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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

I don’t care much for these awards shows (cue the gasps), yes-they’re beautiful. Yes-it is a star studded event, and sure it is great seeing pals like Brad, George and Gary receive the recognition they deserve. But, I could have had an award like that once too. Not too long ago the The Academy had asked me to be the model for a new Oscar. They wanted to update the award, give the whole thing a lift and add a touch of debonair. Obviously, flattered but my answer is and will always be the same-no. I know you’re thinking I’m crazy and I should have done it, but I don’t seek this type of attention. Besides, if any statue is modeled after me, it will be for Hospitality Greatness and of course called the Gorelick. But I’m getting ahead of myself, that won’t be for another 5 years.

Now we will have to wait until after Sunday to find out who goes home a winner. In the meantime, do you know who leaves a winner every time? If you answered guests that partake in Twist’s 5 at 5 Happy Hour, you are right.

Twist Restaurant inside of the Renaissance Hollywood will be serving up some of the best deals in town Tuesday-Sunday from 4-7pm with live music by the beautiful Kristine Mirelle

Have your pick of $5 draft beers, well drinks, wines and appetizers. It is really an offer you can’t refuse. My suggestion? An order of the slightly sweet and savory sweet potato tater tots, BBQ pulled pork sliders and wash it down with your libation of choice.

Don’t forget to “like” Twist’s new fan page for update, contests and specials. This is Bruce, signing off.

1. Do not, I repeat do not get in the way of a baker and her spatula. I learned that the hard way when the Renaissance Hollywood hosted DrinkEatPlay’s annual Cupcake Challenge. They may bake sweets but I will tell you one thing-if they say you cannot lick the spatula, you drop that spatula.

2. Just because people say you look like Ryan Gosling’s older brother, does not mean you can joke that you two are related. If you do, there will be a stampede and near riot on the property.

3. Even though, the guys at Cirque de Soleil make it look easy, IRIS cannot be recreated-no matter how hard you practice.

4. Lions, like their domesticated cousins the house cat, enjoy a little cat nip here and there.

5. Sweet potato tator tots at Twist are extremely addictive. Try them with caution. I spent most of September in a spud haze because of the delicious, crispy, piping hot morsels. Kicking those babies was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to give up. Even worst than the time I went on an Almas Caviar binge. In fact, I think to reward myself for my hard work I will pop over and place a small order of them.

To commemorate this great year I encourage you to celebrate with style. Here are a few more tips from me to you for this NYE season:

Universal City Walk has a huge free, all ages, outdoor New Year’s Eve Countdown Bash available to the public. The event features live music and DJs beginning at 9 pm, and fireworks from 2 ends of the street at midnight.

When: 9 pm – 12:30 am

Where: Universal City Walk, at the top of Universal Studios Blvd. off the 101 Freeway.

Tickets: Free

Parking: Before 6 pm, $15 general/$20 preferred, after 6 pm $40 general, $45 valet.

Metro: Red Line to Universal City station

New Year’s Eve at Hermosa Beach Pier is a free community celebration with Lou Giovanetti and His Big Band performing and a replay of the New York Times Square ball drop. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to dine at the surrounding restaurants.

When: 8:30 pm – 1:30 am

Where: Pier Plaza, Hermosa Beach

Tickets: Free

Parking: various lots

Info: www.hbchamber.net

Big Bang New Year’s Eve with Cobra Starship and Lupe Fiasco hosted by Mario Lopez and Extra TV at Hollywood & Highland also includes multiple parties. In addition to the one at Highlands nightclub, which is also included in several other multi-venue tickets, there will be festivities in the Kodak Theatre Ballroom, the Annex Special Event Center and a candle-lit pool area.Entertainment includes live bands, DJs, cirque performers, choreographed dancers and more. Cobra Starship concert is only available to VIP ticket holders.

When: 9 pm to 2 am

Where: Hollywood & Highland Center, 6801 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90028

Tickets: $75 General Admission, $125-150 VIP with open bar, table packages available

Parking: $2 for 2 hours, $10 max at Hollywood & Highland (must be validated at Hollywood & Highland), limited street parking.

Age Limit: 21 and up
Info and Tickets

As always, the Metropolitan Transit Authority will offer free rides on Metro buses and trains New Year’s Eve. Take advantage of this free and safe ride. Service will be free between 9 pm and 2am starting on December 31. To plan your Metro trip, go to www.metro.net or call 1-800-COMMUTE.

Whatever you end up doing this New Year’s Eve have fun, be safe and stay classy.

This is Bruce, signing off.

Located just 5 miles away on the edge of Los Feliz and Atwater Village the young owners are making quite a name for themselves. Lucky for us, the Renaissance Hollywood will carry two of Golden Road Brewing’s beers on tap.

The Renaissance Hollywood will be serving up Golden Road Brewing’s “Point the Way IPA,” which will pair beautifully with the Butter Based Filet or Black Truffle Risotto. Or, try their Hefeweizen, with Blue Ribbon’s BBQ Pork Sliders or the Salmon Toast while you’re watching Luca Ellis in the Lobby Bar.

Stop in for a brew, we’ll have one waiting for you.

This is Bruce, signing off.

Although, I lost my shot at Broadway doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate a great musical, which is why I couldn’t be happier about the Renaissance Hollywood’s partnership with cabaret concert producers The Coterie. On various nights throughout the week, Twist Restaurant will be transformed into a chic, luxurious supper club, showcasing the best and brightest talent from Broadway, Film, Television, Comedy and all genres of Music.

Starting the month off right, Emmy-winng composer/songwriter Lance Horne held his “First Things Last” songbook release party at Renaissance’s Twist during Coterie.  He was joined by comedienne Margaret Cho, Milena Govich, Kathryn Gallagher, Julie Garnye. Everyone was surprised when Ricki Lake  joined after her Dancing with the Stars performance.  It was a GLEEful crowd when Darren Criss joined in with his ode to girl power, “The Coolest Girl.”

November the Renaissance Hollywood welcomes Boubliland Schonberg’s Les Miserables: Unplugged produced by Jordan Beck. The show will play on November 3. 4. 12 & 13 at 8:30 pm in the Renaissance Hollywood’s Twist Restaurant. For more information visit www.thecoterieLA.com.

You’re not going to want to miss anything. Our new RLife LIVE Calendar will be coming out this week, a great resource to be in the know for our upcoming shows.  The Coterie has transformed the old Twist into an incredible RLife LIVE venue.

Oh and if you’re wondering how my encounter ended with that vile gentleman that made such harsh accusations. I simply smiled politely and answered, “I guess you’ll never know.”

This is Bruce, signing off.

Things took a turn for the worst when not one of us could come to an agreement over which city had the best collection of art. “Think about the Met” cried Giuliani. “What about the Louvre?” proclaimed Delanoë. The argument went on and on until we arrived at the agreement to just disagree. The three of us left the restaurant on an unfriendly note. Perhaps calling the Mona Lisa fat was in poor taste. But seriously, how could these two elitists overlook MOCA, LACMA and the Getty?! I eventually moved passed the argument. That was until the Pacific Standard Time: Art in LA. 1945-1980. Check and mate boys.

What is Pacific Standard Time you ask? Not just a time zone my friends, the Pacific Standard Time is collaboration between 60 cultural institutions across Southern California celebrating the birth of the L.A. art scene and the iconic artists who shaped many of today’s trends both nationally and internationally. This first time collaboration is monumental! Never before has any metropolitan area ever mobilized all its cultural institutions this way (take that NYC!). The project’s mission is to uncover the largely hidden historical record of Southern California art and present its richness and diversity.

Because the Renaissance Hollywood knows a good thing when we see it, we are offering a deluxe guest room, valet parking, breakfast for two and passes for participating Pacific Standard Time museums. Rate program for this package is ECEO, internet code is CUE.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some gloating to do. This is Bruce, signing off