A Weekend For Kids in OC

JFK said, “Children are the world's most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.” This weekend you can do your American, and familial, duty to cultivate these precious "resources" and expose them to some really fun and intellectual local events.

1. Irvine Global Village Festival

Sat 2nd, 10am - 6pm @ Bill Barber Park, Irvine

Bring the world to your children's fingertips at Orange County's LARGEST multicultural festival! The festival represents 50 countries and entertains over 13,000 guests who come to enjoy the food, music, and entertainment. The festival is kid and family friendly offering hands-on art projects, games, puppet shows, and activities in a giant, interactive Kids Village.

2. 49th Annual Sandcastle Contest

Sun 3rd, 10am - 4pm @ Corona del Mar State Beach

Let your kids exercise their artistic skills by taking them down to Corona del Mar to take part in this Orange County tradition. Whether they're building a sandcastle hands on, or practicing their artistic critiquing skills, it's bound to be a good time for everyone! Did I mention there will be cash prizes? The perfect segway to give your kids a little lesson on how hard work pays off - or for the losing parties, the value of good sportsmanship! Sign up forms are on the website. You can turn them in on the day of the contest starting at 9am.

3. 17th Annual Irvine Mighty Rubber Ducky Derby

Sun 3rd, 11am @ Wild Rivers Waterpark, Irvine. 

This needs little explanation to spark excitement: 15,000 rubber duckies floating down a lazy river in a race to the finish while you're cheering on your duck from the Nairobi Express water slide. That's right, participation in the Rubber Ducky Derby gets you into the waterpark for free! Purchase one duck for only $10 and you get a day free. You can't beat that. PLUS it's for a good cause. Every duck purchased raises money for the Children's Bureau's child abuse prevention programs. As if this weren't enough incentive to attend, the event also includes prizes, including a 2011 Nissan Versa and a chance to win a MILLION DOLLARS!  

- Amy

Listening to: The Cranberries' "Linger"

This Weekend: Project Bandaloop!

 

Sometimes I wonder if I'm the only person left in OC who hasn't seen Cirque Du Soleil. Is it true? Have you, like me, still not seen (what I presume to be) the magical, fantastical spectacle the lovely traveling team sets in motion before wowing oohing-and-ahhing audiences worldwide? Well, pocketbook restrictions interfered in my attending Cirque Du Soleil's much-anticipated Kooza appearance at the OC Great Park this year, so imagine my sheer joy and sweet relief upon hearing about Project Bandaloop.

Oh, what? You haven't heard of Project Bandaloop? Someone's not been reading the Events page in The OC Gazette....(by the way, that links to October's events, so you'll have to trust me that September's page did indeed list P.J.). Tsk tsk. Well, no matter - allow me to tell you now:


Project Bandaloop is one of the most unique contemporary dance companies in the world, and is reappearing at the OC Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa to repeat their 2007 "Fall for Dance" performance, where they wowed the audience by propelling dancers off and across the exterior walls of Segerstrom Hall. Truly taking dance to unheard-of heights, this dance company blends dance, sport, ritual, and environmental awareness that is unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

Project Bandaloop will be scaling the walls of the Center this Thursday, 
Friday, and Saturday nights at 8:30 pm, and the event is free to the public. 
Bring your blankets and beach chairs and enjoy an unforgettable evening 
under the stars. This event will be Project Bandaloop's world premiere of 
Id Ego with original music composed by Dana Leong.

Click here for Project Bandaloop's website.
Click here for OCPAC's web page for event info.

I'll be there tomorrow night - say hi if you see me!

-Blythe
in my ear buds: The Union Line's "New Song #1"

The Vintage San Juan Capistrano

One event you won't want to miss this October is the 14th Annual Vintage at Mission San Juan Capistrano. If you've never been, you've never lived. I once scoffed at paying $75 to go to what I thought was just a big taste test. Well folks, it's never felt so good to say, "I was wrong." (Cue Social Distortion's "I Was Wrong.") $75 is such a good price for the plethora of food, drink, and entertainment you get at this event. There is a live band, dancing, a silent auction, and food from some of the best restaurants in Orange County. Plus, the ticket includes $25 of poker chips to use at the casino tables that are set up around the perimeter of the event. I had no idea I was missing out on so many amazing restaurants until I tried them at last years Vintage event! Not only this, but I met so many fun people from around Orange County. Young, old, all were in attendance and having a great time.

It's not too late to buy tickets. Just click here for more information.

If you see us there, stop us and say "hi!" Don't think we're rude if we talk to you with a mouth full of food. The event is only 4 hours long and we plan on taking advantage of every minute, which means multitasking.

When: October 16th, 2010 6-10pm
Where: The Mission San Juan Capistrano

-Amy
On my blip.fm: Ryan Adams and The Cardinals' "Mockingbird"

Fall 2010 Runway Presentation at Saks

For all you fashionably aware out there, don't miss the 2010 Fall Trend Runway Presentation at Saks Fifth Avenue on October 1st at South Coast Plaza. The invitation is above. I am SO ready for sweaters and boots weather!

- Amy
On my iTunes: Black Sabbath's "Changes"

Mission Viejo Readers Festival

The OC Gazette will be at the Mission Viejo Reader's Festival again this year, so don't forget to stop by our booth and say hello. Why should you go? Oh, only because some of the greatest authors of our lifetime will be in attendance and speaking. Here are two author presentations we can't wait to see:

1. UCI alum Alice Sebold will be one of the Festival's big headliners. If her name doesn't ring a bell, then you haven't been paying attention! She's the author of Lovely Bones the New York Times Best Seller that was recently made into a feature film under the direction of Peter Jackson (Lord of The Rings) with the help of an all star cast including Mark Wahlberg, Susan Sarandon, Rachel Weisz and Saoirse Ronan. 

2. Also featured at the Festival this year will be Laura Ling and her TV journalist sister, Lisa - co-authors of Somewhere Inside: One Sister’s Captivity in North Korea and the Other’s Fight to Bring Her Home. The book chronicles the saga of Laura's imprisonment in a North Korean labor prison for illegally entering the country while trying to film a documentary all the way through to her release due to the enormous effort of her sister Lisa. 

For a full list of authors, visit the Mission Viejo Readers Festival website here. For the presentation schedule, click here. We'll see you there!

- Amy

On my iTunes: Regina Spektor's "Samson"

This Weekend in OC

Taste of Newport:
 

I promised you guys yesterday that I'd post more foodie events, and look! I've come through, haven't I? Over 30 restaurants, 15 wineries, live cooking demos, live entertainment and music at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. The festivities began today and continue through Sunday. Need I say more? Well, I will anyway: The Taste of Newport features some of the area's best restaurants. Food tastes range between $1 and $7. Entry tickets are $25 and get you access to the food, drink, and general hubbub. You'll then be given an "escrip" card to load with money to spend on food. This keeps things simple and cashless at the food booths. Any money leftover on your escrip card can be retrieved before you leave the event. Call (949) 729-4400 or visit the Taste of Newport website for more info.


Irvine Railroad's 5th Annual Pumpkin Patch (opens tomorrow!): 

Here's a fun one for the whole family! Train rides, a haunted house, carnival games, a pumpkin patch, something called a "moon bounce," and more! Train rides start at 10am - click here for a 2 for 1 coupon for train rides, coupons for discounts on boat rentals, bike rentals, pumpkins, and more! Call (714)997-3968 or visit their website for more info.


Donavon Frankenreiter at the OC Great Park in Irvine:

Laguna Beach singer songwriter Donavon Frankenreiter will be playing at OC Great Park tomorrow night (Saturday) at 8pm.
"With a voice like a warm summer breeze, Frankenreiter has often been compared to his surfing musician friend Jack Johnson, which he doesn’t mind at all, though he stressed to one interviewer, 'We’re totally different people coming from the same place.' Born in Downey, Frankenreiter began surfing when he was growing up in San Clemente, where there’s also a long tradition of surfers getting together on the beach with their guitars and ukuleles. He continues to divide his time between the two, saying it keeps both fresh for him."
The show is free but parking is $10, so consider carpooling! Also, arrive early- there's a pre-concert stand up comedy lineup beginning at 7pm!Questions? Call: (949) 724-6247


SC Open Skate & Surf Contest:

This annual event will take place over two days this weekend. On Saturday, the 10th annual skate contest will take place at the Ralph's Skate Court on La Pata. On Sunday, visit the SC Pier for the 3rd annual Shortboard Surf Contest. The SC Open skate-surf contest promotes San Clemente's local boarders while raising funds for the Beaches, Parks & Recreation Foundation. Visit the SC City website for more info.

NFL Pepsi Punt, Pass, & Kick Competition:

Visit Marina Hills Park in Laguna Niguel on Sunday at 12pm for this free event where kids ages 6 to 15 can show off their football skills. Top finishers in each age/gender division will advance to the Sectional Competition. Register online, or just show up to watch the competition. Visit the NFL PPK site for more info.


Memphis at the Santora's Backyard BBQ:

You know, the one I blogged about yesterday? Well, click here to jog your memory. Or scroll down.
Keywords: Sunday, $10 BBQ plates, $3 beers, $4 sweet tea cocktails, and 4 DJs!



Mars & Stars Event at Irvine Regional Park:

Another one I blogged about earlier this week. Click here for the full post and all the deets.
Keywords: Saturday, NASA, Mars exploration, spacecraft, free after 5pm!


Ahi Extravaganza:

And, yet another good one I posted about several days ago.
Keywords for this one: Sunday, sushi, open bar access, dessert, surprise guests! Also, making a special appearance and signing autographs will be Chester Bennington from Linkin Park. The best part is, a generous portion of each ticket sold goes to Someone Cares.

Are you guys getting the point? The point is: THERE IS SO MUCH FUN STUFF HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND! Don't sit at home and twiddle your thumbs; get out and seize this awesomeness while you can! ;)

Have a great weekend Orange Countians! Let us know which event(s) you choose to go to! Send us your pics and we'll post 'em online!

-Blythe

on my iTunes: Andrew Bird's "Fake Palindromes"

Backyard BBQ at Memphis

 

Confession: I'm a major foodie. I love food- whether it's a cobb salad or pad see ew. I love the colors, the textures, the smells, and -of COURSE- the tastes. You have to admit that in Orange County we're blessed with a striking variety of tastes; you can find authentic Mexcian, Thai, Indian, Japanese, Vietnamese (pho, anyone?), Chinese foods- indeed, any type of food, it seems, is within a short drive.

I actually would like to take this opportunity to apologize to you, dear readers, for not posting more about OC fooding opportunities on The OC Gazette blog. 

To rectify the situation immediately, I present to you a chance for a finger lickin' tastygood time: This Sunday, September 19th, Memphis at the Santora will be hosting a Backyard Barbecue- for only 10 bucks, you get a plate of BBQ goodness, and for $3 or $4 more, you can add a beer or sweet tea cocktail(!), respectively. To top of the scene, not one, not two, not even three but FOUR DJs will be present to spin some tunes. Does it get any better than this? No, tell me: does it get better? If it does, tell me how and I'll blog about it pronto because, so far this, is as good as it gets- and it is so good. !!

Here are the details, for those of you who skip straight to "the facts" in our blog posts (shame on you! You miss all our witty anecdotes and the occasional pop culture reference):

Location: Memphis at the Santora
Address: 201 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Date: Sunday, September 19
Time: 3-8pm
Details: $10 BBQ Plates, $3 Beers, $4 Sweet Tea Cocktails and groovy tunes by Bobby Soul, Danny Love, Cocoe and Hyder.

You might want to bring a bib and a Wet One! Happy fooding! 

-Blythe

on my iTunes: "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond

5 Local Bands at the House of Blues Anaheim

Even if you missed this month's F**k Yeah Festival in L.A., it's not too late to say it (!!): Coming to our very own House of Blues Anaheim next week is a killer lineup of local bands. On Friday, September 24th, Secret Chief Management presents a super 5-band lineup:

This is the first Secret Chief show at the House of Blues in Anaheim, and it's sure to be a good one! The schedule and lineup is as follows:

8 pm: Railroad To Alaska
8:45pm: The Vespertines
9:30pm: Dynamite Walls
10:15pm: Stereofix
11:15pm: Italian Japanese (from LA/OC/SD and getting some spins on KROQ)

And now, a word on some of the five bands.

Starting with Railroad to Alaska, OC Weekly writer Danielle Bacher called them "rowdy and unpredictable. After listening to LuckyBearClawDoom, the band's expertly crafted EP released in February [2010], it's easy to understand why singer/ guitarist Justin Suitor might feel so much pent up anger. It's difficult balancing the music's rigid structure intersecting grunge, hard rock, metal and progressive energy."

 [Railroad to Alaska art]

Next up is The Vespertines, a Long Beach band that, according to their Twitter, "wants to brighten your day." And, with comparisons to early No Doubt tracks being made, they're sure to do just that. At times funky, at times jazzy, and always fun, they're sure to put on a good show.

 [The Vespertines]

Dynamite Walls is another band to watch- they recently signed to Universal Republic Records. A quick excerpt from PureVolume describes the San Diegan quintet:

"Led by frontman Tom Pritchard, Dynamite Wall's sound reflects the diversity of the band. Beatles, U2, Coldplay, DCFC; the comparisons have been made. Sometimes building upward, sometimes reaching inward, Tom's soaring melodies accompanied by Alex Blundell's tasty leads evoke the reflective contemplation sought by poets. Allan Bates and Paul Kimmel complete the band and needless to say Dynamite Walls is on the verge."

[Dynamite Walls]

Also playing is Stereofix, winner of the 2010 OCMA's Best Alternative Band Award. These guys have been compared to rock n' roll's finest (U2, The Killers, Coldplay), and the praise is certainly deserved. They've opened for Everclear, had their catchy tunes used in MTV reality shows, and this is just the beginning for these guys.  OC Weekly's Nate Jackson said it best, “Casting nets of effects-laden guitar, modern-rock gloss and radio-ready appeal, Fountain Valley quartet Stereofix seem poised for major-label courtship.” 

[Stereofix]

Last but certainly not the least, Italian Japanese. According to ReverbNation, "their sound- although compared to the likes of The Killers, Death Cab for Cutie, Phoenix, Interpol, MGMT, etc- has a uniqueness that makes them identifiable among the masses of similar genre. Italian Japanese's debut release titled The Lush, Romantic Weirdness...is a variety of melodic, dance-style (yet stirringly soulful) tunes, contagious, and bound to captivate the new listener."

[Italian Japanese]

There you have it, folks! Like I said: a killer lineup! So do it to it and get your hineys to the HOB next Friday at 8pm!

For ticket info, visit the House of Blues online. Tickets start at only $12.50!

Mars & Stars Event this Saturday!

Ok guys. This is a cool one! For those of you who love space, robots, jets, technology, and science (hello, everyone): This Saturday, September 18th, NASA- ever heard of those guys?- NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and OC Astronomers will continue a new series of educational public programs showcasing various missions to Mars. Different OC Parks have hosted these events throughout the summer and this is the last one, so you don't want to miss it!

Irvine Regional Park provides the setting for the final event of the series. At 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 18th, JPL will present the Mars Science Laboratory Mission, scheduled to launch in the fall of 2011. This is part of NASA’s Mars Exploration Program, a long-term effort of robotic exploration of the red planet. Woah. Big time goose bumps. The RED PLANET? Yes! A presentation on the exciting new mission technology will be delivered and a 1/5 scale model of the space craft will be displayed (!!). The OC Zoo and Irvine Park Railroad will even be remaining open until dusk for extended family activities.

The event is FREE and will include presentations by JPL scientists, children’s crafts, and stargazing presented by OC Astronomers. Just for the night, parking at the park is free after 5pm! So arrive after 5pm and your whole night is free!

Visit Mars and Stars for the perfect family adventure through the galaxy at OC Parks.

September 18th, 6 p.m.
Mars Science Laboratory Mission
Location: Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869
Website: http://www.ocparks.com/irvinepark/
Cost: FREE, with free parking after 5pm
RSVP Suggested: (714) 973-6835

-Blythe

on my blip: Andrew Bird's "Oh No"

Strange Fruit Productions

I am blessed to be surrounded by some seriously talented friends. One such friend is Tony Tancredi, drummer for OC band The Union Line (who are heading out on tour with the Local Natives in a matter of days) and one half of the dynamic duo that makeup Strange Fruit Productions. Tony's partner in crime at Strange Fruit Productions is all-around music enthusiast Kyle Koller. It's only natural that from talented people spring ingenious ideas, and ingenious is just what Strange Fruit Productions is. 


What is Strange Fruit Music you ask? A new website whose objective is to make sweet, sweet music that the world can get it's grubby hands on for free. I told you it was ingenious. Strange Fruit is based out of Tony's garage (a serious understatement as the garage is a refurnished swingin' bachelor pad with red velvet sofas and a serious recording set up that would make all you music nerds out there completely geek out), and is basically just a bunch of musicians hanging out and jamming together. Bands and artists will come together and record live versions of songs or covers that are then posted on the site for people to download for free. The site has already featured popular local acts such as J. Thoven (formerly of Janu and The Whalesharks), Jameson, and Dahga Bloom - and they don't plan on stopping there. Strange Fruit is going to take the nation by storm. Tony and Kyle intend to host traveling acts as well. I interviewed the tenacious team behind Strange Fruit about their new and exciting endeavor and here's what they had to say:

Can you give us the trailer for what Strange Fruit is?
Strange Fruit Music is a website for people to discover new talented bands and artists. A place where you can watch live performances, download songs, read the blog and its all free.

How did it come about?
We live in a house filled with musicians, it's safe to say we're surrounded by it 24/7. We wanted to do something cool and give people like us a place to find new music.

What exactly does the name “Strange Fruit” mean?
It's a Billie Holiday song. We were trying to come up with a name for our new baby when the song came on and someone said, "You should call it Strange Fruit Music," and it just stuck. The song has a pretty dark meaning; we just really liked the name.

If Strange Fruit were in fact a fruit, which one would it be and why?
Probably an orange, its good for you and easy to get!

Tony, you’re the drummer for The Union Line and yet you’re helping promote all these other bands and helping to get them heard. Isn’t it rare for musicians to be so friendly with each other? Aren’t you all rivals for the next available record deal?
I just want to share good music with other people who love good music. I think bands who "get along" with other bands do well.

You’ve got an insane amount of gear in your garage studio that serves as Strange Fruit HQ. Do you have a gold plated Guitar Center Credit Card? 
Actually, all that gear you see in the videos is just stuff we've accumulated over the years. Except our piano, we got that off Craig's List for free! Not to mention that Kyle works at Jim's Music so anything else we need is pretty easy to get.

Where would you like to see Strange Fruit go? Got a 5 year plan?
We're trying to build up a local following right now but we definitely want to continue to grow with the times. I could see us eventually getting involved in other forms of media, outside of the internet, to promote good music.

What’s been your favorite Strange Fruit session so far?
Honestly, every session has been really fun and the music has all been great. We did a session with a band called Dahga Bloom from Fullerton; they filled the studio with plants and other random things from outside the house. It was cool to see them change the vibe of the room to fit their music. Check them out!

Do you want to keep this mainly a local thing, or would you like to see bands from other places and bigger national acts come through and jam with you guys?
We've already had a few out of state bands come through. We just posted our session with The Devil Whale (Salt Lake City) and we just recorded a band called Archeology (Portland). But yes, it would be great to get more national acts in the studio.

Who do you want to try to get into the studio next?
We'd like to get more touring bands in the studio. It's fun hanging out with people from other parts of the country.

Best new local band out there?
There are so many great local bands right now and we've had the opportunity to record many of them already. Lesands (San Diego) caught our ear immediately. They were one of the first bands we recorded and we were really impressed with how good they were for being such a new group.

Official drink of recording sessions?
The bands get to the house around 11 am so... there's usually a lot of coffee.

Your life’s theme song?
The intro to Darkwing Duck.

Top 3 favorite records of all time?
There's tons of music out there. We listen to a lot...

Paul McCartney or John Lennon?
Heads or tails.

Lakers or Clippers?
Lakers. But that's mostly 'cause we like watching the riots on the news after they win a championship.

Meaning of Life?
www.strangefruitmusic.com

Why should people check out Strange Fruit Music?
Why wouldn't you want to watch free videos of great bands you'll grow to love? Oh and FREE DOWNLOADS! ;)



Strange Fruit's uber cool studio space:

[Photo copyright Blythe Hill]

[Photo copyright Blythe Hill]

[Photo copyright Blythe Hill]

[Photo copyright Blythe Hill]

[Tony manning the soundboards. Photo copyright Blythe Hill]

[Photo copyright Blythe Hill]

[Tony Tancredi (left) and Kyle Koller (right) with Pavla Dlab and Jameson in the studio. Photo copyright Chris Camargo.]

Head over to Strange Fruit and peruse the plethora of amazing free downloads- You won't regret it! You can email the guys over at Strange Fruit at strangefruitmusic@hotmail.com with any questions or friendly comments. You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with all the free music and upcoming sessions.


- Amy
On my iTunes: The Rolling Stones' "Honky Tonk Woman"

Submit a Caption!

Have you noticed our "The Bloggers" sidebar on this page? Well, yesterday Amy and I discussed ideas to reinvent it. I have a new haircut, after all, and Amy...well, there are a lot of pretty pictures of Amy, and they all deserve a fair shot, right?

The problem is, when it came to looking for potential pictures, we were a bit shorthanded on "serious" ones. The ones our mums and grandmums would be proud of. There was, however, a surplus of goofy pictures that our families would be less than thrilled about. I'll show you just what I mean.

This is what we came up with:

Less than flattering, right? While we're the fun-loving type that don't take ourselves too seriously, we also realize that this sort of silliness is just what make our readers question our credibility (and indeed, our sanity). So, instead of posting this as our new "The Bloggers" banner, we decided to post it here and encourage you guys to comment with your caption ideas! Simply post a comment with your caption idea, with the "box number" in front of it. Here's a "map" to show you the box numbers:

Example:

Box 2: "Hello, fabric gods? I'm listening!"

Don't be shy - Have at it! To add some pizazz to the whole thing, when you leave your comment, we'll automatically enter your name in next Monday's Moocher Monday giveaway (prize to be announced...but it's gonna be a good one)! Just leave an email address where we can contact you if you're the winner. Huzzah!


-Blythe
on my blip: The Union Line's "Pearls"

Ahi Extravaganza

For this super-awesome upcoming event, I think I can best inform (read: tantalize) you by listing a few carefully chosen keywords: celebrities, sports stars, ahi hors d'oeuvres, gourmet sushi entrees, cocktails, open bar (hello), premium desserts, coffee bar, silent auction, valet parking. Are you sold? Is your mouth watering like mine is? Good. Everything I've listed is what will be offered at the Geisha House in Santa Ana on Sunday, September 19th, for The Ahi Extravaganza. Simply purchase a ticket on their site and you get all this - a sushi dinner, cocktail, open bar access, dessert, coffee bar access- all the while brushing elbows with some big whigs and "surprise guests!"Also, making a special appearance and signing autographs will be Chester Bennington from Linkin Park. The best part is, a generous portion of each ticket sold goes to Someone Cares, a Costa Mesa based nonprofit soup kitchen and kids tutoring organization. The event will help the Someone Cares to raise funds to feed the hungry in Orange County. Your donation is tax deductible. Call (949) 548-8861 for more info.

Time to break out your dressy duds and party with a purpose!

-Blythe

on my blip: Feist's "When I Was a Young Girl"

Tall Ships Festival in Dana Point this Weekend!

This weekend, the Ocean Institute is hosting the 26th Annual Toshiba Tall Ships Festival at Dana Harbor in Dana Point! On September 10th - 12th, there will be real, working tall ships, filled with blacksmiths, scrimshaw artists, and the infamous Port Royal Privateers. Explore Ocean Institute's efforts to protect local watersheds through hands-on labs and art activities, get up-close and personal with some sea creatures (including sea stars, jellies, rays, and an octopus). New this year, your child may participate in a "Friendly Pirate School." Humor your child's suppressed dream to be a pirate and watch as he or she learns to talk like a pirate, walk like a pirate, and sing like a pirate! Ahoy matey!

Explore the majesty and wonder of tall ships through the smells (yep), sounds, and sights of real, working tall ships. Interactive living-history encampments including blacksmiths, scrimshaw artists, and the infamous Port Royal Privateers.

Grass Park activities, Chantey concert, art & crafts show, food court, living history encampments and vendor area are all FREE and open to the public. There will also be face painting, gold panning, knot tying, interactive demonstrations, and storytelling. For additional fees, you can purchase Pirate Adventure Passes, Parade tickets, Parade Escort Cruise tickets, Cannon Battle Cruise tickets, and more.

Take the whole family and make a day of it!

Arrrrrr you with me?

-Blythe
on my blip: Jenny Lewis' "You Are What You Love"

NB Jazz Series to feature saxophonist David Sanborn on Sept 10

Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Summer Jazz Series Features One of Greatest Saxophonists of All Time: David Sanborn on September 10

The Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Summer Jazz Series continues with Grammy award-winning David Sanborn performing this Friday, September 10 at 8pm in the Hyatt Regency's outdoor amphitheater.

 [the man with the plan: David Sanborn]

Revered the world over as one of the greatest saxophone players of all-time, David Sanborn is an artist whose music has inspired countless other musicians while creating a body of work that spans the genres of rock 'n' roll, R&B, pop, and jazz. A naturally gifted performer, David has helped defined the saxophone’s modern sound while influencing a generation. With 24 solo albums released since 1975, Sanborn’s latest CD “Only Everything” was released earlier this year. He has performed with incredible musicians including Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor, Stevie Wonder, The Eagles, and more. His work can be heard on a number of albums with music superstars including Billy Joel’s “An Innocent Man,” Steely Dan’s “Goucho,” for Carly Simon, and Elton John to name a few.


With 15 consecutive weeks of live jazz concerts, the annual Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Summer Jazz Series is the longest running jazz series in the country. Through October 1st a diverse collection of jazz musicians will entertain audiences in the intimate outdoor amphitheater, surrounded by a serene and lush landscape, at Hyatt Regency Newport Beach.  Following are the remaining show dates and performers:

• Sept. 10                                David Sanborn
• Sept. 17                                Spencer Day and Jake Shimabukuro
• Sept. 24                                Euge Groove with Special Guests Paul Brown & Marc Antoine
• Oct. 1                                   Peter White

Ticket prices range from $40 to $95 and can be purchased at www.SummerJazzSeries.com or by calling the box office at (949) 729-6400. Dinner packages, reserved seats, sky boxes, and overnight accommodations are available.  

Jazz it up, folks!

-Blythe
on my iTunes: St. Vincent's "Actor Out of Work"

OC Fashion Illustrator Danny Roberts

There is certainly a lot to be excited about lately. Sometimes, I just can't take it. For instance, in this month's issue of The OC Gazette, we spotlight a local fashion illustrator Danny Roberts. Danny has created stunning illustrations for the likes of Gwen Stefani, Forever 21, Lancôme, and many more. And we were able to nab his time to answer our questions!

[one of Danny's designs for Forever 21]

See what I mean? Stunning. And I keep seeing his stuff popping up places, beautifying new items and space. For example, I recently realized that this popular sidebar icon for the blog-reader site Bloglovin' is one of Danny's illustrations,

Danny also has a YouTube channel with a bunch of cool videos of his artistic process, like these two,





Visit Danny Robert's website, blog, or YouTube channel.
Read our article on Danny Roberts on The OC Gazette website.

Happy September everyone- and happy Friday! TGIF!

-Blythe

on my blip: Simon & Garfunkel's "Keep the Customer Satisfied"