Hollywood is full of trendy clubs that showcase the best DJs and bands. Check out this
calendar of performances to find where your favorite artists are playing next.

Why stop at visiting a Hollywood set when you can be part of the actual show? You can get tickets to the TV tapings at these places. But, wear comfortable shoes and clear the rest of your itinerary, you’ll have to wait in line.

Audiences Unlimited: (818) 506-0043 or www.tvtickets.com Write to: 100 Universal City Plaza Bldg. 153, Universal City, CA 91608 Include a return stamped envelope. Over 40 sitcoms, game and talk show tickets available.

CBS (213) 852-2458 7800 Beverly Blvd. Tickets for game and talk shows, and sitcom tapings

Paramount Pictures (323) 956-5575 860 N. Gower St. Tickets available at Visitors Center up to five days in advance of tapings of Paramount’s sitcoms and talk shows at the studio and other production facilities.

One of Hollywood’s richest and most talented producer / managers is Brad Grey. A veteran in the biz (he’s been there for 23 years) he was responsible for the Sopranos and Just Shoot Me (he earned net profits of $262 million on that show — and an additional $50,000 fee per episode). He also handled A-list clients like Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt.

One industry insider said, “There are 20 people who basically run this town. Brad can get any of them on the phone immediately. They answer his call because they never know what he might say that will be vital for them to hear.”

Seems like the Hollywood writer’s strike is going on and on and on and on… so is it going to end any time soon, and are there any negotations? Get it straight from the writers themselves at the Union’s blog.

We’d quote them but then they might complain copyright infringement and picket US.

The holidays are party season — and Hollywood knows how to throw a party. If you’re in HOllywood on a Saturday, try the Circus Disco / Spundae. The club has a different DJ every week, usually the top in a particular industry: progressive house, trance, techno, breakbeat. The dance flour is immpressively large, and there’s a smaller room with new, local talents. (The two rooms are connected by the lounge on the second floor.)

The disco is located at Santa Monica Boulevard. Check out the for more information. Dance the night away!

Get into the brilliant (and some would say, twisted) mind of one of the greatest directors and writers that Hollywood has ever known, Woody Allen. The book
Conversations with Woody Allen: His FIlms, the Movies, and Moviemaking by Eric Lax is as entertaining as its subject, and is dotted with quotes that are, well, so Woody Allen.

Allen explains many of the nuances of his films, his decision to make a “mockumentary” (long before the phrase was coined, and the project became trendy) and how he handles the cut-throat competition and general cattiness of Hollywood.

Excellent buy.

Preparing for a trip to Hollywood? Get a sneak peak with audio books that you can download into your iPod or laptop. These one-minute vignettes can give you an insight on the city’s colorful history. Very educational and full of trivia you may not hear on a standard tour.

Pig N Whistle

Restaurant by day, bar by night. It keeps its interest factor up by changing themes each night — attracting different crowds. “Nubar” night attracts the 30somethings, while the cool martini night draws the younger partygoers. Run by the same people behind Sunset Room, a favorite celebrity hangout.
6714 Hollwood.(323) 463-0000.

Cat ‘N Fiddle

One of the Rolling Stones favorite pubs. Mostly male crowd, with a laid-back vibe that locals love. Best drink is the Snake Bite.
6530 Sunset.(323) 468-3800

Merix

Known for its margarita selection and other frozen drinks (that’s why the crowd tends to gravitate here on Sunday afternoons). Is largely known to be a gay hangout.
8350 Santa Monica Blvd., #210. (323) 848-2450

Les Deuz Cafe

A casual French bistro reputed to be the hangout of stars like Cameron Diaz, Sharon Stone, Jerry Seinfeld and Lenny Kravitz.
1638 N. Las Palmas Ave. (323) 465-0509.

Hollywood has some of LA’s hippest and most happening party scenes — and not just because of the celebrity sightings.

While the “hot spots” change every few months (partygoers tend to tire of a place pretty quickly) some places have earned the loyalty of stars, moguls and the regular LA residents.

The Room

The music is amazing, thanks to a fantastic list of DJs. Go here on a Tuesday. Might be hard to find this place, though — just go to Cahuenga between Selma and Hollywood. Look fora blue building with an orange awning. Then, walk to the back and ask for the doorman.
1626 N. Cahuenga Blvd. (323) 462-7196

Opium Den
The hang out of young alterna-rockers. Monday’s the best day, since it’s the local radio station KROQ’s “Zeke’s Backyard” night.
Burgandy Room, 1621 1/2 N. Cahuenga Blvd. (323) 465-7530
Opium Den, 16051Ž2 N. Ivar Ave. (323) 912-0636

Daddy’s

Best place to get a drink… and to find a date. Bartenders are really friendly, and you may be able to meet someone interesting while waiting for your order.
1610 Vine. (323) 463-7777.

The Frolic Room (Hollywood and Vine)
Go here after the theater show ends. Love the wall paper mural that features the stars of Old Hollywood. But if you feel Marilyn Monroe’s talking to you, you know you’ve had enough.
6245 Hollywood Blvd. (323) 462-5890.

Earlier we discussed the importance of realistic expectations of a HOllywood hotel. This includes checking out separating the marketing hype and looking for customer reviews — but that’s not all. Many tourists want to pay dirt-cheap than complain that they’re not getting the star treatment. It doesn’t work that way.

The trick is to identify what’s important for you and put your money there. Here is your criteria:

1. Location. Clearly the most aspect of any hotel, since you’ll want to reach the major tourist attractions with minimal hassle. If it’s not within walking distance of the tourist spots, check if it’s near the pubic transportation system or if it provides shuttle services.

2. Parking. You need this if you brought your car with you. Is the parking free? If not, how much will you pay? When you look at customer reviews, check if the parking is secure.

3. Rooms. This is a matter of preference. Some want luxury and sophistication; others just need a clean, soft bed (they reason that they won’t be spending that much time in the hotel, anyway).

4. Support services. Dry cleaning, laundry/ironing are handy if you’ll be spending a lot of time in Hollywood (you won’t have to pack as many clothes). Business travelers may need wireless internet, photocopiers and faxes. Families may want to look for babysitting/childcare services and recreational facilities like a pool.