BY KAREN YOUNG
It’s an eclectic weekend of events for mind, body and culture. Mix it up out of the 818 and venture into neighborhoods from the East Valley to the West Valley to Venice to Chinatown.
SEEING STARS: CBS Studio Center opens its door free of charge on Saturday, September 25 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Republic Pictures from 11am -5 pm. The day will include celebrity speakers’ forums, memorabilia and merchant stands, live music and entertainment, Republic Pictures movies, serials and trailers, kids art corner, food and drink…and more! Over 17 Republic stars are scheduled to attend along with other notable celebrities such as Leonard Maltin and Diana Canova. 4024 Radford Ave, Studio City.
PHANTOM FAREWELL PACKAGE: Don’t miss the final engagement of Phantom of the Opera at the Pantages through October 17. Make its leaving even more memorable with this steal of a deal MASK Package for $99, which includes: One side orchestra ticket, one 50ml jar of Glamglow Mud Mask, One Mini Oxygen Blast Facial at the new BLISS Spa Hollywood and a free drink coupon to Delphine Restaurant. Add $20 for center orchestra. It’s the perfect friends get together! www.BroadwayLA.org/MASK
ROMANCE OF THE RANCHOS WINE TASTING Celebrate rancho life at Leonis Adobe in Calabasas with a wine tasting from local vineyards, along with fruit and cheese on Saturday, September 25 from 2 to 5 pm. A strolling mariachi band is there to serenade.Featured vineyards include: Wades Wines, Flying Goat Cellars, Malibu Sundowner, Four Sisters Ranch, Bernards Wine Gallery and more. $25 members/$35 members.
TRUNK SHOW: LTH Studio in Studio City (a MDF personal fave) is having a three designer trunk show this Saturday, September 25 from 1-5 pm. Designers Sharon Kaplan, Stormie and Toltec Gypsy will be showing their one-of-a-kind jewelry made with vintage beads and precious and semi-precious stones. Let owner Heidi St John show you how to really wear jewelry — it’s a layered art form in her world! 12182 1/2 Ventura Blvd Studio City, CA. 91604 (818) 985-1278.
26th ANNUAL ABBOT KINNEY STREET FESTIVAL: Okay, so it’s not in the 818, but it’s one of the best streets around L.A. with a festival you just have to know about! Get down to Venice on Sunday, September 26 between 10am-6pm. Check out the boutiques, restaurants and galleries that line the one mile street. Check out live music, bike valet stations, beer gardens, a KidsQuad with cooking, gardening, jewelry making, an exotic wildlife mobile exhibit by Star Eco Station, and a performance/activity area just for toddlers called Tot Lot. Foodies will love the gourmet food trucks, tastings, demos, displays, and talks by local artisans, chefs, farmers, and food writers. www.abbotkinney.org
CELEBRATE THE AUTUMN MOON: Also, just over the hill, is the 72nd Annual Mid-Autumn Moon Festival held Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010 from 5 p.m. to midnight promises to be magical. See some of the best Chinese cultural performers in the country, from Shaolin Warriors performing martial arts, to acrobatic contortionists to a troupe of roaming Lion Dancers. Food demos, crafts, kids activities and more. Also, in the center of Central Plaza, a large outdoor dance floor will be manned by KCRW’s Anthony Valadez and several guest DJs who will rock the crowd all evening long. Located at Chinatown’s historic Central and West Plaza (943-951 N. Broadway Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012). Plenty of street and event parking is available and a free bike valet is provided. For detailed program information, contact the Chinatown Business Improvement District at (213) 680-0243 or visit the website at: www.chinatownla.com.
MISTER G! FREE FITNESS ONE DAY ONLY: Mister G is nothing short of fitness royalty in Calabasas as his gTonnicks Fitness has been crowned with an official reign at the Calabasas Tennis & Swim Center. Celebrate the Grand Opening on Saturday, September 25 from 8:30 am to Noon. The schedule: 8:30 am: gTonnicks / Boogie G (toning/ cardio) by Mister G and Essence; 10:00 am: Mister G’s Boxer Workout by Mister G;10:30 am: Athletic Boot Camp by Tammy;11:30 am Athletic Power Development Clinic, by Mister G. gTonnicks is an innovative approach to toning and strengthening the body using mainly bodyweight and gravity for resistance— incorporating various conditioning techniques from ballet, martial arts, gymnastics, and other traditional exercises to reach and shape up every muscle of the body, including the abs, hips, gluteus, thighs for a strong, sleek and fit body. The beauty of gTonnicks is that it meets everyone at his or her fitness level or physical condition and challenges the body accordingly. RSVP 818.735.0999.
COLLAGE ART RECEPTION: “OPPOSITES ATTRACT,” an exhibition by the Collage Artists of America (CAA), is having a reception for the Fall 2010 exhibit on Sunday, September 26 from 2-4 pm at Viva Art Center. This exhibit features artists who have created compelling displays of collage and assemblage in both 2-D and 3-D works of art. The work includes a broad range of approaches, techniques and content. FREE. The exhibit runs through October 9. For more information regarding Collage Artists of America, please visit the website at: www.collageartists.org The VIVA Art Center, Artists’ 2010, VIVA Art Center (formerly VIVA Gallery), located at 13261 Moorpark Street, Sherman Oaks, CA, 91423. Phone: (818) 385-0080.
KAREN YOUNG IS THE FOUNDER/EDITOR OF MY DAILY FIND. Email: karen@mydailyfind.com
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