September, 2009

With nearly 500,000 people, Long Beach is the 6^th largest city in the California. Yet, thanks to the city’s extraordinary collection of neighborhoods, many still say it feels like “small town America.”

This marvelous approach to “communities within a community” gives Long Beach locals the best of both worlds — a connection to a thriving metropolis and a sense of neighborhood pride.

To celebrate the wonderful neighborhoods that make Long Beach special,  EverythingLongBeach.com is hosting the Long Beach Neighborhoods Essay Contest September 18 through October 2.

To enter, write a short essay that describes any Long Beach neighborhood and its unique characteristics. Neighborhood essays might include a description of the area’s residents, architectural characteristics, business or shopping districts, historic sites, community activities, cultural celebrations, urban legends or any other interesting features.

Entries should be between 300 and 500 words. Submissions will be judged on “interestingness,” creativity, and how well the author is able to include neighborhood facts, history or trivia. A winning essay will educate, enlighten and entice residents to learn more about Long Beach Neighborhoods. Entries with significant grammar or spelling errors will be disqualified.

One finalist will be chosen from each neighborhood that receives entries (one finalist from Bixby Knolls, one finalist from Belmont Shore, etc). All the finalists will have their essay published on EverythingLongBeach.com.

Finalists will be announced online October 12 and the public will be invited to vote for their favorite essays October 12-17. Winners will be announced online October 18.

The Grand Prize winner will walk away with $100 cash!  Additional winners will receive prizes from an array of Long Beach businesses including: Indulgence Day Spa, Fern’s Garden, Buono’s Pizza, Portfolio Coffeehouse, Johnny Rebs, The Found Theatre, Long Beach Depot for Creative Reuse.

Entries in the Long Beach Neighborhood Essay Contest must be received by Oct 2 at midnight. All decisions by the judges are final. In the event of a tie, a random drawing will determine the final winner.

The writing contest is open to all Long Beach residents 18 years old and older. For more information about the Long Beach Neighborhoods Essay Contest, as well as a list of Long Beach neighborhoods click here.

Quentin Tarantino’s WWII hit “Inglourious Basterds” at The Art Theatre is now extended thru Sept 17th! Come to either our 6:30pm or 9:30pm show times starting Friday, September 4th through Thursday, September 17th, and get FREE small popcorn with each ticket purchase!

“Inglourious Basterds” is a 2009 WWII revenge film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. Set in German-occupied France, the film weaves the story of two plots to assassinate the Nazi German political leadership, one planned by a young French Jewish cinema proprietor, the other by a team of Allied American scalp-hunters. Tarantino says that, despite its being a war film, “Inglourious Basterds” is a “spaghetti western” with a WWII iconography.

Have some Jazz with your Java!

Jazz Guitar at its finest!

Taylor Collins‘ rich songwriting is a particularly earnest, honest and heartfelt brand of adult contemporary pop songwriting. His acoustic-based tunes hang his heart from his sleeve and share his hopes and pains with the audience, bringing comfort – and pure entertainment – to his listeners.

At her essence, Amy LaCour is a soulful singer-songwriter who croons with raw emotion, refreshing elegance and classic influences. Her robust voice emotes grace, power and pained passion like an old soul. Bitter Suite, LaCour’s five-song debut EP, explores the expansive range of her musical wanderlust, including traces of R&B, jazz, pop, modern rock and country music. “In order to remain inspired, I have to listen to all types of music,” she explained. “Everything that I hear influences me in some way. Sticking to one genre is far too creatively limiting.”

Born and raised in Seattle, Washington to an African-American father and a Portuguese mother, LaCour’s father  introduced her to classic soul, pop and jazz records with a playlist that boasted Stevie Wonder, George Benson, Chaka Khan, The Commodores and Earth, Wind & Fire. While watching the television series “Fame”, she dreamt of moving to New York City to live an artist’s life. When it was time to go to college, she got her wish when her parents agreed to send her to Columbia University, which is where the bulk of her formal musical education began. LaCour performed, recorded and toured with local bands while honing her own style. While anchored in New York City, LaCour performed in such venues as New York’s Knitting Factory, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Chicago’s House of Blues and London’s Royal Festival Hall.

LaCour currently resides in Los Angeles.

Sony Holland sings in a melodic style that is both sophisticated and emotionally direct. Originally from northern Minnesota, Sony fell in love with jazz while spending a year in Paris and has earned a devoted following with her renditions of standards, contemporary and original songs. Her interpretations of the Great American Songbook show a deep respect and love for the material while adding an unmistakable spark of personality.

“She delivers passion and elegance through every phrase… The voice is warm… full, and engaging. Sony is becoming a favorite request from our world wide listening audience…” Dr. Mike Metheny, RadioIo

“A decidedly modern jazz diva” Jane Ganahl, SF Chronicle

“Sony Holland has a voice that seems to always perfectly fit the standards that she interprets.” Scott Yanow, LA Jazz Scene

“With a smooth and velvety voice, Holland reminds one of Peggy Lee and June Christy during their early years…” Thomas Erdmann, Jazz Review.

Ms. Holland has made California her home since 2003, although she now performs internationally, including concert tours and residencies in Japan, Hong Kong, and Thailand.

Tori D’Amelio is an 18 year old singer-songwriter who is taking the Southern California music scene by storm. Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Tori relocated to Orange County, California in 2006. With her heart-felt lyrics, infectious personality and boundless energy on and off the stage, Tori is definitely someone to watch.

Jim Fisk is a jazz guitarist and plays with his group, The Jim Fisk Jazztet, around the Southern California area. He most often plays in a guitar/bass/drums trio format, and can be heard playing Miles, Monk, Coltrane, Wes, Shorter, jazz standards, and spiced-up pop tunes. His group has a long-standing gig at a great coffee house in Long Beach called Portfolio.