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EVENT REVIEW: SAMSUNG MOBILE PARTY AT THE MUSEUM OF TV AND RADIO

2006-06-24T03:33:00.000-07:00

by Don Rose

(June 23: Beverly Hills, CA - The LA Report) Movies on cellphones? Get used to it, my luddite friend. It is here. Come on, get with it. A few minutes on YouTube and you too can see that short films for non-TVs are the hottest thing right now. And one of the best of these brave new media films was celebrated tonight at, where else, the fabulous home of the history of TV and radio, MTR. This museum (one of The LA Report's favorite weekend things-to-do in Bev Hills) has thousands of TV and radio shows, from today's hits all the way back to the inception of both media, which anyone can view/hear in their library - so perhaps it was fitting that the future of media was shown off here.

This bash had all the elements I like - a great theme and central event (the film made for the "very small screen", called "ACROSS THE HALL" from First Look Studios), an ongoing party for four full hours that guests could go back and forth to from the screening room (note to party planners: the roof of MTR is a great place for a party with nice breezes on a hot summer night), great food (passed treats like spring rolls, mac-n-cheese bites, pizzas, miniburgers and fries, and creme brulee), open bar, and even models passing around phones to handle (or fondle, that's how attractive these babies are). Speaking of attractive, the crowd definitely was, a young friendly and stylish Hollywood vibe, dancing to tunes from one of the best DJs I have experienced in recent memory (I like when the groove isnt monotonically stuck in one decade - and this DJ mashed Elvis Costello next to 60s gems as well as recent hits, a potent fun mix).

As for the film, one viewer said "Across the Hall" reminded him of Hitchkock, and there is truth in that comparison. The DP on the film told me they shot it without consciously thinking of visual plugs for the phone, and to Samsung's credit the filmmakers were not pressured to push the phone in our faces in an obtrusive way, letting it fit in the plot naturally (which was not overly difficult, since there were many tight spaces shot in rooms, and many phonecalls as part of the action). In short, this short is a well done film, and sufficiently subtle in its product phone-placement.

Speaking of placement (as in into the hands of celebs), several VIPs in attendance (including the star of this "phonefilm", Adrian Griener - and Kato Kaelin, star of a new upcoming show called "Oh No It's Kato") got to take home hot new Samsung cellphones (for either Cingular, Verizon or TMobile) -- and all guests were gifted with a beautiful wine-picnic carry set complete with glasses, opener and a Wine.com gift certificate inside. Yes, this indeed was a party that had something for everyone.

If your curiosity is now peaked, you can sneak a peek at Samsung's films online, at www.anyfilms.net . Special thanks to Nicole and R.J. at Rousso/Fisher Public Relations, who once again proved they truly know how to throw a boffo bash. The LA Report rates it two (full) wineglasses up.

May 18-22: BEVERLY HILLS CLASSIC: Antiques, Fine Art and Jewelry Show at the Petersen

2006-05-19T08:01:00.000-07:00

by Don Rose

(May 18, 2006: Los Angeles CA) Just saw a preview of the BEVERLY HILLS CLASSIC Antiques, Fine Art and Jewelry Show at the Petersen Auto Museum, located at Wilshire and Fairfax. This show is, in a word, a must see. Okay, that's three words, but that’s my point: break whatever rules there are and get down to see this show. One of the best art events The LA Report has seen in recent months, because of the diverse works present and the quality of the exhibits. Some highlights include: one booth with the works of two genius artists - Bernard Pras (he perfectly arranges a myriad of colorful objects along with objects in his environment to create one-of-a-kind photos of famous folks - and the objects relate playfully to the subject) and Pavlos (unique works made solely from colored paper), both will expand your mind and Pras will make you think as well as laugh; the photomosaics of Robert Silvers, the surreal colorful paintings of Metin Bereketli (hollywoodpainter.com), Michael Hall's thick-stroke paintings with white gobs like vanilla icecream (imagine if Leroy Neiman painted guitars and other objects using ultrawide brushes), and in the Scott Richards art booth, two perennial favorites of The LA Report from exhibits at Bergamot Station: Patrick Hughes (master of visual illusion and perspective-bending paintings) and Carol Feuerman (who creates near-lifesize sculptures of people so realistic that many do double takes to make sure they aren’t real, and even after you see them, you still are not quite sure). Also loved the popping-off-the-wall Pop Art of Peter Stanick (coming to Museum Works Galleries on Melrose in a big L.A. show June 3, stay tuned for more details); visit his cool site to see more of his work (and remember to wear your headphones and flipflops – the site plays classic surf music as you, well, surf his site). While the art, as you can tell, affected me the most, there were also exquisite antiques throughout the hall, and fine jewelry in several booths.

The May 18 opening night gala featured fine food and open bar (Zone Vodka drinks featured, along with fine wine), plus live music that provided a perfect vibe. Celebs we spotted included Barbara Streisand, hubbie James Brolin, Stella Stevens, the always-tall John Philip Law (you know, star of Barbarella and other classics that thankfully were not forced into remakes), Tim Russ (excellent musician who lived long and prospered as Tuvok on Star Trek Voyager), and always-amiable host/MC Fred Travelena (who wowed the crowd with, among other gems, impressions of NINE, count em, NINE presidents in under a minute – from JFK to LBJ to GWB, each doing a few words from the Inauguration swearing-in speech… no swearing needed to elicit laughs from this entertainer). Then there was the booth that featured a Mongolian musician in full regalia playing what looked like a cross between a clarinet and a French horn, then switched to a two-stringed guitaresque instrument as he sang polyphonically. A few feet away a woman painted live, using an attendee as muse and model.

Plus much too much more to mention. You simply must go. The LA Report rates this a must see and must go. Must we keep repeating ourselves?

More info at beverlyhillsclassicshow.com.

EVENT REVIEW: LA TIMES FESTIVAL OF BOOKS, BOOK PRIZES & ROCK BOTTOM REMAINDERS

2006-05-06T23:27:00.000-07:00

by Don Rose

(Westwood, CA : April 28-30) The annual LA Times Festival Of Books (took place once again in Westwood. What an event, where can I begin. Star authors, exhibitors galore, taking over the entire middle of the UCLA campus on two picture perfect LA days. At the annual LA Times Book Prizes Friday night, Joan Didion was honored as literary luminaries of every stripe came to celebrate the best in lit, then enjoyed fantastic food and drinks at the festive afterparty on the Royce Hall outdoor patio. Saturday night was the benefit for Dave Eggers' fine organization, 826LA, which provides free tutoring for teens -- and the "best selling" band Rock Bottom Remainders (comprised of best-selling authors) rocked Royce. Jake "Brokeback" Gyllenhall was one of the celebs in attendance, and the mix of comedy plus tunes worked well. The best part for me was the before-music comedic bits featuring Dave Barry (attention, Hollywood: give this guy another shot with his own TV show -- he is hilarious, and the Boomer generation is the true hot demographic right now, buds). Dave was introduced as if running for President; after walking up to the stage surrounded by sunglassed guards ("Secret Service" suits played by author Scott Turow and a couple other writers), Barry proceeded to lay out his agenda for America with laugh-inducing lines aplenty. He also took questions (via clever taped-video trickery) from Catherine Cryer and, yes, even Ted Koppell (a two parter from Ted: if you are elected, to quote the last line in the film "The Candidate", "What will you do now"? And then the second part: "What will WE do now?"). Funny stuff, and heck, Dave was so direct yet appealing you almost want to vote for the guy. In the music portion of the evening, Dave led the RBR band in a cute and clever ditty he wrote about his special Proofreading Lady ("...she nevers says 'Between You and I'). Legendary ex-Byrds-man Roger McGuinn, and CBS late late host Craig Ferguson, also graced the stage with the RBR regulars (sans Stephen King, who Barry admitted was "weird" -- see, he is so honest!). The LA Report highly recommends the FoB for next year; it is easily in the Top Ten LA Events every single year.

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EVENT REVIEW: LOHAS 2006 Annual Conference

2006-05-06T23:22:00.000-07:00

by Don Rose

The annual LOHAS conference (April 2006) was wonderful as always, and bigger than ever. Great crowd; dynamic, focused people on a mission. Steve Case, ex-head of AOL (now running Revolution Living and leading Lime (www.lime.com)), gave a passionate speech, comparing the maturing of the LOHAS philosophy and its assimilation into mainstream culture to that once-fringe phenomenon called the Internet. He also mentioned investing in this cool concept where you sign up to become part of a network allowed to use a fleet of cars around a city for short bursts of time, in between public transport, using a car only when you need to, so that a couple dozen people can in effect share one car, cutting down on all the bad effects of too many cars on the road (Flex Car has ads at UCLA, and indeed does seem well suited to students without budget or space for owning a car). The LOHAS setting was beautiful at the Miramar Hotel; in addition to the talks, bungalows hosted themed rooms, including a mini-Japanese expo (saw tile made from plankton that, when wet, dries ultrafast - when sprayed, it is dry in 10 seconds!)... a relax room with PC's, teas, TV's... and a gifting room for VIP's with goodies ranging from Yoga and Narnia DVD's to Biota water (Biodegradeable Bottle - boffo!) to Tom's toothpaste, LOHAS short-sleeve T's and assorted teas (a lot of T's and teas at this conference; speaking of tea, google Steaz green tea soda). Nighttime reception Thursday was warm, friendly, and I liked the Organic furnitute (you heard right). Also loved the magazine titles on display (Ode, Plenty, Worthwhile, among other holistic and green-themed publications). All in all, I rate LOHAS a highly recommended event for 2007 (which will be the 40th anniversary of the Summer of Love, a theme I hope they explore somehow). www.lohas.com

EVENT REVIEW: MASTERS OF HORROR Season 2 Launch Party

2006-05-06T23:18:00.000-07:00

by Don Rose

Masters of Horror Season 2 Launch Party -- presented by IDT Entertainment and Industry Entertainment -- welcomed VIPs and other guests to promote its new slate of shows on Showtime with a killer party at Hollywood's Ivar club -- a cool celebration of the horror genre and the highly anticipated sophomore season of the horror anthology film series. Attendees I spotted enjoying two levels of food, drinks, go-go dancers and video highlights included director Joe Dante and several other luminaries of the horror field. And the classic horror DVD's given out to guests as parting gifts: very nice touch indeed. A terror-ific time was had by all.

EVENT REVIEW: MALIBU FILM FESTIVAL CLOSING PARTY 2006

2006-04-12T00:29:00.000-07:00

by Don Rose

#

Brett Ratner should've won Best Raconteur. Let me explain.

Fade In: The Malibu Film Festival closing night gala. Wonderful drinks and conversation have flowed on this Monday night, just outside the main tent, right on the sand, adjacent to the host eatery: Gladstone's famous fishhouse at the corner of Sunset and PCH. I have chatted with fine friendly folks, such as William Sadler, one star of one of the buzz films that screened at the fest, called "Jimmy and Judy", an indie film directed by Jonathan Schroder that also starred Edward Furlong and Rachael Bella (more info at www.jimmyandjudymovie.com).

Cut to: all have migrated into the tent and applauded several awards for the best fest films, like "The Hamiltons", directed by the Busher brothers -- and "Sloshbox", directed by a couple who actually met several years back at this very festival -- and even a film whose makers were introduced by superhot (in box office, buzz and body) Jessica Alba.

Now cut to: standing ovation as the legendary Robert Evans takes the stage, a man whose pic is still in the dictionary under "dashing" and "suave"; he gushes praise upon Brett Ratner, who is about to accept a special award. Bob reminds us how highly grossing the "still-a-big-kid" Ratner's movies have been.

Then Brett took center stage... and proceeded to steal the show from the emoting Evans with his own engrossing speech, the heart of which was the story of how he got into film school.

Long story short (sorta), Brett the budding director (short films and enthusiasm in tow) was told an emphatic NO by NYU admissions due to his less-than-subpar grades -- but after young Ratner walked out, crushed, devastated, he made an instant monumental decision that changed his life: to not let that admissions person decide his future. So back in the building he went, going above admissions, marching right to the NYU film school dean's office (actually, I do this kinda thing when I dont get service, too -- as in "Please get me a supervisor" when getting terrible customer assistance on the phone -- and you know, I ALWAYS get more satisfaction doing this). Without an appointment, Brett met resistance again, but he insisted it was life or death, as I'm sure it must have seemed at the time, and so Ratner got his one minute on the spot with the dean, who wisely saw the passion in the kid, which sometimes trumps grades, and so the dean promised to look at Brett's file, and voila, a few weeks later his admission letter came.

The rest is box office history. All because Brett saw and loved Martin Scorcese movies growing up, decided he had to be a filmmaker at the same school Martin attended (NYU), and decided HE would decide when his options to get into school were exhausted. But now, my typing fingers are exhausted, so I will stop the tale here, but man, this Ratner has a future in public speaking and teaching if he ever tires of filmmaking.

Back to planet Malibu. All the awards were given in rapid succession, very efficient, which was good, since the seated crowd couldn't help eyeing the boffo buffet awaiting them, which did not disappoint: a wonderful assortment of gourmet grub that included salmon, chicken, rice, veggies, salad, bread, and later, killer chocolate cake dessert and coffee and even more lively networking.

All in all, a wonderful evening on the beach, a memorable close to a great festival you are well advised to attend next year. Kudos to the Malibu Film Fest for yet another great job this year. Special thanks to David Katz for starting it all, all those years ago. Despite the super speech by Brett, the best is yet to come, I'm sure.

And remember: never take no for an answer when it comes to your dreams.

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(April 10, 2006: Malibu/SantaMonica, CA)

EVENT REVIEW: GEN ART'S THE NEW GARDE FASHION FETE 2006

2006-04-07T02:02:00.001-07:00

“A WORLD OF EMBODIMENT”

By Shannon Callahan

When I attended this flourishing youthful fashion celebration, one of Gen Art’s annual events, I was delightfully engaged as I found myself entering the Park Plaza Hotel near downtown Los Angeles, soon to ascend a grand staircase to a night of pure romanticism of life and art. Three designers -- Kit Pistol, Mandula and Unhee -- took this event by storm (enticing celebrities such as Lisa Loeb and Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers to attend). The talented trio exemplifies the meaning of art in nature, with unique models who emulated the night’s atmospheric motif.

Once I coat-checked, imbibed my *first* drink at the open bar, and crossed the main lobby to the other side, a gentle, naive theme greeted me in the side room, expressed by vivid imagery; the scene of “children” (actually youthful-acting-and-appearing models) playing in swings and slides -- juxtaposed by provocative, sleek clothing -- was alive and fun. Experiencing good energy and a quick ciggie on the patio near the swing-scene, I remembered that this was only one of three rooms to encounter, and soon I was drawn to wander on…

Arriving at the second level of the Hotel, I entered a gargantuan room, and on the stage I was astounded at first glance to see a pirate ship, wondering who’s walking the plank! Petite models stoically and statically adorned the stage, appearing to have little knowledge of what to do with themselves, even seeming a little silly. I kept hoping they could have had a sense of acting direction, or even a little experience in movement, SOMETHING! So without hesitation I ventured to the final room, where a mechanical-like structure embodied the focal point of the room, with a fragility brought on by the lanky angelic models who, unlike those in the other rooms, were serious in movement that complemented the ambient music and the theme and ethereal vibe of the night. Absolutely my favorite and the most artful!

With Gen Art shows occurring not only in Los Angeles, but in New York, San Francisco and other cities as well, you can become a member and attend more of their great events by checking out GenArt.org, where you can also view pictures from this event and others.

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EVENT REVIEW: Apr.5, LAPD/LAFD Memorial Foundations Benefit Show

2006-04-06T10:02:00.000-07:00

by Don Rose

(Hollywood CA : April 5, 2006) The historic Avalon club and restaurant on Vine (formerly

the Palace way back when) was host venue for this great event -- the LAPD/ LAFD Memorial

Foundations Benefit Show -- which raised funds to help support the families of fallen heroes

in the police and fire departments. Actor Dan Ackroyd served as jovial host/MC who, amid

all the laughs, kept things rolling smoothly and gracefully, at one point even transforming

into his Jack Webb channeling persona to give an homage to those who wear the badge,

in the dead-on dead-Dragnet-demigod delivery only Dan can do. Poetic, funny and touching

all at once; kudos Mr. Ackroyd.

Then, after speeches from several police and fire officials -- including Police Chief

Bratton -- the energy really swelled (and oh was it swell) when the band began, featuring

Jim Belushi & the Sacred Hearts. As expected, the best moments were when Dan and Jim danced

and pranced, both onstage and off (wearing their trademark black Rayban glasses of course).

The performance was quite interactive. On one number, Jim sang his Sacred Heart out while

traversing the audience -- while on another, Jim and Dan invited dozens of guests onstage to

dance with them and the band as they belted out their kick-ass blend of rockin’ blues.

There were other cool goings-on going on as well, like a silent auction, and fantastic food.

They wisely gave guests upwards of two hours early on to enjoy the feast before the

tributes and tunes began, and rightfully so, since the buffet featured excellent eats

aplenty – from paella to salad to mac-n-cheese to chicken to spinach, and a delectable

display of desserts to die for.

Wonderful job all around. Kudos to Levine Communications (LCO) for providing the event PR,

with special thanks to Michael, Dawn and Alastair (and, FYI, Mr. Levine's elert is one of my top

online must-reads, a daily news-zine via email that I love). Also thanks to Suzanne of Suzanne

Events (who always throws boffo bashes, FYI, often at the Avalon and upstairs Spider Club),

and the friendly Avalon staff (thank you to Kobe and Barbara C. for their warmth and

hospitality). Twas a night of feeling, food, fun and fundraising; make a note on your calendar

for next year. Finally, do check out the new Honey restaurant inside the Avalon, a spiffy

space on the south side of the venue that features intimate booths and a classy mood.

---------------
Don Rose

Writer/Editor, The Rose Review

www.therosereview.com

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APR.7 - METHODFEST AWARDS AND WRAP PARTY

2006-04-05T02:53:00.000-07:00

EDITOR'S NOTE: Dear readers, Methodfest is one of my all-time favorite LA film fests, every year their film selection is stellar, and their afterparties/receptions each night are always lively, engaging and just plain fun, with fab food and libations and networking galore. Case in point: their party a few days ago at the Ferrari Auto Gallery in Calabasas, celebrating the World Premiere of the film "Push" (how the heck did writer/director Dave Rodriguez write it in "about 4 1/2 days"?). As guests dashed to the "Push" bash, a big splash was made by a great funk-rock-pop band called The Replacement Killers (sounds like a film title, doesn't it?), a way-above-Average White Band that blew me away (my logline would be "early Chicago meets Blood Sweat and Tears meets Superfly soundtrack"). And gosh, this bash had much to nosh -- as on opening night, it was an amazing buffet featuring local eateries, like Arnie Morton's (filet mignon sandwiches, anyone?) and Maggiano's (one of my top LA Italian restaurants).

So do yourself a favor and catch the last few nights of this year's fest, before it's gone until '07. Wed's, Thursday and Friday this week are the last three chances you have. For more details, see their schedule and ticket info at www.methodfest.com -- below are the details for the last night, Fri., April 7th. Special kudos to Don Franken (Methodfest executive director) for yet another great fest this year; also cheers to the many others who helped make M'fest such a success, such as Ron Gilbert of Rogue Arts, Steve Huntsman (look for his new "Aspen" comedy TV show), and Amy Gorton at Tower PR.

---Don Rose, Editor, The Rose Review

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Methodfest 2006 Awards: 7-10 pm

Wrap Party: 10-midnight

General Admission: $35

Buy tickets

Awards Ceremony & Wrap Party
The festival comes to a grand conclusion with the presentation of awards for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress and many others. Following the ceremony, we'll celebrate great achievements and a great festival!

LOCATION: Viewpoint School.

DJ: Assaf Music: Breathing Room; Sunny Hilden; Chloe Day

More info: www.methodfest.com

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METHOD FEST ANNOUNCES SCHEDULE FOR 2006 EDITION

2006-03-31T06:20:00.000-08:00

World and U.S. Premieres, Awards, Tributes, Galas, Workshops, Panels Begin Mar.31; Filmmakers and Stars Come To Calabasas for “The Actors Film Festival”

The 8th annual Method Fest Independent Film Festival, presented by the City of Calabasas, unveiled its schedule of films and activities for the week of the festival, which runs March 31 to April 7 in Calabasas, CA. The Method Fest, which offers numerous screenings and events for the industry and the public, is the only festival dedicated to the actor.

Friday March 31^{st –} Opening Night

Method Fest opens with the Los Angeles premiere of Jason Matzner’s “Dreamland,” starring Agnes Bruckner, Kelli Garner, John Corbett, Justin Long, and Gina Gershon at The Motion Picture and Television Fund’s Louis B. Mayer Theater in Calabasas. “Dreamland” is a poignant coming of age story with stunning performances by its young and by its veteran cast. The Rising Star Award will be presented at the opening night film and a red carpet, Hollywood- style opening night party will follow at the scenic Valley Crest location, high on the hill in Calabasas overlooking the entire region.

Saturday, April 1^st

The festival kicks in with seminars, workshops, shorts, premieres and screenings including world premiers of “Push” starring Chad Lindberg, Chazz Palmintieri and Michael Rappaport; the south-east Asian adventure “Bangkok”; and the West Coast Premiere of “Confess”, a spy-cam spy thriller. “Debating Robert Lee” is an engrossing and surprising tale of what happens when one of the best debating teachers in the world steps into a troubled school in idyllic Palos Verdes, California. “Debating Robert Lee” stars Beau Bridges, Kaley Cuoco and Billy Kay. The terrifying “Nightmare” finishes up the feature offerings on Saturday.

Sunday, April 2^nd

Method Fest continues it’s tradition of giving festival goers opportunities to meet and interact with filmmakers at the Filmmaker Brunch and panel discussion where major stars and filmmakers participate. Throughout the day, audiences will be treated to a variety of independently minded features including “Oh, Mr. Faulkner Do You Write”, which brings John Maxwell’s critically-acclaimed, one-man show to the screen; the sexy “These Girls”, based on Vivienne Laxdall’s edgy play to life, starring “Angel” David Boreanz “ from “Buffy The Vampire Slayer”, “Angel” and “Bones” fame;
Halfway Decent” with Ernie Hudson; and the Julie Harris, Ruby Dee starrer, “The Way Back Home”. The Lifetime Award Ceremony will be held prior to the film screening. The Centerpiece Film, the drama “December Ends”, is the critically acclaimed directorial debut of Lee Toland Krieger and a Centerpiece Gala will follow the event. The evening continues to rock at Indie Music Night at the Sagebrush Cantina, beginning at 9:00 p.m. until closing. Bands and acoustic acts, including some from festival films fill the stage at the well known Cantina.

Monday, April 3

The International Showcase offers a wide variety of entertaining and thought provoking entries including s special not-in-competition screening of the post apocalyptic tale of “Ever Since the World Ended”; the one-day tale of ”In a Day” from the UK; “Niagara Motel” featuring Kevin Pollack; Australia’s very sexy contribution of “The Actress” and “The Cabin Movie” a darkly comic look at relationships. Highlighting the evening, a private reception for the filmmakers and stars Monday evening at Mi Piace will follow the 7 p.m. screenings.

Tuesday, April 4

Diversity Days begins on Tuesday at Method Fest, featuring the fear-of-death quirky comedy, “Expiration Date” unspooling with a well-known Native American cast; the dark relationship drama “Tre”; “Eve of Understanding” a female road trip adventure; and “Turntable”, by acclaimed filmmaker Robert Patton-Sprull, the story of an emotionally dead DJ who seeks release through his music. Diversity Days films screen Tuesday, April 4th. The evening reception, hosted by Native Café, includes top acoustic entertainment.

Wednesday, April 5

The American Independents Showcase opnes on Wednesday with the Centerpiece film “The Gold Bracelet”, an India/US co-production. “The Gold Bracelet” is a provocative look at an Indian family and their hopes for a better life in America; the audience watches as their hopes are dashed and how hope is regained. Also unveiling at Method Fest in The American Independents Showcase is “11:59” a amnesiac’s tale; from Mexico, “Adam y Eva” and “Dark Heart”, a post-Iraq tale of a soldier’s return home. King's Fish House will be the site of the Co-Centerpiece Gala.

Thursday, April 6

“Dirt Nap,” closes Method Fest’s screenings and premieres in the evening. Directed by DB Sweeney and starring Ed Harris, John C. McGinley, Paul Hipp, DB Sweeney, and Janet Jones, “Dirt Nap” follows three regular guys through a comical road trip. This is a hilarious and heartwarming comedy of lost dreams and unappreciated treasures.

Friday, April 7

Friday evening, a gala awards ceremony at the Carlson Family Theatre at Viewpoint will close out the festival.

Shorts Program

Throughout the course of the Festival, Method Fest will screen a number of promising shorts in programs dedicated to the art and talent of short films and filmmakers. The Turning the Tables Program features the shorts “Noise”, “Intelligence”, “Serving Santino”,” Cold Comfort”, and “The Importance of Blind Dating”. The Family Matters Shorts Program includes “Big Girl”, ”Crossing”, “Dry Whiskey”, “Guilt”, “I Love You More”, and “In Order of Appearance.” The Rest In Peace Shorts Programs include “Little Lise”, “Purple Bins”, “6 Feet in 7 Minutes”, “Return to Sender”, “Hibernation”, “End of a Dog”, and “Window”. The Locals Gone Loco screenings include shorts “Livewire”, “An Enterprising Caper”, “The Big Empty”, “Take My Advice”, “Christopher Brennan Saves The World,” “The Method,” Shaolin Delivery Boy”, “Queer Eye For The Homeless Guy,” and “Stanley Marshall’s Myth”. In the Strange Days Shorts Program, “K-7,”, “Smart Card”, “Paradox,”, “Lucid”, “Cost of Living”, and “Turn” will be screened. Student Shorts at 5 Program includes “The Savior”(AFTRS), “Queen of Cactus Cove”(AFI), “Wentworth” (USC), “Lucky” (LONDON), “Hotspurs” (NYU), “Love Thy Neighbor” (Chapman), “My Mother’s Hairdo (UCLA), and “Woodrow Wilson” (North Carolina). A number of shorts will also be shown before features, including: Oedipus/The Cabin Movie, Shank 101/Halfway Decent, The Christmas Tree/Eve of Understanding, The Knock/Nightmare, Affair Game/Oh, Mr. Faulkner, Do You Write?

As always at Method Fest, there are numerous opportunities to meet stars, filmmakers, and join workshops and discussions. Check www.methodfest.com for complete screening details, descriptions, times and locations. Screenings and events are held at venues throughout the West Valley, including the Louis B Mayer Theatre of the Motion Picture and Television Fund, at 23388 Mulholland Drive and at The Carlson Family Theatre, Viewpoint School 23620 Mulholland Hwy. For tickets call 1-800-838-3006 or visit www.brownpapertickets.com.

About Method Fest

Named after a famous school of acting, The Method Fest is the only major film festival in the U.S. focusing on acting, celebrating breakout acting performances in story driven independent films. The Method Fest takes great pride in being a discovery festival, looking to help launch the works of young fresh filmmakers and to discover breakthrough performances by young, bold new actors. The festival has also taken great delight in sharing career-defining performances of established performers and in showcasing a few chosen well-known directors to screen at the festival.

The Method Fest is presented by the City of Calabasas. Charter Communications and the L.A. Daily News are the presenting media sponsors. Golden Reel Sponsors include new Millennium Homes, Corona, Standard Pacific Homes, MSN Spaces, and Adelphia.

Silver reel Sponsors are Bob Smith BMW, Jet Blue Airways, D2 Development, Motion Picture and Television Fund. Auto Gallery is the Spinning Reel Sponsor.

Bronze Reel Sponsors include SAG Indie, the Screen Actors Guild, Prudential California Realty, SONY, Christie, Modern VideoFilm, Reels and Wheels, Valley of the Stars, Laemmle Theatre, and Wexler.

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METHODFEST 2006 ANNOUNCES HONORS AND AWARDS

2006-03-31T06:11:00.001-08:00

Ruby Dee and Julie Harris plus Kevin Pollak, Kelli Garner, Agnes Brucker to be Honored

(March 22, 2006 : Calabasas, CA) The 8th annual The Method Fest Film Festival, presented by the City of Calabasas, has announced a select few awards to be bestowed during the upcoming festival to accomplished actors.

Don Franken, Creator and Executive Director of Method Fest, announced the awards today in Calabasas. “The Method Fest is the only festival completely dedicated to the actor, and the recipients are people we recognize as very deserving of these honors."

A highlight of the festival will be the Lifetime Achievement award that will be presented to two beloved actresses, Ruby Dee and Julie Harris. The pair appears in Michael Houston King’s The Way Back Home, a tale of a young man’s return home, which ultimately revisits the past. Julie Harris, well known to television audiences for her long-running role on “Knots Landing,” is an Oscar nominated actress known for her iconic performances in East of Eden and The Haunting. Ruby Dee became a star on "The Guiding Light" in the sixties, but has a wide following from her memorable role in Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing, and the Stephen King thriller The Stand. She won an Emmy for her role in the TV miniseries "Decoration Day.”

The first stop since Sundance and the West Coast premiere of Dreamland is set for opening night at The Method Fest on March 31 at the Motion Picture and Television Fund’s Louis B. Mayer Theater. Dreamland stars, Kelli Garner and Agnes Bruckner, will receive the Rising Star Award from the Method Fest at the star-studded premiere. “The Rising Star Award” will be presented to the actresses prior to the film screening. This will be at a red carpet Hollywood-style premiere. The actresses will also serve as guests on honor and honorary hosts of the Opening Night Gala at the scenic ValleyCrest Companies, high on the hill in Calabasas overlooking the entire region.

Kevin Pollack, known for his many character-driven roles in television and features including a memorable role in The Usual Suspects, will receive a Career Achievement Award from the Method Fest on Tuesday, April 4. Kevin appears in Niagara Motel, screening on Monday April 3^rd.

About Method Fest

Silver Reel Sponsors are Bob Smith BMW, jetBlue, D2 Development, Motion Picture and Television Fund. The L.A. Auto Gallery is a Spinning Reel Sponsor.

Bronze Reel Sponsors include SAG Indie, the Screen Actors Guild, Prudential California Realty, Country Inn & Suites by Carlson, FilmFinders SONY, Christie, Modern VideoFilm, Aarmadillo, Valley of the Stars, Laemmle Theatres, and Wexler. ValleyCrest Companies, Viewpoint School's Carlson Family Theatre, and the Motion Picture and Television Fund's Louis B. Mayer Theatre are official venues.

Festival Supporters include Enterprise Rent-A-Car, indieprinting.com, Ice Age, Money Mailer, King's Fish House, Native Café, Sagebrush Cantina, Leonis Adobe, Too Tasty Catering, Maria's Italian Kitchen, Blue Table, Astrale e Terra Winery, Mi Piace, and Foxen Winery.

###

EVENT REVIEW: NATURAL PRODUCTS EXPO 2006

2006-03-30T23:33:00.000-08:00

by Don Rose

The annual Natural Products Expo in Anaheim wowed attendees again. Biggest food show I have ever seen, took over the entire Anaheim Convention Center and part of the outside. Especially loved the variety of healthy-yet-tasty chips and related snacks, such as Pretzel Crisps (imagine a pretzel flattened by a bulldozer that you can now spread stuff on) and Guiltless Gourmet's Baked chips, like Smoked Cheddar. Also oh-so-good: Pirate Booty. PowerBar promoted new health bars. Loved the Eggnog flavored soymilk. Most impressive were the soy-based imitation hotdogs and chicken; if you hadn't been told they were not meat you could not tell. Veggie is ready for prime time.

# # #

MAR.17: GEN ART FASHION WEEK BASH IS BACK: THE NEW GARDE

2006-03-17T11:18:00.000-08:00

SAVE THE DATE: LA FASHION WEEK SHOW IS COMING!
Friday, March 17th
8:00pm - 11:00pm

Location:
Park Plaza Hotel
607 South Park View Street
Los Angeles, CA

Beverages courtesy of: Beck’s Premier Light, Ciroc Vodka, Fiji, Johnnie Walker, and Red Diamond Wines.

TICKETS:

VIP
Associate Producer members: 2 complimentary tickets
Platinum members: $30
Silver members: $60
Non-members: $70

General
Platinum members: 2 complimentary tickets
Silver members: $25
Non-members: $35

* Associate Producer & Platinum members will receive an invitation prior to the event with RSVP instructions

* Use your IN:LA Card from American Express for a 10% savings on your purchase of a Gen Art membership. Apply now at IN-LA.com or call 310-601-3213.

To become a Gen Art member, call 310-601-3213.

Gen Art invites you to The New Garde: A Celebration of Innovative LA Fashion, the kick-off of LA Fashion Week on Friday, March 17th. This amazing fashion event taking place at the Park Plaza Hotel will feature three of L.A.'s hottest and most innovative designers in live model installations!

Additional support for this event courtesy of: Acura, Ecru New York, LA Confidential, and Mark Cosmetics.

MAR.9: Orange County’s Largest Mixer III

2006-03-09T12:52:00.000-08:00

It's almost here, O.C. people. Do NOT miss it. I'm talking about the third annual Largest Mixer in Orange County on Thursday, March 9 from 5pm to 9pm. This year's fest will be located indoors at the Orange County Fair & Expo Center. If you do your business in O.C., or have been thinking about doing so, this is the event for you. Join the combined networking power of 25 Orange County chambers of commerce and dozens of business organizations for Orange County’s Largest Mixer III.

You can also get your business involved as an exhibitor at this targeted business-to-business event. Develop hundreds of business leads while reaching professionals and companies in and around Orange County. Limited exhibitor space is available. Reserve yours today. Info at: 949-222-6600 or www.ocmixer.com.

posted by Don Rose

FEB.26 MATTEO'S RESTAURANT SCREENING OF “MATTEO’S: A RETROSPECTIVE”

2006-02-26T04:45:00.000-08:00

NEW OWNERS OF MATTEO’S RESTAURANT PROUD TO HOST PUBLIC
SCREENING OF “MATTEO’S: A RETROSPECTIVE”

Old and New Friends of the Restaurant Invited to Enjoy Film and
Complimentary Cocktails and Hors D’Oeuvres Sunday, February 26, 2006 at 6:00 p.m.

(Los Angeles, CA) February 13, 2006 – The new owners of Matteo’s Restaurant
are proud to announce the debut screening of “Matteo’s: A Retrospective” on
the evening of Sunday, February 26, 2006. This special event will be held
at the restaurant, located at 2321 Westwood Boulevard in Los Angeles, in
Matteo’s Townhouse, formerly known as the upstairs banquet room.
Complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served beginning at 6:00
p.m. and the film, 25 minutes in length, is scheduled to screen at 7:00 p.m.

Founded in 1963 by Matty Jordan, a colorful and charming Italian-American
from Hoboken, New Jersey, Matteo’s is an authentic, upscale Italian
restaurant that quickly attracted a loyal and star-studded following.
Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Sammy Davis, Jr., Dean Martin, and, of course, Ol’
Blue Eyes himself, Frank Sinatra, made Matteo’s a favorite haunt, as did
many others, some of whom were honored with menu items in their name.
Today, the fine art, black-and-white photos and memorabilia of more than
four decades of patrons decorate the restaurant’s deep red walls.

When Matty Jordan died in 1999 after 35 years as the face and spirit of
Matteo’s, his widow, Jackie Jordan, took up the reins. Then, in November
2005, she turned Matteo’s over to several members of the Heron family who
are active locally in real estate and community development.

“Matteo’s is one of the truly special restaurants in Los Angeles — the kind
of place that radiates history in a landscape where so much is changing,”
said Claire Heron, who recently purchased Matteo’s along with her husband,
three of her children, and her daughter-in-law. “We hope this retrospective
preserves fond memories for Jackie Jordan, and that it shows how fortunate
and honored we feel to be the new owners of Matteo’s entrusted with carrying
on its traditions.”

An Escape Velocity production, “Matteo’s: A Retrospective” celebrates more
than 40 years of the restaurant’s inimitable history. The film features
fond remembrances of Matteo’s founder Matty Jordan and cameo appearances by Jackie Jordan, former maître d Larry Cullen and many loyal patrons—both
world- and locally famous—including Phyllis Diller, Sidney Beckerman, and
Army Archerd.

The screening event is free and open to the public, however attendance is
limited and reservations are advised. To join in the festivities, please
call (310) 475-4521. Matteo’s is also accepting regular dinner reservations
for the evening.

About Matteo’s Restaurant

For more than 40 years, Matteo’s of Los Angeles has been the Italian
restaurant of choice for people from all walks of life — from local
residents and businesspeople to celebrities and U.S. presidents. In
November 2005, several members of the local Heron family purchased Matteo’s,
enlisted the talents of acclaimed chef David Slay, and made it their mission
to preserve and update the restaurant for the enjoyment of future
generations. Today, as always, Matteo’s serves unforgettable upscale
Southern Italian dishes in an intimate and glamorous setting. To make a
reservation, or for more information, call (310) 475-4521 or visit www.matteosla.com.

FEB.20, METAL SKOOL ANNIVERSARY EVENT AT KEY CLUB

2006-02-20T16:06:00.000-08:00

Event at KEY CLUB:

METAL SKOOL - THE BEST IMITATORS OF THE BEST MUSIC IN THE HISTORY OF MUSIC, 80'S METAL!

Price:	$12.00
Date:	Mon 2/20/2006
Show:	9:00 PM
Doors:	8:30 PM
Genre:	80's ROCK
Age:	18+

Tickets:

buy now
or call 310.274.5800

FEB.15: GEN ART SCREENING AND PARTY, FOR FERRELL FILM "WINTER PASSING"

2006-02-15T10:51:00.000-08:00

Back from wowing Sundancers in Park City, Gen Art hosts another great film-fun combo in Los Angeles

Wednesday, February 15th
7:30pm

Laemmle Theatres FAIRFAX 3
7907 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA

After-Party:
9:30pm – 11:30pm
Vine Street Lounge
1708 N. Vine Street
Hollywood, CA

Complimentary beverages provided by Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, and Stella Artois.

TICKETS:
Gen Art members: 2 complimentary tickets
Non-members: $15 / ticket

* Use your IN:LA Card from American Express for a 10% savings on your purchase of a Gen Art membership. Apply now at IN-LA.com or call 310-601-3213.

To become a Gen Art member, click here or call 310-601-3213.

To find out more about this event, click here.

Gen Art & Acura invite you to a Special Advance Screening & Party for WINTER PASSING. This film was written and directed by Adam Rapp and stars Ed Harris, Will Ferrell, Zooey Deschanel and Amelia Warner. WINTER PASSING is a dramatic comedy by award-winning playwright Adam Rapp that charts the fractious reunion of an estranged father and daughter. Struggling twenty-something actress Reese Holden (Zooey Deschanel) has been promised $100,000 for publication of love letters written by her legendary, but reclusive father, novelist Don Holden (Ed Harris), to his equally revered late wife, also an acclaimed writer and Reese's mother. In search of these letters, Reese treks from New York City back home to Michigan, where she finds her father in flagrant disregard of his own health and living with two younger housemates: one, a practical former grad student, She! lly (Amelia Warner) and the other, a would-be musician, Corbit (Will Ferrell).

FEB.12: SINGLES SUNDAY BRUNCH AT BEAUTIFUL PALISADES HOME

2006-02-10T18:43:00.000-08:00

Back by popular demand on Feb. 12th is the Singles Sunday Brunch at a beautiful home in the Pacific Palisades -- just in time for Valentine's Day! This month, the brunch will feature a fabulous Italian Buffet as well as wine, soft drinks, coffee and make-your-own ice cream sundaes. Also featured: the popular "Calculated Couples" on-the-spot computer matching, a fun and interesting way of meeting new and exciting people.

This brunch is already filled for women -- but MEN are in luck: there are still some openings for you, but you need to call ASAP. RSVP soon so you won't be left out. Call Judy at 310 454-5260 or email her at JParties@excite.com .

posted by Don Rose

JAN 11: DESIGN MATTERS (AND IS VERY INTERESTING) at PDC

2006-01-11T23:56:00.000-08:00

"DESIGN MATTERS" Conversation Series continues Wednesday, January 11, 2006 at 7 PM.
Location: Pacific Design Center, West Hollywood, CA.
Admission: $12; students and seniors, $5 MOCAD members, free.

Title: "WHERE STUFF COMES FROM"

A toaster is not just a toaster, but a map to the world according to Harvey Molotch, author of the award-winning “Where Stuff Comes From: How Toasters, Toilets, Cars, Computers and May Other Things Come to Be As They Are” (Routledge, 2003). In this conversation, the second of the Museum of California Design’s series DESIGN MATTERS, Molotch, a particularly perceptive observer, will explore the ways in which the look, the touch, and the mechanics of everyday products reflect our culture and our economy. He believes that if we want more socially and environmentally benign products, we need to understand our current product system in order for a new design politics to result in a better world. Bill Stern, director of the Museum of California Design, will moderate the discussion.

Harvey Molotch is Director of the Program in Metropolitan Studies and Professor of Sociology and Metropolitan Studies at New York University and was Professor of Sociology and Chair of Sociology at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He has a BA in Philosophy from the University of Michigan and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Chicago. Among Molotch’s numerous awards is the 2003 Lifetime Career Achievement Award from the American Sociological Association (Urban & Community Studies Section).

For more information about the DESIGN MATTERS conversation series log on to www.mocad.org or call 323.930.2700. This series is sponsored by Super-Max® Corporation.

JAN 11 - FEB 26: Remembering Ricky Nelson at MTR

2006-01-11T14:00:00.000-08:00

Remembering Ricky Nelson at MTR
Museum of TV and Radio, Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills

January 11 to February 26, 2006
Wednesdays to Sundays at 2:00 p.m.

The rarely seen documentary, It's All Right Now Rick Nelson, which was produced by acclaimed filmmakers Lynne Littman (Testament) and Taylor Hackford (Ray), will screen along with an original 1966 musical, On the Flip Side, that stars Nelson and includes songs by Burt Bacharach and Hal David.

www.mtr.org

ROSE BOWL RECAP 2006

2006-01-09T02:57:00.000-08:00

For your reading pleasure, here is perhaps the only Rose Bowl review on the entire Web done in haiku. Ready? Here goes:

Texas won. Tis true.
USC: lossless no more.
Vince -- in-vince-able.

What's that? My haiku is great, but what about the Rose Parade, you say. Well, I like the idea of putting a full day between the Parade and the Bowl, it gives each event a chance to shine, rain or shine. One site I recommend for more info on the parade is the Wikipedia page about the Tournament of Roses Parade. There, you can learn all about the History, the Parade, the Bands, Grand Marshals of the Parade, the Floats, the quantity of flowers, notable recent floats, and more.

Wikipedia -- what a wonderful winning way to learn on the World Wide Web. Check it out.

And for a great Rose Bowl related story, about one of the greatest hoaxes of all time, which occurred at the Rose Bowl, read all about it at this cool site. Terrific tale, you'll love it.

EVENT REVIEW: FABULOUS...PR THROWS FAB BASH FOR NEW YEAR'S EVE '06

2006-01-01T13:58:00.000-08:00

by Don Rose

Picture this. December 31. You want to send the year off with a bang, at an event that has class, celebs, adventure, scenic view, warm atmosphere AND temperature -- wine women and song -- you know, the whole shebang. Well, thankfully, I was able to experience all that, and more, for I had the pleasure of attending what was arguably the best party in Los Angeles this past Saturday night (if you weren't at the Playboy Mansion, but that is not a public party, to be fair -- and even a male journalist of my lofty stature is not likely to score a ticket unless I sprouted 44DD's). So, where was I, you ask? At the wonderful New Year's Eve bash thrown by Fabulous...PR and Anouar Productions, held at the mansion compound of Eddy and Lucas (names that hipsters and partiers will recognize as hosts of many a swell soiree in LA).

This was not only a very well attended party (around 1900 people during the night), but also a fun fete with great energy (lubricated by the lovely libations that flowed free all night, once you paid your fare for this E-ticket exclusive bash). There were several areas of the hilltop house to go explore, mingle, dance and drink. Also mucho appreciated was the fact that the whole affair was tented, Astroturfed and heatlamped, since it was a cold and rainy night (not to be too Hemingway here -- but more on the wetness later).

There was also a VIP section upstairs, often populated by the celebs who graced the party. They included: actress Natasha Henstridge and her posse (she really looks great, I must say, including excellent posture, which I mention because beauty is one thing but posture and poise is so rarely mentioned anywhere anymore, hence Henstridge always stands out in my book, or at least in my articles).... and there were the Duffs (no, not the heads of the Duff Beer empire, I'm talking Hilary and Haylie, two of the hottest celebutantes in the Hollywood acting arena).... and there was also the guy who played Pedro in Napoleon Dynamite (also known as Efren Ramirez, and I wonder if he made anything from all the ND film spinoff toys I saw overflowing from every store during the holidays -- okay, we know the answer, so let's move on). Also attending were Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas, Korn, The Pussycat Dolls, a rising young singer named MYC, and Mr. Chris Judd (when he was with Ms. Lopez, why no "Juddifer" shirts?). In addition to the great party, and the chance to stay dry and warm all night, folks who walked the red carpet got another present: cute wristband wristwatches (white stretchy band with watch embedded inside, cool).

I also got to talk with a great guy named Dan Studney, co-writer of REEFER MADNESS; his version (inspired by the thirties cult film) began life as a musical in New York and went on to become an award-winning film on Showtime. It's now on DVD. (Reefer Madness, Weeds... is Showtime becoming the hippest thing on TV or what? Or is it hippiest? I predict it will become either the highest rated network, or the highest.) Another interesting guest I chatted with at the party was Alex Lightman -- technexpert, futurist and book author who runs highly successful conferences exploring the development of newer faster better Internet technologies. If you ever bump into him, first apologize, then ask for 5 minutes of his time, you will learn something.

After spending time interacting with the eclectic crowd and its wide range of attractive and lively guests, we all enjoyed the fun fashion show that showcased beautiful clothes -- as well as supercute bikinis by AnaShe.com (which in retrospect was perfect attire given the wet weather of the evening). After the fashion, 2005's final seconds finally came and went, 2006 arrived on schedule, and the merriment continued into the wee hours -- but no one was really concerned about calendars, it was all about having a good time. (Speaking of time, did you hear the one about Greenwich Mean Time beating up Father Time? Now he's doing time. But that's another story...) Sponsors for the event included AnaShe.com, fashiontv, J.Lazaro and 944 Magazine (a spiffy glossy laid out for guests to read on the comfy Mondrianesque "bed-couches" located in the main area of the party).

All in all, the bash was a huge success. Twas a job well done. Very well done. This was no easy feat, considering the rainy conditions. Sure, a lot of events claim to be "Rain or shine", but they can't always deliver. In fact, New Year's Eve saw two major LA events cancelled (the "Giant Village" downtown and "Gridlock" at Paramount). So, mega kudos to Tracie May and her company, Fabulous...PR, as well as to Anouar Productions and house hosts Eddy and Lucas, for doing what it takes to make sure the event happened on time, with all going off as planned, with minimum hassles for guests. Look for their future parties during this new year; a splendid time is guaranteed for all.

(Final note: working the red carpet at the event was one of my fave photogs, Michael Bezjian; party images are viewable at MichaelBezjian.com -- pix picks from NYE 06!)

-------
Don Rose is Editor In Chief of “The Rose Review”, an online magazine available at www.therosereview.com . He also serves as writer and editor for “New News Network”, at trrnnn.blogspot.com . He may be reached at ddrose@aol.com .

SHOW REVIEW: "PIECES (OF ASS)" AT THE ROXY

2005-12-20T19:40:00.000-08:00

Reviewed by Don Rose

Where can you hear beautiful women kvetch about being born with a tail, being a plus size model, getting married to Mr. "Knight Rider", wrestling with the existential question of whether a nurse's outfit is really clothes, and more -- all in one sitting? Only one place: the performance piece, "PIECES (of ass)". Of course, not all those descriptions describe the same woman, they apply to a bevy of beautiful babes, but what they all have in common is their desire to tell you, on stage, how being hot is not always as easy as it seems. Each may be radiant as a rose, but there are thorns aplenty.

Brian Howie’s hit show has played LA and other cities before, and will likely do so again; I was fortunate enough to attend opening night recently at the famous (or is it infamous?) Roxy on the Sunset Strip. The packed house was riveted on the ravishing ranters, who alternated stories in a smooth flowing string of pleasant performances. Some highlights:

...Ivory May, tall striking blonde from L.A. who is a plus size model plus so much more, was wonderful (in the interest of full disclosure and senseless self-promotion, she is a friend of mine, we met on the gameshow "Smush" a few years ago, which was on for about five seconds on USA Network). Ivory made great points in her monologue about, among other things, having to always add the "plus" to the "model" part of her self-description, something that was a pain at first, but which she eventually embraced. Of course, embracing one’s truth often pays off; now she makes a great living, and is no doubt laughing all the way to her plus-size bank account.

...Danielle James was a knockout (in looks and performance) as a thin ditzy French-speaking fille, frolicking about with long curly blonde locks (a Gallic goldilocks?), speaking ONLY French to the audience, tres rapide no less -- yet everyone got her message anyway, without her uttering an ounce of English. What was it? I don’t know, but it made everyone laugh. Comedy truly is the universal language (along with money and sex, but that's another column).

...Brunette babe Jill Bartlett roamed the stage like a panther (if that panther was slinky and sexy with an appealing bare midriff and great teeth), reminding us several times she was born with a "f***in' tail"! Tail with a tail, it almost writes itself. She had great stage presence, working the space well. She now sports a tattoo over her lower back, where her tail used to be -- are you writing your own jokes by now? I thought so, so I guess I can move on...

...Then there was the ex-soapstar, the actress/model once married to David Hasselhoff -- his babe before Baywatch, One Life To Live’s Catherine Hickland. Kat told us how Evel Knievel was the first man to tell her she was beautiful, which led her on the path to Hollywood. Daredevils in jumpsuits can have a profound effect on people's lives, something I can relate to. Stevel Knievel, Evel's lesser known brother (who once jumped the L.A. River), told me to become a writer, and look, here you are reading my words right now. Whoa. Life is weird.

...Also memorable was a tall blonde from New York, Barbara Christabella, who has appeared on SNL. In one monologue from the Roxy show, forced to wear a nurse's outfit, she made the excellent point that if you go to any hospital, there really aren't many R.N.’s traipsing around in such sexy duds. She wants to wear "real clothes", she tells her producers, who insist those ARE real clothes, and so the angst continues. Well, thank God she looks killer in them, at least. I mean, come on, things could be worse. She could be playing wronged cop Toots Long in a thong (hey, that’s my movie idea, don’t steal it, I know it needs some work).

...And finally, we got to know more about DJ Caroline D’Amore, who came out from the shadows of the side of the stage (her DJ area) to enter the spotlight of centerstage, belting out a funny monologue about a guy telling her she was "eminently f***able". Foul language in itself can be shockingly funny, sure, but her use of the above phrase was organically humorous; the excessiveness of its use added forcefulness and funniness to her case.

Oh heck, why am I overanalyzing, it was just funny, okay? The entire group was funny, is there anything more unfunny than a critic picking apart comedy? Uh, don't answer that. I think that’s my cue… do make sure to view “Pieces” next time it rolls into town… and till then, remember the immortal words of Evel Knievel: see you on the flipside!

P.S. Look for MY new show, "Critical Condition!", starring me as a critic trying to balance raising 52 children with writing a high-concept comedy. Rene Russo plays my wife, Bonnie Hunt my ex-wife, who I also have 52 kids with. Opening Mothers Day, closing Fathers Day.

P.P.S. "PIECES (of ass)" was Conceived & Directed by Brian Howie.
Presented by model/citizen, in association with MayFirst Productions.
For more info regarding future shows, please see: www.piecesofass.com .

--------------
Don Rose is Editor In Chief of “The Rose Review”, an online magazine available at www.therosereview.com . He also serves as writer and editor for “New News Network”, at trrnnn.blogspot.com . He may be reached at ddrose@aol.com .

Event Review: The Planetary Society's 25th Anniversary Gala

2005-12-07T13:22:00.000-08:00

by Don Rose

Twas a starry starry night -- as in the stars of space, science and science fiction. A galaxy of them, plus their fans and friends, came out November 12th to celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Planetary Society, one of the leading organizations devoted to moving mankind off this Pale Blue Dot and off into the heavens.

The buzz in the room was palpable. Literally, since I got to meet Buzz, as in Aldrin, second man on the Moon (as if I need to tell you that, and if I do, it may be past your bedtime). Many other celebs of the sci-tech world also attended, including Vint Cerf , one of the Founding Fathers of the Internet (now at Google)... Ray Bradbury, titan of science fiction... Ed Stone, former head of the Jet Propulsion Lab... and Ann Druyan, widow of one of the co-founders of the Planetary Society, Carl Sagan (the other two co-founders, Bruce Murray and Louis Friedman, were of course in attendance). Ms. Druyan mentioned the DVD release of COSMOS, the groundbreaking PBS series which is also celebrating its 25th anniversary.

In addition to the wonderful dinner, the highlights of the awards gala at Santa Anita Park included Ray Bradbury receiving the Thomas O. Paine Award for the Advancement of Human Exploration of Mars... Nichelle Nichols, of Star Trek "Uhura" fame, reading a passage from Ray's classic tome, "The Martian Chronicles"... James Cameron receiving the Society's inaugural Cosmos Award for Outstanding Public Presentation of Science (accepted on his behalf by his colleague, fellow director Steve Quale)... Bill Nye (you know, the Science Guy) serving as affable and amiable host/MC for the evening... and a mock gameshow near the evening's close, where selected guests got to display their grasp of space/science knowledge within a humorous format.

To cap off the perfect evening, guests were indeed blessed with a starry night, for real, and got to enjoy it all the more thanks to the telescopes of various stripes set up outside, letting us gaze skyward. Bill Nye walking up excitedly and saying "Give me a hit of Mars!" was one of the classic lines of the night, as was Ed Stone saying the biggest surprise about Saturn was "finding the spokes" -- such statements encapsulate the fact that those who love science or practice it are folks who can revel in the beauty of the equations as well as the sheer wonder of it all, and the amazing fact that we can know anything at all about the world and worlds around us. Here's wishing the Planetary Society another successful 25 years, and here's hoping we will all eventually follow the advice of Arnold in "Total Recall" when he said, "Get your ass to Mars". I'm sure everyone at the gala in Arcadia would be first in line.

--------------
Dr. Don Rose is Editor In Chief of “The Rose Review”, an online magazine available at www.therosereview.com . He also serves as writer and editor for “New News Network”, at trrnnn.blogspot.com . He may be reached at ddrose@aol.com .

WHAM! ZAP! KRAZY! NOV18-20, OPENING DAYS, MASTERS OF AMERICAN COMICS, HAMMER MUSEUM!

2005-11-18T12:08:00.000-08:00

Co-organized by the Hammer Museum and The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, Masters of American Comics opens November 20 - A Must-See!

Become a Hammer member! Join by November 17 to receive an invitation to the Hammer Members Reception, 8:30pm to 11pm, Friday, November 18. Sign-up or upgrade to the Supporter level ($300) or above, and receive invitations to the Director's Reception at the Hammer and the exhibition preview at MOCA:
6:30pm to 8:30pm, Friday, November 18, Hammer Museum
6:30pm to 8:30pm, Saturday, November 19, MOCA
Call 310.443.7050 for more information or >>click here to sign up now.

Charles M. Schulz, Peanuts, September 14, 1986. Drawing for newspaper Sunday page. On view at Hammer Museum. Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center. Peanuts: ©United Feature Syndicate, Inc. Digital Image ©2005 Rick Samuels.

All Hammer Members are invited to a Members Preview Day on Saturday, November 19, 11am-7pm and are always receive priority seating at Hammer public programs. During the run of Masters of American Comics, Hammer Members also receive free and unlimited admission for two at MOCA Grand Avenue and a 10% discount at the MOCA store with a valid Hammer Membership card.

R. Crumb, Zap #1, 1967, Comic book cover. On view at MOCA.
Private collection. ©The Paul Morris Gallery, New York and the artist, 2005.

Exhibition:
Sunday, Nov 20

Masters of American Comics is the first extensive exhibition of its kind presenting over 900 drawings, proofs, printed newspaper pages, comic books, and graphic novels by 15 of the most influential 20th-century American comic artists. The exhibition features the work of Winsor McCay, Lyonel Feininger, George Herriman, E.C. Segar, Frank King, Chester Gould, Milton Caniff, Charles Schulz, Will Eisner, Jack Kirby, Harvey Kurtzman, R. Crumb, Art Spiegelman, Gary Panter, and Chris Ware.

HAMMER MUSEUM
10899 Wilshire Blvd at Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90024
310.443.7000
Gallery hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 11am-7pm; Sunday 11am-5pm; Thursday 11am-9pm. Closed Mondays.Admission: $5 Adults; $3 Seniors (65+) and UCLA Alumni Association Members with ID; Free for Museum members, students with ID, UCLA faculty and staff, and visitors 17 and under accompanied by an adult; Free on Thursdays for all visitors. Public programs are free of charge. Gallery talks are free with museum admissions. Hammer members receive priority seating. For more information about Hammer Membership, email http://rd.bcentral.com/?ID=3462048&s=56048687.

Lyonel Feininger, The Kin-der-Kids, April 29, 1906, Sunday newspaper page.
On view at Hammer Museum. Collection Cartoon Research Library, Ohio State University. ©Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York/ VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn.

Current Exhibitions
Hammer Projects
Upcoming Exhibitions
Past Exhibitions

Charles M. Schulz, Peanuts, October 13, 1968, Newspaper Sunday page.
On view at Hammer Museum. Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center. Peanuts: ©United Feature Syndicate, Inc. Digital Image ©2005 Rick Samuels.

MOVIE OPENING: "ONE BRIGHT SHINING MOMENT: The Forgotten Summer of George McGovern"; GMG IN PERSON THIS WEEKEND

2005-11-18T08:54:00.000-08:00

"ONE BRIGHT SHINING MOMENT
The Forgotten Summer of George McGovern"
Opens Friday, November 18
Laemmle's Music Hall - Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills CA.

McGovern In-Person Friday & Saturday evening shows, Sunday first two shows.

Featuring: Warren Beatty, Gloria Steinem, Gore Vidal, Ron Kovic, Dick Gregory, and Howard Zinn, Narrated By Amy Goodman ; Music By Bob Dylan, Robbie Robertson, Donovan, Leon Russell, and Elvis Costello. Winner 2005 Sarasota Film Festival "Best Documentary Feature".

NOV 12 - DEC 18: "MY BUDDY BILL" AT THE GEFFEN

2005-11-12T16:12:00.000-08:00

GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS WORLD PREMIERE OF
PLAYWRIGHT RICK CLEVELAND’S "MY BUDDY BILL"

Emmy-Winning Playwright and Writer of Television’s “Six Feet Under” and “The West Wing” Lampoons His Friendship with Former President Bill Clinton in One Man Show.

The production inaugurates the brand spanking new 117-seat Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater at the Geffen Playhouse. But this is a Limited Engagement; Five Weeks Only: runs from November 12 through December 18. For more information, go to www.geffenplayhouse.com (cool website, I might add). And... don't forget to look into the other stellar production taking place at the Geffen, in their main space -- "Cat On A Hot Tin Roof" starring John Goodman.

NOV 10: GIVE INTO THE GROOVE BENEFIT

2005-11-10T09:09:00.000-08:00

You are invited to The FredaLA.com Fashion Show
at the Fourth Annual GIVE INTO THE GROOVE benefit.
November 10th, the El Rey Theater, in Los Angeles.

ALL AGES WELCOME!
Visit the official GIVE INTO THE GROOVE WEBSITE today.

100% of proceeds go directly to The American Red Cross!

Call for personalized customer service
toll-free at (888) 987-5678 OR
email CustomerCare@FredaLA.com .

NOV 7-8: TV DVD 3, CONFERENCE & AWARDS

2005-11-07T11:01:00.000-08:00

TV shows on DVD, once the Next Big Thing, is now the New Big Thing. It's here, Big Time. As the folks at Home Media Retailing say, "it’s not just a business, but a true pop cultural phenomenon". This explosion in content and awareness is one reason HMR's third annual TV DVD confab promises to be the best yet. Dates: November 7 & 8, 2005, at the Marriott Marina del Rey hotel. Highly recommended event -- great networking, panels, and awards celebration. (TRR rating: ***** ). Below: the organizers' event summary. ---D.R.(Editor)

The number of TV DVD packages being pumped into the market is staggering — shipments are running 50 percent ahead of last year — and so are sales, which are growing at an annual rate of 30 percent. On virtually every street date hot theatrical features have to contend with as many as a dozen, or more, just-as-hot TV DVD releases. And several articles in the national press recently have surmised that TV DVD is changing the way Americans watch television.

For the third consecutive year, Home Media Retailing is presenting a fall summit for television and DVD executives exclusively devoted to this lucrative business, which according to recent estimates, accounts for 24 percent of the entire DVD market.

The industry’s top professionals will discuss key issues, trends and developments, including promoting series jointly on DVD and on the air, packaging efficiencies in the face of a growing retail shelf space crunch, viral and fan-based marketing and product proliferation.

Also on tap will be exclusive market research presentations, informative and educational seminars and workshops, a TV producers’ panel, a special celebrity keynoter, a cocktail party and the Second Annual TV DVD Awards.

Advance registrations are $345 for members of DEG: The Digital Entertainment Group and subscribers to The Hollywood Reporter, and $395 for nonmembers. Registrations include admission to all programs as well as lunch, breaks and cocktail party. The event is open to the trade only. For registration and other information, please visit www.dvdconferences.com .

NOV 2: ALVIN VALLEY TRUNK SHOW, W HOTEL, LOS ANGELES

2005-11-02T05:24:00.000-08:00

This W Hotel event is open to the public. Tell all of your stylish friends!

Madonna, Gwyneth and Cameron love him. And why wouldn't they? His long-legged, low-slung pants make them look flawless. Now you have the chance to dress like an A-lister. Celebrated New York designer Alvin Valley brings his Fall 2005 and Spring 2006 collections to the W Hotel on Wednesday, Nov. 2 for one blissful day of shopping. Enjoy discounts on Alvin’s figure-flattering trousers, sumptuous eveningwear and sleek business attire. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, Alvin has partnered with LA fashionista Tori Spelling and will donate a portion of the proceeds from the trunk show to Tori’s charity, Much Love Animal Rescue. Looking fabulous never felt so good.

WHAT: W Hotel Los Angeles Presents Alvin Valley Trunk Show (open to the public)
WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 2, 3-7pm
WHERE: W Hotel, 930 Hilgard Ave. (Studio 4), Westwood (L.A.), CA 90024
No RSVP necessary.

FEATURED EVENT REVIEW: Louise's Trattoria Wine Tasting with SM Chamber

2005-10-25T18:40:00.000-07:00

(October 17, 2005 - Santa Monica) Louise's Trattoria, one of Los Angeles' favorite spots for casual Italian food, hosted the Santa Monica Chamber's October Wine Tasting event on Monday, October 17th at TAG: The Artists Gallery. (Those who were at the February event hosted by Louise's and theOffice know this was an event not to be missed!) It was a friendly, relaxing vibe with fine wine, art, and delicious food catered by Louise's.

The black and white drawings featured exacting detail with a nature theme, reminiscent of the drawings of Linnaeus, famous Swedish scientist. Speaking of Swedes, I met two lovely Swedish women at the party, who asked me to make sure and mention their upcoming Eliason Awards dinner event coming in November; see the website for the Swedish American Chamber of Commerce in LA (SACC - www.sacc-gla.org ) for more info (or, of course, there is always Google).

The food was truly stellar at this event. I knew that going in, since Louise's never disappoints. Chef Ignacio, a featured presenter at the Taste of Santa Monica, showcased a selection of items from the Louise's menu. Guests (including me) raved about their penne pasta (creamy and marinara variety), wonderful foccacia bread, and bruschetta. If you have never tried their locations on Pico or Montana in Santa Monica, you are in for a treat (and you may be the only person in LA not to do so, so get over there before your friends find out!).

As if the amazing cuisine was not enough, an expert from Young's Market/The Estates Group was on hand to guide attendees through the wine tasting, with a selection of classic wines from their incredible repertoire.

All in all, a great event. (A portion of the proceeds were donated to support relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Katrina.) TAG will be hosting more art receptions this fall and winter, and the SM Chamber hosts events for members and guests every few weeks. Special thanks to Nadine Jolson for her assistance on this great evening.

More info:
TAG, The Artists' Gallery 2903 Santa Monica Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA.
Santa Monica Chamber Events: call Sheila Estaniel, (310) 393-9825 x10.

OCT 15: CELEB AUCTION EVENT BENEFITING KATRINA RELIEF

2005-10-15T18:11:00.000-07:00

Celebrity Live and Silent Auction
Benefiting the Victims of
Hurricane Katrina
and Local Disaster Relief

~~ Hosted by Nicolette Sheridan and Traci Bingham ~~
Produced by Mark Kearney and Monica Matulich

Saturday, Oct. 15, 5 pm - 8 pm

At the home of Ms. Daphne Lewis
~~ Hors-d'oeuvres, Cocktails, Entertainment ~~

~~ Executive Chef Mark E. Kearney ~~
Sabor Cuisine and Events

*Guest Ticket $50 donation at the door
VIP Seated Ticket $100 donation at the door
Payable by major credit cards and checks.
All auction sales are final and payable upon receipt.

Donations are tax deductible.
Red Cross LA Federal Tax I.D. #53-0196605
www.redcrossla.org

*Live and Silent Auction @ 6 pm
Auctioneer: I.M. Chait
Featured Item:
*Classic 1938 Rolls Royce Limousine
(starting bid $30,000)
Donated by Kenneth Behring and Val Nunez Family
www.specialtysales.com

Online bidding for certain items TBD.

~~ Luxury Sponsor donations total $500,000 available ~~

Limited Seating. To RSVP, contact:
Robert Burnside: saborrsvp@aol.com - (323) 655-5263
OR
Monica Matulich: rsvp@prhollywood.com - (866) 297-8214
Press Check-in and Red Carpet @ 4pm

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Celebrity and Sponsor website link information www.redcrossla.org/celebauction

Special Presentation
American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Entertainment
~ The Izzy Chait Quintet ~
~ The Kevin Sasaki Quartet ~
with special guest, San Francisco jazz vocalist, Dana Land
~ Shoshana Bush Band ~

Charity Sponsors Benefiting the Red Cross
Luxury Lifestyle Celebration Hawaii 2005 AIDS Benefit
The Wheelchair Foundation

Participant Benafactor
Strings by the Sea

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Event Producers
Mark E. Kearney, Sabor Cuisine & Events
Monica Matulich, PRHollywood
in association with
Bill York, Dreammakers Productions
Andre Prikazchikov, Timeline Entertainment
Maleko Entertainment

======================================

About The American Red Cross Local Disaster Relief Fund for Los Angeles

The mission of American Red Cross is to help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. To accomplish that mission, the Red Cross provides planning, preparedness, community disaster education, mitigation, and disaster response that will provide the American people with quality disaster services delivered in a uniform, consistent, and responsive manner. The American Red Cross responds to hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, fires, and other situations that cause human suffering or create human needs that those affected cannot handle alone. In Los Angeles last year the American Red Cross responded to nearly 500 disasters from single-family fires to major apartment fires and the Glendale train wreck. The American Red Cross it is an independent, humanitarian, voluntary organization; it is not a government agency.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is a gift made possible by the generous contribution of people's time, money, and skills. The event on October 15th supports that reality.

OCT 14: GEN ART's FRESH FACES IN FASHION RETURNS TO L.A.

2005-10-14T02:02:00.000-07:00

presents the 8th annual FRESH FACES IN FASHION LOS ANGELES SHOW

Friday, October 14 7:00-11:00pm

Pre-Reception & Accessories Installation: 7:00-8:00

Runway Show: 8:00pm

After-Party: 9:00-11:00pm

WHERE: Barker Hangar

Barker Hangar: 40,000 square feet of space
3021 Airport Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90405

***Featuring the Los Angeles runway debuts of six womenswear, one menswear & one swimwear designer on the catwalk & four accessory designers in installations***

complimentary beverages provided by:
Beck's Premier Light, X Rated and Jean Marc XO Vodka

Don't Miss the Hottest Show of L.A. Fashion Week!

This is the show that featured the debuts for designers including
Louis Verdad, Kate O'Connor, Michelle Mason, Alicia Lawhon, Claire La Faye, Rami Kashou,
Cory Lynn Calter and Grey Ant...be able to say you saw them first!

Designer Selection Committee:
Alisa Loftin (Owner, Aero and Co.)
Darren Gold (Owner, Alpha)
Alison Neider (Editor In Chief, California Apparel News)
Jayne Seward (Fashion Editor, California Apparel News)
Evelyn Ungvari (Owner, Diavolina)
Candace Mohr (Girlshop)
Kateri Butler (Style Editor, LA Weekly)
Marlien Rentmeester (West Coast Fashion Editor, Lucky Magazine)
Greg Armas (Owner, Scout LA)
Jennifer Philips (Owner, Sirens and Sailors)
Lisa Love (West Coast Fashion Editor, Vogue)
Chantal Gordon (West Coast Associate Fashion Editor, Vogue)
Monica Schweiger (West Coast Fashion Editor, WWD)

Media Contact:
BWR Public Relations
Contact: Liz Jaeger
Tel: 310-550-7776
Email: ljaeger@bwr-la.com

TICKETS:
(all tickets include pre-reception, access to show & after-party with complimentary beverages)

STANDING TICKETS:
* Silver Members: $25 / ticket
* Non-Members: $35 / ticket

OPEN SEATING TICKETS & VIP AREA ACCESS
* Platinum Member: 2 comp tickets
* Silver Members: $50 / ticket
* Non-Members: $60 / ticket

RESERVED SEATING TICKETS & VIP AREA ACCESS:
* Assoc Producers: 2 comp tickets
* Silver Member: $90 / ticket
* Non-Members: $100 / ticket

* Order by calling 310-360-0141

SEP 26: HURRICANE KATRINA RELIEF BENEFIT at FALCON

2005-09-26T15:23:00.000-07:00

HOSTS HANK AZARIA, BEN STILLER, GENTRY STANLEY AND ANNABEL TORREY INVITE YOU TO A HURRICANE KATRINA RELIEF FUNDRAISER, ALONG WITH SPONSOR GREY GOOSE.

As you know, the victims of Hurricane Katrina have been stranded and many are in desperate need of help, including immediate housing, medical care, food and water. The situation is desperate and your help is needed to save American lives and families.

Monday, September 26th
8:00 pm until 11:00 pm
Falcon
7213 Sunset Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90046-3405

The event hosts are asking that a donation of no less than $50 be paid at the door upon arrival, by cash or check only. If you wish to pledge more, the hosts would be very grateful. For this price, guests will enjoy complimentary food, Grey Goose cocktails, wine and beer. All other spirits will be available at a cash bar.

DJ Trevor will be spinning all night. In addition, donations of artwork by such artists as Trevor Goss, Jeremy Railton, Ryan Sweetin, Ghetto Gloss, and Fiona, as well as numerous other goodies, will be part of a silent auction.

ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO THE AMERICAN RED CROSS DISASTER RELIEF FUND, http://www.redcross.org.
VIACOM WILL MATCH ALL FUNDS.
ALL NAMES MUST BE RSVP’D TO Annabel.Torrey@mtvstaff.com .
ALL DONATIONS WILL BE COLLECTED AT THE DOOR.

SEP 23: "PEACE LOVE BIKINIS" DOC ROCKS NYIIFF FILMFEST

2005-09-23T00:28:00.000-07:00

SCREENING SEPTEMBER 23 @ 6:00 PM, FAIRFAX LAEMMLE -- Fairfax at Beverly, in the cool heart of L.A.

FOLLOWED BY INVITATION ONLY VIP PRIVATE EVENT IN HOLLYWOOD

CLICK HERE FOR TRAILER>> peacelovebikinis.blogspot.com

Featuring: Ashley Paige
Supporting: Christie Martin Sharon Gault Brian Bowman Lauren Sample Michelle Conrow
Special appearances: Jennifer Coolidge Kimberly Stewart Bai Ling Harry Hamlin
Supermodels: Jessica Miller Janine Fox Lindsay Ellingson Caroline D'amore

Ashley Paige is a LA-based boutique-level swimsuit designer struggling to survive in the cut-throat world of fashion. In the months leading up to LA Fashion Week, Ashley takes us on a journey behind the scenes of the world of branding & swimsuit design. Against a backdrop of Hollywood fashionistas, celebrities, supermodels and doggie rescue missions, we are taken into the mind and struggles that face a woman struggling in the not-so-glamorous-as-it-looks fashion business world to make it to the top! Sexy.. dramatic.. inspirational! that's PEACE, LOVE & BIKINIS!

VIP RSVP ONLY: information@stylezonetv.com
Sponsorship & Press: press@stylezonetv.com
SCREENING FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 23, 2005 @ 6:00 pm
For more on the annual NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL, now running in LOS ANGELES, please see: www.nyfilmvideo.com

SEP 22-25: FEAST OF SAN GENNARO RETURNS TO THE GROVE

2005-09-22T13:21:00.000-07:00

THE FEAST OF SAN GENNARO, L.A’S PREMIERE ITALIAN FOOD & CULTURAL FESTIVAL, RETURNS TO THE GROVE/FARMERS MARKET
FOR A SECOND YEAR

Event Kicks Off With "Prima Notte" Charity Benefit, Hosted by Comedians Jimmy Kimmel and Adam Carolla

(LOS ANGELES, CA, June 24, 2005) - The Grove/Farmers Market will welcome the fourth annual Precious Cheese Feast of San Gennaro LA presented by Ralphs, LA’s most popular Italian food and cultural festival, for the second year in a row. The Feast of San Gennaro, which features rides, games, entertainment and the best Italian food in the city, will be held on September 23-25th on Grove Drive (between Beverly and 3rd). The festival will open September 22nd with Prima Notte, a star-studded charity gala hosted by Jimmy Kimmel and Adam Carolla. The event will honor Italian jazz great, Louis Prima and Keely Smith, his former wife, with Smith performing a tribute to their years together.

The Feast of San Gennaro LA is just one of the events presented by Kimmel, producer Doug DeLuca and the San Gennaro Foundation, the non-profit organization they started, which is dedicated to helping underprivileged children and perpetuating cultural identity in the Italian-American community (www.sangennarofoundation.org). Held for its first two years in Hollywood, the event moved to the Grove last year.

“The Feast and The Grove are both all about building community…it was an instant fit from the start,” said DeLuca. “The Grove, and the Farmers Market, welcomed us with open arms and it paid off. Year one at The Grove we attracted more than 100,000 visitors and actually helped increase their sales revenues for the weekend.”

Grove Drive, which stretches between Beverly and 3rd Street, proved to be a perfect location for the event. “Some of my best childhood memories are of the San Gennaro Feast in Little Italy on Mulberry Street in New York,” said Kimmel. “I think for the kids of Los Angeles, the food, music, rides, games and lights of The Grove Drive will be something they remember fondly when they, too, become overweight adults.”

The Precious Cheese Feast of San Gennaro LA presented by Ralphs features Italian food from more than 50 of LA’s top Italian restaurants, a wide selection of fine Italian wines, live music, carnival games and rides, street performers and strolling musicians. A host of Italian-themed activities take place throughout the three days including bocce ball tournaments, grape stomps, fashion shows featuring Italian designers, celebrity chef demonstrations, readings by Italian authors and playwrights, Kid’s Corner activities and the crowning of Miss San Gennaro.

“Prima Notte,” will feature an all-star tribute to Italian jazz master, Louis Prima and Keely Smith. Money raised will go to benefit a wide variety of children’s charities including Friends Sharing & Giving in Los Angeles, the Foundation’s keystone program that mentors, supports and helps underprivileged children through lectures, workshops, fieldtrips and scholarships.

“The Feast of San Gennaro brings so many great things together: great food, great music, great atmosphere and a great cause too. It’s a ‘must attend’ event for anyone who loves life as much as the Italians and Italian-Americans. I wouldn't miss it for the world,” said Los Angeles City Councilmember Tom LaBonge.

Rick Caruso, President & CEO of The Grove’s Caruso Affiliated said, “The Grove has a commitment to being a ‘town center’ that respects the community’s unique character and reflects the spirit of its residents. Events like the Feast of San Gennaro help accomplish that goal by creating community ties and in this case, showcasing Los Angeles’ Italian population. We are thrilled to host the festival for a second year.”

“We are delighted to welcome this wonderful festival back to the property,” said Stan Savage, Director of Marketing and Tourism for the original Farmers Market at 3rd & Fairfax. “Farmers Market is pleased to be participating in this fund-raising endeavor and we look forward to the San Gennaro Foundation’s success in organizing this year’s Feast.”

There is no charge for admission to the Feast and the hours daily (Sept. 23-25) are 11 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Tickets to “Prima Notte” on Sept. 22 are $100 and $250. For more information about the Feast and purchasing tickets, call 1-877-832-1418 or visit www.sangennarofoundation.org. The main entrance to the Feast is on Beverly Blvd. Parking is available at CBS Television City and the Petersen Automotive Museum with free shuttle service to the Feast. No parking is available at The Grove or Farmers Market.

The Grove is a world renowned retail, dining and entertainment destination, offering an array of national and one-of-a-kind stores, unparalleled anywhere in the country. The Grove offers a unique combination of style, substance and quality. For more information, please call The Grove Concierge (323) 900-8080. Farmers Market is an original, delightfully eclectic mix of more than 100 shops and restaurants. “The last best place in L.A.,” it’s beloved by locals and tourists alike. Discover a variety of cuisines (Asian, Argentinean, Greek, Mid-Eastern, pizza, pasta, sushi, deli, and more). Stroll among grocery stands, souvenir shops, and stalls where artisans work. On weekend summer evenings, bands play at the Market’s two beer & wine bars, creating a free casual open air party. (9-9 Mon.-Fri., 9- 8 Sat., 10-7 Sun.).

Event posted by Don Rose

SEP 20: W Hotel Los Angeles Hosts Star-Studded Fundraising Event To Benefit Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts

2005-09-20T23:39:00.000-07:00

John Goodman, Willie Garson, Jason Biggs, Jean Smart and other celebs will take part in exciting evening of live New Orleans-flavored musical performances and chances to win incredible prizes

All Proceeds Will Go Directly To The American Red Cross

W Hotel Los Angeles-Westwood will host a star-studded fundraising event on Tuesday, September 20 from 7-9pm, in an effort to raise more than $100,000 for those devastated by Hurricane Katrina. The event will be held poolside at the W Hotel in Westwood and will feature a celebrity-hosted auction of extraordinary items such as an authentic piece of the historic Berlin Wall. The event will also feature live New Orleans-flavored musical performances by Joe McBride and the Crescent City Cats and a chance for every ticket holder to win one of more than 40 incredible raffle prizes, including stays at Starwood Hotels and Resorts around the world. Other prizes include luxury Bliss Spa products, season tickets to the Geffen Playhouse, and celebrity-autographed movie and sports memorabilia. Celebrity hosts John Goodman, Willie Garson and Jean Smart will help auction off nearly a dozen incredible auction items valued at up to $50,000.

Tickets for this W Hotel fundraising event are available for a minimum donation of $100 to the American Red Cross and can be purchased online at http://www.redcrossla.org/whotels or in person on the night of the event (guests interested in purchasing tickets in person should RSVP to rsvpwlaevents@whotels.com). A minimum donation of $100 includes complimentary cocktails, delicious hors d'oeuvres and one raffle ticket per person for the chance to win one of more than 40 raffle prizes including luxury hotel stays in resorts around the world, luxury spa products, signed memorabilia, and more. All proceeds from this W Hotel Los Angeles event will go directly to humanitarian efforts for the victims of Hurricane Katrina as provided through the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

"With two W Hotel properties located in New Orleans, this tragedy has hit close to home for us all, so now it's time to reach out and help," said Valeriano Antonioli, General Manager of W Hotel Los Angeles Westwood. "Our goal is to raise more than $100,000 to benefit the victims of this devastating hurricane. In doing so, we also hope to provide our generous guests with an incredibly entertaining evening."

W Hotels has two New Orleans properties, located in the French Quarter and the Central Business District of New Orleans.

Celebrity auctioneers include New Orleans resident John Goodman (Roseanne), Willie Garson (Sex and the City) and Jean Smart (Designing Women). Additional celebrity auctioneers are still being confirmed for this event. This W Hotel Los Angeles event will feature live New-Orleans flavored music by blues and jazz band Joe McBride and the Crescent City Cats. The event will also feature surprise musical guests who promise to entertain New Orleans style.

The evening will include delicious hors d'oeuvres generously donated by NINE THIRTY, The Backyard, Tengu, The Lincoln and Venice Cantina restaurants. New Orleans-style Bacardi cocktails will also be served at the event.

The American Red Cross provides shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need. As of September 8, since Hurricane Katrina slammed ashore, the American Red Cross has housed almost 159,000 survivors in nearly 650 shelters across 17 states, served nearly 5.4 million hot meals and more than 5.5 million snacks to survivors of Hurricane Katrina, and deployed more than 32,000 trained disaster relief workers from all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Evacuees and loved ones separated by this by this disaster can go to www.redcross.org or call 1-877-LOVED-1S to join the Family Links Registry.

The W Hotel Los Angeles fundraiser host committee includes Karin and Valeriano Antonioli, General Manager, W Hotel Los Angeles; Diego Brasioli, Consul General in Los Angeles, Italian Republic; Sandy and Jerry Brown, President, Holmby-Westwood Property Owners Association; Robert and Jill Bucksbaum, Owners, The Majestic Crest Theatre; Paul Colichman, Chairman, Regent Entertainment & Founder & CEO Here! TV; Sean Grumman, Agent, Creative Artists Agency; Amy Holm and Robert Glenn Ketchum, Photographer; Barry Krost, President, Barry Krost Management; Christopher Lloyd, Writer/Director, Frasier; Phillip Mendelsohn, Park Westwood Towers HOA; Carole and Charles Magnuson, President, Westwood Hills Property Owners Assn.; John G. Morris, President, Morris Management Company; Steven Sann, Partner, NINE THIRTY; and Arleen Sorkin, Actor/Writer/Producer.

W Hotel Los Angeles is located at 930 Hilgard Ave. in Westwood. For more information about this event, please contact W Hotel Los Angeles at (310) 208-8765.

About W Hotels: W Hotels is a global lifestyle brand with 20 properties in vibrant cities around the world. Inspiring and indulging its guests with thoughtful, refreshing and stylish experiences, signature restaurants, bars and destination spas, W has become the fastest growing luxury hotel brand in the world. Each hotel offers a unique mix of innovative design, comfort and cultural influences from fashion to music to art and everything in between. Recent openings include W's first property in Asia, W Seoul - Walkerhill, which opened in August of 2004 and its first property in Canada, W Montreal, in October of 2004. Residence properties, offering the W lifestyle at home, have been announced for Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, Scottsdale and Hoboken. In addition, there are more than a dozen W Hotels in the development pipeline in city and resort destinations. For more information, visit www.whotels.com.

SEP 16: HOUSE BEAUTIFUL CELEB SHOWHOUSE, OPENING NIGHT RECEPTION FUNDRAISER; Tours Continue Til Oct16

2005-09-16T18:30:00.000-07:00

House Beautiful Magazine’s Third Celebrity Showhouse:

Saturday, September 17 – Sunday, October 16

Rooms Inspired by Celebrities and Decorated by the

Nation’s Hottest Designers; Proceeds to Benefit Children's Action Network

WHO: HOUSE BEAUTIFUL magazine hosts its third Celebrity Showhouse in Brentwood, CA.

Participating Celebrities:

Lorraine Bracco, Blythe Danner, Jamie Gertz, Melanie Griffith, Marg Helgenberger, Megan Mullally, Mary Steenburgen, among others.

Participating Designers:

Michael Berman, Pat Benner, Alessandra Branca, Barclay Butera, Tim Clarke, Peter Dunham, Catherine Bailly Dunne, Waldo Fernandez, Dennis Hickok, Kathryn Ireland, Kerry Joyce, Dan Marty, Mary McDonald, Rick and Debbie Nassetta, Joe Nye, David Phoenix, Suzanne Rheinstein, Leslie Sachs, Jackie Terrell, and Vicente Wolf

WHAT: HOUSE BEAUTIFUL comes to Hollywood again! Every room of a Mediterranean-style, early-1900’s house in Brentwood, California is inspired by Hollywood’s brightest stars and decorated by today’s top designers. See a kitchen by Tim Clarke, a living room by Kerry Joyce, a tented entertaining area by Kathryn Ireland, bedrooms by Mary McDonald and Suzanne Rheinstein, a garden room by Vicente Wolf, a dining room by Peter Dunham, and much more!

WHEN: Tours: Saturday, September 17 – Sunday, October 16.
Open daily for tours: 11AM – 5PM.

Fundraiser: Opening Night Reception: Friday, September 16 from 6:30PM – 9:00PM.

WHERE: For more information on the program or on how to purchase tickets, please call the Children’s Action Network 1-800-525-6789. On the Web, visit www.onlyinhousebeautiful.com or www.childrensactionnetwork.org.

TICKETS: $25 at the door or in advance at www.childrensactionnetwork.org.
Opening Reception tickets: $175.

CHARITY: All proceeds benefit Children's Action Network – an organization devoted to bettering the lives of children.

posted by Don Rose, TRR Editor In Chief

SEP 9: L.A. SUPPORTS LA: WINE/FOOD BENEFIT AT BARKAR FOR KATRINA RELIEF

2005-09-09T09:07:00.000-07:00

You have seen, heard and read about the enormous outpouring of money, supplies and goodwill from your fellow citizens towards Katrina victims. Now it's your turn. Come be a part of LAsupportsLA, as in L.A. (Los Angeles) supports LA (Louisiana) (as if I have to spell it out). Easily the most creative title of any Gulf Coast hurricane benefit, LAsupportsLA also boasts the best host -- the amazing multi-hatted Harry Shearer -- and perhaps the best food and wine, too. Not only will your heart feel good, but your stomach will too.

Details:
Date
Sep 9, 2005, 7:00PM to 10:00PM
Cost
100.00
Location
Barker Hanger at the Santa Monica Airport
3021 Airport Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90405-6117
50 Restaurants and 100 Wineries join LearnAboutWine to host an encore edition of TASTE for Hurricane Relief. Hosted by TV, Radio, and Film personality Harry Shearer (what is he, over half the Simpsons voices? Perhaps it should be renamed The Shearsons), this event will attract over 1,000 Los Angelenos for a night of Wine Tasting, TOP restaurant noshing and live entertainment, including DJ Paul Oakenfold, a fabulous silent auction and 100% of all proceeds with go to Hurricane Katrina charities.

Note from organizer:
"We are expecting an extraordinary smattering of talent, stunning wines being donated by private collectors and the finest in art being auctioned off, of which one $250k painting by an NDA artist is close to being secured. All is coming together nicely with the delightful Harry Shearer, of Simpsons, Spinal Tap, Mighty Wind and Le Show fame, a part time New Orleans resident, who is currently experiencing great sorrow as us all in the wake of Katrina, committed to MC the event. Whew. Thanks Harry."

LASUPPORTSLA - Los Angeles Supports Louisiana, at BARKER Hangar in Santa Monica, CA.
MORE INFO: Go to WWW.LASUPPORTSLA.com or email: libby@genesispr.net

SEP 9-11: STYLELOUNGE IN TIMES SQUARE KICKS OFF FASHION WEEK NYC

2005-09-09T08:45:00.000-07:00

The CATWALK COMES TO THE SIDEWALK OF TIMES SQUARE in NYC ; STYLELOUNGE BRINGS STYLES ON THE RUNWAY FOR ALL NEW YORKERS TO SEE DURING FASHION WEEK

This season, StylelOUNGE will bring the runways out to the street into the center of Times Square. The fashion shows in New York kick off a month-long journey around the globe for designers to unveil their much-anticipated Spring 2006 collections. StylelOUNGE is a one-stop destination for Spring 2006 New York City Fashion Week and will be centrally located at Times Square Studios this season, just blocks away from the Bryant Park tents. These events have become an all out glamfest, with pre-parties, after-parties, spas and swag suites, all made possible by LIVEstyle Entertainment, a leading marketing and event production company, (www.livestylent.com).

Runway shows are the hottest ticket in town during Fashion Week, but on Saturday, Sept. 10, StylelOUNGE is making fashion available to everyone. David Rodriguez and Andrew Harmon will debut their Spring 2006 collections at the first-ever indoor/outdoor runway, extending out onto the sidewalk of 43^rd Street and Broadway. This season, the StylelOUNGE offerings to the Fashion elite will also include live runway broadcasts on the Times Square Reuters^Ò Media Board to the tens of thousands of Times Square pedestrians.

INVITED CELEBRITIES INCLUDE: Andy Roddick, Dita Von Teese, Andre Agassi, Amy Carlson, Gretchen Mol, and more…

WHEN: From Friday, September 9, through Sunday, September 11

WHERE: Times Square Studios, 1500 Broadway at 44^thSt., New York City.

WHO: Friday September 9 – StyleLounge launch

7:00pm – Victor De Souza

9:00pm – 11:00pm Rodarte – fashion installation and launch party

Saturday September 10, 2005

12:00pm - David Rodriguez

2:30pm – Mercury Milan Press Opportunity

6:00 pm - Harmon

9:00pm – 12:00am Patricia Field’s Handbag launch party

Sunday, September 11, 2005

3:00 pm - Caroline Hedaya by Donna and Caroline

6:30pm – Sweetooth Handbags

featuring AG Adriano Goldschmied Jeans and

KODAK EASYSHARE V550 AND V530 DIGITAL CAMERAS

8:00pm – 11:00pm – ELLEgirl / Major Models/Kodak - after party

Sponsors include: EVIAN® Natural Spring Water, Eastman KODAK Company, Mercury Milan from Ford Motor Company, JetBlue Airways, Brizo, FaceAtelier, HAIclassic and HAIelite, Hanes Perfect Panty®, Hotel Collection, Sweetooth by Chelsea, Monster Energy Drink, Coca-Cola, Amaro by Modna, Players Extreme Liquors.

For More info on StyleLounge: www.styleloungenyc.com

.........posted by Don Rose..........

SEP 8: EPOXYBOX OPENING NIGHT ART BENEFIT; Portion of Proceeds Goes To Gulf Coast Relief

2005-09-08T19:09:00.000-07:00

SEP 2--5: NAPSTER'S ALL ACCESS WEEKEND; FREE TESTDRIVE OF FULL MEMBERSHIP

2005-09-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

How often do you get an incredibly irresistable invite in your inbox?
Just got one from NAPSTER for the upcoming Labor Day Weekend.

From September 2nd to 5th, listen to 1.5+MILLION songs for FREE.
Not just clips... FULL SONGS, in FULL FINE FIDELITY.

Now I ask you... why mortgage the house to buy gas to fight terrific traffic during the long holiday weekend when you can enjoy this amazing FREE deal?

"For the first time ever you will be able to enjoy EVERYTHING included in a Napster Membership without a credit card! That's right. Just log in to Napster this Labor Day weekend and celebrate full access to 115,000 full-length albums by over 89,000 artists. Take a break from 99¢ downloads and get it all. For the entire long weekend you can:
Listen to over 1,500,000 full-length songs instead of 30-second clips
Enjoy over 50 commercial-free, interactive radio stations or create your own
Check out all of the latest releases from Faith Hill, The White Stripes, Kanye West and more without buying the album
Buy songs to keep forever for as low as 80¢ each
Connect to the Napster Community to share music
Don't miss Napster's All-Access Weekend.
See you then,
Napster ."

An offer too good to refuse.
Do yourself a musical favor... refuse any excuse to ignore it and try it out.

Take it from Dr. Don, this service rocks.
Whether you listen on your PC or use Napster To Go,
this is one of the best music services on the net. Perhaps THE best.
Well-designed software... excellent song selection... friendly, responsive customer service.

Rock on(line)...

SEP 1: Pumpkinheads Opens in Brentwood; Buy Kids Apparel & 15% Goes To Charity!

2005-09-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

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New Children's Luxury Apparel Boutique, PUMPKINHEADS, Announces 15% of All Store Profits Will Benefit 2 Local Charities; Art Share Los Angeles and Operation School Bell.

(July 26, 2005 : Brentwood, CA) PUMPKINHEADS, opening this September in Brentwood, California, is making a real change in children’s clothing. Nestled in one of the most prime luxury shopping areas in Southern California, this boutique will boast the finest collection of international children’s designers in the entire Los Angeles area as well as commit to donating 15% of all profits to local children’s charities. Jamara Ghalayini, founder of Pumpkinheads, has her own ideas about what defines business “profits and success”. Resigning herself earlier this year from her post as a consultant with Deloitte Consulting, LLP in the Actuarial and Insurance Solutions practice group where she worked with Fortune 500 clients, Jamara and her husband Mo, have devoted themselves entirely to this new entrepreneurial venture. Pumpkinheads is structured uniquely as a non-profit/profit hybrid business that marries the goals of a profitable company to a profitable community.

Each quarter Pumpkinheads will donate 15% of the boutiques profits to selected charities. Pumpkinheads is proud to announce first two charities that will benefit from the shoppers at Pumpkinheads will be Art Share Los Angeles and Operation School Bell. Both are local children’s charities that are making an incredible difference.

Art Share Los Angeles, located in downtown Los Angeles, serves more than 750 students weekly and has become known by community leaders as one of the most innovative and impactful non-profits in the LA area. Their unique arts and literacy based curriculum provides services in critical need areas throughout the city. www.artsharela.org

Operation School Bell, provides new clothing and personal grooming products to children in extreme need-those who are struggling to remain in school while facing other severe problems because their families cannot afford to buy them adequate clothing. The service is run completely by volunteers and serves over 4,000 kids (4-18) each school year throughout the Los Angeles Unified School District. www.operationschoolbell.org

Pumpkinheads, located at 11640 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood, CA, will officially open its doors on September 1st, 2005, welcoming shoppers to shop from the finest selection of children’s apparel and at the same time be part of making a difference in the lives of children in need living in Southern California. Pumpkinheads will offer full lines of exquisite European apparel such as Boboli, Miniman, Deux par Deux, Confetti, Chipie and Jean Bourget, beautiful imported cotton casuals from Imps and Elfs, Kidscase, Petit Bateau and Mon Reve, a large selection of luxurious children's cashmere by Amber Hagen, Cashmirino and Comme Si Comme Ca, and a full line of girls formal couture apparel by Malley & Co. and Judith LaCroix.

For more info on the store, the clothes, and more, go to: www.pumpkinheadkids.com

Media interested in more information on Pumpkinheads may contact Diana Bianchini at Di Moda Public Relations: 323.466.4000 or diana@dimodapr.com

EVENT REVIEW: UBISOFT "187 RIDE OR DIE" VIDEOGAME LAUNCH PARTY

2005-08-30T09:04:00.000-07:00

by Don Rose

(Los Angeles, CA: August 30) The House of Blues is known for hosting great parties, but this one was one of the tops. The topfloor Foundation Room was packed with revelers celebrating at the invitation-only Official Launch Party for Ubisoft's new videogame, "187 Ride or Die," written and directed by Matty Rich. The new game stars Larenz Tate and Noel G -- and, in a unique move, features an entire soundtrack produced from the vision of one artist: Guerilla Black.

Partygoers checked out the hottest new game this summer with XBOX and PS2 consoles, and when they took a break they luxuriated in several GameSacs (beanbag-like comfy cushion chairs) graciously provided by LoveSac (and now available for your perusal at the Hollywood and Highland shopping complex). Celebrities who came out to represent included: Larenz Tate, Guerilla Black, Noel G., Matty Rich, actor Rondell Sheridan, and ubiquitous actress Bai Ling (my friend says she is "everywhere", and I am starting to believe him -- and isn't it ironic, since her name when joined together spells "Bailing", something she rarely does). Even David Spade was there, in spirit; his new Comedy Central show "The Showbiz Show" showed up (did I say "show" enough?), filming for an upcoming episode.

Around 10:30, just when you'd think this rockin' party might start dying out (it was supposed to end at 11), in came a whole NEW influx of partiers, just in time to groove to a LIVE performance by Guerilla Black! Even as midnight approached, folks were still digging this shindig. Awesome party -- and attendees even got to take home TWO versions of the new title -- one for XBOX, one for Playstation!

Special thanks to Monique Moss of Warren Cowan PR for her assistance with this story. For more info on the game, please visit www.ubisoft.com . And take note: Ubisoft told me that another big title they are excited about, KING KONG, is coming later this year (tied-in with the Peter Jackson blockbuster film). Watch out, Bai Ling -- it seems Ubisoft will be Ubiquitous this year, too.

AUG 29: ANTI-PIRACY EVENT IN HOLLYWOOD

2005-08-29T10:44:00.000-07:00

Recording media organization IRMA is sponsoring this event; their website says:

The Piracy-Busting Event of the Year!
(And you’re invited to attend this major industry gathering as our guest.)

No Registration Fee, But Reservations Are Required

IRMA’s Intellectual Property – Anti-Piracy Forum

Monday, 29 August 2005
9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
In Conjunction with EMX

Renaissance Hollywood Hotel
1755 North Highland Avenue
Hollywood, CA 90028
Phone: +323-856-1200

Don’t miss this in-depth look at intellectual property protection and piracy tactics from virtually every viewpoint.

If you create, produce, own, manufacture, distribute, transport, sell, touch or have any responsibility for Intellectual Property at any point in its lifecycle, you need to be here!

This fast-paced, information-packed day is designed to give you a practical and sobering view of the depth of the piracy problem in virtually every Intellectual Property arena from music, to film, to business software, to games.

Check out these highlights…

Top Intellectual Property owner executives lay it on the line as to what they want – and demand – from suppliers who are entrusted with multi-million dollars worth of content in various stages along the media-to-market chain.
As the pirates become more creative and devious, content owners need to make their anti-piracy and intellectual property systems more robust and tough . . . yet practical. This discussion maps out the protections and assurances that can capture content owners’ imagination and business in this very competitive battleground.

Operation Content Safe – Music Standards for Recording, Mixing and Mastering Studios are introduced for the first time as IRMA responds to content-owners seeking to provide more protection to their valuable intellectual property from creation through distribution to the marketplace. When content is swiped and put into the marketplace before release dates the music labels (and other content owners) suffer huge financial losses. Operation Content Safe (OCS) is the concerted response to industry calls for more stringent anti-piracy procedures and protections along the supply line. The extension of OCS to games and other content and software for “cradle-to-grave” protection is underway.
There is growing pressure being placed on content owners and replicators/duplicators in response to the changing market and retailer wants and needs. As products travel the sometimes porous market supply chain, it takes a cooperative effort among the firms providing market delivery services to content owners to ensure a smooth, effective and confidence-laden system. Supply chain management experts define the problems and solutions and new business models needed to keep pace with market and content owners’ demands.
An experienced duo of technology experts – who speak in down-to-earth, everyday terms – cover tracing the lineage of the disc to discover the “parents” of the illegal disc as part of the disc and stamper forensics trail, new systems for defeating "off the shelf" and "freeware" ripping, stripping, and one-to-one copying software for DVD, and a practical approach to copy control and management to balance the interests of the Intellectual Property owners and a consumer-friendly marketing environment.

To register, either

click here to email a response, be sure to supply the name, title, and company of the person(s) who will attend, or
download the registration form at www.recordingmedia.org/apforum.pdf and fax it to IRMA at +1-609-279-1999

Preliminary Agenda

9:30 AM – Operation Content Safe – Music Standards
10:45 AM For Recording, Mixing and Mastering Studios
- Introduction and Overview – Timothy J. Gorman, Director - Worldwide Anti-Piracy Compliance Program, IRMA
- Understanding & Solutions Research – Jim Bottoms, President, Understanding & Solutions
- OCS Music Standards 1.0 – Linda Dyson, Vice President, Engineering Solutions Associates, Inc.
- Working Together: Music Labels and Recording Studios – Panel of Music and Recording Studio Executives
10:45–11:10 AM Coffee Break
11:10 AM-12:15 PM Supply Chain Management and Security
- Peter Wallace – Senior Vice President, Gigs, Ltd.
- Jim Bottoms, President, Understanding & Solutions
12:15–1:00 PM Anti-Piracy Discovery Techniques and Tactics – Forensics
- James Steynor – Chairman & CEO, DaTARIUS Group, DaTARIUS Technologies, Ltd.
- Doug Carson – President, DCA
1:00–2:30 PM Lunch (on your own)
2:30 – 3:15 PM Anti-Piracy Electronic Barriers
- Draak Murdoch – Senior Representative, Audible Magic – CopySense – RepliCheck
- Tom Rooney – West Coast Manager, Sony DADC -- ARccOS
3:15 – 4:30 PM Keeping Content Safe: What We Look for in Piracy Prevention
- A panel of senior content owner executives from music, film, business software, and games publishers lay out their concerns and requirements for enhancing product security including:
  - Jonathan Bender – Vice President Asset Management, Universal Music Group
  - Philip Siegel – Vice President, Content Security, Fox Group Legal

To register, either

click here to email a response, be sure to supply the name, title, and company of the person(s) who will attend, or
download the registration form at www.recordingmedia.org/apforum.pdf and fax it to IRMA at +1-609-279-1999.

AUG 25: CARPE DIEM with TRACI BINGHAM and GEOFF THOMAS

2005-08-25T19:00:00.000-07:00

EVENT REVIEW: NAUTICA/STUFF AVP PARTY

2005-08-20T21:00:00.000-07:00

by Don Rose

(Redondo Beach CA : Aug 20 2005) Nautica Jeans and STUFF Magazine, throwing a party in tandem? An informal bash by the beach, casual attire, on a Saturday night? You know it's not Hollywood, it's Redondo, dude!... and so your intrepid reporter made the trek down, at the in spot of the night -- in fact, at one point, it seemed as if all of the South Bay descended on Harbor Drive Lounge restaurant and bar.

A wall of all tall? No, but mostly (I never felt so short in my life!), as several top pro beach volleyball players came to party, like Misty May, Kerri Walsh, Eric Fonoimoana, Dax Holdren, Karch Kiraly and others, celebrating the Manhattan Beach stop of the AVP pro volleyball tour. I even spotted tall funnyman Kevin Nealon (exSNLer, now starring in the Showtime show "Weeds" -- from joker to toker, I guess), hanging with pals at a side table. The open bar flowed fast and furious in the packed VIP section, but the rest of the place was absolutely jammed with tan cuties and cavorters as well. (Note to self: remember to hit 655 Harbor Drive for fun on Fridays or Saturdays.) Special kudos to Debbie Rubio and The Robbins Group for putting on a very fun Saturday night; see below for more info on the AVP tourney -- there is still time to catch the climax!

LIVE on NBC - 1:30pm PST
Sun. August 21

What: AVP 2005 Nissan Series Manhattan Beach Open

Where: South Side of the Pier
Where: 100 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach

When: Sunday August 21 -- Main Draw Competition
whenwhenwhenGates Open 9am - 2:30pm
whwhenenwhenMen's Semifinals at 11am PST
whwhenenwhenMen's Finals at 1:00pm PST

Tickets: Manhattan Beach Open Ticket Upgrades
General Admission is FREE!

AUG 17: GEN ART "IGNITE!" PARTY RETURNS TO FONDA MUSIC BOX THEATRE!

2005-08-17T19:00:00.000-07:00

Go to IGNITE!, it'll be quite a night!
Trust my short rhyme, this is one fine ol' time.

Yes, Ignite! really is an AMAZINGLY GREAT annual event, by Gen Art -- who always get an upscale fun crowd, mixing in a unique environment, and this year it is a Monte Carlo Carnivale theme, so how can you pass this up. I mean, really. Choc fountain? Open bar? Wunderbar!

In addition to the revelry, Ignite! features the best and hippest stars (and stars on the rise) in the worlds of art, cinema and fab fashion. One of The Rose Review's Top Ten Events of the Year. Get your tix ASAP! More info and links below.

and

invite you to the 2nd annual

IGNITE!

this year's theme
"Monte Carlo Carnivale"
high class gambling on the French Riviera
Wednesday, August 17
7:00 - 8:00pm: VIP Pre-Reception
8:00pm - Midnight: Main Event

Henry Fonda Theater
6126 Hollywood Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90028

Light your summer on fire with Ignite!

Ignite! is a multimedia extravaganza featuring the coolest new talents in art, film, performance art and fashion in a wide array of visual art exhibits including photography, multi-media short films, installation art, as well as a non-traditional fashion installation. "Ignite" emphasizes Gen Art's continued commitment to the growth of independent and spirited West Coast talent.

To view the slate of short films and video installations Click Here

SEE: Art exhibition installation curated by project:including work by David Flores, Blaine Fontana, Mattia Biagi, Valerj Pobega, Nino Mier, Natalia Fabia, Luke Chueh, Joe Ledbetter, Thomas Han, and Plasticgod
Fashion installation featuring Claire La Faye
HEAR: Dame Morganne, DJ Peter Koloff, & DJ Nobody
TASTE: Chocolate fountain and 4 hour open bar courtesy of Bass, Becks, Beck's Premier Light, Boru Vodka, Stella and Red Diamond Wines
INTERACT: Drive-In Movieoke Lounge courtesty of Acura
INHALE: Smoking lounge on the roof
PLAY: Poker on the French Riviera

production by
The jLINE Group, Inc.

Set Design by
Greco Decor

To see photos from LA Ignite! 2004, Click Here.

Media Partner:

Beverage Partners:

Additional Support:

TICKETS:

VIP Tickets:
(provides access to pre-reception & vip room w/ bottle service)
Associate Producers: 2 complimentary VIP tickets
Other Members: $65/person
Non-Members: $75/person

Regular Tickets:
Platinum Members: 2 complimentary regular tickets
Silver Members: $20/person
Non-Members: $25/person
@ Door: $30 for everyone

Media Contact:
B|W|R Public Relations
Liz Jaeger/ljaeger@bwr-la.com/310-550-7776

* this is a 21 and older event *

Click Here to Purchase Tickets Now!

Become a Gen Art Member!

AUG 12: "HOLLYWOOD NOW" PARTY! PROPS TO 20TH CENTURY PROPS!

2005-08-12T21:00:00.000-07:00

Location:	20th Century Props 11651 Hart Street,North Hollywood,CA View Map
When:	Friday, August 12, 9:00pm - Saturday, August 13, 1:00am
Phone:	818.759.1190 ; call to rsvp or for more info.

THE INTERNATIONAL SPECIAL EVENTS SOCIETY AND 20TH CENTURY PROPS PRESENT: HOLLYWOOD NOW! SEE THE LARGEST PROP HOUSE IN HOLLYWOOD COME TO LIFE ALL IN ONE NIGHT ECLECTIC BITES BY GOURMET CELEBRATIONS, TASTY SIPS FROM BACARDI AND EXTREME ENTERTAINMENT!! TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED FROM THE HOLLYWOOD RENAIISANCE $40 GRANTS YOU "ALL ACCESS". Call for more info!

EVENT REVIEW: REEBOK AND ESPN CELEBRATE THE EVOLUTION OF THE PUMP!

2005-08-11T23:53:00.000-07:00

by Don Rose

(Los Angeles - August 11, 2005) You know The Pump... no, not the Austin Powers kind, baby -- I mean the REEBOK innovation that was all the rage when it first came out, allowing sneaker wearers to use air to customize their footwear fit. Well, now the pump has evolved! Tonight, August 11, ESPN The magazine and Reebok/RBK celebrated the evolution of The Pump. Entertainment and sports stars packed this private shindig -- and thanks to the great folks at Innermix (see note below), there also was yours truly, your intrepid TRR entertainment retorter, getting to partake and watch and mingle and gather the scoopage for you my favorite readers (yeah, I mean you).

Penny Marshall and Andy Dick were among the celebs hanging out with hundreds of cool peeps for four hours of fun; the packed partygoers enjoyed great DJ tunes, which had the house of RBK on Robertson rockin'... HER energy drink was flowing... the always refreshing FIJI water was also in abundance... and the generous folks at Reebok even gave selected VIPs free sneakers, which looked awesome (and this new pump technology is primo -- part of the progress here is that there's now SELF PUMPING, ladies and gentleman, yes, you read right -- just a few steps and the shoes self inflate to conform to your foot! Amazing stuff.) A Reebok rep showed me the pump thingie in the heel area, allowing your walking to pump you up (forgive me, Governator). There is even a new model that lets you dial your desired PSI (that's pressure lingo, pounds per square inch; yes, my year of college physics IS paying off). I have to commend Reebok; it is not easy to make new innovations and true trends in the shoe world, but their Pump really did cause a revolution, and now the evolution of this revolution is as close as your neighborhood Reebok or RBK store (the LA RBK is on Robertson Blvd just south of Beverly Blvd). Get more info at reebok.com and rbk.com .

Reebok Pump 2.0 Shoe Mens , Item no: 1850403, $99.99***

Overall, this was one excellent party. Big kudos to Innermix Publicity for making this boffo bash such a success. It's been quite a summer for Innermix, as they have been throwing some of the coolest events in LA -- including an awesome art event on Canon Drive in Beverly Hills, and the recent launch party for Flaunt.com at the Cabana Club with Pam Anderson, Bill Maher and Kevin Costner in attendance among hundreds of other revelers. Tonight's party was another Innermix homerun.

/////////////////////////////////////

Now, Reebok peeps, pssst, come closer......
....how about this marketing idea to help sell these amazing new shoes:
run ads featuring the SNEAKER PIMPS, plugging and promoting your SNEAKER PUMPS.
Pretty cool, huh? Or maybe you hear this one ten times a day...

Let me know what you think, dear readers.
In the meantime, check out more info on the new Pump collection... get your kicks!

***The Reebok® Pump 2.0 men's shoe automatically inflates to a maximum of 5 psi providing you with a customized fit. An inflation component located under the sockliner in the rear of the shoe, reacts to your stride to inflate the upper. Simply press the release valve to release all of the air in the chamber.

AUG 10: HOT MOMS CLUB PARTY! MOMMA MIA!

2005-08-10T21:00:00.000-07:00

AUG 10: KICKOFF PARTY, SCIFI FILM FEST, CINESPACE

2005-08-10T18:00:00.000-07:00

ATTENTION: Entertainment Industry Professionals, Pro & Student Filmmakers, Screenwriters, Special Effects & Visual Effects Artists, Video Game Professionals, Entertainment Industry Journalists, Post Production Professionals, Comic Book Writers & Artists and, of course, Film Enthusiasts!

If you are in LA on Aug 10, have we got an event for you!

Movie Nation Festivals

presents

The Launch Party & Preview

for

The 2005 Festival of Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror and the Supernatural

cold booze and hot chicks!
silent auction to help raise money for festival operations.
networking and schmoozing!
music!
And there will be an opportunity to get involved with an event (our festival) that is unlike any other festival. If you’re a filmmaker, there will also be an opportunity to have your project seen and possibly even appreciated.

WHAT MORE COULD ANYONE ASK?

Let’s Recap:

Who? Movie Nation Festivals, that’s who.
What? The Launch Party & Preview for The 2005 Festival of Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror and the Supernatural
When? Wednesday, August 10, 2005 from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM
Where? CineSpace in Hollywood
6356 Hollywood Boulevard, 2nd Floor
Hollywood, CA 90028
or visit: www.cine-space.com <http://www.cine-space.com> for directions.
(CineSpace is located between Vine and Cahuenga, on the 2nd floor, there is no sign but there is a doorman)

Why? Because this is a worthwhile event that needs your support and because it’s fun!
How? As in, “how much?” Special Info List discount! Only $5.00 per person at the door (normally $10) - NOTE:
You MUST present a printout of Either this e-mail OR your e-mailed Confirmation at the door to receive the discount.

You MUST RSVP to the following e-mail address to be on the list at the door
(Do NOT just hit Reply, or you won’t be on the list!):
info@MovieNationFestivals.com <mailto:info@MovieNationFestivals.com>

Make sure you copy & paste the following in the subject of your RSVP e-mail:
RSVP for MNF Launch Party & Preview (Info List Discount)

For more information, you may contact Movie Nation Festivals at
Www.MovieNationFestivals.com
(323) 939-9833

EVENT REVIEW: ISES LA's Joint Allied Mixer, Universal Backlot

2005-08-09T18:00:00.000-07:00

by Don Rose

What a perfect summer night for JAM 2005, and the NBC Universal location was a nice touch as well. The 6th Annual ISES-LA JAM event - Joint Allied Mixer - took place on the backlot location known as "Spartacus Square" (seen in Spartacus, Scorpion King, and many more films of epic proportions)! And epic portions was what partygoers got August 9th as over 500 event professionals and providers from all industry associations in Southern California ate, drank, and were very merry indeed. And this year, a bonus boosted the attendance: the national/international attendees of EVENTWORLD 2005 were also invited.

A wide range of exhibitors made the JAM mixer exciting and fun, including designers, florists, event production companies, caterers, entertainment companies, venues, lighting and special effects companies and suppliers in Southern California for one night only - it's all jammed into JAM's three hours (my only complaint is I wish it were four or more!).

A quick highlight-summary of what was at this year's JAM:
- rows and rows of cutting-edge special events exhibitors, in the open air square
- Networking among 500+ attendees
- DJ tunes and live entertainment; a Spotlight Entertainment Showcase
- Innovative Decor Displays
- Taste of Talent Caterer Showcase.

As for my experience: I thought this year's event was fun as always, with friendly knowledgable people, and some very cool exhibits, including one specializing in Halloween costumes and decorations -- their lifesize robotic butler seems very real indeed, moving its head and eyes and looking a heckuva lot like Uncle Fester from the Addams Family (I mean the ORIGINAL one, on TV, Jackie Coogan may have been the inspiration for this robobutler).... and then there were the two booths where guests got to take wild looking hats and add stuff to them to make 'em even MORE wild, I actually picked up an animal-print Stetson-type number that was so perfect as-is i decided NOT to add to it... and then there were the food stations... STARLITE CATERERS offered up excellent chinese chicken salad (FYI they specialize in Kosher cuisine), another booth had an amazing lobster bisque, GLOBAL CUISINE by Gary Arabia had stellar crabcakes, and Universal had excellent chocolate chip cookies and wonderful spinach dip. Then there was the booth with amazing smoothies, yes I love smoothies, one of my weaknesses... AirDD showed folks their Air Dimensional Design (you may have seen their giant air-inflated sculptures/structures at various events around LA), and of course the ever popular 20th Century Props was there, who not only exhibited at JAM but threw a jam-packed DJ-driven post-party a few days later at their huge facility on Hart Street in NoHo (North Hollywood for you out-of-towners -- ask to take the tour if you have time, well worth it).

All in all, if you are an event planner, or work in any related event/hospitality field, I recommend the annual JAM event strongly for next summer. (ISES made a special thank you to their JAM showcase companies: NBC Universal, Abbey Event Services, Cort Event Furnishings and Scott Topper Productions.) JAM is a production of ISES, the International Special Events Society, who always throw excellent events; with a name like theirs, they should know how! Please visit www.ises-la.com for more info on ISES, and their future event opportunities.

JUL 22 - AUG 7: IPO RETURNS TO LA! POP/ROCK FESTIVAL

2005-07-22T09:52:00.000-07:00

The 8th Annual International Pop Overthrow in
Los Angeles will be held from July 22-August 7! IPO Los Angeles will
feature more than 170 of the best pop and rock bands from all over the
world! We will be using eight different venues; 23 shows in all!

You can check out the schedule at
http://www.internationalpopoverthrow.com/la05.htm

It's going to be quite the pop extravaganza, so don't miss it!

JUL 21: L.A.'s LARGEST MIXER RETURNS! NOW AT PDC!

2005-07-21T17:30:00.000-07:00

One of The Rose Review's Top Ten Events of the Year is almost here!
L.A.’s Largest Mixer VII, Thursday, July 21, 2005. Don't miss it!

This year's mixerpalooza runs 5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. The NEW LOCATION is the wonderful Pacific Design Center, 8687 Melrose Avenue at San Vicente, West Hollywood, CA 90069.

Join 32 Los Angeles area chambers and business organizations for the ultimate business networking event! Mix and mingle with business people representing hundreds of industries, companies and corporations in and around Southern California. L.A.’s Largest Mixer VII is a great opportunity to reach small to large companies, meet new clients and learn how the different chambers of commerce and business organizations can make your business grow.

And the icing on the cake: it's a ton of fun!

Mixer admission is $20 per person (Discounted parking $4. Enter off of San Vicente Blvd.). Info: 323-860-9999 or www.lamixer.com .

JUL 14: VIP KICKOFF FOR NEW EXHIBIT BY MASTER ARTIST KALMAN ARON

2005-07-14T17:00:00.000-07:00

L.A. art lovers, take note: this week, the essential must-see opening is for artist KALMAN ARON. Read on for details...

"From European Palaces to Seven Nazi Concentration Camps...from the salons, galleries and museums of Paris, London, Vienna, New York and Rome, to the Golden Age of Hollywood in the 40's....to the wealth and splendor of Belair and Beverly Hills--Master Artist Kalman Aron has survived seven decades as a painter and 80 + years celebrating a treasured life. In a rare opportunity, the master opens his studio to the public with a new retrospective...."
---- Thomas Murphy, Art Auctioneer-The Corporate Art Network.

Master Artist Kalman Aron, the father of "psychological realism" in Europe in the 1940's, is providing the growing Los Angeles Art community with a rare treat with a VIP Retrospective for the first time in a decade on July 14th at his studios. Kalman, a tall and spry Octogenarian, is the famed portrait artist of such sitting icons as (the White House portrait of) Ronald Reagan, writer Henry Miller, composer Andre Previn, the King of Latvia, the Sassoons, and the gentry of Paris, London, Vienna, Venice, Rome, New York and Los Angeles -- the same cities that have his paintings gracing their museums and private collections. His landscapes are also found in collections around the world.

Mr. Aron survived 7 Nazi concentration camps over 4 years as a teen by drawing the camp guards for their wives and girlfriends. (Many have stated the philosophy that Art Is Life; in this case, it was literally true.) Recently, Steven Spielberg's mother accepted an invitation to view Kalman's art renderings from his rare Holocaust works.

Invitations for July 14th are being sent by 1st Class Mail. Please contact Edward Lozzi & Associates for VIP and media inquiries, at 310-922-1200.

Kalman Aron Studio Retrospective Opening Night, By Invitation Only, Thursday July 14th, 2005, 5 PM to 9 PM. Location: The Kalman Aron Studio, 1550 S. Beverly Drive (near Pico Blvd. ) Los Angeles 90035. Contact: Edward Lozzi, 310-922-1200. Note: while the VIP Reception on Thursday 7/14 is by invitation only, there is plenty of time for all to see the show, as it runs to November 15th.

JUL 1: CANADA D'EH FUN-RAISER AT TROUBADOUR

2005-07-01T20:00:00.000-07:00

JUN 27-28: DVD MAGIC 8 CONFERENCE, CENTURY CITY, L.A.

2005-06-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

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

The Fourth Annual Home Entertainment Summit is open to the trade only. Advance registrations are $495 for members of DEG: The Digital Entertainment Group and $545 for nonmembers. Readers of The Hollywood Reporter also are entitled to the $495 discounted registration fee.

JUN 25: GOURMET ON FIRE, Food/Wine Event, Presented by Viceroy SM & Gourmet Magazine

2005-06-25T13:00:00.000-07:00

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.

JUN 21: "SIP INTO SUMMER" WINETASTING BENEFIT, GARDEN OF EDEN, HOLLYWOOD

2005-06-21T18:30:00.000-07:00

Sip into Summer... Wine Tasting Benefit for The Performing Arts Studio West

Emcee of the evening... Pat Prescott
Radio personality of 94.7 - The Wave

Date and time: Tuesday, June 21, 2005

6:30pm to 10:30pm at The Garden of Eden in Hollywood.

Wine vendors: Classic Wines of California will be providing the wine for the tasting from the following wineries...Forest Glen Winery, Mont-Pellier Vineyards, Quail Ridge Cellars, Silver Ridge Vineyards, Laurier Vineyards, Rutherford Vineyards, Rabbit Ridge Winery, Rancho Sisquoc Winery, Codorniu Spanish Group, and Terramia Winery

Food: Appetizers will be served throughout the evening and provided by restaurants such as, Taste of The Goddess Cafe, Hamburger Hamlet, Just too Sweet Bakery, Breadworks, and Swiss Dairy Company.

Auction: We will be auctioning off items such as: wine glasses autographed by Academy Award winners, Clint Eastwood and Jon Voight (see below); and one of a kind wine glasses hand painted by celebrities such as Charlize Theron, Virginia Madsen of Sideways, Linda Hamilton of The Terminator, Burt Young currently on The Contender, Patrika Darbo of Days of Our Lives, Jason Alexander and many more! (See some glasses pictured below). We will also be auctioning off a $1500 scholarship to New York Film Academy and the use of The Wilshire Screening Room.

Raffle items: Raffle items will be provided by Mobile Masseur, New York Film Academy, Wine Spectator School, Le Dome, TAVLifestyle, Peace of Mind Skincare, Hollywood Physical Therapy, Opening Night Gifts, Marco Pelusi Hair Studio, and many more!

Raffle ticket prices: One ticket for $5. Three tickets for $10. Seven tickets for $20.

Music: A jazz ensemble will be performing.

Non-profit affiliation: The Performing Arts Studio West is affiliated with the non-profit organization PHFE and all donations are tax deductible.

This event was planned by Creative Actors Alliance volunteers.
For donation information call: PASW at (310)674-1346 x203.

You must call by NOON on TUESDAY June 21st to get the advance donation rate ($40), otherwise it is $50 at the door.

For more info or to let the organizers know you will be coming, please email: RSVP@creativeactors.com

Several celeb-painted wine glasses will be auctioned at this benefit and the highest bidder will also receive a signed autographed picture, a letter of authenticity, and it will be packaged in a unique decorative box. Some of the celebrity artists whose creations will be auctioned off at the Performing Arts Studio West benefit include:

Virginia Madsen, of "Sideways"; Academy Award winners Clint Eastwood and Jon Voight; First Lady of California, Maria Shriver; Academy Award winner, Charlize Theron; actress Dee Wallace; actor Burt Young, currently on "The Contender"; Shondrella Avery, of "Napoleon Dynamite" and "Cuts"; Alison Arngrim, actress/comedienne famous for playing "Nellie" on "Little House On The Prairie"; Stephen Root, who can be heard weekly on "King of the Hill"; Ken Howard, of "Crossing Jordan"; artist Jodi Bonassi; actress Wanda Sykes; Robert David Hall, of "CSI"; Bryan Cranston, star of "Malcolm in the Middle"; Edward James Olmos, of "Battlestar Galactica"; film producers Bobby and Peter Farrelly (The Farrelly Brothers); Dolly Parton; Shelley Morrison; actress Patrika Darbo, of "Days Of Our Lives"; actor Jason Alexander; Andy Dick, star of "Less Than Perfect"; Debra Wilson, of "Mad TV"; and Steve Valentine, of "Crossing Jordan".

Performing Arts Studio West Program Description

Performing Arts Studio West (PASW) is a privately operated, state funded facility that opened in 1998 specifically to provide acting, voice, music, dance, technical training and employment opportunities to adults with developmental disabilities who want to work professionally in the field of entertainment. The studio offers an environment where its participants can enhance self-esteem, social skills, and vocational skills through their involvement in a performing arts curriculum, professionally staged theatrical productions and a vocational training component. All classes are taught by working professionals from the entertainment industry.

PASW actively advocates to the entertainment industry regarding the viability of hiring performers with disabilities. We have crafted a truly imaginative and inspirational setting for learning, personal growth, creativity, job training and employment opportunities. Performing Arts Studio West has brought to life the reality of actors, singers, musicians and technical personnel, with and without disabilities, combining their talents to create quality, original entertainment.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, visit the official event website: http://www.sipintosummer.com

EVENT REVIEW: HURRELL/LANGDON PHOTO EXHIBIT KICKOFF, MAPLE DRIVE, BEVERLY HILLS

2005-06-20T23:04:00.000-07:00

by Don Rose

(JUNE 20 - Beverly Hills, CA) One of L.A.'s most popular eateries, Maple Drive, provided the setting for tonight's kickoff event for a new photography exhibit honoring legendary celebrity/glamour lensman, George Hurrell. Also-famous celeb photog Harry Langdon served as host for the reception, which raised money for The Garr Foundation. Guests enjoyed fine wine, cool jazz, and hot food prepared by the always-excellent Maple Drive chefs (highlights included chicken/beef skewers, veggie spring rolls, delectable pizzas and salmon swirls). Attendees were able to peruse and buy Hurrell prints and cards, and view many classic Langdon photos of stars such as Janet Jackson, Toni Braxton, Sugar Ray Leonard, Halle Berry, Cedric the Entertainer and Gabrielle Union (stars of The Honeymooners remake), and more.

Most interesting to compare the genius of Hurrell to that of Langdon. Langdon's large prints pop with vibrant color and his star subjects look the observer right in the eye, whereas Hurrell's black-and-white classics often show Hollywood actors of yesteryear looking away from the viewer (example: his Johnny Weismuller), always framed within an enchanting shadowy composition that led to his well-deserved reputation as the Master of Light and Dark.

To see the photo exhibit, and experience a wonderful meal while you're there, visit Maple Drive Restaurant at 345 North Maple Drive, Beverly Hills, California 90210. For more information on their establishment, visit http://www.mapledriverestaurant.com. Reservations: 310.274.9800; Office: 310.274.5927; E-mail: info@mapledriverestaurant.com .

JUN 14: STAR POWER® 2005 - ANNUAL ENTERTAINMENT MARKETING CONFAB RETURNS TO UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

2005-06-14T14:52:00.000-07:00

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

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

EVENT REVIEW: Jun 12: 17th Annual Vintage Bouquet Charity Wine Auction

2005-06-12T23:14:00.000-07:00

by Don Rose

(June 12, 2005 - Beverly Hills, CA) Sunny afternoon, smart friendly attendees, excellent wine, delicious food, fine silent and live auctions, and a marvelous door prize -- all this added up to yet another wonderful Vintage Bouquet Charity Wine Auction, presented every summer by the Barristers of the Beverly Hills Bar Association to fund law-related education and community service projects.

The three hour event took place once again at the historic Greystone Mansion, in the hills of Beverly Hills. Premium wines were poured to match the delectable offerings from top L.A. restaurants.

Some edible highlights: Crustacean's lightly fried crab treats and veggie spring rolls, yum... delicious ravioli from LAX's Encounter Restaurant... pleasing Polenta with Mushrooms from Piccolo Paradiso... Chipotle's mexican food, a hit as always... and Rosti's amazing eggplant and cheese creation. Participating wineries included Niebaum-Coppola, Blackstone Winery, Carina Cellars, Quady Winery, and many more. Non-alcoholic drinks included Fiji Water and the refreshing/healthy trio of Carpe Diem carbonated drinks (in flavors Kefir, Gingko and Kombucha). Musical entertainment was of the jazz variety; silent auctions of rare wines and unique wine packages plus travel packages and dining certificates rounded out the afternoon. Guests were even able to take home some of La Brea Bakery's excellent bread (sourdough or French baguette).

Note: although the BH Bar Association benefits from the event, lawyers and non-lawyers alike attend every year, so don't assume you must be proficient in legalese to attend! Make sure to include the Vintage Bouquet event on your social calendar for next year. You are guaranteed a great time.

--------------
Don Rose
Entertainment Reporter
Writer, The Rose Review

www.therosereview.com
ddrose@aol.com

JUN 8: Silverlake Conservatory of Music “Hullabaloo” Benefit

2005-06-08T19:00:00.000-07:00

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.

JUNE 5: TASTE OF THE NATION, EVENT UPDATE

2005-06-05T12:00:00.000-07:00

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.

Home
About Taste of the Nation
Our Chefs
Our Sponsors
Our Grant Recipients
Taste of the Nation Los Angeles Home

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

JUNE 5: TASTE OF THE NATION, L.A. BENEFIT

2005-06-05T11:59:00.000-07:00

*** 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.

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

EVENT REVIEW: PCI's LUXURY SERVICES CONVENTION

2005-05-23T23:36:00.000-07:00

by Don Rose

PCI, Private Chefs Inc., presented their annual LUXURY SERVICES CONVENTION on Monday, May 23rd at the Santa Monica Civic Center. This international event, always awaited with much anticipation by the luxury services industry, did not disappoint. The food samplings, displays and conversation were excellent, and the buzz was electric during the three-hour event. The running joke is that, on the day of the Convention, there is no entertaining in any celebrity homes in L.A., since many house managers, personal assistants, butlers, personal chefs and flight attendants of the rich and famous are in attendance at this exclusive event. Also in attendance were members of the media, and various special guests.

The International Luxury Services Convention highlights exclusive goods and services for private estates, yachts and jets -- purveyors of top-of-the-line products and services who meet the highest standards. Highlights included wine and food tastings by the Beverly Hills Cheese Store, Dom Perignon, Evian, and Melissa's (makers of healthy foods and dressings -- try their Sugar Cane sticks, which you can fashion into food skewers -- and their Quinoa superfood product, which is quite tasty AND healthy).

Then there was my personal favorite, the MELROSE BAKING COMPANY, who served up a wonderfully wild assortment of delectable bread products (with pesto or butter as an optional topping). MBC's pretzel bread seemed to be a crowd pleaser (certainly this reporter was very pleased, it's delicious!), and they generously gave every attendee a takeaway bag of gourmet bread to enjoy after the event.

Visit the Melrose Baking Company folks in Hollywood, at their Vienna Cafe; they offer catering and take-out, and free local delivery with a $15 min order; location is 7356 Melrose Avenue. Contact them at 323-651-3822 or visit http://www.viennacafe.com .

The festivities also included an annual awards ceremony in the following categories:

PRIVATE CHEF OF THE YEAR
BUTLER OF THE YEAR
CELEBRITY PERSONAL ASSISTANT OF THE YEAR
PRIVATE & CORPORATE JET FLIGHT ATTENDANT OF THE YEAR.

From left to right: Chris Parkes Butler of the year, Janice Pallett Flight Attendant of the Year, Janice Smith Celebrity personal assistant of the year, Alexander Kinzler Private Chef of the year, Paul Hogan (Butler from Joe Millionaire TV Show), Christian Paier (owner of PCI & organizer of the event)

Members of many fine organizations attended this year's International Luxury Services Convention, including professional butlers, personal assistants, concierges, chefs, house managers, personal assistants, cooks, private chefs, members of the aviation and private jet industries, and local media. Kudos to PCI's Christian Paier for organizing a most excellent event.

MAY 19: GEN ART BENEFIT: Ascension - A Celebration of Dance, Music, Fashion, Art, & Culture

2005-05-19T20:00:00.000-07:00

Thursday, May 19, 2005
8PM

Event Description:

Red Bull

invites

Gen Art Platinum & Associate Producer Members & a Guest to

ASCENSION

– a celebration of Dance, Music, Fashion & Art culture -

to benefit

Gen Art

Thursday, May 19th

VIP Pre-reception

8:00 - 9:30pm

Main Party:

9:30pm – 4:00am

Vanguard

6021 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA

After five successful years in San Francisco, this unbelievable evening of music, fashion, dance and performance art is coming to Los Angeles. And all proceeds from this crazy evening, which is supported by Red Bull, will go to benefit Gen Art.

Ascension is a homage to the diversity and creative power of an emerging culture combing technology, music, fashion, performance art, visuals, 2-D & 3-D art, and hybrids of all these forms of artistic expression. Encompassing a wide range of talent from a global network of eclectic sub-cultural artists, Ascension is activating a continual evolution of dance and art culture.

Platinum & Higher Level Members are invited to the invite-only pre-reception as well as the main event which starts immediately afterwards.

For all of the detail information on all of the cool things happening at this year's event: visit www.redbullascension.com/asc05/

To see photos from last year's San Francisco event, visit

www.redbullascension.com/asc04/

Tickets:

* Gen Art Platinum & Associate Producer Members: Receive 2 VIP Comps

For more info and to get tickets, click here

Venue Name: Vanguard
Address: 6024 Hollywood Blvd (@ Bronson Ave)

Event Review: E3 2005, DAY ONE: BABBAGE 'n BABEAGE

2005-05-18T23:31:00.000-07:00

CONNECTED, COOL-CLAD, CONVERGENCE CENTRAL

by Don Rose

(May 18, 2005: LOS ANGELES, CA) Everyone converges on LA during E3 WEEK to see the latest convergence-touting devices at the LA Convention Center. And this, being First Day '05, brought together the usual amazing assortment of elements, all in a magic melting pot on a sweltering hot day.

A sampling of what I E3xperienced: ...beautiful bodacious Booth Babes... Atari Flashback 2.0, which will make your thumbs twitch with nostalgia... out-of-booth babes... babe friends of booth babes... massively parallel lines waiting for press badges (as one guy wears, I kid you not, an actual Propeller on his Head)... AOL GAMES guys brilliantly positioned all along these massive press-wait-lines, wearing backpackgear-rig-things with TVs on top, promoting the big push AOL has been making into the game domain (anyone, not just AOLers, can play tons of games online thanks to the online service, which also covers the huge boffo-billiondollar business like nobody's business)... Mountain Dew giving anyone free ICE COLD drinks (sweet! --but not overly Snapple sweet) to trumpet the arrival of XBOX 360, the newest games machine from Microsoft (which is trumping the other two giants, Sony and Nintendo, by promising their machine by this holiday season)... and, note to self: self, how come no Trump? isn't The Donald somehow involved with everything?... more babes, this time giving samples of BRUT AfterShave and posing for pix next to a hotrod -- I think someone from Webster's was there to put this photo in the dictionary beside the word "male"... Steven SPIELBERG (yes, astute reader, "spiel" DOES mean "GAME" in German) hanging out casual-like as a caravan of cameras silently popped (the digital E3 kind, no paparazzi), Steven wearing his cool black W.O.W. cap (does he ever NOT don a chapeau?) in front of his WAR OF THE WORLDS movie's "house" (you can take a mini tour inside, if you are brave enough to enter and can brave the lines) -- which is next to, wow, a W.O.W.game promotion vehicle (literally, as in a truck where you can enter an online contest at UGO.com).... hey look, even MORE babes, is there some babe-making machine in the back or something?... then there was the guy wearing a "I AM A BOOTH BABE" shirt -- great, the one day I forget to wear my "I APPRECIATE IRONY" shirt... and oversized DEVELOP magazine was there for the taking, the best mag-swag -- an issue with half-digitized Marilyn on cover and other goodies wrapped with it in plastic, a swell addition to other freely offered pubs like PC Magazine and WIRED (with half George Lucas half Darth Vader on cover). No TIME magazine given away, which currently features half XBOX half Bill Gates on cover -- coincidence? Or is it all connected?

Okay, it is now PM and early power outage finally mostly solved... old friends pop up everywhere, I feel so CONNECTED -- this is almost like an annual reunion.... upstairs now, and guess what? some adorable friendly babes with cute exposed midriffs and some shaggy thing over their calves in the PELICAN booth upstairs and -- what's that? what do they make? oh, yeah, um, awesome HEADPHONES and ear buds that feature enhanced bass, I mean REALLY good bass on those headphones, sounding crisp not muddy, and bud, they're not that much more expensive than iPod replacement buds.

Show floor finally closes... off to INTO THE PIXEL, a fine video-game-art exhibit, sponsored by LACMA's GAC (Graphic Arts Council), with, surprise, a gaggle of ga-ga gorgeous gals swiping badges for Spike TV... and at the SAITEK wine reception, a friendly press liaison touts their ultracool products, which include a thin portable scanner strip device (e.g., feed in photos, it pulls 'em through to complete the scan), a handheld POKER playing game machine (for beginners like me OR pokerface pokerheads), and a snazzy looking PC-gaming-targeted backlit keyboard... then across the street to the excellent INTEL/ZIFFDAVIS party poolside at the Hotel Fig, with gaming contests raging as we mere mortals munch on mega mountains of food and some dude with elfin ears kicks a beachball outside and, hey, those ears somehow remind me that there is no more new Star Trek on TV, no speck of Spock or Spock-like quality Trek programming being produced anymore, is it because everyone now prefers SF in other more compelling media like games, or were recent plots simply not that compelling? Back to reality, and now there is the festive finale, the massive INSIDE E3 party at the Avalon club, with even more gaming going down everywhere in the place, being taped or broadcast, with, yes, more babes, and a VIP room upstairs in the Spider Club with giftbags that included games and CDs and more.

This, my friends, is but a small sample of how E3 converges so many diverse elements, with a clear common thread connecting it all: babeage.

EPILOGUE: "EPISODE 3" --- driving home, as I noticed legions of Star Wars diehards waiting in line to be the first to see the newest epic installment at 12:01am Thursday, I ponder the puzzle of why so many WarsHeads were wrongly camped out at the MANN CHINESE for weeks (finally learning at abillionthingsbabesdontcareabout.com that movie locations are the Achilles Heel of the Force)... which reminded me how "STAR WARS EPISODE 3, the Game" was the biggest baddest promo display in between halls at E3, loud and large and mesmerizing, which gave me that old familiar joy-chill down the spine during the climax of the short presentation, as the massively parallel combination of sights and sounds and blasts and magic John Williams score combined into a nostalgic euphoric ecstatic delight - and then, alas, it ended - all too soon - and, whoooosh, some babes blew by - and, suddenly, for the first time in my life, I almost had the virtual urge to smoke a cigarette.

Thank God Charles Babbage didn't have access to all this Babeage way back when, or he may have been too distracted to invent the precursor to the modern mechanical computer, which became the digital computer, which shrunk to the computer chip, which galvanized our gallant go-go industry and empowers the gazillion glorious gigabyte gadgets that bring the Gidgets to fidget in the booths. Yep... it's all connected.

MAY 14: GEORGE BARRIS CLASSIC CUSTOM CAR AUCTION

2005-05-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

preview and commentary by Don Rose

Funny how some people impact your life in profound ways, and you don't even realize it till later in life. King of the car customizers George Barris is one such person, one of these great people I call the "Memory Men" -- he helped shape my formative mental memory banks, yet only recently did I learn how deep his impact was! Turns out this artistic automotive genius gave birth to the classic custom cars I/we/you know and love, from the Munsters coach (yes, I admit, I loved that wacky show, and my former rock band played the Munsters theme, don't get me started).... to the red rebel rocket General Lee on Dukes of Hazzard .... to the black beauty Batmobile from Batman (camp classic of the century -- the show, that is, not Barris's creation, which is way more cool than camp, and still is!)... and another classic also born in 1966, the Monkee-mobile. Skip ahead two decades and there is George again, making moviegoers like moi marvel at his tricked-out time travel DeLorean in Back to the Future! One cannot imagine any of these classics of entertainment without the Barris touch in them; he truly is "da Vinci of VaVoom" (or, if you prefer, "da Vinci of da Vehicle").

And so it is with a mixture of excitement and sadness that I announce the L.A. auction on May 14 of some of George's innovative internal-combustion inventions. Excited for George that he is getting a lot of well-deserved mega-attention (witness the cool tribute on USA TODAY's website, at http://www.usatoday.com/life/graphics/georgebarris/flash.htm ).... but sad that his gems are not all going to some Barris Museum of Wonder Wheels where legions of fans future and present can check out his creations forevermore. But then again, as long as those crazy cool cars remain etched in my memory, our collective memory, I guess they will last forever... safe and sound, and legend bound.

For more on George, check out www.barris.com .

MAY 13-15: MAC GATHERING - Great Show for Mac and PC People Alike

2005-05-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

The Regional Macintosh Gathering
Computer Expo for Southern California
Computer Expo & Seminars ~ May 14 -15, 2005
Pro Intensive Classes ~ May 13

• • • • • •

The Mac Gathering...
Southern California’s own full-fledged computer convention,
covering most things Mac and Apple — for all levels of Mac user.

But...
it's not just a Mac and iPod convention; 1⁄2 of the seminars are for Windows too. Small business owners, expand computer skills. No matter what size business, employees can gain time-saving skills.

Location:
Beverly Garland's Holiday Inn
(Ms Garland is a Mac user)
4222 Vineland Ave, N Hollywood, CA 91602
Immediately at the Vineland Exit of the 101
Phone: 1-800-Beverly (not for reservations)
Call Laura at 818-255-7491 for reservations

Dates:
Intensive Classes
Friday, May 13, 2005
Exhibits, Free Features & Seminars
Saturday, May 14, 2005 from 10-6
Sunday May 15, 2005 from 10-6

Register!

Advance-purchase pricing ends May 10. Register now
The ONLY WAY TO BE IN THE PRIZE DRAWING IS TO PRE-REGISTER!
See the prizes here.

What you can expect

Exhibits full of great solutions — Programmers, product managers & reps
Sit, discuss needs, see demos, get answers, learn from what others ask.
Windows versions of cross-platform products are encouraged so both Mac & Win uses can learn the realities of the cross-platform world and their platform options.
Sunday Keynote by the one-and-only comedian/actor Sinbad!
Quit being a power user and start using the power!
Feature presentations open to all attendees
• Virtual PC — learn about it from people at its very source
• The Mac In The Business Of... how folks use Macs in various business
• Podcasting discussions — hear from some of the best
• Marketing seminars
Birds-of-a-Feather discussions open to all attendees
Free help desk! --- top übergeek supports Mac and Windows 5 days a week, 9-5. He says he can handle it all.
2 days of low-cost courses — 32+ excellent seminars to choose from — just $65 (in advance)
Whether you are a Mac beginner, know the Mac well, or a business owner who hasn't even made a platform decision yet, these friendly, easy-to-follow courses can help. About half of the MacGathering seminars are cross-platform.
Tiger Extravaganza! An entertaining Saturday night full of Tiger.
Excellent door prizes — you must pre-register to be entered.

An excellent opportunity for networking!!!!

Special Offer for out-of-towners

Live too far to drive in for the day?
Get a free 2-day pass when you stay at the hotel for 1 night.
Rooms are just $105 + tax, under the code - MAC.

To take advantage of this offer:
Book the room by calling Laura 818-255-7491 and saying it's for the Mac Gathering (code MAC). If she is not in she will call back. Then send in your confirmation number and contact info. Bring proof of hotel payment to will-call at the show to receive your seminars pass. (This offer is limited, so act fast.)

Free Friday seminar!

Are you on a PC, wondering whether you can switch to a Mac but needing to run a couple of Windows-only apps?

Are you on a Mac, wanting to run that one great app that just isn't available for the Mac?

Or perhaps you're a web developer, needing to see how your pages look on both platforms? Even on other Intel-based operating systems.

If you're at all curious about Virtual PC, here's an excellent opportunity to learn whether Virtual PC will handle your Windows needs — learning from one of the main VPC programmers live and in person!

But there's more...
Virtual PC isn't the only thing you'll learn about in this 3-hour session. It's also your chance to learn about using Entourage to the fullest and learn how to use Entourage with an Exchange Server for business. Whether you're on the Mac end of this equation or you're the Exchange Administrator needing to understand the Mac end, this seminar may prove invaluable. The Word Product Manager will be on hand too.

To clarify, this seminar is 100% free — you don't need an Exhibits or Seminars pass to attend!
2pm - 5pm. Full details.

Want to exhibit or sponsor the Mac Gathering? If you'd like to attend as a vendor, email Deborah.

Sponsorships are also available. There is also a special long-distance sponsorship offer for those who want to participate but cannot make it to LA for this show.

If you have a question, please feel free to ask Deborah Shadovitz. She is running this great Gathering! Tell her The Rose Review sent you....

And finally.....
for you LEO LAPORTE LISTENERS! You can get a special discount here: http://www.macgathering.com/register/leo.html

MAY 12: BUBLEY OPENING at STEPHEN COHEN GALLERY

2005-05-12T19:00:00.000-07:00

ESTHER BUBLEY

May 12 – July 2, Stephen Cohen Gallery

Opening Reception To Be Held Thursday, May 12 From 7 – 9PM

WHAT: Stephen Cohen Gallery announces an exhibition of black and white images created by one of the true pioneers of photojournalism, Esther Bubley, which will take place May 12 – July 2. In looking at the breadth of her long career as a photojournalist, one cannot escape the fact that she worked very well with people — putting their humanity front and center — whether it was a soldier sleeping in a bus station waiting to return home or workers repairing the Brooklyn Bridge. Bubley, a protégé of legendary Roy Stryker, worked with him on his ongoing document of American life, a project which he started at the FSA, moved to the Office of War Information (OWI) and continued after the war under the auspices of the Standard Oil of New Jersey (SONJ). Notable among the SONJ stories are two Bubley projects, the 1945 portrayal of the oil town Tomball, Texas and the 1947 “Bus Story” which explored the role of long-distance bus travel in rapidly-changing American life. Images from these stories are included in this exhibition along with other significant work from from the 40s and early ‘50s.

WHEN: Opening Reception

Thursday, May 12

7 – 9PM

WHERE: Stephen Cohen Gallery

7358 Beverly Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA

INFO: For additional information on the exhibition, please call 323.937.5525 or visit www.stephencohengallery.com. Regular hours of operation following the opening reception are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and by appointment

______________________________________________________________________________

The Stephen Cohen Gallery was opened in 1992 and moved to its present location in 1995. Since its inception, the Gallery has exhibited vintage and contemporary photography and photo-based art from the United States, Europe and South America. As host gallery for photo l.a., artLA, photo san francisco and photo new york, the gallery has helped to expand the awareness of photography as an art form to be appreciated by experienced art collectors and enthusiasts.

# # #

MAY 1-4: MUSEXPO Music & Media Forum

2005-05-01T08:29:00.000-07:00

MUSEXPO: FIRST ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL MUSIC AND MEDIA FORUM SET FOR MAY 1-4 IN L.A.; TAKING SHAPE AS UNITED NATIONS OF GLOBAL MUSIC INDUSTRY

LARRY KING TO HOST KEYNOTE PANEL

A&R WORLDWIDE -- the influential global artist discovery/development firm based in Beverly Hills whose staff played a pivotal role in the early discovery, development and/or exposure of such artists as Dido, Missy Higgins, Keane and others outside of traditional channels -- has organized the first annual MUSEXPO international music and media forum May 1-4 in Los Angeles. The hotly tipped four-day event is taking shape as a United Nations of the music world for like-minded individuals who have a passion for and a critical stake in the discovery of new artists as well as developing platforms to create new international business opportunities.

MUSEXPO is drawing significant players from throughout the global industry, including Craig Kallman (COO/Co-Chairman Atlantic Records Group), David Massey (Executive VP A&R, Sony Music Label Group U.S.), Brian Becker (Chairman/CEO, Clear Channel Entertainment), Donald K. Donald (Chairman, DKDE Group, Canada), Dave Holmes (DC Music, Coldplay manager), Kenny MacPherson (President Chrysalis Music Group USA), Jeff Pollack (Chairman/CEO Pollack Media Group), Zane Lowe (Presenter BBC Radio 1/MTV Europe), Nic Harcourt (Head of Music, KCRW Los Angeles), Peter Asher (Sanctuary Artist Management), Alex Jones-Donnelly (Head of Music, BBC Radio 1, UK) and Peter Katsis (Sr. VP Music, The Firm). (*An expanded list of influential attendees follows below.)

Headquartered at the Wyndham Bel Age Hotel in West Hollywood, MUSEXPO is within walking distance to legendary Sunset Strip venues (Viper Room, The Roxy, Key Club), where showcases will be presented each night. The in-progress line up promises an eclectic mix of new talent at the Sunday through Wednesday event, which is dedicated to propelling music forward. The showcases will highlight 24 recently signed and unsigned bands from around the world, including the U.S., England, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and Sweden--all poised for global impact.

The four-day event will feature a special "keynote panel" hosted by CNN's Larry King, round-table networking sessions plus nightly showcases by up-and-coming artists. "We are honored that CNN's Larry King has agreed to support MUSEXPO," says A&R WORLDWIDE's Managing Director Jim McKeon. "He will host and interview a small distinguished group of international industry leaders. Instead of the normal one person, one keynote approach, we will kick off MUSEXPO on the morning of Monday, May 2 with this unique keynote panel of top internationally known music and media industry leaders." King--who has interviewed everyone from rock stars to royalty to captains of industry--will introduce and conduct this panel in much the same manner and format as his renowned "Larry King Live" program.

Encompassing a select number of high-level music and media professionals, MUSEXPO will address international music and media industry creative issues, while identifying artist development solutions and opportunities in the constantly evolving global music marketplace. United by a desire to build new relationships, discover artists and realize new business opportunities, the event will be attended by label presidents, A&R and publishing executives, managers, agents and programmers from some of the world's most influential radio stations, film/TV and interactive music supervisors, media bookers and promoters as well as artists and artist managers. Registration is being strictly controlled to maintain A&R WORLDWIDE's high standards, enhance the interpersonal experience and enable maximum productivity.

Some of the key industry topics will include: International Touring & the Growth of Festivals, Global Radio Programmers Summit, Traditional and Digital Music Distribution Issues, The Community of Indie Labels, Worldwide A&R/Talent Discovery View, Artists & their Representation, Music Supervision & Licensing--Film/TV/Videogames/Advertising, Music Publishing and World Territories Music.

The fiercely independent A&R WORLDWIDE is creating waves throughout the international music and media community with its fresh approach to finding and nurturing talent ripe for the global marketplace. The firm, launched January '04 by partners Sat Bisla, Jim McKeon and Steve Smith, produces two newsletters per week that are subscribed to by nearly 8,000 professionals around the world, to share information about breaking and soon to break artists from all territories globally. A&R WORLDWIDE also produces their own syndicated radio program, "Passport Approved," to deliver a united international front to showcase the best new emerging and breakthrough artists from around the globe. The two-hour weekly show--hosted by Bisla and Mike Savage--provides a crème de la crème cross-section of imports, B-sides and rarities to music enthusiasts and listeners.

The concept for MUSEXPO is based on a series of successful dinners (which began four years ago) in New York, Berlin, London and Los Angeles with creatively minded professionals. According to A&R WORLDWIDE co-founder Sat Bisla, "These exclusive dinners were organized with the purpose of bringing together friends from the radio, A&R, publishing and artist management communities to engage in creative dialogue and establish fresh business relationships." He explains: "The mission of these networking dinners and MUSEXPO is to encourage forward-thinking executives from the international music and media communities to connect with other similar creative professionals. All with the purpose to discover new music and develop un-conventional ways of doing business in a rapidly changing market."

Based in The Wyndham Bel Age Hotel, MUSEXPO represents an opportunity for Los Angeles to host a major music industry event. McKeon says "Our goal is to create a new 'red-letter date' on the global music business calendar...an annual event that would ultimately bring thousands of music and media creative talents and executives from around the world to Los Angeles each spring."

One expected attendee, Alex Jones-Donnelly (Head of Music & Live Music, BBC Radio 1 U.K.) said, "I'm coming to MUSEXPO because it represents a major presence for up-and-coming repertoire that will impact the global market. MUSEXPO has its pulse on breaking music and international radio trends and movements. A&R Worldwide has established itself as a credible organization that brings together the best creative minds in the world in the right type of networking environment."

For more details and registration information, visit: www.musexpo.net .

APR22: BOOK PRIZE AWARDS; APR23-24: FEST OF BOOKS at UCLA

2005-04-22T20:00:00.000-07:00

The 10th annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books takes place Saturday, April 23, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, April 24, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., on UCLA’s campus. The two-day event celebrates and animates the written word through panel discussions, poetry readings, cooking demonstrations, book signings and music. The Festival affords book lovers the chance to meet best-selling authors, publishers and other literary figures. The hundreds of exhibitor booths, stage events and popular children’s characters keep it entertaining for all ages.

General event information about the Festival is available at http://www.latimes.com/events or by calling 1-800-LA TIMES, ext. 7BOOK. Admission is free, but tickets are required to attend author-panel discussions and lectures because of limited seating. Free tickets will be available at all Ticketmaster locations in Southern California starting Sunday, April 17, at noon until Thursday, April 21, at 5 p.m., or until all tickets have been distributed. A limited number of tickets will also be available on-site.

Los Angeles Times Book Prize Awards Ceremony

The 25th annual presentation of the Los Angeles Times Book Prizes is set for Friday, April 22, at 8 p.m., in UCLA’s Royce Hall. Tickets are required and go on sale Feb. 28 at UCLA’s Central Ticket Office. The Los Angeles Times Book Prizes, established in 1980, recognize outstanding literary achievements in biography, current interest, history, poetry, science and technology, fiction, first fiction, mystery/thriller, and young adult fiction. More information is available at www.latimes.com/bookprizes

APR 22-26: BYRON SPICER: MOSAIC, Farmani Gallery

2005-04-22T19:00:00.000-07:00

Contemporary Art Projects Present

BYRON SPICER: MOSAIC

April 22 – 26, Farmani Gallery

Artist Reception To Be Held on Friday, April 22 From 7 – 10PM

& Saturday, April 23 From 6 – 9PM

(Los Angeles, CA) – Curated by Contemporary Art Projects, Byron Spicer: Mosaic will highlight alluring collages composed of hundreds of small paintings that promise to leave viewers with an overall sense of physical and psychological density. This one-week special engagement will take place April 22 – 26 at the Farmani Gallery, located at 844 S. Robertson Blvd. in Los Angeles. Spicer’s work explores categorization, contradictions and coincidences through the creation and assemblage of visual poems or fugues of cartoon-like people, flying imaginary creatures, animated architecture, austere landscapes and elements from nature. After amassing these vivid 2”x2” paintings, Spicer assembles them adjacent to and atop one another on one panel, arranging them as a floating abstraction that servers as a playground for the imagination. Sizes of the work from the flat mosaic series range from eleven inches to approximately 4 feet square. Each piece is painted with acrylic on acid free paper and fastened individually to a wood panel with tiny nails, materials that explore the temporal quality to which all art, as well as all ideas, is subject. The show will open with a two-night artist reception on April 22 from 7 to 10 p.m. and on April 23 from 6 to 9 p.m.

The public is invited to attend the artist receptions on both nights at the Farmani Gallery. Following the event, the gallery will resume its regular hours scheduled on Monday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and by appointment. For private preview appointments or additional information on the exhibition, please contact Stacey Cavin of Contemporary Art Projects at 818.632.6788 or visit www.contemporaryartprojects.com.

EVENT REVIEW: PIONEER NAVIGATION SYSTEM LAUNCH PARTY

2005-04-21T23:59:00.000-07:00

by Don Rose

(April 21, 2005 -- Hollywood CA) "It Knows". That simple yet ingenious phrase serves as the slogan for the latest advanced automotive navigation system from Pioneer Electronics - which launched tonight with a swanky/fun Hollywood soiree, smack in the new heart of Tinseltown: the Hollywood and Highland nexus (at the Montmartre Lounge, to be exact). Attendees enjoyed trying out the new nav system firsthand, which could have directed you to the party in no time thanks to features like live traffic updates, multiple map-zoom levels, and the ability to find the path of "least resistance" to route you around bad jams. Nothing but good jams at this party, however, as the crowded house drank fine Patron libations, enjoyed delicious Wolfgang Puck catered cuisine, and savored scintillating conversation as well as titillating gyrations (on the dancefloor, which was constantly packed, thanks in part to a great pair of DJs -- DJ JUS SKE & DJ AM -- who blended 80's tunes and current faves with smooth style).

Several celebs turned out to party, including event-co-hosts Adrian Greiner, Carmen Electra (looking quite svelte and sexy) and Molly Sims (popquiz: can you name a magazine that does not have her image in it?!) -- plus Dave Navarro, Paris Hilton (who came with fellow lanky blonde Kimberly Stewart (Rod's daughter)), Jeremy Piven, Mark McGrath, and many more.

Others in attendance included Abi, a great new designer whose fashions graced the NEXT fashion show earlier this year (she and her friends were sporting her stylin summery styles tonight). Also enjoyed running into Justin Gunn, a cool tech guy who has hosted a series of hip TV shows about cyber culture (shows like CNET Central, The Web, stuff for TechTV, etc.) -- and is now involved with a new channel (backed by Al Gore, inventor-well-not-really of the Internet) called CURRENT -- which plans, among other things, to have a "Google-Current News" segment that will relay top news based on what people are searching for on Google (so don't be surprised if the top story often involves Jennifer Love Hewitt's top). Look for the new net to debut in a few months.

Overall, this was one great party, on many levels (literally) -- the three level setting was perfect to enjoy dancing and revelry indoors as well as the delightful night outside. Yet another excellent event from the folks at Fingerprint Communications -- who recently threw another stellar celeb-studded soiree for Details Magazine at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, which is also having a resurgence, thanks to a makeover (ok, remodelling) and the general renaissance of Hollywood Blvd. The LaBrea-to-Vine strip now beats most streets in LA as the happening place to party. Sure, you may find it hard to park, but thanks to Pioneer's intelligent navigation system, at least it won't be hard to get there.

APR 18-20: GARTNER SUMMIT: Application Integration & Web Services

2005-04-18T09:00:00.001-07:00

Gartner Application Integration and Web Services Summit
April 18-20 , 2005
Location: Westin Century Plaza Hotel and Spa

Century City, in Los Angeles, CA.

Hundreds of senior IT leaders and business strategists will gather this spring to tackle current challenges in integration & middleware, Web services, architecture, portals, open source, standards and more. In 2 and 1/2 intensive days, attendees will learn both practical solutions and strategies to validate current and long-term planning.

Gartner's focus: The Integrated Service-Oriented Enterprise: Strategies for Tomorrow, Best Practices for Today. The keynotes. The sessions. The solutions showcase. All will give you new solutions to your most pressing issues through the lens of integrating your enterprise — giving you the tools you need to benchmark your enterprise strategies on Web services security, SOA, EDA, ESB, application process and data integration, standards, and more.

Highlights of the program include:

Over 50 sessions led by 40 leading experts including many end users
Keynotes from guest visionaries: Tim O'Reilly, founder & CEO of O'Reilly Media, open source and standards advocate; Geoffrey Moore, industry consultant and best-selling author of Crossing the Chasm; David Luckham, professor emeritus of electrical engineering, Stanford University and Jeanne Ross, principal research scientist, MIT
Pre-conference tutorials and post-conference workshops on drill-down topics
A special day-and-a-half Enterprise Architect Summit
A dedicated one-day program for CIOs, a CIO Day
Solutions demonstrations from over 50 leading vendors
Unique Networking opportunities: Vertical networking meals, Receptions, Hospitality Suites, Birds of a Feather sessions...
Private One-on-One meetings with an analyst of your choice (for Gartner clients only)
And much more...

To view the Summit Agenda-at-a-Glance, please click here.

APR 16, A TASTE OF L.A. SHANTI: WINE, FOOD, AUCTION

2005-04-16T18:00:00.000-07:00

It's almost here! A TASTE OF L.A. SHANTI:
AN EVENING OF WINE, FOOD & AUCTION
Join Honorary Chairs
David and Michelle Myers
Chef/Owners, Sona and Boule
A night of
Hollywood nostalgia...
¦ Exceptional Wine
¦ Exquisite Food
¦ Extraordinary Auction

$95 in advance includes all
food and wine tasting, as well
as a limited edition wine glass
and tasting tray.
Corporate promotional
opportunities are available.

All proceeds benefit L.A. Shanti, the first
nonprofit organization to provide direct
services to people living with and affected
by HIV/AIDS in Los Angeles. Today, the
agency offers free emotional support
and education to people from
diverse communities affected by
HIV/AIDS, cancer and other
life-threatening illnesses.

A TASTE OF L.A. SHANTI
AN EVENING OF WINE, FOOD & AUCTION
www.lashanti.org
(323) 962-8197 ext. 315
SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 2005
6:00 P.M. - 10:00 P.M.
HOLLYWOOD PALLADIUM, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA. Be there!

APR 13-17: BEVERLY HILLS FILM FESTIVAL

2005-04-13T18:00:00.000-07:00

The Beverly Hills Film Festival invites you to their 5th Year Anniversary held in April 13th-17th, 2005. Over the run of the festival, an array of events will take place, including Opening Day festivities, screenings, Guild & Society sponsored panel discussions, networking events, and after-parties.

The Awards Night Gala will be held at the Beverly Hills Hotel on Sunset Blvd.

See www.beverlyhillsfilmfestival.com for festival info and updates.
The current agenda looks as follows (from the above site):

Beverly Hills Film Festival April 13th – 17th, 2005 - Beverly Hills, CA.
“A Collection of Films Uniting The World of Independent Cinema”

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13 – OPENING NIGHT CELEBRATION

WRITERS GUILD THEATER135 S. Doheny DriveBeverly Hills, CA 90210

6:30 PM Doors

7:00 PM BHFF Salutations: HONORS TO CALFORNIA FILM COMMISSION

7:30 PM OPENING N IGHT FILMMr. DramaticHouse Of D

9:00 PM VIP By Invite Only After-Party

Sponsored By:

PREMIERE MAGAZINE, RENAISSANCE HOTELS & RESORTS, MICHELOB LIGHT (ANHEUSER-BUSCH)

LUCE301 N. Canon RoadBeverly Hills, CA 90210

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13

CLARITY THEATER 100 N. Crescent Drive Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Block 1 6:00 PM Prey American Reunion

Block 2 8:00 PM IntimationsBlue In Green

Block 3 Shorts: Drama Series 10:00 PM DelusionBetrunnerSleeping Dogs BePatchDelirium

9:00 PM After-party atClarity Theater Courtyard100 N. Crescent Drive Beverly Hills, CA 90210

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THURSDAY, APRIL 14

CLARITY THEATER 100 N. Crescent Drive Beverly Hills, CA 90210 Block 1 6:00 PM Stephen King's Lucky QuarterThere's Something About MerylMartyThe StrangerVolare

Block 2 8:00 PM Shorts: Comedy SeriesFight Of The FlyThe 73 VirginsThe Carpenter and His Clumsy WifeChaos TheoryScrambled Eggs

Block 3 10:00 PM Fellini's DonutMaster Of Everything

9:00 PM After-Party atLoews Beverly Hills1224 South Beverwil DriveBeverly Hills, CA 90035

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FRIDAY, APRIL 15

CLARITY THEATER & COURTYARD100 N. Crescent Drive Beverly Hills, CA 90210

SEMINAR: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM Independent Film Financing & Distribution

SEMINAR: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM SCREENWRITERS CHAT presented by the WGAw Independent Film Program

Block 1 6:00 PM Shorts: Comedy SeriesStop ThiefBehind The CurtainThe Tao of PongGidoo's Cosmic CrisisFallen ArtCatching KringleAl Roach: Private Insectigator

Block 2 8:00 PM Hooray 4 EverythingThe Adventures of Big Handsome Guy and His Little FriendEasy Six

Block 3 10:00 PM Shorts Program: World SeriesBeverly Hills StandoffIn The MorningAchtPactKarmaCanta

9:00 PM After-Party atThe Mosaic Hotel125 Spalding DriveBeverly Hills, CA 90212

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SATURDAY, APRIL 16

CLARITY THEATER & COURTYARD100 N. Crescent Drive Beverly Hills, CA 90210 Block 1 - Documentary I 10:00 AM Citizen StanSixty Spins Around The Sun

SEMINAR: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM THE ART OF CINEMATOGRAPHY hosted by the ASC

Block 2 - Documentary II 12:00 PM JoeyWaking Up Dead

Block 3 - Documentary III 2:00 PM Parents of the YearKordavision

SEMINAR: 2:00 PM -3:30 PM ACTORS STUDIO hosted by SAGIndie

Block 4 4:00 PM World CrisisTaharaThe Oil Factor: Behind the War on Terror

SEMINAR: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM THE RISE OF HYBRID CINEMATOGRAHY hosted by the ASC

Block 5 6:00 PM FlypaperClean

Block 6 8:00 PM CLOSING NIGHT FEATUREThe Aryan Couple

Block 7 10:00 PM Trip in a Summer DressIndigo Hearts

9:00 PM After-Party atLuce301 N. Canon Road Beverly Hills, CA 90210

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SUNDAY, APRIL 17

Award Ceremony

BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL 9641 Sunset Blvd. Beverly Hills, CA 90210

6:00 PM Doors6:30 PM Cocktail Reception7:00 PM Seating & Dinner7:30 PM Award Ceremony

9:00 PM After-Party atThe Crescent Hotel403 N. Crescent DriveBeverly Hills, CA 90210

APR 3-10: RUSSIAN NIGHTS FEST RETURNS TO PDC, LA

2005-04-03T18:00:00.000-07:00

The Stas Namin Center (SNC) and Ministry of Culture of Russian Federation Announce the Third Annual Russian Nights Festival in Los Angeles April 3-10, 2005

RUSSIAN NIGHTS: A Cultural Experience will be held in Los Angeles at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood. Russian Nights promotes a better understanding of the major contributions that Russian artists have made and continue to make to the international community. The opening ceremonies of the festival will include the participation of city representatives and celebrities.

Russian Nights will offer a variety of cultural experiences: poetry and literature, lectures on Russian arts and history, classical, jazz, rock, and ethnic music, and the screening of movies from both prominent and emerging filmmakers. The Art Hall will house “Art Constitution: the First Illustrated Constitution of Russia” – modern Russian artists’ interpretations of the Post Soviet Constitution Articles of 1993.

The festival opening features the Hollywood premiere of The Tuner, the latest film by the modern classic Kira Muratova and introduced by the starring actresses - Alla DEMIDOVA and Renata LITVINOVA. The program includes notable Russian movies made this year and in 2004. The Los Angeles premiere of Harvest Time by Marina Razbezkina, A Driver for Vera by Pavel Chukhrai, and Father by Vladmir Mashkov, are just a few of the fine films to be screened. Well known Russian actors and Directors will be present to introduce films and perform readings.

<>Russian cinematography celebrates two jubelees in 2005. The 85th birthday anniversary of film director Mikhail SHVEITSER and the 100th birthday anniversary of Grigory KOZINTSEV are marked by the screenings of Roll on Time! and King Lear.

An archive exhibit of materials from the Moscow Museum of Cinema is dedicated to these masters and will be displayed at the festival.

As part of the Russian Nights Festival, Yuri Temirkanov will be performing at Walt Disney Concert Hall with the LA Philharmonic and the famous Russian chamber ensemble, the Borodin Quartet, will perform at the Wilshire Ebell Theater on April 9th.

Top Russian Jazz musicians Georgy Garanian and Alexei Zubov with be joined by other eminent jazzmen at the La Ve Lee Jazz Club. More music will be hosted at the Pacific Design Center.

The third annual Tower Award will be presented during the festival to American personalities beloved in Russia. Some past recipients include Leonardo Di Caprio, Sharon Stone, Dustin Hoffman, and Ray Bradbury.

Russian Nights is sponsored in part by LA Weekly, Panorama Media, Rodnik Vodka, Movieline’s Hollywood Life magazine, the National Bartenders School, and the Pacific Design Center.

For more festival details please call 310.712.2651. Tickets may be purchased at www.ticketweb.com or by calling 866.468.3399. Further information: 212-399-0002, 212-404-4444, or 011-7-095-237-1088. The Festival is supported by The East West Foundation for Culture and Education & The Federal Agency for Culture and Cinematography of the Russian Federation.

APR 1: APRIL FOOLERY - COMEDY CABARET WITH PARLOR PERFORMANCES

2005-04-01T20:00:00.000-08:00

Parlor Performances @ Steinway Hall presents... APRIL FOOLERY: An Evening of Comedy, Cabaret and Catharsis! * Friday, April 1st at 8pm.

Special guest appearances by singing satirists Roy Zimmerman and Marie Cain, comic cabaret diva Shelly Goldstein, political satirist Darryl Henriques, and others TBA. And here is a unique offer I can't recall seeing anywhere else: you, yes YOU, can even get in on the act!!l 3-minute spots for the first three people to reserve tickets who'd like to do a comic song or comedy bit!

To RSVP or for more information: Jeannine Frank * frankent1@juno.com * (310) 471-3979. Note: Only 100 seats, so act fast. Price: $20 ($15 with RSVP 5 days or more in advance!). You can pay by cash or check at the door. Location: STEINWAY HALL at FIELDS PIANOS * 12121 Pico Bl. (a few feet w. of Bundy) in West LA * 100-seat hall on Lower Level P2 -- also available for your special events! * Free parking in covered lot.

COMING SOON in future Parlor Performances: Singing satirist Roy Zimmerman (new show!), classical pianist-comic Dale Gonyea, pianist/improvisor Richard Grayson, cabaret divas Shelly Goldstein and Amanda Abel, comedian Jackie Kashian, John Crowther's "Evening with Frank Lloyd Wright" and more.

MAR 30 - NAPSTER ROCKS SUNSET STRIP, GIVES LUCKY ATTENDEES FREE FILLS, REFILLS AND THRILLS WITH "NAPSTER TO GO"

2005-03-30T23:42:00.000-08:00

by Don Rose

(March 30, 2005: West Hollywood, CA) As we all remember, Napster rocked our world back in the Dot Com Boom, by making Peer To Peer music downloading a household phenomenon -- and inspiring millions to huddle around the "comp-fire" to upload/download millions of tunes. Cut to today: a new mini Net Boom of sorts is back, and the Cat has come Back in a big way in its battle with Apple for music downloading supremacy -- first by relaunching (as a fine pay service), then topping itself with its unique new service called NAPSTER TO GO. The key New Thing here: PORTABILITY OF SONGS, allowing N2GO subscribers to download and listen to an UNLIMITED amount of music, and do so on (certain compatible) MP3 players, as long as a low monthly $14.95 fee is paid. So, if you are the type who, say, buys at least 1 new CD each month, on average, that same general price can instead get you all the songs you want (on a PC or an MP3 player, at home or on the road).

To promote the consumer launch of Napster's portable subscription service (the world's first), the Cat got the word out with a Big Bang here in L.A., remaking Mel's Diner on the Sunset Strip into the Napster To Go Cafe', with celebs like Nick Lachey in attendance. Lucky music lovers were treated to a lot of FREE tunes, FREE coffee -- and, yes, even FREE MP3 players! (The latter being the amazingly cool iRiver H10 5GB MP3 Player, which not only holds upwards of a thousand tunes but can display photos, record FM or your voice, and a lot more...)

To read the full story, please see the N2GO article in our TRR MUSIC section.

MAR 30 - LA Tsunami Relief Benefit Bash

2005-03-30T17:30:00.000-08:00

The American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles will participate in the Los Angeles Tsunami and Local Disaster Relief Benefit. Hosting celebrities include Nicollette Sheridan, Wendie Malick, Maria Conchita Alonso, Anjelica Huston, Mario Testino. Entertainment will be provided by Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter John Ondrasik with Five For Fighting and folk singer Samantha Murphy.

The event will take place from 5:30 – 10:30 p.m. at a beautiful estate in the Brentwood Hills area of L.A. Hosting celebrities include Nicollette Sheridan, Wendie Malick, Maria Conchita Alonso, Anjelica Huston, Mario Testino, Traci Bingham, Cheryl Tiegs, Ed Asner, Kelly Emberg, Kelly Sutherland, Kiera Chaplin, Michael Moloney, Stacey Dash, Allison Janney, Appolonia, and Patti Davis, and others. Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet members who are lending their support to this fundraiser are Jane Seymour, Leeza Gibbons, Marlee Matlin, Nancy O'Dell and Patti LaBelle.

Entertainment will be provided by Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter John Ondrasik with Five For Fighting and folk singer Samantha Murphy. Executive chefs for the night include Mark E. Kearney (Sabor Cuisine & Events), Conny Andersson, and Donald Wressell, Pastry Chef (Four Seasons Hotel, Beverly Hills), Joe Miller (Joe's Restaurant, Venice Beach) and Chris Garnier (Roy's, Newport Beach).

This event will celebrate the lives and pay tribute to the families of: Fernando Bengoechea, fashion and décor magazine photographer who perished in the tsunami; Dr. Anton Ambrose, a prominent obstetrician in Los Angeles who lost his wife and daughter, Beulah and Orlantha Ambrose. Orlantha was teaching children in Sri Lanka to play the violin as part of her Strings by the Sea music program.

Sabor Cuisine & Events and PRHollywood, in association with Timeline Entertainment and Maleko Entertainment, are the producers of this event. Tickets are available for $250, $500 and $1,000, and table sponsorships are available beginning at $5,000. Please contact Monica Matulich of PRHollywood at 866-297-8214 to RSVP for this event.

Event sponsors include:

City Seafood

Fishking

Four Seasons Hotel
Web site: http://www.fourseasons.com/losangeles/

Gourmet Celebrations
Web site: http://www.gourmetcelebrations.com/

LA Confidential Magazine
Web site: http://www.la-confidential-magazine.com/

Moet Chandon Champagne
Web site: http://www.moet.com

Patron Tequila

Rodnik Vodka
Web site: http://rodnik.com/

Roy's
Web site: http://www.roysrestaurant.com/

S Guaro
Web site: http://www.sguaro.com/

Tide Water Seafood
Located at 13105 Ramona Blvd., Suite J, Irwindale, CA 91706
(626) 480-8893

Coryne Lovick Design
Located at 1119 Colorado Ave. #7, Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 839-4592

Yamaha Piano
Web site: http://www.yamaha.com/

MAR 30 - APR 1: DIGITAL HOLLYWOOD SPRING CONFERENCE 2005

2005-03-30T08:00:00.000-08:00

Digital Hollywood, Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, March 30 - April 1, 2005 - For the agenda, registration and other info for this event, please Click Here .

Digital Hollywood is the premier entertainment and technology conference in the country. This year features a cool new event at DH -- The OnDemandies - The Awards.

In the past decade, over 40,000 industry executives have attended Digital Hollywood. All the top executives in each of the hot industry sectors, from DTV, HDTV, SVOD, VOD, Mobile, DVD, Games, Broadband, On-Demand TV, DRM, ITV, Set-Top, Search, Home Networking, Marketing and Advertising participate in this conference. Don't miss it!

MAR 27: LAST DAY for BODYWORLDS2 at CSC

2005-03-27T10:00:00.000-08:00



	Don't miss the second installment of the hugely popular BODY WORLDS, at the California Science Center, downtown Los Angeles. BODY WORLDS 2 features 200 new specimens which bring further insights about human anatomy, physiology and health not available in the previous exhibit. Highlights include the "Suicide by Fat--Obesity Revealed" specimen, which shows fat tissue and its relentless, unremitting ability to shorten life by damaging vital organs like the heart and bones. "Orthopedic Man" demonstrates a variety of surgically implanted orthopedic devices. These and other real preserved human specimens reveal new views of the body in mesmerizing detail. BODY WORLDS 2 is gone for good on March 27. For more information and to buy tickets online, go to http://goto.californiasciencecenter.org/bw2tickets.

EVENTS - powered by The LA Report and The Rose Review

EVENT REVIEW: SAMSUNG MOBILE PARTY AT THE MUSEUM OF TV AND RADIO

May 18-22: BEVERLY HILLS CLASSIC: Antiques, Fine Art and Jewelry Show at the Petersen

EVENT REVIEW: LA TIMES FESTIVAL OF BOOKS, BOOK PRIZES & ROCK BOTTOM REMAINDERS

EVENT REVIEW: LOHAS 2006 Annual Conference

EVENT REVIEW: MASTERS OF HORROR Season 2 Launch Party

EVENT REVIEW: MALIBU FILM FESTIVAL CLOSING PARTY 2006

EVENT REVIEW: GEN ART'S THE NEW GARDE FASHION FETE 2006

EVENT REVIEW: Apr.5, LAPD/LAFD Memorial Foundations Benefit Show

APR.7 - METHODFEST AWARDS AND WRAP PARTY

METHOD FEST ANNOUNCES SCHEDULE FOR 2006 EDITION

World and U.S. Premieres, Awards, Tributes, Galas, Workshops, Panels Begin Mar.31; Filmmakers and Stars Come To Calabasas for “The Actors Film Festival”

METHODFEST 2006 ANNOUNCES HONORS AND AWARDS

Ruby Dee and Julie Harris plus Kevin Pollak, Kelli Garner, Agnes Brucker to be Honored

EVENT REVIEW: NATURAL PRODUCTS EXPO 2006

MAR.17: GEN ART FASHION WEEK BASH IS BACK: THE NEW GARDE

MAR.9: Orange County’s Largest Mixer III

FEB.26 MATTEO'S RESTAURANT SCREENING OF “MATTEO’S: A RETROSPECTIVE”

FEB.20, METAL SKOOL ANNIVERSARY EVENT AT KEY CLUB

FEB.15: GEN ART SCREENING AND PARTY, FOR FERRELL FILM "WINTER PASSING"

FEB.12: SINGLES SUNDAY BRUNCH AT BEAUTIFUL PALISADES HOME

JAN 11: DESIGN MATTERS (AND IS VERY INTERESTING) at PDC

JAN 11 - FEB 26: Remembering Ricky Nelson at MTR

ROSE BOWL RECAP 2006

EVENT REVIEW: FABULOUS...PR THROWS FAB BASH FOR NEW YEAR'S EVE '06

SHOW REVIEW: "PIECES (OF ASS)" AT THE ROXY

Event Review: The Planetary Society's 25th Anniversary Gala

WHAM! ZAP! KRAZY! NOV18-20, OPENING DAYS, MASTERS OF AMERICAN COMICS, HAMMER MUSEUM!

MOVIE OPENING: "ONE BRIGHT SHINING MOMENT: The Forgotten Summer of George McGovern"; GMG IN PERSON THIS WEEKEND

NOV 12 - DEC 18: "MY BUDDY BILL" AT THE GEFFEN

NOV 10: GIVE INTO THE GROOVE BENEFIT

NOV 7-8: TV DVD 3, CONFERENCE & AWARDS

NOV 2: ALVIN VALLEY TRUNK SHOW, W HOTEL, LOS ANGELES

FEATURED EVENT REVIEW: Louise's Trattoria Wine Tasting with SM Chamber

OCT 15: CELEB AUCTION EVENT BENEFITING KATRINA RELIEF

OCT 14: GEN ART's FRESH FACES IN FASHION RETURNS TO L.A.

SEP 26: HURRICANE KATRINA RELIEF BENEFIT at FALCON

SEP 23: "PEACE LOVE BIKINIS" DOC ROCKS NYIIFF FILMFEST

SEP 22-25: FEAST OF SAN GENNARO RETURNS TO THE GROVE

SEP 20: W Hotel Los Angeles Hosts Star-Studded Fundraising Event To Benefit Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts

SEP 16: HOUSE BEAUTIFUL CELEB SHOWHOUSE, OPENING NIGHT RECEPTION FUNDRAISER; Tours Continue Til Oct16

WHO: HOUSE BEAUTIFUL magazine hosts its third Celebrity Showhouse in Brentwood, CA.

SEP 9: L.A. SUPPORTS LA: WINE/FOOD BENEFIT AT BARKAR FOR KATRINA RELIEF

SEP 9-11: STYLELOUNGE IN TIMES SQUARE KICKS OFF FASHION WEEK NYC

SEP 8: EPOXYBOX OPENING NIGHT ART BENEFIT; Portion of Proceeds Goes To Gulf Coast Relief

SEP 2--5: NAPSTER'S ALL ACCESS WEEKEND; FREE TESTDRIVE OF FULL MEMBERSHIP

SEP 1: Pumpkinheads Opens in Brentwood; Buy Kids Apparel & 15% Goes To Charity!

EVENT REVIEW: UBISOFT "187 RIDE OR DIE" VIDEOGAME LAUNCH PARTY

AUG 29: ANTI-PIRACY EVENT IN HOLLYWOOD

Recording media organization IRMA is sponsoring this event; their website says:

IRMA’s Intellectual Property – Anti-Piracy Forum

AUG 25: CARPE DIEM with TRACI BINGHAM and GEOFF THOMAS

EVENT REVIEW: NAUTICA/STUFF AVP PARTY

AUG 17: GEN ART "IGNITE!" PARTY RETURNS TO FONDA MUSIC BOX THEATRE!

AUG 12: "HOLLYWOOD NOW" PARTY! PROPS TO 20TH CENTURY PROPS!

EVENT REVIEW: REEBOK AND ESPN CELEBRATE THE EVOLUTION OF THE PUMP!

AUG 10: HOT MOMS CLUB PARTY! MOMMA MIA!

AUG 10: KICKOFF PARTY, SCIFI FILM FEST, CINESPACE

Movie Nation Festivals

The Launch Party & Preview

The 2005 Festival of Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror and the Supernatural

EVENT REVIEW: ISES LA's Joint Allied Mixer, Universal Backlot

JUL 22 - AUG 7: IPO RETURNS TO LA! POP/ROCK FESTIVAL

JUL 21: L.A.'s LARGEST MIXER RETURNS! NOW AT PDC!

JUL 14: VIP KICKOFF FOR NEW EXHIBIT BY MASTER ARTIST KALMAN ARON

JUL 1: CANADA D'EH FUN-RAISER AT TROUBADOUR

JUN 27-28: DVD MAGIC 8 CONFERENCE, CENTURY CITY, L.A.

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

JUN 25: GOURMET ON FIRE, Food/Wine Event, Presented by Viceroy SM & Gourmet Magazine

JUN 21: "SIP INTO SUMMER" WINETASTING BENEFIT, GARDEN OF EDEN, HOLLYWOOD

EVENT REVIEW: HURRELL/LANGDON PHOTO EXHIBIT KICKOFF, MAPLE DRIVE, BEVERLY HILLS

JUN 14: STAR POWER® 2005 - ANNUAL ENTERTAINMENT MARKETING CONFAB RETURNS TO UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

EVENT REVIEW: Jun 12: 17th Annual Vintage Bouquet Charity Wine Auction

JUN 8: Silverlake Conservatory of Music “Hullabaloo” Benefit

JUNE 5: TASTE OF THE NATION, ***EVENT UPDATE***

JUNE 5: TASTE OF THE NATION, L.A. BENEFIT

EVENT REVIEW: PCI's LUXURY SERVICES CONVENTION

MAY 19: GEN ART BENEFIT: Ascension - A Celebration of Dance, Music, Fashion, Art, & Culture

Event Review: E3 2005, DAY ONE: BABBAGE 'n BABEAGE

MAY 14: GEORGE BARRIS CLASSIC CUSTOM CAR AUCTION

JUNE 5: TASTE OF THE NATION, EVENT UPDATE

Want to exhibit or sponsor the Mac Gathering? If you'd like to attend as a vendor, email Deborah.