WHEN THE WEATHER... begins to warm up, and the sunlight stretches well into evening, our thoughts eagerly turn to the traditional pursuits that are associated with spring and summertime. Kite flying qualifies here, as does that first pitcher of freshly squeezed lemonade, and block parties, too. And while flying a kite at the park or finding a glass of something citrusy is fairly easy, getting the neighbors together for a full-scale block celebration, complete with excellent beverages and bites and some live music, can be something of an undertaking. If you're up for it, then, cheers to that; we salute your commitment to your block. But if you just don't have that organizing time right now, and yet you'd still like a Sunday afternoon social scene, the kind with tunes and sunshine and light-of-heart hobnobbing, you can find it in North Hollywood, at a hotel that's long been a neighborhood-y kind of hang out. That's...
THE GARLAND, and on Sunday, April 2, the hotel's restaurant, The Front Yard, will host a Spring Beer & Wine Block Party to benefit TreePeople, "a nonprofit environmental organization whose ultimate goal is to grow a greener LA." In fact all proceeds from your $25 ticket help TreePeople, so buy yours now. As for the sips you'll be savoring at the 2 to 5 p.m. happening? Knee Deep Brewing Co., Justin Vineyards & Winery, Mumm Napa, and other stellar libation houses. There are yummy edibles, too, to enjoy, from short rib grilled cheeses to pulled pork sliders. Are you feeling the block party vibe yet? You can still organize your own — it's a great way to put names to faces and, ultimately, connect — but you can find early inspiration on the first Sunday in April at The Front Yard in North Hollywood. All while helping out the trees, too, which seems a perfect thing to do in this season of budding, new leaves, and nature-amazing beauty.
