Relax and unwind this Tuesday with New Zealand born, Los Angeles based performer John Kempt at Indie and Friends from 8-11pm.

Kempt will unleash his alternative tunes while inviting a few friends to accompany him on stage. Expected to join is Dave Schulz and Willie Chambers of the Chambers Brothers Band. As well as a surprise new talent. A veteran of the biz, Kempt has toured with bands, starred in Buddy, a Buddy Holly musical, produced and even acted briefly.

You can hear more from Kempt at http://johnkempt.bandzoogle.com/sounds.cfm.

While enjoying the music, try our delicious appetizers, enticing entrees and handcrafted cocktails from the Lobby Bar.

Like so many of our great events, this all ages engagement is cover free.

Think you know the greatest Mom ever? Prove it! The Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa would like to treat that special Mom and one other person to a delicious all you can eat champagne Jazz Brunch on Mother’s Day.

What’s the catch you say? No, catch. All you have to do is Like Twist’s Facebook page, then tag the restaurant in a Facebook post and say why your Mom deserves a free brunch. The contest will begin May 3rd and end May 7th. We will then pick the best answer and contact them for their brunch for two. If you haven’t had a chance to like Twist yet, now is your chance.

What are you waiting for? Get to posting!

Mother’s Day is almost here and the last thing you want is to be ill prepared for the occasion. I mean after all don’t you love your mother? She kind of deserves something nice, right? Instead of quickly throwing together something for her last minute, why don’t you let the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa take care of it for you.

You can start off with a relaxing treatment at Spa Luce. Right now our Spring Detox package is available for $175. Then treat that woman you love to a brunch with endless amounts of champagne and live entertainment. Let me lay out the details for you.

The necessary details: Sunday, May 13, from 11 am to 2 pm. $44.95 for adults, $24.95 for kids 12 and under. Under 7 tikes are complimentary. Reservations can be made by calling 323-491-1000.

The menu: All you can eat and we really mean that. Start with a few classic brunch options including the omelet station with an extended accoutrement offering, waffle station with berries and whipped cream, herbed potatoes, and tons of fruit. On the action side, we’ve got Prime Rib of Beef carved to order and whole roasted Sea bass. If you thought I was done, I was just getting started. Havarti, Pepper and Spinach Stuffed Chicken, Crab Benedict with a Lemon Zest Hollandaise sauce, Shrimp Cocktail and a Full Salad Bar if you’re into that. Make sure to leave room for dessert because we will be offering Chocolate Cups of Whipped Cream and Berries, Red Velvet Cupcakes and Strawberry Cheesecake.

The drinks: All you can drink Champagne and Mimosas Coffee, as well as tea, fresh fruit juice, soda, milk, coffee.

The music: Special performance by Judy Wexler. Hailed by JazzTimes as “one of the most focused, unpretentious, no-nonsense, bop-oriented jazz singers around,” Judy Wexler’s debut CD, Easy On The Heart, showcased her expressive voice and gift for storytelling. 2011′s Under a Painted Sky, scored her a four-star review in DownBeat and topped the national JazzWeek chart with widespread airplay across the country. Judy has sung internationally and throughout the U.S. at jazz festivals and leading jazz venues.

Add it all up, and it sounds pretty good, right? Hope to see you there!

Many people forget but the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel, is actually not the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel. It is in fact the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa. Quite the mind blow, I know.

That spa part is courtesy of the lovely, Spa Luce. This tranquil urban oasis offers a wide range of rejuvenating skincare therapies and body work guaranteed to provide excellent results. Part of my duties as a GM, I am forced to enjoy, errr, I mean check the spa facilities, aromatherapy infused steam rooms and rooftop pool.

This Spring, Spa Luce is offering a one-of-a-kind 90 minute Spring Detox package. Think of it as Spring cleaning for the body and mind. Designed to balance and restore each guest’s well being. The package includes essential oils of Rosemary, Cypress and Juiper combined with the active properties of seaweed to aid in reducing water retention. The treatment is enhanced with a 30 min tension reliever massage to further balance the body. This Spring Special is available for $175.

However, just like all good things, this deal cannot last. Spa Luce will offer the package deal until May 31, 2012. To make a reservation call 323-491-1376

Not to sound demanding, but what are you doing still reading this-you should be calling 323-491-1376.

This is Bruce, signing off.

What can I say I am a natural born host; it’s in the Gorelick blood, to be hospitable. Passed down to every generation are the special traits of charm and culinary skills. It was my dad’s BBQ skills that helped bring an end to the Cold War. His secret weapon perfectly cooked steaks for Gorbachev and a personal bowl of Jelly Belly Jelly Beans for Reagan. I myself am renowned for my ability to juggle while cooking and may or may not have been responsible for teaching Emeril Lagasse how to add some “bam” in his cooking.

There is an exception to this host with the most tradition, when it comes to Easter I sit back, relax and let the Renaissance Hollywood & Twist do the work for me. Our Easter Sunday Champagne Brunch just cannot be beat.

Every Easter, Twist hosts a Champagne Brunch with a live Gospel performance. This year KJAZZ 88.1 FM brings to guests the music of Vortex led by singer Kim Foley, a first class group of professional singers and musicians performing custom-blended gospel.

If you have ever had the pleasure of experiencing Twist’s weekly Sunday Brunch you know we can bring it. And by it I mean a delightful flavor dance on your taste buds. Here are some of the items on the menu (along with free flowing champagne!):

-Whole roasted King Salmon

-Boiled Crab Legs

-Turkey Sausage Benedict

-Made-to-order ice cream sandwiches

-French Macaroons

Oh and did I mention for $12.95 more you can try the optional bottomless vodka bar?

This year, don’t get stuck in the kitchen, let Twist do the work for you. Food, libations and stellar entertainment: what more can you ask for. Join us for Easter Sunday Champagne Brunch from 10am to 2pm; music will start at 11am. Adults $49.95, Children (7-12) $24.95 and Children under 6 eat free! For reservations, call 323-491-1000 or visit www.jazzandblues.org. To see the full menu visit the Renaissance Hollywood’s or Twist’s Facebook page.

If I don’t see you at Twist’s Easter Brunch, a Happy Easter to you. If you do decide to join me, I’ll be the guy in the back with a mountain of crab legs.

This is Bruce, signing off.