Tired of the same boring routine? Check out The Week Ahead and bring a little spice back to your life.

Monday 10.10

Get ready to fire up your taste buds for a week of eco-restaurant hopping. Ecorazzi Eats Restaurant Week is celebrating sustainable, vegetarian, and vegan restaurants October 12 to 19, 2011. All over the country, many of the most popular eco-eateries are offering specials, including 3-course prix fixe meals to 20 percent off (or free) desserts or appetizers. Although there aren’t many restaurants in Orange County participating (sigh) a few of my absolute favorites are, including Avanti Café, True Food Kitchen, and the Seabirds Food Truck.

Tuesday 10.11

Beginning as a call to action from Adbusters, an anti-consumerist organization, on September 17th, people of all races, backgrounds, political and religious beliefs, began to organize in nonviolent protest, starting a movement called Occupy Wall Street. These men and women represent the 99% with the goal of ending the greed and corruption of the wealthiest 1% of America. Occupy Wall Street is a leaderless resistance movement that has now spread to cities across the world, including several in Orange County, San Diego, and Los Angeles. Stand up against the financial crisis affecting America today and let your voice be heard!

Wednesday 10.12

The Laguna Hills raised retro-soul singer, Aloe Blacc, will be performing live at Detroit bar tonight. His newest album, Good Things tackles issues such as “joblessness, homeless, the misappropriation of wealth, pillaging of resources, and a universal lack of compassion from the capitalism at-large” and reflects his desire to promote social change with songs like “Politician” and “I Need a Dollar.” With the perfect blend of hip-hop and soul, Aloe Blacc is definitely worth checking out!

Thursday 10.13

Ok, so let’s get serious here – who doesn’t love Huell Howser? He’s pretty awesome, right?! And this Thursday the goofy host of many of PBS’s favorite travel shows – including California Gold – will be live in person at Chapman University. Admission is free, but space is limited, so be sure to arrive early.

Friday 10.14

Celebrate the launch of Locale Magazine’s Holiday issue at the OC Mart Mix in Costa Mesa. With a $20 donation at the door, benefiting the OM Foundation, receive complimentary Crow Bar burgers, cocktails, and beer. Entertainment by: The Lucky Lonely, Ugly Paint, Allensworth, and Micah Brown. The party will be held outside around the fire pits so dress warmly. The cute shops at the OC Mart Mix will be open during the event, and food trucks will also be there for those of you who are extra hungry. RSVP required.

Saturday 10.15

Be sure to check out the Orange County Museum of Art’s exhibit State of Mind: New California Art Circa 1970, which just opened this week.  State of Mind is the most comprehensive exhibition to date to focus on Conceptual art in both Northern and Southern California and features more than 150 works of art, the exhibition includes installations, photographs, works on paper, videos and films, artists’ books, extensive performance documentation, and other ephemera.

Sunday 10.16

Want a fun way to entertain the kiddos for the afternoon? Take them to The Cube, a.k.a the Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana. One of their newest exhibits, the Eco Challenge, teaches visitors how to make environmentally conscious shopping decisions based on packaging and production, as well as how to properly recycling different types of waste and how to avoid hazardous materials. The cool, interactive exhibit is a blast for kids and adults alike.

Our favorite laid back, singer-song writer, Marc B. is at it again; this time taking a bit of a departure from the beachy tunes he’s known for and adding in a bluegrass, funky feel with the help of  Solana Beach’s Will Hren. Although the two musicians come from very different backgrounds, with unique approaches and styles to their music, when paired together the sound couldn’t be better!

The duo have been busy working away in the studio preparing to release their new album this summer. For those of you who can’t wait until then (like me!), Marc B. will be performing live this Thursday in Hermosa Beach. With Will arriving at each performance with a Mandolin, two-Acoustics and a B-Bender electric guitar he made himself, and Marc B. now using a kazoo regularly, the combo is definitely a must see.

See ya on Thursday!

Wanting to organize an event that would bring the community together, local companies such as Circa, Skull Candy, and Soleo Organics will all be part of the action.

The contest is free to enter, however pre-registration is encouraged as space is limited. Download a registration form below and return it via email to boardnbrewsc@gmail.com or stop by Board & Brew to drop it off.

CONTEST FORM DOWNLOAD!!

It’s early August and we’re at the point where summer love is in the air. Most of us have taken our vacations from work, traveling locally or perhaps globally. It also means the fall semester is around the corner, but who wants to think about another 12 units of dreadful classes? There’s still so much time left to explore in music and in life. Let’s take a trip.

Looking back on an already memorable summer, the 2010 edition started in June with Story Structure 250, a six-week creative writing course at Cal State Fullerton. To my surprise, this class was not only entertaining and pain free, but it inspired yours truly to get back on the proverbial horse of writing (such as this blog) and crank out a 20-page treatment of my Coachella 2007 experience. It may turn into a movie one day, who knows!

July was eventful, starting with a Kings of Leon concert at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater. My one time seeing them previously was at the aforementioned Coachella…back then they had a small fan base, mostly die-hards from the Midwest and South region of the country. Now, they’re literally the “kings” of alternative rock. The first single, “Sex on Fire” was a smash hit, whether you love it or hate it. The band went on to win three Grammy’s this year for “Use Somebody,” the second single off their album Only By The Night.

Side note: this album was released in late 2008, yet still is pushing copies every week…CD’s are still alive!

The Irvine show was packed with 15,000+ in attendance which was a pleasant surprise considering how the “experts” have declared the touring business to be on the decline. It shows if you make quality music, the people will pay and come out in support. The Kings’ set was a mix of all their work, starting with “Crawl” and personal favorite jam “My Party.” Singer/Guitarist Caleb Followill crooned all night as the ladies screamed for his attention. The old school black and white video projections on the jumbotron gave it a vintage feel. Early on Caleb said, “Are you guys doing good? We got a lot more for you” and he wasn’t lying. Nearly two hours later the encore concluded with “Black Thumbnail,” their first single from Because of the Times. Safe to say no one went home disappointed.

Next on the tour schedule was none other than prog-metal veterans TOOL. Set to perform on back–to-back nights in LA, I scored orchestra tickets to the latter. Utterly blown away by their stage visuals and clarity of the Nokia Theatre sound, this was a special evening. There are not many venues I’ve yet to visit so this was a double bonus; seeing a killer band and scratching off Nokia from the list. Inside this magical palace you will find two giant LED screens placed on each side of the stage. They grab your attention immediately, measuring 16 feet high by 29 feet long (I did my researched). The screens played an integral part for the bands special effects.

TOOL have a sound unlike any band out there, the loud intense riffs by Adam Jones thuds through the speakers as singer Maynard James Keenan leads on an epic metal voyage. Ranging from five to sometimes ten minutes in song length, the rhythm section keeps the pace moving while the crowd eats it up. Everyone started the night in his or her seat but when the lights go dark, we’re all on our feet in chaotic anticipation.

“Jambi” was one of the tracks I enjoyed most, the visual eye candy was in full effect. A large screen behind the band projected twisted images of aliens, humans, the sun and moon…a little of everything from our universe. Maynard, the anti-rock star stood in the back with almost no lighting, prodding his boxed area. Screaming to the heavens and daring us to chant back it felt like a release on life with 7,000 of my closest metal heads. The band hasn’t release new material in over four years but they sound as relevant today as the next. While they rocked songs from 10,000 Days like “Vicarious” and “The Pot,” it was older gems such as “Schism” and “Lateralus” that had people going insane. Feeling the bass lines rattle my core can hardly be reenacted, let alone described. I highly suggest seeing a rock show at this venue if you couldn’t tell already.

The summer is cruising by a rapid pace, don’t get stuck at Disneyland or the beach like everyone else…get out there and explore what a live show has to offer. Music makes the world go round, I truly believe that. Good mood, bad mood…it doesn’t matter. Music can change ANY mood.

Upcoming shows worth your time and money:

-Long Beach Funk Festival – Sat. August 7^th

-HARD Summer Music Festival – Sat. August 7^th

-KCRW’s World Festival at the Hollywood Bowl w/ Chemical Brothers & Yacht – Sun. Aug 22^nd

-Sunset Strip Music Festival – Sat. August 28^th

-Pacific Festival OC by Steve Aoki & Friends – Sat. Sept. 4^th

There’s always a story behind a good show. Thanks for reading my adventures. If you would like to chat it up about all things music/sports/politics/life related…or whatever is on your mind…hit me up on the web. Twitter.com/BigEastSilver

Peace and Love.

Tired of the same old boring routine? Check out The Week Ahead in So Cal and bring a little spice back to your life.

Monday 7.12

Haviana Launch Party in Huntington Beach. Celebrate the grand opening of the first So Cal Haviana’s store with Threadless Tees. Giveaways and snow cones galore! 4-7pm. Free.

Tuesday 7.13

Clean Energy Event in Irvine. Join industry leading experts in cleantech, as well as venture capitalists, for discussions about the future of green in the OC. Free for members, $10 for non-members.

Indie Night at La Cave. After the informative discussions in Irvine, head over to Costa Mesa to listen to the best of local indie music at everyone’s favorite hipster hangout, La Cave. No cover.

Wednesday 7.14

Dinner with Dave featuring I Hate You, Just Kidding. I don’t know if it’s just me, but every time I see that the band I Hate You, Just Kidding is playing it makes me giggle a bit. Kinda a funny name right? Oh well, their music is awesome! So head over to Memphis in Santa Ana for some free dinner from Chef Dave and folky tunes from the Costa Mesa locals.

Thursday 7.15

OC Green Drinks at The Camp. Join the Emerging Professionals of the USGBC for this month’s collaborative event. Enjoy food, drinks, raffles, music, and socialize with some of Orange County’s most knowledgeable residents. $10 suggested donation.

Friday 7.16

Opening Day at the OC Fair! My first job was at the funnel cake stand at the fair when I was 14 years old – then the ginger bread house, orange julius, and ice cream stands in the years that followed. Surprisingly I still love the fair and anxiously await it’s return year after year. If you head over today between noon and 1pm you get in free!

The New Limb & Echo Echo at Gypsy Lounge. After you get you’re fix of fried snickers bars and cotton candy cruise down to Lake Forest to listen to a few of OC best bands play at the Gypsy Lounge.

Saturday 7.17

Irvine Lake Mud Run. The mud run is back with lots of dirty fun in the sun. Live music, vendors, and a beer garden will keep you entertained after the race. And don’t forget your hula shirts, Hawaiian is the theme!

Matty & Sticky Art Show in Laguna Beach. The 210 AR4T Space is a non-profit collaborative between The JLA Project and art community organizers of today who are shaping the future of tomorrow. Join them for the opening reception by the sea presented by Vestal, Volcom, and Bl!sss Magazine.

Break Festival in Pomona. Check out world-class breakers from across the nation at the 4^th annual event. B-boys and b-girls will be tearing up the dance floor at their chance to win a $3000 cash prize.

Sunday 7.18

Ocean Festival in San Clemente. Starting Saturday, the volunteer organization will be promoting environmental conservation and ocean safety through dozens of fun and exciting events for adults and children. There will be an art show, surf contest, Woody car exhibit, pancake breakfast and lots, lots more! Free event with free parking and shuttle.