Thursday, May 8, 2008

CHARLIE SCOLA THROWS BOFFO BORDERS BOOKSTORE BASH FOR HIS NEW BOOK "PARTY PLANNING SECRETS;" NET PROCEEDS BENEFIT MAKE A WISH

Event Report by Don Rose, Los Angeles, CA : May 8, 2008

Wow. For a book signing, it was quite a party. Best Borders Books bash, bar none.

At today's creative colorful colossal circus-like event at Borders Books in the Westfield Century City mall, Charlie Scola proved he not only knows how to throw a party for celebrities and VIPs, but also for himself. "Party Charlie" was the man of the hour, center of attention, signing his new book "Party Planning Secrets."

Never had I seen a booksigning event totally take over a bookstore, with activities in every corner. For example, there was the closeup magic of Paul "Fig" Fegen; speaking of parties, Fig's New Years shindigs were legendary - his being the last place I saw Wilt the Stilt Chamberlain (as well as the only place). Speaking of tall, Charlie's party also featured stiltwalkers. Then there were the fortune tellers foretelling people's futures under a mini tent, plus old style upright videogames being played by happy kids, a spinning prize wheel for winning Party Charlie mugs, two bubbly blonde babes from Charlie's "Naked Catering" company passing out giftbags (yes, wearing clothes), excellent food (featuring Chinese Chicken Salad and other tasty bites), a couple of open bars featuring Absolut Vodka, a raffle of cool prizes... and, of course, a line of folks waiting for the chance to get Charlie's John Hancock on their books (all net proceeds being donated to the charity Make A Wish).

Judging by all the celebs in the video montage playing on TVs throughout the store, Charlie is a very well connected guy, but he is also the nicest and humblest person to talk with, as I had the privilege of doing a few days ago. We recommend you buy Mr. Scola's book, which will not only help you throw killer parties but will be sending money to a great cause, too. I just hope Charlie will pen his autobiography next, because the brief highlights of his life that he relayed to me (full of peaks and valleys that ultimately led to great success) sounds like it would make a great read.

Special thanks to publicist Teri Danz for her assistance, and to Charlie for being such a gracious guy. Kudos to both for throwing a very cool affair.

MAY 8: CELEBRITY PARTY PLANNER AND CATERER, CHARLIE SCOLA, PREMIERES NEW BOOK AT BORDERS BOOK SIGNING AND BENEFIT EVENT

Charlie Scola, Party Planner and Caterer To The Stars, Turns Author with New Book Release

Charlie Scola (aka “PartyCharlie”), Celebrity Party Planner, Caterer, and Columnist, premieres his new book “Party Planning Secrets: The Ultimate Guide To A Successful Party” at a book signing event on Thursday, May 8 at Border’s Westfield Century City Mall from 5:30-8pm. All net proceeds from the book sales benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Greater Los Angeles. The exciting event will feature food, drinks, entertainment, and offer partygoers the opportunity to purchase the book for a good cause.

A leading innovator in party planning and catering for the last 30 years, Mr. Scola shares his secrets to creating successful parties and celebrations that have a life of their own. “Charlie’s Five Steps make it clear how to create the energy for any party or celebration and make it a success, “says Steven McPherson, President, ABC Entertainment. Notes Will & Grace star, Eric McCormack, “it’s about time the world learned the secret of those little burgers.” A labor of love, “the book is my way of sharing my experience,” says Mr. Scola, “and being a guide through the world of great entertaining.”

Affectionately known as “PartyCharlie”, Mr. Scola has catered events and planned parties with, for, and in honor of, a large roster of famous celebrities including: Jennifer Aniston (two events honoring her with Brad Pitt attending), Elton John, Tom Cruise, John Travolta, Jon Lovitz, Bill Maher, Dana Carvey, Bob Saget, and more. His credits include the grand opening of Universal Hollywood’s Citywalk for 7,000 guests, Hugh Hefner’s Millennium Christmas Party at the Playboy Mansion, Rod Stewart’s birthday party, and many more. He is an award winning Toastmaster, speaker, and columnist on party planning and catering, and also, the Chair of The Sherry Lansing Humanitarian of the Year Award, and on the Board of the Century City Rotary. A dedicated philanthropist, Mr. Scola has appeared live on the Jerry Telethon and donates to countless charities.

MAY IN LA: GETTY'S "EMERGENCE", GEFFEN'S "EMERGENCY"

Being wordsmiths with a word jones, we couldn't resist two current events that are not only high caliber but highly similar in venue name and work title: Emergence at the Getty and Emergency at the Geffen.

Bill Viola's Emergence is at the Getty Center until June 15th. Getty Museum - 1200 Getty Center Drive - Los Angeles (Brentwood area) - Bill Viola's video installation Emergence (source: Metromix).

Meanwhile, at the Geffen Playhouse, the one man show Emergency is having its West Coast Premiere and runs until May 25th. Award-winning artist Daniel Beaty portrays a cast of 40 characters who all respond to a stunning phenomenon. A slave ship rises out of the Hudson River in front of the Statue of Liberty sending the nation into a whirlwind of emotion and exploration in this solo tour de force featuring slam poetry, multi-character transformation and song. In his critically acclaimed one-man show, Beaty takes us on our own 400-year journey in order to see a clear picture of where we stand now. Through the character's various testimonies on identity and personal freedom, Emergency weaves a stirring commentary on modern black life. Performance Schedule: Tuesday – Thursday: 7:30 pm, Friday: 8:00 pm, Saturday: 4:00 pm & 8:30pm, Sunday: 2:00 pm & 7:00pm. Ticket Price $35.00-$74.00. (source: Geffen Playhouse website).

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

MAY 7: KIDS IN THE HALL, LIVE! FREE! "SECRET" SHOW AT STEVE ALLEN THEATRE, HOLLYWOOD

Kids In The Hall show tonight for Free! Yep, tis true. May 7 : 10 p.m. start time (or whenever they get the expected huge crowd seated). Price: yes, it is not a typo, it is Free -- but first come first served for tickets, so try to be early for best chances at a seat (and hopefully they will let latecomers stand in the back... or, perhaps, In The Hall).

In case you actually need an explanation of who KITH are, they are five men who do cutting edge sketch comedy, used to be on HBO, made a film, tour on occasion, are from Canada, sometimes dress as women, and are always hilarious while frequently thought provoking.

Thanks to METROMIX for listing this event on their website (and to us for reading it).

KITH, aka Kids in the Hall. Live show. Free. 10pm, Steve Allen Theatre (in East Hollywood), 4773 Hollywood Boulevard, just West of Vermont, Los Angeles, CA 90027. Event Phone Number: 323-666-4268. http://www.steveallentheater.com

Friday, May 2, 2008

MAY 2-4: PAM ANDERSON ESTATE SALE (FROM URBANDADDY EMAIL)

We at The LA Report love UrbanDaddy and Thrillist, the two emailing services that always send out the coolest LA happenings and, in many ways, are the male-oriented version of DailyCandy. (We also love FlavorPill, so there are your top 4 email services you should definitely subscribe to!) This weekend, we give UrbanDaddy the prize for coolest-and-oddest happening. Here is their description of the Pam Anderson Estate Sale:

After a long, hard week, sometimes you have things you need to get off your chest.

Which explains why, in this beachside city like no other in the world, you might be boarding a bus this weekend to rifle through the personal belongings of Baywatch's most famously buoyant alum—welcome to Pamela Anderson's Estate Sale. (Yes, really.)

Since the actress-activist-lifeguarding legend isn't making the address public (wonder why), you'll have to board a shuttle from a Malibu market...or a high-school parking lot. Once it has deposited you on the property, you're free to peruse 5,000 square feet of poolside furniture, bicycles, tools, French country furniture, chandeliers and even an electric car—all with a history that will enliven your own enclave with a regal nod to eras past. (Like the '90s.)

You'll also find a new Jacuzzi (which might be tricky getting back on the shuttle) and a lot of Miss Anderson's designer shoes and clothes that'll make great gifts for your lady...well, maybe. No word on any red swimsuits. Pamela Anderson's Estate Sale, May 2-4, see website for shuttle pickup locations.

MAY 2: 12th ANNUAL CINCO DE MAYO EVENT AT HISTORIC GILMORE ADOBE TO BENEFIT PARA LOS NINOS

Tony Plana (Ugly Betty), Adam Rodriguez (CSI Miami), Actor Benicio Del Toro Invite You to “Bailemos – Let’s Dance!”

posted by Don Rose

This is another annual event that is highly recommended by The LA Report for its huge turnout of eclectic Angelenos -- from professional types to hipsters and fashionistas -- and we encourage you to check it out. Also, you will be helping a great cause. Here are the details:

Who:

Event Honorary Co-Chair Tony Plana (Ugly Betty)
Event Honorary Co-Chair Adam Rodriguez (CSI Miami)
Event Honorary Co-Chair Benicio Del Toro (Sin City, 21 Grams, Traffic)
Shalim Ortiz (Heroes)
Kimberly Kevon Williams (Days of Our Lives)
Diana Maria Riva (Lifetime’s Side Order of Life)
600 cool people!

What:

12th annual Para Los Niños Cinco de Mayo Celebration, “Bailemos – Let’s Dance!”

When:

Friday, May 2, 2008
6:30 p.m. – Midnight

Where:

The Gilmore Adobe (behind The Grove shopping mall)
6301 West 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Why:

This historic private adobe home and garden built in 1852 is transformed annually for this event into a hip nightclub setting complete with VIP cabañas. The event will include silent and live auctions, catering by Casablanca Restaurant, live Latin music, a DJ, and tours of the old homestead. The live auction will also take place simultaneously in an online forum, allowing bidders who cannot attend the party to participate. Prizes that will be auctioned off include:
· The ultimate Juanes Fan Package – concert tickets, meet-and-greets, a signed guitar, and a collection of CDs
· VIP tickets, backstage passes to the upcoming Pepe Aguilar concert
· Weekend getaways to Cabo San Lucas and Taos, New Mexico
· Lunch with State Assembly Speaker-Elect Karen Bass or City Controller Laura Chick
· Over 70 other extraordinary items, including dazzling estate jewelry, helicopter fly-along, meal with a private chef, a David Hockney painting, a Bentley car rental, makeovers, and baseball, soccer, miniature golf and bowling packages


All proceeds support Para Los Niños programs, which serve thousands of children, youth, and families living in poverty in Southern California. Last year the event raised $650,000 – making it the organization’s largest fundraiser in its nearly thirty year history!

Para Los Niños opened its doors in 1980 in response to the plight of children living in Skid Row hotels. Initially, 45 children received care at the agency; today, in its 28th year of operation, Para Los Niños assists 3,500 low-income children each week and 5,000 families every year from 24 sites in some of Southern California’s most economically challenged neighborhoods.

The organization’s core services include early child development and education, a Charter School (K-5), after-school enrichment, youth diversion and delinquency prevention, youth workforce services, and a life skills training and academic assistance program for transitioning foster youth. In addition, Para Los Niños offers support to at-risk families, including child abuse prevention and intervention, mental health services and comprehensive family support. For more information, visit www.paralosninos.org.

MAY 2-4: LOS ANGELES MODERNISM SHOW AND SALE RETURNS TO SANTA MONICA CIVIC AUDITORIUM

The Los Angeles Modernism Show is one of The LA Report's favorite events every year, featuring a fascinating collection of exhibit booths and a lively upscale crowd of attendees. A three-day event that kicks off with a benefit opening on May 2nd from 6--9pm, the LA Modernism Show combines an expo and sale, and is especially geared to those who appreciate the decorative, functional, fine and applied arts of the 20th century (although mid-century might be more accurate -- that magical era circa the 1950s seems to most embody what Modernism is about). Lovers of nostalgia and the coolest furniture imaginable will also greatly enjoy the show, which takes place at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium (corner Main and Pico).

More information at: http://www.lamodernism.com/ (note: their links are a bit small on this page, so make sure to look near the bottom, in the middle; use these links to get more information).