A coworker brought Sprinkles cupcakes today to cheer up the mood in what has been crunch time. I selected just about one of the most amazing blueberry cupcakes I've ever had (hard decision between that and the red velvet). I think the difference between this and other blueberry cupcakes is the frosting; it is sweet, light, and moist. Though was it worth it to spend an ungodly amount of time in line, and pay $3 for one cupcake? Since I neither waited nor paid for it, the answer is, well, yes! What a sweet, free reward for what has been a particularly hellish day.

--Shane Redsar

Kid Dangerous is staging a summit of hip for its launch party tonight. Seriously, I have no idea what to wear, and if I could chop myself an ironic mullet on the car ride there, I'd probably be in better shape.

For $12 at King King, filthy/trendy revelers will enjoy a fashion show of Kid Dangerous' "grime couture", a line of ultra distressed fabrics and designs by underground artist and Ice Cream Man photographer Jeremiah Garcia. The truly motivated alcoholics can gorge on free vodka from 9-10, and performances by The Grey Kid and Ultraviolet butt up against sets by Mr Franki Chan himself.

And if you feel photogenic enough, get yourself a shiny new profile picture with the charming Rony at his photobooth. If I hit the free hooch,  I may just get hammy for it myself. And if I get deep into the sauce, maybe I'll chop that mullet, peeps.  

Everyone loves to see women in miniskirts brawl on wheels. Right? Not City Council.

My Derby Dolls info source, the cryptically named Judy Gloom, just delivered the infuriating news that due to event permit hassles with The Man, the space they usually bruise each other in will be off-limits. They were supposed to skate back onto the scene July 21st, to the delight of their rabid fan base, but word just got out that their season is postponed until they can find a new venue.

We're pouting until further notice.

(Photo: Mark Berry)

Ignore the gossip that LAX co-owners DJ AM and Loyal Pennings are at odds with each other. They are opening another Hollywood club together on September 1. It’ll be on Orange Street, right behind Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and early word is that the club will have a Skybar vibe. I hope that means poolside beds and celebrity shenanigans.

In a city like Los Angeles, there's something particularly special about having a hot concert venue within walking distance. Which is why I'm always eager to catch a show at the El Rey , which is smack in the middle of my ’hood. So when the Rey hosts one of my favorite new bands like the Klaxons, it’s party time around Blipster HQ.

Stopping at the Rite-Aid up the block from the venue, I was enjoying a Monster energy drink and a bag of trail mix when I noticed a posse of skinny-legged boys and pretty girls coming up the street. As they got closer, I soon realized it was the Klaxons and their sizable entourage. Since the band’s New York-based publicist Alexandra was kind enough to put me on the list and in town for the show, I decided to introduce myself. I sidled up to Klaxons guitarist Jamie Reynolds to ask him which female was Alex. He eyed me suspiciously before pointing her out: “The blonde one.”

The statuesque blonde leading the pack was indeed my PR friend. We exchanged pleasantries and she took the dudes inside to get ready to play.

Inside, Portland band Fist Fite was finishing up their opening set. A feisty girl singer/keyboard player led the interestingly discordant no-wave trio. She told jokes about dolphins and t-shirts. I guess they’re friends with the Klaxons and tour Europe with them occasionally.

As the Klaxons 10 p.m. show time rolled around, the sold out El Rey was at full boil. The evening’s fashion statement was stripes. They were so predominant you’d have thought someone sent out a memo. Enough that Metromix style goddess Caroline Ryder set off to take some pictures.

The band took the stage and launched straight into “The Bouncer” and “Atlantis to Interzone” back to back, which of course had the kids down front pogoing like mad. Keyboard player and anti-“nu-raver” James Righton was sporting a very cool Justice t-shirt that I totally want.

Between songs, they kept going on about how much they love Los Angeles. Towards the end of the show Reynolds announced that the band would be moving to L.A. to record their next album. As they bid farewell for the night, he promised that the Klaxons would be playing another show in town in September, so if you missed them last night, fret not. They'll be back sooner than you think. Let’s just hope all of the sunshine and pretty girls don’t dilute their rough and tumble sound. Stay hard, Klaxons!


 

My Dear Seared Ahi Tuna:

I hate to do this in a letter, but I think we need to start seeing other proteins.

Sure, we had our fun: Seared ahi appetizers. Seared ahi salads. Seared ahi tuna burgers. You used to be so… raw. But lately you seem to be showing up on every menu in town.

My friends told me to ignore you, but every time I show up at an L.A. restaurant – Kate Mantilini, Il Forno Caldo, Swingers – there you are. And now you’re dressed in wasabi reductions and tossed in miso vinaigrettes. You used to hate miso!

Sometimes I feel like I don’t even know you anymore. (Sometimes I feel like you don’t know who you are anymore.) It’s not me; it’s you. My mom was right: she warned me that you’d be cold in the center.

I’m sorry it had to end this way. We’ll always have the Seared Ahi Tuna Sandwich at Newsroom.

xoxo
Amir

PS Do you still have my Audioslave cd?

--Amir Kenan

The Parlor is located at 1519 Wilshire Boulevard in Santa Monica.