Read our Stones coverage from around the web too!

Rolling Stones – Echoplex – April 27, 2013

Rolling Stones – Staples Center – May 3, 2013 (With Photos and Set List)

Rolling Stones Slideshow

Why The Rolling Stones are *ONCE AND FOR ALL* the greatest rock n’ roll band of all time…

Hmmm… Wonder if our collection is good enough for the new fan-driven Stones exhibit Stones at the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland? It debuts this Memorial weekend. Info. HERE.

XIV SUMMER SESSIONS – Summer isn’t here yet, but don’t tell that to SBE. The nightlife super-powers are kicking off their champagne-drenched weekly dance party this Sunday, 5-10 pm, at Colony with EDM tag team the EC Twins. Expect double trouble on the decks, extra-bubbly beats and corks a flyin’ on the dance floor. 1743 N. Cahuenga Blvd. More info at http://colonybysbe.com/index.cfm

★★ THEATRE ★★

HOLLYWOOD HEIGHTS - Hollywood High School’s Performing Arts is one of the best in the country. Come see why as the students present their take on the Tony-award winning musical, In The Heights, a story about life in the largely Dominican-American neighborhood of Washington Heights in New York City. These kids got big dreams, they want Fame, but fame costs, and here is where they pay– in sweat! 1521 N. Highland Ave. More info and tickets at http://www.hollywoodhightickets.com/intheheights.html

★★ FILM ★★

ROBO RECEPTION- A mesh of thriller violence and satiric laughs, Robocop is one of those movies that has only come to be more appreciated with time. It could’ve easily been another schlockly bad cult flick, but the performances and direction were good enough to put in it classic sci-fi ranking. For those who loved it, or want to give it another chance, this screening, Q&A and autograph event with Peter Weller, Nancy Allen and irector Paul Verhoeven, should be an arresting experience. At the Harmony Gold Theatre, 7655 Sunset Blvd. More info at www.wespark.org

★★  NIGHTLIFE  ★★

A NEW PIECE FOR MADHOUSE – A sexy theatrical parade of pretty ladies that’s suprisingly inciteful and funny, “Pieces of Ass,” was a hit and the Fonda Theatre and now debuts at its new home, Beechers Madhouse, inside the Roosevelt Hotel. Expect surprise guests in tiny pieces of clothing and big comedy moments that will make you laugh your – you know it!- ass off. 7000 Hollywood Blvd. More info at http://piecesla.com

But Denny’s aint cutting kiddies. And while there are lots of nice eateries to choose from in Hollywood, if we’re gonna wait a long time for a place (Mother’s Day is one of the restaurant biz’s busiest days) it should count. And it should be special. Just because we bore you doesn’t mean you need to bore us. The following spots won’t. Parent’s promise.

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STREET- Susan Feniger’s restaurant has unlimited vegan and vegetarian small plates for mommy day, plus they’re launching a new lunch menu too. The outdoor patio area is groovy here (we’ve loved it since the space was Highland Grounds) and we have a feeling -call it mother’s intuition- that the bottomless mimosas ($15) will make it even groovier. 742 N. Highland Ave. www.eatatstreet.com

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LOTERIA GRILL “Feliz Dia Del la Madre” is celebrated at this Mexican fave with a special menu including a “Bottomless Treat for Moms” plus a selection of salads, enchiladas, tacos plus sweet breads, chocolate and fresh juices. Full menu HERE. 6626 Hollywood Blvd. loteriagrill.com/locations/hollywood.html

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HARD ROCK This chain restaurant is a favorite to take our 6-year-old because we never, ever hear: “Mom, I’m bored!” or “When can we go home?” From the museum-like exhibits of guitars and stage wear to the live music to the computer touch screens at the tables in the second-level booth area, kids stay occupied here! Plus, they have really yummy cocktails. For rock n’ roll mamas, this place is easy! 6810 Hollywood Blvd. More info www.hardrock.com/locations/cafes3

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M CAFE- M is for mother, well, if your ma looks like Gwyneth Paltrow. We love the tasty healthy food options at M, but it aint the cheapest, and the crowd is very “yoga-girl-young-actress.” You can eat there and force mom to look at all the hot, healthy mommies who lost their baby weight in two weeks, OR try M’s cool “breakfast in bed” option which includes eggs or vegan benedict, fresh squeezed juice, heart shaped strawberry shortcake and flower for mom. Orders must be placed by Sat., May 11, 5 pm. Free delivery wihtin 2 miles radius on pre-paid orders. More info at www.mcafedechaya.com/events.html

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DOOMIES- This Hollywood cafe brings two alternative tastes together -vegans and goths- and it’s surprisingly good and welcoming to all.  Gloom and doom types can show mom another side and the menu is tasty enough to satisfy the cravings of both vampy vegans and meat-eating moms alike. Maybe the family will finally realize you are not a freak… until ya show ‘em that new ink you’ve been hiding. Exception: old school “MOM” inside a heart tattoo. 1253 Vine St. www.facebook.com/doomieshomecookin

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THE ABBEY’S MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH celebrates two kinds of mamas: the ones who created little monsters inside their tummies and the ones who created big monsters in front of the makeup mirror. We’re talking “DRAG mothers,” dear. If you’ve ever watched RuPaul’s Drag Race, you know every cross-dressing performer has one! The gal who inspired the journey into wigs, eyelashes and dresses holds a special place in a she-male’s heart too… The Abbey will be giving free mimosas to every mom with entree order, both kinds (but queens must be in drag to redeem). Hosted by, who else?, Momma (see featured photo above).
692 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood. www.abbeyfoodandbar.com

★★★★ THEATRE ★★★★

The mystery machine will be heading into Hollywood for Scooby Doo Live! at the Dolby theatre, and thw whole gang is along for the ride! Based on the beloved cartoon, this interactive live musical has Fred, Velma, Daphne, Shaggy and the Scoob investigating a new mystery: a theatre is haunted by ghosts! Will the old Hollywood movie star spririts make an appearance, check out this lively family-friendly theatre event and find out for yourself! 6801 Hollywood Blvd. Three performances on Sun., May 12. More info at-  www.scoobydoolive.com  and www.dolbytheatre.com

If you love music of the fab four, The Beatles Rain, at the Pantages, now thru May 12, is all ya need… other than love that is! The acclaimed Broadway production takes over Hollywood with cool costumes depicting all of John, Paul, George and Ringo’s various guises over the years. And while the show is visually stunning, it’s songs, performed by four extremely talented musicians, that make Rain a show you’ll want to soak up! 6233 Hollywood Blvd.  www.pantages-theater.com or www.raintribute.com

★★★ FOOD & DRINK ★★★

To celebrate RAIN’s reign at the Pantages Theatre, Cleo Restaurant, the tasty/trendy eaterie at the Redbury Hotel has crafted a signature cocktail inspired by the Beatles! The “Liverpool Kiss,” includes Absolut Vanilia, Kahlua and espresso, so it’ll definitely make you twist and shout late into the evening. Pair it with Cleo’s yummy appetizers (they offer a 10% post-show discount)! 1717 Vine St. www.cleorestaurant.com

★★★ SHOPPING ★★★

Space 15 Twenty  goes tribal with fashions of Osei-Duro, music and free at drinks at its latest pop-up, Bazaaaaar. This week, artists Megan Whitmarsh joins the amusements along with DJ Al Dente and Last Looks. “Models in hand-sewn masks posing for feverish drawers amongst modern soft sculptures and weirdo vintage African dance music,” are promised. African produced and inspired goods and to free drawings to take home. Hollywood’s a jungle, but this takes it to a whole new level. 1520 N. Cahuenga blvd. Facebook invite HERE. 

You never know kind of intriguing oddity, sinister home decor or fiendish fashions you might find inside tattoo artist Kat Von D’s Wonderland gallery and boutique, but this Saturday, we do know that you can score a great deal during the sample of two local designers – Allison Burns and Joseph Brooks. Burns’ unique bags have been all the rage with celebs for years, and one of her designs (the metallic cresent purse with metal O rings) became so popular it was knocked off all around the world! But Burns carry-alls are all really diverse in various shapes and sizes and colors. One thing they do have in common is their rock n’ roll flair. Brooks, is known in LA as a seminal DJ and club promoter, but he’s been focusing on jewelry design for the past several years, and his work has a chic aesthetic that’s both earthy and edgy. Both will be selling their designs at discount prices. 1257 N. La Brea Avenue. Facebook invite HERE. 

★★★ CLUBS ★★★

Dim Mak Studios new club night, “Sounds Like” on Saturday features local DJ sensation Trent Cantrelle, and it promises to be quite the mix – both on the turntables and off! Freddy Be of Monday Social (at Playhouse) and party prince Perish Dignam are co-hosts and Perish even has a dress-up photo shoot planned beforehand (more info on that HERE).  6356 Hollywood Blvd. Facebook invite HERE. 

From the totally awesome, wacky 80s attack of The Spazmatics (Sundays) to the the rapturous rhythmic drum & bass rager known as Respect (Thursdays) to the fetishy freakfest known as Black Unicorn (monthly Fridays), Dragonfly’s dark, relaxed environment and open floor set-up takes flight with any scene and always makes for fun nights, whether they be live music or DJ driven.

We’ve been friendly with proprietor Anthony Belanger for several years and we have to give him credit for creating a club that has hosted so many consistently cool parties and provided so many great nooks to enjoy them in. We’re especially fond of the brick swathed outdoor patio (pictured). In addition to the current crop mentioned above, the ‘Fly has hosted legendary events such as Taime Downe’s Pretty Ugly, Point Break Live! and the Foo Fighters first big secret show.

On a recent Tuesday night D-Fly held a benefit featuring three of the club’s frequent faves from the 90′s (Plexi, Campfire Girls and Lifter) all of whom reunited just for the event to raise money for a mutual friend, Denise Franco, who recently passed away. All proceeds -including the bar money- went to her children.

It was a great evening of music, with each band managing to evoke the dark, atmospheric mojo of the past, while adding something new to their sounds, call it a wistful wisdom. There’s an extra layer of meaning when a band plays old material, stuff they created in their hedonist youth. It can either be awkwardly nostalgic or invigoratingly fresh. This show was definitely the latter. So much so that it looks like all three bands are talking making music again… The magic of the Dragon strikes again!

Here, some groovily lit photos we shot at the show and the club’s schedule this week below.

This week at the club:

RESPECT DRUM & BASS — 5/09

LA GOT ALOHA WIH CHALI TUNA — 5/10

REBEL BINGO’s END OF THE WORLD PARTY — 5/11

The Dragonfly, 6510 Santa Monica Blvd. www.thedragonfly.com

★★★★
MUSIC
★★★★

Armin Van Burren- Hollywood is once again THE place to see the world’s biggest electronic music super-stars. This week, the mega-producer to take the decks for rabid glow-stick-pumping dance floor denizens is none other than Armin Van Buuren, named numero uno DJ in the world by DJ Magazine four times in a row! At the Hollywood Palladium, 6215 Sunset Blvd. hwww.facebook.com/arminvanbuuren

Los Lobos- What better way to celebrate a festive holiday like Cinco de Mayo than with one of LA’s best Latin rock bands? Lobos aren’t just playing at the Greek (one of Hollywood’s most awesome outdoor music venues), they’re throwing a whole festival, with additional musical guests including Robert Randolph, Los Super 7, Willie G of Thee Midnighters and special guests Kinky & El Chicano. Viva la L.A. musica! At the Greek Theatre, 2700 N Vermont Ave. (323) 665-5857. Sun., May 5. More info HERE.

★★★★
FOOD & DRINK
★★★★

Velvet Margarita Benefit- For 10 years now Big Daddy Carlos (the man behind the hippest Mexican spot on bustling Cahuenga Blvd.) has made Cinco de Mayo a day not only to drink, eat and be merry, but also to raise money for good causes. This Saturday his annual fund-raiser offers a celebrity poker tournament, mariachis and a biggie DJ bill headlined by DJ Lethal (House of Pain, Limp Bizkit). Carlos is pals with some major movie stars so this one’s a hot ticket private event. Dinero talks though! If you can’t get in, we still recommend checking out VM earlier in the day or on Sunday for chomping tasty tacos, enchiladas, burritos and of course, sipping margaritas, in a kitchy-sexy-cool atmosphere that’s way more badass than your typical Mexi joint. 1612 N Cahuenga Blvd. (323) 469-2000. www.facebook.com/VMCHOLLYWOOD

★★★★
ART
★★★★

Brit Week has taken over Los Angeles! It’s winding down, but one of the coolest offerings can still be enjoyed all this week! Noted photographer Brian Duffy’s David Bowie photo exhibit at Mr. Musichead runs now through next Sunday, May 12. The man who shot some of David Bowie’s most iconic album covers and unique guises showcases his work both famed and rarely seen.  7511 W Sunset Blvd.  Hollywood. 
(323) 876-0042. More info about the exhibit HERE. More on Brit Week HERE.

The TCM Classic Film Festival will take place Thursday, April 25 – Sunday, April 28 in Hollywood. More info HERE.

★★★ UPDATE: See video of the hand and foot print ceremony at end of this post!!!!

In honor of her timeless beauty, grace and dramatic gifts, we’ve assembled Fonda’s most fabulous guises & looks below. Which are your favorites?

FIGHTING FONDA
The story behind this one: En route to an antiwar speaking engagement at a college campus in Ohio, Fonda’s bag was confiscated and she was arrested for drug smuggling… turned out it was only vitamins, and Fonda has said it was a smear campaign to hurt her nationwide speaking tour. Either way, this shot looks cooler than any mugshot of today’s law-breaking ladies….

COMING HOME JANE
Her Oscar winning role as the lover of a Vietnam vet (Jon Voight) saw a fuller, curlier hair-do and a hippie-esque style that represented 70s-casual of the time, but still looked cute. However, her incredible acting in this one was anything but cute.

FOXY FONDA NOW
 We literally gasped when we saw how hot 75-year-old Fonda looked at the Academy Awrds this year. Most 20 and 30 somethings couldn’t pull off that dress and her hair and makeup were flawless. She managed to look sexy but age-appropriate, which is not an easy thing to do, especially in Hollywood.

FIT FONDA
Her workout empire inspired ladies to get healthy and move! But it was also a major fashion movement. Leg-warmers and body suits over tights were everywhere thanks to Jane, and even saw some action out of the gym. More recently, her exercise guise inspired hip-hop artist Mickey Avalon’s funky dance hit. 

BARBARELLA BOMBSHELL
As the outer-space vixen Barbarella, Fonda never looked more ravishing. The movie may have been silly camp, but it showed real imagination and Fonda’s tongue-in-cheek performance made it work. This look has inspired many a pop star over the years, from Missing Persons’ Dale Bozzio to Lady Gaga. But none have come close to Jane’s outta this world appeal…

VIDEO FROM SATURDAY’S CEREMONY:

★ MUSIC

Depeche Mode — The hottest ticket in town for live music this weekend? Its gotta be Depeche Mode at the Troubadour which just may be the smallest venue the guys have played in LA- ever. Good luck getting in. Only winners via KROQ.com score tickets. 9081 Santa Monica Blvd  West Hollywood.  Fri., April 26, 10 pm. http://www.troubadour.com

Paul Van Dyk — Avalon is Hollywood’s premiere venue for EDM but having Paul Van Dyk grace the stage is a big deal even for this mega-club. PVD is considered one of the top electronic producers& decksmiths in the world and an opportunity to see him command a dance floor should not be missed. 1735 N. Vine St. Sat., April 27, 10 pm http://www.facebook.com/avalonhollywood

★ CLUBS

 
Giorgios — The decadence of disco hasn’t been celebrated in a club environment for quite some time. Indeed, dance clubs today are either dubstep-drenched or hip-hop heavy, and there’s rarely room for much else in between unless it’s a weird EDM hybrid of the two via a pop hit remix. Giorgios aims to change this. The new one from a trifecta of LA nightlife talents (Adam 12, Braun Rabin, Rick Rude) debuts this Saturday at the Standard Hollywood and judging from the people involved, the flier and the name itself, this should be one we love to love weekly, baby. 8300 Sunset Blvd.  Sat., April 27, 10 pm https://www.facebook.com/events/137167363138248/

★ FOOD

Taste of the Eastside — East Hollywood near Los Feliz village is the place for munching all day as 30+ restaurants (including Little Dom’s, Good Girl Dinette, Heirloom LA and The Park) serve up bites benefiting local non-profit organizations like Sustain LA, SEE-LA, and the Barnsdall Art Park Foundation. Sunday, April 28, 1 p.m.-5 p.m.  At Barnsdall Art Park, 4800 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles; (323) 660-4254.$60 on the day of event. VIP $75.  http://tasteoftheeastside.com

☆ FILM

Stoner Fest- The definition of “4-20″ is as follows (via Wikipedia): 420, 4:20, or 4/20 (pronounced four-twenty) is a code-term used primarily in North America that refers to the consumption of cannabis and, by extension, a way to identify oneself with its subculture.  Observances based on the number 420 include smoking around the time 4:20 p.m. (and/or 4:20 a.m.) as well as on the date April 20 (4/20).  

We wont advocate the use of marijuana here, but we will say this: there are GREAT movies about it. In celebration of this fact, the Chinese Theatre will hold a cinematic ode to toking all day Saturday with classics including Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (tix HERE), Half Baked (tix HERE), Up in Smoke (see lead photo) (tix HERE) and Friday (tix HERE). All films $5 admission. (Note: TCL Chinese theatre will close for several months at the end of April for renovation and restoration work. Stoner Fest and its Movies about Making Movies Film Festival will be a couple of the last opportunities to enjoy the auditorium in its current 1958 configuration.  We hear no defining historic characteristics in the auditorium or exterior will be affected by the update and that the TCL Chinese will re-open with “a bigger screen, stadium seating, state-of-the-art equipment and increased patron comfort”).

☆ FOOD

Grilled Cheese Invitational- What better place to follow up pot-themed movies than at a munchie-haven? The Grilled Cheese Invitational is in Downtown Los Angeles -not Hollywood- but several Hollywood eateries and chefs will be competing. Past winners have come from Hollywood faves including the Grilled Cheese Truck and Kitchen 24 (check out their mega-sized trophy right behind the bar). Tickets HERE.

☆ MUSIC

Record Store Day- Hollywood’s own Amoeba Records will be the hub for good times and great sounds marking National Record Store Day, beginning at 10:30 am with gift bags, screen printing and DJ sets (former Amoeba employee DJ Lance Rock  of Yo Gabba Gabba spins first, followed by Lucinda Williams and Redd Kross’Jeff McDonald spinning last. Full schedule HERE.

☆ CULTURE

Crawling Down Cahuenga With Tom Waits- Esotouric Tours are billing this as the ”definitive tour of Tom Waits’ formative creative life in Los Angeles, and the people, places and late night pastries that shaped it.” We’re sold. The prolific musician was very much influenced by Hollywood’s gritty, character filled landscape and reading about them is one thing, but seeing them in person while hearing tales both sorted and simple, is quite another. Tour spans from Hollywood and West Hollywood to Downtown and Echo Park (where above clip exploring Waits’ “In The Neighborhood” video was filmed). Info and tickets HERE.

Backstreet had a crazy  heap of chart-topping hits in the ’90′s. Unlike New Kids On The Block before them or N’Sync afterward (admittedly we confuse members of all three) the guys had an edge about them that seemed somewhat genuine. In the case of A.J. McLean, drug use led to nearly going over the edge. But everyone loves a comeback story and after coming out about his problems, Backstreet’s bad boy redeemed himself and made the band more real in the process. Nick Carter also battled some demons in the public eye, including a tempestuous romance with Paris Hilton and struggles with his brother, Aaron Carter, depicted on an MTV reality show about his family.

The guys celebrate their 20th anniversary this month and the recent return of Kevin Richardson (the hot one) after an extended break from BSB. Boy bands don’t get much respect to this day (most don’t play their own instruments, focusing on song and dance only) but they provide an enticing – and enduring- form of entertainment, for young girls anyway. They’re more popular than ever with new crops including One Direction, Big Time Rush and solo incarnate himself, Justin Bieber, continuing to break hearts and shake booties for the tweenage masses. For better or worse, Backstreet paved the way.

Expect lost of screaming 30 something ladies at the Hollywood Walk of Fame induction on Monday. Details here:

Backstreet Boys awarded the  2,495th Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the Category of Recording at 7072 Hollywood Boulevard near the Live Nation Building, on Monday, April 22, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. Star ceremony live streamed on www.walkoffame.com