On the Town: Revelers sport a ‘stache for men’s health
“It’s a Mustache Bash! It’s big. It’s stylish.” That was the flier’s catchy description of last Friday’s event at Katsuya Restaurant at the Americana at Brand.
The gimmick was that party-goers were encouraged to come dressed as a character who sports a ‘stache. A mere $20 gave you two drinks, unlimited sushi, sliders and mini-cupcakes — the perfect menu for happy hour.
At the event’s 7 p.m. start, about 80 guests were expected.
A live DJ kept the action hoppin’. A “Do-It-Yourself Mustache” station allowed easy access to paper mustaches if you left yours at home. La Crescenta resident Rich Rands was first in line to grab his fake but fun mustache.
Mustache styling for men with the real thing was also available. Glendale resident Niguel Martinez took full advantage of a mustache styling session. Barber Shane Lichterman did the honors. The venue was Katsuya’s upstairs patio overlooking Christmas lights sparkling in Americana’s park. Lichterman is a barber at Industry downtown L.A.
There was also a photo booth for those who wanted to immortalize their mustached faces. Even the gals got into the act. Glendale resident Ileana Galvez paired up for a photo with her buddy Cara Morales from Sun Valley. Their fake mustaches were fetching.
Taking advantage of Katsuya’s happy hour without mustaches were Glendale best friends Tanya Bouldin, Christine Esquibel and Denise Muniz.
Bonnie Waldman from Hollywood was also along for the ride.
“I come to the Americana all the time,” Muniz said, “and I like causes.”
The evening’s drink of choice for manly men was called a Burning MANdarin. It was filled with Absolute mandarin vodka, muddled with Serrano chilies with a lick of fruit juices. A portion of the profits from the drink with a kick will go to the Movember Foundation.
Fifty percent of the entrance fees will also benefit the Movember Foundation, which raises awareness about men’s health.
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“Works for Piano & Strings” was the title of the free Glendale Noon Concert last Wednesday in the sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Glendale.
The concerts, presented every first and third Wednesday from 12:10 to 12:40 p.m., provide the perfect way to relax at lunchtime. A $6 light lunch from Angela’s Bistro is always available to go.
Last Wednesday’s concert featured Benjamin Britten’s “Revelle” and the “Alfred Schnittke Piano Quartet.” The solo by violinist Jacqueline Suzuki, founder of the Glendale Noon Concerts, wowed the audience of several dozen music lovers. Suzuki is a Glendale resident.
Also on the program were pianist Susan Svrcek, violinist Rebecca Chung, Victor De Almeida on viola and Margaret Edmondson on violoncello.
First Baptist Church Pastor Matt Andrews and Pastor Emeritus Charles Updike present the concert series.
Next up is a jazz duo with Don Rader on trumpet and Gary Solt on guitar to be presented on Dec. 4.
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RUTH SOWBY may be reached at ruthasowby@gmail.com.