Entertainment – Invisible L.A.

Downtown Comedy Club, Los Angeles

Linda Tong — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 18:07:35 +0000

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, 27 Nov 2010 18:07:35 +0000

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

Britney Spears Did It Again.

Linda Tong — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 18:07:32 +0000

Britney Spears did it again. Back in the celebrity news. She can get as popular as Mike Myers Movies. Ok, so she is a hotter topic at the moment. Some people are saying she is off the wagon. But many reports are saying her issue is more of a mental one than a chemical issue. Reports are saying she is at Cedar Sinai Hospital in West Los Angeles for a medical hold(5150 Hold). A 5150 hold is given to both patients that are on a suicide watch or a drug overdose. She will be given a drug test as well get pyschiatric evaluation.

K-Fed’s bodyguards were sent to Britney’s home on January 3, 2008 to pick up the children for K-Fed’s turn to have the children. The bodyguards were to pick up the children at 7 PM. Britney refused to turn the children over to K-Fed’s people. Apparently the LAPD were called in after Spear’s was not abiding by the court mandated custody agreement. There were about 5- 8 LAPD officers, 2 ambulances, 1 police helicopter and the fire department

During the visit from the police, LAPD allegedly said Britney appeared to be under the influence. She was than transported to Cedar Sinai for a possible 72 hour hold. K-Fed’s and Britney’s 2 year son Sean Preston was also sent to the hospital. It is said that Sean Preston is home safe with his father now.

Well I tried to see if Britney’s people would keep any updates on her myspace profile. But nothing as of yet. So mainly any updates will have to come from news stories. So if you miss any and want an update doÂ a simple search through your favorite media library andÂ get the latest

Kodak Theater – 2008 Oscars Nominations

Linda Tong — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 18:07:31 +0000

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.

And The Oscars Goes To…..

Linda Tong — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 18:07:28 +0000

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

Writer’s Strike. Is it really over?

Linda Tong — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 18:07:24 +0000

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.

Alisa Apps Music video CONFUSION 267,000+ views on YouTube

jon — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 18:07:23 +0000

Alisa Apps music video CONFUSION, which is not set for official release until March, already hit # 2 on the UK YouTube music charts

Pop singer Alisa Apps, without a major record label, has launched her website and singing career just 10 days ago. She has announced that she is not seeking to sign with a major record label.

Her YouTube campaign began 10 days ago with “Will somebody PLEASE sing Jingle Bells with me???” Within 2 days she had 90,000+ views. She then went on to film her tell-all thumb sucking video.

In less than 3 days Alisa Apps website has received thousands of comments, video responses, true confessions from her fans. The massive interest in her music videos has generated 267,000+ views. The interest in Alisa Apps music has made her the # 1 most viewed & discussed musician in the UK and # 4 most viewed and discussed in the US.

Alisa Apps:
Website: http://www.AlisaApps.com
Youtube site: http://www.youtube.com/alisaappsdotcom
Email: info@AlisaApps.com
Contact: Global Enterprises
Contact person: Terry W. or Shannon LaForge
Address: 9454 Wilshire Blvd.- PH Suite – Beverly Hills – Los Angeles, CA 90212
Phone: (310) 248-2977

Top 5 Los Angeles Reality TV Locations

jon — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 18:07:14 +0000

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

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

jon — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 18:07:01 +0000

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, 27 Nov 2010 18:06:57 +0000

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