Sunshine Magazine Volume 2... Enjoy.... (:

Sunday, May 19, 2013

SceneAroundTown.... World Premier Of "The Magic Bracelet".... WGA Theater

Stacy & Ari Goldberg arrive for the premiere of Rina Goldberg's "The Magic Bracelet"... photo courtesy Ella Batalon

Bailee Madison & Hailee Steinfeld... photos by Ella Batalon

Lana Parrilla joins The Magic Bracelet's Bailee Madison & Tamika Lamison.... photo by Ella Batalon

Last nite was the very moving premiere of the late Rina Goldberg's short film called "The Magic Bracelet" at the WGA in Beverly Hills. Rina was a smart, sweet, socially conscious creative teen from Philadelphia that died from mitochondrial disease in December 2010 a fews weeks after her 15th birthday. "Mito" is a genetic disorder that prevents the body's cells from producing enough energy for the body to function. Rina wrote a feature length film in the hope of raising awareness about the disease and one of her dying wishes was for the film to be completed and have a big Hollywood premiere. Rina's mantra was "Always Love Life, Dream Big, Be Positive". Last nite Rina's wish came true thanks to Tamika Lamison's extraordinary "Make A Film Foundation", who's mantra is "LIFE... Camera... Action!", the film became a reality. Academy Award winning writer Diablo Cody came on board to streamline the story into a wonderful, family friendly short film starring popular young actresses Bailee Madison as Ashley, a young girl living with mito and Academy Award Nominee Hailee Steinfeld as Angela. The cast of the very inspiring, magical film directed by Jon Poll also includes Jackson Rathbone, Kaitlin Doubleday, James Van Der Beek, J.K. Simmons, Scarlett Estevez, Eve Janey, Shawn Klush, Macy Victoria Gumm & canine thespians Biscotti & Ricochet The Surf Dog. The evening was hosted by the colorful J.R. Martinez & also included a Mentorship Award to actor Chad Coleman & a Humanitarian Award to producer philanthropist Peter Samuelson of First Star. Teen singer Vasi Hunton performed her lovely song "7 Wonders" featured in the film. To learn more about volunteering or donating to Make A Film Foundation visit www.makeafilmfoundation.org

Director Jon Poll & Bailee Madison last December on location for Rina Goldberg's "The Magic Bracelet"... photo courtesy MAFF

"Putzel" is the opening nite film of The Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival which starts June 1st

Visit www.lajfilmfest.org for more details

Thursday, April 18, 2013

SceneAroundTown.... Legendary Actress Carol Burnett Honored With "Carol Burnett Square" in Hollywood

Legendary Star Carol Burnett is welcomed to Hollywood High School by the Honorable Tom LaBonge for the dedication & unveiling of Carol Burnett Square. Hollywood High School is Carol Burnett's alma mater & Carol Burnett Square is located at Selma & Highland right by the school

Carol Burnett is serenaded by H20, known as the original Glee from Hollywood High School

Carol Burnett is greeted by Hollywood High School Principal Alejandra Sanchez & Music Director Stormy Sacks

Carol Burnett being interviewed by Channel 7's George Pennacchio

Carol Burnett being interviewed by Channel 5

Carol Burnett talks with CNN

Members of Hollywood High School's H20 serenade Carol Burnett with "I'm So Glad We Had This Time Together" the theme song of her legendary TV series before the unveiling of Carol Burnett Square at Selma & Highland. Ms. Burnett is a Kennedy Center Honoree and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient

Carol Burnett & Tom LaBonge unveil Carol Burnett Square

Carol Burnett admires the Carol Burnett Square sign

Carol Burnett & Tom LaBonge following the dedication & unveiling of Carol Burnett Square in Hollywood

Carol Burnett holds a mini Carol Burnett Square sign

Carol Burnett speaks following the unveiling of Carol Burnett Square

A Happy Day In Hollywood.... Carol Burnett & members of Hollywood High School's Glee "H20" following the dedication & unveiling of Carol Burnett Square in Hollywood

Carol Burnett signs autographs for fans attending the Carol Burnett Square dedication

Carol Burnett leaves the unveiling of Carol Burnett Square... "I never would have imagined this happening" she said in an emotional speech. Her 3rd book "Carrie and Me: A Mother-Daughter Love Story" published by Simon & Schuster hit the Best Sellers List today. Time Magazine named the Carol Burnett Show as one of the "100 best television shows of all time". The series ran for 11 years and recieved 25 Emmy awards.
All photos & captions by Harrison Held... photos may not be used without permission.

Monday, March 18, 2013

SceneAroundTown...The Must See "One Night With Janis Joplin" at the Pasadena Playhouse

Mary Bridget Davies is electrifying & soars as Janis Joplin in "One Night With Janis Joplin"... photo by Jim Cox

Sabrina Elayne Carten is a marvel in her role as Blues Singer ... photo by Jim Cox

Tricia Kelly, Shay Saint-Victor, Kimberly Yarbrough, Mary Bridget Davies & Sabrina Elayne Carten pull out all the stops in "One Night With Janis Joplin" now playing at the Pasadena Playhouse... photo by Jim Cox

"One Night With Janis Joplin" at the Pasadena Playhouse... photo by Janet Macoska

Writer/Director Randy Johnson & star Mary Bridget Davies... photo by Billy Bennight

Janis Joplin's younger brother Michael Joplin & Randy Johnson... photo by Billy Bennight

Mary Bridget Davies & Harrison Held... photo by Billy Bennight

Designers Katie Kay Mead & Maylin Joplin present 60's Janis Joplin fashions by their company "Made for Pearl"... photo by Billy Bennight

A great night at the Pasadena Playhouse where they premiered "One Night With Janis Joplin" starring the amazing & electrifying Mary Bridget Davies as iconic 60's rock star Janis Joplin. The must see concert/play was created, written & directed by Randy Johnson. "One Night With Janis Joplin" also stars Sabrina Elayne Carten who is terrific as The Soul Singer plus talented singers Tricia Kelly, Shay Saint-Victor and Kimberly Yarbrough as the Joplinaires. The show features an excellent hard driving band led by music supervisor Ross Seligman. "One Night With Janis Joplin" gives an in depth background of Janis' artistic & musical roots from early singing training in musical theater with her Mom & siblings at home in Port Arthur, Texas to the powerful blues influences of The Chantelles, Bessie Smith, Etta James & Nina Simone. Her foray into professional singing in Texas bars earning her money to buy art supplies is explored as she is discovered by Chuck Jones and brought to California where she joined her first rock band "Big Brother & the Holding Company" in San Francisco... from there her legendary career unfolds. Sabrina Elayne Carten does her own star turn as Aretha Franklin performing "Spirit in the Dark" with Joplin in a fantasy concert and the end of act one. Mary Bridget Davies is a wonder as the spunky, free spirited Joplin and when she's not tearing up the scenery with her amazing vocals she shares many humorous & insightful anecdotes about what made Janis Joplin the artist and the woman tick. The show is a powerful celebration of the music, life & artistry of the iconic rock star. Definitely worth seeing! Visit www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org for details. Report by Harrison Held.

"One Night With Janis Joplin" Stars Mary Bridget Davies & Sabrina Elayne Carten with Janis Joplin's colorful vintage car ... photo courtesy Broadway World

Saturday, March 2, 2013

SceneAroundTown.... Legendary Singer Johnny Mathis Honored by Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters.....

Deniece Williams and Beverly Todd... photo by Billy Bennight

On hand to sing his praises... Wink Martindale, Dionne Warwick & Deniece Williams were on hand to honor their friend and colleague legendary singer Johnny Mathis when he received the prestigious Art Gilmore Career Achievement Award from the Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters. Johnny Mathis has sold over 350 million records since he began recording for Columbia in 1956. The luncheon was held earlier today at the Sportsmen's Lodge in Studio City. The dais also included PPB Entertainment Chair Jeanne DeVivier Brown, Amy Alcott, Bernie Gardner, Jay Landers, Bill Russell, Gary Owens, Chuck Southcott & Diamond Circle Award recipient Lee Meriwether and was well hosted by radio personality & PPB President Chuck Street.... written by Harrison Held photo by Billy Bennight

Lee Meriwether arrives with her friend Connie Sawyer who recently turned 100.... Ms. Meriwether went to high school with Johnny Mathis in San Francisco & recalled that the first time she heard him singing she knew he was going to be a star..... photo by Billy Bennight