Bono, who will be honored with the Center’s Board of Directors award, has been a trailblazer in transgender activism, publicly sharing his experience transitioning to male in the documentary Becoming Chaz. Since 1995, he has been a dedicated activist in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, having served as a spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign and Entertainment Media Director for the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD).

“Chaz has been a trailblazer in our community for many years, bravely speaking his truth and working to make our movement stronger. He has continued that leadership since coming out as a transgender man. No other person has done more than Chaz to promote visibility and understanding about the reality of transgender people,” says Center CEO Lorri L. Jean. “His courageous example is helping transgender youth and their families throughout the world. That’s great progress not only for the LGBT community, but for society as a whole.”

Emmy-winning stage and screen star Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother) and his partner, actor and chef David Burtka, will be honored at the gala with the Rand Schrader Distinguished Achievement Award, presented by Center board member Jane Lynch. Lynch was the recipient of the award last year.

One of the premier events for the LGBT community of Los Angeles, the gala begins with a chic cocktail reception and large silent auction featuring travel and dining packages and much more, followed by dinner and fabulous entertainment.

The gala will take place on Saturday, Nov. 12. The cocktail reception is at 6 p.m. with entertainment to follow at 8 p.m. Tickets for the gala are $300 for general admission or $400 for a VIP ticket. For more information, or to purchase your tickets, go to www.anniversarygala.org.

The Presenting sponsor is Wells Fargo. The Platinum sponsor is EMD Serono. Gold sponsors are the Anita May Rosenstein Foundation, Lab Corp., NBCUniversal, Nordstrom, SoCal Gas and South Coast Plaza. Silver sponsors are ABC Disney, Allstate, AT&T, Cadillac, City National Bank, CVS Caremark, Fox, DirecTV, the Lavender Caucus, Mark-Alan Harmon, Northrop Grumman, Paradigm, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Ralphs, US Bank, Verizon and OUT at Warner Bros. In-kind sponsors are Absolut, American Airlines, Frontiers magazine, Lesbian News, Rage and smartwater.

• Art Theatre (2025 E. 4th; 562-438-5435): FREE small popcorn for any showing with a Saturday receipt from a Retro Row/4th Street merchant! Daytime movie TBD; Midnite Movie: ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW, featuring Original Live Shadowcast (as featured in recent AIDS benefit)!

• 4th Street Vine (2142 E. 4th; 562-343-5463): ART: Death; The Future! MUSIC: TBD FOOD: Rancho A Go-Go BBQ Truck PLUS: Costume Party COSTUME PARTY: Masquerade and Zombie appreciated, but all welcome! Start here before you head to the Zombie Walk & Street Fest (or not)

• Blu Button (2112 East 4th; 562-433-8780) Halloween-themed One-Year Anniversary with tricks and treats!

• The Feed Store (2001 East 4th; 562-433-7500): Appetizers, drinks and shopping with a purpose! Featuring jewelry from the International Sanctuary organization—which rehabilitates survivors of human trafficking by offering education, medical assistance, life skills, and marketable training in jewelry making. In Orange County, iSanctuary offers an integrated professional growth program providing survivors with the skills they need to sustain themselves, pursuing better futures filled with hope.

• Portfolio Coffeehouse (2300 East 4th: 562-434-2486): Portfolio (and Portfolio Annex) will feature ghoulish lattes, trick or treats for young and old, and live music by pop singer-songwriter Hana Kim from 8-10pm.

http://4thstreetlongbeach.com/uncategorized/last-saturdays-on-4th-october-29th-4-8-pm/

On Sunday Oct. 23, 2011 Swoop’s World radio teams up with the Expo Arts Center for “Expo Arts Center LoungEx Presents An Evening of Indie Artists With Swoop’s World.” This will be a wonderful night of great performances by three talented local indie singer/songwriters performing original music in the intimate setting of LoungEx at the Expo Arts Center in Long Beach.

The music event will feature Long Beach-based musicians Michelle Mangione and Cory Joseph Clark, as well as Los Angeles-based musician Raspin. All three of these outstanding performers have loyal followings throughout the Southland.

“We are really excited about this event. It encompasses what Swoop’s World has always been about. Supporting local artists, local business and our community,” said Swoop, host of Swoop’s World Radio. “We are hoping that this is only the beginning of recurring events that we sponsor featuring independent artists performing original material in small venues. Our goal through these events is to help these talented individuals get their music, songs, words and poetry, in front of a paying audience seeking to support and discover new talent.”

Michelle Mangione

Michelle Mangione is a songwriter/musician with a homebase in Long Beach and a fan base all over the world. Delivered with a powerful voice and bold lyrics, Mangione’s songs connect the dots between personal experience and the big picture. She then sets that picture into motion through hypnotic melodies. It’s little wonder that other musicians seek out Michelle for collaboration. She has played with such greats as saxophonist Buddy Collette, guitarist Robben Ford and co-written songs with the legendary Grace Slick.

Raspin

An accomplished songwriter, vocalist and producer, Raspin claims an ecletic misx of musical influences that include Louis Armstrong, Joni Mitchell, Harry Chapin, Cat Stevens, Dan Fogelberg, Bruce Springsteen, Bette Midler, Patty La Belle and Beethoven. All of which can be heard in the soulful auditory experiences he creates for audiences. The self-taught guitartist is a true entertainer who brings the stage to life with his animated movements and emotion-driven rhymthms. Blues and soul with the finesse of a classic, part hometown Chicago and part Hollywood Hills, Raspin’s music successfully blends worlds that were never meant to collide.

Cory Joseph Clark

Cory Joseph Clark has played in bands his whole life. His career as a guitar/vocal sideman has taken him on tours that stretch across the U.S. and oversees. But, forever the dreamer, Clark doesn’t let being the sideman sidetrack his goals. As a songwriter, a performer, an artist and entrepreneur he always looks to his music as the roots of his expression. In 2011, after releasing his last EP, he started a weekly singer/songwriter showcase called THE HUM HOUSE where in addition to performing himself, he books two talented acts to share the spotlight.

“We’ve had the pleasure of having each of these musicians as guests on our show. We’ve seen them perform and they are all fantastic. This will be a great show that I’m sure everyone will enjoy,” added Peter Dopulos, co-host of Swoop’s World.

Music lovers will get to enjoy sets from each of these amazing musicians at this inaugural indie music show. (Or, for a sneak peak head over to SwoopsWorld.com/Indie-Showcase to listen to the interviews and check out their music!)

The Expo Arts Center’s LoungEx presents An Evening of Indie Artists with Swoop’s World on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011 from 4:30pm-7:30 p.m. The Expo Arts Center is located at 4321 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach, 90807.

As an added bonus, event attendees will also have free access to the Expo Art Center’s gallery exhibits. The doors open at 3:45 p.m. so that guest may enjoy the art exhibits prior to the show.

Tickets for the indie music event, $10 in advance or $12 at the door, are already on sale. Seating is limited so advance purchases are recommended. To buy tickets, visit http://swoopsworld.ticketbud.com/evening-of-indie-artists.

The mission of PARK(ing) Day—conceived and created in 2005 by San Francisco art and design studio, Rebar—is to call attention to the need for more urban open space, to generate critical debate around how public space is created and allocated, and to improve the quality of urban human habitat … at least until the meter runs out!

Tickets sell fast so advanced purchase is suggested. Tickets may be obtained at Moxi Roller Skate Shop at  2132 E. 4th Street,Long Beach CA, (562) 439-6694 at the Daily Grind (Big Donut) on 7th Street and on-line at LongBeachRollerDerby.com/tickets. Prices are $20 for Grand Stand Seating and $15 for General Admission which now includes some elevated standing space. Also added for this bout is a special VIP section for $25 .

Photo By: Z.Karnopp

The first 60 VIP ticket holders also have the option to take the Big Red Bus to and from the game for an additional $5. The bus will pick up and drop off at the Tilted Kilt near 2nd St. and PCH.  The VIP section is limited to 100 seats total and are available only on-line at LongBeachRollerDerby.com/tickets.  This is an all ages event with alcohol available with ID. In addition to exciting Roller Derby action there will also be a live band, fire dancing by Sirena Serpentina and food vendors.

Who: Long Beach Roller Derby
What: Banked Track Bout Bixby Rollerettes vs Terminal Island Tootsies
Where: Queen Mary Dome (Derby Dome)
When: Friday August 19th  Doors open at 7pm game at 8:30

“A film that can save your life” —Roger Ebert
“Richly inspiring and informative documentary!” —LA Times
“A must-see movie!” —San Francisco Chronicle

About the film: Despite the most advanced medical technology in the world, we are sicker than ever. Cases of diabetes are exploding, especially amongst our younger population. Heart disease, cancer and stroke are the country’s three leading causes of death, even though billions are spent each year to battle these very conditions. There is a solution so comprehensive, but so utterly straightforward, that it’s mind-boggling that more of us haven’t taken it seriously? FORKS OVER KNIVES examines the profound claim that most, if not all, of the so-called “diseases of affluence” that afflict us can be controlled with diet.

4th Street’s Summer Sidewalk Sale features 40-sumpthin’ shops along the “Retro Row”/4th Street corridor (between Cherry and Junipero) offering extra special good buys and bargains galore for ONE DAY ONLY! 4th Street has a lot to offer, including furnishings (vintage to contemporary), toys and togs for kids of all ages, vintage threads and accessories, surf gear, gifts and one-of-a-kind tchotsky’s, original artwork and handcrafted jewelry, books, vinyl and CDs…. and much, much more! Make a day of it, and grab lunch/dinner at any of the eateries along the way offering fare from organic upscale Vietnamese and authentic Mexican, to handcrafted gourmet coffee and sandwiches to boutique wine ‘n’ gourmet snacks.

Mark your calendars, too, as “Last Saturday’s” is a-coming on July 30th, 4-8pm! We’re cooking up lots of good stuff on the street so stay tuned to Facebook and www.4thstreetlongbeach.com for more info!

About 4th Street: Dubbed “Retro Row”, 4th Street is Long Beach, CA’s Independent Shopping & Dining District! Featured recently in New York magazine, as well as in Lucky, Sunset, New York Times (Travel Section, October 2007), and Los Angeles Magazine’s “Best of LA” Issue (August 2008). The 4th Street District stretches from Junipero to Cherry Streets, offering over 30 unique shops and restaurants to choose from, and is also home to the newly renovated Art Theatre. www.4thstreetlongbeach.com

Long Beach’s newest sport team the Belmont Hot Broads of Long Beach Roller Derby made a name for themselves at their debut bout on June 3rd narrowly defeating the Terminal Island Tootsies in a hard fought and thrilling game, down to the last jam. Now the Broads take on on even bigger challenge, facing last year’s champs the Bixby Rollerettes on July 22nd.  Bixby is a put together team lead by the beautiful and cunning Coach Bio-Diesel.  Bio may be the youngest coach but don’t be deceived by her youth and good looks. She means business and as one of the best athletes and strategists in the league she plans to lead her team to victory against the expansion team the Belmont Hot Broads.  Coach Pigeon of the Belmont Hot Broads has some tricks up her sleeves too, and is not afraid of the last year’s champs reputation. “Bixby is up for a battle!” according to Pigeon, “Since we are both tied for first place this year, it should be an exciting and stressful game for my gals.”See for yourself how this competition unfolds at the Queen Mary Domeon July 22nd.  Tickets sell fast so advanced purchase is suggested.Tickets may be obtained at Moxi Roller Skate Shop 2132 E. 4th Street,Long Beach CA, (562) 439-6694 on 4th Street or on-line at LongBeachRollerDerby.com/tickets. Prices are $20 pre-sale / $25 at the door for Grand Stand Seating and is $10.00 presale/ $15.00 at the door for General Admission.

This is an all ages event with alcohol available with ID. In addition to exciting Roller Derby action there will also be a live band, fire dancing by Sirena Serpentina and food vendors.

Who: Long Beach Roller Derby
What: Banked Track Bout Belmont Hot Broads vs Bixby Rollerettes
Where: Queen Mary Dome (Derby Dome)
When: Friday July 22nd  Doors open at 7pm game at 8:30

8800 Irvine Spectrum Drive, Irvine, California, USA
August, 13, 2011 Noon to 10pm

OC Pride’s Velvet Lounge Main Stage will include performances by Stacey Q, Speaker Junkies, Transkontinental, Corday and The Cougars, Soul Sisters and many more. Comedian, Ryan Hill and Momma will MC throughout the afternoon. Pride’s Sponsor, AMP FM Radio, will open the Main Stage.
The Club Lucky Dance Tent will include DJ’s Mike Orion, Saratonin, Hazmat, John Joseph, Zach Moos, and Ahmed.
Families with young ones can enter the Kids’ Club where a bounce house, balloon animals, face painting, entertainment, and games may be enjoyed from noon – 6pm.
This year’s OC Pride festival is introducing Rainbow Symposium, a lecture series for those interested in hearing expert speakers discuss topics such as “Transgender Transition”, “Smashing Homophobia 101”, “Lube U”, “How To Answer the Religious Right in their own words….” and others.
Pride also invites non-profit and for-profit booths to sell products, advertise, educate and meet one another. Food and beverages, including alcohol, may be purchased and enjoyed in this park-like setting (across from The Spectrum and next to Verizon Amphitheater).
Tickets are only $10 and can be purchased at the event or at www.prideoc.com. We have limited VIP Tickets for $75- which include hosted food by Border Grill (menu includes a winning recipe from Top Chef Masters) and beverages hosted by Barefoot Wine. Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of this exclusive area. VIP tickets may ONLY be purchased at www.prideoc.com.
Become Pride’s friend on Facebook www.facebook.com/orangecountypride for the latest updates.
This is the last summer Pride Festival in Southern California. Don’t miss it!
Orange County Equality Coalition (OCEC) is the host of Pride and formed after the Passage of Proposition 8. The mission of OCEC is equality and respect for all people in a progressive Orange County. This is the third year OCEC has hosted Pride in Orange County.

Rosanne Faul, Executive Committee Member, 949/275-6377, rfaul@defendingyou.net, 5405 Alton Pkwy Ste. A-250, Irvine, CA 92604
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