Sunday, January 30, 2005
JAN 30: Comedy benefit for Laughter Heals 7pm
Now you can laugh and make others feel good too. At 7:00 p.m., come and be part of a comedy benefit for Laughter Heals -- a project of Community Partners started by comedian Craig Shoemaker which helps individuals with chronic and terminal illness. Performers include Scott Henry, Craig Robinson and Kira Soltanovich. It all takes place at The Ice House, 24 N. Mentor Ave., Pasadena. For this very Special Event, all tickets are $20.
Everyone knows laughter makes you feel better.
Laughter Heals has taken the concept to a whole new level.
The Laughter Heals Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to promote healing through laughter -- supporting improvements in the world of health care by heightening the awareness of the power of laughter. They want to alleviate the ills of the world one laugh at a time and spread the light of humor to everyone.
Kudos, Craig!
To get more info on the organization, please visit their website at: www.laughterheals.com -- or contact Laughter Heals at (818) 385-0652 or info@laughterheals.org . And if you want to keep the laughs going AFTER the Ice House event, check out Shoe's funny CD featuring his alterego, "The Lovemaster" -- and his film of the same name.
Everyone knows laughter makes you feel better.
Laughter Heals has taken the concept to a whole new level.
The Laughter Heals Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to promote healing through laughter -- supporting improvements in the world of health care by heightening the awareness of the power of laughter. They want to alleviate the ills of the world one laugh at a time and spread the light of humor to everyone.
Kudos, Craig!
To get more info on the organization, please visit their website at: www.laughterheals.com -- or contact Laughter Heals at (818) 385-0652 or info@laughterheals.org . And if you want to keep the laughs going AFTER the Ice House event, check out Shoe's funny CD featuring his alterego, "The Lovemaster" -- and his film of the same name.
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Saturday, January 29, 2005
JAN 29: TSUNAMI BENEFIT GALA (CANCELLED)
Note: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED, but might take place at a later date.
"Please join the American Red Cross and your fellow thespians, business owners, civic leaders, and Los Angelenos from all walks of life to show that we can all come together on January 29, 2005 for the benefit of one goal - to help those devastated by one of the worst natural disasters in modern times. California is ranked as the 5th largest economy in the world and we believe that this city-wide fundraising effort will demonstrate how quickly we can work together for the benefit of those in need.
"The American Red Cross, in partnership with the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, is rushing to provide specialized relief and financial assistance to Asian countries suffering from the devastation. Donations received thus far have already supplied several tons of food and drinking water, thousands of hygiene kits, family kits, kitchen sets, tents, healthcare items and more than a dozen disaster relief specialists to help those in need. Ongoing support will be critical to aid the millions who are struggling for survival in the wake of the destruction and potential spread of disease.
"To that end, we have organized the Los Angeles Tsunami Relief Benefit concert to benefit the American Red Cross International Response Fund. This multicultural concert will be held on January 29, 2005 at the Scottish Rites Masonic Temple on Wilshire Boulevard, featuring live celebrity entertainment from 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
"Our team is committed to assisting the American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles to raise the funds needed for the Red Cross to continue providing immediate emergency relief as well as long term relief and preparedness programs for the tsunami victims.
"Dress code: Red Cross arm-bands.
Entertainment: Live (it’s a surprise, but you can ask).
Food: Delicious, exotic and hearty.
Spokespersons: American Red Cross representatives.
Celebrities: Those who decide that they are serious about lending a helping hand. (TBA)
"Your help is urgently needed and appreciated. Thank you for your participation. For additional information, please contact:
Monica Matulich/PRHollywood
1801 Century Park East, Suite 400
Los Angeles, CA
310-383-9502
monica@prhollywood.com "
"Please join the American Red Cross and your fellow thespians, business owners, civic leaders, and Los Angelenos from all walks of life to show that we can all come together on January 29, 2005 for the benefit of one goal - to help those devastated by one of the worst natural disasters in modern times. California is ranked as the 5th largest economy in the world and we believe that this city-wide fundraising effort will demonstrate how quickly we can work together for the benefit of those in need.
"The American Red Cross, in partnership with the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, is rushing to provide specialized relief and financial assistance to Asian countries suffering from the devastation. Donations received thus far have already supplied several tons of food and drinking water, thousands of hygiene kits, family kits, kitchen sets, tents, healthcare items and more than a dozen disaster relief specialists to help those in need. Ongoing support will be critical to aid the millions who are struggling for survival in the wake of the destruction and potential spread of disease.
"To that end, we have organized the Los Angeles Tsunami Relief Benefit concert to benefit the American Red Cross International Response Fund. This multicultural concert will be held on January 29, 2005 at the Scottish Rites Masonic Temple on Wilshire Boulevard, featuring live celebrity entertainment from 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
"Our team is committed to assisting the American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles to raise the funds needed for the Red Cross to continue providing immediate emergency relief as well as long term relief and preparedness programs for the tsunami victims.
"Dress code: Red Cross arm-bands.
Entertainment: Live (it’s a surprise, but you can ask).
Food: Delicious, exotic and hearty.
Spokespersons: American Red Cross representatives.
Celebrities: Those who decide that they are serious about lending a helping hand. (TBA)
"Your help is urgently needed and appreciated. Thank you for your participation. For additional information, please contact:
Monica Matulich/PRHollywood
1801 Century Park East, Suite 400
Los Angeles, CA
310-383-9502
monica@prhollywood.com "
JAN 29: BODYWORLDS, THE SEQUEL (CSC/LA)
BW returns! This is not your mummy's show -- this is California Science Center's "Body Worlds: The Anatomical Exhibition of Real Human Bodies" exhibit and, in case you've been encased in a cave and missed all the gobs of press on it, BW features real, preserved human bodies on display using a technique called "Plastination" (not to be confused with those Thunderbird puppets and their "Supermarionation"). Bodyworlds came to CSC -- the first time in the United States -- and has drawn more than half a million visitors locally (nearly 16 million worldwide).
The bad news: BodyWorlds just ended (with a marathon this past weekend).
THE GOOD NEWS: "Body Worlds 2" will open Jan.29.
BW2's exhibit will feature all new specimens, including "Suicide by Fat -- Obesity Revealed," which shows fat tissue and how it damages vital organs; a "Cube Head" 3D puzzle showing the density of the human head and "Orthopedic Man," demonstrating a variety of surgically implanted orthopedic devices.
More info at: http://www.californiasciencecenter.org
The bad news: BodyWorlds just ended (with a marathon this past weekend).
THE GOOD NEWS: "Body Worlds 2" will open Jan.29.
BW2's exhibit will feature all new specimens, including "Suicide by Fat -- Obesity Revealed," which shows fat tissue and how it damages vital organs; a "Cube Head" 3D puzzle showing the density of the human head and "Orthopedic Man," demonstrating a variety of surgically implanted orthopedic devices.
More info at: http://www.californiasciencecenter.org
Thursday, January 27, 2005
JAN 27-30: artLA: THE NEW L.A. ART FAIR
| artLA: THE NEW LOS ANGELES ART FAIR - FOR CONTEMPORARY AND NEW ART Santa Monica Civic Auditorium - january 27 - 30, 2005
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Sunday, January 23, 2005
EVENT REVIEW: JAN 20-23: PHOTO L.A. SHOW
by Don Rose
(Santa Monica, January 23) Photo L.A. is, simply put, always a great show -- a must-see on the L.A. event calendar. This past weekend was no exception; experts, novices and photo fans filled the Santa Monica Civic to witness over 80 exhibitors from around the world presenting everything from Polaroids (Warhol's snaps of Ali, Ted Kennedy, etc)... to NASA collages of thumbnail moon pix... to picture perfect prints of any and all subjects imaginable. Of course, as in past years, there were numerous classics from the likes of Bourke-White, Helmut Newton (yes, you guessed it, nudes of tall fatless models), Robbert Flick, and many more too myriad to mention. Attendees also could relish daily seminars with top photogs. Overall, it was four days of photo bliss.
Some images and memories that stand out from the weekend: Helen Hunt making the rounds, while pushing a baby cart... the New York Times archives booth (what a treasure trove they have)... a great oversized print of a mean-lookin pooch with newspaper in its clenched teeth, reading "Man Kills 20 At McDonalds"... the booth full of amazing pix done by persons with little or no sight... several wonderful examples of my favorite photo form, the photo collage (Hockney's classic of his sleeping mum, plus two huge collages near the entrance that slightly warped space as you looked at the Lincoln Memorial and the Golden Gate bridge)... slightly unnerving oversized images of a very young overly-made-up Brooke Shields in very adult poses... and the images of old pulp books where the drawn-characters from their covers have come to life in creative scenes. I hardly passed a single booth that was not wonderful or enlightening or educational or shocking or surprising or all of the above.
The opening reception, which benefited LACMA, was most excellent as well. ZUCCA's pasta was to die for... REED'S ginger beer and China Cola concoctions were wonderful... OCEAN AVE gave out mussels... SONORA CAFE provided delicious crabcakes... and BEYOND FUDGE and KRISPY KREME made sure your dessert calories were accounted for. During all the culinary enjoyment, CANON took instant snaps of receptionees, with pix printed out in around 90 seconds or less; great quality, as I (and most others) now expect from all but the very cheapest of the cheapee digital cameras -- as long as you are not blowing things up way past 8x10, most of these digital wonders will do. So can it be long before someone finally combines these small digicams and almost-as-small printers into, well, a new digital version of the old Polaroid cameras? I am sure someone somewhere is doing just that... right about... now...
(Santa Monica, January 23) Photo L.A. is, simply put, always a great show -- a must-see on the L.A. event calendar. This past weekend was no exception; experts, novices and photo fans filled the Santa Monica Civic to witness over 80 exhibitors from around the world presenting everything from Polaroids (Warhol's snaps of Ali, Ted Kennedy, etc)... to NASA collages of thumbnail moon pix... to picture perfect prints of any and all subjects imaginable. Of course, as in past years, there were numerous classics from the likes of Bourke-White, Helmut Newton (yes, you guessed it, nudes of tall fatless models), Robbert Flick, and many more too myriad to mention. Attendees also could relish daily seminars with top photogs. Overall, it was four days of photo bliss.
Some images and memories that stand out from the weekend: Helen Hunt making the rounds, while pushing a baby cart... the New York Times archives booth (what a treasure trove they have)... a great oversized print of a mean-lookin pooch with newspaper in its clenched teeth, reading "Man Kills 20 At McDonalds"... the booth full of amazing pix done by persons with little or no sight... several wonderful examples of my favorite photo form, the photo collage (Hockney's classic of his sleeping mum, plus two huge collages near the entrance that slightly warped space as you looked at the Lincoln Memorial and the Golden Gate bridge)... slightly unnerving oversized images of a very young overly-made-up Brooke Shields in very adult poses... and the images of old pulp books where the drawn-characters from their covers have come to life in creative scenes. I hardly passed a single booth that was not wonderful or enlightening or educational or shocking or surprising or all of the above.
The opening reception, which benefited LACMA, was most excellent as well. ZUCCA's pasta was to die for... REED'S ginger beer and China Cola concoctions were wonderful... OCEAN AVE gave out mussels... SONORA CAFE provided delicious crabcakes... and BEYOND FUDGE and KRISPY KREME made sure your dessert calories were accounted for. During all the culinary enjoyment, CANON took instant snaps of receptionees, with pix printed out in around 90 seconds or less; great quality, as I (and most others) now expect from all but the very cheapest of the cheapee digital cameras -- as long as you are not blowing things up way past 8x10, most of these digital wonders will do. So can it be long before someone finally combines these small digicams and almost-as-small printers into, well, a new digital version of the old Polaroid cameras? I am sure someone somewhere is doing just that... right about... now...
Monday, January 17, 2005
JAN17: DR. KING and the KINGS OF BOXING
Synchronicities are much alive here on Jan 17 '05.
It is, of course, is the national M.L.King holiday -- but it is also the birthday of two black boxing legends -- the King of the sport, Muhammad Ali, and his longtime opponent, Joe Frazier. Also, James Earl Jones turns 75 today; way before he became the voice of Vader and Verizon, Jones played early boxing great Jack Johnson on stage and screen in "The Great White Hope" -- and Johnson just happens to be the subject of a new Ken Burns doc debuting tonight: PBS's "Unforgivable Blackness" (in L.A.: KCET 9-11 p.m. Jan17 and 18).
Everything's connected. You just have to look.
It is, of course, is the national M.L.King holiday -- but it is also the birthday of two black boxing legends -- the King of the sport, Muhammad Ali, and his longtime opponent, Joe Frazier. Also, James Earl Jones turns 75 today; way before he became the voice of Vader and Verizon, Jones played early boxing great Jack Johnson on stage and screen in "The Great White Hope" -- and Johnson just happens to be the subject of a new Ken Burns doc debuting tonight: PBS's "Unforgivable Blackness" (in L.A.: KCET 9-11 p.m. Jan17 and 18).
Everything's connected. You just have to look.
Saturday, January 15, 2005
JAN 15: GOLDEN GLAM - GRAND SLAM EVENT BEFORE GOLDEN GLOBES
HOLLYWOOD STARS GLAM IT UP FOR THE GLOBES!
The ‘Golden Glam’ Offers A Day of Indulgence In Preparation
For The 62nd Annual Golden Globe Awards
In celebration of the upcoming Golden Globe Awards, The 2005 ‘Golden Glam’ presents a Day of Indulgence featuring an exclusive array of beauty products, fashion fun, delectable food and hearty spirits on Saturday, January 15th. This year's GGlam - celebrating the Golden Years of the Golden Globes - is a relaxation respite for celebrities, industry heavyweights and media involved in pre-award show preparation. Hosted by Kingworld’s legendary Betty Boop, the event offers a casual ambiance and unique atmosphere for award show pre-pampering.
A portion of the proceeds from The 2005 ‘Golden Glam’ will benefit The Environmental Media Association (EMA). Founded in 1989, EMA was born from the simple but powerful concept that through television and film, the entire entertainment community could influence the environmental awareness of millions of people. EMA’s mission is to mobilize the entertainment industry in a global effort to educate people about environmental issues and inspire them into action.
The 2005 ‘Golden Glam,’ produced by The Bergman Organization and Lisa Cocuzza Public Relations, will offer exclusive on-site treatments which include body wraps by Suddenly Slimmer, relaxing massages by Vitality Health Center, facials by Matty’s European Skin Care, manicures by China Glaze and hair styling by Bodywealth. Enjoy premiere beauty products from BTG Cosmetics, 95° and Sunny, Bye Bye Blemish and more. QVC’s Cindy Ambuehl, will dole out fashion fun and Jamatex, Incorporated will offer an exciting ‘style’ lounge. For jewelry aficionados, couture designers of The Sossi Collection will have their unique diamonds on display and Divine Invention will debut Hollywood’s hot, new “LOOK” bracelet. Delve into the original Chasen’s Chili and top it off with My Mother’s Brownies, Lavazza Coffee and gourmet appetizers and tasty finger food provided by To The Max Productions. The Lincoln Car Club will display vintage automobiles from Hollywood’s Golden Years and for those seeking higher spirits, our guests will enjoy a variety of specialty cocktails, including the ‘Golden Glam’ cocktail, provided by Stockholm Kristall Vodka while enjoying Havana Honeys fine cigars.
Sure, the 62nd Annual Golden Globe Awards Show (telecast live on NBC, January 16, 2005) is "The Place To Be" that Sunday -- but the elite of Hollywood celebs, press and VIPs know that for a relaxed, day-long feast of fun, the Golden Glam is the place to be the day before.
NOTE: This is an invitation only event (no admittance without an RSVP). Golden Glam is open to press, Celebs, and industry VIPs only; TRR readers who fall in one of these categories should contact The Bergman Organization at (323) 655-4134, theberggroup@aol.com or Lisa Cocuzza Public Relations at (661) 268-1071, lisa@lisacocuzzapr.com .
The ‘Golden Glam’ Offers A Day of Indulgence In Preparation
For The 62nd Annual Golden Globe Awards
In celebration of the upcoming Golden Globe Awards, The 2005 ‘Golden Glam’ presents a Day of Indulgence featuring an exclusive array of beauty products, fashion fun, delectable food and hearty spirits on Saturday, January 15th. This year's GGlam - celebrating the Golden Years of the Golden Globes - is a relaxation respite for celebrities, industry heavyweights and media involved in pre-award show preparation. Hosted by Kingworld’s legendary Betty Boop, the event offers a casual ambiance and unique atmosphere for award show pre-pampering.
A portion of the proceeds from The 2005 ‘Golden Glam’ will benefit The Environmental Media Association (EMA). Founded in 1989, EMA was born from the simple but powerful concept that through television and film, the entire entertainment community could influence the environmental awareness of millions of people. EMA’s mission is to mobilize the entertainment industry in a global effort to educate people about environmental issues and inspire them into action.
The 2005 ‘Golden Glam,’ produced by The Bergman Organization and Lisa Cocuzza Public Relations, will offer exclusive on-site treatments which include body wraps by Suddenly Slimmer, relaxing massages by Vitality Health Center, facials by Matty’s European Skin Care, manicures by China Glaze and hair styling by Bodywealth. Enjoy premiere beauty products from BTG Cosmetics, 95° and Sunny, Bye Bye Blemish and more. QVC’s Cindy Ambuehl, will dole out fashion fun and Jamatex, Incorporated will offer an exciting ‘style’ lounge. For jewelry aficionados, couture designers of The Sossi Collection will have their unique diamonds on display and Divine Invention will debut Hollywood’s hot, new “LOOK” bracelet. Delve into the original Chasen’s Chili and top it off with My Mother’s Brownies, Lavazza Coffee and gourmet appetizers and tasty finger food provided by To The Max Productions. The Lincoln Car Club will display vintage automobiles from Hollywood’s Golden Years and for those seeking higher spirits, our guests will enjoy a variety of specialty cocktails, including the ‘Golden Glam’ cocktail, provided by Stockholm Kristall Vodka while enjoying Havana Honeys fine cigars.
Sure, the 62nd Annual Golden Globe Awards Show (telecast live on NBC, January 16, 2005) is "The Place To Be" that Sunday -- but the elite of Hollywood celebs, press and VIPs know that for a relaxed, day-long feast of fun, the Golden Glam is the place to be the day before.
NOTE: This is an invitation only event (no admittance without an RSVP). Golden Glam is open to press, Celebs, and industry VIPs only; TRR readers who fall in one of these categories should contact The Bergman Organization at (323) 655-4134, theberggroup@aol.com or Lisa Cocuzza Public Relations at (661) 268-1071, lisa@lisacocuzzapr.com .
Friday, January 14, 2005
JAN 14-16: ANNUAL SCANDINAVIAN FILM FESTIVAL
Scandinavian Film Festival L.A., sponsored by ASFLA, returns to the Writers Guild Theater in Beverly Hills on Fri., Sat. and Sun., Jan. 14, 15, and 16, 2005. The sixth annual showcase of Nordic films and filmmakers, launched in 2000, screens the year's Scandinavian films submitted to the Academy as nominees for Best Foreign-Language Film. It also screens documentaries, short subjects and other pictures by Scandinavian filmmakers. Non-competitive in nature, the festival gives Southern California audiences an opportunity to see the best in contemporary film from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.
EDITOR'S NOTE: I highly recommend this event; not only are many of these excellent films difficult to see anywhere else, but the atmosphere, networking (and food!) are always superb.
Scandinavian Film Festival L.A. is underwritten by ASFLA, with Danzka Vodka, Scandinavian consulates, and generous support of national film organizations, individuals and corporate donors. Donors receive festival admission, listing in the program, and an invitation to an exclusive after-party at a Scandinavian consulate. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please call (323)661-4273 or email ASFLA. For more info on the festival, visit http://asfla.org/film.html .
EDITOR'S NOTE: I highly recommend this event; not only are many of these excellent films difficult to see anywhere else, but the atmosphere, networking (and food!) are always superb.
Scandinavian Film Festival L.A. is underwritten by ASFLA, with Danzka Vodka, Scandinavian consulates, and generous support of national film organizations, individuals and corporate donors. Donors receive festival admission, listing in the program, and an invitation to an exclusive after-party at a Scandinavian consulate. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please call (323)661-4273 or email ASFLA. For more info on the festival, visit http://asfla.org/film.html .
Monday, January 10, 2005
JAN 10: UCLA/NPI DRUMMING EVENT - Free
UCLA Creative Arts and Healing Series:
Monday, January 10 – Finding Your Rhythm: The Therapeutic Power of Drumming.
7 – 9 p.m. NPI Auditorium at UCLA.
Beginning with the heartbeat, our sense of rhythm is innate.
The creative process of drumming allows non-verbal emotional expression and the generation of insight. Call and answer exercises empower participants to take charge. Drum circles have become popular because the combined energy and synchronicity of group drumming is a transformational experience for all who participate. A drum circle works because of the principle of "entrainment" - when a strong rhythm exists, the other rhythms around it fall in sync. Therapeutic drumming is helpful in stress reduction and recovery from illness such as cancer. It is also an effective tool for diversity training and team building. Three studies of first-time group drummers have documented immune enhancement, decreased indicators of biological stress, and reduced burnout.
The program will consist largely of experiential exercises and demonstrations with audience volunteers on how to use drumming with different client groups and in one-to-one therapy.
The audience will engage in an interactive drumming experience right from the start of the program. Bring your own drum if you have one. Percussive instruments will be provided for those who did not bring one.
Christine Stevens, MSW, MT-BC, MA is a board-certified music therapist with two masters degrees, in social work and music therapy. A modern day troubadour, she introduces people all over the world to the therapeutic value of group drumming. As Director of Music Therapy and Wellness Programs at Remo Drum Company, Christine has led music and wellness seminars in England, Japan, Hong Kong, Korea, Taiwan, and the United States. Her first book, The Art and Heart of Drum Circles, was recently published by Hal Leonard and is already enjoying a second printing. Through her company, UpBeat Drum Circles, she offers programs for corporate teambuilding, diversity training, and personal growth. Recently, she contributed to a study on group drumming and employee burnout, published in Advances in Mind-Body Medicine, and presented an exciting interactive drumming seminar for middle school arts teachers at Los Angeles Unified School District. A multi-instrumentalist, whose credits include music director for Up with People International, Christine composes and performs in a wide variety of musical settings. She also developed group drumming programs to alleviate emotional distress among students at Columbine High School and PS150 at Ground Zero in New York City.
Admission is free. No reservations required.
Sponsors and Purpose of Series: This lecture is part of the Creative Arts and Healing Series sponsored by the UCLA Pediatric Pain Program and the Salamander Fund, in association with the American Music Therapy Association, UCLA Ted Mann Family Resource Center, the UCLA Collaborative Centers for Integrative Medicine, UCLA Extension, and Inside Out Community Arts. The series will explore a variety of ways in which poetry, art, music, dance, drama, writing, and drumming can enhance health and unleash personal insight. Each program will be practical in nature and appeal to both hemispheres of the brain via experiential learning, case studies, scientific evidence, and presentations by young visual and performance artists. The series will serve as a first step in launching an educational outreach program at UCLA that will offer training in innovative ways of working with youth, as well as programs that will directly engage youth in constructive self-reflection and expression.
Parking and directions: Parking will be $7, and parking permits for the Center for Health Sciences parking lot can be purchased from the kiosk on Westwood Plaza, which can be found by continuing straight ahead through two traffic lights after you enter the campus on Westwood Blvd. (Westwood Blvd. becomes Westwood Plaza on campus). The kiosk will be located in the middle of the road and you will pass the entrance to the auditorium on your right as you are headed towards the kiosk. The parking attendant will show you the closest place to park, which may be Lot 9 to the right of the kiosk or the Doris Stein Plaza parking lot which can be found by going back to where you entered the campus from Westwood Blvd. and turning left at the second light as you backtrack. It is also possible to park at the Medical Plaza parking lot, which can be accessed by turning right at that same light. General driving directions to UCLA can be found at http://www.ucla.edu/map/. The auditorium entrance is on the ground (or “C”) level of Westwood Plaza, the second set of glass doors north of the main entrance to the Neuropsychiatric Institute. The Neuropsychiatric Institute Auditorium is in Room C8-183 NPI, at 720 Westwood Plaza.
For more information, please e-mail pingho@ucla.edu or call 825-5300.
Monday, January 10 – Finding Your Rhythm: The Therapeutic Power of Drumming.
7 – 9 p.m. NPI Auditorium at UCLA.
Beginning with the heartbeat, our sense of rhythm is innate.
The creative process of drumming allows non-verbal emotional expression and the generation of insight. Call and answer exercises empower participants to take charge. Drum circles have become popular because the combined energy and synchronicity of group drumming is a transformational experience for all who participate. A drum circle works because of the principle of "entrainment" - when a strong rhythm exists, the other rhythms around it fall in sync. Therapeutic drumming is helpful in stress reduction and recovery from illness such as cancer. It is also an effective tool for diversity training and team building. Three studies of first-time group drummers have documented immune enhancement, decreased indicators of biological stress, and reduced burnout.
The program will consist largely of experiential exercises and demonstrations with audience volunteers on how to use drumming with different client groups and in one-to-one therapy.
The audience will engage in an interactive drumming experience right from the start of the program. Bring your own drum if you have one. Percussive instruments will be provided for those who did not bring one.
Christine Stevens, MSW, MT-BC, MA is a board-certified music therapist with two masters degrees, in social work and music therapy. A modern day troubadour, she introduces people all over the world to the therapeutic value of group drumming. As Director of Music Therapy and Wellness Programs at Remo Drum Company, Christine has led music and wellness seminars in England, Japan, Hong Kong, Korea, Taiwan, and the United States. Her first book, The Art and Heart of Drum Circles, was recently published by Hal Leonard and is already enjoying a second printing. Through her company, UpBeat Drum Circles, she offers programs for corporate teambuilding, diversity training, and personal growth. Recently, she contributed to a study on group drumming and employee burnout, published in Advances in Mind-Body Medicine, and presented an exciting interactive drumming seminar for middle school arts teachers at Los Angeles Unified School District. A multi-instrumentalist, whose credits include music director for Up with People International, Christine composes and performs in a wide variety of musical settings. She also developed group drumming programs to alleviate emotional distress among students at Columbine High School and PS150 at Ground Zero in New York City.
Admission is free. No reservations required.
Sponsors and Purpose of Series: This lecture is part of the Creative Arts and Healing Series sponsored by the UCLA Pediatric Pain Program and the Salamander Fund, in association with the American Music Therapy Association, UCLA Ted Mann Family Resource Center, the UCLA Collaborative Centers for Integrative Medicine, UCLA Extension, and Inside Out Community Arts. The series will explore a variety of ways in which poetry, art, music, dance, drama, writing, and drumming can enhance health and unleash personal insight. Each program will be practical in nature and appeal to both hemispheres of the brain via experiential learning, case studies, scientific evidence, and presentations by young visual and performance artists. The series will serve as a first step in launching an educational outreach program at UCLA that will offer training in innovative ways of working with youth, as well as programs that will directly engage youth in constructive self-reflection and expression.
Parking and directions: Parking will be $7, and parking permits for the Center for Health Sciences parking lot can be purchased from the kiosk on Westwood Plaza, which can be found by continuing straight ahead through two traffic lights after you enter the campus on Westwood Blvd. (Westwood Blvd. becomes Westwood Plaza on campus). The kiosk will be located in the middle of the road and you will pass the entrance to the auditorium on your right as you are headed towards the kiosk. The parking attendant will show you the closest place to park, which may be Lot 9 to the right of the kiosk or the Doris Stein Plaza parking lot which can be found by going back to where you entered the campus from Westwood Blvd. and turning left at the second light as you backtrack. It is also possible to park at the Medical Plaza parking lot, which can be accessed by turning right at that same light. General driving directions to UCLA can be found at http://www.ucla.edu/map/. The auditorium entrance is on the ground (or “C”) level of Westwood Plaza, the second set of glass doors north of the main entrance to the Neuropsychiatric Institute. The Neuropsychiatric Institute Auditorium is in Room C8-183 NPI, at 720 Westwood Plaza.
For more information, please e-mail pingho@ucla.edu or call 825-5300.
Sunday, January 09, 2005
JAN 9: THAI TSUNAMI FUNDRAISER
LOS ANGELES’ THAI-AMERICAN COMMUNITY HOLDS MAJOR FUNDRAISER FOR TSUNAMI VICTIMS IN SOUTHERN THAILAND
Local charity drive to include Thai Buddhist monks’ prayer ceremony, memorial music, cultural performances, telethon, more; all donations for aiding tsunami victims
LOS ANGELES – The Thai Association of Southern California (TASC), the largest Thai-American non-profit organization in the United States, is working with the Royal Thai Consulate General’s office in Los Angeles to raise money for tsunami victims in Southern Thailand. The public is invited to a memorial ceremony and major fundraising drive on Sunday, January 9, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Wat Thai Los Angeles (Thai temple of L.A.). In addition to a public prayer ceremony with Thai Buddhist monks, the benefit will include memorial music, live cultural performances, food, gift and donation booths, tsunami aid information, and a live telethon. On hand will be Los Angeles Councilmember Wendy Gruel and Royal Thai Consul-General Isinthorn Sornvai. More information can be found online at www.thai-la.net.
Public Note: Tax-deductible donations for the Southern Thailand relief effort also can be mailed directly to: Royal Thai Consulate General, Southern Thailand Disaster Relief Fund, 611 N. Larchmont Blvd., 2nd Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90004.
WHO:
• Los Angeles Councilmember Wendy Gruel
• Consul-General Isinthorn Sornvai of Royal Thai Consulate General, L.A.
• Thai Association of Southern California
WHAT:
Thai-American community in Los Angeles raises funds for tsunami victims
WHEN:
Sunday, January 9, 2005
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
12:30 p.m. Welcome by Councilmember Gruel & Consul-General Sornvai
WHERE:
Wat Thai Temple of Los Angeles
8225 Coldwater Canyon Avenue
North Hollywood, CA 91605
CONTACT:
Thai Association of Southern California:
Mr. Tom Prach (310) 490-8886 or
Mr. Somchai Thaitom, TASC president (323) 466-4812.
Please direct PRESS queries to:
Jessica del Mundo
Casey Sayre & Williams
Tel: 310.396.2400
Fax: 310.396.2404
jdelmundo@cswpr.com
Local charity drive to include Thai Buddhist monks’ prayer ceremony, memorial music, cultural performances, telethon, more; all donations for aiding tsunami victims
LOS ANGELES – The Thai Association of Southern California (TASC), the largest Thai-American non-profit organization in the United States, is working with the Royal Thai Consulate General’s office in Los Angeles to raise money for tsunami victims in Southern Thailand. The public is invited to a memorial ceremony and major fundraising drive on Sunday, January 9, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Wat Thai Los Angeles (Thai temple of L.A.). In addition to a public prayer ceremony with Thai Buddhist monks, the benefit will include memorial music, live cultural performances, food, gift and donation booths, tsunami aid information, and a live telethon. On hand will be Los Angeles Councilmember Wendy Gruel and Royal Thai Consul-General Isinthorn Sornvai. More information can be found online at www.thai-la.net.
Public Note: Tax-deductible donations for the Southern Thailand relief effort also can be mailed directly to: Royal Thai Consulate General, Southern Thailand Disaster Relief Fund, 611 N. Larchmont Blvd., 2nd Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90004.
WHO:
• Los Angeles Councilmember Wendy Gruel
• Consul-General Isinthorn Sornvai of Royal Thai Consulate General, L.A.
• Thai Association of Southern California
WHAT:
Thai-American community in Los Angeles raises funds for tsunami victims
WHEN:
Sunday, January 9, 2005
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
12:30 p.m. Welcome by Councilmember Gruel & Consul-General Sornvai
WHERE:
Wat Thai Temple of Los Angeles
8225 Coldwater Canyon Avenue
North Hollywood, CA 91605
CONTACT:
Thai Association of Southern California:
Mr. Tom Prach (310) 490-8886 or
Mr. Somchai Thaitom, TASC president (323) 466-4812.
Please direct PRESS queries to:
Jessica del Mundo
Casey Sayre & Williams
Tel: 310.396.2400
Fax: 310.396.2404
jdelmundo@cswpr.com
Saturday, January 08, 2005
JAN 8: MUSICAL BENEFIT FOR TSUNAMI RELIEF
An evening of Moroccan/Italian cuisine, an extraordinary group of caring people and a heartfelt musical performance of soultry jazz, sensual pop and funky R&B.
THE BAND: Caroline Waters - vocals, keys, violin, guitar, percussion, Cassandra Vaughn - vocals, keys, and Toddius Maximus - vocals, percussion.
THE REASON: Coming together for the healing of the broken hearted, for the raising of global consciousness and for the unification of our international community. All proceeds will go to the Tsunami relief efforts.
WHEN: Saturday January 8 (Dinner 6:30 - Showtime 7:30)
WHERE: Masquers Cabaret, 8334 W.3rd Street in West Hollywood CA
HOW MUCH: $10 minimum donation plus $10 food/drink minimum
DINNER RESERVATIONS: (323) 653-4848 (highly recommended)
THE BAND: Caroline Waters - vocals, keys, violin, guitar, percussion, Cassandra Vaughn - vocals, keys, and Toddius Maximus - vocals, percussion.
THE REASON: Coming together for the healing of the broken hearted, for the raising of global consciousness and for the unification of our international community. All proceeds will go to the Tsunami relief efforts.
WHEN: Saturday January 8 (Dinner 6:30 - Showtime 7:30)
WHERE: Masquers Cabaret, 8334 W.3rd Street in West Hollywood CA
HOW MUCH: $10 minimum donation plus $10 food/drink minimum
DINNER RESERVATIONS: (323) 653-4848 (highly recommended)
Friday, January 07, 2005
JAN 7: EVENT SUMMARY: MVPA DIRECTORS CUTS FILM FEST
FIRST BIG L.A. FILM EVENT OF '05 TAKES PLACE AS SHORT FILMS OF LEADING MUSIC VIDEO DIRECTORS PREMIERE
(January 7, 2005 - Los Angeles, CA) The Music Video Production Association (MVPA) held the premiere screening of The 7th Annual Director's Cuts Film Festival, which highlights short films and experimental works of leading music video directors for the Los Angeles film community. In addition to the diverse short films, three previously unaired director's cuts of music videos screened, including two world premieres, by master directors Mark Romanek, Mark Pellington and Michel Gondry. The event at Universal Studios included the screening as well as a reception with the filmmakers and hosted bar.
"We feel really strongly about these films, that were selected by a panel of their music video peers," says festival producer Drea Clark. "With so many music video directors going on to helm feature projects, this is a great way to get an idea of their narrative potential." The program has premiered in Los Angeles annually to top feature film scouts, agency creatives and management companies, and tickets have been in high demand since its inception in 1998.
This year's 98 minute program included work by 15 directors and covered all visual and emotional genres, featuring short films by directors with such video experience as: Brett Simon (Hoobastank "The Reason"), Shaun Peterson (Train "Calling All Angels"), Charles Jensen (VonBondies "Tell Me What You See"), Eric Henry (Buckethead "Spokes for the Wheels of Torment"), Doug Aitken (Barenaked Ladies "It's All Been Done"), Ruben Fleischer (Dizzee Rascal "Stand Up Tall"), Bob Odenkirk (HBO's Mr. Show), Dustin Robertson (Usher "Yeah", editor) and more. Many past directors have secured multi-picture deals, gained high-profile representation and confirmed development arrangements as a result of MVPA's LA program.
To receive more info on MVPA or its future events, please contact them at info@mvpa.com or 213.387.1590. A full listing of the 7th Annual Director's Cuts films and their descriptions can be found at: www.mvpa.com/directors_cuts/directors_cuts_2004.htm . The MVPA is a non-profit trade association addressing the concerns and needs of the Music Video Production industry. See their official website at: www.mvpa.com .
(January 7, 2005 - Los Angeles, CA) The Music Video Production Association (MVPA) held the premiere screening of The 7th Annual Director's Cuts Film Festival, which highlights short films and experimental works of leading music video directors for the Los Angeles film community. In addition to the diverse short films, three previously unaired director's cuts of music videos screened, including two world premieres, by master directors Mark Romanek, Mark Pellington and Michel Gondry. The event at Universal Studios included the screening as well as a reception with the filmmakers and hosted bar.
"We feel really strongly about these films, that were selected by a panel of their music video peers," says festival producer Drea Clark. "With so many music video directors going on to helm feature projects, this is a great way to get an idea of their narrative potential." The program has premiered in Los Angeles annually to top feature film scouts, agency creatives and management companies, and tickets have been in high demand since its inception in 1998.
This year's 98 minute program included work by 15 directors and covered all visual and emotional genres, featuring short films by directors with such video experience as: Brett Simon (Hoobastank "The Reason"), Shaun Peterson (Train "Calling All Angels"), Charles Jensen (VonBondies "Tell Me What You See"), Eric Henry (Buckethead "Spokes for the Wheels of Torment"), Doug Aitken (Barenaked Ladies "It's All Been Done"), Ruben Fleischer (Dizzee Rascal "Stand Up Tall"), Bob Odenkirk (HBO's Mr. Show), Dustin Robertson (Usher "Yeah", editor) and more. Many past directors have secured multi-picture deals, gained high-profile representation and confirmed development arrangements as a result of MVPA's LA program.
To receive more info on MVPA or its future events, please contact them at info@mvpa.com or 213.387.1590. A full listing of the 7th Annual Director's Cuts films and their descriptions can be found at: www.mvpa.com/directors_cuts/directors_cuts_2004.htm . The MVPA is a non-profit trade association addressing the concerns and needs of the Music Video Production industry. See their official website at: www.mvpa.com .
JAN 7: SOUPY SALES SNAGS STAR, DAY BEFORE B'DAY ON E-DAY
Guess who gets the first STAR ON THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME for 2005? Yep -- Soupy Sales (comic and children's show host) -- and is it way overdue or what? The Soupster snags the 2,274th star today, January 7, at 11:30 a.m. (7000 Hollywood Blvd. near Orange).
Many boomers and boomer-babies might recall the urban legend that Soupy once asked his young viewers to send him "green pieces of paper" from their parents' wallets. According to the fact-rumor-urbanlegend-checking site snopes.com, it's all true -- and Soupy was suspended for the brash act, which went down 40 years ago this week: January 1, 1965.
Speaking of entertainment milestones, exactly 70 years ago tomorrow, a man who spawned many an urban legend was born -- rock legend Elvis Presley, on January 8, 1935. Happy 70th, E. (You can celebrate E-Day by taking in an all-star Presley tribute at the Henry Fonda Theater -- 4-9:30 p.m. at 6126 Hollywood Blvd. -- a few blocks east of Soupy's Star).
So what do Soupy and Elvis have in common, besides fame and hit songs? (Okay, for Soupy it was a singular "song" -- "The Mouse", such a smash in '65 he sang it on Sullivan, the night The Beatles made their last Ed appearance). Give up? Yep -- Soupy and E share the same BIRTHDAY. Happy 79th, Soupster. May your star shine (on the Boulevard of Dreams) forever.
Many boomers and boomer-babies might recall the urban legend that Soupy once asked his young viewers to send him "green pieces of paper" from their parents' wallets. According to the fact-rumor-urbanlegend-checking site snopes.com, it's all true -- and Soupy was suspended for the brash act, which went down 40 years ago this week: January 1, 1965.
Speaking of entertainment milestones, exactly 70 years ago tomorrow, a man who spawned many an urban legend was born -- rock legend Elvis Presley, on January 8, 1935. Happy 70th, E. (You can celebrate E-Day by taking in an all-star Presley tribute at the Henry Fonda Theater -- 4-9:30 p.m. at 6126 Hollywood Blvd. -- a few blocks east of Soupy's Star).
So what do Soupy and Elvis have in common, besides fame and hit songs? (Okay, for Soupy it was a singular "song" -- "The Mouse", such a smash in '65 he sang it on Sullivan, the night The Beatles made their last Ed appearance). Give up? Yep -- Soupy and E share the same BIRTHDAY. Happy 79th, Soupster. May your star shine (on the Boulevard of Dreams) forever.
