FRANKLIN AVENUE CONTEST: Two Tix to See Photek

Superstar DJ and remixer Photek is coming to Los Angeles this Friday before heading to Europe for a quick tour, and we've got free tix for you to see him.

Want two tickets to see Photek on Friday, Feb. 15 at the King King? Send an email to contests@theconfluencegroup.com by 5 p.m. on Feb. 14th with "Franklin and Photek" in the subject line. The winner will be chosen that night.

Photek is coming off his second Grammy nom in two years and just released his first full-length album in a decade, KU:PALM. Photek has also been busy remixing; check out his take on Lana Del Rey's "Ride" below:



Here's Photek's new track "Pyramid" via Soundcloud:



And download Photek's new Essential Mix from BBC Radio 1 by clicking on the "Photek" icon below:

FRANKLIN AVENUE CONTEST: Tix to the LA Auto Show

It's time again for the LA Auto Show, this year taking place from Friday, Nov. 30 through Sunday, Dec. 9 at the Convention Center. (Here's our recap from last year.) As always, it's the place to see the latest high-end sports cars, wild futuristic concepts and alternative fuel vehicles first. The family-friendly event also includes the Hyundai Kids’ Fun Zone in Kentia Hall, open on weekends during the show’s run.

We have a pack of 4 tickets for Franklin Avenue readers! Just email us at franklin_avenue(at)yahoo(dot)com and let us know what you're most excited to see at this year's show. We'll pick a winner on Monday night.

FRANKLIN AVENUE CONTEST: The Lucent Dossier Experience

Short notice, but if you're looking for a post-Valentine's Day date night experience -- or just a Friday night on the town -- we're offering a pair of tix to "When Lucent Found Herakut."

The show is described as "an edgy meld of Cirque Du Soleil-style performances by the spunky avant-garde circus, The Lucent Dossier Experience, against a live backdrop of the famed internationally-acclaimed Berlin street art duo Herakut." Check out more info here.

The show takes place this weekend at the Palace Theatre in Downtown. In order to win a pair of tickets to this Friday night's When Lucent found Herakut mail Contests@TheDoLaB.com with your full name and "Franklin" in the subject line by Friday, Feb 17th at 11am. Winners will be selected at noon on Friday Feb 17th.

THE LUCENT DOSSIER EXPERIENCE
Into The Unknowing
WHEN LUCENT FOUND HERAKUT
Palace Theatre
630 S Broadway, Los Angeles
Time: Doors 7:30pm; Show 9pm

A video of the event:

FRANKLIN AVENUE CONTEST: "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" Prize Pack

Based on the classic John le Carré novel of the same name, the new feature "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" takes place in 1973, at the height of the Cold War, and revolves George Smiley (Gary Oldman), a career spy for Britain's Secret Intelligence Service (code named "The Circus"). Smiley is forced out of the agency but later secretly rehired to uncover a double agent in their midst.

Tomas Alfredson ("Let the Right One In") directed the film, based on a screenplay adaptation by Bridget O’Connor and Peter Straughan. Benedict Cumberbatch, David Dencik, Colin Firth, Stephen Graham, Tom Hardy, Ciarán Hinds, John Hurt, Toby Jones and Mark Strong also star.

The movie opens in select cities, including L.A., this Friday, Dec. 9. Focus Features has given a prize pack to give away to a Franklin Avenue reader -- simply shoot us an email (with SPY in the header) and the Blogger Toddler 2.0 will pick a lucky winner. The prize includes a $25 Movie Theater Gift Card, T-Shirt, Voice Recorder Pen and Post-it Note Cube.

Check out more info on the "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" Facebook page. And here's a trailer for the film:

FRANKLIN AVENUE CONTEST: LA Auto Show Family Pack

The Blogger Kid inspects a car at the LA Auto Show in 2009.

The annual LA Auto Show returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center starting this Thursday, November 18, and continuing through Nov. 27 -- including Thanksgiving day. (Read our past LA Auto Show posts here.)

According to the event's press materials, 50 debuts are expected at this year's show, "including the world’s most powerful convertible, the Camaro ZL1, and fuel efficient electrics and hybrids including BMW’s i8 Concept that will be hitting the big screen in the next 'Mission Impossible.'"

The LA Auto Show is a popular one for the Blogger Kid -- and I'm expecting the Blogger Toddler to be even more impressed. The show continues to boast a "Kids Fun Zone" on the weekends, including pint-sized vehicles, a bounce house, face painting, car themed video games and more.

Franklin Avenue has a family-four-pack (valued at around $50) for a reader -- to win, email us, and tell us where you got your last ticket (and how -- speeding? Red light?).

FRANKLIN AVENUE CONTEST: Soundtrack and Book to Beginners

"Thumbsucker" director Mike Mills is behind the new indie feature "Beginners," which hits theaters on June 3. The movie stars Ewan McGregor as a graphic designer who specializes in record covers. (Being married to a graphic designer who specialized for years in recording packages, that hits close to home for the Franklin Avenue crew.)

McGregor plays Oliver, who finds new love just months after the death of his father. "This new love floods Oliver with memories of his father who -- following 44 years of marriage -- came out of the closet at age 75 to live a full, energized, and wonderfully tumultuous gay life," the movie blurb reads.

A companion book contains all the drawings which Mike Mills drew, and that Oliver (played by Ewan) works with in the film. Via Focus Features, we have a prize package for one Franklin Avenue reader: Beginners: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack as well as Drawings From the Film Beginners By Mike Mills. Simply email us at our Yahoo email address (to your right) and the Blogger Baby 2.0 will pick a name out of a hat. Happy movie-going!

FRANKLIN AVENUE CONTEST: Auto Racing in Pomona

Drag racing's National Hot Rod Association Winternationals, a February tradition since 1961, is back -- and we've got a pair of tickets for you to catch the motor action this Saturday.

The event, held at the AutoClub Raceway in Pomona from Feb. 24 to 27, promises drivers hitting 300mph in less than a quarter mile.

More info:

Fans flock to Southern California for one of drag racing’s grandest traditions: the unveiling of new cars, drivers, teams, and sponsorships at the season opener, where teams hope to use the season kickoff as a springboard in their pursuit of a spot in the Countdown to the Championship at the fabled Pomona facility known for its outstanding traction, smooth surface, and record performances.

At this 51st annual Winternationals, the NHRA will be honoring Don “The Snake” Prudhomme, prominent member of the Burbank Road Kings and legendary drag racer, with a showcase of his race cars.

Read all about it here.

Food trucks including the Greasy Wiener, Calbi, Ragin’ Cajun and The Street will also be there.

Wanna go? We're thinking of buying a new car (hey, relevant!) and could use some advice on what to get. Email us your suggestion over at franklin_avenue(at)yahoo(dot)com. Winner gets a pair of tix plus parking! Not bad.

FRANKLIN AVENUE CONTEST: $25 Gift Card to See 'Somewhere'

Sofia Coppola's latest feature, "Somewhere," hits theaters in limited release on Dec. 22. Franklin Avenue is giving you a chance to check out the movie.

We've got a $25 movie theater gift card, as well as an autographed poster of "Somewhere" from Coppola and a copy of her critically acclaimed feature "Lost in Translation." All you have to do is email us with your favorite holiday song -- send to franklin_avenue(at)yahoo(dot)com. Winner will be chosen from a random drawing by the Blogger Baby 2.0.

Written and directed by Coppola, "Somewhere" stars Stephen Dorff as a tabloid star living at the Chateau Marmont whose life is turned upside down when his 11-year-old daughter (Elle Fanning) comes to live with him. Chris Pontius, Benicio del Toro, Michelle Monaghan and Simona Ventura also star. Phoenix is behind the music.

Here's a trailer:

GIVEAWAY: Pasadena Museum Tix, Plus M Press Cards

Over at her brand new M Press Studio blog, Maria writes:

I'm a little embarrassed to admit that the first time I set foot at the Pasadena Museum of California Art was late last year, to see the Wayne Thiebaud exhibit. That first visit impressed me.

PMCA features smartly curated rotating exhibits focusing on California artists. Currently, the museum just opened their new exhibits. This post features a giveaway for two tickets to the museum, plus a couple of letterpressed cards sold only at PMCA's store.

To enter, go leave a comment at the M Press Blog on what you'll be making for Thanksgiving this year. The winner will be picked at random on Friday morning, November 19th.

FRANKLIN AVENUE CONTEST: Win a $25 Gift Card to Umami

Online directory White Pages is getting into the social buying service game, launching the Los Angeles edition of DealPop.

Amomg the deals this week on DealPop Los Angeles: Seventeenth Street Café and Bakery ($7 for $15 worth of baked goods) and Umami Burger at Fred Segal ($5 for an $11 hamburger), both located in Santa Monica.

DealPop compares itself to popular sites like Groupon and Living Social:

DealPop makes it easy to share deals with friends and family, however with DealPop everyone gets a deal because there isn’t a minimum number of people who need to purchase before the deal goes through. DealPop has also created a point system that allows members to earn points on future purchases when they share a deal with someone via Facebook, Twitter and/or email who then signs up and purchases that deal. There is no limit on the number of DealPop Points that members can earn.

“We’re excited to launch with some great deals in LA and look forward to helping people discover new places like an Abbott Kinney wine bar, improv in Westwood, a Westside exercise boot camp, or a place to grab lunch after hitting the Farmer’s Market on Main Street,” said Kevin Nakao, chief operating officer at WhitePages.

Here's your chance to score a win thanks to the folks at DealPop: Drop us a line giving us one of your favorite L.A. secrets. (It could be an eatery, a location or a local tip.) Winner gets a $25 gift certificate at Umami Burger. Good luck.

FRANKLIN AVENUE CONTEST: $50 Gift Card at Roy's Restaurant

Brah, you like eat? Roy's get one "Ohana Tour" li'dat.

Ahem. (Clears throat of haolefied pidgin.) The Roy's restaurant locations in Southern California have launched a new rewards program dubbed its "L.A. Ohana Tour."

As part of the promotion, Roy's has given us a $50 gift card to award one lucky Franklin Avenue reader.

The Roy's "Ohana Tour" takes place between June 9 and August 31; diners receive rewards by visiting three locations and are also entered to win an all-inclusive trip to Hawaii, where guests will enjoy a personal dinner with founding chef Roy Yamaguchi.

Roy’s locations include Anaheim, Los Angeles, Newport Beach, Pasadena, and Woodland Hills. According to Roy's, each restaurant sports a different menu, as chefs are asked to give their own spin to the Roy's cuisine.

Wanna win the gift card? Drop us a line listing your fave local kine grinds (at our franklin_avenue-at-yahoo-dot-com address) -- it could be fancy or low-brow, doesn't matter. We'll pick a winner from the entries. Shoots, chance 'um, brah!

FRANKLIN AVENUE CONTEST: Eli "Paperboy" Reid at The Roxy

Free tonight? How about checking out rising star Eli "Paperboy" Reed at the Roxy? The Boston-born, Brooklyn-based singer, who's been described as a cross between Sam Cooke and Otis Redding -- with a bit of Wilson Pickett -- is there tonight, and we have a pair of tix.

It's simple -- first person to Tweet us at @franklinavenue wins the tix.

Reid is getting great press in the UK where his album, "Come And Get It," scored him the title of 2009 MOJO Breakout Artist Of The Year. Reid's album is released here in the States on Aug. 17.

Check out more YouTube clips here.

FRANKLIN AVENUE CONTEST: The Go-Go's at the Greek

We've got a pair of tix to see the Go-Go's on July 24 at the Greek.

Yup, that's still a few months away... but the contest comes courtesy the Premiere Marquee Club. The promotion lets you create your own summer concert series at the Greek Theatre & Gibson Amphitheatre now through April 13th.

The PMC has three levels to choose from: silver (3-4 shows), gold (5-7 shows) or platinum (more than 8 shows). Members get perks like dedicated VIP concession lines at both venues, dedicated presales and guaranteed seating for all shows year-round. PMC presales run in advance of venue/artist/other presales. More info at PMCLA.com.

OK, so the contest: Tell us your favorite L.A. daytrip. (Go-Go's -- "Vacation" -- get it?) Send your entry to franklin_avenue(at)yahoo(dot)com.

FRANKLIN AVENUE CONTEST: 2010 Radio Control Expo

Franklin Avenue once again finds something for you to do this weekend. We've got a pair of tickets to give away to this weekend's 2010 RC EXPO at the Fairplex in Pomona.

Just email us at franklin_avenue(at)yahoo(dot)com and tell us -- in honor of St. Patrick's Day -- your luckiest Los Angeles moment.

The 2010 RC Expo bills itself as "the world's ultimate radio-control expo" and presents "a dynamic, action-packed event featuring the world's latest and fastest radio control products, such as tanks and boats; planes and helicopters as well as trucks and race cars. Attendees have opportunity to test drive some of the best RC rock crawling trucks on the market on a 1,200 square-foot course, as well as see and try out the newest products on the market." (More here.)

Where: Fairplex, Pomona (1101 W. McKinley Ave.; Pomona, CA 91768)

When: March 20-21, 2010 (Sat. 10am - 6pm; Sun. 10am - 5pm)

Cost: One-Day General Admission: $15.00; Children 12 and under are free with a paid adult.

FRANKLIN AVENUE CONTEST: The Irish Fair & Music Festival

We've got a pair of tix to attend this weekend's Irish Fair & Music Festival at the Fairplex.

The 8th annual event is one of the largest festivals of its kind in Southern California.

Details:

There's something Irish to suit everyone. Learn more about historic Ireland as you explore the Ancient Irish Village depicting a 16th century village faire or celebrate the rich Irish culture with sheepherding demonstrations or an Irish Dog Show.

Families will enjoy the Leprechaun Village with "winner-every-time" games, a storybook stage, petting zoo and pony rides while shoppers can hunt for bargains in the largest Irish Import Street in the west.

For authentic Irish dining, there's the bangers and mash, fish and chips, corned beef sandwiches and shepherd's pie and plenty for the stout, ale and beer lovers. Finally, "jig" it all off with eight stages featuring true Irish music.

This year, attendees with the last name "Murphy" get in free. (A valid ID is required, of course.)

For everyone else, admission is $18 (discounted to $16 for seniors over 55 and students with valid ID).

Los Angeles Magazine Wants You to "Get LA"

Los Angeles mag's new "Get LA" film competition is already underway -- but you still have until the end of the month to digitally capture your take on our city.

To kick off "Get LA," L.A. mag's Chris Nichols put together the short above (click to watch). To shoot "Designed for Dreaming," he convinced "21 of the city's optimists, futurists, and dreamers" to perform this poem, created for GM in 1956 as a nod to the future. City Councilman Tom LaBonge, architects Dion Neutra and Frank Escher, Los Angeles Conservancy executive director Linda Dishman, "histotainer" Charles Phoenix and soprano Dabney Ross Jones (above) are among the notables chiming in.

L.A. mag hopes to convince as many Angelenos -- both filmmakers and civilians -- as possible to create their own three-minute videos about Los Angeles. Details:

GET LA film competition is open to Los Angeles County residents. The films can biographical, documentary, fictional, or aspirational portraits of the city and its residents. In order to be accessible to diverse members of the community entry of a film into the competition is free. Submissions for the competition will run from February 3-March 3, 2010. Finalists will be announced and posted online March 15 to be judged by viewers (who will choose an “Audience Favorite”) and a panel of notable Angelenos as judges (who will choose an “Official Selection”). The winners will be announced in early April. Film entries will be submitted and viewed at lamag.com/citythink/getla.

Judges include David Arquette, Richard Dreyfuss, Eric Garcetti, chef Evan Kleiman, movie critic Joe Morgenstern, and USA Network's Jeff Wachtel.

Volunteer org L.A. Works is also sponsoring the contest, along with the new L.A. Magazine Foundation. It's also a part of L.A. mag's 50th anniversary "City Think" initiative.

Your Favorite Southern California Holiday Traditions, Part III: Hastings Ranch and Christmas Tree Lane

Hastings Ranch Christmas Lights
Originally uploaded by Manitoba Museum of Finds Art

Our contest to find some great Southern California holiday traditions -- and reward the best ones with a $25 eBay gift card -- continues.

Today, reader Nancy takes us to Pasadena and Altadena, where the Christmas lights shine bright:

Even when I was very young, my parents would drive me and my brother into Pasadena's Hastings Ranch neighborhood to see the decorations. We used to go in our pajamas and coats as small children, then as giddy middle-schoolers. I even took friends when I got my license so they could see the elaborate individual decorations on each home and every block's parkway theme. I loved seeing my favorite Peanuts characters on one particular block. Other parkway themes included gingerbread men, lighted stars and shining bells. It was a completely magical experience.

Next we would head over to Christmas Tree Lane, also known as Santa Rosa Avenue in Altadena. We dimmed our headlights and drove slowly down the street, flanked by immense lighted deodar trees. When I was in high school, I volunteered with the St. Elizabeth's Youth Group at the Lane each year, spending endless hours screwing lightbulbs into sockets so that the annual spectacle could go on. Neighbors, Scouts, teens and children worked together - and still do - to bring the lighted Lane to life each year.

We traditionally finished up the drive in Altadena at the famous Balian Mansion. The glow from hundreds and hundreds of Christmas lights gave off heat, enough so we could walk around the mansion's fence and look carefully at each part of the display. In one corner we could see Rudolph with his famous glowing nose. In another, a Nativity scene. And everywhere, up, down, right and left, there were lights and more lights.

I've lived in several states and two foreign countries, and nothing I've seen at Christmas has ever matched the Christmas brilliance of the holiday light traditions in Pasadena and Altadena.

Balian Christmas House welcome
Originally uploaded by okarol

Thanks Nancy! We'll be checking out those very light displays in the coming days.

Meanwhile, we have room for one more winner, who we'll choose tomorrow. Last chance to enter your tradition now -- email franklin_avenue(at)yahoo(dot)com.

Your Favorite Southern California Holiday Traditions, Part I: The Christmas Caroling Truck

We asked you last week, as part of our Franklin Avenue contest for $25 eBay gift certificates, to name your favorite SoCal holiday tradition. And you delivered.

This week, in the days leading up to Christmas, we'll award the best entries. (And it's not too late to enter -- send yours RIGHT NOW to franklin_avenue[at]yahoo[dot]com.)

Our first winning entry comes from Jodi, who shares her love of the Magical Christmas Caroling Truck of Toluca Lake and North Hollywood:

It's my 15th Christmas in L.A. (I only went out of town for one) and the tradition I love the most is the The Magical Christmas Caroling Truck that drives around Toluca Lake and North Hollywood every Christmas Eve. I'll never forget our first Christmas here when we were sitting in our apartment in Burbank/Toluca Lake and heard what sounded like a football game or something outside. We ran downstairs to behold a huge tractor-trailer totally decked out for Christmas, pumping out music, and filled with jolly folks singing and accompanied by a parade of more singers and dancers. I was awestruck.

When we moved into a house a couple of years later, it was within a mile of the apartment and we were thrilled to learn that our new North Hollywood home is within the Magical Caroling Truck's route! For many years now, our friends a few houses down have a party on Christmas Eve. Various people listen out for the truck (oh you can hear it coming) and when it's near us, we all run out and enjoy! Sometimes we walk along with it for a while. A couple of years ago, one of our friends made a bunch of red and green signs that said things like "Thank You!" and "Yay!" and I don't remember what else that we held up for the carolers, which they got a kick out of.

I can lean toward being a little bah-humbug about the holidays, but I LOVE this for some reason. I can't wait 'til next Thursday night! It should be hitting us sometime between 8:30 & 9:15 according to the flyer left on our door.

Thanks to Jodi, who wins our first $25 eBay card! More to come!

FRANKLIN AVENUE CONTEST: eBay Mobile Boutique

It's been quite a season for folks contacting us about giving away goodies to you, the loyal Franklin Avenue reader.

Next up, as part of its eBay Mobile Boutique pop-up store -- which comes to L.A. this week -- eBay is giving away $25 gift cards to Franklin Avenue readers.

Interested? Email us now, at franklin_avenue(at)yahoo(dot)com, and tell us your favorite L.A. holiday tradition.

As for the eBay mobile store, it will be located at Hollywood and Highland both this Thursday and Friday, Dec. 17 and 18, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Details:

The mobile boutique will showcase interactive shopping kiosks, hot holiday merchandise and virtual windows with live auctions on the site from local eBay sellers. Personal shoppers will be on hand to help you find and purchase your holiday gifts and have them shipped wherever you’d like.

There will be items on site such as fashionista products (clothes, shoes, accessories), Zhu Zhu pets, items for gamers, and more.

I'm guessing my favorite item to purchase on eBay -- old TV Guides (yes, still a nerd, check) -- won't be there.

FRANKLIN AVENUE CONTEST: A Chanticleer Christmas

Contest time again... this time, we've got two tix to see "A Chanticleer Christmas," part of the "Deck the Hall - Holiday Concerts at Walt Disney Concert Hall" series.

Show takes place this Thursday, Dec. 17, at 8 p.m.

Called the “orchestra of voices,” the Grammy-winning Chanticleers are pretty popular this time of year, as they perform an eclectic mix of Christmas music. More info here.

Wanna go? Just email us at franklin_avenue(at)yahoo(dot)com. In his inaugural run as prize picker, the Blogger Baby 2.0 will select our winner!