Jackie's South Bay Weekend Guide for April 30, 2015

Grab your peeps and put on your dancin’ shoes for a night of fun! Proceeds from the event will benefit the P.S. I Love You Foundation. There is no cover charge to attend and donations will be graciously accepted at the door! Space is limited so be sure to RSVP to SpringDanceParty@gmail.com. For additional information, visit the website at http://www.shadehotel.com/. Shade Hotel is located at 1221 North Valley Drive in Manhattan Beach.

The public is invited to the Grand Opening of the Manhattan Beach Public Library on Friday, May 1 beginning at 4 p.m. The state-of-the-art facility will feature a teen study area with computer terminals, ports for laptops and other electronic devices; an interactive children’s area; an automated book sorting device – the first of its kind in LA County; homework center; and a 100-seat community meeting room among other amenities. The glass structure was designed by Harley Ellis Devereaux with Johnson Favaro creating the master plan. The facility is targeting LEED® Gold specifications. For additional information, visit the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ManhattanBeachLib. The library is located at 1320 Highland Avenue in Manhattan Beach.

The next Beach Cities Free Fitness Weekend takes place Friday, May 1 through Sunday, May 3. Beach Cities Free Fitness Weekends is a partnership between Beach Cities Health District’s Center for Health & Fitness and local fitness studios and gyms to provide more opportunities for South Bay residents to be healthy and have fun being physically active! Free Fitness Weekends was designed by BCHD to introduce people of all income and ability levels to a wide variety of fitness offerings, including yoga, Pilates, cycling, strength training, boot camp and more. Dozens of fitness studios in Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach have joined the community initiative. Some classes require pre-registration while others are available on a first come, first served basis. For a full class schedule and descriptions, visit the website at http://www.beachcitiesgym.org/freefitness.

The City of El Segundo is proud to present the Hometown Fair & Carnival on Saturday, May 2 at Library Park, Main Street and El Segundo High School. All the fun takes place between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. The event features carnival rides, game booths, entertainment, music, arts and crafts, bake-off contest, community expo and more. Non-profit groups from El Segundo High School and the community sell food and facilitate games to fundraise for their respective club or group. Be sure to buy a $5 ticket (or two or three!) for a chance at winning an electric bike valued at $2,000! The winner will be announced at the Fair at 2 p.m. Funds raised from the Hometown Fair & Carnival will benefit El Segundo High School and El Segundo Recreation and Parks Department. For additional information, call 310-524-2700 or visit the website athttp://elsegundo.org/depts/recreation/special_events/default.asp. El Segundo High School is located at 640 Main Street in El Segundo.

ANNNNNDDDDD, THEY’RE OFF! Shade Hotel will host the inaugural Kentucky Derby Party on Saturday, May 2! Held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky the first Saturday in May, the 141st Run for the Roses is the first race in horse racing’s coveted Triple Crown. Sponsored by Locale Magazine, the event begins at noon with the race starting at 3:24 p.m. Pacific Daylight time. Guests will enjoy an afternoon of Hudson Whiskey Mint Juleps, Hendrick’s Derby-inspired cocktails and small plates for purchase along with fun contests! Ladies should wear their most stylish hats and gents are encouraged to don their best Derby attire! A portion of proceeds will be donated to Richstone Family Center. For additional information and to make reservations, call 310-469-3466 or visit the website at http://www.shadehotel.com. Shade Hotel is located at 1221 North Valley Drive in Manhattan Beach.

Hermosa Design will host an Artist Reception for Eric J. Smith’s photography exhibit Abstract/Earth on Saturday, May 2 from 7 to 10 p.m. Eric is an award winning director, designer and photographer who tells stories with pictures. His photographs have been featured on the Sundance Channel and he was invited by National Geographic to participate in their View from Above exhibition. If you plan to attend, pleases RSVP to contact@hermosa-design.com. Hermosa Design is located at 618 Cypress Avenue in Hermosa Beach.

South Bay Galleria has teamed up with the SoCal Etsy Guild to host an exciting two-day Pop-Up Shop event on Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3. The SoCal Etsy Guild Market will provide local South Bay shoppers with a unique opportunity to shop for one-of-a-kind items from local Southern California designers, handmade artisan crafters, artists, and specialty food vendors, all in one place, according to Sher Haddon, Marketing Manager at South Bay Galleria. In addition to the local vendor shopping, this special event will also feature fun DIY activities, live art, giveaways, and live music from local musicians, Triple Dog Dare and Katie Ferrara. SoCal Etsy Guild will also host a free kid’s craft table where attendees will enjoy creating fun crowns and Mother’s Day cards. The SoCal Etsy Guild Market will take place in South Bay Galleria’s Food Court, located on Level 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, and from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 3. For additional information, visit the website at http://www.southbaygalleria.com or call (310) 371-7546. For additional information and for vendors who want to sign up for a space visithttp://www.socaletsyguildmarketredondobeach.eventbrite.com.

The Rotary Clubs of El Segundo, Palos Verdes Peninsula and South Bay Sunrise present the second annual South Bay Beer & Wine Festival on Sunday, May 3 at South Coast Botanic Garden. The event runs from 1 to 5 p.m. and features a variety of craft beers from over 30 breweries, half a dozen wineries, live music and live and silent auctions. Bites will be provided by participating restaurants including the new Bettolino Kitchen, Deluca Trattoria, Hey 10 Public House, Il Fornaio, Ragin’ Cajun Café, Red Car Brewery, Rock & Brews, Sylvio’s Brazilian BBQ and many more. General admission tickets are $65. Tickets for children between 12 and 20 are $20 each and children under 12 are free. Proceeds from the event will benefit several organizations including Friends of Torrance Exceptional Athletes, Boys & Girls Clubs of Los Angeles Harbor and Wounded Heroes of America. For additional information, visit the website at http://www.sbbeerwinefest.com or call Karen Greenberg at 310-266-7567. South Coast Botanic Garden is located at 26300 Crenshaw Boulevard in Rolling Hills Estates.

Andy Hill and Renee Safier host the 25 Annual Bob DylanFest on May 3 in Torrance. This family-friendly, outdoor festival will take place from noon to 8 p.m. in Torino Plaza at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center. What began as a small backyard party with talented Bob Dylan fans taking turns performing his music has evolved into an eight-hour festival attended by hundreds and featuring some of the L.A. area’s top musicians. Besides Hill and Safier and their band, Hard Rain, performers this year will include top L.A. session musician Marty Rifkin, who has toured with Bruce Springsteen. He will be among the more than 50 accomplished musicians who will perform about 65 Dylan-composed songs. Tickets are $30 online and $35 at the door. Tickets for children under 14 are $10. VIP tickets are $100 and come with some extra goodies (Entry fee, Event T-Shirt, DylanFest DVD, 2014 DylanFest highlight CD, Post-DylanFest VIP Party, DylanFest Shaker Egg, VIP Hanging Tag, and more). T-shirts, CDs and other memorabilia will be available for purchase at the show. In addition, each ticket holder will be eligible for some nifty raffle prizes. Acclaimed Chef Michael Shafer of the popular restaurants, The Depot and Buffalo Fire Department, will be selling casual food and beverages.(No outside food or drinks, please.) Best of all, parking is free and plentiful. For additional information and ticket purchase, visit the website at http://www.andyandrenee.com or call 310-346-9383.

El Segundo Museum of Art will host an Art Talk with author Cornelia Funke and Andy Merkin of Mirada Studios on Sunday, May 3 from 2 to 4 p.m. How do you turn a spark of an idea into a final product? How is it possible to thrive as a creative professional in a competitive industry? How can collaboration enhance your vision? Join best-selling children’s and Young Adult author Cornelia Funke (Inkheart, Dragon Rider, Thief Lord) and Andy Merkin, Head of Special Projects and Transmedia at Mirada Studios, for a spirited talk on their unique partnership, creative careers, and how they turn imagination into reality. As always, admission is FREE! For additional information, visit the ESMoA website at http://www.ESMoA.org or call 424-277-1020. ESMoA is located at 208 Main Street in El Segundo.

On Sunday, May 3, the community is invited to the Palos Verdes Chamber Second Annual Young Entrepreneurs Investors Panel. The audience will watch these talented youths actually pitch their businesses to a panel of investors in the grand ballroom at Trump National Golf Club. Each young entrepreneur has six minutes to present his business plan, demonstrate a prototype, and request start-up funding. The panel of investors will ask questions before deliberating and awarding seed money to each business or nonprofit organization. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear these bright young entrepreneurs present their businesses to a distinguished panel of investors at Trump National Golf Club on Sunday, May 3. And remember to visit the Young Entrepreneurs Trade Show at the Palos Verdes Street Fair (1 to 4 pm on Sunday, June 7). There is no cost to attend this event and the public is invited to drop in at any time during the day to watch these young entrepreneurs pitch their businesses. Presentations will run from 10 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 4:30 pm. Pre-ordered box lunches ($15) are available for advance purchase on the Chamber web site athttp://www.palosverdeschamber.com. For more information, contact the Chamber at 310-377-8111.

The Collings Foundation presents the Wings of Freedom Tour coming to Torrance Airport on Monday May 4 through Wednesday, May 6. This tour showcases two fully restored bomber aircraft: a B-24J Liberator and B-17G Flying Fortress, along with a P-51C Mustang and B-25 Mitchell. The public is invited to tour these World War II military planes or take to the skies for an unforgettable 30 minute flight experience in the B-17 Flying Fortress, B-24 Liberator or B-25 Mitchell! The Torrance Cultural Arts Center is located at 3330 Civic Center Drive in Torrance. Admission for the tour only is $12 for adults and $6 for children 12 years and younger. Flights aboard the B-17 and B-24 are $450 each per person. Flights on the B-25 Mitchell are $400 each. Guests are also invited to fly the greatest fighter on earth and get some ‘stick time’ in the world’s only full dual control P-51C Mustang. Flight training on the Mustang is $2,200 for a half hour and $3,200 for one hour. There are only so many flights scheduled so make your reservations NOW! For flight reservations, call 800-568-8924 FREE or visit the website at http://www.cfdn.org. Torrance Airport – Zamperini Field is located at 3301 Airport Drive in Torrance.

FYI – I took a flight on the B-17 the last time the Tour came to Torrance and it was an experience I’ll never forget!

Women from the South Bay and beyond are invited to the second annual South Bay Women’s Conference: Women Celebrating Women on Friday, May 8. Organized by the South Bay Business Women’s Association (SBBWA), this full-day event will welcome purpose-driven and service-minded women into a motivational environment of empowerment, respect, laughter and learning, while providing college scholarships to South Bay women in need. The South Bay Women’s Conference will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Torrance Marriott South Bay. Attendees will experience inspiring and educational speakers in both General Session and interactive break-out programs. The day will include introduction of past scholarship recipients, networking during a three-course lunch, and specialty boutique vendors. The event will culminate with a high energy networking reception, ensuring many lasting connections. For additional information and to purchase tickets, visit the website at http://www.SouthBayWomensConference.com. Tickets will be sold on-site and at the monthly pre-conference mixers. All proceeds contribute to the SBBWA scholarship fund, which aims to raise $10,000 in 2015.

Here’s a heads-up on a few future events you’ll want to buy tickets for NOW because they’re sure to sell out!

http://southbaybyjackie.com/girls-night-out-may-8-2015/

http://southbaybyjackie.com/bite-at-the-beach-may-16-2015/

http://southbaybyjackie.com/south-bay-medal-valor-awards-luncheon-may-20-2015/

http://southbaybyjackie.com/go-red-for-women-luncheon-may-20-2015/

These are just a few of the events taking place, so be sure to check the Calendar links, ‘Things to Do’ page and Daily Blog post on my website http://www.southbaybyjackie.com for details on these and other events happening throughout the South Bay.

This morning on The South Bay Show – South Bay Spotlight, our guest was Ray Gedert of Money Mailer. Ray is celebrating his small business’ 200th mailing by giving back to the South Bay community through a promotion valued at $1,500. This will be a 6-month prize giveaway, with one winner chosen each month and Ray gave us all the details. Don’t worry, if you missed the program, you can listen to it here: http://southbaybyjackie.com/ray-gedert-money-mailer/. Tune in every Thursday at 8 a.m. to keep up with what’s going down in the South Bay!

Tomorrow morning on The South Bay Show – Manhattan Beach 360, we’ll be speaking with Gina Allen and Archie Sherman from the Manhattan Beach Parks & Recreation Department. They’re going to fill us in on some of the big events happening in Manhattan Beach this spring and summer. Listen to the program live at 8 a.m. here: http://southbaybyjackie.com/april-17-2015-mb-spring-summer-events/. Tune in every Friday morning at 8 a.m. for the latest Chamber news!

Have a fabulous South Bay weekend!

Jackie

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com