Pick of the Week...Montana Avenue's Small Business Saturday Event Goes BIG, Nov 29!

Yes…it’s a mellow weekend for the art world…take in a film, or go to the theater…or enjoy some live music…I have two public gigs this weekend…yeah its listed (2 different bands). Come by and say hi. Keep the holiday going!

Our Pick of the Week takes place this Saturday….Montana Avenue’s Small Business Saturday event.

Skip the big malls after Thanksgiving…and head to Small Business Saturday to celebrate its 5th year on November 29. A nationally recognized campaign, the event takes place straight on the heels of Thanksgiving, in the midst of the black Friday/Saturday shopping weekend.

I want to personally encourage everyone to get out there and support your local businesses…especially the small shops, mom and pop stores….and of course ART GALLERIES…Everyone loves original art. It’s a great time to get a jump on your holiday shopping list, and support your community at the same time.

Montana Ave is doing it big!! Many of the local shops are participating. There will be live music up and down the street. It runs from 7th Street to 17th Street.

Stop by Texture: A Sweater store and More…owner Jane Walker has been busy working hard to put the event together, in addition to running her own shop. With the holidays approaching…it’s a perfect time to buy a warm sweater…yes it does get chilly at night for those of us who live by the beach. Texture offers beautiful merchandise…of course all kinds of sweaters, cardigans, pullovers, in both vibrant and muted colors, tweedy solids to polka dot, featuring all sorts of charming designs.

TEXTURE: A Sweater Store & More is located at 716 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, CA; (310) 393-0707; See FB page.

Spending money at local businesses does wonders for the community, as many local residents work for or own small shops. Late November and December is often peak season for most of these businesses. Each store will be celebrating in its own way…with sales, snacks, refreshments, and extra incentives with purchase as well as additional discounts.

You won’t want to miss the art party at Ten Women on Montana…light refreshments will be served.

In the window…mosaic artist, Linda Fenster features her intricate and exquisite creations. Enjoy “Cinderellie’s Get Away Dress” (see image) a mosaic, costume jewelry and bead dress with Scrabble letters spelling out, “HAPPINESS” across the waist. I am a big fan of Linda Fenster…she is quite talented.

Also for sale are Fenster’s signature beaded functional office telephones and a dreaming mermaid themed treasure. Other artists such as Cola will be showing her beautiful paintings as well as with hand painted art and spiritual messages on ceramics and glass.

Ten Women Gallery is a vibrant artist’s co-operative gallery showcasing 24 local women artists. It’s a great place to purchase gifts for everyone on your holiday list.. Be sure to check the website to view more of Cola and Linda Fenster’s work as well as the other Ten Women Gallery artists.

Ten Women Gallery, 1128 Montana Ave., in Santa Monica; 310-393-6254; www.tenwomengallery.com

Local band, the Venice Street Legends will be performng at the event.

Today’s event will feature a duo version of the band, with guitarist Greg Cruz offering his dynamic talents on both guitar and vocals. Petr Hromadko will play bass with Cruz. Enjoy popular blues melodies and a touch of country.

Having cut his chops in Venice as well as booking gigs such as the House of blues where he was a fixture at the Porch Restaurant Lunch hour weekdays for years.Cruz and Hromadko have become a welcome fixture busking on the Venice Boardwalk.

The Venice Street Legends will be performing in the middle of the block in front of Browns cleaners 1223 Montana from 12:30pm. to 4:30pm.

Michael Stars will be open as well…The fashion store specializes in contemporary clothing with luxury essentials for LA’s hip beach lifestyle. Michael Stars, 1233 Montana Ave; 310-260-5558; http://www.michaelstars.com/

My jazz band, Kat & the Jazz Birds will also be performing at the event. We will be situated on the corner of Euclid and Montana…right next to L’Occitane. We will be doing jazz standards as well as some old time swing.

Enjoy well known melodies such as All of Me, Stormy Weather, My funny Valentine, Fever, Almost like Being in Love, Long Time, and other jazz and swing classics made famous my legendary artists such as Peggy Lee, Etta James, Wanda Jackson and more.

Photo by Nick Busco

You can find out more about Kat & the Jazz Birds and my four other bands at KathyLeonardo.com

If you’ve never been to L’Occitane…you’ll find the most wonderful smelling soaps and bath salts, oils and more. Stop in and pick up some goodies for the holidays. It’s a great time to treat yourself too.

L’Occitane, 1301 Montana Ave;(310) 393-7040; http://usa.loccitane.com/

While on the Avenue, you may have a hankering for DiDios Italian Ices. An old fashion sweet shop. Located between Euclid & 14th Street, its known for its all natural authentic Italian Water Ices created with fresh fruit.

Enjoy sixteen flavors such as Lemon, Mango, Pink Grapefruit, Pomegranite, and Blood Orange. Other popular flavors include Cherry, Chocolate, Coconut, Root Beer, & Blue Raspberry. Gelato is also available as well as an assortment of old fashioned candy and soft pretzels.

DiDios Italian Ices can be found at 1305 Montana Ave. Santa Monica, CA

Enjoy Flaminco and classical music with Michael Jost. I can attest, Michael is a true talent and an exceptional guitarist. We are glad to have him on this event.

Here is some info from his music page on Reverbnation: Michael’s music is a journey in time & space fueled by his passion for music & his instrument. His main instrument is the guitar with all the different colors & emotions. Michael’s influences are very multicolored & involve different styles, continents and time periods. Live or on in the studio… Expect to be surprised.

You can catch Michael Jost in front of Kiehl’s, located at 1516 Montana Ave., from 12:00pm. to 4:00pm. For more info on Michael Jost, click here.

ABS affordable luxury caters to the contemporary woman’s never-ending craving for fashion – to wear the latest trends and look fabulous, whether at work or play, with the fabric quality and attention to detail found in designer collections.

ABS, 1533 Montana Ave; 310-393-8770; http://www.absstyle.com/

Keep heading East…