Lita and Cable

In a Lincoln Center Theater production, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic, Tony award-winning Broadway musical “South Pacific” takes the stage June 2nd through July 17th at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles

Set on an island during World War II, “South Pacific” tells the story of two romances – one between US Navy Nurse Nellie Forbush and French plantation owner Emile de Becque, and another between Navy Airman Joe Cable and a young native girl named Liat. “South Pacific” explores the heavy tolls of prejudice and circumstance, weighed against happiness and love.

Previews will be staged Thursday, May 27th through Tuesday, June 1 at the following times:

Thursday 5/27: 2pm and 8pm
Friday 5/28: 8pm
Saturday 5/29: 2pm and 8pm
Sunday 5/30: 1pm and 6:30pm
Tuesday 6/1: 8pm

“South Pacific” opens on June 2nd at 8pm. Regular performances will continue thereafter until July 17th.

Tuesday – Friday: 8pm
Saturday: 2pm and 8pm
Sundays: 1pm and 6:30pm
Mondays: No performances

Exceptions: The June 12th evening performance will be at 8:30pm. Additional performances on Thursday, July 1 and Thursday, July 15 at 2pm, and Monday, July 12 at 8pm. No 6:30 performance on Sunday, July 4th.

For tickets, visit www.CenterTheatreGroup.org or call 213-972-4400.

Located in the center of Hollywood, the show’s producers converted an abandoned Big Lots into a 22,000 square foot showroom, housing the work of nearly 175 contributing artists.

Nationwide Art Contest

Leading up to the show, Manifest Equality will sponsor a nationwide art contest focusing on the themes of Justice, Equality, Unity, Respect, Civil Rights, and Love. Submissions will be reviewed by a number of high-profile critics including Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Annie Philbin of the Hammer Museum.

The show will not only feature hundreds of the top contemporary artists, but live DJs and several bars.

The Artwork of Manifest Equality

The artwork of Manifest Equality focuses on the legal battles of equal rights, and the shockwaves surrounding the passage of Proposition 8, California’s ban on same-sex marriage.

Equality for All

Through unity and education, the producers of Manifest Equality hope to harness the power of “grassroots community [in order] to ensure full and equal rights” for everyone.

On the heels of “Manifest Hope”, the wildly successful campaign that focused on Barack Obama’s 2008 Presidential run, Manifest Equality seeks to promote the cause of universal equal rights by “bringing inspiration through the creation of original artwork”.

The producers of the show encourage people to get involved in their communities, reaching out with programs like Courage Campaign or The Human Rights Project.

Aaron Axelrod -- The Constitution

Manifest Equality will undoubtedly be a seminal event, fusing altruism and art with community engagement and political momentum.

Manifest Equality will be held at:

1341 Vine Street

Los Angeles, CA 90028

Hours:
March 3-4: 11AM-6PM
March 5: 11AM-10PM
March 6-7: 10AM-6PM

For more information, visit http://www.manifestequality.com.

Tickets are $30 at the door and $20 pre-sale, which can be purchased at www.LoveCuresCancer.com.

All event attendees must be 21 and over.

Flowers are the most gifted item on Valentine’s Day. The beauty and fragrance of a flower is always a factor, but the symbolic significance of a flower to love is what accounts for its success on Valentine’s Day.

The flower is in many ways like love. Its growth is determined by how well it is cared for by the natural elements, and when it finally blossoms, it is proof of nature’s nurturing hand. Love as natural and an outcome of a beautiful metamorphosis between two people are symbolically embedded within the flower. Flowers encompass the meaning of love and thus, are the most idealistic Valentine’s Day bequest.

Fabulous Florals offers a unique floral service by providing the freshest and highest quality flowers, foliages and plants that are shipped direct from top growers fresh flower farms and greenhouses in California as well as from around the world.

Fabulous Florals has a specialty coupon offer of a $10 discount off any order of $59.oo or more for Valentine’s Day.

For $59.99, one receives 25 long stemmed premium quality California roses that are freshly cut and come in a grower bunch. The coupon code is vday2010 and is entered at check out. The coupon code is good until Thursday, February 11^th, 2010.

Importantly, to make the perfect V-Day weekend one should have their flowers ordered by Friday or Saturday. Accordingly, it is important to pre-book your flowers before Thursday Feb. 11^th for shipping purposes and to receive the discount.

Conveniently, Fabulous Flowers delivers overnight anywhere in the country via their shipping partner FedEx. You may rest assured if you are on the road or unable to physically deliver your flowers.

The flowers will last up to two weeks with proper care. For information on how to care for your flowers, visit: http://www.fabulousflorals.com/information.php/info_id/13

You may also visit http://www.youtube.com/fabulousflorals to watch founder, former supermodel, Kathy Ireland, supply more information on Fabulous Flowers.

Using only farm fresh plants, foliage and flowers, FabulousFlorals.com is your one-stop-shop for all your floral needs. Shipped direct from the source, Kathy Ireland Designs by Fabulous Florals partnered with expert landscape and floral designer, Nicholas Walker to make every shipment a special event. Your flowers are cut to order, carefully packed and sent from their own facility insuring quality control throughout the whole process, so you are assured complete satisfaction.

Kathy Ireland, world-class supermodel, actress and saavy enterpreneur now brings beauty to the world with her business, Fabulous Florals, by Kathy Ireland Designs. Fabulous Florals is an interactive online fresh flower and plant site that offers beautiful arrangements as well as a custom feature to build your own floral display. This multi-talented model has focused her talents on making available to the world the finest fresh-cut flowers, foliages and plants on the market today.

Also, for more information on Fabulous Florals please visit: lastheplace.com/2009/02/16/fabulous-florals-by-kathy-ireland-designs-offers-the-finest-flowers-foliages-and-plants.

From the 1st Annual Kevin Sorbo Celebrity Golf Tournament

Last year, celebrities and athletes such as Jim McMahon, Meat Loaf, and Julius Erving came out last year to play for a good cause. And once again, he will be bringing together another great group of players and celebrities to enjoy two days of phenomenal golf, fantastic food and exciting entertainment to support a great cause. There will be an entertaining pairings party, live auction and a celebratory awards dinner, all hosted at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

A World Fit for Kids! Mission

Kevin Sorbo with the kids he has helped so much.

Kevin Sorbo has worked with A World Fit For Kids! since 1997.  They are a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization dedicated to preparing young people for fit and fulfilling lives. They do so through after-school activity and youth leadership programs which have earned us the prestigious 2007 Gold Medal from the CA Governors Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. A World Fit For Kids! developed an innovative model that brings about break-throughs in the confidence, commitment and competence of K-12 students, reducing obesity and high school dropout rates, improving grades, and providing our students with necessary skills valuable to colleges and employers.

A World Fit For Kids! uses a highly-leveraged Fit for Success™ model in all we do. Additionally, the train-the-trainers program replicates this successful model so other organizations and individuals may bring about breakthroughs too. Thus, the impact of your contribution is multiplied many times over. Join them in changing lives and creating A World Fit For Kids! They seek funding and support to expand their impact nationwide and, ultimately, around the world. A World Fit For Kids! is a charitable 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, all donations are tax-deductible.

Early Birdie Registration

Register now and take advantage of our Early Birdie Specials! If you sign up before March 31, you can save hundreds of bucks as a single player or foursome. To save big bucks AND help make a difference in kids’ lives, register today by clicking HERE.

Sponsoring the Tournament

A World Fit for Kids! is pleased to offer a variety of sponsorship levels for the 2nd Annual Kevin Sorbo Celebrity Golf Tournament. To learn more about becoming one of their sponsors, click HERE!

Non-Golfers Invited!

Even if you are not a big golf fan – you can still join in on the festivities and make a difference in children’s lives. Join them for all the Vegas parties by getting a VIP Pass for $400.  Includes: Pairings Party, Dinner & Live Auction on Thursday, June 10th; Dinner Gala, Awards and Entertainment on Friday, June 11th.

To read more about Kevin Sorbo, click HERE for a recent article in LATP.

DragonRidge Country Club
Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino
Las Vegas

www.worldfitforkids.org

Travel Gurus

Huell Howser, host of PBS’ “California’s Gold”, Arthur and Pauline Frommer, renowned father-daughter budget travel experts, Rick Steves, host of PBS’ “Rick Steves’ Europe”, Zac Sunderland, youngest person ever to sail around the world solo, and Catharine Hamm, Los Angeles Times Travel Editor, are among the featured speakers. Specialty sessions and workshops will cover topics ranging from exotic destinations, to where to find the best deals, and how to stay safe while traveling.

Seeking Thrills?

Thrill-seeking activities–free to attendees–include scuba lessons, rock climbing, a vertical ropes course, surf and golf simulators, steer roping and the chance to ride a zip line high above the show floor. Tanzanian, Taiwanese and Armenian dancers and more will provide entertainment throughout the day from the Global Beat Stage.

Techie Scavenger Hunts

This year’s show also adds fun for tech-minded attendees, who can join an on-site scavenger hunt with clues and riddles sent to their mobile devices. Pre-registration and prize information will be announced soon at www.latimes.com/travelshow.

The Los Angeles Times Travel & Adventure Show is presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California. Contributing sponsors include Travel Alberta, the Italian Government Tourist Board and Volvo. KTLA is the media sponsor. The event is co-produced by Unicomm, LLC and Los Angeles Times.

Show Information:

Los Angeles Times Travel & Adventure Show

February 13 & 14, 2010, Sat/Sun: 10:00am-5:00pm

Adults $10/at the door, $8/online. Children 16 & below are free with paid adult. Box office opens 30 minutes prior to start of event each day.

Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 South Figueroa Street, West Hall

For more information visit: www.latimes.com/travelshow.

Hilton Checkers' Stunning Rooftop View

Don’t Go Home Package

Hilton Checkers’ “Don’t Go Home” incredible package entails:

• A decadent dinner for two at the hotels’ Checkers Downtown fine dining restaurant.
• Rooftop cocktails for two gazing at the LA skyline.
  
• Accommodations for two in a contemporary new guestroom.
• An in-room bottle of Champagne.
• Complimentary in-room movie with fresh truffled popcorn.
• Morning-after breakfast in bed.

“Don’t Go Home” is available for $329 per night – a 20 percent savings over regular rates, and is offered February 13-14, 2010.

Historical Hilton Checkers

1920's Hilton Checkers Building

Hilton Checkers Los Angeles Hotel, a historic hotel dating back to the 1920s, was recently fully restored to its original splendor through top to bottom renovations and upgrades.  The only four-diamond boutique hotel in Downtown Los Angeles – its fifteen stories offer an intimate ambiance, vintage style and personalized service. The stunning rooftop deck showcases a breathtaking view of the Los Angeles skyline, perfect for romantic cocktails and stargazing and a deluxe spa offers luxurious for rest and rejuvenation. Hilton Checkers’ upscale California fusion restaurant, Checkers Downtown, is receiving accolades after a revitalization under the direction of talented young Executive Chef Todd Allison.

Valentine’s Menu

An auspicious start to a romantic evening, Chef Allison’s Valentine’s Day Menu includes:

• Lobster Bisque with wild mushrooms or Ahi Tuna Salad with pomegranate, blood oranges, baby Lola Rosa lettuce
• Grilled Local Calamari with Kalamata olives and roasted garlic aioli or Braised Kurobuta Pork Belly with Brussels sprouts gratin
• Grilled Alaskan Salmon with asparagus or Myers Ranch Beef Tenderloin with Bloomsdale spinach, fingerling potatoes and béarnaise sauce
• Coconut Bread Pudding with Tahitian vanilla ice cream  or Farmers’ Market Berries with fresh mint, whipped cream and short bread

Vegetarian options available upon request.

If you can’t join them for the “Don’t Go Home” package, you can still enjoy Chef Allison’s culinary delights for Valentine’s dinner. The dinner is $75 per person and includes a Checkers Downtown specialty cocktail like their spicy Black Checkers or refreshing Limoncello Gimlet.

Enjoy a Red or Black Checkers cocktail at Hilton Checkers' Bar.

Reservations for Valentine’s Dinner by Chef Allison can be made by calling 213-624-0000 or online at www.checkersdowntown.com.

“Don’t Go Home” can be booked by calling 800-HILTONS or visiting www.hiltoncheckers.com and clicking on “Weekend Packages & Specials.” Enter promotional code: VALENT.

Hilton Checkers
535 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90071

Eco-Panda Experience

Eco Panda Swimwear is made of fishing nets!

When you visit their booth, you’ll get to take a sneak peak at their 2010 swimwear line with a fashion show on the hour, hourly product give-a-way’s and a behind the scenes look at the technological advances behind the production of the brand. Eco-Panda will also be offering exclusive steals & deals on their 2009 swimwear to all Go Green Expo attendees, offering their 2009 bikini sets at special price of $30.00 a set.

Eco-Panda Makes Waves

Eco-Panda splashed on the scene of the swimwear industry in June of 2009. Debuting their eclectic line of swimwear featuring vibrant colors & bold hues, Eco-Panda drew inspiration from fashion mecca’s of the world including: Tokyo, Cozumel, Morocco, and Paris. The Eco-Panda brand has proven that eco-fashion doesn’t have to lack style or quality. No attention to detail has been spared with this impeccable line of eco-swimwear, including the fact that each garment lasts up to three times as long as the average swimsuit due to the unique blend of MIPAN® regen™. Eco-Panda separates retail for $32.00 each and their monokini’s retail for $68.00-$72.00 each.

Eco-Panda Green Mission

Eco-Panda swimwear is composed of MIPAN® regen™ recycled nylon, which is created from post-consumer fishing nets. The recycled fishing nets are ground into fabric chips, which are then liquefied, creating fiber, which in turn is spun into fabric. By utilizing recycled nylon, greenhouse gas emissions are reduced by 28% and the consumption of our natural resources is reduced by 27%. This process also reduces the lack of available landfill space. Eco-Panda is committed to providing fashion-forward swimwear with uncompromising quality. Blending global trends with recycled resources and unsurpassed fit, Eco-Panda swimwear is more than this season’s trend, it’s a fashion essential. Welcome to the future of style with Eco-Panda.

For more information on Eco-Panda, please visit www.eco-panda.com

To find out more about The Go Green Expo, visit www.gogreenexpo.com

Pure Entertainment Group, a bespoke concierge service based in Montreal, brings you this over the top, mind-blowing weekend among other incredible adventures. Whether a private jet trip around the world, a luxury villa in Capri, or a trip to the moon, the sky is the limit — and their new “Zero Gravity” packages are no different.

Available on select February dates in Los Angeles, and on select dates in February and March in Las Vegas, this one-of-a-kind, exclusive weightless flight experience on a G FORCE ONE, ZERO-G’s specially modified Boeing 727-200. You and a partner spend time in “Zero Gravity” and officially become weightless certified. How many people can say they did that last weekend?

Zero Gravity LA:

• Zero gravity flight experience for two
• Suite accommodations at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills
• Daily breakfast for two
• Dinner at LA’s top restaurants
• Dom Perignon on arrival
• Valentine’s Day gift basket and photo session
• Roundtrip Limousine service from Airport/Hotel and Zero Gravity facility/Hotel

Dates: Feb. 12th – 15th OR Feb. 12th – 14th

Pricing: $16,500 for two for 4 days / 3 nights or $15,000 for two for 3 days / 2 nights

Zero Gravity Las Vegas:

• Zero gravity flight experience for two
• Suite accommodations at the Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas
• Daily breakfast for two
• Dinner at Las Vegas’ top restaurants
• Dom Perignon on arrival
• Massage for two
• Photo session package for two
• Roundtrip Limousine service from Airport/Hotel and Zero Gravity facility/Hotel

Dates: Feb. 26th – Mar. 1st OR Feb 26th – Feb 28th

Pricing: $15,500 for two for 4 days / 3 nights or $14,500 for two for 3 days / 2 nights

For more info on this package or any other service Pure Entertainment offers, visit: www.purentonline.com

Join him for a most unique dining experience, which will begin with a Learn About Wine class on SimonLA’s enclosed patio. Kerry will demonstrate his seared Tuna accompanied by red wine pairings from the attending winemakers.

To find out about attending the class, which begins at 6:30pm, please contact www.learnaboutwine.com.

Following the class and throughout the evening, guests will join Chef Kerry and dine with the Rock n’ Roll chef himself in the SimonLA dining room.

The menu will include Mini Tuna Sliders, Ahi Tuna Crudo and Pan Seared Ahi  Tuna and Grand Marnier Soufflé for dessert (see menu attached or visit www.simonlarestaurant.com) .

The cost of the dinner will be $60 per person (not including tax & gratuity). Wines from the vintners presenting at the Learn About Wine class will be available to order at the dinner.

To make reservations for “Dinner with Kerry” on Thursday, February 4, please call SimonLA at 310.358-3979. 

Simon LA Restaurant

8555 Beverly Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA 90048

319,358-3979

www.simonlarestaurant.com

 Press contact:  summer communications/310.550.5758

Martin Sheen

In 1964, the play brought Sheen a Tony Award nomination and this time around he joins Frances Conroy and Brian Geraghty. The news was announced by Center Theatre Group Artistic Director Michael Ritchie.

Replacing the previously announced “Speed-the-Plow” by David Mamet as the first production in the Taper’s 2010 season at the Los Angeles Music Center, February 10 through March 21, 2010, “The Subject Was Roses” is set to open February 21.

“The Subject Was Roses” is presented at the Taper in association with Estevez Sheen Productions.

Michael Ritchie said, “Martin and I had been talking for some time about doing ‘The Subject Was Roses,’ and when it appeared that the timing for the production was perfect for the opening slot in the new Taper season, I was pleased that we could move quickly.” He continued with, “set in 1946 during World War II, this is a timeless, important play with characters so rich and believable that your heart goes out to them, wishing they could break out of old family patterns. These are people we can all identify with. It makes for compelling theatre.”

Designing the sets for the play will be Walt Spangler. The costumes will be designed by Laura Bauer and lighting by Rui Rita. Obadiah Eaves is the composer and Cricket S. Myers is the sound designer. Serving as the production stage manager is David S. Franklin.

The Subject Was Roses

The play tells a heartfelt and honest story of a father, mother, and son whose complex and strained family dynamic becomes sadly clear after the son returns from a three-year stint in the army.

In 1965, “The Subject Was Roses” received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play, as well as the Outer Critics Circle Award and New York Drama Critics Circle Award.

Martin Sheen portrayed the son in the original Broadway production and he also appeared in the 1968 film version. In this Taper production, he will play the father, with Frances Conroy playing the mother and Brian Geraghty playing the son. Directing this production of the play is Neil Pepe.

Martin Sheen

Martin Sheen is perhaps best known for his performance as President Josiah Bartlett in the acclaimed NBC-TV series “The West Wing.” The role has brought Sheen six Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor. Also for his role as Captain Willard in the legendary film “Apocalypse Now.”

Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Oliver Stone, Richard Attenborough, Terrence Malick and Mike Nichols are just a few of the most prominent directors Martin Sheen has worked for. Among many others, his films include “Catch-22,” “That Certain Summer,” “Badlands,” “The Execution of Private Slovik,” “Gandhi,” “Wall Street,” “JFK,” “The American President,” “The Departed,” “Bobby” and “Catch Me If You Can.”

Frances Conroy

As the undertaker’s widow in the cult HBO series “Six Feet Under,” Frances Conroy recieved three Emmy Award nominations. She is a veteran stage actress whose Broadway credits include Arthur Miller’s “The Ride Down Mr. Morgan” (Tony Award nomination and an Outer Critics Circle Award), Miller’s “The Last Yankee” (Obie Award), Edward Albee’s “The Lady From Dubuque” and “Three Tall Women,” and David Hare’s “The Secret Rapture” (Drama Desk nomination).

For Center Theatre Group, she has appeared in “The Dinner Party” at the Taper and “Pyrenees” at the Kirk Douglas Theatre. Her numerous films include “Manhattan,” “Crimes and Misdemeanors,” “The Aviator,” and “Scent of a Woman.” She is scheduled to appear in the upcoming “Stone” by John Curran, playing Robert DeNiro’s wife and Shane Dax Taylor’s “Provinces of Night” playing Kris Kristofferson’s wife.

Brian Geraghty

Brian Geraghty starred in the critically-acclaimed film “The Hurt Locker” and also has had roles in “Love Lies Bleeding,” “We Are Marshall,” “The Guardian,” “Bobby” and “When a Stranger Calls,” and more. Geraghty is a graduate of The Neighborhood Playhouse of Theatre in New York. He has also appeared on television in HBO’s “The Last of the Ninth” and “The Sopranos,” and on “Ed” and “Law & Order.”

Frank D. Gilroy

After serving in World War II and receiving his education at Dartmouth and the Yale School of Drama, playwright, Frank D. Gilroy began writing for television for such programs as  “Playhouse 90,” “Studio One” and “The U.S. Steel Hour,” among others. Awarded the Obie Award for the Best American Play off-Broadway, “Who’ll Save the Plowboy?” at New York’s Phoenix Theatre was Gilroy’s first stage play. “The Subject Was Roses” was next, followed by his other Broadway plays: “That Summer – That Fall,” “The Only Game in Town,” “Last Licks” and “Any Given Day.” His films include “Desperate Characters,” “From Noon Till Three” and “Once in Paris,” among others.

Neil Pepe

Neil Pepe is known to Center Theatre Group audiences for his direction of David Mamet’s “Romance” (Taper), “Keep Your Pantheon,” and “The Duck Variations” (Kirk Douglas Theatre). He is the Artistic Director of the Atlantic Theater Company, where he directed Ethan Coen’s “Almost an Evening,” David Mamet’s “American Buffalo” starring William H. Macy (also Donmar Warehouse, London), Harold Pinter’s “Celebration and The Room,” “Milos” by John Guare,” Tom Donaghy’s “The Beginning of August” (also South Coast Repertory), and Howard Korder’s “Sea of Tranquility,” among many others. He made his Broadway debut last season with the hit revival of Mamet’s “Speed-the-Plow.”

Play Information

Tickets for “The Subject Was Roses” are on sale January 5, 2010, and can be purchased by calling CTG Audience Services at (213) 628-2772, online at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org, or in person at the CTG box office located at the Ahmanson Theatre at the Music Center.

Savor one-of-a-kind dishes featuring the freshest seasonal ingredients combined with a creative tip of the cap to the foods and flavors you love.

Soak up an ambiance as alluring as the food itself … with a dining room that wraps you in brilliant soft greens and sweeping ceilings extending out onto an outdoor patio shimmering in the radiant glows of earth, water, and fire.

Make your holiday reservations now: www.simonlarestaurant.com.

Read our editorial on Kerry Simon and Simon LA here…

8555 Beverly Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA 90048

310.358.3979

December 24 served from 6pm until 11pm

December 25 served from 11am until 11pm

Click here to view menu for Christmas Dinner

Click here to view menu for Christmas Brunch at Simon LA

From the annual Holiday Sing-A-longs which provide the perfect setting for an unforgettable family outing, to the jump, jive and swing of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on New Year’s Eve, Deck the Hall’s eclectic programming provides something for everyone during this special time of year.

Deck the Hall Highlights

• Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Swing in 2010 with Two Special New Year’s Eve Performances

• Handel’s Messiah, Features Les Violons du Roy, La Chapelle de Québec and Stellar Soloists

• David Prather Hosts Annual Holiday Sing-A-longs for the Whole Family

• Grammy winners Sweet Honey In The Rock Spread Holiday Cheer A Capella

• Preservation Hall Jazz Band Bring New Orleans to Los Angeles for the Holidays

• Chanticleer Return with Luminous Vocal Treats for the Holidays

• Organist David Higgs Presents the Annual Holiday Organ Spectacular

Tickets for Deck the Hall

Tickets ($25 – $175) are on sale now at the Walt Disney Concert Hall Box Office, online at LAPhil.com, or via credit card by phone at 323.850.2000. Please note that the price range varies for each of these events. A limited number of $10 rush tickets for seniors and full time students may be available at the Walt Disney Concert Hall box office two hours prior to the performance. Valid identification is required; one ticket per person; cash only. Groups of 12 or more may be eligible for special discounts for selected concerts and seating areas. For information, please call 323.850.2000.

LA Phil

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, under the exciting new leadership of Gustavo Dudamel, presents the finest in orchestral and chamber music, recitals, new music, jazz, world music and holiday concerts at two of the most remarkable places anywhere to experience music – Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl. In addition to a 30-week winter subscription season at Walt Disney Concert Hall, the LA Phil presents a 12-week summer festival at the legendary Hollywood Bowl, summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and home of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. In fulfilling its commitment to the community, the Association’s involvement with Los Angeles extends to educational programs, community concerts and children’s programming, ever seeking to provide inspiration and delight to the broadest possible audience.

For more info and events for LA Phil, visit: www.laphil.com

The exhillarating view from the Zeppelin Eureka.

Stretching 15-feet longer than a 747 and 50-feet longer than the largest blimp, Eureka is the world’s largest airship. One of only three Zeppelins currently operating in the world, Eureka offers passengers spectacular 360-degree views of the sights on flightseeing tours above Los Angeles, as well as San Francisco Bay, Silicon Valley and Monterrey.

Unforgettable Family Memories

“As much as the holidays are about togetherness, anyone who has ever hosted a holiday knows the moment of panic when the inevitable question, ‘what am I going to do with everyone?’ crosses their mind,” remarked Airship Ventures Co-Founder and CEO Alexandra Hall. “I’ve yet to meet a passenger who didn’t get off of our airship grinning from ear-to-ear. Gathering family and friends together to experience a one-of-a-kind aerial tour aboard Eureka is a great way to entertain guests and create unforgettable memories.”

Only Female Zeppelin Pilot

The Zeppelin Eureka Airship signature grin.

Flying Eureka into the peaceful skies safely is pilot Katharine Board. Kate holds several distinctions, including being a member of an elite group even more rare than female astronauts  — female airship pilots. Kate however, holds an even more prestigious title  – -  the only female Zeppelin pilot in the world. From her first instruction flight at the age of 18, Kate has risen fast in the male-dominated world of airships. One of her first aviation positions, with Virgin Hot Air Balloon flights, led to her first airship position, with Virgin Lightships. Beginning as a ground crewman, she eventually worked her way up to pilot, and has CAA, LBA and FAA commercial airship licenses. Kate has flown extensively in Europe and America, logging more than 5,000 flight hours. At 5-feet 2-inches tall, she effortlessly commands the largest airship in the world.

The only female Zeppelin pilot in the world, Kate Board.

Holiday Savings

As part of jumpstarting the holiday season, Airship Ventures, which celebrated its one-year anniversary of service in October, will be continuing a month-long celebration of this milestone by re-offering its most popular promotion while in Long Beach. Just in time for holiday gift-giving and family outings, passengers who buy one ticket at full price will save 50 percent on a second. This promotional rate applies to all regularly priced Long Beach tours between Nov. 19-23, as well as to all gift certificates bought before Nov. 30.

“Like floating in a luxury skybox on a cloud,” as one passenger described it, Airship Ventures flightseeing tours offer passengers spectacular 360-degree views of the scenery below. In addition to popular one- and two-hour Los Angeles-area routes showcasing either the dramatic Pacific Coast, or historic L.A. landmarks and famous Tinseltown icons, Airship Ventures will for the first time offer 30-minute and night flights from Long Beach in November.

Taste of Zeppelin Tours

The 30-minute Taste of Zeppelin tours will give passengers the opportunity to experience a luxury flight in a Zeppelin airship above scenic Long Beach Harbor and to enjoy the stunning Pacific and California Coastline views stretching out before them. One-hour Night Time Tour passengers will also enjoy the leisurely luxury of airship travel while marveling at the inky black Pacific Ocean meeting the shoreline and admiring the glittering city below.

The Zeppelin Airship cockpit.

Night Tours

“By adding our Night Tour and Taste of Zeppelin flights to the roster of tours we offer passengers in Southern California, we feel like we can truly say there is an experience for everyone. Whether you’re flying on an airship to help fulfill your bucket list, looking for the ultimate romantic date, celebrating a special occasion, or just wanting to have a great time with family and friends this holiday season, you will find that on Eureka,” continued Hall.

Coastal  Tour

For those seeking the ultimate Zeppelin experience, a limited number of seats remain on our California Airship Cruises between Long Beach and the San Francisco Bay Area. Soaring above the California Coastline and Central Valley, these 8-hour cruises follow Highway 1 on Nov. 24 (northbound) as Eureka travels to-and-from Long Beach from her home base at Moffett Field near San Francisco.

About Airship Ventures, Inc.

Founded in 2007 in California, Airship Ventures, Inc., operates the only passenger airship operation in the United States, featuring Eureka, the world’s largest airship. The Zeppelin’s spacious cabin comfortably accommodates one pilot, one flight attendant, and 12 passengers, with luxury features including oversized panoramic windows, an onboard restroom with window, and a 180-degree rear observation window and “love seat” that wraps the entire aft of the cabin. Using the inert gas helium for lift, and vectored thrust engines for flight, Zeppelin NTs have been flying in Germany and Japan since 1997 with an unparalleled safety record. 

Zeppelin Airship, Eureka, ready to take you above it all.

Weather permitting, Los Angeles-area flights depart from the AirFlite FBO terminal, adjacent to the main terminal at Long Beach Airport (3250 AirFlite Way, Long Beach, CA 90807, at the corner of Cherry and Wardlow). Flights vary in duration from 30-minutes to 2-hours and range in price from $199-$990, plus tax, per person. Private charters and sunset flights are available.

For more information about Eureka, or to view a detailed flight schedule and purchase tickets, visit www.airshipventures.com, or call 650-969-8100 x111.

Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s co-production of the “Mary Poppins” musical is just what the doctor ordered in these times of economic worry and stress as the message of family before material wealth is magically conveyed by the original 2006 Broadway cast.  Perfect for a holiday gift or a way to entertain visiting guests, Mary Poppins runs through February 7th, 2010.

Mary Poppins: Practically Perfect

“Mary Poppins,” a co-production of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh, opened on Broadway on November 16, 2006.  Based on P.L. Travers’ cherished stories and the classic 1964 Walt Disney film, “Mary Poppins” the stage play features the Academy Award®-winning music and lyrics of Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman.  The stage production has been created, in collaboration with Cameron Mackintosh, by Academy Award®-winning screenwriter Julian Fellowes, who has written the book, and the Olivier Award-winning team of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, who have composed new songs and additional music and lyrics.

Award Winning Creative Team

Olivier Award-winning director Richard Eyre leads the award-winning creative team, with co-direction and choreography by Tony® and Olivier Award winner Matthew Bourne. “Mary Poppins” features eye-popping set and costume design by Tony Award winner Bob Crowley, co-choreography by Olivier Award winner Stephen Mear, lighting design by Howard Harrison, orchestrations by William David Brohn, and music supervision by David Caddick. The tour’s creative team includes Tour Director Anthony Lyn, Associate Choreographer Geoffrey Garrett, and Music Director James Dodgson.

Everybody Loves Mary

Consistently among the top-grossing shows on Broadway, “Mary Poppins” continues in its 3rd smash year at the New Amsterdam Theatre and recently celebrated its 1000th performance – a milestone reached by only a rare few number of shows in Broadway history. The Broadway production has grossed over $152 million to date and been seen by over 1.8 million theatregoers.

Simultaneously, the show’s popularity grows around the globe. Following a successful three year run (December 2004 – January 2008) at the Prince Edward Theatre on London’s West End, a UK tour of “Mary Poppins” commenced in summer 2008 and concluded its acclaimed run in Cardiff in April 2009. The Australian production of “Mary Poppins” will premiere in July 2010 at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne.

Mary Poppins Debuts in Holland

An open-ended run of “Mary Poppins” will take residence at the Circus Theatre in Scheveningen, Holland, outside of Amsterdam. The show will open in April 2010 at the Circus Theatre following “Tarzan’s” record setting run there. “Mary Poppins” will be produced in Holland by Stage Entertainment in association with Disney and Cameron Mackintosh.

Original Broadway Cast in LA

The Los Angeles engagement of “Mary Poppins” is by arrangement with Center Theatre Group and is part of CTG’s 2009-2010 season at the Ahmanson Theatre, located at the Los Angeles Music Center. The entire creative team has reunited to bring this magical story of the world’s most famous nanny to audiences across North America. Original Broadway stars, Ashley Brown and Gavin Lee, reprise their roles as Mary Poppins and Bert, respectively. Joining Brown and Lee will be Karl Kenzler as George Banks, Megan Osterhaus as Winifred Banks, Valerie Boyle as Mrs. Brill, Andrew Keenan-Bolger as Robertson Ay, Ellen Harvey as Miss Andrew, Mary VanArsdel as The Bird Woman, and Mike O’Carroll as Admiral Boom. Performances in the role of Jane Banks will be alternated between Katie Balen and Bailey Grey. Performances in the role of Michael Banks will be alternated between Bryce Baldwin and Carter Thomas.

Mary Poppins Tickets

Ticket prices for “Mary Poppins” range from $20 to $102.  VIP/Premium Ticket Packages are also available at select performances for $135 and $150, and include premium seating and a complimentary souvenir program. Hot-Tix, priced at $20, are available and can be purchased in advance, or subject to availability, on the day of performance at the CTG box office (no checks). For the deaf community, call TDD (213) 680-4017 for tickets and information. Orders for groups of 15 or more may be placed by calling (213) 972-7231.

Tickets for “Mary Poppins” are available by calling Center Theatre Group Audience Services at (213) 972-4400, in person at the Center Theatre Group box office located the Ahmanson Theatre or online at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org.

For more information, please visit www.CenterTheatreGroup.org or www.MaryPoppinsTour.com.

KIIS FM’s Jingle Ball is presented by H&M and will feature live performances by: Taylor Swift, Keri Hilson, Fabolous, Ting Tings, 3Oh!3, LMFAO, Jay Sean and Jason Derulo.  Host of television’s top rated “American Idol,” and KIIS FM’s top rated morning radio show, Ryan Seacrest will appear live at the event along with the KIIS FM air personalities.
 
“Seeing a line up like this in a venue like Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE is going to be a great concert experience for the KIIS listeners,” states John Ivey, VP Programming for KIIS FM.  “Taylor alone just sold out two LA area arena shows in basically a few minutes.  So this is definitely a rare opportunity to not only see her live in an intimate setting, but also a great chance to see some of the best selling artists and rising stars who’ve had some of the biggest hits of the year.”
 
On October 15th, Jingle Ball went on sale first to the station’s VIP Rewards Club Members, and today tickets are on sale to the public at www.kiisfm.com.

Koo Koo Roo ‘s Thanksgiving Specials

Original Turkey Feast includes a fresh oven roasted turkey, gravy, cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and a choice of fresh pumpkin, apple or pecan pie. Large size serves approximately16-20 people and is available for $149.99. Small size serves approximately10-12 people and is available for $99.99.

Mini Turkey Feast includes carved turkey breast, gravy and choice of two Koo Koo Roo signature sides. Serves up to 4 and is available for $20.00.

Single Serving Thanksgiving Dinner includes carved turkey breast, gravy and choice of two Koo Koo Roo signature sides. Available for $10.00.

All Koo Koo Roo locations will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Orders for the Original Turkey Feast must be placed by 5 pm on Tuesday, November 24th.

Koo Koo Roo’s Healthy Motto

Koo Koo Roo Chicken Bistro was hatched in Los Angeles in 1988 and has been clucking its message of the Life Unfried around Southern California ever since.  It is a leading fast-casual provider of “Better for You” food with wholesome and healthy menu items, including succulent rotisserie chicken, the famous bone-in, skinless charbroiled chicken breast, freshly prepared salads, savory sandwiches and seasonal side dishes including the famous “Ross Squash.” Ardent fans have long hailed Koo Koo Roo as the healthier alternative to traditionally fatty fast food and catapulted its signature dishes to cult status within the Southern California community.  Koo Koo Roo Chicken Bistro operates 15 fast casual restaurants throughout Southern California.  For more information please visit www.kookooroo.com

Iraq Star, a non-profit foundation created by Maggie Lockridge, R.N. in February 2007, is dedicated to providing medical reconstructive surgeries to assist U.S. returning war veterans recovering from physical and mental injuries returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan. The foundation’s efforts are geared toward helping veterans heal from emotional trauma, develop and enhanced level of self esteem and ease their return to pre-war lives.

This is no ordinary fundraiser! This is also a day of relaxation, positive energy and healing for you! If you choose, you can relax and slip into a beautiful Spa robe when you enter. The robe is yours to keep! (Bring your own slippers).

The dynamic line up of speakers include:

Psychic Medium Cheri Mancuso

You will have the opportunity to meet and greet Celebrity Medium Cheri Mancuso, a Reiki Master: MSA, who will guide all 700 guests into a positive mediation and dazzle all as she psychically tunes into guests for fun!

Cheri is available for private readings on Sunday. Must R.S.V.P. Check out her website here. www.mediumcheri.com

Daryl L. Frazier, Professional Motivational Speaker, Certified Trainer of NLP and Hypnosis, Daryl will share how to understand the power of positive energy, create it and keep it  in our lives.

Actress & Vocal Artist, Patricia Welch, who played in the King and I as ‘Tuptim with Yul Brynner, played the role of Maria in ‘The Sound of Music’ and ‘West Side Story’, Duet’s with Robert Goulet. She was Featured Soloist with Wayne Newton’s Show and Soloist for many Orchestra Concerts. Amazing vocalist you will not forget.

Guests Arrive: 2:30, Shop and Fun Starts: 3:00, Dinner: 4:30

Raffles to include: Getaway weekends, spa treatments, vein treatments, Botox, hair treatments, dinners and the list goes on…Raffle tickets: $20.00 for 25 tickets, you choose what you want to win!

Participating resorts include Hilton PS, Hyatt PS, Hotel Andreas, Riviera Resort, Hotel Zoso, Mira Monte Resort just to name a few. All raffle proceeds will benefit Iraq Star.

A great discount card is provided to shop at their great shopping boutiques including:

LA Di Da Jewelry, Reverge Boutique, Megumi Charms, Crystal Fantasy, Instruments of Inspiration Clothing, Marimendoza.com Arts, Jewel Energetics, Arbonne, Purses Just 4 U, Tracy’s Aura Photography, Balance by Design, Healthy Times Newspaper and the list goes on…!

And of course, there are free gifts for every guest, which include: Renown Jazz Composer, Sammy Nestico CD. Mr. Nestico will be available to autograph for you, along with other great gifts to value over $140.00

Marine Veteran Octavio Sanchez, Maggie Lockridge RN, Founder (and angel!), Marine SSgt. Tony Lino, Marine GySgt. Paul McQuigg

Visit IRAQ STAR at www.iraqstar.org

Reserve your ticket/table today.

760-870-4668, Office; event coordinator, Christine Fleming

760-289-2972, Elayna Freiberg  for tickets and more information.

You can also email them at: Christine@MasterOfCeremonyEnterprise.com

Website: http://masterofceremonyenterprise.com/Events.html

Tickets are $95.00 per person. The cost of entrance includes dinner and all of the fabulous giveaways.

Office Hours; Monday through Friday – 7:00 am – 8pm

No matter your political view of the war, everyone can agree that soldiers need a good send off and warm welcome home.  Senior citizens are doing just that for our troops while finding new meaning for their life. Flight after flight of war-bound and returning GIs are met by a determined band of patriotic senior citizens. Over 900,000 to date. POV’s “The Way We Get By” tells the stories of these famous “Troop Greeters” of Bangor, Maine, on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009, in a special presentation on PBS.

“Unfailingly modest and profoundly humane. . . . Neither pro- nor antiwar . . . this fine, affecting film perfectly exemplifies Milton’s famous claim: ‘They also serve who only stand and wait.’” – Jeannette Catsoulis, The New York Times

National Air Date

The Way We Get By has its national broadcast premiere on the POV (Point of View) series on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009, at 9 p.m., in a special presentation on PBS. (Check local listings.) American television’s longest-running independent documentary series, POV is the recipient of a Special Emmy for Excellence in Television Documentary Filmmaking. The series’ 22nd season concludes on Wednesday Dec. 30, with the special presentation Patti Smith: Dream of Life.

The Film

On call 24 hours a day for the past five years, a group of senior citizens has made history by greeting more than 900,000 American troops at a tiny airport in Bangor, Maine. The Way We Get By, directed by Aron Gaudet and produced by Gita Pullapilly, is an intimate look at three of these greeters as they confront the universal losses that come with aging and rediscover their reason for living. Bill Knight, Jerry Mundy and Joan Gaudet find the strength to overcome their personal battles and transform their lives through service. This inspirational and surprising story shatters the stereotypes of today’s senior citizens as the greeters redefine the meaning of community.

The three subjects from The Way We Get By waiting at the airport. Jerry Mundy, Joan Gaudet, Bill Knight.

The Way We Get By takes a look behind the hearty smiles, handshakes, heartfelt thanks and free cookies and cell phones the greeters bring to the airport, and discovers a world in which the seniors are engaged in their own struggles with aging, disease, loneliness, memories of war and personal loss. The film reveals a remarkable symbiosis between the young soldiers’ fighting mission and the greeters’ fight to overcome infirmities and depression in making sure no soldier departs or returns without thanks. Regardless of their personal views about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the greeters, some of them veterans, turn out at all hours of the day and night to show their respect for the soldiers’ willingness to make sacrifices for the nation.

Recent Events

The Way We Get By screened on Capitol Hill on Sept. 30. The event, introduced by Dr. Jill Biden, was sponsored by Maine Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins and Maine Representatives Michael Michaud and Chellie Pingree, and presented by the USO, Operation Homefront and HandsOn Network. Filmmakers Aron Gaudet and Gita Pullapilly and the film’s three subjects, Bill Knight, Jerry Mundy and Joan Gaudet, attended. The following evening, the film played at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., for military members and their families. Then on Oct. 2, the filmmakers and greeters had a chance to meet with Vice President Joe Biden during a special tour of the White House.

Filmmaker’s Statement

“This is a very personal story to me,” says director Aron Gaudet. “Calling home to talk to my 75-year-old mom used to be easy. With few friends and fewer hobbies, she was always there, and always sitting by the phone. Then, suddenly, I called and she wasn’t home. Day after day her phone rang and rang, but she didn’t ever pick up. When I finally got her on the phone and told her I’d had difficulty reaching her, she replied, ‘Well, you should try me on my cell phone.’ When had my mom gotten a cell phone? She explained that she was greeting troops at the airport, and it meant she had to be available to go there at all hours of the day and night, seven days a week, so she needed a cell.

“Witnessing firsthand how my mother’s life changed in such positive ways, while at the same time touching the lives of troops from all over the country, convinced me this was a story that could inspire people,” he continues. “I knew it could be a way to show the everyday struggles of senior citizens and an inspirational story of how these three seniors use a simple handshake to change their lives, and the lives of the 900,000-plus troops they’ve greeted.”

The Way We Get By has become even more personal for Aron, who will wed producer Gita Pullapilly in mid-October at The Retreat at French’s Point, Maine, thanks to the pro-bono organization Real Weddings Maine. How Aron and Gita met, and the way their entirely donated dream wedding came together, is a story in itself. Visit www.realweddingsmaine.com to find out more.

About the Filmmakers

Producer Gita Pullapilly and Director Aron Gaudet

Award-winning director and editor Aron Gaudet has worked on films in the United States, Jordan and India. In 2006, he attended the Sundance Producers Conference at the Sundance Institute with producer Gita Pullapilly for The Way We Get By, and they were subsequently named 2007-2008 WGBH Boston Filmmakers in Residence, where they worked on the film’s post-production. His other credits include “India: A New Life,” a WGBH-Frontline World production and winner of three Telly Awards, and the short film “OUCH!” (on the art of eyebrow threading). He has won numerous awards in television, including a total of eight Telly Awards, two Vermont Association of Broadcasters awards, a Michigan Association of Broadcasters award and two Emmy nominations.

A member of the International Documentary Association (IDA) and the Independent Feature Project (IFP), he is a graduate of the New England School of Communications. He grew up in Maine and recently moved to Brooklyn, NY, from Boston.

Gita Pullapilly is an award-winning television journalist and film producer who has produced films in the United States, Jordan and India and whose stories have aired on CBS, CNN and ABC. In 2006, she was selected as a participant in the Sundance Producers Conference at the Sundance Institute for The Way We Get By and in 2007 she was selected as a WGBH Filmmaker in Residence for the film. She was inducted into the Royal Society of the Arts in recognition of her work in film and television.

In addition to producing “India: A New Life,” Gita produced the Fulbright-funded film “Diary of a Refugee,” and was the first filmmaker chosen as a Fulbright Senior Scholar to Jordan. She was born and raised in South Bend, Ind., and graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a bachelor’s degree in finance and from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism with a master’s degree. She worked as a television reporter before making the switch to documentary filmmaking.

Gita is the recipient of a University of Notre Dame Asian American Alumni Association Exemplar Award, two Associated Press Awards, a Michigan Association of Broadcasters Award and a Northwestern University Scholarship for Outstanding Storytelling. She is a member of IFP in Chicago and New York, the IDA, Women in Film and Video and the Color of Film Collaborative. She recently moved from Boston to Brooklyn, NY.

The Greeters

On the day Bill found out he had cancer, he was still the first one to the airport. An eccentric World War II veteran, Bill knows firsthand what a thank you means to a soldier. When troops returned from Vietnam without any recognition for serving their country, Bill made a promise to never let it happen again. So now he executes each greeting with military precision, supporting the soldiers unconditionally.

Outside the airport, Bill’s life is spiraling out of control. While battling his spreading cancer, he is also drowning in financial debt. With time running out and creditors hounding him, Bill is forced to make a decision that will change his life forever.

Joan was afraid to go out after dark. Three knee operations forced her to use a walker, leaving her fearful of falling. After spending her life caring for her eight children, Joan was left living alone in an empty nest. But five years ago everything changed. Joan discovered troop greeting, and it quickly became an addiction. What she loves the most is learning about each soldier’s family. But as a mother and grandmother, she welcomes them home, but can never say goodbye. Joan has to confront her issues of letting go when she discovers her granddaughter Amy (30), a Blackhawk helicopter pilot, will soon be deployed to Iraq.

Jerry can usually be found parked near the airport runway. Sitting in his truck with his dog and best friend, Mr. Flannigan, he watches for troop planes overhead. When he spots one, if he’s fast enough, he can be inside the airport before the wheels touch the ground. With troop greeting, Jerry’s goal is simple-put a smile on each soldier’s face. This small act helps him cope with the tragic death of his son.

Haunted by these memories and facing unexplained heart problems, Jerry must come to terms with his own mortality following the sudden death of a close friend.

Bill Knight talking with a female soldier at the airport.

POV Website

The Way We Get By companion website, www.pbs.org/pov/waywegetby, offers a streaming video trailer of the film, an interview with the filmmakers, a list of related websites, organizations and books, lesson plans, discussion guides and special features including Aron Gaudet,  Jerry Mundy, Joan Gaudet and Bill Knight answering viewers’ questions on the PBS Engage blog, www.pbs.org/engage, during the week of Nov. 9.

DVD Release

The Way We Get By will be available for sale in time for the holidays at www.thewaywegetbymovie.com beginning Nov. 3, 2009 for $19.99.

Outreach

POV works with public television stations and national and community-based groups across the country to foster community dialogue around the issues presented in the film. For a list of upcoming screening and discussion events for The Way We Get By, go to: http://www.amdoc.org/outreach_news.php.

POV also works with nationally recognized media educator Dr. Faith Rogow to develop a discussion guide with background information to help event organizers carry out discussions around the film’s content. Cari Ladd has created the lesson plan. POV partners with librarians around the country to create multimedia resource lists of related books and videos that further explore the issues. The materials are available free of charge at www.pbs.org/pov/waywegetby.

Credits

Director/Editor:              Aron Gaudet
Producer:                           Gita Pullapilly
Executive Producer:     Warren Cook
Cinematographer:          Aron Gaudet and Dan Ferrigan
Original Music:                 Zack Martin

The Way We Get By is a co-production of Dungby Productions, the Independent Television Service (ITVS) and American Documentary, Inc. | POV, WGBH, Maine Public Broadcasting Network (MPBN) with funding provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).

Awards 2009

Special Jury Award, South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival
Best Documentary, Audience Award Winner, Newport International Film Festival
Best Documentary, Atlanta Film Festival
Best Documentary, Little Rock Film Festival
Best Documentary, Phoenix Film Festival
Audience Award, Full Frame Documentary Festival
Standing Up Competition Winner, Cleveland International Film Festival
Eric Parker Social Justice Award, Indianapolis International Film Festival
Honorable Mention, Boston Independent Film Festival

Joan Gaudet gives a hug to a returning troop.

POV

Produced by American Documentary, Inc. and now in its 22nd season on PBS, the award-winning POV series is the longest-running showcase on American television to feature the work of today’s best independent documentary filmmakers. Airing June through September with primetime specials during the year, POV has brought more than 275 acclaimed documentaries to millions nationwide, and has a Webby Award-winning online series, POV’s Borders. Since 1988, POV has pioneered the art of presentation and outreach using independent nonfiction media to build new communities in conversation about today’s most pressing social issues. More information is available at www.pbs.org/pov.

Major funding for POV is provided by PBS, The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, The Educational Foundation of America, JPMorgan Chase Foundation, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, New York State Council on the Arts, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, The September 11th Fund and public television viewers. Funding for POV’s Diverse Voices Project is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. Special support provided by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. POV is presented by a consortium of public television stations, including KCET Los Angeles, WGBH Boston and THIRTEEN in association with WNET.ORG.

Watch the trailer and learn more at http://www.pbs.org/pov/waywegetby/ and www.pbs.org/pov/pressroom.

The event includes live holiday entertainment, free holiday hay rides, a chance to win raffle prizes and a Tree Lighting ceremony with Santa Claus, and exclusive sales and discounts at the stores.

VIP tickets for $10 each are also available with 100% of the ticket sale proceeds going directly to participating charities including The Wellness Community, Walk with Sally, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Tree Musketeers, South Bay Police and Fire Memorial Foundation and many more.

VIP ticket holders receive extra perks including a free children’s craft activity, one free photo with Santa, a free cup of coffee or hot cocoa and one free raffle ticket.

Call in advance to purchase VIP $10 tickets: 310-647-3431, or purchase at the event.

Date: Friday, November 20, 2009 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.

-  Tree Lighting with Santa is at 7:00pm

Location:  Plaza El Segundo

At Plaza El Segundo, shoppers experience inspiring fashion retailers like Anthropologie, BCBGMAXAZRIA and bebe.

Specialty boutiques including m. frederic Women, Claudia Milan, Happy Six and Varga entice imaginations, while  i Medspa, Temptress, Vicara Aveda Salonspa and MAC Cosmetics offer the most sought-after beauty products and services.

Some of L.A.’s best-noted restaurants are right in the shopping center — The Counter, La Sirena Grill & Cantina, Marmalade Café, Salt Greek Grille, and The Veggie Grill – and offer celebrated menus.

The center’s popular treat hot spots — pinkberry, Melt Gelato & Crepe Café, and Starbucks – give customers quick pick-me-ups.

And even the most discerning shoppers can shop smart at super retailers including Whole Foods Market, Cost Plus World Market, Borders, Best Buy and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Located on Sepulveda Blvd. just north Rosecrans in Manhattan Beach,  in El Segundo, CA.

THRILLER NIGHT- The Official “Thriller” Tribute Halloween Party Featuring Frightening Haunted Displays From Oscar-Winning, Special Effects Studio, Drac Studios, Saturday, October 31, at Dakota Lounge in Santa Monica

Also Featuring Celebrity DJ Casey Connor Spinning The Hottest Music And Michael Jackson Tributes Throughout The Night

THRILLER NIGHT- The Official “Thriller” Halloween Party featuring spooky haunted displays by Oscar- winning special effects studio, Drac Studios on Saturday, October 31st  at Dakota Lounge in Santa Monica. Guests are invited to dress in their best costumes, drink bloody concoctions and dance the night away to the sounds of celebrity DJ Casey Connor spinning the hottest music and MJ tributes throughout the night. The evening will also include MJ Dance -Offs, Costume Contests, Huge Prizes, and Bloody Drink Specials. $3 Drink Specials from 9-10pm. Costume contests include Best Michael, Best Zombie, Sexiest, Scariest and Most Original.

Location:

Dakota Live Music Lounge, 1026 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90401 (Cross  Street is 11th) Phone: 310-393-8200 www.dakotalounge.com            

Saturday, October 31st, 2009  9pm-2am

$10.00 with costume, $15.00 without costume.

(21 +) Dinner and group reservations available. Call 310-393-8200 to request a list of table/bottle packages and reserve a VIP table.

CASEY CONNOR

Casey Connor is an internationally recognized celebrity DJ/Entertainer, highly sought after by an impressive collection of A-list clientele. Her dynamic approach to the turntables has given her a coveted celebrity following. Casey brings a fresh, feminine perspective to the events she DJ’s for. Her A-list clientele including Madonna, Britney Spears, Donald Trump, Paris Hilton, Kanye West, P. Diddy, Robert Deniro, Jennifer Lopez and a never ending list of  brands such as MAC cosmetics, Playboy, Maxim and Apple has vaulted Casey into exclusive company within the industry. Her innovative and self-styled manner of DJing constitutes more than spinning records. It is an all inclusive performance in which Casey showcases her talents as an entertainer in a fashion that goes beyond her skills at the turntables and takes pride of being one of the industry’s most sought after “performance DJ’s”. For more info go to www.caseyconnor.com.

DAKOTA LOUNGE

In less than a year, Dakota Live Music Lounge has made its mark on this legendary location becoming the premiere live music venue and entertainment facility on the Westside. Voted the “Best Happy Hour” by LA Weekly, Dakota hosts live music and DJ entertainment nightly. Dakota is home to the best in rock, indie, acoustic, Latin, hip-hop and dance music with national recording artists such as GRAMMY®-award winning R&B/soul songstress Janelle Monae, Shooter Jennings and Matisyahu as well as underground DJs ?uestlove, Flying Lotus, Peanut Butter Wolf having already graced the stage. Head chef, Dave Hutcheon, caters to all-types of diners with his American-Hawaiian style tapas served until 1AM . A brand new décor, a rockin’ music lineup, stiff drinks and late night menu, make Dakota Lounge home to live music lovers, foodies, and neighborhood friends looking for a place to chill, listen to great music, dine or dance. For more information, to book your band or host your next event visit www.dakotalounge.com.

DRAC STUDIOS

The Academy Award-winning make up and special effects company that features the incredible work of Todd Tucker, Harvey Lowry, Greg Cannom, and the other creative artists. Drac is responsible for changing Gary Oldman into Dracula, turning Robin Williams into a grandmotherly matron, aging Russell Crowe into a senior citizen, and changing the Wayans Brothers into hot white woman. As Hollywood’s largest effects studio, Drac Studios biggest accomplishments include The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Mrs. Doubtfire, Hannibal, Ocean’s 11-13, Pirates of the Caribean, The Passion of The Christ, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Titanic, Ali, Scary Movie, Batman, Batman Returns, Van Helsing, and Night at the Museum 2 to name a few. For more info go to www.dracstudios.com. Check out more info here…

Master Chef Roy

Roy Yamaguchi, winner of the prestigious James Beard Award and former contestant on Top Chef Masters and Iron Chef, and Moët & Chandon have collaborated to bring foodies and bubble lovers alike a one-night only dining experience available at all 27 Roy’s mainland locations.

Bubbly Fun

The complementary pairing of sushi and champagne, a deliciously kept secret in the culinary world, is now available in a sensual dining experience which includes three courses of sushi, a Waygu beef entrée and dessert. Moët champagnes, including Moët Impérial, Moët Rosé Impérial, Moët Nectar Impérial and Moët Grand Vintage 2000, have been expertly paired to complement each course. The evening will begin with the Moët & Chandon Impérial “POG” Cocktail – a delicious passion fruit, orange and guava mimosa. The limited dining experience is available by reservation only for $75 plus tax & gratuity, which includes Moet & Chandon champagnes.

The sushi and champagne pairing is available at these four locations throughout Los Angeles:

Roy’s Los Angeles
800 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017

Roy’s Pasadena
641 East Colorado Boulevard
Pasadena, CA 91101

Roy’s Woodland Hills
6363 Topanga Canyon Boulevard
Woodland Hills, CA 91367

Roy’s Anaheim
321 West Katella Avenue
Anaheim, CA 92802

For reservations for this fantastic foodie evening: Los Angeles – (213) 488-4994 or Pasadena – (626) 356-4066, Woodland Hills – (818) 888-4801, Anaheim – (714) 776-7697

For more info visit:  http://www.roysrestaurant.com/

Run 4 Her Life 5k / 10k for Breast Cancer Research will take place on Sunday, October 18, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. and feature a live musical performance by GRAMMY® award-winning recording artist and “Dancing With The Stars” contestant, Mýa. Registration fee is $35 in advance and $45 day of and includes a custom designed Affliction/Run 4 Her Life t-shirt ($82 value), gift bag and all event festivities, including entrance to the concert.  Team and Groups are also encouraged to participate.  Please visit www.Run4HerLife.com for additional details and to register.

The Americana at Brand, located in the heart of downtown Glendale, will offer entrants and guests a variety of live entertainment, expo and post-event party. In addition to the competitive 5k / 10k races the event also offers a 5k Family Fun Run / Walk. “Caruso Affiliated is honored to support this inaugural event and its critical mission of funding for breast cancer research. Our team is working hard to ensure that it also will be a delightful day for the entire family,” said Rick Caruso, president and CEO, Caruso Affiliated.

To get in shape for the October 2009 Race, lululemon athletica Glendale will conduct complimentary Sunday morning fitness classes at The Americana at Brand designed to improve your running while offering tips, motivation and camaraderie.  Located on two acres in downtown Glendale, The Americana at Brand is LAs newest shopping and dining destination developed by Caruso Affiliated. With residences built atop the shops and restaurants, race entrants will have a built in audience and cheering section at the start and finish lines.

Funds raised will support local California research at USC/Norris Lee Breast Center, USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Michael Press, MD. PhD. and National Research. Grants are awarded as deemed by our Medical Advisory Board to have the most significance in the etiology, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer.

“We are grateful to be a part of this event to raise funds for breast cancer research,” said Michael Press, M.D., Ph.D., professor of pathology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC and the Harold E. Lee Chair for Cancer Research at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. “As we learn more about the molecular and genetic causes of breast cancer, we are positioned to attack this deadly disease at its origin and to prevent its development in thousands of women.”

Run 4 Her Life is green, breaking new ground with the worlds-first Eco-friendly Running Bib. The focus of Karin Purvis, Race Director, and Founder of ‘Run 4 Her Life’ and ‘Cure in the Canyons’ is to facilitate a healthy, eco-friendly race, allowing runners to participate in a “green” event. As a tribute to breast cancer research, emediagroup is providing bib numbers made from seed paper, which entrants can plant after the event and will bloom Black-Eyed Susan’s creating a lasting memory.  By combining breast cancer research awareness and environmentally friendly materials, emediagroup is proud to participate in this unique event.

Run 4 Her Life will feature live musical performances by Mýa, The Quiet, Lili Haydn, Jordan Johnson, and Margie Hauser and an interactive family friendly expo with 15 cabanas including Glendale Hospital offering orthopedic therapy consultations, and Katsuya and ONEHOPE Wine who will be hosting the VIP celebrity lounge.  The Nesquik Bunny will be greeting runners at the expo and plans to run the 5k as well!

Grammy Award® winning multi-platinum artist Mýa, became a star at the age of 18 with her eponymous debut album which yielded three Top-10 singles. In addition to releasing five full length albums, one of which went platinum and another, gold, she tangoed her way into our hearts in the acclaimed film Chicago. Mýa is currently a popular contestant on the hit TV show “Dancing With The Stars”!

As a philanthropist, Mýa continues to devote her time and resources to various causes. From 1998 to 2001, she became the spokesperson for Secret to Self Esteem. In 2005, Mýa founded TMATF: The Mya Arts & Tech Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing disadvantaged youth growth and opportunity through arts & technology education, where she serves as both executive director and teacher. Mýa is also an advocate of breast cancer as her mother is a 10 year survivor. In 2006 & 2007 she collaborated with the Lifetime Television Network in the Stop Breast Cancer for Life campaign, recording “My Bra” a song sold on iTunes donating 100% of proceeds to breast cancer research.

Sponsors include Affliction, ONEHOPE Wine, lululemon, Luna Bars, Katsuya, Paul Mitchell, Icy Hot, Gold Bond, Lange Productions, Alacer, Pop Chips, Power Bars, Powerade, Glaceau Smart Water, Emergen- C, Nesquik, Queasy Pops, Capco Labs Foot Cream, Hypoxy and Dole.

Your favorite online sample sale, Billion Dollar Babes, returns to its hometown roots. Come early, this gets very busy!

Dates/Times:

Friday November 6 (VIP – noon-9pm)

Saturday November 7 (9am-5pm)

Billion Dollar Babes, the world’s premier designer sale, returns to Los Angeles. Shop over 40 fashion and beauty brands with savings of up to 85% — as well as cocktails, DJs and a Beauty Bar with complimentary treatments.

Location:

Petersen Automotive Museum

6060 Wilshire Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90036

RSVP

http://www.billiondollarbabes.com/events.html

On Thursday, October 22, Velvet Grip Family tattoo studio (www.velvetgripfamily.com) and owner, Todd Sorensen, will play host to Los Angeles’ tattoo industry elite, art lovers and fashionistas, at an exclusive art opening reception for what will be a month-long group showing of multiple Los Angeles artists. The event, which sits right in the midst of Los Angeles Fashion “Month”, will also feature an innovative fashion installation by Junker Designs. A portion of the proceeds of sales of the artwork will benefit local charity, Art Share LA.

The month-long art exhibit, to be housed in the Velvet Grip Family tattoo studio space through November 18, will feature pieces by eight local artists: Velvet Grip Family owner, Todd Sorensen; AXIS; Joby Cummings; Konstantin; Kilby Rodell; Mike Nite; Mike Bowman; and a skateboard installation by Sector 9 pro-skater, Dave Hatton.

The Junker Designs fashion installation will be on view during the October 22 opening reception, and will feature “live mannequins” spaced throughout the studio. This installation will be Junker Designs’ only Los Angeles Fashion “Month” event.

“I’m all for promoting local talent – be it fashion design, art or music – and I’m thrilled to be able to support the future Los Angeles artist community,” says Todd Sorensen, Velvet Grip Family owner and tattoo industry veteran, of the partnership with Art Share LA.

Guests at the October 22 exhibit opening event will also enjoy live performances by local, cult-favorite DJs McEscher and jMotion, as well as a fully-hosted bar, and appetizers courtesy of Jones Hollywood. Media coverage of the event will be provided by Tattoo:Savage Magazine, who will be on-hand to shoot the art on the walls, as well as the art on event guests. The October 22 event is sponsored in part by Industrial Strength and Brandon Bond.

Velvet Grip Family tattoo studio is located at 7213½ Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA, 90046. Appointments can be made by calling (323) 876-5048. More information on each of the exhibit’s artists, can be found at: www.velvetgripfamily.com. To RSVP for the October 22 art opening and Junker Designs fashion installation, please email: info@stilettomarketing.com.

About Velvet Grip Family

Known for his excellent customer care and the bond that he forms with his clients – which keeps them coming back, time and time again – Velvet Grip Family owner, Todd Sorensen, has been able to establish quite the famous following. With the newest remodel of his 1,700 s.f. West Hollywood studio, he has created an amazing space with a vibe unlike most tattoo shops. The paint scheme, exposed brick, leather and wood furnishings, ambient lighting, tranquil Koi fish pond and artsy architecture were thought out to the very last detail, all by none other than Sorensen, himself.

Velvet Grip Family counts amongst its fans and clients the likes of Kiefer Sutherland, Hugh Laurie (“House”), Drew Barrymore, Mark McGrath, Tommy Lee, “Young Hollywood” celeb offspring such as Al Pacino’s daughter, and many more famous faces (and bodies).Sorensen’s fans and following are so devoted to Velvet Grip Family that in a recent, more intimate five-year anniversary celebration, more than 30 of his clients opted to have the Velvet Grip Family logo permanently tattooed onto their bodies.

Sorensen, known in the tattoo industry as “The Todd”, is an industry veteran and an unmistakable talent, in and of himself. Sorensen, as well as his and his talented staff’s work, has been featured on numerous TV shows and has been covered by the media many times, including appearances on/in: “Fear Factor”, “Freaks & Geeks”, “Ripley’s Believe It or Not!”, MTV, G4tv, the Discovery Channel, TNN, the “Oblivious” show, “Guinness Book of World Records”, Tattoo Magazine, Savage Magazine, Tattoo Revue, International Tattoo Art, Skin Art Magazine, Varla Magazine and Bizarre Magazine.

Velvet Grip Family Owner, Todd Sorensen, is available for interviews and/or comment, as well as public appearances, as an expert in the art of tattooing and body modification. For more information on Sorensen and his studio, visit: www.velvetgripfamily.com.

About Junker Designs

Los Angeles-based Junker Designs makes one-of-a-kind, hand-made clothing from denim, leather, and pretty much anything else that the label’s designers – who hail from Texas and Florida – can acquire. They overdye, paint, mutate, bury, or otherwise ravage each and every edgy, rocker-chic piece.

Junker Designs’ fans and clients include the likes of Alice Cooper, Nikki Sixx, Dave Navarro, Tommy Lee, Billy Morrison, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Richie Sambora, Prince, Lenny Kravitz, Bon Jovi, Buckcherry, Motley Crue, Pink, Paris Hilton, Christina Aguilera, John Cusack, Puddle of Mudd, Shakira, Poison, Johnny Depp, Carmen Electra, Britney Spears, Steven Tyler, Weezer and Insane Clown Posse, to name just a few. For more information on Junker Designs, please visit: www.junkerdesigns.com.

About Art Share LA

Boasting a 90% high school graduation rate, Art Share Los Angeles offers a free, multi-disciplinary art program, changing the lives of underserved teens. Through the collaborative work of instructors, social workers, and volunteers, the center operates during peak violence hours. It not only provides a safe haven for creative expression, but also offers a starting point for emerging artists, space for gallery shows, and low-income housing for artists. With 30,000 square feet of renovated warehouse space in the Downtown Artist District, Art Share Los Angeles serves as a community arts incubator, promoting cultural excellence and shaping lives through, art, education and community action. For more information on Art Share LA, please visit: www.artsharela.org.