left, Sophie Simmons, Gene Simmons, Wolfgang Puck & Sharon Tweed-Simmons

Today is the inaugural Rocktoberfest at L.A. LIVE

Photos & facts by Karen Ostlund

Los Angeles, CA ( Hollywood Today) 10/18/2012 – Rock icon Gene Simmons and celebrity Chef Wolfgang Puck kicked off the week-long Rocktoberfest, Los Angeles’ ultimate Oktoberfest celebration at L.A. LIVE, last Monday the 15^th, with an opening charity gala.

The inaugural Rocktoberfest at L.A. LIVE invited guests to join the Rock Icon and Master Chef on the red carpet as they welcomed their closest friends to kick off the first annual Rocktoberfest at L.A. LIVE.  A portion of the proceeds was benefiting Wounded Warrior Project.

Nikki Sixx from Motley Crue

Today the 18^th Simmons will host a KISS Army night, and Gene himself and other KISS members will be in attendance, at an all star jam session on stage around 8.30pm.

AEG partnered with Master Chef Wolfgang Puck and iconic KISS front man, Gene Simmons, to create the ultimate Oktoberfest event downtown L.A by featuring several authentic Oktoberfest beers paired with Wolfgang’s California twist on the traditional Oktoberfest menu. The traditional menu includes pork dumplings, Bavarian pretzels, BBQ chicken quesadilla, bratwurst and more.

On the menu: Pork dumplings, Bavarian pretzel & BBQ chicken quesadilla

The festival is presented by Rock & Brews, a restaurant concept founded by Simmons and business partners’ restaurateur Michael Zislis and concert promoter Dave Furano.

Rocktoberfest is a rockin’ California tribute to the two centuries-old Bavarian tradition with a schedule of events taking place at L.A. LIVE  Los Angeles .

right, Soprano’s James Gandoffini

Nightly festivities include DJs and jam bands, special celebrity guests, Wolfgang Puck’s globally-inspired Oktoberfest cuisine, local, national and international beers, and a special craft beer festival on closing night Sunday, October 21.

Nightly festivities are scheduled  from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. with pre-sale tickets starting at just $10.

Closing out the first annual Rocktoberfest on Sunday, October 21st, will be the Craft Brew Festival from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. which will feature more than 50 different craft beers and breweries. A portion of proceeds from the Craft Brew Festival will proudly benefit The GRAMMY Museum at L.A. LIVE.

Beer staff in their uniforms

All guests must be 21 years of age or older.

For information on Rocktoberfest, VIP packages and tickets in advance, please visit www.rocktoberfest.com.

The idea behind Rocktoberfest at L.A. LIVE is to revamp the iconic tradition of German Oktoberfest – by bringing together the best of Rock & Roll, crisp beer and Five Star food.