Hollywood Beat
rock-n-reel with two hot blondes, art of the dead, ‘California SpiriT’ food/wine event returns in august

Rock-N-Reel with Two Hot Blondes

Two of Tinseltowns hottest blondes – 20 year old Hayden Panettiere (Heroes), and the over 50, but looks 20, star, Sharon Stone, (Basic Instinct) were on hand at Culver Studios for the inaugural Rock-n-Reel event benefiting Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.  This chronic immune disorder affects children of all ages, and this was a fun-filled family event featuring arts and crafts, interactive games, and musical entertainment by Maroon 5’s Adam Levine.

Panettiere, the Cheerleader of every boy’s dream, currently starring in the feature film, I Love You Beth Cooper, is also a champion for animal rights. Remember when she had a violent confrontation with Japanese fishermen who were slaughtering Dolphins in Australia?

Some of the other young celeb supporters on hand included O.C. star, Benjamin McKenzie and Zack and Cody stars, Cole and Dylan Sprouse.  As Dr. Marla Dubinsky, director of the IBD Center stated, “It is a wonderful feeling to see kids helping kids suffer from this debilitating disease.

Ageless Sharon Stone at Pediatric Disease event

Honoree Scott Lambert, IBD Center Director, Dr. Maria Dubinsky, actress Hayden Panettiere and Honoree Alexandra Milchan-Lambert

Art of the Dead

You will never guess the hot new venue for Hollywood Soirees – Hollywood Forever Cemetery! During the last year, we have been invited to movie premieres (particularly horror films), private screenings, and even the dedication of a pre-death memorial for two of our pals at this august location.

So it was entirely expected that “The Art of Death” Masterpieces from the Italian Masters, were exhibited in this celeb cemetery.  After all, among the stars in residence are Cecil B. DeMille, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Tyrone Power and Rudolph Valentino.

Actually the invitation we received in the mail was a huge marble tombstone, which sure beats an e-invite announcement.  Los Angeles’ new art maven David W. Streets, hosted this private exhibit which featured exclusive Artisan caskets and urns from Milan, and exceptional masterpieces from around the world.

Some of the celeb guests enjoying the fine art and music included Barbara Lazaroff (co-owner of Spago) who got into the spirit of things by dressing like one, and Bernardo Puccio & Orin Kennedy, who are celebrating their first year of marriage, and are soon to release their documentary, “An Ordinary Couple.”

Streets, who has already gained an enviable reputation as an international art appraiser, also opened his new gallery In Beverly Hills, featuring works by 25 LIVING Masters from around the globe, including major photographer, Jesse Kallisher, whose portraits of President Obama are the only official Presidential portraits in the Smithsonian.

But to get back to the DEAD – Streets will participate in the sale of the very rare and famous Andy Warhol original portrait of Michel Jackson that graced the cover of Time in 1964.  Only 5 of these unique portraits exist, and one is housed in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.

The sale will be a private auction held on Aug. 18th at 8:00 PM in NYC, with opening bid beginning at $800,000, with an estimated sale price between $18 – $22 million dollars.  Let’s hope that this historic painting will be purchased and remain in Tinseltown –where Dead Stars Rule!

Actor Jessee Metcalfe (Desperate Housewives) with actress Cara Santano (CSI) at Gallery Opening

Andy Warhol portrait of Michael Jackson – up for bids!

David W. Streets at opening of his art gallery, with original Catwoman, Julie Newmar

Art Angel, Barbara Lazaroff (Spago) with Orin Kennedy & Bernardo Puccio, at Art of the Dead

The American Cancer Society’s “California Spirit” Food & Wine Event Returns in August

On Sunday, August 9th, 2009, Master Chef Wolfgang Puck, Sherry Lansing, and Barbara Lazaroff will co-host CALIFORNIA SPIRIT XXV, the American Cancer Society’s annual food and wine tasting fundraiser.

Now in its 25th year, CALIFORNIA SPIRIT is a much-anticipated event with a well-established reputation as one of the most prestigious charity galas in California.  Master Chef Wolfgang Puck will gather renowned chefs from Los Angeles' best restaurants to create their finest culinary creations, featuring gourmet food, premium California wines, live entertainment, and a live+silent auction with a chance to win a 2010 Lexus HS 250h.

This year’s event will take place at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood and participating restaurants include: Angelini Osteria, Beacon, Chinois on Main, Cut, Fraiche, Lago, Melisse, Montage Beverly Hills, Red 7, Spago Beverly Hills

Tickets are $350 and can be purchased at the event website:  http://www.calspirit.org

Cancer will strike one of every three Californians during their lifetime, and three out of four families. The American Cancer Society eases the burden of cancer in our community as advocates for those whose lives have been touched by this disease and by providing free services to patients and their caregivers. Fund-raising is especially important to the American Cancer Society. We receive no government funds. Our mission is to continue the unprecedented downturn in both new cases of cancer and deaths from cancer. Our lifesaving and life-enhancing research, education programs and patient services depend on the generosity of individuals, companies that care and the community at large.

TOP: Barbara Lazaroff, Joyce Rey, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Nancy Riordan, Sherry Lansing. BOTTOM-LEFT: Wolfgang Puck and Joyce Rey.