An Evening with Don Most and Author Laura D. Wilcox






What an amazing evening last night seeing the incredible Don Most singing at Vitello's Restaurant. His show just gets better and better... Next time he’s singing in Los Angeles, you have to see him. I am so glad I was joined by Laura D. Wilcox, Laura Dieges-Wilcox, author of “Faith and The Second Hand”, a book that gives you practical techniques & exercises to break poor habits & become a better you. Including a link as it’s one of the books that I highly recommend! Click here to purchase!

Laura will have some fun events coming up and I will keep you updated (she was most recently the opening speaker at the San Jacinto Valley Women's Conference, photos of that up next). Also, my production assistant Ruby Leon -- you're the best, always so helpful. Also great to see Publicist Harlan Boll. It was a great evening! Photos of Laura with Don, Me with Don, Ruby with Don and one of his shows. Check out what is coming up next for Don here: http://www.donnymost.com/calendar/.

Halle Berry and John Travolta’s Model Philanthropy at City Summit and City Gala

I am excited to be covering the Red Carpet and attending the The City Gala! The City Gala features a keynote speaking program and awards ceremony for humanitarians followed by social atmosphere and party takes place on Sunday, February 12that The Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall. The Red Carpet will begin at 7:00 p.m.  This event is going to feature amazing Humanitarian Celebrities, Halle Berry, John Travolta and John Paul DeJoria and Quincy Jones will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award.  More details below. For more information about City Summit and details of this year’s events, and to purchase tickets, visit the City Gala site, www.citygala.org

Halle Berry and John Travolta will keynote Grammy weekend events in Los Angeles at the annual City Summit event, a set of humanitarian and community building events, that opens at USC Tower, South Park Center with its own early morning red carpet event. The City Summit and Gala are humanitarian events that bring artists, celebrities, business leaders and anyone interested in philanthropic work together with an eye towards paying it forward to worthy start-up and lesser-known charitable organizations.

Berry was the first celebrity ambassador for the Diabetes Aware campaign, but is perhaps best known for her work with the Jenesse Center, which helps families affected by domestic abuse. As someone who witnessed and experienced domestic abuse herself, as a child, Berry will share her thoughts on overcoming obstacles in her keynote.

The event will be moderated by author and entrepreneur Greg S. Reid, joined by emcee Jeff Timmons, Grammy-nominated singer and founding member of the pop group 98 Degrees. Stage and film actor Anthony Mackie will be featured as well, along with an extensive line up of champion entrepreneurs from Google, Virgin Atlantic and more.

Sunday’s post-Grammy City Gala event will take place at the Music Center’s Walt Disney Music Hall. Actor John Travolta, with two Academy Award nominations and winner of Golden Globe and Emmy awards, will head the Gala line-up with a keynote conversation. 

 “I am extremely pleased to join this assembly of top businesses and individuals who are united in their desire to act as champions for positive change,” said Travolta, who is heavily involved in multiple philanthropic endeavors through the Jett Travolta Foundation he created with his wife, Kelly Preston. 

Named by Time Magazine as one of the six most influential Jazz artists of the 20th Century, Quincy Jones is an impresario in the broadest and most creative sense of the word.  Over six-decades Jones’ career has encompassed the roles of composer, record producer, artist, film producer, arranger, conductor, instrumentalist, TV producer, record company executive, television station owner, magazine founder, multi-media entrepreneur and humanitarian.  Among the multitude of awards that he has received for his contributions are an Emmy Award, seven Academy Award nominations, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, 27 Grammy Awards, and is the all-time most nominated Grammy artist with a total of 79 nominations.  
He is the recipient of the Republic of France’s Commandeur de la Legion d’ Honneur, and in 2001 he was inducted as a “Kennedy Center Honoree,” the United States’ most prestigious cultural award, for his lifetime contributions to the culture of the country.  He was recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts as a Jazz Master - the nation’s highest jazz honor, and in 2010 was bestowed the National Medal of Arts, our nation’s highest artistic honor.  In 2016, Jones received a Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical for the Broadway production of “The Color Purple.  The award completed the rare EGOT set for Jones, an exclusive club of artists who have received an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award.

Even more important to the focus of City Gala, however, is his lifetime of commitment to philanthropy, beginning with civil rights work in the 1960s with Martin Luther King and proceeding through a spectrum of endeavors including the Quincy Jones Listen Up Foundation that has built more than 100 homes in South Africa and provided intensive support in technology, education, culture and music for South African youth.

Jones was responsible for what is perhaps the most seminal philanthropic endeavor in the history of music by spearheading the recording of “We Are the World,” which featured a large gathering of celebrity musicians including Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, Lionel Richie and Paul Simon and produced $63 million to address hunger in Ethiopia. He has worked tirelessly within a spectrum of programs including NAACP, GLAAD, The Peace Games, AmFar and the Maybach Foundation and others.

John Paul DeJoria, philanthropist and business leader most known as the co-founder of Paul Mitchell hair products and Patron Spirits, will present Quincy Jones as a Lifetime Achievement Honoree at the 2017 City Gala event. 

Said DeJoria, “I consider Quincy Jones to be a good friend to everyone, and am especially honored to present him with the 2017 Lifetime Achievement award. Even more than his record of 27 Grammy wins, his devotion to philanthropy through the Quincy Jones Foundation and in efforts to address cancer, malaria, and as an activist for children makes him the ideal recipient of the Lifetime Achievement award.” 

Jeff Timmons, of the Grammy-nominated pop group 98 Degrees, will return to the City Gala 2017, as emcee and best-selling author and business conference leader Greg Reid, will moderate the event. 
Says City Gala founder and executive producer Ryan Long, “We are tremendously honored to present the 2017 program in support of the International Arts & Philanthropy Foundation (IAP), which provides funding in support of arts, education, early childhood development, as well as the Breed Life program which supports and facilitates the gift of life through live organ donation.”
In the coming days, City Gala will announce additional keynote speakers and special guest appearances for the 2017 event.

About City Gala
Since its inception in 2015, the City Gala program has raised funds and awareness in support of non-profit, charitable organizations. Based on its success, the program has expanded in 2017 to include the City Summit, a full-day and evening entertainment and networking experience that brings together the highest level of entertainment and business leaders in a common agenda of social consciousness, achievement, and a dedication to giving forward to worthy humanitarian programs throughout the world.

The City Summit is a business conference and networking event that takes place on Saturday February 11th at the USC Building – South Park Center.

Laura D. Wilcox & Friends Celebrating "Faith And The Second Hand" Book Arrival!

 
Such a fun time last night with Laura Dieges-Wilcox who was talking about her book "Faith and the Second Hand" at the Culver City Film Festival Awards last night in Marina Del Rey. Here we are with Social Media Queen, Mella of ClinkandChat and the beautiful, always amazing Alisha Campbell. Here we are with Celebrity Photographer Rick Mendoza. He is one of the best in the business.He took some great photos that can be seen at his website: http://www.papjuice.com/gallery-list. Pick up a copy for yourself or someone you know that can benefit from Laura's amazing insights through her training & faith based guidance by clicking HERE!

Happy 70th Anniversary to The Smokehouse!


On October 11 , 2016, I had an incredible time at the “Smoke House” 70th Anniversary Celebration hosted by Actress Katharine Kramer! Katharine did an amazing job -- the event was always flowing and interesting! It was filled with people who love the Smoke House and came to share their stories, including dignitaries, celebrities, and frequent patrons. Former Council Man Tom LaBonge, Wink and Sandy Martindale, Dawn Wells, Ted Lange, Ronnie Schell, Jackie Joseph, and Karen Sharpe, just to name a few stars at the event.  We were glad to hear stories from Director Garry Marshall’s children Scott and Kathleen about how much the Smoke House meant to the entire Marshall Family through the years. They both attended the event with their mother, Barbara. Also at this very special night, Publicist to the Stars Harlan Boll who represents some of the biggest stars in Hollywood...



I also got to spend time with some of my friends Singer /Songwriter Dianna Parro and Author, # 1 Lucy Fan Michael Stern who wrote a great book about Lucille Ball. I met some new friends also that night including Singer Marv Robinson, who helped us dance the night away as well as the amazing Roselyn Moran and singer  Margaret Love. Of course, the beautiful Marti Spencer, owner of the Smoke House gave away great raffle prizes and made everyone feel at home.


The Smoke House staff were fabulous that night. Special thanks to Kam who does publicity for The Smoke House. And, THE FOOD!!! So many choices…I treated myself to filet mignon with baked potato and yes, could not  resist; my no carb regime went out the window, as I had to have the their world famous garlic bread. Speaking of that, in honor of the restaurant’s 70th anniversary, its World Famous Garlic Bread” “will now be available for shipping throughout the continental United States. “To recognize this landmark anniversary, we wanted to do something our customers have been requesting for years,” said Marti Spencer, co-owner of the Smoke House. “Our proprietary garlic/cheese blend with our special French bread is a combination so many find irresistible, and this shipping option makes it available to everyone who can’t make it to our restaurant.”

The garlic bread is vacuum packed and ready to heat, and shipped via UPS with one or two-day delivery. (The restaurant is now accepting phone orders.) Currently, the Smoke House sells about 2,500 garlic
bread loaves per month to its in-house and take-out diners.


Go by the Smoke House if you can, incredible food and a great event is coming up because on October 28th in celebration of Halloween starting at 4 p.m get 30% off the entire dinner menu. Then starting at 9 p.m. is the Halloween party and the costume contest starts at 11 p.m.

To learn more about the Smoke House’s legendary story, click on the “History” button at SmokeHouse1946.com to see a mini-documentary called “Tales From The Smoke House” featuring
celebrity recollections of the venerable eatery through the years. The Smoke House, where every diner is treated like a star, is located at 4420 W. Lakeside Dr. (corner of Lakeside and Barham) in Burbank. For more information, call (818) 845-3731.
Click HERE to find out more about upcoming events and The Smokehouse.

Paul Anka!

Walking out with Paul Anka to his car after the show! I am actually speechless at his talent, he has written and sang so many wonderful songs, "Put Your Head on My Shoulder", "Diana", "Papa", "My Way", and "Your Having My Baby" just to name a few. The band, the lighting, the production value was some of the best I have ever seen LIVE! Paul's performance was spectacular...true Hollywood, he told some amazing stories of his career, working with the Rat Pack and his songs for Sammy Davis and Frank Sinatra. He was so wonderful with all who attended the show, he took some selfies, danced with some women and got the crowd on their feet thoughout the concert! I am so fortunate, got to see and meet one someone who I admire so much!

What Would Mary Ann Do?

Had a great time at Herbie J Pilato Throwback Thursday event at Barnes and Nobles yesterday. Last night's guest was the amazing and beautiful Dawn Wells. I have had the honor of meeting Dawn a few times and she is so interesting, intelligent and nice. I learn something new each time. Her book "What would Mary Ann do" has some great tips in it, wonderful photos, and it would be a great holiday gift. Also had so much fun with the Thursday night gang, Herbie, Camp Elaine, Elaine Ballace a very funny actress and comedian, Corby Waste, who is a mission artist for JPL, Char Richards, actor and natural doctor, Harrison Held and met some other new friends. Herbie's doing a great job with his TV Preservation society and very proud of him for keeping the information out there of these classic TV shows and true "Stars".

via Lori Kay Dosa: I love this photo of you and Dawn Wells. Her book "What Would Mary Ann do" sounds fun. Jacqueline, I thought of you last night at the Ahmanson for "The Sound of Music" which was a real joy. I cried during "Climb Every Mountain..."

Singing To A Bulldog

What an amazing Thursday night listening to Anson Williams talk about his book "Singing to a Bulldog" and hearing his motivating and inspiring stories and thoughts at Herbie J Pilato's "Throwback Thursdays" at the Burbank Barnes & Noble. I learned so much! You have to get this book as soon as you can because you will too! If you ever get a chance to hear Anson speak in person you need to do so. Also if you can attend these "Throwback Thursdays' , you will meet the best people and hear from so many interesting people.

One of the Greatest Entertainers & a True Legend: Tony Orlando

I felt so lucky to be able to meet and spend time with one of the greatest entertainers and true legend, Tony Orlando. You can tell from the photo that I am totally enamored. Tony has one of the most generous spirits. His show was spectacular. He takes you on an incredible musical journey and you learn more about his amazing life. His band one and singers one of the best in the business. From "Knock Three Times" to "He Don't Love You" and he ended with of course, "Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree" and it was perfection. One concert I highly recommend! Met some great friends that night as well. Thanks to Susan who made the event so wonderful.

The Ever Stunning Loni Anderson

Loni Anderson and me at the Hollywood Museum.

Great Night at the "Move Live" Concert!

If you ever get a chance to see Julianne Hough or Derek Hough LIVE in concert, please do so as it will be one of the best shows that you will ever see! Not only is the dancing and choreography phenomenal, they both are incredible singers and the show is so positive, you leave happy and inspired! I had the privilege of seeing their "Move Live" Tour this evening. Also I got to talk with Paula Abdul who is someone else that I greatly admire, an amazing choreographer herself and just a genuinely nice person. Ben Bellinson, Paula says hi! Also, shout out to Kenny Ortega who was also at the event, just one of the best in the business!

Happy Days!

YESTERDAY WAS A “HAPPY DAY!” In another one of those “Only in La La Land” moments, producer Jacqueline Lewis and I are having a meeting with Marion Ross at her home yesterday, and who unexpectedly stops by? Scott Baio and his daughter Bailey!

Me N' The Fonz

With the Wonderful Henry Winkler, truly one of the nicest men in show business! He's the real deal, genuine and I just admire him!

I Dream Of Barbara Eden

Got to meet Barbara Eden, she is so nice and even more beautiful in person.

Donny Most Swings And Sings

 
Great way to finish out a fun weekend! Saw Donny Most's show Swings and Sings at Vitellos. He was great and he sang Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Bobby Darin standards. He had an incredible band, especially saxaphone player and musical director, Willy. If you ever get a chance to see him, it's a fun show!

College Reunion!

Had a wonderful time at the Oxy Reunion. So many great changes and enhancements to the campus. Choi Auditorium, McKinnon Center for Global Affairs, and Berkus Hall just to name a few. Occidental College just continues to thrive in Academic Excellence and they strive to go even further. Such accomplished alumni who do so much at giving back to the world and their communities. I saw some friends I haven't seen in years and made some new friends as well. Oxy Staff put on an an incredible event, great lunches, dinners, stimulating lectures, tours of the Campus and wonderful after parties that included Moonlight All-Class Dance in the quad as well as some casino and video game fun. Our class committee put on a wonderful memorable dinner for us and want to thank them for all of their hard work. And great event with the 50 year club meeting and honorary degree to one of my favorite professors when I attended Oxy, the irrepressible Bob Winters! Also got to see someone who I greatly admire conduct a very stimulating, dynamic lecture about Oxy's current and potential future architecture, Joe Rhode. Some of my close friends could not attend as they are in far away places, but I hope to see them soon since we still keep in touch and did get to spend some time with one of my best friends Henry. Feel so fortunate to have attended this amazing School, so grateful for my education, and for the forever lifetime friends that I made there. Great weekend.IO TRIUMPHE!

Remembering The Ladies At Burbank's Colony Theatre!


I had such a fabulous time at Burbank’s own, Colony Theatre watching an amazing performance starring the talented Super Star Toni Morrell who received several standing ovations throughout the evening. The entire show was great! My favorite songs were her last 2 songs, incredible! Masterfully Produced and Directed my friend, the talented Karen Grace Cadlewho always puts on the best shows that I ever see on Stage and TV. Of course, also, show would not be what it was without musical director and composer extraordinaire David Dial So glad to have attended the show that was packed and also had some legendary Stars in the audience as well. Tippi Hedren, Loni Anderson, Shirley Jones, Marty Ingels, Louis Gosset Jr, who I so admire and worked with on The Diversity Awards and also got to visit him on the film sets in the 80’s, Kristy McNichols, just to name a few… I got to meet and speak with someone whom I have admired for years as well, Linda Gray who is even more beautiful in person and a fellow Notre Dame Academy Girls High School Alumni. And of course, had a great time with Comedian Jaime Monroy who was humbled by the acknowledgements by these Stars who have worked with him throughout various points of his career , including opening for the biggest stars in the world in the 80’s and 90’s. Look forward to Jaime’s upcoming LIVE performances, stay tuned! So grateful to be able to call Karen, Toni and David my friends and of course Jaime one of my best friends! Wonderful memorable evening for all!

The Funniest Gal In The Room - Lily Tomlin

If you ever have the opportunity, please see Lily Tomlin live on stage! Her show is amazing; she is so witty and funny! Nonstop laughs and great observational comedy! Had a wonderful time at her show a few days ago with one of my great longtime close friends, Alex! We got to hang out backstage after the show and had so much fun!

Thanks also to Actors and Others for Animals for making it happen. Lily is one of the many giving celebrities on the Board of Directors of this wonderful organization that dedicates itself to the pet overpopulation problem by subsidizing spay/neuter surgeries. Together with other vital services, they also help pet guardians living on a low and/or fixed income care for their beloved companions. Check them out, a small donation goes a long way and it is a 501 (c) 3. http://www.actorsandothers.com/

Inspired By These Men!


It was so nice to spend time with one of my dearest and greatest friends Henry, see his wonderful sister Lucia, their parents and their family members at a wonderful Occidental College event a few weeks ago. They are an incredible amazing family who have contributed so much to Oxy. Governor Howard Dean gave a very informative thought provoking lecture and he was very dynamic. It was inspiring to be back on campus and I feel so lucky and proud to have graduated from Oxy!

Two Top Comedians In One Room...


Comedian Jaime Monroy hanging out and looking amazing with fellow Comedian Dane Cook last night. Maybe there's a Comedy Action Movie in their future...

The Jerry Lewis Show!

Such an amazing time at the Jerry Lewis Show tonight with wonderful friends, Kassandra Carrol (a great Marilyn Monroe tribute artist), Producer Karen Cadle ( who is working with Jerry) and Jaime Monroy, Comedy Superstar! The highlight of course, was seeing Mr. Jerry Lewis in action, he is a Legend, Comedic Genus and a true Movie Star! A forever memorable experience.

Beverly Hills Lifestyle Magazine Launch

What a fabulous time at the launch of Beverly Hills Lifestyle Magazine! Congratulations on all your hard work!

Twitter: @bhlmagazine

Facebook: BHL Mag 

Beverly Hills Lifestyle magazine is the premier luxury lifestyle magazine distributed to ultra high-end demographics around the world.
Beverly Hills, CA · bhlmagazine.com

Didn't We All Have A Crush On Richard Chamberlain?

Not only did I have an amazing time watching Karen Grace Cadle sing tonight and watch her incredible comedic timing. But I also got to meet the amazing Richard Chamberlain and see him perform! Most of my girlfriends and I all had crushes on him during The Thornbirds days and beyond!

See This Smile? Can't Help It :)

Got to hang out with one of my celebrity crushes Jimmy McNichol! Also talked with his sister Kristy, both wonderful people and great talents!

Tommy Tune!

What an amazing time at the Tony Awards West Coast Party a few weeks ago hosted by the 1 and only Broadway great Tommy Tune! Photo with the wonderful Peter who works with Tommy and the handsome Jourdan Steel. Peter, Tommy and I are talking about some upcoming projects, STAY TUNED!!!

Still Stunning Stefanie Powers

Thanks to great friend and publicist B Harlan Boll! I was working as a Producer on the Red Carpet at the Tony Awards West Coast Party a few weeks ago. There were many wonderful celebrities there that night. I was fortunate to get a picture with Stefanie Powers who remembered my Uncle when he was working on the set of " Hart to Hart"and he used to take me for visits and I would just be in awe of Robert Wagner and Stefanie. She still looks beautiful!

So Proud Of The New LA Mayor!

My friend of thirty years (wow) and the new Mayor of Los Angeles. Congrats!!