Sorry to bust some myths, but The Sunset Strip does boast more than a few affordable parking options. The City of West Hollywood launched the newest public parking lot on Dec. 22. Located at 9056 Sunset Boulevard, on the southeast corner of Sunset Boulevard and Doheny Drive, and is in close walking proximity to the Key Club, Talesai, Rainbow Bar & Grill and The Roxy Theatre. The lot is open daily from 8 a.m. – 2:30 a.m. with rates of $1 per hour.
So, that plan to knit everyone on your holiday shopping list wool sweaters didn’t work out as planned. Don’t panic. We’ve got you covered with gift ideas that range from deals to splurges. And with these unique items and experiences being offered by Sunset Strip businesses, everyone on your list will still feel like you personally selected each gift especially for him or her. And as a double bonus, many items can be purchased online and shipped directly to you, so no need to deal with those $25+ checked bag fees.
This month, Sunset Strip businesses are getting in the holiday spirit by hosting special events benefiting a range of local charities. In addition to getting that warm, fuzzy feeling for supporting a good cause, some of the participating businesses are also giving extra perks back to the giver in the form of shopping discounts and complimentary drinks. Who said good deeds go unnoticed?
One of the most influential and pivotal keyboard players in rock music, Ray Manzarek has continuously performed in one incarnation or another since co-founding The Doors in 1965.
On his new collaborative effort with guitarist/producer Roy Rogers, Manzarek continues doing what he does best: pounding out bluesy, jazz-inspired key riffs, accompanied by the words of America’s great modern day existential poets. Manzarek shared the stories behind this new collection of songs, reminisced about his early days with Jim Morrison and The Doors on The Sunset Strip and explained the term “chicken wing.”
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Special events, parties, shopping discounts, charity benefits and more almost every day of the month. The best part? No eggnog or family drama.
A handful of independently owned Sunset Strip businesses are hosting "Black Friday" sales and events today. Stop by and stock up on holiday gifts while spreading good cheer.
Code C Toy Drive & Sale
Receive a 30% discount on all coats during “Black Friday” on Nov. 25. Code C is also hosting a toy drive through Dec. 10. Proceeds from the toy drive will benefit Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Select items also discounted 30-70%. Free parking behind the store for customers. www.codecusa.com
With so many options for delicious dinners, charity events and post-holiday shopping sales, it’s easy to give thanks on The Sunset Strip this year. So whether you’re a Southern California native or a holiday orphan, stop by this week and indulge in the best that Thanksgiving has to offer.
WineDown Wednesday @ RH Bar
Wind down before the holidays at Andaz West Hollywood’s “WineDown Wednesdays” on Nov. 23. Enjoy music from The Playlist Generation DJs, $7 appetizers, $7 glasses of wine and $7 select cocktails. Additionally, valet parking is priced at $7 during the event. 7-9 p.m. on Wednesdays. www.rhrestaurant.com
Earlier this month, the hardest working man in rock, Butch Walker, took a breather from his busy schedule of recording and producing to pop into The Sunset Strip’s fabled reading room Book Soup.
Throngs of young fans braved the frosty winter weather for a chance to spend an intimate evening listening to Walker’s words and lyrics, as he signed copies of his new memoir Drinking With Strangers.
With his endearing Southern drawl, Walker regaled stories about his early hair metal days on The Sunset Strip, took numerous fan requests during a lengthy acoustic set, and played host to a Q&A session until his fans finally ran out of questions.
–Brent X Mendoza
Best known as the stick-wielding hurricane behind L.A. greats Sabrosa Purr, Mahsa Zargaran has been quietly crafting her own beautifully dark and melodic tunes that are finally seeing the light of day under the pseudonym Omniflux.
The Iranian born musical prodigy wrote, recorded and produced all her own tracks – eerily dark and complex soundscapes reminiscent of bands like Bats For Lashes, Portishead and even composer Clint Mansell. An admirable accomplishment for any musician, but what’s even more impressive is the fact that Zargaran had little to no exposure to any rock/pop music until moving to the States at age 15.
With the release of an online EP, and an artfully surreal new video, this “female force to be reckoned with” has been catching a rapidly growing buzz among L.A.-based tastemakers and bloggers with a sound that is truly innovative, unique and strikingly emotive.
Get ready to make your bid! On Saturday, Dec. 3, the larger than life, 10-foot-tall art guitars that have lined The Sunset Strip for the past year will be auctioned for charity, with proceeds benefitting the Los Angeles Youth Network, which provides outreach, food, emergency shelter, transitional living and educational enrichment programs for homeless adolescents; West Hollywood Arts & Cultural Commission to further support public art and artists on The Sunset Strip; and the West Hollywood Library. The auction will take place at Julien’s Auctions Beverly Hills Gallery (and online at www.julienslive.com) beginning at 2 p.m.
GuitarTown on The Sunset Strip is a public art exhibit celebrating the people and places that have shaped the legendary music boulevard. More than 20 ten-foot Gibson art guitars have lined the 1.6-mile boulevard since August 2010.
