Posted on

A Chat With Nia Andrews (AUDIO)

Nia Andrews is quite the enchantress.

I had the good fortune of befriending Nia in college, the period where she was still honing her magic and though in its infancy, it was still pretty potent. Nia was the type of woman that traveled with a cloak of “feel good” wrapped around her, a feeling that left a lasting impression, and I recall a sense of bliss whenever we were in a common space. We connected on our shared affinity of the written word, music, art and life.

Fast forward a decade. Reconnecting with Nia put me in front of a woman who had come into her own. The magic remained, but had now evolved into something unsurprisingly extraordinary. Nia, always a writer, planted her feet in songwriting, took root there and her talent as both a writer and a singer has the attention of the music industry. On the horizon will be her greatest songwriting achievement to date: four tracks on international music artist, Mark de Clive-Lowe‘s latest album, Renegades. A sample of Nia’s work on this beautifully crafted project whets any good music lover’s appetite and makes one wonder what’s to come on Nia’s own album that is currently in the works.

Further, Nia and Mark co-host the Los Angeles event, CHURCH, a must-attend for any real music head. With Nia before the mic and Mark behind it , CHURCH is an enchanting live music experience that is incomparable to any other in the city. Deep into the night, CHURCH turns into a cold jam session/body rock – and you never know which of your favorite artists might end up in the house and on stage.

Born and raised in Inglewood, CA, Nia manages to handle this full plate while also maintaining the role of mother –  and speaks to us about how her life journey has led her to this place, the projects that she’s currently involved in and what’s next for her. Listen up!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Android | RSS

Posted on

Date Night

After six years of marriage and a baby, my husband and I try to maintain the ritual of a bi-weekly date night, but being Los Angeles residents had us going in circles for a second. It’s easy to get stuck in a routine of patronizing your favorite places in your hometown, and pretty soon date night loses its spark. However, in a city like Los Angeles with its many pocket neighborhoods, there is always someplace new to discover. Here are a few we would recommend any couple (and singles too) check out on their next night on the town:

Harvelle’s: Established in 1931, Harvelle’s is one of the oldest live music venues in Los Angeles. Located in the Santa Monica area, it’s a sexy spot, complete with red patent leather seating, smoky interior and cabaret dancers. Yes, you read that correctly. Check our Harvelle’s on a Sunday night and see The Toledo Show, a soul/jazz band so funky, you are sure to return for an encore performance.

Angel’s Piano Bar & Supper Club: Also located in Santa Monica, this quaint piano bar hosts much of Los Angeles’ local talent in the most intimate of venues. Catch Mark de Clive-Lowe with spectacular special guests every first Sunday for his “Church” function.

Gold Class Cinemas: A movie theatre with complimentary popcorn, drinks, and seat-side service? It doesn’t get much better than that. Located in the Old Town area of Pasadena, Gold Class Cinema takes your standard “dinner and a movie” date night to greater level.

First Fridays on Abbott Kinney: If you are a foodie, then First Fridays on Abbott Kinney in the Venice area of Los Angeles is the place to be. Check out the wares of the many food trucks parked along Abbott Kinney as well as the offerings of the artisans in the area.

DTLA Art Walk and Leimert Park Art Walk: Both of these events combine some of of the city’s best local artists, music, and food and create an ambience like no other in Los Angeles. These are true fusions of art and culture, and monthly events worth booking a sitter for.

What date night spots have you discovered lately? Let us know!