Mitzi Shore: The woman who shaped modern comedy

Mitzi Shore wasn’t just another name in the comedy world, she was the backbone, the pioneer who carved out a space for countless legendary comedians and she has a La Jolla connection.Born on July 25, 1927, in Milwaukee, Shore set her sights on an acting career when she moved to Los Angeles in the late 1940s. But as fate would have it, her true talent wasn’t in front of the camera but behind the scenes, helping to shape an entire generation of stand-up comedians.By 1972, she made her mark with The Comedy Store on Sunset Boulevard, turning what was once just another club into a holy ground for aspiring comedians. Under her eye, the club wasn’t just a venue — it was where stars like Robin Williams, Richard Pryor, and Jim Carrey discovered their comedic voices.“Mitzi had a remarkable eye for talent,” Adam Sandler said. “She could tell who would succeed just by watching their first few minutes on stage.”And boy, did she know how to pick them.MORE THAN A COMEDY CLUB OWNERAlso, Shore wasn’t just running a comedy club; she was nurturing a family of misfits who needed guidance as much as they needed laughs. She could see potential where others might not. Howie Mandel once said: “Mitzi Shore was the heart and soul of The Comedy Store. She taught us how to find our voice.”It was this kind of hands-on mentorship that set her apart. Why? To Shore, comedy was personal, and she was known to push comedians to dig deeper and find their unique voices, and that’s why so many revered her.Her son, Pauly Shore, perhaps summed it up best after her passing: “My mom was not just my mother; she was a pioneer for women in comedy. Her legacy will live on forever.”Fellow comedian Chris D’Elia didn’t hold back either when he said: “Without Mitzi, there wouldn’t be half the comedians we have today. She changed the game for all of us.”A SECOND ACT IN LA JOLLAIn the later years of her life, She found peace in La Jolla, away from the neon lights of Sunset Boulevard. Though she had stepped back from the daily grind of running The Comedy Store, her love for comedy never faded. “La Jolla’s energy is completely different. It gives me the peace I need to think creatively,” Shore once said. Here, she could unwind, reflect, and continue to inspire.But of course, she wasn’t one to stay idle for long.In 1976, she opened The La Jolla Comedy Store, giving San Diego’s comedy scene a serious boost. It quickly became a favorite go-to for top-tier comedians looking to escape Hollywood’s chaos.David Spade, Whitney Cummings, and Sebastian Maniscalco all frequented the club, drawn by its intimate setting and Shore’s special factor.“La Jolla was like a second home to Mitzi,” comedian Marc Maron once said. “She took the essence of The Comedy Store and recreated it here, giving local comedians the same chance to develop and grow.”SAYING GOODBYE TO A LEGENDMitzi Shore passed away on April 11, 2018, at her home in La Jolla, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. The comedy world felt the loss deeply, with an outpouring of love and tributes from comedians everywhere. Carrey said: “She was a magical person who gave people hope.”Although she was laid to rest in Los Angeles, her spirit most likely still lingers in La Jolla. The Comedy Store continues to pay homage to her legacy, with special tribute nights and events that continue her tradition of discovering fresh talent.Sources:Los Angeles Times: Mitzi Shore, Comedy Store Founder and Trailblazer, Dies at 90Variety: Mitzi Shore, Comedy Store Founder, Dies at 90Hollywood Reporter: Mitzi Shore, Comedy Store Founder, Dead at 90Vulture: Remembering Mitzi Shore, Comedy Store FounderNBC San Diego: Comedian Mitzi Shore, Founder of the Comedy Store, Dies at 90People: Mitzi Shore, Founder of the Comedy Store, Dies at 90San Diego Union-Tribune: Remembering Mitzi Shore   

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The Cat’s Meow Fur Ball, and San Diego Fashion Week Fall Runway Show

The 38th Fur Ball was hosted by the San Diego Humane Society on Oct. 5 at the San Diego Humane Center, honoring Richard and Sharon Bockoff. Guests arrived ‘dressed to the nines’ with their canine companions. More dogs were attending the event with their owners this year than ever before. The theme for the evening was “The Cat’s Meow!” marking the first time that cats were the stars of the show. Coco and Amore Schwab graced the invitation this year, thanks to their “cat mom” Norma Schwab who won last year’s bid.To further enhance the Fur Ball experience, canine services were provided for the guests. These included a doggie valet, which gave the pups a much-needed walk while their owners continued to enjoy the festivities. Additionally, a canine concierge service was available, with volunteers circulating the event to provide pet blankets, water, and baggies for their furry friends.President and CEO Dr. Gary Weitzman welcomed the audience and Megan Parry from ABC 10News served as mistress of ceremonies for the evening. The guests enjoyed a delicious vegetarian dinner prepared by Jeffrey Strauss of Pamplemousse Grille. Auctioneer Mark Drilling helped raise an astounding $1.7 million during the event. The perfect evening concluded with music from Haute Chile.With the shelter currently facing overcapacity, there are many dogs in need of adoption. Everyone was encouraged to consider adopting a pet. For more information, visit the San Diego Humane Center or check out https://animalcenter.org/adopt-a-pet/adoptable-dogs/.FALL RUNWAY SHOWThe 17th San Diego Fashion Week showcased its Fall Runway Show on Oct. 5 at the ANDAZ Hotel. Director Gwen Bates stated that this show is a platform for both emerging designers and established brands to present their collections on the runway. The featured designer this year was Caroline Williard Couture. Additional designers showcasing their work on the runway were Angel Tan, Sarra’s Petals, Grisham Manor, GFash, MSTR STAG, Lady Lane, Insufficient Fun, and Lina Dweik.This two-day extravaganza included a trunk show and awards on Sunday, Oct. 6, which was held on the rooftop of the ANDAZ Hotel. Bites and sips were provided by STK Steakhouse. The top designer awards were presented to first place MSTR STAG; second Lina Dweik; and third Grisham Manor and Sarra’s Petals. Awards for the top models went to first place Ariana Angel; second Nalani Coleman and Alex Folas; and third Micah Queja and Madison Vice.Fashion Week San Diego (FWSD) holds additional events throughout the year. Stay tuned at www.fashionweekSD.com.UPCOMING EVENTSSaturday, Nov. 2 – RAZKAL Market & Fashion Show at Queen Bee’s Art and Cultural Center from 1-7 p.m. https://bit.ly/4f8FpUc.Sunday, Nov. 10 – Sip and Style at Novo Brazil Brewing Mission Valley from 1-4 p.m. Each ticket includes a bag filled with fashion and a drink of your choice. https://bit.ly/4eandJ7.Monday, Dec. 2 – BIMS Week Fashion Show (Black in Marine Science) at Paradise Point Resort & Spa from 6-8 p.m. Showcasing sustainable fashion, swimwear, and dive/snorkel gear. https://bit.ly/48be7u5.Friday, Dec. 6 – Winter Wonderland Fashion Show & Luncheon at the US Grant Hotel. Leonard Simpson will present the runway show. arc-sd.com/winterwonderland/.Saturday, Dec. 14 – Kenneth Barlis Fashion Show (Made in the Philippines) from 3-8 p.m. at the Port Pavilion. Formal attire only. https://bit.ly/4h9XN0P.Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned Couture Milliner based in the Southern California area. Learn more about our hat designer, teacher, and podcaster at dianacavagnaro.com.

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Annual San Diego Spirits Festival set for Oct. 19-20 at MCASD in La Jolla

Experience the ultimate lip-smacking cocktail celebration at the 15th Annual San Diego Spirits Festival, Oct. 19-20 at the Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego in La Jolla, 700 Prospect St.Whether you’re a novice cocktail enthusiast or a seasoned mixology professional, this festival promises an unforgettable experience. Unwind with unlimited tastings of spirits and cocktails, delectable delights from local restaurants, and eclectic entertainment, all set against the backdrop of stunning museum ocean views.General admission tickets start at $85 for Saturday, 2-6 p.m., and tickets are $75 for Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Admission includes unlimited access to a curated selection of cocktails.SDSF’s founder-director, Liz Edwards, started the festival in 2009 in Downtown San Diego. “I knew several people in the spirits industry and I just decided to do something to promote craft cocktails and the spirits industry to let people learn the background of some of these brands they wanted to test and buy,” she said noting it was a huge success from the start.Billed as “cocktails with a view,” Edwards promised the 2024 spirits festival would be special.“We want companies to promote their products and the attendees to get to know the brands in the marketplace, the typical ones they know, and those they don’t, as well as new ones that keep coming out,” said Edwards, noting the festival is taking over five specific areas within MCASD La Jolla.There is something new at the spirits festival this year. “For the first time, the museum is allowing me to have some restaurants inside, as well as those on the terrace outside and in the entrance,” Edwards said adding, “We’ll have a silent auction as flamenco dancing and guitar music.”The festival will include a special entertainer, Andrew Cole, a Canadian-born singer-songwriter who has toured globally opening for, or performing with Elton John, Radiohead, Tears for Fears, Metallica, Tom Jones, Lorde, and John Fogerty, Andrew has performed on the Oscar, Golden Globe & Grammy stages.The goal of the San Diego Spirits Festival is to advance the industry and all that it encompasses via market launches, industry advancement and exposure, product innovation, education, and directly engaging target audience.Noting the Spirits Festival is “a social event built around spirits,” Edwards added, “The event has grown over the years. I can say it’s an event where you get value for money because the ticket price includes everything.”An interesting side note, Edwards pointed out they are planning to go through 8,000 pounds of ice during the eight hours of the event spread over two days.A lot of the spirits brands at the festival will also be giving away swag. “If there is one word to describe this festival, that word is incredible,” Edwards said of her woman-owned business which she noted has, “really built something up from nothing to where it is today in an upscale venue where spirits connoisseurs can try something good in a vibrant atmosphere while also indulging in culinary delights.”SAN DIEGO SPIRITS FESTIVALWhen: Saturday, Oct. 19: 2-6 p.m., $85. Sunday, Oct. 20: 1-5 p.m., $75.Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego in La Jolla.Brands available: Hive₂O Hard Honey, Uncle Nearest Whiskeys, Flor de Canna Rums, Tanduay Rums, Boracay Rums, Adictivo Tequilas, Brown Forman – Old Forester Bourbons and Whiskeys, La Sirena Tequilas, Nardini Grappa + Liqueurs, Nàdar Vodka, Vulcanica Vodka, Arbike Vodka and Gin, Rodeo de las Aquas Tequilas, Old Hillside Bourbons, BlowFish Tequilas, Ole Smokey Whiskeys, RD1 Kentucky Straight Bourbons, Tanteo Tequilas, Tequila RG Legado, Zomoz Mezcal, Ravella Tequila, West Peak RTD, Stateside Vodka and RTD Teas, Square One Organic Spirits, Common Ground Spirits – Gins, Isle of Mann Distillery – Gin + Single Malt Whiskey, Barritts Ginger Beers, De La Torre Tequilas, Goza Tequila, Kentucky 10 Bourbon, Puerta de Indias Gin Salt Point RTD.All-inclusive tickets include:• Spirits from top-shelf brands.• Unlimited cocktails.• Guest appearance by singer-songwriter Andrew Cole.• Performers: Samba and belly dancers, DJs, flamenco guitarist Jason Jenkins.• Artisanal bites from restaurants – Beeside Balcony, Lobster West, Daybreak Island Grill, RedO Mexican, Alchemy | Choose Thy Poison, Soulful Grubz, Cajun Fusion.• 5 unique settings.• Silent auction to benefit the Center for Culinary Culture.

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