Jaydi's Weekend Jems

Sat. Nov. 14th

11am-9pm, Mission Street Block Party

from Fair Oaks Pharmacy to City Hall

South Pasadena

FREE

Merchants to hold special open houses and hand out goody bags and discounts. Event to include strolling musicians and artists.

1-4pm, Fluxus Brentwood Opens

11677 San Vicente Blvd. Suite 109

Los Angeles

FREE

Meet head designer Jeffrey Sebelia, winner of Season 3 Project Runway and receive a 25% discount. Music and refreshments included.

Sun. Nov. 15th

9am-5pm, Eastside Metro Extension Grand Opening Party

East LA

FREE rides (for the Gold Line only)

Eight new metro rail stations from Downtown to East LA open at once, each featuring its own party! To include Chicano rock, Mariachi music, tasty food booths, local artisans, karaoke, and more.

12:30-5pm, National Bundt Day

Kiss My Bundt

8104 W. 3rd St.

Los Angeles

FREE

Sample slices of yummy cake, and get 15% off all purchases by mentioning YELP.

Neighborhood Parks

Sat. Nov. 14th

7pm, Inside Parks and Recreation

Paley Center for Media

465 N. Beverly Dr.

Beverly Hills

$15

The following cast members will appear in person to discuss their half hour mockumentary:

Amy Poehler, “Leslie Knope”
Aziz Ansari, "Tom Haverford"
Paul Schneider, "Mark Brendanowicz"
Nick Offerman, "Ron Swanson"
Greg Daniels, Cocreator/Executive Producer
Michael Schur, Cocreator/Executive Producer
Additional panelists to be announced.

Wild Coffee

Thurs. Nov. 12th

4-8pm, FREE 12 oz. Holiday Coffee Bean Drink

(at participating locations)

7pm, The Wild Bunch 40th Anniversary Event

Million Dollar Theater

307 S. Broadway

Los Angeles

$15

Stars attending include Billy Bob Thornton and Thomas Jane. Screening starts at 7:45. Click here to purchase tickets.

Jaydi's Weekend Jems

Fri. Oct. 23rd

5-7pm, FREE Pumpkin FroYo at Cefiore

Click here for participating locations.

Sat. Oct. 24th

All Day, Firenze Osteria Grand Opening

4212 Lankershim Blvd.

North Hollywood

I was fortunate enough to check out Fabio Viviani's (of Top Chef fame) new restaurant during last night's media preview. The complimentary risotto alla salsiccia e funghi (sausage and mushroom risotto) and malfatti burro e salvia (spinach and ricotta dumplings) - made specially for my vegetarian date - were delish...as was the red wine. Great date spot if you don't mind the TV at the bar.

7am-3pm, LF Warehouse Sale

5333 McConnell Ave.

Los Angeles

80-90% off. I go every year. So should you.

11am-1pm, The Charm of Korean Cuisine

Korean Cultural Center

5505 Wilshire Blvd.

Los Angeles

FREE

Renowned Korean food expert and director of The Institute of Korean Food, Sook-Ja Yoon, will be giving a lecture and workshop on the nutritional value and taste of Korean cuisine followed by a tasting of a variety of delectable dishes.

Sun. Oct. 25th

9am-2:30pm, Toyota Farm to Table Tour

Brentwood Farmers' Market

FREE

The best local chefs will prepare complimentary tastings featuring fare from their favorite farmers.

2-6pm, Bedrocktoberfest

Echo Park

FREE

Celebrate the opening of 8 state-of-the-art hourly music studios with an afternoon of music, food and their own brewery’s beer. Expect surprise guests, sneak peeks, and full access to recording studios.

6pm, High on Mackenzie

Book Soup

8818 Sunset Blvd.

West Hollywood

FREE

Mackenzie Phillips presents and signs High on Arrival.

Sat. Oct. 24th - Sun. Oct. 25th

11am-6pm, Brewery Art Walk

2100 N. Main St. Unit A10

Downtown

FREE

A biannual weekend at the world's largest art complex. Over 100 participating resident artists and the opportunity to purchase works directly from them at studio prices.

Thanks to FWJ readers Michael and Ami for the suggestion.

Jesus Is Sarah

Wed. Oct. 14th

8pm, Jesus is Magic

The Ivy Substation

9070 Venice Blvd.

Culver City

$20

Sarah Silverman's film followed by a Q&A with the actress herself. Click here to purchase tickets (courtesy of the WTF Festival). It's last minute, but there are still seats available!

Get Your Shine (and Sign) On

Thurs. Oct. 15th

All Day, Infatuated Promotion

Sephora

Hollywood & Highland Center

6801 Hollywood Blvd.

FREE

Meet Kim Kardashian and have her sign your new Infatuation lip gloss ($29).

6-9pm, Penguin's 3rd Anniversary

8215 Melrose Ave.

Complimentary cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, 25% off all purchases...gift bag with purchases over $75. RSVP at 323.655.0401 and bring this flyer.

7pm, Alicia Silverstone Book Signing

Book Soup

8818 W. Sunset Blvd.

Hollywood

The actress will present copies of her new book The Kind Diet: A Simple Guide to Losing Weight, Looking Great, Saving Yourself, the Animals, and the Planet! If you stay long enough to hear the entire title, she'll even sign copies for you.

Jaydi's Weekend Jems

For those not attending the FREE Jason Mraz concert in San Diego:

Fri. Oct. 9th - Sun. Oct. 11th

Buy one, get one FREE Peet's Coffee. Thx to FWJ reader Melody for the heads up.

Fri. Oct. 9th

7pm, The Deer Hunter Concert

The Knitting Factory

7021 Hollywood Blvd.

$20

Just show up (to Hollywood, not Hazel St.)!

9pm, Haunted Hayride (and Ghost Story)

Gillette Ranch

26800 Mulholland Hwy

Calabasas

$35

A small fee for the scare of a lifetime. Ticket includes ghost story (read to you by none other than actress Amy Smart) and a haunted hayride. Sound lame? Now picture being pulled in a hay-filled wagon in the middle of a dark forrest filled with spiders, insane asylum inmates, and creatures trying to snatch you away from your ride...

Sat. Oct. 10th

11am-4pm, A Taste of Dance

The Music Center

135 N. Grand Ave.

Downtown

$1 per lesson

Learn all different styles of dance for a buck a piece (each lesson is 20 minutes). Styles include Irish step, Columbian salsa, the moonwalk... I went last year with some friends and had a blast (the pop and lock class had my sides hurting from laughter).

6-9pm, Raising the Bar

Joe's

1023 Abbot Kinney Blvd.

Venice

$10

A mixology competition with bartenders from Comme Ca, Providence, and more. All cocktails (classic, rum-based, and "free style") to be judged by owners of competing restaurants (and you!). RSVP to Claudia at 310.392.5655.

8pm, Streep Tease

Bang Improv Studio

457 N. Fairfax Ave.

Los Angeles

$15

You don't have to be drunk to enjoy Meryl Streep monologues performed by men.

Sat. Oct. 10th - Sun. Oct. 11th

12pm, Beyond Eden

LA Municipal Art Gallery

4800 Hollywood Blvd.

FREE

Expanding on last year's East of Eden exhibit, this one features work from 15 galleries across LA.

Sun. Oct. 11th

11am-5pm, Luxury Chocolate Salon

Pasadena Center

$20 ($25 at the door)

Attendees can sample chocolate from all over the world, view demonstrations, attend chef and author talks, and sample some great wine to go with the delicious chocolate confections. Chocolatiers range from Marti Chocolatt to Clarine’s Florentines.

Click here to purchase tickets now.

The Pastor and The Porn Star

Wed. Oct. 7th

7:30-10pm, The Great Porn Debate

USC Bovard Auditorium

3551 Trousdale Pkwy

FREE

Pastor Craig Gross and porn star Ron Jeremy (they are actually friends) hold a public debate on what might as well be entitled "The Christian and The Jew."

Attendance is on a first come, first serve basis.

Jaydi's Weekend Jems

Sat. Oct. 3rd

7-9:30pm, Nelly Greenfield Salon's Open House

11731 Barrington Ct.

FREE

The latest fall fashions for hair, makeup, and jewelry. Complimentary food and beverages. Live entertainment.

Sun. Oct. 4th

10am-6pm, West Hollywood Book Fair

West Hollywood Park

647 N. San Vicente Blvd.

FREE

Artists, panels, book signings, and Cirque du Soleil's "Kooza." Featured artists to include Carol Channing and Amber Tamblyn.

8pm, Comedy Death-Ray

The Cinefamily

611 N. Fairfax

$14

Weird Al hosts an evening to include film Top Secret. Click here to purchase tickets now.

Jaydi's Weekend Jems

Thurs. Sept. 24th - Sun. Sept. 27th

Annette Benning in Medea. Perhaps the only time I wish I were a UCLA student ($20 tickets!).

Thurs. Sept. 24th

3-7pm, Carvel Customer Appreciation Day

Click here for your nearest location.

FREE Oreo ice cream sandwiches (called "Lil' Rounders"). Thx to LA Decostified for the find.

6-9pm, Fred Segal PreSale (up to 50% off)

8100 Melrose Ave.

West Hollywood

RSVP here.

Sun. Sept. 27th

7-9pm, Dexter LA Premiere Screening

W. Los Angeles

Whiskey Blue

930 Hilgard Ave.

Westwood

FREE

Catch the new season of Dexter while sipping complimentary "killer" cocktails.

Fri. Sept. 25th - Sun. Sept. 27th

10am-8pm, 7 for All Mankind Warehouse Sale

Los Angeles Convention Center

West Hall

1201 S. Figueroa St.

Downtown

Click here to RSVP.

Jest and John

Tues. Sept. 22nd

8-9:30pm, Infinite Summer's David Foster Wallace Celebration
Skylight Books
1818 N Vermont Ave.

FREE

To celebrate the late David Foster Wallace’s book Infinite Jest, head to Skylight tonight for cookies, cake, and "refreshments." Expected guests include The Office's John Krasinski, whose film Brief Interviews with Hideous Men was my favorite movie at Sundance. It opens next week and John is rumored to sign posters.

A 20% discount on all books over 800 pages.

Jaydi's Weekend Jems

For those not making the trip to Taste of Ojai:

Fri. Sept. 18th

10am-5pm, Maybelline Color Sensational Launch Tour

Hollywood & Highland Center

6801 Hollywood Blvd.

FREE

Stop by for lip shade matching & complimentary lip overs by New York makeup artists.

8:30pm, Dead Man's Bones

Bob Baker Marionette Theater

1345 W. 1st St. at Glendale Blvd.

Downtown

$20

Watch Ryan Gosling warm up his creepy goth/folk vocals before going on tour (accompanied by the Silverlake Conservatory Children's Choir).

Call 213.250.9995 to purchase tix.

Sat. Sept. 19th

10am-5pm, BCBG & Ella Moss Sample Sale

Residence Inn

1177 S. Beverly Dr.

FREE

Over 2,000 tops, dresses, and handbag up to 70% off (an additional 10% with cash purchases)!

7-9pm, Spaces Opening

WC Gallery

Food + Lab Cafe & Marketplace

7253 Santa Monica Blvd.

Clement Jolin's color photography exhibit will be featured in...this amazing restaurant's bathroom. If the event itself doesn't pique your interest, the food and beverages being served should. Food Lab is a hidden gem of West Hollywood. If you don't believe me, try their gorgonzola dolce sandwich.

Jaydi's Weekend Jems

Fri. Aug. 21st

8-10pm, Tribe

Hothouse Improvisation

4934 Lankershim Blvd.

North Hollywood

$10

Don't miss FWJ reader Kat in another Hothouse Show!  As always, FREE drinks provided.

Sat. Aug. 22nd

12-5pm, Get Paddled

The Standard - Hollywood

8300 Sunset Blvd.

West Hollywood

Sign up and play in the weekly tournament.  All levels welcome.

7pm, Singing in the Rain

Hollywood Forever Cemetery

6000 Santa Monica Blvd.

$10 donation requested

Who?  Those who didn't purchase their Extract tickets fast enough.

Why?  Because "it's vulgar!"

Sun. Aug. 23rd

5-6pm, Meet Betsey Johnson

8050 Melrose Ave.

FREE

All bloggers seem to agree that this is the most happening event on a quiet Sunday in LA.  Celebrate one of my favorite designer's (belated) 67th birthday with her in her store.  Sweet treats await, and I don't just mean shoes!

All Weekend Long

Receive 50 4x6 photo prints from Walgreens for only $5.  Thx to LA Decostified for the heads up!

Judge for Yourself

Normally I would include this in my weekend update; however, tickets will be sold out by the time I post it:

When? Sat. Aug. 22nd, 7:30pm

Where? American Cinematheque

How Much? $9

What? A preview of Extract, followed by a Q&A with writer/director Mike Judge.

Why? It has to be better than Idiocracy.

Click here to purchase tix now.

An Inglorious Evening

What? A screening of Inglorious Basterds, plus signing and meet-and-greet with Quentin Tarantino.

When? Thurs. Aug. 20th, 8pm

Where? Amoeba Music in Hollywood

**Be among the first 300 purchasers of the $30 package, and you'll receive a copy of the soundtrack, a guaranteed place in line for Quentin to sign one item of your choice, and a ticket to the midnight screening of the film at the Arclight with a live intro by Quentin.

The $30 ($35 if you want to opt for a vinyl copy of the soundtrack) packages go on sale at 10:30 a.m., Aug. 18.

Jaydi's Weekend Jems

Fri. Aug. 14th

7pm, Book Signing

Book Soup

8818 Sunset Blvd.

West Hollywood

Elaine Madsen, mother of actors Matthew and Virginia Madsen (of Sideways fame), will be on hand to sign copies of her new book Crayola Can't Make These Colors.  Virginia will be present to introduce her mom.

Sat. Aug. 15th

11am-8pm, Bleu Sale

454 S. La Brea

As if 30%-75% isn't enough, the store will be offering cocktails and hors d'oeuvres during a shopping spree that is sure to make you anything but blue :D

4pm, Lingerie & Sugar Blues

S Factor

5225 Wilshire Blvd.  #222

For women who have never tried S Factor, the original pole dancing and striptease workout, you are missing out.  I did so last month and was pleasantly surprised.  Not only did I learn my first (and so far only!) pole trick, but I also woke up the next morning feeling it in my thighs.

Normally classes are pretty steep; however today you can test the new workout for FREE.  RSVP to 323.965.9685 and hurry.  Classes fill up faster than you can say, "teach me to lap dance!"

Thx to FWJ reader Megan for the heads up!

8-10pm, Readymade Film Festival

316 W. 2nd St.

Downtown

$10

2 hours of amazing shorts focused on social consciousness, directed by emerging talent (including FWJ reader Flor).

8pm-2am, Ghettogloss Grand Opening

6109 Melrose Ave.

FREE

The beloved Silverlake art gallery and boutique has officially moved, and they want to celebrate with you.  Bring your favorite shirt or article of clothing, and have it transformed by one of their silk screeners.  Cocktails and live music included.

*The above suggestions are for those who did not RSVP to LA's Sake Fest!

Sun. Aug. 16th

2-7pm, Vegan BBQ

Verdugo Bar

3408 Verdugo Rd.

Glassel Park

cash only

Hosted by Hot Knives, this "BBQ, booze, and beats" event features vegan food ranging from curry seitan banh mi to beer popsicles.

Don't Pass on Strange

"Part rock concert, part memoir, part Broadway musical, Spike Lee’s new documentary Passing Strange breaks conventions to tell its story of a young L.A. songwriter’s international journey to self-discovery."

For those who missed Passing Strange at Sundance (so excited I don't fit into this category!), you have the opportunity to catch it at the Downtown LA Film Festival tomorrow night at 7:30pm. Click here to purchase tix.

Jaydi's Weekend Jems

Fri. Aug. 7th

2-3pm, FREE Peet's Coffee

It's time for another Freddo...this time a coffee one!  What better way to get energized for the remainder of your work week?

5:30pm, Wax Unveiling

Madame Tussaud's

6933 Hollywood Blvd.

FREE

Quentin Tarantino attends the unveiling of his own wax figure.  You are invited to watch, but try not to melt.

Sat. Aug. 8th

10am-4pm, Designer Tag Sale

2500 Grandview Ave.

Venice

$10 admission fee (cash only)

With prices as low as $5, this huge high end interior designer yard sale is certainly worth checking out (especially for me now that I've moved).  Gift bags for the first 30 attendees.  I know I'll be one of them!

12-8pm, Korean BBQ Festival

(cook off to start at 5pm)

3223 6th St.

For $10-$15 a plate, you can sample all food from the competition, which is set to feature ten local Korean restaurants.

2-7pm, Fred Segal Makeover Party

8118 Melrose Ave.

West Hollywood

RSVP to rsvp@caromarketing.com and reserve an appointment for a courtesy makeover (to be followed by styling tips, a fashion shoot, cocktails, and in store discounts).  Thx to Caroline on Crack for the find.  Maybe I'll see you there.

3-5pm, Gourmet Ding Dong Tasting

Essential Chocolate Desserts

10868 Washington Blvd.

Culver City

$10

Not into Korean food?  No worries.  Another tasting event today - this one on the sweeter side. For a minimal fee, you can feast on up to 10 gourmet ding dongs.  Flavors range from white chocolate raspberry & banana peanut butter to espresso & carrot cake.  Call 310.287.0699 to reserve a spot.

9:15pm, Syesha Mercado Performance

City Walk

If you aren't too full from the BBQ and ding dong death wish, or all shopped out at the interior design yard sale and Fred Segal, check out this former American Idol.  I know I'll be wiped from today, but if anyone's voice can pick me up, it's hers!

The Dean of Book Soup

Wed. July 22nd

9:30pm

Book Soup

8818 W. Sunset Blvd.

West Hollywood

Howard Dean reads excerpts from (and signs) copies of his new book Howard Dean's Prescription for Real Heathcare Reform.  

Book Soup keeps getting better.  I frequently BS, but if the new discount is true, I'll be frequenting BS more often.

Jaydi's Weekend Jems

Fri. June 26

5pm-9pm, FREE Pinkberry

Normally overpriced, this awesome chain will be launching 2 new flavors: coconut and passion fruit (or the "tropical swirl" if you mix them together). To celebrate, show up between the hours listed and receive a small cup at 

no charge! Also, if you are feeling adventurous, try it with this season's Bing cherries.

6:30pm, Dance Downtown

Music Center Plaza

135 N. Grand Ave.

Salsa your way through International Latin Ballroom night.

Sat. June 27th

10am-6pm, Venice Eco Fest

Winward Ave. & Ocean Front Walk

Venice Beach

This celebration of art, music, and dance will incorporate organic treats and green technology to "raise awareness about our ecosystem."

1pm, Ashley Tisdale concert

The Grove

189 The Grove Dr.

Arrive early for this FREE performance.  Thx to LA Freebee for the heads up!

7:30pm, East of Eden

Hollywood Forever Cemetery

6000 Santa Monica Blvd.

Feeling bad? Through and through bad?

This outdoor screening is technically FREE, but $10 donations are encouraged. The film starts at 9pm, but get there early with lounge chairs and picnic supplies to claim your spot. I'm so excited this summer treat is back!

Sun. June 28th

10am-7pm, FREE Spray Tans

Sunset Tan

Click here for participating locations.  No purchase necessary!

11am-4pm, FREE Burgers, Fries, and Shakes

Ruby's Shake Shack

23000 Pacific Coast Highway

at the Malibu Pier

Enjoy guacamole burgers and malibu mud pie shakes (amongst other delicious items) in honor of their grand opening!!!

12-3pm, Milo Ventimiglia Signing

Collector's Paradise

7131 Winnetka Ave.

Canoga Park

Issue #1 of the comic book Berserker to be signed by the Heroes star himself.

Sun. June 28th - Tues. June 30th

Got what it takes to be the next American Idol? Then check out Season 9 auditions at the Rose Bowl (1001 Rose Bowl Dr. in Pasadena) during these dates. The front of the line is at Gate F, and they will not be charging for parking. Click here for more information.