With repetition and redundancy ever-present in the dance music community, Los Angeles DJ/vocalist, Shaelen Burroughs AKA shae b., stands apart sonically and visually from the growingly homogenous DJ market.
After buying her first Technics and Pioneer mixer off Craigslist just three years ago, Shaelen instantly succumbed to the sounds of House music, and in no time began collaborating with fellow DJ/Producers, Monica Marmolijo and Kenny Wilkins; contributing vocals on original tracks and building DJ sets together. As the camaraderie grew, Shaelen and Monica formed the dynamic, sultry duo project, TrippensoxX, and in no time the ladies were traveling up and down the West Coast opening for LA Riots, Jubilee, Fare Soldi and more.
Artistically, Shaelen finds herself drawn to the deeper, soulful side of House music, but her roots in Long Beach evoke an everlasting love of Hip-Hop and Rap that allows for dexterity in her music selection. On a given night, you could hear her play anything from the deep, druggy sounds of Jamie Jones or Seth Troxler to a bouncy Snoop and Dre remix to a massive House anthem from Avicii. She understands the crowd and feels a synergy with them, so every set is tailored for the optimal crowd response.
In addition to her budding DJ career, shae b. makes time for her other strong suits – modeling, acting, and styling – and even brings them all together as evidenced by her DJ set at the Playboy Mansion as well as an issue launch party for Locale Magazine where she was on the cover!
With performances at Avalon Hollywood, Drai’s Hollywood, Sunset Strip Music Festival, and a residency at The Wilshire in Santa Monica already added to her repertoire, it’s safe to say that shae b. is on the rise. With plans to tour the US and overseas in the near future, Burroughs will take her inimitably to new heights, building her emergent fan base along the way.
You’re not going to get what you expect at The Charleston – but in such a good way that when you leave, you’ll be feverishly texting all of your friends about “this cool new place on the Westside.”
During the flashback of 1990’s RandB, we tucked into the Short-Rib Tacos and Machengo Stuffed Piquillo Peppers for starters, followed by the Bacon, Egg and Cheese Flatbread, Shepherd’s Pie, and Smoked Macaroni and Cheese for mains, all topped off with the Chocolate Bread Pudding (a la mode) for dessert.
As we bonded over our mutual love for everything pig, I hogged (pun intended) the Pork Belly Bao (succulent five-spice braised pork belly, tender bao buns, pickle, and hoisin), and totally swooned over the Bacon-Wrapped Dates (marcona almond-stuffed).
American comfort fare meets house-made specialty cocktails and nightly live entertainment at a sexy restaurant and bar in Santa Monica. Transporting diners to the Jazz Age, The Charleston features a studded white leather bar, red-upholstered booths and vintage beaded chandeliers. Chef Jet Tila, noted for his appearance on Iron Chef America and his cooking at Wazuzu in Las Vegas, delights with shareable plates such as short rib tacos with shaved Brussels sprouts and Korean salsa and Manchego-stuffed piquillo peppers with toasted pine nuts and pesto. There are also flatbreads, salads and entrees including the five-spice pork belly bao buns, cheese-crusted filet mignon crostini and the Charleston Burger, made with cheddar, argula, onion marmalade and sun-dried tomato aioli. Monthly pop-ups showcase local and national chef talent and nightly entertainment includes ’80s cover bands and dueling pianos.
It’s been but a few months, but we’re still mourning the loss of Evan Kleiman’s Melrose staple, Angeli Caffe. If you, too, are sitting shiva for linguini vongole, you might want to snag a spot at the May 7 Angeli Caffe pop-up, taking place at Thai chef Jet Tila’s new Santa Monica spot, the Charleston. The KCRW Good Food host will be cooking a four-course menu of Angeli classics including her Lasagne Angeli, pollo arrosto, and that practically perfect plate of linguini with clams.