Los Angeles

Rockin' Rock 'n Roll Tour! Grab your Backstage Pass and join the ACCESS Los Angeles team on a behind-the-scenes look into the Los Angeles music scene - a milieu steeped in music history.

In the late 1950's, the major "music centers", including Los Angeles, emerged. These centers controlled the money needed to record, produce and distribute music nationally and the music industry took off in a big way. On our Rock 'n Roll history tour, guests will see first-hand some of the very places that have launched the rock stars of yesterday and today into stardom. A few of the featured locations include such legendary rock hot spots as the Whisky a Go Go, the Troubadour, and the Roxy. Along the way guests will learn, through facts and music trivia, which landmarks inspired some of the greatest hits and where record deals were made and dreams came true. Fact or Myth? The first West Coast-based record company, Capitol Records, a uniquely shaped, 13-story building was purposely designed to resemble a stack of records topped by a stylus. Join us on our excursion and learn the answer!

Since its 1964 opening on the Sunset Strip, the Whisky a Go Go has played host to rock n' roll's most legendary bands and musicians - from The Doors, Janis Joplin and Led Zeppelin to today's up-and-coming new artists. It was here where a short-skirted female DJ danced during a break in a Johnny Rivers set and Go Go dancing was born!

Guests will also have the opportunity to visit the world famous Troubadour and stand on the very stage where Elton John launched his career following an introduction by Neil Diamond. Greats such as James Taylor and Tom Waits performed there early in their careers and the Troubadour continues to be a destination for cutting-edge acts from around the world. There's the legendary Roxy, known to rock 'n roll fans of all ages. From the Roxy's 1973 opener featuring Neil Young to Bruce Springsteen's now classic 1975 performances, the history of The Roxy Theatre is paved with icons.

Adding to the day's excitement is a stop at a brand new facility - The GRAMMY Museum! Just opened this month, this 30,000+-square-foot cornerstone of the new L.A. LIVE development, is devoted to exploring and celebrating all forms of music, as well as the rich cultural history of the GRAMMY® Awards. This one-of-a-kind "museum of the 21st century" spotlights artists of all musical genres and celebrates the rich history of the premier recognition of excellence in recorded music - the GRAMMY Award.

When you are looking for something different - whether it is our new Rock 'n Roll excursion or a cutting-edge themed event, contact the team at ACCESS Los Angeles for your destination management needs.

Palm Springs

Modern Architectural Marvel - "Movie Colony" Estate! The majesty of the desert is often the inspiration for area desert modern-designed estates. The clean lines, expanses of clear glass and vibrantly colored furnishings in this venue allow us to go bold with our design style in creating the perfect dining venue for your guests set amidst the spectacular backdrop of the San Jacinto Mountains.

A 10-foot tall, 900 pound, vertically-ribbed stainless steel front door is the portal to this astonishing residence, completed in 2007 in the historic Movie Colony neighborhood. Steel girders, beams and columns allow the house to soar away from its foundation with 40-foot cantilevers. The construction is over half glass with disappearing walls to allow the outside in and the inside out and for every room to open up to the stunning views for which Palm Springs is noted. The great room includes decorative wood sheaths soaring above a floating 16-foot long glass fireplace, softening the geometric interior surfaces. With its steel construction and polished concrete floors, this home is eco-friendly.

Occupying one large space, the living room, dining room and kitchen face the shimmering lap pool and mountain views beyond for a dramatic setting. Artwork ranges from modern paintings to a centuries-old African mask and a stone sculpture from Zimbabwe.

The walls are primarily bright white with accents of lime green, purple, and Ponsardin orange and are the inspiration for the primary-colored design palette of one of our "looks" for this impressive setting. Each guest table might feature a different primary colored linen or a single vibrant tone (perhaps with modern animal print or brushed aluminum accents) draped over circular tables centered with inner-lit twinkle light trees with coordinating colored lanterns suspended from its branches. Art deco style chairs complete the architectural design. Talk to the ACCESS Palm Springs team about incorporating the perfect entertainment components to complement the setting and your purpose.

Contact the team at ACCESS  Destination Services Palm Springs to design your next off-property event at this location or another of the many venues we have to offer you as inclusions on your next Southern California meeting, conference or incentive travel program.

Spice it up with ACCESS

Holiday Gingerbread!
Here is a taste bud tempting dessert just in time for the holidays from San Diego's Chez Loma as featured in The San Diego Restaurant Cookbook.

Serves 6

Ingredients:

- 1/2 cup butter
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup molasses
- 2 eggs
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon powdered ginger
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup hot water

Directions:

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add molasses. Beat in eggs, one at a time. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Add to molasses mixture, alternating hot water and flour mixture. Pour into a bundt pan. Bake in a water bath for 40 minutes at 350 degrees. Serve with caramel sauce and fresh whipped cream.

Enjoy!