It's Almost 2009! Happy Happy!

I can't believe that we're already at the end of 2008. It just seems like yesterday that I was a little kid, hanging at the Hum Dinger with my dad, sharing a swirl soft serve. 2009!? It sounds so far in the future -- and then I realize that it's just about to start. We're in the future - we ARE the future. Oh boy so heavy...and so exciting!

Of course, the holidays are always a lovely time of year - mixed with emotions, stress, family and friends. Sometimes all the emotions and stress come from family and friends! LOL. But seriously, I spent some quality time with my family and really was reminded how much love I have in my life. I am thankful for my parents (married 45 years in Feb!) and my 3 other brothers (12, 10 and 7 years older than me!) who all played a huge part in who I am today...and what type of parent, wife and friend I will be tomorrow.

I saw this commercial the other day and am so glad it's been posted up on YouTube. Coming from a home where my dad was present and an influential part of my life, I find great truth in this 30 second spot. Let's go into the new year remembering positive intent. Be the good neighbor. Treat others as you would like to be treated. Times have been pretty rough and I think if we all just get back to our basics, things can possibly become a little better. If anything, try to get through your day with a smile on your face - they're contagious! Happy 2009!!!

Broader Than Broadway - See YOU There!!

Hello Friends! This week I'll be doing a fun DJ/Singjay set at Broadway Bar for BROADER THAN BROADWAY! The musical theme this week swings it back to Vintage Reggae/Future Soul. Reggae Roger Rivas, organ player for the Aggrolites is back in town from a European Tour. For the other parts, Yours Truly will be working a DJ set as well as a Singjay set exploring soul from roots to future (we're talking from Stevie Wonder to D'angelo...and Anne Montone). Let's get our dance on! Thanks HM Selecta for including me in this fun fun night!!!

This Thursday (12-18-08), the final Broader Than Broadway until NYE!!!

featuring guest DJs:





Reggae Rog (Aggrolites)





Anne Montone (Pushy)





HM Selecta (HmSound, Pomme Pilot)

Featuring the classic. . .
Vintage Reggae!
Future Soul!


Free!! each and every Thursday!
$3 stellas & $3 well shots all night!


Broadway Bar
830 S.
Broadway Blvd (between 8th and 9th)
Downtown LA


myspace. com/hmselecta

spread de word s'il vous please

Early Holidays and Laryngitis

It's kind of fun being snowed in! I've spent the last 5 or so days up in Portland visiting my family and while the weather reports threatened snow...I just didn't believe it. Until I got a phone call from my brother Paul on Sunday morning telling me to look outside! Snow!! It really happened! If only I could enjoy it. I've seriously been suffering from laryngitis since Friday...and I'm sure going to see Vampire Weekend and hanging out with the guys at a smokey bar didn't help. HA! But when you're with family, what are you supposed to do!? Fortunately I was able to visit with my grandmother before the voice left me...but I hope hope hope that the vocals are back by Thursday as I'm supposed to be singing at the Broadway Bar! I guess my body will let me know what the plan will be. My parents swear by gargling with warm salt water...so you can believe I've been all about it. Tomorrow is the last day in Portland and I think the snow isn't expected back until Wednesday...I really am glad that I've been able to have as much family time as I did. Movies, popcorn, wine, Scrabble, and lots of laughs. Yah!

Soup's ON!

So I was in the mood for some homemade soup and I had a bunch of carrots in the fridge. I did me some looking through my books and found a perfect recipe in the Moosewood Cookbook. I had to do a bit of variation based on what I had in my kitchen...and boy was it delish!!! Read below for the easy instructions.

Inspired by Moosewood Cookbook (copywrite 1977, 1992 by Mollie Katzen)

Homemade Croutons

Sauté cubed bread (whole wheat, sourdough, rye, etc) in butter, chopped garlic and your choice of seasonings for about 10 minutes. Then move the bread to a baking sheet to toast in oven for about 20 minutes at about 300degrees until crisp. Keep an eye on them though – they can burn fast!

Herbed Carrot Soup

This soup can be vegan. Just replace oil for butter and use vegetable stock instead of water.

1 lb carrots
3 small red potatoes
4 stalks of celery
4 cups water (or favorite broth/stock)
1 Tbs butter or oil
1 cup chopped onions
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 medium cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 tsp oregano
3 tsp frozen basil
1 Tbs lemon juice (or to taste)

1) Peel and chop the carrots and potatoes, chop the celery, and place them in a medium-large saucepan with the water (or broth). Bring to a boil, cover and simmer until the veggies are tender (about 15 minutes).

2) Meanwhile, heat oil in a small skillet. Add onions and salt – sauté over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Add garlic and herbs, sauté for about 5 minutes more. Add lemon juice.

3) Combine everything together in a blender or food processor and puree for a few minutes. Pour back into medium-large pot and simmer for about 15 minutes. Serve hot, topped with those homemade croutons!!

YUM!!! ENJOY!!!

Video Killed The Radio Star...

Here is some classic ELEPHONIC video from a few years ago...If you're not familiar, I was the lead singer of this trip-hop trio...Super fun times and my introduction to all this crazy music biz stuff! Enjoy!

If you can do it, do it!

hello! the holidaze are almost here! yikes! to help you out with some fabulous deals, i wanted to let you know about a massive holiday sale my lovely friend Lizz helped put together for this weekend! you can shop over 25 brands and big discounts: up to 80% brands/lines/stores like:

rojas
blood is the new black
dean
popomomo
green with glamour
poketo
soolip
generic man

and many more: women's contemporary clothing, men's shoes, artist tees, jewelry, paper goods, home goods, cute gifts, records, beauty products, etc.

they'll be having a dj, an open bar, a 'men's room' and the green truck for snacks...
should be fun!

recessionista holiday sale
2900 rowena (silverlake) 90039
12-8pm

please come, bring friends, and spread the word:)

below is recent press they've gotten, plus a flyer with info and participating lines.

http://theguide.latimes.com/events-and-festivals/recessionista-holiday-sale-event

http://losangeles.metromix.com/style/fashion_accessories/recessionista-holiday-sale-silver-lake/808195/content

http://www.thrillist.com/los-angeles/2008/12/03/list

http://la.myopenbar.com/index.php?section=trackback&id=5417

Ladies Lotto Third Annual Benefit all proceeds benefit charity:water

Cocktail Reception & Silent Auction Los Angeles Date: Wednesday, December 3rd Time: 7-10pm Featuring Liza Richardson (89.9 KCRW), DJ Lady Sha (Lioness), Ana Calderon (Dim Mak) & DJ Valida and performance by Anne Montone Location: Royal T Cafe 8910 Washington Blvd RSVP: rsvpla@ladieslotto.com Tickets & More: http://www.ladieslotto.com/charitywater Supported by Her Energy, Fiji Water, Black Swan Wines, Korbel Champagne, Hope Wines Live Auction featuring Pop Artist Todd Goldman, TOMS Shoes, Insight, XBOX, Claw Money, Scosha, A Peace Treaty, Glowlab, 80%20 Shoes, Hope Wines, Serengeti Teas, Apple and many more. FACTS about the crisis in Ethiopia: There are more people in Ethiopia without clean water than any other country in Africa. There are 70+ million people living in the country, and 75% of the population lacks access to safe, clean drinking water. Only one in every four people in Ethiopia have access to clean water while just 13 percent have access to basic sanitation. Collecting water is a back-breaking chore. Many women walk up to 3 hours, carrying 40-pound jerry cans filled with polluted water that is likely to make them sick. Many girls never get an opportunity to go to school because the responsibility of collecting water takes precedence. These facts were taken from charity: water's website, please see for yourself. http://www.charitywater.org/birthdays/ethiopia.htm We hope you can join us for our upcoming benefits. We know every little bit counts, that's why we have come together as a community to add individual "drops in the bucket" that will overflow for those in need. A donation for admission can help change the lives of many for years to come.