CLEAR MINES
By Kim Devore/ Entertainment Writer
Sure, lots of singers and musicians of note belt out a song or two at various fundraisers, but it isn’t every day that Paul McCartney takes the stage. But that’s what happened as Sir Paul and Beach Boy Brian Wilson played a string of their greatest hits before 900 enthusiastic fans at the 2nd Annual Adopt-A-Minefield benefit at the Century Plaza Hotel. Their two-hour set included favorites like “Blackbird,” “God Only Knows” and “Let it Be.”
Even normally jaded celebrities cut loose with the likes of “Just Shoot Me’s” David Spade dancing in the aisles. Locals Pierce Brosnan, Keely Shaye Smith and Gary Busey were among the VIP guests getting into the groove. The event raised $750,000 for mine clearance operations throughout the world.
STYLE FILE
From brand new baggies to Badgley Mischkas, there was attire of every imaginable kind at Jaguar’s annual Tribute to Style. The fashionistas and their followers flocked to Rodeo Drive in Bev Hills for the splashy bash. Those taking the stage or merely taking in the sites included locals like Kelsey Grammer as well as fast friend Lisa Kudrow, super-scribe Jackie Collins, TV pop John Ritter and beautiful Angela Bassett. The eclectic crowd window-shopped, sipped champagne and eyed dazzling jewels, vintage clothes and out-of-this-world designer duds that probably cost more than the space shuttle.
The evening featured performances by Debbie Allen’s dance troupe and a New York-based ensemble called Complexion. The varied musical program wrapped up with style-rebel Slash cranking out an electric version of the “Star Spangled Banner.”
The evening raised more than $750,000 for the National Arts Education Initiative, which supports inner-city cultural institutions including InnerSpark, the Museum of Contemporary Art, Teach for America and Shakespeare Festival L.A.
NOW, THAT’S ITALIAN
O Dio Mio! It was an Italian eating extravaganza, and guess who came to dinner-an entire squad of the tri-colore’s most famous faces-Tony Danza and Bill Conti as well as fabled crooners Frankie Avalon and Frankie Valle. It was all part of the Feast of San Gennaro, a celebration of Italian entertainment, culture and cuisine, which included a three-day food fair along Hollywood Boulevard and at various eateries throughout the city. After 75 years in the Big Apple, San Gennaro made its way to L.A. for the first time ever and judging from the response, they’ll be back for more. Buon Appitito!