By: Valerie Milano – West Hollywood, CA (Hollywood Today) 5-14-12

 Saturday night, May 12 2012, Whiskey A Go Go hosted a very special performance by up and coming Opera/Rock/Dance/Trance fusion artist Shahidah Omar. In support of her recently released album “Freedom” and a second year appearance at the ultimate outdoor 3 day music and camping festival, Bonnaroo, Omar set the stage on fire with powerful and politically charged lyrics, a voice that lifted spirits throughout the venue, and a band that seamlessly fused rock, soul, dance and electronic elements.

 Having been exposed to a plethora of classic vocalists as a child, it is no surprise that Shahidah (meaning “witness” in Arabic) chose to use her voice as a means for expression of her life experiences, social realizations and personal struggles. A classically trained opera singer, Omar is a self-proclaimed product of her environment, telling HT “We typically listened to music from all over the world. I also grew up with nine siblings in my household adding a whole slew of different genres to the mix. That list is ridiculous! So here I am a mash up of all of that.”

 Despite an incredible on stage presence, and the fact that she blatantly exudes the “It” factor with undeniable talent and good looks to boot, the well-attended show was a bit lackluster when it came to audience participation. In observation, people did appear genuinely interested, if not intrigued, but also questionably reserved. Perhaps this was due to the nature of her persona (heavy hitting, especially in the way of intellectual lyrical content) and the demographic this may draw, or perhaps it just wasn’t late enough in the LA evening for folks to have released their inhibitions. [Read more →]

By: Valerie Milano – West Hollywood, CA (Hollywood Today) 5-12-12

Andie McDowell and her daughter Rainey Qualley are starring together in “Mighty Fine” (review can be found http://www.hollywoodtoday.net/2012/05/01/mighty-fine-opening-may-25th/ ) in theaters now. HT Got a chance to interview them at the same round table with Chazz, and this is some thoughts from her.  Plus, this is Rainey’s first movie, and she really nailed the role.  Both ladies shared a bit about their experience working on this movie, and the advice that Andie gave to Rainey when she said that she wanted to be an actress.

“Never be desperate, have another idea way back in case things don’t pan out,” advises Andie, although it does not appear to be necessary in her daughter’s case.  She follows with, “Most actors are insecure because it isn’t a secure business. It’s learning how to roll with the punches.”

Another piece of advice she told HT, “A lot of confident people make it because when you exude confidence, you create confidence in other people.” This is good advice for everyone, certainly. However, it’s also easier said than done, Andie acknowledges. “You have to find your confidence.”

Her last piece of advice is about approaching auditions, and what is the most important thing about it. “The audition is not so much about getting the job. It’s about convincing the person that you’re good.” On behalf of Rainey, and our readers: Thanks Mom!

By: Valerie Milano – Beverly Hills, CA (Hollywood Today) 5-12-12

Where are they?  Ever wonder where child actors that played in significant films are today?  Well, Hollywood Today, as its namesake alludes to, is always interested in the who’s and whereabouts  of those individuals.

Joseph Makkar

Hollywood Today caught up with the little rich neighbor in 80’s hit classic, “Down and Out in Beverly Hills,” actor Joseph Makkar (Pictured to the right, 26 years later).  Joseph played the rich neighbor next door to Nick Nolte, Bette Midler and Richard Dreyfus. When Nolte threw the apple to then Joseph’s character,  named Amir.  Amir was a memorable character since the stereotypical wealthy neighbor paid Jerry, Nolte’s Character’s $500.00 for saying “hello” to his son.

That was Touchstone’s first film, under the umbrella of Walt Disney Studios.  Touchstone was created as the production company to avoid the stigma associated with being a rated “R” Picture. [Read more →]

By Sheila Appleby Williams

Los Angeles, CA(Hollywood Today)5/12/`12/—ANT, Russell Brand, Sarge and Tammi Pescatelli donated their comedic talents on April 29 at a public fundraiser held at MiauHaus Studios in Los Angeles, to raise money for long time Los Angeles residents, Jay and Nancy Westbrook.

It was serendipity when Jay and Nancy met in 1968 at a friend’s party at the beach.  Married for over 40 years, Nancy, is a talented horticulturist who spends her free time working with special needs athletes (she co-founded the Special Olympics’ Pot-A-Plant program) and her husband Jay is a highly decorated palliative care nurse (hospice work for the grieving and dying) who was selected Nurse of the Year in 2005.

Nancy was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer in December 2011 and given a prognosis of 1-year life expectancy. Jay lost his job due to recession cutbacks in 2008 and now finds himself caring for his most beloved patient.

The Westbrooks have dedicated their lives to helping those in need and now are reaching out for help to raise money to offset medical bills (not covered by insurance), living expenses, and future lost wages to assist them through this most difficult time.  To date, $31, 403 has been raised towards the goal of $250,000.

If laughter is the best medicine, then judging by the crowd’s reaction ( including reality television personality, Janice Dickinson)-the event was a healing experience.

“When those who have done so much for us are in need, we reach out to them. Jay and Nancy Westbrook give us their lives and hearts in service. Now the brutal onset of Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, medical bills, and lost wages threaten to rapidly overwhelm them. The time frame is short and the need is acute. With nancystree.org, we seek to remove as much of that financial pressure as possible, in this time, when they are the ones in need.”

http://www.nancystree.org/

By Marci Weiner

Beverly Hills, CA(Hollywood Today)5/12/12/—Sonia Nassery Cole received the Golden Palm Award for producing and directing The Black Tulip – a feature length drama, shot entirely on location in Afghanistan.  The novice producer (who also starred in the film) stated: “Black Tulip is a film about the plight for freedom in Afghanistan, which we have to fight every day.”  This extraordinary film, which exposes the terror inflicted by The Taliban, also won the award for best actor (Haji Gal Aser)) and the Jury Award at a Gala Dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel.

Other Awards were presented to Uprising:  Hip, Hop & The L.A. Riots (produced by Snopp Dogg), The Palace, and Children of the Air (starring Kathryn Winnick). Other films of note included the world premiere of Beyond 360, directed by Luis Goyanes and starring sailing champ, Dee Caffari; and Sofia, starring Christian Slater and Donald Sutherland.

Oscar nominated actress and human rights activist Anne Archer (Fatal Attraction, Patriot Games) received the Legends Award from Marisol Nichols (ABC’s GOB). Other celebs in attendance included Actress Ann Heche, and her handsome husband actor James Tupper (starring in the hit TV Series Revenge); and President of the BHFF Jury, Steven Paul (CEO of Crystal Sky Productions.

Kris Jenner (Keeping Up With the Kardashians), Guiliana Rancic (Co-Anchor of E News) and Jillian Reynolds (co-host of Good Day L.A.)  were honored by the Associates for Breast and Prostrate Cancer Studies ABCs) at their annual Mother’s Day Luncheon. These three “Women of Achievement” were lauded for their support of numerous charities including Make-A-Wish Foundation, Operation Smile. And Children’s Miracle Networks – to name a few.

By: Valerie Milano – Pasadena, CA (Hollywood Today) 5-11-12

Burley the Koala hangs out onstage with trainer Jen Roseler during the Nature "Cracking the Koala Code" panel during the PBS portion of the 2012 Winter TCA Tour at The Langham Huntington Hotel and Spa on January 5, 2012 in Pasadena, California. (January 4, 2012 - Source: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images North America)

 What is the first few furry things you think about when someone mentions Australia? Not a kangroo – too hoppy or a boomerang – too pointy! It’s a KOALA! Those seemingly shy, demure nocturnal creatures who live to really digest their food. Well those sweet little Koalas, the popular character of Australia, have gone urban in the new world with new rogue ways. Who knew?

 The Australian government has added koala to its list of threatened species according to recent news coverage due to habitat loss. This beloved Australian icon is the focus of Nature’s Cracking the Koala Code, premiering May 16 on PBS. As the future of koala hangs in the balance, NATURE follows a team of scientists in their groundbreaking study to understand koala communications and their movement in cities. Surviving only on poisonous gum leaves, koalas must travel between island forests as a result of urban expansion or eat themselves into extinction.

The program explores strange nurturing tips from suburban koala mothers. Koala mom wean her Joey by feeding him her excrement which contains vital bacteria essential for their lethal diet. Other scientific discoveries reveal that in addition to a dominant male in a koala society who mates with all his females in the clan, there are often “traveling salesmen” who infiltrate established koala groups to mate and take over the group. It’s mother natures way of promoting genetic diversity. [Read more →]