Summertime and the Livin' is Easy

Between barbecues, beach parties, vacation time, and plenty of fabulous free events, LA has opportunities galore for connecting with that someone special, hopefully carrying on a coveted affair to last past September.

Mr./Ms. Right may cross your path at any of the happenings described below. However, one thing's for sure. You won't find love stuck inside the four walls of your home, while your psyche wanders, ruminating about what isn’t working in your life.

The only chance to awaken the passion you crave is by suiting up and showing up. You never know where serendipity might ensue.

Don’t wait for the urge to surface, a job promotion, IRS refund, winning the lottery, toned abs, hair extensions, weight loss/weight gain, newly decorated abode, chic wardrobe, or fancy car.

Discard excuses, albeit internal or external. Toss negativity to the wind. Accept your value today in whatever form that encompasses.

Uncover the glory that is your essence and share that with the universe. The world is your oyster. It welcomes your presence with presents and accolades.

Stay out of the results. You are successful simply be appearing. Be the victor in your own novel. Whether or not you go home with the trophy is irrelevant. What matters most is that you have taken a step towards your goal.

Even if you don’t aspire to encounter your ‘happily ever after,’ you may meet up with like minded souls and discover a forever friendship.

You might locate comrades in your creative endeavors, associates in your profession. You could presumably launch a ground-breaking business venture. 

Treasures lie ahead when you embark on an adventure. Turn off the boob tube, grab your nearest bff, cohort, kin, or go solo to some of these splendid summer soirees.

The upshots of taking a risk, daring to dream, and gambling on fondness and affection, can indubitably materialize beyond your expectations.

On Tuesday June 11, celebrate the 10th anniversary of KJAZZ 88.1 and Hollywood @ Highland’s Wine and Jazz Summer Series of live free concerts, starring the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance Septet.

This outdoor venue is certain to lift your spirits. You’ll be energized by the hundreds of fans simultaneously smiling and cheering, basking in the awe of magnificent virtuosos. 

Take advantage of this amusement. It’s only one stop from the Universal City Metro Station.    

If you wish to make a wine tasting donation, proceeds go to Project Angel Food.

Members of the ensemble are comprised of talented jazz musicians who were selected to participate in a Masters-level program taught by jazz legends, Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter.

The program is a partnership between the Monk Institute and the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music. The band has studied with jazz luminaries Ron Carter, Jimmy Heath, Lewis Nash, Billy Childs, et. al. (See Billy Childs this Friday June 14 at LACMA – more info below)

The group recently traveled to Istanbul, Turkey to perform for International Jazz Day, which is presented in part by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization.

Every Wednesday, from 7-9pm, Writer’s Wednesdays, an extraordinary experience, takes place at Bob’s Espresso Bar on Lankershim in the center of the Noho Arts District.

You’ll be astounded by the multitude of tremendous artists, poets, and musicians, who unite for this rare occasion to perform, afforded by Robert Romanos, proprietor of the humble establishment.

There’s no cover charge. Plan to be impressed, inspired, and touched by the delightful originality and abilities arriving in all genres, from all ages.

You’ll witness singer/songwriters of every genre; erotic poetry; poignant, provocative pieces; harmonica rappers; folk flutists; gifted guitarists. Everybody brings the top of their game.

The sheer stimulation and motivation may cause you to start scribbling down your thoughts and brainstorming for future readings. It’s catchy, contagious, invigorating, illuminating. There’s no limit to the scope of imagination, ingenuity, style, flair, and cleverness.

Romanos created the café, where ‘everyone knows your name,’ based on a love for espresso and nurturing artistes. He offers the highest quality coffee drinks.

Heralding from an artistic, innovative background, Bob is infamous for having played Mick Damone, the suave ticket scalper who fancied himself a ladies’ man, in the 80’s film, “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.”

Romanos, a musician himself, is one half of the duo, Poppa’s Kitchen. You can catch their act at Bob’s, the second Saturday of the month at 8pm.  It’s also for fun and for free.

This Wednesday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Laemmle NoHo 7 Theatre, 5240 Lankershim Blvd., NoHo, 91601, join SingularCity Singles for a screening of the documentary, "The Girls in the Band.”

Afterwards, meet with members for snacks and sips across the street at The Federal, 5303 Lankershim Blvd., accompanied by Studio City’s, Judy Chaikin, the film’s director.  

 “The Girls in the Band” chronicles the challenges and triumphs of female musicians breaking into the male dominated field of big band, swing, and jazz music.

The movie has already achieved multiple awards including Audience Award, Best Documentary Feature at the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

Free for members of the SingularCity social network. Nonmembers can purchase tickets at the theatre. More info at singularcity.com/girls-in-the-band-film-screening-in-noho.

On Tuesday, June 11, SAG/AFTRA members can attend a complimentary screening of "The Girls in the Band' at the NoHo7 (the 7:40pm showing).

Raphaels’s Restaurant, 11616 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, 91604, hosts a Jewish Singles Speed Dating gathering for Ages 30-43 on Thursday, June 13th. Check in: 7:30pm. Dating starts: 8pm. $5 valet or street parking. Drink specials.

Currently sold out for women. Men can secure a spot by registering at: http://www.hurrydate.com/events/sherman-oaks/speeddating/6-13-2013/raphael-studio-city/112042/?kbid=3525 . 

For a 30% discount use the promo code: MEREDITH, making the cost a mere $24.50, approximately $2 per date.

In anticipation of the sizzling, exciting, zealous summer days ahead, this is the optimum method for utilizing the most of your precious limited moments, i.e. convening with quantities of possible partners.    

On Friday June 14 at 6pm, Multiple Grammy Award–winning pianist and composer Billy Childs returns with a new quartet to LACMA’s Free Summer Jazz series at the BP Grand entrance.

This summertime occurrence is not to be missed. Spending extended daylight hours among jazz enthusiasts who appreciate the skillful virtuosos inhabiting our city, is a divine diversion. What a remarkable way to begin the weekend.

Childs, who began his career as pianist for Freddie Hubbard and J.J. Johnson, has collaborated with such notables as Yo-Yo Ma, Sting, the Kronos Quartet, Jack DeJohnette, Ron Carter, and the Ying String Quartet.

His compositions have been performed by Esa-Pekka Salonen and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Leonard Slatkin, the Los Angeles Master Chorale, and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra.

Additionally on Friday June 14, from 7-9pm, vibrant vocalist Cathy Segal Garcia, great guitarist Jamie Findlay, and brilliant bassist John Leftwich perform originals and standards at the quaint, cozy Artisan Cheese Gallery, 12023 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, 91604, 818-505-0207.

This is the perfect space for enjoying the cool, calming, jazz sounds of superb maestros. Artisan Cheese is known for their fine wine, gourmet cheese, delicious salads, and scrumptious sandwiches. No cover charge.

On Saturday June 15 from 7:30-11:30p you’re invited to attend a Summer Blast Dinner Dance Party at Stephen S. Wise Temple’s Zeldin-Hershenson Hall, 15500 Stephen S. Wise Dr. LA 90077.

Over 150 Expected.  Attire: Dressy Casual. Reservations aren’t required. Simply pay at the door. Members: $20.00 Guests: $25.00

Includes complete dinner: Baked Chicken, Veggies, Rice, Tossed Salad, Fresh Cut Fruit; Beverage Bar: Wine, Beer, Soft Drinks, Bottled Water, Coffee, Teas; Dessert: Chocolate Cake, Ice Cream, Cookies.

Dance your ass off on a huge floor with live music by The Donald Dean Band playing hits of the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s.

Mixers, icebreakers, and dance hosts will keep you engaged. Perhaps you’ll be swept off your feet by an ideal mate, after your heart skips a beat across the crowded room.

For more information contact John: 310-204-1240 or johnseeman@aol.com.