Poseidon - Pints with a Purpose

Hello Everyone, 

We are huge animal lovers, as well as pet adoption and rescue advocates, so when we heard that one of our favorite local breweries was offering a promotional evening, where a portion of the proceeds would be donated to benefit a local animal rescue, we had to jump on it.

Poseidon Brewing Company, is a delicious local brewery with a tasting room that is open to the public. It is hidden in an industrial area on the East Side of Ventura between the Auto Mall and the Olivas Golf Course. They have become an important local company that likes to give back to the community. Every Wednesday they host an event called “Pints with a Purpose” in which a portion of their proceeds from 4pm to 9 pm are donated to a local charity. You can contribute to these donations just by purchasing your favorite beers on Wednesday evenings. This month’s beneficiary organization is, Paw Works Animal Rescue. They are a local nonprofit animal rescue center located in Thousand Oaks, California.

We attended Pints with a Purpose last Wednesday night, sampled some beers, and had a great time. Here is what we had to say...

Crab’s Corner

By Pete Belleville

This was my first visit to Poseidon, which I heard was open for about a year. Tucked away in a business park near Olivas Park, a bit hard to find, but it is located next to West Coast Strength and Conditioning. The address is on Olivas Park Drive but the entrance is on Bunsen Avenue. The tasting room is small but set up well. The seating includes a very comfortable looking couch area, a few tables, and a bar. The theme is wood and more wood with a nautical slant; after all, Poseidon is the mythical Greek God of the Sea. Our service was pretty quick and cheerful, the floors were clean, and the tasting room is bright. There are large mirrors and nautical charts on the walls which reinforce the nautical theme. The music wasn’t too loud and the selection seemed to include a few disco, dance numbers odd for a micro-brewery in 2016.

The menu of the current beers was hard to read, even with my glasses the descriptions of the beers, the font was too small. There is plenty of room to enlarge the type or simply have a two-sided beer menu. There is no food provided, food trucks do stop by, but not on my visit.

The small crowd consisted of the usual suspects in a bar, err ‘tasting room’, the regulars sitting at the bar, a couple of bearded hipsters waiting for growlers to be filled, and a few golfers. Located near the Olivas Park golf course, it is a logical place to grab a post 18-hole beer or two. After arriving, (myself and 3 lovely and knowledgeable young women) we first ordered a taster of 6 different beers before ordering our own individual pints. The sampler beers were tasty and cold, a rarity from microbreweries. Since this was my first experience at Poseidon, I deferred to my friends as we sampled 6 of their offerings.

Poseidon offers nitrogen narcosis beer or ‘nitro beer’, think of it as a Guinness style pour. The beers are creamier, a bit more luxurious than your typical bubbly pint. I had the Kelp Grizzly Black Ale, what a surprise! I won’t repeat the %, ABV, or IBU’s look it up on the website but it is a heavy hitter, full bodied and exceptional texture. There was a slight whiskey smell with a chocolate, coffee, and spice roast flavors. This is not a full mouth drink at all, a sip here, a sip there.

Next, I had a half pint of the Gold Coast Belgian Gold Strong. This was lighter, (not a nitro pour) very complex flavors, fruits and spices. This was a little too light after the Black Ale. It felt like a first beer, not a last beer.

I will return and try other beers in their lineup and on Wednesdays because a portion of sales from 4-9 PM on Wednesdays in January will go to Paw Works Animal Rescue in Ventura County.

Archer’s Arrow

By Lori Ortega

Oh Poseidon, how I love thee... The place is small and located in a business area so it’s very easy to pass by without noticing. Its discreet business front doesn’t have flashy signs nor are there people lingering outside, it’s basically a hidden gem. I feel like I know a secret place, that’s not so secret, in Ventura where I can sample tasty new brews. I’m not a hardcore beer coinsurer, but I do like fun new flavors which Poseidon offers a plenty. I have only been there a hand full of times and totally forget how quiet it is inside until the place fills up with people and conversation. If you’re the only one in there you can literally hear a needle drop. They do play music, but it’s usually at a low decibel and appeals to your pop music senses. The place just offers a very chill and relaxing vibe that is palatable for everyone.

The tasting room has a bar area with stools, tables with chairs and a couch area. Is pretty easy to find a comfy spot somewhere inside. The staff there is also very friendly, helpful and all seem to really enjoy their jobs. They know their stuff! I had really hoped to indulge in a delicious Dirty Diver but unfortunately it was not offered that day, so instead I tried some new stuff. The two beers that stood out the most to me were the Kelp Grizzly Black Ale and the Gold Coast Belgian Golden Strong; two very different beers!

The Kelp Grizzly Black Ale was released on December 01, 2015. It is a dark beer with chocolate notes and black malts. It honestly tasted like an iced mocha spiked with a shot of whisky; it was delicious!! But it is more of a beer that you would sip on for flavor, not something I personally could drink more than one glass of. It was thick, rich, a pinch heavy and also yielded an 8.2% ABV; more than one would mess me up! I will definitely return for another icy cold Kelp Grizzly.

The second beer that I enjoyed that night was the Gold Coast Belgian Golden Strong; the name is far too long! It seriously needs to be condensed somehow. This beer was released on November 24, 2015. It is a Belgian Golden Strong Ale with 7.2% ABV. The description says that it has, “Hints of cloves, star anise, cinnamon, nutmeg, persimmons and apricots...” To me it was a dry, slightly bitter beer. I mean, anything would have tasted bitter after that chocolate whisky dessert that I had just enjoyed. It was dry but intriguing... I kept getting this slight apricot nutmeg punch in the back of my tongue after every sip, it was interesting so I just kept drinking it. This beer might be a little too dry and hoppy for my liking but it was served icy cold which made it very easy to drink down.

Confused by all the samples, we needed to clarify our thoughts so Kim and I ended up back at Poseidon a few days later. That’s when I discovered that I also really liked the Heavy Cs IPA with nitrogen. It’s normally a very piney, American East Coast IPA with 7.0% ABV. To me the dark cherry and cranberry flavors bring out something sort of tart or extra bitter, but the nitrogen made the beer super creamy and softened up those otherwise sour notes. I really enjoyed the Heavy Cs with nitrogen. I usually steer clear from anything too hoppy but this was delicious. I would drink that again for sure.

I would definitely recommend checking out Poseidon. I wish that they did offer food only because I can image that it would also be carefully selected to pair perfectly with their brews, but all in all it’s a damn good spot. 

Twin Talk

By Kimberly Ova

I have to confess, I had had a pretty stressful day at work on the evening that we all decided to meet up, so by the time I actually got to Poseidon, I was in dire need of a drink and quite frankly, I didn’t care what it tasted like! As a result of this, I didn’t take any notes that night and just proceeded to get nice and tipsy, attempted to catch the attention of some cuties that came in that never even looked our way (clearly, they were gay), and tried to invite myself to a wedding that one of the bartenders was officiating that weekend (whom clearly must also be gay as he didn’t take me up on my offer to be his date). Because I failed miserably at taking notes that night, Lori and I decided to go back there Sunday afternoon. Here is my review of all ten beers that were on tap at Poseidon that day:

Round One

1. Battleship Blonde Ale – Slightly hoppy, light, with a hint of sweetness 

2. Gold Coast Belgian Golden Strong – or as Michelle likes to call it “The GCBG” – Light, but can definitely taste the clove and apricot 

3. Ironclad Irish Red – Malty, caramel-y, roasted something flavor

*Feeling a little warm and fuzzy*

4. Perfusion Pale Ale – Hoppy and fruity

5. Heavy C’s IPA – Hoppy with a hint of tartness that I’m assuming is from the nectarine and/or cranberries

6. Nitro Heavy C’s IPA – Creamier and less tart. Definitely prefer the nitro version better

7. Bowline Belgian IPA – Lighter IPA than I’m used to, has a slight fruity flavor

8. Decompression Double IPA – A little bitter with a definite pine flavor

*Things are heating up*

9. Chocolate Starfish Stout – OMG, smells AMAZING! Tastes even better! Like a delicious dark chocolate mocha. 

10. Kelp Grizzly Black Ale – Delicious! Reminds me of an iced coffee

Round Two

1. Battleship Blonde Ale – Can easily drink this on the daily! Tastes even better the second time around
2. “The GCBG” – Still tastes as good as the first round 

*Pretty fucking buzzed at this point*

3. Ironclad Irish Red – Smoother, yummier, can drink this every day of my life!
4. Perfusion Pale Ale – Too bitter 

*Definitely almost drunk* 

5. Heavy C’s IPA – Too bitter

*Where are the food trucks? Aren’t there supposed to be food trucks?*

6. Nitro Heavy C’s IPA – Less bitter than the previous one. Def better

*Trying to make friends with the people sharing the couch with us. Pablo, if that’s even his real name, says his favorite is the Nitro Heavy C’s. He’s also a Dodger fan. High five!*

*Drunk*

7. Bowline Belgian IPA – better now

8. Decompression Double IPA - ?? Don’t remember

9. Chocolate Starfish Stout – Still amazing

*Still looking for the food trucks*

10. Kelp Grizzly Black Ale – Smells like whiskey! Tastes like whiskey too! I believe this is my new favorite! 

*Selfie time!*

Round Three

1. I think this is the Battleship Blonde? Tastes like watta
2. I have no idea what this is 

3. I give up

*Time to go get sushi!*

Clearly, I had a great time both times I was there. I highly recommend this brewery. The ambiance is great, the beer is great, the people are great. We even met some cute puppies! I'm sure I'll be stopping by there on Wednesday nights more often to help support the non-profits Pints with a Purpose will be featuring in the future.  

For more information on both Poseidon Brewing Company and Paw Works Animal Rescue, please check out the information below:

Poseidon Brewing Company
5777 Olivas Park Drive, Unit Q
Ventura, CA 93003
Phone: 805.477.0239
http://www.poseidonbrewingco.com/

Their tasting room hours are:
* Monday: Closed
* Tuesday to Thursday: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
* Friday: 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
* Saturday: 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
* Sunday: 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Paw Works
180 W. Hillcrest Dr. #9

Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Phone: 805-852-1744
http://pawworks.org/

Fun and Free - So Cal Museums Offering FREE Admission January 30th!

Hello Everyone,

We hope that 2016 is treating everyone well. December flew by and now January seems to be flying by just as fast. Today we wanted to share some interesting information with you about local museums. It looks like quite a few Southern California museums will offer free admission on Saturday January, 30^th. It might be a great time to check out some of the places that you’ve been wanting to visit. Below is a list of Museums that will be participating in free admission on the 30^th unless otherwise noted.

We can tell you honestly that walking around the MOCA Museum is a great way to spend the day. The Japanese American Museum also has some really cool exhibitions, and the Natural History Museum is a great place to take the whole family. Descanso Gardens is also beautiful and a great place to take photos. Please take advantage of this great opportunity to see something cool.

Participating Venues:

Annenberg Space for Photography

Armory Center for the Arts

Autry Museum of the American West

The Broad

California African American Museum

California Science Center

Craft & Folk Art Museum

Descanso Gardens

Fowler Museum at UCLA

Getty Center and Villa (Timed tickets required for Getty Villa)

Hammer Museum

Japanese American Museum

Laguna Art Museum

La Plaza de Cultura y Artes

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (MOCA)

Museum of Latin American Art

Museum of Tolerance (Jan. 31)

Natural History Museum

Orange County Museum of Art

The Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits

The Paley Center for Media

Pasadena Museum of California Art

Santa Barbara Museum of Art

Skirball Cultural Center (Jan. 31)

Sunnylands

USC Pacific Asia Museum

William S. Hart Museum

Zimmer Children’s Museum (Jan. 31)

#KiLo

Merry Christmas Eve

Hello,

We would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas during this Holiday Season. We are excited to spend time with our loved ones and to enjoy a nice long extended weekend at home and away from work. We hope that everyone is doing well, is in good health, and gets lots of love this Christmas. Today we would like to share a story from our friend Daniel Torres about one of the greatest gifts that he received just a few years ago... 

Scorpio Spotlight 

By Daniel Torres 

The Christmas season will always be special to me for a number of reasons. There is the music and being able to walk through neighborhoods where people may have been closed off before but are now inviting families to come and see the lights and decorations. The multitude of trees brightly lit nearly everywhere you go and the abundance of cookies and pies and coffee all around. Among those reasons is the birth of my son. My wife and I had already experienced the excitement of waiting for the moment we’d get to meet our daughter for the first time just over a year ago in September of 2010, and yet in 2011 we found ourselves in the same situation; restless because our son was due in the first couple weeks of 2012. 

When her water broke in the early hours of Christmas Eve it was pretty unexpected to us. Our daughter somehow knew as she had just woken us. After checking on her and returning to bed, my wife took a late night restroom break and in that moment my son decided he was ready. When she came out of the restroom, she told me her water broke. I immediately jumped out of bed thinking we were going to be rushing out and grabbed the phone to call and have a sitter for our daughter. Nope. First my wife needed a shower. And to pick an outfit. Then do her hair and makeup. Because she was not going to the hospital without getting ready. So after what felt like eternity, we made it to the hospital and got checked in and all that madness. 

When the nurse arrived to draw her blood, we were pleasantly surprised to see a cousin of mine. After the initial hellos and handshakes, he strangely asked what we were doing at the hospital, as if it weren’t obvious. We pointed out that the baby in her stomach was ready to come out and he was doing the preliminary blood draw. Strange. In any case, fast forward a few hours after the screams and shrieks to Christmas eve morning and I’m holding my second born as the nurses are cleaning and giving him the once over, you know, to make sure he’s working properly. Staring down at him lying there in the little bed under the heat lamp; watching him make all the movements I had felt for months through my wife’s belly and counting his fingers and toes and not being able to look away because I learned the newborn moments are gone all too quickly. Christmas had indeed come early and he was perfect. 

We spent the next couple days holed up in the hospital and watched every Christmas movie ever made, twice. We wound up bringing our daughter to the hospital along with the gifts so that she could meet her new brother, who she instantly loved, and open her presents. This was not the way we had planned to spend Christmas, but I would never trade it for anything. Oh how time flies. Here we are four years later and I’m wondering how we got here in the first place. I don’t remember every detail, but seeing the growth and watching all of these phases and milestones in my children’s lives is the greatest gift I could ask for. 

 

Happy Birthday Holden!!

We would also like to wish a Happy Birthday to our friends William Bowen 

 And Happy Birthday to Tim Bronley as well. 

Merry Christmas Everyone. 

#Kilo

In A Galaxy Far, Far Away....

As most of you may know, the long awaited, highly anticipated, already sold out, and most recent installment of the Star Wars films is scheduled to premiere Thursday December 17^th, with an official box office release on Friday, December 18^th. Sure to break sales records, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, will blow viewer’s minds, and satisfy every fan’s much needed film fix. Under the new direction of J.J Abrams and funded by a hefty Disney budget, this film is sure to be the only thing people will talk about for weeks!! In today’s post we would like to talk about our own experiences with Star Wars; what it means to us and how excited we are for the upcoming film.

And since our dear friend Pete has become a more regular contributor, we have decided to give him his own section based on his astrological sign, Cancer. Represented by a silly sideways walking crustacean, it’s only fitting that his section is to be called;

Crab’s Corner

By Pete Belleville

A long time ago in a galaxy far way…

The music jars you and what the hell, a movie with no opening credits, writing that floats in outer space. (There was no “Episode IV: A NEW HOPE” in the original release, it was added later, don’t get me started.) Watching the original in a real movie theater that opening weekend in May of 1977, is something few of us can say we did. I was in High School in 1977 and it wasn’t like today where everyone talks about movies online. There were television ads, but no You-Tube, email, texting or even cell phones, fuck that was, A long time ago…

I saw the movie with my Father on the Saturday of that first weekend it was released. My parents were divorced and my Dad picked me up for the weekend. We drove by a theater, (now replaced with a mini-mall) on Ventura Blvd in Woodland Hills; he asked if I wanted to see a movie, “your choice” he said. Star Wars it was. My Dad was born in 1930, served in the Navy after WWII and during Korea; Sci-Fi was not his choice of movies. “Star Wars? A space movie, are you sure,” he asked? “My choice” was my reply. In we went, I think we paid $3.50 for a ticket. I kept the stub for 15 or 20 years, so the cost sticks in my head today. 

I remember that my dad liked the movie because we talked about the movie afterwards. I marveled at the action, the special effects, the characters, and he liked the subtext, the true meaning of good versus evil and how one man can make a difference. Did we watch the same movie? We went for dinner and talked about the movie and his perceptions of the movie changed the way I looked at movies. When I went back to see the movie a second and third time, I looked past the stuff I saw the first time and fell in love with the “real” story. 

I saw myth and tradition mixed in with Japanese Kendo martial arts and the sacrificing of yourself for something larger. I saw how one person COULD make a difference. The force, the dark side of the force. Good versus evil, light versus dark. What is a Jedi? Fucking, badass LIGHT SABRES!! Luke, Leia, Obi-Wan, Han, Darth Vader who were these characters and where did they come from? I want more!

It was more than the story of a young moisture farmer from Tatooine. Suddenly, I saw themes of redemption, friendship and the everlasting boy meets girl, falls in love, she’s your SISTER? WTF? I believe if the Star Wars story was told in a contemporary setting or a recognizable era, the truths would be lost. Because it was told in a time and place that wasn’t real, (science fiction) the themes are hidden just below the surface of the story.

It was probably the last movie I ever saw with my Dad. After High School, I moved away and we argued over foolish things for years. Later we reconnected when he retired and thankfully, before he passed away. 

Today Star Wars is an experience I share with my nephew. He experienced the second 3 movies in a movie theater. He watched the revised original 3 on DVD and then in 2012, he and I went to see the 3-D release of the Phantom Menace, which by the way was terrible. We are going to see the movie this Friday to see the movie that remains with me nearly 40 years later and I will think of that May Saturday with my Dad.

The Archer’s Arrow

By Lori Ortega

To be honest I have spent more time watching Spaceballs as opposed to Star Wars. I have enjoyed laughing at Dark Helmet rather than fearing Darth Vader. I even dressed up as Princess Vespa for Halloween one year. I do vaguely remember trying to watch bits and pieces of the original 3 Star Wars films in college however I typically lost interest or fell asleep. I tried; I really tried to get into them. The one that sort of stuck with me the most was the one with the Ewoks; I can’t even really remember which one that was. Return of the Jedi maybe? I have always wanted to re-watch them but everyone that has promised to watch them with me has failed me.

For the most part I do like Star Wars for what it represents. It’s a huge pop culture phenomenon. I love Star Wars merchandise, I mean I’m even wearing a Star Wars band aide while I’m typing this. Storm Troopers just look cool and who doesn’t love Chewbacca; I especially love seeing dogs dressed up like him. I can honestly say that I especially love hearing about why this film series is so very important to other people. I like to hear the passion and excitement that is expressed when a true fan explains their favorite scene, character or whole movie. The way they light up while talking about it is pretty awesome.

This year however, Star Wars is ruining my birthday plans! The film will be shown limitedly on the 17^th, my actual birthday. And everyone I know has some sort of plans to see it over the weekend and therefore cannot commit to doing anything that I have tentatively planned to celebrate the anniversary of my birth. Although I know the release of this film is a huge deal to billions of people, it sort of bums me out that it’s such a birthday blocker. Oh well, maybe I’ll just take up one of the many offers that I’ve received to go see the damn thing. Maybe I will become a fan this weekend.

Scorpio Spotlight

By Daniel Torres

Standing on the precipice of what is widely expected to be one of the most profitable films ever made, possibly one of the grandest films JJ Abrams will helm, and perhaps most importantly, the film that will sway public opinion to believe there is a new hope for the franchise, I find myself less enthused than I suppose I ought to be. While more than a passing fan of film, Star Wars has never presented itself to be more than an operatic space adventure in the fight between right and wrong, good and evil, light and dark.

By the time I was born, the Jedi had already returned and all was right and balanced in the universe. Besides a scant of rentals, I had never immersed myself in the galactic empire, and I never felt an urge to do so. My first theater experiences with Star Wars came in the much criticized prequels. When they were happening, I never found anything to be awe inspiring nor did I find them to be the atrocities they were considered. There were other films coming out at around the same time I found to be much more interesting and arresting. It would not be until years later that I could appreciate these films for what they represent to me, and for what films can do for people all around the world.

Movies can be a difficult medium to levy a judgment. On one hand there are techniques in every aspect of the film making process that should and should not be used, rules that should and should not be followed. Some rules can be bent, others broken. On the other hand, you can throw the rulebook out and start from scratch. Movies are something that will find an audience for any kind of film maker.

Star Wars was not groundbreaking because it brought brand new original material to the mainstream. In the same year, there was already Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Eraserhead and the Spy Who Loved Me. Granted, all of these are different they do contain aspects of science fiction. Star Wars was perhaps just what was needed at the time. By that time there were ten James Bond films to choose from. David Lynch films, while engaging are not films that the average movie goer is looking for. Sometimes we just want to be entertained.

Historically, by the seventies, artificial genes were being created, neutron bombs were being funded, supercomputers were released and probes were launching to mars. Not only was science fiction on the screens, it was in our lives. Suddenly the thought of Flash Gordon seemed real, and John Carter is perhaps walking about us. The seventies saw Watergate and exploding women’s and environmental movements. Public frustration with political leaders was high, and personal freedom was the sole objective.

Star Wars provided a sort of remedy. Lucas gave us the reluctant heroes and anti-heroes. He showed us that women do not need to be portrayed as helpless. The idea of societies that accepted everyone as they were and could generally be civil. He somehow managed to bottle that lightning. Collecting a wide range of human sentiment of the time and used ideas and stories he loved, he gave us a retelling of what historically people have always done: rebel. There are countless examples all throughout history that show above all people will protect what is possibly the most important human right; to be free.

Although I may not consider the franchise to be among the best, it is a far cry from the worst. I have a great appreciation for the headway these films have made and look forward to a new era of galactic rebellion. And while the original trilogy coupled with the prequels leaves my taste at neutral, the Force Awakens just might sway my opinion and I can see these films, once again, in a new clearer light.

Twin Talk

By Kim Ova

My experience with Star Wars is very similar to Lori’s. I actually grew up watching Spaceballs. I have very fond childhood memories of myself, my brother and my cousin watching it, what seemed like almost every weekend (along with The Princess Bride). I don’t even think I realized it was a parody until many years later. I wasn’t really introduced to Star Wars until I inherited the DVD set from an ex some ten something years ago. I finally decided to take the time to watch them and was pleasantly surprised that I actually liked them. It also made Spaceballs make a lot more sense! Lol. Although I am more partial to the parody, I am looking forward to the release of The Force Awakens. Will I be rushing to the box office this weekend to see it? Probably not. I’m sure I’ll just end up waiting for its release at Redbox so that I can enjoy watching it in the comforts of my home, in my jammies, on the most comfortable couch in the galaxy ;)

A Fond Farewell to a Hollywood House Music Haven

Hello, 

Hope everyone is having an exciting and eventful December. We are deep in the holiday madness and as the year comes to an end, it is with great sadness that we also say goodbye to an important House Music venue; King King Hollywood. 

 

King King is small club in Hollywood, California located on the corner of Hollywood Blvd and Whitley Ave. It is a perfectly sized venue with ample space on the dance floor. The stage is also something that you can see from any vantage point in the room which makes the whole experience so much better; you can see artists perform right before your eyes. Although they host a mix of events they are probably best known for their house music shows. King King is an important staple in the house music community; accepting, authentic, and responsible for throwing some of the most unbelievable underground parties. 

 

We were very sad and disappointed to learn that they will be closing their doors at the end of January, 2016. There are still a few things planned and listed on their calendar of events including an Ugly Sweater Party featuring Colette and Tony Powell on December 12th, as well as a Balance Gets Deep event “A Tribute to King King” featuring Kemal and Marques Wyatt on December 19th; both events look pretty awesome. It is rumored that owner Mario Melendez is looking for a new place in the downtown Los Angeles area to host new theatre projects with DJ and music related events in the evenings. And for now, Adam Auburn, a well-known local DJ and promoter will be looking for new venues to host the popular Soul & Tonic parties which he previously hosted at King King. 

 

So, what is House music? It really began in 1977 on Chicago’s Southside. A new club opened, called The Warehouse, which eventually gave the genre its name. DJ Frankie Knuckles, who opened the club, mixed old disco classics with new Eurobeat pop. Imagine The O’Jays mixed together with Martin Circus and Kraftwerk. It was also at this legendary club where Acid House got its start. Record stores began to sell some of these records and labelled them “as played at the Warehouse.” Besides Knuckles, early artists were Larry Heard, Walter Gibbons, JM Silk, and Marshall Jefferson. According to Stuart Cosgrove, Scottish journalist, who wrote on the 12 volume The History of House Sound of Chicago, “When people hear house rhythms they go freak out. It's an instant dance reaction. If you can't dance to House you're already dead" Stuart Cosgrove. 

 

Why is it important? While house is a specific genre of electronic music, it combines minimalistic elements of drum beats, cymbals and synthesized baselines. When mixed, scratched or edited correctly, it creates something totally dance worthy. Househeads are very serious about music; they’re also very welcoming and have created an accepting community that embraces everyone from all walks of life. House music has been influenced by soul, disco, and hip hop. Anyone who appreciates music can connect to house. It has even been popularized in the mainstream music channels lately and can be heard more frequently on the radio. 

 

Having recently attended the Soul & Tonic 4 year Anniversary party featuring Mark Farina, it became clear that the closing of King King will hit me, Cosmic Opposite Lori, very hard. That particular night was perfect; clear, crisp and made for dancing. I attended the show with my favorite little dancing couple, Diamond and Marti and although it was not our last night together, nor was it the last time that we would dance together, it just symbolized a great change. I have had many truly wonderful and memorable evenings at King King. I have made friends, enjoyed deeply moving sets first hand, and danced my butt off.I’m sure that the upcoming events will do that place justice so please, if you can make it out to something, go! Dance! Pay homage to a meaningful and significant place before it’s too late. 

Thanks, 

Lori and Pete

 

For more information please check out:

http://kingkinghollywood.com/

 

Check them out on Instagram @kingkinghollywood

Also follow Adam Auburn for updates on Instagram @adamauburn

Friday Feature: Darkside of the Hand

Hello, 

We are excited to introduce Darkside of the Hand, a local band making waves in Ventura. They have a new album and will be celebrating its release next weekend, December, 12th at Bombay's Bar and Grill. Please come out and support these amazing musicians. Our friend Ruben was kind enough to supply us with a little background on the band. 

Darkside of the Hand is a group comprised of friends from differing musical backgrounds creating a soundscape with a strange familiarity.  Combining elements of hip hop, metal, ethereal and progressive rock, their fan base continues to swell with every show played.   The current lineup has been together for 18 months and finally feels like home to all members which include Tyler Castro on drums, Adam Figueroa on bass guitar, Damon Gilmer on vocals, Ruben Palazuelos on lead guitar and Seth Watson on rhythm guitar.  Saturday, December 12 at Bombay Bar and Grill in Ventura, CA, Darkside of the Hand, also known as DOTH by fans, will take the stage to celebrate the release of their long awaited EP with special guests NL4TD.  Check out facebook.com/darksideofthehand to keep up to date with shows and events.  You can hear a taste of the upcoming EP and see their music video at Reverbnation.com/darksideofthehand.

 

A Winter Tradition: The Nutcracker Ballet

Hello Everyone,
December is upon us and tons of winter and holiday events are happening throughout the city. One thing that always reminds us of the Christmas season is the Nutcracker ballet. This weekend the Ventura County Ballet Presents the Nutcracker with special musical performances from the Ventura College Symphony Orchestra. Executive Director Kathleen Noblin, Choreographer Marina Fliagina and Conductor Robert Lawson have worked hard to bring this ballet to life.

Our dear friend Leo Belleville has written a brilliant synopsis for those of you that may be unfamiliar with the Nutcracker story line; please enjoy.

The Nutcracker, ballet, with a score by Pytor Tchaikovsky, was adapted from E.T.A. Hoffmann's story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King and first premiered in December 1892 in St. Petersburg, Russia. Marius Petipa first choreographed the story into a ballet and with adaptations from famed French author, Alexander Dumas the story presented today is slightly different from the original, the basic plot remains the same. 
The story is of a young German girl who dreams of a Nutcracker Prince and the fierce battle between the Prince and a Mouse King. According to German folklore, nutcrackers were keepsakes designed to bring good luck and to protect the home. The nutcracker legend signifies power, strength, and serves like a constant sentinel guarding the family from evil spirits and danger. When presented as gifts, the nutcracker also serves as a messenger of good luck and goodwill.
Some of Tchaikovsky’s most iconic music, “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” and the “Russian Dance” are part of the ballet and were included in Walt Disney’s 1940 film Fantasia. The San Francisco Ballet company performed the first complete version of The Nutcracker in the United States on Christmas Eve, 1944. Since, The Nutcracker ballet has become a staple at Christmas time, especially with children. 
Its popularity with children and families has to do with the one of the main characters, Clara being a young girl who receives the gift of a nutcracker at Christmas. The music and story also become a gateway for parents to present classical music, ballet, and storytelling to their children. Finally, many kids get their first experience performing in The Nutcracker, as tiny dancers are a staple in most versions.
The Nutcracker ballet is an event for everyone. Fantastic and memorable music with dancing mice, toy soldiers, sugar plum fairies, and the Prince ensure there is something for everyone. 

----------------------------------
Please check out performances this weekend at Ventura College Performing Arts Center, at Seaton Hall located at 4700 Loma Vista Rd. in Ventura, Ca.

Friday, December 4th at 7 pm
Saturday, December 5th at 2 pm and 7 pm
Sunday, December 6th at 2 pm

Tickets may be purchased at venturacountyballet.com
For more information regarding the Ballet Academy of Ventura please check out www.balletacademyventura.com or email questions to info@balletacademyventura.com