Parlor Live To Feature National Headliner Comedians

Parlor Live is set to debut their first dedicated performances, January 15th - 17th. The acts are set and will feature nationally known comedians Kivi Rogers, Kenny Kane, and Frances Dilorenzo. These comedians have been featured on The Tonight Show, Last Comic Standing, Comics Unleashed, and more.

Tickets for the show are $25 and can be purchased in advance at ParlorCollection.com.

The Parlor Collection has created a more intimate 3,000 sq ft space dedicated to live performances, which is now known as "Parlor Live." The new venue will feature live music, comedians, and other live stage acts.

Other events are already being planned at Parlor Live. Mondays and Tuesdays will be Karaoke nights, and Wednesdays and Thursdays will feature "dueling pianos 'key up' for a lively audience-interactive battle of the ivories." In February, Parlor Live will launch their highly anticipated concert calendar.

Downtown Bellevue, notorious for great shopping and dining options, will now have a venue dedicated to live entertainment.

New Urban Eats: 3 Courses for $30 in Downtown Bellevue

New Urban Eats, a restaurant promotion The Seattle Times is running from January 4th - 29th (Sunday - Thursday), allows you to enjoy 3 courses for $30 at 0/8 Seafood Grill and Pearl Bar & Dining.

This is a great opportunity for those who have not yet enjoyed Pearl since its grand opening in November, to give it a try!

In addition to the 2 Downtown Bellevue restaurants, there are 15 other local (non-Bellevue) restaurants that are offering the same promotion.

Garden d'Lights Stays Open For Extra Week

Garden d'Lights at Bellevue Botanical Garden will stay open a week longer, until Sunday, Jan. 11. The December snow storm caused the nationally recognized Garden d'Lights to be out of operation for a few days, which has spurred organizers to add an extra week to show off the display.

The more than 500,000 color lights stay on from 5 - 10pm every evening, until the Jan. 11th.

Ask Lea: Jump Start Your New Years Resolution With ONVO

Lea,
Any suggestions on programs that will help me keep my New Years resolution? I'm trying to get in better shape this year and actually stick with it.
- New Year, New Me

Dear New Year, New Me,

If losing weight, getting fit, staying healthy, or improving your lifestyle is one of your New Years Resolutions, then I encourage you to get a head start on it with ONVO in Downtown Bellevue. Starting Tuesday, January 6th, ONVO - Whole Body Health and Wellness Studio - hosts its 4th annual "ONVO Cup." ONVO Cup is a 6-week program centered around nutrition, movement, and community, that's sure to improve your life.

ONVO's core motto is that life = health and health = life. ONVO Cup is a fun team competition where you earn points for living a better life through yoga or conditioning classes, nourishment education, and a few community events. The cost of the 6-week program is $179. For this price you'll learn about your body and what you should put in it, while exercising, meeting new people, and enjoying life!

So don't put your resolution on the back burner this year. Kick it up a notch with ONVO, and register by Tuesday, January 6th at 12pm.

Happy New Year,
Lea

Have something you'd like to ask? Write me at lea@downtownbellevue.com!

Ne-Yo No Shows at Bellevue New Years Eve Party

Pop star, and Grammy winner Ne-Yo was absent from the WET Entertainment's production of Shine Like A Star 2009 New Years Eve Party Wednesday night. Tickets and promoters failed to bring what was promised: a live Ne-Yo performance at Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue to ring in the New Year.

Around 11:30pm the announcement was made at the event that Ne-Yo would not show up.

Prices of admission started at $75, and ran up to $1275 for a six-person VIP table. Guests of the event are angered and feel taken advantage of. One person that wrote in stated, "Not only did Ne-Yo not show up, this party was poorly planned. I should be offered a refund."

It was reported that there were only several hundred people at the event, which came nowhere close to filling the 3,000 person capacity venue.

Grammy Winning Artist Ne-Yo to Perform Live at Meydenbauer Center New Years Eve

Shine Like A Star 2009 New Years Eve Party will turn out to be one of the largest parties on the Eastside! Hosted at Meydenbauer Center in Downtown Bellevue, the event was late confirming a location, but within this week of the announcement - tickets are going fast!

The event features a live performance by Pop and R&B Super Star Ne-Yo from 11pm - 1am. In addition, it will have other live musical performances, live DJ’s, a full service bar, concession stands, and a large dance floor.

The event, which holds up to 3,000 people, starts at 8pm New Years Eve and will ring in the New Year until 2:30am. The event is for those 21 and older. Click here to purchase or inquire about tickets.

KUBE 93 will host After Hours Party at Hilton Hotel in Bellevue.

WIN TICKETS:
The first person to email us at info@downtownbellevue.com with Ne-Yo’s date of birth, will win 2 free tickets to the event!
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Answer: Ne-Yo's birthday is October 18th.

Vic was the first to respond to the trivia, and won the tickets. We received several inquires about the tickets. Thank you for all of those who responded.

New PACE Guild Announces Fundraising Event

A new volunteer organization, Act Two Guild, which is put together by PACE will host a Spring Fashion Show & Luncheon (Silhouettes of Style - Design Debut 2009) fundraising event, scheduled for April 3, 2009 at The Westin Bellevue.

The Bellevue Collection's stores will be featured in the season's runway show. The event will feature contemporary designers with the latest styles and shop trends.

Act Two Guild, which is intended to appeal to women in their 20's, 30's, and 40's is now made up of over 30 women whose sole purpose is to raise money and support for PACE.

"This is a dynamic group of young women with an eye for fashion and tremendous experience in putting together very special events," says Suzanne Hutchinson - director of guilds for PACE.

In addition to raising money, the event also hopes to raise awareness and buzz around PACE.

PACE, scheduled to open in 2012, will be a 2,000-seat performing arts center when complete.

Celebrate the New Year in Downtown Bellevue

Although it's not even Christmas yet, New Years is sneaking up on us. There will be no lack of things to do in Downtown Bellevue this New Years Eve night! Here are a few suggested places to share in the celebration of the New Year:

The Parlor Collection: Bellevue's Largest NYE Party
The largest New Years Eve party on the Eastside will take place at "The Parlor Collection."  The 20,000 sq ft at The Parlor Collection is broken down into three unique spaces: Parlor Live, Parlor Billiards, and the Ultralounge. Admission will grant access to all three areas that will feature live bands, DJ's, Go-Go Dancers, a complimentary champagne toast at midnight, party favors, prizes, and more!
Admission: $50

Ring in ’09 at 0/8 (Seafood Grill)
Before the party gets started, dine at 0/8 and enjoy a 7-course dinner with paired wines for $145 per person. Live entertainment will begin at 10pm and go through 1am by the Clinton Ellison Project (Top 40 and Motown Cover Band). If you want to stay overnight, any customer that makes a reservation with 0/8 will receive a special rate at the Hyatt for $129. Also, don't forget the "Hangover Brunch" (6:30am - 2pm) on New Years Day for day!
Admission: $20 after 9pm

Vertigo Lounge & Grill and Hilton Hotel Masquerade Party Package
These two have teamed up to put together a New Years Eve package. If you're looking for a getaway this New Years Eve, stay at a Bellevue Hotel and still have a great time during the night. For a discounted price, you will get couples admission to Vertigo's New Years Eve party, free transportation to and from the Hilton Bellevue, and overnight lodging at the Hilton Bellevue.
Package: $160

520 Bar and Grill 3rd Annual NYE Party
The party will start at 9pm when this neighborhood restaurant transforms into a "Nightclub Pub." The tables and chairs will be cleared out allowing people to dance while "Super Dave," the DJ, plays dance music all night long!
Free!

Spot Off Main New Years Celebration
Enjoy The Spot with a DJ spinning music from 9pm - 2am. In addition to the good times you can usually expect at the Spot Off Main, you'll receive hors d'oeuvres and a champagne toast a midnight included with admission. To be guaranteed tickets, purchase them prior to the 31st.
Admission: $15

Downtown Bellevue Blizzard Photos

Thanks for all of those whom submitted pictures! Here are some of the best that were sent in!

Photos Credit: Amy, Robert, Jonathan (check out his flickr set of snow photos here)

Tent Collapses at Ice Rink

According to a KOMO news article, the tent covering the Group Health Ice Arena in the Bellevue Downtown Park came collapsing down Sunday evening just after 8pm when 10 people were skating in it - according to Bellevue Police.

A young girl skating at the time of the collapse was injured and taken to the hospital; the other 9 people escaped without injuries.

According to the report the lights and speakers all fell, making it very dark and chaotic during the incident.

Downtown Bellevue has gotten a reported 7 inches of snow over the past few of days, likely contributing to the collapse of the tent.

Photo Credit: Bellevue Fire Department

Send Us Your Best Blizzard Photos

Do you have great pictures you've taken in Downtown Bellevue from this blizzard we've been living in for the past few days?

Send them to info@downtownbellevue.com; we will be posting the best images we receive!

Downtown Bellevue Circulator Bus Confirmed for 2010

Bellevue City Council signed off on an agreement with King County Metro for a free Downtown Bellevue circulator bus in 2010.

The buses, which will run every 10 minutes, will be "Bellevue-branded." Other details as to what types of buses will be used and the exact routes traveled, will be determined in the coming months. Previously it had been speculated that the bus will run in a loop cornering Bellevue Way, Main Street, 110th Ave NE, and NE 10th St.

Previous reports also stated that the buses would allow for up to 19 people to ride aboard and would operate on weekdays from 6am - 7pm, Saturdays 9am - 7pm, and some Sundays.

The project will cost the city $3.65 million over 5 years, about 37% of the actual cost of the project. Metro will pay the balance of the transportation project.

In addition to the Downtown Bellevue circulator, the city has an agreement for a program called RapidRide. This service scheduled for 2011 will be a rapid transit service connecting Downtown Bellevue, Crossroads, Overlake and downtown Redmond.

Snowing in Downtown Bellevue? Take a Look at the Web Cams!

If you are curious about the current weather conditions, and want to see if it's snowing in Downtown Bellevue (or anywhere in Bellevue), be sure to check out the City of Bellevue's Website. They have live Webcams that are updated every couple of minutes.

Bellevue Towers Sculptures Installed

Two sculptures, one outside of the North Tower and one outside of the South Tower, were installed late last week. The sculptures created by local artist Julie Speidel, which are "strong but welcoming, inviting yet bold," stand outside of the two entrances of the condominium towers.

The two red sculptures are distinctly different, but related in their form. The two pieces of art are respectively named Mam-Kiya & Rusalka (Inca Moon Goddess & A group of Slavic water spirits).

Julie describes the artistic creation by stating, "I have used a vocabulary of organic geometry that reflects the relationship between the human and built environment."

In addition to these two sculptures, Bellevue Towers will be home to one of the largest collections of Northwest art in the region, with hundreds of original pieces.

Photos courtesy of Bellevue Towers

Downtown Bellevue Celebration at Ten20 Tower

Thank you to all who came out to our Downtown Bellevue Holiday event at Ten20 Tower on Thursday night. The event, which was at full capacity, was made possible by food from Toscano and wine from Waterbrook.

Guests enjoyed the Ten20 resident common areas and took tours of Ten20's luxury apartments throughout the night, while enjoying great company!

Thank you to the other parties that made this event possible: Eastside Entrepreneurs, Bellevue Entrepreneurs Meetup Group, and Affairs to Remember Disc Jockey Entertainment.

Monsoon East Opens on Main Street!

Monsoon East is Main Street’s new Vietnamese restaurant, which is now open to the public.

Win 4 Tickets to the Downtown Bellevue Ice Arena

In celebration of this year’s Group Health Ice Arena, the Bellevue Downtown Association has offered 4 tickets to the Downtown Bellevue Network to give away on their behalf.

Microsoft Puts Their Mark on The Bravern

Microsoft has recently put up signs marking one of The Bravern buildings, which they will be occupying in the first quarter of 2009.  The signs are well placed and visible when driving on I-405.

Sunday's Seattle times featured an article about Microsoft and Expedia moving to Downtown Bellevue.  Expedia is currently in the process of moving all of their employees to Tower 333, while Microsoft will be occupying City Center Plaza, as well as 2 of The Bravern towers in the upcoming year.

Restaurants Delayed in Downtown Bellevue

Frozen Yogurt Frenzy in Downtown Bellevue

With the recent openings of Shnoo Yogurt at Washington Square and 3 Berries within the Marriott Courtyard complex, Downtown Bellevue now has a total of 4 dedicated frozen yogurt specialty shops.

Red Mango and CeFiore have both opened in the last 13 months and are still very new to the area. Can this area support this many frozen yogurt shops, or will we see some fail miserably? The bigger question here may be, is frozen yogurt a fad or here to stay?

Which location is your favorite?

Night Rider: Artist Decorates Elements Too

Elements Too, which has quickly and quietly been going up at 909 112th Ave NE, is anticipated to be complete in the spring of 2009.

Beginning December 6th, and spanning through January 3rd, a light installation named NIGHT RIDER by Joseph Gray, a local artist, will be on site at Elements Too. The art will be on display outside of the building during construction.

Join the artist reception and street tour, December 11th from 6-9pm at the 989 Elements building, located next door to Elements Too. NIGHT RIDER, one of the region's largest sculptures, will use lighting, coupled with animation, rhythm, and color.

The Elements Too Website is now live; visit it to get a feel for the floor plans of the retail areas, residence common areas, and residential units.

Seastar Gives Back to the Community on Thanksgiving Day

While many of us were enjoying our Thanksgiving feasts on Thursday, Seastar restaurant in Downtown Bellevue continued with their tradition of giving back to the community by closing their doors to business, and feeding hundreds of underprivileged families of Overlake Service League, Olive Crest, Hopelink, and YWCA.

Seastar opened from 12:00pm - 4:00pm, serving a 3-course meal to over 400 families.

Over the years, Seastar has donated over 2 million dollars in goods and services back to the community.

El Gaucho Opens at City Center Plaza

*All guests on Tuesday and Wednesday will recieve a gift certificate for 50% of what their total food bill towards a future purchase.

Downtown Bellevue Lights Up With Magic on Friday!

This Friday, Downtown Bellevue will arrive with its holiday makeover, making it one of the largest holiday destinations in the Puget Sound. In its 12th Annual "Bellevue Magic Season," Bellevue will feature Snowflake Lane at The Bellevue Collection, Group Health Ice Arena in the Downtown Bellevue Park, Garden d'Lights at the Bellevue Botanical Garden, and The Theatre at Meydenbauer Center.

Take a break from shopping and enjoy the season's spirit with friends and family at one of these great events this holiday season:

Snowflake Lane at The Bellevue Collection
Nightly during the holidays Bellevue Way transforms into Snowflake Lane with falling snow, live toy soldiers, winter characters, music, and a light show. If you've yet to see this, it's a must see in Downtown Bellevue this holiday season. Snowflake Lane is reported to cost more than $1 million.
Nov 28th - Dec 24th, Nightly 7pm
Free

Group Health Ice Arena in the Downtown Bellevue Park
This year with an extended schedule and larger skating surface, it's a great family event with refreshments and heated viewing areas. Also new for this year is "Free Skate Mondays." To pick up a pass, visit a participating Bank of America branch.
Nov 28th - Jan 11th
$10 Admission

Holiday Party!

11/26 EVENT AT CAPACITY!
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The Downtown Bellevue Network will play host to a Downtown Bellevue Holiday Party, along with other local businesses!