There’s something about November 7 that’s bringing celebrities out to make appearances in Los Angeles.  In the space of half an hour I read about two that I share with you now:

Pink's hot dog stand

Bill Cosby and Jason Alexander are among the notables who will be dishing up famous franks at Pink’s Hot Dogs at the corner of La Brea and Melrose.  The dog stand is celebrating its 70th year in Los Angeles by selling its wares for 70 cents, during 7 days, 7 hours, and 7 minutes – with proceeds to go to the charity of each daily celeb’s choice.  Pink’s is a landmark food stand in a town that has a lot of landmark food stands, and if you’re in Hollywood during this promotion it’s a sure chance to get a star sighting.  For me the only thing legendary about Pink’s is the line outside every time I drive by.  I have yet to sample the dogs, being an impatient Angeleno who hates to pay for parking.  But if you stop on by, let me know how the hot dogs taste.  I’ll bet they’re much more tasty at 70 cents a pop.

Also next Sunday (on that day only; sadly, this one doesn’t last all week) the cast of “Glee” will appear at the Barnes & Noble location at The Grove, adjacent to The Farmer’s Market at Third and Fairfax.  The show is releasing an album of cast recordings from the show on November 3.  The event begins at 4:00 PM, but I would advise getting there early.  If the trending topic on Twitter during any airing of this show is any indicator, I’d say this one’s gonna be mobbed.

Glee cast members at a mall appearance in Boston

[photos from pinkshollywood.com and myspace.com/musicfromglee]

What would you do from this balcony, hmmm? Relax? Drink?

I did the same, but with a slight twist.

See, we all have hobbies, one of mine is music. And talking about music. And local music.

Because I like music? No. I hate it. Can’t stand the thought of it. Read More »

School

Officially, summer does not begin for a few more weeks.  June 21, I believe, is the Summer Solstice and it marks the official beginning.  Unofficially, summer begins in just a few days—when school lets out!  In about two weeks though, parents all over the country who have been looking forward to the academic reprieve that summer affords and the opportunity to renew quality bonds with their children will be wondering what the heck they were thinking!

Summertime can be draining on parents.

Fortunately, summertime also marks the beginning of concert season in Columbus and there is nothing better than a good show to recharge tired minds.  It’s a chance to let your hair down (if you still have any), soak up some local flavor and quite frankly, act like a kid again.  Away from the kids.  Call the sitter and make plans for a night out.  You owe yourself.

Concert Photo by AndiH

There are many local venues with excellent local and regional acts making their way through our fair city this summer.  The larger venues:  Value City Arena, Nationwide Arena, and Lifestyles Community Pavilion (The LC) have some great artists lined up.  Here’s a brief rundown.

Value City Arena

June 2009

Eric Clapton & Steve Winwood

June 15

August 2009

American Idols Live! ‘09

August 25 at 7PM

August 26 at 7:30PM

Nationwide Arena

June 2009

Yanni Voices Tour

Sunday, June 7 at 7:30 p.m.

Skate for Hope

Saturday, June 20 at 5 p.m.

July 2009

Billy Joel and Elton John Face 2 Face Tour

Tuesday, July 14 at 7:30 p.m. – Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

August 2009

Cirque du Soleil presents Saltimbanco

August 12-23 (14 performances)

Keith Urban with special guest Jason Aldean

Friday, August 14 at 7:30 p.m. – Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Jonas Brothers World Tour 2009

Wednesday, August 26 at 7 p.m. – Doors open at 6 p.m.

Lifestyles Community Pavilion

June 2009

July 30

August 2009

Lynyrd Skynyrd

August 18

Summer will be here before you know it so start planning now.  A good concert and a night on the town can make for the perfect local escape.

Concert Tickets Photo by planteschwa

(Photos courtesy creative commons by pixiesticks23, AndiH and planetschwa.)

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum Cleveland, OH

The weekend of April 4, 2009 the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will welcome it’s newest members.  Historically, the induction ceremony takes place at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City but this year the ceremony moves to the home of the actual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, OH.  This year’s inductees include Jeff Beck, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Bobby Womack, Run-DMC and Metallica.

I will not be attending the induction ceremonies or, for that matter, any of the numerous activities during the week prior to the ceremony.  My reasons are not quite as angst ridden and anti-establishment as those of Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols whose band was inducted in 2006.

Sex Pistols Hall of Fame Acceptance Letter

Don’t get me wrong, I love traveling to the city.  Cleveland has a world class art museum, the Children’s Museum is one of the finest around.  The zoo is fantastic.  And it’s home to three professional sports teams:  The Browns (football), The Cavaliers (basketball) and The Indians (baseball).  But the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?  Eh.  I’ve been there.  It’s been checked from the list and fortunately, you’re not required to repeat checked items–unless you want to.  I’m gonna pass even with the free admission they are offering on induction day April 4.

If you go, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is located at 751 Eerieside Avenue in downtown Cleveland just a block east of the Cleveland Browns Football Stadium.  Take East 9th street and turn left just before you fall into Lake Eerie.  You can’t miss it.  The building, a seven story tower with an enormous glass pyramid extending from the front,  was designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei and I must say is absolutely amazing to see.  It’s breathtaking, actually.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum (photo Jason Pratt)

Unfortunately, that’s where my fascination with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is going to end.  The museum contains exhibits and memorabilia that chronicles the history of rock and roll from it’s earliest blues and gospel roots through today.  Heavy emphasis on the early period.  Unless you are a die-hard rock and roll historian, there’s probably not a great deal of appeal.

I was also perplexed as to why some of the bands I considered extraordinary were nowhere to be found in the Rock Hall.  At the time I was unaware, but a band or person is not eligible for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame until 25 years have passed from their debut.    Most of my favorites aren’t even eligible yet.

And I can almost guarantee that your children will know less than 15 of the artists represented there.  (I think that’s pretty generous.)  Unless you enjoy explaining rock history to your children and unless your children enjoy listening to you explain rock history to them, they will not have a good time.

I suppose there were some interesting things, though.  Some of the stage outfits were kind of cool and there were some pretty neat signed guitars and letters.  Did you know that Jimi Hendrix was a doodler?  And a pretty good one to boot.  But overall, it really just wasn’t enough to keep me intrigued.

The Hard Rock Cafe Cleveland (photo hardrock.com)

Should you get hungry, there’s an overpriced and very inadequate grill on one of the upper levels.   All in all, considering what you actually get for your admission fee (which at $22 per adult and $13 for children 9-12 could actually feed a village in Sudan for a month) it’s just not worth it.  I suggest that if you want Rock and Roll and memorabilia go to the Hard Rock Cafe on West Huron Road.  You’ll definitely get more bang for your buck–and the food is better.

Unless otherwise noted all photos public domain.

Santa Claus passes over Los Angeles on his yearly flight.

In just a few days Santa Claus will be gearing up for a trip that most of us can only dream about, a trip around the world.  Of course, his trip is business and he’s a bit pressed for time, but the concept is still beyond cool.

I was lucky enough to sit down with Santa recently and we had a conversation about his yearly journey, the best places for coffee and what music he likes for his trip.  For the record, this is just the second interview I’ve ever conducted while sitting on the subject’s lap (the first was Hugh Jackman).

Whit: Santa, I must say that this is awesome.  I know that you’re busy this time of year and I thank you for taking the time to talk to me for UpTake.

Santa: Whit, it’s my pleasure.  By the way, that Hugh Jackman interview almost landed both of you on the naughty list.   I know that the dark side is strong and that coal is a good investment right now, but seriously, what kind of example are you two setting?

Whit:  I’m terribly sorry, Santa.  I can honestly say it won’t happen again, and I have the court order to prove it.

Santa:  Ho, ho, ho.  Very well.  Now what was it that you wanted to know?

Whit:  I suppose the big question is how do you do it?  How do you travel the world in one night?  Where do you start?

Santa:  It’s a combination of speed, luck and magic.  There’s a lot of math involved.  I usually start at the North Pole and take it from there.

Whit:  Was that sarcasm, Santa?

Santa:  I don’t traffic in sarcasm.

Whit:  Speaking of traffic, you’re on the road, or air as the case may be, for quite some time.  Do you have scheduled stops so you can rest and whatnot, or do you just sit a spell in random houses as needed?

Santa:  Generally speaking I don’t schedule breaks.  However, I have been known to hit a Starbucks every other timezone or so.  I’m a sucker for the Gingersnap Latte.  The Espresso Truffle is good, too.  Plus, they always have clean restrooms.

Whit:  I agree.  That’s good stuff.  Do you have a soundtrack to your trip?  Do you make mixes?

Santa:  Well, I’m under contract with iTunes to play at least 70% holiday music, but since everyone and their brother has a Christmas record out this days I rarely have any repeats.  I just hit shuffle on my iPhone and let it roll.  I’m rather partial to Dean Martin and Bing Crosby, but the new Barenaked Ladies is pretty good.

Whit:  Have you heard the Jack Johnson Christmas stuff?

Santa: I have.  That whole album is great.  I also like Sufjan Stevens.

Whit:  Very nice.  So, do you have a special place that you like more than others?  Does your route allow you to take in the scenery at all?

Santa:  My route varies depending on solar wind and military testing.  Interested parties can track my path and progress at NORAD.  They’re good people.  As for favorite places, Paris is lovely in the winter.  New York and Vegas are good as well.  Basically I like a place that’s well-lit.  Rudolph’s nose gives me a headache after awhile and it’s nice to let him rest it now and again.  I also like Seattle, for the coffee.

Whit:  Wow, that’s a lot of insight, Santa.  I really appreciate it and I know our readers will feel the same.  Is there anything else you would like to add?

Santa:  Just that people don’t leave bran for the reindeer.  It messes with their insides something fierce and it makes for a pretty uncomfortable ride- for all of us.  Other than that I’d just like to wish everyone a very happy holiday.  Peace.

Photo by Tricia Honea

Winter Wonderland at The Grove

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, shopping in L.A. is a more than a passing fancy- it is a way of life.  Shopping is the cause and cure of all that ails the City of Angels.  Well, shopping and the Lakers, but you get the idea.

When the holidays roll around it all goes into high gear.  A higher gear.  It’s a blur, really.

We talked earlier about The Americana at Brand and the seasonal delights it offers to locals and visitors alike.  It’s a great place.  However, The Grove is the original in that respective mold and it still the best.  Not only that, unlike The Americana, it is upscale but still affordable.

It’s a place to see and a place to be seen.  Celebrities are everywhere.

The seasonal decor is very festive.  There is a musical water show in the fountain, live bands and a very quaint cottage in which Santa spends his days gathering Christmas wishes from children, starlets and even canines.  It snows twice nightly.

One of my favorite things about The Grove is that it is adjacent to a Farmer’s Market that houses some of the best food in the area, from crepes to BBQ.  It is in this market that you will find a little bar that serves Anchor Steam’s Xmas Ale on tap, and that is the greatest gift of all.

The Grove is holiday shopping at its best, and it represents L.A. pretty well, too.

If you’re planning a trip, check out Los Angeles flight deals.

All photos by Tricia Honea

Austin skyline at night

If you have ever been to Austin, Texas, then you have probably been to Zilker Park. If not, then I suggest you make this a destination spot when you come. This crown jewel of Austin is over 350 acres just south of Lady Bird Lake (formally Town Lake) right next to downtown. The park is full of activities that you and your family will enjoy!

To start the day off there is nothing better than a swim in Barton Springs Pool. The pool is a natural spring-fed pool with an average temperature of 68 degrees all year long. Even in the Winter there are people in the water so don’t be shy about bringing your swimsuits!

Barton Springs Pool

Outside of the pool there is a giant playground for the kids to burn off some energy and a snack bar for lunch when everybody gets hungry. After lunch you can jump on the Zilker Zephyr miniature train that takes you around the north and east side of the park. While on the train you will more than likely see Wood Woode playing guitar and harmonica for the passengers near Lou Neff Point.

Lou Neff Point overlooks Lady Bird Lake towards downtown Austin. Ducks, swans, turtles, squirrels, people in canoes that they rented upstream on Barton Creek, joggers, and families walking around with their kids congregate here to relax for a moment and take in the beauty of Austin. Rent a canoe while you are there and bring a loaf of bread to feed the ducks!

Canoes and ducks at Lou Neff Point

There are many things to see at Zilker Park depending on what time of year you come. If it is in the Spring then bring a kite and participate in the Zilker Park Kite Festival. The 4th of July fireworks show is also great time to be here. In September you can see three days of live music at the Austin City Limits Music Festival. During the Christmas season there is the Trail of Lights – a magical wonderland of lighting displays and a giant campfire next to the Zilker Tree.

Do you like to play disc golf? Zilker Park has a 9-hole course that is perfect for families to enjoy. This course is not the most challenging in Austin, which makes it a great place to take your kids who are just getting the hang of the game.

After a round of disc golf you can head across the street to the Austin Science and Nature Center where you will find nature trails, Texas wildlife, and activities for the kids.

Zilker Botanical Gardens

One of the most beautiful places at the park is the Zilker Botanical Gardens. The gardens and trails are open year-round and always have a plethora of flowers blooming. There is a Japanese garden with many goldfish swimming around in the ponds. The Botanical Gardens is a popular place for weddings and other events. It is also an amazing spot for family photos.

If you want to see great art at Zilker Park then head over to the Umlauf Sculpture Gardens and Museum. There are over 100 sculptures there and the Gardens can be rented out for special occasions. Charles Umlauf was a 20th century American sculptor that taught at the University of Texas. Some of the work there is from his students.

Are you coming to Austin in the Spring or Summer? Check the schedule for the Beverely S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater to see if a production of Shakespeare in the Park, the Austin Symphony or Civic Orchestra, or the Summer Musicals happening during your visit. Admission is free!

No matter what time of year you come to Austin, Zilker Park has something for everyone! Bring your family, pack a lunch, and don’t forget your camera.

Photos by James Grayson