Los Angeles Times Festival of Books...Jamie Lee Curtis & Rainn Wilson on stage today! Bookworms descend on USC!

 

Jada Pinkett Smith @ Festival of Books!

A few weeks ago, I posted a feature on the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, which is an annual event book-lovers look forward to with great anticipation each year.


Post: 04/06/2011

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2011/04/los-angles-times-festival-of-booksrainn.html
Fortunately, school children from Orange County tweeted me this week, which jogged my memory at the 11th Hour.

Yes, kids!

You will see me at  Book Fair tomorrow strolling around USC campus with my eye out for bargains and news scoops to report on at "The Tattler".

Thanks for the reminder, eh?

For readers at "The Tattler" who may have forgotten that the event runs today (April 30th) thru Sunday (May 1st), I have posted a run-down of the panel discussions and stage events that will be underway as this very post is published on the world-wide-web a few seconds from now.

See 'ya there, eh?

Target Children’s Stage

10:00 AM

The Okee Dokee Brothers
Take it Outside

10:40 AM

Bob Boyle
Author of Hugo and the Really Really Really Long String

11:00 AM

Mallory Lewis and Lamb Chop

11:20 AM

Jamie Lee Curtis
Author of My Mommy Hung the Moon

11:45 AM

Hip Hop Harry
Party Jams

12:20 PM

Tom Lichtenheld
Illustrator of Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site

12:40 PM

Peter Stein
Author of Cars Galore!

1:00 PM

Dallas Clayton
Author and Illustrator of An Awesome Book!

1:25 PM

Disney Junior’s Choo-Choo Soul with Genevive
Choo-Choo Soul

2:00 PM

Marc Brown
Author of Arthur Turns Green

2:20 PM

Nancy Krulik
Author of George Brown, Class Clown: Super Burp #1
Katie Kazoo Switcheroo Series

2:40 PM

R.L. Stine
Author of Goosebumps Horrorland: Hall of Horrors

3:00 PM

Megan McDonald
Author of Judy Moody and Stink series

3:25 PM

Moona Luna
Piñata Party

4:00 PM

Lisa Yee
Author of American Girl Book,Aloha, Kanani

4:20 PM

Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Author and Illustrator of The Lunch Lady Graphic Novel Series

4:40 PM

Josh Lewis
Author of Super Chicken Nugget Boy
(vs. Ned-Grant and his Eggplant Army)

5:10 PM

Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players
Jungle Gym

Los Angeles Times Stage

11:00 AM

Rainn Wilson
Interviewed by Amy Alkon
Author of SoulPancake

12:10 AM

Stefanie Powers
Author of One from the Hart

1:20 PM

Jillian Michaels
Interviewed by Rene Lynch
Author of Unlimited: How to Build an Exceptional Life

2:30 PM

Danica McKellar
Author of Hot X: Algebra Exposed

3:40 PM

Alison Arngrim
Author of Confessions of a Prairie Bitch

4:50 PM

Sister Souljah
Interviewed by Jada Pinkett Smith
Author of Midnight and the Meaning of Love

USC Stage

10:00 AM

Festival Kickoff with the Trojan Marching Band
Musical Performance
Welcome by Los Angeles Times Publisher Eddy Hartenstein
USC President C.L. Max Nikias

11:40 PM

Funny But True Hosted by Prince Gomolvilas
Storytelling-Based Performance

12:50 PM

Greg Johnson Quartet
Jazz Performance

2:00 PM

Javon Johnson
Spoken Word Performance

3:10 PM

Rozzi Crane
Popular Music Performance

4:20 PM

Second Nature Improv
Comedic Performance

5:30 PM

Bear Attack
Popular Music Performance

Cooking Stage

11:00 AM

Erin McKenna
Author of BabyCakes Covers the Classics
Cooking Demonstration

12:30 PM

Graham Kerr
Author of Growing at the Speed of Life
Cooking Demonstration

2:00 PM

Bob Blumer
Author of Glutton for Pleasure
Cooking Demonstration

3:30 PM

Laurie David & Kristin Uhrenholdt
Authors of The Family Dinner
Cooking Demonstration

YA Stage

11:00 AM

Brave NewWorlds: Writing the Unreal
Panelists:
Andrew Smith, Allyson Condie, Laura McNeal, Tom McNeal
Moderator:
Aaron Hartzler

12:30 PM

Smells Like Teen Spirit: Young Adult Fiction
Panelists:
Lisi Harrison, Joanna Philbin, Elizabeth Eulberg, Abby McDonald
Moderator:
Aaron Hartzler

2:00 PM

The Practical & the Powerful: Writing Fantasy or Keeping it Real
Panelists:
Robin Benway, Gayle Forman, Gennifer Choldenko, Allen Zadoff
Moderator:
Cecil Castellucci

3:30 PM

Picture This: Graphic Novels
Panelists:
Kazu Kibuishi, Tracy White, Deborah Vankin
Moderator:
Aaron Hartzler

5:00 PM

LAYAPALOOZA!
A live game show for:
Lovers of books for teens & tweens

Poetry Stage

10:00 A.M.

Rick Bursky & Majid Naficy read from:
Death Obscura and Father & Son

10:30 AM

Chase Twichell reads from:
Horses Where the Answers Should Have Been

11:00 AM

Daniel Tiffany reads from:
Privado and The Dandelion Clock

11:30 AM

Annie Finch reads from:
Among the Goddesses: An Epic Libretto in Seven Dreams

12:00 PM

Terese Svoboda reads from Weapons Grade

12:30 PM

Amy Newlove Schroeder & Dorothy Barresi read from:
The Sleep Hotel and American Fanatics

1:00 PM

Beckian Goldberg & Sarah Maclay read from:
Reliquary Fever: New and Selected Poems and Music for the Black Room

1:30 PM

Dana Levin reads from Sky Burial

2:00 PM

Henri Cole reads from:
Pierce the Skin: Selected Poems (1982—2007)

2:30 PM

Ed Roberson reads from:
To See the Earth Before the End of the World

3:00 PM

Craig Santos Perez reads from:
From Unincorporated Territory {Saina}

3:30 PM

Carol Muske-Dukes Hosts Various Poets reading from:
Crossing State Lines: An American Renga

4:00 PM

Laure-Anne Bosselaar reads from A New Hunger

4:30 PM

Atsuro Riley reads from Romey’s Order

5:00 PM

Ellyn Maybe and Her Band perform from:
Rodeo for the Sheepish and Other Works

Etc. Stage

10:00 AM

826LA
Student Author Panel:
A reading, discussion and signing with students ages 6-18

11:00 AM

Dime Stories
Three-minute stories read by Various Artists

12:00 PM

Imagine Ireland
A selection of non-fiction writers from:
Ireland by Molly McCloskey and Brian Dillon

1:00 PM

Murphy’s Flaw
Blue Grass Musical Performance

2:00 PM

Brand X LA Unheard Presents Young Hunting
Musical Performance

3:00 PM

The Hero Complex Presents Quizzam! Hosted by Geoff Boucher
Comics Trivia Contest

3:30 PM

Andrew Breitbart in Conversation with Robin Abcarian
PANEL CODE: 1092
Interviewer:
Ms. Robin Abcarian

4:00 PM

Zack Cole
Musical Performance

5:00 PM

PEN Center USA
Emerging Voices Reading

Discover the World

11:00 AM

Irish Writers Sara Berkeley and Peter Sirr

Poetry Readings

12:00 PM

Korea Presents Ji Yoon Jay Lee Byung Sang
Traditional Korean Musical Performance

1:00 PM

Israel Presents:
“Israel in Los Angeles A bond between communities”
Video Presentation

2:00 PM

Irish Writers Mary O’Donoghue and Kevin Power
Fiction Readings

3:00 PM

Korea Presents Kim Eung Hwa Dance Academy
Traditional Korean Dance Performance

4:00 PM

Los Angeles Times Presents Don Bartletti
My Camera as Witness to a Non-Fiction World

Hoy Stage

10:00 AM

Welcoming Celebration

11:00 AM

STAR Program
Dance Performance

12:00 PM

Mariachi Cielo Nuevo
Musical Performance

1:00 PM

Hoy Spanish Spelling Bee Finals
Category 1

2:00 PM

Salt Petal
Musical Performance

3:00 PM

A Vivir Bien
Panel Discussion

4:00 PM

Rock STAR
Musical Performance

http://www.latimes.com/festivalofbooks.com

http://www.thetattler.biz

Los Angeles Times Festival of Books...Rainn Wilson, Jamie Lee Curtis, Patrick Oswalt to appear!

Book lovers are gearing up for another fantastic year at the annual Festival of Books sponsored by the local Los Angeles Times.

But, before they trot off, they'd better take note that the much-anticipated event - which attracts thousands of book worms each year - has switched venues.

Uh-huh!

A few celebrities such as - health guru Jamie Lee Curtis, actor Rainn Wilson, comic Patrick Oswalt, and rocker Pattie Smith (to name a few) - are also scheduled to push pet projects near-and-dear to their hearts and toss meet-and-greets with a fan or two as well.

I met Rainn on the red carpet of the premiere of his hilarious comedy - The Rocker - over a year ago in Las Vegas and he does not disappoint. 

He's quick on the uptake, alright!

Patrick Oswalt, who hosted a Film Fest at the New Beverly Cinema in Hollywood in recent years, is also a fine comic who has the ability to crack folks up with rapid-fire jokes without much effort.

The Nation's largest Literary Fest (admission is free) opted for a change of scenery this year - and moved the whole dang kit 'n kaboodle - to the University of Spoiled Children (USC).

That other University - where the popular fest was previously held in recent years - must be hot under the collar for losing the popular gig, eh?

As usual, though, enthusiasts of the written word, families of-all-sexual-persuasions - and Angelenos from all walks-of-life - will be exploring the extensive offerings with wonder once again when the end of the month rolls around on campus.

In addition to the reams of publications that will be on the shelves (and ready to be snapped up), the two-day event will be sprinkled with celebrity appearances, live stage music, practical (and exotic) cooking demonstrations, book signings and insightful and informative Q & A's.

Seven outdoor stages are slated to be erected in the center of USC's campus to accommodate the guest artists, their adoring fans, and Joe Public.

Program highlights include the Target Children's Stage ( with Mo Willems, Jamie Lee Curtis, Mallory Lewis and Lambchop, The Okee Dokee Brothers and R.L.Stine), the Cooking Stage (featuring Duff Goldman from "Ace of Cakes" and master chef Thomas Keller), the YA stage (graced with young luminaries such as Gayle Forman, Judy M. Blundell and D.J. McHale), and The Times editorial staff (who will be involved in hands-on discussions sporadically throughout the weekend on the Los Angeles Times Stage and Pavilion).

GENERAL EVENT INFORMATION

latimesfestivalofbooks.com

1-800-LA-TIMES, ext. 7BOOK

Attendees must secure tickets beforehand to attend panel discussions and lectures due to limited seating.

Writer's workshop tickets and $30 panel passes will be available on a first-come first-serve basis on April 11th (Monday) at 9 a.m.

Individual panel tickets will be available on April 24th (Sunday) for a nominal fee.

The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books is presented in association with USC, presenting sponsor Target, major sponsors Buick and GMC and official ticketing provider Eventbrite.

See 'ya there!

http://www.thetattler.biz

The Rocker...side-splitting film theatrics. Rainn Wilson a "hoot"!

New York Dolls Big Apple pix...

Last month, I caught the high-energy premiere for - "The Rocker" - at a Film Festival in Las Vegas.

Now that slapstick promos are starting to stream across the Internet, I anticipate the side-splitting comedy will be opening soon at a Theatre near you.

The red-carpet affair was a blast!

Rainn Wilson - sizzlin' hot comic of the moment - caused quite a stir when he arrived in full regalia - outlandish over-the-top Rock Star attire - in what was billed as "The Largest Limo" in the free world...with a rag-tag band of friends in tow - a midget, scintillating showgirls, a Centurion, Magician, uh-huh!

Post: 07/13/2008

For those who grew up on Rock Music, the film is a must-see. After all, its a dead-on send-up of the entire "Rock" generation, which delights.

Lainn's wild characterization and skitzy screen persona hit my funny bone, no problemo!

And - in addition - "Rocker" managed to conjure up a handful of delicious memories from the far reaches of my psychedelically-enhanced grey matter!

Back in the seventies - a hip dude I knew - was a roadie with the J. Geils Band. So, of course, he liked to party-hearty. On the weekends - or when he had some down-time off-the-road - the two of us would get all gussied up in pink spandex pants, flimsy silk shirts with ruffles down the front, and boots with four-inch heels; then, trek down to Max's Kansas City in downtown NYC.

Inside this den of iniquity, ragged Rockers and underground Stars from the Warhol Factory, hung out nightly and well into the witchin' hour.

During that time-frame, the New York Dolls were all the rage!

In "Rocker", Lainn plays a dynamic hard-driving drummer for an up-and-coming band. Just as the leading-edge musicians are about to sign a lucrative contract sure to guarantee a launch into the stratosphere of sound, the band is forced to dump Lainn's character from the line-up in favor of a nephew of the record exec who's going to be pulling the career strings.

The rejection is not taken lightly; in fact, the jilted skins expert slumps into a twenty-year funk and it does not appear he'll ever snap out of it.

Then, one day, his nephew's is in dire need of a drummer for their garage band.

The opportunity is met with a lot of consternation, at first; but, the faded rock dinosaur finally commits.

The band's first stage appearance is on the verge of resounding success, when Lainn's character suddenly "flashes back" and goes overboard. His fatal reach for the immortal abyss turns into a catastrophic failure; consequently, he ruins the first gig.

In fact, the band crumbles; goes kaput.

But, there is a resurrection and a finale a filmgoer won't want to miss.

Lainn steals the movie, hands down; partly due to his amazing comic-timing, but also because he's been given well-scripted material to springboard off of.

One of my favorite lines in the film occurs when the rocker notes that the music business can be a tough row to hoe.

"They play Celine Dion in the elevator. That doesn't make it right."

But, a relatively new face - in the role of a sleazy Band Manager (played to the hilt) - is the one to watch out for. That actor is going places, no doubt.

Christina Applegate turns in a well-keyed performance as a young mom protective of her naive teenager.

All the supporting players are believable, likable, and round out the entertainment value of the well-produced film.

Rock on, eh?

Christina Applegate plays squeaky clean...

CineVegas Film Festival...Rainn Wilson & Dennis Hopper wow filmgoers at Fox's premiere for "The Rocker". A Hit!

Hollywood should sit up and take a cue from CineVegas - when it comes to premieres - at least!

Last night's red carpet event for Fox's - "The Rocker" - was a splashy high-energy bash - the likes of which - I have not seen in recent days in Tinsel town.

Without doubt, there were two stand-outs on the catwalk.

Top Dog honor goes to Rainn Wilson (The Office) who alighted amid a lot of frenzied fanfare from what was being billed as the most ubiquitous limo on the planet with motley crew in tow.

Runner up for the grand entrance hands-down went to local Vegas celebrity - Johnny Brenden - with clear title to the Brenden Theatre at the Palms Casino Resort where the hilarious new Fox comedy was being unveiled.

"Mr. Muscles," one of the paparazzi quipped.

Rainn strutted down the red carpet in character attired head-to-toe in rock-inspired garb.

Was I having a sixties-style LSD flashback?

"Axel Rose inspired the bandanna," he noted dead-pan.

When I spied a promo for the rock music band - "Steel Panther" - in the morning Review-Journal (Page 26 of Neon) it all amounted to synchronicity for me.

From the publicity still in the daily, it was quite evident that Rainn got it right.

When I asked Rainn where he wanted to be in two years, he was quick on the uptake.

Bigger than Bono!

The talented actor was in top form, capable of spitting out rapid-fire repartee at whim, much to the delight of the fans outside the theatre in Sin City.

The shutterbugs were in a feeding frenzy - truly in their element - as they snapped away non-stop without skipping a beat.

Wilson was flanked by a skanky bunch of hangers-on which included scintillating showgirls, a card-playing magician, tuxedoed midget, and a Centurion (Hail Caesar!).

"I picked 'em up at a local bar," Rainn joked amid hoots from the press who ate it all up!

For the press it was finally show time.

For about two hours they chomped at the bit.

In spite of the fact they were wilting somewhat under the intense mid-day sun, they were inclined to camp out patiently on the edges of the roped-off runway where the celebrities were destined to touch down.

I spied a handful of 'em surreptitiously checking out the rank and status of their rivals in the line-up, taking note of the pecking order, that sort of thing.

On occasion, a photog would kindly oblige the competition by standing in on the carpet for a test shot to establish framing, intensity of light, and potential glitches.

At times, they shared the fruits of their labor.

"Not a bad shot, eh?" one asked a fellow photog as he displayed the screen for all to take a gander at.

"I cut him off at the knees though. I guess I should have included the feet."

A Celebrity Vibe rep was pretty low-key and stayed out of the fray for the most part.

For him, the industry was mostly a positive experience.

Who was a toughie to deal with?

"Jennifer Anniston. She gets naked and stands out in front of her house. Then, she has someone tip off a photographer . When he shows up and takes pictures, she sues them."

Why, I asked incredulously.

"'Cause she's crazy," he stated matter-of-fact.

You heard it here first, folks.

How did Brad make do for all those years? Must have the patience of Job, I expect.

Johnny Brenden was quite the poser himself. In fact, his appearance was literally dazzling.

A stud in his ear sparkled when it caught the sunlight and showered little rainbows all about.

And then, there was that ten-thousand-watt smile.

"The teeth were always his," one woman assured me.


Another speculated about where his money came from.

"He's related to the owners of the Mann's Chinese," another chimed in.

Mr. Brenden was the film buff nostalgic who pushed for a Hollywood-style walk of fame with stars imbedded underfoot in Las Vegas terra firma.

When I asked if he had help with his fashion choices for the evening, he was quite emphatic, "No".

"Versace", he announced, as he did a little bow in his black designer suit that fit just so.

How can you go wrong when you start with the perfect male silhouette?

At one point, when the flash bulbs popped and the golden sunlight streamed across his distinctive features, the effect was awesome, surreal, and downright freakish in nature.

It was sort-of a Marilyn Monroe moment with a male twist.

The phrase - "famous for being famous" - popped into my mind.

One of the lead actresses -  Jane Lynch -  was cool as a cucumber, though.

She handled herself with ease despite the frenzied pace of the event.

When I asked if tall thin actress could offer up any advice for actors struggling and pining to succeed in the business, she was quick to offer up suggestions.

"Do Do Do. Get into a play or a showcase. Get out there and make it happen."

Dennis Hopper was the epitome of style and class, too.

He sauntered down the carpet in an understated tasteful suit, with a starched pristine-white dress shirt, open at the collar.

In spite of the carnival-like-aura of the event, the legendary actor managed to remain centered, measured in his responses, and definitely in control.

The sign of a true pro.

What was the man - who has been crowned the Ambassador of good will for CineVegas - thinking behind those ultra-cool designer shades?



When I asked the celebrated Hopper if he had any reflections about his remarkable fortune to work with legendary actors - Elizabeth Taylor, James Dean, and Rock Hudson (Giant) - he was inclined to note that he just came off a project with a fine actor, Ben Kingsley.


It was evident to me at that juncture that Mr. Hopper is not caught up in the trappings of Hollywood, influenced by fluctuating personas, or the superficiality of the industry. Indeed, his response indicated - quite frankly - that it was all about the quality of the work and the players.

When the producer - Tom McNulty - stopped by for a chat impeccably dressed in a handsome suit - my initial reaction was to joke,

"Oh, you're one of the suits we hear so much about in the industry."

He was taken aback a little.

Yeah, my humor can be a little offbeat on occasion, if not downright cynical at times.

Mr. McNultry is a sort-of boy wonder, with pretty luminous eyes, who came up through the ranks.

True to form, the affable exec started at the bottom, then navigated his way to the top, "by being focused, clean, willing to pitch in, and doing the grunt work".

He noted that the "Rocker" property had been stewing for a couple of years before it got the green light. At one point he and Rainn became fast friends, so it was logical that he would be offered the role.

After director Peter Cattaneo (Full Monty) agreed to come on board, within six weeks, the award-winning auteur was jetting off to Toronto (my home town) to start shooting with little more fuss or ado.

In view of the mood of the business in recent days, the comedy appeared to be a good bet for the marketplace, noted McNultry.

In respect to upcoming projects, he noted that he worried a little about a potential strike, but expressed a sincere hope that the actors get their due and proper pay.

Gosh, twist the arms of those other suits, please!

When I corralled Trevor Groth - Artistic Director for CineVegas - it was evident he was on a bit of a high.

The Festival was kicking off to a great start, after all.

What is the highlight of the Festival, I asked.

"Tonight."

Ah, quite the diplomat, what with the "Rocker" people gazing on from the sidelines.

But, he urged filmgoers and festival enthusiasts to get out for the big Charity Event coinciding with "Get Smart" on Sunday June 15th at the Planet Hollywood Casino Resort.

Proceeds will go to help Project Knapsack which was founded by GET SMART star, Dwayne Johnson.

Also, the Murakami Red Carpet event (Monday June 16th) may prove to be a historic artistic happening in Las Vegas.

Congratulations Rocker!

Looks like 'ya got a hit on your hands.

http://www.thetattler.biz