South Bay Weekend Guide February 25, 2016

Have you noticed how much later the sun is setting these days? No more driving home from work in the dark! In just two weeks, we’ll be setting our clocks ahead an hour and before you know it, we’ll be barreling right into spring. More hours of daylight = more fantastic local events. You don’t want to miss anything so keep this Weekend Guide handy and check mywebsite for daily updates!

The Miyako Hybrid Hotel hosts the annual Mardi Gras Celebration benefiting Pediatric Therapy Network tonight, Thursday, February 25. All the fun gets underway at 5:30 and runs through 8:30 p.m. The event features classic Cajun music, New Orleans-style cocktails, wine, beer and hors d’ oeuvres. Several popular, local restaurants will provide an assortment of tastings including Bettolino Kitchen, Buca di Beppo, Entertaining Friends, Hey 19 Public House, HT Grill, Il Fornaio Manhattan Beach, Ise-Shima at the Miyako, King Harbor Brewing, Ortega 120, Pitalicious, Red Car Brewery, Strand Brewing, The Depot, Buffalo Fire Department, Torrance Bakery and more. Pre-sale tickets are $45 per person. This is a very popular event – it sells out every year, so be sure to purchase tickets early. For additional information and ticket purchase, visit the website at http://www.pediatrictherapynetwork.org/. The Miyako Hybrid Hotel is located at 21381 South Western Avenue in Torrance.

The South Bay Music Association presents the annual Comedy Night and Silent Auction on Saturday, February 27 starting at 5:30 p.m. at the El Segundo Performing Arts Center. Well-known throughout the community as a fun evening of entertainment, Comedy Night promises plenty of laughs for up to 900 guests and raises $20K-$25K for the award-winning high school music program. As the band’s largest fundraiser of the year, Comedy Night truly reflects the benevolence of the community, the dedication of the parents and the dynamic energy of the El Segundo High School students. The 2016 Comedy Night line-up features the talents of professional entertainers who have all donated their time to support the El Segundo High School Band. Paul Draper will be the emcee for the evening. A Las Vegas-based magician, mentalist and anthropologist, Paul travels the world as performer and explorer of magic and mysteries for his “Mysteries of the Mind.” A 2014 Merlin Award winner, he has been featured in many TV specials, magazines, has lectured at Yale Univiversity and Apple Corp., and has performed extensively at Vegas’ Venetian Resort and Hollywood’s Magic Castle.

The program:

The Dynamic ESHS Drum Line
Beach Cities Swing Band (5:30-6:30 during Silent Auction)
Moose Sketch Comedy Team (Jon Thompson & Matt Schissel)
The Trombone Suicide Gang
Headliner Dave Williamson – An El Segundo resident who was Voted Best Comic in Miami and has performed with Jimmy Fallon, Lewis Black & more!

Food will be available from Britt’s BBQ, and there will be a delectable array of bake sale desserts. A fabulous silent auction rounds out the evening, allowing people to choose from hundreds of items, all donated by the community and band families. Tickets to Comedy Night are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, and the comedy is rated PG-13. For additional information and online ticket purchase, visit the website at http://www.esconcertband.org/. The El Segundo Performing Arts Center is located at 640 Main Street in El Segundo.

The Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation is proud to present Dancing with the South Bay Stars V on Saturday, February 27 at 8 p.m. The event pairs local ‘celebrities’ with professional dancers in a competition to raise funds for the Foundation and the participants’ nonprofit organization of choice. This season, ten of the South Bay’s brightest stars will slip into their dancing shoes, take the stage and strut their stuff! Tickets are $35, $45 and $65 and can be purchased on-line or by calling the Ticket Office directly at (310) 781-7171. For additional information and ticket purchase, visit the website athttp://torrancearts.org/dwtsbs5/. The performance will take place at the Armstrong Theater located in the Torrance Cultural Arts Center at 3330 Civic Center Drive in Torrance.

GUS Vintage Goods will host a Modern Embroidery Pendant Workshop on Saturday, February 27 from 1 to 3 p.m. Attendees will create a boho-inspired, embroidered wood pendant using modern embroidery and needlepoint skills. Stacy Wong, founder of Community Making Workshops, maker, and creative will lead the workshop. This workshop is for all skill levels and experience. Stacy will start with a few embroidery basics (including threading the needle and learning a couple of stitches on practice fabric) and then each student will design their own individual embroidered pendant. The workshop includes all materials and supplies needed for an inspiring and creative time. Light refreshments will be served during the workshop and each class participant will receive a special “handmade goodie” as a thank you for participating. Workshop space is limited. Tweens, teens and adults are welcome. Tickets are $35 per person or $60 for two. Workshop tickets are transferable, but not refundable. For additional information and ticket purchase, visit the website athttp://communitymakingworkshops.bigcartel.com/product/modern-embroidery-pendant. Gus Vintage Goods is located at 209 Avenue I, Redondo Beach, CA 90277.

The first annual Garbage Ball Tournament will take place on the beach at Longfellow in Hermosa Beach on Saturday, February 27 starting at noon. The rules are simple – put the football in the can. You lose, you have to chug a beer. This will be a 2×2 random draw tourney. $40 gets you entrance, all the beer you can drink, lunch and a trophy if you win it (maybe hats or shirts if there have enough teams).

Rules:

1 point if you hit the can
3 points if you put it in the can
2 points if the defensive team catches it off the bounce (has to be going up)

There will be tents set up at Longfellow, along with coolers filled with beer. Bring your guns and let’s see what you got. Anyone and everyone are welcome. Please RSVP so they know how many teams there will be. For additional information, visit the Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/957953150919373/.

Berry Bly Productions presents the Pre-Oscar’s Black & White Ball on Saturday, February 27 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Big Door Studios in El Segundo. The evening will feature some amazing DJ’s, a Rat Pack style performance by South Bay favorite Lou Giovannetti and a burlesque show by Miss Dakota. A photo booth will offer the opportunity to capture all the fun in addition to a red carpet step and repeat area with photographers. It’s called the Black & White Ball, so it’s safe to assume your attire should be black and/or white….and upscale. This is a ball, not a casual event. Tickets start at $50 and includes an open bar. For additional information and ticket purchase, visit the website at http://www.berrybly.com. Big Door Studios is located at 114 Sheldon Street, El Segundo, CA 90245.

South Bay Hands on Art will host their Annual Fundraiser on Saturday, February 27 at St. James O’Gorman Hall. Bring an empty wine bottle (or two) with no label and turn them into beautiful pieces of art and olive oil decanters. The event also features raffles and a silent art auction with pieces from RBAG and other local artists, along with bites and beverages. It’s going to be a great night and tons of fun! Tickets are $40 per person. For additional information and ticket purchase, visit the website at http://www.southbayhandsonart.com/. The O’Gorman Center is located at 4625 Garnet Street Torrance, CA 90503.

Join the vintage treasure hunt Sunday, February 28 at the Torrance Antique Street Faire from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in historic downtown Torrance. Looking for that one of a kind antique or vintage item? You’ll find it here! Every month, vendors showcase a wide variety of items ranging from antique and vintage furniture, glassware and books to jewelry and toys. The event also features live music and antique appraisals. There are also lots of great restaurants, sports bars and specialty shops in the vicinity. Rain or shine, free admission and free parking – can’t beat that! For additional information, call (310) 328-6107 or visit the website at http://www.torranceantiquefaire.com/. The Torrance Antique Street Faire is located on Sartori Avenue in downtown Torrance.

Buffalo Fire Department presents the South Bay Open Blues Jam on Sunday, February 28 from noon to 4 p.m. The monthly jam session takes place the last Sunday of every month and local musicians are encouraged to sit in. Enjoy great eats and drinks while listening to some rockin’ blues and the best part….there’s no cover charge! Spread the word and come on down for a new way to spend Sunday Funday! For additional information, call 310-320-2332. Buffalo Fire Department is located at 1261 Cabrillo Avenue in Torrance.

Terranea Resort’s signature restaurant, mar’sel, will host the annual Oscar Viewing Party on Sunday, February 28 beginning at 4 p.m. The celebrities on the red carpet don’t get to have all the fun! Get dressed up and enjoy the star studded evening from mar’sel complete with champagne, special wine and cocktail offerings, and an Oscar Ballot that will give a lucky guest an overnight stay in an ocean view room at Terranea. Chef de Cuisine Andrew Vaughan has created a special prix fixe, four course menu in addition to the regular a la carte menu offerings. Resort Wine Director Szymon Piechaczek, has selected Dom Perignon, Dom Perignon Oenotheque and Taittinger ‘La Francaise’ as special highlights from the wine list for the evening. Themed craft cocktails will also be available. The price for the special prix fixe, four course menu is $145 per person. For additional information, visit the website at http://www.terranea.com/. Terranea Resort is located at 100 Terranea Way in Rancho Palos Verdes.

The Special Olympics South Bay Host Towns presents a Red Carpet Screening of Keep the Dream Alive on Sunday, February 28 at 1 p.m. at the Hermosa Beach Community Center Theatre. The event is a mini-reunion for ALL South Bay Special Olympics Host Town volunteers and friends. Attendees will enjoy a musical performance by Michael Bolton’s keyboardist, Brian BecVar and vocalist, Kelly Levesque, who co-wrote the inspiring song that represented the United States at the Vina Del Mar International Music Festival in 2013. Their song, Keep the Dream Alive, is the musical score for the Host Town video shot by videographer Al Benson and edited by his wife, MaryAnn Benson. Arrive early and view other videos documenting the sights and sounds of Hermosa Beach playing in the Hermosa Beach Theatre lobby. DVD’s and commemorative Host Town pins will be available for purchase. This Red Carpet Event will be no more than 90 minutes, plenty of time before the Oscars. For additional information, visit the website athttp://www.hermosabch.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=7205. The Hermosa Beach Community Theater is located at 710 Pier Avenue, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254.

Soul Sessions Southern California will take place Sunday, February 28 at the Neptunian Women’s Club in Manhattan Beach. Soul Sessions is a one day women’s event bringing together the amazing women of the South Bay for a day of inspiration, connection and growth and will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A phenomenal line-up of speakers will be led by Rhonda Britten “America’s Favorite Life Coach”, Emmy award winner, bestselling author and Oprah Winfrey repeat guest. The day will evoke the fire within, inspire greatness and create present joy! Tickets are $83 and $93 and include a plated lunch. For additional information and ticket purchase, visit the website athttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/soul-sessions-tickets-20793152880. The Neptunian Women’s Club is located at 920 Highland Avenue in Manhattan Beach.

Did you hear that Smart & Final will be moving into the former Albertson’s/Haagen’s space on PCH in Redondo? The Redondo Beach Chamber will host a Ribbon Cutting on Tuesday, March 1 at noon. Everyone is invited to stop by and check out the new location! For additional information, visit the website at http://web.redondochamber.org/events/Ribbon-Cutting-and-Business-Preview-Grand-Opening-for-Smart-Final-2117/details. Smart & Final is located at 1516 S. Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach, CA 90277.

The City of Hermosa Beach is offering two CERT Basic Training classes during the month of March. Do you know how to help your loved ones, neighbors, co-workers in the aftermath of a disaster? HbCERT is a volunteer group comprised of residents of Hermosa Beach sworn in and authorized by the City of Hermosa Beach as Disaster Service Worker volunteers who provide relief to victims of disasters by assisting the Hermosa Beach Fire and Police Department in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from emergencies. The class will cover disaster preparedness, fire safety, light search and rescue, disaster first aide and CERT organization during an emergency. Participants must attend all classes and complete the final in order to graduate. These classes are FREE but space is limited – don’t wait to register! For additional information and registration, visit the website at http://www.hbcert.org or stop by the Community Center located at 710 Pier Avenue in Hermosa Beach.

NOTE: I did this tour last week and if you haven’t seen it yet, you should definitely make a point to stop by. The official tours ended yesterday but Gary says if his truck is in front of the house, come on in. He’ll be happy to show you around! 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.

Here’s a heads up on a few upcoming events you’ll want to plan for now!

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/hermosa-beach-state-of-the-city/

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/c-e-r-t-emergency-preparedness-training-course/

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/adriennes-search-for-childrens-cancer-cure-fundraiser/

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/all-candidates-forum-esmoa/

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 lissa Nagano from Sea LAB. Sea LAB will host Spring Fest on Saturday, March 5. The event will feature a scavenger hunt through a kelp maze and touch tank tours and Alissa gave us all the details. Admission to Spring Fest is $5 per person, children aged 3 and under are free. You can listen to yesterday’s show here: http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/sea-lab-springfest-with-alissa-nagano/. 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 Christian Wolf, Larissa Bates, Melissa Ginsburg and Rafael Porter from Dancing with the South Bay Stars V. The event takes place this Saturday, February 27 at the James Armstrong Theater in Torrance. We’re going to get the inside scoop and maybe some backstage gossip on this year’s event and find out if our local dancers are ready for the spotlight! Don’t worry, if you missed the program, you can listen to it by podcast here: http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/dancing-with-the-south-bay-stars-v-2/. 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 Valerie Hill, Administrative Director and Education Specialist for the Roundhouse Aquarium in Manhattan Beach. The Roundhouse has several upcoming events and Valerie is going to tell us all about them. You can listen to the program live or by podcast here:http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/roundhouse-aquarium-with-valerie-hill/. 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