The Pantages Theater plays host to Billy Elliot.  In true Hollywood style, Billy Elliot is the story of a boy who follows his heart and makes his dreams come true.  This critically acclaimed musical is suitable for all ages and features music by the one and only Sir Elton John in what the New York Post calls "HIS BEST SCORE YET!"  Get your tickets soon, as Billy Elliot is only in town from April 10th through May 13th, 2012. {Watch the trailer here!}

Friday 4/20

The Los Angeles Comedy Festival

Enjoy a week of non-stops laughs at the LA Comedy Festival, jam-packed with films, standup, shorts and sketch. Performing at Los Feliz 3 Cinema and The Actor’s Company, acts include past winners of Last Comic Standing, and groups such as Falcon Powder. For a complete schedule of acts and to purchase tickets visit their website.

Sadie

1638 N. Las Palmas Ave.

One of Hollywood’s newest hot spots, Sadie is debuting a new Spring menu. Using Farmers Market fresh ingredients their utilizing the best this season has to offer with dishes including: Market Salad, Linguine & Clams, Wild Alaskan Halibut, and an Orchard Lime Tart. Make your reservations today at 323-467-0200

Saturday 4/21

Open House

6250 Hollywood Blvd.
Homes from the $400’s. Join The Residences at W Hollywood for our first Open House. Valet your wheels and head upstairs for an exclusive tour of our WOW suites, Rooftop Park, and Screening Room. Light fare and wine will be served.
RSVP to nikki@powerplaydestination.com.

Supper Dinner Cruise

6675 Hollywood Blvd.
Book your reservations for a Supper Club exclusive – Supper dinner Cruise. Every course takes you to a different country with “ports” in Spain, Greece, France, and Italy.  Along with great food, enjoy specialty cocktails and live performances. For reservations call 323-466-1900.

Sunday 4/22

In celebration of Earth Day and exceptional weather we’re suggesting you enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer- take a walk around Hollywood, hike Runyon, head to the beach, visit Griffith Observatory, take your dog to the park, or bask in the LA sunshine. Of course if you need something a bit more interactive head to the Earth Day Fair or Sunset Walk & Shop.

Earth Day Fair

800 W. Olympic Blvd.
Join hundreds as they celebrate Earth Day at L.A. Live 12:00PM-6:00PM. Fair features environmental booths, talent and athlete meet and greets, and live performances. This is also your chance to learn more about environmental sustainability and green practices in Los Angeles. Make sure to bring some recyclables and clothes to donate.

Sunset Walk & Shop

8240 Sunset Blvd
It’s all the name. Walk and Shop iconic Sunset Blvd. featuring 40 talented designers and artists, live music performances, and of course food trucks!
Runs from 11:00-4:00PM.

Groundbreaking Rock Opera, Green Day's American Idiot, will be showing at Ahmanson Theatre from March 14th through April 22nd.  This is the stage version of American Idiot developed by Green Day and Michael Mayer.  Although the band will not appear on stage, the show will definitely rock.  Get your tickets here.

The Open House event for The Residences at W Hollywood!
Here's your chance to own Hollywood.
Show Suites, available homes, and our incredible, new rooftop park are all yours to savor.
When: 1 – 5 PM, Saturday, April 21.

Light fare and refreshments. Homes from the $400's. Parking is complimentary.
RSVP to Nikki@powerplaydestination.com
888-232-6648

Friday

Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles

6360 W. Sunset Blvd.
It’s the Indian Film Festival at Arclight Hollywood! Showing tonight is “The Great Indian Marriage Bazaar,” “Black Friday,” and “Bollywood by Night.” After your show make sure to stop by the No Tomatoes food truck from 6pm-10pm on your way out for some chicken tikka masala.

Saturday

Space 15 Twenty

1520 N. Cahuenga Blvd.
Housing Urban Outfitters, Free People and PUR we’re pretty sure this sample sale will be epic and all items are only $5! Friday through Sunday choose from clothes, shoes, books, and accessories. They’re only accepting credit so save your cash for later (never know when you might have to make it rain in the club!)

Pantages Theatre

6233 Hollywood Blvd.
Billy Elliot the Musical opened this week at the legendary Pantages Theatre and tells the story of a minor’s son who drops boxing only to discover a talent in ballet. The show brought to you by Sir Elton John is the recipient of 9 Tony Awards-including Best Musical. Get your tickets today!

Sunday

Sunday Cookout at Outpost

1624 N. Cahuenga Blvd
The newest restaurant to the Cahuenga Corridor. They’ve got a different special everyday of the week but we think a $9.95 all you can eat buffet tops the list. From 11am-3pm enjoy down home style BBQ and whiskey cocktails served in cowboy boots. Check it out here!

King King Hollywood

6633 Hollywood Blvd.
Terry Beeman’s Mental Head Circus- picture a twisted version of Cirque de Soleil- is a vaudeville-like show complete with cabaret dancers and breathtaking aerialist stunts. Purchase tickets today and watch as Terry Beeman and his gang ignite the stage!

Bollywood is coming to Hollywood! The Indian Film Festival of LA is your chance to to view world premiere Indian films from the likes of Gotham Chopra, son of Deepak Chopra, and a long list of renowned directors. The festival also offers engaging panels, live musical performances, and much more. Don't forget to make a stop at the "No Tomatoes"   food truck parked right outside Arclight Hollywood. They're serving up delicious Indian cuisine like chicken tikka masala and chapli burgers! Festival runs April 10th-15th. Get a Festival Pass or buy a ticket to a specific film!

Looking for something to do with the kids? Rock the Presidents, by youth theater company, Childsplay, will rock its world premiere at the Geffen Playhouse on Saturday, April 14th, 2012, and it's fun for the whole family!
Check it out here!

A new neighborhood saloon is coming to Hollywood! This Western-themed restaurant and bar is sure to become a hot spot for late nights on the Cahuenga Corridor. In addition to a massive drink list stock full of whiskeys, beer, and cocktail filled cowboy boots, they're offering a menu of carefully crafted comfort foods that you won’t find at your typical backyard BBQ. Guests can also expect specials 7 days a week including - $.25 Country Wing Night and All-You-Can-Eat Sunday Brunch.
Outpost will be open Mon - Fri: 4:00 PM - 2:00 AM and Sat - Sun: 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM. Check it out Thursday, April 12th!

Are you a theatre buff? Grab your togas and join the 33rd annual LA Weekly Theatre Awards at the Avalon Hollywood. This greek themed awards ceremony honors the best works of local theatres from 2011. Buy your   ticket today.

Saturday

Pacific Standard Time

Various Locations
It’s the last day of Getty Museum’s Pacific Standard Time, and to celebrate they are offering free admission to 20 of their amazing art exhibits.  Participating exhibitions include “Trouble in Paradise: Music and Los Angeles 1945-1975” open at The Grammy Museum, “California Design 1930-1965” open at LACMA, and many more. For a complete list of exhibits and more info visit their website. 

Crawfish Boil at Five-0-Four

6541 Hollywood Blvd.
Five0Four Hollywood is hosting a traditional NOLA style Crawfish Boil! They're boiling up 100lbs of Louisiana crawfish and serving them alongside corn and potatoes. While your sucking craw heads and getting dirty wash it all down with a hurricane. Join the fun 11AM-6PM.

Griffith Observatory

2800 East Observatory Road
Once a month Griffith hosts a Public Star Party. Bring your friends and family for a night under the stars and a little bit of info too. Astronomers will be on hand to discuss the sky and the different telescopes available for viewing. Viewing runs from 2:00PM-9:45PM.

Sunday

Yard Sale at Space 15 Twenty

1520 N. Cahuenga Blvd.
Every first Sunday of the month Space 15 Twenty has a blowout yard sale, and this weekend they are featuring  “Yeah Gurl, That’s The Price!” Not only will there be vintage clothes, local designers, food trucks, arts and crafts and music, but also  check out their special limited time only Coachella Bustiers. Each is one of a kind and perfect for the modern day hippie.

Boardwalk

6681 Hollywood Blvd.
Open till 2am on the weekends, Boardwalk, the newest bar and restaurant to Hollywood offers craft beer and American cuisine. The perfect place if you’re looking to chill with friends and grab a beer on a Sunday night.

The one, the only, the FABULOUS Mamma Mia! will show at The Pantages Theater Hollywood from March 27th through 31st.  We know that you're secret (or not-so-secret) ABBA fans.  Come get your Swedish on - tickets available here.

Take a peak at TERRYWOOD, the latest exhibit from Hollywood native and famous fashion photographer Terry Richardson on now at OH Wow Gallery. His solo exhibition features 25 of his latest photographs profiling everything from celebs to Hollywood landscape and architecture. Be one of the many to check it out. This exhibit is on view now through March 30. Want more info? Check out OH Wow Gallery's website here.

Space15 Twenty plays host to its latest pop-up, CRYBABY.  This month, through March 29th, 2012 CRYBABY presents its third exhibit "Do Not Remove", featuring works by CRYBABY founders, Dakota Solt and Lisa Ziven.  Solt's pieces focus on prints of digital collages, while Ziven's works include sculptural pillows, continuing in three dimentions the themes of Solt's prints.  More info here.

A true Hollywood story of small-town girl meets big-city rocker in L.A.'s most famous rock club, comes home as critically acclaimed Rock of Ages hits The Pantages Theater, March 20th through 25th, 2012.  Catch this representation of our neighborhood - get your tickets here.

Friday 3/23

FukuBurger LA

1634 Cahuenga Blvd.
Show your ticket stub to "The Hunger Games" from ArcLight Cinemas at the door and receive a free side of Edamame with every burger, and 10% off your entire bill at FukuBurger! 

Saturday 3/24

Kitchen 24

1608 N. Cahuenga Blvd.
It’s Bottomless Saturdays at this 24-hour diner. You have to keep your bottoms on but you get to drink as many Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s and you want until 3pm.

Christian Marclay’s “The Clock” at LACMA

5905 Wilshire Blvd.
The Clock is a 24-hour movie depicting the passage of time.LACMA will be showing the film in its entirety in the museum’s Bing Theatre.  Marclay’s vision is a compilation of clips and images showing time as it is as you are watching it. Stroll in at 4am to catch a glimpse of the amazing dream sequence. The free showing runs 12pm Saturday to 12pm Sunday  with first come first serve seating.

Sunday 3/25

St. Felix

1602 N. Cahuenga
Starting this month St. Felix is offering brunch at 11am-4pm every weekend.
Try their amazing slider & desserts or one of their fresh fruit cocktails featuring infused vodkas, homemade sangria served in a mason jar, or a raspberry bellini.

TerryWood

937 N. La Cienega Blvd.
The latest exhibit from Hollywood native and famous fashion photographer Terry Richardson on now at OH Wow Gallery. His solo exhibition features 25 of his latest photographs profiling everything from celebs to cheeseburgers and Hollywood architecture. Be one of the many to check it out.

March is a funny month in Hollywood, with Jerry Seinfeld making a two night stop at The Pantages Theater on Hollywood Boulevard, from March 16th to March 17th, 2012.  Tickets are still available, but not for long.  Click here to purchase online.

Get ready to sip green beer, enjoy Irish car bombs and partake in the luck of the Irish because it’s St. Patrick’s Day in Hollywood! If you’re looking for the perfect spot, check out our top picks for St. Patty’s Day fun.

Dillion’s Irish Pub
Party starts at 6AM complete with bagpipes and leprechauns. After breakfast enjoy Green Bud Beers, a Svedka Photobooth, and tons of giveaways including a trip for 2 to Ireland!

Franklin & Company Tavern
The newest gastropub to Franklin Village will join in on the festivities with a special menu featuring Irish fair, specialty cocktails, FREE shots of Jamison to first 25 guests, green beer, DJ, and try your luck with their “Wheel of Fun” filled with giveaways.

Te’Kila
Promising the best Mexican St. Patrick’s Day party Hollywood has to offer Te’kila has an array of drink specials starting at $4 Beer and $5 Irish Car Bombs. In addition partygoers can join in on the search for 10 four-leaf clovers hidden in the restaurant during “Get Lucky Happy Hour.”  The fun & games kick off at 4pm.

Cat & Fiddle
Along with a magician, giveaways, and a traditional Irish dinner of corned beef & cabbage, enjoy Guinness for only $3.95!

Luck of The Irish Pub Crawl
If you can’t choose just 1…don’t! Attend Hollywood’s largest St. Patrick’s Day Celebration complete with $2 Draft Beers, $3 Mixers, and $4 shots. Participating bars include Frolic Room, Five 0 Four, Te’kila, California Wings Café, Capitol City Sports Grill, Big Wangs, Velvet Margarita, and many more. Check-In begins at the infamous Pig N’ Whistle at noon.

It’s St. Patrick’s Day weekend and we’ve got you covered.

Friday 3/16

Jerry Seinfeld at The Pantages Theatre

6233 Hollywood Blvd.
If you were also a fan of “Seinfeld” here’s your chance to see funny man Jerry Seinfeld as he takes on The Pantages Theatre for a weekend.  Get your tickets to see this stand up genius here. Show starts at 7pm.

Frog

1550 Cahuenga Blvd.
If you happen to be one of the many people who like cold stuff when it’s cold head to Hollywood’s newest “froyo” shop, FROG. It’s simple- choose a flavor of yogurt and pile on the toppings of your choice to make a unique concoction. This frozen yogurt bar is open until 3am on the weekends.

Saturday 3/17

GO Burger

6290 Sunset Blvd.
Enjoy an Irish themed lunch at GO Burger featuring a St. Patty Melt and a Kiss Me I’m Irish Shake filled with Guiness, Bailey’s, Jameson, and ice cream topped off with a shamrock cookie.

Dillion’s Irish Pub

6263 Hollywood Blvd.
Celebrate this St. Patrick’s Day with kilt wearing servers, Irish car bombs, green beer, and giveaways including a trip for 2 to Ireland.  Their festivities start at 6am and even include leprechauns and bagpipes.  For more info check out their Facebook.

Sunday 3/18

LA Marathon

If you’re not running participate by cheering on runners as they brave the rain and make an appearance on Hollywood Blvd. Course will land them between Hillhurst Ave. and La Brea. For course detail as well as road closures visit their website.

ArcLight Hollywood

6360 W. Sunset Blvd.

Although the rain will be pouring there is no need to cozy up on the couch, instead head to ArcLight Cinema. Their extra wide theatre seats and armrests make for a comfortable movie viewing experience. With convenient reserved seating you can spend your wait time browsing their unique lobby gift shop, stocked with books, magazines, art and music. See a list of movie times and reserve your seats here.

Dancing to the music of Stevie Wonder, Dance Company, Evidence,  will perform a program including the West Coast premiere of 'On Earth Together', at the Ahmanson Theatre , March 9th through 11th, 2012.  Tickets can be purchased here.

Gun N' Roses is back in their hometown of  Los Angeles and taking over Sunset Blvd. for a weekend. They're kicking off their shows at the Palladium Hollywood. Get your tickets today! Don't miss youre opportunity to see them live. Their last takeover sold out in minutes.

What are you doing this weekend? Take our advice and let us plan you a weekend filled with city events, eats, and neighborhood favorites.

Friday March 9th

Guns N' Roses at The Hollywood Palladium

6215 Sunset Blvd.
These L.A. natives are back and taking over for just one weekend! Their 3-show stint takes off Friday March 9th at the Hollywood Palladium and ends at The House of Blues Sunset Strip. Although Axl Rose is the only original band member it is sure to be a walk down memory lane. That is of course assuming you remember anything at all from that time. Get your tickets NOW!

Papaya King

1645 Wilcox Ave.
Although we Angelenos love those addicting bacon wrapped hot dogs sizzling from the cart outside your local club, every once in a while it’s good to ditch the street meat for a tasty hot dog courtesy of Papaya King! This famous east coast eatery is now serving up their finest hot dogs and tropical drinks for Hollywood. Stumble in until 3am!

Saturday March 10th

The Hotel Café

1623 N. Cahuenga Blvd.
The Mynabirds, Big Harp, Rosie & Me, The Hord & The Harem, Archeology
Although Hollywood is much more than struggling artists and indie dream chasers sometimes it’s fun to pretend it is. Enjoy the sounds of the very best aspiring singer/songwriters L.A. has to offer at The Hotel Café. This place has become the location of choice for upcoming talent and you could be the first to discover the next “big thing.” Show starts at 9pm.

Urban Masala

6554 Hollywood Blvd.
Craving Chicken Tikka Masala after a night out on the town? Probably not – but you should! Urbana Masala is quickly becoming Hollywood’s favorite spot to sober up with a delicious meal or just chill with good friends and even better Garlic Naan. This fresh Indian grill is open until 3am on the weekends.

Sunday March 11th

* Make sure to set your clocks 1 hour ahead today. It's springtime!

Franklin & Co.

5923 Franklin Ave.
The newest gastropub to Franklin Village, wind down your weekend with Franklin & Company. They offer a Sunday Brunch featuring an extensive Blood Mary list that’s bloody good.

As if Kathy Griffin weren't already too much fun, the critically acclaimed broadway adaptation of Monty Python and The Holy Grail, Monty Python's Spamalot takes the stage at The Pantages Theatre Tuesday, February 28th through Sunday, March 4th, 2012.  Get your tickets here, before it's too late! 

I know, you're asking yourself "What?!?" but don't worry, it's an exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art.  Naked Hollywood: Weegee in Los Angeles features, the works of the NY-Crime-Scene turned LA-Tabloid photographer known as Weegee.  The exhibit includes 200 never-before-seen photographs, as well as the artist's dabblings in film, writing and photo-essays, and is currently on at MOCA until February 27th, 2012.  A veritable Hollywood icon, after moving to LA from NY in 1947, Weegee focused his lens, in true Hollywood style, on stars, strippers, costumes and mannequins.  For more information, check out the MOCA website here.

The sizzling story of the late Molly Ivins, the brassy Texan reporter whose liberal journalism skyrocketed her to the national stage, is currently playing at the Geffen Playhouse, and has extended its run through February 19th, 2012.  Love her, or Love to hate her, it's a political year and this show is a can't miss event.  Tickets can be purchased directly from the Geffen Playhouse website here.

Hollywood is a happening place to be for Valentine's Day.  Whether you're with your sweetheart, or you just want to show a little love to yourself, here are the places to be:

KATSUYA HOLLYWOOD
Katsuya Hollywood, is offering a special prix-fixe menu paired with exclusive Japanese sake. Their regular menu will also be available. Check out their website here, for more details.
http://www.sbe.com/katsuya
 
Cleo - SBE
Make your reservation today at Cleo featuring a special prix-fixe menu for $65 per person, or $95 per person with a bottle of Champagne.
 
Drai's Hollywood
What's more romantic than dinner with a rooftop view? Dinner with a rooftop view of Hollywood, that's what. Reserve a table at Drai’s Hollywood for an intimate rooftop dining experience.
 
The Grill on Hollywood
Celebrate Valentine's Day at The Grill with specials like Pan Seared Scallops, Lobster Tail, Ranch Rib Chop, Filet Mignon, and a Sweethearts Dinner for two.
 
Lexington Social House
Get social on Valentine's day! Visit Lexington Social House for a special $65 three course Valentines Menu.

Osaka
The Peruvian-Asian restaurant’s menu captures the essence of Enjoy your Valentine’s Day with cocktails, appetizers and desserts! Try their signature aphrodisiac cocktails and desserts featuring ingredients such as cinnamon, vanilla, pineapple and strawberries. 6327 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.785.0360.

Papilles
Our friend Chef Tim Carey has created a menu filled with French favorites including, caviar, smoked Idaho ruby trout with sunchokes, butter poached Lobster and of course champagne $60/pp.
6221 Franklin Ave., L.A., 323.871.2026. www.PapillesLA.com

Delphine
Sourced straight from the local Hollywood Farmers Market. Delphine is offering wild mushroom ravioli with butternut squash; Main lobster pot pie and granny smith apple tart for two and double vanilla root beer float. 6250 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.798.1355. www.restaurantdelphine.com

Sadie
OR, Spend Valentine’s Day with Sadie as they offer guests a special Valentine's menu for two- with cocktail pairings!

 

We love Space15 Twenty for all of the great things they've got going on each week. This week features "Dinner with a DJ" at Umami Burger on Thursday, February 9th, 2012; Foxy Fridays with a $35 Blowout Bar (+ Champagne) at Hairroin; Saturday date night with Music Selections from HM Soundsystem & a Movie at 8PM; AND of course Sunday Yard Sale with Guest Host, Pur Vintage.  We'll see you there!

Two time Emmy winner, NY Times Bestselling Author and all-around funny lady, Kathy Griffin will be performing live at The Pantages Theater on Friday, February 3rd and Saturday February 4th at 8PM.  Be there or be square! There are still a few tickets available here.

Hungry? Well, you're likely to be sometime today.  When you get to that point, check out DineLA and the various participating restaurants.  Find all the info here.

Join us Feb 1st, 2012 as we celebrate Hollywood's 125th Birthday! Hosted at the famous Hollywood & Highland complex courtyard, from 4pm until 7pm, our booth will feature giveaways and a chance for you to get your picture taken like a real Hollywood star.  If you wish to join in on the party, be sure to register here. We think Hollywood's aged pretty well, don't you?

And ... the press release:

WE’RE ROLLING OUT THE RED CARPET!

Hollywood’s 125th Birthday Party at Hollywood & Highland!

HOLLYWOOD, CA—JANUARY 27, 2012--On Wednesday, February 1, 2012, Hollywood will turn 125 and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is rolling out the red carpet as we celebrate and network! The festivities will begin with a 9:30 a.m. press conference in front of the Hollywood Sign scenic point, located in the main courtyard of Hollywood & Highland. Joining Hollywood Chamber of Commerce President Leron Gubler and Chairman of the Board Marty Shelton will be comedian/TV personality Jimmy Kimmel who will blow out the candles of a special Hollywood 125th birthday cake created by Food Network’s celebrity chef Duff Goldman of Charm City Cakes West and the shows “Ace of Cakes,” and “Sugar High.” The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has also partnered with L’Oréal Paris to create a special “Hollywood Red Carpet #125” lipstick to help promote the special occasion.

Later that evening there will be a special celebration networking mixer for Chamber members and the community. This mixer will be a part of Hollywood’s 125th birthday party and will take place from 4pm- 7pm in the courtyard of Hollywood & Highland. Guests will enjoy appetizers from California Pizza Kitchen, and The Grill at Hollywood & Highland. Festive beverages will be sponsored by Adult Chocolate Milk, Budweiser Light Platinum, Noah’s Water, Nobleza Tequila, Moreno Champagne and Sakiri Vodka. Guests will enjoy L’Oréal gift bags, party favors, prizes, entertainment from DJ Crash, PhotoBoxi stations and a custom-made birthday cake from Charm City Cakes West! Festivities include L’Oréal makeovers stations, Hollywood photo exhibits, and crowds singing Happy Birthday to Hollywood, and many other treats. This will be a historical mixer and an excellent opportunity for media and locals to learn more about Hollywood, the Hollywood Chamber, and our chamber members. The Chamber is also working with HGTV to cross promote their TV hit, “Design Star” and attending the event that evening are the show’s hosts Vern Yip and Genevieve Gorder. “Design Star” is doing a special Hollywood Room show in conjunction with the event that will air in the near future.

This event will be co-hosted by our generous friends at Hollywood & Highland and Line 204 Events/Angstrom Lighting.

Platinum Sponsors include The Hollywood Museum, Hollywood Wax Museum, Cirque du Soleil/IRIS, L’Oréal Paris, and Woman’s Club of Hollywood.

Gold Sponsors are Famous Hollywood Dental Care, Oakwood Corporate Apartments, Pantages Theatre and W Hollywood Hotel & Residences. (Hey, that's us!)

Silver Sponsors are Adult Chocolate Milk, AmGraph, Andrews International, Budweiser Light Platinum, California Pizza Kitchen, Charm City Cake Company, Cloud 9 Balloons, DJ Crash, The Grill, Hollywood Heritage/Bison Archives, Legacy Entertainment Group, Moreno Champagne, Noah Water, Nobleza Tequila, Photo Boxi (Wagner/Junker), Premier Events, and Sakiri Vodka



To RSVP to attend the networking mixer / birthday party, please go to
www.hollywoodchamber.net

Space is limited.


For sponsorship information, please contact:
Kaylee Kiecker, VP of Marketing and Business Development for the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce at kaylee@hollywoodchamber.net or call (323) 469-8311 ex 15.

For media/press information, please email Ana Martinez, Vice President of Media Relations at stargirl@hollywoodchamber.net

Critically acclaimed Broadway Show, Wicked, The Untold Story of The Witches of Oz, is playing at The Pantages Theater now through January 29th, 2012.  Entertainment Weekly and Variety have respectively declared the show "The best musical of the decade," and "a cultural phenomenon." Winner of 35 major awards, including a Grammy and 3 Tony Awards, the musical is based on a novel by Gregory McGuire, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz.  More information, including details on the storyline, can be found at the Wicked website. Tickets may be purchased online via the Pantages Website.  Our advice? Don't miss this opportunity to catch one of the great modern broadway shows, right here in Hollywood.

Iris, Cirque du Soleil's first ever permanent show for the Kodak Theatre, opened in late September to rave reviews.   Centered around the history of cinema, this new kid on the Hollywood block fits in seamlessly with Hollywood's movie-making and quirky-artsy crowds.  It's a good thing, too, as the show necessitated a $40 million modification to the stage and is slated for a 10 year run in its new Hollywood home.

Show times are Tuesdays through Fridays at 8pm; Saturdays at 2pm and 8pm; and Sundays at 1pm and 6:30pm.  There are no shows on Mondays.  Tickets may be purchased online on the Cirque du Soleil website.  Tickets may also be purchased by phone at 877-943-IRIS (4747).

With the likes of Philippe Decouflé (Writer/Director), Danny Elfman (Composer), and Jean-François Bouchard (Director of Creation) on the creative team, Iris is sure to be a smash hit for years to come. 
We're wishing a warm welcome to Iris and we're honored to share the newcomer spotlight with such an acclaimed neighbor.

Snow in LA? Of course!  For the 3rd year in a row our friends at the W Westwood have transformed their WET pool into a winter dream! Now through January 1, 2011 you can ice skate, sip holiday cocktails, and CHILL. With snowfall every hour it doesn't get more festive than this!

It is necessary to help those in need all year round, but especially as the weather gets cooler and expenses go up.  We're really glad that our neighbors at Space 15 Twenty have organized a food drive in support of the Greater West Hollywood Food Coalition, starting now and running through December.  If you would like to do your part, please drop non-parishable food items in the collection bin located in the courtyard of Space 15 Twenty.  We're really lucky to have great neighbors who help here in Hollywood.  Thanks for Giving.

On Friday, December 16th at 8pm, the Hard Rock Cafe on Hollywood Boulevard will be hosting an "Imagine" benefit concert.  Proceeds will go to WhyHunger, a nonprofit organization that strives to fight against hunger and poverty in the Dominican Republic, the US, India, Kenya, and Thailand.  For more information on WhyHunger, we're sure they'd be really happy if you would visit their website, or follow them on Facebook and Twitter.   

Event features include live music by Jesse Thomas, Cary Brothers, Bleu and The Crash Kings, and will be hosted by Ringo Starr's Personal Photographer, Rob Shanahan, who is releasing his new book "Volume 1."  The suggested donation for the Imagine Event at the Hard Rock is $15, and ages 21 and over are welcome.  For what's sure to be great night, benefiting a great cause, get your tickets here.

For all of you traditionalists out there, and even those who just enjoy a good show, you can still catch a performance of Handel's Messiah at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, December 13th and 14th, as performed by the L.A. Philharmonic and the L.A. Master Chorale.  An amazing piece, even if you've never heard it in its entirety, you'll surely recognize the iconic Hallelujah Chorus, and maybe even add this seasonal work to your own repertoire of Holiday Traditions.  Tickets can be purchased here, on the L.A. Philharmonic website.

The Tony-winning talent behind "In the Heights," "Next to Normal" and "Avenue Q," Brings it to the Ahmanson Theatre in LA this fall, playing now through December 10th, 2011.  Bring It On! features high-energy dance and cheer numbers, explosive musical comedy, and the nostalgia of over-the-top highschool rivalries.  Tickets may be purchased here.

Hollywood & Highland is currently setting up for Garry Marshall's star-studded film, New Year's Eve, to premiere December 5th, 2011 at the Graumn Theatre.  The film will release nation-wide on Friday, December 9th, 2011.  The cast is made up of an astounding line-up of all-stars, including: Halle Berry, Jessica Biel, Jon Bon Jovi, Abigail Breslin, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Robert De Niro, Josh Duhamel, Zac Efron, Hector Elizondo, Katherine Heigl (One for the Money), Ashton Kutcher (Two and a Half Men), Seth Meyers, Lea Michele (GLEE), Sarah Jessica Parker (Sex and the City), Michelle Pfeiffer, Til Schweiger, Oscar winner Hilary Swank (Million Dollar Baby) and Sofia Vergara (Modern Family).  Sounds like one fun party.

Modern romance, intense intra- and interpersonal conflict, unabashed honesty; Off-Broadway show Next Fall has all of this and more.  Nominated for two 2010 Tony Awards, including Best Play and Best Director (Sheryl Kaller), Next Fall tells the story of 2 gay men in a long-term relationship.  The true-to-life twist is one devoutly religious protagonist, while the other is an atheist.  Making the relationship work despite their differences is the focus of the play, until a serious accident changes everything.

Produced by Naked Angels Theater Company, Next Fall opened Off-Broadway at the Peter Jay Sharp Theatre in May 2009.  Slated to close at the end of June 2009, the sold out show resulted in 3 extensions of its Off-Broadway run.  This "Little Play That Could" (according to New York theater critic David Cote) made the move to Broadway in February 2010, with the entire Off-Broadway Cast and Director.

The Geffen Playhouse plays host to this moving story from October 25th, 2011 through December 4th, 2011.  Click here for tickets and show times.

6bit, a collective of young LA musicians (think high school and college age), will be holding a showcase tonight at Space 15 Twenty.  Featured artists include: Eliot, Oskar Russaskis, Dreams, and Phoebe Bridgers.  The showcase is Friday, December 2nd, 2011 in the courtyard at Space 15 Twenty from 7pm to 10pm.  All ages are welcome.

Skip the cooking AND the dishes by enjoying Thanksgiving Dinner at Cleo Restaurant in Hollywood.  The menu is mouthwatering and includes pumpkin salad, cumin- and honey-roasted heirloom carrots, dried fruit-and-fennel stuffing, and turkey seasoned with za’atar (a Middle Eastern spice mixture) and preserved lemon, all topped off with apple cider gravy.  Does it get any better than this? Only in the movies..
Call 323-962-1711 for reservations, provided that there are still tables left!

Back by popular demand, Riverdance is stepping into the Pantages Theater today, November 15th, 2011, through Sunday, November 20th, 2011.  Showtimes are at 8PM Tuesday through Friday; 2PM and 8PM on Saturday; and 6:30PM on Sunday.   Don't miss this enchanting story of Irish culture and Irish immigration to America, as told through modern Irish Dance.  Tickets can be purchased here.

Through the musical Come Fly Away, Tony Award winning creator, choreographer and director, Twyla Tharp, brings the magic of New York and music of Frank Sinatra to the stage of the Pantages Theater.  Experience the feelings of couples falling in love as 15 of the world's best dancers recreate the emotions of romance.

The enchanting voice of "Ol' Blue Eyes" himself is featured through recordings, complemented in duet by the fabulous Hilary Gardner.  A live Big Band adds to the exciting dance numbers, which bring Tharp's talent as a choreographer to the forefront.  After a brief Broadway run, the show is currently on a North American tour with stops in Atlanta, Detroit, Chicago, Miami, Baltimore, Los Angeles, Hartford, Cleveland, and Toronto.  The Los Angeles/Hollywood stop-over will run from Tuesday, October 25th through Sunday, November 6th, 2011.  Click here for tickets and show times.

We hate to waste a good costume, so we'll also be dressing up not only on Saturday Night, but also on Monday, October 31st, 2011.  (We're going as a Haunted Hotel. What will you be wearing?)
Get your tickets here, if you dare...

After taking a class on the Horror Genre in college, I've developed a taste for the cheesier side of erotetic narration.  You too, can get your fright on this Halloween week as Arclight Cinemas presents some classic horror films.  Tickets to see the following films on the big screen are in high demand, but a few may still be available. Check for show times by clicking on the links for each film below:

Poltergeist

Psycho

The Exorcist

The Shining

...and, for the kiddies (and big kids among us): Ghostbusters

Have a spooooooky Halloween, Hollywood!

Tyson Ritter of the All-American Rejects joins The Brenna Whitaker Little Big Band as a special guest for the October 30th Jazz Night.  "Revued" Brooke Lynn's Burlesque, will also be there , performing for a night of Jazz & Blues, and surprises. So, swing on by, and spend the evening with us in The Living Room at W Hollywood. 9PM to 2AM.

Looking for the Halloween Hollywood Music Scene? Come out to see The Tulsa Skull Swingers, joined by The Radioactive Chicken Heads at Space 15 Twenty, 8PM.  Hmmm. Radioactive Chicken Heads - If that doesn't conjure up some scary imagery, we don't know what does...
PS: Everything is more fun in costume this weekend, so get your dress-up on in true Hollywood style.

Station Hollywood and The Living Room at W Hollywood are dressing up as a haunted hotel this weekend in honor of the most goulish holiday.  Costumes are the preferred attire, so come dressed to impress in true cinematic fashion.  There are still a few tickets left, so be sure to get yours here.  We'll also be haunting Hollywood on Halloween Night (Monday, October 31st).  Join us then, too - if you're not afraid...

Join us for Sunday Night Jazz, featuring live music from The Brenna Whitaker Little Big Band.  We'll be here from 9PM to 2AM in The Living Room at W Hollywood, enjoying the soulful sound of Ms. Whitaker's voice.  Be sure to phone ahead for reservations (323.798.1355) should you desire a table for dinner at Delphine before the show.  (It's sure to be a busy evening).

It's been 25 years since Nintendo released the original "Legends of Zelda" video game, and they're celebrating in style with The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Symphony.  From the producers of PLAY! A Video Game Symphony, (which I can say from firsthand experience was absolutely magical) and with songs hand-picked by Nintendo composer Koji Kondo, The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Symphony is sure to be not only a hit, but a veritable trip down nostalgia lane.  A 70 piece orchestra accompanied by a full choir brings Zelda back to life, and promises to be a delight for classical music fans, gamers, and anyone who grew up in the 1980s.  Judging by the number of fans on their official Zelda Symphony Facebook Page, if you want to see the show, you'd better get your tickets now.

Here in Hollywood, we're lucky to get a "sneak peek" as the second of three premiere concerts takes place right here, at the Pantages Theater, on October 21st, 2011.   (The first premiere concert was in Tokyo on October 10th, and the last will be in London, before the show goes on a worldwide tour in 2012).  The premieres include music that will not be played on the world tour.  A full, 4 movement symphony has been arranged for the world tour, and we're told only 2 of those movements will be performed in the premiere concerts.  So, if you find yourself entranced at the Hollywood Premiere, you'll have the opportunity to see (and hear) a different Zelda-themed concert in 2012.  For more information and the full story of The Legends of Zelda 25th Anniversary Symphony, check out Nintendo Magazine's interview with producer Jeron Moore.

Jakob Martin & Guests will be performing live and unplugged tonight for Station Unplugged (Station Hollywood's Tuesday night acoustic sessions). Come and kick back with us after dinner (don't forget to make reservations by calling 323.798.1355 should you desire a table at Delphine), and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and musical stylings of this acoustic revolutionary.

Get your fright on with Supernatural Movie Night at Space 15 Twenty.  Rescheduled to Thursday, October 6th, 2011 between 8 and 10pm, check out a screening Night of the Living Dead. From the movie trailer on the Space 15 Twenty website, it looks like they'll be showing the original (for all of you purists out there).

David Bowie and Iman, Ric Ocasek and Paulina--just a couple of literal marriages between rock and fashion...The two disciplines can't seem to get enough of each other and are apparently made for one another.

Grace Lazenby, creator of Rockin Models, clearly got that when she put together an upcoming charity evening with enough rock and fashion to thrill Gwen Stefani.

Her Rock Fashion event--taking place on October 5th at 7 p.m. at Station at W Hollywood--is punctuated by a runway show for Nikki Rich (Nikki Lund and Richie Sambora's newest collection), and performances by the duo, as well as by American Idol season 2 finalist Kimberly Caldwell.

All proceeds from ticket sales will go to Look Good...Feel Better, an organization Helping Women with Cancer. Tickets are $25 presale via Rock Fashion's Event Brite and $35 at the door.

Cycling and art may be an unusual combination, but it’s definitely a relevant one right now.  As the world searches for motorized travel alternatives, more and more people are embracing bicycles as a commuter friendly form of self-expression. There is less than one week left of the Push/Pull: Art and Cycling exhibit at Space 15 Twenty, on display in the gallery space through September 30^th, 2011.  This, Space 15 Twenty’s latest Pop Up Shop celebrates Commuter Month by featuring bicycle-related art from Michael Kim, Carly White, Dylan Haley, Asend TSF, and Aaron Kuehn.
 

Through his collection of newspaper clippings, Michael Kim highlights the bicycle as an accessory and point of commonality between human beings.  His work has been published in his 48-page photo book, Bicycles.  Additionally, works by graphic artist Dylan Haley (the man behind the VO Orange Bike Poster) will be on display, while Carly White’s poster-sized pieces are available for purchase.  Asend TSF, described by the Melrose and Fairfax Blog as “one of the most tenacious street artists around,” graces the aficionado with some of his more fine art-style works. The typographic master Aaron Kuehn intrigues the eye with his bicycle typograms.
 

The gallery space is also displaying bicycles from Flying Pigeon Bicycle Shop, FreqntFlyr and Golden Saddle Cyclery.  Quicksilver, the final film in Space 15 Twenty’s Commuter Series will be shown on Tuesday, September 27^th at 7pm.  The showing is free and open to the public.  Also open to the public is the closing party for the exhibit, which takes place on Friday, September 30^th, 2011 between 7pm and 10pm.
 

For those ready to embrace the bike as their method of transportation, the Bicycle Kitchen is a welcoming place to start.  If you aren’t quite ready to make that commitment yet, reading The Urban Biking Handbook: the DIY Guide to Building, Rebuilding, Tinkering with, and Repairing your Bicycle for City Living is a great place to get inspired.  The handbook is featured as Hennessy + Ingalls’ Book of the Month and is available at their location in Space 15 Twenty.

Entertainment industry heavyweights, high-profile media and real estate elite gathered in a Penthouse unit at The Residences at W Hollywood on September 13th as celebrated chef Ludo Lefebvre treated them to cult favorites from the Ludo Bites 7.0 series.  Mozzarella Mousse atop heirloom tomatoes and Pigs Head Compressed with Mimolette & Barbeque Gelee were just a few of the signature dishes guests enjoyed while taking in incomparable, up-close views of the Hollywood Sign, Capitol Records building and Griffith Park Observatory from the residence’s balcony.

The Cantoni Suite on the 12th floor of The Residences at W Hollywood was the setting for the August baby shower of Ugly Betty actress Ana Ortiz and her musician husband, Noah Lebenzon. Several friends, including Ana’s Ugly Betty co-stars Rebecca Romijn (with husband Jerry O’Connell), Eric Mabius, and Mark Indelicato, helped celebrate at the shower organized by Hollywood Hot Moms. OK! Weekly had the exclusive coverage:
http://www.okmagazine.com/2011/08/exclusive-photos-ana-ortizs-baby-shower/

On Wednesday, August 24th, LA’s number-one gay lifestyle magazine Frontiers shot the cover of its Most Eligible Bachelor Issue in the Interior Illusions-designed Ultimate Bachelor Pad unit at The Residences at W Hollywood.  Several stylized images of the unit appeared throughout the magazine as part of the best-selling issue.  See the full article! 

On June 9th, 2011, celebrities and Hollywood tastemakers alike gathered at The Residences at W Hollywood to support the Art of Elysium and celebrate the return of the Mustang Boss 302 at an intimate event hosted by Topher Grace, an Art of Elysium supporter and friend of Jacque Kaplan-Abrahams, the evening’s Art Ambassador.   The event brought out some of Hollywood’s hottest, including True Blood’s Joe Manganiello (also an Art of Elysium supporter), Alicia Witt, Matthew Rhys, Shanola Hampton, Ethan Embry and Chris Masterson, who also provided music as celebrity DJ.  Attendees celebrated in an exquisite residence high above the iconic corner of Hollywood and Vine.