Invisible L.A. » Entertainment

Olvera Street, Los Angeles

Linda Tong — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 12:04:33 +0000

Olvera Street, Los Angeles

Post from: Los Angeles Blog

Many Angeleno’s consider Olvera Street as a center for Hispanic/Mexican history. Olvera Street boarders between downtown Los Angeles and the Los Angeles river(East Los). And South of the street is the historic Union Station, a major mass transit station for Los Angeles. North of Olver Street is Fort Moore. LA holds an annual July 4th celebration. Which includes antique cannons. To the North East is the historic Chinatown. And further North East is the famous Dodger Stadium. So you may see that it is centrally located amidst much LA activity and is not to hard to find.

Olvera Street dates back as early as 1877. The street is named after Augustin Olvera. The first LA County Judge. He also owned a house at the end of the street as well. Within the street is the Avila Adobe House(built 1818) which still stands. Francisco Avila was one of LA’s first mayors. You may visit the Avila Adobe, roughly between the hours of 10AM – 4PM. Admission is free. Olvera Street also housed many Olympians during the 1932 which was hosted in Los Angeles. Many famous and important people would visit or frequent the street. Such as: Ronald Reagan, Charlie Chaplin, King Juan Carlos I of Spain, Selma Hayak, Penelope Cruz, Ceasar Chavez, Oscar de La Hoya as well as many others.

In between touring the street and the Avila Adobe you can find some restaurants and sidewalk cafes to eat at. Many of the plates range between $4.00 – $15.00. You may be so lucky to hear live Mexican Folk to Mariachi music. Each group has anywhere between one to five singing and playing accordias and acoustical guitars.

At the end of Olvera Street is the plaza. One may be entertained by Aztec dancers and Peruvian music. During Cinco de Mayo(May 5th) there is always a festival that last 3 days. With pinatas, food, Mariachi music and more. The Plaza also has another festival Mid September in remembrace of Mexicos Independance from Spain, You may also find one of many other Olvera Street festivals. Anything from the Blessing of the Animals, Dia de Los Muetros(day of the dead is around Halloween), to the Annual celebration of the founding of Los Angeles(In 2008 it will be 226 years old). And the mural of the Blessing of the Animals was done by an Angeleno by the name of Leo Politi. The mural can be found on the Biscailuz Building in El Pueblo which is at the end of Olvera Street, across the street from the plaza. Politi was an artist as well as an author.

Top 5 Los Angeles Reality TV Locations

jon — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 12:04:31 +0000

Top 5 Los Angeles Reality TV Locations

Post from: Los Angeles Blog

Living in LA requires a dose of reality. How about spending the day getting some Los Angeles style reality?

Jonathan Salon Beverly Hills on â€œBlow Outâ€ is the place to get a new Beverly Hills look. You want to catch a bite to eat? Melâ€™s Drive In on â€œThe Surreal Lifeâ€ is the place. â€œWhatchoo talkin’ ’bout, Willis?â€ Gary Coleman and Vanilla Ice have worked at this legendary diner for the day. How about passing by the Playboy Mansion? Playboy Mansion on â€œThe Girls Next Doorâ€ is the place to catch a glimpse of Playboy founder Hugh Hefner and his beautiful bunnies.

In the evening, The Laugh Factory on â€œWork Outâ€ and Cabana Club will entertain you. The Cabana revives Hollywood glamor and has been featured on â€œThe Real Housewives of Orange Countyâ€. The Cabana Club has a hidden-oasis patio with palm trees, cabanas, waterfalls and a shallow pool.

Jonathan Salon Beverly Hills
Address: 9681 Wilshire Blvd.
Cross Street: Bedford Dr.
Neighborhood: Beverly Hills
Phone: (310) 273-9999

Mel’s Drive-In
Address: 8585 Sunset Blvd.
Cross Street: La Cienega Blvd.
Neighborhood: West Hollywood
Phone: (310) 854-7200
Hours: Open 24 hours daily

The Laugh Factory
Address: 8001 Sunset Blvd.
Cross Street: Crescent Hghts.
Neighborhood: West Hollywood
Phone: (323) 656-1336
Hours: Show times vary

Playboy Mansion
Address: 10236 Charing Cross Rd.
Cross Street: Sunset Blvd.
Neighborhood: West LA & S. Robertson

Cabana Club
Address: 1439 N. Ivar Ave.
Cross Street: Sunset Blvd.
Neighborhood: Hollywood
Phone: (323) 463-0005
Hours: Wed-Sat 9:30pm-2am

Writer’s Strike. Is it really over?

Linda Tong — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 12:04:30 +0000

Writer’s Strike. Is it really over?

Post from: Los Angeles Blog

It is being said in the media that the writer’s strike maybe soon over. So that many of the more popular shows may actually end on their regular timeline, which is in May, 2008. So if you are a fan of Grey’s Anatomy, CSI, Lost as well others, may see the finale’s in the annual Television May Sweeps. You know, gotta get them ratings in to bring in more money/revenue from advertising from commercials. Gotta spread, the buck as well as the wealth. Ok so maybe some love.

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has been on strike since, November 5, 2007. The current strike of the 2007 -2008 season has been going on for 13 weeks and 4 days as of February 8, 2008. And it is estimated that the strike has cost the economy in the ball park figure of $1 Billion dollars to date. There are over 12,000 writers who have joined the strike. And as side note the WGA has contract negotiations every 3 years.

The last writers strike was in 1988. Lasting 21 weeks and 6 days. And costing the economy about $500 million dollars(about $870 million in 2007 money).

Once the strike has been settled, only a few shows will remain. Many of them either cancelled permanently or to be picked up next season. So many disappointments to many of the viewers of many television shows. A handful will be picked up for next season while others have either been axed or doom is looming over. Many of the shows have aired their remaining written shows that were written and filmed prior to the November 5, strike. Here is a list of shows that have a few remaining weeks to be seen before the end of the season.

The writers strike is against, Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which represents 397 American film and television producers. Some of the most influential companies out of the AMPTP are: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer(MGM), NBC Universal, News Corp/Fox, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment, the Walt Disney Company, and Warner Brothers.

Of course one of the many reasons to the writers strike is the residuals due them from DVD sales. Some of the other reasons due to the strike is union jurisdiction over animation and reality tv show writers. And of course last, but not least compensation from usage of the writers work being used via the internet. Such as through Youtube or other such internet outlets.

The major part of the strike maybe resolved, but with a few strings still needing to be tied up on the smaller issues between the AMPTP and the WGA. So keep your fingers crossed that the WGA can get the 12,000+ writers back to work. And for all of America’s favorite shows to get back on the tube/tv.

And The Oscars Goes To…..

Linda Tong — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 12:04:22 +0000

And The Oscars Goes To…..

Post from: Los Angeles Blog

Ok so the 80th Oscars are to be aired on Sunday, February 24, 2008 from the Kodak Theater in Hollywood, California. Jon Stewart, Comedian and Political Satirist from Comedy Central will be hosting the Oscars this year. Here are my picks of some of the major awards. See if I am right on Sunday Night. I am guessing that I will get at least 3 out of 8 right.

Best Picture
Michael Clayton

Best Director
Joel Coen and Ethan Coen – No Country for Old Men

Best Actor
Johnny Depp – Sweeney Todd

Best Actress
Cate Blanchett – Elizabeth: The Golden Age

Best Supporting Actor
Philip Seymour Hoffman – Charlie Wilsonâ€™s War

Best Supporting Actress
Ruby Dee – American Gangster

Best Original Screenplay
Diablo Cody – Juno

Best Adapted Screenplay
Joel Coen and Ethan Coen – No Country for Old Men

Kodak Theater – 2008 Oscars Nominations

Studio Tapings TV Show Tickets Los Angeles

jon — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 12:04:21 +0000

Studio Tapings TV Show Tickets Los Angeles

Post from: Los Angeles Blog

Hollywood Sign! shot from Griffith Park

Hey you LA people, wanted to get entertained for free. Well, if your answer is yes then here is the solution. Just go for studio tapings. It is always on the top budget options to being the part of a live studio audience. It is for free and its also great fun to be there and seeing all the stories going “behind the scenes”. People find it amazing choice to spend some time in watching the filming of a TV show without paying anything.

Tickets for these TV shows are free of cost.

Tickets for these TV shows are free of cost. But there are some charity events or award shows which may charge some fee. These free tickets are offered 30 days before the actual show date. The tickets are offered online. These free TV shows provides you the opportunity to see your favorite stars in person especially for the television viewers and the fans find it as a unique opportunity. It is of great fun to attend a hit network show.

The shows offered are from various stations like FOX, CBS, NBC etc. Many times the tickets for the Pilots, award shows and for some special events are also offered. Pilots are the new shows.

The shows are mostly filmed at the studios located in the Los Angeles area like Hollywood, Burbank and Culver City. Some of the shows available with free tickets are “Jimmy Kimmel Live”, “The Tonight Show”, and “The Price Is Right”. These shows are very much popular among audiences.

If you want to book tickets for a group of 10 or more, you can easily do this also just by registering yourself with the details on the websites, like www.audiencesunlimited.com. There are some age restrictions which vary from show to show. These age restrictions are set up by the producers and are applicable to all the ticket holders.

Three Kings Day Celebration (Tres Reyes Magos) Los Angeles January 6, 2009

jon — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 12:04:17 +0000

Three Kings Day Celebration (Tres Reyes Magos) Los Angeles January 6, 2009

Post from: Los Angeles Blog

Today is Three Kings Day (Dia de los Reyes) to celebrate the three kings visit to baby Jesus in Bethlehem. The Festival de los Reyes Magos is considered the last day of Christmas. It’s traditional to eat a sweet cake called Rosca de Reyes.

This afternoon, the 4th Festival of the Wise Men in Los Angeles (Festival de los Reyes Magos en Los Angeles) will be held 12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m. at Mac Arthur Park, Whilshire Blvd & 7th St., Los Angeles.

WHEN: January 6,2009 12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m.
SITE: Mac Arthur Park, Whilshire Blvd & 7th St., Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: Cervantes Center of Arts & Letters
INFO: 310-526-1480, www.cervantescenter.org

This evening 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., the Olvera Street Merchants and El Pueblo Historical Monument sponsor the Los Tres Reyes celebration of the Epiphany (visit of the Three Kings) with music and a colorful parade on Olvera Street. Complimentary refreshments will also be served.

WHEN: January 6, 2009 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
SITE: El Pueblo Historical Monument, 125 Paseo de la Plaza, Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: Olvera Street Merchants and El Pueblo Historical Monument
INFO: 213-485-8372, www.cityofla.org/

Aretha “Queen of Soul” at the Nokia Center

Linda Tong — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 12:04:12 +0000

Aretha “Queen of Soul” at the Nokia Center

Post from: Los Angeles Blog

So I am off to see the real “Queen of Soul”, Aretha Franklin in concert tonight at the newly built Nokia Center. Which is located across the street from the Staples center where the LA Lakers, Sparks and Kings play their home games at. The Nokia Center now sits on the lot where the Summer X-Games use to be played at.

I am so psyched and ready for this concert. Especially to hear from Aretha and her thoughts on the faux pa that Beyonce did at the Grammys. Beyonce and Tina Turner did a duet and Beyonce referred to Tina Turner as “The Queen”. Tsk, Tsk, Tsk. It now has sounds of some kittens hissing and lionesses roaring in this little tit for tat.

Can I say wow and wow again. OK, ok. So there are many diva’s that are in their own right. But there are only a handfull that actually hold such honorable titles and never to be passed off to other divas. Can I say that Aretha is truely the “Queen of Soul”.

Now if you are wondering if I am dissing Tina. I am soooooooo not. Her sounds are original, classy, soothing and classic. But would see Tina’s music more on the lines of classic rock than soul. So two seperate music genre’s and two different diva’s that hold their own. And never ever can be compared. EVER. Tina the “Diva”(BTW – your still hot looking in your 60′s) and Aretha the true “Queen”.

But the only reason I can go is that I found a place where I am pretty much paying for 2 tickets for 1. The tickets are going for $55 – $85. I was able to get the 2 tickets for about $65 through a program that I am with called Gold Star Events. Which provides discounted tickets to local concerts, plays, events, operas, ballets, comedy shows, sporting events. Even Vegas shows. You can find tix for such events in major cities such as Seattle, New York City, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Fransico, Boston, D.C and Las Vegas. I have used them for a few things already and love it. Many of the tickets I get are anywhere between 10% to 50% off regular ticketed price.

So off I go to get ready. Cause I soooo R – E – S – P – E – C – T ‘ya Aretha. All praises to thee

Kodak Theater – 2008 Oscars Nominations

Linda Tong — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 12:04:05 +0000

Kodak Theater – 2008 Oscars Nominations

Post from: Los Angeles Blog

As of January 22, 2008 the nominations for the Oscars were annouced. The Oscars have been home to the Kodak Theater which is located at Highland and Vine in Hollywood. Not only are the Oscars broadcasted there, so is the Ameican Idol finals.

The Kodak is a 3,600 seat theater. The Kodak also is centrally located within a shopping mall and movie thearter. It also sits comfortably on top of L.A’s mass transit, the red line subway. One of the subways major stops is the Highland/Vine – Kodak Theater Stop. Prepping the theater is done about a week ahead of the broadcast. So many fans and tourists can watch as the set up begins. Including seeing the full size statueets of Oscars lined along the red carpet walkway of the theater. Yes viewing this Hollywood history is free prior to the broadcast. Or you can attempt to be a spectator on the night of the Oscars in hopes to catch a glimpse of your favorite actor and or actress via the street in front of the theater.

The Oscars have been broadcasted from the theater since 2002. Previously they were broadcasted from the Shrine Auditorium located across from the USC campus on Jefferson and Hoover in Los Angeles. The Oscars were originally at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood on May 1, 1929. The Roosevelt Hotel is one block west of the Kodak.

Here are some of the following nominations for certain catergories

Best Picture

Atonement
Juno
Michael Clayton
No Country for Old Men
There Will Be Blood

Best Director

Paul Thomas Anderson – There Will Be Blood
Joel Coen and Ethan Coen – No Country for Old Men
Tony Gilroy – Michael Clayton
Jason Reitman – Juno
Julian Schnabel – The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

Best Actor

George Clooney – Michael Clayton
Daniel Day-Lewis – There Will Be Blood
Johnny Depp – Sweeney Todd
Tommy Lee Jones – In the Valley of Elah
Viggo Mortensen – Eastern Promises

Best Actress

Cate Blanchett – Elizabeth: The Golden Age
Julie Christie – Away from Her
Marion Cotillard – La Vie en Rose (La mÃ´me)
Laura Linney – The Savages
Ellen Page – Juno

Best Supporting Actor

Casey Affleck – The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
Javier Bardem – No Country for Old Men
Philip Seymour Hoffman – Charlie Wilson’s War
Hal Holbrook – Into the Wild
Tom Wilkinson – Michael Clayton

Best Supporting Actress

Cate Blanchett – I’m Not There
Ruby Dee – American Gangster
Saoirse Ronan – Atonement
Amy Ryan – Gone Baby Gone
Tilda Swinton – Michael Clayton

Best Original Screenplay

Diablo Cody – Juno
Nancy Oliver – Lars and the Real Girl
Tony Gilroy – Michael Clayton
Brad Bird – Ratatouille
Tamara Jenkins – The Savages

Best Adapted Screenplay

Christopher Hampton – Atonement
Sarah Polley – Away from Her
Ronald Harwood – The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
Joel Coen and Ethan Coen – No Country for Old Men
Paul Thomas Anderson – There Will Be Blood

On January 22, 2008(same day the 2008 Oscars were annoucned) the 2005 Oscar nominated Best Actor, Heath Ledger died in his SoHo, New York apartment. Results of his death are unknown pending an autopsy. May are hearts go out to Heath Ledgers family.

Downtown Comedy Club, Los Angeles

Linda Tong — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 12:04:04 +0000

Downtown Comedy Club, Los Angeles

Post from: Los Angeles Blog

A hot spot for great laughs is the Downtown Comedy Club in Los Angeles. It is hosted by Garrett Morris, former Saturday Night Live(SNL) cast memeber. Yes, indeedy Morris hosted the entire show and had his own stand up moment as well.

Tickets run for $15.00. In which you may purchase online at the Downtown Comedy website. But I was able to purchase mine for a discounted price at Goldstar for roughly $5.00 plus a service fee of $3 or $4.00. The comedy shows are typically on Friday and Saturday nights and start roughly around 9:00 pm or so and runs approximately 2 hours. Age mininium is 18 and over.

The comedy club can be found in the Hotel Alexandria’s Charlie O’s bar (at Fifth and Spring streets). The decor of the club reminds me of something that Frank Sinatra would sing at. It had that kind of feel to me. A very nostalgia type of moment. In addition the comedy club is a smoke free environment as well.

And if you want to do something prior to the show. On Spring street is Gallery Row. There are small galleries one may view many up and coming artists. There are plenty of bistro’s and sidewalk cafe’s to visit.

The night I went, the headliner was Jason Stuart. There were five other acts that went on. In addition there was a house band by the name of Eden Tree. Before the show started one of the bartenders got up and asked two questions from the audience. If you got one of the questions right you would get a free alcoholic drink. They also have wonderful sliders(baby hamburgers with caramelized onions and mustard) and a great chicken nachos.

The experience overall is great. All the acts were great and the sounds that Eden Tree provided were worth the money. The ambience of the club gives one a feel of the Frank Sinatra 50′s club feel. So if you are ever looking for a great place at a inexpensive price to go to on the weekend in Los Angeles, I would recommend the Downtown Comedy Club.

Liza Minnelli Live in Concert January 16th at Table Mountain Casino

jon — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 12:04:00 +0000

Liza Minnelli Live in Concert January 16th at Table Mountain Casino

Post from: Los Angeles Blog

Liza Minnelli will perform live on stage in the Table Mountain Casino Event Center, Friant California, Wednesday January 16th.

Liza Minnelli is an icon of stage and screen and has won virtually every award
possible, including three Tonys, an Oscar, two Golden Globes and an Emmy. Her performances of trademark songs from the musicals, “New York, New York” and “Cabaret” are legendary and watching her perform a live show is an experience that you will not forget. Liza Minnelli continues her extraordinary music career with concert tours in the U.S. and Europe, as well as recording a new album.

Ticket Prices: $65 VIP, $55 Reserved, $45 General Admission (Members of
The Club save $5, Platinum Players save $10). Must be 18 years or older to
attend. No refunds, cameras or videos. Tickets are on sale now at the Main
Casino Cage and tmcasino.com.

Table Mountain Casino Event Center
(800) 541.3637 or (559) 822.7777
8184 Table Mountain Road
Friant, CA 93626