Jazz Bakery Presents John Patitucci May 26 at the Musicians Institute Concert Center in Hollywood

Posted on May 15, 2012 by

Legendary Los Angeles Jazz Institution the Jazz Bakery will present revered bassist John Patitucci with his trio on May 26, 2012 at the Musicians Institute Concert Center, 1655 N. McCadden Place in Hollywood, CA 90028 at 8:30pm. Tickets are available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/245770. Though Patitucci is based in LA, this show represents a very rare opportunity to see this top talent perform in his hometown.

To get a sense of bassist Patitucci’s scope, take a look at a small sample of his musical journey. He has played throughout the world with his own band, and with jazz luminaries including Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Wynton Marsalis, Joshua Redman, Hubert Laws, Sting and many more. He has been nominated for, and won, many Grammy Awards in both compositional and instrumental categories. John has been described as a “fleet-fingered phenom,” and having a “less-is-more, slyly syncopated aesthetic,” a “sense of restraint and relaxation in his playing,” and “relentlessly fluid, horn-like chops” by Jazz Times. He is all of the above and more!

John Patitucci

The Jazz Bakery present John Patitucci May 26 at the Musicians Institute

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Posted in Events, Music

Singer, Songwriter, Producer Marissa Guzman Releases Joy Road The Remixes to Benefit NextAid

Posted on May 10, 2012 by
Marissa-Guzman-Joy-Road-Remix

Marissa Guzman's Joy Road Remixes Cover Art

Following the release of her first self-produced full length album, Joy Road, on November 11, 2011, Marissa Guzman has quickly been gaining respect among some of the biggest names in house music.  Her new release Joy Road The Remixes features Guzman’s number-one hit remixed by Black Coffee, “Time To Go,” which was also nominated for Remix Of the Year at the SAMAs (the South African Music Awards).  Another special feature of the album is the father/daughter remix of “Magic Door,” a career milestone track for Guzman, courtesy of Detroit’s talented Pirahnahead, who used Marissa’s father’s (the late Eddie Guzman), legendary drum loop from Rare Earth’s “Happy Dance” and pairs it with Marissa’s vocals for a chill-inducing creation.

The complete 24 song album features remixes by the legendary Kerri Chandler, Mr. V, Liquideep (South Africa’s hottest electronic music band), Rithma, Demarkus Lewis, Corduroy Mavericks, Paul Randolph, Vindico Del Quade, Malik Alston, Doc Link, Hallex.M, and Ed Mazur G.  Producers and DJ’s from across the spectrum of all EDM genres have been praising every single track.  Karizma states “Fifth moon Kerri’s mix is killin’ me…” Marques Wyatt says “Definitely diggin’ this!” Quentin Harris states “Loving many of these remixes, in particular Pirahnahead, Deez Rockit Lab, Hallex M & Sugar House mixes.” These are just a view of the rave reviews the album is receiving. The songs are currently available for download on Traxsource, iTunes and Stompy.com.  The album shot to #2 on Traxsource just days after its release and is available there at http://www.traxsource.com/index.php?act=show&fc=tpage&cr=titles&cv=148061. Continue reading →

Posted in Charity, Music

Wells Bring Hope, Firouzeh Banki and Curtis Estes Hold Bel Air Crest Fundraiser Featuring Gil Garcetti May 17th

Posted on May 8, 2012 by

According to the World Health Organization, “No other humanitarian intervention produces a more dramatic effect on life than access to safe water and sanitation.” In support of that effort, Wells Bring Hope is a Los Angeles based nonprofit dedicated to saving lives with safe water in West Africa.  Two of its supporters, Firouzeh Banki and financial advisor and Los Angeles Suitcase Party founder Curtis Estes, both residents of Bel Air Crest, are hosting a by invitation only fundraiser for their neighbors and friends of Wells Bring Hope at the Bel Air Crest Clubhouse, on Thursday May 17.

Former Los Angeles County District Attorney and noted photographer Gil Garcetti will share his photographs and stories from his trips to West Africa, both before and after wells were drilled.  Wells Bring Hope’s Founder and President Barbara Goldberg will update guests on a recent trip to Niger and debut a video about the impact of the micro-finance loans they give to women in the villages where wells are drilled. Wells Bring Hope is the only international safe water cause to include micro-finance loans to women as part of their program. The event will feature dinner, wine and complimentary valet parking.Wells Bring Hope Image Continue reading →

Posted in Charity, Events

Venice’s Legendary Joe’s Restaurant First Fridays’ Jazz Series Continues June 1 with Judy Wexler

Posted on May 8, 2012 by

Joe’s Restaurant, Abbot Kinney’s original fine dining experience where farmer’s market ingredients meet California-French cuisine in a comfortable neighborhood atmosphere in Venice Beach, is pleased to present a monthly jazz series to coincide with the First Friday’s Art Walks. Mohr Music presents the First Fridays Jazz Series at Joe’s featuring instrumental and vocal artists, internationally recognized players as well as great local talent, signed and unsigned, playing on the heated patio.

The June 1 First Fridays Jazz Series installment kicks off at 7pm with noted jazz singer Judy Wexler and her quartet including Jeff Colella on keys, Kendall Kay on drums and Chris Colangelo on bass.

“Judy Wexler is a natural storyteller, with a distinctive voice full of shadings. She knows how to dig into a song and find its essence. She is also “one of the most focused, unpretentious, no-nonsense, bop-oriented jazz singers around” (JazzTimes), with an “instinctive ability to bring out the best in each song, often taking it into unfamiliar territory” (All Music Guide).

Her 2005 debut, Easy on the Heart, made radio waves and introduced her to a wide jazz audience. Dreams & Shadows, her 2008 follow-up, debuted at #2 on the national JazzWeek chart and confirmed her ability to find great songs and effortlessly bring them to life. Judy was interviewed on NPR Weekend Edition by Susan Stamberg, who said, “From the evidence on her new second album, Dreams & Shadows, Judy Wexler can sing almost anything.”

Judy Wexler

Judy Wexler performs at Joe's on June 1

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Posted in Events, Food/Wine, Music

Jordan Vineyard & Winery Celebrates 40th Anniversary with London Hotel Rooftop Event

Posted on May 8, 2012 by

Who: More than 300 LA-area restaurateurs, retailers, sommeliers, press, tastemakers and celebrities turned out to commemorate Jordan Vineyard & Winery’s 40th anniversary at a private event in West Hollywood hosted by winery CEO John Jordan and winemaker Rob Davis on April 23. VIP guests included Jimmy Stafford, Scott Underwood and Hector Maldonado of the superstar band Train, professional soccer player Landon Donovan of the Los Angeles Galaxy and the U.S. Men’s National Team, noted comedian and “Chelsea Lately” regular Ben Gleib, comedian Ben Morrison of “Punk’d” and “Last Comic Standing,” comedian Daryl Wright, Fox News Network “Fox & Friends Weekend” host Juliet Huddy, top producer Randall Winston (“Cougar Town,” “Scrubs,” “Spin City”), noted model Tinka Milinovic, restaurateur Piero Selvaggio of Valentino, chef Joe Miller of Joe’s and Bar Pintxo, Kathryn Romeyn of Los Angeles Confidential, Anthony Dias Blue of The Tasting Panel and many more. Jordan Winery 4 on 4 Los Angeles Art Competition winners Agne Jomantaite, Kristi Lippire, Mark Dean Veca and Kremena Ivanova were also in attendance.

When: Monday, April 23, 7:00-10:00 p.m.

Where: The London West Hollywood Rooftop, 1020 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069

Hector Maldonado, Jimmy Stafford and Scott Underwood of Train with Lori Green and Ronald du Preez of Jordan Winery - Jordan Vineyard & Winery's 40th Anniversary, held on The London Hotel rooftop in West Hollywood, California, USA on Monday, April 23, 2012

Hector Maldonado, Jimmy Stafford and Scott Underwood of Train with Lori Green and Ronald du Preez of Jordan Winery - Jordan Vineyard & Winery's 40th Anniversary, held on The London Hotel rooftop in West Hollywood, California, USA on Monday, April 23, 2012

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Posted in Events, Food/Wine

Liberty Hill Gives Prestigious Upton Sinclair Award to Paris Barclay

Posted on May 8, 2012 by

Liberty Hill Foundation’s annual Upton Sinclair Dinner celebrates and honors community leaders at the frontlines of change in Los Angeles and beyond. This year’s recipient of the namesake Upton Sinclair Award is noted Producer-Director-Writer Paris Barclay.

The 2012 fundraising gala takes place on May 9 at the Beverly Hilton. Liberty Hill expects more than 600 friends, supporters, and allies to join in celebration of Paris and their other 2012 honorees. All proceeds will support Liberty Hill’s mission of change, not charity. Through grant funds and training programs, Liberty Hill strengthens leaders and organizations in communities of color. The goal is to change hearts and minds, win concrete change, and advance equality for all.

The Upton Sinclair award is given annually to a person whose life-long crusade for equality and justice inspires us today. This year’s recipient, Paris Barclay, has made a lasting contribution to our nation’s political and social landscape through stage and screen work that demonstrates his commitment not only to artistic excellence but also to human rights. Best known as an Emmy, DGA, Peabody, Humanitas and NAACP award-winning television producer and director, and as a labor leader in his role as the First Vice President of the Directors Guild of America, Paris has been a pioneer and a mentor throughout his career. His groundbreaking Black & White music video production company nurtured people of color behind the camera, and as a philanthropic activist he has served on the boards of the L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center, Project Angel Food, the Advisory Board for the Carsey-Wolf Center at UC Santa Barbara, and as a Trustee for the Humanitas Prize. Among his upcoming projects is directing the story of civil rights leader Barbara Jordan, starring Viola Davis.

Paris Barclay will receive the Upton Sinclair Award at the Liberty Hill Dinner.

Paris Barclay will receive the Upton Sinclair Award at the Liberty Hill Dinner.

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Posted in Charity, Events, Film, TV

Women of the Green Generation Conference Announces New Location for May 19 Event, Plus Additional Lines in Fashion Show

Posted on May 3, 2012 by

On Saturday May 19, 2012 Women of the Green Generation will host their 3rd Annual Conference for women who are inspiring leaders, visionaries, and drivers in creating solutions to our current environmental, economic, and social challenges. The event will now take place in the penthouse suite at Loft Seven, 219 West 7th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014.

This year’s event will feature a sustainable fashion show produced and styled by Rebecca Mink highlighting green designers including – Mink Vegan Shoes, Sita Couture by Sita Thompson, Liza Shtromberg Jewelry, Fahmina, Violetta Villacorta, Vital Hemptations, B Green Apparel, and Anna Herman Designs along with many more  eco apparel and accessories vendors.

The all day affair will go from 11am – 7pm (doors open at 10:30am for registration) and attract over 400 women and 40 sustainable businesses to an event that will ignite and inspire those who feel called to actively participate in the evolutionary transformation of the individual self, society, and our environment.

In addition to the fashion focus, the 2012 conference will highlight workshops offering attendees a chance to connect with amazing women who will be sharing their expertise and insights in a variety of green business topics, a health and wellness forum, tons of networking opportunities and more!

Rebecca Mink's Vegan Shoes will be featured in the runway show at the Women of the Green Generation Conference

Rebecca Mink's Vegan Shoes will be featured in the runway show at the Women of the Green Generation Conference

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Posted in Events, Fashion, Green

Tadasana Festival Partners with Sustainable Works on a Zero Waste Mission

Posted on April 2, 2012 by

Earth Day Weekend marks the arrival of Los Angeles’s first yoga and music festival. And while much of the focus of the Tadasana Festival has been about the incredible yoga instructors, musicians, speakers, charitable partners and organizations, there is one crucial aspect that has not been forgotten: sustainability. In an effort to leave as small a footprint as possible, the Tadasana crew has partnered with Santa Monica-based Sustainable Works in order to reach the high bar set by the event’s producers.  The goal of this year’s inaugural event:  zero waste.

“Through the implementation of an aggressive Sustainable City Plan enacted in 1994, Santa Monica is pioneering municipal sustainability through various policies, programs, services and education,” says Samantha Sommer, Community Sustainability Liaison at Sustainable Works. “Sustainable Works will guide the festival into a premier zero waste event that leaves no footprint. Sustainable Works will work with the festival and a volunteer team of zero waste ambassadors to divert 90% or more of all ‘trash’ from going to landfill through composting, recycling and education training programs.”Sustainable Works logo Continue reading →

Posted in Events, Green, Yoga

Angel City Arts Hires Rob Woodworth as New Director

Posted on March 21, 2012 by

The Board of Directors of Angel City Arts, producer of the Angel City Jazz Festival, is pleased to announce the appointment of Rob Woodworth as ACA’s new interim director. With many years experience in non-profit management, jazz venue management, booking and public relations in the Bay Area, Rob is well qualified to direct Angel City Arts. Festival founder Rocco Somazzi remains artistic director of the Angel City Jazz Festival. Continue reading →

Posted in Music

Jordan Winery & Vineyard and Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions Announce Commemorative Art Exhibit: 4 on 4 Top 40

Posted on March 21, 2012 by

Marking its 40th anniversary with a four-city art competition, Jordan has sourced the best entries from Southern California-based artists for a one-night-only exhibition and wine tasting

WHAT: In honor of its 40th anniversary, California icon Jordan Vineyard & Winery has created the 4 on 4 Art Competition, a four-city program that challenges local artists to create a commemorative piece that blends the elegance of Jordan wines with the flavor of each city. 4 on 4 Los Angeles is organized by LACE (Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions).

A collection of the top Los Angeles competition entries will be unveiled at 4 on 4 Top 40, a public exhibition and Jordan wine tasting event, hosted at Hadid Gallery, an up-and-coming gallery in the trendy West Hollywood Design District.

Up to $8,000 in cash prizes, commercial opportunities and publicity campaigns await the top three winners, which will be selected by a panel of expert judges—including Carol Stakenas, director of LACE, noted critic and LA Canvas art editor Shana Nys Dambrot, four-star chef at Joe’s Restaurant Joseph Miller, LA Eater editor Kat Odell, Tasting Panel managing editor David Gadd, Valentino Santa Monica owner Pierro Selvaggio, and Black Cat Gallerist and noted artist Timothy Williams. Grand prize, first runner-up and second runner-up winners will be announced at 8 p.m. during the event, as well as people’s choice award for the top artwork selected by event guests.40th-art-competition-logo Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Events