Big eBay giveaway organized by SLO Firm

Want to meet "Desperate Housewives" bombshell Eva Longoria? Have dinner with Damon Wayans? Visit the set of "Scrubs"?

All those opportunities are currently up for grabs on online auctionhouse eBay, thanks to a San Luis Obispo firm.

Founded by Jenny Kompolt more than five years ago, Kompolt Online Auction Agency organizes big-ticket auctions for charities and celebrity sellers. This time they're working with Los Angeles "hairdresser to the stars" Ken Paves, to raise money for the EB Medical Research Foundation.

(EB stands for "Epidermolysis Bullosa," a group of diseases characterized by painful blisters and sores. Visit the research foundation's Web site, but be forewarned, these photos of EB's youngest sufferers are disturbing.)

To help the charity, Paves is offering everything from Juicy Couture gift certificates and t-shirts signed by Jessica Simpson to a stay at New York's super-luxe Soho House.

To win tickets to Celine Dion's "Taking Chances" tour -- and rub elbows with the Canadian songbird -- you'll have to plunk down more than $3,550. A meet-and-greet with "Scrubs" star Donald Faison will cost more than $2,800.

An autographed headshot of Christina Aguilera? A mere $105.

The "Big Give" auction ends Monday. For more information, check out Ken Paves' eBay store.

-- Sarah L.

Gumby, "Hairspray" and monsters at SLO film festival

As you no doubt read in The Tribune last week, the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival has begun.

The festival kicked off Friday with a train-themed gala at the historic Santa Margarita Ranch.

On Saturday, organizers offered a host of features and documentaries from "The Little Red Truck," a look at one far-reaching children's theater group, to a sing-along version of "Hairspray."

(Unfortunately for female fans, star Zac Efron couldn't make the screening. He's off filming in England, undoubtedly the period flick "Me and Orson Welles.)

One of the afternoon's highlights was "Gumby Dharma," which chronicled the fascinating life and times of "Gumby" creator Art Clokey.

Clokey himself was present at Downtown Centre Cinemas in San Luis Obispo. Moviegoers spotted the claymation pioneer and Los Osos resident being wheeled around in a wheelchair with son Joel by his side.

I caught a screening of "Monster Camp," filmmaker Cullen Hoback's documentary about the weird, wonderful world world of live-action role playing, or, LARPing.

Inviting comparisons to "Trekkies" and the arcade game doc "King of Kong," "Monster Camp" offers a fun, even sympathetic look at the dedicated fantasy fans who meet every few months to dress up and engage in mock combat.

They're drawn by a desire to escape from their humdrum lives, hang out with friends and even meet mates. These are the same folks who dedicate untold hours to the online phenomenon "World of Warcraft." Call 'em nerds with a niche.

"Monster Camp" is funny, wince-worthy and infinitely entertaining. Until the movie finds its way into regular theaters, learn more at www.monstercampthemovie.com.

***

For more about the San Luis Obispo International Film Festivals, including ticket prices and screening locations, go here.

-- Sarah L.

"Highway to the danger zone"

First, a prologue:

"On March 3, 1969 the United States Navy established an elite school for the top one percent of its pilots. Its purpose was to teach the lost art of aerial combat and to insure that the handful of men who graduated were the best fighter pilots in the world. They succeeded. Today, the Navy calls it Fighter Weapons School. The flyers call it: TOP GUN."

Cue Kenny Loggins' "Danger Zone." It's time for "Top Gun."

Inspired by Ehud Yonay's 1983 article on elite fighter pilots in California, "Top Gun" follows the adventures of Maverick (Tom Cruise), an up-and-coming pilot whose ego often gets in the way of his common sense.

With wingman Goose (Anthony Edwards) by his side and rival Iceman (Val Kilmer) watching his every move, Maverick aims to proves he's the hottest Navy flyer in the air.

Oh yeah, and there's a cute civilian instructor (Kelly McGillis) to woo.

Some moviegoers may not care for "Top Gun's" politics, or its less-than-subtle undertones of homoeroticism. (Quentin Tarantino discusses the subject brilliantly in "Sleep With Me.")

But let's face it, people.

This is a classic flick -- a high-flying action movie with a killer soundtrack, made when Tom Cruise was still sane and Kelly McGillis was the hottest chick in a flight jacket.

There's also a Central Coast connection: McGillis got her start at the Great American Melodrama in Oceano.

To paraphrase a quote from the film: "Top Gun," you can be my wingman any time.

"Top Gun" screens tonight at the Fremont theater, 1025 Monterey St. in San Luis Obispo.

The movie starts at 7:30 p.m., following a half-hour of trivia and prizes. Tickets are $7.50.

-- Sarah L.

("Top Gun" DVD cover courtesy of Movieweb.com)

Movies on a smaller scale

February is a busy month for movie lovers.

We cram into theater after packed theater, eagerly absorbing the year’s best films in anticipation of that giant circus-cum-popularity contest known as the Oscars. By the actual awards ceremony rolls around, we can barely keep our glazed eyes open.

If you’re weary of big-budget bonanzas like “Atonement” and “There Will Be Blood,” try a few of SLO County’s less frenzied screenings.

No Joan Rivers. No Gucci. We promise.

On Wednesday, take a peak into the life of William Randolph Hearst.

The Cambria Film Society will screen "The Cat's Meow," about the newspaper magnate and silent film star Charlie Chaplin, vying for the affection of the same woman.

That screening is 7 p.m. at the Theatre at the Old Grammer School, 1350 Main St. in Cambria. Tickets are $3. Call 927-8190 to learn more.

Also on Wednesday, head to Templeton for a potluck dinner and HopeDance magazine’s screening of “Two Angry Moms.” The documentary chronicles Amy Kalafa and Susan Rubin’s mission to get school districts to serve fresh, healthy foods.

Dinner starts at 6 p.m. at Dancing Deer Ranch, 2975 Vineyard Drive in Templeton, followed by the movie at 7 p.m. A donation of $5 to $10 is suggested.

Sandra Dimond of North County Farmers Markets will hold a Q&A session following the screening.

Miss “Moms”? You can catch two more screenings on Friday, Feb. 25, at the San Luis Obispo Library, 995 Palm St. in San Luis Obispo.

Kim Pasciuto will speak at the 10 a.m. screening.

The panel for the 7 p.m. screening features Kathleen deChadenedes, director of SLOW Food of San Luis Obispo, Eric Michaelsson of Clark Valley Organic Farm in Los Osos, and Nature’s Touch owner Melanie Blankenship, among others.

A donation of $5 is suggested for both screenings.

Visit www.hopedance.org or call 544-9663 for details.

-- Sarah Linn

Hometown heroes at Downtown Brew

Few bands with local ties enjoy the hometown support of Sherwood.

The power pop foursome routinely draws crowds every time it plays San Luis Obispo. That's why Downtown Brewing Co. is sure to be packed tonight.

As guitarist Dan Koch told The Tribune last March, Sherwood's founding members met while attending Cal Poly.

Singer and bassist Nate Henry, a parks and tourism major, had a joke band called The Ragnomes whose hits included "For a Good Time, Call 911." Drummer Joe Greenetz played at Campus Crusade for Christ meetings and with nowdefunct The Push Game. Koch, meanwhile, was a philosophy major with a love of punk rock and The Beach Boys.

They came together in 2002 to create melodious, hook-heavy pop with a touch of emo and indie rock.

Countless shows and musical festivals later, Sherwood has gone to booking their own shows and hawking CDs in malls to playing the Vans Warped Tour and rocking audiences from New Jersey to Orange County.

They released their second album, "A Different Light," on MySpace Records in March 2007. The band's current lineup includes Mike Leibovich on keyboards and percussion.

According to Koch, Sherwood recorded "A Different Light" in Mexico to tap into the Beach Boys' summery sound. Songs on the album sparkle, shock and soothe, revealing well-crafted melodies and thoughtful lyrics.

****

The all-ages show starts tonight at 6 p.m. at Downtown Brewing Co., 1119 Garden St. in San Luis Obispo. Also playing are The Matches, The Higher and We Shot The Moon.
Tickets are $13 in advance and $14 at the door.
For more information, call 543-1843 or visit www.downtownbrew.com.

You can check out Sherwood at www.myspace.com/sherwood.

-- Sarah L.

Photo courtesy of Earshot Media.

Sacha and His Women

Los Angeles singer-songwriter Sacha Sacket rolls into town this weekend with a show that promises heartfelt electropop ballads, indie edge, and yes, a few babes.

Sacha (pronounced "Sasha") performs these days with a trio of talented musicians: guitarist Jennifer Trani, bassist and back-up vocalist Anna Maria Rosales and drummer Alexa Brinkschulte.

Of the three, Brinkschulte comes with the most surprising street cred.

Born in Bremen, Germany, she started playing drums at age 17 and -- weeks later -- was gaining national attention while performing and recording with rock band Noise of Destiny.

She attended the Los Angeles Music Academy and the acclaimed Berklee College of Music. Alexa has since performed at prestigiuos venues in Boston, Los Angeles, Houston and Las Vegas.

Sacha says his music has been transformed since adding the women to the lineup. He calls it "harder," more aggressive and rock-infused.

"I’ve had people say they miss the old me," he said.

At the same time, he added, "I’ve seen this complete reaction to the music," in a way he's never witnessed before.

So, what's it like being on the road with three chicks?

"We’re like the anti-rock band because everyone is so together and everyone is cool and healthy," Sacha said.

During four- or five-hour drives between gigs, the band members read, send e-mail and explore roadside attractions.

Sacha, who plays keyboards onstage, occasionally slips in song.

"I pick up the guitar and I make up songs about them," he admitted with a laugh.

According to Sacha's MySpace blog, his creations include "Tropical Fish," "Alexa Sexa," "Jennifer + Harry Potter = Love," and "Please Wear a Vocal Condom When You Make Sweet Harmony Love To My Voice."

Sounds like a great way to spend a road trip.

***

Catch Sacha Sacket and his band at 8:30 p.m. Saturday at the Frog and Peach Pub, 728 Higuera St. in San Luis Obispo. The show is free.

For more info, check out www.sachasacket.com.

-- Sarah L.

(Photo at top is courtesy of Sacha Sacket.)

Nerd to the core

When I heard The Aquabats were storming into San Luis Obispo tonight, a giddy shiver shot up my spine.
Spawned from the Southern California punk and ska scenes of the 1990s, The Aquabats are that rare nerd band with a cool edge – fully accessible, totally fun and utterly geeky. And because they float just below the radar, we get to see them in places like SLO.
Just how awesome are they?
We’re talking about a band that dresses like refugees from some unknown episode of “Super Friends.” (Think short pants, goggles, rubber helmets and really big belts.) A band that performs with scores of stage props, including footage of Saturday morning cartoons and Asian martial arts flicks.
The Aquabats sing songs about snakes, pirates, robots and Martian girls. They go by names like MC Bat Commander, Chainsaw and Crash McLarson.
They are, as the song of the same title states, “Super Rad.”

The Aquabats play an all-ages show tonight at Downtown Brewing Co., 1119 Garden St. in San Luis Obispo.
Hunter Revenge, led by AFI bassist Hunter Burgan, and DJ Lance open the show at 6:30 p.m.
For more information, call 543-1843 or visit www.downtownbrew.com.

-- Sarah L.

This weekend, it's good to give

Giving has never felt so good.
This weekend, two community groups mix charity with entertainment, offering two fun-packed events while collecting donations for local non-profits.
Why not give a little?


The hard-hitting ladies of Central Coast Roller Derby tackle their Los Angeles rivals Saturday at the Paso Robles Event Center.
They'll battle the Angel City Derby Girls in a bout they're calling "The Ultimate Throwdown."
Proceeds from the Throwdown and September's School Yard Smackdown will go to the deGroot Nursing Home, which provides care for terminally ill children in San Luis Obispo County.
Since its formation in January 2006, the all-woman league has donated more than $7,000 and hundreds of hours to local non-profits.

The Ultimate Throwdown begins at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Paso Roble Event Center, 2198 Riverside Ave. in Paso Robles. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Arrive early to enjoy beer and barbeque provided by Downtown Brewing Co. of San Luis Obispo.
Tickets are $12 per person, Kids under 10 get in free.
Tonight, they can be purchased at the San Luis Obispo Farmers Market from the KZOZ booth or at a pre-bout party at Downtown Brew.
Otherwise, order at Vallitix outlets -- via phone at (888 825 5484, and online at www.vallitix.com.
For more information, check out CCRD's Web site.

****

On Sunday, the San Luis Obispo County Band offers up popular music from Gilbert and Sullivan, Camille Saint-Saens and John Philip Sousa.
The community band celebrates its 133rd anniversary this year.
Saturday's concert includes a special appearance by Wilmar “Tog” Tognazzini, a Morro Bay educator, historian and musician. He'll make his debut Saturday as a Central Coast conductor.
Although the event is free, the County Band is seeking donations for San Luis Obispo homeless shelters. All money collected will be matched by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.
The concert starts at 3 p.m. Sunday at Mount Carmel Lutheran Church, 1701 Frederick St. in San Luis Obispo.
Call 543-5691 or visit www.slocountyband.org for more information.

I'm "Movin' Out"

Throughout last night's performance of "Movin' Out," the ushers at San Luis Obispo's Performing Arts Center had one request: Read the program.

Granted, some of the action in the Tony Award-winning Broadway extravaganza can be puzzling. But the basic premise -- love, loss and social change against the backdrop of the Vietnam War -- couldn't be clearer.

I caught the first, sold-out performance of "Movin' Out" last night. A second show starts tonight at 8 p.m. at the PAC.

My conclusion? "Movin' Out" is more than a musical.

It's best described as a dance-ical, a high-energy burst of modern dance movements choreographed by Twyla Tharp and narrated by pop icon Billy Joel's piano rock hits.

Perched above the stage with a capable six-pece band, the Piano Man (Matthew Friedman last night, Kyle Martin tonight) comes aross as a omnsicient uncle -- winking at his charges' foibles and expressing sadness and anger when it all goes wrong.

Below, dancers with tight abs and impressive stamina add their own flavor to every song. Styles range from elegant classical ballet to saucy salsa and airborne kicks and jumps.

The audience grows so used to the interplay between song and dance that the few lines of spoken dialogue are almost jarring.

As for the music, a few selections in "Movin' Out" seem like a strange fit. (I fail to see the link between "Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)" and enlisting for the U.S. Army.)

Most, however, mold nicely to the story.

"Movin' Out" uses "We Didn't Start the Fire" and "Goodnight Saigon" to chilling effect to reflect the horror and confusion of Vietnam. And handful of love songs -- "She's Got A Way," "Shameless" -- make the onstage romance seem even sweeter.

It's a tribute to Joel's skill as a storyteller that the unusual pairing of wordless dance and motionless songs works so well.

For more information about "Movin' Out," call 756-2787 or visit www.pacslo.org.

-- Sarah L.

Do the truffle shuffle tonight!

So, you couldn't score tickets to tonight's sold-out performance of "Movin' Out"?

Lucky for you, we've got a solution: "The Goonies."

For those who don't remember the 1985 movie (shame on you!), "The Goonies" celebrates childhood adventures and hunts for hidden treasure with a sweet, goofy sense of humor that appeals to both kids and nostalgic adults.

It's a gem of a movie, full of gentle humor, touching moments and downright pathetic villains.

What's more, the film singlehandedly launched the careers of several actors, including Sean Astin ("Rudy," the "Lord of the Rings" triology), Josh Brolin ("American Gangster"), Martha Plimpton and Corey Feldman -- who, together with Corey Haim, basically ruled the 1980s.

Too bad the same can't be said for Jonathan Ke Quan, a.k.a Short Round in "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom."

"The Goonies" plays tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Fremont Theatre, 1025 Monterey St. in San Luis Obispo. Arrive early for trivia and prizes.

Tickets are $7 to $9.

***

The Fremont offers a screening of "The Sound of Music" on Tuesday, Nov. 13, also starting at 7:30 p.m.

Back at the PAC

It’s a packed week at the PAC.
Over the next few days, audiences will see choirs, an up-and-coming comedian, a family-friendly musical and Latina divas at the Performing Arts Center in San Luis Obispo.
The fun starts Saturday with a joint concert by Cal Poly’s finest vocalists.
Cal Poly organist Paul Woodring will man the majestic Forbes Pipe Organ during inspirational tunes sung by Polyphonics, The University Singers and the Early Music Ensemble.
Cal Poly’s barbershop quartets and outstanding student soloists will also take the stage.
The concert starts at 8 p.m. Saturday at the PAC. Tickets are $13 to $15.

Sunday brings the zany, energetic Broadway musical, “Seussical.” Kids will recognize several characters from Dr. Seuss’ classic children’s books, including The Cat in the Hat, Horton the elephant, and an imaginative young Who named Jo Jo. The show, by Theatreworks USA, is appropriate for ages 4 and up.
Catch the fun at 3 p.m., Sunday. Tickets are $18.

Fast-forward to Thursday, with a visit by East Coast stand-up comedian Mike Birbiglia.
Known for his hilarious “Secret Public Journal” routine, Birbiglia performed in San Luis Obispo a year ago as part of a comedy tour featuring regulars of radio’s nationally syndicated “The Bob and Tom Show.”
This time, he brings along a cast of Comedy Central favorites and indie musicians. (Note to parents: This show is rated “PG-13.”)
Tickets for Mike Birbiglia are $27. The show is 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 1.

Friday features the Divas Latinas, led by Chilean-born flutist Viviana Guzman.
The group, which also features singer Rosa Rojas, guitarist Gyan Riley and percussionist John Waller, expresses the riches of Latino cultures through song and dance.
From tango to flamenco, they focus on fire and passion.
That performance starts at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 2. Tickets are $35.

All of the above shows are at the Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave. in San Luis Obispo. For more information, call 756-2787 or visit www.pacslo.org.

-- Sarah L.

Summer's last musical breath

Summer officially comes to a close this weekend, ushering a season of cooler weather and waning light.
Fortunately, for lovers of the season, there’s one last chance to bask in the summer sun.
Arroyo Grande’s summer concert series wraps up on Sunday afternoon with a concert featuring some of Cuesta College’s finest musicians.

Voce, the community college’s vocal jazz ensemble, performs in a variety of styles ranging from pop and bebop to funk and Latin jazz. Since its creation in 1981, the award-winning ensemble has released two albums and toured Europe eight times.
The group is currently planning a trip to Spain and France next summer.

The Cuesta Wind Ensemble, featuring local wood and percussion musicians ages 16 and up, will perform John Phillip Sousa’s “On the Campus March” and other works. One piece, “The British Grenadiers,” features soloist Carlos Gama on euphonium.
Jennifer Martin conducts the ensemble.

Members of the Cuesta Jazz Ensembles will also play.
Cuesta’s jazz program includes two big bands -- a student group and a local professional group -- and seven small combos.

The free concert starts at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Rotary Bandstand in the Arroyo Grande Village.

Yo ho ho and a bottle of ...

Every so often, you hear about an all-but-imaginary holiday, like Eat Your Green Vegetables Month or Woodchuck Appreciation Week.

Chances are, a few employers created National Boss Day with the help of Hallmark.
Badminton and broccoli don’t deserve holidays. And I harbor some suspicions towards anything requiring large amounts of chocolate, flowers or money.

Avast, ye scurvy dogs!

I’ve finally found a holiday that suits me: Talk Like A Pirate Day.

The concept, created by John Baur and Mark Summers in 1995, is simple: Spend all day talking like a pirate. “Yes” become “aye,” “hello” becomes “ahoy” and “black-hearted blaggarts” … Well, you get the point.

At the duo’s Web site, www.talklikeapirate.com, you can purchase pirate-themed clothing, check out pictures from the first-ever PyrateCon, and browse the children’s book, “A Li’l Pirate’s ABSeas.”

(For the dedicated buccaneer, there’s also “Cap’n Billy “The Butcher” MacDougall’s Guide to Pirate Parenting.” Author Tim Bete, offers advice on topics ranging from removing a large octopus from your child's hair to administering the "Flying Dutchman Wedgie.")

Today, The Tribune even posted its own Talk Like A Pirate Quiz.

Test yer knowledge o’ the high seas and learn some pirate lingo here. (I qualified as a Master Shipman, which I guess is pretty darn good.)

Forget months dedicated to dolphins, noodles and maple sugar. I be advocatin’ an entire Talk Like A Pirate Week!

-- Sarah L.

Movies that make you think

Another month, another slew of socially progressive movies from HopeDance Magazine.
This September, HopeDance FiLMs focuses on subjects like crop circles, hallucinogens and Mexican factory workers. Central Coast cinephiles can expect movies with a conscience and a message.
The monthly film series starts Friday with “Hacking Democracy,” a documentary about vote-tampering and the flawed vote-counting machines used in the American electoral process.
The film will be shown at sunset in the parking lot of Utopia Bakery, 2900 Broad St. in San Luis Obispo. Bring a chair and warm clothes and blankets.
Donations are encouraged.

The following is a brief rundown of this month’s HopeDance FiLMs:

Sept. 10
“Zeitgeist: Beyond 9/11”
A humorous look at God, money and the truth behind the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. 7 p.m. San Luis Obispo City-County Library, 995 Palm St., San Luis Obispo. $5 suggested donation.

Sept. 14
“The 11th Hour”
Leonardo DiCaprio narrates this documentary about the state of the global environment, and practical solutions for restoring our planet’s ecosystems. This HopeDance fundraiser includes a raffle. 7 p.m. Palm Theatre, 817 Palm St., SLO. $10.

Sept. 17
“Star Dreams”
A look at the art and mystery of crop circles. 7 p.m. SLO Library. $10.

Sept. 21
“Peace One Day”
Peace activist Jeremy Gilley works with the United Nations, world and religious leaders and ordinary citizens to declare a global Day of Peace. Sunset. Utopia Bakery. Donation suggested.

Sept. 22
“Maquilapolis”
Works struggle for survival in the massive sweatshops just across the Mexican border known as maquiladoras, often owned by the world’s largest corporations. 7 p.m. Steynberg Gallery, 1531 Monterey St., SLO. Free.

Sept. 28
“Entheogen: Awakening the Divine Within”
Documentary director Rod Mann will be on hand to speak about hallucinogens and the modern world. 7 p.m. SLO Library. $10.

For more information, visit HopeDance's Web site.

-- Sarah L.

Songs of the Central Coast

Catch the sounds of the Central Coast this weekend as some of the region’s most talented singer-songwriters square off at a free concert in San Luis Obispo.

Eight musicians will compete Sunday night at the SLO West Coast Songwriters Showcase, held once a month at Linnaea’s Cafe. They’ll be joined by eight other guest performers.

Judging the contest are guitarist Craig Nuttycombe, part of the gypsy-tango quartet Café Musique, and Craig Kincaid, a professional singer-songwriter from San Luis Obispo.

Painted Sky Studios of Cambria will donate two hours of recording time to the musician awarded “Best Song.” Participants can also win “Best Performance,” and a number of door prizes.

Pismo Beach musician Steve Key launched the monthly showcase in May to highlight the area’s talent

The show starts at 7 p.m. Sunday at Linnaea’s Café, 1110 Garden St. in downtown San Luis Obispo. For more information, check out the showcase’s MySpace page.

Here’s the current lineup:

Competitors: Nathan Martin, Jackie Morris, Jennifer Neetz, Matthias Clark, Brian Keel, Deborah Kirk, Nina Jo Smith, Larry Allen

Guest performers: Steve Key, Craig Nuttycombe, Craig Kincaid, Will Barkley, Loren Radis, Cliff Stepp, Alex Miner, Michael Barrish

Burning Man tonight

Every year, thousands of people head into Nevada’s Black Rock desert for eight days of art, fire, radical self-expression and exploration into the unknown.
The annual festival known as Burning Man is the subject of “Journey to the Flames,” a documentary being screened tonight by HopeDance Magazine.
In the film, director Doug Jacobsen follows a group of friends over eight years as they explore the wild world of the avant-garde artists, fire-breathers, free thinkers and musicians that populate Black Rock City.
Participants barter for goods instead of using money, travel in modified “art bikes” and “mutant vehicles,” and abide by a simple principle: leave no trace.

*****

Watch “Journey to the Flames” tonight at sunset at Utopia Bakery, 2900 Broad St. in San Luis Obispo. The film will be screened outside on the wall of Staples, so bring a chair and warm clothes and blankets.
Donations are encouraged. For more information, visit HopeDance's Web site.

Wow, what a coastline!

The secret is out: California has one of the most stunning coastlines in the world.
This morning, NBC’s "Today" show highlighted the Pacific Coast Highway, also known as State Route 1, as the latest installment in its "America the Beautiful" series.
NBC’s Michael Okwu scoped out the "winding, climbing, jaw-dropping ride along the Pacific Coast Highway… no doubt, one of the most beautiful places in America.”
In one video on msnbc.com, Okwu drives a 1972 Corvette Stingray to San Luis Obispo, stopping by the quaint Apple Farm Inn and the historic Motel Inn.
Other footage focuses on San Simeon – showing the opulent Hearst Castle and elephant seals lazing on the beach.
Praise for the Central Coast's landmarks can also be found on NBC’s Web site.
"The San Luis Obispo area offers some of the most eye-popping sights, such as Hearst Castle, the palatial estate of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst that overlooks the Pacific Ocean," raves Jeanne Sullivan of the California Travel and Tourism Commission in her article "California dreamin': Majestic coast highlights."
Sullivan recommends renting an ATV at Pismo Beach or exploring the Paso Robles wine country.
Peter Greenberg, the Today show's online columnist, mentions San Luis Obispo County’s campgrounds and wineries in his exploration of State Route 1.
And California’s wild and wonderful coast features prominently in Forbes Traveller writer Rob Baedeker’s article, "Ten classic coastal drives."
To learn more, check out the Today show's Web site.

-- Sarah L.

SLOCO locals rockin' Downtown Brew, fair

It’s a great day for local bands.
While San Luis Obispo’s own Rhodes is opening for rock icons Aerosmith, another band with Central Coast ties will take the stage before Canadian indie rockers Hot Hot Heat.
The Deadly Syndrome opens for Hot Hot Heat tonight at Downtown Brewing Co. in San Luis Obispo.
Two of the band members are UC Santa Barbara grads: Templeton native Jessie Hoy, who plays drums, accordion and keys, and guitarist Will Etling, who grew up in Santa Ynez.
Etling is the younger brother of Tribune staffer Leah Etling and the nephew of Bert Etling, editor of The Cambrian.
The Deadly Syndrome releases its debut album, “The Ortolan,” on Dim Mak Records in September. (The name refers to tiny birds that were captured alive, fattened and then roasted and eaten whole by French gourmands.)
Folks are already starting to take notice of the fledging Los Angeles-based band.
“Unbridled euphoria — and wry touches such as onstage cutouts of ghosts — helped the Deadly Syndrome go from zero to signed in a few short months,” wrote Los Angeles Time columnist Kevin Bronson. “Well, that, and explosive, unaffected songs right out of the Arcade Fire/Modest Mouse/Wolf Parade playbook.”
The concert is tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance or $16 at the door.
For more information, call 543-1843 or visit the Downtown Brew Web site.

***

Still hungry for the sounds of the Central Coast?
You can catch these SLO County voices at the California Mid-State Fair. They’ll perform the national anthem before concerts on the Main Grandstand Arena throughout the 12-day event.

TONIGHT
Chief Lisa Solomon of the Paso Robles Police Department
Sings before: Aerosmith

THURSDAY
Amanda Brown of Paso Robles
Sings before: Stevie Nicks

FRIDAY
Tara Twisselman of Santa Margarita
Sings before: Bob Dylan

SATURDAY
Celestina Ripley of Greenfield
Sings before: Daughtry

SUNDAY
Marie Pyle of Santa Maria
Sings before: Godsmack
Also performing are: Kyla Norton of Atascadero (Monday), Callie Twisselman of Cholame (Tuesday), Julie Beaver of Paso Robles (Wednesday), Aimee DeGuzman of Nipomo (Aug. 2), Fascinatin’ Rhythm of San Luis Obispo (Aug. 3), Madison Stowell of Atascadero (Aug. 4), Alicia Eatherly of Atascadero (Aug. 5) and Jennifer Eckerman of Paso Robles (Aug. 5).

All concerts are at the Paso Robles Event Center, 2198 Riverside Ave. in Paso Robles. Call 239-0655 or visit the Mid-State Fair Web site for more information.

-- Sarah L.

When Zac attacks!

They call it the “Zac Attack.”
As Pat Pemberton’s article in Ticket suggests, there’s an air of media frenzy about Zac Efron, the singing, dancing star of “Hairspray” and “High School Musical.”
He’s graced the covers of BOP, Tiger Beat, Teen and Kewl. He’s popped up on “Extra” and MTV’s “TRL.”
YouTube features about 53,000 videos with a connection to the Arroyo Grande teen. And a Google search turns up more than 2 million hits, including a dozen fansites.
On Tuesday morning, the “nicest kids in town” — Efron, Nikki Blonsky, Elijah Kelly and Amanda Bines — appeared on NBC’s “Today” show to promote “Hairspray.”
Efron was his usual polite self, praising co-star Blonsky for her skill and talking about “Hairspray’s” positive message.
“There’s so many good messages in this movie,” he said. “It’s really about being accepting of all people, all shapes, all sizes. It’s about following your dreams.”
In June, Elle magazine raved about Efron's sex appeal (“not unlike Romeo of Verona or Leonardo in ‘Titanic’ ”) and his talent (“he can sing and dance like Justin Timberlake”).
People magazine’s Monica Rizzo recently wondered if Efron and his “High School Musical” co-star Vanessa Hudgens are “the Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie of the teen set?”
The two were spotted Tuesday at the “Hairspray” premiere in Los Angeles, where they watched the movie together, held hands and danced to a live rendition of “Proud Mary.”
People even put Zac Efron on its “Most Beautiful” list in April. The actor features prominently in a special issue about “High School Musical 2.”

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What’s next for this talented teen?
Efron and the cast of “Hairspray” return to “Today” this morning for a live performance. Watch on NBC at 9 a.m.

Movies that illuminate

Sick of summer blockbusters?
Local moviegoers can trade big-budget special effects for inspirational films about the bigger picture, thanks to HopeDance Magazine’s ongoing series.
This month, HopeDance FiLMs will screen “Living Luminaries,” “Sophie Scholl” and “Encounter Point” at the San Luis Obispo City County Library, 995 Palm St. in San Luis Obispo.
All screenings are at 7 p.m.
The first film, “Living Luminaries: The Serious Business of Happiness,” plays tonight.
Featuring interviews with Eckhart Tolle, Marianne Williamson and others, the documentary addresses questions about God, purpose and happiness from a religious and spiritual perspective. A $10 donation is suggested.
“Sophie Scholl: The Final Days,” which will be screened July 24 at 7 p.m., chronicles the final six days of Germany’s most famous World War II activist. The film follows Sophie Scholl, a member of anti-Nazi resistance group The White Rose, from her arrest to her interrogation by the Gestapo, her trial and sentence.
The 2005 film won several international awards and an Oscar nomination for best foreign-language film.
“Sophie Scholl” will be screened July 24 at 7 p.m., with a suggested donation of $5 to $10.
On July 30, local filmgoers can explore the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from the front lines with “Encounter Point.”
Among the subjects of the documentary are a former Israeli settler, a Palestinian ex-prisoner, a grieving Israeli mother and a wounded Palestinian brother. Together, they launch a grassroots movement for nonviolence and piece.
HopeDance encourages a $10 donation.

For more information, visit www.hopedance.org/.