433 W. Sunset Boulevard is a legendary address. It is the home of The Comedy Store, the greatest stand-up comedy club in the world. On April 7th, 2022, they will be celebrating The Comedy Store’s 50th Anniversary! In preparation, they have released the first merch items of their 50th collection. Items are all limited releases so make sure to get yours while you can!
Los Angeles, the 1 Hotel West Hollywood has landed and its fresh rooftop bar, Harriet’s Lounge, is preparing to host an epic New Year’s Eve party. West Hollywood hasn’t seen a sky-high lounge like this before. Its panoramic view is the star of the show, and this New Year’s Eve we take it to the next level with a live DJ spinning dynamic mashups. With the shimmering backdrop of the Los Angeles skyline as the backdrop, the city’s glitterati will dance and mingle, helping themselves to a five-hour premium open bar. Pick up a VIP package for luxuries such as bottle service and reserved seating. From the extensive greenery that fills the penthouse to the shimmering string lights, this space is nothing less than majestic. Join us this New Year’s Eve to count down the clock and set the New Year ablaze.
8490 Sunset Boulevard West Hollywood CA US 90069
Be merrier this season with December Thursdays at Bar Pendry where live jazz music and signature handcrafted cocktails combine for one very memorable evening. Or make it three.
Live Jazz Music | December 9,16, & 23
6pm – 9pm
The Sunset Strip has always been a carnival of sorts, attracting the loud and proud of every generation since the Swinging ’20’s. It overflows with legends, as many of the world’s biggest stars shone first along the Strip. And today, it remains the heartbeat of West Hollywood – a haven for foodies and fitness junkies, ravers and ragers, LGBTQ and creatives of all kinds. The free-flowing celebration hits a high note in the summertime, when the Strip turns up the volume on its already amped counterculture.
You’ll want to be part of this party. The entire 1.5-mile stretch of iconic hot spots is the place to be – and eat, and dance, and sing, and do whatever it is people do on inflatable pool swans – as Summer on Sunset turns into the quintessential summer bash. Here is where those California dreams of endless sunshine and celebration are everyday reality, except better, because you don’t need to be an A-lister to be on this list. Come as you are, party as you please.
Here, you’re the center of the spotlight, and by spotlight we mean that shining ball of fire in the sky. Spend your days poolside sipping cocktails to DJ-mixed beats and filling your Insta feed with FOMO-inducing pics. When the sun sets, grab the mic and channel you inner Jim Morrison or Janis Joplin at one of several cocktail-and-karaoke lounges on the Strip. Or, leave it to the actual rock stars playing iconic places like the Whisky a Go Go, Roxy Theatre, Viper Room and Sunset Marquis on the nightly.
Live @ Sunset Marquis Acoustic Concert Series | Long a home stage for some of the world’s top musicians and bands, the Sunset Marquis Hotel is continuing the tradition by showcasing the best upcoming acoustic acts on the scene. RSVP for one of the three dates this summer.
Blind Dragon “Sing or Die” Karaoke | Guests can imbibe in some liquid courage from a menu of exotic cocktails, then grab the mic and the songbook of more than 25,000 hits, rocking out in one of four private luxury karaoke suites.
Mondrian LA Skybar | There is no bad time to party here, with late-night DJs playing until 2 a.m. almost nightly, Friday “Just Ditch” poolside bashes beginning at 1 p.m. and Saturday Skybar Day Clubs going all summer. Guests should check the details and dress codes, as there’s truly something for everyone.
The Den on Sunset | No hump-day blues here, with “Wine Wednesdays” serving up $15 pinot grigio, cabernet or rosé, setting the perfect stage for weekly Rockstar Karaoke beginning at 10 p.m. On September 1 at 1 p.m., summer goes out with a bang at the infamous Backyard Bash, featuring Guns ‘N Roses’ Steven Adler, Hurricane, Pretty Boy Floyd, Motley Inc., Electric Hound, Angeles and Metal Knights.
Whisky a Go Go’s “Ultimate Jam Night” | Every Tuesday at 8 p.m., the stage is set for an array of musicians that will rock the house all night. There is no cover for age 21 and up, and only $10 for under 21.
Tributes to musical legends of the Strip | Some of the biggest bands to ever rock the Strip are still celebrated here, including Jim Morrison and The Doors (Peace Frog), Led Zeppelin (Zepparella) and Guns ‘N Roses.
Decades of delightful debauchery | Reliving the greatest moments, hits and artists of the ‘80’s, the Whisky a Go Go features “Fast Times” tribute shows with Rubix Kube L.A. every Monday, while The Roxy Theatre hosts a one-night “Saved by the ‘90’s” bash July 12.
And since the rock-and-roll lifestyle can take a toll, we recommend you take a break for some seriously creative cuisine. You’ll find virtually every kind of menu along Sunset Boulevard, from brunch mimosa kits (yes, full kits) at Pearl’s Rooftop to Thai spice and Asian vibes at Night + Market, and comfort food into the wee hours at The Naughty Pig. Newly boasting Michelin clout in the guide’s 2019 California publication are al fresco farm-to-table Eveleigh; farmer’s market-inspired French restaurant Tesse; celebrity favorite Katana; and cozy Old Hollywood Tower Bar & Restaurant. Also on the must-try list for tastes of all kinds are Rock & Reilly’s, BOA, and ROKU.
Whether or not your plans involve sleeping, feel free to make yourself at home in the heart of the action at one of a dozen or so hotels poised along the Strip. Some are posh and modern, some ooze Old Hollywood glam, others are stylishly quirky destinations unto themselves. Find what fancies you and make it your home base for delightful summer debauchery. Sun, swim, stay and save in the laid-back California vibes of Mondrian LA; the oh-so-dramatic good life of the 1 Hotel; the art deco flair of the Sunset Tower; and uber-chic luxury of Andaz West Hollywood. Other hotels along the Sunset Strip include the Grafton, Sunset Marquis, The London West Hollywood, and The Standard.
Consider this your invite to the best bash of your summer. And while the party has already begun, you’re only fashionably late. Come join the celebration any time through September 3.
Featured image of Dave Navarro and Courtney Love performing at the 2019 Summer On Sunset kickoff concert courtesy Vivien Killilea.
For those not beach bound this upcoming Fourth of July, there will be plenty of literal and figurative “fireworks” happening right here on The Sunset Strip…
House of Blues Sunset hosts Red White and Blues – a patio party overlooking the scenic Sunset Strip. Starting at 2 p.m. enjoy party music from a live DJ, go-go dancers, drink specials, BBQ featuring marinated tri tip sandwiches, BBQ bacon cheeseburgers and grilled brats, plus amazing views of the fireworks from all over the city. This event is 21+. Admission is free. www.hob.com
Skybar/Sayulita at Mondrian is celebrating Independence Weekend with an all-day pool party (noon-7 p.m.), featuring sounds by Penguin Prison (vocal DJ set), Young Adults, Pirate Stereo and more… Special “staycation” room rates from $229 with promo code: IDANCE4. RSVP for complimentary entry. www.skybarlosangeles.com
The Standard Hollywood hosts Rhonda, Diva from the Deep, a 14 hour “amphibious marathon” from 1 p.m. – 3 a.m. Get your party on poolside with DJ sets from Derrick Carter, Perseus, Plastic Plates, Du Tonc and more… This event is 21+. Admission is free. RSVP for guest list. Discounted room rates available with promo code: RHONDA. www.standardhotels.com/hollywood
State Social House hosts their own Sunset Strip style BBQ, serving up classic Americana fare like burgers, 100% beef hotdogs, ribs, BBQ chicken and watermelon. Plus games, prizes and day-drinking debauchery. Admission is free(dom)! www.statesocialhouse.com
(Secret Insider’s Tip) The London West Hollywood has a rooftop pool and a lounge called the Brit Bar that is open to the public. With 360 degree views of the city, you’d be hard pressed to do much better for fireworks viewing. Shhh… www.thelondonwesthollywood.com
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Photo courtesy of The Standard Hollywood.
The annual LA PRIDE TLGB Celebration returns to West Hollywood this weekend with an influx of over 50,000 people looking to party. With special events and festivities taking place city wide, the good times won’t just be confined to Santa Monica Blvd. Celebrate Pride poolside all weekend long on The Sunset Strip…
Andaz West Hollyood
Saturday, June 7 – Wonderland Weekend 2014 presents SpLAsh Rooftop Pool Party featuring DJ Grind. Party starts at 12 noon. Tickets are $60 GA. Towels will be provided. www.showclix.com/event/wonderlandweekend2014
The Standard Hollywood
www.standardhotels.com/hollywood
Thursday, June 5 – Playgurl presents Love Saves The Day: A Pride Kickoff Party featuring Ambrosia Salad, Bathhouse, Braxley, Hot Leather plus special guests. Party starts at 10 p.m. Admission is free.
Friday, June 6 – Room Service Hollywood bring you the best in underground house, featuring DJs Jodie Harsh and Derek Monteiro plus a “gaggle” of Hollywood party hosts including Colby Melvin, Love Bailey and more… Event starts at 10 p.m. Admission is free. For table bookings: concierge@clubroomservice.com
Saturday, June 7 – Standardsounds & DJ Kim Anh present Pride Pool Party with Zebra Katz. Hosted by Nacho Nava and featuring additional DJ sets by W. Jeremy and Josh Peace. Event runs from 1-7 p.m. Admission is free. RSVP at hollywoodRSVP@standardhotel.com
Sunday, June 8 – Wind down your Pride weekend at a Pool Party w/ DJs Induce and Lady Monix from 1-7 p.m. Admission is free. This event is 21+. For reservations call (323) 882-3157
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For more information on LA Pride 2014 visit www.lapride.org and www.weho.org
-Brent X Mendoza, @brentXmendoza
Veteran adult performer Asa Akira recently made an appearance at Hustler Hollywood (the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre of the adult film industry) to promote the release of her probing new memoir, Insatiable: Porn — A Love Story. The multiple AVN award winner, host and now author, met with eager fans who lined up around the building for a chance to snag a personalized autograph (even on a skateboard) and a photo op with the starlet.
Before the doors opened, TSS.com had a chance to grab a quickie with Ms. Akira to discuss her new book, her aspirations beyond the porn industry and relive her most embarrassing on set moment.
There have been a number of porn star memoirs over the years… How is the documentation of your journey in Insatiable different/unique?
Well it’s different because it’s my story. I think people would be surprised to see pornstars come from many different walks of life… although the stereotype of the damaged, abused porn girl exists, it’s not the rule. I come from a very normal background.
Thus far in your life, what accomplishments are you most proud of?
Writing the book is definitely one; winning “Performer of the Year” is another… In general, I’m proud of the fact that I’ve done everything I’ve wanted to do thus far—in spite of how people may perceive me.
It’s generally assumed that everyone wants to sleep with a pornstar… Any notable dating rejection stories that might surprise people?
It sounds horrible, but something I really look for in a person is their fondness of me. I’m not into the whole “playing hard to get” thing. So I guess you could say I’ve never really gone for anyone who I wasn’t already sure was into me.
Recall your most embarrassing on-set moment?
The time I ate beets the night before a [certain] scene. It’s in the book…
Post porn career, what do you see yourself doing?
I’d love to write more… I have a podcast called DVDASA, which I hope I can just do forever. A family is also a possibility… I feel like I have a lot of options, but I’m definitely not ready to quit porn yet, I’m still enjoying it way too much to leave.
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Photos courtesy Jessica Pix, Rocket Queen Photography
–Brent X Mendoza, @brentXmendoza
The fifth annual Los Angeles Vegan Beer Festival took place this past weekend featuring beers from over 40 breweries, animal free fare from over two dozen restaurants and food trucks, plus a full lineup of live music.
The sold-out event produced by Roxy owner Nic Adler, Quarry Girl and Tony’s Darts Away was a day-long social scene bringing together not only vegans and beer enthusiasts, but hipster foodies and music fans from across SoCal.
For those that don’t have a doctorate in beer-ology, turns out not all beer is vegan. Some producers use animal byproducts such as fish bladders in their filtration process or mellow/modify their flavors with lactose or honey. However, none of these old school brewing methods were apparently missed, as evidenced by the tapped out kegs left behind by days end.
All photos courtesy Jon Viscott
by: Brent X Mendoza, @BrentXmendoza
