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DVD MAGIC 8, Century Plaza Hotel, June27-28; Home Media Retailing presents their annual DVD conference with a focus on home entertainment (HMR puts on a number of fine conferences during the year -- including one focused on Music DVDs, in the spring, and TV DVDs, coming up this fall.)

The Rose Review highly recommends this conference. Attendees include many professionals and executives from the DVD industry and related fields. The presentations and panels are packed with useful info, often thought-provoking, and entertaining; there are many opportunities for networking, and HMR's award shows are always fun and well-produced.

For more information on Magic 8 and other HMR conferences, please go to www.dvdconferences.com . To register online with a secure server, please click here.

June 27 - 28, 2005

Century Plaza Hotel & Spa, Century City, California

Produced by

In cooperation with and

As DVD hits its eighth birthday, the home entertainment industry finds itself at a critical juncture. The search for a next-generation, high-definition optical-disc format is in its final stages, with a scheduled launch just months away. And yet at this point there are still two rival formats, Blue-ray Disc and HD-DVD, each hoping to be the standard.

This quest for unity — and the serious ramifications to our business if a single standard is not attained — will be front and center at this year at the Fourth Annual Home Entertainment Summit. This year’s incarnation of the home entertainment industry’s premier annual event promises to again attract the top movers and shakers in the business, from the presidents of the Hollywood studios’ home entertainment divisions to key retailers, Wall Street analysts and members of the media.

They’ll all come for two days of information-packed programming, focused on our industry’s high-definition future.
Some highlights:

• A Presidents Panel in which the studio heads will share their visions, strategies and concerns about the future of our business.
• An Opening Business Session with a state-of-the-DVD industry address, updates on the U.S. and international markets, and exclusive consumer research.
• A Next-Generation Supersession that will hopefully yield a detailed road map for the future.
• Interactive presentations on the mobile and handheld markets, including a look at Sony’s PlayStation Portable (PSP) and the Universal Media Disc (UMD).
• Lively panel discussions about such hot topics and issues as price erosion of catalog titles, the retail shelf-space crunch, marketing challenges and double-dipping.
• A special surprise celebrity keynoter.
• Plenty of networking opportunities, from a gala opening cocktail party and dinner to sponsored meal functions and breaks.

NEW THIS YEAR: THE DVD CRITICS’ AWARDS - Honoring the most critically acclaimed DVD releases of the year

GOURMET ON FIRE: Presented by Viceroy Santa Monica and Gourmet Magazine.
Hot New Wines. Sizzling Cuisine. Cool Cocktails.
Saturday, June 25, 2005 -- 1 - 4 pm.
Poolside at Viceroy Hotel, Pico at Ocean, Santa Monica CA.

Reserve your spot poolside at the Viceroy for a Gourmet-chic afternoon, featuring an A-list group of guest chefs and personalities, including:

* Warren Schwartz, Executive Chef, Whist at Viceroy Santa Monica
* Govind Armstrong, Executive Chef/Partner, Table 8
* Michael Green, Wine & Spirits Consultant, Gourmet
* Frank Ostini, Chef/Owner, The Hitching Post II, as seen in the movie "Sideways"
* Mark Peel, Executive Chef/Owner, Campanile
* Suzanne Tracht, Executive Chef/Owner, JAR

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.

TICKETS: $80/person.
You can buy tickets online -- click here for the secure site.
For more info on the event or ticket sales, call 800 679 0397.

by Don Rose

STAR POWER® 2005, Tuesday, June 14, 2005 -- Universal Studios Cinema at CityWALK Universal Studios Hollywood at the Globe Theatre

The annual StarPower event is the definitive conference for learning about entertainment tie-ins, product integration, branded entertainment, event marketing, and other hot trends in the cross promotion of sports and entertainment properties with some of the world’s best known brands. Attendees will hear directly from brands that are reaching consumers through the power of entertainment marketing, including case studies on integrating entertainment into brand platforms. Some highlights of the one-day conference:

PMA STAR POWER AWARDS

STAR POWER Awards are presented to celebrities using their star power to help enhance brands through marketing communications.

PROMO EMMA AWARDS

The EMMA Awards recognize the vital role promotional tie-ins play in the success of entertainment properties and their strategic alliances. The marketers and their entertainment partners who best supported their brands through tie-in promotions in the past year will be honored during this awards ceremony.

SCHMOOZEFEST

End the day with a fun reception featuring food, drinks and great networking.

# # #

For the complete conference agenda, and other StarPower information, please click here... or go to http://www.pmalink.org/conferences/starpower2005/default.asp .

OVERVIEW of the CONFERENCE AGENDA:

9:00 AM REGISTRATION AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS CINEMA AT CITYWALK “Networking” Continental Breakfast 9:45 AM WELCOME REMARKS “Create or Die” Act I Award-winning illusionist Jim McCafferty 10:00 AM OPENING SPEAKER: Brian Gies, Vice President of Marketing Impact, Burger King Corporation Mr. Gies will discuss how the BK marketing team has given the brand social currency; the extent to which brand marketers have to “let go” and turn their brands over to consumers; and, the impact of changing media content and consumption dynamics on the ways consumers interact with brands in the 21st century. 10:45 AM STUDIO PANEL (FILM): What does “going beyond product placement” mean to marketers? How are studios adapting to better partner with brands given the increasing expectations and savvy on the part of brand marketers for co-branded products and services that provide unique messages and interactions with consumers? When is this the best approach for a brand, how can it be measured and what’s next? 11:30 AM REFRESHMENT BREAK 11:45 AM BRAND MARKETER PANEL: Cost and control are just two of the issues facing brands when they try to integrate entertainment into the marketing platforms. Hear brand marketers discuss the ways in which entertainment is becoming more formalized during planning and activation, and the degree to which entertainment is beginning to assume strategic importance to their respective companies. They’ll also offer suggestions on how other marketers can help their companies understand the value of defining and leveraging an entertainment marketing strategy. 12:30 PM STROLL TO GLOBE THEATRE AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS 1:00 PM LUNCHEON KEYNOTE EMMA AWARDS – Presented by PROMO Magazine by Kathleen M. Joyce, Editorial Director The EMMA Awards recognize the vital role promotional tie-ins play in the success of entertainment properties and their strategic alliances. The marketers and their entertainment partners who best supported their brands through tie-in promotions in the past year will be honored during this awards ceremony. Following the EMMA Awards, STAR POWER is pleased to present a keynote address by Avi Arad, Chairman & CEO, Marvel Studios. Hear from the man who’s been the driving force behind Marvel's Hollywood renaissance that includes a track record of eight consecutive number one box office openings, including the "Spider-Man", "X-Men" and "Blade" franchises, as well as the upcoming "Fantastic Four". Mr. Arad will share his views on how creativity is being affected by the merging of marketing and entertainment, the pros and cons of this growing alliance, and where he sees the opportunities for brand marketers. 2:15 PM TELEVISION PANEL: With all the talk about the need for TV to get a “better business model” this session will filter out the noise and provide the critical coverage marketers need in order to ensure their signal gets though in this medium. A panel of top execs from the major networks will position your antennae so you’re clear about where the hype ends and the reality starts. Tune in to the Star Power channel on June 14th at 2:15PM to find out.

3:00 PM ADVERGAMING PANEL: Video gamers are increasing their ranks everyday, so you’re thinking about taking your brand into this virtual world. But, you’re worried about keeping your brand “powered up” long enough to connect with gamers in a meaningful, relevant way. Relax: Our panel of publishers, producers, brands—all of whom play on the “Expert” levels—have the “codes” to unlock this medium’s potential and show you how to best leverage involvement and effectively engage consumers. 3:45 PM REFRESHMENT BREAK 4:00 PM MUSIC PANEL: It’s no secret that music is one industry where the business model is broken. In the face of non-music brands driving change, how can the industry create a foundation for future relevance and growth? What do the latest deals say about where the industry may be heading? Will they change the way we look at branded entertainment in the music space? Agents, managers, labels and brands discuss new ways to build brands, stay on key and how they plan to keep on rockin’ in the 21st century. 4:45 PM STUDIO PANEL (HOME ENTERTAINMENT): How is the role of home entertainment evolving? When brands partner with studios in the post-theatrical market, how do they ensure it’s an effort that builds the brand, positively impacts the bottom line and effectively engages the consumer? Given the increasing importance of account-specific promotions--where studios are helping brands build more robust promotions with key retail partners--what’s important to keep in mind when you create the brand-studio-retailer triangle? Attend, press “Play” and learn. 5:45 PM “Create or Die” Table of Death Finale At the close of the day, Jim will apply the presented techniques to create an on-the-spot promotional concept. But, as is often the case with Jim, there’s a twist. Operating within a “create or die” scenario, he will attempt to develop his winning promotional idea while chained and locked to the Table of Death! As he races against a timer set to release 50 steel spikes onto the table, Jim will truly redefine the term “deadline!” Jim McCafferty Founder & President of JMP Creative 6:00 PM SCHMOOZE – A- RAMA® Following the sessions, top off the day at the coolest schmooze-fest around. Meet the players in the industry and gain the insight and contacts you need - all this in an environment of food, fun, refreshments and the best networking around – right on Baker St. outside of the Globe Theatre. 8:30 PM PROGRAM CONCLUDES

Silverlake Conservatory of Music First Annual “Hullabaloo” Benefit Offers a Night of Beautiful Sounds At Edendale Grill on June 8, 2005

(posted by Don Rose)

Los Angeles, CA - The Silverlake Conservatory of Music, a nonprofit music school founded by Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea in 2001, will present the first annual "Hullabaloo" fundraiser at the elegant Edendale Grill in Silverlake, on Wednesday, June 8, 2005. From 7:00pm to 11:30pm, attendees at this adults-only event will be treated to a night of special musical performances by Tracy Chapman, Charlie Haden, John Frusciante, Grant Lee Phillips, The Section Quartet and Flea.

The evening will also encompass silent and live auctions to raise funds for the school's operating costs and scholarship program. Hors d'ouevres, a light buffet, and an open bar with spirits, wine, beer and champagne will be served throughout the night. Only 300 tickets will be sold to the fundraiser priced at $200 per ticket or $350 per pair of tickets. All contributions are tax deductible.

The Edendale Grill is located at 2838 Rowena Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90039. Tickets may be purchased in-person at the school, located at 3920 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90029, Monday – Friday from 12noon – 5:00pm. For more information please call 323-665-3363 or visit www.silverlakeconservatory.com .

With a live auction presented by auctioneer Rob Zabrecky and music performed by a host of celebrity musicians, teachers and students, the event is sure to be full of rollicking melodies. The event's name, Hullabaloo, aptly describes the night, but it was chosen to signify the youthful enthusiasm to be heard in the multiplicity of sounds emanating from the school's storefront location on Sunset Boulevard in Sunset Junction. Its waiting room and 8 music classrooms burst with instruments, teachers and students, instruction, discussion, laughter and of course, lots of music. The real beauty of the Silverlake Conservatory of Music (SCM) is what it represents to the students: a future full of the joy of music and the sense of accomplishment felt by those who make it.

Hullabaloo seeks to make possible more of that work as it celebrates the music that results from such energy and enthusiasm. The evening will begin in the Edendale Grill's courtyard at 7:00 starting with performances by teachers and students followed by the special musical guests in and outside the restaurant. The live auction will begin at 9:00pm, and a silent auction will continue throughout the evening, ending at 10:00pm. Performances will conclude with a tribute to the Meters, featuring Flea with Eli Brueggemann and Marc Rey, two teachers from the school.

The auctions will feature donations from several local artists, as well as donations from Suss Designs, Daisy Rock Guitars, Crustacean Restaurant in Las Vegas, NV, Zip Fusion’s new restaurant in West LA, Brook Benson Designs, Erica Courtney Jewelry, tickets to theater and sporting events, CD and DVD baskets, a drum-pad signed by the members of Coldplay, a guitar signed by the Chili Peppers, and a guitar donated by Guitar Center and signed by Neil Young.

The Silverlake Conservatory of Music is thankful for all of the support it has received to produce Hullabaloo. Melanie Tusquellas, co-proprietor of the Edendale Grill, approached the school about hosting a fundraiser at the restaurant and has brought forth Edendale’s considerable connections to help make this event a reality. Bittersweet Lingerie & Butterfly Flowers stepped in to provide flower arrangements for the evening. Food and drink suppliers include Allied Domeneq Wines USA, Bacardi Spirits, Delicato Vineyards, Edendale Grill, Jim Beam Spirits, Mission Beverage, Patron Spirits, Southern Wine and Spirits and Young's Market. Warner Brother Records and Tom Biery are helping to underwrite the event.

The goal of the Silverlake Conservatory of Music, a community oriented, nonprofit music school, is to provide the opportunity to study music. Born of the resolve of Flea and long-time friend and fellow musician, Keith Barry to fill the void left by cuts to music education programs in public schools, its focus is on the youth of Silverlake. However, children and adults from all over Los Angeles are welcome and encouraged to participate. The two friends who met at Fairfax High School share a love and need for music that was nurtured in Fairfax's music program. Feeling passionately about the benefits of a music education, their desire to give something back resulted in the Silverlake Conservatory of Music. “We believe that the study of music enriches not only the life of the musician, but the community and society as well,” the two founders state.

One of the primary missions of the school is to provide scholarships to children whose families would otherwise be unable to afford instruments and/or lessons. SCM hopes to eventually offer scholarships to more than half the school’s current enrollment of 600 students. Thirty students already benefit from the scholarship program. Hullabaloo will directly help the school expand this program to help fulfill its dream of supporting over 300 students.

The Board of Directors is comprised of Woody Harrelson, Anthony Kiedis and Flea. The dean of the school, Keith Barry, originally hails from New York City. He has lived in LA since 1977 and besides being an alumnus of Fairfax High School, is also an alumnus of Berklee College of Music in Boston. He has been teaching for more than twenty years. He performs on the Viola, Saxophone, Harmonica, Flute and other instruments. He has performed and recorded with Ray Charles, Woody Shaw and others. Jennifer Rey is the conservatory's manager and Joan Sullivan is in charge of financial operations. Sarah Bull, Liz Garo, Jennifer Rey, and Melanie Tusquellas head the event's committee, which is made up of volunteers from the music industry as well as parents and adult students at the school.

Hullabaloo will encompass the spirit of the school, by virtue of the beautiful sounds that are sure to result.

Share Our Strength encourages people to share their strengths to help end hunger. Learn more and get involved today.

Simply Delicious. Simply Rewarding. Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation is the nation’s preeminent culinary benefit supporting the fight to end hunger.

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SUNSHINE, FRESH AIR, A FEAST FOR THE SENSES

Tickets for this event are no longer available online or by phone. They are available at the gate starting at 1 PM Sunday, June 5. To confirm availability call 213.383.6228

Getting there: From the 405, exit at Venice, heading east. In about a mile, you'll see the park on your right side (near the In and Out Burger). Just past the park, take a right on Culver, and the Ince Parking Garage adjacent to the Trader Joes will be on your left.From I-10 east, exit on Robertson and head south toward Venice Blvd. Take a right on Venice and get over into the left lane, where you will take a "shallow" left (the road forks, basically) onto Culver. The Ince Parking Garage adjacent to Trader Joes will be on your left, and parking will be free.

When you arrive, head to the corner of Ince and Culver (the southwestern tip of the park) and you will find the registration desk.Take a walk in the park and enjoy a strolling buffet featuring extraordinary cuisine from LA’s hottest restaurants along with champagne, cocktails and select fine wines from California and around the world.

SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 2005

OPTION #1
VIP Champagne Brunch& Tasting Event
$150 Per Person
Noon & 1pm Seatings
INCLUDES
An Elegant BrunchServed in the Historic IvySubstation with Patio SeatingPreview of Silent AuctionFull Access to Tasting Event
OPTION #2
Tasting Event$75 Per Person
1pm - 5pm(Jr. Ticket $25 Ages 6-12)
INCLUDES
Cocktails & Fine Wines
Beautiful & Bountiful Foods
Entertainment & Live Auction
Silent Auction

Children’s Activities IncludingCHEFMAKERS COOKING ACADEMY & MELISSA’S
Chef Challenge Cookoff FeaturingNEAL FRASER from GraceVS.GOVIND ARMSTRONG from Table 8

Come and join S.O.S. -- working to create a hunger-free generation


Related Links
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ABC7 - Taste of the Nation Los Angeles media sponsor
»
American Express
»
Chefmakers
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Classic Party Rentals
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Creative Intelligence
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Jenn-Air
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La Brea Bakery
»
Melissa's/World Variety Produce
»
Open Table
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SYSCO
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Samuel Adams Beer
»
Surfas Chef's Paradise
»
Whole Foods Market
»
illy caffe

*** NOTE: INFO FOR THIS EVENT HAS BEEN UPDATED; NEW LOCATION = CULVER CITY. SEE UPDATED TRR EVENT LISTING ***

Simply Delicious. Simply Rewarding. Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation is the nation’s preeminent culinary benefit supporting the fight to end hunger.

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Taste of the Nation - Los Angeles THE 18th ANNUAL TASTE OF THE NATION - LOS ANGELES EVENT presented by American Express® and Jenn-Air®, DATE: JUNE 5, 2005 LOCATION: MEDIA PARK, CULVER CITY. MORE INFO COMING SOON. CONTACTS: Auction Donations Flori Schutzer 213.383.6228 fschutzer@strength.org In-Kind Sponsorship Jeff Wineman jwineman@bucainc.com Cash Sponsorship Debbie Juengst djuengst@foodbrand.com Ticket Sales Jimmy Shaw loteriagrill@aol.com All other inquiries Flori Schutzer 213.383.6228 fschutzer@strength.org