Paper Crane Folding Event to Support Japan

To help raise hope and spread awareness for the victims of the recent Japanese earthquake and tsunami, Segerstrom Center for the Arts and the Philharmonic Society of Orange County are hosting an origami paper folding event on Tuesday, April 19 from 5 – 9 p.m. in the lobby of the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. The community is invited to learn to fold and make paper cranes, with the ambitious goal of creating 1,000 cranes. In Japanese culture, the crane is a symbol of hope, luck and prosperity and folklore says the act of folding 1,000 cranes grants a wish. The completed cranes, with our wish of health and recovery for the Japanese people, will be sent to cultural arts organizations in the affected areas of Japan.

The paper folding event coincides with a concert by the internationally acclaimed Tokyo String Quartet in Samueli Theater. Members of the Tokyo String Quartet and Japanese Consul General Junichi Ihara are expected to be on hand to participate in making cranes. The ensemble is performing as part of the Philharmonic Society’s JapanOC, a festival being held in partnership with Carnegie Hall to explore the fascinating diversity of Japanese and Japanese-American arts and culture. While by no means necessary, donations for Japanese relief efforts will also be accepted at the concert.

The public is invited, and origami paper will be provided.

-Blythe
on my iTunes: Chris Brown's "Yeah 3x"

Grilled Cheese

As you may already know, April is National Grilled Cheese Month. What you may not know is that James Beard nominated chef, John Cuevas of the crow bar & kitchen, serves up daily renditions of a classic grilled cheese sandwich all day, every day! Just ask for ‘Today’s Grilled Cheese Sandwich’ to find twists on the favorite comfort food dish. 

A few of Chef Cuevas’ unique grilled cheese sandwiches of the day include:

• Monterey Jack and Gorgonzola, Cremini Mushroom on Wheat Bread Grilled Cheese (pictured above)
• Smoked Mozzarella and Provolone with Selection of Cured Meats and Spicy Mustard on Wheat Bread
• Smoked Mozzarella and Grilled Zucchini, Heirloom Tomatoes and Olive Mayo on Country Bread
• Aged Cheddar and Braised Short Rib, Pickled Onion Aioli on Potato Bread
• Danish Havarti and Crispy Pork Belly, Haas Avocado, Caramelized Onion on Sourdough Bread

So, grilled cheese lovers looking for somewhere to celebrate the month of cheesy-gooey-goodness in Orange County, stop by the crow bar & kitchen.

the crow bar & kitchen
2325 East Coast Highway
Corona Del Mar, CA 92625
949.675.0070 | www.crowbarcdm.com

-Blythe
on my grooveshark: Fleetwood Mac's "Say You Will"

Japan Benefit at Kona Gallery in SC

It's been a month since the devastating 9.0 earthquake and deadly tsunami hit Japan. The fallout is still being felt worldwide. International Medical Corps, ZUMA Press, DOUBLEtruck Magazine, plus over two dozen merchants in San Clemente area have teamed up with the KONA Gallery and Photojournalism Workshop Center to throw a benefit for the victims. The benefit will auction and raffle off over $100,000 worth of goods and services.

This Saturday, April 16th, Kona Gallery in San Clemente is hosting a silent auction and raffle to raise money for the victims of the Sendai area earthquake and tsunami. The event will be from 6p.m. until 9p.m. All are welcome to participate in this cause and to be apart of a silent auction/raffle and general event to remember and benefit the victims.

Scott Mc Kiernan, owner of The KONA Gallery and Photojournalism Center, has generously donated all of the Limited Edition DOUBLEtruck Magazine prints in the current exhibition of 29 Seeing Double Exhibition, the 20x30 prints are framed in museum frames, valued at $1,500 each, to be auctioned off, totaling over $43,000.

Some awesome San Clemente companies have contributed to the silent auction: Del Mar Beauty Supply/Salon Bamboo, Chin’s Acupuncture, 5 Elements Spa, Sonny’s Pizza, The Cellar, Peligroso, Pizza Port, Bliss Boutique, San Clemente Wine Co, Beachfire, Skullcandy, Rainbow, Casa Tropicana, Nick’s, Hobie, Asana Fit, First Team Real Estate, Runmore, OltreMare, OC Tykes, Beach City Florist and St. Roy at Vine.

100% of the proceeds will go to Japan, through International Medical Corps and ZUMA Press's Tokyo Bureau.

For more information about the silent auction and The KONA Gallery, contact Rebekah Colby at (949) 481-3747 or email Rebekah@TheKONAGallery.com.

-Blythe

on my grooveshark: The Shivers' "Beauty"

Olive Crest's Annual Harvesting Hope Event

I had the opportunity to attend Olive Crest's annual gala on March 19th- the Harvesting Hope for Kids event at Newport's Big Canyon Country Club. I went last year just before we printed a spotlight on Olive Crest. The Olive Crest Foundation has transformed the lives of over 50,000 abused, neglected, and at-risk children and their families in Orange County. Olive Crest is truly one of the most inspiring nonprofits in OC. 


At this year's Harvesting Hope For Kids event (which is an annual gala and fundraiser), we had the pleasure of watching Chef Fabio of Top Chef give a cooking demonstration. I got the chance to meet Chef Fabio personally (and have him sign a copy of his cookbook for me!), and he is so nice (and hilarious) in person. 

He was a great addition to the night's events, which also included a silent auction, a live auction, an opportunity drawing, more food and wine than you could imagine, and a cupcake bar!

Casey's Cupcakes provided the goods- from cupcakes to cake pops- that got us all salivating. Casey's Cupcakes just opened a location in Laguna Beach, by the way! Here I am with my friend Samira, enjoying a cupcake (or two) from Casey's Cupcakes:

Check out Olive Crest on their website (one simple way to help is by registering your Ralph's card- it's free!)
and read our article on Olive Crest here.

-Blythe

on my iTunes: Bon Iver's "Brackett, WI"

A few fun ideas for the weekend

Hershey Felderr: Monsieur Chopin - Starts tonight and runs through 2/27 at Laguna Playhouse's Moulton Theater. Created by the same team that brought George Gershwin Alone to life, Monsieur Chopin begins at Fryderyk Chopin’s salon at 9 Square d’Orléans in Paris. Monsieur Chopin will teach a piano lesson that actually took place on March 4, 1848, just days after the February 1848 revolution. As the piano lesson unfolds, he reveals secrets about the art of the piano and composition, as well as secrets about himself. Considered by his contemporaries, and now by history, as the true “Poet of the Piano,” Monsieur Chopin features some of the pianist-composer’s most beautiful and enduring music. Tickets start at $30. Call (949) 497-2787 for more info.

Second Year MFA Art Review - Starts tonight and goes through 3/4 at UCI's Art Gallery and Room Gallery. Grad students exhibit original works. FREE admittance! Call (949) 824-9854 for more info.

Macbeth - Begins tonight and runs through 2/26 at Chapman University's Waltmar Theatre. Not recommended for kids (which makes it a bit more appealing, does it not?) Tickets $15-20. Call (714)744-7087 for more info.

Love 'em and Leash 'em - This Saturday! See our post below (or by clicking here)

There's a few ideas to keep you preoccupied and happy this weekend!

-Blythe

on my iTunes: St. Vincent's "Actor"

Things to do this weekend in OC: 2/10-13

I don't want to hear any complaining that there's nothing fun to do in Orange County - not this weekend, of all weekends! There's so much happening! I've put together an abridged list of some fun things happening starting tonight through Sunday night- from live music to theater to kids' events! Check it out:

Feb. 7th-13th: the Laguna Beach Music Festival
Laguna Beach Music Festival is a week-long event in scenic Laguna Beach, California, presented by Laguna Beach Live! and the Philharmonic Society of Orange County. Dedicated to artistic excellence and innovation, each Festival stars prominent and promising musicians in a variety of activities to attract both the casual listener and the aficionado, who share space in the Festival’s intimate, human-scale venues.

Through Feb. 20th: A Midsummer Night's Dream at South Coast Repertory
>Led by the wildly inventive director Mark Rucker, off go four young lovers into The Woods on a midsummer evening—when strange and wonderful things are likely to happen.  This shimmering Shakespearean fantasy features the antics of supernatural creatures—the fairies led by Oberon and Titania and, of course, the impish Puck, who creates chaos in the night.  But what fun to join in the dream, knowing that by daylight all will be well in a mystical, moon-drenched masterpiece. Read our review of it here!

Thurs, 2/10: Valentine's Day with Natalie Cole
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, an “Unforgettable” concert featuring the incredible Natalie Cole, backed by a full symphony orchestra. Warm, tender and heartfelt, her singing preserves the treasured standards made famous by her father, while adding her own touches of jazz, swing, soul and pop.

2/10: The Who's Tommy
The Who’s Tommy is a roof-raising musical explosion based on The Who’s 1969 concept album. This exhilarating story of hope, healing and the human spirit is filled with iconic hit songs like "Pinball Wizard," "See Me, Feel Me," "Acid Queen" and more. Pete Townshend’s Tony Award-winning tale of a young boy’s journey from pain to triumph is the most electrifying evening of rock and roll ever to play in a theatre!

2/10: Fitness Hike in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
8:30am to 10:45am
Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this difficult, strenuous and fast-paced, 6.82-mile hike (700-ft. elevation gain) over very steep, uneven terrain with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. $2 donation per person. Ages 15 and up.
Reservations required: 949-923-2235.
Ridge Park Staging Area (Newport Coast Drive to Ridge Park Rd east to end; meet at the gate.)

2/10: Tideland Tykes
10:30-11:30am at Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center in Newport. Join Preserve staff for a fun-filled parent and child experience that may include arts and crafts, story telling, hands-on activities or outdoor nature walks. Come prepared for an exciting outdoor experience! $5 per child, parking is free. Please call (949)923-2275 or email unbic@ocparks.com to register (required).

2/11 through 2/27: Lucky Duck at SCR
The Ugly Duckling meets “American Idol,” with music by the composer of Dreamgirls! This rollicking riff on a favorite fairy tale begins in the barnyard, where things aren’t going so well for a waterfowl named Serena. She’s got great pipes but is lacking in the looks department, so off she goes to the big city where she lands a wolf agent and gets a fabulous make-over.  But as her journey toward superstardom progresses—with help from her animal friends (including a few that step in from other fairy tales)—Serena discovers that fame is only feather deep.

2/12 Caspers Campfire Program
7-8pm at Caspers Wilderness Park in San Juan Capistrano. Come join a Ranger for an hour of fun and learning about Caspers Wilderness Park. Their Campfire Program may include a slide presentation, wilderness safety, games, and activities for children, animal adaptations, skins and skulls, a live animal demonstration, and a chance to visit the Nature Center. Ages 12 and up with adult supervision. Free to attend, $5 to park. Call (949) 923-2210 for more info. All ages welcome.

2/12: ABC Pilates Open House
Lynne Curtin from the Real Housewives of OC with be giving a trunk show of her jewelry, purse, and bedding line at ABC Pilates. Come visit for wine, choclate, specials, and meet the owners of Fitness Inside Out, Loredana Yoga, OC Skincare, and Lashes. During the open house, ABC Pilates will be offering a FREE 50 minute work out class that incorporates TRX, Ballet Barre, Mat Pilates, Zumba, and Yoga. Sign up for your spot in the class- space is limited! Email info@abcpilates or call 949-305-3310 for more info.

2/12: Hubbard Street Dance Chicago at the Irvine Barclay
8pm. Hubbard Street Dance Chicago has been invited back to the Barclay nearly 20 years to the day after its first performance here during the theatre’s first season. Since then, the company has evolved into one of the "cultural treasures” of its dynamic home town. In addition to the skilled proficiency of its two-dozen dancers and its first-class production values, HSDC possesses one of the finest and most extensive repertoires of any American company. Tickets $25 and up.

2/12 & 13th: Villa Rockledge Valentine's Celebration
1-5pm both days. Spend Valentine's in style at the historic Villa Rockledge in Laguna Beach. Stroll the terraced grounds of the oceanfront estate as you sip a signature cocktail and indulge in gourmet appetizers. Guests are invited to explore the estate on a private tour and see the exquisite architectural details while learning the history of this beautiful home. $35/person, $75/couple. For tickets call (949)715-6950 or buy online at villarockledge.com.


2/13: Caspers Nature Hike
9-10am at Caspers Wilderness Park in SJC. Join Park Rangers for an easy 1-mile hike on their nature trail. The trail takes visitors through grassland, oak woodland, riparian, and sandy cactus scrub communities. A wide variety of plant and animal life is found in these areas. Free to attend, $5 to park. All ages welcome. Call (949)923-2210 for more info.

2/13: Music For Lovers
Goldenwest College's Chamber Singers and Early Music Ensemble present Music For Lovers. Performance will be held in Forum II: Room 101. Admission $10-12. Call (714) 895-8150

Happy weekending! :)


-Blythe


on my iTunes: The Arcade Fire's "Keep the Car Running"

Tuesday Nights at Forest Lanes

Forest Lanes in Lake Forest has a reputation for offering all sorts of fun- from their karaoke nights to beer pong nights to cosmic bowling to Friday nights with a live DJ. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, their Quartermania Special (after 8 pm) involves a $7 entrance fee and then each game is only 75 cents. Not only that, but pizza slices are 75 cents, and beer is $2.

Also, every Tuesday night, from 5pm to 9pm, various food trucks gather at the Forest Lanes parking lot.

"On the night I went the following trucks were present: Calbi, Seabirds, Crepes Bonaparte, Barcelona on the Go, Taco Dawg and a few others I can't remember off the top of my head," says Riche of Laguna Beach. "The great thing about this event are the short lines, the ability to bring your food into the bowling alley to dine on their tables (even in the bar where they have drink specials), the overall choice of various trucks and the fact that there's plenty of free parking."

Enjoy this veritible rolling food court while it lasts!

Also, visit this link to fill out a short form to receive two free bowling passes!

Forest Lanes is located at
22771 Centre Drive
Lake Forest 92630

Call (949) 770-0055 for more information.

-Blythe
on my iTunes: Death Cab's "Different Names For the Same Thing"

A Midsummer Night's Dream at South Coast Repertory

Lovers in the woods, the mischief of fairies, a royal wedding, and the tragicomic play of labor workers. All this and more is bundled up in South Coast Repertory's production of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.

"Led by the wildly inventive director Mark Rucker, off go four young lovers into The Woods on a midsummer evening—when strange and wonderful things are likely to happen.  This shimmering Shakespearean fantasy features the antics of supernatural creatures—the fairies led by Oberon and Titania and, of course, the impish Puck, who creates chaos in the night.  But what fun to join in the dream, knowing that by daylight all will be well in a mystical, moon-drenched masterpiece."


The main action of the play revolves around four lovers who suffer, in various way, from the perils of I love him, but he loves her, and she loves another him, and he loves me. We've all been there before. Things get really murky (and hilariously so) when the fairies of the forest (here portrayed as a band of gypsy-like pajama party-ers looking to cause mischief and steal clothing off the lovers one article at a time) meddle in the humans' affairs with potent love potion from a flower struck by Cupid's arrow. This results in a scantily clad group of befuddled young people trying to make sense of the sudden changes in affections. What fickle lovers we mortals be!

[Nick Gabriel, Kathleen Early, Dana Green and Tobie Windham in South Coast Repertory's 2011 production of A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare.  Photo by Henry DiRocco/SCR.]

Meanwhile, the fairy king and queen, Oberon & Titania, are experiencing a relational dilemma of their own. Oberon is angry with Titania for taking possession of an Indian boy whom she refuses to give up to be Oberon's henchman. Queen or not, to defy the king is not kosher in this fairy kingdom. To get back at her, Oberon has his assistant, Puck, put the aforementioned love potion into Titania's eyes, setting her up to fall in love with the first beast or animal she sees when she wakes.

[Elijah Alexander and Susannah Schulman in South Coast Repertory's 2011 production of A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare. Photo by Henry DiRocco/SCR.]

While all this heavy love and fairy action is taking place, a group of common laboring men are rehearsing a play to present to the Athenian king and queen- Theseus and Hippolyta- at their upcoming wedding reception. This ragtag group of dudes provides much (but certainly not all) of the comedic relief of the play. Keep your eyes out for Hal Landon, Jr., who you should recognize as Scrooge from SCR's annual production of A Christmas Carol.

[(l. to r.) Hal Landon Jr., Richard Doyle, Patrick Kerr, William Francis McGuire, Michael Manuel and John-David Keller in South Coast Repertory's 2011 production of A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare. Photo by Henry DiRocco/SCR.]

[(l. to r.) John-David Keller, Patrick Kerr, Michael Manuel, Richard Doyle, Hal Landon Jr., and William Francis McGuire in South Coast Repertory's 2011 production of A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare. Photo by Henry DiRocco/SCR.]

Back to the fairy king and queen's marital tiff: Puck comes upon the rehearsing laborers and transforms the central actor, Bottom, into a donkey. Well, he turns his head into the head of a donkey. Many jokes regarding asses ensue. Titania awakes and falls for Bottom, who has the head of an ass, and Oberon's plan to humiliate her is well underway.

[(clockwise from bottom left) Dylan DoVale, Ryan Jones, Jaycob Hunter, Jordan Bellow, Rudy Martinez, Emmett Lee Stang, Susannah Schulman, Jennifer Stang and Patrick Kerr in South Coast Repertory's 2011 production of A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare. Photo by Henry DiRocco/SCR.]

Without giving away much more of the story, I'll simply say that what follows is nothing short of hilarious and well-played by all involved. At the end of the play, when most play-goers settle into a comfortable lethargy at the story's resolution, this story stirs its viewers into fits of laughter for the funniest scene of all.

[Richard Doyle and Patrick Kerr in South Coast Repertory's 2011 production of A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare. Photo by Henry DiRocco/SCR.]

Also, in this unique and intriguing production of the classic play, the fairies at times burst into dance and song set to psychedelic soul music. And why shouldn't they? I'd do the same thing if I were a fairy, methinks.

[Susannah Schulman in South Coast Repertory's 2011 production of A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare. Photo by Henry DiRocco/SCR.]

All that to say, you simply won't want to miss this one. Each actor shines in his/her own right, and the individual charms and quirks of each fit swimmingly into the play's action, making it a stunning production overall.

For tickets or further info, visit SCR's website.

-Blythe

on my iTunes: Feist's "1 2 3 4"

Little Red Dress Cocktail Party

The only thing better than a great night out with girlfriends or your main squeeze is a great night out in honor of an incredible cause. Tomorrow, February 4th, The St. Regis Monarch Beach is celebrating with a Little Red Dress Cocktail Party at Michael Mina's Stonehill Tavern featuring a selection of delicious and heart-healthy menu items and the newly unveiled, exclusive Rose Petal Martini. A portion of proceeds from the signature Go Red For Women items will benefit the American Heart Association (AHA). And the best part is that all attendees who wear any piece of red clothing in honor of National Wear Red Day will receive a complimentary Rose Petal Martini!

Guests and locals are invited to continue the celebration in the Lobby Lounge and to make a night of it with A Time for Pleasure, offering 20% off stays. Rate code: PLEASURE.

When:             Friday, February 4, 2011

                        6 – 10pm

                       

Where:            STONEHILL TAVERN

                        The St. Regis Monarch Beach

                        One Monarch Beach Resort

                        Dana Point, CA  92629

Admission to the Little Red Dress Cocktail Party is complimentary.  For dinner or resort reservations, please call 1.800.722.1543 or visit www.stregismb.com.

For more information about the Little Red Dress Cocktail Party, Jenn Myres, Amie Rubenstein or Courtney Geesey at Glodow Nead Communications, 415.394.6500 or jenn@glodownead.com

-Blythe

on my blip: Jenny Lewis & the Watson Twins' "Happy"

Mile Square Regional Park Presents the 2nd Annual Monarch Butterfly Day

Visit Mile Square Regional Park this Saturday, February 5th, from 10 am to 2 pm for the 2nd annual Monarch Butterfly Day.

Children and families can learn everything about the California Western Monarch Butterfly and its habitat with an up-close look at the magnificent creatures while they flutter through the Butterfly Garden and inside netted butterfly enclosures in the park’s Camp Sycamore. Children can help the Butterfly Garden continue to grow by planting one of three different types of milkweed in the garden to attract Monarch Butterflies. More than 100 milkweeds will be available for planting on February 5. Butterfly experts will also be on-site to provide educational information and answer questions about the beautiful and unique specimens.

Additional event activities include children’s crafts, face painting, interpretive center tours and guided nature walks through Mile Square Regional Park’s nature area. Each child in attendance will receive native seeds as a take away to continue to help build safe habitats for Monarch Butterflies and other creatures. 

Date: Saturday, February 5, 2011
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: Mile Square Regional Park
Address: 16801 Euclid Street, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Website: http://www.ocparks.com/milesquare/
Cost: Free
Parking: $5 per vehicle
Contact: (714) 973-6600 or (714) 973-3197
Special Instructions: Recommended for ages 4 to 12. Rain will reschedule this event. Monarch Butterfly Day

-Blythe

on my iTunes: Dr. Dog's "Hang on"

Schedule for the OC Music Awards Free Showcases & a chance to win $500 to Best Buy

For the first time ever in the ten year history of the OC Awards, fans have a say in which showcase artists advance to the finals. When fans vote online for their favorite showcase artist, they are automatically entered to win a massive prize pack from the generous Awards partners. OC Music Awards is proud to announce the 2011 anniversary Fan Vote prize pack which includes a $500 gift card from Best Buy, one year of complimentary Wahoo’s Fish Tacos, two tickets and one hotel room in Las Vegas for Red Bull’s SoundClash on March 12 (featuring Cee Lo vs. The Ting Tings), a free one year supply of pop chips, and a custom OC Music Awards guitar compliments of Ernie Ball.

Tonight, the OC Music Awards Showcase Series makes its fifth stop of the season at Tiki Bar in Costa Mesa for the third event in the Best Live Band Showcase category. All the OC Music Awards partners will be onsite. Bud Light will feature a special pour, team pop chips will be distributing tasty chip snacks and have their fan photobooth out in action, the Wahoo’s Fish Taco truck will again be giving away 50 free tacos to the first 50 takers and serve tacos throughout the event and KROQ’s favorite personality, Beer Mug, will play host to all the madness.

There are only two weeks left before the Showcase Series Finals! Fans can visit OC Music Awards FANVOTE online NOW through February 15 and enter to win the huge prize pack and help one artist in each category with the most votes automatically move onto the Showcase Series Finals.

2011 Showcase & Awards ScheduleTues. 2/15, 7:30pm – The Slidebar, Fullerton (Best Live Band, FREE, 21+)
Echo Echo (Santa Ana)
Stereofix (Costa Mesa)
Fiction Reform (Orange County)
We Are the Arsenal (Costa Mesa)
BLOK (Costa Mesa)

Event: 2011 OC Music Awards Best Live Band Showcase
Date: Tues. 2/1/11
Time: 7:30 – 12pm
Location: Tiki Bar
Address: 1700 Placentia Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Details: FREE, 21+
Artists to Perform: She Screams Remedy (Anaheim), Entice (OC), Railroad to Alaska (OC), Pistolero (Costa Mesa), Seedless (Orange)
RSVP: FACEBOOK

Tues. 2/08, 7pm – The Gypsy Den, Santa Ana (Best Live Acoustic, FREE, All Ages)
Justin Soileau (Orange County)
Micah Brown (Dana Point)
Parker Macy Blues (Costa Mesa)
Danny Maika (Huntington Beach)
The Foxx & Da Hound (Tustin)

Thurs. 2/24, 6pm – Fullerton Museum - (Listening Wall Exhibit Opening, FREE, All Ages)
Thurs. 2/24, 7:30pm – Fullerton Museum – (Best Live Acoustic Finals, FREE, All Ages)
Fri. 2/25, 7:30pm – The Galaxy, Costa Mesa - (Best Live Band Finals, FREE, All Ages)
Sat. 3/5, 7pm – Grove of Anaheim - (OC Music Awards, $25, All Ages)

Visit OC Music Awards online by clicking here.

-Blythe
on my blip: Feist's "Sealion"

Kelly Mac at the OC Marketplace this weekend!

"Be fit and think fabulous." These are the encouraging words chosen by Kelly Mac in regard to your fitness goals for 2011. Think fabulous! We all know January is the time to make fitness resolutions, and almost everyone makes one, in some form or another; but beyond making the resolution, what have you done to work toward accomplishing it? Sometimes, Most of the time, we need a helping hand. That's where Kelly steps up to the plate. Her passion is helping individuals get fit and meet their fitness goals for themselves. She wants you to look and feel like a fabulous version of yourself in 2011!

Kelly heads up Back 2 Basics Fitness Boot Camp, a boot camp that meets locally. This weekend, Kelly Mac will be at the OC Marketplace (formerly- or casually- known as the swap meet)- come out and meet her! She'll be there to talk to you about her commitment to you and your commitment to yourself.

Whether you've been thinking about joining a boot camp, thinking about amping up your exercise routine, or just want to make a new friend, come our and meet Kelly this Saturday and/or Sunday! To sweeten the deal, mention The OC Gazette to cash in on this sweet deal:

Read more about Kelly in the January issue of The OC Gazette.

-Blythe
on my iTunes: "My Sweet Lord" by George Harrison

Bruxie in Orange

Last week, I ventured out with some friends to try out Bruxie, the new-ish little Belgian waffle sandwich restaurant stand in downtown Orange.

The restaurant is a walk-up-and-order kind of place; like a taco stand. The main difference is that instead of greasy fast food, this stand delivers gourmet, handcrafted waffle sandwiches. There is a little side patio that is covered and enclosed with canvas hangings and warmed with heating lamps, which all adds up to make quite a cozy dining experience.


"Bruxie is a new take on the authentic Belgium Waffle. The 'Bruxie' is unlike any waffle offered: the Bruxie is light, crisp, yeasty and not sweet. It's street food that's perfect for breakfast, lunch, mid day snack as well as a dessert or late night treat."

Honestly, I don't even like waffles. My friend picked our dinner spot, and I was a bit nervous about her choice. I'm perhaps a little too adventurous with food and new dining spots though, so my curiosity took over. I tried a "Cheesey Bruxie" (grilled cheddar and gruyere) with avocado and waffle fries:

In a word: DELICIOUS.

One of my friends got the special- some sort of roast beef, potato, horseradish, french dippy concoction:

Another friend tried a Bruxie Burger:

Then, as planned, I tried a dessert Bruxie with Nutella & Bananas.

SOOOOO TASTY!

Bruxie is located two blocks from the Orange Circle/Plaza on the corner of Glassell and Palm. All items are under $8, and most Bruxie sandwiches are around $6. See the menu here.

Happy waffling!

-Blythe

on my iTunes: The Shins' "Phantom Limb"

A Tribute to the Gypsy Lounge

Below is a photo essay/documentary that Amy Kaplan made about The Gypsy Lounge. We thought we'd share it with you as a way of remembering one of OC's gems that will be closing its doors in the very near future.

-Blythe

on my iTunes: Devotchka's "Along the Way"

2011 OC Music Awards

2011 marks the 10th anniversary of the OC Music Awards, Orange County’s premier annual music event, honoring the best and brightest in local talent. Over the past 10 years, the Awards has provided a platform for local artists to gain recognition and exposure in one of the nation’s most vibrant music scenes. Each year the Awards presents a season of live music starting with a free weekly Showcase Series running January through February, and leading up to the Awards night ceremony on March 5th, at the Grove of Anaheim, where the music industry comes together to honor the achievements of local artists in 26 category genres. Proceeds from the OC Music Awards benefit Music for a Cure, providing music therapy programs to children’s hospitals.


I was able to attend the 2009 OCMAs and one of the free showcases leading up to last year's Awards, and I can tell you first hand that if you have any interest in local music- or heck, music in general- you simply must go to this year's OC Music Awards night and/or as many of the showcases as you can manage. They're FREE, after all!

Over 500 artists submitted online at ocmusicawards.com to participate in the 2011 Showcase Series. 35 talented artists were selected to compete. It is always free to submit, participate and attend the Awards Showcases Series, supporting the Awards mission to provide further opportunities and exposure for local musicians within their own music community.

The Showcase Series allows bands and musicians to compete for the honor of the "Best Live Band" and "Best Live Acoustic" awards. Here is the complete list of the upcoming showcase nights, along with who is scheduled to perform:

Tues. 1/11, 7pm – District Tustin Legacy, Tustin (Best Live Acoustic, FREE, All Ages)

Skee (of Sunset Beach)

Honeypie (of Huntington Beach)

Headshine (of Huntington Beach)

Canvas (of Santa Ana)

Stacy Clark (of Costa Mesa)

Tues. 1/18, 7:30pm – The Gypsy Lounge, Lake Forest (Best Live Band, FREE, 21+)

The Gromble (of Laguna Niguel)

Strange Birds (of Costa Mesa)

May McDonough (of Orange)

Kiev (of Orange)

California Condors (of Orange)

Tues. 1/25, 7pm – The LAB, Costa Mesa (Best Live Acoustic, FREE, All Ages)

The Orange Effect (of Anaheim)

Brothers of the Castle (of Santa Ana)

I Hate You Just Kidding (of Costa Mesa)

Case Brothers (of Newport Beach)

Fast Forward Romance (of Orange)

Tues. 2/01, 7:30pm – Tiki Bar, Costa Mesa (Best Live Band, FREE, 21+)

She Screams Remedy (Anaheim)

Entice (Orange County)

Railroad to Alaska (Orange County)

Pistolero (Costa Mesa)

Seedless (Orange)

Tues. 2/08, 7pm – The Gypsy Den, Santa Ana (Best Live Acoustic, FREE, 21+)

Justin Soileau (Orange County)

Micah Brown (Dana Point)

Parker Macy Blues (Costa Mesa)

Danny Maika (Huntington Beach)

The Foxx & Da Hound (Tustin)

Tues. 2/15, 7:30pm – The Slidebar, Fullerton (Best Live Band, FREE, 21+)

Echo Echo (Santa Ana)

Stereofix (Costa Mesa)

Fiction Reform (Orange County)

We Are the Arsenal (Costa Mesa)

BLOK (Costa Mesa)

Thurs. 2/24, 6pm – Fullerton Museum, Fullerton - (Listening Wall Exhibit Opening, FREE, All Ages)

Thurs. 2/24, 7:30pm – Fullerton Museum, Fullerton – (Best Live Acoustic Finals, FREE, All Ages)
Fri. 2/25, 7:30pm – The Galaxy, Costa Mesa - (Best Live Band Finals, FREE, All Ages) Sat. 3/5, 7pm – Grove of Anaheim - (OC Music Awards, $25, All Ages)

Visit OC Music Awards online, become a Fan, Friend, Follower, and Subscriber

Happy listening!

-Blythe

on my iTunes: Local Natives' "Wide Eyes"

Romeo Cucina: The OC Gazette's holiday lunch spot

[One of the many delicious dishes at Romeo Cucina.]

Have you ever been to a restaurant that won’t seat you until everyone arrives? Not at Romeo Cucina! We selected this restaurant for our company gathering to celebrate the holidays. It’s a crazy time at the magazine winding up the end of the year so all of us arrived separately and none of us on time. But that didn’t faze Romeo Cucina. We were each warmly greeted, seated and catered to in the most professional manner. I would actually have been satisfied at that point with the top notch service but that was just the beginning. The food was delicious. My choice was with Panini Ruspante although the choices were abundant. And the bread! I wished for a larger purse so I could smuggle it out. Yummm. Our experience was 5 stars from beginning to end. If you are looking for a special place with a friendly cost and service that will leave you feeling spoiled, try Romeo Cucina. And stop by and say hi – we’ll probably be at one of the other tables.

Romeo Cucina (Laguna Niguel)
28241 Crown Valley Parkway
Laguna Niguel
949.831.4131

Romeo Cucina (Laguna Beach)
249 Broadway
Laguna Beach
949.497.6627

http://www.romeocucina.com/

- Candice
Listening to: Josh Turner's "Why Don't We Just Dance"

The Gypsy Lounge Closing Soon

We all know it's raining harder than a cow peeing on a flat rock out there, and so, first and foremost, we want to say: PLEASE BE SAFE. Leave more than enough following and stopping distance, keep your hands on the wheel (hold steady if you fishtail), and turn your headlights on, even during the day! We want you all to stay safe out there! There's also a lot of flooding going on, so if you can, park on high ground if you're leaving your car for hours at a time.

Secondly, it is with sad, sad news that I write this post. Our beloved local venue, The Gypsy Lounge, which has been an established music hotspot for years and years in our own Lake Forest, will be closing its doors at the end of this month. It's rumored that the venue will be relocating to Los Alamitos, which is good news for the residents of Los Alamitos, but sad, sad news for OC locals. It seems there's a trend to new-ify OC- put in strip malls and Panera Breads and shiny new nail salons on every corner- which, in itself, isn't so terrible (who doesn't love Panera, after all?); but when it's at the expense of the businesses and venues that make OC unique and provide an outlet for art on all levels, I have to stop and wonder if we realize what sort of monster we're creating. Imagine, ten years from now, the streets of OC being nothing but pre-planned neighborhoods, Yogurtlands, Best Buys, Starbuck's, and Curves gyms. Again, there's nothing inherently wrong with those things (God bless the inventor of self-serve froyo!), but when every store and business is a nation-wide chain, we're robbing our county (the one our children will grow up in, and their children) and ourselves of culture. We're also wounding the entrepreneurial spirit of local residents and business owners. We're saying, "Entrepreneurs? Musicians? Artists? Mom and Pop Thai diners? No thanks!" We've got it all backward.

I didn't mean to get up on a soap box, and before I get off it, I should say that the views expressed are my personal views and The OC Gazette as a company cannot be held responsible for my opinions. Ok, now I'll get off it.

Would you consider joining Amy and I tonight at one of The Gypsy Lounge's last shows? It's going to be a good one, with a killer lineup of some rad local musicians:

9:15pm: Jay Buchanan
10:00pm: Chris Hanlin from The Dibs
11:00pm: Jameson
11:45pm: Chris Paul Overall
 
Don't miss one of your last chances to see great live music at one of OC's most loved music venues before it slips away from us!


-Blythe


on Grooveshark: "The Unicorn" by Dr. Dog

This Weekend in OC: 12/10-12

Hey guys! I know you've probably been on the edge of your seat, waiting for this week's edition of "Things to Do This Weekend in Orange County," right? You're probably looking at your blank planner or iCal, just itching to fill in this weekend's time slots with fun and festive things to do locally, yes? Ah, good. You're in luck! There's fun-o-plenty this weekend! See for yourself:

Thursday, 12/9 at 10:15pm: Rocco Deluca at The Gypsy Lounge. Call (949) 206-9990 for more info.

Friday, 12/10 at 8:30 pm: Benefit for Orangewood Children's Home at The Gypsy Lounge, with performances by Honeypie, Jameson, Melanoid, and The Trade. Call (949) 206-9990 for more info.

Friday, 12/10, from 6-8pm: Tustin Tree Lighting at Tustin Civic Center/Library Plaza. Special Guests: Santa, Mayor, the ELF, Grinch, and Frosty the Snowman. Free photos with Santa, and  performances by local non-profits: Kids Corner, Foothill Carolers, Pioneer Middle School, Guin Foss Junior Girl Scout Troop 194, Guin Foss Brownie Troop 1584, Loma Vista Girl Scout Troop 122, Ballet Folklorico, Tesoros de Mexico, Academy of Dance and HBP Dance Extreme. There will also be a holiday boutique at the Community Center from 4-8pm. FREE.


Friday, 12/10 from 7-9:30pm: Soka University Student Music Recital at Soka's Founder's Hall (3rd floor Meeting Room) in Aliso Viejo. An evening of musical performances by students. Call (949) 480-4000 for more info. FREE.

Saturday, 12/11 at 10am: Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade. On Crown Valley between Nueva Vista and Crown Valley Community Park. The theme for this year's parade is "Celebrate America." Come watch the largest and most creative display of community in the City’s history! The parade will be filled with beautiful equestrian units, patriotic and inspirational military tributes, spirit filled youth groups, classic auto clubs, talented marching bands, and more! FREE. Call (949) 425-5100 for more info.

Saturday, 12/11 at 10 & 11:30am: Hot Chocolate with Santa & Friends at Bowers Museum in Santa Ana. Free with museum admission. Call (714) 567-3600 for more info.

Saturday, 12/11 at 12:30-4pm: Nutcracker for Kids at Segerstrom Hall in Costa Mesa. A condensed version of a Christmas classic for children. Tickets are $24 and up. Call (714) 755-5799 for more info.

Saturday, 12/11 at 2pm: Winds and Brass at Chapman University's Salmon Recital Hall, in Bertea Hall. FREE. Call (714) 997-6815 for more info.

Saturday, 12/11 from 5-7pm: Holiday Music Celebration, at Mason Regional Park in Irvine. Sing along, Santa, and more. Come and see performances by our local high school’s performing arts department. Bring a thick blanket to sit on. Dress warmly. If it rains, event is canceled. A special story will be read with audience involvement. FREE. Call (949) 923-2220 for more info.

Saturday, 12/11 at 5pm: Strings and Piano at Chapman University's Salmon Recital Hall, in Bertea Hall. FREE. Call (714) 997-6815 for more info.


 Saturday, 12/11 at 8:30 pm: Live Music at The Gypsy Lounge, with performances by Plastick, Sean Murphy and the Rubber Band, Hell and Half of Georgia, and The New York Ninjas. Call (949) 206-9990 for more info.

 Saturday 12/11 and Sunday, 12/12 from 5:30-8:30pm: Candlelight Tour at Heritage Hill park in Lake Forest. Stroll through restored 19th century buildings adorned in period decor and listen to Victorian carolers, live entertainment and storytellers in each building. Refreshments and Santa will also be around! 1,000 luminaries, entertainment, snacks, and more. Call (949) 923-2230 for more info. $3 for kids, $4 for adults.

Just a handful of ways to make it a great weekend! Have fun, folks!
See a whole month-full of great local events on our December calendar page!

-Blythe

on my Pandora: "Maps" by The Yeah Yeah Yeahs