Hot shots gathered at UCLA for an evening of laughs, lobs, topspin and tunes at the annual Night at the Net tennis bash. The evening kicked off with a VIP reception on the green. The casually clad crowd chowed down on gourmet Mexican grub washed down with Wabo Cabo margaritas while checking out a grand slam of auction items.
Must haves for the musically inclined included a sleek sky blue conga drum signed by Sheila E., a pricey Les Paul Classic guitar and a jazzy weekend on Bourbon Street.
Local lovely Linda Thompson looked as cool as a summer breeze in her white tank, skinny mini, braided belt and slides, while tennis legend Pam Shriver was a dream in tangerine.
Soon it was show time and revelers made their way courtside. This crowd clearly can’t get enough of the funky stuff as Kool and the Gang had them rocking in the aisles. Boxing great Sugar Ray Leonard and sexy songbird Gwen Stefani were among the fans getting down on this rousing boogie night.
After a little “Hollywoooood Swinging” and a sing-along to “Celebration,” celebs and pros came out swinging. James Blake and Jon Lovitz squared off against Andre Agassi and Gavin Rossdale. Lovitz took the court warning tennis ace Andre, “I will break you.” And he did. After a rocky start, Jon and James sailed to victory.
Sponsored by Gibson Guitar and Baldwin Piano, the evening benefits the Recording Academy and its MusicCares program. Smashing!
BRAD’S GRAND PLAN
Brad Pitt has designs on a new project that takes him in a whole new direction. The actor, who is also a serious architecture buff, plans on taking a year off to work alongside his idol, the legendary Frank Gehry. Gehry is the man behind such famed landmarks as Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Guggenheim Museum in Spain. The project will keep Brad in the U.K., close to his “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” co-star and current gal pal Angelina Jolie. The two have also been spending some quality time in Malibu at Brad’s new fab pad. The actor and architect will work together on a $450 million complex located in Hove. Jolly Good!
LEO’S ISLAND ADVENTURE
Environmentally aware actor Leonardo DiCaprio may soon be stepping into a new role, high-end hotelier. “The Aviator” star has been doing some serious island hopping and shopping of late. He is said to be in the process of creating a luxury getaway for eco-conscious trekkers who want to chill out off the coast of beautiful Belize. DiCaprio is said to have picked up a 104-acre piece of paradise for a cool $1.75 mil and plans to transform it into a ritzy resort run by renewable energy sources. Malibu pal and nightclub king Rande Gerber is rumored to be a possible partner in Leo’s green dream, so environmentally aware travelers take note.