GOOD VIBRATIONS
A primo pack of cool cats and bitchin’ kittens donned their tie-dyed best and headed to Paramount Studios in Hollywood for one the summer’s hottest happenings. With its groovy ’60s theme, the annual Concern Foundation Block Party was one of the best ever and totally outta sight.
It was far-out on the fashion front. And to make sure everyone looked the part, psychedelic peace signs were handed out at the entrance. Twiggy and Austin Powers look-alikes were all around with plenty of love beads, fringe vests, hip huggers and hot pants. Concern prez Derek Alpert said he picked the ’60s theme because this marks the 40th anniversary of Concern, which stands for “conquer cancer now.”
Revelers were greeted by a group of go-go dancers worthy of “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In” who rocked out to classic tunes like “Secret Agent Man” in their mini-skirts, ankle boots and towering afros. The tables were done up in shades of mellow yellow, moby grape and divine lime. And they were topped with peace signs, sunflowers, smiley faces and day-glow slinkies.
Entertainment seemed as endless as the summer at the fete’s four stages. Surf sounds reigned supreme at one end of the lot, where a ’60s caddy convertible was packed up with longboards and a lifeguard surveyed the scene.
And there was more fun, fun, fun on the main stage where Beatlemania broke out with the boys bobbing away in all their Sergeant Pepper’s splendor. But some of the most righteous action could be found at the Motown Lounge where Sweet Harmony put on the baddest show since Soul Train. They had everyone from geezers to tots to tweens dancing in the streets busting moves like the jerk, the mashed potato, the swim, the pony and the twist as well as the ever-graceful funky chicken.
From Pink’s hotdogs to Lawry’s Prime Rib, there were munchies galore to keep the hip crowd happy. California Sushi Academy was assembling tasty California rolls while the Bistro Gardens whipped up its famed chocolate soufflé, Cha Cha Cha broke out the Jamaican spice and Mr. Cecil gave his ribs a good rubdown.
After movers and groovers had their fill, they made their way to the main stage where Derek thanked Concern’s many supporters. He also had a high five for film producer and philanthropist Avi Lerner who is this year’s honoree.
The fab fling raised a whopping $1.5 million to support “Conquer Cancer Now”. Since its early days back in Summer of Love, Concern has raised more than $40 million for cancer research. It’s staying stoked about finding a cure. And what could be cooler than that?
Got a hot happening or cool event? Send the 411 to kimdevore@malibutimes.com