Great Escape: 8th Annual Wine and Jazz Festival

Drive or take the Metro Red Line down to Hollywood and Highland on Tuesday evenings now through August 30 for the 8th Annual Wine and Jazz Festival from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Central Courtyard. Hosted by KJAZZ 88.1 FM, there's a stellar line up, including Pancho Sanchez and Pete Escovedo. 

The music is free. Wine tasting costs $10, but the proceeds benefit Project Angel Food.

Make it a full night in the complex (where Oscar shines bright at the Kodak Theatre) and dine at one of the many eateries including the three newest restaurants: Boho (gastropub), Rolling Stone LA (Euro fusion mix) and Soul Daddy (winner of "America's Next Top Restaurant"). Make sure to check out the happy hour specials at eateries throughout the complex as well.

Or perhaps start the evening a little earlier and stroll the shops or take a walk next door to see  Madame Tussaud and the latest celebrity wax figures. Venture over to Grauman's Chinese Theatre  down Hollywood Boulevard's Walk of Fame and pick up some kitsch souvenirs.  If bowling is your thing, check out Lucky Strike Lanes on the Highland side of the  structure — bowl and order food served up at your lane.

With  Hollywood and Highland's exterior lit up, the large signs and foot traffic, it's a little reminiscent of New York's Time Square. Okay,  I admit that's a stretch, but at least it's an escape from suburbia.

2011 Wine + Jazz Artist's Line-up:

June 14 - Royal Crown Revue

June 21 - John Daversa Progressive Big Band

June 28 - The Luis Conte Ensemble

July 5 - Chuck Berghofer's Midnight Jazz Band

July 12 - Brian Auger's Oblivion Express

July 19 - Barbara Morrison

July 26 - Downtown Project

August 2 - Marcia Ball

August 9 - Poncho Sanchez

August 16 - Duke Robillard

August 23 - Brent Canter

August 30 - Pete Escovedo Latin Jazz Orchestra

For more information, visit hollywoodandhighland.com