Originally a French literary fairy tale, “Puss in Boots” is about a cat who uses his cleverness and wit to gain power and riches for his master.   After requesting and acquiring a pair of boots, the cat is determined to make his master his fortune.  The formulaic storyline has the cat presenting gifts for the King in his master’s favor, under the fictional name of the Marquis of Carabas until one outing the cat is able to win his master the heart of a princess.  If the moral of the fairy tale is based on the benefits of dress and countenance to turn things in your favor, then DreamWorks’ version of Puss in Boots is able to land right on its feet based on that premise.

With a suave persona and an air of dashing debonair, the cat in Puss in Boots owns his swashbuckling attire.  From the opening scene and on, Puss in Boots is sleek, purposeful, and filled with satire.

Though the Puss in Boots reference to the French fairy tale can not be ignored, DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots is pretty much his own cat.  From the get-go, Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) is able to get himself out of several sticky situations through the power of charm – in this case, the boots make the cat, since cat lovers everywhere are won over by a puss wearing boots – or else as a default, he banks on his appeal as an adorable kitty.

Puss in Boots meets his female counterpart in Kitty Softpaws (Salma Hayek), who leads him to his long lost blood-brother, Humpty Dumpty (Zach Galifianakis).  With a grandiose plan intact under the mastermind of the infamous fairytale egg, Puss in Boots and Kitty Softpaws are on their way to wrest from the murderous outlaws, Jack (Billy Bob Thornton) and Jill (Amy Sedaris), the magic beans in order to gain the riches promised in folklore.  In doing so, Puss in Boots will find himself struggling with past mistakes and betrayals before he is able to undertake the giant in the sky and the goose who lays the golden eggs.  But, of course: who will be the one to get to the “gold-pooper” first – something you’d have to watch and find out for yourself.

Puss in Boots holds up very well under its own banner.  Originally a popular character from the Shrek movies, Puss in Boots is the prequel before the cat happens to meet the Shrek characters.  But unless the producers rewrite the entire Shrek series, a Puss in Boots sequel seems to be too out of reach to make the storylines of both movies plausible – which is quite regrettable since Puss in Boots is a great family movie that kids and adults alike will enjoy and would probably love to see continue.

Its imaginative plot, unforgettable cast of characters, and hilarious catch-phrases may alone suffice, but add in its delicious one-liners and insane fairy-tale references and you got an enjoyable animated film that will have everyone repeating the jokes with gusto and without fail.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Photo Courtesy of www.orangemagazinetv.com via Flickr

A burlesque show is a thing of beauty. With music throbbing throughout the audience and a beautiful woman onstage, slowly removing her glittering costume layer by layer, burlesque commands attention. However, the attention burlesque receives is not always positive and is often very controversial. Some see it as an incredibly powerful representation of female empowerment and sexuality, while others view it in much the same way they view strip clubs. The latter view is incredibly misguided and San Diego’s very own Hell on Heels Burlesque Revue is here to prove it.

Blending comedic skits with strip teases, burlesque shows are full of variety and became incredibly popular in America in the 1860s. Within the past ten years we have seen a resurgence of classic burlesque, with troupes emerging to put on shows filled with glamour and the suggestion of complete nudity. One can find a form of burlesque in so many places and with famous burlesque figures, like the gorgeous Dita Von Teese, burlesque is quickly rooting itself within present-day American culture. While burlesque is appearing in Hollywood films, television, and online videos, the best way to experience it is to seek out an actual troupe and attend a live show.

“See how the girl next door undresses” is the tagline for the Hell on Heels Burlesque Revue and it does not disappoint. The group is filled with gorgeous women who are incredibly powerful and comfortable with themselves in a way that is rarely seen in the media. Here is a group of real women, with real bodies, and each one with the power to hypnotize an entire audience. It is impossible to merely watch a Hell on Heels show because each person finds themselves so wrapped up in the performances that they can’t help feeling connected to the women on stage. There’s something almost spiritual in the way these girls celebrate their bodies, allowing all women to see themselves in a new light, something that is a rarity in today’s body-conscious society. Claudia Garcia, the manager of Hell on Heels, can’t talk about the group without her swelling pride showing in her smile:

“Many times women and men approach us after shows and say how thankful they are to see women with figures onstage. I’m sure it helps empower women in the audience. Maybe they think, ‘If they have confidence to do that, so can I!’ We may not be model perfect, but that’s what makes us the girl next door – fun, glamorous, empowered, beautiful!”

Burlesque allows women to command their own sexuality and in turn, is a very female-driven landscape. Women perform for themselves and oftentimes the performances, while always creative and playful, pay homage to powerful women of the past. These homages allow women to take control of male-written feminine history and present their own image on top of that history. Unlike dances at strip clubs, burlesque performances are not created out of male desire, but are instead an organic display of feminine beauty and power. A burlesque performer demands attention and forces the audience to see her in any way she wants to be seen. It allows women to take complete control of their sexuality, empowering themselves and in turn, empowering the women in the audience. Burlesque troupes like Hell on Heels hold up feminine beauty, strip the stereotypes away, and demand that women of all shapes and color be revered for who they are.

Join the Hell on Heels Burlesque Revue in celebrating feminine beauty at their next show, entitled “Dying on a Saturday Night: A Misfits Promenade.” Happening on October 22 at Brick by Brick, the Hell on Heels girls, with special guests Miss Joy Ryder and Mama Bodessa, will perform alongside live music performed by The Strikers. Dress in your 50s best and get ready for a night filled with Misfits music, classic Halloween tunes, and thrilling performances.

Keep track of Hell on Heels Burlesque Review by visiting their website or Facebook page.

Knowing how best to invest your money is something almost everyone wants to know, that is why we turn to financial advisors. Financial advisors have the knowledge and understanding of financial terms and the “market.” Although you may turn to your advisor for guidance and assistance, it is important to educate yourself with specific questions to ask your advisor. Empowering yourself by asking simple, yet important questions is extremely crucial for your own personal financial knowledge. Steve suggests you ask the following questions:

1. What are the fees?
2. What is the taxable impact?
3. What is the short term and long term risk?

If you know the answers to those questions you’ll make sound decisions based on facts. A lot of people tend to make decisions based off of emotion or an article they just read in the paper, when they should be making decisions based on facts.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Steve Sexton is a financial expert who personalizes each individual’s financial plan on their unique circumstances and goals. He has over 15 years experience in the financial services industry and holds multiple licenses and designations including being a Better Business Bureau member and a National Ethics Bureau Member.

If you would like to learn more about the financial planning provided by Sexton Advisory Group, securing your financial wealth and freedom, planning for your retirement or to reserve a spot in one of Sexton’s free financial workshops you can visit www.sextonadvisorygroup.com. Or you can reach the Sexton Advisory Group by contacting Steve Sexton at steve@sextonadvisorygroup.com or by calling 951-695-8810.

Don’t forget to watch Steve Sexton on the Channel 6 San Diego Living on Tuesdays for more financial tips

This non-smoking event, open to those age 21 and up, will feature two stages of live music from Len Rainey and the Midnight Players, Night Shift, 5 Miles High and Rifftide. The event commences at 6 p.m., wraps up at 11 p.m. and tickets cost $40 at the gate.

Admission comes with 10 4 oz. beer samples, but only the first 6,000 guests receive a souvenir event logo tasting mug to use throughout the evening and to keep when the event is over. If you can’t get there early and miss out on the souvenir tasting mug, don’t worry, Beer Festival merchandise will also be available for purchase inside the gates.

On most Friday nights, San Diegans seeking a night on the town could expect to pay as much as half the Festival ticket cost just for entry into a Gaslamp-area bar or nightclub, not to mention drinking once inside the bar. But, since proceeds from the Festival are donated to charity, the Festival of Beer is not just an opportunity to have a good time and taste more than 150 craft beers; it’s also a chance to donate money to fight cancer.

San Diego Professionals Against Cancer (SDPAC) is a 100 percent volunteer-driven organization dedicated to generating money for cancer research, patient treatment, and services through fund-raising events; the Festival of Beer is SDPAC’s flagship event.

During the past 17 years, SDPAC has raised and donated more than $500,000 to cancer-fighting organizations. By requesting participating breweries donate beer at the brewery’s expense, having no paid employees on staff and hiring volunteers to sell merchandise and hand out tickets, SDPAC is able to maximize the amount of proceeds given to charity.

In June 2010, SDPAC presented a check to Rady Children’s Hospital for $100,000 in support of their upcoming expansion. Ledcor, a group of companies focused on giving back to the community, offered to match SDPAC’s donation dollar-for-doller. With the $200,000 donated, the hospital was able to purchase a new MRI machine to equip its new Acute Care Pavilion.

This year, not only will attendees be able to sample beer from breweries such as the Alaskan Brewing Company, Anchor Brewing, Deschutes Brewery, Karl Strauss Brewing Company, Pacific Beach AleHouse, Pizza Port and Stone Brewery, among countless others, wine will also be available. In the event that an attendee quickly exhausts the 10 free samplers, more are available for purchase: 10 samplers for $10 or five samplers for $5.

If you’d like to the chance to earn free tickets to the Festival of Beer enter your email address here for the chance to win two free tickets. The deadline for entry is Sept. 4th at 11:59PM. Winners will be announced and have their tickets mailed to them on Sept. 5th.

Photos courtesy SDPAC and SDBeerFest.org

This year the event will be at a new location, the Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier near Downtown — what the event coordinators describe as “an expansive oasis surrounded by the sparkling San Diego Bay.”

According to its website, the San Diego Spirits Festival is “a two-day celebration of spirits, cocktails and local culture (and) the only event of its kind on the West Coast.” It will feature dozens of alcohol vendors, artists, educational seminars, bartending competitions, live music, a cabaret-themed VIP party, and unlimited food and cocktail tastings.

Radio station Sophie@ 103.7 will also be hosting “A Musical Cocktail,” which will present live performances of several local bands, including Skyler Stonestreet, The Darrows and Josh Damigo on Saturday, Dominic Balli on Sunday, and Kevin Martin on both days.

Many new brands will debut at the festival this year, including the highly anticipated launching of Tempest, a brand based out of La Jolla and created by Mark Scialdone of Suspend Spirits. The alcohol is a green tea liqueur with a mystical blend of six intoxicating herbs and absinthe.

The 2011 festival will also be the first to feature artists. “This year, 32 of San Diego’s best artists will be exhibiting their work in the public forecourt upon entering the venue,” event founder Liz Edwards told sandiego.com. “We want everyone to be visually wowed with what we have going on.”

Returning this year will be the cocktail competitions, with 16 of the city’s most talented mixologists competing. The semi-finals will be held on Saturday and the finals will be Sunday.

For Edwards, the goal is for creators and consumers of spirits to mingle in a fun environment. “I’d love to be able to showcase this type of event here and bring about some resurgence in the cocktail lounge scene,” she said.

One-day tickets for the festival can be purchased starting at $60 and include unlimited tastings. VIP tickets can also be purchased beginning at $90 and include access to the bartender battle and admission to the elite Saturday night after-party.

The event, described as being tailored to the millennial generation, is meant to combine the energizing ambiance of a nightclub with the engaging conversations of a tasting room.

“Today’s idea of a wine connoisseur is rapidly changing to include a younger demographic of consumers who are showing an early interest in wine,” Michelle Metter, co-owner of producer Fast Forward Event Productions, said. “WineRave acknowledges that change and provides a way for emerging wine enthusiasts to explore their tastes, while catering to them in an environment that 21-35 year-olds can easily relate to.”

The new series kicks off at FLUXX on June 22 from 7-10 p.m. with subsequent dates to be announced.

“WineRave takes your traditional wine tasting and turns it upside down,” marketing coordinator for Fast Forward Productions, Jessica Gago, said. “Instead of setting the wine tasting in a traditional tasting room environment, WineRave invites you to the energizing ambiance of San Diego’s hottest new nightclub … This event is unlike any other.”

Gago said the best part about WineRave is it’s date and time. The Wednesday date makes parking easier and–for those who want to enjoy San Diego’s nightlife afterward–eliminates the worry of standing in long lines. And wine lovers who have to work the next day needn’t worry, as the event ends with enough time to get a good night’s sleep.

The idea originally started as an event during the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival, but due to high demand and popularity, is now branching out as its own affair with a unique mission.

“WineRave’s goal is to provide a unique wine-tasting experience for a collective of up-and-coming wine and spirits consumers,” Gago said. “It’s a great chance to connect with other young wine enthusiasts, nosh on a great array of delicious gourmet appetizers, and sample wines, brews and spirits from the industry’s finest purveyors.”

The dress code for the event will be upscale and trendy. Absolutely no shorts, sandals, ball caps, athletic wear or excessively baggy clothing will be admitted.

Tickets to WineRave include access to FLUXX, tastings of specialty wines and premium spirits, a selection of appetizers, music from entertainment DJ JSoul, specially priced handcrafted cocktails from FLUXX mixologists and a streaming Tweet wall with live updates from the event. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the event’s website for $45 or for $60 at the door the night of the event.

To win tickets copy and paste:  https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=177122759011349

For just three bucks, less than the cost of a gallon of gas, you can gain entrance to this fun filled, action packed event. All you have to do is just spend a five dollar minimum purchase with your Albertson’s Preferred Card, and you can buy your three dollar admission ticket. Normal admission is thirteen dollars so don’t miss out on this great deal. Plus, you can park at Horsepark at no cost and use the free shuttle service to get to the fair. Horsepark is located east Interstate 5 at Via de la Valle and El Camino Real.

The deals don’t stop there though. Tuesdays are also Kid’s Day where any children 12 and under can get in for free. There’s a ton for kids to do too. The fair features its family friendly area called The Infield which includes Kiddieland rides, children’s entertainment, and Creative Youth, which showcases thousands of creations by elementary school students.

And if you’re hungry, you can be your own food critic for just two bucks. You’ll have the opportunity to grab the popular taster size portions from tons of the fairs featured good eats, keeping your appetite and wallet full.

If that isn’t music to your ears, A Flock of Seagulls performing for the Ford Dealers Paddock Series at the fair on Tuesday will be. The Grammy award-winning hit British group, known for their hit songs I Ran (So Far Away), Space Age Love Song, and Wishing (If I Had a Photograph of You) will entertain you at the fair’s intimate setting. A Flock of Seagulls is part of the Paddock Series multi-artist tour featured at the fair with this great lineup. They’ll come on stage at 9:00 PM so be ready.

If there’s not a smile on your face already, comedian Bill Engvall will change that. The Toyota Summer Concert series is coming to the Grandstand Stage at the fair. Engvall will be there for one night only; Tuesday is a day not to miss. Engvall’s tagline “Here’s your sign” has made him a hilarious sensation all around the country. Bill performs at 7:30 PM so plan ahead to get a good seat. You can get details about the Grandstand Stage and more upcoming performances by other great artists here.

Neither the Flock of Seagulls concert nor Bill Engvall’s performance has any reserved seating. Both are free to attend with your general admission ticket. No strings attached.

For just three dollars, on an otherwise quiet Tuesday, you can have a blast with the whole family at the San Diego county fair, enjoy a great comedy show, experience a live music performance by an award-winning group, and have your appetite fed for two more dollars. If only every Tuesday was this great.

Check out the fair’s official site for all the information and directions you’ll need.

“One Ocean” will debut at the San Diego SeaWorld on Memorial Day and the park in San Antonio will debut the new show on June 10.

The “One Ocean” show is replacing another SeaWorld show called “Believe,” which had been running since 2006.  The Orlando park changed the show after killer whale Tillikum killed trainer Dawn Brancheau in February 2010.  Witnesses of the tragic incident said Tillikum pulled her underwater by her ponytail.

During Friday’s new performance, most female trainers kept their hair pulled tightly in a bun.  Although the trainers still interacted with the whales, they were kept out of the water.  The change has sparked mixed reviews from visitors.  One annual visitor, Amanda Loth, said the show lacked the same pizazz.  “When they used to dive in and be with the whale, it was just more of a show, more of a spectacle.  It was just amazing.  It’s a shame they can’t do it now.  It’s a shame.” Loth said.

Curator of animal training, Kelly Flaherty Clark said, “If and when we get back in the water, it will be after we invest all our safety protocols and facility modifications and equipment for our trainers.”

The show debuted on Earth Day in order to better relate the message behind the show, which is how we all come together on this planet Earth that is surrounded by one ocean.  A new show would not be complete without a new set.  According to the SeaWorld website, “the set at Shamu Stadium is three stories tall, 80 feet long, and takes the form of an immense killer whale fluke.  The colors of the ocean’s spectrum are incorporated in the set, from cobalt blue, to aquamarine and even royal purple, while its center reflects the vivid yellows and oranges of a sunrise over the sea.  Dozens of hand-crafted, translucent animal figures adorn the set and reflect sunlight.”

The information on the SeaWorld website also describes the set as having a total of “35 programmable fountains, arcing up to 50 feet across the pool, ring Shamu Stadium and are synchronized to the musical score.  The fountains not only provide dramatic effect for the show, they also serve as enrichment for the whales during playtimes throughout the day.  An original symphonic score featuring songs titled ‘One Song,’ ‘Side by Side’ and ‘We’re One’ intend to evoke a global stewardship message and are amplified through hundreds of surround-sound speakers.”

The new “One Ocean” show also encourages people to start caring about our shared ocean.  “From the food we eat to the air we breathe, nearly all life on this planet depends on our ocean. That means conserving and caring for the sea and the animals living in it begins at home — even if home is miles away from the ocean,” states the SeaWorld website.

Go to SeaWorldCares.com to check out the Top 10 Tips for conserving marine animals and their habitats, then take the One Ocean pledge.

Just past its one year anniversary, FLUXX remains one of the hottest nightclubs in the San Diego Gaslamp District, a location known for its stiff competition.

On a typical Friday or Saturday night, head to the heart of the Gaslamp and you will find hoards of people on the streets of 4^th and Island, waiting to get into one of the most sought-after parties in San Diego and the nation.

While it certainly helps to “know someone who knows someone,” or to buy a bottle or two, all are welcome at this high-end club (if you don’t mind waiting outside for a while, or paying cover). Either way, once you walk through the doors, you’ll be swept away.

The upscale and sophisticated venue is the product of San Diego’s premier tastemakers, the RMD group, and award-winning designer, Davis Krmins. This collaboration has created a truly unique club experience, one they say “commands full sensory attention from the moment you step inside the doors.”

Once you’ve made it into the club you will likely head to the bar or to the dance floor, but try not to be swept away too quickly. You’ll want to take notice of the fabulous environment which you’ve just become a part. Take a moment as you sip your cocktail to notice the textures, the colors and the feeling of the bass as it penetrates your body, begging you to try your moves on the dance floor.

What’s the DJ playing? It all depends. FLUXX has return DJs but also visiting jockeys, so you’ll always get something a little different. After all, isn’t that the point – to FLUXXuate? To change the experience each and every day? That’s exactly what you’ll get at FLUXX.

After working up a sweat on the dance floor, one will be happily surprised by the cold blasts of air shooting down from the ceiling. The breath of fresh air is incredibly refreshing, especially in a club with no roof-top access (although there is an outside patio). The sensory deprivation caused by billowing white clouds of air blasting from vents in the ceiling is a huge surprise – and offers the perfect opportunity to escape from your dance partner if the need arises.

As with most downtown clubs you’ll be encouraged to turn your eyes to the go-go dancers periodically. FLUXX is different in that the dancers take center stage, literally.  At certain times during the evening the custom-designed stage that surrounds the DJ booth lights up to reveal dancers performing. The show lasts only a few minutes, which is just enough time to catch your breath before beginning again.

There are many choices when exploring the San Diego nightlife scene, and not every club is for everyone. But if the guest list of celebrities who have made appearances at FLUXX is any indication of what is the hottest club in SD, just take a look: celebrity guests include the likes of Pamela Anderson, Usher, Snoop Dogg and Nelly.

To make your next Friday or Saturday (and sometimes Thursday) night unforgettable, plan on hitting up one of the greatest clubs in the country. And don’t just trust us. FLUXX has been named the Best Club in the Nation by Nightclub & Bar Awards 2011.

FLUXX is open from 9pm to 2am and can be found at the corner of 4^th and Island.

Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday” and is historically known for the carnival celebrations that take place the night before Ash Wednesday, when fasting for the Lent season of the Catholic church begins.  Masks, costumes and decadence are to be reveled and exhausted by party-goers who are encouraged to eat, drink and be merry all day and all night long.

Wondering where to go for some Mardi Gras fun in San Diego?

The biggest event in San Diego this Fat Tuesday takes place in downtown at the 17^th Annual Gaslamp Quarter Mardi Gras Celebration.   The festivities commence at 6pm til midnight and feature live entertainment including a circus-style parade filled with masked go-go dancers,  a DJ to encourage dancing in the streets, appetizing food offerings and all sorts of beverages to keep you going all night long! Tickets are available for $20 presale and $25 the day of the event on gaslamp.org and at the door.

The  Hillcrest Mardi Gras Street Fair will also be hosting Mardi Gras madness from 6pm to 11pm on University Avenue between 1^st and 4^th Avenues.  Visitors can look forward to live music, games, a variety of food and a full bar within the enclosed Mardi Gras area.  Tickets are available for $15 before and $20 the day of online at www.HillcrestMardiGras.org.

If you’re looking to celebrate Mardi Gras by indulging in spicy and savory Cajun cuisine, look no further than Mardi Gras Café and Marketplace in Midway. Their signature variety of hot sauces  provide the perfect addition to heat up your palate when trying their zesty New Orleans inspired dishes like jambalaya, gumbo, fried fish with red beans and rice.  Gulf Coast Grill in Normal Heights offers Louisiana style Creole food with French, Latin American, Spanish and Caribbean influences.  Start with fried green tomatoes and savory hush puppies, but save room for their seafood gumbo that will really put you in the southern Mardi Gras spirit.

Which event are you going to attend? Do you like to party, dance or just eat for Fat Tuesday? Is there anywhere else in San Diego to celebrate Mardi Gras? Let us know, below!

Last meal before midnight 2011?

Quarter Kitchen Restaurant has a prix-fixe dinner menu complete with two complimentary glasses of champagne: one when you walk in, and another at midnight. Quarter Kitchen is located in the Gaslamp and reservations can be made at (619) 814-2000.

Twenty/20 Grill and Wine Bar has the hip name and vibe meant for a San Diego New Year’s. Located in the Sheraton Hotel in Carlsbad, it’s complete with a dance floor and special five-course meals. Seasonal local ingredients are the focus of cuisine, creating a distinctly Californian taste. (760) 827-2500.

After a long night of celebration, January 1st may find you ready for a buffet of delicious flavors with a beautiful view. This is found at La Valencia’s famous buffet inside the Mediterranean Room. More information can be found at (858) 454-0771.

Complimentary Champagne toasting makes Toast Enoteca & Cucina a prime place for New Year’s Eve dining. Special wine pairings are available, ranging from $25-$45. (619) 269-4207.

If a toast isn’t enough for you, Ave 5 is offering bottomless champagne at the bar along with holiday toddies like Poinsettia and Apple Brandy. (619) 542-0394.

Holiday flavors can also be found at Jayne’s Gastropub in Normal Heights. Cauliflower and winter squash soup with carmelized apple and pear crostada for dessert? Yes, please! (619) 563-1011.

Any place titled Red Velvet sounds good enough to eat already; Red Velvet Winebar is going the distance with truffles and pre-fixe menus starting at $65 per person. (619) 501-4561.

Other delicious dinners with complimentary toasts include Acqua Al 2, Cucina Urban, and Kensington Grill.

If you’re looking for the party scene, countdowns are happening all over San Diego:

Downtown Countdown in the Gaslamp District is the place to be with ticket proceeds benefitting A Reason to Survive, supporting art-based programs and education. Tickets guarantee access to an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, DJS, and dance floor.

Pop champagne like Ron Browz at The W Hotel’s annual New Year’s Eve party. Amazing DJ’s and music will make the night one to remember.

DJ Ferry Corsten will be playing at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Electric beats and lights, will combine trance and house music into one electro night.

For the underground electronic music fan, Kava Lounge will be getting lost in bass, with over 10 DJ’s spinning with free party favors and hors d’oeuvres.

Stingaree and Andaz will also be celebrating with body paint, DJ Fashen, and dancing till you drop!

Feel free to let us know any other of your favorite spots, and stay safe and have fun on New Year’s, wherever you choose to celebrate it.

Happy Holidays from the San Diego Entertainer!

Photos via:  localjapantimes via Flickr, http://www.toastenoteca.com/, http://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels

Up just one level, a large crowd amassed at the rooftop bar, complete with a faux beach, DJ and a view of the late night San Diego skyline. Across from the bar, a giant screen projected video images of six other similar events taking place across the country.

Down on the first floor, guests entered, but not before lining up against the step-and-repeat wall and getting their photos taken like celebrities outside of an award show.

But this was not an award show.

This November event was POP!, a benefit to raise money for Pencils of Promise, a multi-city party aimed at spreading awareness and providing financial assistance to bringing education to children in developing countries.

Behind all of the partying and the fun is Philanthro Productions, an event production and promotion nonprofit aimed at getting young adults involved in philanthropy.

“Our goal was to raise money for the building of new schools and also aid in Pencils of Promise’s efforts to empower young adults,” said Stephanie Dang, Co-President of Philanthro’s San Diego chapter.

The Los Angeles and San Francisco chapters of Philanthro also participated by putting on similar events in their respective cities. It marked the first time all three chapters of Philanthro hosted simultaneous events for the same cause, according to Dang.

“Because it was a multi-city event, we learned a lot from the other chapters and were able to bounce ideas off of each other,” Dang said. “Each city’s event had its own feel and had some different operational elements, but the synergy and creativity that led up to POP! is pretty palpable.”

In addition to the aforementioned three cities, the Manhattan-based Pencil of Promise charity also hosted events in Boston, Dallas, Denver and New York.

All of the proceeds raised at the events in the seven cities went to Pencils of Promise, and collectively they raised enough money to build an entirely new school in a developing country.

While Philanthro isn’t the first organization to spread awareness on social issues and encourage philanthropic donations to charitable causes in young adults, it’s how they they do it that sets them apart from the others.

The San Diego chapter of Philanthro, established in 2007, has already hosted a number of parties and mixers that benefited the causes such as the San Diego Arts and Entertainment Guild and YMCA’s Y-Friendz, Planet Cancer, Upward Bound House and Invisible Children.

“While contribution is important, we also wanted to make sure that we differentiate ourselves from the average club night,” Dang said. “We added gifts, performers, and food so that our guests felt that it was not your average night out on the town.”

And it wasn’t.

You won’t find too many extravagant parties taking up the first three floors of a swanky hotel in Downtown San Diego targeting specifically at your twenty-somethings.

It had a little something for everyone, no matter what their poison might be. Not a fan of the dance floors or the lounge by the rooftop bar? Philanthro set up educational game booths in the lobby. Next to it was a Fotobox photo booth, where guests lined up to take photos, donning all sorts of silly props.

“The photo booth was definitely one of my favorite parts of the night,” said Shamin Loi. “I loved how you had just six seconds to get in a different pose, and then you had to do it three times. I definitely had a lot of fun with that.”

Party-goers who arrived early enough were able to indulge on doughnut bites made freshly by San Diego-based Dolce Doughnuts. For those who weren’t able to get their hands on the delicious doughnuts, sponsor Popchips was present to ensure everyone had something for a snack.

Belly dancers took over the second level dance floor, leaving the roomful of people spectating, while guests took turns getting their faces decorated by professional face painters.

As the night wound down, most of the guests departed with a sense of satisfaction.

“It feels great to be able to have a great time dancing and partying with my friends but still be able to contribute to a good cause” Loi said.

The sentiment was shared by Dang as well. “In my years as being part of this amazing organization, I can honestly say that POP! is definitely one of the best parties that the San Diego chapter has ever thrown. There was a good vibe and guests came out saying the night was epic,” Dang said. “I am so incredibly proud of my team. We worked really hard and POP! was a major success.”

Courtesy Photos from Nathanial Kam Photography

This Weekend in Music & Concerts

As always, San Diego is playing host to a multitude of acclaimed music artists at the many wonderful local venues. Pamper your eardrums at the David Gray & Ray LaMontagne show at Harrah’s Rincon (Sat 7pm) or with the final show in the San Diego Symphony’s Summer Pops Concert series, the 1812 Tchaikovsky Spectacular! Witness 15-year-old violin phenom Chad Hoopes join the orchestra as a special guest star to end a wonderful summer of wonderful music (Fri-Sun 7:30pm). Drop by Copley Symphony Hall to see Grammy award-winning artist Melissa Etheridge (Fri 7:30pm).

Fellow Grammy winners Green Day visit Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre with alternative rockers AFI (Thurs 7pm) as punk rock takes over San Diego. The Dickies, one of the first punk rock bands to surface from Los Angeles, will be pumping up 4^th & B (Fri 8pm). Then, Jersey boys Titus Andronicus take the stage alongside Philly’s Free Energy at Belly Up Tavern (Sun 8pm).

Catch the concerts at the Del Mar Fairgrounds this weekend starting with the 4 O’ Clock Fridays show featuring The English Beat, a ska revival band England (Fri 4pm). On Saturday, the famously bearded blues band ZZ Top will rock the infield stage (Sat 6pm). Both events are free with racetrack admission.

Take advantage of even more free music events at the Coronado Ferry Landing all weekend. Providing the aural entertainment for this weekend are The Coronado Big Band (Sat 1-3pm), The Stilettos (Sun 2-5pm), and Cool Fever (Mon 1-4pm). So pack a picnic, grab the loved ones, and head over to Coronado to enjoy the beautiful Southern California weather!

This Weekend in Arts

Fine arts flourish in San Diego this weekend with several amazing art shows and festivals to enjoy. The San Diego Museum of Art presents their Summer Salon Series (Thurs 5-9pm) featuring several artists including Matthew Hebert and Katherine Sweetman.

All weekend long enjoy events for the Art San Diego Contemporary Art Fair (Sept. 2-5) which will be held at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. Open Fair Days are open to everyone Fri-Sun $15 general admission and $10 students. Special events are separate such as The San Diego Fine Arts Society’s First Annual SDFAS Awards tonight in the Sapphire Ballroom (Thurs 8pm) or The Young Collectors Night + Wine 2.0 (Sat 6pm). There is also a free Sight & Sound Bayfront Concert featuring rockers Republic of Letters and Vinyl Film. Check out the ASD site for the full schedule and more details.

This Weekend in Sports

Head to the races at the Del Mar Fairgrounds! Wear pink on Saturday and get free admission to the stretch run for Pink Day at the Races to raise awareness for breast cancer. Or check out some pint-sized competitors at the Weiner Dog Nationals on Monday.

Are you ready for some some football?! Well, with school now in session, that also means football season! San Diego State starts of with an opening game against Nicholls State at Qualcomm Stadium (Sat 5pm). Baseball season is still upon us, so support the San Diego Padres at Petco Park as they suit up against the Colorado Rockies (Fri-Sun) and the Los Angeles Dodgers (Mon).

The Festival of Sail kicks off today at the San Diego Maritime Museum waterfront! The festival lasts through the extended weekend with daily events including live entertainment, tall ship cannon battles, and boat rides. So bring the kids and head bayside! Spend your day on the water by indulging in a Labor Day BBQ Lunch Cruise with Hornblower (Mon 10:30am).

There are parties galore as several venues take advantage of the amazing San Diego weather and extended weekend. Spend your days dacing on the streets or lounging poolside alongside bikini-clad babes and able-bodied bros. Day partying and night life collide at the WET Pool Party with Miguel Migs & Fred Everything at Se Hotel (Sat 1pm-2am) or Fortune’s Labor Day Pool Party at Kin Oasis Pool Lounge (Sun 12pm) . Get down on Labor Day at the Stingaree Summer Breeze Labor Day Party (Sun 9pm) or the House of Blues Labor Day Block Party (Sun 9pm).

The Hard Rock joins in on the Labor Day fun by hosting an event each day. The fun starts off Thursday night with the Jump Smokers Album Release Party at 207 Nightclub. Then, Flo Rida takes the 207 stage the next night, performing club-banging hits like “Right Round” and the latest “Club Can’t Handle Me.” More events include appearances by Brent Bartel, Theron, Chris Cutz, and closes out with the Special Intervention Pool Party with Paul Oakenfold at Float on Monday.

So whether you are sporting a diaper, a cocktail dress, or a swimsuit, there is plenty of entertainment and fun to be had in the San Diego area this holiday weekend.

Take a Peek into Next Week:

-         Thurs 9/9 — Sheryl Crow at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay
-         Fri 9/10 — 16th Annual SD Beer Fest in Downtown San Diego (Columbia & B St.)
-         Sat 9/11 — The Jazz 88 Ocean Beach Music & Arts Festival
-         Sun 9/12 — 20th Annual San Diego Music Awards at Humphrey’s By the Bay

Photos courtesy of Whistling in the Dark, musicisentropy, Alexandre Cardoso, Port of San Diego, billypoonphotos, Bill Kuffrey, and Beyond The Barricade Photography via Flickr.

You can enjoy the enticing atmosphere of the club without feeling intimidated with FLUXX Live, a concept that promotes live music, drink specials, and a night full of dancing. FLUXX Live was introduced to the San Diego nightlife in the beginning of the summer and has already made a mark on the music scene. Indie hipsters alike have flocked to the venue to see some of their favorite artists and shuffle their way to an endless night of fun.

Upon arrival to any FLUXX Live event, you’ll notice the diverse crowd. Chuck Taylors and the occasional fashionista’s fill the dance floor that is being pumped with fog and music that seems to consume the crowd.

The Entertainer got to speak with the mastermind behind this amazing and one-of-a-kind concept, Eric Howarth. Howarth is no stranger to music; he has been involved with music for 15 years with his recently sold company M-Theory, his current record label, and Daydream Nation, the promotions company in association with FLUXX Live. With is extensive music background and the idea of bringing live music to San Diego nightlife, Howarth and FLUXX decided to team up.

He explains that the venue is unlike any other in San Diego, “FLUXX first opened up with a vision, for not only being a dance club, but also being a cool venue for live acts and bands to perform. Wherever you stand in the club, you will have a great view of the performance on stage.” FLUXX Live seems to bring you to a different world with the lights and sounds that create the overall ambiance of a live intimate show.

The most recent performance rolled into town carrying heavy-weight electro and hip-hop champions, Hyper Crush. The show began with the electronic mash-ups of The Cataracs and continued with the heart-racing beats of The Far East Movement. With the fist-pumping and jumping in full-swing, Hyper Crush set the stage.

Lasers shot threw the fog, and the electro beats started to fill the air. The drinks were put down,and the venue quickly became packed as Hyper Crush’s DJ and keyartist, Preston Moronie, hit the stage. Then the smooth rapping of lead, Donny Fontaine chimed in and was followed by the sweet voice of Holly Valentine. The show was a success and ran until the early hours of the morning.

FLUXX Live definitely did not miss a beat with this performance. The event was a success and proved that live music and a low-key dress code could definitely makes its way into the weekly routine of any San Diego night owl. The next performance to hit the FLUXX stage is on September 3oth with Transfers and The Silent Comedy.

Check out the FLUXX website for future shows: http://www.fluxxsd.com/

For more information on Transfer, check out their Myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/transferband

For more information on The Silent Comedy, check out their Myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/thesilentcomedy

Hyper Crush image provided by: Tab Salsman

FLUXX image provided by FLUXX SD

No matter the day of the week or time of the year, there’s always something to do in San Diego. Here at the Entertainer, we want to make sure you are fully entertained with not-your-typical-everyday-events… every day of the week. Make this last week of May extraordinary with the fun and unique events listed below:

Wednesday, May 26^th

Have you always wanted to try all those delicious restaurants in Little Italy, but never knew where to start? Well now you can sample them all for just one price. Tomorrow, the Little Italy Association hosts its 3^rd annual Taste of Little Italy. With over 20 participating eateries offering appetizers, desserts and beverages, and live musical entertainment throughout the night, participants will have a wonderful evening as they stroll through San Diego’s historic downtown district. Click here for information on how to get your tickets.

IMAX Film “The Greatest Places” takes you to “Earth’s most dynamic landscapes.” At the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, you’ll travel far and abroad to Greenland’s giant icebergs, the world’s tallest sand dunes in the Namib Desert, Tibet’s Chang Tang Plateau, Madagascar and more. On the giant Nanoseam Dome screen, you’ll enjoy the story that begins 250 million years ago, “when the planet’s ‘super continent’ began splitting apart.” Showings are at 7PM so be sure to get your seats!

Thursday, May 27th

The 27^th is a day that many of you have had marked on your calendar for weeks, maybe months. So on this day you must do what you’ve been wanting to do for so long…grab your girlfriends and your manolos and go see Sex and the City 2, at last! Cosmopolitans are optional.

If alternative rock and pop-punk is your genre of choice, you should rock on over to the House of Blues for the Angels & Airwaves, Say Anything concert, an all-ages show presented by radio station 91x. Say Anything is “the pop-punk brainchild of singer/songwriter Max Bemis,” while Angels & Airwaves is Tom DeLonge’s (Blink 182) new band, also featuring members of The Offspring, Box Car Racer, and 30 Seconds to Mars.

If you like to party and dance to the upbeat, suggestive, Latin infused lyrics of Pitbull, then you won’t want miss his concert at the San Diego Sports Arena. Grab your friends and get your tickets before they sell out!

Friday, May 28^th

Come enjoy the Blurred Borders Dance Festival, a “cross-cultural dance event created to foster the artistic exchange and pollination of local, national, and international artists.” Featuring performances from San Diego dance collectives as well as dancers from Argentina and Mexico, “this cultural landscape of work will present plenty of edgy, top-notch multimedia dance-theatre.” The annual show is produced by the Patricia Rincon Dance Collective. This year is the Festival’s 11^th edition.

National Comedy Theatre Improv show—after a long, hard week, sometimes you just need a good laugh. So why not check out San Diego’s nationally acclaimed improv comedy show? The 100-minute show, now in its 11^th season, features professional comedians who perform a series of scenes—all based on audience suggestions (no script necessary!). Furthermore, the show is clean and appropriate for all audiences so you can bring the whole family!

Star Wars in Concert. The awesomeness of this event speaks for itself. Check it out!

Saturday, May 29^th

The 1^st annual American Freedom Festival—A Tribute to Our Military. Celebrate our Veterans as the Festival “brings Nashville to San Diego,” aboard the USS Midway Museum in the San Diego Harbor. Enjoy the music of Country Superstar and legend Ronnie Milsap as he headlines the event, presented by Skydex Technologies. Attendees will enjoy an old fashioned country barbeque, great music, and an after party featuring Sam and Annie Tate, Georgia Middleman and Gary Burr, along with tributes and honors to the men and women of America’s Armed Forces. This event will benefit the Veterans Village of San Diego and several other local charities that support our Veterans.

Kaskade Dynasty Tour. Dance to the hip, electronic beats of the San Francisco DJ Kaskade as his tour makes its stop here in San Diego, at 4^th& B. Tickets are only $25 and VIP Tickets are $50. If you like Kaskade, don’t miss out on the fun!

Sunday, May 30^th

^{30th on 30th. Enjoy great food and drink specials! On the 30th of each month, restaurants and bars on and near 30th Street offer killer deals on appetizers and drinks. This is a good time to embark on a restaurant and bar crawl (an affordable one at that!). So grab your friends for some food and fun on the 30th.}

^{Celebrate the long weekend as Victory Nightlife Presents The Block Party Memorial Day Weekend, celebrating the best of San Diego’s DJ’s, dance and music scene. Dance the night away as San Diego’s award-winning music venue is transformed into “the ultimate nightclub experience.” Come to the House of Blues ready to party this Sunday Night. Get your tickets here.}

^{With all these options all week long, there’s no excuse to be bored! Have a nice, eventful week, San Diego! And Happy Memorial Day!}

Just below the hustle of the gaslamp lies a surreal underground world that could have only been conjured up by the wildest of imaginations-or in this case, by the collaborative efforts of club owner Matt Spencer and maverick designer Michael Soriano- twin masterminds behind the unprecedented Vin De Syrah wine bar.

Both took it upon themselves to ensure that the trip into this rabbit hole begins right at street level.

I fell into this whimsical world entirely by accident one night: It all started when some girlfriends and I were walking down 5th Avenue when a gentleman standing at the top of an empty staircase coyly invited us to what he promised would be the ultimate wine bar experience.

Unable to resist the mystery, we took the bait.

However, something was off: From street level, the place seemed slightly unwelcoming if not all together forsaken– graffiti-laden walls and a rusty railing led the way down a dirty staircase to what appeared to be nothing more than a subterraneous dead end.

Then we spotted it: A door! Or was it? What appeared to perhaps be an entrance of some sort was completely covered in a bright green artificial foliage yet possessed no visible handle by which to enter. What? After a great deal of prolonged confusion, we finally figured out how to enter the bar, and upon doing so discovered the passageway into a spellbinding world of fictitious proportions…

Once inside, our bleary eyes beheld the beautiful sight of throngs of people grooving to acid jazz among the grass covered walls decorated with larger-than-life butterflies and flowers; the thick, sun-bleached wood vines, asymmetrical firefly lamps, and umbrellas that hung from the ceiling; the long wooden tables all set for the impromptu tea party; and even a corner that resembled a quirky professor’s study complete with a book-stacked fireplace, high-backed plush chairs, and a life-sized painting of a garden.

A DJ was spinning trance-inducing ambience tracks behind the bar where mixologists were whipping up every imaginable variety of concoction ranging from specialty drinks to infused vodkas to clearly, an abundance of wine. Also on the menu: a variety of cheese, meat, and dessert plates served on oblong wooden platters.

It was official: We had walked into a dream.

Syrah is a Tim Burton film set within an English garden. It is Alice in Wonderland meets the Blue Bayou. It pays respect to the vintage while boldly paving the way for the avant-garde. It is over-the-top eccentric yet does so with style and grace.

Bottom line, it has reformed the downtown urban lounge.

However, descriptions ultimately fall short of describing this clandestine bar that is as irresistibly unconventional as it is enchanting, and one must descend down the rabbit hole in order to truly experience this intriguing little world that is as guaranteed to stimulate the imagination as much as it does the senses.

Get ready to welcome Team Coco, San Diego. Tickets are still available for Conan O’Brien’s “Legally Prohibited From Being Funny on Television Tour” stop at the San Diego Civic Theater this Thursday night. Ticket prices range from $37 to $77. O’Brien’s last show in Los Angeles featured Jim Carrey and the two performing Five for Fighting’s “It’s Not Easy to Be Me” in superhero costumes, so it is sure to be a spectacular production.

Conan O’Brien embarked on his 32 city tour after he gave up hosting duties for The Tonight Show earlier this year. As a result of his settlement with NBC, O’Brien agreed he would not perform on television, the internet or radio until September. Recently, O’Brien announced that he would return to television in November with a new late night show on cable channel TBS, which will be followed by George Lopez’s show Lopez Tonight.

Long time fans of O’Brien’s Late Night show will be delighted to find that he has not forgotten that unique brand of comedy that endears him to many. Reviews of previous shows are favorable and mostly describe O’ Brien’s performances as variety shows featuring musical performances, skits, and favorite characters like Triumph the insult comic dog and of course, special guests. He had Pearl Jam perform at his Seattle show, and musician and actor, Chris Isaak joined him in San Francisco. It should be interesting to see who he has for his San Diego stop.

Videos of Conan O’Brien performing various popular tunes have surfaced all over the internet including this one of a rendition of the song “Creep” by Radiohead.

The New York times is reporting that an interview with O’Brien will air on CBS’s 60 Minutes on Sunday, May 2nd.  This will be his first interview since  leaving NBC. As part of the same deal that kept him from performing on television until September, O’Brien also agreed not to do interviews until after May 1st. According to the report, O’Brien will discuss his decision to leave NBC instead of pushing his show back to make room for Jay Leno and it will feature highlights from his current shows. However, O’Brien is still under restrictions not criticize his former network.

With a successful tour underway and more media promotions to come, buzz is sure to continue building for O’Brien’s return to late night television. If you have a chance, don’t miss out on catching O’Brien’s show in San Diego this Thursday, it could be a once in a lifetime event.

*Photo from vtdainfo via Flickr

And what better way to embrace the fabulous weather of San Diego than to experience the film outdoors, under the stars? Avoid the crowds of the usual movie megaplex and try out Cinema Under the Stars, showings are Thursday, Friday and Saturdays at 8PM and they play a wide variety of movies from new releases like Avatar and 500 Days of Summer to classics like Casablanca and Rear Window.

Movies are projected digitally onto a 20-foot screen in the beautiful and cozy patio theater behind owner Doug Yeagley’s Tops Hair Salon, located at 4040 Goldfinch in Mission Hills. This unique movie theater has been around since 1991 and has traditionally opened its showing season in May. This year, however, the showings start a month earlier.

Last weekend’s film was Avatar. Starting May 6^th, Cinema Under the Stars will be showing Casablanca, followed by Bringing Up Baby the following weekend (May 13-15). For a look at the complete schedule and to view movie trailers, click here.

Doors open at 6PM and the show begins at 8PM, with tickets for sale at the door for $13.50. Club members who pay a $75 annual fee get premium seat selection and they can make phone reservations a week in advance, which isn’t such a bad idea since the theater sells out on a regular basis (there are only 62 seats).

Snacks are for sale at a reasonable price, believe it or not, and you get to sit on anti-gravity recliners with a provided blanket. Club members also have the option of sitting at a café table and chair, a balcony bar stool or on a luxurious love seat. And if you’re worried about getting cold, rest assured, as there are plenty of heat lamps to keep you warm.

If you want to see a movie—in the San Diego moonlight—come check out this unique outdoor theater!

Thursday, March 25th

Tomorrow, Thursday, March 25th you can find out who won the America’s Finest Ladies Competition. America’s Finest Ent, a collective of San Diego artists and collaborators have put together an exciting event to highlight the ladies featured in the competition.

In late 2009, 15 special San Diego ladies were selected to compete in the America’s Finest Ladies competition. The goal was to have the ladies, who filled out a questionnaire and provided pictures get votes from the community online.

San Diego has spoken and America’s Finest Ent was listening. It’s your chance to see what the buzz is about tomorrow, where the official America’s Finest Lady 2009 will be awarded her title and given the $500 prize package.

It is reported that none of the ladies or participants in the community have been informed of the winner. Tomorrow come see their reactions live and be part of the first annual America’s Finest Ladies Competition. Is the winner Merika,

Eileen Craker - A Finest Lady

Marissa, Risa, Shervi, Jennifer, Joselyn, Marisela, Marcia, Samantha, Llewelyn, Amy & Meg, Anna, Andrea, Cynthia or Eileen?

The original tagline for this competition was the Anti-Beauty pageant; a different take of judging or let’s say not judging only by the typical standards.

With an eclectic group of ladies, and quintessential beauty on hand there’s no shortage of excitement for tomorrow’s event. Riley’s Music Lounge in Point Loma, which is now under new management will provide the escape into the America’s Finest Ladies Competition.

The America’s Finest Ent event includes performances from some of San Diego’s most promising artists; Stoned Red Addicts, Kash Krook, A-Mess and Notch P will bring it live. Top 40 and all your favorites will keep the party moving through the night from DJ Reyfino.

The event will feature the real San Diego; fashionista’s, vendors and photographers will create this unique experience. The America’s Finest Ladies will be wearing America’s Finest Ent apparel and have it tailored into cute dresses, or different styles by Trashy Klassy. Kristine Grafke, owner

of Trashy Klassy can take a regular shirt and turn it into a work of art and something you can really rock. The live demonstration of her fashion art will be done on the America’s Finest Ladies and debuted at the event. For a small fee you can bring clothes of your own to have transformed, how about that extra large Guns N’ Roses t-shirt you have in the closet?

More community vendors and sponsors, like Posh N’ Petals will be debuting their recent collection and sharing style. Gifts have been provided by Mark., Merle Norman and Jennifer Ann Spa.

The performing artists Stoned Red Addicts are excited to announce a free project each month of 2010 exclusively on the America’s Finest Ent website. This month’s release edition is Izic’s debut solo album, Inauguration.

A live photo shoot of the America’s Finest Ladies can be enjoyed throughout the evening from WNS Studios.

Quench your thirst tomorrow for Thirsty Thursday’s, get seen at Riley’s Music Lounge and be part of this first annual San Diego event, The America’s Finest Ladies Competition presented by America’s Finest Ent.

Riley’s Music Lounge
2901 Nimitz Blvd
San Diego, CA 92106

Thursday, March 25th
America’s Finest Ladies Awards and Event

Doors open at 4PM, event starts at 10PM

Photo from renaissancechambara via Flickr

Since St. Patrick’s day falls in the middle of the week once again this year, some of the events in San Diego can be a little too high energy for a Wednesday night. Here are some extra options for you to enjoy the holiday without all the rowdiness.

Hoolyfest will be taking place at Hooleys Irish Pub at both of its locations (Rancho San Diego and La Mesa). Minors are welcome before 4:00 pm, so go enjoy authentic corned beef tacos. Those over 21 can enjoy live bands and tall pints. Tickets are on sale today for $15 and this includes a free shuttle ride home.

If you are looking to go downtown but aren’t interested in going to the outdoor extravaganza that is shamROCK St. Patrick’s day block party, then the House of Blues is the place for you.

91x is presenting Pennywise with Aggrolites and The Darlings. This alternative/punk show will range from $20-$35 (4 pack is $60) and begins at 8:00 PM.

Looking to enjoy a beautiful mix of Irish tunes? Then escape to the San Diego Symphony Orchestra and indulge in Celtic melodies and traditional dance. This Celtic Celebration will be featuring the Brian Baynes Band, Irish singer Siobhán O’Brien and the Malone Academy of Irish Dance.

Take pleasure in an Irish meal at the Kona Kai Resort. They will be serving tossed green salad, corned beef and cabbage with steamed potatoes, and key lime cheesecake between 5:00-9:00 PM at $19.95 a person. This event will provide you with great views on Shelter Island along with traditional Irish foods. For reservations call (619) 221-8000.

Another great place to enjoy some Irish favorites is Kelly’s Steakhouse located at the Town and Country Resort, 500 Hotel Circle North. They will have sing-a-longs at their piano bar with Joe Cromwell from 4 Pm to midnight. They will be serving corned beef & cabbage, ”green beer” on tap, Irish coffee, and Irish whiskey at a reasonable price.

All these options let you indulge in the traditional celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day without giving you a green beer hangover for work the next day.

Image by Peter Newell via Wikimedia Commons

Dive down the rabbit hole this Saturday for your own foray into wonderland. Whether you’re an avid fan of the latest blockbuster or the books, local artists are bringing  new perspectives of the fantasy land that have lately bombarded the billboards.

Voices in Wonderland, an art show turned adult tea party of sorts, will take place March 13th at the Blonde Martini in downtown San Diego. It will feature works by 20 local artists, all inspired by Tim Burton’s latest interpretation of Alice. The works of art that will be featured are a fusion of the worlds described by Lewis Carroll and Tim Burton, interpreted by artists in the form of mixed media, paintings, and film.

The works featured are by San Diego artists Todd Sanders, Tracy Johnson, Matt Lorentz, and True Delorenzo. Also included in the program is the work of Mark Richmond, whose works have been hung in the San Diego International Airport and Harney Sushi in Oceanside, and Los Angeles film artist Gato Blanko.

“Voices,” the last of a series of monthly local art-inspired events, was established in 2009 in an effort to involve the local culture into the Gaslamp. Traditionally held every second Saturday at Onyx, this underground art event has decided to abandon the Saturday night dance crowd in favor of the recently opened Blonde Martini.

Planner Jon Block hopes that the new location will revive success in the “Voices” series, explaining Blonde Martini’s appeal as “a blank slate, (and) that’s the most attractive thing about it. They’ve got that extremely mysterious underground flair which suits our Alice theme so well.”

The $15 cover will include entertainment by circus performers, pop-rock band Stealing Love Jones, beats from DJ Dennis J, an open vodka bar, and hors d’oeuvres until 9pm.

Voices in Wonderland at Blonde Martini
835 5th Avenue
Saturday, March 13
8pm-2am
21+ only

The ShamRock festival is often called “the largest block party west of the Mississippi.” The festivities will shut down part of F Street and 6th Avenue in the Gaslamp Quarter and will go from 4:00 pm to midnight next Wednesday.

This year’s ShamRock will feature 3 stages with a variety of entertainment. On the main stage you will find traditional Irish dancers as well as Irish rock band, Young Dubliners, No Doubt cover band, No Duh, and plenty of DJs. Tickets for the festival are $20 if you purchase online or $25 at the door. The price of admission includes cover charges, drink and food specials at participating establishments.

You’ll find some great deals at over 20 of the Gaslamp and East Village’s bars and restaurant. The Indigo Cafe will have $2.00 Miller Lite bottles and $4.00 Jameson Irish whiskey car bombs all night. The Bare Back grill plans to have $2.00 Miller Lite and plenty of $5.00 Jameson as well as a $9.00 burger, fries and beer special.

Miller Lite is one of the major sponsors of ShamRock and in support of drunk driving prevention, they will be providing free rides to patrons. The bus shuttle service will begin at 9:00 pm until 1:00 am, departing from the festival’s main entrance. The rides will take you anywhere in San Diego county and you can get more information by texting SHAMROCK to 30364, visiting their website or calling 1-800-FREE-RIDES.

“We believe that with great beer, comes great responsibility, and we’re pleased to offer alternative transportation programs like Miller Lite Free Rides to help raise community awareness that drunk driving is completely preventable” said Kim Marotta, vice president of corporate social responsibility for MillerCoors.

You must be 21 to attend and don’t forget your ID. You’ll also be pleased to know that your partying will be for a good cause because the ShamRock festivities benefit the Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation.

There will be no shortage of Saint Patty’s day celebrations around America’s finest so be sure to check out all of the different events and remember to go green or go home!

Elevate Charity Mixer Benefitting Y-FRIENDz @ Side Bar

Beneficiary: Y-FRIENDz Mentoring Children of Prisoners Program, a program of YMCA Youth and Family Services

• Pizza hosted by Ciro’s Pizzeria throughout the evening
• 350 gourmet cupcakes from by Cups and Cupcakes Squared
• Complimentary access to Side Bar Nightclub after 9pm
• Live bellydancing
• Ask for the specialty “FRIENDz With Benefits” cocktail!
• Happy hour specials

Event Time(s): 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Cost: $15 at the door

San Diego Home Improvement and Landscaping Expo

San Diego Home Improvement and Landscaping Show is proud to present not only the best in Home Improvement and Landscaping services and products, but also The Treasures of King Tut. The Treasures of King Tut has played to rave reviews worldwide, including those of world leaders and U.S. Presidents. Don\’t miss this great special feature of the Home Improvement and Landscaping Show, as well as meet the experts in home design and remodeling, and make your home into a palace fit for a king or queen of the 21st century!

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 21, 2010

The Piano Lesson @ Old Town Theatre

Date(s): 1/30/10 – 2/28/10

Event Location: Old Town Theatre

Event Time(s): vary

Cost: $17 – $46

Phone Number: 619.337.1525

For more information and weekend events, please visit www.sandiegothisweekend.com

The Rhythm and The Method rocking the Stage Bar and Grill

Walking or driving down 5th Avenue in downtown you might miss this hole in the wall hangout, with all the flashy clubs and restaurants around. But the Stage Bar and Grill is the place to be if you’re looking for live music, inexpensive appetizers and drinks, plenty of room to dance, and no cover charge. Let me repeat that, there is no cover charge every night of the week.  The Stage is owned by musicians so music is the centerpiece of this bar.

As soon as you walk in to the bar you’re greeted by the stage at the other end of the room. You’ll see the large bar on the right and a few tables and chairs along the walls. The decor makes you feel as if you walked into an old fashion country saloon decked out with laser lights and some modern touches here and there.

The entertainment at the Stage is eclectic and can appeal to young and old. You can find something for every taste throughout the week.

On Sundays they have an open mike night which is perfect for those looking to loosen up before they start the work week.

Mondays are host to a live reggae band.

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays showcase San Diego’s best local bands. Recently they hosted up and coming blues and rock band, The Rhythm and the Method.

Friday night starts the weekend and the Stage does not disappoint. Vent all your work week aggressions with metal band Trainwreck performing all of your favorite hits. You can also enjoy some delicious Tennessee BBQ from 5 pm to 9 pm.

On Saturday nights you will find another reggae band at 8pm and The Disco Pimps starting at 10pm. Don’t let the name fool you, The Disco Pimps only dress like they play hits from the 70s but really they’re an awesome cover band that will play all of your favorite songs. If you are looking for a more traditional club setting, just head down stairs where you’ll find a DJ spinning top 40 hits, another bar and even a stripper pole for the ladies who want to put their pole dancing skills on display – hey it’s good exercise!

The best part about venturing out to the Gaslamp during the week is for the happy hour specials, but at Stage you will find half price appetizers, well liquors, beer and wines from 5pm to 8pm everyday! They have a lot of favorites on the menu like jalepeno cream cheese poppers, nachos, and chicken wings. If you’re feeling weight conscious they also have a nice variety of salads for ten dollars or less. As a matter of fact, nothing on the menu is over ten dollars, which makes it perfect for anyone on a budget. I really enjoyed the grilled chicken sandwhich which was served on a lightly toasted onion kaiser roll, yum!

Overall, I really enjoyed my night out at The Stage Bar and Grill, the staff was friendly, the music was good, the food delicious and you can’t beat the fact that there was no cover charge and the drinks and food were not outrageously priced. If you’re looking for a new place to chill and are sick of pretentious clubs and ludicrous cover charges then you should definitely head to the Stage Bar and Grill.

Photo from Bengt Nyman via Flickr

It started with a small party at “Dick’s Last Resort” and a one vehicle parade back in 1996 and now San Diego’s Mardi Gras celebration has grown into a huge blowout closing down 5th Avenue between Harbor and Broadway. This year there are nearly 40,000 expected to make their way to the Gaslamp Quarter.

There will be two parades tonight each with over 40 floats. According to King Lawrence, the official king of Mardi Gras, all you need is a smile and you’ll be thrown some beads – no need for anything “flashy.”

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the gate. There are plenty of Mardis Gras events going on in the Gaslamp quater if you want to make a night of it.

San Diego’s party is sure to be a good one but nothing compares to New Orleans’ Mardi Gras celebrations, but how did it all start? What is a King’s cake and what’s the deal with those purple, green and gold beads?

Despite the hard partying and debauchery associated with Mardi Gras celebrations that we see today, the jubilation actually has religious correlations. Mardi Gras literally means fat Tuesday in French and began as a ritual by the Catholic church to mark the beginning of the 40 days of lent before Easter Sunday. On the day before Ash Wednesday in the Middle Ages it was the norm for a fat ox to be killed and eaten on the last feast day before the time of fasting, hence the name fat Tuesday.

As time went on the feasts gave way to bigger and bigger celebrations in Paris by the upper class. Their celebrations gave birth to the traditions we know today. Masquerade balls became popular because they allowed the rich and famous to party with the regular folks and not be recognized, so today we keep the feathered masks and some of that French touch.

The tradition of Mardi Gras came to the United States with French settlers and actually started in Mobile, Alabama not in New Orleans as it is popularly believed. By the time Mardis Gras made its way to the US, most of the traditions were already established. The main tradition everyone wants to know about is the beads.

It’s no secret that part of the reason New Orleans Mardi Gras celebrations have become so notorious is because women seem to enjoy taking their tops off to get as many beads as possible. The tossing of beads is just part of long standing tradition of throwing gifts at revelers from parade floats. Because the parades and parties were organized by the rich, they felt that throwing trinkets, gold coins, candies and small toys would increase participation in the festivities and establish good public relations.

Why are the colors of these beads usually purple, green and gold? Each color represents a different attribute: purple symbolizes justice, green represents faith and gold stands for power. The colors also have to do with the Holy trinity and the three kings from the orient. This association leads to the traditional king cake which was started in New Orleans. The king cake is an oval shaped, braided cake often decorated with the traditional colors with a small plastic baby inside. The person that gets the piece with the baby is said to have good luck and is also supposed to host the next king cake party or buy the next cake.

So there you go, now you know how Fat Tuesday got started and what all those traditions mean. Now you can impress your friends while you’re out partying the night away in downtown San Diego, have a fun and safe Mardi Gras.