THE HOLLYWOOD MUSEUM UNVEILED "SMOKEY & THE BANDIT" EXHIBIT TO CELEBRATE THE FILM'S 45TH ANNIVERSARY.

The 1977 film "SMOKEY & THE BANDIT" celebrated its 45th Anniversary with a new installation at the Hollywood Museum, Wednesday, April 6 2022.

 
     By Karen Ostlund

Watch "Smokey and the Bandit Official Trailer #1 - Burt Reynolds Movie (1977)" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/IzMpOvKxXdM

                                                                          

Actor Michael Mann (Smokey & The Bandit)

(WestHollywoodToday blogspot, April 11 2022) - President and Founder of the world-famous Hollywood Museum  Donelle Dadigan, unveiled the blockbuster installation, SMOKEY & THE BANDIT last Wednesday April 6th.  The film is celebrating its 45th Anniversary, and its exhibit is now open to the public.                                                           

Among speakers: Darby Hilton, Jean Kasem, Donelle Dadigan and Lee Purcell

 
Donelle Dadigan said,  “This exhibit will evoke memories for several generations of fans of the ever-popular “Smokey & The Bandit” movie franchise, every fan will be talking about this exhibit for years to come.”

Dadigan continued “We are beyond excited that fans will be able to see the iconic Bandit Car complete with the signatures of Burt Reynolds and Sally Fields, including special photos and video of Burt reuniting once again with the iconic Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am just before his passing in 2018".  

 "In addition, the exhibit will feature Burt's legendary cowboy hat, jacket, and Sally Field’s wedding veil and all important Coors beer boxes, and more. This exhibit will remind all our visitors of the memorable Americana films from the 70’s & 80’s".

                                                                              

Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am 1977 from Smokey & the Bandit, with car-collector

 

Smokey and the Bandit" is headed back to the theaters, May 29, June 1-2nd 2022, in celebration of its 45th anniversary this summer, as part of the Turner Movie Classic Collection (TMC), reported Fathom Events: https://www.fathomevents.com/events/Smokey-and-the-Bandit-45th-Anniversary-presented-by-TCM

The 1977 film is starring Burt Reynolds, Jackie Gleason, Sally Field and Jerry Reed. Smokey and  the Bandit delivers outrageous laughs in one of the biggest box-office hits of all time. Bandit (Reynolds), a fun-loving, fast-talking trucker, takes on his craziest haul yet—delivering 400 cases of beer from Texarkana to Atlanta in just 28 hours.

Sheriff Buford T. Justice (Gleason) is eager to teach him some respect for the law. The Bandit (Burt Reynolds) joins forces with good ol' boy, Cledus (Reed) and runaway bride Carrie (Sally Field). It’s a comedy, pedal-to-the-metal action, and some of the wildest car crashes ever filmed.
                                                                                                                           

Karen Ostlund at The Hollywood Museum

Among guests attending at the Hollywood Museum unveiling:  Michael Mann (Smokey & The Bandit), Kathy Kolla, Erin Murphy (Bewitched), Vanessa Angel (Super Babies: Baby Geniuses), Nancy Harding (Cheaper by the Dozen), Kash Hovey, Kate Linder  (Young & The Restless), Darcy Donavan (Secret Agent Digledorf), Ilene Graff (Mr. Belvedere),  Lee Purcell(2x Emmy nominee), Brooklyn Robinson (Hybristophilia), Bryson Robinson (Mani), Conner Dean (9-1-1/CoolCat), Donzaleigh Abernathy (Any Day Now), Elaine Ballace (The Rich and The Ruthless), Geoffrey Mark (Author/ Radio host), Jax Malcom( Conservation Invasion), Ro Brooks (The Have and Have Nots), Tyrone DuBose (Unsung), Vincent DePaul (The Bay), Kassandra Carroll (Memories of Marilyn), Alice Amter (Big Bang Theory), Diana Lansleen (Days of Our Lives),  Rico Anderson (S.W.A.T. & Star Trek), Darby Hinton (Daniel Boone), Alison Arngrim (Little House on the Prairie), Montana Jacobowitz (recording artist), Brenda Mejia (TV host), Kira Reed Lorsch (2X Emmy winner, Rumors) Caryn Richman (Gidget, Brady Bunch Christmas), Alyssa de Boisblanc – (Modern Family/ Netflix's Secrets of Summer), Clementine Lea – (Disney + Earth to Ned) Alexa Reddy, (Callie on L.A. Macabre,  Judy Tenuta (Comedian), Carrie Schroeder (Lifetime, Secrets Exposed), Jared Becker (Sorry for My Loss, 2022).

MUSEUM INFO: www.TheHollywoodMuseum.com Wednesday - Sunday: 10:00 am - 5:00pm Facebook.com/TheHollywoodMuseum  #HollywoodMuseum   1660 N. Highland Ave. Hollywood, CA 90028.

Hotel Ziggy's Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Sunset Strip

 Hotel Ziggy opened its doors with a ribbon cutting ceremony, April 5th 2022.


By Karen Ostlund       @HotelZiggy  #FreeTheMusic

(WestHollywoodToday blogspot, CA April 7 2022) The new Hotel Ziggy's design at 8462 W. Sunset is influenced by Sunset Strip rock 'n’ roll bands, with a modern culture spin for travelers and locals, to come and hang-out.                                          

April 5 2022. Hotel Ziggy's ribbon cutting ceremony led by West Hollywood Mayor Lauren Meister and members from West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.

                                                                               

Singer Haley Reinhart and saxophonist Scott Page performed in the lobby.

The hotel took over space from Grafton Hotel and is seen as "the last standing rebel on the block", with cocktail lounge, pool and lobby, located next to Mondrian Hotel.
                                                                                     

Hotel Ziggy has the largest saltwater pool in West Hollywood.

"We created Ziggy to provoke stimulating and meaningful conversations with the intent to spark curiosity and playfully challenge perspectives. What better location than the Sunset Strip to celebrate the rebellious spirit of norm-breaking musicians who have changed how we live?" said Jon Bortz, Chief Executive Officer at Pebblebrook Hotels. "Hotel Ziggy is located right down the street from the former sites of two world-famous music destinations: Tower Records and House of Blues. These icons are now gone, but a legacy needs to be remembered. We push boundaries with our hotels, and we certainly did that with Ziggy.”                                  

Hotel-room Hotel Ziggy

Hotel Ziggy invites hotel guests to check in at a sociable and engaging bar lined with hundreds of vinyl albums. A record player behind the front desk fills the communal space with music spanning every progressive genre. A retractable glass garage door partitions one end of the lobby, creating a versatile music venue called "Backbeat," which supports local musicians and invites them to come and share their sound in a new space to rise above the noise.
                                                                            

Me, Karen Ostlund at Hotel Ziggy photo-booth.

Walls and ceilings celebrate musicians of past and present. A collection of memorabilia includes framed legal documents highlighting decades of lawsuits between musicians, producers and streamers with the intent of asking the controversial question, "Who really owns the music?" Hotel Ziggy's goal is to trigger lively conversations and in doing so, connect people. Its position is clear for all to hear: "Free the music!"                                                               

Hotel Ziggy cocktail-menu at the opening.

The award-winning design team of Dawson Design Associates (DDA), characterized the space and design to honor and support the rebellious and independent attitude of musicians' fight to be heard. Powerful street murals wrap the front exterior of the building, the courtyard surrounding the pool, and  main lobby, together expressing the vitality and rebelliousness of the music scene. A mix of modern and vintage furniture sits on top of rustic hardwood floors and worn oriental area rugs, to create a space to chill-out in West Hollywood.

"It was vital that this hotel didn't take itself too seriously," said Andrea Sheehan, founding Principle and Art Director at DDA. "We kept things simple so the art could speak for itself. We stripped away all previous attempts to make this quirky building look modern. Instead, we exposed its blemishes and embraced the awkward structure for what it was – authentic, just like our guests and the musicians we are celebrating."

The "free the music" theme offers guests access to a Shred Shed that includes electric and acoustic guitars, amps, records, record players, Walkmans and backpacks to use, while finding inspiration in LA or sharing creativity with others. All are welcome to borrow, experiment, and share in the "free the music" movement.

 LA's first iconic record store and precursor to the original Tower Records, Licorice Pizza, a casual dining concept named "B-side Pizza" fronts Sunset strip. The pizza joint’s history goes back to mid-century carhops with an old school pick-up window that allows locals to order to-go with concierge service and style. A custom neon-wrapped 9-inch vinyl album solidifies the retro theme.

More info www.hotelziggy.com  @hotelziggy on Instagram and Twitter #FreeTheMusic

Luxury Experience & Co at Valerie Salon in Beverly Hills to Celebrate Oscars 2022

 Luxury Experience & Co at Valerie Salon in Beverly Hills to Celebrate Oscars 2022

By Karen Ostlund

(WestHollywoodToday Blogspot, Beverly Hills CA, March 30, 2022) 

                                                                           

AJ Gibson, Vincent De Paul and Jesse Kove at L.E. & Co Lounge at Valerie Salon.

 Luxury Experience & Co and Valerie Beverly Hills boutique salon presented a luxury gifting lounge honoring nominees and presenters during Oscars Weekend, March 25th. The lounge focused on style, beauty, health, home, travel and wellness.

The LE & Co experience combined customized sponsors that featured:  DrBusso.com NuestheticsSpa.com/  Protegefootwear.com EverlastingComfort.net Jewelrybyswoon.com Bgreat.com Ecoslay.com MorLife.com Elixicure.com Scotchporter.com KaenaWine.com Batchandbottlecocktails.us Monkeyshoulder.com Glenfiddich.com Hendricksgin.com Reyka.com ValerieBeverlyHills.com and Icelandicglacial.com

                                                                               

Emile Ennis Jr at KAENA winery

                                                                                      

Kira Reed Lorsch at Everlasting Comfort

 

L.E. & Co founder Melissa McAvoy toasted to the success. "We couldn't have asked for a better partner to host such a successful event with," she said of Valerie Beverly Hills, located in the “Golden Triangle” in the heart of Beverly Hills, at 313 N. Beverly Drive.
                                                                                 

Adrian Dev at Protege footwear

Among guests attending, TV Producer | Netflix Instant Hotel Serena De Comarmond, "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" actor Kirk Bovill, Paramount's "Mayor of Kingstown" actor Pha'Rez Lass, Selling Sunset star Amanza Smith, "Dollface" actor Gilles Marini, Three-Time EMMY Award-nominated variety series “A Black Lady Sketch Show” actor Skye Townsend, Tyler Perry's "The Have and the Have Nots" actor Celeste Thorson, Filmmaker/Actress Kathy Kolia,  Reality star CJ Franco, Actress/TV Host Caitlin O'Connor, Power Rangers star Jacqueline Scislowski, John Singleton’s “Snowfall,” star Angela Lewis - which all created a great mix of film and television talents.


 Luxury Experience & Co  (LE & Co) are event-producers to gifting lounges to get their latest products into the hands of the hottest names in film, television and sports. Follow @luxuryexperiencecollc on social media. Visit luxuryexperienceco.com and valeriebeverlyhills.com

Bella Skin Institute Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in Beverly Hills.

 Bella Skin Institute Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in Beverly Hills.
 
By Karen Ostlund
 
(WestHollywoodToday blogspot, March 19, 2022)
Dr. Anna Guanche, famed dermatologist to many of Hollywood’s top stars,  hosted the  ribbon-cutting ceremony of her new Beverly Hills office, located at 9675 Brighton Way, at Bedford Dr. last Wednesday March 16, 2022.   

Dr. Anna Guanche (pink dress) with the Mayor of Beverly Hills- Robert Wunderlich, the Vice Mayor- Lili Bosse, and City Council members- John A. Mirisch, Lester Friedman, and Julian A. Gold, MD and Donnelle Dadigan, President of Hollywood Museum, attended opening celebration March 16.

                 
                                                                         

Guests included: Jerry O’Connell (THE TALK), Telli Swift, Sandra Lee (DR. PIMPLE POPPER), Kathy Kola , Carrie Schroeder, Maria Conchita Alonso, Kate Linder (YOUNG & THE RESTLESS), Jessica Ross, Judy Tenuta, Patrika Darbo (DAYS OF OUR LIVES), Laura Lasorda, Kim Fardad and Nikki Johnson.

 Anna Guanche is known as a board certified dermatologist, the founder of Bella Skin Institute and the author of the beauty book “Seven Days to Sexy” released in 2019.
 
She specializes in Cosmetic Dermatology, anti-aging, and beauty enhancements utilizing state-of-the-art skin rejuvenation procedures, laser surgery, and injectables.  

 The Bella Skin Institute is providing each client with customized treatments, from dermatology to minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, performed at the facility. The institute uses a tumescent anesthesia for all procedures so the patient is never placed under full general anesthesia.

Procedures performed include resurfacing, hair removal, Fraxel™ and laser therapy; facial and body peels including dermasanding for acne scars; Thermage™, mini "S" lift, blepharoplasty and liposuction; the latest injectables including Juvéderm™ Injectable Gel, Radiesse™, Dysport™ and BOTOX® Cosmetic injections for wrinkle removal.
Aesthetic services include SilkPeel microdermabrasion and dermalinfusion, dermaplaning; facials; and waxing. General dermatology services include skin cancer screening and surgery, acne, rashes and eczema. BellaSkinInstitute.com

Natural Products Expo West 2022 Returns to the Anaheim Show Floor March 8-12, after 2 years of virtual events.

Natural Products Expo West 2022 Returns to the Anaheim Show Floor March 8-12, after 2 years of virtual events.

 NEXTY Awards winners were announced March 2nd 2022.

Follow @NatProdExpo on Instagram  Facebook Twitter

By Karen Ostlund                                                

(March 6, 2022) Los Angeles, CA– Informa Markets’ Natural Products Expo West, part of the New Hope Network family of brands, is committed to gathering again after two years of Covid-19 closure of the natural and organic community in person at the Anaheim Convention Center. The show starts tomorrow Tuesday March 8 thru Saturday March 12, 2022, is prioritizing a safe and comfortable experience for all participants. The show will be the first Expo West in Anaheim since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic and follows the successful Natural Products Expo East event held in Philadelphia September 22-25, 2021.

                                                                                

Arena Plaza daily performances Expo West 2022

“We are prepared and excited to host a safe and valuable Expo West as we gather this strong community once again. We gained valuable insights through successfully hosting Expo East and implementing policies that ensured the health and safety of the industry members who gathered in Philadelphia. The outpouring of gratitude we received following that show fuels us today, and we are working diligently to create another positive, productive and inclusive environment for all,” said Lacey Gautier, Vice President of Events, Informa Markets’ New Hope Network.
                                                                                

MarthaStewartCBD.com Skincare launch at ExpoWest 2022

“Natural Products Expo West is one of the most important shows we host, and we know how important this event is to the natural and organic community,” said Anaheim Mayor Harry Sidhu. “Attendees can take confidence in the safety protocols planned for Expo West as well as the leading public health role Anaheim is playing to welcome a prosperous and healthy event in March.”

                                                                               

Press-room Organic Snack Launches Expo West 2022

Attendees will participate in 4 days of education sessions include the keynote, Raising the Standard: Clean, Healthy Nutrition for All Kids, featuring a discussion with actress and Once Upon a Farm Co-Founder Jennifer Garner; the keynote The Joy of Plant-Based Eating with influencer Tabitha Brown; and the keynote The Color of Food: Navigating Cultural Appropriation, Ownership and Heritage in the Food Industry. Additional highlights include the information-packed The State (and Future) of the Natural & Organic Industry session that examined what’s next in product innovation that will drive positive change within the natural and organic products industry.
                                                                            

Dairy-free and organic beverages ExpoWest 2022

“Gathering the community again for Expo West is an important milestone as we move forward to shape the future of health and wellness together. Being in the same space allows for the important conversations and meaningful connections that are catalysts for increasing inclusivity and igniting the joy and passion that has fueled this industry into what it is today,” said Carlotta Mast, Senior Vice President and Market Leader at Informa Markets’ New Hope Network.
                                                                           

Alden's Organic Frozen dessert at ExpoWest 2022

NEXTY WINNERS New Hope Network received nearly 1,500 nominations as some brands nominated products in more than one category—making this year’s two-tiered judging process particularly challenging and extremely rewarding. The nominated products were evaluated on the criteria of innovation, inspiration and integrity.                 

WICKED KitchenFoods, organic night-snack to add hot water

NEXTY WINNERS 2022 among 100 finalist products:

 https://www.nextyawards.com/en/winners/2022-winners.html

Best New Beverage: The Spare Food Co.

Best New Condiment, Sauce and/or Dip: Big Tree Farms

Best New Condition-Specific Supplement: Sun God Medicinals

Best New Frozen Product: The Plant Based Seafood Co.

Best New Functional Food or Beverage: Four Sigmatic

Best New Meat or Dairy Alternative: Crafty Counter

Best New Meat, Dairy or Animal-Based: Force of Nature Meats

Best New Natural Living Product: Reel Paper

Best New Organic or Regenerative Organic Certified Product: Navitas Organics

Best New Pantry Food: Fila Manila Filipino American Kitchen

Best New People-Forward Product: Ziba Foods

Best New Personal Care or Beauty Product: NAVEEN

Best New Planet-Forward Product: Renewal Mill

Best New Product Supporting a Plant-Based Lifestyle: Miyoko's Creamery

Best New Savory or Salty Snack: Pulp Pantry

Best New Special Diet Food: Big Mountain Foods

Best New Supplement: True Grace

Best New Sweet Snack or Dessert: TCHO Chocolate

Editor's Choice, Most Crave-Worthy Product: Pop Art Snacks

Editor's Choice, Household Must-Have: 1908 Brands-Boulder Clean

Editor's Choice, Household Must-Have: The Republic of Tea

Editor's Choice, Most Buzzworthy Exhibitor: Gooder Foods
ExpoWest.com

MIRUS GALLERY Presents Artist NYCHOS: "The Awakening" until May 1st

 MIRUS GALLERY Presents Artist NYCHOS: "The Awakening"   
 TODAY until - MAY 1, 2022

 NYCHOS museum-style exhibit shares a story of personal introspection through large-scale paintings, interactive artworks, projection, animation and sculptures.
Photos by Karen Ostlund

 Los Angeles, CA (February 26, 2022)

Artist NYCHOS at Mirus Gallery

Viennese artist and muralist NYCHOS exhibit “The Awakening,” is now on display at Mirus Gallery, which takes attendees on a journey of rebirth. In Nychos’ world, the cartoon has a skeleton, using colors-capes, painted with brush and spray-can. He combines pop-art with heavy metal and graffiti.
                                                                               

NYCHOS bronze sculpture CHEMISTRY

Nychos’ paintings and drawings made debut at LAArtshow last January 2022. He exhibited earlier in galleries in Turino, Detroit, New York, San Francisco, Singapore and Paris. Since the last two years Nychos  lives and works out of Rabbit Eye Movement, his studio and art space located in Vienna.
                                                                                

NYCHOS Mickey Mouse

Mirus Gallery founder Paul Hemming describes this as the perfect partnership, going on to say, “His work has always captivated me. It fits within the curatorial vision that I have been crafting over the past several years. I love artists that can conjure the unfathomable...his play with pop images, the way that he slices and dices pop culture work, the virtuosity of his work, his photographic memory, he’s constantly pushing the line, moving forward into new works and new experiences.”
                                                                                

artist NYCHOS Terminator

“The Awakening” can be described as a rift in time, a process the body and mind can go through to achieve a new way of thinking. It is the most profound leap into a new reality. A reality where ego and self are so far from the center of our universe that we feel a rebirth of spirit.
                                                                                  

NYCHOS Barbie

NYCHOS explores this life and many past lives through deep meditation. His well-known dissections transform into complete figures held together by luminous translucent shells. Anatomy remains the center of his visual language, pushing one’s perception through and within the works.
                                                                               

NYCHOS Tiger

                                                                             

NYCHOS Garfield

“The Awakening” experience took NYCHOS three years to paint, and he uses traditional paintings, prints and sculpture in combination with projection, science, and sound. 

Mirus Gallery is located in a downtown nightclub space, 1922 E. 7th Place | Los Angeles, CA 90021, and in the world of art. This marks the first solo exhibition at a new LA location, and is the result of a decade-long relationship between Mirus and NYCHOS.
                                                                                    

NYCHOS Pluto

MIRUS GALLERY
1922 E. 7th Place | Los Angeles, CA 90021

Mirusgallery.com 12pm-6pm Wed-Sun | 8pm-12am Fri-Sat More info: https://theawakening222.com

Recap of TASTE OF THE NFL 2022, presented by Frito-Lay and The PepsiCo Foundation at Petersen Museum.

 @TasteoftheNFL #KickHunger @NFL @GENYOUthNow

Recap of TASTE OF THE NFL 2022, presented by Frito-Lay and The PepsiCo Foundation, to benefit GENYOUth's End Student Hunger Fund.                                       

818 Tequila Blanco

 A culinary experience in Los Angeles with top celebrity chefs, NFL players, and the first-ever Equality Lounge at Petersen Museum.

Photos and story by Karen Ostlund

Los Angeles CA, WestHollywoodToday blogspot (February 15, 2022)

The 2022 Taste of the NFL outdoor and indoor event was held Saturday February 12, at the renowned Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. Guests enjoyed food and cocktail experiences, NFL celebrity appearances and innovative chefs  advocates as Andrew Zimmern, Carla Hall, Mark Bucher, Lasheeda Perry, Ming Tsai, and Tim Love.
Other top culinary talents included Deanna Colon, Derrick Fox, Evan Inada, and local Los Angeles area chefs from The PepsiCo Foundation IMPACTO Hispanic Business Accelerator and Black Restaurant Accelerator programs, who took center stage with Super Bowl culinary demonstrations.
                                                                      

Presenter Alexis Glick at the Taste of the NFL 2022, (filmed for the NFL Channel) at The Petersen Automotive Museum. Top chefs Andrew Zimmern, Carla Hall, Mark Bucher, Lasheeda Perry, Ming Tsai, and Tim Love. Recipes of dishes featured on stage: https://tasteofthenfl.com/recipes/

                                                                                  

                                                                                

Chuba Hubbard and Charles Omenihu

                                                                                    

Chase Winovich

Taste of the NFL is the annual purpose-driven culinary experience at the Super Bowl, created to raise awareness and funds to support hunger and food insecurity. GENYOUth is proud to be partnering with the NFL to take this event to the next level to support the 1 in 4 children in the U.S. who are food insecure. All net proceeds will benefit GENYOUth's End Student Hunger fund.

                                                                            

Mac Strong and Tony Richardson

“One in 6 U.S. kids lives in food insecurity. As a result of the pandemic, schools are feeding more kids, more meals, in more locations and at more times of the day than ever,” explained Alexis Glick, CEO of GENYOUth. “We need to do everything in our power to support schools in Los Angeles and nationwide as they remain crucial community anchors in fighting food insecurity. With the incredible support of our presenting sponsors Frito-Lay and the PepsiCo Foundation, our founding partners America’s Dairy Farmers and the NFL, and our amazing chefs, NFL players and sports super stars who are generously giving their time and treasure, Taste of the NFL will help End Student Hunger now!”

                                                                                

Kyle Rudolph

                                                                               

The Equality Lounge® at Taste of the NFL featured speakers as Joan Cetera (PepsiCo Foods North America), Kyle Rudolph (New York Giants), Tyrod Taylor (Houston Texans), James Proche (Baltimore Ravens), Rashad Jennings (Dancing with the Stars, and former NFL player), moderated by Alexis Glick (GENYOUth)

                                                                              

The Lounge inside Petersen Museum was presented by The PepsiCo Foundation and brought together leaders from the NFL, social justice organizations and the food and beverage industry to represent viewpoints with diversity of thought, perspective and experience to highlight the importance of equity, inclusion and fair play from the gridiron to the business next door.

                                                                                   

Columbus craft meat at Taste of the NFL 2022

                                                                                  

Supercool Creamery

                                                                              

Broad Street Oyster and lobster sandwich

                                                                                 

Cecilias DTLA chicken drumsticks

                                                                                   

Adobe Road Winery

                                                                                     

Karen Ostlund, reporting on Taste of the NFL 2022

https://tasteofthenfl.com