Drive or take the Metro Red Line to Hollywood & Highland on Tuesday evenings through Aug. 30 for the 8th Annual Wine + Jazz festival from 7-9 p.m. in the Central Coutyard. Hosted by KJAZZ-FM 88.1, there's a stellar lineup, including Poncho Sanchez and Pete Escovedo. The music is free. Wine tasting costs $10, but the proceeds benefit Project Angel Food.
Make it a full night in the complex (where Oscar shines bright at the Kodak Theatre) and dine at one of the many eateries including the three newest restaurants: BoHo (gastropub), Rolling Stone LA (Euro fusion mix) and Soul Daddy (winner of "America's Next Top Restaurant"). Make sure to check out the happy hour specials at eateries throughout the complex as well.
Or perhaps start the evening a little earlier and stroll the shops or take a walk next door to see Madame Tussauds and the latest celebrity wax figures. Venture over to Grauman's Chinese Theatre down Hollywood Boulevard's Walk of Fame and pick up some kitsch souvenirs. If bowling is your thing, check out Lucky Strike Lanes on the Highland side of the structure where you can bowl and order food served up at your lane.
With Hollywood & Highland's exterior lit up, the large signs and foot traffic, it's a little reminiscent of New York's Times Square. OK, that's a stretch, but at least it's an escape from suburbia.
2011 Wine + Jazz Artist's Lineup:
June 14 - Royal Crown Revue
June 21 - John Daversa Progressive Big Band
June 28 - The Luis Conte Ensemble
July 5 - Chuck Berghofer's Midnight Jazz Band
July 12 - Brian Auger's Oblivion Express
July 19 - Barbara Morrison
July 26 - Downtown Project
Aug. 2 - Marcia Ball
Aug. 9 - Poncho Sanchez
Aug. 16 - Duke Robillard
Aug. 23 - Brent Canter
Aug. 30 - Pete Escovedo Latin Jazz Orchestra
For further information, go to www.hollywoodandhighland.com.
