L.A. Times Food Bowl Reveals Lineup for 3-Day Festival at Paramount Studios Backlot Sept. 20-21-22 2024.

 L.A. Times Food Bowl Reveals Lineup for 3-Day Festival at Paramount Studios Back-lot Sept. 20-21-22 2024.   #LAFOODBOWL

(WestHollywoodToday.blogspot.com, Hollywood, CA July 31 2024)   By Karen Ostlund

 The 8th annual food and drink festival will feature restaurants from across Southern California, including chefs from  "The Times Restaurant of the Year" and "Gold Award honorees”.

The Los Angeles Times has announced details for  LA Food Bowl, its annual festival, celebrating Southern California’s dynamic food scene, presented by City National Bank. The festivities will take place over three days on Sept. 20, 21 and 22 at the Paramount Pictures Studios Backlot, spotlighting local food legends and rising culinary stars. Each all-inclusive ticketed event will feature unlimited tastings from over 40 restaurants, libations from wineries, breweries and distilleries, cookbook signings and demonstrations from renowned culinary personalities, DJ sets and more. General admission, VIP tickets and weekend passes for all sessions are available now at lafoodbowl.com
                                                                               

2024 Food Bowl’s lineup:

Friday, Sept. 20 | 8 – 11 p.m. (VIP early entry begins at 7 p.m.)
Food Bowl will honor The Times Restaurant of the Year, Baroo, and Gold Award honoree, Mariscos Jalisco, on Friday night with a special awards presentation hosted by The Times Food team. Plus, Baroo and Mariscos Jalisco will serve curated bites for all guests with an exclusive sampling for guests with early VIP entry. The L.A. Times Food Stage will feature demonstrations and cookbook signings by award-winning chefs and social media food stars, including Josh Scherer (“The Mythical Cookbook”) and Tue Nguyen (@TwayDaBae) (“Di An”) with special guests.

Participating restaurants for Friday night include Amiga Amore, Azizam, Baroo, Cento, East Side Cheesecakes, Evil Cooks, Hatchet Hall, Holey Grail Donuts, HomeState, III Mas Bakery & Deli, Jitlada, Luv2eat Thai Bistro, Mariscos Jalisco, Meteora (VIP lounge only), Mírate, Perilla LA, Rita’s Deluxe, Saucy Chick Goat Mafia, Si! Mon, SoulPhil, Spoon & Pork, Wife and the Somm.
                                                                          

 L.A. Times Food Bowl Night Market Saturday.

Saturday, Sept. 21 | 7 – 10 p.m. (VIP early entry begins at 6 p.m.)
Saturday night will include unlimited tastings from more than 40 restaurants, demonstrations and cookbook signings from culinary stars, including Tamron Hall and Lish Steiling (“A Confident Cook”) and Owen Han (“Sandwich King”) .
Participating restaurants include 626 Hospitality Group, Baroo, Bar Chelou, Budonoki + Mini Kabob, Burritos La Palma, Cobi's, Donna's, Evil Cooks, Heng Heng Chicken Rice, Jeff's Table, Lei'd Cookies, Luv2eat Thai Bistro, OyBar, Ponchos Tlayudas, Saucy Chick Goat Mafia, Steep LA, The Brothers Sushi, Trophies Burger Club, Wanderlust Creamery.

Sunday, Sept. 22 | 12 – 3 p.m. (VIP early entry begins at 11 a.m.)
Food Bowl’s finale will feature an afternoon of tastings, music and live demos for all ages, including cookbook signings and demonstrations by award-winning chefs Nancy Silverton (“The Cookie that Changed My Life”), Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson (“Kismet: Bright, Fresh, Vegetable-Loving Recipes”), and more special guests to be announced. Participating restaurants include Baroo, Ceci's Gastronomia, CUT Beverly Hills (VIP lounge only), Damian (VIP lounge only), DOMESTIC, Evil Cooks, Hamasaku, Lustig, Maison Matho, OyBar, Petit Trois, Pop's Bagels, Steep LA, Stir Crazy, The Brothers Sushi.
 L.A. Regional Food Bank is the charity partner of Food Bowl. Connect on Facebook, X and Instagram @LAfoodbowl (#LAfoodbowl). at lafoodbowl.com     https://www.tixr.com/groups/latimes/events/l-a-times-food-bowl-presented-by-city-national-bank-106840#
                                                                              

Teremana Tequila will return to LA Foodbowl 2024.

"Elvis, Rocky and Me": The Carol Connors Pop Star Memoirs hits #4 on Amazon.

Elvis, Rocky and Me: The Carol Connors Pop Star Memoirs hits #4 on Amazon.

By Karen Ostlund    

(WestHollywoodToday.blogspot, CA - July 16 2024)
                                                                          

 The Carol Connors Story, co-written by Steven Bergsman, was just released. Carol had a book signing at BOOK SOUP on  July 15, 2024, located at 8818 Sunset Blvd.in West Hollywood. The Book is published by Bear Manor Media.(GettyImages)

Carol Connors co-wrote the ROCKY theme-song “Gonna Fly Now” and was considered one of the most important movie songs of all time. She has been nominated for 2 Academy Awards, 2 Golden Globes, 5 Emmy’s and a Grammy nomination.A documentary under the same name has been completed and is in post-production, to be released later this year.
For the first time ever, Connors talks openly about her time with Elvis, and other famous men in Hollywood she loved and had relationships with.This tell-all-book chronicles her many true adventures as a celebrity, lover, singer, scuba diver aka Mermaid and songwriter. The stories that have never been told until now!
                                                                                

(top L) Steve Bergsman, Kate Linder, Chip Rosenbloom, Rebecca Holden, Maria Conchita Alonso, Carol Wells, Alex Rotaru, Suzan Hughes, Dahlia Heyman, Diane Warren at Carol Connors booksigning for book "Elvis, Rocky And Me" at Book Soup in West Hollywood (GettyImages)

Connors tells details in the book about her relationship with Elvis Presley which lasted for almost a year, and months into that relationship Elvis became her first lover and the first man she would fall in love with. Connors said, “To find out the details about my romance with Elvis, you’re going to have to buy the book on amazon and everywhere books are sold.”
 
At the book-signing, Connors also played and sang the song she wrote about Elvis, called “YOU LOVED MY NIGHT AWAY” which was written on the night Elvis died. Connors said she sat at her piano for 12 hours straight to compose this special song for him. Elvis met Carol when “To Know Him is To Love Him“ was the most popular song in the world.
The book is filled with great showbiz stories about her life and career, including singing on her first hit record “TO KNOW HIM IS TO LOVE HIM” by Phil Spector, who wrote the song for Carol’s voice. Connors was and will always be the voice of The Teddy Bears. The enormous success of that song was the start of a career that is still going strong. Carol has written music for Dionne Warwick and Billy Preston and has seen her songs covered by Mariah Carey and John Legend. 

                                                                              

Pop music star Pat Boone at Book Soup (GettyImages)

The book also explains, Connors feels Phil Spector tried to block her music-career from taking off - after the song hit #1 on the billboard charts.
Other music highlight in Conners career was the hit song  “Little Cobra” which hit #2 on the billboard charts and was the reason the Cobra Muscle car became a big seller.
      
Carol's personal life is as fascinating as her show business career. She never chose to marry, but she dated famous names as Elvis Presley, Robert Culp and David Janssen.

Recap of Debbie Durkin’s Ecoluxe pre-ESPYS Sports Lounge 2024.

  (WestHollywoodToday.blogspot, Beverly Hills, CA July 10 2024) By Karen Ostlund.

                                                                      

Event-producer Debbie Durkin’s Ecoluxe pre-ESPYS Sports Lounge July 9th, benefited Marley’s Mutts Dog Rescue Ranch. Dadbodbootcamp.com co-founders, Beverly Hills 90210 star Ian Ziering and entrepreneur David Greenholtz, premiered their groundbreaking Lifestyle & Weight Loss Program and served healthy dishes.
(PHOTO) David Greenholtz, Ian Ziering, Valerie Von Sobel and Chris Gialanella.

                                                                                      

Dadbodbootcamp.com new brand focus on men and women over 40, offering workout tips, mental health motivation and healthy food swaps with award-winning Free Spirits mock-tails, https://drinkfreespirits.com/

Debbie Durkin’s ECOLUXE Pre-ESPYS Sports Lounge brought out a bevy of professional athletes and celebrities. Merging fitness and philanthropy, the exclusive, star-studded event was held at a stunning private residence in Beverly Hills.

Notable attendees included former NFL stars Marcellus Wiley, Willie Gault and Jarrod Bunch, Olympic track & field stars Al Joyner and Gil Roberts, actresses Jasmine Davis and Sofia Milos, actors Ian Ziering, Shaun Toub and Draper Wynston, television personality Petri Hawkins Byrd, basketball star Sundiata Gaines, Olympic gold medalist diver Greg Louganis, Princess Martha Louise.

 The ECOLUXE Lounge was a celebration of the ESPYS this year, creating a unique intimate ambiance of purposeful brands. Event highlights included:

                                                                            

Green Renaissance: Author/Veteran JM Balbuena celebrated history and culture with the launch of her latest book ‘Green Renaissance,’ .https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/green-renaissance-jm-balbuena/1145650405?ean=9798869397676 Get an inside look at cannabis culture, complete with an exploration into the historical influence of the plant in wellness, lifestyle and culture.

                                                                                

HOOPS-Inc.com Offered Faith Honor and Triumph apparel for men, women, and dogs.

                                                                                     

Lolita’s Guiltless Margaritas without alcohol: Cold-press juices for margarita flavors, perfect for traditional margaritas or refreshing mocktails.https://guiltlessmargaritas.com/

                                                                               

FayahAthletics.com: showcased innovative sport-wear and pop handbags from Canadian designer Ayo, including SPF50 sun-protected swimwear and performance tees made from Eco-friendly fabrics.

                                                                                   

Natasha Moor Cosmetics: Featured a pop-up booth with cruelty-free, vegan sustainable cosmetics, offering 1-on-1 consultations, mini touch-ups, personalized beauty advice. .https://natashamoor.com/

TruTreasures.net: Featured handcrafted, sustainable products of essential oils, beard oil, and purpose bracelets.

RevealUSkincare.com and luxury bamboo sheets and bath towels with a $50 gift card from ettitude.com

ZENO VERSE WELLNESS: Talents received a 6-day luxury, all-inclusive wellness retreat stay at 420Wellness MediSpaTels in Jamaica, featuring an authentic cultural and culinary experience.https://420wellnessjamaica.com/

MarleysMutts.com/adoptadog "Dog Rescue Ranch" gives a second chance, using the human/animal bond, with puppies and therapy dogs available for adoption and foster. 

Artist Gabe Gault: Showcased modern pieces and gifted signed prints, with notable works including the largest mural in the U.S. and collaborations with major entities like Nike, NFL, and Meta.https://www.gabegault.com/

                                                                          

Karen Ostlund reported on Durkin's pre-ESPYS Lounge 2024.

Ringo Starr celebrated his birthday and his annual "Peace & Love" message at Beverly Hills Gardens Park.

                                                                                 

Gregg Bissonette, Ben Harper, Ringo Starr, Joe Walsh and Steve Dudas performed onstage during Ringo's Peace & Love Birthday  at Beverly Hills Gardens Park.

Ringo Starr celebrated his birthday and annual "Peace & Love" message at Beverly Hills Gardens Park, July 7 2024.

#JULIENSAUCTIONS #SIRIUSXM #TheBeatlesChannel #TheSessions #ONWTR

(WestHollywoodToday.blogspot, Beverly Hills July 7 2024) Photos by Karen Ostlund

 July 7, 2024 The Beatles drummer Ringo Starr and his wife Barbara Starkey were joined on his birthday July 7th, by family and friends at Beverly Gardens Park. Guests included Joe and Marjorie Walsh, Fred Armisen, Ed Begley Jr, Gregg Bissonette, Ben Dickey, Steve Dudas, Ben Harper, Greg Leisz, Asa & Roy Orbison Jr, Matt Sorum, Stephen Stills, Nick Valensi, Diane Warren, Don Was, Willie Watson and Gabe Witcher.

Ringo’s annual Peace & Love Birthday event, gives the traditional “Peace and Love” exclamation at noon July 7th every year. NASA continues to  support spreading the message to and from the universe, including messages of Peace & Love on their socials from across the solar system.
 
Musicians, including Ben Harper, Gabe Witcher, Willie Watson, Greg Leisz, Don Was, Ben Dickey and Gregg Bissonnette with Steve Dudas celebrated Ringo’s music with a tribute performance prior to the event.
                                                                             

“OK Peace & Love here we go again!” said Ringo. “Thanks for joining me on my birthday. I am so grateful to you all for helping me promote Peace & Love. I want to give special thanks to all the Peace & Love Ambassadors – we are in 34 countries! thanks for doing it – and I gotta thank all the fans, peace & love – just join me in your mind, wherever you are on the July 7th,  just go Peace & Love at noon on your local time.”

Every year, July 3rd to July 7, The Beatles Channel on SiriusXM (Channel 18), airs a special programming celebrating Ringo’s birthday. The Beatles Channel on the SiriusXM App  https://sxm.app.link/RingoBirthdayPR
Sponsors are Julien’s Auctions, SiriusXM, The Sessions and ONWTR water.
                                                                       

Me next to Ringo's birthday cake with ONWTR water.

RINGO NEWS:
Ringo recently completed a Spring tour with Ringo and his All Starr Band. The band will resume with a second set of dates in September 2024.
In April this year, Ringo released his 4th EPCrooked Boy which included 4 songs all written and produced by Linda Perry – “February Sky,” “Gonna Need Someone,” “Adeline,” and “Crooked Boy.”
Ringo also published his 8th book, Beats & Threads, through Juliens Auctions. 

Ringo’s trend setting threads were as signature as the beat of his drums. This book features over 200 images including never before seen photos and extensive details on his drums.
Ringo–in collaboration with author, speaker, drummer, and vintage-drum collector, Gary Astridge offers for the first-time the most comprehensive look at his legendary Beatles-era drum kits, containing decades of research-based information and detailed photographs of music history, available now through Juliensauctions.com
More info at Ringo’s website, RingoStarr.com
 SPONSORS:
Julien’s Auctions is collaborating directly with artists, partnering with legendary estates and working closely with collectors. From Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe and Ringo Starr to Lady Gaga and Kurt Cobain-from LA to rest of the world.
www.instagram.com/juliens_auctions
SIRIUSXM  The Beatles Channel
The Beatles Channel can be found on SiriusXM channel 18 and on the SXM App. The channel features the band’s hits and album tracks, live recordings and rarities, solo works from John, Paul, George and Ringo, records that influenced the band, as well as the music they inspired. SiriusXM have been sponsors of Ringo’s Peace & Love Birthday events since 2017.