'Leaving for the Coast'

The Palers' Festival in Los Angeles: Base-camp

Book your discounted Procol-fan's rooms at The Sheraton Universal : the booking-link is further down this page

'Beyond the Pale' has in the past hosted marvellous conventions for Procol Harum fans in Guildford (2000), Kristiansand (2001), Manchester (2001), Croydon (2002), where we have eaten, drunk, and played together on the eve of Procol performances – and where we have been joined socially by members of the band themselves.

Experience shows that all the fans have a good time if we stay in the same hotel ... 'Beyond the Pale' started organising this for fans before Redhill 1997, and followed this with Guildford 1998, Guildford 2000, Kristiansand 2001, and Manchester 2001, Croydon (2002) and Lewisham (2003)

Despite the huge size of Los Angeles, we have succeeded in organising accommodation and parties very close to the John Anson Ford Theatre where Procol Harum are playing, to minimise your travelling time and expense once you have arrived in the city (thanks, Jill and Allen)

Base Camp Hotel

'Beyond the Pale' has selected The Sheraton Universal Hotel to be the Palers' Base Camp for our Palers' Festival, 'Leaving for the Coast'.

It's super-convenient, being on Universal Hollywood Drive, Universal City, about a mile-and-half only from the theatre where Procol Harum play in the evening. The Sheraton has 436 rooms over 21 Floors and is rated AAA (3 Diamonds). A landmark in Universal City since 1969, it is on the back lot of Universal Studios where, having hosted many prestigious guests, it is nicknamed "Hotel of the Stars." Complimentary tram shuttles are offered to Universal Studios and Universal Citywalk, which is otherwise about ten minutes' walk away.

'Beyond the Pale' has reserved a block of Sheraton rooms at the twenty-dollar discount of 99 dollars per night (plus taxes). Two people can stay for this price (ie 49.50 USD each: there's a supplement for more than two people, and all the rooms can accommodate up to four. The Hotel offers excellent value and facilities, including baby-sitting, bar, coffee-maker, 24-hour front desk, handicap facilities, mini-bar, non-smoking rooms, pool parking, several restaurants, room service, spa, cable TV, laundry/valet:

How to Book

1. Simply click on this Dedicated Link and fill in your room requirements. The BtP rate for a two people in a double room is 99 dollars (you'll see 'Procol Harum' or 'Beyond the Pale' on the page where you book) If for some reason you decide to book by telephone call too-free on 888-627-7186: make sure you say the magic words 'Procol Harum' or 'Beyond the Pale' (or, more prosaically, 'meeting code 9885') and you will get the Palers' discount, and to be with other like-minded fans.
   
   Musicians should bear in mind, when booking, that the Palers' Band rehearsals begin on Friday 25th July. The sign-up page for the Palers' Band is here. There will be plenty to do in the rehearsal gaps: Universal City is a fab attraction in its own right: you might well make it an extended break!
2. Once you have booked with the hotel write and tell BtP, and we will add you to BtP's list of who's staying at the hotel, then you'll know which fellow-fans to look out for.

As well as reserving your accommodation, remember that BtP has organised several social functions (book for these by clicking this link):

• Players' Weekend: the music-making actually takes place on Friday 25 July, Saturday 26 July, and Sunday 27 July, and will consist of social rehearsal making in various combinations – largely in the undeniably funky setting of BB King's Blues Club (see illustration). This is about 5–10 minutes' stroll from the Sheraton Hotel ... or take the shuttle! (book here)
• Two Paler Parties: on Monday 28 July at BB King's Blues Club from noon to 4 pm, a grand social gathering with live music, videos, a special presentation about the history of A Whiter Shade of Pale covers, and many more attractions! The ticket price is 44 USD which includes a full lunch AND entry to the post-gig party to which we have of course invited Procol Harum and entourage; this starts at 10.30 pm. The gig is only about one-and-a-half miles from the club. (book here)

Access information for those 'Leaving for the Coast' for the centre of the storm :

Nearby Cities: Burbank - 1 mile; San Fernando Valley - 1 mile; Hollywood - 3 miles; Glendale - 11 miles; Westwood - 14 miles; Beverly Hills - 15 miles; Pasadena - 16 miles; Malibu - 17 miles; Pomona - 19 miles; Santa Monica - 20 miles; Marina Del Rey - 22 miles; Los Angeles - 24 miles; Rosemead - 30 miles; Anaheim - 34 miles.

Driving Directions:

• North: Travel south on Interstate 5 to Hollywood state Route 170. Travel south on Hollywood state Route 170. When you come to state Highway 101, travel south and then take the Lankershim Boulevard exit. Turn right and travel two blocks to Universal Hollywood Drive.
• South: Travel north on state Highway 101 and exit on to Lankershim Boulevard. Turn right and travel one block to Universal Hollywood Drive. Turn right on to Universal Hollywood Drive and proceed up the hill to the hotel.
• East: Travel west on Interstate 10 to state Highway 101 North. Proceed north on state Highway 101 and exit on to Lankershim Boulevard. Turn right and proceed one block to Universal Hollywood Drive. Turn right on to Universal Hollywood Drive and proceed up the hill to the hotel.
• West: Travel east on state Highway 101 and take the Lankershim Boulevard exit. Turn right on to Lankershim Boulevard and proceed two blocks to Universal Hollywood Drive. Turn right on Universal Hollywood Drive and proceed up the hill to the hotel.

Area Airports: Burbank Airport - 6 Miles; Los Angeles International Airport - 24 Miles; Santa Monica Airport - 26 Miles

The Sheraton hotel has a contract with Super Shuttle to take people from Los Angeles Airport LAX to Sheraton Universal for $16. All you need do is get on one and tell the driver you're going to Sheraton Universal.

Points of Interest: MCA/Universal Headquarters - 3 blocks; CBS Studios - 2 miles; NBC Studios, Warner Brothers - 3 miles; St. Joseph's Hospital - 3 miles; ABC Broadcasting/Disney - 3 miles; CNN/Turner Broadcasting - 4 miles; Capitol Records - 5 miles

Main Point of Interest for Procoholics
Gary Brooker's hand-prints ... for more details, see here