On Tuesday, December 18, 2007, I went to check out the Ski Lift party thrown by the promotion company DubFrequency at the Standard on Flower Street Downtown. The event was their annual holiday party, no cover, with an open RSVP list as a thank you to everyone that has attended their events over the course of the year.

The cards were stacked against the Ski Lift event, as a downpour plagued the city, forcing the promoters to move the event from the hotel’s swanky rooftop lounge to the second floor party room. Expecting a pithy turnout, and hoping to make a quick in and out, I was pleasantly surprised to find a more than respectable crowd. Loyal supporters of DubFrequency weathered the storm in order to make it out for their holiday party. These young promoters bring an oxymoronic air of “accessible exclusivity” to the Los Angeles social scene. Events at trendy spots such as the downtown Standard or Hollywood’s Shag are usually jam-packed, but if you can get on the list the only fiat accompli is the line. Table service is easy, and DubFrequency’s partner Jesse Lee is usually on the scene to help with one’s needs.

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It never fails. When I tell people I’m a comic, I get asked a number of questions which I have now come to expect.

1. Can you tell me a joke? Which I don’t do, so don’t ask.
2. Do you write your own material? This one always baffles me - what kind of comedian doesn’t write his or her own stuff? Apparently some have others write their material for them. Websters dictionary defines this as “laziness”.

Further on down the ladder of questions is, where do you like to hang out?

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I’m not cool. To be honest, I don’t think I ever have been. Growing up we would like to think we were cool. In high school and college, being cool was an every day occurrence. It’s easy to be cool when you surround yourself with people who are just like you. No one is going to tell you that you’re doing something wrong, because if you’re not cool, then they aren’t cool. When college ended, some friends and I decided we would make the move to Hollywood and what seemed like a great idea would soon reveal to us how far from cool we were. [ Read The Full Story -> ]

I’m not cool. To be honest, I don’t think I ever have been. Growing up we would like to think we were cool. In high school and college, being cool was an every day occurrence. It’s easy to be cool when you surround yourself with people who are just like you. No one is going to tell you that you’re doing something wrong, because if you’re not cool, then they aren’t cool. When college ended, some friends and I decided we would make the move to Hollywood and what seemed like a great idea would soon reveal to us how far from cool we were. [ Read The Full Story -> ]

Friday

• “Drunk and Horny” Friday’s at Fubar - Hey at least they’re honest.
• Abbot Kinney Holiday Extravaganza Real Estate, The Modern Dog, and Tumbleweed & Dandelion are supporting local artists by bringing us “The Off the Jungle Bell Rockers”
• Santa Monica Critical Mass- Bike your heart out and celebrate…well… bicycling! With a bunch of other (drunk) bicyclists taking up the street.

Saturday

• Alt Holiday Book Bazaar - It’s a party where you can hobnob with amazing writers and artists, and get your holiday shopping out of the way!
• The White Collar Club - DJ’s, dancing, good times.
• Play Lounge - DJ’s spinning the Top 40’s, hip-hop and apparently rock.

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FRIDAY:

• The Dubplate at the Hollywood Canteen-Non-stop Reggae Music
• BELVEDERE VODKA invites you to celebrate Jigar’s 30th Birthday and they will be providing a shit load of DJ’s all night
• Fridays Dance Party at Akbar

SATURDAY:

• Dance Party Baby!-The Highlands in Hollywood-Hosted by Bryce K. Moore
• Hornz & Halos at Cranes Tavern
• Giant Robot to Kick-Off Japanese American National Museum

Continue for the rest of the awesome events on Sunday… [ Read The Full Story -> ]

Some people have heard of it. Some have not. It is my favorite little spot in the valley. I have been reluctant to share it with you folk for quite some time. But now I feel that you are ready, young padawan. If you abuse the power, I will hunt you down and… you know. Okay. I think you’re ready. For a nice evening of jazz, a cool and mellow vibe, and a nice warm drink this winter… head on over to Charlie O’s. My favorite spot for jazz. [ Read The Full Story -> ]

Some people have heard of it. Some have not. It is my favorite little spot in the valley. I have been reluctant to share it with you folk for quite some time. But now I feel that you are ready, young padawan. If you abuse the power, I will hunt you down and… you know. Okay. I think you’re ready. For a nice evening of jazz, a cool and mellow vibe, and a nice warm drink this winter… head on over to Charlie O’s. My favorite spot for jazz. [ Read The Full Story -> ]

Ah, the doldrums… We’ve all blown our loads for Halloween, leaving very slim pickings for the upcoming week… Well, that is until Thursday, when three worthwhile shows compete for your hard-earned greenbacks…

Let’s take a look, shall we?

• 11/3: Yo La Tengo @ Ivar Theatre
• 11/6: Jay-Z @ House Of Blues (one of only 5 shows!)
• 11/8: Of Montreal @ The Avalon!!!
• 11/8: Ween @ The Wiltern
• 11/8: Peanut Butter Wolf, Madlib and more @ The El Rey
• 11/9: Of Montreal (again!) @ The Avalon
• 11/9: M.I.A. @ The Wiltern

Halloween is right around the corner! So you know what that means! DJ Krush at the Knitting Factory? Uh, I guess.

I’ve no idea why they would book him for a Halloween-night show. Couldn’t they do it the night before or after? I mean he always puts on a good show, but I’d think there are more fitting ways to spend your All Hallows Eve…

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Dr. Dog, bringing the rock. (Photo courtesy of drdogmusic.com)

HUGE news for this weekend, folks. Huge. Bigger than Elvis, crawling out of his grave, a decrepit, jump-suited corpse, with a 6-string strung across his back. Bigger than Elton John dropping some science on Eminem.

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Well, the big news if the LA Weekly Detour Festival, downtown. 20+Detour bands and DJs, most of which I’ve never heard of. Although the big name that would get me there is French electro-pop sensation Justice. In fact, most of the acts from their label (to whit: Ed Banger Records) will be playing the show.

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