AUGUST 9TH, 2024

FRIDAY’S VIBES

HAPPY FRIDAY, GOOD LOOKIN’

GET THE GOLD
WE WANT THE GOLD

• 📆 FRIDAY: Happy Friday, LA! So good to land in your inbox this morning. The program that I use to merge calendar events from Excel went funky. So until I can fix this, or find a new solution, I have included events within content blurbs - like we once did way back in the day. These can be found within CuratedLA’s Events Section. A reminder: we will be on a Tuesday/Friday schedule next week. But before we get to next week, we gotta surf with the good vibes below. Oh - tax free week starts this weekend (I think).

TRENDING 

THE HOV LANE

• 🐇 ^{represents our hopes to provide political news without opinions. Please don’t trust us on politics, we don’t know anything other than how to drink a good CapriSun.}

• ℹ️ ^{indicates information only, no linked content}

• ^{CATFISH TEXT LINE: 747-200-5740 to submit content. Please no late night ‘WYD?’ or OnlyFans.}

EATS

HEADLINES

• 🍟 COLLECTOR CUPS: McDonald's is serving up a dose of nostalgia with its new Collector's Meal, launching this Tuesday. Each meal comes with one of six collectible cups that celebrate beloved icons from the past, including Barbie, Beanie Babies, and classic McDonald's characters, designed to spark cherished memories of childhood favorites. To elevate the experience, McDonald's will host exclusive events at Santa Monica Pier and Coney Island, where fans can enjoy limited-edition drinks and unlock free rides.

• 🍔 SHAKE SHACK: Shake Shack is set to make waves in California with its first-ever drive-thru opening next Thursday in Torrance. Nestled at 1875 W. 190th St., this sleek standalone spot features dual drive-thru lanes and digital menu boards, ensuring a speedy Shack experience. To celebrate the grand opening, the restaurant will host a food drive benefiting New Challenge Ministries, donating one dollar from every sandwich sold on opening day—perfect for satisfying cravings while giving back to the community.

OPENINGS

• 🍕 VENICE: Pizza Girl, the brainchild of Caroline D’Amore, will officially open its first brick-and-mortar location at Hotel Erwin in Venice Beach tomorrow. This vibrant spot invites pizza lovers to indulge in fresh slices or whole pies, dine in the cozy indoor area, or take home signature products like personal pizza grills and pasta sauces.

  • Website + Instagram

• 🍣 KOREATOWN: A vibrant new culinary gem is set to grace Koreatown with the opening of Norikaya next Thursday, helmed by renowned chef Akira Back and restaurateur Robert Kim. This izakaya and hand roll bar promises an innovative menu that marries Japanese flavors with local influences, featuring decadent temaki and creative small plates, all within a chic, intimate setting designed to elevate the dining experience for every budget. With its central location and commitment to community, Norikaya aims to be a welcoming spot for both casual diners and special occasions alike.

  • Instagram

• 🇮🇹 LOS FELIZ: Civico 2064 has arrived in Los Feliz, bringing a soulful taste of Calabria with a modern twist. Helmed by Italian brothers Dario and Pietro Gallo, this new spot on Hillhurst Avenue offers a delightful mix of traditional Southern Italian dishes and innovative vegan options, all set in a welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of a cozy family dinner. Their menu also features handmade pastas and a curated selection of organic wines.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

• 🍕 CULVER CITY: Tucked inside Culver City's Citizen Public Market, Benevento serves up a slice of Brooklyn with its irresistible sheet pan pies and more. This cozy spot is known for its standout pizzas, featuring toppings like roasted eggplant, fresh mozzarella, and spicy 'nduja sausage. Whether you're grabbing a slice or indulging in their chicken parm sandwich, Benevento offers a taste of the East Coast in a vibrant West Coast setting.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

🔼 Back To Top of Newsletter

EVENTS

TODAY

• 🔥 BMO STADIUM: TONIGHT, 5:30PM: Foo Fighters, The Hives, Amyl and the Sniffers. The Everything Or Nothing At All Tour. Buy tickets online.

• 🎙️ HOLLYWOOD BOWL: TONIGHT, 6:00PM: Seal with Emily King. Live at Hollywood Bowl. Buy tickets online.

• 🎤 MALIBU: TONIGHT, 6PM: Cielo Farms Comedy Night. Use code FREE99 for free tickets while supplies last. Buy tickets online.

• 🤠 KIA FORUM: TONIGHT, 7PM: Luke Bryan: Mind of a Country Boy Tour 2024. Buy tickets online.

• 🎷 THE OBSERVATORY: TONIGHT, 7PM: Five Iron Frenzy. Live at The Observatory in Santa Ana. Buy tickets online.

• 🎤 HOLLYWOOD IMPROV: TONIGHT, 8PM: Tonight at the Improv ft: Jeremy Piven, Donnell Rawlings, Melissa Villasenor, Brian Monarch, Leah Knauer, and more TBA! Buy tickets online.

• 🎤 UPRIGHT CITIZENS BRIGADE: TONIGHT, 7PM: Baby Wants Candy: Musical Improv, Live and Livestreamed! Baby Wants Candy is a crticially acclaimed comedy ensemble with casts in Chicago, LA, NY and an international touring company. Buy tickets online.

SATURDAY

• 🎸 KIA FORUM: TOMORROW, 7PM: Alanis Morissette - The Triple Moon Tour. Live at Kia Forum. Buy tickets online.

• 🎤 ORPHEUM THEATRE: TOMORROW, 7PM: An Unfunny Evening with Tim Minchin and His Piano. Buy tickets online.

• 🔥 THE VIRGIL: TOMORROW, 7:30PM: CRINGE! Hosted by Ben Avery & Conner McNutt. Buy tickets online. Low ticket warning.

• 🍺 LAWLESS BREWING: TOMORROW, 7:30PM: Laugh City: NoHo’s Comedy & Beer Show. Buy tickets online, early bird discount.

• 🎛️ THE BELLWETHER: TOMORROW, 8PM: Darius. Live at The Bellwether. Buy tickets online.

• 🎤 FLAPPERS BURBANK: TOMORROW, 7:30PM: Burbank Comedy Festival Grand Opening with Jay Leno. Buy tickets online.

• 🥁 HOLLYWOOD BOWL: TOMORROW, 8PM + SUNDAY 7PM: Khruangbin, YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles), Derrick Hodge (Conductor) + Unknown Mortal Orchestra. Live at Hollywood Bowl. Buy tickets online.

• 🎸 THE UNITED THEATER TOMORROW, 8PM: Ben Howard with Lael Neale. Buy tickets online.

• 🔥 UPRIGHT CITIZENS BRIGADE: TOMORROW, 8:30PM: ASSSSCAT! UCB’s signature improv juggernaut. Previous monologists include: Will Ferrell, Mark Hamill, Tina Fey, Charles Barkley, Don Cheadle, Elizabeth Banks, Aubrey Plaza, Kumail Nanjiani, Amy Poehler, Robin Wililams and more! Buy tickets online.

• 🔥 THE REGENT THEATER: TOMORROW, 10PM: Not Like Us (21+). Celebrate West Coast vibes by taking a victory lap with Not Like Us: a Kendrick Lamar inspired night filled with the best west coast hip-hop and rap hits, including tunes from the one and only K. Dot & more! Reserve online for free tickets. 💸 🙈 

SUNDAY

• 🎞️ SUPER TROOPERS: SUNDAY, 5PM + 8PM: Cannabis & Movie Club: DTLA presents two showings of Super Troopers at The Beverly Room. Snacks + multiple cannabis sponsors will be on-hand for both showings throughout the night. Buy tickets online.

• 🔥 HOLLYWOOD IMPROV: SUNDAY, 9:15PM: Late For Work Ft: Craig Robinson, Tim Dillon, Katherine Blanford, Jason Cheny, Nigel Ng, Natasha Collier, Mateen Stewart & more TBA! Buy tickets online.

MONDAY

• 🎤 DYNASTY TYPEWRITER: MONDAY, 7:30PM: Eliot Glazer: Songs in the Key of LOLOL. Buy tickets online.

• 🎤 THE COMEDY STORE: MONDAY, 8PM: Secret Headliner Show at The Comedy Store - Belly Room. It could be anyone. Buy tickets online.

🔼 Back To Top of Newsletter

ACTIVITIES

• 🎸 WATTS SUMMER FESTIVAL: TOMORROW + SUNDAY: Ted Watkins Park is set for the return of the iconic Watts Summer Festival, a vibrant celebration of Black culture and community spirit this weekend. With the theme "Watts Up?!!!," the festival features a dynamic Poetry Jam, live performances, and the Super Hero Art Competition for youth, all while honoring local heroes through special awards. Immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of stories, art, and connection that continues to uplift and inspire the heart of Watts.

• 🥇 WATCH PARTIES: The Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks in partnership with PlayLA will host three viewing parties, with the first stating today at 10:00am, while offering sports activities for youth:

  • Today from 10:00am - 1:00pm: Venice Beach Recreation Center, live stream men’s soccer, women’s volleyball and break dancing.

  • Tomorrow from 10:00am - 1:00pm: Hansen Dam Aquatic Center, live stream athletics, swim and break dancing.

  • Sunday, September 8th from 10:00am - 1:00pm: Lake View Terrace Recreation Center, live stream the Paralympic Games’ blind soccer, para athletics, para judo, para swimming, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair tennis.

• 🛼 SANTA MONICA: SATURDAY - OCTOBER 14TH: The City of Santa Monica is debuting its very first outdoor roller skating rink at 1324 5th Street, transforming the space previously occupied by Ice at Santa Monica into a vibrant hub of fun and nostalgia. Open from Saturday through October 14th, skaters of all ages can glide under the sun, enjoy themed skate nights, and even take lessons from the LA Skate Hunnies, all while celebrating the community's rich skating culture. Don’t miss this chance to experience the joy of roller skating in the heart of Santa Monica!

• 🐶 SANTA MONICA: SUNDAY, 12PM - 3PM: Join the ultimate pup bash this Sunday from 12:00pm to 3:00pm at Santa Monica Brew Works, where furry friends and fun collide! In collaboration with Hot Dog on a Stick and HIT Living Dog Rescue, this event promises delicious treats, adoptable dogs, and a chance to support animal welfare, with a portion of sales going to help rescue efforts. Don’t miss out on exclusive giveaways and the opportunity to make a difference for our four-legged companions.

• 🍿 PASADENA: TONIGHT 7PM + AUGUST 23RD: Experience the magic of cinema under the stars at Playhouse Village Park with Movies in the Park, featuring iconic films from 1999. Join the community for a nostalgic evening with 10 Things I Hate About You tonight at 8:00pm with the lawn opening at 7:00pm and The Sixth Sense on Friday, August 23rd, same time. Both showings are complete with free popcorn, fun activities, and the chance to win movie-themed prizes. Arrive early to snag a great spot on the lawn and enjoy a night of laughter and thrills as the films roll at sunset!

• 🛍️ BEVERLY HILLS: NOW - SUNDAY: A reminder that the second annual Rodeo Drive Celebrates Fashion is taking place now - Sunday. Many retail stores and boutiques are celebrating with specials and events, all along Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.

• 🏰 HUNTINGTON BEACH: NOW - SUNDAY: Future Motion is making waves at the Lexus US Open of Surfing with the debut of the world's first rideable sandcastle, a stunning 60x40-foot attraction that invites thrill-seekers to carve through a sandy paradise. This immersive experience features undulating paths, sand berms, and towering minarets, allowing fans to shred the beach on Onewheel boards while celebrating the spirit of surfing. The event is ongoing until this Sunday where attendees can enjoy this whimsical fusion of art and sport right on Huntington Beach.

  • View Event Guide | 💌 

• 🛹 VENICE: AUGUST 15TH: We Are Venice invites you to Jay Day, a heartfelt tribute to skateboarding legend Jay Adams next Thursday, August 15th, at The Waterfront, marking ten years since his passing. Celebrated for his revolutionary freestyle style as a member of the iconic Z-Boys, Adams transformed skateboarding into a vibrant culture, and this event will showcase his legacy through videos, personal stories, and community engagement, bringing together fans and friends who honor his enduring impact on the sport.

• 🎾 PASADENA: NEXT THURSDAY: Join the celebration at the grand opening of the Viña Vieja Park Pickleball Courts next Thursday at 9:00am. Located at 3026 E. Orange Grove Blvd, this event will feature refreshments, remarks from local dignitaries, and exciting demonstrations by USA Pickleball Ambassadors. The new facility boasts three adaptive courts and enhanced amenities, making it a welcoming space for all pickleball enthusiasts!

🔼 Back To Top of Newsletter

COMMUNITY

• 🛫 LAX PEOPLE MOVER: LAX's Automated People Mover project is set to receive an additional $400m, raising its total cost to $3.34bn, in a bid to resolve legal claims and finalize its completion date. The Los Angeles City Council's Trade, Travel, and Tourism Committee approved the funding to address disputes with the contractor, LINXS, over compensation and production delays. The project, part of a larger $30bn airport modernization effort, aims to be operational by January 2026, just in time for major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics, promising to significantly reduce traffic congestion at LAX.

• 🏥 SOUTH LA: In a landmark moment for healthcare education, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in South Los Angeles has been awarded a transformative $75m gift from Bloomberg Philanthropies as part of their Greenwood Initiative. This historic donation, the largest in the university's history, aims to empower future generations of Black doctors by enhancing the university's capacity to educate and support diverse healthcare professionals dedicated to serving underserved communities.

🔼 Back To Top of Newsletter

DEVELOPMENT

• 🚁 AIR TAXI: Archer Aviation is taking to the skies with plans to launch its electric air taxi service in 2026, just in time for the World Cup. Imagine zipping from LAX to SoFi Stadium or USC without the usual traffic headaches, all while enjoying a quieter ride thanks to their innovative multi-propeller aircraft.Archer is teaming up with local partners to make this vision a reality, utilizing underused spots like helipads at USC and existing airport infrastructure. With routes that promise to connect Santa Monica, Long Beach, and beyond, this air taxi service could change the way Angelenos travel, making it faster and more convenient to get around the city.

• 🏥  NEWPORT BEACH: USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center is set to elevate cancer care in Orange County with its new Newport Beach location, opening in early 2025. Situated at 4590 MacArthur Blvd., this state-of-the-art facility will introduce cutting-edge radiation therapy and diagnostic imaging technologies previously unavailable in the area, enhancing local access to world-class cancer treatments.

🔼 Back To Top of Newsletter

BUSINESS

• 🏳️‍🌈 WEST HOLLYWOOD: Green Qween, the trailblazing Queer cannabis dispensary, is making history with the opening of West Hollywood's first LGBTQ+ owned dispensary in the vibrant Rainbow District. This innovative venture is led by tech entrepreneur Tristan Schukraft, who has partnered with co-founders Andrés Rigal and Taylor Bazley to rebrand Zen Cannabis into Green Qween, promising a colorful and inclusive shopping experience for all cannabis enthusiasts. | 💌 

• 🐭 DISNEY: Disney's Q3 FY24 earnings surpassed analyst expectations, with the company's combined streaming businesses achieving profitability ahead of schedule. The entertainment giant reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.39 and revenue of $23.16bn, driven by strong performance in its entertainment unit, particularly streaming. Despite a slight slowdown in U.S. theme park demand, Disney remains optimistic about future growth, with CEO Bob Iger expressing confidence in the company's streaming business and upcoming content slate.

🔼 Back To Top of Newsletter

ENTERTAINMENT

• 🎬️ SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE: In a thrilling countdown to chaos, Saturday Night takes viewers behind the scenes of the iconic first night of Saturday Night Live, revealing the tumultuous moments leading up to its groundbreaking premiere on October 11th, 1975. Directed by Jason Reitman, this biographical comedy-thriller showcases a young ensemble cast, including Gabriel LaBelle as Lorne Michaels, as they navigate the pressures of live television and the revolutionary spirit of a show that changed comedy forever. With humor and heart, the film captures the essence of a cultural moment that almost didn’t happen, arriving in theaters exactly 49 years after the original broadcast. Watch trailer above via YouTube.

• ⚾️ ROKU: Roku is set to redefine the sports streaming landscape with the launch of its free, ad-supported 24/7 sports channel this upcoming Monday. The new venture will feature a dynamic lineup including live Major League Baseball games, The Rich Eisen Show, and exclusive sports-themed Roku Originals produced in collaboration with major professional leagues.

🔼 Back To Top of Newsletter

SPORTS

• 🏈 MY FAVORITE TIME OF THE YEAR: Get ready for an electrifying weekend of NFL preseason action in Inglewood this weekend. And oh, how football marks the taste of my favorite season in that of Fall. On Saturday, at 4:05pm, the Seattle Seahawks will clash with the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, marking the start of an exciting season for both teams. Then, on Sunday, at 1:30pm, the Dallas Cowboys will take on the Los Angeles Rams, promising another thrilling matchup for all of us here in LA. Tune in on NFL+ to catch all the preseason excitement as these teams gear up for the regular season.

• 🇺🇸 JORDAN CHILES: After dazzling the world with her Olympic triumphs in Paris, Jordan Chiles is set to return to UCLA for the 2025 gymnastics season, bringing her gold and bronze medals back to Westwood. Coach Janelle McDonald expressed excitement over Chiles' return, highlighting her as not just a top-tier gymnast but also a vibrant ambassador for NCAA gymnastics.

• 🧢 DUSTY BAKER: Dusty Baker, celebrated for his impactful eight seasons with the Dodgers, will be inducted into the Legends of Dodger Baseball tonight before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The honor recognizes Baker's pivotal role in leading the team to three National League pennants and a World Series title in 1981, a journey that he reflects on with a mix of pride and surprise as a lifelong fan of the franchise. As part of the festivities, the first 40,000 fans will receive a commemorative Baker bobblehead.

• ⚾️ ANGELS 9, YANKEES 4: The Angels powered through rainy conditions to secure a 9-4 victory over the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium last night. Jo Adell's bases-clearing double highlighted a six-run fifth inning, while Tyler Anderson showcased his prowess on the mound by retiring Aaron Judge three times in six solid innings. The Angels will now prepare for their next series in Washington with the first game in the series taking place this after at 3:45pm local.

• 🧢 PHILLIES 9, DODGERS 4: Kyle Schwarber powered the Philadelphia Phillies to a 9-4 victory over the Dodgers, hitting three home runs and driving in seven runs. This loss marks a pivotal moment for the Dodgers, as their lead in the NL West shrinks to just three games over a resurgent Arizona team. With tensions flaring, including an ejection of Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, the game held fierce competition between the National League's elite teams as the postseason approaches. The Dodgers play at home tonight against the Pittsburgh Pirates at 7:10pm where LA will celebrate Dusty Baker.

🔼 Back To Top of Newsletter

UNTIL TUESDAY, LA!

🤙 How I picture every person reading this right now
that soaks up good vibes.

🔼 Back To Top of Newsletter