LAaLALand Alert:::: Carnival Time!!!
LAaLALanders,
This weekend’s events include the: Robin Thicke mini-concert, the DGA Tribute to Bill Duke, IHOP Free Pancake Day, free Pilates and Spinning classes, Piano Keys black & white party, free instrumental musicians rehearsal space, Scion LA opening & more!
Have a great time.
EnJOY…
LAaLA
***A special request***: I’m seeking new employment. Ideally, in the creative field but I’m flexible. I’m open to suggestions and leads (nationally). While I love producing this weekly resource list but this is not my bread and butter. If you’d like to find out more about me, click on the “About LAaLA” button above and or feel free to email my personal email address @ laalamatias@gmail.com. Thanks!
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18th
ROBIN THICKE MINI-CONCERT 
Check out this talented artist as he performs a short set for the Jimmy Kimmel Live Show. Get there early because the tickets will be handed out on a first-come/serve basis. Definitely a product of his songwriting/Growing Pains starring dad, Alan Thicke, Robin will be promoting “Sex Therapy” as he and thespian wife Paula Patton await the arrival of the first addition to their family.
Free
6:45pm, arrive early for limited tickets! 18+ only!
EL Capitan Outdoor Stage
6837 Hawthorne Ave between Orange & Highland
Hollywood
http://www.robinthicke.com/
PROJECTIONS SHORT FILM SCREENINGS
Rising filmmakers Chris Commons & James E. Roberts, Alex Reeves, and Jaraad Virani will unveil stories about an ex-soldier seeking redemption, three young people seeking the perfect scam, and two strangers marooned in space seeking answers. Hosted by Doug Jones (“Hellboy,” “Pan’s Labyrinth,” “Fantastic Four,” “The Hobbit”), this event features a Red Carpet at 8:30pm,
Feature Presentation at 9:00pm and 21+ After Party at 10:30pm, filmmaker salon co-hosted by FWD:labs.
Free
7pm
4100 Admiralty Way
Marina del Rey
http://projections2010.com/
LionessLA PRESENTS THE PIANO KEYS PARTY 
This annual black & white engagement is held in the new Seven Bar Lounge in downtown LA. Enjoy music selections by Lady Sha & special guests. There will be full bar & late-night appetizer menus available.
Free
10pm-2am
Dresscode: black & white attire.
http://www.lionessla.com/events.php
ART WALK AT THE PLAZA AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION
Explore African American culture and history through the artistic expression of some of the finest, contemporary visual artists, crafters and designers producing today.
10am-5pm
Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza – Sears Court
3650 West Martin Luther King Blvd.
Los Angeles 90008
THE “TAK3OVER” PARTY 
The flawless DJ Al Jackson will rock the turntables as Josh Koslow performs on the trumpet. Many will know Jackson from his amazing monthly Juju parties.
Free
9pm-2am
Air Conditioned Lounge
2819 Pico Blvd
Santa Monica 90405
FEED YOUR BRAIN
Join scholars, luminaries and authors from many fields to enhance your knowledge of the world around you. Mental stimulation is the best break-fast!
$6, $3 students
11am
4773 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles 90027
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19th
9TH HOUR HAPPY HOUR @ KATSUYA
This weekday event features cocktails and small bites for $9.
Brentwood, Hollywood and Glendale Katsuya locales
Mondays-Fridays: 5-7pm
702 Americana Way
Glendale 91204
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20th
GARDEN TOURS AT THE ADAMSON HOUSE 
Enjoy these docent led tours of the historic Adamson House at Malibu Lagoon State Beach weekly. The hour-long tours begin next to the Gate House; no reservations are required.
Admission to grounds free; Tours: Adults $5; Children (ages 6-16) $2; (5 and under) free
23200 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu 90265
http://adamsonhouse.org/index.html
AEP’s MONTHLY MIXER
This is the premiere event in town to network and collaborate in a great atmosphere, with good people and tons of opportunity!
$5 at the door, but if you bring a NEW friend you get in FREE. RSVP at josh.aep@gmail.com with you and or your guest’s name and email address.
12-5pm
Q’ Billiards $ Restaurant
11835 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles 90025
PUBLIC STAR PARTY AT THE GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY 
The Los Angeles Astronomical Society joins the Los Angeles Sidewalk Astronomers for a program that introduces families to the sun, moon, visible planets and other celestial objects using a variety of professional telescopes. Catch a star!
Free
2-9:45pm
Griffith Observatory
2800 East Observatory Road
Los Angeles 90027
SCION INSTALLATION L.A. GALLERY’S “IT WAS ON EARTH THAT I KNEW JOY” GROUP EXHIBITION
Curated by Lionel Vivier of Sixpack France, this group show explores the increasingly blurry boundaries between humans and the technology we create. It features Sixpack France’s first ever short movie, directed by Jean-Baptiste de Laubier. The art in the show is centred around the movie – participating artists from the international modern and contemporary art scene were invited to create an authentic interpretation around the movie. The featured artists are: Akroe, Honet, Ill-Studio, PMKFA, Jonathan Zawada, Brigitte Sire, Neil Krug, Steven Harrington, Justin Krietemeyer, Daniel Sparkes, Cody Hudson, Russel Maurice, and Mark Owens.
Opening reception from 7-10pm
Scion Installation L.A. Space
3521 Helms Ave. (at National)
Culver City 90232
IT’S A NUMBERS GAME EXHIBIT DISCUSSION 
Join the artists of It’s a Numbers Game in a special event, Artists in Conversation on February 17, 2010 from 7-9pm. The artists will field questions in a panel discussion about their art as it relates to the show and their views on how numbers have affected them. Join in the dialogue of attending artists Anna Dusi, Bendow, Daniela Arbizzi, Doni Silver Simons, Joan Tucker, Mike Saijo, Robert Morgan and Savva.
453 S. La Brea Ave
Los Angeles 90036
323.939.4403 ext 6
http://theloftatlizs.com/blog2/archive/
CLEAN HOUSE YARD SALE
Style Network’s Hit TV Show “Clean House” will be taping a yard sale Saturday, February 20th from 9am-1pm. Get great deals on designer clothing, high end furniture, a piano, chandeliers, high end accessories and much, much more! Come by and haggle with the cast. You may even find yourself on TV! Maybe you’ll meet Niecy Nash lol.
Free
9am-1pm
Church Parking Lot
8130 Laurel Canyon Blvd.
North Hollywood 91605
http://www.mystyle.com/mystyle/index.jsp
“10 QUESTIONS FOR THE DALAI LAMA” SCREENING 
If you had only one hour with the Dalai Lama, what would you ask? Join in this yogi-style screening — pillows, blankets, and mats, a 10′ screen with surround sound, snacks and relax — at your favorite neighborhood yoga studio, wellness center, and performance space. The Yogi Tree’s Jean Merritt will open the evening with a gentle, guided meditation.
$10 suggested donation
7pm
4475 Vineland Ave
North Hollywood 91602
WORLD CITY AT THE MUSIC CENTER – FUTA TORO & GOT RHYTHYM
Celebrate West African & African-American dance and music at this family event. Performances will also include tap dance.
Free, tix distributed on a first-come basis Grand Avenue at 2nd Street. 
Tickets for 11am performance distributed beginning at 10am
Tickets for 12:30pm performance distributed beginning at 11am
11am & 12:30pm
W.M. Keck Amphitheatre
Walt Disney Concert Hall
http://www.musiccenter.org/events/worldcity.html
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21st
LECTURE ON THE HISTORY OF THE BOB HAIRSTYLE
Explore the history of the classic bob hairstyle in this lecture presented by social historian and writer Joan Renner. 
$7-11
2pm
6712 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles 90028
GOLDEN DRAGON PARADE & LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVAL
In celebration of Chinese New Year of the Tiger, this parade is the place to catch flights of fantasy and groups of men running around dressed as dragons. Food booths and childrens activities are right around the corner at Broadway and Cesar Chavez streets. The parade will be Saturday, but the festival runs through the weekend. 
Free
10am-5pm, Saturday & Sunday
Broadway & Cesar Chavez streets
Los Angeles
http://www.lagoldendragonparade.com/
BOOK DISCUSSION WITH PAMELA SAMUELS YOUNG
Dynamic author, speaker, and attorney, Pamela Samuels Young, will visit The Museum of African American Art to read from and autograph her latest legal thriller, Buying Time. If you’ve already read one of Pamela Samuels Young’s four exciting novels, come ready to buy a book you haven’t read yet and have it signed by the author in person!
Free
2-4pm
The Museum of African American Art
http://www.maaala.org/upcomingevents.html
TENDER GREENS POT ROAST SUNDAYS
Enjoy a Coleman Farms beef short rib “roast” braised in red-wine sauce, Yukon gold mashed potatoes, and a salad or vegetable for pennies on the dollar.
$10
9523 Culver Blvd.
Culver City 90232
MELROSE TRADING POST
Check out 200 eclectic vendors with bric-a-brac, food, music, records, furniture, and arts and crafts and more in the Fairfax High parking lot.
$2, $1/students and seniors
9am-5pm
Fairfax & Beverly
Los Angeles
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22nd
FILM COURAGE EVENT
LA’s premiere internet radio show devoted to independent filmmaking is hosting a unique two-part event begins with a screening of Mike Pasley’s dark comedy “The Stevie Wondershow,” followed by a Q&A with the director. Part 2 involves an in-depth discussion among fellow filmmakers on upcoming projects, the current state of independent film and other issues relevant to those in attendance.
7pm
Free?
Downtown Independent Theater
261 S. Main Street
Los Angeles 90012
http://www.downtownindependent.com/events/film-courage-interactive-1
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23rd
DGA TRIBUTE TO BILL DUKE 
From his feature film directorial debut: A Rage In Harlem; to his criminal potboiler Deep Cover; to his message musical comedies such as Sister Act II, Mr. Duke has earned a reputation as the consummate actor’s director. During his 35-plus years in the industry, Bill Duke has also portrayed a string of unforgettable characters in films including Car Wash, American Gigolo and Predator. Beyond his extensive directing and acting career, Mr. Duke has excelled as an instructor at the prestigious Howard University and continues to lead his popular Actors Bootcamp seminars in Los Angeles and Miami. On his recent feature film, Cover, as director and producer he worked with Civil Rights and humanitarian groups to sound a cautionary alarm on the at-risk sexual behaviors that wreak devastation on families and the community at large. Join us for an insightful, historic night of tribute to this industry giant with many SPECIAL guests.
Free with RSVP at 310.289.5311
7:30 p.m. – Theatre 1
Directors Guild of America
7920 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles
IHOP FREE PANCAKES DAY
Join IHOP as the celebrate National Pancake Day (Mardi Gas) by giving away a free short stack of their pancakes. All that they ask is that you consider making a donation to the Children’s Miricle Network. Since beginning its National Pancake Day celebration in 2006, IHOP has raised more than $3.25 million to support charities in the communities in which it operates.
All day! @ Participating IHOPs 
http://www.ihoppancakeday.com/
ALL WEEKEND
PUBLIC PRACTICE: A FREE SPACE TO PLAY MUSIC OUTDOORS
Practice, practice, practice your musical talents in the outdoor public spaces at the Music Center. This opportunity is for non-professional instrumental musicians and music hobbyists of all skill levels and cultural musical traditions. Choose to participate as a solo musician or as a duo. Apply online in as little as 15 minutes at http://www.musiccenter.org/events/aa_practice.html thru March 5, 2010. There is no audition. Musicians will be selected based on stated interest, understanding of Public Practice goals, and commitment to recreational music-making. Apply early!
Free
Noon-9pm
The Los Angeles Music Center- Performing Arts Center of LA Co.
135 North Grand Ave
Los Angeles 90012
http://www.musiccenter.org/events/aa_practice.html
AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC AFRICAN AMERICAN FESTIVAL 
Price included with admission. Join the Aquarium of the Pacific as it hosts its eighth annual African American Festival, celebrating the richness and diversity of African American and African cultures. The weekend will feature live entertainment, arts and crafts, ethnic food, and more. Featured are hip hop and breakdancers, gospel singers, mardi gras second line dancers, live jazz, interactive drum circles, West African dance, cultural storytelling, community award ceremonies, and a host of other activities.
Saturday & Sunday, 9am-5pm
Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach
http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/newsevents/eventsdetail/african_american_festival/
FREE PILATES & SPINNING CLASSES!
Pilates Plus HBV is giving away free pilates hybrid reformer and spinning sessions! Try the first class is free ALL MONTH LONG! First you will need to create an on-line account. Credit card information will be needed in accordance with our 8 hour late cancel/no show policy.
Locations are:
Hollywood studio: 1258 N. Highland Ave, Suite 100, Los Angeles
Brentwood studio: 11755 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 60, Los Angeles
Venice beach studio: 1653A Abbott Kinney Blvd. Venice
http://www.pilatesplushbv.com/
BEVERLY HILLS TROLLEY TOURS
Take a 40-minute docent-led tour through the city’s avenues and past buildings of architectural interest on an old-fashioned trolley.
$5, kids under 13 – $1
11am-4pm – tours hourly, on the hour
Beverly Hills Trolley
Rodeo Dr. and Dayton Way
Beverly Hills 90210
HAWAI’I AT THE GROVE
Aloha! Saturdays thru February, enjoy island warmth as The Grove becomes a remote version of Hawai’I featuring live Hawaiian music and hula lessons and performances presented by the Polynesian Cultural Center. Make your own flower lei, create unique palm frond crafts, get a temporary Hawai’i-inspired tattoo, and sample flavors of the Islands while entering to win a trip for two to Hawai’i.
Free
Saturday & Sunday, 12-7pm
The Grove
189 The Grove Dr
Los Angeles
COMPIMENTARY UNIVERSAL STUDIOS ADMISSION FOR SCHOOL WORKERS
K-12 teachers and school employees of California public, private and/or charter schools with required credentials (school and state ID presented to the box office) get in for free while their guests (up to 3) get in for half price.
Thru March 31st
Universal Studios
1000 Universal Center Dr
Universal City 91608
www.universalstudioshollywood.com
MICHAEL JACKSON: HIStyle EXHIBIT
In homage to the immortal King of Pop Michael Jackson, this iconic exhibit has been extended. It features some of Jackson’s seminal wardrobe pieces like the Thriller album cover suit, seven elaborately embellished jackets, two gloves and more. Also check out the 44-minute video of some of his most exciting GRAMMY performances.
$14.95, general; $11.95, students $ seniors; $10.95, military & youth 6-17 years old
800 W. Olympic Blvd., #A-245
Los Angeles 90015
213.765.6800
HELP WITH HAITIAN RELIEF
The people of Haiti are suffering after the 7.4 earthquake that crushed the beautiful island nation. Support Doctors Without Borders as they provide much needed medical care via volunteer nurses and doctors and they were in Haiti prior to the disaster. I heard that the money donated is used within 5 minutes of processing in the country. Let’s help revive this very relevant nation!
http://doctorswithoutborders.org/
FREE BOWLING
Join the AMF’s Bowling E-Club and bowl for free. They’ll even send you a birthday gift and other incentives.
http://www.amf.com/corporate/inquiries/e_club_inquiry.amfx
FREE SKI LIFT TICKET ON YOUR BIRTHDAY!
Calling all Caps, Aquarians and Pisces: with a valid ID, go to the resort ticket office of the resorts listed below and enjoy free skiing, snowboarding, rides, ski-lift ticket, night skiing and more
GIVE A DAY (VOLUNTEERING), GET A (FREE) DISNEY DAY
Contribute to the community AND get something material back in return. How rare is that?! Give a day to a Disney approved charity and you’ll get a pass to get into Disneyland or Disney World. They hope to inspire one million people to volunteer a day of service with this incentive. There will only be tickets given to the first million volunteers who participate so don’t procrastinate if interested. Get your friends, family, organizations and others to participate so you can all attend together for free.
http://handsonnetwork.org
GRATIS HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES
Something you may have always wanted to try but never did – a hot air balloon ride! This time around, it’s green too. Check out the OC skyline from 500 feet up. There will be thirty people on each ride, it’s handicap accessible, registration is 15 minutes before flights and sign a waiver to participate. http://www.ocgp.org/visit/hours-directions/
DOWNLOAD THE NEW COLDPLAY ALBUM FOR FREE
Wow! I love Coldplay. They’re offering 14 songs from their “Left Right Left Right Left” album for free at the link below.
http://www.coldplay.com/lrlrl/lr.html
FOOD BANK RESOURCES
If you or anyone you know needs free food due to a lack of funds, check out the links below. There’s no reason anyone should be homeless or starving anywhere, nevertheless in a wealthy country like the US!
http://www.lafightshunger.org/
http://www.lafightshunger.org/agencies_serving_daily_meals.htm
http://www.jfsla.org/sova/LocationsServices.php
http://www.laokay.com/FoodBanks.htm#LosAngeles
http://02bcd4a.netsolhost.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=70&Itemid=94
RESTAURANT.COM GIFT CERTIFICATES
Every few days this unique site does an amazing sale. Here’s how their site benefits over 5 million customers: find the restaurant you want to eat at and gift certificates of multiple denominations. Normally a $25 gift certificate that requires a minimum $35 purchase (+ 18% gratuity on the total bill) for 2 people sells for $10. Well, if they’re having an 80% off sale that voucher comes out to only $2! Spend $2 and get $25 off of your $35 check. This is totally legitimate and restaurants are usually quite appreciative for the new business.
***A special request***: I’m seeking new employment. Ideally, in the creative field but I’m flexible. I’m open to suggestions and leads (nationally). While I love producing this weekly resource list but this is not my bread and butter. If you’d like to find out more about me, click on the “About LAaLA” button above and or feel free to email my personal email address @ laalamatias@gmail.com. Thanks!