Dorian Wood. Voice like a big ole angel.

I am, on occasion, wrong. This is not something that happens frequently nor that we like to talk about for too long. So, in brief. Last week, I told y'all about the Slake LA reading which happened last night. But I neglected to include in my note that there would be musical interludes by a Dorian Wood. It seemed a trivial point to mention and a silly act to include in a reading--this was not cabaret night after all.

Please, please, please forgive me for negligence. At last night's reading (which was great, thanks talented Slake writers), Dorian Wood's performance was not only noteworthy, it was the highlight [for me, that is].

Wood's vocals are like Coco Rosie and maybe Etta James' gorgeous love child (let's not get too wrapped up in the impossibility of this metaphor, k). And they're met by his skillful piano stylings to create this awesome, riveting performance. It's not just music. It's live art.

If you missed Wood last night (sorry again), you can catch the LA based performer this coming month right here in Downtown LA.

February 21, 2011

Dorian Wood
Bordello
901 East 1st Street
Los Angeles, CA

The mystery of the Apple Tablet.

The Kindle came. It may as well have left. The Sony Reader launched. It's out there somewhere. And today the Apple Tablet is being revealed to all sorts of nerdy hoopla. I'm not certain why I'm supposed to care more than I care about, let's say, a new stiletto silhouette from Christian Louboutin. But because there's no big news I don't want to be apart of...I will join the millions of speculating fans in wondering what the Tablet will hold in store for us...and moreover what it will mean to me.

826LA's Echo Park Lake Paddle Boat Regatta. Cause reading's for winners.

If you're reading this, I'm pretty sure you can read. If you can't, then let me include some pictures here for your entertainment:


Now, back to those of you who are literate. Being a reader and all, you understand the significance of reading, learning and edumacation. 826LA is a non-profit that ensures that the young people of LA receive the tutoring, reading skills, and creative voice they deserve. This Sunday, the org is hosting its 2nd Annual Paddle Boat Regatta. Yes, it is as fancy and regal as it sounds. And it's not too late to register a team to participate.

If you can't participate, raise money, and compete for greatness, consider joining me as a spectator.

The event needs all the $$$ help it can get so please consider getting involved.

Peep the details below!

xx * Jessie

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Please join us on July 26th at 4PM at Echo Park Lake for the pageantry on the lake as we celebrate the teams* of volunteers, staff and interns who have been racing for four weeks to raise money for 826LA!

We are also offering a limited number of tickets to The VIP After Party at the Rec Center to spectators (NON-RACERS**) for a donation of $15 (to cover food and drink costs). Don't let the fun end at the lake! Come to the after party and mix and mingle with your favorite teams! RVSP

Prizes will be awarded for the following categories:

Winners of Fundracing (highest fundraising team)

Best Costumes

Best Theme

Team Spirit

Best Paddle Boat Manuever - a quick figure 8 or something better!

Spectators Choice - the crowd will choose!

MVP - most valuable pedaler (highest individual fundraiser)

Click here to register or learn more.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar turns 40.

Don't miss author Eric Carle when he celebrates the 40th anniversary of a storybook classic at the LA Times Festival of Books later this month.

I'm personally hoping for a picture with the caterpillar...maybe a hug...maybe, just maybe, a lunch date together.