VerdElf at SantaCon 2008 (Photo courtesy of Colin Young-Wolff and the LA Times)

Details about the annual Santa Conference (SantaCon) is usually unavailable this early in the year and the veracity of any information that does become available is often in question due to Santa’s propensity for pranking. What we do know is this, the annual conference is coordinated by a shadowy figure known only as “Santa” and while he sometimes tolerates elves at his annual gathering,  he will do anything it takes to keep those damn clowns from ruining his jolly good time.

While specific details about SantaCon are never revealed until it is actually happening, I just received some intel regarding this year’s event that may be helpful for those of you who are looking to either participate or avoid it altogether. My sources have informed me that this year’s event will take place on Saturday, December 12.

I am also told that Santa is likely to be traveling on foot instead of bus this year, which means a $5 Metro Day Pass is all you’re going to need to hurl your cheer onto every street corner.

Last year, Santa merged at Echo Park Lake to begin the conference. So far, no one has revealed the exact starting location of this year’s event, but to me downtown seems like an obvious choice. Then, you never really know with Santa.

Ho, ho, ho.

Just in time for Halloween, the Los Angeles Opera distributed a press release today announcing their first ever costume sale. Over 2500 costume pieces will go sale this Saturday, October 10 from 10:00AM to 6:00PM.

Fantasma De La Opera

Pieces for sale will include everything ranging from complete “merry peasant” and “medieval courtier” costumes to individual pieces such as capes, hats, shoes and fans. Highlights of the collection include a number of “diva dresses,” stunning hand-crafted gowns worn by LA Opera’s leading ladies including Carol Vaness (La Traviata, Don Giovanni, The Merry Widow and La Rondine), Jennifer Larmore (L’Italiana in Algeri), Maria Ewing (Fedora), Verónica Villarroel (Idomeneo) and Karita Mattila (Jenufa), as well as costumes worn by superstar tenor Plácido Domingo (Un Ballo in Maschera and Idomeneo). From what I hear, there is only one latex Fly costume so get in line early if you want to nab that one!

Prices will range from $10 for accessories to $20 for hats and masks, complete costumes from $150 all the way up to $5,000 for couture pieces. Cash, check and credit cards are all accepted.

LA Opera is the fourth largest opera company in the United States. The Company’s Costume Shop is staffed by dozens (more…)

LIGHTS Debut Album, "The Listening" Will Be Released On 10/6

I just found out that LIGHTS will be performing at the Troubadour on November 3rd!

For those of you unfamiliar with LIGHTS, she’s a tiny, Canadian, World of Warcraft playing, keytar wielding, comic-book-heroine-slash-intergalactic-electropop-artist. In other words, she’s totally my dream best friend (no offense to my actual best friends, but come on, you guys really need to step it up).

LIGHTS’ debut album “The Listening” will be released tomorrow (10/6), but the album is streaming in its entirety on LIGHTS’ Myspace page right now, so go check it out.

But wait, there’s more! LIGHTS is also starring in the cutest animated comic series on MTV and MTV.com called “Audio Quest.” You can watch the first episode here. (more…)

Remember last week when I posted that rant about the garbage piling up next door? Well thanks to my friend Jonathan’s intel, I was able to track down the owner of the business and they hauled away all of the trash today! This renews my belief in the notion that one person (with the help of some well connected friends) can make a difference. I’d like to thank the owner of Natural Mind, Arnaud Ozharun for taking my complaint seriously, but above all, for taking action. Drinks are on me!

Trash Pile No Longer Clutters Natural Mind's Parking Lot

When I think about charity, the first image that pops into my head is a zipper busting troupe of lingerie-clad burlesque dancers surrounded by distressed wood paneled walls, Gothic mirrors, 200-year old architectural trappings, the smell of British gastro pub fare – and of course, bingo!

On Sunday, September 27, Royal Clayton’s and Legendary Bingo will host “Bingo Burlesque,” a regular event that occurs on the 4th Sunday of each month. The funds raised at the door benefit local and national charities. So you see, since this is all for a good cause, it may actually be the only time that you can get loaded and drool over nipple tassles without having to worry about going to H-E-DOUBLE-HOCKEY-STICK, if you know what I mean, and I think you do, heathens.

On this sin approved evening, your $20 suggested donation will include a scorching Burlesque show, 10 thrilling games of heart pounding bingo and the hurts-so-good feeling that you are helping support a very special charity, Downtown Dog Rescue. Doors open at 6:00 PM and the show begins at 7:00 PM.

Downtown Dog Rescue was founded to assist the homeless community of dog owners. It is the only program in California, and possibly the United States, that specifically helps homeless dog owners spay/neuter, vaccinate, license their dogs, as well as offering a variety of services including crisis care, for the life of the dog.

Please call Royal Clayton’s at (213) 622-0512 to reserve a table for the event. (more…)

This Thursday night, Layer 23 and The Good Hurt present Upgrade, a steamy night of geek chic electro featuring a rare live performance by the inseparable hetero-life partner duo who virtually invented the genre, Telesonic Commander.

Some of you may already know Telesonic Commander from their live Ustream shows (of which I am a frequent listener and fan). Based on those performances, I expect to see flashy jumpsuits, exotic mustaches and just a taste of loveless copulation. If you want to preview their sound, check out the track, “Game Set Match” here.

There will also be music by DJs D++, Delicious Mix and Aeon Flux, free giveaways by IHEARTCOMIX, photos by Matador y Toros and video visuals by Verdilak.

According to the event organizers, Upgrade is a night for “hip geeks” looking to get away from the crowded Hollywood spots and the 18+ dance clubs. The idea is to have a place where you can dance or just tuck your laptop into a dark corner and geek out while listening to some cool electro beats – everything from EBM to IDM, breakbeat to 8-Bit, Electroclash to Eurotrash.

Let Your Geek Flag Fly this Thursday Night

“While we will make sure the music is danceable, we also want to encourage people to bring their PDAs and laptops and just sit in one of (more…)

Fashion Train Wreck

Spotted this morning while waiting for the train, an Ed Hardy explosion. Here is a guy who is taking brand loyalty to the max. Wearing a baseball cap, t-shirt, flip flops and carrying a messenger bag – all Ed Hardy branded, he is clearly making a statement. And that statement must be, “Sure, I may not appear to be very cool , but look, every piece of clothing I own is Ed Hardy so how you like me now, bitch?”

Here’s a fashion tip for you brand whores:  If you just must wear an article of clothing that prominently displays the name of the designer, just wear one piece at a time, mmk?

Morris Day will be performing at the Funk Fest among others this Saturday at The Greek Theatre

This Saturday is the Funk Fest at The Greek Theatre featuring Morris Day (”Jungle Love”), S.O.S. Band (”Take Your Time (Do It Right)”), Zapp (”Computer Love”), Midnight Starr (”No Parking on the Dance Floor”) and Con Funk Shun (”Love’s Train”).

Goldstar is offering HALF price tickets, only $32.95 if you buy them at Goldstar.com.

If you’re into funk, then you already know that this show is not to be missed – and at half-off, even you noob-to-moderate funkateers should get up off your seats and get down with us this Saturday. See you there, Funk Army!

So you’re not going to Comic-Con this year.

Maybe Comic-Con just isn’t your thing. Perhaps you couldn’t find a ticket or you have to work. Or there could be a certain restraining order prohibiting you from crossing the San Diego county line. Whatever the reason, the arrival of Comic-Con is not only good news for the scores of attendees, but it also brings deliciously sweet solace to those of us staying here in L.A. this weekend. Just think of how much easier it’s going to be with far fewer geeks, nerds, fanboys and fangirls to get in the way of the following awesome goings on:

Thursday, July 23

Celebrate Clairefest XXV This Thursday at Footsie's!

The Annual Clairefest XXV Barty (Beer/Party = Barty) - Friend of the blog, Claire has invited everyone in L.A. to Footsie’s this Thursday night to celebrate her 25th birthday. “Potato tacos are on me!” she exclaims. So get there early if you want a taco and bring lots of presents.

Saturday, July 25

The Muppet Movie at Hollywood Forever Cemetery - Join Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo and other muppet superstars in the original feature film from the gentle genius of Henson Studios. This is the ‘true’ story of the muppets’ rise to stardom as Kermit travels across the country to Hollywood, collecting friends along the way and dodging the evil owner of a frog legs restaurant. (more…)

Last year I attended my first sumo match at the U.S. Sumo Open and had the honor of meeting World Sumo Champion Byambajav “Byamba” Ulambayar, who defeated giant Petar Stoyanov for the third consecutive time in the U.S. Sumo Open (men’s heavyweight division).

Current Sumo Champ "Byamba" Ulambayar and Former "Blonde" Verdell (taken during his visit to Warner Bros.)

This weekend you too can check out some hot sumo action as part of the Monterey Park Cherry Blossom Festival, which runs all weekend, April 18 and 19, at the Civic Center located at 320 West Newmark Ave in Monterey Park.

On Sunday, April 19 at 1:00 PM, U.S. Sumo Champions will be participating in a demonstration sponsored by the California Sumo Association. Admission is free.

For a complete list of performances and more information on the Cherry Blossom Festival, see the City of Monterey Park’s web site. Free parking and shuttle service to the Festival is available. (more…)