Bowled Over
Mary Beth, Steve Garber, Sharon Horowitz and Robert Weingarten were among the local music lovers who helped kick off the 79th season of the Hollywood Bowl. Following a dinner of cold poached salmon, fresh veggies and chardonnay, the group settled in for an entertainment extravaganza.
Legendary composer John Williams and country boy Garth Brooks were honored and inducted into the newly created Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame. Williams has delighted audiences around the world with unforgettable scores in films like “E.T., ” “Jaws” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”
Several memorable pieces were played by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra as film clips were projected overhead. Williams even picked up the baton himself showing off his skills as one of the liveliest and enjoyable conductors around.
The maestro’s award was presented by friend and number one fan Steven Spielberg. Spielberg spoke of the tremendous impact the composer has had on his career saying “the power and compassion of his music goes straight to your head and straight to your soul.” Williams has had a life filled with high notes. He has been honored with five Oscars, three Golden Globes and 17 Grammys.
Others participating in the musical tribute included Christina Aguilera, Jeff Goldblum, Richard Dreyfuss and Whoopi Goldberg. The upcoming bowl season should be a goodie with performances by Rosemary Clooney and Tony Bennett among others.
More Musical Chairs
Peter Hemmings received a spectacular send-off to his native England as fans celebrated his impressive career as the founding Director General of the Los Angeles Opera. A gathering took place at the Music Center where Placido Domingo took the stage to sing excerpts from “Othello.” The classical work opened the organization’s first season in 1986. Hemmings was lauded for turning the Los Angeles Opera into a world-class company. The Los Angeles Opera has had a string of critically acclaimed performances for musical favorites such as “La Traviata,” “La Rondine” and, most recently, “Billy Budd.”
“There is no way to calculate the invaluable work Peter Hemmings has done on behalf of the Los Angeles Opera,” said president and CEO Leonard Green. “In 15 years, he has shaped the company into the renowned organization it is today. This event is as much about recalling the remarkable growth of the company under Peter’s leadership as it is about thanking him for all he has done. It is truly a celebration.”
Domingo takes the helm as artistic director and Elizabeth J. Kennedy has been named development director. Music may be the food of love, but famished fans, like Dr. Steve Tietelbaum, were ready for just plain food.
“I can’t get through this with just two brownies and a coke,” he declared. After an entertaining and lengthy tribute, dinner was served closing in on the midnight hour.
Food for Thought
Congratulations to Steve Wylie who made the July issue of Los Angeles Magazine’s Best of L.A. Wylie’s Country Kitchen is known for the best burgers in town with a clientele that includes soccer moms, CHP officers and a ton of superstars. From Leo to Liz, you name it, they’ve been there. Seems word is out on one of Malibu’s best kept secrets.
Another Big Cheese
Malibu’s Edward Roski Jr. is making a play for Vegas, baby, Vegas. The mega developer could add a new property to his impressive holdings–the Hilton Hotel & Casino. Roski announced plans to buy the place at a price fit for “the king”–a whopping $365 million.