EVENTS - powered by The LA Report and The Rose Review

by Don Rose

(West Hollywood, CA: November 30, 2004) Hey, okay, let me say, right away: this was not your typical Hollywood party. It was better. Much better.

First of all, many events in L.A. claim that Paris Hilton is coming. Often she doesn't show, and that's fine, I'm used to that, having covered lots of L.A. functions -- I am sure being a TV reality star and heiress takes up a lot of time. But at THIS party, she SHOWED, baby! And what a show it was: a boffo book party by Christine Peters (producer of "How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days") that took place in an "in" spot (Fenix Restaurant, in the Argyle Hotel); celebs and "beautiful people" mingled with fashionistas, which made sense, given the book ("Fashionistas", a novel by Lynn Messina) -- which will soon be a major motion picture, and features a major motion picture star's praise on the cover (Linsday Lohan -- whose feature "Mean Girls" (new DVD) was one of the gifts in the fab swag bag given to guests, along with (for mean and nice girls alike) a purse -- yes, a designer purse! -- plus a CD, hair care and makeup products, and more).

But back to Ms. Hilton for a sec. Sure, we'll always have Paris (in print), but she is a star you have to experience in person because her bubbliness is infectious, and the sea of people swarming around her can alone be fodder for new novels. She looks as good or better in person as she does in photos -- and plenty of photogs were popping and palpitating as she worked the crowd, very gracious and friendly. I also ran into Playboy's 2001 Playmate of the Year, Brande Roderick, who was equally stunning in a dress that was a wonderful interweaving of modern style lines with "Jethro-retro" (the only phrase I can concoct to describe its evoking a sexy farmer's daughter kinda thang -- imagine a combination bustier-and-frilly-frock -- I wouldn't have to work so hard if I hadn't forgotten my camera, dang! -- but if a picture is worth a thousand words, you at least have 1/30th of a picture now).

And yes, the food was great too; the dessert table was a visual and oral delight (cool chocolate chip cookies!) -- but I, like many, was way too wowed by wonderful waves of women and wine and people/energy/networking/nattering to get too into munching mode. Besides, I gotta watch my carbs -- in fact, that will be MY next book: "How to Lose Weight by Watching Paris Hilton (and the cool folks she hangs with)" -- there, you heard it here first.

All in all, Landers PR threw a stellar shindig, causing quite a commotion on the Sunset Strip, and I commend that -- we need MORE creative commotions on a street where commotions used to be commonplace! Thanks to Nicole Landers for her assistance -- and make sure to go out and get "Fashionistas" because, as Lindsay says, "fashion has never been this much fun"!

Till my next review..... hasta la vista, fashionistas!

by Don Rose

(LOS ANGELES, CA: November 5) Billboard's Digital Entertainment Conference, put on in association with Digital Media Wire, was not the largest confab this year, but its more intimate size encouraged great networking, and all enjoyed informative talks and panels -- insightful commentary on technologies bound to dominate the near future.

In the handful of exhibit booths, my hands-down favorite belonged to MEDIAPORT, which allowed conference goers to enjoy their spiffy-looking perfectly-named "MusicATM". I love when a concept is easy to understand, and works as you imagine it should. I scanned their list of available artists, listened to a few songs, chose an album to buy (although they were nice enough to pick up the tab for those at the conference!) -- and presto, a CD popped out as well as a jewel case to put it in. Scan, sample, choose, pay, burn and go -- all in about five minutes or less; kudos indeed.

The only thing different between my Mediaport CD and a "regular" store-bought CD is the lack of an official label cover and inserts, just a generic color cover -- but the songs played perfectly in my home CD player, and for most people, that is the main concern. Plus, at ten dollars an album, the price is about as low as you can (legally) get -- about tied with the cost of buying online at iTunes and similar music services. For those who have no PC, or no CD burner (i.e., an older PC or Mac), the MusicATM is a home run -- or, if you just dont feel like going online and downloading, or if you just want a new CD right away, this should prove popular. Universities and coffee shops and other youth hangouts should prove a natural home for the MusicATM. The machine has ports for iPods, memory card, USB -- so you should be able to hook up just about any portable device to get your music. At $15,000 I can't quite afford to buy one of these babies, but for many companies/stores it should prove a great investment, and like all new technologies, the price is bound to fall.

And if you were wondering, I chose a Morrissey CD. And also "Dear Catastrophe Waitress" by BELLE AND SEBASTIEN; if the Beatles and the Beach Boys and Donovan got together and had twins (a messy visual, I admit), it would the B and S duo -- stellar pop tunes perfectly crafted and executed. Mediaport's machine contained music in many genres, I saw dozens of artists to chose from, some known and some lesser known. Other artists the machine had that reside on my personal fave list include Blondie and Nancy Sinatra.

Yes, there WAS other news at the conference. At the nighttime awards held at UCLA's Covel Commons, the INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR award went to XM SATELLITE RADIO. XM truly is the evolution of radio -- from AM to FM to XM, we are talking increasing levels of freedom, choice, and sonic quality. XM's new RADIO POD should prove interesting to watch, or should I say listen to; now radio-heads can take commercial free radio wherever they go for about the price of an iPod (but, unlike an iPod, one still must pay a ten buck a month fee to enjoy it, above and beyond the cost of the device).

If I had to vote for Trend of the Conference, buzzed about most, it would be: the rise of RINGTONES. Billboard even has a new CHART to monitor their popularity (a recent number one charttopper among ringtones: "LEAN BACK", a staple of clubs the past few months, and hence no surprise there). The sister hot trend: the RINGBACK, which people calling you hear -- yes, you heard right, the buyer of the ringback DOESNT EVER HEAR THE PRODUCT THEY BUY! But then again, we dont really see the clothes we wear either, once we put it on --- ringbacks, like clothes, are really a statement for others to enjoy and to tell others about ourselves.

So, in summary, I saw a glimpse, a glimmer, of the future at Billboard's conference, although that glimpse seemed more evolutionary than revolutionary -- for now. But heck, I never expect to witness revolutions at EVERY conference; that would be impossible. Revolutions are often the result of an incremental accretion of successive evolutions, so the best advice may be to keep your eye on the big picture -- that is where be a revolution or two may be waiting for the observant to observe. Perhaps this is what someone meant when he or she said "the revolution will not be televised"; you can't easily televise a revolution that takes place over months and years (and get good ratings). TV wants things that are happening NOW, that happen quickly, that can be packaged, shown and discarded to make room for the NEXT big thing before the old big thing gets stale. No, the revolution won't be televised, because television is the wrong medium. But here's a better prediction: the revolution will be blogged.

Is the MusicATM the next big thing? A revolution, or an evolution? Well, it does work great, and there are great ideas wrapped up in that machine -- and billionaire keynoter Mark Cuban (now a star of his own realityTV Trump-like show) did spend over an hour at the Mediaport booth -- so, you be the judge. One thing is for sure: people, especially youth, love their music, and especially love the ease of buying/storing/sharing digital music, and MusicATM makes it even easier for the "rest of us" to get access to that digital music revolution. So, perhaps the MusicATM is best viewed as an evolution within the larger revolution.

Now, 'scuse me while I go online to buy the ringtone, "The Times They Are A Changin"..... (assuming I can even find such a relic of the Old Epoch of music.........)... wish me luck!

by Don Rose

by Don Rose

(Los Angeles, CA: June 7-8, 2004) The Wyndham Bel Age Hotel was the setting as Video Store Magazine hosted its annual conference revolving around the DVD industry. For a 7 year old, DVD sure is growing up fast, as it has arguably grown to become the predominant media platform today. Music, TV, film, experimental artists -- all these players and more have embraced it, and made mega money from it. Yet, ironically, as its growth and success continues (household player penetration is at or near 70 percent -- fitting the 7 theme nicely), the conference was already looking to the future, to the DVD's eventual evolution (Blu-Ray and HD-DVD being the two most talked about successors).

In a world where some tradeshows have struggled, or even gone away (COMDEX and The Western Show are recent casualties), the Home Entertainment Summit seems to be thriving; perhaps it is its focus and goals that set it apart. “This conference is really an extension of our magazine’s mission to be the voice of home entertainment, and functions like a giant think tank,” says Thomas K. Arnold, associate publisher and group editor of Video Store Magazine and the event’s executive producer.

Lucky 7 began with a Pre-Conference Seminar discussing the Direct-Response Industry, which is a large market for DVD, particularly compilations and boxed sets of TV shows (the fine Johnny Carson box being one of this reviewer's favorites -- and, given the success of other compilations like Dean Martin's TV show and roasts, look for more "unearthings" of "lost" or "forgotten" TV gems to appear for your late-night infomercial pleasure). Points discussed: how to harness direct response as a strategy to work side-by-side with retail to optimize overall sales.

Studio and hardware executives, producers, directors, and media then mingled at the cocktail reception, after which all enjoyed the Third Annual DVD Home Entertainment Summit Dinner, which has become one of the most anticipated DVD events of the year. Speakers included Sanford Friedman, head of operations, DreamWorks Home Entertainment, and Video Store Magazine publisher Don Rosenberg.

The next day brought a panel on Next-Generation DVD, with representatives from the Blu-Ray and HD-DVD camps selling the audience with presentations and demonstrations of their technologies. In the BLU-RAY corner: Benjamin Feingold, president, Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment, and Mike Fidler, senior VP, Blu-Ray Disc Group/Sony Corporation of America. Their case was strong: their next-gen optical disc technology is backed by 11 major consumer electronics firms, and two computer manufacturers. Then came HD-DVD: Warren Lieberfarb, former prez of Warner Home Video and now a top industry consultant, spoke as a rep of Toshiba, which (with NEC) has developed HD-DVD as a competing next-gen opt-disc technology. My prediction, based on current facts and trends: Blu-Ray will likely win out, given the sheer number/strength of their backers. Still, a third alternative may yet emerge that combines the best aspects of both camps. One thing's for sure: the industry will need to pick a "winner" in the next gen race before consumers will hop on board en masse -- one of the key lessons of the past 7 years of DVD history.

Stellar stat man Ralph Tribbey then gave a most interesting take on DVD "by the numbers", looking back at the biz to analyze how things have grown and why. If his entertaining and enlightening talk is any indication, his weekly "DVD Release Report" must be a must read. Results of Video Store Magazine's Innovations contest were also announced, where critics singled out the 7 best special features on DVDs. Awards were given to the 7 producers behind the winning features. I believe games may become one of the hottest of the special features, since combining the growth and size of the game industry with that of DVD seems to be a perfect synergistic marriage (for example, think of how Disney and others cross-market animation films) -- but it may take the next-gen higher-density DVD formats to achieve this vision.

Overall, Lucky 7 was a most interesting, entertaining and enlightening conference, highly recommended for 2005. My prediction for a likely conference name: "Great at Eight!". Based on how DVD is doing so far, great may just be an understatement.

(Los Angeles, CA: November 10, 2004) Truth in advertising is always a wise concept for businesses to apply, and it certainly applied to tonight's kicking off and showing off of this new health spa, located where venerable L.A. arteries Crescent Heights and San Vicente meet. The title says Scandinavian, and by gosh, every employee I met was from Sweden (and, at the risk of sounding pol-incorrect, all were heavenly hotties, in perfect shape and superfriendly -- which can't hurt when selling S.H.E.). The event also promised food, and by gosh, there was plenty of it (delicious delectables including a shrimp wanton creation, veggie spring rolls, chicken and shrimp dumplings, desserts, and more) -- and it kept on coming right to the end of the soiree. The open bar featured an array of liquid choices, from Rockstar energy drinks to Vitamin Waters to my fave: Naked Juices and their smoothiesque libations.

(HOLLYWOOD, CA: November 7, 2004) Before you could say "A one sa and a two sa", there I was: inside the historic Hollywood Athletic Club for the event billed as "Atousa Presents Sewdown". Hardly a wait at all, unlike the typical Fashion Week events and their daily dour door-drama-arama. In a word, Sewdown events are always fun.

Okay, that's five words, but before I get too Python and pithy, let me explain. The event was a Post-Fashion-Week final bash, a streetwear-infused fashion, art and music festival at a classic Hollywood hotspot for hotshots. But there was no hotshot 'tude to be had here, all was groovy beats and groovy babes and dancing and mingling and buying of wild wonderful wares. There was a Runway show with not one, not two, but FIFTEEN designers. During the night, on several levels inside the club, you could see and/or buy creations from various designers and shops, such as Nisa, Nunzio, Atousa G., Steelo, Dragonfly, Lychee Line, and Late Bloomer (a great store in a hip L.A. district that's open late, hence their name -- a boutique with clothing and accessories by new hot designers, and even monthly happy hour soirees -- 430 N. Fairfax, 323-651-1358, info@latebloomerstudio.com or visit www.latebloomerstudio.com).

Shopping, partying, dancing and discovery -- and all at an astounding astronomical admission. Yep, $5. For such bliss and beats, it can't be beat. It's one of the best fashion-drinkin-chillin-groovin-stylin events in town. Learn more at www.sewdown.com and plan for the next edition, coming soon. Go down to SewDown and get down!

Benefits the Huckleberry Fund for the Adolescent Medicine division of Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. Event will be hosted by Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor, and honors Dr. Harvey Karp.

Location: Gallery of Functional Art
(I love this place -- most of their pieces combine art, sculpture, function and a lovable creative wackiness I've rarely seen anywhere else -- there are also items you can actually use as well as marvel at, hence the gallery's name -- examples might include rocking chairs made completely out of cardboard, tables looking like animals, etc. -- smiles and style in spades)

Address: 2525 Michigan Avenue, Santa Monica CA -- Bergamot Station, Building E-3

Time: 6pm til approximately 10pm; Cocktails and silent auction, then dinner and live auction

For more info on tickets, call The New Philanthropy Group at 310 899 9191

www.lifeisnotstill.org

SONG AND SATIRE PLAY -- AT STEINWAY, WEST LA

PARLOR PERFORMANCES, Jeannine Frank's "accidental" performing arts series (now in its 15th year!) continues at STEINWAY HALL, a 100-seat recital hall at Fields Pianos Store. The series features original cabaret, comedy and solo performance. And: THREE BUCKS OFF for readers of THE ROSE REVIEW, if you call or email your reservation in advance and mention TRR.

Saturdays Dec. 4 & 11 at 8pm * $15 * ROY ZIMMERMAN'S "PATRIOT ACT"

"...lacerating wit and keen awareness of society's foibles bring to mind a latter-day Tom Lehrer." LA Times * "...lyrics go beyond poetry and become perfection." Joni Mitchell

Roy's fans include Tom Lehrer and Oliver North (no kidding! the Colonel chanced upon his scathing "Ollie, Ollie Off Scott Free" and took it as a compliment). Roy arranged and wrote all the songs for the mid-90s satirical quartet (Warner/Reprise recording artists) The Foremen, who headlined at performing arts centers across the US and shared stages with Bill Maher and Dennis Miller. (More at www.royzimmerman.com)

STEINWAY HALL at FIELDS PIANOS * 12121 Pico Bl. (a few feet w. of Bundy) * Intimate 100-seat hall * Pay by cash or check at the door * Free parking in Building; Hall is downstairs below main store * RSVP to Jeannine Frank at (310) 471-3979 or frankent1@juno.com * Coming soon: Jay Leonhart, Shelly Goldstein, Dale Gonyea and more.

KCRW OPENING NIGHTS kick off Thursday, December 2nd at 7:30 PM with Lerner and Loewe’s gold-rush musical, Paint Your Wagon. Watch the Passion for Gold collide with the longing for love! Opening Nights at The Geffen have been invitation-only...until now.

KCRW listeners are invited on Thursday December 2nd when KCRW’s Opening Nights kick off with Paint Your Wagon at 7:30 PM followed by a post-party at Maria’s Italian Kitchen in West LA. You’re in for the best of real Italian Food!

The Geffen Playhouse presents a new adaptation of the 1951 classic Broadway musical Paint Your Wagon -- a truly American Play about the California Gold Rush from the creators of My Fair Lady, Camelot and Gigi. Gold was the lure for American adventurers, men and women, who flooded the mining camps of the Wild West. See the fightin'! See the lovin'! See the dancing girls kick up their heels!

ORDER KCRW OPENING NIGHTS!
To order the KCRW Opening Night of PAINT YOUR WAGON on Thursday December 2nd at 7:30PM, click the Buy Tickets button below. Ticket prices are $55 for Orchestra and $50 for Upper Orchestra. You can also use the form to order other discounted tickets for performances of Paint Your Wagon from December 2nd - 15th. Fringe Benefit Members receive a discount of $5 off per ticket.


About Maria's Italian Kitchen:
One step inside Maria's Italian Kitchen and it's just like being back in Hoboken. A cool place to enjoy great Italian food with family and friends. Now back in West L.A.. Maria’s Italian Kitchen, West Los Angeles, 10761 Pico Blvd. (310) 441-3663 Corner of Malcolm and Pico --- Across from the Westside Pavilion.