F*** YOU to the new organizers of the Hollywood Forever Dia de los Muertos event!

F*** Hollywood Forever Dia de los Muertos event! Those bastards are in it for the money now, for years my family had gone to celebrate but last year they decided that after years of free admission, they would charge $5 each, this year it's $10! WTF?! next year will be $15? Go with your family and expect to spend $50 getting in plus get charged for everything that goes on inside! Hello!? It's not like money is growing on trees right now, we are not exactly all rolling around in extra cash. Screw that! I'm going to Olvera Street!

Street Merchants Present Dia de los Muertos (Downtown)
October 25–November 2, 7 p.m.
www.olvera-street.com
Olvera Street celebrates Dia de los Muertos with several days of festivities featuring piñata breaking, children workshops, face painting, strolling Mariachi bands and Ballet Folklorico. Enjoy colorful, ancient Mexican ceremonies in honor of departed loved ones with beautifully decorated altars, entertainment and Novenaria processions. Best of all admission is FREE.

One Great Weekend w/ The Mars Volta & The Dead Weather

Sunday August 30th the Mars Volta killed it on stage at the Hollywood Palladium with hours of super high energy, great theatrical lighting and that amazing unique voice. Apparently Kat Von D was there too with her sister but I was too busy enjoying the show with my sister! It was still hot as hell out here in SoCal but it didn't matter. This was my first time at this particular venue, a little bigger than i had expected, I would have much rather seen them at Ventura theater but that show had sold out. Can't wait for the next show!

Friday August 28th I was lucky enough to find out about the free mini concert Jimmy Kimmel was giving with the new supergroup The Dead Weather. I had heard about Jack White and his new band but hadn't gotten a chance to check them out. It was my first time listening to any of their music and I was blown away!!!!! Allison had great energy, she was a rockstar on stage with a killer voice. I went straight to Best Buy and picked up the album and have not stopped listening to it since :)

It's a Boy!

The newest member of the family surprised us by arriving a little earlier than expected but looking healthy and adorable as ever! I had the opportunity to photograph him at only a few days old. Welcome and Happy Birthday Aaron Michael! Congratulations Tia!

Rock the Bells 2009

Guerilla Union presents Rock the Bells 2009 at the San Manuel Amphitheatre and the ladies of the Classy Riot Mob were there to represent! Beer, music, sun...what more could you ask of an all day hip-hop music fest?
Psycho Realm took to the stage and the crowd went wild, broke out in a pit and elbows and fists started flying...

highlight of the evening definitely had to be when Ice Cube took the Main Stage with the classics! Good times....till next year....

Orange County Fair Summerfist 2009

I usually wait until the LA County Fair but this year we took an early trip to the fair to catch "SummerFist 2009" MMA event because I had heard about it through Tarzana Boxing. Soooo here is the recap:

Boyko Ranchev of Las Vegas (2-1) won a unanimous decision over Sebastian Lopez of Huntington Beach (0-2)

Chris Saunders of Long Beach won his debut by inserting a choke hold on Thor Skancke of Tarzana (1-3), which put an end to the bout at 2:47 of the second round.

Brian Devaney of Los Angeles improved to 3-0 with a unanimous decision over Fernando Bernstein of San Clemente (3-3)

In the main event, Brian Abram of Irvine and Aaron Miller of Gardena brought some excitement and ended the show with Miller out of the ring and onto the judges table! The ring doctor wouldn't allow him to continue....you could see the disappointment all over his face.
The night was beautiful and fairs are always better at night anyways, the lights, the food, the fun, the games...all awesome! This fair is identical to the LA County Fair except for the crowd. Trust me, you can tell you were in the OC....haha
and the perfect way to end ANY night...with some Jose Cuervo Margaritas...my favorite! Pass the tequila Jose!!!!

Crazy for Cult - Art Show @ Gallery 1988

Woo-Hoo! Another art exhibit in Los Angeles!

Crazy for Cult is the current art exhibit at Gallery 1988 in Los Angeles dedicated to the classic cult films. There are 100 contributing artists and work is available for purchase at the show. Check them out online at Crazy 4 Cult.
Show starts tonight Thursday July 16 and runs through August 8. I am excited to see works for Clockwork Orange, Willy Wonka, and Edward Scissorhands just to name a few...

Ink-N-Iron 2009 w/ Eagles of Death Metal, Tattoos, Hot Rods, and Art!

I look forward to Ink-N-Iron every year for the chance to see portfolios of amazing artists that come from all over in the beautiful Queen Mary in Long Beach. I have been to my share of tattoo conventions and this one takes the cake! There are amazing tattoos being made at every turn, greasers and pinup gals, classic movies, amazing music and hot rods on display.

Eagles of Death Metal took the stage around 10pm and rocked it! It was so much fun, I went crazy when "I really wanna be in LA" was played. They seem like some really cool guys and delivered a good old rock and roll show.