Category Archives: Charity

Prom Gala- A Night Under the Stars

The “She Ready” Foundation held their first annual “Adult Prom” to create awareness and raise funds for the foundation that addresses Foster Care by distributing much needed funding for scholarships, luggage, internships and many other opportunities.

Tiffany knows all too well what it is like being in foster care as she, herself experienced it as a child growing up and with the “She Ready” foundation, she is doing her part to assist and make things a little brighter for those in now similar situations.
It was a night of dancing, performances and dreams as the foundation raised much needed funds to support their mission. For more information or to donate to this organization, visit www.shereadyfoundation.org

Give Back Through Music at the World Famous Comedy Store

(HOLLYWOOD PRESS CORPS) SUNDAY, MARCH 26TH ~ The Hollywood Press Corps covered the Give Back Through Music event at the Comedy Store in Hollywood this last Sunday night. This was a cool event that benefits the homeless. Funny comics, amazingly talented musicians and a large group of people looking to laugh all came together in swanky West Hollywood. We had the entire Comedy Store to ourselves. This event will fund local charities in Los Angeles. Upward Bound House, which provides housing and help for the homeless, will recive funds from tonight’s show. 

Marc Reiser (L) and Fabrizio Grossi (R) from Give Back Through Music. Photo by Ellen Zuckerman

The comics were top notch and we were all so lucky to be watching comedy AND live music at the Comedy Store. The host of the evening was Ben Gleib. This guy is funny. He does a combination of “aging LA hipster” jokes mixed with “old married guy” observations. He spent a lot of time doing “crowd work” which involved instulting the creator of the TV show “Deal or No Deal” who was sitting in the front row. Ben introduced all the comics and the bands. For comedy there was Kira Soltanovich, Brad Williams, Jessica Michelle Singleton and Chris Riggins.

MC Ben Gleib. Photo by Ellen Zuckerman

On the musicians side, there were so many famous people. There was Stephen Perkins, Derek Day, Alvino Bennet, Nalle Colt, Chris Wyse, Ed Roth, Alex Alessandroni, Garrett Holbrook, Scott Coogan, Eric Bradley, Carmine Rojas, Terry Ilous, Simone Sello, Fabrizio Grossi, Dennis Jones, Rob Mcdonald and Raymond Johnson. 

Jessica Michelle Singleton at the Comedy Store. Photo by Ellen Zuckerman

Jessica Michelle Singleton came out and did a “sexy blonde girl on the Sunset Strip” routine. She got a lot of laughs and set the tone for the evening which was – Anything Goes. Chris Riggins, AKA the Door Guy at the Comedy Store, was very funny and brought the cool guy vibe. Brad Williams has the dwarf comedy locked up. Just off his stint in Vegas as the lead comic at Mad Apple ~ Cirque Du Soliel, Brad had everyone laughing. 

Kira Soltanovich doing her Gentle Parenting is Bullshit routine. Photo by Ellen Zuckerman for the Hollywood Press Corps

All the comics are such pros and handled the crowd easily. It was a fun event because it was for a good cause and there was comedy and music. The music was amazing with each group taking three songs and throwing down their big numbers. Stephen Perkins looked really good sitting behind the drums. So many of us were connected to him via Zoom during the pandemic. It’s good to see him in person. 

Fabrizio Grossi from Soul Garage Experience on bass and Stephen Perkins from Jane’s Addiction on drums at the World Famous Comedy Store. Photo by Ellen Zuckerman

Give Back Through Music is the non profit founded by Breck Philip, Fabrizio Grossi and Marc Reiser. Their mission is to produce exclusive music and comedy events that connects fans to charities in Los Angeles. The Hollywood Press Corps looks forward to covering more events produced by Give Back Through Music.   

Stephen Perkins from Jane’s Addiction. Photo by Ellen Zuckerman
The Dennis Jones Band. Rob McDonald on bass and Raymond Johnson on drums. Photo by Ellen Zuckerman for the Hollywood Press Corps 2023

To donate to Give Back Through Music, click HERE

All photos by Ellen Zuckerman

Ben Gleib ~ photo by Ellen Zuckerman
Chris Wyse from Owl, Ozzy and Ace Freely. Photo by Ellen Zuckerman
Brad Williams slaying at the Comedy Store. Photo by Ellen Zuckerman
Terry Ilous sings with Carmine Rojas on bass. Photo by Ellen Zuckerman
Ed Roth on keys. Photo by Ellen Zuckerman
Chris Riggins also known as the Door Guy at the Comedy Store had everybody laughing. Photo by Ellen Zuckerman
Rob Mcdonald (L) on bass, and Raymond Johnson (C) on drums and Dennis Jones (R) on guitar. Photo by Ellen Zuckerman

Dustin Brown

I am the Senior Editor at HollywoodPressCorps.com.

More Posts - Website

Give Back Through Music Launches with an Event to Help Homeless Families in Los Angeles

(HOLLYWOOD PRESS CORPS) Los Angeles, CA, February 7th 2023 ~ Give Back Through Music is a new non profit setting out to empower music fans to embrace the art of giving. They are producing music events that provide fans with exclusive access to immersive experiences with the artists. Proceeds from these events will help to fund local charities in the Los Angeles area that focus on initiatives that advance human and animal welfare. 

Stephen Perkins from Jane’s Addiction. A new nonprofit is holding its first event at the Comedy Store in Hollywood, to benefit Upward Bound House. Photo by Alex Kluft

The first event will benefit Upward Bound House, which provides aid and housing to homeless families in Los Angeles. The music and comedy show will feature five bands and several comedians, at the Comedy Store in Hollywood on February 19th.

 Artists performing include Stephen Perkins (Jane’s Addiction, Porno for Pyros), Nalle Colt (Vintage Trouble), Chris Wyse (The Cult, Hollywood Vampires, Ozzy Osbourne, Ace Frehley), Carmine Rojas (David Bowie, Tina Turner, Rod Stewart) and many others. In connection with the event, the charity is auctioning musical gear and memorabilia donated by artists including Stephen Perkins, Steve Lukather and Steve Vai.

Chris Wyse from Owl, Ozzy and Ace Freely. Photo by Alex Kluft

 It’s co-founders Breck Philip, Fabrizio Grossi and Marc Reiser have planned their nonprofit for three years, however were delayed because of the pandemic. “We’re excited to gather our friends and supporters to launch Give Back Through Music while raising money for an important group of people here in L.A.” says Grossi, president, a touring musician and producer himself,  who will be performing at the event. 

“This is the first of four events that Give Back Through Music is currently producing” says Philip, who is busy gathering initial sponsors interested in helping the new charity as it launches. “We’re fortunate to work with an expansive and diverse group of musicians who are eager to give back to the community”. Tickets to the event can be purchased at: https://www.showclix.com/event/home-february19th

Dustin Brown

I am the Senior Editor at HollywoodPressCorps.com.

More Posts - Website

ROCK AGAINST MS ROCKTOBER CHARITY CONCERT AT THE WHISKEY A GO GO 2022

(Hollywood, California) Wednesday, October 12th, 2022 ~ Saluting the 80s in a Whiskey A Go Go style, hilarious comedian Hal Sparks MC’d the Rock Against MS event on the Sunset Strip. It was good seeing everyone again as we came together to raise awareness for Multiple Sclerosis. The top celebrity of the night was Nancy Sayle who started Rock Against MS at the world famous Whiskey five years ago. From the very stage where Jim Morrison once performed with the Doors, Hal whipped up the mosh pit with Nerd Hallen. Think Revenge of the Nerds meets SIR shred masters with Hal doing amazing heavy metal vocals. Hal’s vocal chops have improved over the last few years.

Check out Rock Against MS here

Whiskey regular, John B, who was at the DOORS show at the Whiskey in 1968 was at the show to check out the bands and support Rock Against MS. We watched Idol X do their amazing Billy Idol tribute. Idol X is Robert Sarzo from Queensryche playing Steve Steven’s licks and Matt Eberhart singing spiky hair Billy Idol songs (snarl). I had Cradle of Love stuck in my head for three days.

Ellen Zuckerman from the Hollywood Press Corps was at the event in the front row taking photos. All of these photos are by Ellen.

One of the highlights of the evening was country pop singer Annie Bosko singing with Guns and Roses’ Steven Adler on drums. Sam “Bam” Koltun from Faster Pussycat (guitar) and LA Guns (local legend) bass player Johny Martin (who looks like he should be in the Ramones).

The Rock Against MS Foundation produces so many cool events in addition to the annual concert. They are currently creating the Rock House. This is a brick and mortar space that will provide support to people with MS.

There were so many bands and it was great to see everyone again. On the tribute band side with Hal’s Nerd Hallen and Idol X with Robert Sarzo, there were the Iron Maidens, a Tom Petty/Johnny Cash tribute band called Petty Cash, The legendary GayC/DC and a special mention to the Street Drum Corps.

Dramarama played a bit which was really cool. From Great White, Dan Mcnay and Robby Lochner played. Patrick Stone from Budderside sang. Really so many talented people. Such a great night. We wanted to publish every picture that we have. Rock Against MS is such an important event. Enjoy the photos from this years Rock Against MS 2022.

Dustin Brown

I am the Senior Editor at HollywoodPressCorps.com.

More Posts - Website

Ugly sweater after party

An “Ugly Sweater” after party for OxeFit, hosted by NBA player Dwight Howard and arranged by PR Firm Jade Umbrella was held at SOHO Warehouse in Los Angeles following the Lakers/Suns game on Tuesday, December 21, 2021.

VIP attendees were encouraged to wear their ugliest Christmas sweaters and many walked the red carpet showing off their hideous attire, some simply wowed with their individual style.


VIP attendees walking the red carpet included, Tara V. Simpson (BET’s “The Oval , Caitlin O’Connor, Newton Mayage (HBO’s “Winning Time”, George Daniels, Austin Dotson, Amin Joseph (FX’s “Snowfall”, Jimmie Allen (CMA’s “New Artist of the Year”, Anis Maknojia (Actor/Producer), Lamar Odom and Rab Shanabeh (Chairman and CEO of OxeFit).

Rab Shanableh
Caitlin O’Connor

Jimmie Allen

Celebrating the launch of OxeFit commercial use unit as well as OxeFit’s XS1 home fitness unit, all proceeds from event helped fund “Shields for Families”, a non profit organization that serves high risk families in South Los Angeles. Visit ShieldsforFamilies.com for more information.


Actor/Producer Anis Maknojia

Music was spun by DJ Millie, DJ Kayla Collins, DJ Cassidy and DJ Drama with an open bar and appetizers for all attendees. A beautiful night for an ugly sweater during holiday season in Los Angeles.

QueerWise Presents the World Premiere of The Ache For Home ~ A Docudrama Illuminating Homeless Voices in West Hollywood Online on Sunday, October 17, 2021

“Street-life is sometimes like bad theater,

except there’s no intermission.”

(HOLLYWOOD PRESS CORPS) — Los Angeles, CA — Friday, October 7th, 2021 — QueerWise, the lauded LGBTQ spoken word performance collective, with the support of the City of West Hollywood, presents the World premiere docudrama The Ache For Home, screening online on Sunday, October 17, at 5:00pm. An assortment of voices illuminating the homeless crisis in West Hollywood grew out of a five-week spoken word workshop with those who have experienced homelessness for themselves. Under the artistic direction of artist-activist Michael Kearns, and with direction by Keida Mascaro, these citizens-turned-writers share inspirational stories from their time on the streets, ranging from narratives of soaring self-acceptance to confessions of truth-telling defeats. The show’s title is a reference to a quote by Maya Angelou, “The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.” For more information, please visit QueerWise’s site and FaceBook page. After the premiere, the video presentation will also be available on the QW YouTube channel.

The Ache For Home will feature the writing and storytelling from a number of individuals — KaydenLarryLisaLuckieTiger, and more— many of whom have a connection to West Hollywood. These mentees worked with six mentors to bring their stories to light. The storytellers are a diverse group ranging in age from 20 to 63 years-old who have dealt with the uncertainty of living on the streets and the specific challenges they faced day-to-day. That commonality is the one thing that they all share, while their stories are different, their humanity is universal and all encompassing.

This distinct group of narrators includes a young cis male with a passion for music and art, who finds joy “when I can put a smile on someone’s face and give back.” One of the mentees is a retired mixed race bisexual government worker who is a voracious reader and literacy advocate. Two trans males share their experiences of living on the street. And a former resident playwright, in Canada and the UK, and recipient of numerous grants and awards was homeless for 44 days and nights in the city.


The mentee’s autobiographical stories emerge with the guidance of each of their mentors: Lucia Chappelle, the Social Justice Minister at Founders Metropolitan Community Church and Associate Producer of the LGBTQ syndicated radio program “This Way Out”; Jim Pentecost, who taught Drama at Santee Education Complex, produced Disney’s “Pocahontas,” and has worked on the Broadway productions of La Cage Aux FollesCrimes of the Heart, and GypsyRabbi Robin Podolsky who serves on the Board of Governors for the Sandra Caplan Community Bet Din, writes at TribeHerald and The Jewish Journal, and advises the Jewish Student Union at Occidental College; Andy Rollyson, a writer and entrepreneur; Corey Roskin, who has worked for the City of West Hollywood in social services for over 25 years and has also been programming, producing, participating in, and serving on planning committees for literary events for 20 years; and David Trudell, who has performed his solo shows, all directed by Michael Kearns, at venues around Los Angeles including The Skylight Theatre, Highways Performance Space, and Malibu Playhouse.
The Ache For Home has been made possible with the generous support of the City of West Hollywood.


Links
:https://www.queerwise.netFB Event Pagehttps://www.instagram.com/queer.wisehttps://www.facebook.com/queer.wisehttps://www.weho.orghttps://www.facebook.com/wehocityhttp://michaelkearns.co#     #     #For more information, photos, to request a book, or to schedule an interview, please contact Green Galactic’s Lynn Tejada at 213-840-1201 or lynn@greengalactic.com.

Dustin Brown

I am the Senior Editor at HollywoodPressCorps.com.

More Posts - Website

Rock Against MS at the Palace Theater ~ March 21st, 2020

(HOLLYWOOD PRESS CORPS) —Hollywood, CA — Legendary Guitar Player’s Steve Stevens, Orianthi, Steve Lukather, Wayne Kramer and MORE – will rock the stage at the 8th Annual Rock Against MS Benefit Concert & Award Show on Saturday, March 21st, 2020.

Steve Stevens from Billy Idol and Michael Jackson’s band

Steve Lukather will dazzle on guitar at the 8th Annual Rock Against MS

The Queen of Sketch Comedy🎭 DEBRA WILSON (MADtv/Star Wars Jedi:Fallen Order) to Host the 8th Annual Rock Against MS🎗- Saturday, March 21st at The Palace Theatre! ~*~*~* TIX HERE: 🧡🧡#DebraWilson #MADtv #StarWarsJedi #RockAgainstMS #unselfish #HelpingPeopleNow #DTLA #DTLAnightlife #MultipleSclerosis #MS #palacetheatrela

Returning for hosting duties is MADtv alumni – impressionist and actress Debra Wilson. Wilson will be sharing the hosting duties with the rocker of all comedy, Joe Sib who is hot off the Metallica Tour – They will unfold an evening of comedy, music and art in benefit of the Rock Against MS Foundation – #HelpingPeopleNOW.

Wayne Kramer from MC5

Guitar 🎸Goddess ORIANTHI will ROCK AGAINST MS! Saturday, March 21st @ the Palace Theater in DTLA! ⚡️TIX HERE⚡️: Rock Against MS orianthi Orianthi’s fans Orianthi Panagaris Fanpage The Rock Against MS Annual Benefit Concert & Award Show #IamOrianthi #Orianthi #RockAgainstMS #DTLA #DTLAnightlife #PalaceTheatreLA

Bass playing legend JAMES LOMENZO will ROCK AGAINST MS – Saturday, March 21st at The Palace Theatre #JamesLomenzo #BassMonster #Megadeth #BLS #RockAgainstMS #HelpingPeopleNow #PalaceTheatreLA The Palace #DTLA #DTLAnightlife

Kicking off the night is the hottest Celebrity Orange Carpet featuring the biggest and brightest actors, TV Stars, Rockstars and Comedians – Including a star studded tribute to some of the artists that we lost in 2019 in a high-energy celebration of their most beloved songs.

This special night is to raise awareness and educate the public about multiple sclerosis, while raising money to build the first of many MS resource centers, aptly name The ROCK HOUSE. The ROCK HOUSE is a crucial component that will allow us to fulfill our mission and with your help we can build this much needed resource center,” explains Nancy B. Sayle, Founder. “The ROCK HOUSE will allow us to provide classes, community programs, basic care and expanded resources free of charge to those whose lives have been affected by MS.”

Artist Norton Wisdom

The evening will have famed performance artist Norton Wisdom performing his art live on stage during the music, capturing the inspiration he gets from the music notes.

LIVE COMEDY ALERT: Bringing his own brand of comedy…..Standup, impressionist, actor and total  freak” CRAIG GASS to ROCK AGAINST MS – Saturday, March 21st at The Palace Theatre in the DTLA! Craig Gass Rock Against MS 8th ANNUAL ROCK AGAINST MS BENEFIT CONERT The Rock Against MS Annual Benefit Concert & Award Show #CraigGass #Comedian #StandupComedian #DTLA #PalaceTheatreLA #DTLAnightlife

VENUE:
The Palace Theatre
630 S. Broadway @ 6th Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90014

PRE-SALE TIX:
General – $35
VIP w/M&G Package – $150
Day Of Show Add $10

SHOWTIMES:
Doors for All 6:00/ Celebrity Orange Carpet 6:30/ VIP Tix Holders Early Theatre Access M&G 6:00 / Public Theatre entry 7:00/ Show 8:00

BUY ONLINE NOW:
Purchase – http://rockagainstms2020.eventbrite.com
** Please email to reserve Wheelchair seating at info@rockagainstMS.org

SPONSORS:
Metal Blade Records, 95.5 KLOS, Earthly Body, Dulce Vida Tequila, American Born Whiskey, American Born Moonshine, Schecter Guitars, Evans, Promark, D’addario, SIR Studios, Stella Rosa Wine, Tour Bus Live, The Palace Theatre, Victorio’sRestaurant, Archie’s Vegan Ice Cream

For more show information go to: www.facebook.com/rockagainstMSfoundation, www.rockagainstms.org, www.richardpryor.com

Dustin Brown

I am the Senior Editor at HollywoodPressCorps.com.

More Posts - Website

Legacy Charitable Foundation

 

The “Legacy Charitable Foundation” held its fifth annual Holiday Masquerade Ball on December 8 at The Majestic Downtown in Los Angeles.

In an effort to support “Echoes of Hope” which serves communities by helping children, youth and young adults in need by eliminating barriers and assisting them to reach their full potential, the Holiday Ball encouraged giving with this event which included, open bar, full sushi bar and catered dinner. Aside from creating awareness, the organization raises funds to bridge the gap between those in need and support the programs that help them strive.

The Legacy Charitable Foundation assists our community by promoting social welfare and supporting other non profit organizations with an emphasis on improving health research such as Alzheimer’s and cancer, homeless assistance organizations, disabled or sick youth, foster youth, education, financial literacy, low income family residences and overall well being of all people that are in need of hope. The evening climaxed with an electrifying performance by CeCe Peniston, (Best known for her hit single “Finally”) and other number one hits.

 

Attendees walking the red carpet included, CeCe Peniston who also performed later in the evening, actress Paloma Movales, actress Chanel Minnifield, Dr. Lisa Masterson of “The Doctors”, comedian Patrick Neal, Pol Atteu and Patrick Simpson of “Gown and Out in Beverly Hills” with their lovable dog “Snow White”, Celeste Thorson of “The Have and Have Nots”, Zack Levy of Legacy Foundation, Abraham Mehrian Chairman of The Legacy Foundation, Giovanna Healy Founder of “Sisters of Strength”, Jennifer Brown Legacy President, Bill Mena board member of Legacy Foundation, Gonzalo Cruz Schiavone board member and Sylvia Valdiva of The Legacy Foundation. Holiday season is a time for reflection and giving and giving they did.

The World’s Big Sleep Out Los Angeles

On a rainy night at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, caring citizens and organizations alike gathered for the “World’s Big Sleep Out” in an effort to raise funds and awareness to Los Angeles and the world’s homelessness crisis. Presented by “Charity On Top”, the event also took place in 50 locations around the world. The event promotes the fight against homelessness by inviting participants to sleep outdoors for the night to express their solidarity with those experiencing having nowhere indoors to rest their heads. 

Live musical performances, food and informational booths set up by local advocates offered resources and contact information for those in need and for those wishing to contribute and raise awareness to those affected.

                       

Opportunities to donate immediately were available throughout the night via text and phone as contact numbers were viewed on big screens around the stage.

”Charity On Top” is an innovative ecosystem for individuals and companies who wish to infuse charitable giving with their lives and work and supports charities worldwide as well as local charities and initiatives, including Downtown Womens Center, Youth Emerging Stronger, West Coast Care, New Directions for Veterans, Los Angeles Mission, Union Rescue Mission, The People Concern, San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission and Everybody In powered by United Way of Greater Los Angeles. All of these organizations can be found by typing in all lower case with no spaces, followed by .org (example) westcoastcare.org

MC for the night was Sean Kingston with musical performances by Rip Tide Blues Band, Meghan Trainor, Randy Jackson All Star Band (featuring) Orianthi), Ellie Goulding, Ziggy Marley and the evening’s festivities ended with a bedtime story from Seth Green to calm the participants who were committed to and passionate enough to brave the chilly, rainy night outdoors in only sleeping bags.

A Remembrance Event to Commemorate the One Year Anniversary of the Tragic Borderline Shootings and Woolsey Fires

HEALING ARTS FESTIVAL – AN ASSOCIATED STUDENTS OF  MOORPARK COLLEGE AND ARTISTS FOR TRAUMA COLLABORATION

On Thursday, Nov. 7, there was a remembrance event to commemorate the one year anniversary of the tragic Borderline Restaurant mass shooting and traumatic Woolsey Fire by the Associated Students of Moorpark College (ASMC) in collaboration with Artists for Trauma (AFT).

Event photo

WHO: Numerous VIPs were at this event such as Laura T. Sharpe, founder of Artists for Trauma, former NFL player and motivational speaker Keith Mitchell, Dr. Julius Sokenu, Interim President of Moorpark College, Trauma Medical Director of Ventura County Medical Center and AFT Board of Director Dr. Thomas Duncan and Mary Poitier, mother of one of the victims.

Dr. Julius Sokenu, Laura T. Sharpe, Keith Mitchell, Mary Poitier, Mary Rees, Dr. Thomas Duncan, Dr. Amanuel Gebru, Graal Diaz, PhD, Amy Towner

“Creativity. Connectivity. Community. Our team of community partners; Ventura County Medical Center, Sharpe Interior Systems, Smart Art Box, Moby Arts and Keith Mitchell along with AFT volunteer artists, intern and staff were honored to support the memorable ASMC Healing Arts Festival. The Associated Students of Moorpark College (ASMC) exemplified inspiring leadership,” said Laura T. Sharpe, Board President and CEO, Artists for Trauma.

Mural by artist Pablo Damas

“We wanted to show students that their community is here for them,” said Poon Yuwawanit, Director of Academic Affairs of the ASMC. “By coming together and creating artwork, students embraced the healing power of art and honored those we lost a year ago. We are grateful to Artists for Trauma and all of our speakers for helping make this event possible,” she added.

Vida Ghaffari and former NFL player and motivational Keith Mitchell in their tree poses

My smart art box kits were passed out to student attendees.

AFT Volunteer Artist, musician Kendra Muecke

More info about the Associated Students of Moorpark College:

https://www.moorparkcollege.edu/departments/student-services/student-activities/associated-students

More about Moorpark College:

https://www.moorparkcollege.edu

More about AFT:

https://artistsfortrauma.org

Event Hashtags: #moorparkcollege #ASMC #healingartsfestival #Artistsfortrauma #AFT #whererecoveryisanart #woolseyfire #venturastrong #805strong #TOstrong #Borderlinestrong

​Photo courtesy of Bob Delgadillo

 

Dustin Brown

I am the Senior Editor at HollywoodPressCorps.com.

More Posts - Website