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On November 14th, the Entertainment Industry’s celebrities joined the masses in showing their support and solidarity with President Barack Obama by declaring and twittering the message “i.am W/U MR. PRES!” Hosted by the Record Plant in Hollywood, CA - “i.am W/U MR.PRES!” is organized and envisioned by Will.i.am, Jimmy Jean-Louis and Mikal Kamil, organizer Bill Duke, who is joined by Director X to direct the Video Tweet. “i.am W/U MR.PRES!” was produced by GBK Productions and 3Kingdoms Entertainment. This global call to action is intended to inspire the masses to show their unrelenting support and belief in President Obama’s vision and to help him build an indestructible twitter army for the 2012 Election.

Celebrities that supported the cause were: Will.i.am, Don Cheadle, Hill Harper, Vivica A. Fox, Debbie Allen, Norm Nixon, Maria Bello, Sinbad, Greg Grunberg, Jack Coleman, Sendhil Ramamurphy, James Kyson Lee, Adrian Pasdar, Anthony Lapaglia, Director X, Sally Richardson, Rolonda Watts, Glynn Turman, Sugar Shane Mosley, El Debarge, Tatyana Ali, Anthony Hamilton, Kevon Edmonds, Pras, Sheila E, LisaRaye among many more notables.

Mirroring the success and the powerful momentum built by Will.i.am’s “Yes We Can” song/video that helped get President Obama elected in 2008, Celebrities will play an important part in making history at that very same recording studio. These supportive artists will come together throughout the day at “The Record Plant” to tape the Video Tweet and Mass Twitter-Blast to the “i.am W/U MR. PRES!” Twitter account. At 7:00 PM PST celebrities will join millions from around the world and simultaneously send the Mass Twitter Blast.

The Video-Tweet segment air on Thursday, November 25th - Thanksgiving Day. What a special time to uplift the spirit of our President by rendering encouragement and support. The essence of the mass tweet is: I am not giving up on you. I am not turning my back or deserting you. I believe in your vision, have faith in your ability and thank you for the many things you have accomplished thus far. I recognize there are endeavors that are under-way and have yet to unfold, but I am with you Mr. President.

Visionaries/Organizers for the project:

Will.i.am, member of the Black Eyed Peas and the ingenious producer of the “Yes We Can!” song, (also recorded at Record Plant) gained recognition when the song was honored with the first-ever Emmy Award for Best New Approaches in Daytime Entertainment. “Yes We Can!” became the secondary slogan for President Obama’s campaign.

Mikal Kamil, Entertainment Activist, Strategic Consultant, Producer and CEO of 3Kingdoms Entertainment. Kamil uses the entertainment industry as leverage for social, political and economic reform. He contributed to the Obama campaign in 2008 with "Operation Obama Blitz," Election Night Tour and Barack Obama "Get-Out-The-Vote" Rallies and concerts, all held in Philadelphia.

Jimmy Jean-Louis, a Haitian actor and model best-known for his role as The Haitian on the NBC television series Heroes. He is the founder of Hollywood Unites for Haiti, a non-profit charitable aid organization. He recently participated in a series of campaigns for Haitian aid, singing in the “We Are the World 25 for Haiti music video, working alongside Will.i.am and Mikal Kamil.

Organizer:

Bill Duke, an American actor, mentor and film director with over 30 years of experience in the industry. He was appointed to the National Endowment of the Humanities by former president Bill Clinton; later appointed to the California State Film Commission Board by Governor Schwarzenegger and now serves on the Board of Trustees at the American Film Institute.

The 1st annual Datsun Heritage Museum Gala was held Saturday, November 2010 upon the rooftop of the Peterson Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California.  With plans to move from it current Murrieta location, the gala was a fundraiser for the Datsun Heritage Museum as it is in the process of raising capital to build a new museum in the Los Angeles County area.

The evening celebrity host was none other than, Emmy nominated actor, director, producer and writer, Rob Schneider.  In his midlife crisis comedy “The Chosen One”, Schneider stars as a Nissan Salesman, which automatically qualified him as the best choice to lead the evening’s festivities.

The first factory produced Datsun was the “Model 14” and production ran during 1935-1936.  In the 1950’ marketing brochures were promoting the Datsun Wagonette, the Datsun Thrift Sedan “Model DS” and Datsun Deluxe Sedan “Model DB.”  Fast forward to 1972, Datsun commemorates the opening of Nissan’s City of Carson.  This 120,000 square foot facility, on 66 acres of land, was the location of Nissan’s first corporate headquarters in the United States.  As a kid, I remember my dad driving by this tall 10 story building,  impressive glass façade and red letters on top spelling the name Datsun overlooking the intersection of the Harbor and San Diego Freeways.  Before the conclusion of the 1970’s, Nissan had 10 regional headquarters, comprising over 700,000 square feet of space and Nissan Motor Corporation, USA had become anchored in the U.S. auto industry.

This year Nissan will introduce it’s newest addition the “Nissan Leaf.” In keeping with the company’s philosophy of innovation and global energy conservation, this automobile is 100% electric, requires no gas and produces zero tailpipe emissions!  It has a 80KW AC synchronous electric motor, accommodates up to 5 passengers, gets 100 miles per charge and can reach speeds up to 90 mph.  This was the featured item in the live auction and went for an impressive $5,500 for a one year lease.

It was a wonderful evening and a private crowd of approximately 200 people. The food was absolutely delicious as was catered by L.A Spice with deserts provided by Gail’s Goodies. 2 Nite Premium Vodka, from Italy and Koloa Rum, from Hawaii kept everyone happy at the bar while O.N.E. provided a healthy liquid refreshment alternative.

At Hollywood’s Raleigh Studios, almost 300 actors, musicians, artists, producers, directors and philanthropists came together for the 3rd Annual Dream Awards, hosted by non-profit organization Hollywood Arts.

Honoring Caprica star Esai Morales, Marilyn producer Anthony Rhulen of FilmEngine and Dr. Howard Samuels of the Hills Treatment Center, the Hollywood community came out to celebrate and support the organization and three individuals who have spent their time and effort supporting Hollywood Art’s Mission to help at-risk youth. E!’s charismatic host Michael Yo hosted the evening and kept things going with a smile, enthusiasm and a good sense of humor.

Academy Award winning actress Tatum O’Neal spoke from the heart about the “Secret Society” some Hollywood stars join before presenting Dr. Samuels with the Inspiration Award. NYPD Blue star Jimmy Smits proudly and playfully presented the Paragon Award to Caprica star and good friend Esai Morales. Per Smits, Hollywood Arts couldn’t have chosen a better man to receive the Award, stating that the definition of ‘Paragon’, a model of excellence, was a great description of Morales, who gives back and is humble about it. Behind Enemy Lines director John Moore introduced honoree Anthony Rhulen who shared that it took him a while until he realized how much what his father did meant to the communities.

“This is a beautiful event that helps us all reconnect with the human condition and each other through the sharing of resources and experiences,” said Morales after receiving his award and performing with his band. Hollywood Arts director Rachel Romanski was overwhelmed by the Hollywood community’s support, “It’s so wonderful when recognizable faces step forward and make a call to action. I am touched with how much thought and feelings each presenter and honoree put in their presentation. I could tell they were speaking from their heart and it means the world to the students, who need to know that nobody predetermines their future.”

The real star of the night was ‘Student of the Year’ Chianti Edwards-Morgan, a Hollywood Arts student who, while living in shelters and on the streets, finished her High School Degree, received a scholarship, completed an internship, and for the first time in her life, moved in her very own apartment. After ABC Family star Francia Raisa introduced the honoree, who exceeded the requirements for consideration of the award by proving tremendous progress, great leadership and remarkable dedication to their future, the bright, and positive young woman took the stage and entertained the audience with her lively victory dance. Her speech was heartfelt, inspiring and real and nobody doubted that she will one day follow her dream and build an empire like Oprah.

About Hollywood Arts

10,000 young people call the streets of Los Angeles home.  Hollywood Arts is a groundbreaking organization dedicated to educating and empowering homeless and at-risk young adults, many of whom are former foster youth. Utilizing arts-based curriculum, Hollywood Arts helps young people improve self-esteem, develop thinking skills, master educational concepts and receive job-readiness training.  Their classes, mentorships, and internships help young people in their pursuit of self-sufficiency. Visit www.hollywood-arts.org for more information - Press report by Nicole Walther.

The Artivist Collective is pleased to announce the Artivist Award winners at the 7th Annual Artivist Film Festival. These awards honor those artists whose exemplary work in their community stands out as a shining example of one’s ability to change the world for the better. Actor Peter Fonda will accept the Artivist Award for Lifetime Achievement in Arts and Advocacy, Barbara Pyle will receive the award for Environmental Humanitarianism, and Avis Richards will receive the award for Community Advocate.

This year’s awards will take place December 4 at the historic Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood at 8pm and will be hosted by Vanessa Williams (“Soul Food,” “The Cosby Show,” “Melrose Place”) and Boris Kodjoe (“Soul Food, “Undercovers”). The event will feature celebrity presenters and guests including Frances Fisher, Nicole Ari Parker, Esai Morales, Jonathan Morgan Heit, Anabelle Gurwitz, Leigh Taylor Young, plus Ben, Jonnie, Duncan, and Dave from MTV’s “The Burried Life” and more. The awards are followed by a lovely catered event in the forecourt of the Egyptian. Limited public tickets for the awards are available http://2010artivist.eventbrite.com/.

With an acting career that spans over fifty years in theater and films, Peter Fonda is a celebrated artist, counter-culture icon and a noted member of family of celebrated actors including his father legendary thespian Henry Fonda, his sister actress and fitness icon Jane Fonda, and his daughter actress Bridget Fonda. 

Born on February 23, 1940 in New York City, the film that propelled Fonda to fame was the iconic Easy Rider. Fonda was driving force behind the 1968 film as the producer, writer and star. He made the film with Jack Nicholson and Dennis Hopper, his life-long friend who acted in and directed the movie. Apart from showing the adventures of motorcycle riders, the movie is seen as an important commentary on societal struggles of the times, encouraging free thinking and making it a cultural landmark. With co-writers Hopper and Terry Southern, Fonda was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Screenplay. As a testament to its influence Easy Rider is listed as one of the AFI’s top 100 films of the last hundred years.

Fonda was also nominated for a Best Actor Oscar for his title role in the 1997 film, Ulee’s Gold. He also picked up a Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actor for the performance.

Over the years, Fonda has supported numerous motorcycle-related fund raising programs such as Easy Ride for Autism, and the Love Ride, which supports of people with muscular dystrophy. He is truly the perfect recipient of the Artivist Award as he has been involved in all of Artivist’s key areas - animal advocacy with his current film Smitty which emphasizes pet adoption and is part of the Adopt-A-Dog Month campaign; his environmental efforts to encourage alternative energy through supporting the film Fuel and his recent clean-up work in the Gulf of Mexico with the Gulf Coast Fund; and in the human rights field for his work with Doctors Without Borders, plus his work with Best Buddies who recently awarded him their Legacy Leadership Award for his outstanding charity work helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities

About Hollywood Arts

ARTIVIST is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.  All proceeds benefit the Annual Artivist Film Festival, creating a platform for socially conscious "Artivists" to share their inspirational and informative films with the world. The Artivist Film Festival screens over 40 independent, narratives, documentaries, shorts, and experimental films from around the globe at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood from December 1-4, concluding with the Artivist Awards. The festival’s mission is to strengthen the voice of advocate artists - "Artivists" - while raising public awareness for global causes. 

Since its inception in 2004, the Artivist Film Festival has showcased over 450 films representing more than 45 countries around the world.  Artivist has reached millions of people with its film festivals in Hollywood, London, Tokyo, Mexico City, New York and Lisbon, and through its website at www.Artivist.com. Additionally, in recognition of the socially conscious platform it provides, Artivist has been endorsed by Claes Nobel of the Nobel Prize family, Amnesty International, and the United Nations Department of Public Information.

Many films awarded at Artivist have gone on to great acclaim including Academy Award winner Born Into Brothels, Academy Award Nominees Super-Size Me and God Sleeps in Rwanda. The festival has also held the Los Angeles Premieres of Fast Food Nation, Emmanuelle's Gift, Stolen Childhoods, Zeitgeist, Zeitgest Addendum and Trudell.   

The renowned non-profit tinsel town arts organization, The Multicultural Motion Picture Association (MMPA) and American Society of Young Musicians (ASYM), is proud to announce its Toys For Tots annual Holiday Toy Drive Extravaganza, on Wednesday, December 8, 2010, from 6:30PM at The Celebrity Centre International, 5930 Franklin Avenue in Hollywood, California.   

This annual charity of goodwill, which has been ushering in the holiday season, for the past nine years in Hollywood, has become among the many sought-after events of camaraderie and compassion that kicks off the season as a “must attend” event among Hollywood’s philanthropic and entertainment crowd.  Promoted and nurtured by MMPA, President Jarvee Hutcherson and ASYM Chairman, Dick Michaels., the MMPA and ASYM organizations as 501©3 arts organizations, comprised of cinematographers, writers, directors, and musical artists, has played host to some of entertainment’s biggest names and provides children and underprivileged families an opportunity to reap the benefits of this charitable holiday season by the gift giving, toy donations, and benevolence and goodwill that the entertainment community can fully embrace like none other. The toys are given to the various agencies throughout the Los Angeles County.

A key component to the success of the Toy Drive is its unyielding and compassionate giving spirit year after year, and the fact that many families continue to benefit from its benevolence, many stating that, without this event they would not know what their Christmas and holiday celebration would otherwise look like for them and their families, at this time of year. 

The event includes live entertainment, a silent auction, raffles and door prizes and sumptuous hors d’oeuvres for this celebrity crowd of discerning tastes and taste makers.  ASYM assist young musicians all around the world and The MMPA provides thousands of dollars annually to young men and women of diverse backgrounds seeking to bring various voices and perspectives to the filmmaking community.  Both organizations come together at this time of the year in the spirit of giving back. 

It was a cold November evening in Los Angeles and everyone wrapped up tight for opening night at the Ahmanson. With a wonderful turn out for a Sunday evening, everyone appeared eager to see what the buzz was about!  In over hearing a conversation of the couple next to me, seeing “Next to Normal” was going to be anything but my typical musical experience. With music and lyric’s, by 2010 Pulitzer Prize winner’s for Drama, Tom Kitt and  by Brian Yorkey this musical captures the heart of its audience immediately. It handles the complex subject matter of depression and bi-polar personality behavior with honesty, class, dignity and tenderness.  You will walk away from this experience moved, if not in tears. 

This new musical is directed by Michael Greif who has been intimately involved with direction of “Next to Normal” when it appeared on both the Second Stage and Arena Stage.  Between the wonderful music from Tom and Brian and the skillful direction from Michael, the characters and their emotional dilemmas are impossible to escape.  They enter your soul in a way that felt oh so familiar.  The story of the Goodman family, Natalie’s yearning for her mother’s affection, Dan’s devotion to the woman he loves, Gabe’s mischievousness and Dina’s desperation were truths not about some factious family but were in some shape or form truth’s about our own. 

For such a powerful presentation the cast is rather small, with only six cast members.  Leads, Tony Award winning actress, Alice Ripley(Diana) and, Broadway/Off-Broadway thespian and tenor, Asa Somners(Dan) were just fantastic together!  Curt Hansen(Gabe) and Emma Hunton(Natalie) also gave outstanding performances and had great vocal control in their upper registers.  All four actors, very accomplished in their own right, had wonderful stage chemistry which made you really feel they were an authentic family.  Jeremy Kushnier(Dr. Madden/Dr. Fine) and Preston Sadler(Henry) brought a sense of humor to the stage that had a way of balancing the more heartbreaking  realities.  Tom and Brian’s commitment to telling the story of Dina Goodman and her family with intelligence, humor and honesty was well executed by this fine cast of performers and musicians.

“Next to Normal” is a must see production that will not just entertain you with great contemporary music, but will challenge your own ideas of what is really normal in American family life today.  It has been appearing on Broadway since 2008 and has had great success in its two year run.  This year the show is launching its National Tour and everyone is excited about this new chapter of the show’s life.  This is truly a story and performance that can only be fully experienced fully in the theatre. 

“Next to Normal” is the second production in Center Theatre Group/Ahmanson Theatre’s 2010-2011 season at the Los Angeles County Music Center and performances will continue through January 2, 2011. Show times are Tuesday through Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.; No Monday performances.  Tickets for “Next to normal” are available by calling Center Theatre Group Audience Services at (213) 972-4400, in person at the Center Theatre Group box office or on-line at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org.