AUGUST 23RD, 2024

Good vibes presented by

FRIDAY’S VIBES

GOOD MORNING, CHAMPION

TODAY IS KOBE’S BIRTHDAY
AND TOMORROW IS MAMBA DAY

• 🍂 FALL WEATHER: Good morning and Happy Friday, Los Angeles! In watching the news early this morning, the weather folks said that some within our area might want to wear sweaters as the temperature LA will feel like Fall weather within portions of our area. I love this time of the year. Oh, and Pumpkin Spice Latte is now back at Starbucks. Football. PSL. Mamba Day tomorrow. America.

• 🔮 NEXT WEEK: A reminder to our CuratedLA Family here that we will be back to our traditional starting time of 6:00am, with newsletters coming your way Monday, Wednesday and Friday. This all starts Monday. I want to thank everyone for their support. CuratedLA started out as a fun (and continues to be) project during my initial stages of recovery. And since has grown. I am thankful that I can take, at minimum, the next three-months to focus 100% on this community of Good.

• 💼 FUTURE CONTENT: A poll question can be found within today’s Business Section with the simple question, ‘Do you want to see job listings?’ Depending on response, I would like to bring this back. I know that CuratedLA has a lot of content, and our attention spans are short. So, reminder, use the Trending Tables and HOV accordingly. You can always come back to your CuratedLA email/website when needed. The Table of Content links are also helpful. And now onto today + this weekend’s good vibes. I’m still waiting for Beyoncé…

• 📆 WEEKEND TOPS: Here are this weekend’s top items:

  • TODAY’S TOPS:

    • TODAY IS: Find Your Inner Nerd Day, National Cuban Sandwich Day, National Sponge Cake Day

    • MUSIC: Lainey Wilson’s Whirlwind

    • MOVIES: Blink Twice

    • MOVIES: The Crow

  • SATURDAY’S TOPS:

    • SATURDAY IS: Kobe Bryant Day, National Waffle Day, National Peach Pie Day

    • COLLEGE FOOTBALL: ¹⁰ Florida State at Georgia Tech, 9:00am. TV: ESPN.

    • NFL: Rams at Houston Texans, 10:00am. TV: ABC7/NFL Network.

    • NFL: Chargers at Dallas Cowboys, 1:00pm. TV: KCAL/NFL Network.

    • BOXING: Mayweather vs. Gotti III

  • SUNDAY’S TOPS:

    • SUNDAY IS: National Banana Split Day, National Kiss and Make Up Day, National Secondhand Wardrobe Day

    • EVENT: Burning Man begins in Nevada.

    • SPORTS: Formula 1: Dutch Grand Prix

TRENDING 

THE HOV LANE

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VIRTUAL YOGA

Join our friends at Laurel Therapy Collective (and myself) this Sunday at 10:00am for a transformative Trauma Sensitive Yoga class, designed to nurture your body and mind in a safe, supportive environment. This free virtual session welcomes everyone, regardless of their background, inviting you to explore gentle movements and mindful breathing that foster relaxation and self-compassion. No prior experience is necessary—just bring your curiosity and a yoga mat, and connect with a community dedicated to healing and wellness from the comfort of your home.

EATS

HEADLINES

• 🐮 CHICK-FIL-A: Chick-fil-A has announced plans for a streaming service. The eatery’s new venture aims to serve up its own family-friendly content that includes original, unscripted content, with a game show already in the works. Chick-fil-A is said to have a budget of $400k per half-hour episodes and is collaborating behind-the-scenes with notable production companies like Glassman Media and Sugar23. I’ve reached out to Chick-fil-A to identify if the streaming service will be open on Sunday but have not yet heard back.

• ☕️ PSL IS BACK. I LOVE LIFE: Per tradition, Starbucks has kicked off Fall early with the return of Pumpkin Spice Latte + a lineup of new seasonal sips, all now available. Among the highlights is the Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai, a delightful blend of chai spices and creamy oatmilk, topped with a luscious apple crisp cold foam that evokes the cozy essence of autumn gatherings. Coffee lovers can also indulge in returning favorites like the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew and the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai, ensuring that every sip is a celebration of fall flavors. Ahh, just one sip closer to Clemson Football.

• 😋 BLACK RESTAURANT WEEK: Los Angeles Black Restaurant Week is a vibrant two-week celebration that showcases the rich diversity of African American, African, and Caribbean cuisines throughout the city. From gourmet soul food to homestyle classics, participants can indulge in a variety of dishes, including mac and cheese, barbecue, and decadent desserts, all while supporting over seventy Black-owned culinary businesses, including food trucks and bakeries.

OPENINGS

• 🇫🇷 SANTA MONICA: USC's beloved pop-up sensation Museum has evolved into Muse, a chic Santa Monica eatery opening this Friday. The brainchild of 24-year-old culinary wunderkind Fardad Khayami, Muse promises an intimate Art Deco-inspired space adorned with curated artwork, serving up European classics with a SoCal twist. With an all-star team including Felix Trattoria alum Matthew Rogel and a menu boasting lobster pomme souffle and wild-caught fish.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

• 🎡 SANTA MONICA: Edgemar, a new London-inspired restaurant, opened recently on August 16th in a Frank Gehry-designed building on Santa Monica's Main Street. Led by executive chef Jared Dowling and chef Jonathan Thoma, the menu features international dishes influenced by Japanese, Indian, and Southeast Asian cuisines. Edgemar is open Wednesday to Sunday from 5:30pm to 11:00pm., with plans for a late-night menu and weekend brunch coming soon.

  • Website + Reservations + Instagram

• 🧆 SOUTH PARK: Deme, the newly revamped anchor restaurant at Hotel Figueroa, has debuted with a vibrant menu that celebrates the flavors of the eastern Mediterranean, inspired by Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, and Lebanon. Nestled beside the hotel’s pool, the restaurant features a stunning mural of Greek goddesses and an expanded patio, offering a fresh dining experience that honors the hotel’s rich history as a haven for women travelers since 1926. Chef Blake Shailes has crafted a menu that includes innovative dishes like bluefin tuna dolmades and lobster-stuffed kataifi, all while paying homage to the hotel’s empowering legacy.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

• 🐠 ATWATER VILLAGE: McCall’s Meat & Fish Co. has a new location, relocating from Los Feliz to Atwater Village on Glendale Boulevard. This gourmet market has evolved from a specialty butcher to a culinary haven, offering local produce, pastries + prepared food, all while aimed at elevating the essence of a home cooking experience.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

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EVENTS

TODAY

• 🤘 GLEN HELEN AMPHITHEATER: EVENING, 5:30PM: Limp Bizkit. 2024 Loserville Tour. Buy tickets online.

• 👙 ANNENBERG HOUSE: TONIGHT, 6PM - 9PM: Sunset Swim. Enjoy an evening around the historic 1920s pool at the former oceanfront estate of actress Marion Davies built for her by media mogul, William Randolph Hearst. S’mores and pool floaties will be provided. More information online. 🪙 

• 🎸 ZEBULON: TONIGHT, 7PM: WOODS, Anastasia Coope. WOODS with Anastasia Coope. The Hollywood Bowl’s favorite globetrotting ‘little orchestra,’ helmed by pianist Thomas Lauderdale, returns to the state at the start of their 30th anniversary year for two nights of big, bold, genre-defying songs that traverse time and geography. Buy tickets online.

• 🎻 HOLLYWOOD BOWL: TONIGHT, 7PM: Pink Martini. Featuring China Forbes, Andrew Bird Trio. Buy tickets online.

• 🎸 GRAMMY MUSEUM: TONIGHT, 7PM: The Drop: HEALTH. The GRAMMY Museum is thrilled to welcome HEALTH to the Museum’s intimate 200-seat Clive Davis Theater for an evening of conversation discussing their latest album, RAT WARS, with a special performance to follow. Buy tickets online.

• 🎸 KIA FORUM: TONIGHT, 7:30PM: Billy Strings. Night one of two at the Kia Forum. Buy tickets online.

• 🦖 IVY STATION: TONIGHT, 8PM: Movie Night: Jurassic Park. Grab a spot on the lawn beginning at 7pm, then enjoy complimentary popcorn and a selection of movie candy for purchase. This film is rated PG-13. Reserve complimentary spot online. 💸 

• 🎤 THE COMEDY STORE: TONIGHT, 8PM: Best of the Store. Ft: Marc Maron, Andrew Santino, Esther Povitsky + more! Buy tickets online.

• 🎤 SANTA MONICA PLAYHOUSE: TONIGHT, 9PM: Drunk Theatre LA. Considered LA’s wildest improv comedy show, a comedian takes five shots of whiskey in a row and tries to perform an improvised play with five sober comedians. What could go wrong?! Buy tickets online.

• 🪅 BEACHES TROPICANA: TONIGHT, 9PM - 2AM: Evita with Katy Perry. Carmen Electra hosts Katy Perry to celebrate with the release of Katy’s new single, ‘'Lifetimes.’ Live performances from Divas Chrissy Chlapecka, Horsegurl and Ceranda. Bottle Service: [email protected]. More information online.

TOMORROW

• 🧘‍♀️ THE BLOC: SATURDAY, 10AM: Fall FitspoLA - YOGA. Flow through a series of dynamic movements that will increase your flexibility and restore balance + strengthen core muscles of the lower back and abdominals. Reserve spot online, free. 💸 

• 🎡 SANTA MONICA PIER: SATURDAY, 11AM: Finish Water Challenge Kick-Off at Santa Monica Pier. Finish Dishwashing Detergent + Flume Water are collaborating to launch Finish Water Challenge at the Santa Monica Pier to promote water conservation. The event is free and offers a range of activities, including a voucher for a free Pacific Park Ferris Wheel Ride + the chance to win branded swag. Reserve a free spot. 💸 

• 👙 ACE HOTEL PALM SPRINGS: SATURDAY, 12PM - 6PM: Poolside. With DJ JPatron. Unwind poolside with a refreshment, a dip, and carefully curated sounds to enhance your desert daze. Reserve pass online.

• 🤖 WEST COAST AWARDS: SATURDAY, 4:30PM: Welcome To The Worlds of AI. Buy tickets online.

• 🎤 LAWLESS BREWING: SATURDAY, 7:30PM: Laugh City: NoHo’s Comedy & Beer Show. Laugh City is a live stand up. Buy tickets online.

• 🎸 KIA FORUM: SATURDAY, 7:30PM: Billy Strings. Night two of two at the Kia Forum. Buy tickets online.

• 🎸 GETTY CENTER: SATURDAY, 7:30PM: OFF THE 405: DJ SET BY WOODS. OFF THE 405 is the Getty Center’s annual outdoor summer concert series, bringing some of today’s most exciting bands to the stage for a memorable experience amid stunning architecture and breathtaking sunset views. Free, tickets required. 💸 

SUNDAY

• 🎸 WHISKY A GO GO: SUNDAY, 6PM: RiFF RAFF. Ft: Baby E, c3lo, Malcom Anthony, Frankie Linstrom, Waterthemelon, SuckahFree Mari. Buy tickets online.

• 🔥 HOLLYWOOD BOWL: SUNDAY, 6PM: Mt. Joy. Ft: Local Natives. Buy tickets online.

• 🔥 SOFI STADIUM: SUNDAY, 6:00PM: Def Leppard, Journey, Steve Miller Band. The Summer Stadium Tour. Buy tickets online.

• 🎙️ HOLLYWOOD IMPROV: SUNDAY, 7:00PM: Late For Work. Ft. Andrew Santino, Jay Washington, Maddi Ways + more TBA!. Buy tickets online.

FOUR FUTURES

• 🔥 SANTA BARBARA BOWL: MONDAY, 6:45PM: Kings of Leon. With Special Guest: Phantogram. Buy tickets online.

• 🔥 PACIFIC AMPHITHEATRE: TUESDAY, 6:30PM: 311: The Unity Tour. With Special Guests AWOLNATION and Neon Trees. Buy tickets online.

• 🎤 LARGO: UPCOMING THURSDAY, 7PM: Judd Apatow & Friends. Ft: some of Judd’s best friends. Buy tickets online.

• 🎤 THE ELYSIAN: SEPTEMBER 29TH, 9PM: A Terrible Show for Terrible People. A live, physical comedy hour with one performer and only two spoken words. This a comedy show for perverts, feminists and your mom…who are not mutually exclusive. Creator and performer Bonnie He is like Mr. Bean, if Mr. Bean was a sexy Asian lady. Buy tickets online. 💌 

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ACTIVITIES

• 🍣 SANTA ANITA PARK: TODAY - SEPT. 1ST: Indulge your midnight cravings at one of America's largest Asian food markets, set against the vibrant backdrop of Santa Anita Park's Paddock Gardens. With over 250 vendors serving up tantalizing street food, drinks, and live entertainment, this lively event runs until nearly midnight every weekend. Grab your tickets online to ensure entry and prepare for an unforgettable culinary adventure in Arcadia.

• 🦒 LA ZOO: TONIGHT: Experience the magic of twilight at Zoo Friday Nights 2024, happening tonight and next Friday (August 30th from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. Enjoy a vibrant evening filled with live music, dancing, games, and delicious food from popular food trucks, all while observing your favorite animals in a unique after-hours setting. With special activities for families and a surprise giveaway for GLAZA members, it’s the perfect way to make lasting memories together this summer!

• 🐶 SANTA MONICA: SATURDAY, 10AM - 6PM: Santa Monica's Montana Avenue is going to the dogs tomorrow as the beloved Dog Daze of Summer returns for a tail-wagging good time. From 10:00am to 6:00pm, pup parents and their furry companions can indulge in a day filled with treats, sales, giveaways, and Instagram-worthy photo ops, while also enjoying unique activities like dog yoga. This free event promises a paw-some celebration of canine companionship, complete with raffle prizes and even the opportunity to adopt a new four-legged family member.

• 🥂 LINCOLN HEIGHTS: REMINDER TOMORROW: Zizou, the newly opened French-Moroccan restaurant in Lincoln Heights, is set to host its inaugural evening market party tomorrow. This vibrant event will transform the restaurant into a lively urban oasis where guests can indulge in delectable dishes like Almond & Apricot Tajine and Steak Frites while enjoying music from Raphael Futura. From 5:00pm to midnight, attendees can shop local artisan goods, including unique apparel from LGBTQ+ brand For Your Viewing Pleasure, all while soaking in the enchanting atmosphere that Zizou's founders have crafted from their shared culinary memories. Join the celebration for an unforgettable night of food, drinks, and dancing! | 💌

• 🎹 ELTON JOHN: OCTOBER 22ND: Elton John is set to headline a one-night-only benefit concert for cancer research at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles on October 22nd. Hosted by comedian Fred Armisen, the evening will also feature a curated menu by chef Evan Funke and a special appearance by magician David Blaine, all in honor of Jay Marciano, CEO of AEG Presents, who will receive the Spirit of Life Award for his philanthropic efforts in the entertainment industry. General admission tickets start at $2,000, with proceeds supporting City of Hope's mission to advance cancer research and treatment.

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COMMUNITY

• 🎡 KOBE BRYANT DAY: Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier will light up its iconic Ferris wheel in a vibrant tribute to Kobe Bryant tomorrow for Mamba Day. The display will showcase the messages ‘LA + ❤️ + 24’ and ‘LA + ❤️ + 8,’ celebrating the Lakers legend's legacy with the team's signature purple and gold colors, from sunset until midnight. This annual event honors Bryant's impact on basketball and the city, coinciding with what would have been his 45th birthday today, August 23rd. The Ferris wheel's dazzling light show, powered by solar energy, features 174,000 LED lights and is part of a broader celebration of Bryant's life and achievements, including a mural unveiling in downtown Los Angeles.

• 🔦 SAN BERNARDINO: San Bernardino is set to illuminate its streets with solar-powered streetlights, a strategic move aimed at combating rampant copper theft that has left over one-thousand city lights inoperable. With the support of a $250,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, the city plans to install approximately eighty solar streetlights, providing much-needed safety for local businesses like the Barbers Club, which has been left in darkness due to ongoing thefts.

• 🩰 BALLET SEASON: Los Angeles Ballet has announced their upcoming 2024/2025 season, featuring a vibrant lineup that includes the beloved Christmas classic, The Nutcracker, and a fresh take on Cinderella by acclaimed choreographer Edwaard Liang. This upcoming ballet season marks a significant evolution for the company, showcasing innovative collaborations, such as the Off Balance series with artist Shantell Martin, and a poignant return of Memoryhouse, a work that honors Holocaust memories.

• 🏳️‍🌈 WEST HOLLYWOOD: West Hollywood is gearing up for a major transportation overhaul with the City Council set to approve an $8.2m grant from the California Air Resources Board. The Sustainable Transportation and Equity Program (STEP) grant will fund initiatives like Vision Zero safety infrastructure, protected bike lanes on Fountain Avenue, and an expanded electric transit fleet. This investment aligns with WeHo's climate action goals and promises to transform mobility options, particularly for residents in the city's eastern neighborhoods.

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DEVELOPMENT

• 🏨 OLD PASADENA: The Courtyard by Marriott Los Angeles in Old Town Pasadena has unveiled a stunning $12.8m renovation, transforming its 314 guest rooms and suites with a chic art-deco design and modern amenities. Guests can now enjoy an upgraded bar with hand-crafted cocktails, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a serene outdoor pool area, all while being steps away from the vibrant shops and restaurants of Old Town Pasadena.

• 🏩 SANTA MONICA: Santa Monica welcomes the stunning Sandbourne Santa Monica, a luxurious addition to Ocean Avenue that opened earlier this summer. This reimagined gem, formerly Le Merigot, features 175 elegantly designed rooms and suites, all inspired by coastal aesthetics and the soothing tones of the sea. With an emphasis on sensory experiences, guests can enjoy unique amenities such as an artist-in-residence program, a serene on-site dog park, and a honeybee hive, all while indulging in exquisite dining at Marelle, the hotel's Mediterranean-inspired restaurant.

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BUSINESS

• 💪 HEALTH OF MIND: Pasadena welcomes Neuro Wellness Spa, a comprehensive mental health clinic co-founded by Dr. Martha Koo, offering innovative treatments like TMS therapy in a serene, spa-like environment. The clinic, led by Medical Director Dr. Jahanzeb Khan, provides evidence-based care including psychiatric assessments, psychotherapy, and medication management for adults and adolescents.

• 🚀 LA’S GROWTH: Los Angeles is carving out its niche as a vibrant startup hub, ranking third among U.S. cities for new business creation in 2023, with sixty-eight startups launched. The City of Angels stands out for its lower operational setup costs, making it an attractive option for entrepreneurs compared to pricier markets like San Francisco, while also offering robust funding opportunities that support innovative ventures.

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ENTERTAINMENT

• 🎬️ MONSTERS: Ryan Murphy's highly anticipated true crime series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story is set to premiere on Netflix on September 19th. The second installment of Murphy's Monster anthology will delve into the infamous case of the Menendez brothers, with Nicholas Alexander Chavez and Cooper Koch taking on the lead roles of Lyle and Erik Menendez respectively. This gripping series promises to explore the complex and controversial story behind the 1996 conviction of the brothers for the murders of their parents, featuring a star-studded cast including Javier Bardem and Chloë Sevigny as José and Mary Louise ‘Kitty’ Menendez. Watch trailer above or on YouTube.

• 💰️ PARAMOUNT: Paramount Global announced yesterday that it would extend its ‘go shop’ period by fifteen days, allowing additional time to evaluate competing offers to its proposed merger with Skydance Media. This decision comes in the wake of a confirmed $6bn bid from Edgar Bronfman Jr., executive chair of Fubo, for Shari Redstone's National Amusements, which holds a controlling stake in Paramount. The extension, now set to expire on September 5th, has sparked investor interest, with Paramount's shares rising over 1% on Thursday. While the company has reached out to more than fifty third-parties during the initial ‘go shop’ period, it emphasizes that there is no guarantee of a superior proposal emerging from this process.

•  📸 INSTAGRAM: Instagram has unveiled a nostalgic new feature allowing users to add a song to their profiles, reminiscent of the early 2000s Myspace days. Users can select a thirty-second clip from Instagram's music library, which will be visible on their profiles for personal expression, though tracks won't play automatically—viewers can choose to listen. This launch is celebrated with a special preview of Sabrina Carpenter's upcoming single ‘Taste,’ which is exclusively available through her profile. Here’s more information about this new feature, as posted by Creators on Instagram.

•  🏆️ MTV AWARDS: Megan Thee Stallion is set to make her hosting debut at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, airing live on September 11th from New York's UBS Arena. Nominated for five awards, including Best Collaboration for her hit ‘Wanna Be’ with GloRilla, this marks a significant milestone in her career as she joins the ranks of rappers who have hosted the show in recent years.

• 🍎 WEEKEND WARRIORS: Mark Wahlberg is set to star in ‘Weekend Warriors,’ a heartwarming sports drama for Apple Original Films, with Stephen Chbosky writing and directing. The film, based on a German comedy-drama, will follow a father and his autistic son as they explore NBA teams, with production by Plan B and SpringHill Company. This project marks Wahlberg's second collaboration with Apple, following the success of ‘The Family Plan,’ and continues the actor's streak of high-profile roles across various streaming platforms.

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SPORTS

• 🍀 IRELAND: The 2024 Aer Lingus College Football Classic is set to make history as Florida State University faces Georgia Tech in Dublin, marking FSU's first overseas game. Taking place at the iconic Aviva Stadium tomorrow, the event is expected to bring over 27,000 fans in attendance, all celebrating the culture of American-college football. Leading up to the game, Dublin will host a series of festivities, including pep rallies and performances by the FSU Marching Chiefs, who will honor Irish culture with a rendition of ‘Danny Boy.’

• 🧢 DODGERS 8, MARINERS 4: The Dodgers capped off a successful series against the Seattle Mariners with an 8-4 victory. Max Muncy had an impressive three-run double while Shohei Ohtani's continued pursuit of a historic 40-40 season. With the Dodgers now riding a four-game winning streak, they will look to maintain their momentum as they face the Tampa Bay Rays at Dodger Stadium tonight, with rookie right-hander Bobby Miller on the mound.

• ⚾️ ANGELS 5, BLUE JAYS 3: The Angels suffered a 5-3 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays last night, marking their eighth defeat in ten games. Despite a late rally highlighted by Niko Kavadas' first major league home run, the Angels couldn't overcome an early five-run deficit. Looking to bounce back, the Angels will send right-hander Jack Kochanowicz (1-3, 6.53 ERA) to the mound tonight as they aim to even the series at Rogers Centre.

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HAVE A GREAT WKND!

🤙 Have a wonderful weekend, Los Angeles. I will see you all on Monday morning as we start back to traditional times of 6am + MWF.

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