We always like it when people show up for our Indie Thursdays, which are surprisingly held every Thursday at our hotel’s Lobby Bar. (I know – weird, isn’t it?) And we like it even more when people record their experiences for posterity and post them to the intertubes for everyone to see and marvel at.
Check out this video of Dave Schulz – formerly of some little band called the Goo Goo Dolls – performing on January 7, 2010, at our Indie Thursday Artist Showcase. Schulz is on vocals, Michele Aristy on bass, Balage Antal and Todd McCool on the GTR, and Randy Cooke on Hand Percussion. Enjoy!
Join us for this week’s Indie Thursday, featuring the musical stylings of Steve Cooke! Winner of best song and two time nominee of the Hollywood Music and Media Awards 2009, Steve Cooke is a successful singer-songwriter-producer who’s style can be described as a marriage of Blues, Hard Rock, Americana and Acoustic music.
Hear more of Steve Cooke at MySpace and Reverb Nation or listen through this sophisticated “mini-player” right here:
While enjoying the music, guests are encouraged to try the delicious appetizers, delightful entrees, and handcrafted signature cocktails available from the Lobby Bar.
All ages are welcome to these family-friendly events and, unlike a lot of venues in Hollywood, there’s no cover. That means free for everyone!
Speaking of American Idol, I rarely catch internet memes (Editor’s Note: Bruce has no idea what a “meme” is, nor will he ever) before they blow up, but I’m all over this one. Have you heard, or seen, the hit new single, “Pants on the Ground”?
The main problem with this song: it will stick in your brain until forever. Did you see Mr. Brett Favre of the Minnesota Vikings of the National Footie League performing this song over the weekend after his playoff game?
I like to think I could still move like Mr. Favre, and “General” Larry Platt in the clip. I’m pretty sure me and him fought in Grenada together, but that’s another story. Our regiment was nicknamed “Pants on the Ground” – as to why, I simply couldn’t tell you. I wouldn’t have to kill you; I would just have to ask you very, very politely not to tell anyone ever, and I would really, really expect you to keep your word.
You’ve heard of American Idol, right? It’s this little thing about music that an absurd amount of people watch every year, its judges make the news daily just because they’re judges, and its winners (and losers) become major international recording stars with greater regularity than my interns…
So, yeah, if you haven’t heard of American Idol, let’s just assume you’re also not aware of the Internet, which makes it hardly likely you’re reading this blog, which essentially means I’m calling you a liar. I’m terribly sorry – that was rude of me. Would you like a cup of tea? Maybe a slice of cake?
Anyway, American Idol is kind of the biggest thing in the whole world, and they have a delightful new judge, Ellen Degeneres, which is big news in Hollywood. And even bigger news – at least for us – is that the whole crew of American Idol was at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa the other day, chilling by the pool, judging potential contestants, and hanging out being suave. Basically my daily routine.
Now, we’re all quite excited about Ellen. She’s been charming us on her talk show for years – observe this classic clip featuring Gladys Hardy, who says, “I love Jesus but I drink a little.”
Sundays are really spectacular at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa, especially if you’re a music lover. And with the chance of rain in Hollywood this Sunday… please consider these options for some classy indoor fun!
Every Sunday, the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa hosts the KJAZZ 88.1FM Sunday Champagne Brunch Series from 11:00am-2:00pm in Twist Restaurant. Our performer this Sunday is Louisiana native John Beasley, a third generation musician who, while touring with Miles Davis, got inspired to release his first of eight solo recordings, which was produced by Steely Dan’s Walter Becker. Hear more of Beasley at www.beasleymusic.com. Oh yeah, an important reminder: it’s all-you-can-eat. Yes, ALL YOU CAN EAT!!! Reservations can be made by contacting Twist Restaurant at (323) 491-1000 or find out more at www.jazzandblues.org.
On Sunday evening, come experience an exciting new addition to our roster of music events: the Renaissance of Sinatra with Luca Ellis (a.k.a. The Voice) singing Sunday Standards from 6:00pm to 8:00pm every Sunday night in our Lobby Bar. If you have not heard or seen Luca perform, you can check him out at www.lucaellis.com.
Basically, all this jazz is telling me is that I’m still cool. Suits and martinis for everyone! Well, for me at least. I’ll be at the bar, looking good…
