Jaydi's Weekend Jems

Sat. Aug. 29th

2:30-4:30pm, Open Improv Workshop

The Second City

6560 Hollywood Blvd., 2nd fl.

$25

If you were ever considering taking classes here, now is the time to do it.  Take this discounted 2 hr. intro class, and a $25 credit will be applied if you decide to sign up.

5-10pm, Brothers & Sisters Art Show

Gallery 800

5108 Lankershim Blvd.

North Hollywood

Presumably not as cool as the artwork on my show, but pretty sweet nonetheless.  Support FWJ friends Elysse and Cole as their coworkers (cast & crew) present personal art pieces during this TV show's opening reception.

8pm, Silent Sleepover

611 N. Fairfax Ave.

$12

How many times can you say, "Bring a sleeping bag" to a movie theatre?  At least once, because tonight, the Silent Movie Theatre will be screening 6 features (ranging from Little Darlings to Meatballs 2) in a row - all of which feature a summer camp theme.  If you're able to stay awake, eggs and other breakfast treats await in the am.  DJing and s'mores on the patio!

Convinced?  Click here to buy tix now.

Sun. Aug. 30th

Tim Robbins hosts the afternoon gala for The Trial of the Catonsville 9, which runs this weekend only at The Actors' Gang.

All Weekend

Ninja Warrior Tryouts

2861 Los Feliz Blvd.

Yes, I watch G4.  I know it may not seem so from my photos, but I'm a huge fan of this Japanese game show.  If you are, too, and you've ever thought, "I normally wouldn't be into breaking my collarbone, but since it's on national TV..." this is the competition for you.

Besides, if you make the final 10, you win a FREE trip to Japan!

Trip to Vegas

If you can road trip before Sept. 7th and can book before Monday, check out the ridiculously reduced prices at these hotels through Expedia.

Cocktail Thursday

Thurs. Aug. 27th

6-9pm

Benefit Cosmetics Boutique

8387 W. 3rd St.

Celebrate the launch of The Cocktail Hours, featuring complimentary gift bags, Starlet Martinis, and mini makeovers.

Contact info@thecocktailhours.com to RSVP, and do so soon since space is limited.

Cheap Laserium Tickets

Remember the sweet laser show I posted for $12 in July, featuring The Beatles/Led Zeppelin/Pink Floyd? Well, thanks to Groupon, you can now purchase tix for only $5!

You only have eight hours left to buy them, so don't put too much thought into this one :D

Coupon expires Nov. 27, 2009.

Leggo My Discount!

Mon. Aug. 24th

The Waffle

6255 W. Sunset Blvd.

To celebrate National Waffle Day, this awesome Hollywood restaurant will be offering 25% off all its waffles.

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.

Little Free Croissant

Little Next Door

8164 W. 3rd St.

Stop by between 8-9am through Aug. 31st, and snag a FREE croissant.

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.

Bigfoot's Buns

Thurs. Aug. 13th, 7-11pm

Bigfoot Lodge West

Culver City

Some Asian wieners may be small, but at least these are tasty!

Show up between the listed hours and sample AsiaDog's Eastern-inspired hot dog menu. The owners are in town for one day only to test out their fast food hybrid. I've got my eyes set on the Ito (Japanese curry and homemade kimchi apples topping). Hope to see you there!

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.

I Love You, You Love Barney's

Thurs. Aug. 13th + Fri. Aug. 14th, 8am-9pm

Sat. Aug. 15th, 9am-7pm

Sun. Aug. 16th, 10am-7pm

(thru Sun. Aug. 23rd)

Barney's Warehouse Sale

The LA Convention Center, South Hall

1201 S. Figueroa St.

Downtown

Normally the only Barney this recession-friendly blogger would reference is a large purple dinosaur; however beginning this weekend, the NY-based department store will be slashing its prices 50%-75%. Yes, we can probably only afford a nice pair of socks, but gosh darn it, they will be the most comfortable pair we own!

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!

Lindy Hop over to City Walk

Tues. Aug. 4th, 7:30-10pm

(every Tues. thru Aug. 25th)

Universal City Walk

100 Universal City Plaza

FREE

Dance to The Wiseguys and take lessons from swing instructors nearby.

A Thousand Concerts

Wed. Aug. 5th, 8pm

The Americana at Brand

300 S. Brand Blvd.

Glendale

FREE

Tomorrow, enjoy another Donate Life concert performance, featuring singer Vanessa Carlton.

Free in the Box

2 FREE tacos at Jack in the Box today.  Click here to print the coupon.

Jaydi's Weekend Jems

Thurs. July 30th

8pm, Movies in the Park

189 The Grove Dr.

The Grove

FREE

Watch Twilight under the stars!

Fri. July 31st

8pm, Cannibal! The Musical

(through Aug. 22nd)

The Garage Theatre

251 E. 7th St.

Long Beach

$18 ($15 for students)

Written by Trey Parker (South Park).  A horror story with fart jokes?  Can't wait to find out...

Sat. Aug. 1st

8:30am-4pm, Smashbox Makeup Classes

Sephora Sherman Oaks

14006 Riverside Dr.

FREE

Call 818.817.0900 (promo code: YELP) to reserve a spot in the

 limited-capacity sessions, designed to improve your skills (or lack thereof) with the brush.  FREE gifts for signing up!

3-9pm, Candy Land Lolita Tea Party

Royal/T

8910 Washington Blvd.

Culver City

FREE

(picture courtesy of Grub St.)

Experience this life-sized Candy Land game board, featuring fashion shows, cupcake & cotton candy stands, high tea served by the Royal/T maids, and more. RSVP to rsvp@royal-t.org (keyword: Candy Land).

7pm, Robot Chicken on Wheels

Skateland Northridge

18140 Parthenia St.

FREE with purchase of DVD

Seth Green and Breckin Meyer on skates as part of the Adult Swim Presents series.  Once inside, enjoy a live performance by Gym Class Heroes.

7pm, Cinespia Cemetery Screening

In Northridge tonight, some like it sweaty.  Not for you?  No worries.  Some Like It Hot at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, too.

Sun. Aug. 2nd

12:30-5pm, Cirque du Soleil Performance

The Grove

189 The Grove Dr.

FREE

The Grove is on fire this weekend. Perhaps literally. To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Cirque du Soleil will be performing portions from all six of its shows! Face painting and juggling included...

The schedule is as follows:

12:30 p.m.: "The Beatles' LOVE," as seen at The Mirage

1 p.m.: "Mystère," as seen at Treasure Island Hotel & Casino

1:30 p.m.: "O," as seen at Bellagio

3:30 p.m.: "Zumanity," as seen at New York-New York Hotel & Casino

4 p.m.: "KÀ," as seen at MGM Grand

4:30 p.m.: "Criss Angel Believe," as seen at Luxor Las Vegas

Thx to FWJ Laura for the heads up!

Other Weekend Updates

Tweet @LemonadeLA for FREE dessert at Abbot Kinney's new Lemonade restaurant.

Sake It to Me

Sat. Aug. 15th, 8-11pm

Renaissance Hotel

1755 N. Highland Ave.

Hollywood

Once again, Goldstar comes through!

I was holding off posting the LA Sake Fest, because it is supposed to cost $50; however you can purchase tickets at $30 for a limited time only.

How often do you get the chance to try 100 brands of sake?  Click here to purchase tix now.

CHAM Korean Bistro

851 Cordova St.

Pasadena

Unable to attend their grand tasting last week, I sent FWJ food blogger Jackie in my place.  Her thoughts:

"When I entered Cham, I wanted to try everything at the tasting tables. Since I couldn't narrow down the selection, I asked the man at the register to select options for me. The result?

"Mint lemonade - a solid A+, on the sweet side, which I prefer
Watermelon salad - very refreshing, perfect for a hot summer day
Tofu pockets - the marinated fresh crab meat was my favorite, but the arugula and red radish is a great vegetarian alternative

"Ssam garden platter - let's just say YUM...give me SSAM more! This plate was interactive dining at it's best. The delicious ribs came on a piping hot skillet with grilled onions. All the fixings came on another plate. You create your own wraps. It was amazingly appetizing, and fun, too! The sesame leaves were my favorite new discovery. They taste somewhat like anise, and Koreans use these fuzzy (trust me, they're good) little leaves to wrap anything and everything up before ingesting it. Waaaay better than boring old lettuce.

"Crispy rice cakes + lean ground beef (crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, sauteed in CHAM special soy sauce) - I was about to stop eating when the owner asked if I wanted ANYTHING else. I'd been eyeing the rice cakes the whole meal, so she brought me a small taste. They were DELICIOUS. The "special" soy sauce on the beef was more than special, and the rice cakes themselves were perfectly crispy. It was also one of the few times I've eaten perfectly cooked broccoli in a restaurant. I'd never had anything like it. They also have a vegetarian version with sauteed vegetables. If I were a vegetarian, I would eat here at least once a week!

"The staff was extremely polite and helpful (not surprising for a tasting), and I got the sense they'll remain this way even after opening. The owner showed me how to put the garden wraps together and informed me the chefs don't use any MSG or white sugar. If you taste the food, you'll instantly know CHAM really is a healthy, fusion alternative to the artery-clogging Asian restaurants out there."

Bottom line?  Check out CHAM now (picture courtesy of Food GPS)!

Jaydi's Weekend Jems

Fri. July 24th

7:30-9pm, Salsa Lessons

Mama Juana's

3707 Cahuenga Blvd. W.

Studio City

$10

Rodrigo Guzman (Dancing with the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance?) offers beginner salsa lessons. If you practice hard enough, you might be able to look like the woman in the picture. Don't want to look like the woman in the picture? Ignore me. Why are you reading this blog anyway?

7:30pm, Laserium Show

Historic Vine Theater

6321 Hollywood Blvd.

$12

An interactive light show set to Beatles music. Need I say more? Click here for restaurants that offer 20% off if you're planning on watching the show.

Sat. July 25th

8:30-9:30am, Yoga on the Pier

Santa Monica Pier

FREE

Presented by 102.7: bring a mat, towel, and photo ID. Nature will do the rest. Thanks to FWJ reader Megan for the heads up!

7pm, Cemetery Screening

(movie starts at 8:30pm)

FREE

Looking for the rainbow connection? Head to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. This time the series will be screening The Muppet Movie. Feel free to bring all friends - humans and puppets alike. Just remind them not to talk once the movie starts.

7:30pm, Hollywood Outdoor Cinema

the Old Circuit City

4400 Sunset Blvd.

Silverlake

If the cemetery doesn't do it for you, watch The Big Lebowski here instead, powered by an xbox on a 40' inflatable screen.

Sun. July 26th

5-8pm, Dessert Decadence

Renaissance Hollywood Hotel

1755 N. Highland Ave.

$40

Too much to spend for an endless assortment of all-you-can-eat pastries, chocolate, and more? Maybe. A dieter's worst nightmare? Absolutely. Enough to stop Jaydi...? I think not. Click here to join her.

7pm, Movie Under the Stars

(and every Sun. through Sept. 27th)

The W Hotel

930 Hilgard Ave.

Westwood

FREE

Paramount Home Entertainment presents The Kite Runner. Dine with "self-righteous monkeys" or get cozy in a private cabana. The choice is yours.