Need things to entertain your loved ones? Wish the entertainment is free? Oh bet your lucky bon bons this is a free film festival. In one of the quaintest cities in California. PS- A perfect summer date night.

(this film festival started this past weekend, but I was a little late checking in on my emails. Oops.)

Thursday, July 15th

Harold and Maude (1971) – One Colorado Courtyard, 41 Hugus Alley

This classic dark comedy starring a young Bud Cort and an ageless Ruth Gordon, follows Harold, a 19-year-old boy obsessed with death who is forever changed when he meets Maude, a 79-year-old woman who clings to a passionate zest for life. Harold and Maude is on the American Film Institute’s list of 100 Greatest Comedies, 100 Most Inspiring Movies, 100 Greatest Love Stories (creepy I know, but watch and you’ll get it), and 10 Most Romantic Comedies. Ruth Gordon’s award-winning performance is a treasure, and not to be missed.

Friday, July 16th

Seven Years in Tibet (1997) – Distant Lands, 56 S. Raymond Ave.

Brad Pitt stars as Austrian mountaineer Heinrich Harrer who leaves Nazi-occupied Austria in 1939 to climb the Himalayas, and after being placed in a POW camp becomes one of two foreigners in the Tibetan Holy City of Lhasa. There his life changes forever as he becomes a close confidant to the Dalai Lama.

How to Marry a Millionaire (1953) – One Colorado Courtyard, 41 Hugus Alley

Before there was Carrie and Samantha, Lauren Bacall, Betty Grable and Marilyn Monroe starred as three New York models whose scheme to move into a Manhattan penthouse apartment and find eligible millionaire bachelors to marry, doesn’t quite work out as planned. Great performances, Marilyn at her best, and filmed in CinemaScope – the color positively gleams on the screen.

Saturday, July 17th

The Way We Were (1973) – One Colorado Courtyard, 41 Hugus Alley

Winner of two Academy Awards, written by Arthur Laurents and directed by Sydney Pollack, this romantic drama stars Barbra Streisand and a stunning 37 year old Robert Redford in a timeless story of opposites attracting.  The Way We Were is #6 on the American Film Institute’s list of Greatest Love Stories and the film’s closing scene is #2 on their list of Greatest Love Scenes, second only to the goodbye scene of Casablanca.

Jurassic Park (1993) – Mills Alley, 22 Mills Place

Winner of three Academy Awards, this Steven Spielberg directed thriller centers on a fictional island where billionaire philanthropist John Hammond and a team of genetic scientists from his company have created an amusement park of cloned dinosaurs. Groundbreaking special effects make Jurassic Park one of the great adventure films of all time. It is on the American Film Institute’s list of 100 Most Thrilling Movies.

Thursday, July 22^nd

Sorry Wrong Number (1948) – One Colorado Courtyard, 41 Hugus Alley

Barbara Stanwyck received an Oscar nomination for her role alongside Burt Lancaster in this classic suspense film noir in which a crossed phone connection causes a millionaire’s bedridden daughter to overhear two men plotting a woman’s murder. As the details unravel and the suspense builds, she becomes convinced the murder is to be her own.

Friday, July 23^rd

Before Sunrise (1995) – Distant Lands, 56 S. Raymond Ave.

This film follows Jesse (Ethan Hawke), a young American, and Céline (Julie Delpy), a young French woman, who meet on a train and spend Jesse’s last night in Europe walking around the city and getting to know each other, each aware of the limited amount of time they have  before Jesse catches a flight the following morning. A surprisingly touching film.

Death Becomes Her (1992) – One Colorado Courtyard, 41 Hugus Alley

This Academy Award-winning dark comedy starring Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, Bruce Willis and Isabella Rossellini, tells the story of life-long rivals Helen and Madeline, both obsessed with retaining their youth and outdoing the other…with gruesome results. A masterpiece of special effects.

Saturday, July 24^th

Bringing up Baby (1938) – One Colorado Courtyard, 41 Hugus Alley

Katherine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and a leopard named Baby star in this mad-cap romantic-comedy classic. Mayhem ensues when mild-mannered paleontologist David Huxley meets heiress Susan Vance and all semblance of logic and reason goes out the window. Bringing Up Baby is on the American Film Institute’s list of 100 Greatest Love Stories, 100 Greatest Comedies, and 100 Greatest Movies of All Time.

Troop Beverly Hills (1989) – Central Park, 260 S. Raymond Ave.

Shelley Long stars as Phyllis Nefler, a Beverly Hills wife who decides to deal with her divorce by becoming the leader of her daughter’s troop, the Wilderness Girls. In order to get the group of socialites’ children more interested in the program, she must rely her Beverly Hills sensibilities. With a camp out at a Beverly Hills Hotel and a whole new approach to merit badges, Troop Beverly Hills is a classic 80’s comedy.

Thursday, July 29^th

Labyrinth (1986) – One Colorado, 41 Hugus Alley

Directed by Jim Henson and produced by George Lucas, this fantasy musical tells the story of Sarah’s (a young Jennifer Connelly) quest to rescue her baby brother from the Goblin King, portrayed by David Bowie.  Sarah has until midnight to retrieve her brother from the center of a massive maze, or else the he will be transformed into a goblin. Great imagery and effects highlight this wonderfully dark tale.

Friday, July 30^th

Before Sunset (2004) – Distant Lands, 56 S. Raymond Ave.

This Academy Award-nominated sequel to Before Sunrise picks up nine years later, when Jesse and Celine’s paths intersect again. With original stars Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, Before Sunset plays out in real time as they spend one afternoon together in Paris.

Double Feature with She Done Him Wrong (1933) and I’m No Angel (1933)  - One Colorado Courtyard, 41 Hugus Alley

Starring Mae West and Cary Grant, She Done Him Wrong follows New York singer and nightclub owner Lady Lou after her former boyfriend escapes from jail convinced that she has been unfaithful. Written by Ms. West about the story of famed Diamond Lil, She Done Him Wrong is on the American Film Institute’s list of 100 Greatest Comedies, and contains some of Mae’s most famous lines, pushing the censors of the time to their limits!

Again starring Mae West and Cary Grant, carnival dancer Tia devises a shocking new act which gets her to New York and into the company of a bevy of rich young socialite men in I’m No Angel. Written by Mae West, I’m No Angel maintained her reputation with cinematic censors.

Saturday, July 31^st

All About Eve (1950) – One Colorado Courtyard, 41 Hugus Alley

Winner of six academy awards including Best Picture and nominated for eight more, All About Eve stars Bette Davis in one of her most infamous roles, alongside Anne Baxter, Celeste Holm, George Sanders, Gary Merrill, Thelma Ritter, and an early bit-part by Marilyn Monroe. One of the American Film Institute’s 100 Greatest Movies of All Time, this drama is a classic tale of fame, ego and ambition, with iconic performances -especially from Davis; a cinematic treasure.

Night of the Living Dead (1968) –  TBD location

The first of six “Dead” films directed by George Romero, this 1968 black-and-white zombie movie is considered groundbreaking.  It tells the story of Ben and Barbara’s efforts, along with five other people, to survive the night trapped in a rural Pennsylvania farmhouse avoiding the mysterious reanimation of the recently dead. Arguably the classic horror film, Night of the Living Dead is on American Film Institute’s list of 100 Most Thrilling Movies.

General Public: All screenings are free and open to the public, for more information including a complete schedule visit www.oldpasadena.org

Art Gallery Opening Reception

Wednesday, October 28th from 5-8pm

Hummingbird Gallery

5029 York Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90042

(between Ave. 50 & 51)

Susy sells sea shells by the seashore.

• Half off restaurant.com gift certifcates using this link http://c.couponcabin.com/r/cc-00so-0574-011919-00-00-0000-100109?afsrc=1. Or use code SHRIMP on restaurant.com.
• Free admission on tomorrow (Saturday) at LACMA for all Bank of America cardholders. Just show LACMA your Bank of Amercia credit or debit card.
• October is breast cancer awareness month. Go to www.thebreastcancersite.com and click on the big pink button to help women in need get free mammograms.

So should I use Flashy Flashyback Fridays? Or Flashyback Fridays?

Hmmmm… I think Flashyback Fridays might be good one. Le sigh. So many options and only 52 Fridays. Must get back to selling sea shells by the seashore.

Mask and Mirror

September 13- September 26, 2009

10 am – 6pm

At the DVF Gallery

444 W. 14th St, NYC

*Exhibit sales of artwork benefit the Bandaid Project.

Run Forest Run to the Greek Festival!

Important Traffic Report for Santa Monica, CA on 9/9/09

Southbound lanes on Ocean Ave to Colorado Ave and the left turn lanes on westbound Colorado will be closed to all traffic between 5pm- 7pm

.

Image Courtesy of www.wilsonspyro.com

Come celebrate 100th year celebration of the Santa Monica Pier with fireworks and cheer!

6:00pm- 6:25pm Grand Re-Opening Ceremony

We re-dedicate the Santa Monica Pier for the next Century in this opening event at the Landmarked Iconic Pier.

6:45pm- 8:25pm Party On The Pier

Location- Pier Parking Deck

“100 Minute Birthday Party” with a concert featuring the award- winning A Capella Group “Vybration”, “The Big Bamboo Steel Ban” and the legendary “King of Surf Guitar” Dick Dale.

8:25pm- 8:50pm Centennial Sounds and Lights

Grab a seat by the pier and get ready for the upcoming fireworks show.

8:50pm- 9:15pm Grand Fireworks Finale

*** Important Parking Information***

Walk, ride your bike (free bike valet locations will be operating) or ride the Big Blue Bus!

Southbound lanes on Ocean Ave to Colorado Ave and the left turn lanes on westbound Colorado will be closed to all traffic between 5pm- 7pm

Info courtesy of CentennialDayProgram.pdf

You can get tickets to Broadway shows at an amazing discount through this site Season of Savings.

Some of the tickets are up to 55% off! For example:

Phantom of the Opera on Broadway for only 46 bucks, plus change!

Chicago tickets are 50% off

Hair  tickets for $55 tickets

Mary Poppins for $40.

Looks like the recession is good for something.

Here’s a list of all the discounted shows you can see: The 39 Steps, Burn the Floor, Bye Bye Birdie, Chicago, Fela!, Finian’s Rainbow, Hair, In the Heights, Mamma Mia!, Mary Poppins, Next to Normal, The Phantom of the Opera, Rock of Ages, Shrek the Musical, South Pacific, Superior Donuts, Wishful Drinking

There are even discounts to some hotels, parking garages, some famous NYC restaurants and select off-Broadway shows.

If you see me in NYC this fall, ya know why. Oh I heart Mamma Mia!

Check out: www.seasonofsavings.com for more info.

For all you penny pinchers, here are a few more discounts I have managed to gather up. Thank to the help of my twitter and blogger friends! Save some money so you can play the penny slots!

Yes, penny slots make me feel powerful. So sue me.

Las Vegas Dining Discounts

• MGM Taste of Summer Valid until 8/30/09 – Participating restaurants with summertime prices. L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon 4 course $75/pp, CraftSteak 3 course $60/pp, Diego 2 course & drink $32/pp, Fiamma 3 course $45/pp, Nobhill 3 course $39/pp, Pearl 3 course $49/pp, Seablue 3 course $45/pp, Shibuya 4 course $59/pp , and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill 3 course $45/pp. Via H.C.
• Palm Restaurant (Steaks) – Choice of soup or salad, entree and side dish. $39.99. Via CheapCheapCheap’s Twitter.
• Restaurant.com- I hope you people use Restaurant.com… You can pretty much buy gift certificates for restaurants at discounted prices and use them when you dine there (there are however, certain restrictions like the tab must be $X amt before the gift cert can be redeemed). Gift certificates for $50 for Mandalay Bay’s StripSteak — they do a early prix-fixe for $45/person via H.C. … Fleur De Lys $50 gift certificate for $20 use it for a $60 prix fixe, via Sinosoul.
• Las Vegas Restaurant Week – Begins 8/31/09- 9/6/09 via OishiiEats

Las Vegas Theatre Show Discounts

• Phantom of the Opera – 40% off Premium seats and select the show you want to attend, then click “Buy Tickets.” Enter the promotion code TZOO50 and click the “Submit Code” button. Select the number of seats you would like by using the drop-down menu marked “PP1TZOO50″ and make sure you change the number under “Internet” to zero. Select the seating level you prefer and click “Get Best Available” to see your seats. You can also call the Phantom Box Office at 866-641-7469. 
• Zumanity , Mystere , LOVE or KA – Buy 1 ticket and get 2nd for $25. Use code, SUMMER when calling 866.998.4833.
• Jersey Boys – Upgraded seats. Thanks to this offer from Best Of Vegas, receive a complimentary upgrade to Front Orchestra seats for $99 per ticket (reg. $147) for performances through Sept. 7. This deal is available for performances on the following days and times:
  • Saturdays and Tuesdays at 6:30PM and 9:30PM
  • Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays at 7PM
  • For tickets an more information. Click the time next to the day you would like to see the show and use the pull-down menu next to “Complementary Upgrade to Front Orchestra Seating” to get your seats.

• Silver Lake Art, Craft & Vintage Sale - 8/22/09. This is pretty close to Sunset Junction. So if you go to Sunset Junction stop by and say Hi! I will be selling pearl earrings for $7. Designs starting at $7. Micheltorena Street Elementary School. 1511 Micheltorena St (@ Sunset) LA, CA 90026. 
• Sunset Junction Street Fair - 8/22/09 & 8/23/09. 3700-4300 Sunset Blvd. LA, CA. Presale tickets are $15, $20 at the door.  

Well here it goes, I was in San Diego a few weeks ago and I was totally impressed with Balboa Park!

Balboa Park is a really nifty park with all kinds of free attractions. Yes, FREEE!

Spanish influenced architecture against a glorious back drop of beautiful blue skies. Lovely lily ponds, a few water fountains (made to resemble blow holes), a wonderfully detailed garden, and numerous museums.

I was very fortunate to visit the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park and got to scope out this amazing upcoming Japanese artist, Fujiko Isomura.

Ms. Fujiko incorporates pop culture to her otherwise traditional “Japanese” artwork most notably with gold leaf backgrounds.

Here are a few of my favorites…

Why hello, Mr. Charming… Or should I call you my Prince?

So you say you will protect me from the Dangerous Dragon?

I don’t understand why you sent your Japanese brother to fight the Dragon for me…

Actually, Little Asian Girl, I am your Fairy Godmother and I am the one that sent the Asian Man to fight for your honor… Unfortunately, the Dangerous Dragon won but you get the best prize of all.

Wtheck, why did my Fairy Godmother set me up with Ken, when she knew about Barbie!

Awww, Boop Boop be Doop it will be ok.

Kudos to Fujiko for bringing Betty and Prince Charming back!

Visit her page here http://fujikoart.com

** All artwork via FujikoArt.com

Yes, there was beer when I went last week. No, I did not get hammered during the screening of geez, what was that movies name?…, Grease.

All movies start at 8pm, every Saturday during the month of August.

8/8/09- Kung Fu Panda

8/15/09- Field of Dreams

8/22/09- Sea Biscuit

8/29/09- ET

Please check out their website for specific locations within Liberty Station.

With tickets almost half off on Goldstar.com
Location: Pantages Theater. 6233 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood, CA

Check out this site I found called Goldstar. They have half-price tickets and member reviews of concerts, sports, theater and more. I’m already a member! Use this link to sign up for Goldstar.com, https://www.goldstar.com/join?p=F602547RB

It is really cool.

You can search by date, location and market name.

Click Here if you want to search for a Farmers Market near you.

At the Micheltorena Elementary School

1511 Micheltorena Street

Los Angeles, CA 90026

Image via Yelp

Support local vendors. Support LAUSD.

If you love shopping and dig classic New York style flea markets, then Silver Lake Art Craft & Vintage is right up your alley.

EVERY SATURDAY from 10am – 4pm in the heart of Silverlake new vendors will be serving up the best in Art/ Craft & Vintage.

Indie crafters and local artists are mixed in with the best of vintage collectibles, vintage clothing, and retro furniture. You’ll also find plants, succulents, antiques, tarot cards and palm readings. What more could you ask for?

Official Website

*If anyone is interested in my jewelry designs I will be there August 22nd, and August 29th! Stop by and say HI!

Image via HollywoodBowl.com

Join the LA Phil and LA’s vibrant musical community for a FREE concert welcoming
Gustavo Dudamel!

Gustavo Dudamel’s inaugural season as Music Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic kicks off on Saturday, October 3 at the Hollywood Bowl with ¡Bienvenido Gustavo!, a Target Free Community Concert. This unprecedented event celebrates the arrival of Gustavo Dudamel, the talented, young Venezuelan conductor, to his new home, the city of Los Angeles.

The first half of this free community event features young local ensembles, rising stars and established names who have served as role models for the next generation of musicians in their communities. The evening culminates with Gustavo leading the Los Angeles Philharmonic in Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, plus fireworks!

Schedule

Start and end times are approximate. The Hollywood Bowl opens at 3pm for this event.

How To Get Tickets

Admission is free. Tickets will be available on Saturday, August 1 at noon. There is a four-ticket limit per person and service charges apply via all sales channels except in person at the Box Office.

You can obtain tickets in 3 ways:

For more details Click Here.

I know this looks like a really long post but bare with me, look it how amazing this line up is! Notting Hill, The King and I, West Side Story, Sixteen Candles, Singing in the Rain, An American In Paris, Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory, and Twilight. A little free something for everyone.

OLD PASADENA HOSTS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA’S LARGEST FREE OUTDOOR FILM FESTIVAL

July 10 to 25, 2009

PASADENA, CALIF. (July 2009) – Old Pasadena Management presents the Old Pasadena Film Festival, a free three-week movie series that unites film with urban settings, happening on Fridays and Saturdays, July 10 through 25.  Featuring twelve screenings, the Old Pasadena Film Festival is the largest free outdoor film festival in Southern California.  This unique district-wide festival will showcase a variety of genres that reflect the urban environment of Old Pasadena’s famous and historic downtown. All Old Pasadena Film Festival screenings, appearances and events are free and open to the public.

Old Pasadena Film Festival Schedule:

Friday, July 10

7:30 PM- TRAVEL FILMS: NOTTING HILL Distant Lands, 54 S. Raymond Ave.

Set in the charming Notting Hill district of London, this film tells the story of  an unsuccessful travel bookstore owner whose life is forever changed when he meets and falls in love with the most beautiful and popular actress of the time.  She ends up brightening his world, but in the end can he handle being together with the world’s most wanted woman?

8:00 PM –MUSICALS: THE KING & I One Colorado Courtyard, 41 Hugus Alley

Maria and Joey Newman will discuss their father Alfred Newman’s prolific career scoring such notable musicals as The King & I and Camelot

Five time Academy Award winning Rodgers and Hammerstein musical about a fearless woman who becomes a school teacher in the 1860’s to the children of the infamous King Mongkut of Siam.  One of the most beloved musicals of our time, King & I has made a lasting impression.  Scored by the nine time Academy Award winner Alfred Newman.

Saturday, July 11

8:00 PM – CLASSIC SILENT FILM: DADDY LONG- LEGS One Colorado Courtyard, 41

Hugus Alley

Malibu Coast Chamber Orchestra will be performing the soundtrack of the recently restored film live.  A guest from the Mary Pickford society will introduce the film with a discussion on Mary Pickford’s prolific career.

Daddy Long- Legs is an endearing classic silent film featuring the genius of actress Mary Pickford.  “ A warm and witty Cinderella story” about a rebellious orphan who finds her way to success and love in her young adulthood.

9:00 PM – 80’s CLASSICS: FOOTLOOSE: Rooftop of Schoolhouse Parking Garage, 33 E. Green Street.

A delightful story of Ren, a teen rebel who moves from the big city to a small town where dancing and rock music are illegal.  Will Ren and his classmates be able to change this ordinance in time for Prom?  Footloose is a fast paced drama featuring an amazing combination of dance choreography and hit songs.

Friday, July 17

7:30 PM- TRAVEL FILMS: SHIRLEY VALENTINE Distant Lands, 54 S. Raymond Ave.

Academy Award-nominated drama about a housewife named Shirley Valentine who takes an unexpected trip to Greece with a friend.   Greece expands her horizons in ways she could have never predicted.  Shirley’s life is soon transformed with a new romance and awareness of who she is and what she can be. 

8:30 PM- MUSICALS: SINGING IN THE RAIN One Colorado Courtyard, 41 Hugus Alley

Singing in the Rain features classic film stars Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor, Debbie Reynolds and Cyd Charisse in an enjoyable musical comedy.  Set in 1927, Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont are a famous on-screen romantic couple but Lina mistakes the onscreen romance for real love.  When Lina’s and Don’s latest movie is transformed into a musical, Don is perfect for the part with a great singing voice.  However, Lina’s voice must be dubbed over.  An aspiring actress named Kathy Selden is brought in and Don quickly falls in love with her.  Will Kathy get the big break she deserves? Will Don gain Kathy’s affection? 

Saturday, July 18

8:30 PM – MUSICALS: WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY One Colorado Courtyard, 41 Hugus Alley

In this beloved 1971 classic, a poor boy, Charlie Bucket wins an opportunity of a life time, to tour a mysterious and amazing candy making factory.  When Charlie and the other lucky winners tour the eccentric candy man Willy Wonka’s facility chaos ensues in this beloved award winning movie.

9:00 PM – 80’S CLASSICS: SIXTEEN CANDLES Rooftop of Schoolhouse Parking Garage, 33 E. Green Street

Starring the beloved Molly Ringwald, this classic teen comedy follows a young girl’s disastrous sixteenth birthday that is anything but special as she suffers from every embarrassment imaginable.  Sixteen Candles is a hilarious depiction of a typical American high school teenager.

Friday, July 24

7:30 PM – TRAVEL FILMS: AN AMERICAN IN PARIS Distant Lands, 54 S. Raymond Ave.

Gene Kelly plays Jerry Mulligan in this 1951 film about a struggling American painter in Paris.  Jerry finally finds his big break when he is discovered by an influential heiress.  But when the heiress falls for Jerry and Jerry for another woman, a complicated love triangle ensues.

8:30 PM – MUSICALS: GYPSY One Colorado Courtyard, 41 Hugus Alley

An exciting story based on a Broadway hit about the life and journey of the famous burlesque dancer Gypsy Rose Lee and her controlling stage mom Mama Rose.  Louise Hovick is a no talented, awkward woman who is urged into the spotlight by her mother Mama Rose. Her life takes an unexpected twist when she ends up performing burlesque.  Soon a new persona emerges as she is transformed into Gypsy Rose Lee.

Saturday, July 25

8:30 PM – MUSICALS: WEST SIDE STORY One Colorado Courtyard, 41 Hugus Alley

Winner of ten Academy Awards including best picture, West Side Story reveals the racism and social problems found in American cities.  Set in gritty New York City in the mid 1950s, the musical follows the rivalry between two teenage gangs of different cultural backgrounds.  When one gang member falls in love with the rival gang member’s sister, all chaos breaks out.

9:00 PM- DATE MOVIE: TWILIGHT Rooftop of Schoolhouse Parking Garage, 33 E. Green Street

Teen Bella Swan embarks on a new life in rainy Fork Washington with her father.  Her life is suddenly transformed when she meets and falls in love with the mysterious and handsome Edward Cullen.  But Edward has a dark side; he is in fact a blood thirsty vampire.  Based off the best selling novel, Twilight is a beautifully shot, dark film about unconditional love.

**General Public: All screenings are free and open to the public, for more information including a complete schedule visit www.oldpasadena.org