Michael Jackson...Western Style celebrated by Gene Autry Museum! Birthday tribute...

The Gene Autry Museum is sponsoring a Michael Jackson event on the anniversary of his birthday which takes a fun foray into how "The West was Worn" by the Pop Icon.

For example, the organizers at the Museum have focused on a few wardrobe items from the Pop star's eclectic collection of western outfits, and elected on the occasion to take an insightful peak at his fascination with the "look" and durability of the style.

The show opened August 17th and is installed in the imagination Gallery.

The space is a permanent Art Gallery dedicated to the imagery of the American West as it is depicted in popular culture.

Access to the installation is free with museum admission

Jeffrey Richardson, the Autry’s Associate Curator of Film and Popular Culture, hosted the opening event which was attended by Michael Jackson’s longtime costume designers Dennis Tompkins and Michael Bush.

The two generous industry professionals loaned the outfits to the museum.

Karen Faye, Jackson's hair and make-up artist, made contributions as well.

This exhibition was actually in throes of the planning stages before Mr. Jackson passed to spirit last year.

“When the Autry approached us in 2009 about contributing to this exhibit, we discussed it with Michael [ Jackson ] and he was excited and humbled by the request,” said Bush.

"It is our honor and privilege to in any way help fulfill Michael’s vision and to be able to share with the world a glimpse into the artistic collaboration we were so fortunate to have had with Michael Jackson for almost 25 years and contribute to furthering his incredible legacy for generations to come,” added Tompkins.

“I am delighted to have this exhibit here representing Michael and what Michael meant to this country and so many generations of fans,” beamed Jackie Autry, Founding Chair and Lifetime Trustee of the Autry National Center .

The Michael Jackson outfits stand inside a specially designed three-sided case featuring two full-size mannequins.

The costumes include a blue rhinestone and fringe cowboy outfit worn on the television variety show - The Jacksons - on March 2, 1977; a red-and-black bib-front shirt designed by Tompkins and Bush (who were responsible for many of the Western influences found in Jackson’s clothing); a fedora hat; aviator sunglasses; and a pair of altered Levi 501 jeans (embellished by Tompkins and Bush) that Michael wore on November 17th (1996)  while promoting the HIStory World Tour in Sydney.

In the center of the display case is the iconic single white glove which Jackson wore on the March 2002 cover of Vibe magazine.

That was the last official occasion that Michael was professionally photographed wearing his signature  trademark accessory.

Michael Jackson requested that  everything made for him be of museum-quality.

"This needs to be able to be displayed in a museum. It has to be detailed," MJ  underscored to Tompkins.

“It didn’t matter what the cost or the process it took to create a piece, if it didn’t work when he danced, it came off,” said Bush.

Other items on display include a Western-style belt and buckle that Jackson wore on several occasion - most noticeably - for the “Beat It” single record cover and promotional materials.

In addition, the exhibit includes a pair of steel cowboy boots, designed by Dennis Tompkins and Michael Bush, that Jackson wore to the White House in April 1990.

An original sketch of the red-and-black bib-front shirt by Tompkins and Bush is also prominently displayed and includes Michael Jackson’s signature.

A video accompanying the display features Jackson ’s performance of the hit songs “Cisco Kid” and “I Shot the Sheriff” on a set decorated to look like a Western saloon.

The Jackson western tribute is actually surrounded by objects belonging to the Cisco Kid, the Lone Ranger, John Wayne, and Clint Eastwood  - which makes for a nice touch - at the Autry.

“The Autry explores the diversity and complexity of the American West, a place of hopes and dreams where myth and history intertwine,” said Richardson .

For this installation, the Museum staff explore how a pop icon embodied the tradition and style of the American West throughout his illustrious career.

Because Michael Jackson was larger than life and a global icon, the influence behind his style may never be measured exactly, but it is undeniably felt as this exhibit attests to.

At the dazzling Autry, fans have the rare opportunity to get a glimpse at how Michael took everyday Western styles and made them uniquely his own.

"In the world of style, Jackson ’s willingness to try different patterns and designs made him truly special, " note the curators.

'While many of Jackson ’s costume influences - from military jackets to aviator sunglasses - are readily apparent, his frequent use of Western wear has gone virtually unnoticed."

The Michael Jackson installation is made possible by the generosity of the costume designers Dennis Tompkins and Michael Bush.

The Autry and Hot 92.3 FM Celebrate Michael Jackson’s Birthday on Sunday August 29th from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The event will include Hot 92.3 FM DJ's spinning Michael Jackson music in the Museum Plaza, live dance performances and classes, zombies, birthday cake, and fun give-a-ways throughout the day.

Details & Info

www.TheAutry.org

www.Hot923.com

http://www.julianayrs.com

Helldorado Days...Vegas Wild-West tradition! Hee Haw! May 14th thru May 16th!

The annual Helldorado Days celebration - a tradition held on the Vegas strip since 1934 - is kicking-off with a lot of hoopla this year!

Through Sunday, fans of ye old West, will be swarming into the desert oasis to take in a myriad of fun entertaining events such as sheep-riding, live country-music shows, square-dancing, you name it.

Show-stoppers include a rodeo and a carnival.

And, don't miss the Helldorado Days highlight.

Thousands out to party-hearty will be lining the curb on Saturday night @ 7 p.m. to catch the two-hour parade that will jog down 4th Street with over 200 festive entries vying for your attenion.

See 'ya there!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Las Vegas...Wrangler National Finals Rodeo! Studly cowboys, ornery bulls, & more!

The Super Bowl of Rodeo Events – the National Finals Rodeo – kicks off this week in Vegas and is expected to attract about 150,000 fans who’ll be rooting for their favorites in the 10-day championship event.

The sport's biggest names are expected to swagger into town and compete in the high-profile arenas of roping, wrestling, bull-riding, and bareback riding.

A trio of cowboys in the Western spotlight – known as the Pride – are also in town to rustle up some bang for the avid ring-siders' buck, too.

The handsome outgoing cowboys include swash-buckling horseback riders Robby Mote, Ryan Gray and Jason Havens.

Throughout the week, there will be a lot of western-style music entertainment after-hours - as well - around the sprawling desert oasis (in the shadow of the majestic snow-capped mountains).

Funny that!

The announcement in the local daily triggered memories of my youth and one occasion when I strode up on stage at an elementary-school talent contest and warbled "The Streets of Laredo" in my cowboy outfit fresh off the rack at Woolworths.

Come to think of it, headliners like Randy Travis, Miranda Lambert, and Rodney Carrington are slated to play their brand of foot-tapping down-home western-style music at a handful of colorful local venues over the next seven days or so.

In addition, there will be live performances by:

*Dierks Bentley (House of Blues; Dec. 10th & 11th)
*John Michael Montgomery (Golden Nugget; Dec. 10th)
*The Lone Starlets (Golden Nugget; Dec. 6th to 9th)
*Rodney Carrington (MGM Grand; thru Dec. 12th)
* Ron White (The Mirage; Dec. 12th – Dec. 13th)
*Steve Holy (Tropicana; Dec 6th & 7th)
*Sara Evans (Star of the Desert Arena @ Primm Dec. 11th)
*Trace Adkins (The Pearl @ Palms; Dec. 9th)

And, don't forget to catch Cowboy Christmas at the Convention Center, where over 400 vendors are displaying a myriad of quality western-themed gift ideas to make the shopping drama a little bit more casual and hassle-free this Yuletide Season (2009).

See 'ya there!

Risky business even in a packed stadium!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Brokeback Mountain...Cowboy shirts on display @ Gene Autry Museum! Cherished wardrobe "Ruby Red Slippers" of this generation...

Gene Autry Museum explores all people of the American West

Recently, the Gene Autry Heritage Museum invited me to attend a much-anticipated press party (August 11th) for the unveiling of a display featuring two of the Cowboys shirts that were worn by the lead characters (Jack & Ennis) in the award-winning film - "Brokeback Mountain" - directed by Ang Lee.

Unfortunately, the day for the event to put the spotlight on the iconic shirts has come, and I am unable to attend due to a back load of five or six posts that need polishing and subsequent publishing on the Internet.

I am there in spirit, though.

According to the public relations department at the Museum, the exhibit represents the LBGT community's struggle for safety and inclusion in the rural western communities from where many originate yet often feel forced to abandon.

The shirts are on loan from openly gay collector, producer, and sociopolitical commentator - Tom Gregory - who teasingly referred to the shirts worn by stars in the film as the"ruby red slippers" of this generation.

In my generation - "The Front Runner" - was the book that impacted young men struggling with their sexual identity and a prevailing attitude that yearnings for a homosexual relationship signaled a mental illness that was curable with appropriate treatment.

One Doctor (back in the fifties) argued that men flirted with "homosexuality" (the term gay had not been coined yet) - not because they were attracted to members of the same sex - but rather - because they were seeking their manhood (yet undeveloped in themselves due to an overbearing mother or the lack of a father figure in the home environment) in another male.

He theorized that once the individual was secure in his own masculinity, the unhealthy sexual phase would pass, and that the "once-confused" young male would move on to heterosexual relationships with women, start a family, whatever.

Meanwhile, between the covers of the "Front Runner", author - Patricia Nell Warren - put forth the notion that it was not only okay to be "gay" - but entirely appropriate - to shout it out.

The shocking climax in her subculture classic underscored, however, that there may be dire consequences in following one's heart.

I read the book years ago when I attended West Hill Collegiate in a Toronto suburb.

Because I was a long-distance runner on the track & field team, I was immediately drawn to Warren's book, for obvious reasons.

In fact, I day-dreamed about playing the lead character, the young runner.

The plot focuses on a gay coach (pre "out-&-proud" days) who transfers to a small University so that he may remain closeted about his homosexuality and free of temptation.

A young runner saunters onto campus, strikes up an intimate relationship with the reluctant lover, and with his mentor's expert coaching skills goes on to compete in the Olympics as the 1st openly-gay athlete.

Controversial stuff in those days!

Years later - during my stint as a Literary Agent representing screenwriters - it occurred to me that "The Front Runner" was ripe for adaptation for the big screen.

If two identifiable bankable stars signed on for the lead roles, it would surely be a box-office hit, in my estimation.

One one occasion, when I met Patricia Nell Warren at a Book Fair, I blurted out my once all-consuming-passion to play the lead when I was a young actor.

I stuttered for a moment, then made a confession to the startled writer.

"I'm too old to play Billy now. The Coach, maybe. But, I'm not right for that part."

She stared at me like I was mad!

Unfortunately, whenever it was announced there was a production in the works featuring a popular actor like Jan Michael Vincent (star material at the time his name was bandied about - who likewise - met the sexy hunk requirements) or Paul Newman (and yes - even straight-as-lace - Robert Redford) the gay community got revved up once again over the possibilities.

But, on each auspicious occasion, the projects fizzled out.

Today, the "Front Runner" has little relevance, except in respect to the fact it was one of the first gay-themed books on athletes "coming out" about their sexuality.

So, when it was announced that a short story about two studly cowboys entwined in a love trys, was being adapted for the silver screen, I was skeptical.

In fact, when I slipped into the theatre opening day, I did so with a lot of trepidation.

But, a short few minutes into the well-crafted beautifully-thought-out-feature, my fears were alleviated.

For instance, when the two lead characters in Brokeback (played by Jake Gyllenhaal & Heath Ledger) first encounter each other at a job site, the awkward love ritual that plays out thereafter onscreen - not only resonates with remarkable truth - but also speaks volumes about the love that once dare not utter its name.

The wardrobe pieces featured in the film weren't particularly fancy.

But, the shirts on display at the Gene Autry Museum, have been intertwined without shame to represent a "visual symbol of love", according to a Museum spokesperson.

Why the Gene Autry Museum?

Jeffrey Richardson, assistant curator for film and popular culture at the Museum, was instrumental in accelerating the idea for the project, once it was pointed out to him by a patron that the Autry Museum has always been celebrated and respected for exploring all people of the American West.

Now, Jack & Ennis - two love-struck cowboys portrayed on celluloid in Brokeback Mountain (and the symbol of their love) - are a part of that glorious Western folk lore.

Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger take leap of faith with Ang Lee

http://www.julianayrs.com