South Bay by Jackie Weekend Guide February 4, 2016

Last week, I mistakenly posted the South Bay Open Blues Jam on January 31 – it actually took place January 24. My bad….but no matter what the event, you should ALWAYS check the host website to confirm. My apologies!

Artist Gary Sweeney is selling his childhood home in Manhattan Beach – but before he hands over the keys, it will spend its final days as an art exhibit entitled, A Manhattan Beach Memoir: 1945 – 2015. Sweeney has mounted large prints of his family photos all over the exterior of the structure and will be giving guided tours every Wednesday in February from 4 to 7 p.m. The photographs were taken by his father, Mike Sweeney, an amateur photographer, and document the 70 years the family lived under that roof. Assuming who ever bought the house would tear it down, Gary took the opportunity to remind people what Manhattan Beach used to be like with this utterly unique tribute. If you can’t attend one of the guided tours, you can always walk, or drive by, and view this enchanting, ephemeral farewell. For additional information, visit the website at http://garysweeneyart.com/. The Sweeney home is located at 320 35th Street in Manhattan Beach. I LOVE THIS!

The Manhattan Beach Badminton Club (MBBC) will host the final U.S. Olympic Badminton Qualifying Tournament stop on the ‘Road to Rio 2016’ at MBBC February 3 through February 7. A global contingent of the worlds’ finest players will descend on Manhattan Beach to earn valuable BWF ranking points in an effort to meet the Olympic Qualifying Standard and achieve their Olympic dream. This will be a fun and exciting event for spectators and a great party surrounding world class badminton athletes, competing to reach their dream of participating at the Rio Olympic Games in 2016. The event is free to attend February 3 through February 5 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door only for the semis on February 6 from 1 to 5 p.m. and finals on February 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For additional information, visit the website athttp://www.mbbadmintonclub.com/. The Manhattan Beach Badminton Club is located at 516 18th Street, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.

The Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce presents a new and improved Business Connection Lunch on Friday, February 5 at noon. Over the years the business connection lunch has evolved from a breakfast to a lunch and had many different locations. The event always focused on presenting you with an opportunity to inform others about you and your business. To that extent, the business connection lunch will continue to focus on you and your business but will have some new aspects as well. Each month, one long standing member will share their story and help attendees get to know what has made them successful through the years. In conjunction with celebrating the membership, the newest investors will be presented with their member certificate and highlighted. As always, each attendee will share about themselves while getting to know everyone in the room. The Business Connection Lunch will be moving to Second Story at the Belamar. This new location provides award winning cuisine, a comfortable and elegant atmosphere and complimentary parking. On top of the tremendous business development opportunity, the new Business Connection Lunch will also afford you a chance to get to know a hidden gem in Manhattan Beach. Business Connection Lunches will continue to occur the first Friday of the month at noon starting on February 5, 2016. For additional information and registration, visit the website athttp://www.manhattanbeachchamber.com/2016/5876/.

Classical Crossroads’ presents First Fridays at First featuring the 2015 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition Junior Division Gold Medalists, Violinist Geneva Lewis and Violist Emma Wernig with Pianist Nathan Lewis on Friday, February 5 at 12:15 p.m. at First Lutheran Church and School. Attendees will enjoy coffee and pastries at the reception immediately following each concert and have a chance to meet and chat with the musicians. Admission is FREE but donations for the artists are accepted. For additional information, visit the website athttp://www.palosverdes.com/ClassicalCrossroads/. First Lutheran Church and School is located at 2900 West Carson Street, Torrance, CA 90503 (On the south side Carson Street just east of Maple Ave. Park in the Church lot or on the surface streets in the surrounding neighborhood.)

Jump Start Comedy Improv will perform Friday, February 5 at 8 p.m. at the Hermosa Beach Community Center. The local comedy troupe takes suggestions from the audience and performs impromptu skits and scenes, in the manner of Whose Line is it Anyway? These are live, unrehearsed sendups sure to keep you in stitches. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids under 12. For additional information, visit the website at http://jumpstartimprov.com/. The Hermosa Community Center is located at 710 Pier Avenue in Hermosa Beach.

Ragin Cajun Café in South Redondo Beach will host a Mardi Gras Celebration beginning Friday, February 5 and running through Fat Tuesday, February 9. Guest will enjoy live Zydeco music Friday, Saturday and Tuesday nights, classic Cajun food, crawfish/shrimp boil and other food and drink specials. Get in the spirit – wear purple, gold and green and be ready to dance! Call 310-540-7403 or stop by today – you definitely want to make reservations for this! Laissez les bons temps rouler! For additional information, visit the website at http://www.ragincajuncaferb.com/. Ragin’ Cajun is located at 525 South Pacific Coast Highway in Redondo Beach.

The Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation presents the Studio Cabaret Series featuring Johnny Boyd for two shows only on Friday, February 5 and Saturday, February 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the James Armstrong Theater. Long-acclaimed as one of the most versatile vocal performers today, Boyd seamlessly blends swing, jazz, pop, country, gospel and rock, bringing back the nostalgic charisma of a bygone era, while taking risks with his arrangements that truly show confidence in his talent. Johnny has the romanticism of a crooner, the boyish good looks of a classic, golden-era matinee idol and the true passion, soul and vision of a renegade artist. But it’s his highly distinctive, smooth-as-silk vocal style that truly defines him. “If Frank Sinatra and Johnny Cash had a love child, it would be Johnny Boyd.” – NPR. Tickets are $33 and $43. For additional information and ticket purchase, call the box office at 310-784-7171 or visit the website at http://www.torrancearts.org. The James Armstrong Theatre is located in the Torrance Cultural Arts Center at 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance, CA 90505 (corner of Torrance Boulevard and Madrona).

Dacha Interiors will host a pre-Valentine pop-up, Beauchamping, featuring the work of artist Gregory Beauchamp on Saturday, February 6 from 4 to 7 p.m. The community is invited to pop into Dacha and discover one of DTMB’s newest shops. Learn about Beauchamping and possibly pick up a little Valentine for that special someone. To learn more about Beauchamping, visit the website at https://www.etsy.com/shop/beauchamping. Guests will enjoy light bites provided by Fishing with Dynamite and sips by Chandon. For additional information, visit the website at http://www.dachainteriors.com/. Dacha Interiors is located at 1219 Highland Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.

Holly Socrates Gallery will host the Opening Reception: Tropical Modernism, a collection of images taken on the island of Kaua’i by abstract expressionist photographer, Jason Lawrence Olive on Saturday, February 6 from 5 to 9 p.m. Jason’s work pushes the boundaries of fine art photography using only traditional printing techniques. Ole Smoky Moonshine distillery will be hosting tastings in conjunction with the opening. Located next door to the Socrates gallery, Ole Smoky introduces new audiences to the age old tradition of Moonshine. Join Holly, Jason and Ole Smoky Moonshine for a fun and enjoyable night as they bring you nature like you have never seen it before. Tropical Modernism at Holly Socrates Gallery will be on display from February 6 through March 5. For additional information, visit the website athttp://www.hollysocratesart.com/. Holly Socrates Gallery is located at 150 Main Street, El Segundo, CA 90245.

The Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce presents the Redondo Beach Super Bowl Sunday 10K/5K Run/Walk on Sunday, February 7. Join more than 9,000 race enthusiasts at the South Bay’s biggest Super Bowl event! Now in its 38 year, the Super Bowl Sunday 10K is a terrific way to celebrate the biggest day in American sports. Enjoy the picturesque sites of Redondo Beach – the Pacific Ocean, the Redondo Beach Pier, the Marina in King Harbor and the Wyland whale mural – as you make your way along the race route. The ocean breeze, salt air and mild temperatures make for perfect winter running conditions. Participants and guests will also enjoy great food, beverages and a variety of running accessories at the two day Health & Fitness Expo presented by Michelob Ultra located at the Seaside Lagoon. The Expo takes place the day before the race, Saturday, February 6 and the day of the race SUnday, February 7 and is free and open to the public. If that isn’t enough reason to get out of bed, maybe the lure of prizes will persuade you. The costume contest adds a wildly entertaining feature to the festivities and prizes are awarded in several categories.

Race Features

-All runners will receive a custom race tech shirt
-Custom awards will be presented to the top three male and female finishers in each category
-Michelob Ultra Post Race Hospitality Area
-Live music
-Costume Contest, presented by the King Harbor Association

Start Super Bowl Sunday on a healthy, fun and festive note and finish in plenty of time to catch the coin toss! For additional information and registration, visit the website at http://www.redondo10k.com/. The Seaside Lagoon is located next to King Harbor, just north of the Redondo Beach Pier at 200 Portofino Way in Redondo Beach (at the corner of Harbor Drive and Beryl Street).

The self-serve, frozen yogurt pioneer, Yogurtland, will celebrate the fifth annual National Frozen Yogurt Day on Monday, February 8 from 4 to 7 p.m. at all participating locations. Frozen yogurt lovers get to enjoy FREE yogurt and toppings and will receive a limited edition Hershey’s® collectible spoon. This year, Yogurtland’s celebration of all things frozen yogurt will include the return of two handcrafted flavors – Hershey’s® Chocolate Milkshake and Peppermint Pattie. Yogurtland has several locations in the South Bay:

Gardena – 1753 West Artesia Boulevard
Manhattan Beach – 1570 Rosecrans Avenue
Redondo Beach – 271 Avenida del Norte at Riviera Place
Torrance – 21213 Hawthorne Boulevard at Village Del Amo
Torrance – 24631 Crenshaw Boulevard at Torrance Crossroads

For additional information, visit the website at https://www.yogurt-land.com/.

King Shabu Shabu will host the monthly BCHD/Blue Zones Project, Wine @ Five on Tuesday, February 9 from 5 to 6 p.m. Italians drink a glass of red wine with each meal…and they might just be onto something. Studies show that for people who have a healthy relationship with alcohol, enjoying a glass of wine rich in artery-scrubbing flavonoids can benefit the health of the mind and body. Unwind with old friends and make some new ones at Blue Zones Project’s Wine @ Five. The first glass of wine is $5 and there will be discounted appetizers. Bring a friend and you’ll be eligible to win a Blue Zones Restaurant® gift card. Wine @ Five takes place the second Tuesday of each month from 5 to 6 p.m. at various venues throughout the South Bay. For additional information, visit the BCHD website at http://www.bchd.org/news-events/events/wine-five-5.

The Manhattan Beach Chamber presents the annual State of the City address on Wednesday, February 10 from 7:30 to 10 a.m. at the Joslyn Center. Mayor Mark Burton will speak on how the city is managing its resources, what was accomplished last year, how the City is preparing for 2016 and updates on what many of the local civic organizations are doing. Tickets are $35 for Chamber members and $45 for non-members. Breakfast will be provided. For additional information and registration, visit the website at http://business.manhattanbeachchamber.com/events/details/state-of-manhattan-2016-state-of-the-city-7432. The Joslyn Center is located at 1601 North Valley Drive, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.

The Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of Commerce invites the public to the monthly “Good Morning, Palos Verdes!” Breakfast Networking Mixer on Wednesday, February 10 from 7:15 to 9 a.m. at Good Stuff. Guest speakers Brad Nixon and Marcy Vincent of Zennetics will discuss ‘Developing Content for Your Digital Marketing’. Admission to the Mixer is $18 for PVP Chamber members and $25 for prospective members and guests. The event includes networking, a hearty breakfast, an opportunity to deliver an ad about your business or organization and door prizes. If you plan to attend, please RSVP at http://www.palosverdeschamber.com or by phone at 310-377-8111 or via email at office@palosverdeschamber.com. Good Stuff is located at 550 Deep Valley Drive, Suite #151 in Rolling Hills Estates.

Blue Zones Project and Beach Cities Health District present a FREE Purpose Workshop featuring Richard Leider on Wednesday, February 10 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Hermosa Beach Community Center. This community workshop, resource expo and book signing will help unlock your life’s true purpose with the help of internationally respected author, presenter and noted spokesperson for the power of purpose, Richard Leider. Advance registration is required. For details, visit the website at www.bchd.org/purpose and www.richardleider.com. The Hermosa Beach Community Center, Community Theatre, is located at 710 Pier Avenue, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254.

Here’s a heads up on a few upcoming events you’ll want to plan for now! Don’t forget – Valentine’s Day is next weekend!

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/network-cafe-orlandos-pizzeria-birreria/

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/tapestry-tribute-to-carole-king/

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/valentine-ball/

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/a-taste-of-argentine-tango/

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/wild-scenic-film-festival/

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 on my website http://www.southbaybyjackie.com for details on these and other events happening throughout the South Bay.

Yesterday morning on The South Bay Show: Redondo Beach – More to Sea, our guest was Sandy Miller from Kaiser Permanente South Bay. We discussed the partnership between Kaiser and the Chamber and the recently opened new Kaiser Permanente Medical Office in Manhattan Beach – the first in the beach cities! We also discussed the broader work Kaiser is doing to build a healthier community, as well as efforts to improve the patient experience with new technologies. You can listen to yesterday’s show here: http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/sandy-miller-kaiser-permanente/. There’s ‘More to Sea’ every Wednesday morning at 8 a.m.!

This morning on The South Bay Show: South Bay Spotlight, our guests are Martin Holmes and Nils Nehrenheim from the community group, Rescue our Waterfront and we’re going to discuss the Waterfront project proposed by CenterCal and the goals of Rescue Our Waterfront. Don’t worry, if you missed the program, you can listen to it here:http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/rescue-our-waterfront/. 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, our guest will be Idris Jassim Al-Oboudi from Manhattan Beach Parks & Recreation. Idris was recently selected for the 2015 California Park & Recreation Society Service Award of Excellence and Fellowship/Hall of Fame Recipient! This is the highest award achievable for a professional in the Parks and Recreation field in the State and this is the first time an employee of the City of Manhattan Beach has been chosen for this honor. The awards ceremony will take place on March 11 at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento. In addition, Idris is also celebrating his 30 year work anniversary in March so we have lots to talk about! You can listen to the program live or in podcast here: http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/cal-park-rec-society-service-award-of-excellence/. 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