Vegas IV: Lavo, Pure, & Big Boi

After a yummy Chipotle dinner, Amy, Kali, and I met up with the other three that bounced out of Rhumbar early. We got back to the hotel and I continued to scarf down some of my favorite foods: Hot Tamales and Cheez-Its. NOM NOM NOM. We all got ready and Natalie joined us at the hotel room. I had so much fun with her the whole weekend I'm really excited that we were able to hang out so much despite being with different groups of people.

Anyways, the seven of us headed over to LAVO Nightclub (3325 Las Vegas Blvd) in the Palazzo. (Yelp.) This is another one of those restaurant/nightclub combinations. The website describes LAVO Nightclub as "one of the most intimate, yet energetic, dance floors in Las Vegas." I think that description is pretty accurate. We waited outside for about 5 mins while our contact secured us with Girls Drink Free wristbands. We walked up the winding staircase, around the sinks spitting out water, and entered the club area. IT WAS PACKED. I'm not kidding here. It probably took 3 minutes for us to develop a game-plan for reaching the bar. All the girls grabbed a drink and we escaped the mass of people - headed towards the dance floor.

I remember these two girls who were next to us that were - out of control. I actually think they were on something illegal. Nevertheless, the dancing was fun and Kerry, Jacquelyn, and Ashley showed up after about 5 songs. The DJ there was awesome. I retrieved the last Fruity Pebble cupcake, which was still hidden behind a bathtub, and gave it to Kerry. She said it was still yummy!

We left to go to PURE, it was our goal to spend the night there. Right when we got there, we walked in and were led to a table with a group of guys. I hate it when that happens! I don't want to be forced to hang out with people just because they have bottles of Sky! I grabbed Natalie and asked her to come with me to the dance floor. So happy she said yes :) A guy working the ultra VIP area (which was empty at that moment) pointed at us and told us to come up to where he was. OKAY!

For hours we danced, took pictures, and took dancing pictures. The VIP area started to fill up with other pretty ladies.... and Big Boi from Outkast! We snatched a quick pic with him and continued to dance to the great music. Around 1 am Big Boi took to the stage aka the area where we were already dancing, and started rapping. His set lasted about 10 songs, with the famous "I like the way you move"

After he finished some new and old raps, we joined the other girls who had stayed at the table with those guys. Immediately when we saw them I could tell that they really enjoyed hanging out with those guys. They were dance battling and standing on the booths and cheers-ing each other... We sat there for a while and then Nat and I decided to leave. On the way out, we ran into Kerry! Magical timing. So picture the crowd jamming, the dance floor packed, lots of noise, and Kerry all by herself roaming around. We took that baby bird under our wing and brought her outside. It was time to gamble! I played $20 on a slot machine (requested by Lauretta), and then played about $40 on the craps table. I wasn't prepared to play more than that. The only way to make money in Vegas is to be prepared to gamble away at least $400. I ended up losing about $15 of the craps money, and all of the slot machine money. Oh wells!

We all went back to our hotels and I began packing my bag at 4 am. Slowly the other girls returned and I decided to finish the packing (took about 45 mins because I also had to finish the Cheez-Its :) so that I could sleep until 5:45. 1 hour of sleep? That's how I roll.

Woke up > Airport > Flew home > Picked up by Lauretta and Katie > Alice in Wonderland > Sushi > Drove back home to Seaside > Kickball game? Can't remember!

"Weekend's Top Events" - Blog Monterey

My pics from Blog Monterey's top weekend events (with my commentary):

Friday
“A Night In Italy” - Special dinner held by the Friend of the Monterey County Fair at the Monterey Fairgrounds. There is bocce tournament ($25 entry per team), two auctions, and yummy Italian dinner. $35 per person, $60 per couple and $20 for children 10 and younger. The tournament and dessert auction begin at 5:30, dinner begins at 7, and a live auction begins at 8:30pm. You can find tickets at the Monterey County Fair office at 2004 Fairground Road.
- THOUGHTS: I love Bocce Ball. There is a terrific Bocce court/restaurant in Los Gatos called Campo diBocci. Ever since my first trip to that establishment, I've always enjoyed playing a round or two while eating delicious Italian food. For that very reason, this event sounds really fun BUT I think it is probably for an older crowd? Also, I imagine most of the people who are planning on going are probably supporters of the Monterey County Fair and go to this event every year... and they'd be like: "WHO is she?"

The Pacific Repertory Theatre presents “The Jungle Book, Jr.,” live! The 50+ performers all come from PacRep’s School of Dramatic Arts. Show details: 7:30pm, Golden Bough Theatre, Monte Verde St. between 8th and 9th Avenues, Carmel. $20 for adults, $10 for students and teachers, and $7 for children. Purchase at the official Pacific Repertory Theatre website.
- THOUGHTS: This show goes on all weekend! I love theater shows! Especially ones that feature younger kids performing. It reminds me of the many PYT shows I saw in Mountain View with my mom and sister. It's just the bare necessities....

"It’s a full metal weekend at Jose’s Underground Lounge. The drumsticks fly fast and furious on Friday with death and thrash metal acts Praetorian, Remains of the Tyrant, Chasm of Illmen and Gorphyriac. 21+ (youngsters, check out tomorrow’s show). 8pm, 638 Wave Street, Monterey, $5."
- THOUGHTS: The Flight of the Concords song jumps to mind: "If that's what you're into..."

Saturday
More shark related Monterey Bay Aquarium stuff! Remember that post on Shark Days? Okay, this has nothing to do with that. BUT, wildlife photographer and naturalist Chris Fallows is giving a talk about photographing sharks in the wild. Listen at 11:30am, 1pm and 3pm (or all three?) in the auditorium. Price is included in aquarium admission.
- THOUGHTS: If you are going to the aquarium anyways, definitely take advantage of this opportunity. I retired from dangerous oceanic photography in '97, crazy stuff! Okay, not true. But imagine being the guy (speaker Chris Fallows) who took the photo below. WOWZA, yeah?

Photo Copyright Chris Fallows. Source: http://www.apexpredators.com/

More hike-ortunities! Take a docent-led hike at Garland Ranch Regional Park in Carmel Valley. The Maple Canyon to Mesa Hike is 3.5 miles with a moderate elevation gain of 800 feet and will take about 2.5 hours. Meet at the Garland Visitors Center. 12:30pm-3pm. It’s free but space is limited; register on the official MPRPD website.
- THOUGHTS: NicoleG, a contributor over at BlogMonterey said that the reason they limit the size of the group is because each leader has a group of about 15 or so hikers. That's pretty neat! Next time I'm in town on Saturday I definitely want to sign up for one of these guided tours.

Documentary showing at the Steinbeck Forum at the Monterey Conference Center (One Portola Plaza) @ 4pm. “Shades and Stories of Monterey” shows what life was like in Monterey during the mid-20th century through the eyes of longtime residents. Also includes backstory on the canning & fishing industries from the people who lived it. FREE! ...BUT, seats are first-come first-served, so show up early!
- THOUGHTS: Has anyone else had to do a school project on John Steinbeck? I was part of a group project that did a video about the famous author. We went all over - to his Salinas house, school, grave. We also drove down to Monterey to add clips of Cannery Row. Our community is rich in history, so why not spend an afternoon walking around Alvardo Street (try a crepe from Monterey Crepe Co!) and then walk over to the Monterey Conference Center for a cool movie? Especially if it's kind of foggy out, those are documentary-watching-days.

“Hearts for Haiti” benefit concert. Acts include Carla Blackwell, SpectorDance, Red Beans & Rice and Jonah and the Whalewatchers; see the official website for a full list. 6:30pm-10pm, Embassy Suites, 1441 Canyon Del Rey, Seaside. Tickets at the door are $25 for adults and $20 for children 12 and under, military and senior citizens; you can save $5 each by buying your ticket online.
- THOUGHTS: No thoughts, really. This sounds like a great cause. If you do not have the time but still want to contribute to Haiti relief funds or the Chilean relief funds, or any of the other charitable organizations really - just google where to send your contributions to. But if you go to Hearts for Haiti, you can help out while seeing awesome local acts perform.

Afrobeat funksters Danjuma & Onola create a great party atmosphere with their bright, danceable music. They play Fernwood Resort tonight. 9pm, Highway One Big Sur, no cover.
- THOUGHTS: I want to go! Dang trip to Tahoe (not really, I'm very excited about that as well!)

Sunday
If you missed it last weekend, catch “Very Barrie” at the Monterey Museum of Art La Mirada today. Listening Place reads two one-act plays by J.M. Barrie, author of Peter Pan. 1:30pm, 720 Via Mirada St., Monterey, included in museum admission fee.
- THOUGHTS: Crossing my fingers they also have this next weekend... couldn't make it last time due to Vegas, and this weekend we'll be driving back from Tahoe.

I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend in Monterey, Carmel, Seaside, Big Sur... anywhere in our lovely county. If you discover something fun please leave a comment below with the WhoWhatWhereWhenWhys. If you are taking a vacation, drive safe! Call me if you are heading to Tahoe :)

"Weekend's Top Events" - Blog Monterey

My picks from Blog Monterey's"Top Events" (with my commentary):

Friday
The Dixieland Monterey Festival is three days straight of great, traditional jazz and swing at the Monterey Conference Center and Portola Hotel & Spa in Monterey. Today’s live performances, on eight stages, run from 11:30am through 10:30pm and include the bands Titan Hot 7, Flambeau, B.E.D., Sweet Thursday Jazz Band, Vaché-Cocuzzi Quintet. Day badges are $40; all-weekend badges are $90. For the full listing, tickets and more information, see the official Dixieland Monterey website.
- THOUGHTS: This seems like a lot of fun, but is it seriously 11 hours long? For three days straight?

The Salinas First Fridays Art Walk has a number of new venues as well as the old standbys. In addition to the aforementioned art, there’s live performances as well as the occasional free food and drink. It’s family-friendly, fun, and free. 5-8pm, 100-300 blocks of Main Street and surrounding areas, Salinas.
- THOUGHTS: Free food, entertainment, and art? As long as it's not freeeezing, this would be a great, relaxing, Friday night activity.

Central Coast favorite rockers Mike Beck and the Bohemian Saints bring their Tom Petty-meets-The Byrds sound to the Turf Club at the Monterey County Fairgrounds for the March Hare at the Fair Dance Party. 21+. Includes a no-host bar and appetizers. 8pm, 2004 Fairground Road, Monterey. $10 at the door, $8 in advance and $5 for those with military ID.
- THOUGHTS: What does no-host bar mean?

Local (and, unusually for the genre, female-heavy) hard rockers Granted Earth hold a CD release party tonight at Jose’s Underground Lounge that is guaranteed to be loud, rowdy and fun. Joining in the decibel-heavy celebration are the headbang-worthy Pride Subject, industrial-metallers Spacehooker and San Francisco speed metal act We Be the Echo. 9pm, 638 Wave Street Monterey, $5.

Saturday

Take a 2-3 hour hike along Garzas Creek and back exploring the “Fabulous Ferns and Flowers” of Garland Ranch Regional Park in Carmel Valley. This free hike is 3.3 miles with an elevation gain of about 530 feet. It’s limited to 15 people; register online at the official MPRPD registration page under “Free Hikes.”
- THOUGHTS: I don't understand why one would need to register to hike? Is this trail particularly dangerous? Is there a trail guide? Will he give me a granola bar?

MORE Dixieland Monterey ... Royal Society Jazz Orchestra, Blue Street Jazz Band, Big Tiny Little Trio, The Midiri Brothers Sextet... 10am-11pm... Day badges $55.
- THOUGHTS: Day badge price increases from Friday to Saturday!

Traditional bluegrass/folk band Microtonic Harmonic performs at Fernwood Resort on Highway One in Big Sur. 9pm, no cover.
- THOUGHTS: This sounds absolutely amazing. Very "Little Bear" (Evergreen, CO)

Brisbane powerpop outfit Grand Atlantic (covering Beyonce’s Single Ladies above) have made a splash on Australia’s alternative radio network Triple J. Their diverse sound has been compared to everything from Swervedriver to Oasis to the Smashing Pumpkins. Tonight, they land at Jose’s Underground Lounge on their way to SXSW in Austin. This sounds like one of those bills where, five years from now, you’ll see them on the Grammys and say, “I saw them when they played at Jose’s.” 9pm, 638 Wave Street Monterey, $5.
- THOUGHTS: I effin love Beyonce.

Sunday

MORE Dixieland Monterey... Taking Stock with Jackson, Yve Evans, We3, Ivory & Gold, Big Mama Sue Quartet and more; 9am-4:30pm. Day badges are $40.

The Monterey Museum of Art and Reader’s Theater present two one-act plays by “Peter Pan” author J.M. Barrie. Reader’s Theater uses no sets, costumes or memorization and uses scripts openly during the performances. 1:30pm, 720 Via Mirada, Monterey, included in admission fee.
-THOUGHTS: Out of everything Blog Monterey has suggested, this one seems the most intriguing. There is always something awesome and free to do on weekends, you just have to know where to look :)

Lenny Sales and Band

Max alerted me about this free music event going on tonight, then I saw it on the Monterey County Weekly website. Figured if I heard about it twice, maybe I should pass along the info to all my ... um ... readers?

Lenny Sales and Band at East Village Coffee Lounge
Featuring Bernadette Conant. Songwriter Lenny Sales the self-proclaimed "acoustic soul" musician brings his adult contemporary pop rock to The East Village Coffee Lounge. Expect originals like the radio ready "Find Another Way" along with a cover of David Gray's "Fugitive." [ST]
TONIGHT! Tue, Feb 23
TIME: 8pm
PRICE: Free
VENUE: East Village Coffee Lounge, 498 Washington St, Monterey

p.s. OOooOOOh I like David Gray!

Grocery Outlet and .... a surprise!

After work I went to the Grocery Outlet (215 Reservation Road, Marina) to assess how good their deals are. They buy brand name products directly from manufacturers when there is surplus inventory or manufacturing overruns. Example from their website: cereal company had boxes with Shrek on it. Then Shrek went to DVD. Don't need those Shrek boxes in stores. Fill em up anyways and give them to Grocery Outlet (at a fraction of the cost). I noticed that they had really good deals on health/beauty products, like Neutrogena's $20-ish dollar wrinkle cream for only $8. Must remember that for when I'm OLD (or if I continue making strange faces as often as I do).

I read that they also have good wine deals. I'll have to go back before a night out to stock up! The produce section was pretty small, but how would you get discount produce anyways?? The Grocery Outlet website advises to stop by often because products are always changing, when you do see something you like get a lot because it might not be there the next time, and sign up for email notifications - if you are that gung-ho. (Which maybe I am?) I left Grocery Outlet with a HUGE thing of $5 detergent, lots of $1.50 lean cuisines, $2 box of Kashi, and other stuff!

From there I drove up Hwy - 1 to go pick up something I decided to buy on craigslist. I bet you are curious as to what I got!

That's right! I finally got a stand mixer, thanks to the help of my Doze-Valentine. The drive went by really fast both ways, mostly because I listened to the new Angels & Airwaves album LOVE on repeat. I was, however, perplexed by the intense fog. (Or should I say marine layer?) I plan on researching a bit more about this and posting a scientific description - bet you can't wait!

Tomorrow is Thursday aka the preseason for the WAKA Kickball league begins. My team has a late game, which I'm pretty happy about because then it won't get in the way of my after-work routine. It's too bad that our team will be missing both our captain Tyler and teammate Max. I'm anxious to see what these Monterey teams are going to bring to the, um, plate. Literally.

Tribute to Andrew Lloyd Webber

Article - Tribute to Andrew Lloyd Webber | Carmel News

This article did not give much information about what the tribute entails, so I looked further. On Saturday, Februrary 27th, at the Sunset Center in Carmel, five Broadway stars will sing the works of Andrew Lloyd Webber. Webber is an English composer, famous for The Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Evita. Accompanying the five Broadway stars is an eight-piece orchestra. Tickets are not available for purchase online. You can email the box office at ticketsvcs@sunsetcenter.org. I think tickets range from about $52 to $77. Check craigslist and you might find a better deal.

The Sunset Center is "a place for public, cultural, entertainment and community events," so be sure to check their website for upcoming events!

The Brit - Pub Crawl Part II

The Brit is a chain! My first experience at a Britannia Arms was at the Almaden one. Let's just say photoshop + scanner + temporary paper driver's license + small talk with bouncer = dancing with Katie and making googly eyes at the saxophone player. HA! Very fun! Anyways....

We walked in to Brittania Arms (444 Alvarado St, Monterey) and headed to the bar to see what sort of deals they had that night. The bartender asked me to look at the chalkboard above the bar. Sure enough, there were the deals! We all went for the $3 Tangerine Wheat. I really liked it, but I'm a sucker for adding flavors to reduce the beer flavor.

I tried to convince these two guys to join WAKA, but they gave me such a severe cold shoulder! I wonder if maybe I had a middle part that was distracting them? Shoot.

After about 30 minutes of being at The Brit, Kyle pointed out the fact that there was a live band. What the? How did I miss that? I was even TRYING to be extra observant for blogging's sake. Double shoot.

Instead of heading to Crown & Anchor, as planned, we headed back to the boonies and went to sleep! Overall I would say that downtown/Alvarado street looks REALLY fun. I can't wait to go back!

Mucky Duck - Pub Crawl Part I

After dinner at home, Kyle and I met up with my future kickball teammates at the Mucky Duck (479 Alvarado St, Monterey). As we stepped inside, my eyes were drawn to the fireplace (#1) on the left. Attention: this starts the fireplace trend. We keep walking down the hall and pass by a few tables and a bar and… fireplace #2 (pictured). Tyler mentioned that they were all outside, so we continued past the bathrooms to where the action was.

Picture this: you walk outside to a misty night… but then you see a big white tent with twirling club lights, a fog machine, a good DJ, a happening dance floor, an outdoor bar, and a huge fire pit (#3)! All of this at a place called "The Mucky Duck"?? You betcha.

The inside decor makes the place look like an old English man's mountain cabin. Jolly ho! But the outside… that's a whole different story! We all chatted, exchanged WAKA necklaces, and warmed up near the fire. I tried to convince Kyle to dance with me, and when he declined due to something-or-other, I did what all ex-wannabe-dancers would do… danced by myself! Mere seconds after this began, I was told to leave!

Of course it wasn't because of my expressive dance moves! What are you thinking?! It was because the schedule indicated that it was time to promote kickball at The Brit!

Daytrotter and 100 girls

Nicole introduced me to Daytrotter. From their "about" section: "What Daytrotter is attempting to do is to not kid around with you and tell you that we found something that you never knew existed... We're going to give you something that you truly have never heard... We're giving you exclusive, re-worked, alternative versions of old songs and unreleased tracks by some of your favorite bands and by a lot of your next favorite bands."

Apparently artists will stop by Rock Island, Illinois and record a few exclusive tracks for the Daytrotter community. Tracks are "made with minimal mic'ing."

Recommendations:

The Swell Season

P.O.S

The Mountain Goats

Death Cab For Cutie

But, really, there are 815 recorded sessions, so ... just explore! All the songs are free for downloading and Nicole told me that when you download them they already have album artwork and all that. Haven't tested it yet though.

Okay, on to the other website I encountered today. Via 20-Nothings blog, I came across The 100 Girls 100 Days Project. Haven't read past Day 4 yet; seems so interesting in a twisted way. La La La..... okay!

Sushi and sake tonight in Palo Alto!

p.s. Aaron passed his test!!!