There’s a host of new companies sprouting up in the LA scene, the progressive movement is happening before our eyes in every field of human endeavor.  A  few notable:

+YOTOWN: from the creators of Barackthevote, officially launched May 15th (visit website)

+THE ADDICTED CULTURE: Co-Founded by my good friend, business colleague, and partner in progress — Mr. Taj Tashombe. Inspired by the compulsive pursuit of life’s passions. Created in Los Angeles, the clothing line was spawned from the lifestyle and culture of the city (visit website)

Memorial Day Weekend Event Lineup:

+Thursday night: Bait & Switch - an L.A. Party/Mixer with a twist! (view facebook invite)

+Friday night: Plei LA | Cheryl’s Bday Bash (view facebook invite)

+Saturday: The Kings of Summer present: 1st Beach Party & Bonfire of the Summer (view facebook invite)

+Saturday night: Politix do.what.u.do (view facebook invite)

+Sunday: UCLA JazzReggae Festival 2009 // LAPN+CLIMB Booth will be present (visit website)

+Sunday night: BLANC | The Original Memorial Day White Party (view facebook invite)

+Save the Date: Urban Professional Networking Mixer | Thursday May 28th (view flyer)

Now. Don’t say I didn’t tell you. And don’t say I don’t put on for my city. And don’t say I don’t put on for my community. The summer is upon us, it’s about to get very active around these parts…in every field of human endeavor.

Cheers to the city of Los Angeles!

A Culture of Change | Memorial Day Weekend May 24 – 25, 2009 

Los Angeles, CA – As Memorial Day Weekend approaches, anticipation and excitement is rapidly mounting for The 23rd Annual Jazz Reggae Festival at UCLA presented by SCION. The student run festival, which has attracted an average of 30,000 attendees annually over the past 6 years, features the most prominent and critically acclaimed artists from around the world, along with an international food, arts, and crafts fair. As we enter a new era, this year’s festival has been carefully programmed as “A Culture of Change” with all artists, vendors, sponsors and messages cohesive in support of social and environmental change. With this in mind, the festival’s production team is proud to present this year’s line-up for both days: click here.

In addition to booking this elite line up and maintaining the art production value with a huge LED screen, the production team has continued efforts to make the festival environmentally progressive. Our specified Sustainability Team is working alongside many non-profit organizations to ensure that all aspects of the show are eco-friendly through means such as waste-separation and direct recycling, along with strong encouragement to our vendors to use biodegradable materials. A sustainability tent will provide attendees with information on fair-trade products, energy and water conservation, and the benefits of using locally grown products. There will also be a tent for children that will provide educational activities that emphasize environmental issues.

Tickets Available Now: 

Advanced Tickets $25, Day of Event Tickets $35, Two-day passes $45, Deluxe Two-day passes $115. Ticketmaster and the UCLA Central Ticket Office. Online presale tickets available until May 24, 2009. (click here for Ticketmaster)

+Save the Date: Professional Networking Mixer | Thursday May 28th (details forthcoming)

+You Will Be Missed: I was informed that Mrs. Johnson, former educator at my alma mater Taylor-Tot’s Playhouse, passed away over the weekend. She will be truly missed. I will have more info on services and arrangements within days (via Kellie Hawkins)

+CLIMB/LAPN has confirmed participation (read: exhibiting booth) at the upcoming 2009 UCLA JazzReggae Festival (May 24-25th). If you are interested in volunteering, pls contact us at info@laprofessionalnetwork.com. (click here for event info)

+Congratulations to Chef Nigel Henderson on gratudation from Le Cordon Bleu’s School of Culinary Arts! (see photo)

+Founders of BarackTheVote launch new clothing line YOTOWN, to view launch party info: click here

+Courtesy of Jullien Gordon: Get $50 off the May 30th Driving School for Life course (NYC): click here for more info