51st ANNUAL L.A. COUNTY HOLIDAY CELEBRATION Groups Announced

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51st ANNUAL L.A. COUNTY HOLIDAY CELEBRATION has updated its performance list from our previous events post.

The annual event aty Dorothy Chandler Pavilion includes an amazing, full day of concerts, acts and entertainment to the day before Christmas. For many, attendance at this free event is a holiday tradition.

New acts announced in 2010 include:  Albert McNeil Jubilee Singers, Antics Performances, Balle Fette bu Senegal, Christian’s Community Center Cathedral Choir, Colburn Children’s Choir, Elliot Deutsch Big Band, Gabriella Axelrad Education Foundation, Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles, Halau O Lilinoe, Harmonic Bronze Handbell Ensemble, Jung Im Lee Korean Dance Academy, Loch and Key, Los Angeles Children’s Chorus Young Men’s Ensemble, Los Angeles City Elementary School Music Association Women’s Chorale, Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez, Mr. Vallenato, NDM Bollywood, Pacifico Dance Company, Palmdale High School Choral Union, Philippine Chamber Singers of Los Angeles, Salvation Army Tabernacle Children’s Chorus, Santa Monica Chorus, South Bay Children’s Chorus, Young Angels Choir.

Music and dance of the season from the many neighborhoods and cultures of L.A. can be enjoyed live on stage, television, radio and online as the 51st Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration unfolds on December 24. The three-hour extravaganza, performed at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion of the Music Center, is free! The L.A. County Holiday Celebration is a gift to the community from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. Sponsored by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and produced by the Los Angeles County Arts Commission on Friday, December 24, 2010 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Location:  Dorothy Chandler Pavilion of the Music Center, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles 90012 . Broadcast on KCET TV and kcet.org or KPFK 90.7 FM. Admission is free.

Information hotline: (213) 972-3099 or  HolidayCelebration.org

  • FREE
  • Wristbands required for entry. Wristbands available on a first-come, first-serve basis starting at 11:30 a.m. on December 24 at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion of the Music Center
  • Limit: one wristband per person.
  • Once wristband is obtained, attendees do not have to wait in line. When all wristbands have been distributed, standbys will be tracked in order of arrival and admitted if seats are vacated. Doors open at 2:30 p.m.

PARKING: FREE in the Music Center parking garage

Giving Thanks, a Reggae Concert Dedicated to Native Americans

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-To whom we give thanks, a concert after Thanksgiving 2010 in San Diego at WorldBeat, Balboa Park. THE LEGENDARY ABYSSINIANS from Jamaica and RAIZ MUZIK. In 1968 in Jamaica, Donald Manning, Bernard Collins, and Linford Manning, musical trio known as The Abyssinians, launched “Satta Massagana” —a Rastafarian song speaking of Ethiopia. “Satta Massagana” is a worldwide anthem and is attributed for launching The Abyssinians into International stardom. From the early to mid-70s, The Abyssinians recorded sparingly, but the quality of the group’s work was remarkable. Nowadays, Linford Mannings has been replaced for the live shows with the talented David Morrison. This allows the trio to be in top form to represent the roots of reggae music and Rastafari movement. The Abyssinians are not new to the WorldBeat Center. They have been performing with WorldBeat productions since the early 1970s. They have also been coming to the Tribute to the Reggae Legends – Bob Marley Day for over 8 years in the 30 years of its production. They will return to headline Tribute to the Reggae Legends – Bob Marley Day 2011 and also for the first time this year at Culture Beat Mexico in Ensenada, Baja California on November 26th. These are the last of the Reggae Legends. Fortunately, you will not have to wait that long to see them perform because they return to the WorldBeat Center this November 27th, 2010.

In their honor, the Tuesday after the concert (November 30th at 7:00P.M.), The Abyssinians will be at the WorldBeat Center to hold a special meet & greet with a panel discussion.

Date: Saturday, November 27th 2010
Time: 8:00 PM – 11:59 PM
Cost: $15.00 at brownpapertickets.com
Venue: WorldBeat Cultural Center, 2100 Park Blvd. San Diego 92101
worldbeatcenter.org

California Impressionist’s Exhibition in Ventura Thru Feb.13, 2011

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Nature’s Palette: The Art of Meredith Brooks Abbott California Impressionist’s Exhibition Opens December 5 At Museum of Ventura County

Atmospheric landscapes, garden paintings and portraits by California Impressionist Meredith Brooks Abbott will be on solo exhibition at the Museum of Ventura County, December 5, 2010 through February 13, 2011.

Abbott has spent most of her 50 years as a painter in the South Coast region; she is a founding member of the Oak Group of painters dedicated to preserving open spaces, and exhibits regularly with the California Art Club. This museum exhibit draws from collections in Ventura and Santa Barbara, and showcases her ability to capture the natural world around her with quick brushstrokes and subtly related colors. Abbott often finds inspiration from the garden flowers around the 1873 farmhouse where she lives in Carpinteria. Abbott earned her degree from the Art Center School in Los Angeles, and also studied with noted artists Richard S. Meryman and Clarence Hinkle. She worked as an illustrator in New York and San Francisco, but returned to Santa Barbara area in 1974, where she has painted ever since. She is a member of the Santa Barbara Art Association.

The Museum of Ventura County is located at 100 E. Main Street in downtown Ventura, open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. venturamuseum.org for more information or call (805) 653-0323.

Veterans Get Free Admission USS Hornet Alameda Nov 8-14, 2010

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American military veterans are invited to attend a special ceremony in their
honor on the historic USS Hornet aircraft carrier on Veteran’s Day on Thursday,
Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. The Hornet is located at 707 W. Hornet Ave., Pier 3 in
Alameda. A registered State and National Historic Landmark, the historic aircraft carrier is open to the public every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (510) 521-8448 x 282. uss-hornet.org

In recognition of their service to our country, military veterans wearing their
unit jackets, hats, or showing proper identification at the ticket desk will
receive complimentary admission to the USS Hornet Museum from Nov. 8-14,
including Veterans Day. Hornet’s Chaplin, John Berger, 90, a retired Navy chaplain and hospital corpsmen, Tommie Simpson will preside over the ceremony. Music is provided by the USS Hornet Band. Admission is $6 for children 5-17, $12 for seniors and $15 for adults. Free parking across from the pier.

Included among the numerous exhibits are the “Apollo Moon Mission” display and
13 Navy/Marine aircraft, both fixed and rotary wing, ranging from WWII vintage
to modern era. Visitors can get a close-up look at a TBM Avenger, an F-14
Tomcat, and an authentic space capsule.

Art Under the Umbrellas in Old Town La Quinta

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Art Under the Umbrellas at Old Town La Quinta is a popular series with 70+ artists exhibiting their original creations for sale, complimented by live music, boutique shopping, and fine dining. Art Under the Umbrellas runs from October – April. Admission and parking is free. Old Town La Quinta is located at 78-015 Main Street, in the Village of La Quinta. Art Under the Umbrellas is presented by La Quinta Arts Foundation, LQAF.com; Tel: (760) 564-1244.

San Francisco Beer with Food – Perfect Baseball Fan Meal

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San Francisco, CA—San Francisco Giants fans are purchasing more brews than wine, and though they don’t need tips on how to drink, here’s some beer news & advice from San Francisco beer experts.

According to the Brewer’s Association, for beer tasting, the glass style is important to tasting beer – certain CO2 levels would be enhanced by the shape of the glass, which encourages a thick, creamy foam and accentuates a beer’s aroma. It also helps the taste if the glass is spotlessly clean and served in small portions.

As far as beer as an ingredient to foods – it’s strictly added for flavor, not as a binding agent. It’s not a new concept  — Julia Child recommended adding beer to her recipe for French Onion soup. Gordon Biersch adds it to their barbeque sauce and salad dressing. The Brewers Association advises that in general, low-bitterness beers are best for cooking. It recommends the following:
· Beer makes a great quick sauce for sautéed or roasted items (but take care in not reducing the beer since it will become excessively bitter).
·  Although mussels steamed in wheat beer is a classic, other steaming suggestions include steaming or poaching meat, poultry or shellfish in other delicate, lightly-hopped brews.
· Strong, rich beers may be substituted for other liquids in cakes or other pastries.

San Francisco is home to several breweries where visitors can sample fresh ales and lagers from an extensive variety. And after the baseball games have ended and football is in full swing, the Brewers Guild hosts San Francisco Beer Week in February with special tastings and events. sfbeerweek.org

Some local San Francisco breweries include:

21st Amendment Brewery Café
563 Second St.
415-369-0900
21st-amendment.com

Anchor Brewing Company
1705 Mariposa St.
415-863-8350
anchorbrewing.com
(Public tours are available)

Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant
Two Harrison St.
415-243-8246
gordonbiersch.com

ThirstyBear Brewing Company and Spanish Cuisine
661 Howard St.
415-974-0905
thirstybear.com

Kids Fishing Derby in Antioch Was Great Success

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The California Stripped Bass Associations West Delta Chapter 23rd Annual Kid’s Fishing Derby took place Saturday October 23rd in Antioch at the East Bay Region Park’s Contra Loma Reservoir. “Hooked on Fishing not on Drugs” is the purpose of this event. 418 children age 3 to 12 took part in the free event with lunch
provided along with gift bags and fishing games to be played. Kids were allowed to catch two fish, and all the fish caught were cleaned for each angler. If a child did not have a fishing pole one was provided along with bait. Winners included Tessa Cuyno and Robert Osbourn.

The California Striped Bass Association –West Delta Chapter had 80 volunteers and many sponsors, along with Rainbow trout donated by Mount Lassen Trout Farm.

The California Striped Bass Association (west delta chapter) will be holding a 2nd annual Crab & Pasta Feed Fund Raiser Feb 19,2011 starting 6:00 PM at the Brentwood Veterans Building 757 First Street Brentwood, Ca. 94513. Cost is $40 per ticket with proceeds going to the 24th Annual Kids Free Fishing Derby set for Oct,22 2011 tentatively. For information on upcoming events or to buy tickets, call Roger Lund (925)754-3938.

Holiday at Sapphire Laguna in Laguna Beach, CA

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Globally Influenced Menus for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve feature culinary influences from around the world. Butternut Squash Soup, Roasted Shrimp Waldorf Salad, Homemade Duck Confit Ravioli with Pear-Cabbage Hash or a Charcuterie Board are a few of the around-the-world dishes this season for the seasoned traveler and diner. For an entrée, select from Prime Rib of Beef “Au Jus,” Crispy Barramundi and Lobster Borsenttini, Pan Seared Beef Tenderloin, Braised Kurobuta Pork Shank with Old World Spices, Traditional Herb Roasted Diestel Hen Turkey or Peruvian Lomo Style Lamb Sirloin. Desserts are exceptional, and unique, as well.

Thanksgiving dinner menu will start at 11:00 a.m. with the last seating being at 8:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 25) and will include an appetizer, entrée and dessert from $48 to $65. Appetizer options include Hazelnut Crunch Cake with Honeyed Kumquats.

Parking for Sapphire Laguna and Sapphire Pantry is free. sapphirelaguna.com, or call (949) 715-9888 for Sapphire Laguna or (949) 715-9889 for Sapphire Pantry. Sapphire Laguna is located at 1200 South Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651.

Orange County Market Place Halloween Macaberet Entertainment

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“COME TO THE MACABARET”

Retired Hearses, Hollywood’s Best Fringe Show and Dragonized Pumpkins Come Together for Annual Halloween Fest in Costa Mesa

13TH ANNUAL TRICK OR TREAT FESTIVAL &
11TH ANNUAL HALLOWEEN HEARSE PROCESSION &SHOW

Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Orange County Market Place, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa, CA

The 13th Annual Trick or Treat Festival and the 11th Annual Halloween Hearse Procession and Show at the Orange County Market Place, the weekend swap meet at the O.C. Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., includes free “daytime” trick or treating for kids in costume from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (First 500 kids receive a free gift.)

Highlights include world renown pumpkin sculptor “Farmer” Mike Valladao who returns to carve 3-dimensional masterpieces out of 400 plus pound pumpkins including a giant dragon. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All day exhibition of antique and classic hearses preceded by a procession through Costa Mesa at 10 a.m. with national syndicated radio personality Dr. Demento returning as the grand marshal.

Festival of Dementia shows presented by Dr. Demento.

Hollywood Fringe Festival Award’s BestCabaret/Circus Show-“Freak Show Deluxe” with sword swallowing,fire eating,bed of nails, glass eating and other freakish acts.

Also: Macabaret stilt walking troupe, kid’s costume parade, costume contest, Junior Society Magic Castle
magicians, Ha-Ha-Halloween Comedy Magic and Juggling Show, Gothic Parodies and Poetry by the League of Vampiric Bards, Looney Ballooney Witch, Swazzle puppet show “Goldilocks and the Three Buccaneers,” The Ultimate Schizophrenic, Dr. Jerkyll and Mr. Hyde and free face painting.

Blood drive to support local hospitals.

Admission to the swap meet is $2 for ages 13 years and over and free for kids 12 and under. All Halloween events are included with admission. Complete schedule available at www.ocmarketplace.com or call 949-723-6660.

Swap meet runs from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Little Monsters & Vampires Promote Blood Drive

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Do you ever call children “little monsters”? At Legoland California, kids dressed up like dracula and road the dragon ride to remind parents to donate blood. Those parents donating in Southland cities in California will be eligible for a 4-pack park admission and day of fun. Read more!

Legoland California at Carlsbad is donating the largest amount of park admission tickets ever for the Blood Drive campaign drawing winners to be awarded for park admission. The month of October brings special entertainment to the the theme park especially designed for young kids.