SoCal Wildflower Fest and Hike-A-Thon

OC Parks is sponsoring a SoCal Wildflower Fest and Hike-A-Thon (presented by OC Hiking Club) this Saturday, April 30 from 9 am – 2 pm at Irvine Regional and Santiago Oaks Parks. The celebration will feature wildflower exploration, various levels of hiking, an Expo Fest, outdoor skills clinics, live music, and activities designed to raise money for OC Hiking Club and connect people to the wonders of nature.

Multiple nature hikes will be offered at the event for hikers of all skill levels and ages. The Vista Hike at 9 am is an 8-mile advanced level hike with a 1,000-foot elevation gain. The Exploration Hike at 9:15 am is an intermediate 4-mile hike with a 500-foot elevation gain. The Wildflower Hike at 9:30 a.m. is a moderate level 3-mile route with no elevation gain.

Various skill clinics will be available at the Fest after the hikes including introductions to Southern California Wildflowers, ultra light backpacking 101, how to get your kids on the trail, lessons in high altitude backpacking, tips for out of town day hikes, cooking on the trail, returning to the trail after an injury, water purification on the trail for backpackers, orienteering map and compass education and much more. Bring your dog and learn tips for keeping your pooch safe on the trails. Photographers will have a unique opportunity to capture the blooming wildflower season and awards will be presented for the Third Annual Wildflower Photo Contest. Take a relaxing break and enjoy a yoga class or invigorating massage in the great outdoors. A BBQ lunch will be available for purchase.

Registration begins at 8 am at Irvine Regional Park. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 18. Registration includes a t-shirt, all activities, parking, and goodies. Each hike acts as a fundraiser for OC Hiking Club, a non-profit organization, and donating $1 commits you to raise $100 to the cause. Prizes will be awarded to the top hike fundraisers and announced along with the winner of the OC Register/OC Hiking Club Wildflower Photo Contest at 1 p.m. at the event.

Location: Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869
Contact and Registration: http://socalwildflowerfest.org

Happy hiking!

-Blythe
listening to: NPR's first listen of Fleet Foxes' "Helplessness Blues"

Be a "Fearless Woman" ACTivist

Here is your chance to be a “Fearless Woman” ACTivist. This Mother’s Day, ACT Today! (Autism Care and Treatment Today) will be hosting its annual “Fearless Women, Mother’s & Daughters Moving Mountains” fundraising luncheon on Monday, May 2nd at 10:30am.

Located at the luxurious Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Coast, Calif., the Mother’s Day event brings together the philanthropic community of Orange County with the goal of celebrating mothers and daughters while supporting children with autism.

This year’s keynote speaker is 21-year-old Katherine Schwarzenegger, daughter of Maria Shriver and actor/politician Arnold Schwarzenegger. Her new book titled, Rock What You’ve Got, Secrets to Loving your Inner and Outer Beauty from Someone Who Has Been There and Back describes the difficulties women have in developing a healthy body image and the importance of accepting oneself for our unique gifts.
"I want women to read this book and feel that it's ok to be themselves and to understand that every woman can be beautiful no matter what size and shape she is,” said Schwarzenegger. “You don't have to look like you're on a billboard to feel beautiful.”

The luncheon will open with a silent auction from 10:30am to noon, which will include a variety of health & beauty packages, trips, and one-of-a-kind experiences. Special guests will include actress/singer/author Gloria Loring, the Restless actress Kate Linder, Lisa Foxx (DJ from 104.3 MYfm radio), renowned Los Angeles photographer Mary Ann Halpin,  and special musical performance by country singer/songwriter, Stephanie Quayle. Additional guests include autism ACTivists: Doreen Granpeesheh (Founder of ACT-Today and CARD CEO) and Lisa Ackerman (Founder of Talk About Curing Autism – TACA).

During the event, ACT Today! will be honoring OC-resident Becky Estepp, a fearless mother and autism advocate. "It is important that women take time out of their busy lives to be refreshed and inspired,” said Nancy Alspaugh-Jackson, ACT Today!’s executive director. “This luncheon provides the opportunity for women to celebrate their fearlessness as mothers and daughters while raising funds for families struggling to access and afford services for their children with autism."

Tickets are $150 for adults and $100 for guests 18 and under. For sponsorship opportunities and/or to register for the event, please contact Laura Marroquin at laura@act-today.org. For more information about ACT Today!, visit www.act-today.org

-Blythe
on my iTunes: Regina Spektor's "Us"

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"

MONTAGE LAGUNA BEACH PARTNERS WITH SHARE OUR STRENGTH TO HOST TASTE OF THE NATION®

[ The 2009 Event.]

Executive Chef Craig Strong Joins Forces with Other Area Celebrity Chefs in Effort to End Childhood Hunger

On May 22^nd, 2011, Montage Laguna Beach will host Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation^®, one of America’s leading culinary benefits, in hopes of eliminating childhood hunger across the nation.

Seven celebrity chefs will share their passion and skills in preparing fresh farm-to-table delicacies to further Share Our Strength’s dream of ending childhood hunger by 2015. Attendees will enjoy an afternoon of delectable dishes, wine, signature cocktails, live music, and the picturesque panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean at Montage Laguna Beach. “In our ongoing commitment to the culinary focus at Montage Laguna Beach, we will be pairing each chef with local farms and wineries that will allow our guests to experience hyper-local food and wine for the ultimate farm-to-table experience,” said Todd Orlich, General Manager of Montage Laguna Beach.

Executive Chef Craig Strong of Studio, Montage Laguna Beach’s Signature Restaurant, will be joined by:

• Chef Scott Conant –Scarpetta Beverly Hills & Food Network judge and host
• Chef Richard Ruskell – Executive Pastry Chef at Montage Beverly Hills, Food Network “Challenge” winner and star of upcoming Food Network “Last Cake Standing”
• Chef Mark Peel – Campanile, Los Angeles & Food Network “Top Chef Masters”
• Chef Joachim Splichal – Patina, Los Angeles
• Chef Alex Stratta – Alex, Las Vegas
• Chef Alan Wong – Alan Wong’s Restaurant, Honolulu 

“Montage is proud to support such a wonderful cause and be a part of an amazing organization,” said Todd Orlich. “We are committed to Share Our Strength and that is why we have asked some of our closest friends in the industry to come together to help raise awareness for childhood hunger.”

As contributors to the charity’s cause, guests can choose between two of the following event packages:

• Celebrity Chef Tasting 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased in advance for $150 per person or at the door for $175 per person.

• VIP “Meet the Chefs” Reception 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Complete the night with VIP treatment and a sunset toast. Enjoy the Celebrity Chef Tasting followed by an after party to mingle with the chefs. Valet parking and post-event gifts are included. Tickets purchased in advance are $250 per person and $275 at the door.

The revenue from each ticket purchased for Taste of the Nation^® goes to Share Our Strength’s “No Kid Hungry” campaign that advocates ending childhood hunger in America by increasing access to nutrition programs and investing in effective community organizations to fight hunger.

For more details regarding Taste of the Nation at Montage Laguna Beach and to purchase tickets, visit www.tasteofthenation.org or call (877) 26TASTE (82783).

About Share Our Strength

Share Our Strength®, a national nonprofit, is ending childhood hunger in America by connecting children with the nutritious food they need to lead healthy, active lives. Through its No Kid Hungry(tm) campaign-a national effort to end childhood hunger in America by 2015-Share Our Strength ensures children in need are enrolled in effective federal nutrition programs, invests in community organizations fighting hunger, teaches families how to cook healthy meals on a budget, and builds public-private partnerships to end hunger, both nationally and at the state level. Working closely with the culinary industry and relying on the strength of its volunteers, Share Our Strength hosts innovative culinary fundraising events and develops pioneering cause marketing campaigns that support No Kid Hungry. Visit Strength.org to get involved in the No Kid Hungry campaign.

About Montage Laguna Beach

Montage, set on a coastal bluff overlooking the Pacific in the heart of the vibrant arts community of Laguna Beach, offers 30 acres of oceanfront luxury.  The 250-room craftsman-style resort features beachfront accommodations; a 20,000-square-foot spa; destination dining at Studio; a wealth of outdoor recreation, including three pools, beach and water sports; a fine art collection; and more than 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space. For information and reservations, please contact Montage, toll-free, at 1-888-715-6700; or visit the Web site at www.montagelagunabeach.com.

Reign Anniversary Bash This Saturday

This Saturday, March 26th, Reign Training Center in Lake Forest is throwing a 1 Year Anniversary Bash, and you're invited! Join in on the fun: Enjoy dinner served by Boneheads (now I'm craving their Piri Piri chicken!) and
check out UFC Fight Night 24: Little Nog vs Phil Davis Live!

From 12-3pm, catch autograph signings, demos, raffles, and giveaways.
From 4-7pm: Celebrity Poker Tournament (come play with the pros: $30 Pre-Registered, $50 at the door click here to register!)
From 7-10pm: Watch UFC Fight Night 24 With The Pros catered by Boneheads

Dinner Menu:
Boneheads Shrimp (probably the best shrimp you will ever have): $5.00
Kids Chicken Meal: $5.00
Chicken Breast Dinner: $8.00
Grilled Salmon Dinner: $9.00
All meals include rice, zucchini, and side salad

You won't want to miss it!

-Blythe

on my iTunes: Andrew Bird's "Fitz and Dizzyspells"

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"

13th Annual Fight Night at Marconi Museum

Al Unser, Sr. Named First Celebrity Guest at 13th Annual FIGHT NIGHT Fundraiser at Marconi Automotive Museum

Friday, March 4, 2011

(ORANGE COUNTY, CA – January 2011) – For the 13th consecutive year, the Marconi Automotive Museum will serve as the venue for an action-packed evening of world-class boxing and men’s and women’s world-title kickboxing as it hosts Fight Night XIII on Friday, March 4, 2011 (Marconi Automotive Museum is at 1302 Industrial Drive in Tustin).  This year’s fundraising event, which his sanctioned by the California Athletic Commission, will feature celebrity guests, including four-time Indy 500 winner Al Unser, Sr. and actor Tommy “Tiny” Lister (The Dark Knight, Jackie Brown, The Fifth Element). During the evening of professional boxing, guests will be able to enjoy Mardi Gras-themed festivities, including a sit-down dinner and French Quarter sipping bar. All proceeds will benefit the Marconi Foundation for Kids and the Starkey Hearing Foundation.

In addition to a live auction, the event will feature a never-before-used silent auction system with a wirelessly automated bidding process. Doors open 5:30 p.m. with dinner and boxing at 7 p.m. General seating is $600 per guest, with additional sponsorship packages listed below. A portion of each ticket is tax-deductible and tickets must be purchased in advance by calling the Marconi Foundation for Kids at 714.258.3001 or visiting http://www.MarconiMuseum.org <http://www.MarconiMuseum.org/> .

“Fight Night has come to be known as more than a premiere sporting event, it is a fundraising initiative that has benefited so many valuable causes for more than a decade with the help of many sports figures and celebrities, including William Shatner, Sugar Ray Leonard and Arnold Schwarzenegger – and this year, automobile racing legend Al Unser, Sr.,” commented Priscilla “Bo” Marconi, who, with her husband, entrepreneur Dick Marconi, has been producing Fight Night for 13 years, and raises $1 million annually for at-risk children through the Marconi Foundation for Kids.  “This year, Dick and I, along with the other members of our Board of Directors, anticipate a tremendous event – our most successful to date.”

Limited media will be allowed into the event and all photographers or camera crews interested in attending must contact Mona Shah at Moxxe PR at mona@moxxepr.com <mailto:mona@moxxepr.com>  no later than Thursday, February 24, 2011 to obtain credentials.

The Marconi Foundation for Kids Board of Directors is comprised of dedicated members of the community, including Founder Dick Marconi, Priscilla “Bo” Marconi, Mark Bogh, Lulu Halfacre, Navin Narang, Torin Pavia, George Peterson, Ivo Tjan and Stuart Wallach.

Event Sponsorship
Platinum Sponsorship is $25,000, which includes prime platform seating for 12 guests, ringside banner, photo opportunity with celebrity guests and athletes, bottle of champagne and championship belt presentation. Gold Sponsorship is $15,000, which includes prime platform seating for 10 guests, ringside banner, photo opportunity with celebrity guests and athletes, and bottle of champagne. Silver Sponsor is $6,000, which includes prime platform seating for 12 guests, ringside banner.

About the Starkey Hearing Foundation
In 1984, the Starkey Hearing Foundation started with a simple premise: "Alone we can't do much. But, together we can change the world." With “So the World May Hear” as his goal, Starkey Hearing Foundation founder William F. Austin built an organization upon this vision Today the Foundation is sustained by the efforts of thousands of volunteers and donors around the world. The Foundation delivers more than 50,000 hearing aids annually through more than 100 hearing missions a year in countries stretching from the U.S. to Vietnam. In addition to giving the gift of hearing, it promotes hearing health awareness while supporting research and education. For more information, visit http://www.starkeyhearingfoundation.org/.

About The Marconi Foundation For Kids
The Marconi Foundation for Kids was started by Marconi Automotive Museum Founder Dick Marconi in 1994.  Marconi's philosophy, passed down from his father is simple yet defining: Learn, Earn and Return.  LEARN through a higher education, EARN through hard work and perseverance, RETURN to others in need. The Marconi Foundation for Kids is a 501 (C)(3) nonprofit organization committed to giving a large percentage of the net proceeds, generated from special events and individual/group tours to local children's charities. Through the many corporate and individual client partnerships, the Marconi Foundation for Kids will continue to strive toward the goal of raising $1,000,000 a year for at-risk youth.  For more information on the Marconi Foundation for Kids, call 714.258.3001 or visit http://www.MarconiMuseum.org <http://www.MarconiMuseum.org/> . 

"ROCK OF AGES" Comes To Segerstrom Center For The Arts

IT'S THE FINAL COUNTDOWN TO

THE FIRST NATIONAL TOUR OF ROCK OF AGES!

HIT MUSICAL TO STAR TONY® AWARD

NOMINEE CONSTANTINE MAROULIS

March 1 – 6, 2011

In 1987 on the Sunset Strip, a small-town girl met a big-city dreamer – and in L.A.’s most legendary rock club, they fell in love to the greatest songs of the ‘80s. It’s ROCK OF AGES, a hilarious, feel-good love story told through the hit songs of iconic rockers Journey, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Foreigner, Pat Benatar, Whitesnake and many more. Don’t miss this awesomely good time when ROCK OF AGES makes its debut at Segerstrom Center for the Arts March 1 – 6 when big hair meets big dreams and the result totally wails. Coming to you direct from Broadway, Tony Award nominee Constantine Maroulis of American Idol fame will reprise his acclaimed performance as Drew in the First National Tour of the five-time Tony Award nominated smash-hit musical ROCK OF AGES. Rolling Stone says, “Rock of Ages has found a perfect lead in Maroulis,” and so like Bartles & Jaymes, big hair and Dep, some things are just meant for each other. Tickets to see ROCK OF AGES start at $20 and are available online at SCFTA.org, by calling (714) 556-2787 and at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa. For inquiries about group ticket discounts, call the Group Services office at (714) 755-0236. The TTY number is (714) 556-2746.

ROCK OF AGES

Segerstrom Center for the Arts – Segerstrom Hall

March 1 – 6, 2011

Tuesday – Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m.

Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m.

The 2 p.m. performance on Saturday, March 5 will be sign-language interpreted.

May not be appropriate for kids under the age of 14. Parental discretion is advised.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts – Segerstrom Hall

600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA

Tickets:  Start at $20

In person:  The Box Office

                     600 Town Center Drive

                     Costa Mesa, CA 92626

                     Open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily

Online:  SCFTA.org

Phone:  (714) 556-2787

                Open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily

TTY number:  (714) 556-2746

Group Sales:  (714) 755-0236

FOR TOUR SIZZLE REEL VISIT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tY-xJqQZ-o

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ROCK OF AGES: www.RockofAgesMusical.com

Rock the Garden NAMM Concert Series

OC MUSIC AWARDS HOSTS ROCK THE GARDEN NAMM CONCERT SERIES AT GARDENWALK IN ANAHEIM

THREE NIGHTS OF FREE LIVE LOCAL MUSIC 1/13-1/15 
Anaheim GardenWalk and OC Music Awards host a three night concert series on January 13th, 14th and 15th from 6-10pm during the 2011 NAMM Show. Each concert features three local Southern California bands performing live. All concerts are outside under the stars at GardenWalk's "Gala Garden" and FREE. The venues of GardenWalk will be offering food and beverage discounts during each event. Spend a hectic day at NAMM and relax in the evening at GardenWalk! RSVP on FACEBOOK.

Rock the Garden Concert Schedule

THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 6-10PM, FREE
BILLY KERNKAMP
BIG BAD WOLF
MICHAEL ROSAS
with DJ Velvet Touch

FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 6-10PM, FREE
THE COLOR TURNING
TWO GUNS
THE RELATIVE STRANGERS
with DJ Daria

SATURDAY, JANUARY 15, 6-10PM, FREE
STONE AVE.
SOUL HUSTLERS
MARC B.
with DJ Velvet Touch

Visit OC Music Awards online, become a Fan, Friend, Follower, and Subscriber
2011 marks the 10^th Anniversary of OC Music Awards, Orange County’s premier annual music event acknowledging the best in local talent and providing opportunities to further the success of our musicians and the OC music scene.

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"