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.

The Vanguard is one of the hottest places to party in HOllywood. It’s famous for its cool DJs, go-go girls on a catwalk and enough dance floor space to fit in the relaxed but energetic crowd, which ranges mainly from 25s-early 30s. There’s an outdoor tropical-style patio in the back for VIP service, but this place is really just a pure dance club with few distractions.
(6021 Hollywood Bvld., 213-480-3232.)

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.

Forget buying Christmas gifts for other people — what should Hollywood fans get for themselves? What about these vintage movie posters, available at emovieposter.com This site carries some of the posters from old blockbusters, from Disney’s 102 Dalmations to Empire Strikes Back to Ghostbusters.
Better yet, arrange a Hollywood tour that’ll bring you to the studios or sets. Now that’s what we call bragging rights.

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.