May 2011

Iconic Stone Temple Pilots/Velvet Revolver frontman Scott Weiland spent his Tuesday on The Sunset Strip, first stopping by Book Soup to sign copies of his new memoir, Not Dead & Not For Sale, and later taking the stage at the world famous Viper Room for an intimate showcase of soon to be released solo material. 

The show, which sold out in less than 10 minutes, was the only West Coast performance/rehearsal of the pending new record. And for those 200 or so fans lucky enough to secure a coveted ticket, the evening flew by as Weiland and his band indulged the crowd with a set of carefully selected and movingly cathartic covers. 

Some of this country’s most influential musicians are natives of southern states—areas hit hard by the rash of tornadoes and flooding in recent weeks.

Nat King Cole (Alabama), Johnny Cash (Arkansas/Tennessee), Nate Dogg (Mississippi/California), Tina Turner (Missouri/Tennessee), Shiny Toy Guns (Oklahoma), Janelle Monae (Kansas) and Sheryl Crow (Missouri) are among the long list of Sunset Strip performers who have called these states home. As the storms continue, a host of musicians—from Bruno Mars to Taylor Swift—have announced giving campaigns and benefit concerts of their own to help give back to the communities that have supported them.

For those interested in donating or learning more about these communities, we’ve created a listing of charitable organizations compiled by news magazines and blogs. Feel free to share any additional organizations you would like to recommend in the comments.

The date was May 5, 2011, and The Sunset Strip was buzzing with celebratory fiestas along the boulevard: Metalachi (metal mariachis) and carnitas at The Roxy, margaritas at Cabo Cantina and DJs at Isla Cantina were just some of the events that kept revelers going into the night.
So jump in our time machine and relive the magic of Cinco de Mayo 2011, without the hangover.
Photos 1-5: Cabo Cantina
Photos 6-8: Isla Cantina
Photos 9-15: The Roxy
–Photos Brent X Mendoza

If you threw a party and invited everyone you knew — or wished you knew — you would definitely have Betty White at the top of your invite list.

While fans of the Golden Girl may not have attended a personal party with her this past Sunday, they were treated to the next best thing: meeting the award-winning actress at Book Soup for the signing of her memoir, If You Ask Me: And of Course You Won’t, a candid and comedic review of her life – from TV and film roles to Hollywood and growing older. Fans lined up around the block for photos, personal signings and to the chance to meet White, whose trademark smile lit up the store.

Grab the “Parental Advisory” stickers, because Mickey Avalon is back! Returning to his home at The Roxy Theatre on Saturday, May 14, with all new jams – as well as a catalog of rap-a-long classics – Avalon is poised to release a truck load of new material over the next few years including a new record, a live album, and a number of unofficial “bootlegs” and “mixtapes.” 

Giving us the inside scoop on all his latest developments, Avalon invited TheSunsetStrip.com to his mother’s house in the valley for an exclusive poolside interview. Over cantaloupe and iced tea, the party boy rapper laid out his not-so-secret plans for music world domination. Here’s how it all went down… 
 

Last week the legendary Rainbow Bar & Grill celebrated 39 years on The Sunset Strip. During this time it has served up more than 1.7 million pizzas while also serving as a home away from home for some of the biggest names in rock, from John Lennon and Tom Petty to Slash and Lemmy.

TheSunsetStrip.com was at the anniversary party to share in the revelry – and the free T-shirts and champagne – and spotted fellow Rainbow regulars B-Real (Cypress Hill), Frankie Banali (Quiet Riot), Matt Sorum (Guns N Roses) and guitarist Mitch Perry.

We asked Rainbow owner Mikeal Maglieri why he thinks this family owned and operated establishment has been such a success over the years, and his response was simple: his dad, Rainbow co-founder and owner, Mario Maglieri.