Weekend Update....there is always something fun to do!

My Pick of the Week is Saturday, March 26^th…Victory Fine Arts presents “VICTORY: A Sports Art Exhibit” featuring artists, Armando Villareal, Shane Stover, Garry Limuti and guest artist, international photographer, Bo Bridges.  The show, “Victory” is for art lovers and sports enthusiasts alike.

Check out this week’s Argonaut, pg 14, see this photo of Shane Stover’s painting of Kobe as well as a nice article.

The reception will be held at Universal Art Gallery from 6:30 pm till 9:00 pm at 2001 Lincoln Blvd, in Venice, 90291. This will be a wonderful opening reception with appetizers, refreshments and wine. See more details under Saturday’s events.

The Boys and Girls Club which is participating in this event as well. A contest was created for the participating kids from the B&G Club’s Art/Sports programs to paint their favorite sports heroes. Three of the winners will be showing their work in this upcoming community event and exhibition at Universal Art Gallery on Saturday.

Here is one of the winners with his Art teacher, from The Boys & Girls Club of Venice. Photo by Steve DePena.

Well it’s a good week to go to Hama Sushi, they do have a great sushi happy hour too. They will be donating 10% of your bill to the earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan. So go, eat some sushi. It’s a wonderful restaurant and it helps a great cause. Hama Sushi is located at 213 Windward Ave, right off the circle. 310 396-8783; http://www.hamasushi.com/.

Friday, March 25th

Indie Collective opening reception of "organic nationalism", a solo show by daisuke okamoto. The event begins runs from 7pm to 9 pm drinks and snacks will be served. Indie Collective gallery 6039-A Washington Blvd culver city, 90232 310 837-7714; www.indiecollective.com.

G2 Gallery (1503 Abbot Kinney Blvd.), presents musician, John Vester, performing traditional folk songs at 7:30 pm. A $5.00 donation is suggested, but as always it will support environmental charities. You still have a chance to enjoy the photography of Garth Lenz. (see image) Boreal Future: Our Last Great Forest and the Threat of the Tar Sands. It is a breathtaking exhibit. http://www.theg2gallery.com/.

Saturday, March 26^th

My Pick of the Week is the Victory Fine Arts event, “VICTORY: A Sports Art Exhibit” featuring artists, Armando Villareal, (see image below), Shane Stover, (photo, to right), Garry Limuti and guest artist, international photographer, Bo Bridges. This Sports/Art opening reception will be held at Universal Art Gallery at 2001 Lincoln Blvd, in Venice, 90291 from 6:30 pm till 9:00 pm.

The Boys and Girls Club is participating in this event as well. A contest was created for the participating kids from the B&G Club’s Art/Sports programs to paint their favorite sports heroes. Three of the winners will be showing their work in this upcoming community event and exhibition at Universal Art Gallery on Saturday. This will be a wonderful opening reception with appetizers, refreshments and wine. See more details under Saturday’s events.

Universal Art Gallery is a well known framing studio and has become a valuable resource for artists, galleries and businesses alike to frame their fine works of art. The curator, Sally Walsh, consistently puts together inventive and eclectic art exhibits with fabulous opening receptions. This one will be extra special. http://www.victoryfineart.com/; http://www.framegallery.com/.

Now before you head to the Pick of the Week, you may want to check out the 14^th annual Art and Design Art Walk during the day, from 3:00 pm till 7:00 pm, located in West Hollywood. The Aboriginal Dreamtime Fine Art Gallery is very excited to be participating and will be offering champagne, refreshments and Hors D’oeuvres by Anessa’s D’lish Fusion. Also, you’ll get 10% off, everything, i.e. paintings, jewelry scarves etc. at the Aboriginal Dreamtime Fine Art Gallery, (9011 Melrose Ave., W. Hollywood, 90069); 310 278- 4278; www.aboriginaldreamtimegallery.com/

It's supposed to be a huge event and better than all the previous ones. This year it's hosted by Jaguar and they will have streets closed off to show their newest models. A bunch of galleries and shops are participating and there will be live entertainment, trunk shows, cocktail reception, etc.

Before you go, see the Avenues website, for more event details at http://www.avenueswh.com/artdesignwalk/.

From 4:00pm till 6:pm, Richard Heller Gallery (at Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Ave, Space B-5A)  will be featuring new works from Edward del Rosario. www.richardhellergallery.com

Also at Bergamot, Frank Pictures Gallery presents Tom Benedek, “Shot by the Writer: The Sequel”. The opening reception happens from 6:30pm to 9:30 pm. You must rsvp for this one at 310 828-2011 or email laurie@frankpicturesgallery.com; Tell em KTR Promo sent you. Frank Pictures is located at Bergamot Station 2525 Michigan Ave (A-5) in Santa Monica. www.frankpicturesgallery.com

One more stop you may want to make….when you are in Venice, is Liza Lou’s exhibit at L&M Arts, at 660 Venice Blvd. 90291. This edgy gallery always has fun well attended openings. 310 821-6400; http://www.lmgallery.com/.

You have another chance to catch me playing some of my original Strong Woman Blues. Just got a last minute gig, and this one is will be Country/Blues at The Cinema Bar. I will be playing with Greg Cruz and the Venice Street Legends from 9:00 pm till 10:00pm. See photo (by Steve DePena). These guys are great and will open the show, then I will jump up to join them. Blues and country covers….June Carter, Patsy Cline and maybe I’ll even sing These Boots are Made for Walkin, one of my specialty songs. At 10:00 pm, stay for Miss Jessica an the Sugar Shack. The Cinema Bar is a fun dive bar located at 3967 Sepulveda Blvd. north of Washington Place, one
block south of Venice Blvd. (310) 390-1328.  www.kathyleonardo.com.


Check out Boots are made for walkin' video by Steve DePena. http://www.youtube.com/watch?.v=wzFR-aCIZmY;

Also, you may want to see, Singer, Songwriter, Alfred Johnson, who will be tinkling away on the keys over at Rumors (formerly the Rumor Mill) at 11739 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, 90066, from 7:30 till 10:00pm. Alfred is also a good friend and I have performed on the same bill with him many times. A funny, well versed entertainer. Free; www.myspace.com/alfredjohnson; http://therumormill.us/.

Sunday, March 27^th

Its World Music Night again at The Talking Stick Coffee Lounge 1411 Lincoln Blvd Venice 90291 from 7:00pm till 10:00pm. Created by Stefani Valadez and Music Magique Promotions, this event happens every 4^th Sunday of the month and is hosted by Stefani Valadez who also happens to be a fabulous singer/songwriter and musician. There is a $10.00 cover on this, and a one drink minimum (hey, but it’s only coffee…just bring a shot of something, to zip up the evening.

Stefani Valadez Ensemble (Euro-Fusion) will be starting the evening at 7:00 pm. Then, the featured band tonight is The Shpil (don’t ask me to pronounce it) This Klezmer Quintet is also celebrating their CD Release Party,….so it should be a fun!

The Talking Stick offers delicious, reasonably priced salads, sandwiches, hummus & pita, tasty desserts, and an array of smoothies, coffees and teas in a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere. 310.450.6052; www.thetalkingstick.net; www.stefanivaladezmusic.com; www.theshpil.com;

Till next time. Have a good one.