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Gina Villalobos’ Miles Away

Gina Villalobos’ Miles Away

Slide guitars, consistent drum beats, raw emotions. These three elements encompass Miles Away, Gina Villalobos’ newest release. Gina has a knack for extracting her listener’s emotions with her lyrics in each one of the 10 tracks. Excellently recorded, Miles Away executes flawless performances from her personnel: Kevin Haaland (slide guitar), Ted Russell Kamp (bass), J’Anna Jacoby (violin), Ben Pringle (organ), and Joshua Grange (pedal steel). Villalobos’ vocal style is reminiscent of Kim Carnes, with a vocal and songwriting familiarity of that of Melissa Etheridge.

Miles Away is soulful country rock defined by the slide guitar, the light “twang” in Villalobos’ voice, and the strumming of acoustic guitar. However, some pop elements do stand out, evidenced by the catchy hooks and clever refrains. Gina does a unique version of Barry Gibb’s “If I Can’t Have You,” giving it a more country feel—very different from that of its original disco version sung by Yvonne Elliman.

The title track, “Miles Away,” is the perfect opening. The upbeat tune elicits optimism with its rock beat and major, predictable chord progressions, typically found in the genre. However, certain lyrics, like “One more time I’m falling off the sidelines,” “Buries me live,” or “I can’t hurt anymore,” indicate a true contrast from its happy delivery. Gina’s clever metaphors, like “heart on a kickstand,” create a masterpiece of hurt, vulnerability, and reflection. Other tracks, like “Somewhere to Lay down” and “Let’s Fall Apart,” deliver an openness and a clear yearning by this introspective songwriter.

Miles Away covers a wide range of emotions with melodies and arrangements that are simple but not sophomoric, an indicative quality of country rock. If it’s too complicated, we miss the meaning. This is where the complexity of the album shines through. It is clean, has effortless lyrics, as well as straight-ahead, no-nonsense music, coupled with loads of reflection, unconventional veracity, and tantamount talent, unrivaled by notable country rock artists. Once again, Gina Villalobos has proven she can hold her own!

To learn more about Gina Villalobos visit her website atwww.ginavillalobos.com.

CD reviewed by Kaylene Peoples

Allah Ali and Kosmic Flight

Allah Ali and Kosmic Flight

Allah Ali and Kosmic Flight was a pleasure to listen to.  How nice to hear some damn good folk music and guitar.  This man has a voice, similar in type to Elvis, but softer and with a strong vibrato that works well with his expert acoustic sound.  He has captured the old style blues and folk. I really enjoy his song writing skills as well.  He paints a picture with his words.  While the EP has only three songs, all are done well, but “Sugar Baby” is definitely one you must listen to.

You will want to hear this man live.  His vocals are haunting, and in my perspective, he is truly an artist—having worked on his craft for over 30 years. He started playing music when he was three years old.  He has certainly grown.

Allah Ali not only tells the story with his words, but his vocals add to the portrait with his expert use of silence and space with his long sustained notes.  He understands how to manipulate tempo and volume to capture the ear of his listener.  He playfully adds a hint of a yodel to some of the songs and gives us a little blues guitar play as well.

Allah Ali has played his music all over the Western states, making his way to the East (Coast?).  I recommend listening to Allah Ali.

To learn more, visit the following websites: www.indie911.com/allahaliand www.musicforte.com/member/aababa.

Lisa Trimarchi

Ben Johnson

Ben Johnson

Ben Johnson, a classically trained artist, is someone who seems to really be suffering for his art.  On the cover of his debut CD, he appears to have a self-inflicted wound—a self-styled tattoo spelling out the word “Wait.”  You will not want to wait to hear his self-titled CD, Ben Johnson.

Ben has a beautiful baritone voice that shines in several of the songs on this CD, and his working of the keyboards is expertly done.  The songwriting itself is excellent.  You will want to hear the second track, “Higher Than Rock.”  It incorporates pop flavor with a rock edge.  And again, he’s done great work on the piano—quite a surprise from the second track.

The third track, “Let It All Come Down on Me” sounds like something out of a Broadway rock opera.  The vocals grab me, and the music reminds me of a sci-fi sound track.  I found myself singing along to the fourth track, “Not Enough,” and was convinced that I’d like to own this one—and wouldn’t mind hearing it again!  The chorus:

“You’re not naked enough to share my spotlight,
You’re not honest enough to drive my car,
You’re not listening enough to hear the question,
Do you remember what it’s like to be a star?”

Johnson says, “Sometimes I feel like nobody’s listening to me until I sing a song.  Inside the song I can freely speak my mind, work out the puzzle, ask for help or give it, break down or stand up.”  Ben’s voice is very distinct, and I appreciate his songwriting skills.  You will want to listen to his debut CD again and again, as will I.

Ben’s CD is available at cdbaby.com and can be downloaded at iTunes.   Visit the following websites for more information:

benjohnson@steeldog.org
www.steeldog.org
www.benjohnsonmusic.com

Lisa Trimarchi

Carol Martini’s The Rose in the Boxcar

Carol Martini’s The Rose in the Boxcar

Carol Martini has been a songwriter since she was a child.  She started out with the violin, and because she is a songwriter, settled on the acoustic guitar. The Rose in the Boxcar is her fourth independent CD, which is a compilation of her original material.

Her songs are literal, non-metaphorical.  She tells it like it is in a simple, albeit charming method.  She has a folksy style, which she has developed while working in coffee houses, small clubs, book and music stores and college haunts.

Carol’s messages are clear.  In each song her point is grasped by both the very young and the very old alike.  Each of the songs on this CD could be weaved together in one long medley—each is in a similar key.  Her vocals carry the style of the old time folk artist, some of what you would expect from a lone guitarist trying to jump a train.

I enjoyed the third track “Bless the Heart.”  It has a more mature sound than the first two.  The tune tempts the listener to sing along.  The tenth track, “A Storm in the Air,” has a bluesy feel and is more along the line of what I’d expect to hear from a seasoned folk artist.  The eighteenth track, “Hobo Joe,” is my favorite.  It is reminiscent of an old style church revival meeting.  You begin to sing along and perhaps even dance.

If you purchase this CD, the fourth track, “99 Reasons,” is also worth listening to, having more of a Johnny Cash flavor, with a hint of blues and more rhythmic guitar.

Carol Martini dedicates this CD to her father.  Her lyrics are reminiscent of a little girl paying tribute by pouring out her soul in her diary.  While some of Martini’s songs are wordy and at times, a little too literal, her overall work is worth listening to.  You can find her music at www.carolmartini.net.

Lisa Trimarchi

Liza and the WonderWheels – Meet the Animal

Liza and the WonderWheels – Meet the Animal

If you like not too hard-edged punk with a little bit of rock, you’ll enjoy Liza and the WonderWheels’ CD, Meet the Animal.  This is a group of musicians that know their craft.  The songwriting is great and the vocals are good. Liza Garelik has a decent voice and the instrumentals are tight and somewhat complex—they are interesting on their own with vocals reminding me of Blondie from the early 80s.

This being their second CD, Meet the Animal demonstrates that a good rock band can sound just as good live as they do on a recording. Ian Roure plays lead guitar and handles those psychedelic lines well, Andy Mattina really stands out on the bass, and Joe Filosa’s handling of the drums is expert.  This is a tight band that can hold its own.

My favorite tracki is the third track, “Hush Not Sweet Pea,” a lullaby—it has a surprising sound where it starts off as a lullaby but surprisingly morphs into a hard rock-edge with a fold style.  The lyrics here are good.

I also liked the fourth track, “What I Do for Payday?” This song has an infectious beat and nice lyrics.  This has some good songwriting behind it, and the melody makes you want to sing along.

The fifth and sixth tracks lean toward classic “protest” rock of the late 60s and early 70s. “Clergy Man” definitely stands out as folk rock and has a message worth listening to.

What I like about Liza and The WonderWheels are good song writing, tight instrumentals, and lyrics that are neither too literal nor too abstract.

To learn more about Liza and The WonderWheels, visit their website atwww.lizasongs.com.

Lisa Trimarchi

FROM MOVIES TO BROADWAY MUSICALS… and Back Again!

FROM MOVIES TO BROADWAY MUSICALS… and Back Again!

By Marilyn Anderson

Has Broadway turned into a big, live movie screen?  So many of the recent stage shows originated as films!  It’s not hard to figure out why.  Productions that started as movies have a built-in audience, even before the curtain goes up the first time.  So it seems less of a risk for producers – and no question, theater is a risky business! The cost of producing a Broadway play is mega-millions, and too often, audiences just don’t fill the seats.  Consequently, more and more producers are finding popular old movies that can make the transition to the stage… and tell the story with music and dance.

As for me, I love the energy and excitement of seeing them come to life in the theater!  And the bottom line – whether you’ve seen the movie or not – head to New York and see a Broadway Show.  That’s the ticket!

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LEGALLY BLONDE the Musical – At Full Throttle Pink!

LEGALLY BLONDE the Musical – When I heard they had created a musical comedy based on the movie Legally Blonde, I was both excited and skeptical.  Excited because Legally Blonde is one of my very favorite comedy movies!  Skeptical because I couldn’t imagine how anyone could take the place of Reese Witherspoon in the lead of the sassy and fresh Harvard Law School heroine.  Reese was sooo adorable, sooo funny, and sooo perfect for the part of Elle Woods, I didn’t think any other actress could live up to her.

Sooo, it was with great anticipation that I went to the Broadway production.  But as soon as the first musical number started, my skepticism vanished.  The show had an amazing energy that never stopped from beginning to end.

And Elle Woods – Wow!  Laura Bell Bundy is a triple-threat actress who brings her own special style to the role, while singing and dancing up a storm.  The musical numbers were rousing and fun, the costumes terrific, and the whole production simply soared.

The week I was in New York, I saw eight (yes, you read it right, eight!) shows – and Legally Blonde was my very favorite.  The audience included lots of women and young girls – and they couldn’t have been more excited.

One very simple, but memorable moment was when the uniformed, shorts-clad UPS guy enters the beauty shop where Elle hangs out with her over-aged bimbo manicurist- friend, Paulette.  The UPS guy takes his time walking across the stage, flashes a smile, and before he even utters a word, the audience goes wild.  Who knows why, but it’s just extremely funny to watch – and such fun being part of the cheering crowd! Paulette and the UPS guy are played by real-life-husband-and-wife, Andy Karl and Orfeh, a recording star/songwriter, who belts out her numbers with power and pizzazz.

The music and lyrics are by another husband-and-wife team, Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin.  With a book by Heather Hach and direction & choreography by Jerry Mitchell, Legally Blonde the Musical is a production that entertains at full throttle pink!

From Movie to Musical – Legally Blonde rates an A+.

Legally Blonde:  The Musical

Palace Theatre New York
New York, NY

For tickets to Legally Blonde on Broadway, call 212-307-4100.

Theatergoers outside New York City can also call toll-free 1-800-755-4000.

www.LegallyBlondethemusical.com

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THE COLOR PURPLE Presented by Oprah Winfrey & Starring Fantasia!

THE COLOR PURPLEwas originally Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel, and then the critically acclaimed Steven Spielberg movie with themes of domestic abuse, infanticide, and racial oppression.  So turning it into a musical had to be a huge challenge… but one that has worked… and worked wonderfully.  The stage production retains the emotional impact while entertaining with moving and heartfelt musical numbers and talented performers.

The story is an inspiring family saga about a woman who, through love, finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discover her unique voice in the world.  In the musical stage version, the story of hope and celebration of life is set to a joyous score, featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, and blues.
My boyfriend and I were lucky enough to be in New York when American Idol winner, Fantasia, took over the starring role of Celie – and it’s impossible to think of anyone else doing it.  Fantasia is unquestionably the perfect actress for the part.  Quite simply, everyone needs to go to New York to see her!

At 22, Fantasia Barrino has had such an emotion-packed life that she seemed born to play this role.  She went from virtual obscurity to her American Idol win in May 2004, after which she went on to break records and win awards for her singles and albums, earning more than 20 award nominations and wins, including the Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, and more. She wrote a New York Times best-selling autobiography, Life is Not a Fairy Tale, and then portrayed herself in a Lifetime television movie based on it.

It seems a “natural” for Fantasia to play Celie in “The Color Purple” – and what a thrill for audiences to see her! The other cast members are equally powerful.  NaTasha Yvette Williams as Sofia and Elisabeth Withers as Shug Avery give outstanding performances, as does the entire ensemble.

What were the elements that helped bring The Color Purple to the stage? Enter Oprah Winfrey…. some twenty years ago!  After reading Alice Walker’s original novel in 1982, Oprah loved it so much she would give copies to strangers.  In 1985, she was nominated for an Oscar for her role as Sofia in the film.  Now, Oprah is one of the producers of the musical.  Other notables, Scott Sanders, Quincy Jones, Bob and Harvey Weinstein, and Nederlander Presentations are also producers.

Directed by Gary Griffin, The Color Purplewas adapted for the stage by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award® winner Marsha Norman, with music and lyrics by Grammy® Award winners Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray and choreography by Donald Byrd.

With a team like this, it’s no wonder that the show is a magnificent emotion-packed gem.

From Movie to Musical – “The Color Purple” is an A+.

THE COLOR PURPLE

Broadway Theatre
1681 Broadway (Between West 52nd and 53rd Streets)
New York NY 10019

www.colorpurple.com

Broadway Tickets Call 212-239-6200

“The Color Purple” will also be touring Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Tempe, Cleveland, Cinncinnati, Baltimore and Philadelphia. Check the website for dates.

* * *

GREY GARDENS – A Riches-to-Rags Story!

This musical adaptation also came from a movie, a cult 1975 documentary of the same name.  It is a fascinating, though somewhat depressing, story about an eccentric aunt and cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who were once among the brightest blueblood names in the social register, but ended up East Hampton’s most notorious recluses, living in a dilapidated 28-room mansion.

Left to right: Erin Davie, Mary Louise Wilson, Christine Ebersole, (Photos: Joan Marcus)

The production was critically acclaimed, with superb Tony-winning performances by its two stars, Christine Ebersole and Mary Louise Wilson.   However, it was apparently too quirky and depressing a story to hold the crowds necessary to keep it afloat on Broadway for a long run.  The show closed after nine months. Still, I enjoyed and appreciated the unique and stylish presentation and intriguing bit of history of this riches-to-rags story about one of the most famous families of the U.S.

From Movie to Musical – Grey Gardens gets a B.

* * *

YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN – It’s ALIVE! … and on Stage This Time!

The New Mel Brooks Musical, Young Frankenstein is coming to Broadway on October 11.  I saw the pre-Broadway run in Seattle and thoroughly loved it.  The sets and staging were incredible, the cast superb, and the story and songs – pure fun! New York seats are selling fast even before it arrives in the Big Apple.  After all, it comes from the team that brought us The Producers.  The book was written by Mel Brooks and Tom Meehan.  The music and lyrics are by Mel Brooks, with direction and choreography by Susan Strohman.

Young Frankenstein is probably the most beloved of Mel Brooks’ movies, with a cast that included Gene Wilder, Madeline Kahn, Cloris Leachman, Marty Feldman and Peter Boyle.  The actors in the musical may have a hard time being compared with the originals.  So don’t compare – just enjoy!  Seattle audiences went absolutely crazy for Andrea Martin in the Cloris Leachman role, Frau Blucher, and for Megan Mulally as fiancée Elizabeth, originally played by Madeline Kahn.  Roger Bart plays the young Frederick Frankenstein, with Shuler Hensley as the Monster, Sutton Foster as Inga, and Christopher Fitzgerald as Igor.

Hmmm, will Blazing Saddles be next?  Maybe, if we’re lucky!  In the case of Young Frankenstein, Mel Brooks has created a new monster of a musical – a great one – and if you want good seats, we recommend you order your tix now.

From Movie to Musical – Young Frankenstein is a huge A.

The New Mel Brooks Musical YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN

Hilton Theater

42 nd Street at 7 th Avenue

www.YoungFrankensteinTheMusical.com

* * *

Other Movies to Stage and Back to Movies Again!

Xanadu was a much mocked-movie musical that is now getting raves on Broadway as a stage musical. I had seen the new lead, Cheyenne Jackson, in a staged readingof Superman in Los Angeles (See back issue of Agenda) – and he is a total hottie. I haven’t seen Xanadu yet, but I’d recommend the show just to feast my eyes on him!

Another one I sadly missed was the long-runningBeauty and the Beast which went from animated movie to stage with accolades as did The Lion King.  The more recent Disney Production Tarzan didn’t get quite the attention it hoped, and closed early. Nonetheless, the show, featuring music by Phil Collins, is a hit in Holland and will continue in other overseas venues.

Mary Poppins is another Disney movie-to-stage musical on Broadway now.  More movies to be made into musicals?  You bet.  I saw Sister Act at the Pasadena Playhouse in a pre-Broadway run – and I’m hoping it makes it to New York – because it was loads of fun (See back issue ofAgenda).

One of the first screen-to-stage transitions was the 1966 It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s Superman! – a funny and creative show which may be coming back as a revival and seems just as current today as it did then.  Another early entry in the movie-to-stage transition was Little Shop of Horrors – a romp of a show based on a Roger Corman movie which continues to have fans all over the world.

And of course, there’s Hairspray – first, a John Waters movie, then a musical on stage – and now a popular musical movie starring a beloved star, John Travolta.  He’s not like he was in Grease (which went from stage to movie) – and it’s not quite Saturday Night Fever, which went from movie to stage — but when “Fever” came to the stage – it didn’t go over big.  On the other hand, John Travolta is about as big as we’ve ever seen him as Mama Edna Turnblad in the musical movie of Hairspray.

For a spoof of many of the musicals, head to an off-Broadway favorite, Forbidden Broadway – Rude Awakening. Providing laughs for audiences since 1982, the all-new 25th anniversary edition features outrageous costumes, hilarious roasts of Broadway’s best songs, and zany impressions by a super-talented cast.

Expect to see many more movies turning into Broadway plays, and as always, vice versa.

I just heard that The First Wives Club is in the works for a Broadway musical.  Lots of women will be lining up to see that one.  And you can bet on the Big Apple that I’ll be one of them!

See you there!

Marilyn

Marilyn Anderson
Romance on the Road

HOT GOTHAM GETAWAYS!

HOT GOTHAM GETAWAYS!

Forget the big impersonal hotels.  Treat yourself to a more intimate hotel where they treat you special.  Where you’re a name, not just a room number.  Where the emphasis is on providing distinctive amenities and unique surroundings.  Where it’s not just a room for the night.  After all, you’re special.  You deserve it!

Here are five of our NYC faves:

Inn at Irving Place

Away from the madding crowds.  Two blocks to seductive Grammercy Park.  No hotel name on the door – just a number. Two historic townhouses… exquisite antiques… continental breakfast and Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon with 5-course High Tea.

Intimacy, luxury, and privacy. Feels like home…not a hotel. Only 12 guest rooms – so you KNOW you’re SPECIAL.

Toast martinis in the bamboo garden at Cibar.  Dine at Pure Food and Wine.   New York’s premier raw foods restaurant.  Snuggle in your comfy four-poster bed.  We did – it was heaven!

Inn at Irving Place
56 Irving Place
New York, NY 10003
800-685-1447
www.innatirving.com

* * *

HOTEL ELYSEE

East Midtown romantic haven.  Elegant Trompe l’oeil murals and antique furnishings.  Club room for lavish Continental Breakfast.  Cookies, fruit, coffee & tea throughout the day.  Happy Hour with complimentary champagne, wines, cheeses, and hors d’oeuvres every evening Mon-Friday, 5-8.  86 charming guest rooms, 15 suites.

Try the Royal Suite for a Royal Weekend with Leonidas champagne truffles, strawberries, pink champagne and a dozen roses.  You may never want to leave!

Legendary Monkey Bar & Restaurant.  Reopened Asian theme and Fusion Food.

We wish we could have stayed longer.  But we will be back…. for more!

Hotel Elysee
60 East 54 th Street
New York, NY 10022
(212) 753-1066
800.535.9733

www.elyseehotel.com

* * *

CASABLANCA HOTEL

Quiet and intimate haven – in the midst of Times Square.  You’d barely know it was there.  But it is.  Lucky for us.  48 guest rooms. 5 star rating.  Exotic Moroccan theme.  Gracious staff and management.  European breakfast buffet. Wine and cheese receptions every afternoon.  And on Friday – a piano player tickling the keys.

If you love theater – walk. It’s easy.  Do a matinee – come back for Happy Hour – and then stroll back to another show in the evening.

If you love film – thousands of movies available in Rick’s lounge on the mezzanine.  Bogey and Bergman on screen, all day.

Don’t tell too many people – it’s too good a secret!  We can’t wait to hide out here again.

Casablanca Hotel
147 West 43rd. St.
New York, NY, 10036
888.922.7225
www.casablancahotel.com

* * *

HOTEL MELA

New. Stylish comfort. Luscious linens. Spacious rooms.  DesirableTheatre District/Times Square locale.

Your Desires program – personal concierge insures your favorite snack and beverage iswaiting in your room.

Mela’s cool Vietnamese restaurant, Saju, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Walk everywhere. Full time doorman will point you to the best activities.

People-friendly atmosphere. And you can bring your pet!

Hotel Mela
120 West 44th Street
New York, NY 10036
1-800-555-7555
www.hotelmela.com

* * *

THE RITZ CARLTON, BATTERY PARK

Best Rooftop Bar in New York City – Rise.  Breathtaking views. Innovative drinks & food.  Don’t miss sunset… any day!  Way downtown location, overlooking Battery Park and lower Manhattan Harbor.

Superbly elegant. Discreet.  Businessmen love it.  Lovers will, too.  Ask for the“Can’t Buy Me Love… But You Can Try” package.  You get the 2,000 square-feet Presidential Suite with a private butler.  Dom Perignon and fresh strawberries.  A helicopter ride.  Oh, and… your own 10-minuteFIREWORKS SHOW. Only $40,000!

Other stays aren’t quite so decadent.  But, rest assured, the Ritz Carlton is always wonderful.  That’s why we keep going back!

The Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park
Two West Street
New York, New York 10004
USA
212.344.0800

www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/BatteryPark

Marilyn Anderson
Romance on the Road

Hot In Hollywood Fundraiser Shines with Stars Singing to Fight HIV/AIDS

Hot in Hollywood Fundraiser Shines with Stars Singing to Fight HIV/AIDS

The second annual Hot in Hollywood Fundraising Event packed a huge crowd at the Henry Fonda Music Box Theater in Hollywood on Saturday, August 18.  The hottest television actors from the shows “Ugly Betty,” “Heroes,” “Crossing Jordan,” “ER,” “House,” “The Office,” and more were on hand to entertain, sing, and perform comedy skits for the occasion.

America Ferrerra, Jerry O’Connell, Jennifer Morrison, and Sara Ramirez were among the celebrities who performed for the evening’s two charities, AIDS’ Healthcare Foundation and Salvation Army’s ALEGRIA House.

Notable highlights from the night included:  America Ferrara, obtaining the winning bid for a Toyota Prius at $37,000 and singing with Jerry O’Connell and Eddie Kaye Thomas in drag. America, Jerry, and Eddie were all hysterical in their tacky dresses and heels as the three of them bumped and grinded to “You Gotta Get a Gimmick,” the stripper’s number from the musical, Gypsy.

“Ugly Betty”‘s Michael Urie and Becki Newton continued the comedy and fun, impersonating Neil Diamond and Barbra Streisand, singing “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers.”  “ER”‘s Linda Cardellini and Parminder Nagra passed out condoms while rocking the house with “Bad Medicine” and “Let’s Get Physical”; and “Grey’s Anatomy” star, Sara Ramirez, blew everyone’s mind with a powerful and soulful ballad.

Host and Emmy nominee, Jamie Pressly sang an impromptu and sexy version of “Fever” with the help of Milo Ventimiglia.  The event finale was unforgettable as the talented cast members of “Heroes” sang “Let the Sun Shine In” with the entire cast joining them on stage in addition to a 30-person Agape choir.

Of course, the best part of the evening was the fact that everyone’s efforts and talents combined to raise much-needed funds. Hot in Hollywood is comprised of some of the biggest agents, managers, casting agents and Hollywood insiders, all of whom donated their time to help make the event an overwhelming success.  The brainchild of the event, creator Michael Medico, said, “I am so deeply touched by the many people that generously participated, from the performers to the people backstage. Hot in Hollywood is a dream come true to me, and I am thrilled that we could make this event so amazing and in the process raise money and awareness for our two charities, AHF and ALEGRIA.”

For more information, please visit www.HotinHollywood.org.

Marilyn Anderson
Romance on the Road

Pre-Emmy Party Offers Celebs Fun, Relaxation & Goodies Galore!

Pre-Emmy Party Offers Celebs Fun, Relaxation & Goodies Galore!

Everyone gets to see the excitement and glamour of the Emmys and some of the after-parties on TV.  However, the fun starts WAYbefore that!  In the week before all the big Hollywood Award Ceremonies, many of the nominees and other celebrities start partying hearty – at various events where they are invited to sample all kinds of products and services.

One such happening affair was the three-day long MAIN EVENT Emmy Red Carpet Lounge, hosted by Founder/Producer Debbie Durkin. Debbie sure knows how to throw a party!

Held at the Friar’s Club in Beverly Hills, the MAIN EVENT Loungewas filled with nominees, celebrities, and sponsors — mingling, snacking, and moving from table-to-table to the beat of live music. Patron and Mojito Island had the cocktails flowing at the bar while celebrities like Deidre Hall and Kate Flannery played Air Guitar in the main lounge.

Bella Spa was always busy with their 30-minute teeth whitening and paraffin hand wraps utilized by Rex Lee, Shar Jackson, andSally Pressman. Celebrities ranging from William Shatner to Rex Lee indulged in Selia Hansen’s unforgettable massages.  TIGIstyled and primped stars, including Dyan Cannon, Rex Lee, andTanya Tucker with fabulous hair.

The Main Event Lounge was also the launching ground for Patrons “Celebrity Concierge Program” with Entourage’s Kevin Dillon being the first celebrity to get Patron delivered to his home.

Jerry O’Connell, William Shatner, Barbara Eden, Dyan Canon, Carl Lewis, and others donated time and pet portraits for the SPCA LA that will later be auctioned off to raise money.

Guests left with bags full of goodies, including a $500 dollar gift certificate from
Lamborghini, skin care products from Extra Virgin, stylish t-shirts from TaBu clothing, vintage jewelry from Lara Noel Hill Designs, chocolates from John Kelly of Beverly Hills, organic food products from Dr. Melina, styling products from TIGI, and much more!

Former model Lizanne Falsetto’s all natural high protein thinkThin bars and other think products were a huge hit with the fit and fabulous Hollywood crowd.  Her thinkThin Pink bars benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation for the Cure Foundation in October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Her thinkThin and thinkThinpink bars are sugar-free and the thinkGreen bars are a salad bar on the go – both available at Whole Foods.

Another product showing that “healthy” is the way celebs want to be was “her” – the healthy-energy-revitalizer drink, which featured recipe cards for making martinis and other special drinks with champagne, rum, vodka, tequila, Cointreau… and even beer!  And of course, there’s her Au Naturale, too!

If there was any “dirt” on celebrities – it could be shaken off by theShaklee “GetClean” products, which were added to their swag bags.  It’s the non-toxic way to get rid of whatever slimes and grimes.

Hmmm, and speaking of slime – next time I’ll have to give those celebs a copy of my book, NEVER KISS A FROG: A Girl’s Guide to Creatures from the Dating Swamp!

The Main Event Lounge was a festive but casual atmosphere, mixing Hollywood beauty with brand integration.  It was such a success that Durkin Entertainment is already prepping for a lounge at the famous Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.

See you there!
Marilyn

Marilyn Anderson
Never Kiss a Frog
www.neverkissafrog.com

Concert for a Cause: Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, & Christopher Guest

Concert for a Cause: Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, & Christopher Guest

What a night!  September 27 was an evening of fantastic music and lots of laughs when Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, and Christopher Guest took the stage at The Avalon in Hollywood.

The trio, best known as Spinal Tap from the movie of the same name, and as The Folksmen in “A Mighty Wind,” headlined thisConcert for a Cause to raise funds for the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF).

Michael McKean first became involved with the IMF when a friend and colleague, Lee Grayson, was battling multiple myeloma.  Since then, he has supported the IMF in Lee’s honor.

The audience was packed with fans of all ages – and they weren’t disappointed.  McKean, Guest, & Shearer played all the favorite Spinal Tap and Folksmen songs and many others.

Special guest performers included McKean’s wife, actress Annette O’Toole, and their daughter, Nell Geisslinger.  Harry Shearer’s wife, Judith Owen, a critically acclaimed folk-jazz-rock singer and pianist, also performed.   Musical legend Van Dyke Parks was featured as well.

It was an incredible one-of-a-kind evening for a worthy cause.

Be sure to SAVE THE DATE for the next extraordinary event hosted by the International Myeloma Foundation.

The IMF’s Annual Gala Celebrating Peter Boyle is Saturday, November 10, 2007, at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre & Club.

It’s an evening with comedy and music, featuring Ray Romano and the “Everybody Loves Raymond” cast, including Patricia Heaton, Doris Roberts, and Fred Willard.

There will be a dinner, show, and champagne reception with proceeds to benefit the Peter Boyle Memorial Fund at the IMF.

International Myeloma Foundation

www.myeloma.org

Marilyn Anderson
www.neverkissafrog.com