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Category: Events

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Go ‘Retro’ At The Sunset Strip Market This Week: “American Graffiti” Movie Night + Grass-fed Burgers & Fries!

Grab your letterman jacket and roller skates and picnic under the stars this week as the Sunset Strip Market gets in the retro spirit and remembers cruising in cars and drive-in diners with an outdoor movie screening of George Lucas’ “American Graffiti.”
 
Further enhance your retro night with a grass-fed burger or farmstead grilled cheese sandwich from Farmhouse Kitchen (paired with some delicious, natural french fries from Belgian Fry Shack and cream top chocolate milk from Dairy Goddess). Or make your own picnic with cheese, olive, hummus, oysters and fresh fruit from the Market. The screening begins at 8:15 p.m. Seating is provided or guests are invited to BYOBlanket. 
 
Dayle Gloria has also curated a night of modern rock and roll this week with performances by three Los Angeles-based artists:
 
Kids can join the Market's monthly Farm Style Cooking Class. The free class, hosted by Sarah Seelinger, is a great opportunity for kids and familes to learn more about farm fresh produce and how to prepare meals using farmers’ market ingredients. This week’s recipe is “Kids Favorite Kale Salad.”
 
Adults dining at the Market can pair their farm-fresh dinner items with a selection from the craft beer and wine garden. Available this week: pours from Lincourt Winery, Lange Twins Estate Organic wines, Paul Dolan Organic wines, Angel City Brewing, Taps Brewery and more.
 
We’ll see you Thursday, June 20, at the Market from 6-10 p.m. For more information, visit www.sunsetstripmarket.com and facebook.com/sunsetstripMRKT. 
 
 
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Joan Jett Named 2013 Sunset Strip Music Festival Honoree!

 

Multi-platinum selling, iconic rock goddess Joan Jett has been selected as the 2013 Sunset Strip Music Festival honoree! Since co-founding the pioneering all-girl punk quintet The Runaways at age 15, Jett has continued to be an originator, innovator, visionary–and a pivotal figure in the history of The Sunset Strip. 
 
“I actually lived on The Strip, right across the street from the Whisky,” said Jett. “The Sunset Strip is a piece of rock ‘n roll history.  I never thought all of those insane times would turn into an award, but I’m very honored, and inspired to keep making music.”
 
As with previous SSMF honorees, Jett will be celebrated at an exclusive VIP event Thursday, August 1 at the House of Blues Sunset Strip, kicking off the three-day music festival. There she will be presented with the coveted “Elmer Valentine Award” and, immediately following the tribute ceremony, lucky attendees will enjoy a full live performance by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts. Tickets for the event are extremely limited; see info below. In addition to the VIP reception, the City of West Hollywood will honor JETT by officially proclaiming Thursday, August 1 “Joan Jett Day.”
 
This marks the sixth installment of the award ceremony and SSMF, which celebrates the music and icons that have made an impact on the legacy of The Strip. The event debuted in 2008 with the recognition of Lou Adler, Mario Maglieri and Elmer Valentine, founders of cornerstone Sunset Strip venues The Roxy Theatre, Rainbow Bar & Grill and Whisky A Go-Go. In 2009, Ozzy Osbourne received the “Elmer Valentine Award,” which was thusly named after the passing of original honoree Valentine. The 2010 award went to Slash, in 2011 Mötley Crüe was recognized, and in 2012 The Doors were celebrated.
 
“It is my honor and pleasure to take part in inducting the first female music superstar, Joan Jett, to the exclusive group of Sunset Strip icons to receive the coveted ‘Elmer Valentine Award,’” says SSMF Festival Managing Director Karmen Beck. “We are delighted to celebrate Joan Jett who has so much influenced the history of the legendary boulevard.”
 
As the leader of the hard-rocking Blackhearts, Jett has had eight platinum and gold albums and nine Top 40 singles, including the classics "Bad Reputation," "I Love Rock 'N' Roll," "I Hate Myself For Loving You," and "Crimson and Clover." She rose to fame in the late ‘70s, performing on The Sunset Strip as part of the all-girl band The Runaways. Jett was recently able to see her story told in The Runaways, a film based on (lead singer of The Runaways) Cherie Currie's book Neon Angel and starring Kristen Stewart as Jett, and Dakota Fanning as Currie. Jett was close to the project, serving as an Executive Producer.
 
Additionally, Jett sits at the head of her own independent label, Blackheart Records, produces various music projects for others, and has acted in movies and television, including 1987's Light Of Day, and in the Tony-nominated Broadway musical The Rocky Horror Show. 
 
The sixth annual three-day music festival officially gets underway with the 2013 honoree award presentation and tribute event on August 1 at the House of Blues Sunset Strip, followed up with special high-profile shows in the world famous music venues on The Sunset Strip Thursday and Friday nights, and culminates on Saturday, August 3 with a 3-11 p.m. street festival.
 
Tickets for the SSMF 2013 street festival are on sale now via the official ticketing provider, Eventbrite, at sunsetstrip.eventbrite.com. As previously announced, a significant portion of this year’s ticket sales will benefit Music For Relief, a nonprofit organization to support disaster relief, provide aid to survivors of natural disasters and support the prevention of such disasters via environmental programs.
For more information, visit www.ssmf.com. 
 
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LA Vegan Beer Fest Pours Good Times!

 

Summer arrived early for fans of the Los Angeles Vegan Beer & Food Festival on Saturday, providing the perfect sunny backdrop for a day spent enjoying local, vegan craft beers, food vendors, art and a full lineup of music. 
 
The fourth annual event, which is produced by The Roxy Theatre, Quarry Girl and Tony’s Darts Away, has become so successful that this year it moved across the street from The Roxy to an oversized lot that could accommodate the more than 1,500 guests and 60-plus vendors throughout the day. 
 
The fest featured unlimited tasting pours from more than 30 breweries, including Golden Road, Lagunitas, Bootlegger’s, Noble, Firestone and Drake’s, a large assortment of vegan food trucks and vendors (vegan bbq and beer floats?!), and performances by Saint Motel, Branches, The Janks, Terraplane Sun and Vegan Boss. Adding to the festive atmosphere, guests even created their own art with sidewalk chalk throughout the festival grounds. 
 
The day was a true celebration of community, and we can’t wait for next year’s event!
For more information, visit lavbf.tumblr.com.
 
 
Photos courtesy of Genie Sanchez. 
 
 
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Cinco de Mayo Guide!

 

Sure, you can wait until May 5 to start your Cinco de Drinko celebrating. Or you can hit The Strip beginning May 3 and enjoy three days and nights of festivities! On your mark, get set…
 
 
May 3: Metalachi at The Roxy
Kick-off your Cinco de Mayo weekend celebrating early with Metalachi at the Roxy! You will never find a better mariachi Metallic cover band.  The night of music also features performances by PHILM featuring Dave Lombardo of Slayer, The Dread Crew of Oddwood and Year of the Dragon. Tickets are $15 in advance. www.theroxyonsunset.com 
 
 
May 3-5: RH Bar at Andaz
Enjoy a weekend fiesta at RH Bar with drink and food specials beginning Friday, May 3 – Sunday, May 5. Options include: Avion Tequila Papaya Smash ($12), $5 dollar tequila shots (tequila infused with blackberries and roasted jalapenos, or tequila Caballitos shot with a tomato shooter, spiced rim), tequila shot & Modelo Especial combo ($8), traditional margaritas ($7), white sangria – white wine, roasted pineapple, mint, orange, homemade triple sec, Squirt ($7), taco platter: tinga chicken, fish, carne asada ($10), salsa trio: chipotle salsa, tomatillo salsa, guacamole, served with house made tortilla chips ($8), and ceviche: green ceviche, plantain chips, and house made tortilla sauce ($10). www.facebook.com/AndazWestHollywood
 
 
May 4: Pink Taco
Celebrate Pink Taco Sunset Strip’s one year anniversary with a Cinco de Quatro fiesta for the ages. Enjoy carnival games, mariachis, luchadors, tacos, churros, tequila, face painting, palm reading, kissing booth, beer pong and so much more. Tickets are $20 and are available online through Ticketweb. www.facebook.com/pinktacosunsetstrip
 
 
May 4: Los Angeles Vegan Beer Fest
You won’t find margaritas or carnitas, but you will find a healthy dose of craft beers, vegan tacos, live music and a full on party atmosphere at the fourth annual Vegan Beer Fest. This year the party expands across the street from The Roxy to the lot located at 8950 Sunset Blvd. Expect performances by Saint Motel, The Janks, Branches, Vegan Boss and more. Tickets are $40 and include beer tastings. Event begins at 1:00 p.m.  www.facebook.com/LAVeganBeerfest
 
 
May 4: Rock & Reilly's
Reilly is throwing his annual Drinko De Mayo party featuring $2 margaritas, $3 Modelos, tacos, games and more. The party begins at noon. No cover necessary. www.facebook.com/rnrpub
 
 
May 5: Rosa Mexicano
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo (or cure your previous Cinco de Mayo celebrating) with brunch at Rosa Mexicano. Enjoy a special Cinco de Mayo menu featuring nopales con huevo, machacado con huevo, Mexico City chilaquiles, desayuno tamale, bloody marias and classic margaritas. Brunch is served 11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. www.rosamexicano.com/sunsetstrip 
 
 
May 5: Cabo Cantina
Enjoy bottomless mimosas and bloody marys for $10 until 3 p.m. and drink specials including 99-cent Coronitas and two-for-one prices from 4-8 p.m. www.thecabocantina.com
 
 
 
Photo courtesy of Rosa Mexicano. 
 
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Celebrate Record Store Day At SoundCheck Hollywood

Happy Record Store Day, friends! Get out and support local record stores and music at SoundCheck Hollywood's third annual Record Store Day party. 

Today's events kick off at 3 p.m. and include live performances, special releases and limited/special edition Record Store Day releases. Young Guns will perform an acoustic set at 3 p.m. as well and As I Lay Dying is stopping by at 7 p.m. for a signing session. 

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/SoundCheckHollywood.  

 

Photo courtesy of Genie Sanchez.

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Lowriders And Laughs: Cheech & Chong Light Up The Roxy

 

Legendary comedians and cannabis supporters Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong returned to their roots this week, celebrating the release of their new film, Cheech & Chong’s Animated Movie, at The Roxy Theatre. The green carpet event featured a parade of lowriders, treats from the Munchie Machine food truck and complimentary beverages, including the “Bong Water” cocktail.
 
Guests in attendance included producer and Roxy co-founder Lou Adler — who helped make Cheech & Chong household names with Up In Smoke in 1978 — Tommy Davidson, Hal Sparks, Cisco Adler, Marisa Saks, DJ Josh LeCash, Yvette Yates, Lance Broadway and Alonzo Bodden. 
 
 
Photos courtesy of Genie Sanchez
 
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Sunset Strip Market Returns May 2!

Good news for all fans of farmers' markets, food and fun. We are happy to announce that the Sunset Strip Market will begin its 2013 season on Thursday, May 2!  The seasonal market will take place every Thursday night from May through October at the City of West Hollywood public parking lot located at 8755 Sunset Boulevard. The re-launched Market will also feature extended summer hours, operating from 6-10 p.m. 

 
The Market will feature new and returning California farms and local food artisans as well as live music and cooking demonstrations. The Market will also host a craft beer and wine garden that exclusively features selections produced exclusively in California.
 
New additions to the Market include: 
Bomba Paella: authentic, open fire paella 
Denny's Organic Farm: organic strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, asparagus, artichokes and other veggies from Nipoma, Calif., as well as organic juices made fresh at their Market juice bar
enFuso: specialty balsamics from Los Alamitos
Hepp’s Salt: gourmet salts based in Venice, Calif.
T's California BBQ: farm-to-table Santa Maria style barbecue featuring Niman Ranch organic beef and farmers' market vegetables
 
 
Returning farms and vendors at the Sunset Strip Market include:
Ari's Natural Food: natural and homemade hummus, Greek yogurt, tzatziki and more
Cuyama Orchards: organic apples
Dairy Goddess: farmstead milk, chocolate milk and cheese
Dave's Gourmet Korean: Koreankimchi, tempeh, tofu, spring rolls, teas and more
Canela Empanadas: freshly made vegetarian and meat empanadas
Gourmet Crepes: fresh, made to order sweet and savory crepes
Gourmet Grillmaster: specialty rotisserie chicken with roasted garlic potatoes
Janae’s Fillets: fresh-caught, wild Alaskan salmon
Kosher Palate: locally sourced, sustainably grown and ethically produced natural, organic and whole ingredients made under the strict supervision of the Rabbinical Council of California
Marsatta Chocolate: artisinal bean to bar chocolate, truffles and chocolate dipped strawberries
Milkman: California farmstead cheeses
Moist N Creamy: cakes and baked goods
Old Village Bakery: fresh bread and baked goods
Shear Rock Farm: heirloom tomatoes, baby greens and olive oil
Shuck’s Oyster Bar: California oysters shucked at the market or to take home for later
Smart Fish: sustainable fish and seafood
Soledad Goats: farmstead goat cheese from Mojave 
Summer Harvest: organic cherries, peaches, plums and nectarines 
Suncoast Farms: asparagus, artichokes and beans (pinquitos, yellow beans, lima beans and lentils) 
The Belgian Fry Shack: Belgian-style fries with dipping sauce
 
 
Additionally, the Market has expanded its $5 validated parking options, with parking also available in the former Tower Records parking lot (8801 Sunset Blvd.), providing easy access for guests who are driving. Additional $5 parking options are located within close walking distance of the Market as well, with a full list of options available at www.sunsetstripmarket.com/parking.
 
For more information about the Market, including upcoming live music performances, selections at the craft beer and wine garden and more, visit www.sunsetstripmarket.com and follow on Facebook.com/SunsetStripMRKT and Twitter @SunsetStripMRKT. 
 
 
Photos courtesy of Genie Sanchez
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An Evening With Clive Davis

 

Confirming the fact that you never know who will stop by The Sunset Strip, The Roxy Theatre recently hosted a Q&A discussion with music industry vanguard Clive Davis. The titan shared anecdotes from his new memoir The Soundtrack of My Life, in a poignant discussion moderated by longtime friend Tom Sturges (executive vice president and head of creative for Universal Music Publishing).
 
Davis reflected on an unfathomable career, having discovered and signed the likes of Whitney Houston, Janis Joplin, Simon and Garfunkel, Barry Manilow, Carlos Santana, Aretha Franklin and Alicia Keyes, just to name a few.
 
Attempting to elaborate upon such a storied career in the span of only 90 minutes proved almost futile for Davis, whose life has been filled with so many notable milestones and achievements—winner of five Grammy Awards, member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a lifelong commitment to numerous humanitarian efforts—that the brief discussion could have lasted well into the next evening.
 
According to Davis, his main motivation behind penning the bio was to “dispel the myth of the stereotypical record executive and emphasize the philanthropic” efforts, citing fellow industry titan David Geffen as another example of another philanthropic music industry veteran who continues to give back to organizations and the arts.
 
Appropriately, the night ended with Davis reflecting on his most celebrated discovery, Whitney Houston, who Davis debuted to the world in the very room he was now addressing.  
 
 
 
 
Hardcover copies of Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of My Life are available at Book Soup (8818 Sunset) for $30.  www.booksoup.com
 
Photos courtesy of Genie Sanchez.
 
 
 
 
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Fun, Free Nights On The Sunset Strip! (That’s No Joke)

Who said that free and fun should be mutually exclusive? A host of Sunset Strip venues and businesses are doing their best to bring you free and affordable nights of fun each and every week. So you can save your money for the bar (or the taxi ride home) and party with us!

 
 
#Free #Comedy
Follow The Comedy Store on Twitter (@TheComedyStore) and receive inside info on free entrance nights. It’s the best value in town! www.thecomedystore.com
 
Book Smart
Every night of the week Book Soup hosts an amazing authors as they present and discuss their newest works. Betty White, Clive Davis, Gene Simmons, Oliver Stone, Kathy Griffin and Demitri Martin are among those who have stopped by recently to share stories and present their books. Additionally, actor and comedian Jeff Garlin hosts a quarterly book club at the store. The events are free to attend, space pending. www.booksoup.com 
 
Greatest Tribute Bands
Get ready to sing along when you check out the best of the best tribute bands at The Roxy every Monday night through May 20! The free concerts are part of an AXS TV series and include upcoming performances by Early Elton John (April 15), DSB Journey Tribute (April 22), Back In Black AC/DC Tribute (April 29), Wild Child The Doors Tribute (May 6), Queen Nation (May 13) and Damage Inc. Metallica Tribute (May 20). Tickets are free, but are first come, first served and available via Eventbrite. 
 
Get Some Soul
Voodoo Lounge at House of Blues gets a little soul every Tuesday night from 8-11 p.m. as part of their newly launched “Soul Night.” DJs will spin soul and Motown hits while you enjoy drink specials and dance the night away. This all ages event is free to attend. www.hob.com/losangeles  
 
Comedy Con Margaritas
Pink Taco is expanding their offerings with a new weekly night featuring some of L.A.’s top up-and-coming comedians as well as drop-ins by established pros. The Tuesday night Sunset Standup comedy showcase is hosted by Jay Davis (HBO/“Tosh.0”) and takes place in the restaurant’s exclusive third room ballroom. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. and entrance is free. And just to stretch that dollar a little further, Sunset Standup also coincides with Taco Tuesday, which means two-for-one priced pitcher of margaritas for you and your amigos. www.facebook.com/pinktacosunset 
 
Desert Nights Acoustic Showcase
One of the top destinations on The Sunset Strip every Wednesday night is the long-running Desert Nights acoustic showcase at The Standard, Hollywood. KCRW DJ Valida curates the weekly event, which features three acts performing a set in the Cactus Lounge. The vibe is warm and intimate, evoking an impromptu jam in a musician’s living room. The music begins at 7:30 p.m., and it’s always free to attend. www.facebook.com/TheStandardHollywood 
 
Get Your Kicks 
They’re fashionable, artsy and 100% rock and roll. Join members of Semi Precious Weapons as they curate “High Kicks” at Skybar every Wednesday night, because you’ve always wondered what happens when you mix outrageous rock and roll personalities, art, fancy cocktails and a pool. The party kicks off at 9 p.m. with music by DJ Kristina Kova. Entrance is free but RSVP is required to SkybarLA@MHGC.com.  www.facebook.com/mondrian 
 
 
 
Photos: 1. Desert Nights at The Standard, courtesy of The Standard; 2. Betty White at Book Soup, courtesy of Genie Sanchez; 3. Skybar at night, courtesy of Mondrian. 
 
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Get Your Irish On: St. Patrick’s Day Guide!

You have your obligatory “Kiss Me I’m Irish” pin, assorted green clothing items and designated driver ready to go. Now you just need a plan. Lucky for you The Sunset Strip has multiple party options – all within walking distance – for you to enjoy. AND even better, the party kicks off Saturday! So go ahead, everyone gets to be Irish at least one (or two) days out of the year.

 

Second Annual St. Patrick’s Day Block Party at Rock & Reilly’s
Party Saturday, March 16 at Rock & Reilly’s second annual St. Patrick’s Day Block Party. The party kicks off at noon and features eight full bars, four beer trucks, three food trucks, Joe’s Pizza, special guest DJs, photo booths and games. Tickets available now at the bar for $15 or $20 day of the event at the door. The Block Party will benefit Pencils of Promise, which creates schools, programs and global communities around the common goal of education for all. www.rnrpub.com

 

Pre-St. Patrick’s Day Party With Mickey Avalon at Viper Room
Start your St. Patrick’s Day weekend with Mickey Avalon on March 16. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 for this 21 and older show. www.viperroom.com

 

Three Days of St. Patrick’s Cocktails at RH Bar
In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, Andaz West Hollywood is featuring two specialty cocktails and a dessert, all in Irish spirit. The featured menu will be available March 15-17 in RH Bar and includes:

  • Luck o’ the Irish Ice Cream ($10) with candied pecan ice cream, drizzle of walnut liquor and a shot of Jameson whiskey.
  • Irish Fire Truck ($5) a 5 ounce pour of Fireman’s Brew Brunette with a Jameson and walnut cordial shot.
  • Irish Manhattan ($10) with Sino (Jameson aged tequila), a dash of sweet vermouth, cherry and orange rim.

 

Bag Pipes And Drink Specials at Cabo Cantina
Cabo Cantina is going Irish for the night, with bag pipes, giveaways, 99-cent Coronitas, “Leprechaun” and “Shamrock” shot specials and their famous happy hour with two-for-one priced drinks from 4-8 p.m. as well as 10 p.m. – midnight. www.thecabocantina.com

 

St. Patrick’s House Party at House of Blues Sunset Strip
Get lucky at the biggest St. Patrick’s Day party in L.A.! Three floors o’ fun, free admission, live bands and DJs, Irish drink and food specials, giveaways and go-go dancers. For free tickets, RSVP to houseparty@livenation.com. Doors open at 4 p.m. Ages 21 and older, only. www.hob.com/losangeles

 

Corned Beef & Cabbage Tacos, Drink Specials at Pink Taco Sunset Strip
It’s an all-day celebration at Pink Taco on March 17. Corned beef and cabbage tacos, Irish car bombs, pot o’ gold drink specials and free chips and salsa for everyone wearing green.

 

"Irish Olympics" at The Den
The Den kicks off its festivities on Saturday, March 16 and continues through Sunday. Enjoy drink specials, food specials and Irish DJ. Doors open at 3 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. on Sunday. www.thedenofhollywood.com