Montana Avenue’s Small Business Saturday event is here….On Saturday, November 28, enjoy a casual day of shopping, with live music 7th to 17th Street on Montana Ave. Shops will offer special discounts and some will have refreshments. The times are based on the businesses, with restaurants starting early and running later. Retail shops will be open 11:00am – 5:00pm for sure – some possible later. The music will start at 12:30pm and run until 4:30pm.

Support your local businesses…especially the small shops, mom and pop stores. It’s a great time to get a jump on your holiday shopping list, and support your community at the same time.

The holidays will be here before you know it. Start your shopping early.

Jane Walker, owner of Texture: A Sweater store and More has lived in Santa Monica for thirty seven years and worked on Montana Avenue for twenty five. She began working in retail on Main Street Santa Monica at the clothing Gallery, then in 1990 she started working on Montana Avenue. Then opened her own shop – Texture. This April marks its three year anniversary. “Montana is a very supportive community….you get to know so many people. I’ve watched my customer’s kids grow up…and Now I’m dressing the kids of the people that have been shiopping her for years.”

In turn, Walker gives back plenty of support to her neighboring stores, such as Lark Ellen. She explains, “Lark Ellen sells wonderful merchandise…exclusively american made products. Its a great compliment for us at Texture, so I can bring them right next door.”

Texture offers all kinds of sweaters, cardigans, pullovers, in both bright and muted colors, tweedy solids to polka dot, featuring all sorts of charming designs. It also sells beautiful scarves (in addition to it’s fab sweaters).

Here, guitarist Peter Skrabak will be performing. He’ll be playing some classical and standards. A classically trained guitarist, Skrabak starting playing at just seven years of age and played his first professional gig at fourteen. He worked as a bassist early on, and has played just about every style of music.

“I love Santa Monica,” said Skrabak. “As an artist I am excited to be a part of the Montana Avenue event! What a great way to showcase local musicians and artists while promoting all the fabulous and unique shops.”

Skrabak has built a successful career here in the U.S. He has lived and performed in a variety of places, even Hawaii. He is a noted songwriter as well. Skrabak worked with legendary sax player Hollis Gentry, and while in the band, he wrote a song (NO PODRAS) which was performed by Gentry and would later become a huge international hit for the Mexican artist Cristian Castro.  http://www.peterskrabak.com

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

Ten Women on Montana will be offering a sale. Stop in for some gift ideas for sale (both inside and outside in front of the gallery). Take advantage of big savings with 40% off bamboo & cashmere scarves, 10-25% off fine art, prints & photography.

Light refreshments will be served. 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. Ten Women Gallery, 1128 Montana Ave., in Santa Monica; 310-393-6254;  http://www.tenwomen.org

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/

Partner’s Trust will be having a fun art party tonight and will be featuring several artists.

This is where Kat & the Jazz Birds will be performing on the northwest corner 13th Montana, next to Partner’s Trust (1333 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403) from 12:30 – 4:30 pm.

We will be doing jazz standards as well as some old time swing. You will recognize a few well known melodies such as All of Me, Stormy Weather, My funny Valentine, Fever, Fly me to the Moon, Almost like Being in Love and more. We will also be paying tribute to legendary artists such as Peggy Lee, Etta James, Ella Fitzgerald, Wanda Jackson and more.

Photo by Nick Busco

For more information about Kat & the Jazz Birds, and my four other bands, visit http//www.KathyLeonardo.com

Partner’s Trust, 1333 Montana Ave Santa Monica, CA; (310) 382-8500; http://www.thepartnerstrust.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 yourself or a friend. L‘Occitane, 1301 Montana Ave;(310) 393-7040; http://usa.loccitane.com/

Kiehl’s is also getting in to the act….stop by to see art and enjoy specials throughout the store.  Kiehl’s, 1516 Montana Ave. http://www.kiehls.com/

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/

Shopaholic Sample Sales will be offering amazing deals…most of the merchandise will be $30. Enjoy Vita Coco drinks + chocolate chip cookies, while you shop!

“We find it more fun to support small, local businesses,” said Tina, sales associate. “There’s just something so much more positive in doing so rather than supporting large, faceless corporations.”

They have two locations…one at the Grove and of course one on Montana. The Montana Avenue store first opened about 1.5 years ago. When asked what shed loved most about the Santa Monica location, Tina replied, ” Getting to know the fun neighbors that live in the area and being a part of this warm community.

Milo Gonzalez will be performing at Sweet Lady Jane. Indulge in sweet temptations….

Gonzalez is self-taught in both classical guitar and flamenco guitar. Gonzalez has performed at well known music festivals such as Coachella, Lightning in a Bottle, Electric Picnic, Boom Festival, and Farmaid. https://soundcloud.com/milo-gonzalez

Sweet Lady Jane, 1631 Montana Ave. 310 254-9949; http://www.sweetladyjane.com/
 
Of course you may have your favorite store on Montana….so come on out and visit. The event runs from 11:00am to 5:00 pm. (Restaurants will offer extended hours).

Enjoy the live music and stroll down the Avenue (from 6th to 17th). See ya out there. http://montanaave.com