BEATLES EVOLVER: Fab Four Photo Timeline (Evolution of a Band)

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SEP 9: Peanut Butter Wolf - Venice Warehouse Party 9/9/9

The finale for Peanut Butter Wolf’s 9/9/9 tour is this Wednesday with a 90’s warehouse party in Venice at The Yard (715 Hampton) featuring ARABIAN PRINCE, DAM-FUNK, JROCC, RHETTMATIC, ROMES & MATHIEU SCHREYER plus "some serious special guests". The catered shindig starts at 9:09PM, cover charge is $9.99 and 90’s attire is HIGHLY encouraged. (Gift bags to those "best dressed" in 90's gear, they say. Only thing is: what the hell is 90's attire?) See invite below for more details.

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ERIKA JAYNE MARKS RELEASE OF 'PRETTY MESS' WITH EROTIC CELEB-PACKED EVENT AT COCO DE MER

Event Report - Posted by Don Rose

On the evening of August 20th, singer, songwriter and dance pop sensation ERIKA JAYNE was feted with a very special event at Coco de Mer in honor of her newly released debut album PRETTY MESS (E1 Music) which features three #1 Billboard Dance Club Play singles including the current “Give You Everything.”

Special guests who packed the luxury erotica boutique on LA's ultra-hip Melrose Avenue included singer/songwriter Jody Watley, actor Michael Des Barres, authors Christopher Ciccone and Neil Strauss, Coco de Mer shop owner Justine Roddick, multi-Grammy Award winning producer/songwriter Val Garay, famed choreographer Mikey Minden, make-up artist and photographer Troy Jensen and music producers The Perry Twins, Dave Aude and DJ Irene.

In addition to champagne, delicious treats and provocatively dressed burlesque dancers from Michelle Carr (who embodied the store’s high-end naughty sensibility), the evening featured an erotica poetry reading from the Marquis Michael Des Barres. He included an erotic poem especially for ERIKA, the glamorous Atlanta-born, Los Angeles transplant glamorous artist whose music reels you in with her alluring vocals, catchy melodies and electro beats, not to mention an infectious taste of decadence.

Here’s a sample from Des Barres’ poem for ERIKA:

“In that glorious moment, in that true moment of connection and ecstasy
Your body shudders as she slips and slides beneath you.
Moves her hips to the rhythm of surrender.
You gasp as she performs for you,
yearns for you.
She shows you everything with no inhibition.
Such an exhibition of pure, tarnished, electric dirty beauty.”

For photos of the event, see:

WireImage
http://wireimage.com/ItemListings.aspx?igi=386030&nbc1=1

Associated Press
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/slideshow/photo/090821/482/072d8d8ce6804508b4d92dbd41ce35a6/
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/slideshow/photo/090821/482/cffe4aa112954fb08a06bc2e39fce44a/
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/slideshow/photo/090821/482/9908c6ba51404ea39e429509b312f84b/
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/slideshow/photo/090821/482/84f076e59b0f416cb52ded226b66e113/

Meanwhile, for more from ERIKA, check out this recent Q&A where she talks about PRETTY MESS:

The first sentence of your bio reads: "If disco balls, ecstasy, pearls, Studio 54, sex, crystal chandeliers, Purple Rain, and Crème Brule, could be whipped in a blender and made into a delicious pop-dance musical confection, you would have Pretty Mess, the debut CD from dance-pop s latest sensation Erika Jayne." Can you elaborate on your fascination with fantasy and decadence?

Erika Jayne: The world can be a harsh place to live in--I prefer to focus on things that allow people to use their imagination and feel better about life.

Congrats on your new hit and third #1 dance single “Give You Everything.” What do you feel is the special charm on this song—it’s connecting real fast with listeners in the dance clubs?

It’s fun and everyone has found that one person who captures their heart.

What are your favorite songs on the album? Which were the most fun to write and record?

“Beautiful” and “Pretty Mess” are my favorites--both are a little windows into my soul.

What inspires you artistically beyond music itself? Any films, books or other cultural stimuli?

Black and white movies and erotic poetry.

You have a fearless and bold quality to your persona. How did this develop?

Many hard knocks.

You love to entertain. What’s your favorite thing to serve? Do you have a signature cocktail?

Tons of caviar and the champagne flows freely.

If you were to do a private performance for anyone in the world–living or deceased–who would be in the audience?

Marlena Dietrich, Jack Kennedy and Frank Sinatra.

You have a great set of male dancers you perform with. How do you pick them out? Do you audition them yourself?

Mikey Minden hand picked the boys and I must say he did a GREAT job.

Who are some of your favorite clothing designers?

Alexander McQueen,20John Galliano.

How did you get hooked up with Sheila E. (who plays percussion on the sexually charged “Time to Realize,” one of the four songs Erika co-wrote)? What was it like working with her?

Sheila was working down the hall and I asked Peter Rafelson to introduce us because I’m such a fan and we became friends. Having her on my album is simply amazing.

You are a very well-traveled woman. What are some of the most memorable places you’ve been?

Hanoi, Vietnam was quite interesting. Tanzania was amazing and Managua, Nicaragua was the scariest.

What are your top 20 favorite songs at the moment?

1. deadmau5 “Attention Whore” - Provocative lyrics on top of a hot track.
2. Madonna “Lucky Star” - That’s my girl.
3. Frank Sinatra “My Way” - Is there any other way?
4. Eric B and Rakim “Paid in Full” - Rakim is amazing.
5. Louis Prima “Jump Jive an’ Wail” - I feel like dancin’!!!!
6. The Doors “LA Woman” - I’m an LA woman and I like it.
7. Buckcherry “Crazy Bitch” - No explanation necessary.
8. Patsy Cline “Walking After Midnight” - Tough broad, smooth voice.
9. LMFAO “I’m in Miami Bitch” - When I want to escape.
10. Isley Brothers “Between The Sheets” - My favorite place to be….
11. Teddy Bears “Cobra Style” - Make me wanna party.
12. Samuel Barber “Adagio for Strings, op. 11” - Pure harmonic genius and tragic romance at it’s finest.
13. Motley Crue “Girls, Girls, Girls” - Being bad gets a bad rap.
14. Edith Piaf “Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien” - Brilliant.
15. Backstreet Boys “I Want It That Way” - Pure unadulterated pop—Love it.
16. Bon Jovi “You Give Love a Bad Name” - Love the 80’s!!!
17. Queen “Fat Bottomed Girls” - Freddy always turned it out .
18. The Rolling Stones “Honky Tonk Woman” - Brings out the trash in all of us.
19. Notorious BIG “Juicy” - Gone too soon.
20. Michael Jackson “Billie Jean” - Simply the greatest, period.

http://www.erikajayne.com/

www.myspace.com/erikajaynemusic

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IS ERIKA JAYNE THE NEXT MADONNA?

I will find out tonight at Erika's album release party,
set to take place at one of Hollywood's sexiest stores.

Check out her music, videos and more at http://erikajayne.com.

Ms. Jayne has had 3 straight #1 dance singles and her new album "Pretty Mess" debuts this week, so she's hot right now. (And her ROLLER COASTER video is smokin' hot!) --Don Rose

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VIDEO VAULT: Spinal Tap trio plays UNWIGGED AND UNPLUGGED song medley LIVE + Interview (HOB on Sunset in LA)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlWqAQ1oB8g

This is a video posted on YouTube of Michael McKean, Christopher Guest and Harry Shearer taped at House of Blues on Sunset Boulevard, LA. I believe this was the pre-tour press event that preceded their Unwigged and Unplugged Tour, which happened earlier this year.

Not perfect video, but fairly decent, quite enjoyable and sound's good (tip: click the HQ option for High Quality playback).

The clip begins with a medley of songs from Spinal Tap and the trio's other films, then transitions to an interview onstage between the trio and Kurt Loder (famed MTV news guy).

See www.unwigged.com for more info on the uber-talented actor-musicians and their U&U tour.

LAFF: LAFFING, LOVING, LIVING LEGENDS ("LOUD"), LIVELY LOUNGE AT LA's LEADING LOLLAFILMFESTIVALOOZA

Festival Recap by Don Rose

LAFFING: there were comedies galore at this year's fest. "Cold Souls" was the hottest Dark SciFantasyComedy of the fest (okay, the only one), and the director said it was inspired by a dream she had in which she and Woody Allen are in a waiting room holding boxes containing their souls. (Dream analysis, anyone?) Paul Giamatti stars as himself; after undergoing a procedure to store his soul, it winds up getting smuggled out of the country and into a female actress who suddenly displays his great acting prowess. (Yes, the plot is kinda Kaufmanesque.)

LOVING: the LAFF is known for showcasing quirky tales of attraction action, and this year brought unique love stories. For example, "Paper Heart" (starring buzzworthy actors Michael Cera and Charlyne Yi) and "Paper Man" (the Jeff Daniels / Ryan Reynolds dramedy that gets The LA Report's Find of the Fest award), which kept audiences elated and enthralled.

LIVING LEGENDS: several made appearances, both live and onscreen, especially those in the (artificial yet artful) category Music Legends In Documentaries. Two living Doors (Ray Manzarek and Robbie Krieger) attended a screening of the new Doors doc "When You're Strange" (my favorite film of the fest). And there was white-haired Jimmy Page and Jack White at the premiere of the doc that features Page, White and The Edge -- "It Might Get Loud" -- as well as at the afterparty held at the Hotel Palomar (a spiffy recently-opened hotel at the corner of Wilshire and Selby, with a superb restaurant that served delicious sliders and other delectables at the party). In the arena of sports, "Facing Ali" featured many legends of yesteryear; this doc showcases the select group of boxers who took on the best boxer ever, and now share what it was like to fight The Greatest.

LOUDNESS: In addition to "It Might Get Loud" there was the loud (and now lucrative) sequel of "Transformers" to transfix festivalgoers' eyes and ears. And at the Ford Amphitheatre, "Soul Power" served up some soul-shaking sounds in its tale of the superstar R&B concert that took place at the time of the 1974 Zaire Ali-Foreman fight (yes, Ali was one recurring theme of this year's fest).

LIVELY LOUNGE: The Zone Perfect lounge was the central meeting/partying point during
this year's LAFF. Loved the interactive word wall and painting area. On one especially lively night, actress/comedienne Charlyne Yi showed she is a musician too (one with many rough yet endearing edges) as she rocked the lounge with her eclectic duo Glass Beef. Matt Nathanson also rocked the Lounge, on the final evening, as part of a special VH1 Save the Music night.

LLYN's LORE: at a Reel Talk event held poolside at the W Hotel (the first of 3 such panels over 3 consecutive days), lore about days of yore came forth from artist Llyn Foulkes, who was perhaps the most passionate of the panelists at this panel on art and design in film. He talked of a pivotal point in his art career when, instead of selling out like some others did, he took a different, less-lucrative road in order to keep true to his art - and heart. Was there a tinge of regret in his voice, or was it pride in pursuing the path he ultimately forged over the path of easy money? Hard to tell, but moments like that kept the panel in high thought-provoking gear, and proved that drama is not just found in the films of a festival.

LAFF's LEADING LIST: Leaving LAFF leads some to ask, "what were LAFF's hottest films?" Hard to decide, but here is The LA Report's Excellent Eight: Paper Man, Paper Heart, Cold Souls, Soul Power, No Impact Man, When You're Strange, It Might Get Loud, Facing Ali. These got the most buzz and crowds. However, there were dozens more movies just as heartfelt at the fest and, with time, may garner just as much attention.

All in all, LAFF 2009 was a well-run and supremely entertaining film festival, and we highly recommend you attend LAFF 2010 next summer. (Our one suggestion for timely retro programming next year: a screening of "2010", the sequel to "2001"; while it may not enjoy the classic status of the original, it's still a stellar film!)

DOORS + DICILLO + DEPP = DARING DEFINITIVE DYNAMITE DOC

Film Review by Don Rose

MICROREVIEW:
Yes, the new Doors doc rocked.
The pains and strains of "When You're Strange"
ranged from the Doors' early days to druggie haze to final daze.
If you are into music and/or the 60s, go see it. If you love the Doors, run to see it.
It will Light Your Fire, you will Love It Madly, and you'll Break On Through to new appreciation of this seminal rock-n-roll-with-a-touch-of-jazz band and its legendary lead singer/poet/icon.

The 2pm LAFF screening June 24 at the Regent Theatre was packed; I had to hustle to get a third row side seat. It was worth the effort. The Doors, that eloquent energetic ever-eclectic electric Elektra ensemble, has been captured by director Tom DiCillo as never before. This is an energetic biopic that doesn't quite feel like one, which is a good thing. No newly shot interviews with friends and bandmembers sprinkled with minimal archival footage, no oversaturation with sycophantic praise. This film feels so alive because it is young, composed entirely of footage and recordings from the Doors glory days, clips from when the Doors were new, alive, pumping out sounds never experienced by everyday ears -- a kind of rock-jazz blend, as John Densmore explained in the film.

Even I, an avowed devoted Doors fan, learned some new things in this doc. A partial list:

* The first song Robby Krieger ever wrote was "Light My Fire" (and it went to number one in the summer of 1967)

* Light My Fire was almost used in a car commercial, but while the other 3 Doors approved the deal, Morrison nixed it (and, as narrator Johnny Depp informs us at film's end, no Doors songs ever went on to be used in any car commercials)

* Morrison apparently had no publicist, picked out his own clothes, and arrived at shows without entourage or bodyguards in many cases

* Ray Manzarek dropped acid (dropped as in gave it up) in favor of meditation

* At the height of Jim's fame and status as counter-culture anti-establishment icon, his dad was as establishment as you can get: an Admiral leading the fight in Vietnam. (Can you have a greater irony? A greater generational gulf within one family? Perhaps that is why a data-sheet filled out by Jim used one word to describe his family: Dead.)

Bottom line, at the risk of being overly abundantly blunt, is that I loved this film. As I left the theatre, I felt alive; the colors all around on the busy bustling Broxton boulevard were vivid and vibrant and packed with potential. A good film has the power to do that, to liberate you and open your senses. The doors of perception, for me, were opened a bit wider, and what more can you ask from a film?

Yet there was more, much more. Reel upon reel of rare footage (much of it never-before-seen by the public) and plenty of great Doors music. I felt I was experiencing the band's entire evolution from an insider's POV, from beginning to end, and some clever editing even raised the always-arisin question of whether Mr Mojo Risin was still alive. In the end, beautiful friend, that question seemed the wrong one to ask. The right one: are we still alive? Thanks to this motion picture, I know the answer is a glorious Yes.

Of course, I was not the only one moved by this movie. Spontaneous applause erupted as the film ended. And then came a nice surprise, as I was informed that half the Doors (Ray and Robbie) had been in attendance today. In recent years I've seen both Ray and Robbie (at different times) walking about Westwood, so perhaps this little Village, just south of UCLA where Ray and Jim went to film school, has once again become the spiritual hub of Doorsian energy. Or maybe they just live nearby and like the Farmers Market (which now takes place on Wednesday afternoons, by the way).

Okay, I admit, this aside of mine was a little strange; for more relevant thoughts, facts and insights about "When You're Strange" see the Tom DiCillo blog as well as the Tom DiCillo interview on Doors.com.

BLOGBITE: DIRECTOR DICILLO'S DOORS DAY (Tom DiCillo Blog)

We at The LA Report like to feature fun, well-written, captivating blogs now and then. Now, then, is one of those times, as we recommend you check out the blog of director Tom DiCillo, whose latest film is a wonderful new documentary about The Doors ("When You're Strange"). Here is a brief blog excerpt, a glimpse into one day at Sundance with Tom and the Doors:

1. 17.09.
10 am.
Park City, Utah.
...
I do the morning press with Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger; I’ll be with John Densmore in the afternoon. The first interview goes well. Ray is hyper but eloquent. Robby is quiet, slipping in brief comments that send out ripples of meaning. Both are highly complimentary about the film. It suddenly penetrates my jetlag that I’m actually sitting with 2 members of The Doors talking about a film I made about their lives.

At the next interview I notice a small keyboard set up across the room. I nudge Ray with a wink. “Why don’t you play something?” “Yeah,” he laughs, ”you know how many times I’ve heard that in my life?”

I leave the room for a moment. Someone starts playing the piano intro to “Riders On the Storm.” I turn and see it’s Ray. Robby is standing beside him strapping on an electric guitar. He checks his volume, then slips into the music. Around the room people’s jaws are dropping. As the song builds Ray’s eyes close, his head goes back. Robby studies his fretboard, a faint smile touching his lips. At that moment they both look 20 years old.

4 pm.

In the middle of an interview with Densmore. He’s sharp and gracious. He’s also the only thing keeping me awake. About 25 other interviews are taking place in the room around us. The jabber is deafening. John gives Oliver Stone some professional respect but then, when asked about Jim his voice takes on a deep, quiet reverence and I see Morrison suddenly come alive in his eyes.

JUN 16: CAPITOL/EMI RELEASES "LET IT ROLL", NEW CAREER-SPANNING COMPILATION OF GEORGE HARRISON SOLO SONGS; ALBUM ALSO ON iTUNES WITH RARE BONUS TRACK

by Don Rose

Capitol/EMI released "Let It Roll: Songs By George Harrison" on CD and digitally on June 16, 2009. The new album is Harrison’s first ever career-spanning solo hits collection and also includes live tracks from his 1971 all-star Concert For Bangladesh benefit at Madison Square Garden.

As music legend, George was recently celebrated with a new star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and in tandem with this special event (which brought out Paul McCartney and Tom Hanks, among many others) Capitol/EMI has now given fans of the "Quiet Beatle" a fantastic new collection of Harrisongs.

"Let It Roll" features digitally remastered tracks in deluxe packaging, including an extensive booklet with previously unseen and rare photos. The collection is also available for download from all major digital service providers, including Amazon.com and iTunes. In fact, fans who buy the new album on iTunes will get a rare bonus track -- a demo of "Isn't It A Pity" (one of Harrison's songs from his landmark "All Things Must Pass" album).

"Let It Roll" spans 3 decades of stellar music, putting many highlights from Harrison's entire solo recording career on one album for the first time. The Harrisongs here include the #1 Billboard Pop singles “My Sweet Lord,” “Isn’t It A Pity,” “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth),” and “Got My Mind Set On You." The new title will also feature live recordings of three Harrison-penned Beatles songs, “Something,” “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” and “Here Comes The Sun” from his 1971 all-star Concert For Bangladesh benefit at Madison Square Garden.

Boffo Offer: iTunes Bonus Harrisong

iTunes is exclusively offering a previously unreleased bonus track, "Isn't It A Pity" (Earliest Demo Version), with a digital album purchase of "Let It Roll: Songs By George Harrison."

Amazon Link to "Let It Roll"

http://www.amazon.com/Let-Roll-Songs-George-Harrison/dp/B0026NWBY2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1244141858&sr=8-1

Send a Harrison-Themed Father's Day E-Card!

The "Let It Roll" e-card is at http://georgeharrison2009.com/ecard.

About George Harrison

George Harrison is a twice-inducted member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as a solo artist and as a member of The Beatles, and an 11-time Grammy Award winner for his recordings with The Beatles, Traveling Wilburys and as a solo artist. Known by millions for his music, Harrison also dedicated his life to humanitarian causes; his rock-benefit Concert For Bangladesh served as an inspiration for future fundraising events like Live Aid, Farm Aid, Live 8 and many more.

Complete Track List for "Let It Roll"

Let It Roll: Songs by George Harrison (CD, digital)
1. Got My Mind Set On You
2. Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)
3. The Ballad Of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll)
4. My Sweet Lord
5. While My Guitar Gently Weeps [Live] - Concert For Bangladesh
6. All Things Must Pass
7. Any Road
8. This Is Love
9. All Those Years Ago
10. Marwa Blues
11. What Is Life
12. Rising Sun
13. When We Was Fab
14. Something [Live] - Concert For Bangladesh
15. Blow Away
16. Cheer Down
17. Here Comes The Sun [Live] - Concert For Bangladesh
18. I Don’t Want To Do It
19. Isn’t It A Pity
iTunes Bonus Track: Isn’t It A Pity (Earliest Demo Version)

MAY 10: FREE SHOW/PARTY BY SINGER JEWEL FOR FANS AT ROXY ON SUNSET, ALL AGES OK

The Facebook page for singer/songwriter JEWEL says she is doing a free show May 10, 2009 for her fans, on the occasion of her new album. Perez Hilton is her co-host for the show.

The rsvp link said the contest to get tickets is over, but since it is free, perhaps go and try it if you are a diehard Jewel fan. No guarantees, but as Wayne Gretzky once said, 'You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take."

The Roxy is a classic Sunset Strip venue, a short walk east of Doheny and next door to another classic place, the Rainbow Bar and Grill, where you can eat/drink before or after the show (or during, if you don't get in).

Here are some highlights of what Jewel's Facebook page said:

As a special thank you to all my fans, I am hosting, along with Perez Hilton, a private album release party where I'll perform songs from Lullaby as well others, just for my fans! It's a free show just for you, at The Roxy on Sunset Boulevard. So all you have to do is sign up below for your chance to have your name plus a guest added to the guest list! ...
...
Sunday, May 10th
Lullaby Album Release Party hosted by Perez Hilton
Acoustic performance by Jewel
Roxy
7:00 PM Doors 8:00 PM Performance
Admission is free and all-ages welcome

SPARKS WILL FLY WHEN CBS’ "ROCKSTAR: SUPERNOVA" Winner LUKAS ROSSI Shares the Stage with Runnerup DILANA for the First Time

Live at the Brixton in Redondo Beach, Saturday, April 25, 2009

(LOS ANGELES; April 7, 2009) – The first time on stage together since the CBS reality series Rock Star: Supernova, winner Lukas Rossi and runner-up Dilana perform live at Brixton in Redondo Beach, CA on Saturday, April 25th. Lukas is thrilled to be joined on stage by his dear friend and sista in rock, Dilana. Sparks will fly and who knows what could happen with the closing encore!

Who: Lukas Rossi & Stars Down with special guest, Dilana
What: An evening with Lukas Rossi & Dilana, one night only performance!
When: Saturday, April 25, 2009, 8PM, 21+
Where: Brixton, 100 J W. Torrance Blvd, Redondo Beach, CA
Tickets: $15 at the door, or to purchase advance tickets,
please visit http://tickets.brixtonsouthbay.com or call 310.406.1931.

ABOUT LUKAS ROSSI
Lukas Rossi and his band, Stars Down is comprised of an internationally acclaimed singer (Rossi) who sounds like a bastard music child of Freddie Mercury and Jeff Buckley (and is as compelling on stage as David Bowie and Iggy Pop), and a full throttle band that will make your ass move (all while stealing your girlfriends). The band's influences collectively range everywhere from Jeff Buckley to The Cure to Queen, however Lukas Rossi’s original music is very fresh, very new, and very much his own. Layered with melodic harmonies, and a stellar (no pun intended) ability to grab the crowd by the balls, the Lukas Rossi and Stars Down sound is emotive and tortured, yet inspiring and hopeful, and in the unforgettable soaring vocals of Lukas Rossi, the listener ultimately finds redemption. For more information, visit Lukas Rossi official website at www.lukasrossionline.com

ABOUT DILANA
Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Dilana began her singing career at a very young age, finding her way on stage in front of her first audience at the age of 7. From then on, she was music obsessed, leaving school at 16 to sing in a traveling duo and soon, perform in various cover and original bands for a number of years. Leaving, as she called it, years of "madness and violence in the city," she moved from her homeland and onto the Netherlands in order to further herself and start her own band. A wise decision--playing covers and originals, Dilana's band became one of the country's highest paid and most booked bands. She even opened up for the internationally acclaimed (Dutch) rock band, Golden Earring. Dilana who is best known for her participation on the hit CBS reality-show "Rock Star: Supernova" now lives in the United States where she is enjoying success with surely more hits to follow. For more information, please visit her website at www.dilana-robichaux.com

ABOUT BRIXTON SOUTHBAY
With a newly renovated, speak easy vibe; this 450 capacity live music venue is considered Redondo Beach’s premiere hotspot. The club features state-of-the-art sound & lighting, a private V.I.P Sky Lounge, 3 beautiful restrooms, and an expansive dance floor. All patrons receive ‘free’ validated parking in their adjacent secured parking structure, and full cocktail & bottle service are available. The club is also available for private parties, film shoots, music videos and band rehearsals. For more information, please visit their website at www.brixtonsouthbay.com.

For media inquiries, or to set up an interview with Lukas Rossi or Dilana, please contact Kim Koury @ kim@spinprgroup.com or call 310.497.6324.

MAR 26 - APR 2: METHODFEST 2009 RETURNS TO CALABASAS; 11th ANNUAL FILM FESTIVAL FOCUSES ON THE ACTOR, FEATURES SCREENINGS, PARTIES AND INDIE MUSIC

Featured Event Listing - Posted by Don Rose

The 11th annual Method Fest independent film festival, the only major U.S. film festival focusing on acting, runs from March 26 to April 2, 2009. Named after the famous "Method" school of acting, which revolutionized the approach in acting, particularly in film, The Method Fest ( www.methodfest.com ) is a festival of discovery, showcasing breakout acting performances by emerging actors in character and story-driven films.

The Method Fest's mission is to launch the works of young, fresh filmmakers and discover breakthrough performances by bold, new actors. More than 120 films that have premiered or played at The Method Fest, including recent box office hits Waitress and The Visitor, have received theatrical, TV or video distribution.

The Method Fest 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. Richard Jenkins and Melissa Leo, who recently were nominated for Oscars for Best Actor in a Leading Role and Best Actress in a Leading Role won special career awards as well as Best Actor / Best Actress Awards at the 2008 Method Fest. They are the latest names on the list of festival honorees that also includes: Christopher Plummer, Michael Madsen (2007); Julie Harris, Ruby Dee, Kevin Pollak, David Carradine, Martin Landau, Crispin Glover (2005); Dennis Hopper, Martha Coolidge, Chazz Palminteri, Ronnie Yeskell (2004); Peter Falk, Lainie Kazan, Diane Ladd, Henry Jaglom, Mark Rydell, Agnieszka Holland (2003); Rod Steiger, Mali Finn (2002); James Earl Jones, Jon Jacobs (2001); Karen Black (2000); Maximilian Schell (1999).

The Method Fest is sponsored by Mercedes Benz of Calabasas and the City of Calabasas. Presenting media sponsors include Time Warner Cable, Charter Communications, LA.Com and the L.A. Daily News. Major sponsors include Sony, Christie, Modern VideoFilm, and Country Inn & Suites. Festival supporters include Final Draft, Stella Artois, Barefoot Winery, San Fernando Valley Economic Alliance / Valley of the Stars, Calabasas Chamber of Commerce, MasterSource, FilmFinders, Leonis Adobe, Fleming's, Sagebrush Cantina, Arnie Morton's Famous Steakhouse, Chapter 8 Steakhouse and Lounge, Toni Koch Productions, Songs Alive, Pepsi, Creative Handbook, Withoutabox, Friends of Film, Ice Age, MoneyMailer and IZZE.

RETRO REWIND: 1960-1963: GREATEST ERA EVER FOR POP NOVELTY SONGS

Commentary by Don Rose

Perhaps it was because rock and roll was taking a breather, waning a bit after its ferocious beginnings circa 1951-1954 and before 1964's "Big Bang" of the Beatles (as Little Steven likes to say). Perhaps it was because Elvis, the King of Rock, had gone in the Army - then returned to become a movie star, deviating from his rock roots. Or perhaps everyone felt the way Decca Records did, when they turned down the Beatles after a January 1962 audition because they believed "guitar groups are on their way out." Whatever the reason, there sure were a ton of unusual yet immortal novelty songs that made the pop charts between 1960 and 1963.

Just look at the evidence below.

How do you define a novelty song? We define it loosely as a song with a strong hook and/or concept, featuring at least one unique sound or lyric, something that makes it different than any other tune, often with a heavy dose of humor, and often the biggest (or only) hit for the performer or group who recorded it. And now, some of the top novelty hits of 1960-1963:

Runaway (1961) - the first hit by Del Shannon featured a famous solo by Max Crook, one of the most distinctive in rock history, performed on a heavily-modified clavioline (early synthesizer) that Crook called the "Musitron"

Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah (A Letter From Camp) (1961) - immortal hit by Allan Sherman, using a classical passage as the music under his sweet humorous lyrics based on his son's complaints from camp, peaked at #9; received the 1964 Grammy Award for Best Comedy Performance

Telstar - 1962 hit instrumental by The Tornados featured a Univox Clavioline

Monster Mash - hit by Bobby "Boris" Pickett & The Crypt-Kickers (1962) peaked at #1, and is still one of my favorite songs of all time; fun clever lyrics, a dead-on Boris Karloff impression by Pickett, and an irresistable rocking backing track, especially the drums on the opening bars

Does Your Chewing Gum Lose Its Flavor (On the Bedpost Overnight) - 1961 hit by Lonnie Donegan, who led the Skiffle craze in Britain that inspired the early Beatles, peaked at #5

Mr. Custer (Larry Verne) (1960) peaked at #1

If You Wanna Be Happy (Jimmy Soul) (1963) peaked at #1; featured the immortal line, "If you wanna be happy for the rest of your life, never make a pretty woman your wife..."

Papa-Oom-Mow-Mow (The Rivingtons) (1962) peaked at #48; covered live by the Beach Boys in their early days

Speedy Gonzales (Pat Boone) (1962) peaked at #6

Mr. Bass Man (Johnny Cymbal) (1963) peaked at #16

My Boomerang Won't Come Back (Charlie Drake) (1962) peaked at #21

Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport (Rolf Harris) (1963) peaked at #6 - features a unique homemade instrument making the "wakawakawaka" sound that starts the song; YouTube fans can find a rare recording of Rolf with the Beatles, for which he changed the words in honor of the Fab Four and the group provides a bit of backup

Alley-Oop (The Hollywood Argyles) (1960) peaked at #1

Who Put the Bomp (In the Bomp, Bomp, Bomp) (Barry Mann) (1961) peaked at #7

I encourage you to check out all of the above songs. If you feel I left any notable novelty tunes out, feel free to send them and we can add to this list. Send to: info@thelareport.com.

FEB 15: JIMMY DEMERS SINGS AT VIBRATO IN POST-VALENTINE'S DAY SHOW HOSTED BY PAULA ABDUL

Singer and American Idol judge Paula Abdul is hosting an evening to hear Jimmy Demers perform this Sunday. Just one day after Valentine's Day you can come to Vibrato to hear a love song or two as Jimmy sings excellent songs from his new CD, "Dream a Little" on Concord Records.

According to Jimmy, "Paula has advised making a reservation for dinner to guarantee a seat, otherwise you can just wing it and ... watch me sing from the bar."

Sunday Evening, February 15, 2009. Jimmy Demers concert at Vibrato on Beverly Glen, just south of Mulholland. 2930 Beverly Glen Circle, Bel Air CA 90077, Phone 310.474.9400. Contact info for Jimmy: 310.281.6146 (LA), 212.714.7111 (New York), www.jimmydemers.com. Event info: http://www.vibratogrilljazz.com/calendar/index.php?event=Jimmy_Demers&calview=event&event_id=1634&prevview=month&year=2009&month=02&day=15&type_id=&clickdate=2009-02-15

MCCARTNEY VS. COLBERT: FUNNIEST INTERVIEW THIS YEAR (FROM THE COLBERT REPORT, COMEDY CENTRAL, STREAMED ON HULU.COM)

Here is the best interview of the year so far: Stephen Colbert giving the "Colbert bump" (and Colbert treatment) to Paul McCartney. Funny, well produced, and you even get a duet between Sir Paul and Stephen (Ebony and Ivory, no less). Paul plugs his latest album, "The Fireman: Electric Arguments"... Colbert claims to not know any of Paul's work... and Paul accuses the Dalai Lama of resorting to cannabilism in an emergency...

http://www.hulu.com/watch/55318/the-colbert-report-better-know-a-beatle---paul-mccartney

TOP TWELVE CHRISTMAS SONGS OF ALL TIME (TLR LIST)

by Don Rose

In honor of the 12 days of Christmas (and of course the 12 disciples, and the fact that 12 is the last innocent year before the teen years kick in and many kids stop believing in, well, the power of believing), and in honor of the 12 hours after 12 noon that make up Christmas Eve on December 24 (12 + 12)), we humbly present the 12 songs that The LA Report considers the greatest Christmas tunes of all time (where "all time" means since the modern musical era began with Handy's "Memphis Blues" in 1912, which happens to be 12x8 years ago).

Now before you write in complaining or contributing (both of which we encourage): sure, there are hundreds of other Xmas ditties out there, and dozens of other great classic songs we could have chosen, but we at The LA Report feel the delightful dozen below stood out most. When we say "greatest" we mean that hard-to-define blend of concepts that mixes "most memorable", "most recorded/covered", "most played on radio", "most popular with a crowd of diverse people", and "most likely to be part of a desert-island dozen" if one had to pick only 12 tunes to live with on Gilligan's Island (once the Professor fashioned an iPod out of coconuts, of course).

Next to each of the twelve tunes below is the person who did the version we like best. Here goes:

WHITE CHRISTMAS (Bing Crosby)
BLUE CHRISTMAS (Elvis Presley)
ROCKIN AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE (Brenda Lee)
JINGLE BELL ROCK (Bobby Helms)
IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR (Andy Williams)
THE CHRISTMAS SONG (Nat King Cole)
THE CHIPMUNK SONG (Christmas Don't Be Late) (The Chipmunks & David Seville)
CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE (Vince Guaraldi Trio)
HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS (The Carpenters)
JINGLE BELLS (Frank Sinatra)
SLEIGH RIDE (Ventures)
HAPPY XMAS (War is Over) (John Lennon and Yoko Ono)

Any alternate/dissenting opinions out there? Write in and let us know: info@thelareport.com.

DEC 20-21: WEST LA MUSIC OFFERS GREAT DEALS ON GEAR

In particular, look at the FENDER ACOUSTIC GUITAR PACK. Great price!
Two nice freebies listed in the ad as well. Check it out below. (Posted by: Don Rose)

DEC 12-14: ECO GIFT FESTIVAL RETURNS TO SANTA MONICA CIVIC AUDITORIUM (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, BEST BET)

Featured Event Listing - Posted by Don Rose

It's Holiday Shopping For The Soul! A one-stop shopping experience, the Eco Gift Festival presented by Tommy Rosen and the LA Times is the largest green holiday shopping event in the world, taking place December 12-14 at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. Eco Gift showcases 150+ vendors with earth-friendly gifts, 15 live eclectic musical performances, the Visionary Speaker Series including Arianna Huffington (Founder - Huffington Post), Michael Brune (Executive Director, Rainforest Action Network), Shallom Berkman (Founder - Urth Caffe), Josh Tickell (award-winning filmmaker, "Fuel"), Millika Chopra, Eco Designer Linda Loudermilk, Susan Olsen (aka Cindy Brady-"Brady Bunch") at the Children's Stage, delicious food from top organic chefs and much more.

Shop It! Wrap It! Ship It! All on site for your convenience.

The LA Report attended this expo last year, and the vibe is simply amazing. Just being in their expo space makes you feel calm, and you will not only pick up great deals on wonderful gifts, but also learn important new ideas as well. The people attending are another reason to go -- you will meet smart, eco-conscious folks in an inspiring, inviting setting.

December 12-14, 2008. The annual Eco Gift Festival, featuring exhibits of products from 150+ environmentally oriented companies, music, speakers and organic foods. Tickets start at $10 daily, children under 12 & seniors are free. Location: Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, at Pico and Main in Santa Monica. Visit www.ecogift.com for more info, or call (310) 399-3097, or see details below. TLR BEST BET

Ticket Info

Tickets are $10 per day and $20 for a weekend pass.
Children under 12 and Seniors over 65 get in for free.

Location

Santa Monica Civic Auditorium
1855 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401

Dates and Show Hours

Friday, December 12th 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday, December 13th 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday, December 14th 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Parking

Parking is $8.00 at the venue lot.
Overflow parking available at the corner of Colorado and Main.

Public Transit

There are many ways to get to Santa Monica Civic Center without driving. Eco Gift Expo encourages you to explore the public transit options.

Directions to Santa Monica Civic Center

The Santa Monica Civic Auditorium is located just south of downtown Santa Monica at 1855 Main Street, on the corner of Pico Blvd. and Main Street, in Santa Monica California 90401. Parking at the Civic is $8.00 per car. From the Westbound 10 "Santa Monica" Freeway: take the 4th Street exit. Turn left (south) on 4th Street to Pico Blvd. Turn right (west) on Pico Blvd. to Main Street. Parking is off Main Street. From the Southbound Pacific Coast Highway/ Eastbound 10 "Santa Monica" Freeway: take the Ocean Avenue exit just before the transition to the Eastbound 10 "Santa Monica" Freeway. Turn right (south) on Ocean Avenue to Pico Blvd. Turn left (east) on Pico Blvd. to Main Street. Parking is off Main Street.

Musicians

(see Eco Gift Musicians page)

Speakers

FRIDAY, DEC 12
12:00 pm Felicia Tomasko
1:00 pm Seane Corn
2:00 pm Robyn Griggs-Lawrence
3:00 pm Dr. Andrew Dattila
4:00 pm Compton Rom
5:00 pm Michael and Bianca Alexander
6:00 pm Rob Kramer
SATURDAY, DEC 13
12:00 pm David Crow
1:00 pm Josh Tickell
2:00 pm Arianna Huffington
3:00 pm Blake Mycoskie
4:00 pm Shallom Berkman
5:00 pm Scott Badenoch
6:00 pm Waylon Lewis
SUNDAY, DEC 14
11:00 am Tom Szaky
12:00 pm Dr. Edison De Mello
1:00 pm Linda Loudermilk
2:00 pm Sherry Beall
3:00 pm Michael Brune
4:00 pm John Marshall Roberts
5:00 pm Mallika Chopra

DEC 6: LAWIM HOLIDAY GIFT BAZAAR

L.A. Women in Music and Professional Musicians Union present a Holiday Gift Bazaar, on December 6, at the Union Hall on Vine Street in Hollywood.

Offered are music industry panels, along with a variety of vendors of jewelry, toys, books, clothing, and more.

More information at LAWIM's website: www.lawim.com.

BEST BET: THE SOUND, BEST ALL-AROUND 24-HOUR POP-ROCK MUSIC RADIO STATION IN LA, 100.3 FM

Recommendation by Don Rose

If I was going to design my own music station on the radio, I would follow a few simple rules. I would play only good pop-oriented music, tending toward the rock end of the spectrum, with solid memorable melodies, regardless of what decade it was from. Good is good, after all, whether it's a single, a less-known album cut, live recording, studio cut, a sixties super seller or a brand new tune. I would also honor the music -- that is, not talk over it, let it play from beginning to end. And I would pick low-key less-talky DJs who talk softly and carry no big schtick.

Well, someone beat me to it. It's here in Los Angeles, and it's called THE SOUND. "World Class Rock" is their motto. Check it out at 100.3 FM. They play the best cool tunes, from five decades worth of great music (60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and 00s). If you need a comparison, think of it as a more eclectic, less Top-40-ish version of JACK FM. It's just better. Another way to describe it: imagine if Jack and KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic had a child. That's The Sound, baby.

Recent artists/songs I enjoyed on The Sound include Elvis Costello, ELP (Emerson, Lake and Palmer, "In The Beginning"), Talking Heads (live "Burning Down the House"), brand new Counting Crows, Peter Gabriel ("Sledgehammer"), Stevie Wonder ("I Wish" from "Songs in the Key of Life" album), Jane's Addiction, Joe Cocker, a new Scottish band called Gloss Vegas, Jack Johnson, and the song that launched a thousand wedding receptions in the seventies, "Beginnings" (from Chicago's debut album, and they played the WHOLE thing, down to the last percussive notes). I especially love all the eighties tunes I am hearing here, since most other stations tend to gloss over or ignore that most poppish of decades. Give it a try, LA. You won't be disappointed.

Best Bet (Radio): The Sound. 100.3 FM. Likeability Index: 92 (I liked 92 percent of what they played).