Culture Crash Course at OCMA

[Lawrence Schiller, Tippi Hedren and Alfred Hitchcock, Los Angeles, 1962]

Alright, we both know you're long overdue for your dose of cultural enrichment. But don't worry, I've got just the thing for you. OCMA has an exhibit going on through October 3rd called "15 Minutes of Fame: Portraits From Ansel Adams to Andy Warhol." As the name obviously infers, the show covers a wide and varied range of photographers and styles: early modernism, the 1930s to 1960s, photojournalistic street photography, and contemporary portraiture. It's like a crash course to get you up to speed on all the culture you've been missing out on!



- Amy
On my Blip.fm : Neko Case's "Pretty Girls"

15 Minutes of Fame: Portraits From Ansel Adams to Andy Warhol

Exhibit: Goes through Oct 3rd

Museum hours: Wednesday - Sunday - 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Thursday - 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Location : OCMA,  850 San Clemente Drive, Newport Beach, California 92660
Admission : Adults - $12, 

      Students (w/ valid ID) & Seniors (65+) - $10, Children under 12 - Free
      Members - Free
      Second Sunday of the Month - Free

September is California Wine Month

Until very recently, I didn't know that September is California Wine Month. There's an idea! Even though OC may not be sprawling with vineyards, we sure do appreciate some good vino, don't we? A PR friend of mine (a valuable friend in my line of work) tipped me off about it recently, and informed me about some great deals to post for you readers. La Casa Del Camino, Laguna Beach Inn, and Hotel Menage will be offering "Sip, Sand, and Save" packages in honor of California Wine Month. Here are the deets (click on the hotel names to visit their websites):  

1) Sip, Sand and Save— The Hotel La Casa Del Camino, 
Laguna Beach
Located in the heart of Laguna Beach, La Casa del Camino Hotel is celebrating California Wine month by offering a getaway just steps from the sand.  Enjoy a suite from the renowned Casa Surf Project and a special CA wine themed dinner for two featuring carefully selected California Wines paired with delicious entrees from Chef Craig (voted Top Chef in Orange County 2010) at the hotel’s famed K’ya Bistro.   
Casa Surf Suite Sun-Thurs: $269, and Fri-Sat: $369 (Savings of $60.00)

2) Sip, Sand and Save— Laguna Beach Inn, Laguna Beach
Located in a prime stretch of Laguna Beach, the Laguna Beach Inn is celebrating California Wine Month with premier rates for a vacation by the sea.  With the Laguna Beach Inn Sip, Sand and Save package, guests enjoy an overnight stay plus includes breakfast for two at K’ya Bistro and a complimentary bottle of CA wine. 
Available Sunday - Thursday: $139 (Savings of 25% off)

3) Sip, Stay and Save—Hotel Ménage, Anaheim

Stay at Hotel Ménage, located steps away from Disneyland®, and Sip, Stay and Save on your next California vacation.  Hotel Ménage is celebrating California Wine Month with this exclusive package featuring an overnight stay in our Standard Room and complimentary bottle of CA wine. Featured amenities at Hotel Ménage include modern stained concrete floors, dramatic eleven-foot ceilings, ambient lighting, cozy sitting area, over-sized custom desk, and state-of-the-art 42” high-definition plasma television.

Sun-Thurs: $99, Fri-Sat: $109 (Savings of 20% off)

Happy sipping, sanding, and saving!

-Blythe

on my iTunes: Andrew Bird's "Nomenclature"

A Tale of Two Kings

Tucked in the trees in Garden Grove's historic center lies the Festival Amphitheater, where this and every summer talented actors perform some of Will Shakespeare's best plays. Last month, Shakespeare Orange County featured the lighthearted romp “Two Gentlemen of Verona,” filled with love triangles, laughs, and even a really adorable dog (I hear he's a union actor.) For nine performances in September, the theater takes a serious turn as it presents “King Lear,” a tragedy considered one of Will's best.

The title character will be played by Dennis Krausnick, a well-known theater guru and a founder of Shakespeare & Company: located in Massachussetts, the company is one of the country's most prestigious. Other actors include Evelyn Carol Case, Carl Reggiardo, Kim Blair-Shively, Michael Nehring, and Ryan Shively. Against the late-summer sky, the actors perform their roles in the outdoor theater unamplified and with a thorough knowledge of the work, making for an intimate experience. I've been lucky enough to see a few of Shakespeare Orange County's plays, and as a non-scholar I've been amazed at how understandable and moving the Elizabethan English is when performed by great actors.

After the show, you may need some cheering up (It is a tragedy, after all). Head just down Main Street to the Azteca Mexican Restaurant for an experience fit for a king... or rather, the King. Azteca Mexican Restaurant is home to the Crooner's Lounge, an over-the-top bar devoted to none other than Elvis. With a phenomenal kitschy collection dedicated to the King, you'll swear you're in Graceland. On Thursday nights, the lounge hosts “Drink and Draw,” when local artists come out to work on their projects while sipping beer in the cushy booths. The lounge also hosts a serious karaoke crowd on the weekends, has generous and sweet bartenders, and happens to be where the thespians like to imbibe post-show, so you'll likely rub elbows with some of the actors.

“King Lear” will be performed every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night at 8 p.m. from September 2nd to 18th at the Festival Amphitheater in Garden Grove. Friday, September 3 is the official opening night and will be followed by a wine and cheese reception. Tickets are $32 general admission and $30 for students and seniors. Purchase tickets online at seatadvisor.com. For the budget-conscious, stop by for “Pay What You Will” Thursdays, where you can treat yourself to top-notch Shakespeare for a donation of your choosing.

Check out the Facebook event or the Shakespeare Orange County web site for more details. See you there!

-Alex

in my earbuds: Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs-  "Repo Man"

OC Gazette Photographer On The Rise

I love how Guy Richie films always involve a colorful cast of characters with the greatest nicknames you wish your schoolyard friends had been clever enough to give you. Today I am bestowing upon our good friend (and great photographer) Gary B. of Tourbuslive.com the honorary Guy Richie-an nickname of Gary "The Giant". Why is this honor bestowed? Well, Gary is not only a contributing photographer to The OC Gazette now (and a 6' 5" tall one at that), but also the proud contributor of some fine photographs to The Grammy Museum Sound Stage in LA for use in the exhibit "Instruments of Art." Yeah, as in The Grammys, Grammy Museum. As in U2 have 22 of them. Gary took photos for the article Jill (his partner in crime to form the duo that is Tourbuslive.com) wrote on the Grammy Sound Stage for our July 2010 Issue. The Museum was so impressed with the images that they asked Gary to use them in their brochures and upcoming exhibit. Don't you think that's grounds for an endearing pet name? Check it out and give Gary "The Giant" a high five if you see him.

- Amy
On my iTunes: The Who's "We Won't Get Fooled Again"

[ Gary's name in lights - er - print. Still exciting! ]

[ Gary with one of his beautiful shots. ]

[ Speaking with the exhibit admirers. ]

[ Another Gary original at the exhibit. ]

Foodie Fest & Patchwork Craft Fair this Saturday!

This Saturday, it will be here at last: The OC Foodie Fest. Bringing you gourmet meals on wheels, tunes from some awesome local bands (Dusty Rhodes and the River Band, The New Limb, and Honeypie, to name just a few), some hip moves from dance crews The 2auce Project, Team Breed of Boogiezone, Team Millenia and The Beat Freaks, featured on MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew (ABDC). 

There will also be kids entertainment from Pretend City, DJs, a beer and wine garden and more! Did I mention it's for a good cause? All proceeds will go to charity!
As if all that weren't enough, there will also be a Patchwork Craft fair/festival to peruse (maybe buy some birthday presents, or, if you're really on top of things, holiday gifts)!

Check out the OC Foodie Fest's website for more info! You can also read our interview with James Foxall, the mastermind behind the Foodie Fest, by clicking here! Hope to see you there!

-Blythe

on my pandora: Grizzly Bear's "Two Weeks"

Sunset Junction Recap

 August 21st and 22nd celebrated 30 years of the Sunset Junction Fair, Silverlake’s favorite neighborhood street festival. The anniversary weekend brought together thousands of the eclectic and hip to watch performances by over 70 artists on five stages scattered across the east end of Sunset Blvd. Saturday’s lineup presented the likes of Bad Brains, Fishbone, Ghostland Observatory, Shiny Toy Guns and Dawes while Sunday showcased the dreamscapes of Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, Lee Scratch Perry, Sam Sparro and Crystal Antlers to name a few. The street meat was in full force with over sized sausages and bacon wrapped dogs of all spices and origins, served alongside some fair favorites including churros, funnel cakes, frosty freezes and candied caramel apples. A few spinning carnival rides, arcade games, and a Ferris wheel further entertained. Just the people watching alone was well worth the $20 ticket price, with proceeds benefiting Sunset Junction area youth programs.

Some photo memories from Sunday at the 30th Annual Sunset Junction Street Fair:

 [Everyone’s favorite KROQ street team ninja, Julio Maldonado, representing the newest station sticker]

  [The Ferocious Few from San Francisco proved that you don’t need a stage to rock]

 

 Silverlake shop ReForm School popped up a “Compliment Booth.” Apparently the free compliments on Sunday were not nearly as popular as the free high fives they threw out on Saturday.

  I was fortunate to run into OC photographer extraordinaire, Mary Bell, at the Fold Edgecliff Stage right as Long Beach’s Crystal Antlers kicked off. Photo of Crystal Antlers in action courtesy of Mary Bell Photography.

Johnny Bell of Crystal Antlers (and coincidentally, brother of photographer Mary Bell) delivered a powerful performance, even while blinded by the setting sun. This was the band’s first ever performance at Sunset Junction. After their Fold/Edgecliff performance they bolted up the street to perform a second show. Catch them at Buskerfest in Long Beach on August 28 before they head into the studio to record their next album. Photo courtesy of Mary Bell Photography.

LA’s funk-soul-disco invasion known as Sam Sparro put on a colorful performance. Johnny Bell of Crystal Antlers noted Sparrow’s show as his ultimate 2010 Junction moment. 

Photo Courtesy of Mary Bell Photography.

-Ashley Eckenweiler

Warped Tour Review

Vans Warped Tour, North America’s longest running annual touring festival celebrated a sweet sixteen anniversary this year. The punk rock extravaganza launched June 25, 2010 at Carson’s Home Depot Center. Forty-three stops across the country later, the tour culminated on Sunday, August 15 at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Hillsboro, Oregon. 3OH!3, Andrew W.K., Dropkick Murphy’s, Mike Posner, Sum 41 and some of Orange County’s favorites- The Adolescents, Agent Orange, Fast Forward Romance, Longway, Manic Hispanic and Reel Big Fish- include just a few of the hundreds of bands on the 2010 lineup. I was lucky enough to catch two stops on the whirlwind tour – June 27 at Ventura County Fairground at Seaside Park and August 11 at the Pomona Fairplex.

They say a picture's worth a thousand words; if that's the case, these ones are worth at least 6,000 words. Here are a selection of photos from my experience with this year's Tour:

[Vans music and marketing guru, Kurt Soto, representing the anarchy]

[Andrew W.K. and all his friends performing on the main stage at Pomona Fairplex]

[The AP Magazine family hanging tight]

[Tazy Phyllipz of The Ska Parade with Luke Allen, Producer of OC Music Awards]

[Kevin Scoles of Ernie Ball with Automatic Love Letter bassist Clint Fowler]

[Warped Tour 2010 fashion statements]

 Thanks Warped Tour! Happy 16th and I'll see you next year!

-Ashley Eckenweiler

Billy Kernkamp at South Coast Plaza

[Billy Kernkamp. Photo By Joe Lyman]

Summer Concert at South Coast Plaza Village
Friday, August 20 from 5-10 p.m.

Presenting 2010 OC Music Award Best Live Acoustic Winner Billy Kernkamp with Barrett Johnson, Melanoid, and Justin Grennan and The Project

WHAT: South Coast Plaza Village presents a summer evening with Orange County's best up-and-coming musicians. Benefiting local nonprofit Music For A Cure, which brings the healing power of music to ill children, the concert will feature OC Music Awards recognized artists such as country/Americana singer-songwriter Billy Kernkamp (performing with a full band), folk singer-songwriter Barrett Johnson (performing with a full band), alternative rock group Melanoid, and soulful/R&B outfit Justin Grennan and The Project. The outdoor concert will have food and beverages available for sale. Guests are encouraged to bring beach chairs or other easily portable seating items. There will also be a beer and wine bar for 21+.

Doors Open: 5 p.m.
Show: 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Ages: 18 years and up
Tickets: $5 - available at the event

WHEN: Friday, August 20, 2010 5:00 – 10:00 p.m.

WHERE: South Coast Plaza Village
Corner of Sunflower and Bear (Behind Room & Board)

About Music for a Cure:

Music for a Cure is a non-profit organization founded in 2002 by a few members of Sugar Ray, in remembrance of Ryan Michael Bates who at the age of 16 lost his battle against cancer. As a result of Ryan’s illness he was unable to be physically active so he focused his attention on music. After seeing the positive impact music had on Ryan’s life it was realized that there must be thousands of children just like him who could benefit in the same manner. Therefore Music for a Cure was started and began providing children with quality musical instruments, supporting music therapists and music therapy programs at local children's hospitals.

Pampered Chef Pampered Treatment

Today we had a lovely surprise at the office. Homemade Cupcakes. Delivered. With a side of flowers. Who's our suitor? Jamie Mead, our friendly neighborhood Pampered Chef rep and OC Gazette advertiser! Jamie is so sweet. She's also an amazing cook. Mainly because she's got all the right tools and kitchenware. It's her business. She sells Pampered Chef cookware and bakeware that make preparing meals easy, efficient, delicious and oh-so-pro looking. "Food is a common ground, a universal experience," says Jamie. I think we can all agree that some of the best heart-to-hearts, laughs, and bonding happen over meals with friends and family. And that's why Jamie is passionate about the products she sells. Meals shared together are becoming a long-lost tradition, sadly. Time and effort are scarce in people's schedules today. That's why Jamie is a champion for kitchen tools that can save time and effort and revive the long-lost shared-feast. "You can use Pampered Chef kitchen products to help find common ground in your kitchen again." A chef and a poet. Doesn't get better than that.

[Showcasing the delicious goods]

Jamie has a deal for the month of August through The OC Gazette:

Now you can get your favorite Pampered chef products without hosting a party. Just call Jamie at 949-697-4513 to redeem the coupon or receive a catalog. You can peruse the products on her website at www.PamperedChef.biz/JamieCooksForU.

Cheers,

Jen

On My iPod: Rolling Stones' "Ruby Tuesday"

Lakers 2010-11 Season: Overview

Get excited! The Lakers 2010-11 Schedule is here.

Another year of high-flying acrobatics from Shannon;

Another year of crazy antics and what-did-he-just-say tweets from ole' Ron Ron; 

Another year of D-Fish buzzer beaters and clutch 3's; 

Another year of terrifying sounds and faces out of Pau while he tears up the post with baby-faced Bynum; 

Another year of Lamar "The Long Arm of The Law" Odom;  

Another year with the KLOSER of all game closers, Kobe Bryant; 

Another year with the game's greatest coach, Phil Jackson; 

And hopefully another year that ends in June, not April, with the Lakers lifting the Larry O'Brien trophy proud and high with another Championship banner to hang in the Staples Center rafters. 

-------------------------------

It's not just what Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak has been able to retain this season that we're excited about (hi-five Mitch), it's also the anticipation of a few new changes:

We said goodbye to the friendly giant from Congo, DJ Mbenga;

Professional bench warmer Adam Morisson and his don't-trust-this-guy-alone-with-your-kids 'stache are gone as well; 

LA-native Jordan Farmar signed with the NJ Nets (I'll be looking for cameos on Jersey Shore) and corn-row-sporting Josh Powell is off to Atlanta too; 

We gladly said hello to our former tattooed rival Matt Barnes who will proudly wear the purple and gold (Picture above: remember this moment?); 

Veterans Theo Ratliff and Steve Blake have also inked their names on the dotted line, further strengthening the Lakers bench; 

Draft picks Derrick Caracter and Devin Ebanks will also get a chance to show us what they're made of;

 And hopefully the resetting of my favorite Slovenian, Sasha Vujacic, back to his 2009-10 glory days that we saw a glimpse of at the end of the NBA Finals last year. 

It's going to be a great season. Check out the 2010-11 Schedule and start planning accordingly! (Sorry Granny, Christmas presents with the family will have to be delayed until after we watch Kobe and the Lake Show take on The Three Musketeers of Miami.) It even includes a preseason stop in Orange County at the Honda Center to take on the Utah Jazz.

-Amy
On my Blip.fm station: Jamie Cullum's "Rocket Man"


Lakers Schedule

October

PRESEASON OC GAME: Tuesday, Oct. 19 vs Utah, 7:30 p.m. @ the Honda Center, Anaheim

Tuesday, Oct. 26 vs Houston, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 29 @ Phoenix, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 31 vs Golden State, 6:30 p.m.

November

Tuesday, Nov. 2 vs Memphis, 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 3 @ Sacramento, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 5 vs Toronto, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 7 vs Portland, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 9 vs Minnesota, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 11 @ Denver, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 14 vs Phoenix, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 16 @ Milwaukee, 5 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 17 @ Detroit, 4:30 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 19 @ Minnesota, 5 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 21 vs Golden State, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 23 vs Chicago, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 26 @ Utah, 6 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 28 vs Indiana, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 30 @ Memphis, 5 p.m.

December

Wednesday, Dec. 1 @ Houston, 5:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 3 vs Sacramento, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 7 vs Washington, 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 8 @ LA Clippers, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 10 @ Chicago, 5 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 12 @ New Jersey, 10:00am

Tuesday, Dec. 14 @ Washington, 4 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 15 @ Indiana, 4 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 17 @ Philadelphia, 4 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 19 @ Toronto, 10:00am

Tuesday, Dec. 21 vs Milwaukee, 7:30 p.m.

Sat Dec. 25 vs Miami, 2 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 28 @ San Antonio, 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 29 @ New Orleans, 5 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 31 vs Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.

January

Sunday, Jan. 2 vs Memphis, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 4 vs Detroit, 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 5 @ Phoenix, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 7 vs New Orleans, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 9 vs New York, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 11 vs Cleveland, 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 12 @ Golden State, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 14 vs New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 16 @ LA Clippers, 12:30 p.m.

Monday Jan. 17 vs Oklahoma City, 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 19 @ Dallas, 6 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 21 @ Denver, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 25 vs Utah, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 28 vs Sacramento, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 30 vs Boston, 12:30 p.m.

February

Tuesday, Feb. 1 vs Houston, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 3 vs San Antonio, 7:30 p.m.

Sat Feb. 5 @ New Orleans, 5 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 7 @ Memphis, 5 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 10 @ Boston, 5 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 11 @ New York, 5 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 13 @ Orlando, 12:30 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 14 @ Charlotte, 4 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 16 @ Cleveland, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 22 vs Atlanta, 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 23 @ Portland, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 25 vs LA Clippers, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 27 @ Oklahoma City, 11:30am

March

Tuesday, March 1 @ Minnesota, 5 p.m.

Friday, March 4 vs Charlotte, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 6 @ San Antonio, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday, March 8 @ Atlanta, 4 p.m.

Thursday, March 10 @ Miami, 5 p.m.

Saturday, March 12 @ Dallas, 5:30 p.m.

Monday, March 14 vs Orlando, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, March 18 vs Minnesota, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 20 vs Portland, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, March 22 vs Phoenix, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, March 25 vs LA Clippers, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 27 vs New Orleans, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 31 vs Dallas, 7:30 p.m.

April

Friday, April 1 @ Utah, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 3 vs Denver, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 05 vs Utah, 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 6 @ Golden State, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, April 8 @ Portland, 7 p.m.

Sunday, April 10 vs Oklahoma City, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 12 vs San Antonio, 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 13 @ Sacramento, 7:30 p.m.