Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Falling into August

The end of summer is near. I can feel fall breathing softly on the back of my neck, which is probably how I got sick. It seems like summer never fully broke through the dreaded June gloom phase this year. There is still hope that a true summer will emerge, so let's take a look at what's happening this month.

My Top Picks for August (as of this week):
  • Fri, Aug 13 & Sat, Aug 14 - Classical Beats - Summer and Music 2010 - Free (So excited!)

  • Aug 27 - Long Beach Salsa Club's T.G.I.F. Salsa Party @ Recreation Park Club House, $5 (Finally something near my place.)

Last minute fun:

Friday, August 13 - Dance Downtown @ the Music Center Plaza - Free
  • 6:30 to 10:00 PM - Shake your groove thing to the disco beat! Complementary lessons at 6:30 PM and throughout the evening. Learn the hustle and other disco favorites. No experience or partner necessary.
  • More Dance Downtown fun on August 27 - Throwback Night - 60's Dances.
  • Get there on the LA Metro Red Line stop: Civic Center
Alternate option: Saturday, August 14, IndiaFest 2010 - $10 to $25. Celebrate India's independence day 7 pm to 2 am.


Sat & Sun, August 14 & 15, 77th Annual Long Beach Sand Sculpting Fest - Free
  • One of the oldest sand castle contests in the U.S.A. makes another appearance in 2010 and keeps the spirit of friendly competition alive. Free to spectators. Contest entrants pay a fee. Enjoy live music, arts & crafts vendors, a BBQ option, kid's zone and more!

Saturday , August 14 - Outdoor Cinema Food Fest - $8
  • Imagine a rotation of over 60 gourmet food trucks over an 8-week period throughout three parks: Exposition Park (near USC), Grand Hope Park (Downtown) and La Cienega Park (Beverly Hills). This is what I call a genius idea.
  • Featured Films: 8/14 - The Breakfast Club, 8/21 - The Princess Bride.
Alternate options:
Movies at the Park, Movies at the Beach, Movies at the Cemetery, etc.
See my other blog for more details. Click here.

Wednesday August 18 & 25 - Delta Nove (and guests) @ Alex's Bar - $7
  • Did you miss the Long Beach FunkFest and you just need something good to groove to in Long Beach? Check out the talents of Delta Nove each Wednesday night this month.
Thursday, Aug 19, 2010 - En La Noche - $10 (Date Corrected!)
Destination: Columbia @ MoLAA - Experience Colombian art, music, and jewelry over a four-day period.
  • 6:30pm - 8:00pm -Tours of the current MOLAA exhibition. Tours begin at 6:30, 7:00pm.
  • En la noche 8:00 - 10:00pm - Enjoy the beats of the musical group Very Be Careful, a vallenato band with a sound rooted in the coastal northeast of Colombia.


  • 6:00 - 9:00pm- Café Viva - Want some food with that music? Drinks and appetizers will be available at a “Happy Hour” at 6:00pm and there will also be a prix-fixe dinner from 6:00 - 9:00pm.
  • Complimentary Colombian Rum Tasting from 6:30 - 8:00pm
Alternate option: La Excelencia at the Skirball Cultural Center - 8 PM - Free, $5 Parking. This is part of the Sunset Concerts at the Skirball series celebrating the best in world music.

Unique Activities:
  • Saturday, August 14 - 10:00 - 11:30 AM - Drum Downtown - Active Arts

Not so cheap, but fun or unique options that might be worth the extra cash (alternate options listed):

  • Friday, August 21, 2010 - BeerFest, Redondo Beach, $40. I don't particularly like beer unless it is mixed with lemon-lime soda to make a Radler (aka Shandy in many parts of the U.S.). However, this is probably some of my friend's dreams come true and I can see the intrigue: Unlimited tastings from 45+ local and national breweries, live music, and great local food. My only tip? Be safe, take public transit or assign a designated driver.
Alternate options:

Sneak Peak at September:

My Favorite DISCOUNTS

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I'm already a member! https://www.goldstar.com/join?p=F1243705RB

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On a very random note, I thought I'd also post my latest musical favorites or finds for the month when the mood strikes me. I'll try to post the "clean" versions if they are decent, but I'm sure some originals may slip through now and again. See below for my latest favorites.

"Your Hand In Mine" by Explosions in the Sky (Because sometimes I don't need any words.)



Songs by Sarah McLaclan - revisiting old favorites - "Fear", " I Will Remember You", "Angel", "I Love You" and many more. She is an amazing vocalist.

Songs by Kid Cudi (Explicit) - I decided not to post videos on this blog, but I am enjoying his music. I've never heard hip-hop/rap quite like this! I think what surprised me most was the content of his lyrics. Enter his psyche for for a few minutes and wonder what part of this life he's tapping into to get these songs. I've got two favorites right now and listening to more.

"Brown Sugar" by Mos Def (I just really enjoy this song.)



"Magic Perfume" by Charlyne Yi (Quirky, yet satisfying. Bonus - free guitar lesson.)



There is so much more going on that I did not post. Perhaps you can use this blog as a basic catalyst. Get up and get out! Take advantage of many of these activities and more.
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