Alternative Apparel Blog

Featured Artist: Randy Noborikawa

Everyone has a different way of bringing an idea to life. For instance, some people might write it down immediately, some might call a friend to discuss and others tend to use artistic forms like music or art to bring “something from an idea to reality,” in the words of Randy Noborikawa.

One Hour Drummer

Imagine this: a place that can transform even the most musically challenged person into a drumming enthusiast without learning how to read a single note. In Atlanta, such a place exists with One Hour Drummer, an interactive music studio which leads drumming lessons, workshops and biweekly drum labs for inspired, local musicians and teaches with a simple WorkPlay system. People longing for a musical experience with little or no music background can join together to form a drumming community to relieve everyday stress. The studio also has wellness programs that are designed for families, seniors, special needs children, soon-to-be moms and cancer patients--for whom drumming has actually been proven to increase levels of cancer-fighting t-cells.

Gram Parsons Memorial

60’s rock legend Gram Parsons loved Joshua Tree National Park. He loved it so much in fact, he made it known amongst his friends that when he died he wanted be cremated and his ashes scattered at his favorite landmark, Cap Rock.

Down on the Boardwalk: Venice Ale House

As the second most popular tourist attraction in California, the Venice boardwalk greets over 14 million visitors a year. In addition to its eclectic mix of street of street performers, artists, and quirky characters, the boardwalk is also home to one of the best restaurants and bars in town: Venice Ale House.
A favorite for casual beach-goers and foodies alike, Venice Ale House (VAH) serves up an extensive menu of locally grown and organic foods, plus lengthy list of local and regional brews to boot. Along with co-owner Spoon Singh, Thomas Elliott opened the hot-spot just last year after, realizing his longtime dream of creating a Venice destination that offers patrons a package deal of high-quality food in a fun, friendly atmosphere.

Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown Palace

On the edge of an old western movie set in Pioneertown, CA sits an old biker roadhouse called Pappy & Harriet’s. It was originally founded by Harriet’s mom in 1972 as an outlaw biker bar called The Cantina, which she operated for 10 good years. When Mom decided to sell, Harriet and her husband (affectionately known as Pappy) decided to step in. While not shunning the bikers, Pappy & Harriet managed to create a friendlier atmosphere in the place by bringing in live music and family style BBQ dinners.

Desert Getaway at 29 Palms Inn

The desert has always been a popular destination for city-dwellers looking for respite from the urban sprawl that is Southern California. Many go to the plentiful condo complexes with their par-three golf courses and Olympic sized swimming pools, or to one of the hip boutique hotels that have been sprouting up in recent years. But those in the know, who truly want a bohemian getaway, head to the 29 Palms Inn.