LA EVENTS: Meshell N’degeocello at Santa Monica Pier

Amidst all of the national drama and tension, a night on the pier would be welcomed; Meshell Ndegeocello putting on a free show makes the night an event.

Introducing the Twilight Concert Series on the Santa Monica Pier featuring Meshell, The Record Company + KCRW’s Anthony Valadez on Thursday, July 18th at 7 pm. This event is FREE and open to all ages. Click here to RSVP.

Canonized, marginalized or just scrutinized, Meshell Ndegeocello has given up with the politics of explaining herself. After 20 years in an industry that has called her everything from avant garde to a dying breed, what unquestionably remains is the fearsome bassist, prolific songwriter and the creativity and curiosity of an authentic musical force. With that, she has earned critical acclaim, the unfailing respect of fellow players, songwriters and composers, and the dedication of her diverse, unclassifiable fans. For the sake of setting the record straight, a few brass tacks remain: Meshell was born in Germany, raised in DC, signed at 23, and has been nominated for 10 Grammy awards.

See you there!

 

 

LA EVENTS: New Year’s Eve Celebrations

2012 is a little more than a week away and right about now is when folks scramble to figure out where to be and what to do to bring in the new year. Of course Los Angeles will offer a myriad of options but this LA baby has a few suggestions for parties she can vouch for. Depending on how good 2011 was to you and your pocketbook, you can decide which one of these quintessential LA events fits your personality.

SHOT CALLER: If money is no object then KCRW’s NYE Twenty Twelve bash at the Viceroy hotel in Santa Monica is where you want to be. The incomparable Garth Trinidad is booked to DJ this set which already makes it a cut above the rest. Further, the Viceroy is one of LA’s sexiest backdrops for a party and it’s guaranteed to be stocked with beautiful people. For $175 price tag (you read that right) you get access to a premium hosted bar, hors d’ oeuvres, and the opportunity to dance the night away and hob nob with the who’s who of LA’s elite social circle. Parking is an additional $20, but who’s counting?

BALLER: My favorite LA party, Kiss N’ Grind is back with its NYE edition in an undisclosed location somewhere in the hills of Hollywood. As usual this party is guaranteed to be a soulful body rock and the mansion location turns it into one of the illest house parties you will ever attend. Rocked by master DJ Vikter Duplaix, the $100 price tag boasts an open bar and a Caribbean Soul Cuisine Buffet dinner prepared by Chef Stacy Barthe (not certain if this is singer/songwriter Stacy Barthe – that would be amazing). Also, KNG doesn’t play – this party won’t stop until 5 am so you’re going to get your money’s worth. Neighborhood restrictions require that you park near the Hollywood Bowl for $10 and take a shuttle to the party. Lastly, but most importantly, there are ONLY 400 tickets for sale to this event and once they are out, that’s it.

DIPPIN IN THE BENZ WITH THE SPOILERS: If you wanna see and be seen, but keep a little change in your pocket, the Carnivale celebration at Little Temple is for you. Booked to spin at this event is KCRW’s Anthony Valadez, another gem of a DJ who will most assuredly set it off for the night. For a mere $20 bucks, you get to jam in both rooms of Little Temple where champagne is said to be “free-flowing” and experience an authentic Brazilian drumline at midnight complete with authentic Brazilian dancers. Chances of your having that experience elsewhere in the city? Slim to none.

No matter your plans, be safe and don’t drink and drive or text. The point of all this partying is to live to see another year. Give thanks!