blood orange) – so you can rub shoulders with Hollywood’s elite and up-and-comers while taking that important call with your agent. www.theeveleigh.com
Get Ready For Your Close-Up
Look like a million bucks without sacrificing your paycheck at the Drybar. For $35, get your hair styled to perfection. And on Saturdays and Sundays, enjoy complimentary croissants and bagels during your blowout session. www.thedrybar.com
Watching The Big Show
Don’t want to watch the live show at home? Swing by the Cactus Lounge at The Standard, Hollywood for a free Oscar viewing party. Or stop by Cabo Cantina for their party, featuring two-for-one drinks from 4-8 p.m.
YouTube Video: Oscars
–C. Kemp
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